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HALIFAX, WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 30, 2019

Sixty-third General Assembly

Second Session

9:00 A.M.

SPEAKER

Hon. Kevin Murphy

DEPUTY SPEAKERS

Suzanne Lohnes-Croft, Brendan Maguire

THE SPEAKER « » : Order, please.

SPEAKER'S RULING:

Before we begin the daily routine, I will bring some words on the point of order as brought up by the member for Sydney-Whitney Pier on Friday with respect to the words "misled" and "misleading." I thought I had heard the honourable New Democratic Party House Leader say that another member intentionally misled the House.

Today I reviewed Hansard from Friday to see that, in fact, I had misheard, so the member for Sydney-Whitney Pier's point of order is well taken. (Interruption) Pardon me? Cape Breton Centre, my apologies.

I think it is a good time to clarify for all members of the House the playing field with respect to the two words that I have referred to: misled and misleading. There is a good explanation by a Speaker of the House of Commons. On March 7, 1974, Speaker Lamoureux made a ruling that touches on the principles underlying the parliamentary practice in question. He said:

"The hon. Member knows the rules very well. We have heard this hundreds of times over the years. The hon. Member has heard it. We all know it is not unparliamentary to suggest that another member has made misrepresentations or misled the House. What is unparliamentary and has been ruled on very often is to suggest that it was intentional, wilful - that kind of concept. When a minister or member tells another member he has misled the House, I am sure there is no suggestion that the statement should be withdrawn. According to the rules . . . it becomes a matter of debate between the two members concerning who is right and who is wrong."

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In other words, as we say in this Chamber many times, a disagreement of facts.

That being said, there is a grey area in which those words could be found to be unparliamentary in the particular circumstances. The Speaker could deem an assertion that another member has "misled the House" (without a direct reference to the misleading having been intentional) to be a breach of order if other remarks framed the assertion in such a way to imply that the misleading was intentional.

The Speaker can look at other parts of what is being said and the manner in which it is said to determine the overall effect of the speech on order in the House. This overall authority is explained well in Bosc and Gagnon on Page 624. A quote from Bosc and Gagnon:

"In dealing with unparliamentary language, the Speaker takes into account the tone, manner and intention of the Member speaking; the person to whom the words at issue were directed; the degree of provocation; and, most importantly, whether or not the remarks created disorder in the Chamber. Thus, language deemed unparliamentary one day may not necessarily be deemed unparliamentary on another day. The codification of unparliamentary language has proven impractical as it is the context in which words or phrases are used that the Chair must consider when deciding whether or not they should be withdrawn. Although an expression may be found to be acceptable, the Speaker has cautioned that any language which leads to disorder in the House should not be used."

In conclusion, a claim that a member is deliberately misleading the House or has deliberately misled the House is unparliamentary. The Speaker can intervene in the interest of preserving order if the Speaker determines that a claim that another member has misled the House is delivered in a manner that the Speaker determines to have implied intention or in a manner that the Speaker finds has caused disorder in the House.

That was not the case on Friday, but I think it's important that all members are aware of the factors that the Chair can consider. Again, the point of order is upheld.

[Page 4907]

The honourable Leader of the Official Opposition.

TIM HOUSTON « » : Mr. Speaker, can I ask for clarification on a point of order? Pretty much every time the Premier responds to a question in Question Period, he makes a statement that I say one thing in one community and something different in another; this is a line of constant babble from the Premier. That's not true. That is an intentional misrepresentation unless the Premier can prove otherwise. I would like some clarification on that type of language in this House.

THE SPEAKER « » : That's a point of order that your honourable House Leader brought up also on Friday. I'll bring a ruling to that later today.

We'll begin the daily routine.

PRESENTING AND READING PETITIONS

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

TORY RUSHTON « » : I beg leave to table a petition. The operative clause reads as follows:

"We the undersigned, the residents and travellers of Mines Road, Maccan, NS, are requesting immediate attention and a solution to the current unacceptable condition of the road."

Mr. Speaker, there are 100 signatures on this, and I have affixed my name.

THE SPEAKER « » : The petition is tabled.

The honourable Minister of Labour and Advanced Education.

HON. LABI KOUSOULIS « » : Mr. Speaker, I beg leave to table a petition. The operative clause reads as follows:

"We, the undersigned, residents of the Province of Nova Scotia, draw the attention of the Provincial Government of Nova Scotia to the following:

That the Nova Scotia Residential Tenancies Act, Statutory Conditions section 7A Entry of Premises states: 'Except in the case of an emergency, the landlord shall not enter the premises without the consent of the tenant unless (a) notice of termination of the tenancy has been given and the entry is at a reasonable hour for the purpose of exhibiting the premises to prospective tenants or purchasers;'

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THEREFORE, your petitioners call upon the Provincial Government of Nova Scotia to amend the Nova Scotia Residential Tenancies Act, Statutory Conditions section 7A Entry of Premises to require that the landlord gives twenty-four hours notice for all property viewings by prospective tenants or purchasers."

Mr. Speaker, I have affixed my signature as well.

THE SPEAKER « » : The petition is tabled.

PRESENTING REPORTS OF COMMITTEES

TABLING REPORTS, REGULATIONS AND OTHER PAPERS

STATEMENTS BY MINISTERS

GOVERNMENT NOTICES OF MOTION

THE SPEAKER « » : The honourable Minister of Justice.

RESOLUTION NO. 1441

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

Whereas the position of Conflict of Interest Commissioner was vacated by the resignation of former Commissioner Justice D. Merlin Nunn on June 12, 2018; and

Whereas in accordance with Section 5 of the Conflict of Interest Act, the Governor in Council appointed former Chief Justice Joseph P. Kennedy as acting Commissioner on July 31, 2018, to hold office until a new Commissioner is appointed; and

Whereas in accordance with Section 4 of the Conflict of Interest Act, upon consultation with Leaders of the recognized Parties and subject to the approval of the House of Assembly, the Governor in Council shall appoint a person to be the Conflict of Interest Commissioner on a full-time or part-time basis for a term of office not more than five years but with the option of reappointment;

Therefore be it resolved that pursuant to Sections 4 and 6 of Chapter 35 of the Acts of 2010, the Conflict of Interest Act, the Governor in Council shall as soon as reasonably practicable appoint former Chief Justice Joseph P. Kennedy as the Conflict of Interest Commissioner on a part-time basis for a term of office of five years, with such remuneration and allowances as determined by the Governor in Council.

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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 Communities, Culture and Heritage.

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

THE SPEAKER « » : Permission granted.

[9:15 p.m.]

LEO GLAVINE « » : I'd like to draw the members' attention to the East Gallery where we have today with us Marcel McKeough, who is joined by some of his colleagues from the Department of Communities, Culture and Heritage.

The resolution I'm about to read really doesn't do justice to the impact that Marcel has had on our department, on our province, and well beyond. A former music teacher, Marcel brought his passion for the creative sector to the Public Service and the rest, as they say, is history.

He has now reached the point where the highlands of Cape Breton are drawing him there further and we wish him the best in his retirement.

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

RESOLUTION NO. 1442

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

Whereas Marcel McKeough began his career with the Public Service in 1984 as a touring performing arts officer, later serving in various related positions that led him to become the executive director of the Culture and Heritage Division of the Department of Communities, Culture, and Heritage; and

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Whereas Marcel has made a significant contribution to the life of our province, notably being at the helm of some of the most amazing East Coast Music Awards as Chair of the East Coast Music Association, leading the charge for Nova Scotia in our participation during the Cultural Olympiad in Vancouver 2010, and working with the Creative Leadership Council; and

Whereas Marcel has truly poured his soul into his work when it comes to making strides with cultural and creative sector legislation and government relations and especially as he supported the development of the entire creative sector with a specific emphasis on the music industry;

Therefore be it resolved that members of the House of Assembly recognize the astonishing and inspiring work of Marcel McKeough, whose legacy will have a lasting impact on our province and wish him well as he enters retirement.

Mr. Speaker, I request waiver of notice and passage without debate, as well as rise and receive the warm welcome of the House.

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. (Standing Ovation.)

The honourable Minister of Justice.

RESOLUTION NO. 1443

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

Whereas on October 11, 2019, Halifax Regional Police Science Program held its graduation ceremony, and 23 graduating cadets were also sworn in as new police officers; and

Whereas by taking a solemn oath as sworn officers of the law, these new police officers are making a promise to serve the citizens of the Halifax Regional Municipality with kindness, respect, compassion, professionalism, grace, courage, honour, and integrity; and

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Whereas police are expected to be leaders in their communities, to not only reduce crime and keep citizens safe, but also to facilitate positive, trusting interactions between police and the communities they serve while also working with communities to help address complex societal issues such as mental health and addictions;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House congratulate the 2019 graduating class and wish these new officers a long and successful policing career.

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 Communities, Culture, and Heritage.

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

THE SPEAKER « » : Permission granted.

HON. LEO GLAVINE « » : In the East Gallery, we have a familiar face with us today. Brett Mckinnon; if he would rise so we can locate him and make sure he's here. Brett is the aide to Minister MacLellan, but Brett is also making quite a splash in the Nova Scotia golf scene. We want to welcome him here today and note his most recent accomplishment. (Applause)

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

RESOLUTION NO. 1444

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

Whereas the Nova Scotia Golf Association recently announced the 2019 NSGA Player of the Year awards based on tournament results throughout the golfing year; and

Whereas this prestigious honour was awarded in four categories to hard-working and deserving athletes including Abbey Baker, Junior Girls Player of the Year; Jake Smith, Junior Boys Player of the Year; Debbie Arsenault, Women's Player of the Year; and Brett Mckinnon, Men's Player of the Year; and

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Whereas Abbey, Jake, Debbie, and Brett posted incredible results in tournaments throughout the season, earning them those respective titles and taking the Nova Scotia golfing scene by storm;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of the House of Assembly congratulate Abbey, Jake, Debbie, and Brett on earning their respective Player of the Year award titles and wish them all the best as they continue to be above par in talent and below par on the course.

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 Health and Wellness.

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

THE SPEAKER « » : Permission granted.

RANDY DELOREY « » : I'd like to draw the members' attention to the East Gallery where we have a number of special guests, including: Leona Burkey, executive director of the Brain Injury Association of Nova Scotia; Patrick MacConnell, brain injury survivor and office manager of the Brain Injury Association of Nova Scotia; Dr. Richard Braha, program manager of Acquired Brain Injury, Nova Scotia Health Authority; Randi Monroe, director, Rehabilitation Services, Nova Scotia Health Authority; Carla Hirtle, director of operations of Peter's Place; Erin MacDonald, facility manager of Peter's Place; and Kristin MacNeil, a co-op student working with the Department of Health and Wellness.

If you would all please rise and receive the warm welcome of the House. (Applause)

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

RESOLUTION NO. 1445

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

Whereas about 60,000 Nova Scotians live with an acquired brain injury; and

Whereas acquired brain injuries can range from a mild concussion to a more severe injury with a range of short- and long-term impacts; and

Whereas Nova Scotians living with brain injuries should be supported to live full and independent lives;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of the House of Assembly recognize the importance of continued support for Nova Scotians living with brain injury.

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.

HON. KEITH COLWELL « » : Mr. Speaker, with your permission, I'd like to make an introduction.

THE SPEAKER « » : Permission granted.

KEITH COLWELL « » : In the East Gallery I would like to introduce Bruce Hancock, executive director of Aquaculture Development; Nathan Feindel, manager of Aquaculture Development; and Matthew King, geographic information systems analyst.

I would ask all three to stand and receive the warm welcome of the House. (Applause)

THE SPEAKER « » : The honourable Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture.

RESOLUTION NO. 1446

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

Whereas the Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture staff use ArcGIS Online as a geographic information system developed by Environment Systems Research Institute, Esri, to implement a reliable public facing web-based mapping application; and

Whereas the ArcGIS platform improves transparency by providing up-to-date and accurate information for Nova Scotians about aquaculture operations in an easy to understand and visually interactive mapping tool; and

Whereas the project, spearheaded by department GIS analyst Matthew King, has been nominated by Esri Canada for an Award of Excellence, which will be presented on November 5^th at the Esri Canada User Conference at the Halifax Convention Centre;

Therefore be it resolved that the members of this House recognize the significant efforts to promote sustainable growth of the aquaculture industry and wish Matthew King well at the awards ceremony in November.

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. 1447

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

Whereas Mr. Borden Williams of Sandy Point, Shelburne County, Nova Scotia, an influential and well-represented member of his community and the fishing industry, passed away on March 24, 2019 at the age of 51; and

Whereas Mr. Williams was an active and vocal member of the lobster industry for several decades, first as a harvester and later as a buyer, a successful businessman, and the face of UGO Fisheries; and

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Whereas Mr. Williams contributed significantly to the prosperity of his community through his hard work and dedication to the industry and his business, and enjoyed a good working relationship with his loyal employees;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House recognize Borden Williams for a celebrated career and give our thanks for his many contributions to Nova Scotia's seafood sector and his 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 Immigration.

RESOLUTION NO. 1448

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

Whereas the Lebanese community in Nova Scotia has made great contributions to the province's cultural, religious, economic, and political landscape; and

Whereas Nova Scotia will celebrate its second annual Lebanese Heritage Month this November, with communities from Yarmouth to Sydney hosting an array of events and giving all an opportunity to honour and learn about Lebanon's vibrant community, culture, and history; and

Whereas the month of November holds great significance for Lebanese all over the world as Independence Day, Eid Al-Istiqlal, is celebrated on November 22^nd in commemoration of the end of the French Mandate in 1943;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly join the Lebanese community in celebrating their second annual Lebanese Heritage Month and recognize the contribution to Nova Scotia's communities, economy, and cultural diversity.

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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 Government House Leader.

RESOLUTION NO. 1449

HON. GEOFF MACLELLAN « » : Mr. Speaker, I hereby request that the following motion be adopted without notice, pursuant to Rule 32(5) of the House of Assembly Rules and Forms of Procedure:

Be it resolved that all congratulatory motions deposited with the Clerk pursuant to Rule 32(3) of the Rules and Forms of Procedure of the House of Assembly from September 26, 2019, to the end of business today, that have not been otherwise considered by the House of Assembly, be approved.

THE SPEAKER « » : Would all those in favour of the motion please say Aye. Contrary minded, Nay.

The motion is carried.

INTRODUCTION OF BILLS

Bill No. 219 - Entitled an Act to Amend Chapter 14 of the Acts of 1993. The Tobacco Access Act. (Tammy Martin)

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

NOTICES OF MOTION

STATEMENTS BY MEMBERS

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

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TURNER, ANGIE:

COVER PHOTO, DOERS AND DREAMERS - CONGRATS.

KARLA MACFARLANE « » : Mr. Speaker, I wish to congratulate Angie Turner of Greenhill for her victory in the #NovaScotia Unlisted contest put on by Tourism Nova Scotia. Angie took a gorgeous photo of Melmerby Beach, located in Merigomish, to highlight her favourite lesser-known location in Nova Scotia.

Angie's beautiful shot will be featured on the cover of this year's English Doers and Dreamers travel guide. This guide is distributed to travellers around the world to inspire them to visit the marvellous Province of Nova Scotia. Angie's local photo will encourage tourists to come to Pictou County.

I thank Angie for sharing her amazing talent with the world and congratulate her for this incredible accomplishment. I look forward to seeing the cover of the travel guide this year, knowing that it will showcase the true beauty of our county.

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

GARY BURRILL « » : Mr. Speaker, could I say a word of introduction, please?

THE SPEAKER « » : Permission granted.

GARY BURRILL « » : It's our treat today in the Legislature to be visited by Betsy MacDonald, who is in the part of the gallery where she can have a 100 per cent view of Her Majesty's Opposition. Betsy was the NDP candidate in the federal election in the great riding of Central Nova. I'd like everybody to welcome Betsy on her visit. (Applause)

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

SMASH 15U GIRLS VOLLEYBALL: PROV. GOLD - CONGRATS.

HON. MARK FUREY « » : Mr. Speaker, last April the South Shore Smash 15U Girls Volleyball Team claimed gold at the 2019 Tier 2 Blue Division 15U Provincial Championships. The Smash challenged the Annapolis Blaze in the final, taking gold in three sets. Taylor Zinck and Kaitlin Fraser were named All Stars. Setter, Morgan Landry, was named the 2019 MVP.

Lunenburg County has a well-established volleyball community, with strong leaders. The last four years head coach Kevin Conrad has led four different teams to three provincial medals, with back-to-back gold at the 15U age group.

The championship team members are - Coach Conrad; Assistant Coach Deanne Oickle-Conrad; trainer Emma Conrad; and players Autumn Kirk, Emma Seney, Kaitlin Fraser, Katie Watson, April Deveau, Hannah Koppernaes, Myla Backman, Marlie Thorogood, Tehya MacDonald, Taylor Zinck, Reign Kaizer, and Morgan Landry.

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Congratulations to the coaches, players, and all those involved with the team's success.

[9:30 a.m.]

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

INGLIS, LAUREN:

SYMPHONY N.S. YOUTH TROMBONIST - CONGRATS.

KIM MASLAND « » : Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Liverpool's Lauren Inglis, who has recently had a successful audition and been awarded a place in Symphony Nova Scotia's Youth Orchestra as one of their four trombone players. A Grade 11 student at Liverpool Regional High School, Lauren began playing the trombone in sixth grade and takes weekly lessons from Rod MacGillivray.

The youth orchestra becomes the sixth band of which she is a member. The others are the LRHS Concert and Jazz Bands, the Mersey Band and Mersey Swing Band and the Nova Scotia Youth Wind Ensemble. Lauren is the only female trombonist in the youth orchestra and wind ensemble.

Mr. Speaker, I am so proud to recognize this talented and dedicated young musician. Not surprisingly, she plans to study music after high school, and I wish her a very successful and bright future.

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

MIDGET A RAVENS: STRONG HOCKEY SEASON - CONGRATS.

HON. GORDON WILSON « » : I rise today to congratulate the Clare-Digby Midget A Ravens for winning the Accord Championship at last Spring's SEDMA International Minor Hockey Tournament and commend them on their perseverance when they faced defeat and being edged out of the tournament.

For those of you who don't know, SEDMA is one of North America's largest minor hockey tournaments, including Atom, Peewee, Bantam and Midget teams. Every year teams from all over Nova Scotia and beyond pack up their gear and head to Halifax to participate and, hopefully, do well at this important tournament.

The Ravens did have a rough start in the tournament, losing their first and third games and dropping from the Odyssey Division to the Accord Division. In the Accord Division semi-final, the Ravens survived a shootout and advanced to the final. Their last game was also close, the Ravens winning after a 10-minute overtime period in which the Ravens' Ryan Gunn scored the winning goal - he is my neighbour, by the way.

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For the players it was a gruelling trip to the banner presentation. I am sure it makes it even more special for the Raven teammates when they see that SEDMA banner displayed at our rink. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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

CUMB. N. FORESTRY INDUS.:

PROUD TO BE SUSTAINABLE - THANKS

ELIZABETH SMITH-MCCROSSIN « » : Mr. Speaker, today I rise to recognize the forestry sector in Cumberland North. I am so proud of the hard work of our foresters, many of whom are private woodlot owners. They take great pride in their management of sustainable forestry practices, including silviculture and tree planting.

Cumberland North is part of Cumberland County, which has a land base of over 1 million acres, of which over 800,000 are forested and of which over 10 per cent of the land is protected. And $25 million to $30 million in harvest receipts come into Cumberland County per year from the forestry industry and about $1.5 million is spent on silviculture. There are over 500 direct and induced jobs from our forestry sector.

Mr. Speaker, forestry contributes significantly to the economy in Cumberland North. Please join me in recognizing the men and women who are dedicated to the forestry sector in Cumberland North and throughout all of Nova Scotia.

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

DRAGON BEASTS:

FINE SHOWING AT CDN. CHAMPIONSHIPS - CONGRATS.

SUSAN LEBLANC « » : Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize an extraordinary group of paddlers, many of whom are from Dartmouth North - the members of the Dragon Boat East Paddling Club or the Dragon Beasts. Dragon Boat East has been serving the dragon boat community in Dartmouth since 2006 and paddlers range in age from their 20s to their 70s.

This past July, 94 members of the club competed at the Canadian championships at Lake Wascana, Regina. The club entered boats in the over-40, over-50 and over-60 categories, both men and women. Despite the nasty weather, the club qualified top five Senior C Men and Senior C Mixed and tied for 5^th in the Senior B Mixed.

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They also placed sixth in the Senior B men and seventh in the Senior C women as well as eight in Senior B women and Senior A mixed. The teams were expertly coached by Albert MacDonald and Tim Schaus.

Mr. Speaker, I want to congratulate the whole club and ask all members of this House to join me in chanting in the way that all fans of our Dartmouth Paddlers do - go, beasts, go.

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

MACPHEE MUSTANGS:

ALL GIRLS BLUENOSE LEAGUE CHAMPS - CONGRATS.

HON. KEITH COLWELL « » : Mr. Speaker, I would like to recognize the Metro MacPhee Mustangs baseball team, which is the first all-girls team to play in the boys competitive Bluenose League with Baseball Nova Scotia. They are the first all-girls team to win the provincial championship in this league. The girls scored 54 runs while allowing only 15 during the provincial tournament.

I recognize and congratulate the Metro MacPhee Mustangs on their impressive achievement of capturing the provincial championship in the Bluenose League.

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

LEGISLATIVE STAFF: OUTSTANDING SUPPORT - THANKS

BARBARA ADAMS « » : Mr. Speaker, I rise today to acknowledge and thank all of the staff who work at the Nova Scotia Legislature. We are protected by the Commissionaires, we are assisted by the legal staff, educated and supported by the Legislative Library and administrative staff, and held accountable by the reporters who help the public know more about what we do.

Lastly, I want to thank and acknowledge all 16 Pages who have worked extremely hard to help us do our jobs better. I would specifically like to acknowledge our best and brightest students, the Nova Scotia Legislative Pages: Charlotte, Brianna, Jayma, Brandon, Daniel, Ryley, Maria, Sofia, Emilie, Chidi, Nathan, Jacob, Jeff, Kirsten, David, and Jesse. (Standing Ovation)

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

MOMBOURQUETTE, LISA:

[Page 4921]

ACAD. AND HOCKEY EXCELLENCE - CONGRATS.

HON. MARGARET MILLER « » : Mr. Speaker, I'm pleased to rise in my place to speak about a young athlete who's making headlines in our local area. I would like to take a moment to address her accolades. Lantz native Lisa Mombourquette recently made the under-16 female Nova Scotia hockey team and represented our province with pride, bringing home a gold as the goaltender at the Atlantic Challenge Cup.

This talented young goalie has been making a name for herself since she first laced up her skates. Transitioning from a player to netminder in her first year in Atom, Lisa quickly found her niche and was moved up to Peewee A. Her second season saw her playing at the AA level in female Peewee hockey, once again as an under-ager.

Things didn't slow down for Lisa in the success department, playing the next two years on the boyS' AAA team and paving the way for her to make the boys major-Bantam level for the next two seasons. As a 13-year-old, Lisa had also attended the Rush College Showcase in Toronto where her team won gold.

Off the ice, Lisa's an A student who maintains an excellent grade average, leading her to win the Education Award at the Riverside Education Centre, presented for distinguished achievement based on her academic performance for all three terms in Grades 6 and 7.

I would like to congratulate Lisa on her success to date and ask you to join me in wishing her all the best in the future.

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

ELDON'S SOUP AND SANDWICHES:

WHERE NO ONE DINES ALONE - CONGRATS.

STEVE CRAIG « » : Mr. Speaker, I rise today to make special mention of Mr. Eldon Turner of Lower Sackville.

On any given day throughout the week, you will find Eldon in his kitchen at Eldon's Soup and Sandwiches, whose motto is "Where No One Dines Alone." Eldon has served the community seven days a week by providing a variety of healthy meals such as baked salmon, lasagna, seafood chowder, and much more for a minimal cost. Last year, Eldon opened on Christmas Day to provide Christmas dinner to anyone who had no other place to go, at no charge.

Mr. Speaker, I would like to ask that all members of this House of Assembly join me in congratulating Mr. Eldon Turner for making a difference in the lives of so many by not only giving them a full belly but also providing them with a social venue to enjoy.

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

HOMELESSNESS: MODULAR HOUSING OPTIONS - SUPPORT

LISA ROBERTS « » : Mr. Speaker, I rise to express my concern once again at the number of people who are homeless in Halifax - or may soon be - and to encourage Housing Nova Scotia to support innovative and nimble solutions, including modular housing units, which can be assembled quickly at a cost of about $25,000.

I'd also encourage the government to reach out to JD Composites in Meteghan, which built a house with R30 values using recycled plastic pop bottles. That's two and a half times more efficient than a typical home. David Saulnier, the inventor behind the home, also showed me a shed that could be modified to a tiny home rather quickly and that he built for $8,000.

There are ways to respond to what is going to be a homelessness crisis if there is political will to do so.

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

HARBOUR VIEW BAKERY AND CAFÉ:

SERVING COM. SPIRIT - CONGRATS.

HON. LLOYD HINES « » : Mr. Speaker, I rise today to share with you a story of entrepreneurial spirit in the heart of Canso, the success of the Harbour View Bakery and Café.

Harbour View Bakery and Café, run by Mary, is an eating establishment serving home-style cooking - everything from soups, sandwiches, wraps, fish and chips, and burgers, to full meals, as well as their delicious baked goods. Ever the optimist, Mary is happy to feed people. She loves owning her own business. Helping people and giving back to her community are priorities for Mary. For Mary, community is important.

The hallway to her bakery features photos of days gone by, a tribute to the great history of Canso, with old pictures of the waterfront, many local buildings, the regattas, and so on. The wall has even become an attraction for tourists who visit the area. Known by locals and tourists alike for their friendly staff and top-notch service, the Harbour View Bakery and Café has a reputation for big portions and fresh food.

I would like to congratulate Mary and the Harbour View Bakery and Café staff for their success and entrepreneurship and their talent in baking and food service.

[Page 4923]

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

N.S. GROUND SEARCH AND RESCUE: 50 YRS. OF SERV. - THANKS

JOHN LOHR « » : Mr. Speaker, I wish to congratulate Nova Scotia Ground Search and Rescue on 50 years of service to Nova Scotia.

Search and Rescue officially started in November 1969 after a five-day search in the Cape Breton Highlands for a father of five who was found alive. While he was in the hospital recovering, Cape Breton Search and Rescue was created. Since then, another 23 teams have been created. Plus, the Nova Scotia Ground Search and Rescue Association was formed.

In the last 50 years, there is estimated to have been more than a thousand searches, tens of thousands of volunteers, hundreds of thousands of training hours, and millions of search hours freely given to the lost and their families.

On behalf of all those who have called on Nova Scotia Ground Search and Rescue in time of need for help, I wish to express my gratitude for their willingness to serve and the high degree of professionalism which they bring to that effort. Nova Scotia is a better place for having 50 years of Ground Search and Rescue.

Mr. Speaker I ask all members of the Legislature to join me in thanking all the volunteers of the Nova Scotia Ground Search and Rescue for their service to our province.

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

CDN. LEBANON SOC.: CONTRIBUTING FOR 81 YRS. - RECOG.

HON. LENA METLEGE DIAB « » : Mr. Speaker, in recognition of Nova Scotia celebrating its second annual Lebanese Heritage Month in November, I rise today to recognize the contributions of the Canadian Lebanon Society of Halifax. This organization has played an integral part of the fabric of this province. Its first president, Edward Francis Arab, was born in Halifax in 1915 and was one of the founding members when the organization formally started at a meeting in November 1938. At another time, I will speak of the contributions of Lieutenant Edward Francis Arab, whom we commemorate during Remembrance Day, as he was killed in action and is buried in the Canadian War Cemetery.

The society has continued for 81 years to preserve and promote the culture, encourage innovation, and educate the youth. One such great example was the creation of the Lebanese Heritage Language School in the late 1970s. Mr. Speaker, on a personal note, I'm proud of my involvement with the society over many years, having served as president for seven terms, chaired the 75^th-year jubilee celebrations, and was principal for many years of the Heritage Language School.

[Page 4924]

I ask all members of this House of Assembly to join me in recognizing and congratulating the Canadian Lebanon Society and all past and present members on their contributions to our province.

[9:45 a.m.]

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

CLIFFS OF FUNDY ASPIRING GLOBAL GEOPARK:

UNESCO REVIEW - CONGRATS.

TORY RUSHTON « » : Mr. Speaker, I rise today to acknowledge the Cliffs of Fundy Aspiring Global Geopark.

In July, two UNESCO evaluators spent four days evaluating the proposed Cliffs of Fundy Aspiring Global Geopark from Cape Chignecto near Advocate Harbour through to Parrsboro and Economy and down into Debert.

There are 147 UNESCO Global Geoparks in 41 countries. If this aspiring Cliffs of Fundy is chosen, it will be Nova Scotia's first and Canada's fourth after New Brunswick, British Columbia, and Quebec.

Two scientists completed the information and sent their recommendation to the UNESCO conference in Italy in September. The decision on the successful geopark is expected to be made public in the Spring.

Please join me in congratulating the people on the committee, Cumberland County, and Colchester County for all their work and dedication to this project.

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

SYDNEY: WEATHERING CHALLENGING TIMES TOGETHER - RECOG.

HON. DEREK MOMBOURQUETTE « » : Mr. Speaker, a year ago was a very challenging time in our community when suddenly we lost one of our largest employers with a call centre going down and 600 employees being out of work. It was a very challenging time, as many in the community know.

But a year later I stand in my place to congratulate Anthony Marlowe and the team with MCI for opening the new call centre that is now in Sydney.

During that time, when we had 600 employees displaced, we saw our community come together like never before to support with donations to families, to support with food for families, and staff from various departments within government came together to support those families through a very difficult transition.

[Page 4925]

A year later, I rise in my place to congratulate everybody who was involved in that process: especially to the Salvation Army, who were distributing food to those families; all the businesses that made donations; Labour and Advanced Education and all the interdepartmental staff who were involved to support those workers; and ultimately, Todd Riley, the call centre lead, and the new owner, Anthony Marlowe, for believing in our community. They continue to hire more employees today.

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

LADY COUGARS REC. HOCKEY: 10^th ANNIV. - CONGRATS.

KIM MASLAND « » : Mr. Speaker, 10 years ago the Liverpool Lady Cougars hockey team was originated by Diane Hopper with a goal to provide recreational female hockey in a socially fun setting, regardless of skill level.

The team began with nine players who had never played and four of them aged 46. Originals Shelly Connolly, Leslie Robart, Sandi Graham-Muise, Nancy MacIntosh, and Kristina Silmarie are still playing, and the team is now home to 30-plus players, ages 25 to 60.

Mother's Day weekend 2020, the team will host their eighth annual Hot on the Ice Tournament, complete with a skills competition.

Off the ice these dynamic ladies participate in various community events wherever possible. This innovative organization has thrived because of their belief that everyone is welcome; skill is not mandatory, and everyone is capable.

Mr. Speaker, I would like to congratulate the Lady Cougars on their 10^th anniversary and commend them for their mandate to promote and support as many female athletes as possible, all for the love of hockey.

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

KLAAMAS, MARK:

COVER PHOTO, DOERS AND DREAMERS - CONGRATS.

BEN JESSOME « » : Mr. Speaker, I'd like to recognize Mark Klaamas of Hammonds Plains, an established photographer who recently won Tourism Nova Scotia's contest seeking photos for the cover of their 2020 Doers & Dreamers Guide. Mr. Klaamas' photos are on display on his website and social media channels, as he often shares them with local community groups seeking to share their favourite photos of Nova Scotian landscapes.

[Page 4926]

His photos have been featured in a number of books illustrating the beauty of our province, including titles such as: We Love Nova Scotia: A People's Portrait; Canadian Geographic magazine's Ultimate Canadian Instagram Photos; and local author Charlie Toth's book of poetry, Eye Love You.

Mark's photo of Grand Pré National Historic site, a beautiful landmark with deep ties to the Acadian French culture in the Maritimes, was chosen for the French version of the travel guide.

Mr. Speaker, I'd ask all members to join me in congratulating Mr. Klaamas.

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

TOUR CHALLENGE: GRAND SLAM CURLING - BEST WISHES

HON. PAT DUNN « » : Mr. Speaker, the best curlers in the world are coming to Pictou County. The Pictou County Wellness Centre will be home to the Pinty's Grand Slam of Curling, Tour Challenge November 5^th to November 10^th. The tour challenge will feature the 30 top men's and 30 women's teams from around the world.

This is the largest event in the grand slam tour with more than 240 curlers from across Canada and around the globe. Co-chairs Jim Nix and Donalda Buckingham and the organizing committee are prepared to host thousands of curling fans in Pictou County. We wish the co-chairs and their committee of 225 volunteers great success as the sport's biggest stars, as well the future stars of the sport, begin competition next week.

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

HAAS, MELISSA/BRENT:

JOINING CITADEL SALVATION ARMY - WELCOME

HON. PATRICIA ARAB « » : Mr. Speaker, today I would like to recognize two incredible individuals who recently moved to Halifax from Happy Valley-Goose Bay, Newfoundland and Labrador.

Brent and Melissa Haas are captains with the Salvation Army and in July joined the Fairview Citadel Corps family. The Haases are known for their generosity and their incredible community work. While stationed in Labrador, they hosted a community block party where more than 2,200 people attended. They also increased their kettle campaign contributions from $18,000 to $85,000 over their six years in Happy Valley-Goose Bay.

In addition to their many initiatives, the captains were involved with the housing coalition, community food bank board, and the housing shelter board. The Haases have touched many lives, and I am positive they will be missed by all. However, I couldn't be happier that these two amazing individuals have joined the Fairview Citadel Salvation Army.

[Page 4927]

I ask the members of this House of Assembly to join me in welcoming Melissa and Brent to our community.

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

4-H ROYAL BEEF TEAM: ROYAL WINTER FAIR - RECOG.

ELIZABETH SMITH-MCCROSSIN « » : Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize the young Nova Scotia 4-H'ers who make up the Nova Scotia 4-H Royal Beef team, who headed today to the Royal Winter Fair in Toronto, Ontario.

This team of 10 are showing their 10 beef heifers in the Masterfeeds National Junior Beef Heifer Show. The 4-H'ers include Melanie Delong, Connor White, Sarah Stewart, Lexi Ettinger, Elizabeth Heighton, Hannah Stokdijk, Drew Tarrant, Austen Fraser, and two from Cumberland: Belle Carter and Jarett Bacon.

These members qualified at their local exhibitions throughout Nova Scotia between July and August and early September. From there they went on to compete at the provincial 4-H show on September 28^th. From there, out of 60 heads of heifers, these 10 4-H'ers qualified, based on showmanship, to compete and represent Nova Scotia at this show.

4-H has been sending a team to the Royal Winter Fair for over 20 years. I would like to thank the 4-H leaders, including Lacey and Jacob Fisher, for their commitment to 4-H and community leadership and thank all those who support the 4-H movement.

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

FARMERS MARKETS: MANY AND VARIED - THANKS

HUGH MACKAY « » : Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and congratulate the many participants in the farmers' markets held each Summer in beautiful Chester-St. Margaret's. On Fridays, we have the Chester Farmers and Artisans Market at the historical Chester train station. In Hubbards, we have the farmers' market each Saturday at the world-famous Hubbards barn. In New Ross, we have both the Country Market, held at the New Ross community fair grounds each Saturday, and the Rural Roots Market, held at the Ross Farm museum every Sunday. Finally, in Upper Tantallon, the Village Farmers' Market, held at the crossroads of St. Margarets Bay Road and Peggy's Cove Road, is open every Tuesday afternoon.

These farmers' markets give local farmers, artisans, and small business operators the opportunity to sell their products directly to the people in the community and from afar and enhance the buy local economic model.

[Page 4928]

I invite the members of the House of Assembly to join me in recognizing, congratulating, and thanking all the farmers, artisans, and small business organizations that participate.

THE SPEAKER « » : The honourable member for Inverness.

AUCOIN, DANIEL: ORDRE DE LA PLÉIADE - CONGRATS.

ALLAN MACMASTER « » : Daniel Aucoin est un des membres fondateurs de la Coopérative Radio-Chéticamp. Les auditeurs peuvent entendre sa voix chaleureuse du lundi au vendredi. Cette année, Daniel a reçu l'Ordre de la Pléiade.

Avant sa carrière d'animateur radio, Daniel a passé 10 ans en tant que directeur de programmation à la Société Saint-Pierre, une association communautaire qui veille à la préservation et la promotion de la langue, la culture, l'histoire, et le patrimoine de la communauté acadienne de Chéticamp.

En lui présentant l'honneur, Daniel fut décrit comme étant un fier Acadien et ardent promoteur de la culture acadienne, un homme qui a toujours travaillé fort pour assurer longue vie aux traditions acadiens et à la langue française dans sa localité natale.

Daniel a ce qu'on pourrait appeler un pouvoir discret. Jamais à la recherche de reconnaissance personnelle, il est un leader dont la passion pour les membres de sa communauté a contribué à préserver leur identité acadienne. Félicitations, Daniel.

Daniel Aucoin is a founding member of Radio-Chéticamp Co-operative. Listeners can hear his warm voice from Monday to Friday. This year, Daniel was accepted to the Ordre de la Pléiade.

Before his radio career, Daniel spent 10 years as program director for the Société Saint-Pierre, a community association which exists to preserve and promote the language, culture, history, and heritage of the Acadian community of Chéticamp.

In presenting him his award, Daniel was described as a proud Acadian and ardent promoter of the Acadian culture, a man who has always worked diligently to ensure long life to Acadian traditions and the French language in his native village.

Daniel has what could be called "quiet power." Never looking for personal acclaim, he is a leader whose passion for the members of his community has helped them maintain their Acadian identity. Congratulations, Daniel.

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

[Page 4929]

ZUPPA THEATRE: PRODUCTION, TINY - CONGRATS.

SUSAN LEBLANC « » : Mr. Speaker, I want to congratulate Zuppa Theatre Co. on the upcoming opening of its newest theatrical offering, TINY, which is a co-production with Eastern Front Theatre and Vertical City Performance and the Glenbow Museum in Calgary.

TINY is an exploration of the everyday lives of superheroes. In it a group of extraordinary individuals try to live ordinary lives and alter the course of history in the process. Part theatrical performance, part immersive installation, and part museum exhibition, TINY imagines a world where being different is cause for celebration and wonder, suspicion and anger, fear and denial and, finally, hope and new beginnings.

The show opens November 5^th at the old NSLC space in Scotia Square and runs until November 17^th.

I want to congratulate the whole production team, many of whom have been my closest collaborators: Alex McLean, Ben Stone, Stewart Legere, Bruce Barton, Shelley Thompson, Anika Riopel, Ursula Calder, Pil Hansen, Jess Lewis, Anna Shepard, and Leesa Hamilton. This is an incredible collection of artists, and I am excited for their latest artistic accomplishment.

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

SPRY CTR.: 5^th ANN. HALLOWEEN PARTY - THANKS

BRENDAN MAGUIRE « » : Mr. Speaker, over the past weekend we were able to throw our fifth annual Community Halloween Party at the Captain William Spry Centre. Hundreds of kiddos and families participated and packed the Captain William Spry Centre wearing cute, scary, cuddly, and funny costumes. My son Oliver dressed as Chuckie from Child's Play; my daughter Rufina as a princess; and Ista, my youngest, as an evil princess - their choices, not mine.

Mr. Speaker, events like this are not possible without dedicated volunteers and community members. I am lucky to have a strong team surrounding me, so thank you to Neil Ross, Bill and Becky Field, Margaret Pegg, Pattie Conrad, Pat Blakie, David Brown, Mary Frances Lynch, Kelly Gomes, Martha Reynolds, Heidi and Haley Musolino, Hugh Fraser, and everyone else who made this a very successful annual event. I could not do this without them.

Mr. Speaker, I'd like to wish all the kids in Halifax Atlantic, and all kids in Nova Scotia, a fun and safe Halloween.

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

[Page 4930]

REMEMBRANCE WK. - REFLECT, LEARN, AND HONOUR

TIM HALMAN « » : Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Remembrance Week which takes place this year from November 5^th to November 11^th. We all have a responsibility to ensure that our veterans' sacrifices are honoured and remembered. We must also take time to reflect on the values that our veterans and members of the Canadian Forces defend and those values that live on in all Canadians - values like the rule of law, democracy, respect, tolerance, acceptance, equality of opportunity, and freedom. These are core values that our veterans and members of the Canadian Forces have defended abroad and at home.

Mr. Speaker, as we approach Remembrance Week, I encourage our students and all Nova Scotians to reflect and learn as much as they can about Canada's involvement in World War I and World War II, Korea, peacekeeping operations, and Afghanistan.

More importantly, let's be sure to attend a Remembrance ceremony on November 11^th and take the time to honour our veterans.

THE SPEAKER « » : The honourable member for Lunenburg.

LEMONADE ENTREPRENEURS:

SCH. BREAKFAST FUNDRAISER - COMMEND

SUZANNE LOHNES-CROFT « » : Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize three students in my constituency who, for the past two years, have run a lemonade stand the same day of the Saltbox Soap Box Derby in Mahone Bay.

Simon Tanner, Patrick Youden, and Sam Youden organized the stand, selling lemonade to spectators and participants of the day's derby.

This past summer these three young men raised $100, which was more than double what they raised the previous year. All proceeds from their sales have been donated to the Bayview Community School Breakfast Program. It is heartwarming to see young students donate their time and proceeds from their sales to make a positive contribution to their school's breakfast program.

Mr. Speaker, I would ask that you and the members of this House of Assembly please join me in recognizing Simon, Patrick, and Sam, and thank them for their positive contribution to their school.

THE SPEAKER « » : The time allotted for Statements by Members has expired.

Before we move on to Question Period, I think it begs repeating: I am going to stick with the zero tolerance for unsolicited comments and remarks during Question Period, so once again, no tolerance for unsolicited remarks and questions. If I hear anything, the member will be asked to excuse themselves for the balance of Question Period.

[Page 4931]

[10:00 a.m.]

ORDERS OF THE DAY

ORAL QUESTIONS PUT BY MEMBERS TO MINISTERS

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

PREM. - IMMIG.: BEHIND OTHER PROVINCES - EXPLAIN

TIM HOUSTON « » : Yesterday, while I was talking about FOIPOP practices, the Premier wanted to talk about immigration. I figure we'll do that today and give him that opportunity.

Figures from the 2019 Conference Board of Canada showed newcomers as a percentage of population - and I'll table that for the benefit of the Premier. What it shows is that Manitoba has newcomers as a percentage of the population - 1.15 per cent (Interruption) Hold on there. Saskatchewan, 1.34 per cent; P.E.I., 1.64 per cent; and Nova Scotia, 0.49 per cent. Manitoba and Saskatchewan each brought in 10,000 more immigrants in 2017 than Nova Scotia did - 10,000 more in that year and all the previous years too.

I'll ask the Premier « » : Why are Manitoba and Saskatchewan running laps around this government in terms of immigration?

HON. STEPHEN MCNEIL (The Premier): Mr. Speaker, hopefully he'll listen to the answer this time. The reality of it is, we know that both Saskatchewan and Manitoba have 5,000 nominees that were provided to them by the national government. When we came into power, the Province of Nova Scotia had 500 nominees. We're now at over 1,400 working with the national government. Some of that was with MP MacKay when he was there, and with the current government.

We have increased the 2,000 nominees in Atlantic Canada. We are actually picking up more than our share when it comes to that 2,000. As well, if there's a nominee program that is not used in other provinces, we negotiate with the national government to use those.

That is exactly why we're at an all-time high in population; it's exactly why we have attracted more people into our province. We know we have more work to do. It's finally good to hear the Progressive Conservative Leader stand up and say he supports immigration.

TIM HOUSTON « » : Mr. Speaker, 10,000 more. The question was why we're getting lapped, and the answer was - somebody else's fault. The reality is the Premier has been Premier for six years. He has had the benefit of a majority Liberal Government in Ottawa. Guess what? Still getting lapped. In rough numbers, that means there is less than (Interruption) How are we doing with the zero tolerance, Mr. Speaker?

[Page 4932]

In rough numbers, that means there is less than one newcomer for every 200 persons in Nova Scotia. It's one newcomer for every 61 persons in P.E.I., one for every 75 in Saskatchewan, and one for 87 in Manitoba. And it's one for every 200 in Nova Scotia.

I would like to ask the Premier, again: Why are we getting lapped by Manitoba, Saskatchewan, and P.E.I. if he's such a success story on the immigration file?

THE PREMIER « » : Mr. Speaker, I feel like referring to the Leader of the Progressive Conservative Party as the "yeah, but." The reality of it is our population is at an all-time high. The reality of it is the last time the Tories were in power, in their entire mandate, they brought in 10,000 immigrants. In our mandate right now we're over 50,000 people who have joined this province. We have repatriated more young Canadians into our province. Let's remember that our population is at an all-time high, and young people are choosing to live and work here because they see a future for themselves on the east coast of Canada.

I want to remind the honourable member the last time the Tories were in power, when it came to immigration - remember the scandal we had around immigration, Mr. Speaker?

TIM HOUSTON « » : Let's not let the actual question interfere with the facts of what's happening in this province. He may have 50,000, but guess how many they would have had in Manitoba and Saskatchewan during that time? Add another zero or two, Mr. Speaker. We have a lot of work to do. It will never get done until the Premier accepts responsibility for what could have been with our population if we had done the proper work.

And those young people who are staying here? Might it have something to do with the unemployment rate in Alberta going from 0.3 per cent to 6 per cent? It absolutely does (Interruption) Okay.

Question for the Premier « » : Why is Manitoba and Saskatchewan kicking our butt?

THE PREMIER « » : Mr. Speaker, to the yeah-but Conservative leader, the reality of it is he's wanting to celebrate Manitobans and people in Saskatchewan. Why is he so against Nova Scotians who've had a record population?

He's standing in his place criticizing those hard-working Nova Scotians who continue to welcome more people into our communities. Remember how communities embraced the Syrian refugees in our province? Why is he opposed to that? Why can't he just celebrate the success that Nova Scotians are having instead of looking at Western Canada?

[Page 4933]

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

PREM.: THREE DEFINING PROBLEMS - COMMENT

GARY BURRILL « » : Mr. Speaker, it's 35 days since this House went into session and in those 35 days, the three defining problems of this moment have continued to press on the lives of the people of our province: the health care crisis, the climate emergency, and the urgent situation of the affordability of daily life.

We'll start with health care. Today in Nova Scotia, if a person is experiencing a mental health crisis and they call our public mental health services, they're given an appointment months and months and months from now. In our neighbouring jurisdictions, they're doing so much better than this. If you make that call in Newfoundland or in P.E.I., you're given an appointment with a counsellor within a day.

I'd like to ask the Premier « » : Will he admit that no concrete measures have been taken by his government over these last 35 days to get us closer to a mental health care system that will work for the people of our province?

THE PREMIER « » : I want to thank the honourable member for the question, for what is a very serious issue in communities. As he would know, we continue to make investments in mental health, Mr. Speaker. He would know we continue to make those investments, particularly in the wraparound services in our schools, ensuring that we're providing those supports - early identification and protection of the issues around mental health.

We'll continue to work with our partners, Mr. Speaker. This is not something that happens in 35 days. It's been an ongoing effort and collaboration with our partners, and we continue to look forward to working with them to ensure that we can support those young people and all Nova Scotians who require our support.

GARY BURRILL « » : These 35 days began on their first week with 10,000 people in the streets of Halifax calling for strengthened climate action. In the last week of this 35-day session, we've had dozens of people come to the Legislature speaking for stronger environmental targets.

I'd like to ask the Premier « » : Will he admit that in the course of these 35 days, no measures have been taken by his government that will actually result, for Nova Scotia's part, in keeping global warming under 1.5 degrees?

THE PREMIER « » : I want to thank the honourable member for the question, Mr. Speaker. I completely disagree with his question. The Minister of Environment has tabled a bill that will be debated again in this House today with the most aggressive targets in the entire country.

[Page 4934]

We as a province, through successive governments of all political stripes, have led the nation when it comes to ensuring that we deal with our environment, ensuring that we're greening our economy. We're continuing that and this piece of legislation, Mr. Speaker, has in it some of the most aggressive targets globally, but definitely the most aggressive targets here in our country.

GARY BURRILL « » : Mr. Speaker, while we've been meeting here for these 35 days, people across our province have continued to be clobbered by their rent. People all over Nova Scotia are reporting increases in their rent in the hundreds of dollars and we know that a fifth of the renters in the province are paying out more than a half of their income every month in rent.

I want to ask the Premier, finally: Will he admit that in these 35 days, no concrete measures have actually been taken by his government to take some of the pressure off the renters of the province?

THE PREMIER « » : Mr. Speaker, again, I want to thank the honourable member for the question. He would know, and I agree with him, there are pockets and parts of our province where the issue of affordable rents are challenging.

It's what happens when you have a growing economy, one where unemployment is at an all time low, Mr. Speaker. It's why, though, that we continue to look at the rent subsidies, to provide those supports, working with our partners. He would know, Mr. Speaker, at the municipality they're building a strategy with the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing - working in collaboration to deal with the very issue the honourable member is referring to.

There isn't a single solution, Mr. Speaker, to how we deal with affordable housing. It varies across the province and we look forward to working with all of our partners to ensure that we deal with this very important issue.

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

PREM. - OPOR: BIDDING PROCESS - CONFIDENCE

TIM HOUSTON « » : Mr. Speaker, the process for developing a One Person One Record system for this province has been ongoing for years. I think the process started almost 10 years ago. Technology has changed a lot. The qualified bidders were identified two years ago. Imagine how much technology has changed in two years. It's kind of like this government is standing with an iPhone in their hand trying to decide whether to buy the VHS or the Betamax.

[Page 4935]

The process has been marred by controversy. The two qualified bidders, Cerner and Allscripts, are now on the process, and there are concerns about the relationship between the incoming Nova Scotia Health Authority CEO and their past relationship - and maybe future - with Cerner.

Electronic health records are a positive thing, if we can get it done. I'd like to ask the Premier « » : Given the delays, given the controversy that's followed to date and is about to hit us as we go forward, what has the Premier done to convince himself that he should be confident in the process that we have and that we will get a modern One Person One Record system?

THE PREMIER « » : Mr. Speaker, I have all the faith in the process.

TIM HOUSTON « » : I'll take the answer for what it is: nothing. The Premier is against electronic records and is in support of more boondoggles for the province.

A third-party review of the implementation of the electronic health records system in Vancouver Island found that it had been mismanaged and was significantly over budget. We're probably looking at a $1-billion boondoggle in this process with the path that we're on. The incoming CEO of the Health Authority was at the centre of the implementation in Vancouver Island.

I'd like to ask the Premier « » : Was the past experience with One Person One Record a consideration in recruiting a new president and CEO of the Nova Scotia Health Authority?

THE PREMIER « » : Mr. Speaker, the Progressive Conservative Leader's spent a lot of time on the West Coast this morning. The reality of it is, this province will continue to make the investments required to ensure that not only do we have electronic records, but that we have modern health care infrastructure.

We look forward to continuing to work with our health care providers to provide the primary care access in this Province of Nova Scotia that we deserve. We will continue to modernize our health care system so that it's a leader in the country. For far too long, governments in this province sat on their hands, afraid to make a decision, afraid to move forward. We're moving forward.

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

L&F - AG REPORT (OCT. 2019): MINE SITE REMEDIATION - COSTS

[Page 4936]

LISA ROBERTS « » : Mr. Speaker, my question is for the Minister of Lands and Forestry. Yesterday, the Auditor General released a report that details how this government is not adequately accounting for the cost of remediating mine sites. The Auditor General's office found that the department has not completed sufficient investigations on all of the abandoned mine sites that may pose a risk to Nova Scotians.

The government committed almost $150 million to cleaning up old industrial sites without knowing the bigger financial picture, which could be hundreds of millions of dollars. That leaves gaping financial questions in the province's accounting and a concern that the cost will be punted down the road for someone else to deal with.

Mr. Speaker, when will the minister be able to tell Nova Scotians the full costs of cleaning up those sites?

HON. IAIN RANKIN « » : Mr. Speaker, as I said yesterday, we fully accept the recommendations from the Auditor General. It aligns with our government's priorities to look at some of the sites that have been left behind by previous governments and not dealt with at all.

What we're doing is looking at the sites that are closest to communities and have expected higher levels of potential contamination. Not all sites that had this type of activity will have remediation, but we have prioritized two sites. We have $94 million on the table for a site in the Montague area and another site in the Guysborough area.

We're going to proceed with those two sites as priorities. Then we have a number of sites we're going to be looking at in the future. We'll have a sophisticated plan that was not in place previous to our government.

LISA ROBERTS « » : Mr. Speaker, the minister assures us that the two sites chosen at Goldenville and Montague mines were the most egregious sites and were prioritized for that reason, but the Auditor General's report makes it clear that we simply don't know that for certain. There's a whole lot we don't know about all the abandoned sites that are scattered across the province, and there are significant health and environmental concerns associated with them. Mercury and arsenic are two of the substances that may be leaking into local water supplies.

Can the minister please explain exactly how those sites were chosen without having done a full analysis of all abandoned sites across the province?

IAIN RANKIN « » : What I can tell you is that I do trust some of the professional advice given to our very capable public servants from not only the Department of Lands and Forestry but also from Energy and Mines and Nova Scotia Lands Inc., who have expertise in how to deal with contaminated sites. There are 69 abandoned mines across the province, and it's not a problem that just happened yesterday. This has been around for several decades, back when there was very limited to no regulations for this type of industry.

[Page 4937]

[10:15 a.m.]

What we are going to do today, and moving forward, is what past governments did not do. We're going to address not only the sites that have been abandoned, but also sites like Boat Harbour and sites like Harrietsfield.

This government continues to put their money where their mouth is in terms of protecting the environment and cleaning up past messes left behind.

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

ENVIRON. - AG COLLABORATIVE RPT. (2018): INFO - PRIORITY

BRAD JOHNS « » : Mr. Speaker, within last year's March 2018 collective report from the Auditors General, it noted that in Nova Scotia the top three sources for emissions were electricity, transportation, and building. I will table that report.

There is no centralized data in existence that details the electrical consumption and greenhouse gas emissions of our own provincial buildings and operations; in fact, it was pointed out in the report by the Auditors General.

Mr. Speaker, without this data, our province is unable to consider one day having renewables constitute 100 per cent of our energy resources.

I would like to ask the minister: It has now been over a year since that report was tabled. Has any information been made a priority and collected by the minister and his department yet?

HON. GORDON WILSON « » : Mr. Speaker, I am not quite sure which report the member is referring to, but I will say that when we talk about greenhouse gas emissions, which is what we are talking about, we are leading in our reductions. We have ambitious targets that we are going to continue to set and work on.

The topic around that is one that I respect and there is a lot of interest in, but we are moving from coal to cleaner energy, we are moving to renewables, and we are working together. Our Minister of Energy and Mines has done some tremendous things in that world, and we are going to continue to move in that direction.

BRAD JOHNS « » : Mr. Speaker, that report says that the department has no data or information regarding electric consumption and GHG emissions for provincial buildings and operations. When you actually think about that a little more, it certainly does raise a few questions.

[Page 4938]

I think that this government really needs to talk about reducing greenhouse gas emissions and setting targets, but yet it doesn't even understand what our own infrastructure is generating.

I would like to ask the minister: Can the minister explain to Nova Scotians, how serious can he actually be on reducing greenhouse gases when he doesn't even know what a full account of the province's greenhouse gas emissions are?

HON. DEREK MOMBOURQUETTE « » : Mr. Speaker, I can say to the member that we are very serious about our GHG reduction goals. As a department, we have many conversations with departments across government on how we can all reduce our carbon footprint.

I can say that in the last number of months we have been in negotiations with our federal partners, and they are looking at greening all their buildings. We are the manager of that program in which we are going to actually use reclaimed mine sites to generate clean technologies so that we can green those buildings.

We are doing a tremendous amount of work on this at the Department of Energy and Mines. I can assure the member that every day, every decision that we make, we put a lens on how we can all do our part to reduce our carbon footprint.

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

H&W - CANCER CLINICS: ONCOLOGY SERV. - CONTINUE

COLTON LEBLANC « » : Mr. Speaker, on October 18^th, members of our caucus raised concerns around the termination of travelling cancer care clinics that serve patients at the Yarmouth and New Glasgow sites.

The minister knows that these clinics have provided patients of those regions with assessment services and peace of mind without being required to drive to Halifax and back. When we raised the matter, the Premier and the minister both assured us that discussions were ongoing to find oncologists to fill those gaps. The cancer clinics are set to end on November 1^st, which is this Friday.

My question for the Minister is: Can he confirm that oncologists have been secured to continue those cancer clinic services beyond this Friday?

HON. RANDY DELOREY « » : As we noted at the time, we met with the head of the Cancer Care Program, and I believe he had a multi-faceted plan in place with his team. I can assure the member and confirm for the members of the Legislature that efforts have been taken as per the plan put in place by the Cancer Care Program. We've supported that plan, as a department, and the Nova Scotia Health Authority as well.

[Page 4939]

COLTON LEBLANC « » : When we previously raised the physician overload that led to the suspension of these clinics, we were accused by the Premier of politicizing the issue. It's a shame that highlighting the needs and concerns of Nova Scotians is so often characterized as political trickery by the very government elected to serve them.

This government has had so many chances over six years to make improvements in Nova Scotia's health care system, yet we keep encountering these situations. Nova Scotians want to know that the health care they have been promised will be delivered and not delayed.

Can the minister explain how the steps taken will help lessen the overwhelming workload on these physicians going forward, or is this simply a band-aid for the problem?

RANDY DELOREY « » : Mr. Speaker, I'd like to remind the member of our commitment, particularly in the area of cancer care services. We're developing two brand new, state-of-the-art cancer care centres as part of our redevelopment and revitalization of health care infrastructure, both here in Halifax and in Cape Breton.

We continue to work with our health care providers on the front line, listening to them to advise us as to what steps need to be taken to strengthen our health care system. The steps we are taking are having an impact. I'll table this document: Dr. Rob Green tweeted recently that he truly believes we are right on the edge of some great things in Nova Scotia health care, and he is proud to be part of those changes.

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

EECD - CHILD CARE CTRS.: STAFFING RATIOS - SAFETY ENSURE

TIM HALMAN « » : Mr. Speaker, my question is for the Minister of Education and Early Childhood Development. As the minister knows, the first priority of any child care facility, school, or sports program is the safety and security of our children. I know we are all agreed on that point.

On October 22^nd, two children at a Lower Sackville child care centre wandered off during a walk. We know this particular facility is very well-respected in the community. It has a reputation of being safe. It has since been reported that the department has put this facility on probation - and I'll table that - but I worry that is one incident at an otherwise well-run facility. It is simply a symptom of a much larger problem.

My question to the minister is: What steps is he taking to ensure this doesn't happen at any other facility?

[Page 4940]

HON. ZACH CHURCHILL « » : As the regulating body of our private and not-for-profit independent child care centres, quality and safety are of the utmost importance to us in the department. That's why we have a protocol in place when something like this happens where there is a suspension, or a probationary licence, that is given until the centre itself - this isn't a government centre, it's a private not-for-profit centre - is able to demonstrate that the appropriate actions are being taken to ensure that this doesn't happen again.

We are in the process of working with that centre right now to ensure that that happens. This is a terrible situation. Thankfully the children were not hurt. This is not acceptable for the centre or any private centre that is regulated by the Province.

TIM HALMAN « » : Mr. Speaker, I don't doubt the minister's concerns with the well-being of these children. I have my concerns regarding the extreme shortages of early childhood educators. This is a shortage that could have been prevented if proper planning had gone into this program before it was launched two years ago.

Mr. Speaker, we already know there are two sets of rules for staffing ratios: one for pre-Primary and the other for child care centres. I'll table that.

I struggle to understand how children in private child care require fewer ECEs than those in pre-Primary, especially when child care facilities are a longer program. I have to wonder if these staffing ratios are part of the problem or if the staffing shortages are a problem on their own.

My question is: Will the minister commit today to looking at the staffing ratios in child care centres to ensure they are as safe as possible?

ZACH CHURCHILL « » : To clarify for the member, there's a lower ratio of ECEs to kids in the pre-Primary program than the regulated centre. The reason for that is because those kids are older, they are four years old, and according to our safety standards, that requires less of a ratio. You are looking at the regulated child care sector which deals from zero to three; under four, the ratio is actually higher for the regulated child care sector.

That is something we are currently reviewing right now with the working group - which involves ECEs, business operators from across the sector, not-for-profit, private, and pre-Primary as well - and also looking at some of the other challenges, the short-term challenges that we are facing.

I will inform the member that there is not a broad-based shortage of ECEs. We are training hundreds more ECEs every year, and there's going to be 200 more who graduate this year. All these ECEs are graduating into a lucrative job market with the most competitive wages and best benefit packages that have ever existed.

[Page 4941]

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

BUS. - CRANE COLLAPSE: BUS. OWNERS - SUPPORT

CLAUDIA CHENDER « » : Mr. Speaker, I wish I could follow up on that, but my question is for the Minister of Business. My question is around the crane. As the minister would be aware, many small businesses on South Park Street and Spring Garden Road remain either closed, or open and severely impacted after the crane collapsed adjacent to them. While the government quickly acted to assume responsibility for the private developer's property, the small businesses have been forced to resort to an expensive and very likely risky class-action lawsuit to endeavour to recoup their losses.

The businesses' legal counsel stated that the lawsuit was born out of the frustration that these businesses have experienced in terms of seeing no solution to the desperate economic situation they find themselves in. I'll table that.

Mr. Speaker, will the minister please explain what support is available through his department for the many small local business owners who face this desperate economic situation?

HON. GEOFF MACLELLAN « » : I thank the member for the question. From the business perspective of the department and just as a government that certainly has done a lot of work around the economic tools and the economic pillars of this province, we never want to see any business impacted by any events, unforeseen or otherwise.

For us, the absolute priority was with respect to public safety, to ensure that we were making the proper decisions, to ensure that the crane was removed, that no one was hurt, and there was minimal impact on the physical infrastructure.

As the member stated, there was harm done to the local businesses in that area. I did hear through media around what would happen in terms of a potential lawsuit, some of the insurance movements that were going to take place and some of the endeavours to recoup money through insurance, but there are no direct incentives or anything that we can do from the Department of Business. This was about public safety. But if those businesses want to discuss that with me, my door is always open for sure.

CLAUDIA CHENDER « » : I thank the minister for that answer, and I'd be happy to arrange the meeting.

Mr. Speaker, my next question is for the Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal. Finally, the last pieces of the crane have been removed from the site, 49 days after the crane's collapse. Now seems as good a time as any to step back and account for this decision. Along with the many small businesses impacted by the crane collapse, Nova Scotians are also left wondering if we are the ones footing the bill.

[Page 4942]

With the safety risk now largely clear and the work mostly done, is the minister ready to reveal to the public what the final tab will be for the cleanup and who will pay it?

HON. LLOYD HINES « » : I thank the member opposite for the question because it gives me the opportunity, where we are nearing the final parts of the process of the crane cleanup, we're attempting to see if there's an instance of this happening in the country before; we certainly know we haven't had it in Nova Scotia. I am so proud of the people who stepped into the breach and took control of that situation on behalf of Nova Scotians, on behalf of those small businesses that were impacted, where there was gridlock between the various insurance companies and the legal advice that was there. This government moved ahead and solved that problem expediently. Thank goodness we had no injuries when it happened and no injuries or fatalities or any other issues during the cleanup.

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

L&F - MIN. ADVISORY COMM.: APPOINT. DELAY - REASON

TORY RUSHTON « » : Mr. Speaker, my question is for the Minister of Lands and Forestry. Last year the department hired DG Communications to create a strategy for improving openness, transparency, collaboration, and accountability for the Department of Lands and Forestry. I'll table that.

In June a forum was held in Truro on ecological forestry where the new strategy was discussed with attendees. Also at that time, members of the new Ministerial Advisory Committee were introduced. However, as we know now, the Ministerial Advisory Committee was not appointed until October 18^th. I'll table that.

My question for the minister is: If this department is moving to be more open, transparent, and collaborative, why did it take four months to appoint this committee?

HON. IAIN RANKIN : We put together what I think is a good cross-section of people in different interest groups: people from the industry, people from environmental NGOs, and representation from the Mi'kmaw community. It was based on a list that Professor Lahey, the author of the actual report provided, and it aligns with the previous Natural Resources Strategy that was submitted to a previous government.

We actually wanted to make sure that we were able to meet the commitment and the recommendation from DG Communications, which advised to be more open and transparent with an advisory group, as well as making sure that that blended in with the commitment to ensure that we're moving forward with the Natural Resources Strategy.

[10:30 a.m.]

[Page 4943]

TORY RUSHTON « » : I'm glad the minister referenced the Lahey report, because I'm going to go right into that. The Lahey report indicated that the industry had a lack of trust in the department, and this was a recurring theme in the new strategy. The strategic approach recommended that the department be more proactive and transparent, which included welcoming and responding to input. The first recommendation is to expedite internal information handling, specifically to designate a staff person to access the department's subject matter. Many stakeholders are still waiting for a response from this department.

Can the minister please inform the House if a designated staff person has been assigned to expedite this information?

IAIN RANKIN « » : We do have a designated staff person; I'll get that contact to the member opposite.

We are moving forward with the Lahey report and collaborating with all stakeholders. We actually had numerous sessions beyond the open session where everyone was invited in June to look at the Forest Management Guide, which is on a timeline to have a draft ready for the end of this year. We have another session scheduled already with a targeted group towards the end of November.

We also have engagement sessions set up for our other project management teams. There are eight of them, and each one actually has an external expert on those teams. We're going to continue to move forward. We are meeting our timelines as we said we would, and we are continuing to be open and transparent in the department.

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

L&F - NEW FOREST MGMT. GUIDE: RELEASE DATE - INFORM

KIM MASLAND « » : My question is also for the Minister of Lands and Forestry. The minister in his response to the Independent Review of Forest Practices last December promised a new Forest Management Guide within 12 months. As we sit in the House today, it has been over 10 months, and the industry is no closer to understanding where the province is headed than it was when the minister spoke last year. There's a lot on the horizon for the forestry sector, and they're nervously awaiting the decision.

My question for the minister: When exactly will the new Forest Management Guide be ready so that everyone in the forestry sector knows what this government is planning for the future of forestry in the province?

HON. IAIN RANKIN « » : As I committed to last December, the new Forest Management Guide will be ready this December for all Nova Scotians to have input. In the interim period, we have been discussing with a number of industry players about the Forest Management Guide. We have had all our major Crown licence holders as part of the targeted group for looking at our Forest Management Guide process. We're also going to have an opportunity for all Nova Scotians to look at that.

[Page 4944]

KIM MASLAND « » : In the minister's response to the review, he said that the department would initiate a peer review of its current approach to natural disturbance regimes mapping and methodology. This work would involve external scientific experts and input from stakeholders. The stakeholders whom I have spoken to have not been asked for input.

My question for the minister: When can forest-sector stakeholders expect to hear from the minister and his department about the peer review natural disturbance regime mapping?

IAIN RANKIN « » : That is another project team that the member opposite references; it's an important foundational piece. We wanted to make sure that we had a timeline to get the new Forest Management Guide ready for consultation in December. That was the timeline we committed to. That complements the work that the other project management teams are doing on natural disturbance and all the other aspects of the report. There are quite a number of recommendations. We have prioritized them in sequence.

We're going to ensure that we reach out to our stakeholders, and that new advisory committee is going to be influential in how we set up those meetings.

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

L&F: NEW FOREST MODEL IMPLEMENTATION - EXPLAIN

TORY RUSHTON « » : Mr. Speaker, we'll stay with the Minister of Lands and Forestry, if you don't mind.

In his response to the Independent Review of Forest Practices last December, the minister stated the Province would be moving towards an ecological forest model. The model would adopt a new paradigm; the paradigm would be a new triad model. The government has been largely silent on how it sees this triad model working and what it will mean for Nova Scotia foresters.

Will the minister please explain, for the benefit of this House, how the triad model will be implemented in Nova Scotia?

HON. IAIN RANKIN « » : That is actually how we're going to be able to adopt the ecological forestry paradigm, by using that triad system. The member would know a few weeks ago the Minister of Environment and I announced protected areas. That lends itself to the part of the triad that has the no-touch forestry - basically no forestry at all. Then we have the matrix area, which is where we're adopting the new Forest Management Guide that we've been working with all of our stakeholders to get concluded in the near term. Then we also have the high-production forestry side, so that we're going to be able to actually use less land to grow more trees.

[Page 4945]

That's kind of the concept of the triad. We continue to make progress on all of those project teams. As I said, we do have an engagement session booked for the high-production side, so we are making progress on all three legs of the triad.

TORY RUSHTON « » : Mr. Speaker, I thank the minister for his response. In actual fact, the industry is waiting. This year has been a major waiting game with other elephants in the room, if you will. Meanwhile business decisions are stuck in limbo, waiting for this government to offer directions.

When can the forestry sector expect clear guidelines on clear-cutting, herbicide use, high-production forestry areas, and so on and so forth?

IAIN RANKIN « » : Again, we are making the progress that we committed to in adopting this new model - it is transformational change - and continuing to speak with all industry players. I've gotten the opportunity to actually visit several sites, several sawmills, to hear input directly from the owners to me. I also have ongoing meetings with all of our major players. My door remains open in between all the sessions we have on an official basis. I'm happy with the response thus far from industry and their attention to make sure that they have the interim guidelines.

We've already reduced the amount of clear-cutting significantly, and I'm appreciative of those concerns and the response that we've had, which have been overall very positive from industry.

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

MUN. AFFS. & HOUSING: RENT SUPPLEMENTS INEFFECTIVE - COMMENT

LISA ROBERTS « » : Mr. Speaker, my question is for the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing.

It is becoming clearer and clearer that rent supplements are not an adequate tool to address the worsening housing situation in this province - and I will table an article that describes how 30 people on the wait-list for public housing turned down a rent supplement when offered. Yet, the Premier and the minister continue to refer to this tool as a key piece of their response to the housing crisis.

[Page 4946]

Mr. Speaker, I would like to ask the minister: Of the 500 rent supplements targeted to be assigned this year, will the minister table how many have actually been assigned to a Nova Scotian looking for housing?

HON. CHUCK PORTER « » : Mr. Speaker, rent supplements are indeed a key piece and a key tool to what we do with regard to Housing Nova Scotia. We'll continue with that program; it is a good program. There's a lot of uptake with rent supplements. I'm not sure what the honourable member has for numbers walking into her office, but I can tell you that where I come from, we assist people on a regular basis who are looking for that rent supplement.

We realize that there are challenges. I've never at any point stood in my place and said that there were not challenges with finding affordable housing. We continue to work on that. We've been very fortunate to have signed an agreement with the national government. We've got our first three-year action plan out. We'll continue with the work that's going on within that in the years ahead.

LISA ROBERTS « » : Mr. Speaker, we hear constantly from people in our offices who simply cannot find housing, and rent supplements are not working in the low vacancy, rising rent environment. The minister will be aware that there are 3,500 people on the wait-list for public housing. Some of those people have been assigned a rent supplement, but landlords have lineups of people looking for every rental unit. In this housing market, there's no compelling reason for a private landlord to house low-income Nova Scotians with a rent supplement, especially when supplements come with paperwork and stigma attached.

Mr. Speaker, of the 500 rent supplements targeted to be assigned this year, again, will the minister table and share with this House how many have actually resulted in a Nova Scotian family being housed?

CHUCK PORTER « » : Mr. Speaker, again, we realize that there are issues along the lines of affordable housing. Here in the HRM and right across this province we do have programs that have existed. They'll continue to exist. We will continue to reach out to our private sector, to our not-for-profits, and develop as we are able - and there will be agreements, I'm sure. We already have individuals in municipalities and others coming by way of partners to whom we will extend conversations to help us develop more affordable housing right across this province for all those in need.

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

L&F - PROV. PARKS: CAPITAL INVESTMENTS - REPORT

[Page 4947]

JOHN LOHR « » : Mr. Speaker, my question is for the Minister of Lands and Forestry. Cape Split and Blomidon are incredibly important to the people of Kings North; all provincial parks are important to the people of Nova Scotia, in fact. Our provincial parks represent a $60 million infrastructure investment.

The allocation of resources, both financial and human, is supposed to be in line with the 2012 Provincial Parks Public Value Consultation, and I will table that. However, during Estimates last Spring, the minister was unable to share what capital investments were planned for this year. During the 2012-13 fiscal year, a total of $2,448,943 was spent improving provincial parks according to the Annual Report Park Improvement Program. However. we have no idea where that allocation stands today.

I would like to ask the minister: Can the minister share how much money was spent this year on capital projects and table a list of such projects in the legislature?

HON. IAIN RANKIN « » : Mr. Speaker, I do not have a document here today to table. What I can tell the member opposite is that we continue to make strategic investments in our parks across the province. In this particular area, there is a full-out strategy from Tourism Nova Scotia to look at enhancing the Blomidon-Cape Split areas, which was announced this past summer. We continue to make those types of investments that are important for our tourism strategy.

The member from Kings South pushed very hard to make sure that Cape Split was actually designated a provincial park, and that was announced in the last month.

JOHN LOHR « » : Mr. Speaker, I'd like to thank the minister for that answer, and I do acknowledge those improvements at Cape Split and Blomidon.

However, the last annual report for parks improvement was posted online for the fiscal year of 2012-13, almost six years ago. Surprisingly, that is the length of time this most transparent and open government has been in power. That is six years without an articulated, long-term strategy for investments in our park.

Hurricane Dorian caused many provincial parks to close and remain closed for the rest of the season. Without a maintenance plan, we don't know their condition before the hurricane, and we certainly don't know their condition after the hurricane.

I would like to ask the minister: Will the minister outline the plan his department has taken to assess damage at provincial parks, as well as the actions to be taken to ensure all parks will be open for the 2020 tourism season?

IAIN RANKIN « » : I appreciate the question from the member opposite, and we do look at the capital that we have on an annual basis; $1.5 million goes towards our provincial parks. We look at the priority areas that have damage and obviously, with the events of a recent hurricane, we will look at the capital in there.

[Page 4948]

We do have a list that we have submitted to ensure that Treasury Board considers that we have some possible incremental investment that is in need at some of our most trafficked assets.

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

GAMING - TRURO RACEWAY: FINANCIAL STATUS - UPDATE

KARLA MACFARLANE « » : Mr. Speaker, my question is for the Minister Responsible for Part 1 of the Gaming Control Act.

Over the last few years, the Nova Scotia Provincial Exhibition grounds in Truro has struggled financially. The Truro Raceway has continued to operate with the Nova Scotia Harness Racing Association leasing the facility. Races have continued throughout the last two years under their direction and through partnerships with Hampton Inn & Suites and Red Shores.

I would like to ask the Minister Responsible for Part 1 of the Gaming Control Act: Can she update the House on the purses at the raceway and whether the raceway is actually back in the black?

HON. KAREN CASEY « » : Thank you to the member for the question. She is welcome any time to come to the track; maybe we can share our winnings.

The harness racing industry is critically important to the communities in Nova Scotia where there is currently harness racing, and it is particularly important in the whole circuit within the Maritimes. We know that whenever you take one part out of a circuit it has a negative impact, so we know that it is important that we pay attention to the track in Truro and to make sure that it is viable.

We will continue to work with the association to make sure their needs are understood and that we can provide any support that will help them be better managers.

KARLA MACFARLANE « » : So we don't know if they are in the black or not. What we do know is that there have been many challenges with the industry and the Atlantic Provinces Harness Racing Commission was created to direct these operations.

In recent years, Prince Edward Island has seen new cooperation with the industry and the Atlantic Lottery Corporation. We know that this government gives Nova Scotia's three raceways $1 million, while P.E.I. has two raceways and they invest $3 million. I will table a document here and prove that the minister did go to P.E.I. to investigate and look at their industry and see how maybe we could take suggestions from them. It's also noteworthy that a report on harness racing has been commissioned by this government but we don't know the cost and it's not public information yet.

[Page 4949]

[10:45 a.m.]

I'm wondering if the minister is planning to make changes to the harness racing industry here in Nova Scotia and will consultations be conducted after the report is made public?

HON. KEITH COLWELL « » : Actually, I am the one responsible for harness racing in the province of Nova Scotia. There was, indeed, a report commissioned, and we have not released that to the public yet. I've made a commitment to the harness racing people in Nova Scotia; they can read the report independently. There's a FOIPOP that has come in for it but when it went out there was no information in it.

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

H&W: OCEAN VIEW CONT. CARE CTR. - DR. REPLACEMENT

BARBARA ADAMS « » : Mr. Speaker, my question is to the Minister of Health and Wellness. The number of empty beds at Ocean View Continuing Care Centre, a long-term care facility in Eastern Passage, continues to climb since admissions were halted when two of the physicians - the only two physicians there - resigned.

I was advised a couple of days ago that Dr. Jenkins has retired or is shortly retiring from the Riverview Enhanced Living facility, which looks after vulnerable adults with intellectual disabilities. Can the Minister of Health and Wellness confirm if that report is correct and if the Department of Health and Wellness has found a replacement for him and for the Ocean View Continuing Care Centre in Eastern Passage?

HON. RANDY DELOREY « » : Mr. Speaker, I beg the member's indulgence to respond to a question from late last week. I'd just like to table these organizational charts for the Nova Scotia Health Authority and the Department of Health and Wellness that were requested last week.

To the specific question, Mr. Speaker, I'll remind the member that the Nova Scotia Health Authority is responsible for the recruitment of health care providers and the delivery of health care services within the province. It's not the Department of Health and Wellness that performs those recruitment responsibilities, so I don't have that information on hand as she has requested.

BARBARA ADAMS « » : Mr. Speaker, my mistake. I assumed the Minister of Health and Wellness might know what was going on in that area.

[Page 4950]

Mr. Speaker, with written consent that I will table, this week I was called by the mother of a young woman who took sick 16 months ago. Her ongoing severe pain, bleeding, and 40-pound weight loss were not investigated despite repeated pleas from her family who were her decision makers.

She continued to get worse. It was only through a routine provincial stool test that turned up positive that this young woman learned she had cancer. Despite urgently scheduled surgery for an ileostomy six months ago and a pending abdominoperineal next week, she was advised that she is terminally ill and now she has no doctor because the doctor at Riverview Enhanced Living facility has resigned.

My question to the minister is: Will he provide the family with free-of-charge copies of their daughter's medical records and residential records and meet with me and the family to help them find post-operative and ongoing medical care for their daughter?

RANDY DELOREY « » : Certainly, any time a Nova Scotian is touched by cancer or other terminal conditions it's a situation that touches many of us and is tragic.

Mr. Speaker, we expect and have many great health care providers on the front lines to diagnose and provide treatment and care. Certainly, as the member has referenced some specific inquiries, we'll connect with her with the appropriate team within the Health Authority to help navigate and ensure that the individual in question receives the care and support they require.

THE SPEAKER « » : The honourable member for Inverness.

TIR: TCH EXIT 40 - SAFETY CONCERNS

ALLAN MACMASTER « » : Mr. Speaker, I think I have the last question of the sitting, maybe I'll get the first answer.

A question to the honourable Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal. Access to the Town of Mulgrave from the Trans Canada at Exit 40 at Aulds Cove has long been a site of close calls and near head-on collisions. The situation is so bad that the CEO in Mulgrave has declared the situation her single biggest concern. I'll table that.

Mr. Speaker, this exit is in close proximity to the recently expanded Irving Big Stop. Mulgrave Town Council has had enough of the close calls and has decided to write Irving and the minister about the situation. Irving responded quickly saying they are reviewing it.

When will the minister commit to working with Irving and the Mulgrave Town Council to prioritize safety for Exit 40 and ensure that any safety changes are made to it?

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THE SPEAKER « » : Order, please. We'll have to allow the minister to get together with you after Question Period.

The time allotted for Oral Questions Put by Members to Ministers has expired.

The honourable Minister of Education and Early Childhood Development.

HON. ZACH CHURCHILL « » : I'd just like to bring the House's attention to the East Gallery, where we're joined by a very special guest, someone whose love and commitment to me have been unwavering, selfless, and at times a bit obsessive over the years. I do want it on the record how much I love this particular guest, and how lucky I am to be her son.

If the House could join me in welcoming my mother Joanne Bishara, I'd greatly appreciate it. (Applause)

THE SPEAKER « » : We'll now move on to Opposition Business.

OPPOSITION MEMBERS' BUSINESS

MOTIONS OTHER THAN GOVERNMENT MOTIONS

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

ALLAN MACMASTER « » : Mr. Speaker, would you please call Resolution No. 18.

Res. No. 18, re Health Care Crisis - Acknowledge - notice given Sep. 7/18 - (Hon. C. d'Entremont)

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

COLTON LEBLANC « » : It was a very short time after my being elected that we started this session in the Legislature, and the concerns echoed on the doorsteps in Argyle-Barrington were very fresh in my mind. The number one concern, echoed right across the constituency, was health care.

Our caucus has focused on and discussed health care extensively during this session of the Legislature. Health care is of utmost importance for the people of Argyle-Barrington and for the people of this province.

I continue to be perplexed by the fact that this government continues to ignore the fact that we are in a health care crisis. I was listening to the radio the other day during my commute and there was a health care advocate discussing her point of view on the health care crisis. I really appreciated the analogy that she used - she alluded to the fact that the government continues to deny the reality of this crisis - to paraphrase, the government's referring to the health care crisis as a challenge rather than a crisis.

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Hurricane Dorian and post-Hurricane Dorian have been stated to be a crisis, but no one died because of Hurricane Dorian. The reality is that each and every day in this province people are dying because of the mismanagement and the inaction of this government related to the health care system.

I concur that the state of health care has taken some time to get to where it is today. However, regardless of what this government is saying, they are failing to properly deliver health care to Nova Scotians. They have had six years to deliver - six years to deliver on promises - a promise of one family doctor for every Nova Scotian. They are failing health care workers and they are failing Nova Scotians who desperately need health care.

I'd like to take the opportunity to thank all health care workers and support staff for their dedication to Nova Scotians and to our health care system. Each and every day they do the best they can with what they have.

I'd like to take a moment to highlight some of the issues that were brought up on the doorsteps in Argyle-Barrington that we've discussed previously in this Legislature as well as around our caucus table: ER wait times and closures. It has become a sad reality across this province, and in my region it's a daily occurrence to learn that Roseway Hospital is closed. Some communities in Nova Scotia have a sort of weather report: radio stations are announcing to Nova Scotians which hospitals are closed and which hospitals are open. It's sad to see that.

People are relying on emergency rooms - and again, that's when they are open - as a family practice. In western Nova Scotia, there continue to be over 20,000 patients without a family practice, and regardless of what this government says, I'm not convinced that the numbers are that accurate - that the data is not skewed - because I wonder how many people have not yet registered and reported with the Health Authority's Need a Family Practice Registry.

Emergency rooms should be for emergencies and it's an unfortunate reality that Nova Scotians have no other options, that Nova Scotians are going, on a daily basis, to overcrowded emergency rooms for basic health care needs such as prescription refills. Nova Scotians cannot get the care that they desperately need by emergency room physicians. There's no proper follow-up.

I question how a proper follow-up for chronic conditions such as diabetic patients can be properly managed. People who don't manage their diabetes appropriately end up with eye conditions and kidney problems and cardiovascular disease, and that further compounds the issues that we're faced with in our health care system.

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It's sad that people will put off feeling unwell and wait months to finally make the decision to go to an emergency room and may learn there that they have cancer. I do not agree with that option and I believe that we should be serving our communities better than that.

Long-term care waits: in Yarmouth County, they're the highest in the province - 326 days. It's sad for my constituents and constituents of neighbouring communities to have to wait nearly a year to get into long-term care placement. We discussed previously about poor access to services in this province, whether it be cancer care clinics, dialysis, or specialty services for our youth.

There are extended wait times for diagnostic testing and surgical procedures, and that's if they're not cancelled, like we've discussed in this House, in Cape Breton. It's completely unacceptable.

I've mentioned previously about the ambulance system in our province. As it goes with other health care professionals in this province, the demands of our health care system are greater, it's a busier system. For paramedics, they're experiencing a greater call volume, greater transfer volume, a greater offload time in hospitals. This is happening right across Nova Scotia.

I'd like to reiterate that the solution is beyond just new offload guidelines, and that's why we've pressed this government to release, publicly, the Fitch report. We've discussed it previously in this House. The minister acknowledged that he does have the report in its entirety. I called on the minister during my Address in Reply to present an unredacted copy of the report. It is accessible from 2001. Nova Scotians paid $145,000 of their taxpayers' dollars for this report and they deserve to see this report.

Continuing on the ambulance system, briefly, I spoke again about my constituency having three paramedic stations. There's one in Pubnico, one in Woods Harbour, and one in Barrington. At times, unfortunately, the realities of the system create some voids and gaps in the system, leading to greater response times - greater not meaning better but longer response times - leading to one ambulance covering a greater geographical region.

These communities have been lucky to have had paramedic stations in their communities and in recent years have seen longer and longer response times. Thirty or 40 minutes, even sometimes greater, when there's a paramedic base within 10 minutes from your house is unacceptable.

This government sets the guidelines for the ambulance system in this province and, again, I'd like to reiterate that I believe that the Fitch report includes very valuable information to help guide improvements to our health care system, including the ambulance system.

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[11:00 a.m.]

It goes without saying, it has been publicized in the media, that morale is at an all-time low for paramedics and other health care professionals. They are missing breaks, they are missing their lunches, they have to wait extended periods of time before using the washroom, and they are parked on the side of the highway, like I have mentioned. There are human resources challenges due to paramedic burnout.

Health care professionals are getting denied vacation; they are getting extended shifts and shift overruns; they are missing very important milestones for their families. This all contributes to a poor work environment for our health care professionals, leading to a low morale. The mental demands of the jobs in health care are surreal, enough as is and compounding all this together.

Health care professionals are feeling underappreciated and devalued due to these poor work conditions and the lack of support by this government. This government has a responsibility to commit to improving work conditions for health care workers across Nova Scotia to support their mental health. In looking to improve the health care system, they should be looking to build a better workplace for all.

Although Nova Scotia is relatively small in geography, I often wonder if the government realizes how far it is to southwestern Nova Scotia. It doesn't matter which way you look at it, Mr. Speaker - if you look from Halifax to southwestern Nova Scotia, or from southwestern Nova Scotia to Halifax, it is the same distance.

Although we are three hours away, there are people in southwestern Nova Scotia with serious health care concerns. It's time that the government realizes that there are people in southwestern Nova Scotia, beyond Bridgewater, who have serious concerns and needs in regard to health care.

I've stated this before, our current state of health care has not happened overnight. However, the current government has had six years to act. Although they boast different numbers, I can assure the members of this House that health care continues to be a strong reality and concern for Nova Scotians and in Argyle-Barrington.

I'd like to end my remarks, I guess, on a little bit of a positive note by commending the work of community leaders and community organizations in southwestern Nova Scotia that are doing the legwork of this government.

Community navigator Rebecca Rose for the Yarmouth and Area Chamber of Commerce, as well as the Chamber itself, I'd like to thank for their dedication and their commitment to doctor recruitment and retention. I'm so happy to hear the great progress they are making to help improve health care in southwestern Nova Scotia. There remains a lot of work to do and I look forward to supporting them and working with them on this important initiative.

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Recently they announced that the health workforce in Yarmouth now has two new, full-time anesthesiologists with two more going through the qualification process to work in Yarmouth; that is thanks to their dedication and work. As a result, the Yarmouth region could be at a full complement within months.

Two family medicine residents have recently completed their education and are deciding to stay in Yarmouth. That's positive news for my constituents and constituents of neighbouring constituencies, and there continue to be discussions with other health care professionals.

I know some of the members opposite were heckling a little bit about the contributions that this government has made to that initiative, but I believe that this initiative should be taking an upper hand and that it should not necessarily be always left to communities to end up in crisis before the government reacts. This government should be proactive rather than reactive. With that, Mr. Speaker, I take my seat.

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

RAFAH DICOSTANZO « » : Mr. Speaker, I want to thank my colleague from Argyle-Barrington for bringing some points here.

Before I start - and I have a lot of facts here that I would love to share - it wasn't until I became an MLA that I heard anything negative about our health care system.

I worked in the health care system for 20 years and couldn't believe the service and the care that the patients I accompanied were receiving. It was so difficult for me to accept all the negativity that our health care workers are hearing day in and day out. To me, that is what is causing a lot of their morale being down - being unappreciated for the work they are doing. There is so much being done and stories I have come across, and those stories never make it on the news.

I'll give you just one quick one. Last year my father-in-law who is 92 - a 92-year-old and quite frail - ended up in hospital in emergency for a very sudden thing, and we honestly thought we had lost him. They moved him to Dartmouth, and he got some of the best care anybody could receive.

I remember it was a Saturday - he got in on Friday and on Saturday they were deciding whether to operate or not. Will he survive this? For his age, for he was quite frail, but they went ahead. Before, you know, we were all giving him kisses goodbye, just in case, and he wanted a priest in there, which was a huge thing to him. They delayed everything until they found a priest; they actually gowned the priest to go in to give him his last rites, just in case. This is not a health care in crisis that can do this - this is a health care that gives beyond the expectation, honestly and truly.

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I have another case that I just was going through. It's a difficult case because this gentleman, who is the healthiest person, just out of the blue gets some funny feelings and a funny taste in his mouth, and when he looked it up it is a brain seizure.

Monday, he sees his family doctor; I believe that on either Tuesday or Wednesday he had a CAT scan, MRI, all within the same week, and Saturday he was operated on by apparently one of the best doctors in that field. This is not health care in crisis. Please, this is happening to all your members, as well.

Do these stories make it to the news? Never. We have to tell the truth. We have to tell there are issues. We are not 100 per cent, and no government has been able to get health care to 100 per cent.

We are number four in the country in connecting patients with doctors. We are the highest number of doctors per capita and we keep complaining. We keep complaining about the small - we have 5.5 per cent of people who do not have doctors and that is all we hear about. It's true, they deserve that, and no one, no one - and the Premier told me that. He said, how can I say to anyone that they don't deserve a doctor. He is striving to have that 5.5 per cent without doctors to 100 per cent. He will not take anything less than that.

This is what this government is trying - and I would love to give you a lot of what is happening that is positive, and we need to start to share that, guys. We truly have to, otherwise we are hurting our health care professionals. We keep putting them down for the services they are offering - the miracles they are performing that I have personally witnessed.

I would love to add some information. We have 51.014 on the list, that equates to 5.5 and we are constantly adding doctors. We are doing so many things to help out the doctor situation, but that doctor situation is across Canada. My parents are in Oakville, Ontario, in Toronto. My father was in the corridors in the best hospital in Oakville until they operated on him and he received a wonderful service.

There is so much demand and so much volume. Our population is getting older, especially here in the Maritimes, and we are slowly trying to increase our health dollars. We have only so much money; we spend almost half of our budget on health and we've spent $297 million, I believe, almost $300,000 million this year on health. We are definitely making health care as our number one.

This government has done so many things and please let me share some of them. First, let's talk about the financial incentives for doctors. We have doctor recruitments, we have doctor training information. For example, we have 209 new doctors and specialists recruited since April 2018; 31 family doctors and 48 specialists. We launched a new $200,000 fund to support creative innovative efforts by communities to recruit and retain doctors, a maximum of $25,000 for each.

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We created a new practice-ready assessment program to help internationally trained family doctors work in Nova Scotia; five candidates referred this year alone. We have created a physician immigration stream - 44 doctors nominated through this stream since February. These are wonderful initiatives that are taking the ship in the right direction and it's really making a difference. We may not see the difference right now, but it is definitely coming in the future.

For doctor training, we are adding 16 new medical school seats at Dalhousie, four added this year in August. New seats are for Nova Scotia students in rural settings, and African Nova Scotians and Mi'kmaw are really encouraged and given special incentives. It's the first time new seats have been added in more than 10 years. We are the only province to add more residency spaces to train and recruit more doctors - 10 for family medicine and 15 new spaces for specialists. These will make a difference, I know that.

Unfortunately, everybody is trying to recruit doctors so we are swimming against the tide, but we are making big strides in that aspect. We are providing more educational opportunities outside of Halifax for third-year medical students through a new clerkship program. Four students are spending their entire third year of medical school training in Cape Breton, outside of the city.

The other financial incentives that have really helped out - we are working with Doctors Nova Scotia to develop a $39.6 million package for family doctors. These are wonderful incentives. We're paying them more money, we're creating incentives.

Other financial incentives we're offering to doctors include a tuition relief program of up to $120,000 for medical student tuition if they work here for five years; family medicine bursaries, $60,000 to start a practice in Nova Scotia if they work here for three years; and debt assistance, $20,000 to $45,000 for up to three years offered to eligible new grads who choose to work in Nova Scotia. These are real incentives and we are doing so much more and continuing to add more all the time.

I know my colleague also talked about emergency. We have some real programs and we're offering doctors emergency shift premiums to help cover hard-to-fill ER shifts; eight hospitals across the province have used this new program. A locum incentive program to help with short- and long-term vacancies by making it more financially attractive has been offered at 12 hospitals across the province; 576.5 days have been covered at various sites across Nova Scotia, keeping emergency departments open. We have done a lot, but we will be doing more to make sure our emergency hospitals are covered and that doctors are working there.

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[11:15 a.m.]

For me it's about the future, and this government has really thought about the future, putting so many steps to improve health care for the future. The biggest thing they've really done is our infrastructure. There is so much money that we are spending so that we can improve. There was nothing worse for me than to sit in the basement of the Victoria General Hospital and look at that building - how old and how depressing to be down there for those dental health workers, where I spend a lot of my time interpreting with patients. I looked and I said, we can do better than this, this is more like a Third World country, and we're finally putting the money into infrastructure so we can attract doctors, so we can have the best care for our patients.

We are building new dialysis units across Nova Scotia to improve access to patients in Kentville, Digby, Glace Bay, Bridgewater, Halifax, and Dartmouth. We're building new primary health care centres in Middleton and Shelburne. It is all over Nova Scotia. We're investing billions of dollars in the redevelopment projects to modernize existing health care and build new ones. I really can't wait to have that happen and to move our centralized - from downtown to three locations. To me that was a very smart decision: to put health care where the people are and lower the congestion and the cost of parking. It was so difficult for patients to find parking, to pay for parking when going downtown. Hopefully that will be relieved in the future.

For the CBRM we have the health care redevelopment and in New Waterford we are building a new community health centre and a long-term care home. In North Sydney we're building a new community health centre, a long-term care home, and a laundry centre. In Sydney we're building a new emergency department, cancer centre, and critical care department at Cape Breton Regional Hospital, and in Glace Bay expanding the emergency department.

CBRM launched a community-based paramedic program - 203 calls to date; CB Regional 148 community paramedic visits, 39 virtual RN visits. In Glace Bay 9 community paramedic visits, 7 virtual RN visits. These are all amazing numbers and really bring so much optimism for the future.

We need to look forward. We need to move forward with our government and stop pushing the word "crisis." That is a negative and it destroys morale. Please let's look at the positive and help continue working hard to make it to 100 per cent.

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

SUSAN LEBLANC « » : I am happy to speak on this resolution today. I have a lot to say, but first I'd like to address a couple of the things I've heard so far in this debate. I sit on the Legislative Health Committee and there are some really great things happening in health care, and as my colleague across the floor has pointed out, things that are being put in place now which, hopefully, we will see the benefits of in a few years. I don't deny that and I'm very pleased to see that. I am happy that the list of family doctors is growing, but the fact is, we are in a health care crisis still. We might not be in five years if some of these best-laid plans actually come to fruition, but it is too soon to tell.

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I remember my mom worked as a Catholic chaplain in the HI, Halifax Infirmary, for many years. She worked on the acute care floors of the Halifax Infirmary, and she came home with stories of amazing things that happened in those units that she worked on.

She did rounds with nurses, doctors, physiotherapists, and social workers, and she was there for many - you know, calling in the priest, making sure the priests were there for various reasons, usually pending deaths - but she was also there as a chaplain for deaths. She did a lot of that amazing work.

I will say to the member across the floor, who I know has lots of experience in hospitals, that yes, there are many amazing things that happen in hospitals. Her family has received excellent care; colleagues whom I work with, their families have received excellent care; my families have received excellent care; and I have received excellent care in the hospital - I have, yes, I have - but I'm not done. I have a point in this.

The fact is that because many people, or some people, receive excellent care does not negate the fact that there is a serious issue happening in our province.

Many people are not accessing care where they need it and when they need it. We only have to think of the many people, the terrible numbers of youth mental health situations and the people who have decided to end their lives because they haven't been able to get the care that they need.

We need to actually take a moment, take pause, stop - I know I'm starting to sound like a broken record, unfortunately, but we have to stop patting ourselves on the back and congratulating ourselves for all these things when, in fact, there are some serious issues to deal with.

Yes, we are getting more doctors; we have 45 new doctors since we started the - that's fantastic because it is 45 less than we had before. But guess what? It's 65, 55 less than what we need. I'm sorry, I was told there would be no math in this job. (Laughter)

I would say that yes, while there are many amazing things happening in hospitals - the member's father-in-law who got a priest, whose health care team delayed the surgery because they wanted to get a priest - that is because of the health care workers on the ground, in that moment, being amazing.

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We also have to remember that most of what is happening in our health care system right now is not because of the infrastructure and systems and the amazingness of systems; it is because of the amazing work of dedicated health care professionals in this province who are working in spite of the system right now.

We are hearing that the system is crumbling around them because they can't take it any more. We have heard that from many health care workers, so let us take pause; let us orient this discussion in what is actually happening. Thank you for allowing me that preamble.

I want to speak about Dartmouth North and the health care situation in Dartmouth North. I would say that people in my constituency are feeling the impacts of the health care crisis very acutely. I want to focus my comments on the people who are living in poverty, and there are many who live in Dartmouth North. I would say that those folks are doubly affected by the lack of access to primary care and because of the social determinants of health.

We have heard these terms many times in this House and we have had this discussion many times, and I know that I am probably getting branded as the MLA who speaks about poverty all the time, but there it is. Poverty is a serious contributor to health issues and sickness - the social determinants of health, of course - but it is also connected to all kinds of other things that have happened in our province, so I am going to focus my comments on that.

Let's talk about primary care for a minute. In Dartmouth North we do have one primary care clinic. It is not taking any new patients and anyone who needs a walk-in clinic must go to other places in Dartmouth. There are two that we tell people about: the Woodlawn Medical Clinic and the one downtown on Portland Street.

The fact is, many people in my constituency do not have real access to primary care. Let's not forget about a certain population in Dartmouth North where getting around, transportation, and actually crossing over Victoria Road, is a major issue for many people in my constituency. It might seem oh, well, we're urban, we have access to transportation, but it is more than a bus pulling up on a certain road. It is a whole bunch of other things. We lack primary care services in Dartmouth North. We definitely do.

Why is it important that a primary care provider would know something about someone's social and economic situation? We know that lots of illnesses are exacerbated by poor housing, inadequate grocery money, chronic stress of working several jobs, and trying to make ends meet.

While we're talking about housing for a minute, I would also like to point out all of the great self-congratulatory comments that we have been hearing from this government about housing and all of the amazing things they're doing about housing, instead of looking at the housing crisis that is happening in metro - but also all across the province - straight in the face and saying, yes, we recognize that this is an issue and we are the government, and it is our job to pull up our sleeves and meet this issue head-on. We see there is a problem and we're going to do something about it, instead of all the deflecting that has been happening for the last 35 days. It's unbelievable how we can't get a straight answer about any of these things.

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All I want to hear is that someone hears that there is a problem and that someone is doing something about it, but we can't get that from this government.

We know that social determinants of health have physiological consequences. Here's an example. Chronic stress causes the body to produce a hormone called cortisol. Sustained elevated levels of cortisol are found in people who live in chronic economic insecurity. Sustained elevated levels of cortisol are a direct contributor to the development of type 2 diabetes. Diabetes is a terrible thing to have. Type 2 diabetes is a terrible thing to have to live with, but it's also a major stress on our health care system, and it's completely preventable.

Poverty is a cycle, and it's a trap. The social systems that we have in this province and the government that we have, which refuses to address any of the problems in the social systems, make it very difficult to escape. We know that there are doctors in the ER at Dartmouth General Hospital who are now naming poverty as a diagnosis. That's bad.

While the society-level issues that create inequality and poverty do need to be addressed at a structural level, primary care providers are well-placed to use medicine to help people who are struggling under the burden of poverty. Some primary care providers have started prescribing income. This is what you need. You need some money, sir. Imagine.

In Ontario, there's a project at the Centre for Urban Health Solutions at St. Michael's Hospital in Toronto. They're piloting an automated patient screening process that sensitively tests for income security and offers patient-tailored supports that doctors and nurses can connect their patients to. Through individual assessment and group education sessions, the program works to increase income by, for example, improving knowledge of government benefits, assisting with applications, encouraging tax filing - all these issues that we see when people are encountering poverty, all the things they need to put in place to ever get, at all, any of the benefits that they can be qualified for. Reduced expenses, for example, finding free goods and services and improving financial literacy, like budgeting and debt management.

When a person who is economically vulnerable doesn't have access to primary care, they're missing out on opportunities for support. They're missing out on the chance to be counted.

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We in the NDP would put these programs into place because we know that they make sense and that it's the right thing to do. Screening patients at the point of access to care would produce granular data on the vulnerability of many members of our community that might spur this government to act in ways that they have so far refused to do. For instance, if the government could see how many Nova Scotians making under $15 an hour develop type 2 diabetes and connected that figure to how much it costs our health care system to treat that population, perhaps finally they would understand why it's important to make a meaningful and substantial increase to minimum wage.

Maybe if the government understood what percentage of our province's many cases of asthma and cardiovascular disease occurred in people living in unfit rental housing, they'd be more inclined to believe the thousands of tenants across Nova Scotia demanding new affordable housing and protections against rent increases on the substandard dwellings that they are already living in.

[11:30 a.m.]

Perhaps if we knew that many cases of anxiety and depression are tied to being stigmatized by our ESIA system, they would raise the rates and make the application process less brutal and allow people to retain their dignity when they need help.

People in Dartmouth North are facing all of these issues. I am speaking, obviously, as the MLA for Dartmouth North, but I am also speaking about people all across the province. There is no community in this province, I am sure, where there are not people who are facing these kinds of issues. But the people in my community are facing them, and it's taking a toll on people's health care.

With the rising rents, we see people choosing between their rent and their medication, and we know what that does. We know that if it's a medication for a mental health issue, well, it throws people into mental health crisis, and people are tailspinning; if it's a medication for diabetes, we know they're going to get sicker. We know that there are going to be chronic issues. So, we're choosing between rent, medication, and food, which is obviously very important to maintaining one's health.

I will mention again, for instance, the many cases of people looking for housing in my constituency. Here's the latest. I got a Facebook message on the weekend about a single mom who has a three-year-old - a completely responsible, engaged woman in our community who is now facing eviction. Where is she going to go? Where is she going to go if there's no MRHA housing left? There is nowhere, literally nowhere, that is at all affordable in Dartmouth North to live. A woman with a three-year-old child. Maybe she could go and get a tent from her ESIA worker, like the other person in my community who was also offered a tent to go and sleep outside somewhere. This is what is happening right now, folks.

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The crisis in primary care affects all Nova Scotians, but those who are already struggling stand to sink deeper into the struggles if we don't have access to a health care provider who can help them.

Just in my last couple of minutes, I would like to shout out, as my colleague for Argyle-Barrington did - there are many people in Dartmouth North working on the ground on these issues - people who are working in housing supports, people who are working on improving access to health care in Dartmouth North, people who are working to get primary care support in our community.

Also, I want to shout out especially a couple of the amazing pharmacists and pharmacy technicians who are working. The pharmacy on 6 Primrose, the Lawtons there, the main pharmacist there is Irene Glinksy. Irene and her team are acting as health care navigators in the community. They are pointing people in the direction of services that they can try to access, if there weren't such huge wait lines. Without those folks at that pharmacy - and I'm sure the other pharmacies in Dartmouth North are doing the same thing - people would be a lot less able to access the services that are there. So, I want to thank all of the people in Dartmouth North who are working on these issues.

I really, really encourage the government, in the space we have until the next sitting, to actually grapple with these issues. Come up with some meaningful plans to address some of the issues facing people in poverty, and really do the right thing and get people back on track.

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

BRIAN COMER « » : Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I'd like to thank the members for their comments thus far. It's great to see such a rosy picture of health care in Nova Scotia today, in some fantasy world - I'm not sure where it is right now.

Coming from being a front-line health care provider myself, this couldn't be further from the truth. To suggest that burnout among health care workers is from negativity is an absolute joke, really. Nonetheless, it is what it is.

I just want to talk specifically from a Cape Breton perspective today. It's kind of my goal. In order to understand what's going on right now in Cape Breton I think it's important to understand the health of the population of most Cape Bretoners. I was fortunate in my graduate studies to be able to conduct an executive summary on the health of Cape Breton, especially specifically regarding chronic diseases, incidences of diseases and those sorts of things. I want to go back to 1995, many years ago, the amalgamation of the Cape Breton Health Authority - then under a Liberal Government, as well. We lost 110 beds 25 years ago. Much has changed since then but nonetheless we are in an even more trying time today.

[Page 4964]

The incidence of chronic disease rates in Cape Breton, specifically diabetes, hypertension, obesity, substance abuse, COPD, for example, are significantly higher than the national average. For example, 26.7 per cent of Cape Bretoners have hypertension, 64.6 per cent obesity - just two that are well above the provincial average for the mainland and the country as a whole.

The life expectancy in Cape Breton is 1.6 years shorter than the rest of Nova Scotia, which is also pretty telling in itself. As I say, chronic diseases could be classified as diabetes, high blood pressure, cancer, heart disease, and COPD. Many health care providers, myself included, and many of my colleagues in Cape Breton, believe that most of these chronic diseases can be attributed to the social determinants of health, which are very well-known in literature in Canada, especially with the Public Health Agency of Canada, well-versed for policy-making both at a federal and a provincial level.

I'm going to list off a few of those and talk about how they're related to Cape Breton specifically: income and social status, employment and working conditions, education, literacy, childhood experiences, healthy behaviours, and access to health services. There are a couple that I would like to concentrate on. As I said earlier in this House, childhood poverty in Cape Breton is astronomically higher than in the rest of the country, much higher than the rest of Nova Scotia. The unemployment rate is two and a half times what it is in mainland Nova Scotia.

We knew this was coming for quite some time. I have an article here from 2014 from a local physician: The Island has twice the national average of people being admitted to hospital for chronic illness, according to the Canadian Institute for Health Information, and it's going to get worse. This is almost six years since this article was written and it has gotten a lot worse.

We knew this was coming, I just don't know why we didn't prepare for it properly, which is very unfortunate. This can also be attributed to a high rate of substance abuse, poor diet, alcohol use, and longstanding working in the coal and steel industries, which can also be attributed to a much higher incidence of lung cancer, COPD and respiratory issues, as well. For example, Nova Scotia was the only province in the country that showed a growth in child poverty, between 2015 and 2017, as cited by Statistics Canada.

Being a health care professional myself, and many colleagues of mine across the province would agree I think, the current model of care and delivery in Nova Scotia is fundamentally flawed. By fundamentally flawed I mean you're focused on hospital-based in-patient care.

There needs to be a focus on preventive, community-based care for these chronic conditions through walk-in clinics, preventive health lifestyle changes, and access to primary care and a family doctor, so that these situations don't snowball and escalate to the point where, when you are finally admitted to hospital, you are at the point of no return, as they say.

[Page 4965]

To use a couple of examples here, currently in the emergency room at the Cape Breton Regional Hospital, for example, 15 nurses resigned in August alone - that's a pretty straightforward statistic - due to burnout, lack of resources, lack of help, stress, mental health, fatigue. I know this because many have called me to tell me this personally.

The Glace Bay ER was open for four days this Summer, which is supposed to be a pillar of the new redevelopment strategy. It will just be a new building that is empty, basically, under the current game plan, which is unfortunate.

Moving on to the Baddeck ER, there has been a lot in the news lately in regard to issues at Baddeck. That facility was designed to see approximately 200 visits per month when it was designed initially; now it is seeing upwards of 700 visits a month, 50 per cent to 85 per cent of which come directly from the Cape Breton Regional Hospital.

There was an article last week, indicating the doctors are actually approaching their own municipal leaders in order to hire their own private recruiters for physicians. This is a quote from a local physician who works at that facility: "They've just sort of sucked it up thus far and dealt with it. But they're getting run down and it's not sustainable for them to do that." That gives you an impression of what a front-line health care worker really thinks who's working in the trenches.

Moving on to long-term care - I have worked in long-term care for a couple of years. Nova Scotia has an aging population. It's not a surprise it has been called a tsunami by some critics; I'll table that momentarily. It is estimated that we could need 50 per cent more long-term care beds by 2030; so basically in 10 years - not hundreds - we actually need thousands and thousands or we're going to be in big trouble.

I've worked in a long-term care facility in Glace Bay. I think when I started there were two RNs and an LPN on nights; and then it was an RN and an LPN; and then there was me for 116 residents, just to give you an idea. I remember one shift, there was a palliative patient; a patient who had a fall; and a patient with chest pain, all at the same time. Budgetary constraints and staffing ratios are pretty self-explanatory, I think.

I'd like to also mention the Homes for Special Care Act, which is severely outdated, lacks updates, lacks staffing ratios. In the last couple of years there even have been cuts in dietary allotments for residents, with decreasing meals, which basically affects nutrition in the vulnerable states that they are in.

Coming from a background of mental health as well, I'd like to talk a little bit about violence in the workplace, especially in health care. The health care workers in Nova Scotia are 10 times more likely to report violence on the job than workers in other industries in the province; this ranges from yelling to violent assaults.

[Page 4966]

There's a specific incident here also from Cape Breton describing a physician who refused to prescribe narcotics for a patient. The patient lambasted the physician with a punch to the jaw and knocked him to the floor. Sadly enough, that is commonplace in the current health care system.

I'd like to talk a little bit about mental health of actual employees in the health care system, especially in Nova Scotia. This is an article from September 18^th, talking about paramedics: "Morale among paramedics in the Maritimes is at an 'all-time low:' N.S. union president." Staffing is a huge issue, lack of compensation and equipment resources continue to be a constant concern affecting employee morale and public safety.

[11:45 a.m.]

Next is a physician discussing physician burnout which he classifies as a very serious issue in Nova Scotia. There was actually a survey sent to physicians - 2,287 physicians and only 372 responded, so I believe that, in itself, is a response. They suggested cynicism and exhaustion play a significant factor in the response rate and physician burnout. They are calling for an improved relationship and collaboration between themselves, the provincial government, and the Nova Scotia Health Authority.

This next story I'd like to talk about is from Antigonish, actually. It discusses how 10 doctors left Antigonish last year; this is from last April. I was reading this last night and the story is quite remarkable. It talks about a young physician moving to the area after 13 years in medical school with significantly high student loans, a spouse and a small child, and just discussing how, apart from their full-time duties as a physician, they are either on-call, pre-call, or post-call every day of their life: I had zero ability to modify that; I was just burnt out and I just needed a little bit of help. It just goes on to discuss the life stresses, the long hours, the issues of money with a significant loan debt, and a spouse who couldn't work due to scheduling issues. These are people who work in the system, people who are in the system right now.

It also discusses how nurses are often asked to come and work beyond their scheduled hours but are not offered any overtime pay. Now, why in the world would anyone give up the rest of the day, leave their family behind, to come work for straight time which they are unlikely to see, anyway, due to taxes? So what happens? They usually decline to come in for the shifts. Roadblocks are put up. Furthermore, it goes on to discuss just the poor remuneration and the lack of flexibility for lifestyle and personal beliefs with physicians.

There is then the example of a gentleman from Annapolis Valley who died awaiting an ambulance transfer for a routine CAT scan and further treatments. I could table these documents for days from the last year alone. There are just too many, so I picked what I thought was significant.

[Page 4967]

There continue to be significant negative issues in Cape Breton prescribing to mental health and addictions, especially the constant lack of in-patient beds for both psychiatric and in-patient detox patients, the lack of a child-adolescent psychiatrist, no addiction treatment programs for anyone under the age of 18, and having families with children under the age of 12 travelling to the IWK for severe mental health issues. I think these issues resonated on the doorsteps of my recent by-election because this is what came up 95 per cent of the time.

I do commend the current government for implementing infrastructure that is coming in the coming years. I do think this problem is a human capital problem, a human resource problem that needs to be resolved right now, and not in five years. I think that is the primary issue, and I hear that time and time again from people.

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

ALLAN MACMASTER « » : Mr. Speaker, would you please call Resolution No. 853.

Res. 853, Health Care in N.S.: Crisis - Recog. - notice given Mar. 26/19 - (Karla MacFarlane)

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

KARLA MACFARLANE « » : Mr. Speaker, I am honoured, as always, to be able to stand in my place and speak on Resolution No. 853. We are speaking on this resolution that I had put forward so that all members, if they wished, could take the opportunity to stand in their places and share their stories - good, bad, indifferent - on the health care crisis here in Nova Scotia that we all face.

What frustrates me the most is that since I first took my place in this House in the Fall of 2013, nothing has really changed. The questions that I asked back then are still the same questions that I'm asking today.

I remember one of my very first questions was around health care. I remember standing in my place and asking questions about doctor shortages, overworked paramedics, and for that matter all allied health care professionals. I remember speaking about my local hospital, the Sutherland Harris Memorial Hospital, and the wonderful services and staff there. There are some incredible people who work in our health care services.

At the Pictou Sutherland Harris Memorial Hospital, in that one building we have blood collection, a dialysis unit, restorative care, the veteran's unit, and we have a health clinic. These services are much needed in my area. But in 2013, I was asking the then Minister of Health and Wellness about the expansion of a dialysis unit at the Sutherland Harris Memorial Hospital, and I was reassured that there would be reviews and that they were looking at Pictou. But yet, I stand here today and find myself asking the same question to the now Minister of Health and Wellness; again, not a lot has changed.

[Page 4968]

Services are decreasing across the province, and it's making it more and more difficult for Nova Scotians to access the medical care they need - whether it's primary care, home care, long-term care, mental health and addiction services - they're not there. They're not easy to access.

Speaking of long-term care, basically, let's just get to the heart of it. There is no doubt in this Chamber that every single member in here wants to see improvement in our health care system. We do identify that there are many good things happening in the health care system but, as we often say in this Chamber, no one comes through our door with good news, unfortunately.

Yes, I wish that sometimes media would pick up on more good news stories, but the reality is that we have to listen to the narrative of Nova Scotians. Those Nova Scotians are coming to our constituency offices and sharing their personal health care stories, their crises of being in the health care system in Nova Scotia.

Under any government - the Liberals, the NDP, or the Progressive Conservatives - there will always be room for improvements because success is never-ending. However, the reality at this very moment is that Nova Scotians cannot access the care they need.

If we turn our attention for a moment to long-term care facilities, we know there is an increase of residents with very complex health care issues compared to two or three decades ago; even just a decade ago was different. I know that when I volunteered at the Shiretown Nursing Home in Pictou in high school, it was mostly couples sharing a room together. We would go in and read to them and do errands for them, but they were still very capable individuals. That is not necessarily the case now.

Those individuals, at the time when I was volunteering, are staying in their homes longer and we appreciate that; we want that to happen. So, there are very complex cases that are happening.

I know that we have to have a sincere focus on those with dementia because we know that this disease is increasing rapidly. We also know that there's an increase with those with physical, mental, and emotional disabilities, and this compounds the workload that our health care workers already experience. These complex health care issues require more and more resources, not just financially, but more manpower as well.

This Liberal Government has recently announced more beds for long-term care, and I applaud them on this; that's great, they identified that we have a need. We still need more, and I hope that there are more beds that will be on the horizon.

[Page 4969]

Madam Speaker, if this government neglects to address the inadequate patient-staff ratio, then what happens is patients or residents at long-term care facilities are neglected. We certainly witnessed that in the case of Chrissy Dunnington. Chrissy should never, never have died. She was a beautiful young woman with a jovial spirit, and I know how much she is missed by family and friends.

There is a group called MEGA. Now, I'm not certain if everyone in this Chamber is familiar with MEGA, but MEGA stands for Make Emergency Great Again. (Interruption) Madam Speaker, there's no laughing matter over this group. This group was formed by doctors. They didn't form this group because they have nothing to do. We can only imagine why they formed this group. This group was formed by like-minded emergency care workers, such as Dr. Robert Miller. He ignited this group out of the sheer frustration of getting burned out and seeing a system collapse around him and his colleagues.

If there were no health care crisis in this province, do people in this Chamber actually think that doctors and allied health care professionals would create such a group and travel across this province on their own dime, trying to provide information, trying to meet with members of the Liberal Government to try to make suggestions to improve our health care system? No. They have better things to do.

The system is broken. Look, it took all governments; we're all at fault here. But what is so frustrating is that this government does not want to listen to the ideas and suggestions that are coming forward from the people on the front lines. It still frustrates me deeply, to this day, that when I ran in 2013 I continued to hear on the doorsteps: Karla, the Liberal Government is promising a doctor for every Nova Scotian, and you know we have a doctor shortage here in Pictou West, so I'm going to go with the Party that is going to ensure I have a doctor.

Well, guess what? We still find ourselves without a doctor, myself included. My colleague, the member for Argyle-Barrington spoke earlier about how people are going into emergency and finding out that they have cancer. Well, guess what? I'm from a family where that happened.

My mom didn't have a doctor. She wasn't well; I said, we're going to emergency. Within three hours, the doctor, who was absolutely fabulous said, your mother has cancer, and it's not good. She asked: How do you want us to address this? She doesn't have a doctor. Do you want me to go in and tell her that she has cancer, or do you want to go in and tell her?

It just deeply resonated with me that, oh my gosh, my parents don't have a doctor. They've never needed a doctor, but when they needed a doctor, they didn't have one. I had to go in and tell my mother, you're going to die. You have cancer. They're giving you X amount of months. I had to do that. But it would have been really nice and comforting to know that the support would have been there for me to take her back to her doctor and go in with her and have someone who knows - I was compassionate, but it was unfamiliar territory for me.

[Page 4970]

Just recently, my father, 75 years old, is not well. He doesn't have a doctor. The last two months, trying to navigate the system - we've been lucky enough to get him to different specialists, and we've seen seven or eight different ones, but each one keeps asking: Where do we send this information? Where do we send these test results? Who is championing for my father? Who is looking after his files? Where is this all going? Who can put the pieces together to identify really what is going on with him?

[12:00 noon]

Madam Speaker, my father, 75 years old, has never been sick in his life, doesn't have a doctor but didn't need one. But now, again, he needs a doctor and doesn't have a doctor. He worked 46 years with the same company and did not call in sick once - not once. Now we find ourselves trying to navigate a system that is completely broken and it's very, very frustrating.

Madam Speaker, we heard earlier from our Leader about the system this government is trying to put in place - One Person One Record. I will advise, not that anyone in this Chamber believes that I have the credentials, but I would advise with all my research and investigating that this government should stop in your tracks right now. You are investing what will be at the end of the day - mark my word - at the end of the day this system is going to be close to $1 billion of Nova Scotia taxpayers' money - and guess what? It is already ancient. This system is already ancient. It has been proven time and time again that it doesn't work in other places. We need to go back to the start. There is nothing wrong in saying look, we did a little bit of investigating, I think we spent X amount of money to this point, but this isn't going to work.

Madam Speaker, this government needs to take immediate action to create more long-term care beds, to unload overcrowded hospitals and emergency departments because we are on the cusp of approaching a rough winter flu season. We've gotten the warnings; we've heard.

There have been a lot of great bills from this side of the floor, lots of practical bills that could be implemented almost immediately that would assist this government in improving the health care system, but every time Opposition - whether it's NDP or the PC Party - introduces bills around health care, they are never even considered for second reading, unless of course we call them on our Opposition Day. But they are not even considered.

[Page 4971]

I hear a member across the floor saying they will. You know just yesterday in Question Period, Madam Speaker, I spoke about Bernie Clarke, an 88-year-old friend of mine who is going to be starting dialysis. Again, guess where Bernie is going to have to go to receive that treatment that will save his life? He has to find a way to get to Halifax, possibly Antigonish, which would be closer, 45 minutes, but more than likely he is going to have to, at 88 years old, travel to Halifax to receive that treatment.

I could go on and on, all day, but, Madam Speaker, I just want to reaffirm that we need to start working together. We take the fault together, let's start working together in order to ensure better health care in Nova Scotia. Thank you so much.

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

BRENDAN MAGUIRE « » : Madam Speaker, I appreciate the comments from the member opposite on health care. The resolution in the last line does acknowledge the health care crisis, but it also speaks about the great work done by our nurses, our health care professionals, and our staffing.

So, I want to touch on that, but there are a few things that I wanted to say before I get started.

There was a comment made about One Person One Record. I know that B.C., for example, has had this type of program implemented for a long time. One of the biggest complaints that I've heard from people, not just in my community but in the member's community and communities right across Nova Scotia is, depending on what facility they are going to, the health care records are not being shared.

One of the things they've done in B.C., very successfully for a long time, is they have access to patients' records. So, imagine having type 2 diabetes and being picked up by a paramedic in Vancouver and them being able to put your name into the computer and know immediately that you have type 2 diabetes, if you have allergies, when the last time you went to the hospital, what you went to the hospital for, and things like that. Imagine how helpful that would be.

I do want to say to the member opposite that, while I appreciate her enthusiasm, I think that if done correctly, as we've seen in other jurisdictions, this would be a huge help for our front-line workers. It would take a lot of stress off, it would take a lot of resources that are being used for diagnosing and contacting other medical facilities and finding out what treatments and what kind of care they've had, it would take that out of their hands and let them deal with the issue at hand.

One of the things that was said was that our system is completely, completely broken - and that was said several times over and over and over - that our system is completely broken. Well, you know what, I don't agree with that because I don't think our system is completely broken.

[Page 4972]

We have hard-working men and women working on the front line, working behind the scenes, working in the Department of Health and Wellness, and to say that a system is completely broken is to insinuate that, for some reason, they are part of that and that is part of what is broken in our system.

I don't believe that. We've heard some stories about our health care system, and the member opposite had said, essentially, that nothing has been done; barely anything has been done over the last six years. Well, I'd like to tell you a story.

When I first got elected, a friend of mine, Tracey, who is a nurse practitioner who was working in Musquodoboit at the time, had reached out to me. We sat down and had a long conversation about everything nurse practitioners can do; it opened my eyes. I never actually knew - I have a lot of friends who are nurses - but I never knew the difference between a registered nurse, an LPN, and a nurse practitioner.

She said to me at that time - there may have been a dozen nurse practitioners working in Nova Scotia - that no government had ever invested in nurse practitioners. In fact, I called Dalhousie University School of Nursing and I spoke to members of the School of Nursing, some of the educators there, and they said the biggest problem they had, is they were telling nurse practitioners that once they graduate, they were not going to be able to get practice because there were no nurse practitioners in Nova Scotia; there are very few. So, what was happening is these nurse practitioners were moving away or they were letting their licences expire on nurse practitioning.

Six years later we have over 200 nurse practitioners who are working directly in our system, and I am proud to say that Tracey has now moved from Musquodoboit to Spryfield and has taken on a whole host of patients there. She is working with doctors, she is working with family practice nurses, and they have never felt more valued. Nurse practitioners have never felt more valued than they do right now because they can actually go to school, they can actually get educated on this. In fact, there was a program that we just introduced, which I think was for about $1.2 million, where there are 10 seats open for registered nurses to become nurse practitioners, and they don't lose their pay.

So, while they are in school for those two years getting educated, becoming nurse practitioners who are an extremely valuable part of the health care system - that can help offload some of the tremendous amount of work and stress that are on our doctors - and we all recognize that; we keep hearing words like, you need to say this word, you need to say that word. Well, they are just words. What we need is action.

The last budget we just passed was a health care budget. The capital budget that came out was a health care capital budget. There's money for hospitals. There's money for machines that are needed for health care practitioners. There's money for new technology. There's money for dialysis. There's more seats for doctors. There's more seats for nurses. Those aren't words, Madam Speaker. Those are actions, and actions are what are going to help the health care system.

[Page 4973]

Madam Speaker, we are working every single day with front-line workers. We are working with the Department of Health and Wellness. We're working with front-line workers. We're working with doctors. We're working with nurses. We're working with everybody to figure out what we can do to make the health care system better. When you've had decades of under-investment - if we want to speak about investment, one of the things that popped into my mind while we've had this discussion is that I remember there was a certain leadership race going on. One of the individuals who was running for leader had said, and put it on social media, that there would be no increases to the health care budget but they would find money within the current health care funding. That individual went on to become leader of the Progressive Conservatives. They may deny it, but it's on the internet. It's on the internet. (Interruption)

I just heard another member say, that must mean it's true. It's his own words. It's his own face. It was on his site.

I ask those members, where does the money come from? Where does the money come from for raises for doctors? Where does the money come from for new seats for physicians? Where does the money come from for a brand-new hospital and hospitals in Cape Breton that need to be upgraded? Where are you going to find the billions and billions of dollars within the health care system, the current health care budget? Who's going to suffer? Where does that money come from? It has to come from somewhere.

You either reinvest new money, or you're taking it away. What we heard, and what I read and everybody read, was that the Liberal Government is wasting money on health care. We will find billions - I heard the member for Cole Harbour-Eastern Passage just say yes. Maybe she can stand up and tell us where they'll find billions and billions and billions of dollars in savings in the health care system. Nova Scotians want to know, where are you going to find the money to build new hospitals?

When I talk to young physicians and nurses and front-line care workers from all over, one of the first things that comes out of their mouth is, we need new technology. We need new infrastructure. It's not just about money. It's not just about resources. They're saying: imagine going to another jurisdiction and seeing state-of-the-art technology and seeing brand-new hospitals that aren't leaking, that have safe water in them. Imagine having that. This is what they're saying to me. Then tell me, what is the initiative to stay in these old hospitals? What we said was, you're absolutely right. You're right. We need to invest in new infrastructure. We need to sit down and have discussions with Doctors Nova Scotia, with the Nurses' Union, with the NSGEU, with CUPE, and have these conversations.

[Page 4974]

I've been here for six years, and I heard the member say that no health care bill from the Opposition has ever been approved. I'll challenge her on that. I remember former member Dave Wilson sitting over there and getting a health care bill through, one for paramedics. I don't know about you, Madam Speaker, but I'm sure paramedics are part of the health care system. I remember. That bill did not come from the Liberal Government. That bill came from the former NDP member for Sackville-Cobequid. (Interruption)

The member for Dartmouth South just said it took him nine years. You know what? Part of those years, the New Democratic Party were in government. I would say to you, if it took nine years, what were you guys doing for three years when you had a majority government? That's what I would say. He was the Health and Wellness Minister. Why did it take a Liberal Health and Wellness Minister to put through . . .

THE SPEAKER « » : I'd like to remind the member to address the Chair.

[12:15 p.m.]

BRENDAN MAGUIRE « » : Madam Chair, why did it take a Liberal Health and Wellness Minister and a Liberal Premier to put through the bill of an NDP Health and Wellness Minister and an NDP Premier, who at the time had a majority government? I don't want pick at the NDP because I know that was a great bill. I've had many conversations with the former member and he was extremely passionate about it and it was the right thing to do. But I just wanted to clear the record.

It's not fair to stand up and say, you've never done something, when it's clearly in the public record. It's not fair to stand up in this House and say, "I didn't say that," when you've given interviews, when you've put it in your platform, when you've run on it. People in Nova Scotia are smarter than that. It's absolutely not fair to stand up here and say things to one person and then turn around and go into another community and say something different.

I know they're going to get up and they're going to say all kinds of things, and that's fine but the truth is that I am not making this up, this is fact. I see members over there rolling their eyes and sighing, but it just takes a 30-second Google search. I did a 30-second Google search and saw that a Progressive Conservative government will not increase health spending, but I bet you that if we stand out there today that it's going to be different, it will change. They'll stand out there and say: we're in a crisis, we need to increase spending, the Liberals don't believe we're in a crisis and they're not going to do anything about it.

The last bill we increased spending on health care. We've recognized every single year that there's a health care issue and we've increased funding to health care every single year. We've hired more nurse practitioners than have ever worked in this province. You know what? I will say this, you are right. This isn't about standing here and patting ourselves on the back. There is a lot more to do.

[Page 4975]

One of the issues I have is that the members opposite refuse to even acknowledge - not all of you - some of them who stand up and talk about the health care issue even refuse to acknowledge that there are positive steps happening, that new dialysis machines are positive, that hospitals that were built under my former MLA John Buchanan need to be replaced and updated.

It was good spending then, it's bad spending now. Why is it bad spending now? When we hear, "You know what, it's not going to make a difference, we need bodies." Yes, we need bodies, that's why we're investing in education. That's why, if doctors stay in Nova Scotia, we invest hundreds of thousands of dollars in them individually to keep them here. We are a small province, but I would argue that we are a mighty province.

It's not easy to compete but we do. I've heard for the last three days the members opposite attack immigration, say Nova Scotia is not doing anything, they are below this, they are below that, our immigration system is horrible. I just read an article today on the CBC that, in spite of us, these new streams that were created - in spite of us - brought in 45 new doctors from the U.K.

I have absolutely no problem with the members opposite being critical, that's their job. I think everybody in this Chamber - I know - we all want what's best for Nova Scotians, we all want what's best for our children and our parents and, yes, we sometimes have different ways of getting there. All I ask is that when you stand up that you acknowledge some of the positive things, as we've personally acknowledged, not just through words but through our actions, that we need to do more.

So, I appreciate the debate and I hope that they take those words and they at least let it sink in a little bit.

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

LISA ROBERTS « » : Madam Speaker, I'm going to begin by responding a little bit to what we just heard. I will absolutely acknowledge that there is amazing health care available in Nova Scotia. I would say, particularly, our health care system has been designed to be effective when it comes to acute care. The fact is that there are many health care challenges in Nova Scotia and not all of them present acutely one time. One of those challenges that does not present in an acute and one-time emergency sort of situation is mental health care.

That is going to be the focus of my remarks, but let me first say before I get there entirely, that while I appreciate that it is important to recognize where things are good and what progress has been made, frankly, I would suggest that the biggest failure of this government was in not acknowledging the good work that had been done by the government that had immediately preceded it and for stopping those things in their tracks.

[Page 4976]

Particularly, I would highlight the mental health strategy, which had tremendous engagement from all the right stakeholders across the province and was just at the early stage of its implantation. I would also highlight collaborative emergency centres, using paramedics - the strategy that Maureen MacDonald, working with Dr. John Ross, developed to respond to emergency room closures across Nova Scotia.

At the point that this government took office, there was a list of the next round of collaborative emergency centres that were slated to be opened across the province. Instead of following through on that work - which was, in the end, not particularly partisan work. It was the hard work of looking at a system and working with the health care providers and the public servants who worked in that system. This government chose, instead, to just turn the page: let's do something fresh and new; let's consolidate the health authorities.

While there are some benefits to breaking down the silos that sometimes existed between health authorities, a lot of that work could have been done without that dramatic focus and the kind of, let's stop and pause for two years, let's stop and pause while we reorganize the deck chairs. That was not necessary and it was not productive, and we lost time and we lost momentum. That is on this government 100 per cent. I will also highlight that a major contributor to the real challenges of our health care system at this moment was the signing of a health care accord that did not recognize the particular demographic profile of Nova Scotia.

One question that I have asked in Budget Estimates - I believe we have tabled it as a written question during this session - is, what is the average age at which a health card is issued in Nova Scotia? The reason I am asking that is because if you picture a population reproducing itself, who would get the new health care cards? Babies, right? So you might think that the average card would be issued to somebody at zero months of age or six months of age or maybe, if there's some immigration coming into the province, maybe six years of age or maybe twelve years of age.

I want to know the average age at which a health care card is issued in Nova Scotia because I can tell you - from my own family, from going door to door in my constituency - that there are many older people who migrate to Nova Scotia for their retirement. Not only is our population aging naturally, because we know that our population as it is today is older than most other Canadian provinces, but a lot of people also are choosing to retire here and have always chosen to retire here - and why wouldn't you want to?

People who have worked in Ontario for much of their adult lives, worked in British Columbia or Alberta, where wages are higher - military people, many military families that have been stationed in Nova Scotia for one tour, one period of their career, will say, oh, where did I like living best - Nova Scotia, let me retire there.

[Page 4977]

That's wonderful, we want those people, we welcome those people. But when the government negotiates a health care accord that does not recognize our demographic challenges, we are saying yes, we will welcome people at the inevitable end stage of life because in the end we all die and most of us die when we are old, we can be grateful for that. Therefore, most of us will need more health care at the end of our life.

Just as the member for Pictou West told us the story of her father who was healthy his entire life and didn't need a doctor - that is not an uncommon story. In fact, it is the very story of humanity. So knowing that, how can a government responsibly accept and sign and come away with health care funding that does not recognize our demographic challenges? That is a very real underpinning, rotten plank underneath our health care system.

So all of that said, let's talk about mental health care. Nova Scotians report one of the highest lifetime prevalence rates of mental health disorders in Canada, 41.7 per cent compared to 33.1 per cent nationally. There are barriers to publicly-funded mental health services that create a two-tier system in our province. If you can pay for mental health care, whether out of your pocket or through insurance, you can seek treatment through a private provider. However, if you are not able to afford fees, which are generally between $125 and $250 an hour, entering a therapeutic relationship in the public system can take months, if not years.

Nova Scotia has seen a number of high-profile mental health crises in the past decade. Access to mental health care is a high priority for Nova Scotians, but our spending on mental health makes up only 4 per cent of the overall $4 billion health care budget.

In 2017, the Liberals ran on a promise of creating a single point of entry into the mental health care system - meaning that in order to get any service, patients must first be seen for a choice and partnership appointment. That intake appointment determines their eligibility and how long it will take for an individual who is in mental distress to connect with a service provider.

This is a patient-flow management technique that requires the province to choose which mental health issue they want to focus on at their intake appointment rather than actually having their story and their needs unfold organically. The lack of funding for the services that clients are asked to choose between or choose from can substantially extend the wait time for actual treatment.

Nova Scotia imported this approach from the United Kingdom where program evaluations have consistently found that, while this choice and partnership approach can reduce listed wait times, without adequate resources in the broader system clients get stuck between the choice appointment and the partnership appointment. How this manifests in my constituency office is that we hear from constituents who have had that choice appointment, and now feel like they have been slotted into some sort of service, some sort of response that doesn't actually meet their need.

[Page 4978]

But also we have heard from people who have had that first appointment and been provided a list of resources in the community, many of them from non-profit organizations, that do not have the ability to respond to those needs. We are consistently seeing that this government is relying on non-profit organizations that want to and are striving to respond to critical mental health needs in our community but the government is not interacting with those non-profits as real partners; instead, they are downloading the need and abdicating responsibility.

[12:30 p.m.]

Recently I had an interaction with an executive director of a non-profit who is frequently cited by this government when they're talking about one of their strategies, and yet that organization is struggling to meet payroll.

We've heard from people in my office who have been told at the CHOICES appointment, when they've gone into the mental health clinic at Bayers Road, that they need cognitive behavioural therapy - but sorry - the government doesn't offer cognitive behavioural therapy. How's that?

In 2012, the NDP Government put the first ever mental health strategy in place after extensive community consultation and collaboration. While the Liberal Government has praised the work that went into the report, as of Spring 2018, no official program evaluation has been completed and a number of important tasks, such as the collection and monitoring of alcohol, drug, and gambling data, haven't even begun. Effectively, that strategy is tabled.

A sustainable and just approach to mental health in Nova Scotia must be guided by principles of client and family-centred care; authentic community collaboration; and community-level service delivery, deeply informed by an understanding of the social determinants of health. I'll say that the mental health system interacts with the other challenges in our health system.

Another story that I have heard at my constituency office is of patients who have been under the care of psychiatrists and have relocated to Nova Scotia and cannot find a family doctor, and therefore are unable to continue the care that they have had previously. They have a psychiatrist in another province who's ready to hand over a file to a psychiatrist here, but because the patient cannot find a family doctor there's a disconnect, and they fall into that gap.

I've also heard from family doctors and other primary health care providers who are caring for patients who have been to see a psychiatrist and have had that care, and for whatever reason - because we know that mental health care is complex and it's ever-changing - the regime that was established after consultation with the psychiatrist is no longer working. Somebody needs adjustments of their medications, but the family doctor cannot connect with the psychiatrist to do a consultation on the phone. The patient is left having to try to navigate up to that almost Holy Grail of an appointment with a psychiatrist because that's the only option; the only option seems to be to start back at the beginning of that very arduous journey.

[Page 4979]

We know that this has real effects. It has real effects on families; it has real effects on patients. I think that while the government may want to debate the use of the word "crisis," we can all agree that Nova Scotians - not all of them, not all the time, but many of them and too often - actually are in crisis. When they are in crisis, we should be able to provide them with the sort of health care, including mental health care, that they need.

In other jurisdictions, including jurisdictions that have similar budgets and similar populations to ours, same-day and next-day mental health appointments are becoming the norm because effectively, when you are in mental health crisis, an appointment that is six weeks away might as well not exist. You need help today. That is particularly true for youth, and while I appreciate what the government has done in terms of expanding SchoolsPlus and placing mental health resources at schools - I certainly know some of those people - not every person who needs that kind of assistance is in our school system.

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

ELIZABETH SMITH-MCCROSSIN « » : Madam Speaker, this is a big topic put before us today and, in preparing my notes and my thoughts for this speech, I thought, where do I even start? This is an overwhelming subject. Our health care system is complex, we all know that.

So, I speak this morning - I guess, this afternoon it is now - as a woman who cares deeply about people. Most here in the House know that I am a registered nurse and my husband is a family physician who also practises obstetrics. Health care has been our lives, and it has been in our lives by choice.

By the young age of five, I lost my mother to cancer, and I've always felt my purpose - the core of my purpose - is in health care. One thing I have witnessed as a registered nurse and now as an MLA is that the constant thing that keeps our health care system going is the dedication of every nurse, of every physician, of every lab tech, of every health care provider in this province. It is their dedication and their caring for their patients that is the foundation of what keeps our health care system afloat. But Madam Speaker, I feel compelled to speak on their behalf that they are drowning.

The health care professionals in this province are drowning, and these are not just my words. These words came just two days ago from a local psychiatrist who I know well, and she was crying on the phone with me. I feel compelled to make sure that I share her exact words: How can our health care professionals effectively take care of their patients whom they care so deeply about when they themselves feel like they are drowning?

[Page 4980]

We have a responsibility in this House to each and every citizen whom we represent. We have a duty that is too great to pass off as if it is someone else's responsibility. It is our responsibility, each one of us here in this government. We set the tone of the province, we set the culture, we set and make legislation for our health care system. We must take responsibility for every problem that exists in our health care system because it starts with us; it starts with legislation.

My colleague mentioned earlier that there have always been challenges in our health care system. We know that and I will recognize that, but there is no question that since the Health Authorities Act was put in place - this new piece of legislation that was created to make one Nova Scotia Health Authority - our system has definitely been in chaos.

This Nova Scotia Health Authority that we know was run for the first four years by a board of directors that had no physicians on the board. Let's compare this to the well-respected Mayo Clinic that we all know as our world leader, whose board is led by a physician CEO, and whose policy is that 50 per cent of all board members are physicians.

The fact is, Madam Speaker, that legislation and governance matter. Governance structures matter. How can a board responsible for the health care system have no health care professionals on the board? Typically, in good governance models in any industry, board members are made up of industry experts. Now, I will give credit to our Minister of Health and Wellness who did take our suggestion a couple of years ago and did place one voting member physician on the Nova Scotia Health Authority board, but governance matters, legislation matters.

Let's go through who is responsible. The Premier is responsible to appoint a Minister of Health, and the Minister of Health and Wellness is responsible for the Nova Scotia Health Authority Board of Directors. They are accountable to the minister. Earlier today I heard the minister make a comment to my colleague from, I believe, Cole Harbour-Eastern Passage, that it wasn't his responsibility, it was the responsibility of the Nova Scotia Health Authority. But let me remind us all here that he is responsible. It is his responsibility to make sure that board and that organization is effective.

The Nova Scotia Health Authority Board of Directors is responsible to make sure the CEO is effective, and the CEO is responsible for the operational effectiveness of the Nova Scotia Health Authority. The operations of the Nova Scotia Health Authority in the past four years have failed. We hear in this House day after day, story after story of patients that we have failed.

[Page 4981]

As a nurse I have watched over the last six years as my colleagues have worked in this province with no clear management structure in place - surgeons who cannot locate a manager to repair software for the colonoscopy; nurse practitioners who cannot find a manager to speak to for months because they wanted to request a vacation to attend a family wedding; physicians in the province whose chief of their department lives three hours away. The real-world experience of health care professionals in this organizational structure is chaos.

Earlier my colleague from Cole Harbour-Eastern Passage had asked for a copy of the organizational structure, and that's because it matters - leadership and strong management matter. I look only to the military as a good example - there's a clear chain of command, rules and responsibilities are clear. I believe this is what is needed for our health care system, strong governance and leadership for our health care professionals.

Why does this matter? I can tell you that as health care professionals, we put patients first, so when you have a board of directors for a health care system that has at least 50 per cent of their board members health care professionals, you are going to be as sure as anything that they are going to be making sure that board remembers that every decision on that board should be taking into consideration the patient and how every decision impacts patient care and impacts patients and their families. The needs of the patient must come first.

I believe one of the reasons the Mayo Clinic is so successful is because they have a legacy that is called Patients First Legacy - the patient comes first. Now some of you may be thinking well you can't really compare the Mayo Clinic, it's a private system. I disagree. It's their governance model that contributes to their success. Their number-one founding principle, even though they are in a private system, is: Continuing pursuit of the ideal of service and not profit. Their goal is about ideal of service, it's not about profit.

Service excellence. Service - the purpose of our health care system should always be serving the needs of the patient. When those governing our health care system have their main motive as serving the needs of the patient first, we will have a very different experience in this province for our patients and for our families.

We stand in this Chamber day after day and we hear story after story of patients whose needs were not put first. I could share more and more stories about that today, Madam Speaker, but I do think that as legislators we should be looking at the high level. We should be looking at governance and legislation and coming to accept that we have a responsibility to put changes in place that will impact the patient care.

I want to make a statement about partisan politics. I believe they have no place in our health care system. Last week I was told that a hospital in Tatamagouche is now offering incentives to the ER doctors so they will go there instead of working at the emergency room in my constituency. I have had two nurses, and now just today a physician verify that. Yet I had someone, when I asked the question in the Nova Scotia Health Authority say no, that's not true. So somewhere lies the truth, but I tend to believe my colleagues, my nurses and the physicians that I've worked with.

[Page 4982]

I believe that's wrong. I don't believe an emergency room that has the same level of designation, just because it's in the constituency of the Minister of Finance and Treasury Board, should be offering incentives, taking away emergency room physicians from my constituency. That's partisan politics. That has no place in our health care system.

[12:45 p.m.]

This week - actually it was last week - I brought up an article that was in the paper about partisan politics in health care and the fact that our Premier can make an announcement about a health care facility that is going to be built in his constituency and that the announcement is made, ground is broken, and construction is done, all within a year. Yet the people of Cumberland North were promised a new health care facility in April 2017, and no one still has seen the plans. He has assured me that he will keep his promise to the people, and I hope that is true. But I don't understand, I don't believe it's fair to the people of this province that partisan politics is being used in our health care system - it's not right, it's wrong.

Earlier I mentioned that our health care professionals are drowning, and I know some of my colleagues here in this House who are also health care professionals have also mentioned that. I do believe that if our government puts in proper legislation and proper governance, focusing on the patient, that will help our health care professionals. When our health care professionals are drowning, what happens? They stop coming to work because they can't handle it. They either leave the province or they leave their profession.

I'll share with you an example of what happened just yesterday. My husband was up through the night, he delivered two babies. He went home, he got two hours of sleep, he went into his office, got called for another delivery and, unfortunately, the baby needed some help. The baby needed to be transferred to another hospital and they needed a registered nurse to go who knew the proper airway management. But there were no registered nurses available because of the shortage of registered nurses, so my husband had to cancel his entire office and go with that baby because that is the priority, a sick baby. That is a result of the problems in our health care system, that there were no nurses available to go with this baby.

Now what happens to those 12 to 14 patients who were cancelled yesterday because his office is fully booked for the next three to four weeks? Out of those 12 to 14 patients you can guarantee that for some of them, their medications are probably running out this week, and they are going to have to go to the emergency department to get their medications filled. Some have a teenager who is going through a crisis, they are desperate, they are going to end up in the emergency department. Everything affects everything in the health care system.

[Page 4983]

Before my time is finished, I want to bring up continuing care. I believe strongly, and I've mentioned this in the House, that we need to stop paying for empty nursing home beds and residential care facility beds in this province. I also believe we have some problems with continuing care. We need an overhaul with continuing care. I believe assessors should be registered nurses. They need to understand clinical skills and be able to do strong assessments in making their decisions.

I've already brought up in this House - and I'm disappointed to say that although an appeal was made, I have an 85-year-old woman in my constituency who is starting to have falls, she stopped driving, and she has decided she needs help after living independently for 85 years. She and her physician agreed it was time. There are numerous empty residential care beds in our area being paid for, they are empty, and she was denied a bed. She is leaving this province to go and live with her daughter in Ontario because we will not give her a bed, even though they are empty, and we are paying for them to be empty.

It's wrong. An 85-year-old woman who has contributed to the economy in this province deserves better than that. (Applause) We need to start putting our patients first. Our health care system, our government should be focused on putting the people first, putting patients first. If we do that, we'll start seeing much better service.

Madam Speaker, it's time to put the patients first in this province, and I believe it needs to start today.

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

ALLAN MACMASTER « » : Madam Speaker, would you please call Resolution No. 508.

Res. 508, re N.S. Health Care: System Breakdown - Prioritize - notice given Oct. 5/18 - (Hon. C. d'Entremont)

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

TORY RUSHTON « » : Madam Chair, if I refer to you as Mr. Chair, I apologize right now. My speech is written, and I mean no disrespect.

THE SPEAKER « » : Madam Speaker.

TORY RUSHTON « » : Madam Speaker, thank you. You're going to do that a few times.

[Page 4984]

THE SPEAKER « » : I switched chairs.

TORY RUSHTON « » : Madam Speaker, during my days knocking on doors in the by-election, it was rewarding to get to meet so many great Nova Scotians. There were two things that were paramount that myself and my team gathered. If we were knocking on the door of a senior, there was one thing they wanted to talk about, and that was health care. If we were knocking on the door of a young family, they wanted to talk about education and health care. As I have been here for over a year now, not a week goes by that I don't get a phone call about somebody in my constituency who cannot access that health care.

I want to be clear right now that I do agree with the government side that there are good stories. Once somebody does get into that system and knows how to navigate it, it's great. The downfall, what we're seeing in rural parts of Nova Scotia like mine in Cumberland South, is a lack of primary health care professionals, a lack of ERs.

As Opposition, it's our job to bring the questions of Nova Scotians to the floor of this Legislature, to seek answers, and to give ideas. That's the democratic way. That's what's so great about our province. That's our job.

But let's be honest. Constituents don't come to our offices when there's nothing wrong. They just don't. Our offices are there for when they're in a time of need. Sitting here and being accused from across the floor of demoralizing the health care system by asking questions or making statements - I don't buy that for one minute.

As I've said, I hear regularly from constituents that they can't access doctors, that they have no choice but to go to the ERs. What's going on? Those ERs in Cumberland County are closed. So, what are they left to do? They go to the regional. Fifteen-hour waits, hallway medicine - is this okay? I think not. We can do better. We really can do better. Not once have I stated, as accused, that we need more money for health care - not once. What we need in this health care system is better management.

I hear from residents who can't access doctors, or it's a long time to get to their nurse practitioner. When they get specialty appointments, the wait-lists - I think government has acknowledged that. The minister has acknowledged some of those issues. I challenge some of the members opposite, who have painted rosy pictures, to come and live in Cumberland South for a while because it's not all rosy. When you're a patient with a severe cancer treatment that's needed and have no family doctor to go to and don't know how to navigate the system, where do Nova Scotians go? They come to our offices.

I don't believe that by asking questions or making statements we're demoralizing it at all. Come to that ER in Amherst, our regional in Cumberland County, and see those front-line nurses who are tired. They're worn out. They're flooded. It's not because of questions. It's because there's a lot of patients out there who need better services.

[Page 4985]

I want to recognize those front-line health care workers. Many of them are my family members. It's a small area in Cumberland County. Many of them are my family members, and I hear first-hand what goes on. Once you navigate that system and you get through it and learn how to get it, we have some of the best services right here in Nova Scotia - when you can get it.

As I brought up in this House before, our ERs are closed in Cumberland County. I'd just like to point out what's on the Nova Scotia Health Authority site right now: North Cumberland in Cumberland County - the most closed hospital in Nova Scotia - Tuesday to Saturday, closed; South Cumberland, Tuesday to Saturday, closed. Shame. What I'm being told is it's a last resort. A last resort? I've been here over a year and we've had a lot of last resorts.

Coming from emergency services, paramedics have challenges different from what's going on in ERs with off-loads. We appreciate this in rural Nova Scotia - there are some travel distances - but what used to be a 15- to 20-minute drive, waiting for an ambulance to come from the neighbouring community is now getting to be a 40- or 50-minute travel time from a neighbouring county. What are we doing? We're off-loading this onto the volunteer services and the fire trucks.

We call 911 expecting an ambulance to arrive on scene, and what do we get? Firefighters. I mean no disrespect, but a lot of the firefighters - and I know the fire service - are doing it because they have to. They're being pressured into it. It's not because they want to provide this service, but they respect the emergency services and they want to do whatever they can. It's wrong for us as a province to ask them to be burdened more with that.

At the risk of getting emotional, I don't even want to talk about the mental health services, or the lack thereof, that we have in Cumberland County - or the hallway medicine.

Madam Speaker, I did say I agree with the government on some things. It's not all doom and gloom, but it's also not unicorns and rainbows either. I want to recognize the fact that all over the province there are communities and volunteers who are out volunteering, working on committees to recruit physicians back to our province, to recruit nurses. We should be very proud of what these folks are doing, and we should congratulate them.

Let's not get too excited about it. They have brought lots of doctors to Nova Scotia. How many? I couldn't get the number to quote. The better ratio that we should be looking at right now, and not just as government but as Opposition, is what's the ratio of doctors in versus what doctors have gone out. What's even more scary are the numbers of doctors who are eligible for retirement in the near future. How does this all match up for the promise of the last election of a doctor for every Nova Scotian? How are we matching up with that ratio?

[Page 4986]

One thing I do, and I recognize my time's coming short, and I encourage every MLA in this House also to do - it doesn't matter what Party they're sitting with - is when I get a constituent who comes to my office and says, MLA, I don't have a doctor. Are you on the list? I'm only 30 or 35, but I'm just having this little problem right now. It's time for us as MLAs to be encouraging those people to call that number to get on that doctor's wait-list, because I know there are hundreds of people in Cumberland South who tell me regularly: I'm not on that wait-list because I'm young and I don't need a doctor now.

You're going to need a doctor in the future and that's what this government's talking about, in the future, so let's give this government the numbers they need to work with to know how many doctors we need to bring to Nova Scotia for the future, not just for now. (Applause.)

I'll say in my short minute left, I come from an electrical trade. When I get a call about a tripped breaker - and I will stay on subject, I'll get to that - I don't go reset it time and time again. I sit back and troubleshoot. I have a look at what's going on. For almost a year and a half, I've sat here, and I've heard that it's a last resort that we close ERs. This is what we're going to do; we don't want to do it.

I'm going to be honest - one of my hospitals was closed this year not because of just the doctor shortage, it was closed because of a nurse shortage. Let's not continue to reset that breaker. As an electrician, I sit back and troubleshoot. Let's stop resetting that breaker; let's stop resetting this health care system. Let's sit back as a group and troubleshoot, Madam Speaker. Thank you very much.

[1:00 p.m.]

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

HON. DEREK MOMBOURQUETTE « » : Madam Speaker, I appreciate the opportunity to take a few moments to rise on this important topic. To the member for Cumberland South, thank you for your comments. We've always had great conversations, whether it was about health care or anything else. I appreciate you and everybody else who's given some time today to talk about their own communities and the positives and some of the challenges that they face.

Specific to this resolution, one of the things that I see immediately is one of the clauses where it says "whereas 100,000 people without a family doctor." As everyone knows - and we've debated this in the House - we've seen significant progress in attainment of doctors. That number is now around 50,000, so that shows progress across the province. We've talked about our communities today (Interruption) Madam Speaker, I appreciate the comments from the Leader of the Official Opposition. I'll reiterate again how happy I was to see him come down and support our investments in Cape Breton.

[Page 4987]

If you look at access to primary care, I go back to Cape Breton and I go back to other communities across - we've seen peaks and valleys when it comes to those numbers. I provided examples last time I was given the opportunity to speak on it, but if you look in particular at communities within Cape Breton - and again, I encourage everyone to get on that list, whether you're in Cape Breton or across the province.

The wait-list in Chéticamp at this point is one person for 3,900. In Dingwall it's one person for 2,567. In Inverness it is 20 people on the 811 list for 6,932. In Baddeck and Whycocomagh it's 13 people for the list of 3,654. So in the CBRM, of a population of 100,000, we have 2 per cent who are on the wait-list for 811. So again, every day we're doing our best to ensure that we can eliminate that list.

As I've said, it's peaks and valleys. I've seen it adjust up and down throughout my time as MLA. Throughout the conversations today, we talk about how we need to do a better job of collaborating with our communities, engaging our communities to ensure that we're providing the best care we can for the residents we represent.

I have those conversations in my local office as an MLA. We have people that will come in who need support in the health care system. I want to recognize all the health care professionals both at home and across the province because any time we've ever had those situations, the wonderful staff at home have been very quick to respond to the needs of those families. I want to thank them.

I look at home at what's happening - the largest development in the history of the CBRM - a new cancer centre, new critical care, new emergency, hospice, ER, dialysis unit in Glace Bay, first-in-Canada collaborative care centre in New Waterford, state-of-the-art facilities, and increased long-term care support. These are really being driven by the medical professionals at home - this is not government saying this is what we believe is the right thing to do.

What we have done is engage Dr. Kevin Orrell and an entire leadership team that has looked at the health care needs of our community at home, whether it's primary care or specialized care. Looking at the facilities that we have at home, are they adequate? We know that the cancer centre at home was built to support 18,000 families, and there are 40,000 families that accessed that centre in the last year.

These are the things that we've been having discussions about ensuring that accessibility plays a part in these new facilities and education plays a part in these new facilities, that we expand the supports within the specialized units that are going to be there.

The point being, we are making these decisions based on feedback that we're receiving from those professionals. Government has told them, build the blueprint and we are going to be there to support you along the way and, as a result of that, I am very excited about what we are about to see a home.

[Page 4988]

It's revolutionary. It's a once in a generation opportunity to really enhance health care for families and outside of health care - because that was talked a bit about today - the economy and what not. I've had the opportunity to meet with the buildings and trades councils and the various unions at home who are very excited about what is about to take place, not only in Cape Breton Island but really right across the province when it comes to the infrastructure that we are going to be putting in place to support health care.

It's been positive, it's been open, it's been transparent, but it hasn't been about painting a rosy picture. It has been about appreciating and reflecting on the fact that we have had a system in place for decades that governments of all stripes have tried to address. It's not about pointing fingers at anyone. It's about saying that, as a government, we said the system as it stood was not working.

We had facilities at home that, quite frankly, you couldn't renovate because they are old buildings. There are accessibility issues, there are new programs and services we want to implement, there is new equipment and state of the art technology that comes with this, and these buildings just weren't adequate. This was an opportunity for us to make some very significant moves in partnership with the community.

It's not about painting a rosy picture. Of course, as the MLA for home, we are going to do whatever we can to promote the constituencies that we represent on the Island, but it's about getting the job done. It's about making tough decisions that successive governments were not willing to make.

For me, I would rather make those tough decisions and not be successful in an election than to do nothing at all, because I have seen it myself. I have seen the challenges, I've heard the conversations from residents, and I've seen the infrastructure that we had in place and it is no longer adequate, it's just not. It needs to be done. We need to support it, and we are going to support it.

Health care is always going to evolve; there's no question about it. We are sitting here having a conversation today and, I said this in my last opportunity to do this, is that regardless of who sits on this side of the floor, health care is going to be their number one issue because it is always going to evolve. You are always going to be looking at new ways to recruit medical professionals.

We've had some success. We've had a lot of success in our immigration stream, as we heard earlier; we've seen 45 new doctors come in through the U.K. I was just handed this by my colleague from Halifax Atlantic and I'll table it. It's the Canada Immigration Newsletter, "Nova Scotia draws 430 registered nurses from federal Express Entry pool."

[Page 4989]

These programs are paying off. We are bringing new residents into our communities to support health care for Nova Scotians. We are going to continue to implement new ideas. Governments before us did the same thing. I don't look at those as negatives. At the time, those governments were doing what they thought was in the best interests of the province; we are doing the same thing. But we are going to continue to invest money, we are going to continue to provide services, and we are going to continue to aggressively recruit, to keep driving those lists down.

With my last minute that I have left, what I would say to everybody here is that this is a very passionate discussion. We've heard lots of various themes today from hallway medicine, to government painting a rosy picture, to even talking about private health care to an extent, but what I will say is this: we are going to continue to provide suggestions.

I appreciate the feedback we get from Opposition because that's what we are here for - it's about debating issues. But what I would like to hear, and I've said this before, is we are providing a number of suggestions to improve health care across Nova Scotia, and I'd like to hear some more from the other side of the floor.

If it's going to be an open debate about what we all think we could be doing better to support health care, we've put our plan on the table - it is one of the biggest in history - and I would ask that we would hear some suggestions across the floor because, in my five years as an MLA, I haven't heard a suggestion.

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

CLAUDIA CHENDER « » : I am glad to be having this conversation today. I'm going to mostly constrain my remarks to Dartmouth because I am pleased to have the opportunity to talk about some of the health care challenges we are facing in Dartmouth.

I was interested that the member opposite ended his speech by inviting us to suggest some solutions and in a specific way I'm happy to do that.

This resolution we're speaking to talks about the fear and frustration around the health care system. But I want to start on a positive note, and I want to start by saying that Dartmouth is served by an amazing hospital, the Dartmouth General Hospital Foundation. The Dartmouth General is a jewel. It's full of incredibly smart people with good, innovative ideas, and they make those ideas work.

Unfortunately, what I have seen in my time in this seat in Dartmouth is that the Nova Scotia Health Authority has happily taken a number of those good ideas, incubated in Dartmouth - like their innovative approach to improving ambulance offload times - but hasn't offered, on the other hand, support for them to continue to innovate in the ways they need to. This is because, as far as I can tell, most health care decisions these days are made in Halifax.

[Page 4990]

While this is frustrating for those of us in Dartmouth, which is by all account not that far away - I probably have one of the shortest commutes of anyone in this House, including a number of people who live on this side of the harbour - we are our own City of Lakes in Dartmouth. But I can only imagine, with the frustration we feel with the centralized decision-making in Halifax, how it must feel for folks in Cape Breton; how it must feel for folks on the South Shore, southwestern Nova Scotia. I can only imagine.

The centralization of health care management - I mean we don't go back to the basics much any more in this conversation - this, as far as I can tell, is the root of what we're talking about here, this centralization into a single health authority and the management of the entire health care system from Halifax, with very little regard for local and regional realities.

This centralization took away power from those local communities and now we're paying the price. In Dartmouth our hospital serves over 100,000 people. We're the third largest hospital in the province and that hospital essentially should be able to manage itself. But the way that our health care system is now organized means that the Dartmouth General, along with the QEII and the IWK, is part of the Central Zone.

The challenge with that is that the Dartmouth General doesn't actually have a lot in common with the QEII, other than they have to transfer patients back and forth a lot. The Dartmouth General has a site chief. The Dartmouth General has its own management and yet it is managed through the Central Zone. Decisions about many of the things that take place in that hospital are not made at that hospital; they are made in a board room in Halifax. From what I can see where I sit, that's a big challenge.

But to speak to a few of the specific issues: the Dartmouth General has faced the same ALC backups as the rest of the province; we have people who are in beds much longer than they should be. I would suggest that this is exacerbated by the fact that we have a very high number of seniors in Dartmouth, and we have a very high proportion of seniors who are living on very low incomes in Dartmouth.

Surgeries at the Dartmouth General were cancelled several days last Winter because there were no beds available for patients to recover in. The waiting lists for long-term care beds in Dartmouth are extremely long, as in the rest of the province. So what happens is a senior will experience a health issue, perhaps a health emergency, and they will go to the Dartmouth General and they will receive excellent care, although they may have to wait a long time. Then when it comes time for them to leave, there is nowhere for them to go.

[1:15 p.m.]

[Page 4991]

This situation is unfortunately often referred to, these seniors would be called "bed-blockers," but that's really an unfortunate symptom of the situation we find ourselves in because of course these bed-blockers are our elders, the senior citizens of this province who have spent their lives working and contributing and caring for people. Now unfortunately they are often referred to as bed-blockers because we can't find a place for them to go and live the rest of their life in dignity.

Another big issue we face in Dartmouth is the recent move of the dialysis chairs from the Dartmouth General through the duration of the renovation. Dialysis patients have now subsequently been told that this move happened because it was necessary for the renovation. But, Mr. Speaker, I submit that they could have worked around that. Not only that, not only do I think they could have changed the renovation schedule so that the people who already often have to travel quite a distance to get to the Dartmouth General from further regions, not only could they have been able to do it in the hospital - but even let's say they couldn't have been able to do it in the hospital; these patients are ambulatory, there are other options for providing treatments, like dialysis in communities.

We've heard this from other people in this Chamber but now we know that these patients have to travel to Halifax, and again not just from Dartmouth but from points much further out and that they aren't receiving any support in that regard.

We have a lack of psychiatric care in Dartmouth. We have no emergency psychiatric care at the Dartmouth General emergency department. We have heard of the arrival of some nurses with psychiatric specialties. I am not aware of whether those nurses have, in fact, been hired yet but the reality remains that if you are in an acute mental health crisis and you present at the Dartmouth General, you cannot receive care there, so you have to be medically cleared and stabilized and transferred to Halifax - when Halifax has room.
And when does Halifax have room? This is a conversation we talk about all the time. Halifax never has room. People are routinely in that ER, my family members included, for 10, 12, 24 hours and that's a big problem.

The minister said in response to a question in this House the other day that when the ambulance picks someone up in metro, they would be taken to the facility that has the treatment they need. That is not accurate, Mr. Speaker. If a patient is presenting in an acute mental health crisis and they are picked up by EHS, they will be taken to the nearest facility because that's how the EHS works. So, if the nearest facility is the Dartmouth General, that means they are going to wait a few more days, if at all.

Mr. Speaker, in the spirit of providing solutions and asking specific questions for the Dartmouth General, which serves over 100,000 people whose emergency visits have gone up over 20 per cent since 2011, which serves a large population with very complex needs, our ask, our need is that we need local access to dialysis. We need emergency mental health services. We need more long-term care beds. Please help us solve these problems.

[Page 4992]

The Dartmouth General Foundation, the doctors, nurses, staff, front line, are incredible in Dartmouth. Now we need the government to step up and organize our system in a way that it actually works for the citizens of Nova Scotia.

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

TIM HOUSTON « » : For the benefit of the members opposite, the resolution we are talking about is:

"Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly urge the Liberal Government to admit our health care system is broken," - I'll have an easy time getting that admission, Mr. Speaker - "acknowledge the fear and frustration of Nova Scotians … ."

I'm certainly not hearing from the talking points that are coming back very little sympathy in the way of the actual, real challenges that Nova Scotians are facing in this health care system, and that they are fearful. That's the first step, Mr. Speaker, is showing some compassion and make fixing the system a priority.

I don't know where we will go on that, but I do know that the biggest budget item - $4.6 billion - requires the best possible leadership, requires the best possible management. That starts with acknowledging the real issues. That starts with a group of people that are willing to be held accountable. That's where we need to start.

I think the first step in that whole process would be for the government to acknowledge the abysmal failure that the amalgamation of the health authorities has been. It has been a disaster. Six years ago, when that bill was first introduced, I stood in my place on this side and I voted for that bill because I wanted to support the efforts of the government to improve the administration of health care in this province. I could not have anticipated how poorly they would do.

At points in the debate on that bill, all those years ago, the government stressed their initial argument, which was that the amalgamation would save money. The cracks in the theory were obvious, even if I ignored them, because in the beginning the then Minister of Health and Wellness started saying that this amalgamation would save a lot of money - that was kind of the expression. Then it was, when pressed, that it would save $12 million. I think towards the end it was that the savings would be somewhere in the range of $6 million.

Mr. Speaker, shame on me for not recognizing, even at that point, that they really had no idea where they could save money or what they might save and that they weren't willing to be held to account on their efforts on that. There has not been money saved by the amalgamation of the health care system. In fact, on administration alone, this province is spending in the range of $40 million more, each and every year.

[Page 4993]

There has not been savings. The costs have gone through the roof. Do you know what has not happened from that additional money? No member opposite could point to a single Nova Scotian that has benefited from that $40 million a year that has been spent on the administration. The savings have not materialized. The cost has ballooned, and the effectiveness of the delivery has declined.

Health care's much worse in this province right now than it was before this government. I wish this government would acknowledge that and take certain steps to return local decision making to communities in whatever form that might take. I'm not suggesting we need nine health authorities again, but I am very, very convinced that we need to restore local decision making to communities. They know what works in their community. I can assure you that the needs for doctors in certain communities were not near as great when local people felt responsibility. When local people felt the pride to hold themselves accountable, the recruitment was happening. When it was moved to Halifax, that went away.

If the minister was sincere about listening to ideas from Opposition, he'd listen to that one and he'd go back to his Cabinet and he would push that. I know that the government has, in their own little way - they're not great at apologies or accepting accountability - they've acknowledged that local communities can recruit better than they can from Halifax, because they've put little tiny pots of money - I think $20,000 to this community and $20,000 to that one - to try and get those communities to do the work that they're not doing. Local decision making is important.

The file is complex, as my colleague said and we have been saying, pull out addictions and mental health. Make somebody at the highest levels of government accountable for making sure that people can access the services they need around addictions and mental health when they need them. That's a pretty significant idea that might have been lost on the minister when he wasn't listening for ideas.

There is a lot that can be done. I could go through the order paper here and I could pick off dozens of ideas submitted from this side of the House, many from my colleagues in the New Democratic Party, about how to improve health care, but what's required is a government that's willing to listen to Nova Scotians. That's not happening and that's why we are seeing nurses in incredibly staggering numbers talk about their fears about fulfilling their responsibilities. They are worried when they go to work about if they can deliver the care because they'll be short-staffed.

The patient ratios are through the roof. Nurses are worried and doctors, a staggering number of doctors - I think it was in the range of 70 per cent - have said they don't trust this government's ability to improve health care. That's the front-line workers who, every day, are trying to improve health care in this system, and they are asking for help because they are frustrated and they are fearful.

[Page 4994]

We need to acknowledge on the government side that there are issues and there are things we can do, just in this House. We had a focus in this session on prevention, talking about vaccinations, talking about addressing the youth vaping epidemic we have. These are things that we are raising every single day in this Legislature, and the shame of it is that the government is tone deaf to not only us, but to nurses, to doctors, to Nova Scotians.

Just today, Mr. Speaker, just today - and I will say I know the Premier has a very specific talking point that there are fewer Nova Scotians looking for a doctor. It's not true. The government's own list says 50,000. The government's own experts say that there is at least that many who don't even see the need in putting their name on a list - 50 plus 50 is still 100. This resolution is as true today as it ever was.

Just today I received two private text messages. I would not be dissimilar from members of this House who are willing to listen to Nova Scotians and I don't know who's screening out the messages from the government members to insulate them and make them say statements like I heard from the member for Clayton Park West, like I heard from the member for Halifax Atlantic, like I heard from the minister. I don't know who is insulating them from what's really happening, but here are two messages that I received today, and this is not an odd day for me: I'm heading to Ottawa for treatment for my cancer. The Nova Scotia system has (Interruption)

THE SPEAKER « » : Just to remind the member that you have to table that. Thank you.

The member from Pictou East.

TIM HOUSTON « » : The message: I'm heading to Ottawa for treatment for my cancer; the Nova Scotia system has let me down at least three times. I received that today. I received another message from a person who is undergoing cancer treatment. I know her, God bless her, she's right in the middle of her cancer treatment and I am so fearful for her. She said: Hi Tim. A question for you to ask the Premier « » : why is there no supply of the cancer drug Quinocin and Danzerol in our province? Should there not be regulated amounts for the drugs? The doctors are being told it's there, but when they go to get it, it's not there.

That's today. That's how you describe a crisis. This is her life; she is in the middle of treatment and the members opposite can say, nothing to see here, no problem, Premier tells me I'm good, I'll read what he puts in front of me to say. But it doesn't change the reality for Nova Scotians.

I will finish with a quote from the very learned Jim Vibert who said, "Accountability is easy" (Interruption)

THE SPEAKER « » : Order. The member will have to table that, also. Well, you know the rules.

[Page 4995]

The member for Pictou East.

TIM HOUSTON « » : If I thought it made a difference, I'd table it.

THE SPEAKER « » : Order. Order. The member has been here for six years. You know the rules when it comes to quoting. (Interruption)

Order. The member for Pictou East knows the rules. I will give you your time back, but if you are going to quote somebody into record, then you have to table it. We've been through this.

The member for Pictou East.

TIM HOUSTON « » : I'm not going to - three minutes? Three seconds.

"Accountability is easy, after all, when you get to choose what you're accountable for." Choose the right things. Be accountable for health care.

[1:30 p.m.]

THE SPEAKER « » : I ask that the member for Pictou East table both documents today, please.

The honourable Official Opposition House Leader.

ALLAN MACMASTER « » : Mr. Speaker, that concludes our Opposition Business for today. I now turn the business of the House back over to the Government House Leader.

GOVERNMENT BUSINESS

THE SPEAKER « » : The honourable Government House Leader.

HON. GEOFF MACLELLAN « » : Mr. Speaker, would you please call the order of business, Private and Local Bills for Third Reading.

PRIVATE AND LOCAL BILLS FOR THIRD READING

THE SPEAKER « » : The honourable Government House Leader.

HON. GEOFF MACLELLAN « » : Mr. Speaker, would you please call Bill No. 183.

Bill No. 183 - An Act to Exempt from Taxation the Property of the Digby Town and Municipal Housing Corporation in the Town of Digby.

[Page 4996]

THE SPEAKER « » : The honourable Minister of Environment.

HON. GORDON WILSON « » : I hereby move Bill No. 183 for third reading.

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

ELIZABETH SMITH-MCCROSSIN « » : Our PC caucus supports this bill.

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

The honourable Minister of Environment.

HON. GORDON WILSON « » : I move Bill No. 183 do pass.

THE SPEAKER « » : Would all those in favour of the motion please say Aye. Contrary minded, Nay.

The motion is carried.

Ordered that this bill do pass. Ordered that the title be as read by the Clerk. Ordered that the bill be engrossed.

The honourable Government House Leader.

HON. GEOFF MACLELLAN « » : Mr. Speaker, would you please call Bill No. 195.

Bill No. 195 - An Act Respecting the Union of Certain Churches Therein Named.

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

GARY BURRILL « » : Mr. Speaker, I hereby move third reading of Bill No. 195.

THE SPEAKER « » : Would all those in favour of the motion please say Aye. Contrary minded, Nay.

The motion is carried.

Ordered that this bill do pass. Ordered that the title be as read by the Clerk. Ordered that the bill be engrossed.

The honourable Government House Leader.

[Page 4997]

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

PUBLIC BILLS FOR THIRD READING

THE SPEAKER « » : The honourable Government House Leader.

HON. GEOFF MACLELLAN « » : Mr. Speaker, would you please call Bill No. 204.

Bill No. 204 - Workers' Compensation Act.

THE SPEAKER « » : The honourable Minister of Labour and Advanced Education.

HON. LABI KOUSOULIS « » : Mr. Speaker, I beg leave to make an introduction before I move third reading.

THE SPEAKER « » : Permission granted.

LABI KOUSOULIS « » : Today we have special guests in your gallery, Mr. Speaker, that I would like to introduce. Joining us today are a number of courageous firefighters who help protect us, our loved ones, and our community. Thank you to them for everything that they do.

We have Jim Roper, past president of the Fire Services Association of Nova Scotia; Dave Sponagle, firefighter in Thorburn; Ryan Stewart, firefighter CFB Halifax and president of the Union of National Defence Employees Local 80412; Gerald Rouselle, firefighter CFB Halifax and vice president of the Union of National Defence Employees Local 80412; Yves Bourgoin, captain, CFB Halifax; Angela Morash, firefighter CFB; Randell Davidson, captain CFB Halifax; Tony Boyd, retired firefighter CFB Halifax; Rene Alexander, firefighter CFB Halifax; Rob Zinck, firefighter CFB Halifax; and Bill Falkenham, Chester Basin.

It's an honour to have them join us here today, and I'd like to give them the warm welcome of the House. (Applause)

THE SPEAKER « » : The honourable Minister of Labour and Advanced Education.

HON. LABI KOUSOULIS « » : Mr. Speaker, I move that Bill No. 204, an Act to Amend Chapter 10 of the Acts of 1994-95, the Workers' Compensation Act, be now read a third time and do pass.

The proposed amendments we put forward will ensure all volunteer firefighters have access to the Workers' Compensation Board workplace injury insurance, including the cancer and PTSD presumptions. Additionally, they will permit our federal firefighters at the Department of National Defence to have access to the cancer-related presumption.

[Page 4998]

Mr. Speaker, the changes will also create authority to limit or expand presumption in certain cases through regulation. Firefighters put their lives on the line for us every day; they deserve to be protected. We have the opportunity to help and expand WCB coverage to do that.

These amendments will ensure that all firefighters across the province are adequately protected. I've heard through the Law Amendments Committee that other volunteers who currently do not have coverage would like to be included.

I am committed to engaging with municipalities and fire services to understand the needs of these additional volunteers and what changes may be needed. We are also committed to protecting all the workers who currently do not have any insurance.

I also know there are a lot of questions and expectations around increasing the number of cancers covered by the presumption; I also want to see the list expanded, but it is important that we do this in a way that is efficient and beneficial to all firefighters.

I value the incredible services our firefighters provide, and their questions and concerns have been heard. Throughout this Fall and Winter, I look forward to speaking with firefighters, the WCB, our partners, and stakeholders to have a thoughtful review of these concerns and work towards positive change.

I would also like to thank all the firefighters, their employers, the WCB, and our partners who have sat down for discussions. Again, I would like to thank our brave firefighters who protect us each and every day. As we did with the presumptive PTSD coverage, I want to make sure all firefighters are provided with the help and support they need.

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

TORY RUSHTON « » : Mr. Speaker, very briefly, some of the guests in our gallery here today I have had the pleasure of serving with and training with. This bill has been a long time coming; many years this has been looked for. It's a very positive day for the fire service. I am enthusiastic to hear the minister address the bill. There are other sectors that aren't necessarily in this bill, and the department is working towards getting them covered.

As we heard in debate yesterday, Opposition might have been a little disappointed with the things that are going to be in regulation. I did state yesterday that I've talked with some of the fire service, and they are pleased with the progress. Congratulations to the fire service in this big step today. The PC caucus will be supporting this bill.

[Page 4999]

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

SUSAN LEBLANC « » : I am happy to add my support of this bill on behalf of the NDP caucus.

I would like to say a few words about the importance of firefighters in our communities. I grew up in a small town - it's not even a town, a small road - Prospect Road. When I was growing up, we had two volunteer fire stations: Terence Bay and Prospect Road. Those fire stations and the firefighters who were there - all volunteers - were truly part of the fabric of the community. They were literally from the community, they were from the whole road, Terence Bay, Prospect, Dover, all those areas. Also, the presence of the fire station was part of the community. It's the place where you go to play ball. It's the place where you go for the lobster supper. It's a place where you go for the Fall Fair, the Spring Fair, the circus would come. All those things were centred around the fire department.

Growing up, both stations were really important to our community. But I do have this burning memory - pardon the use of the word "burn." One night, coming home in March, driving home from the airport we noticed tons and tons of smoke on the road. We decided to follow what was going on. We saw fire trucks filling up in Whites Lake, must be a big fire if they're filling up in the lake. It was our school burning down.

The whole community came and watched the school burn to the ground, and that memory will be forever in my mind. The work that those firefighters did in basically an unwinnable situation, they just controlled the fire but were protecting the people in the area. Still to this day - I was in Grade 5 at the time, so that was a hundred years ago - it's a memory that will stay with me forever in terms of the commitment of those firefighters to our community.

We're very happy. We are obviously very happy that the government has brought forward these changes to protect all firefighters in Nova Scotia and that updates to the list of cancers that will be on the presumptive coverage list will be forthcoming. We did speak last night, of course, that we wished that list of cancers was being included in the legislation, but we understand that the consultation is obviously a very important process. We will continue to hold the government to account to make sure that this legislation is as strong as it possibly can be.

Firefighters are there for all of us. When we go to bed at night, when we tuck our children into bed, we know that if we need to call 911 someone is going to answer. We know those firefighters and first responders protect us. We need to do what we can to protect them. We need to make sure that they are covered with this list of presumptive coverage for cancers.

[Page 5000]

We want to make sure that we add the following cancers to the list: ureter cancer, penile cancer, testicular cancer, esophageal cancer, breast cancer, lung cancer, prostate cancer, skin cancer, digestive tract cancer, multiple myeloma, pancreatic cancer, ovarian cancer, and cervical cancer. Of course, that's in addition to brain, bladder, kidney, colon, non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, and leukemia, which were covered in 2003.

We need to ensure that these cancers are rightfully recognized as workplace illnesses so that firefighters can get the support they need. We owe it to our firefighters to extend these benefits to them. Too many people have already died without presumptive coverage, and the firefighters cannot afford to wait any longer.

Mr. Speaker, when not fighting fires, as I've already mentioned from my childhood, currently living in the city, we know that firefighters are community ambassadors. They organize toy drives, they show up at school and civic events, they allow little children to crawl all over their trucks and equipment and have fun. To me, that is the definition of a hero, that they allow the kids to do that. The firefighters are somebody's children, they're people's siblings, they're people's parents, people's spouses, and people's friends. They put themselves in harm's way every day, and we are very grateful for their service. We are happy to support this bill. I am grateful to the government for taking this on.

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

The honourable Minister of Labour and Advanced Education.

HON. LABI KOUSOULIS « » : Mr. Speaker, I'd like to thank the members who got up and spoke on the bill. Part of putting it into regulation was to have that flexibility. It went 17 years before we added cancers to the presumptive list. We don't want to go that long. Through regulation, we do have a lot more flexibility now.

I can also add for members on the floor to know that another aspect we are looking at is adding cardiac events, which we now have the ability to do once this bill passes. That is something we'll be talking with the firefighters to add as well. I'd like to thank everybody for their comments. Its been great working on this bill. Thank you to the firefighters for everything they do. (Applause)

THE SPEAKER « » : The honourable Minister of Labour and Advanced Education.

HON. LABI KOUSOULIS « » : Mr. Speaker, with those few words I rise to close third reading on Bill No. 204.

[1:45 p.m.]

[Page 5001]

THE SPEAKER « » : The motion is for third reading of Bill No. 204. Would all those in favour of the motion please say Aye. Contrary minded, Nay.

The motion is carried.

Ordered that the bill do pass. Ordered that the title be as read by the Clerk. Ordered that the bill be engrossed. (Applause)

SPEAKER'S RULING

Before we move on, I want to present a ruling. On October 1^st the honourable Minister of Immigration raised a point of order respecting a question raised by the member for Argyle-Barrington on September 27^th and tabled some emails respecting a proposed meeting with the Fédération acadienne de la Nouvelle-Écosse. I took the point of order under advisement at that time and as the question was posed in French, I had to avail myself of the translation, as provided by Hansard.

It was provided to me. I read the translation and there is no point of order - this is a disagreement between members over facts.

The honourable Government House Leader.

HON. GEOFF MACLELLAN « » : Mr. Speaker, would you please call Bill No. 180.

Bill No. 180 – Fatality Investigations Act.

THE SPEAKER « » : The honourable Minister of Justice.

HON. MARK FUREY « » : Mr. Speaker, I move that Bill No. 180, an Act to Amend the Fatality Investigations Act, be now read a third time.

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

KIM MASLAND « » : Mr. Speaker, I have spoken to this Bill No. 180 on second reading and in Committee of the Whole House. I will say again that we are pleased to see the establishment of these two death committees. We certainly wish that the government would have taken into consideration the submissions of the privacy commissioner and representatives at Law Amendments committee, and amendments presented by my colleague from Dartmouth South.

This is a very important bill and with much to be left to regulations, so we certainly hope the minister ensures that Nova Scotians will get the answers they deserve. Families deserve transparency and families and victims deserve openness. Nova Scotians expect accountability and they expect transparency to ensure that these committees' recommendations drive change in the province. We will be supporting this bill, Mr. Speaker.

[Page 5002]

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

CLAUDIA CHENDER « » : Mr. Speaker, we are also generally supportive of this bill.

I think it's important that we begin to investigate these types of deaths for a number of reasons, many of which the minister has spoken of, but also in particular we are pleased to see that trend analysis will be conducted. Our caucus has often pushed for better data collection because we believe that that can lead to better approaches, particularly in these kinds of tragic situations.

We know there are systemic aspects involved in these issues - deaths of children in care, and intimate partner violence - and we have to identify where those systemic failures are so we can take steps to address them. But there are many ways, Mr. Speaker, that this bill could be improved.

We heard at Law Amendments committee and in the days following the introduction of this bill from organizations like East Coast Prison Justice, the Elizabeth Fry Society, the Office of the Information and Privacy Commissioner and others, that this bill is simply not good enough.

Based on the feedback that we got and in the spirit of collaboration and offering constructive suggestions to our colleagues in government, we presented four amendments. I will briefly revisit those amendments for the benefit of the members of this House and anyone else interested.

First, we introduced an amendment, which was suggested by the Acting Information and Privacy Commissioner, to remove the clause from this bill which exempts it from the protection of our information and privacy regime. The commissioner and our caucus saw no reason for this clause to be included. If there is a concern about the liability of people participating on these panels, our understanding is that if a professional is asked to participate in one of these review panels, they would be participating in a professional capacity and liability would attach to that professional capacity, just like it would in any other case.

We know from the scores of redacted documents that we receive on a regular basis that the government is well able to protect people's privacy, so we feel fairly certain that the government would be able to find a way to protect sensitive family information while not completely exempting the Act from the regime. We were disappointed that did not pass.

Second, we introduced an amendment arguing that the findings of these committees should be filed with the Legislature and should be made public. Again, we have no problem with the redaction of sensitive information held in these findings, but just as we are pleased to see the inclusion of things like trend analysis, we also feel that we should be able to see the trend analysis. The members of this House and the public deserve to understand what we learn from these committees, and how many there have been, and how they have occurred. We have no guarantee that we will have access to any of that information at all.

[Page 5003]

Third, we argued that an independent adjudicator should preside over these committees. Essentially, this would be a quasi-judicial process that would ensure independence and would give the adjudicator the ability to demand the production of evidence. That, frankly, would put some teeth into a committee like this, so we could ensure that these committees could be effective.

Last, we argued vigorously at the behest of many others for the inclusion of a death-in-custody review panel as a third panel in this legislation. This has been requested many times by our caucus. We were told, and have seen through the media, that the reasoning behind not doing this is that there haven't been as many deaths in custody as there have been casualties of intimate-partner violence or deaths of children in the care of the province. But that's not our understanding. The numbers seem to be in some dispute, but it's somewhere between eight and twelve in the time period we're looking at. That is similar to the numbers in these other circumstances that we're discussing.

In general, the corrections system, for some valid reasons and many possibly less-valid reasons, is a completely black box. We hear from families particularly, but also advocates for people who die in custody, that they sometimes never find out what happened. This is simply unacceptable.

Mr. Speaker, when I took my seat in this House, I was advised by a couple of people who were political mavens that I shouldn't talk about prisoners - that talking about prisoners in the Legislature or the media was a real non-starter for a politician because nobody has a lot of sympathy for prisoners. I don't remember the exact quote, but I really believe that what we want for the least of us, we want for the best of us. (Applause)

I think it's deeply troubling how difficult it is to get any information at all about what happens to the people in our correctional facilities. In particular, when we're talking about people who die in our correctional facilities, who die of unnatural causes, the fact is that their families may never find out how that happened. Also, for the purposes of this Chamber and just as importantly, we never really find out what happened - that maybe the system itself never has the opportunity to find out what happened.

In the end, we want to prevent one more death. Whether or not these people committed a crime, whether or not there's a valid reason for them to be incarcerated, they are in our care. They are in the care of the Province. If someone dies of unnatural causes in the care of the Province, I cannot think of one reason why that would not merit an investigation. We are extremely disappointed to see that that panel has not been added to that legislation.

[Page 5004]

There are a number of other things that I could say. I think the main one is that, as I said, although we are pleased that there is a death review panel being established for children who die in the care of the Province, we in the NDP have been pushing for a long time for a child and youth advocate office, an independent child and youth advocate office. While this addresses some piece of that need, we will continue to push for that because it does not address the totality of that need. Again, I think some of our amendments could have addressed that, could have had more investigative powers, et cetera, but because they were all rejected we will continue to push for that.

In closing, Mr. Speaker, I just want to say that, again, on the topic of collaboration on this and many other bills, the NDP caucus literally works overtime - probably like triple overtime, if we were being technical about it - trying to come up with good clear non-partisan helpful amendments to add to the bills put forward by the government. We do so in not nearly enough time with not nearly enough resources. It's just disappointing that they are almost never considered. If they are considered, we don't hear about it. We don't hear about it on the floor, except one member who debated us yesterday - that was nice. We don't hear about it anywhere else. Occasionally, we will hear about it in the media.

I guess I will just end by saying that I hope, I really hope, that that changes. I think that this Chamber could be a really productive place, actually. There are not very many of us. There are not very many people in this whole province, really. We could come up with some really good solutions together, but we are not given the chance. The Opposition is not given the chance; we are not consulted, we are not brought into the conversation. In the tiny slivers, the tiny openings and opportunities we have, we throw everything at it. We do our very best, and we are constantly thwarted.

Back to the bill - we will be voting for the bill, but we wish that we could have been able to collaborate on it.

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

The honourable Minister of Justice.

HON. MARK FUREY « » : I thank my colleagues for their comments. I will provide some brief remarks before moving that we close the bill.

It's always a pleasure to stand in this Assembly to speak about legislation and bills and inherent amendments, in these circumstances to strengthen the Fatality Investigations Act. As you know, Mr. Speaker, these changes allow us to establish two important death review committees that my colleagues have referred to - one to focus on domestic violence and another on the deaths of children in the care and custody of the province. These amendments also give the minister the ability to establish other focused death review committees as required.

[Page 5005]

Mr. Speaker, the principle behind this is quite simple - to learn everything we can from these tragic situations so that we can prevent them from happening again. I want to be clear that these standing committees do not replace any current investigations or reviews. They are another mechanism to support continued learning and better outcomes. We still have the Fatality Inquiries Act. The important work of the Chief Medical Examiner Service and his office will continue, and so will the investigations and reviews by government departments, health authorities, and others when someone in care or custody dies unexpectedly.

[2:00 p.m.]

Mr. Speaker, I do not, and I've said it publicly, I do not dismiss any single death that happens within the province. We've created a mechanism that when those circumstances present themselves, we have the opportunity to strike stand-up committees to address those circumstances at that time.

Mr. Speaker, I've said that death review committees give us another tool in our toolbox, one that we know holds great value based on what we've learned from other provinces. I've heard from several stakeholders, including my colleagues in Opposition, on this bill, through debate in the House and presentation at Law Amendments committee and I want to address just a few of these points that my colleagues have referenced here today.

Mr. Speaker, I've carefully considered their input and their feedback. In doing so, we've brought forward another amendment that will enhance this bill. As a result of the acting Information and Privacy Commissioner's submission to Law Amendments, Mr. Speaker, we've updated the legislation to ensure that our municipal partners have the same privacy protections and the same authority to share information as our counterparts provincially.

This will allow our municipal colleagues, including municipal police, to participate fully in death review committees without compromising privacy. Amendments to the Fatality Investigations Act now bring the Municipal Government Act into play and I want to thank the acting Privacy Commissioner for bringing this forward.

For these committees to work, they need to be able to collect, access, and disclose personal information around those committee tables. Many participants aren't all government employees, Mr. Speaker. Some do not work for the public sector bodies bound by FOIPOP and the Personal Health Information Act legislation. We have a legal and moral obligation to those who have died, and their families, to protect their personal information.

Mr. Speaker, I respect the position of the acting Information and Privacy Commissioner. I know she's concerned about protecting privacy and I want to assure those families of victims that we are very conscious of protecting their privacy, as well. We want to do this right. That is why we've included provisions in this legislation that prohibit death review committees from sharing the information they receive with anyone who is not a member of the committee. Privacy is of such critical importance to the effectiveness of these committees that we've built privacy provisions directly into the legislation.

[Page 5006]

The reality is, Mr. Speaker, in the absence of those privacy protections, we would not have individuals come forward to share the valuable information they have within the confines of a death review committee, with the sole purpose of analyzing the circumstances of any one death or collective deaths, with the collective objective that we prevent these deaths from happening in the future.

To be clear, the purpose of these death review committees is not to share the personal details of a tragedy with the public. Rather, their purpose will be to analyze information about what happened to a person, ask questions, extract learnings as subject area experts, and to make recommendations that help us prevent similar deaths from occurring in the future.

Mr. Speaker, this work requires striking a balance between safeguarding personal privacy and the free flow of information among committee members. I know there have been questions about our commitment to transparency as it relates to the work of the death review committees. You can rest assured, that as Attorney General and Minister of Justice, I am committed to not only learning from tragic situations, I'm also committed to taking action to prevent them in the future.

That is why I brought these changes to this bill to the House in the first place. These tragedies need to stop, Mr. Speaker. We need to put an end to domestic violence. We need to put an end to family and community suffering after the unexpected loss of a child. When you know better, we do better. That's why I'm standing here today, because I want to do more, and I know that all of us want to do better for victims and survivors of domestic violence, for children in our care and custody, for families and communities that feel the effects of these tragedies long after their loved ones have been laid to rest.

We heard from Dolly Mosher, co-chair of Silent Witness Nova Scotia, during Law Amendments Commitee. Dolly said: the lives of the deceased need to be honoured and the details of the tragic circumstances of their loss need to be treated with consideration and respect.

Protecting the privacy and dignity of the deceased and that of their families left behind is non-negotiable, but I welcome accountability. I'd like to reiterate that the recommendations from the death review committee will be shared publicly, in some form, where we're able to without compromising the identity of victims and families.

We will consider the inputs and feedback we've received on this bill as it's moved through the legislative process and carry that forward into our work with partners around the regulations. Any kind of disclosure, Mr. Speaker, will need to be done with a great deal of care. I want to assure Nova Scotians that their privacy is a priority.

[Page 5007]

I know there's a great deal of interest in establishing a committee to review deaths of adults in the custody of Correctional Services. I want to be sure my colleagues in this House know that we have a thorough review process in place today as it relates to unexpected deaths in adult custody. Our Major Incidents Disclosure Policy at the Department of Justice includes not only public notification any time there is a death in adult custody but also public disclosure of our review of findings and the actions we're taking to improve the system as a result.

The Nova Scotia Medical Examiner Service is also involved any time there is a death in our custody. A forensic pathologist does a full autopsy, and this happens in every single case. The medical examiner's role in investigating adult deaths in custody is embedded in the Fatality Investigations Act. The medical examiner's final report is always provided to the next of kin and, in addition, the Chief Medical Examiner and his team also meet face to face with the next of kin any time it's requested.

This is one area of challenge, Mr. Speaker, in that the medical examiner is restricted to sharing the circumstances with the next of kin. We know, in some cases, the collegial relationships among family members and that information is shared willingly, but we also know that there are families that don't have those types of collaborative discussions and that information isn't shared. But we as a government, responsible to respect the privacy of individuals, don't have authority to go beyond that.

I've said before that one of the amendments we've advanced with this bill allows the Minister of Justice to establish a new death review committee at any time, as a standing committee or as an ad hoc committee, through regulations. We'll be monitoring this closely, but we'll also look to our Chief Medical Examiner, Dr. Matthew Bowes, for his leadership.

These amendments also give the minister the ability to expand the scope of the committees at any time through regulation. This is important because it is our intention to expand the scope of the Child Death Review Committee to include critical injuries, something that the Ombudsman recommended in 2014. Further work is required, Mr. Speaker, to identify and define what a critical injury is, but it is our intention to ensure critical injuries to children in our care and custody are included in the committee's scope.

My priority today, and I believe a priority of all Nova Scotians, seen reflected in these amendments, is to address these very two important issues: domestic violence and the deaths of children in care and custody of the province.

Statistics Canada data shows 25 deaths in Nova Scotia due to domestic violence or domestic homicide between 2007 and 2017. Quite frankly, Mr. Speaker, that is a staggering number and I want to do whatever we can, collectively, to better understand not only the circumstances that lead to these tragedies but also how we can collectively prevent them. That is the work of a Death Review Committee.

[Page 5008]

This work will drive real and lasting change in the province, and I look forward to hearing from the experts on the Domestic Violence Death Review Committee and the Child Death Review Committee on how we can make this province better, stronger, and safer. I look forward to sharing what we learn with all Nova Scotians.

With those closing remarks, Mr. Speaker, I move that Bill No. 180 - An Act to Amend the Fatality Investigations Act, do pass.

THE SPEAKER « » : The motion is for third reading of Bill No. 180. Would all those in favour of the motion please say Aye. Contrary minded, Nay.

The motion is carried.

Ordered that this bill do pass. Ordered that the title be as read by the Clerk. Ordered that the bill be engrossed.

SPEAKER'S RULING

Just before we move back to the Government House Leader, I have one more ruling for you; we are housekeeping here today.

Yesterday the honourable House Leader for the Official Opposition rose on a point of order which, when I read in Hansard, was phrased in the form of a question about the Rules of the House. He asked, ". . . is it necessary to create a new subsection under Clause 13 for conduct of members, since the Premier repeatedly mischaracterizes what members on the opposite side of the House say to suit his own narrative?"

Today the honourable Leader of the Official Opposition began to make a point of order in the same vein; that is, he was objecting to what he felt were various misrepresentations by the Premier on his positions of matters. Simply put, there is no point of order.

If the Premier or any other member of this House asserts, for example, that the Leader of the Opposition or any other member of this House has taken different positions on a matter at different times, it is not the job of this Chair to adjudicate whether that is the case.

The Leader of the Official Opposition and all members have freedom of speech in this Chamber, and all members, including the Leader, are quite capable of asserting themselves in this disagreement. The Chair will not be drawn into a disagreement between members over facts.

[Page 5009]

The honourable Government House Leader.

HON. GEOFF MACLELLAN « » : Mr. Speaker, would you please call Bill No. 213.

Bill No. 213 - Sustainable Development Goals Act.

THE SPEAKER « » : The honourable Minister of Environment.

HON. GORDON WILSON « » : Mr. Speaker, I move that Bill No. 213, the Sustainable Development Goals Act be now read a third time and do pass.

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

BRAD JOHNS « » : Mr. Speaker, this is the third time that I have stood in this House to address this bill that is before us, the Sustainable Development Goals Act, and as I have done previously, I want to call it the way that I see it.

I see this as nothing more than political rhetoric by the government, when they come into session calling an emergency debate on climate change and 35 days later bring forward a piece of legislation that still will not come into effect for another 12 to 14 months.

I think it is regrettable that the majority of the goals and targets are not defined within this legislation but that they are going to have to be in regulations, which can certainly, as the minister previously pointed out, be increased and enhanced. They can also, as I've pointed out, be decreased and adjusted down.

Without it being laid out in law, the people of Nova Scotia do not know whether the government is or is not meeting and addressing greenhouse gases and climate change. The fact that the goals had previously been embedded in EGSPA, the previous legislation that this one will repeal, itself encouraged nothing less than a complete accountability to the public.

Mr. Speaker, I recognize that there needs to be a period of public consultation, and we, as a Progressive Conservative caucus, support that engagement 100 per cent. We do think, however, that it's regrettable that it didn't start years ago and is only going to start once this bill motion before us is started today; it will take 12 to 14 months' worth of engagement before something comes back. This is just another example of this government putting the cart before the horse. Consultations should have been done before this bill was brought forward. It's another example of homework not being done.

At Law Amendments Committee we heard time and again, speaker after speaker saying that this is a good start. Consultation should have been done, targets should be in legislation, not in regulations. Twelve to 14 months, we expect that there be a robust and inclusive consultation and it needs to be in person, it needs to be participatory, it needs to be within communities across this province and include all stakeholders.

[Page 5010]

[2:15 p.m.]

I would expect Mi'kmaq, African Nova Scotians, newcomers, municipalities, workers from a broad spectrum, even those representing society's vulnerable, and the general public. The expectation for consultation regarding this is large and must be all-inclusive.

I further challenge the minister to be bold and step outside the box, do something different and consult with the critics on the opposite side of the House - be bold. It's a daunting task that's before us.

I would remind members of this House that Nova Scotia is a signatory on the Vancouver Declaration on Clean Growth and Climate Change, which we signed in 2016, and it recognizes and upholds the amendments and those goals and objectives laid out in the Paris Agreement. The bill that's before us today does not.

There is a recognition both within the Pan-Canada Framework on Clean Growth and Climate Change and the Paris Agreement that there is a need for continuous improvement of reduction goals, regardless at the point in the process that we begin.

Mr. Speaker, it was regrettable that this bill did not take into consideration or account any of the amendments brought forward here by our Party, or the NDP, on the floor of the Legislature, amendments which would have strengthened this bill to better serve Nova Scotians. It is regrettable that after an entire day, seven hours of verbal submission at Law Amendments committee and many articles of correspondence that were submitted in writing that the government itself did not bring forward one amendment to this bill to try to address what we heard during Law Amendments committee. That is regrettable.

It is regrettable, as I pointed out last night, that as a caucus the Progressive Conservative caucus have to support this bill, not because it is good legislation and not because we feel it is strong legislation but because if we don't, similar to what we've been faced with in our criticisms in health care or our suggestions in education or anything else that we bring up, we are painted with the brush by members on the other side of this House that we are anti-something, and I find that regrettable. I am not anti-environment, I am not a climate-change denier. I am here because I believe in it and I'd like to see it enforced. I'd like to see us have the best legislation possible.

Based on everything and all those submissions that I sat through, listening for seven hours, I fundamentally do not believe that this is the best legislation we can have. For those and other reasons that I've highlighted in the past, I would move that the motion be amended by deleting all the words after the word "that" and substitute the following: Therefore Bill No. 213, the Sustainable Development Act, be not now read a third time, but that it be read a third time this day 12 months hence. I so move.

[Page 5011]

THE SPEAKER « » : Just a reminder to all members, now we are speaking to the motion as made by the honourable member for Sackville-Beaver Bank.

The honourable Leader of the Official Opposition.

TIM HOUSTON « » : Time and time again in this Legislature this government brings bills forward to tick a box, plan to the podium, and then walk away and do nothing. As a matter of fact, we saw the most egregious example last week with Bill No. 203 where a significant amount of resources of this House were invested. A significant amount of emotion was raised up in Nova Scotians only to - within minutes of passing that bill in third reading - have the Minister of Justice say, just kidding, not proclaiming it.

The homework wasn't done beforehand, and in that particular case the negotiations weren't done beforehand. The homework wasn't done.

We saw what happens in terms of the emotional ramping up of the rhetoric during the week, where the Premier would take one point out of a whole negotiation and say, it's 17 per cent, it's offensive, it's 17 per cent.

The Minister of Justice had some very derogatory comments about Crown attorneys, which he later walked back - all part of a strategy - to divide and ramp up emotions. And for what end? A bill that wouldn't be proclaimed.

Today we stand here, also talking about a bill that won't be proclaimed for some period of time. It might be a year before it's proclaimed; it might be 14 months. But this government is not ready to proclaim the bill because they have not done the homework.

Where have the consultations been? Where were the consultations in 2013? Where were the consultations in 2014? Where were the consultations in 2015? Where were the consultations in 2016? Where were the consultations in 2017? Where were the consultations in 2018? And now, as we run down the calendar on 2019, this government says they're ready to start the consultations.

They should not be bringing a bill before this Legislature without having done that homework because it is a sham. It is a continuation of the sham that this session started on: an emergency debate on a topic that was an emergency for that two-hour window, but now not so much an emergency that they can't start the consultations. It is the epitome of a government that constantly says one thing to one group of people and something different to another. This is how this government operates.

[Page 5012]

Ten thousand people protesting on the street - hello, folks, we hear you - we understand that it's an emergency. The crowd disperses; people go away. The next group of people walks in and we're going to start the consultations next year; no longer an emergency. It says one thing to one group of people and something completely different to another.

To every tourism operator in the province, it says, we understand and respect you, and we hope you have a wonderful tourism year; we will do what we can to help you. One group of people, one message. The next group of people? Here's 20 million bucks, don't worry about it if you run the ferry or not this year. One message for one group, and another message for another group.

The people are getting wise to it. This government can sit in this Chamber and talk about there being no health care crisis but to Nova Scotians out there - out in the real world - they know there's a crisis. The Premier will probably say he is sympathetic to them because it's a different group of people at a different time. He doesn't mind saying different things to different groups of people. It's the way he campaigns.

Now we come to the situation of the urgent issue of the environment. We come to the situation of the urgent issue of climate change, and this government says, we want to be able to go out and say that we passed a piece of legislation, so let's pass one - wink, wink - even though, we don't intend to proclaim it for over a year.

Let's look at the pros and cons of what's happening here. On the plus side, I'm really happy that this government is finally going to get around to doing the consultations - yay for that. On the plus side, a lot of Nova Scotians had an opportunity to come and talk about this piece of legislation. Now, mind you, seven hours' worth of pointing out the weaknesses of it, but they had the opportunity to put their oar in the water and talk about this important issue.

On the negative side, total abuse of the Law Amendments Committee process once again without giving really adequate notice so that people could rearrange their lives and make their way to Halifax, and make their way to Province House, to talk about a piece of legislation. Total abuse of the process there. That's a bad thing. The biggest negative staring us all in the face: no significant targets in the legislation because it's easier to change them under cover of darkness, away from the Legislature.

We know how those changes will go. They will be either non-existent or they will be watered down or they will be something that is not to the benefit of Nova Scotians because, if it was to the benefit of Nova Scotians, they would have a talking point. It would be one of the five top misleading statements that are made, but it's not in there because they're not proud of what they're doing.

[Page 5013]

As a matter of fact, I will be curious to see if any members stand up and give substantive comments on this bill. The opening of third reading for this bill, which this government would have you believe is a cornerstone of their existence, was limited to a handful of words. You can pretend you're proud, but your actions show something entirely different. It is shameful that this wasn't renewed when it was due to be renewed. It is awful that a sham of an advisory committee, of which I've heard from many members wasn't consulted, was not used.

It might be because this file has been passed around like a hot potato. Once again, probably an indication of the significance that this file holds in the mind of the Premier. It might be because there was nobody to really have a good solid look at what was happening, because there was nobody to really set a vision. Whatever the reason, I can tell you that this piece of legislation does not do justice to the history of this province.

We can be proud of our history. We can be proud of EGSPA. We can be proud of a government that had the courage of that day to set aggressive targets and to hold themselves accountable. We could be proud of that, but we can't be proud of a government that tries to put a tick in the box and doesn't do the work to establish what is possible, to establish aggressive targets before bringing something to the floor of this Legislature. How can we talk about an emergency in one day and then on the next day say that we might get around to proclaiming this a year from now?

I could have some respect if the minister would stand up and say: You know what? We haven't done our homework, we are going to do it now, and I promise you we will come back with aggressive targets that are achievable, that we can be proud of. Instead, we hear something entirely different. If the government has a piece of legislation that it wants to proclaim, it should bring it to the floor of the Legislature and use its majority to do it.

To use the resources of this Legislature to bring legislation to the floor of the Chamber that you are not prepared to proclaim, that you are not prepared to stand behind, is Exhibit A for how this government operates. We saw it last week, we are seeing it again this week, and we will probably see it the next time this Legislature sits.

The one thing that is clear about this government is that they have no real vision for where this province can go. They have no real vision for delivering the services to Nova Scotians that Nova Scotians have the right to expect, and they are certainly not a government that the people of this province can look to and say, that's a group of people who are ambitious, that's a group of people who get it.

With those few words, I recommend that the government do its homework and come back with something when they are ready to have a real discussion with Nova Scotians about aggressive targets, when they are ready to have a real discussion with Nova Scotians about what is possible. They are not ready to have that discussion today because they haven't done their homework.

[Page 5014]

[2:30 p.m.]

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

CLAUDIA CHENDER « » : Mr. Speaker, our caucus listened at Law Amendments Committee to the dozens of people who presented. We listened to the experts, we listened to the students, we listened to the grandmothers. We assimilated what we heard, we did the work, we made amendments, and we did our best. But the one thing we didn't hear was that we should wait.

This bill is not perfect. We spent a great deal of time yesterday talking about our views on that, but we will not let the perfect be the enemy of the good. We are in a climate emergency and we need to act now, and for that reason we will not be supporting the hoist motion.

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

ELIZABETH SMITH-MCCROSSIN « » : Mr. Speaker, I rise to speak to the motion that Bill No. 213, the Sustainable Development Goals Act, be not read a third time but that it be read a third time this day, twelve months hence.

I join my Progressive Conservative colleagues in supporting positive changes that ensure sustainable practices here in Nova Scotia, and I believe that more consultation must be done. We care about our people, we care about our province, and our future.

I was present during much of Law Amendments committee on Monday and listened to the concerns of the people who presented. I learned on Monday that there was an overwhelming message, a clear message from the presenters that there was not enough consultation.

I learned on Monday that we have strong youth leaders who expect positive change, and I was proud of the young adults who came and presented at Law Amendments. I think of the words of the Dalai Lama: "When you talk, you are only repeating what you already know. But when you listen, you may learn something new."

There was also something missing at Law Amendments and in this consultation, and that was the private sector. We believe that the private sector must be consulted, as they will be impacted by any changes that are legislated. As we move towards more sustainable development goals, we must ensure that the private sector is consulted and embraced to ensure that Nova Scotia is business friendly and is a competitive place to do business.

[Page 5015]

Consultation must ensure that Nova Scotians are competitive when it comes to corporate tax rate, commercial tax rate, and commercial electricity rates. Mr. Speaker, I'd like to table a document that clearly shows we already have the second highest electricity rates in the country. Creating a barrier in retaining existing businesses and attracting new businesses to the province must not happen.

As I have shared in previous comments on this bill, my colleagues and I believe there are glaring gaps specifically in the areas of food and agriculture, as they were not even mentioned in this bill, and they were clearly part of the ground-breaking legislation of EGSPA. These issues of food and agriculture stand clearly in the United Nations and the Paris Agreement as goals that must be obtained and included, but they are completely missing in our provincial legislation that has been presented by the government.

Mr. Speaker, our goals must hold us accountable. They must be specific, measurable, attainable, relevant, and time-based. One common piece of criticism of this legislation is that there's too much vagueness. The goals are not measurable and leaves too much in regulation.

Mr. Speaker, we believe this bill is weak in content and there has not been enough consultation with stakeholders. I join my Progressive Conservative colleagues in supporting positive change to ensure sustainable practice here in Nova Scotia. We care about our people, we care about our province, and we care about our future - and we believe there is more work to be done.

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

STEVE CRAIG « » : Mr. Speaker, I am in favour of moving this out 12 months. I spoke briefly yesterday . . .

THE SPEAKER « » : Order, please. I just want to correct - I'm sorry, I forgot to provide a correction to the previous speaker, the member for Cumberland North, as well as to the member for Sackville-Cobequid. For purposes of clarifying for the whole House, the hoist motion is for six months, not twelve months.

The honourable member for Sackville-Cobequid.

STEVE CRAIG « » : Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker, for that clarification. It makes my case in my mind even stronger.

My understanding is that the short time frame that we went through, from introduction, to second reading, to Law Amendments committee, to Committee of the Whole House and to today with the third reading, is a relatively short time. I believe the intention is not to make this proclaimed into law until after 12 or so months of consultation.

[Page 5016]

I spoke yesterday of this House making uninformed decisions because we didn't all have the information, and if the purpose of the government is to go back and to consult to get better information, I think that's a good thing. It may even inform or change some of the ideas that we wanted to put forward in legislation.

I do agree with my colleague that perfect should not be the evil or the enemy of good. However, I am not sure if this is good enough. There is no risk in delaying this for six months because the work, as I understand it, is going to be done anyway. People are going to be working on this anyway and maybe in that there will be nuggets of information insight that can better inform this bill and this House.

I've heard about the goals that were in legislation versus having them in regulations. Maybe through the consultation the public will say: You know what? We really would like to have it in regulation, we agree. Through that consultative process we would all be on the same page. Perhaps not, perhaps they would like to see it in regulation.

I see no risk at all in delaying this for six months. It may not change a darn thing, truly it may not change a darn thing. So, I do speak in favour of - the term is "hoisting" - this motion for six months. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

THE SPEAKER « » : The motion on the floor is to delay third reading of Bill No. 213. Would all those in favour of the motion please say Aye. Contrary minded, Nay.

The motion is defeated.

The honourable member for Dartmouth North, back on the original motion on the original bill.

SUSAN LEBLANC « » : Mr. Speaker, I would like to speak on this bill. We need to move forward on the environment, and we need to recognize the significant need to renew this province's environmental goals.

However, having said that, I would like to register some very grave concerns with the bill as it is drafted and our caucus's deep disappointment in the process so far. Other members have described their concerns with the inadequate greenhouse gas emissions target in the bill and with the startling removal of its most substantial targets, and I echo these concerns.

We were privileged to hear incredible testimony for over six hours at the Law Amendments committee. Frankly, it could have gone on for much longer, had it not been such a debacle about when to call the Law Amendments committee and all of that. We spoke of that at the time at the committee. Much of that testimony, Mr. Speaker, was from young people - all of whom were heartbroken and disturbed by the indifference that they were met with by the government on that day at the Law Amendments committee.

[Page 5017]

When explaining the process of how the bill would move through the next legislative steps - I often do this with people. People will often email me and ask, what's the next step with this thing? When is it going to pass, what is going to happen with it? It's terrible to often have to say, frankly, it's not going to unless there's a change of government, but not in this case. When we explained the legislative steps and on to third reading and the opportunity to observe what was going to happen in the gallery, the submitters asked, well, what is the point?

I know that there were people watching last night on Legislative TV when we went through the Committee of the Whole House on Bills, and we presented a number of excellent amendments to this bill which could have made it stronger, and we met with - I will say - disdain in the way that our amendments were voted down Mr. Speaker. I have to agree: what is the point?

The young people have completely lost faith in the process. That is a very dangerous outcome of the way that this government has dealt with this important matter of renewing this flagship environmental legislation. People are disappointed. Young people, many of whom have not even had the chance to vote yet, whose future we are currently debating, are disillusioned. They are disillusioned and disappointed with the legislative process. I have no answer for them. They have to hope, in some way, because there's nothing else to do. Some people just can't hope anymore, and they have gone into what my colleague describes and what other people have described as climate anxiety and climate depression.

When I was about four years old, I think, I remember one day very clearly, walking down the hallway to where my siblings and parents were gathered in my parents' bedroom around a little black-and-white television; it was suppertime news that was on the television. I barely understood what was happening, of course; I was about five or six, I guess.

The announcer on the television basically said that the news of the day was that the world would be annihilated by nuclear war by 1983. Again, I didn't really understand what that meant at the time. All I knew was that I was very afraid of 1983. I felt an extreme amount of anxiety about nuclear war, about all of the stuff that I would see and hear on the television and on the radio news.

Then I realized, in about 1986, that 1983 had come, and the world had not ended yet. But I'm still terrified, from that day when I wandered down the hallway to see what everyone was looking at. I am still terrified of the idea that the planet could not be as we know it now. It already isn't because of the climate changes that are happening.

I think that what people describe as the climate anxiety and climate depression must be a similar feeling to what I felt and what I do feel about international relations and what's going to happen if so-and-so gets the bomb, or so-and-so gets in power, or whatever. I have to say that as a parent of young children, and as someone who feels like they have lots of life - knock on wood - left in me to live, it is deeply, deeply concerning and depressing.

[Page 5018]

[2:45 p.m.]

The fact that we are having this conversation and people are on their phones and, like we were talking about before, that we're not really treating this as an emergency, even though the government did acknowledge that, that is extremely worrying to me and everybody that I speak to about this issue.

The young people have lost faith in the process. I've pretty much lost faith in the process, but I would like to actually use this process to underline and underscore some of the very important things about this bill and the process that need to be said.

I would like to remind the House that once the Environmental Goals and Sustainable Prosperity Act is repealed - which will happen when this bill comes into effect - we will no longer have any laws or regulations written anywhere that say what land protection, waste management, or mercury emission targets we must meet along with a host of other targets - none, save for the inadequate greenhouse gas emission reduction target.

Again, we had a big robust conversation about that last night and the fact remains that nothing has changed from last night to this night. The target still needs to be 58 per cent of 2005 levels. The government will maintain that 53 is okay. Members will talk about how we need systems in place to make sure we do achieve those targets and that is all true, but the fact remains that 53 per cent is not good enough if every country is doing 53 per cent. The IPCC report has asked countries that can do more to do more and, frankly, we are one of those countries.

This means that there will be no targets written anywhere on electricity generated from renewable sources, a critical piece of this climate emergency puzzle. I would like to remind this House that we still have not met our 2020 target of 40 per cent renewables in this area, as we continue to wait for the Muskrat Falls project to come online. That leaves us not only without a target, but actually behind the target, which is now not going to be a target when the first bill is repealed.

While the experts at the Ecology Action Centre have put forward a target of as much as 90 per cent renewable energy by 2030, we are left with no target and told that we should wait for another year or six months, or whatever it's going to be, for the plan to arrive on how to move forward. We are getting very close to 2030, Mr. Speaker, and we're not going to have enough time. It leaves us with only eight years left until the 2030 deadline, wondering about an ambitious goal in the meantime.

[Page 5019]

This not only leaves our prospects for addressing climate change in limbo, but it also abandons the incredible economic opportunities available from taking advantage of the incredible transformation that is required. We hear the Premier day in and day out get up and talk about how amazing the economy is; the economy is on an upswing; more people are moving to Nova Scotia. All of those things that the Premier has been speaking of ad nauseum - pardon me - for the last 35 days.

If he wants to talk about economic development and a transformation of our economy, then he should be looking seriously at the issues with this bill because there's nothing in it right now to address that green transformation. The Premier continues to say, and I listen to it every day, we can green the environment without hurting the economy. To me, that doesn't make any sense at all. We must green the economy and then we will help - that is the only way, really, to make the economy kick-start in the way it needs to in Nova Scotia right now.

As the EAC and Gardner Pinfold estimate, a massive shift to renewable energy could create over 38,000 jobs. Think about that for a minute. This could be what true climate leadership looks like if we act quickly and we act boldly. I would say right now that we are, with this bill, doing something but we are not doing enough, and we are surely not leaders. I've heard from the Minister of Environment that we are leaders in the country because of this bill; it is not leadership to do just what is enough. It is too late to do the status quo.

Another critical target of the many that are missing from the Act are the targets to do with energy efficiency. I've already spoken in this House about how we have the highest rates of energy poverty in Canada here in this part of the country. Bold investments in energy efficiency across the province can help to address this disturbing fact, while fighting climate change at the same time, but this, too, is missing from the bill. Energy efficiency is often referred to as the invisible climate solution because it could account for up to 49 per cent of Canada's share of greenhouse gas emissions reductions. It is the cheapest way to achieve those targets. It is, hands down, cheaper than solar, than wind, than tidal, than any of that stuff and we already have the programs in place.

The Efficiency Nova Scotia programs are awesome. Let's triple them. Let's quadruple what's happening. All it takes is the signing of a cheque - oh, my gosh, really. Because everything is already in place. It's part of what would be considered a Green New Deal. Money must be invested up front but imagine what could happen if that money was there. It would create thousands of jobs. The EAC and Gardner Pinfold estimate that by tripling our energy efficiency targets by 2030 it could create over 37,000 jobs.

Here's another idea, because I know the government loves ideas, how about a real incentive for purchasing electric cars? Imagine if you could purchase an electric car for roughly the same amount of money that it costs to purchase a gas combustion car - the federal government is giving $5,000 - hey, government, how about a $10,000 tax credit. That would make it actually possible for an average family that's buying a new car - not that every average family can buy a new car, but those who can - could buy an electric car. Then let's give incentives to businesses to provide charging stations. All of this is doable, it's doable next week, Mr. Speaker. You could do this now.

[Page 5020]

It is scary and sad that this government will not act decisively to include measures such as these, such as the energy efficiency measures in the flagship piece of environmental legislation that we are debating today. We can do it and we can do it now. We must do it now. The costs of inaction are too terrifyingly high, and the risks are very great.

The next five years are the most important, as we will cross some of the most important and irreversible tipping points that will speed up global warming. We cannot afford to spare another year. The bill itself in Clause 4(c) states that climate change is a global emergency requiring urgent action but then goes on to not include any of the substantial measures required to meet that emergency.

At the risk of sounding like a broken record, Mr. Speaker, the complacency, or the self-satisfaction, with this government with the pieces of legislation that they are tabling is, frankly, obnoxious, and that's a kinder word than I was going to say. There should be no self-satisfaction here. This is fine but fine is not going to save the world from burning or the floods from happening. I'm sorry to talk in apocalyptic terms but frankly that's what we're looking at.

Again, Mr. Speaker, as others have done, I will echo the climate strikers when they say: Don't tell me, show me. I would also like to briefly take a little bit of time to note how this bill relates to our responsibilities as settlers on this land.

Everyone will know that we gather in this House on unceded Mi'kmaw territory. We are in Mi'kma'ki and we gather here under the peace and friendship treaties. I know everyone in this House has heard the phrase, "We are all treaty people," and we say this when we go to announcements. It's in all the government ministers' notes to say it when they make an announcement, and yet it means that we're not only connected by those treaties, it means that we have responsibilities under those treaties. I would submit that those of us in this House have heightened responsibilities here.

We also have a responsibility to do the path forward in truth and reconciliation with the Mi'kmaw communities in Nova Scotia. Honouring those responsibilities means listening and following the lead of our Mi'kmaw leaders and neighbours, who are imploring us to protect the land and air and water of Mi'kma'ki and of Turtle Island. It means hearing and absorbing rather than ignoring the Mi'kmaw people who came to Law Amendments committee this week and told us loudly and clearly that this bill does not go far enough. It means allowing Mi'kmaw communities to lead the solutions through the climate crisis, and I will also add that it means honouring the Boat Harbour deadline of January 31, 2020.

[Page 5021]

I know that the bill sets out the principle of Netukulimk as an aspiration for elements of the bill to follow. I don't know, because I was not involved in the planning of this bill, but I certainly hope that the department consulted and gained permission from Mi'kmaw communities to include this concept in its definition.

I haven't heard anything from the minister about this in any of the speeches he has made about this bill, and so I put that out there and would love to hear the minister's comments at the closing of third reading about the consultations with Mi'kmaw communities.

I'll just say that again because I'm not sure that the minister heard me. I would love to hear, in third reading, if the minister could comment on the consultations he has done with Mi'kmaw communities in terms of using the principle that is so clearly laid out in this bill. If not, I would submit that this government should return to this principle and gather the appropriate community permissions to use the idea.

This government has repeatedly referenced the consultations it will do to develop further targets in this Act, but we have seen what consultation looks like from this government, and we are deeply skeptical. First, it was less than 30 days online with three little questions quietly announced to ask for submissions in the drafting of this bill. Next it was scrambling and arguing at the Law Amendments committee to make sure that all members of the public would have a chance to speak. Then, there was not a single amendment to the bill after such a significant and moving outcry of urging this government to do better from members in the Opposition, but more importantly, members of the public.

It's no wonder that we hear people who have become disillusioned with this legislative process.

Mr. Speaker, I will close in deep disappointment that this government has not been able to rise to the challenge required to meet this moment of a real climate emergency; and I will close further by echoing the youth who have been the ones to show true leadership in this urgent situation: Hey, Hey, Ho, Ho, the status quo has got to go; and act like your house is on fire, because it is. Thank you.

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

BARBARA ADAMS « » : Mr. Speaker, I want to take a few minutes to talk about Bill No. 213.

One of the things that you quickly discover when you become an MLA is that what you suspected as a member of the public is often true about how politics really work. I know for me as a health care professional who is concerned about the direction health care was going over the last couple of decades, frankly, I tried to join as many groups that were considered stakeholders, as I could - VON board of directors, Ocean View Manor board of directors, Serving Seniors Alliance, CARP Nova Scotia - and I was part of the people who were getting consulted by government agencies.

[Page 5022]

At the time, it was always exciting to be asked for your opinion, and you always felt a sense of hope that the things you were saying were going to be listened to and acted on. Then what happened over the years is that you get to become disillusioned and, frankly, a bit bitter that you get the sense that the consultation process is a bit of a show. You get the sense that government agencies had already decided what they were going to do, but they were going to make a show of consulting with people.

So, I thought that maybe I'll have a bigger voice if I actually get myself into the Legislature, and one would think that our voices would be even more significant. I think a member on this side of the House earlier today said, how often does a member from the government side actually come and ask the opinion of the Opposition? I can tell you that in the two and a half years that I have been here, despite having 35 years of health care experience, I have been consulted exactly zero times. Unfortunately, I was consulted more before I became an MLA than after.

So, for those who came to Law Amendments committee and for those who have been watching this bill speed its way like a rocket through the legislative process to become law, they, too, have become disheartened by the sense that Law Amendments committee, itself, is a bit of an illusion, that what people say in there actually makes a difference. But I wasn't naïve when I started here. I went to Law Amendments committee with great enthusiasm and listened to what people said at Law Amendments committee. Then I watched with bated breath to see how much of what they said over there turned into an amendment that the government accepted.

[3:00 p.m.]

I don't know how many happened, I can't recall any, so I'll stand corrected if there were one or two. But in two and a half years, it's my personal thought that Law Amendments might be the wrong name; kind of like Question Period, we don't call it question and answer period. Law Amendments should be a time where the public have some confidence that their voices matter because, if you're not going to listen to the Opposition who represent their voices, then perhaps their voices should at some point translate into an amendment to one of the government's laws.

Some of the things that people wanted me to say, and I will table it for the Speaker, are: the bill that is being introduced now weakens one that we already had. That's kind of the last thing you think is going to happen, is that the government is going to take a good bill with strong measures and accountability and timelines in it, throw it out, and then bring in something that is not only already outdated but in some cases is already being achieved.

[Page 5023]

People have said to me: I beg you to consider the implications of not acting fast enough or with the urgency required on the climate.

Mr. Speaker, I know for my community, one of the first things I got approached about was the constant coastal flooding. The Cole Harbour-Eastern Passage constituency is bordered on three sides by the ocean. When it changes to just the Eastern Passage constituency, the entire border of that constituency will be ocean.

I have already brought to this House several times about the flooding along Shore Road. There's a provincial beach called Noonan's Beach, which is very small, but it overflows every time we have a storm. We've now left it up to the municipality to come and repair the road every time seaweed flows across the road and into the neighbours' houses.

We've talked here about, because I brought it up, the breach of the berm. Many years ago, when that happened out in the Eastern Shore, it got repaired by the provincial government, and now no longer, so the people who own those houses are now left on their own, with no provincial assistance.

People have said to me: we must set net zero carbon emission targets to a stronger, sooner goal because we can't waste any more time; we need to have a safety net, should we miss those targets because of unforeseen changes in the environment moving forward.

We know and have been told that the offshore wind has the potential to create more electricity than we need and to create more new green jobs than we currently have. This legislation, by the people who spoke at Law Amendments committee and those who contacted me, feel like this doesn't go anywhere near far enough. This Act talks about prosperity.

I wanted to mention for one last time about the disparity and the discouragement that I feel as an Opposition member, that our voices are not only not listened to but often ridiculed, that every time we raise an issue we are then against something. I heard someone here today say that we are against Nova Scotia. As someone whose family has been here since 1747, I found that offensive.

Mr. Speaker, I'm going to ask this government to consider the words of everyone who has spoken at the Law Amendments committee that moving forward in the next, and perhaps last session of the Legislature in the Spring, that perhaps during one of those Law Amendments committees, they might actually amend a law.

[Page 5024]

THE SPEAKER « » : The honourable member for Bedford.

HON. KELLY REGAN » : I beg leave to make an introduction.

THE SPEAKER « » : Permission granted.

KELLY REGAN « » : Mr. Speaker, I would direct the members' attention to the East Gallery where I am joined today by my executive secretary at the Department of Community Services, Pearlene Wright. As you can see, Pearlene is quite shy and retiring. But I adore her; she has been a wonderful support. I am just so delighted that she had to bring some documents down to me today. (Applause)

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

LISA ROBERTS « » : Mr. Speaker, I appreciate this opportunity to speak to this important bill. I would argue that it is not as important in that it is not as weighty as the original Environmental Goals and Sustainable Prosperity Act was, so that is really the fundamental basis for our disappointment.

I just took off my glasses. My kids missed the school bus this morning so I ended up taking the bus with them and I couldn't find my glasses and I had to grab a very old pair that are extremely scratched up so I'm going to speak today without glasses. I can't see you; that's all right.

I am going to take some time, though, with this speech because I think everyone in this House knows that I care, so I wanted to share - and this is kind of for the young people who appeared at Law Amendments committee yesterday - I don't think I have to table this because I wrote it. This is something I wrote in 2013. At that point I had a five-year-old and a three-year-old:

Parenting at the end of the world, wanting to cry at traumatized elephants and missing monarchs and floating continents of garbage in the dead ocean. What to do but learn to be present in the small, immediate moment. String earrings missing their pair to make a Christmas garland. Turn pot lids into a drum set. Avoid the Dollar Store. Try to stroller or bus or bike to preschool. Not add to the doom. Be grateful we live on high ground. Give our beautiful children years of memories so that they, like me, can grieve for a time when they weren't aware that the world was ending.

Now, I don't feel that all the time. I don't stay in that place all the time, but I really relate to the young people who were there. I think it's really difficult for us to recognize that their level of anxiety is not irrational. Some of the people I follow on Twitter - which is my social media of preference, I've picked up different groups of people who I follow at different times - are climate scientists and sometimes they engage in conversations themselves about how difficult it is to do the work, how difficult it is to actually be watching.

[Page 5025]

I think we saw that at Law Amendments Committee. There was one presenter - I don't remember her name - who works on oceans, and what we are seeing in the ocean in terms of the acidification, in terms of the increased temperature, in terms of the changes in oxygen levels in the ocean, all of this is super-worrisome, super-concerning.

I think for older people, I think of my own parents, for example, who still worry about whether I'm saving enough for my children to go to university, that's what they worry about. They can't compute that for me that's not my worry.

In the last year that I went back to work between my children, at CBC Radio, where I used to work, I collaborated with Tara Wright, who is a professor in environmental sciences at Dalhousie, on a series where we talked to Nova Scotians who, at that time - so that would have been 2011 - were trying to turn over a green leaf. We talked to them about those different choices they were making, and what that looked like.

We spent some time with a family living in Enfield or Elmsdale - sorry, I always get them confused - and they were commuting. One of them worked in one direction and one of them worked in the other direction, and they were both trying to do what they could and feeling the inadequacy of their efforts.

Anyhow, I bumped into Tara maybe eight months ago, and she was preparing to speak at a convocation ceremony at Dal. I asked her - like, oh my gosh, she's with young people who are looking at the science all the time. She is in front of classrooms of students who are feeling that anxiety all the time, who are choosing to study environmental science at this moment. I asked her: What do you say in a convocation address? She said she was going to riff off an idea from another environmental scientist and thinker, David Orr, which is that hope is a verb with its sleeves rolled up.

Hope without action doesn't fly; it doesn't have any power. We cannot say to young people: be hopeful, don't worry, your youth should be full of optimism. We can't say that if we are not providing them with ways to roll up their sleeves and help make the huge changes that we need to make but also if we're not actually ready to do that ourselves. That is the role of government. We have ways that we can roll up our sleeves and that we can make changes.

I really think that some of the anxiety that young people are expressing, be it in climate marches or at Law Amendments committee, is generated by the incoherence. It's the incoherence of, on the one hand, the urgency, and on the other hand, the action. Is the action lining up with the urgency? Are we acting with the deliberation and the boldness and the resources and the focus that this demands?

[Page 5026]

In this bill, and with this government, I would say no, we are not. We are not.

In the moment that I was really, I guess, with young babies in my arms, feeling this, in a huge way - and I was. I was waking up in the middle of the night, sometimes to nurse them, but nursing them and then feeling my heart pounding with anxiety. What helped me was actually turning my focus away from the world and the planet and into my neighbourhood, and getting engaged in community development stuff, including building community gardens and hosting community meals, and the sort of stuff that, while it's small, helps to build resilience at a community level.

The irony is that that then landed me back here, where I have to look up from my neighbourhood and I feel like I have to, as a public servant, look at the whole picture and sit with the great challenges that we face.

As much as I appreciate the great concern for the environment expressed by some of our colleagues in the Official Opposition over the last few days, I will say that it was extremely distressing to arrive here in my first session and see Question Period be led day after day with questions about - if I could paraphrase - "You're going to charge a carbon tax, aren't you? No, we're not going to charge a carbon tax because we're already leaders." That was it for weeks; it was weeks of it.

[3:15 p.m.]

I'm like, can we please stand up and say that we're in favour of a carbon tax? And the advice I was given in caucus was: that's between them, we're not getting into it. Nobel prize-winning economists have determined that a carbon tax is the most effective way to try to make change, so let's try to be a little bit coherent, please.

Also, for the benefit of the member who applauded, we actually don't have a carbon tax in Nova Scotia. We do have a cap and trade system, and I remain highly skeptical about its impacts. So are many, many experts who have considered the various possible effective mechanisms that we could take. (Interruption)

Okay, okay, okay - let me get back on my focus. I can't see you, but I can hear you. (Applause)

That exchange that would lead Question Period was especially perplexing because, sometime early in my career in politics, I heard about EGSPA. I heard about that really significant piece of legislation and that it had all-Party support. In fact, in the first eight months between my by-election and the general election, I pretty much binge-listened to all the on the record Off Script podcasts by Springtide.

[Page 5027]

The interview with Mark Parent about EGSPA is the most fascinating half-hour conversation about politics that I think I've ever heard. For anybody here who harbours hopes of one day not just listening to your Leader and doing what you've been given permission to do but actually seizing a moment of opportunity and showing leadership, I really suggest it.

Because, basically, a moment of opportunity opened up and he along with his deputy minster Bill Lahey - a man who has continued to enjoy pretty much an unparalleled reputation in this province for public administration - seized that moment. That is why we have EGSPA. I look forward to that moment and I hope I am as ready.

Before the 2017 election, I spoke on behalf of the New Democratic Party at the environment debate that Bill Lahey chaired, so I know that this bill was significant. I just want to speak for a couple of moments of why this falls short.

EGSPA was not just about greenhouse gas emissions reduction targets, and it wasn't just about all of those other goals, though there are many of them like drinking water, wastewater treatment standards, sustainable procurement - so many different specific goals were a part of that legislation. But also there was a recognition that doing that work could actually open up economic opportunities for this province and, in fact, that one of our great assets in this province is our environment.

It's unquestionably one of the reasons that people move here, that people visit here, and I don't think we necessarily have to think about economic opportunity in terms of growth. In fact, when I looked at the very brief synopsis of the online comments that were made on this act, a number of people were encouraging the government to consider de-growth.

What I like better is the way of Kate Raworth, the author of the book Doughnut Economics, which was also referenced by some of the commenters - she talks about being growth agnostic, like maybe there's growth, maybe there's not growth but maybe there is shifting of income and shifting of wealth in a different distribution, in a way that supports community.

EGSPA was a broader kind of framework for looking at what our strengths are, what is valuable, and at how protecting and developing that could actually result in economic opportunity. The specific example I heard about from a parent was waste management. When Nova Scotia brought in its really stringent waste management standards and regime, it resulted in new streams of selected separated products that actually became resources that resulted in new export markets and so forth. That's one example.

EGSPA was big because it had that broader vision, also because it was 2007. It wasn't like a year after the IPCC report that said we have only like a few years to get this right. It was a leader because it was ahead of the curve. I would say that this bill and this target puts us kind of with the curve, but it's not the kind of stretch goal that scientists and that youth recognize as actually leading us, and also because of the commitment to annual reports.

[Page 5028]

If anything makes me skeptical of this legislation, it is actually this government's track record on reporting under the old EGSPA. We have not had annual reports. We missed the five-year deadline for setting new standards. I've been looking for new standards ever since I was elected and hearing about that from people: where are the new goals? Well three years later we have this: there is one goal, one substantial goal.

I don't think it's a bad thing that stuff gets developed through regulation if that is done in a way that is really robust and really participatory. There were some really interesting examples of ways of consulting that were mentioned in the Law Amendments committee - I heard the phrase "a citizens' assembly," I heard "study groups" - so I don't think that's necessarily a bad thing.

In terms of the actual goal that is set here, my concern is both the insufficiency of it - 53 per cent to 58 per cent - but also whether this government is actually really, really committed to it, and that actually means wrapping our heads around change. Frankly, Nova Scotia has it easier than Newfoundland and Labrador where I grew up because we don't have offshore oil resources that have been found that we have to contemplate leaving in the ground. There are young people in Newfoundland and Labrador who are making that case, and I found the comments of Roger Grimes, the former Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador, very illuminating.

His comments, as current chair of the CNLOPB, were very illuminating about the real thinking in those rooms. He framed himself first as a grandfather of an eight-year old whom, I am sure, he loves dearly, and then he expressed concern about what was going to happen if young people like Greta Thunberg actually sway the world to her way of thinking. His whole speech was recorded and has been played in various media, but the specific quote that has been highlighted in some articles is, "Don't lose the ground to people who want to say, 'If you keep doing this you're going to destroy the planet.'" The fact is, if you keep doing this, you're going to destroy the planet.

Even here in Nova Scotia, too, we don't want to close the door. We don't want to close the door to the possibility that we're going to hit that resource offshore that might suddenly wipe out our debt and create lots of money for us to play with. We still spend $2 million a year - even though we don't have any offshore oil or gas resources currently in the offing - but we're administering calls for bids on offshore blocks.

The Premier went to New Brunswick to testify when there were federal hearings about marine protected areas, to argue that it wasn't fair game to restrict marine protected areas to offshore oil and gas development.

[Page 5029]

We're still sending bureaucrats to Houston to try to attract attention here. This is from our own budget documents - the line around the $2 million that we spend on petroleum resources to promote, capitalize on, and expand both offshore and onshore oil and natural gas exploration, development, and production.

It's really hard to wrap our heads around the extent that we need to change - trust me, trust the scientists, trust the young people who showed up at the Law Amendments committee - we absolutely need to.

There is going to be some disruption ahead. One of the things that I have seen said is that it would be irresponsible to not continue working on developing hydrocarbon resources because the renewable technologies are not there yet - we can't have disruption.

Yet, here are some facts to contemplate. While our population is relatively small, Canada is still one of the top 10 emitters in the world and we are actually the worst emitter of greenhouse gas emissions in the world per capita. Also, Nova Scotia emits significantly more per capita than many other parts of Canada, more than the average.

Nova Scotia - like Newfoundland and Labrador - per capita, we are responsible for 5.8 tons of greenhouse gas emissions. We have a huge carbon footprint. We have work to do.

Like the Gardiner Pinfold study commissioned by the Ecology Action Centre shows, having work to do is good. People need to do the work. The technology is advancing, and we are in an excellent region for solar energy and there is wind. There is work to be done on electrification and on battery storage and on tidal.

Yes, our power rates may go up and our power rates have gone up, though they have gone up largely due to fluctuating prices of coal to date. But if we actually put in the work - that can be led by government on efficiency and on electrification of public transit and expansion of public transit - people can actually end up spending less because their bills are smaller because they are using less. So, that is the path we have to go and there are many paths available. My fear with this bill is that it will not be embraced by all of government because there is so much work that can be done in every aspect of government.

Municipal Affairs and Housing - a number of people come to my office, who contact my office and my colleagues' offices because their power has been cut off because they are living in affordable housing or private housing stock that they can't afford, or old social housing stock, or public housing stock, which is not energy efficient.

[3:30 p.m.]

[Page 5030]

Most of our work, most of our programs to date, have been very much focused on homeowners, and yet we know that most low-income Nova Scotians are renters, or - I don't know if I have that quite right, but anyhow - maybe I have got that right - it's percentages.

Lands and Forestry - ecological forestry, land conservation, agriculture, investing in dikes but also in salt marsh restoration. Right now, most of our salt marsh restoration has seemed to be, we will restore the salt marsh because we are destroying the salt marsh over here - and we can just actually get way more aggressive and, again, those are jobs and that is carbon capture.

Right now we spend so much on highway construction, but also every time we build a highway or expand a highway or add another interchange, we are also committing into the future more bills for plowing, maintenance and, of course, there is a safety argument, but I also think that at some point there is a diminishing return that comes by expanding our 100-Series highways so much that we are facilitating people making choices to drive more because oh, I'm only an hour from Halifax.

It doesn't matter where people live. Everyone tells me they are an hour from Halifax and it's because we've made our highway system so "robust," to use a preferred term from one of the deputy ministers, that people from everywhere can say that they live an hour from Halifax and then they will get to Halifax and there is massive gridlock which, again, is also contributing to our carbon emissions, and it also contributes to less resilient communities.

I think, when there is hesitation about being more aggressive it's because, while we couldn't possibly disrupt things because that wouldn't be responsible, the technology isn't there yet.

People in Cape Breton during the Thanksgiving floods were disrupted. People on the South Shore during the drought were disrupted. Farmers in the Valley with those crazy rains in such a short time were disrupted. One of the farmers I regularly buy from said he voted Green in this election. I didn't argue with him, but he said, we are not sure if we can keep farming; the rain events are so extreme. People in California - wow, they are being disrupted.

Not wanting to wrap our heads around the scale of disruption that we actually need is perpetuating the disruption that is being visited upon us and we don't get to say, oh, we're just small and we're a leader. We're a leader because we started from further back because we were burning more coal because our energy system was more coal-dependent than many others.

That's why we are leaders, because there was some low-hanging fruit here. Now the fruit isn't so low-hanging, but we still need to be gathering it. We owe it to Nova Scotians, we definitely owe it to the young people who came to Law Amendments, and we owe it to my children.

[Page 5031]

Most of the time, I have moved from experiencing climate anxiety to experiencing, I think, equal mixtures of grief and gratitude. We are so lucky to live where we do and we're so lucky to have this moment. I think there's something about grief that can actually be really grounding. People who are either anticipating their own death or grieving the death of a loved one, they know what is really important and what is really important is our relationships and taking care of each other and engaging in culture, engaging in creativity, and pursuing those things that actually don't hurt the earth.

I think if we can take some clarity from those young people and put our minds to also where we can mitigate what we can see is already here, if we really want to be the leader that the Premier speaks so often of us as, then we have to do the work, and part of doing the work is getting really clear about what is important and then not shying away from it. Thank you.

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

GARY BURRILL « » : Mr. Speaker, I'd like to add some concluding words to the excellent thoughts that have been offered on this bill by my friends in the New Democratic Party. I want to begin with this by saying that this Bill No. 213, the Sustainable Development Goals Act, comes now to its third reading at a defining and pivotal moment in the history of Nova Scotia.

The character of this pivotal climate moment is something that has been laid out for the government in many venues in many ways, many times, by all those people who have been resolutely sounding the alarm about the climate emergency across the province. Just most recently the government has heard roughly 40 such submissions of this type from people who earlier this week laid out seven hours or so of testimony about this bill before the Law Amendments committee - what a rich array of voices was heard there.

The committee heard from high school students who fear deeply and daily about their futures. The committee heard from educators, experts at the Ecology Action Centre, the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives, the Council of Canadians; heard from the Healthy Forest Coalition; heard Mi'kmaw people; heard marine scientists, at least one biologist, the executive director of the Farmers' Markets of Nova Scotia Co-op, and many others.

The remarkable compendium of testimony catalogued the whole landscape of the unease and the deep fear and, in some cases, as my friends have spoken about, even the despair that is experienced by some of those who presented. The compendium of the Law Amendments committee earlier this week, it also made obvious the significant expertise and the remarkable conviction of those in Nova Scotia who are laying out a better path forward for our province. But most significant, the testimony earlier this week at the Law Amendments committee registered with a resonant clarity the profound falling short of the legislation that is before us. It registered most resonantly what a deep disappointment it is to so many people, that the government with this bill is in fact not seizing the present opportunity to truly lead on the front of climate action.

[Page 5032]

In response to this rich landscape of presentations that was brought forward to the Law Amendments committee, government members of the committee - I think it may fairly be said as many presenters who were there a couple of days ago commented then and since - provided very little evidence that they had by the testimony really registered the gravity of the information and the submissions that had been brought before them.

As a matter of fact, I want to say this word of criticism, that the Minister of the Environment, before the Law Amendments committee had even concluded its public submissions, found it fair to say publicly that he would not be entertaining a stronger greenhouse gas emissions reduction target.

Now as one of those who had come to the Legislature - what a big thing to do, particularly for someone who has never done it before and the majority of these people were not professional lobbyists by any sense - one of the people who had come to the Legislature to be part of that landscape of presentation said to me, in some frustration, I think I've got her words exactly right: it's like they had no intention of listening, it's like their mind was made up, what's the point?

Now my friend, the MLA for Dartmouth North spoke earlier about this, I think she called it disillusionment. Now this disillusionment, this disenchantment or disappointment which was so widely shared among those who were here to engage about the bill earlier this week, this is not an insignificant thing. It's not something that we should allow to pass notice because of course it is to some of these very people that now the government will be turning, some of these very people that the government must turn to in its development of the substance of the legislation through public consultation, which is now to follow.

Mr. Speaker let me just backtrack a moment to restate where it is we are. So, climate scientists, activists, experts, teachers, parents, teenagers, children, and others all over the world have all amplified their voices to the maximum decibel levels to proclaim something - that is that global warming in excess of 1.5 degrees is something that defies the limits of our vocabulary - let's try words like cataclysmic; let's try words like catastrophic; let's try words like even apocalyptic for life as we know it.

There is no alternative. This voice has been raised to say there's no other option but to confront this defining dilemma of our era - of our century - to confront it with scope, energy, boldness, and with vision.

Sometimes it seems to me, there's a little danger - as people have become more familiar with the issue of climate change and the litany of its various dimensions have become more and more a part of our public discourse - that people might become somehow used to some of this information, that people would become somehow inured or blasé about it. It's important for us not to become inured or blasé about any of the facts which bear repetition.

[Page 5033]

Facts like these: we know that the earth has warmed by over one degree already; we know that in the past 30 years, we've seen all 20 of the hottest years that ever were on record; we know that 9 of the 10 deadliest heat waves in human history have occurred since the year 2000; we know that even 1.5 degrees of warming is likely to be disastrous with consequences that include, but certainly aren't limited to, the displacement of millions of people by sea level rise, a decline in crop yields, greater flooding, more extreme weather events, and more extreme droughts; we know that current global emissions goals are so inadequate as to put us at risk of overshooting emissions targets into uncharted territory, so that we know that even the UN's worst-case scenarios have a reasonable likelihood of proving to have been conservative and bucolic compared to what may in fact, before many years, be before us.

[3:45 p.m.]

We also know that major components of these truths are not about parts of the world that we see or hear about, that have a feeling of remoteness for us. We know that a great many of these truths, in fact, have a direct relevance - a particular relevance to our lives here in Nova Scotia. We are entirely susceptible in our province to the outcomes of rising sea levels, like saltwater intrusion, flooding, and damage to infrastructure.

We know that increasing ocean acidification stands to create a situation where shellfish won't be adequately able to form their shells. We know we're on a collision course with significant losses in coastal resources and reduced productivity of the fishery in our province, and that there is a precipice before us which includes more extreme and more violent weather events, and extreme and violent weather events occurring more often.

The presenters this week at the Law Amendments committee have also been entirely right to make the important point, which bears our seizing on, in reminding the government that, furthermore, all those predictions that come from that UN IPCC represent cautious and very conservative judgments that are based only on what can be established as near certainties. They don't reflect the large array of variables that remain to be seen as climate change continues to unfold. This means that the world of impacts that we are facing could well be far worse than the IPCC predictions.

All of this compels - makes imperative - the boldest and most courageous and most decisive action. What we in our NDP caucus are saying about this bill is that we do not find this boldness and courage and decisiveness reflected in the goals in the Sustainable Development Goals Act.

[Page 5034]

I say this being well aware of the position that the government has taken, the position that the greenhouse gas emission target in Bill No. 213 is in line with the IPCC report and represents, in their view, targets that they contend are compatible with 1.5 degrees of warming.

I want to be as clear about this matter as I can. This position of the government is not true. It is based on a mechanical and myopic reading of the work of the IPCC. It is based on an interpretation which fails to recognize the whole context of the meaning and work of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, the body that leads the IPCC itself.

Central to the whole structure of the work of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, to which Canada is a signatory, is a very important principle: the principle of what are called Common but Differentiated Responsibilities and Respective Capabilities. This principle encapsulates the idea of equity, the idea that those who have a greater ability and capacity to act, combined with the larger legacy of emitting, have too a responsibility to make steeper and more significant reductions.

This, and the indispensable principle of climate justice, is the foundation of the proposed emissions reduction target put forward by the NDP, namely 58 per cent below 2005 levels, a target which has been ratified by the over 30 significant organizations in our province as well as scientists in our province who are signatories to the important document, the 2030 Declaration.

The 2030 Declaration is a succinct and guiding and significant document that warrants a place within the space of this debate on this bill. I'm going to read just its opening words, which refer to the 58 per cent below 2005 target in the parallel metric of 50 per cent below 1990:

"We are calling on the Government of Nova Scotia to set strong greenhouse gas targets - 50% below 1990 levels by 2030 - and, in doing so, transition to a low carbon economy. We must meet this target, and transition our economy, in a way that recognizes the structural inequities of race, gender, income, and the ongoing impacts of colonization and environmental racism in our province. Taking this action now will prevent the worst impacts of climate change, which is already affecting our health, livelihoods, and communities."

As has been said before in the course of this debate, there is ultimately only one question in the 2019 climate moment to direct to any proposal for greenhouse gas emissions, namely, does that proposal or does it not align with the unconditional imperative to arrest global warming at 1.5 degrees? That's all. And if that target does not accomplish this, that target represents a failure to rise to what is required in this consequential and pivotal moment in our history.

[Page 5035]

This is the negative judgment that is passed on Bill No. 213 by the present climate moment.

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

KEITH IRVING « » : Mr. Speaker, I want to take a couple of moments, anyway, to speak to the Sustainable Development Goals Act, Bill No. 213.

My introduction to the issue of climate change began a couple of decades ago, when my father, Ron Irving, an Order of Canada recipient, was asked to sit on a panel of ordinary Canadians. These were ordinary Canadians from all walks of life. It was the National Forum on Climate Change, and on June 3, 1998 - over 20 years ago - the citizens' panel called on Canada: "Canada's response to climate change will require urgent action on the part of governments and industry. At the same time, we must each make a personal commitment - to our communities, our children, and future generations."

In the early 2000s, I had the privilege of attending the Municipal Leaders' Forum on Climate Change in Regina, with respect to the Kyoto Protocol. I spoke there of what I was seeing, living in the Arctic, and the changes I'd seen between 1986 and I think it was about 2001 - the bird life that was appearing in the wintertime, the rain we were getting in January instead of -40°.

Most poignant was a colleague of mine on Iqaluit City Council, a hunter, went through the ice in a place that should have been safe. He knew that area, and he went through the ice in -30° and crawled for a day and a half to a shack. I visited him after he was rescued, in the hospital, and saw his two black legs. Two days later they were amputated.

It was very real, and the communities of the north, the Inuit of the north, shouted out the need for climate action 20 years ago. Governments throughout the world have been slow to respond. Fortunately, now we are at a time in which citizens around the world are demanding action.

I am proud, though, to say that I'm in a province that has taken action, and all three Parties on the floor of the House have been part of the action that began a decade ago - or more than a decade ago. With EGSPA in 2007, the work crystalized, and we as a province began to work on the lowering of greenhouse gases and we will meet the 2020 target. We will meet our goal of 40 per cent of our electricity from renewables. We are making homes more efficient, we are building active transportation networks, we are investing in public transit. We are protecting wilderness, we are supporting the development of tidal power, and the list goes on.

[Page 5036]

Now, this bill will continue our leadership in this country. I want to acknowledge the work of the Minister of Environment and the previous ministers who have helped out over the past several years in bringing this to the floor of the House.

I've listened intently to the debate over the past number of days and the presenters at Law Amendments committee, and I was struck by how important EGSPA is to members in this House: Bill No. 146, passed in 2007. There have been lots of comments and celebration around the unanimous support of the House, and the member for Halifax Chebucto during Committee of the Whole House eloquently spoke about the great enthusiasm of all-Party agreement: "It was a matter of pride for each Party," and I wondered, was there really a time like that?

I will go and listen to the podcast of Mark Parent but, when I went into Hansard, I'm not quite sure I discovered quite the enthusiasm and the pride espoused by my colleague across the floor. During the debate there were many words spoken on what was not in EGSPA. During second reading, Michèle Raymond said: "It's a great idea . . . the proof is in the pudding and I am concerned that perhaps what we have here is more of a list of ingredients than a real recipe." She goes on to talk about ". . . decisions which are made in Cabinet are not being made on the floor of the Legislature here today, and it is important that we recognize that we are not being invited to debate the real, hard details - the actual recipe for the pudding."

Howard Epstein - and he did compliment the government of the day, but he also said: "We had hoped for much more aggressive targets." He expressed concern that when looking at the bill, he recognized there was no proclamation date. Vicki Conrad: "I am, though, concerned that this bill doesn't quite go far enough and it certainly is missing a lot of substance in this bill." Michèle Raymond: "Almost uniformly the comments that came forward from the members of the public who chose to present at Law Amendments committee . . . there are many people who would have appreciated the opportunity to consult more widely with it."

So here we are again, the Opposition has done their job. They have pointed out that glass that is half-empty, and the minister will talk about the glass that is half-full.

I am very happy to hear that all will support this bill. This is a bill that I hope will inspire Nova Scotians and inspire the country. Listen to the response of environmental voices. There was a Tweet six days ago from Mark Butler: "This is big. Nova Scotia introduces most ambitious #climate goal in country. Hey Rest of Canada can you meet or beat?" The David Suzuki Foundation four days ago: "Nova Scotia sets a new bar for ambitious #climate targets. As pressure builds for bold climate action we hope other provinces, the federal government and all municipalities set stronger targets and follow through with concrete action."

[Page 5037]

I was surprised with this urgency that the Opposition brought forward a motion to kick this down the road another six months. I just wonder what the Tweets would be in response to Nova Scotia kicking it down the road for six months.

I want to conclude my contributions to the discussion by reflecting on what we heard from a number of young Nova Scotians during Law Amendments Committee. One cannot be unaffected by their desire to step up and to influence us as leaders, as they wrestle with the future that we as a generation have laid before them.

[4:00 p.m.]

I am troubled by their anxiety, as the member for Dartmouth North spoke about. While I don't want to dismiss the reality of the challenge before us as global citizens, and I don't want to dismiss the reality that our children and grandchildren face challenges that are real and are growing, I do think we can do more with our words. We need, as leaders, to inspire, to give hope, and to motivate action by all citizens of Nova Scotia.

Is this bill perfect? No. Was EGSPA perfect? No. Is this a bill which is the next incremental step forward for our province to do our part in this global challenge? I say, yes, it is. We need to use this bill as a stepladder to inspire ourselves and our children to take on this challenge, to tackle this challenge with hope, with enthusiasm, with the energy of youthful excitement, and an attitude that we can do this.

I hope all members of this House of Assembly will unanimously pass this bill and share it with young Nova Scotians. We are taking action on climate change. Work is under way, and we've brought in new targets. Look at what this bill is instead of what it is not. Take pride. Tell your children that you did something important for them today in passing this bill. We are hopeful. We are up to the challenge. We all want Nova Scotians to take individual actions for a better future for our province, for our country, and for our planet.

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

The honourable Minister of Environment.

HON. GORDON WILSON « » : I would just like to say a few words. First, to start off with, I want everybody not only in this Legislature but everybody who went to the Law Amendments committee and everybody who went to participate in the online, my EGSPA friends, to know that I have open ears, and I have been listening. I will continue to listen.

I want to pass on that it's clear that this legislation is important to a lot of people, a lot of people. That's a good thing. That's probably why all of us have such an opinion on it. This is a good piece of legislation. Actually, Mr. Speaker, this is a great piece of legislation. It really is. Actually, after hearing everybody speak, I feel that more today than I did before. The Sustainable Development Goals Act builds on the work that we've heard about EGSPA. It's going to renew our commitment. It's a journey for us. It's marking out our next 10 years. It puts a high priority on fighting climate change. There's no question about that. We have been a long leader in fighting that, and we'll continue.

[Page 5038]

With this legislation, we're going to do more. I actually feel that this bill builds on the previous bill, EGSPA, and we've learned things from that. Our new climate change goals reflect the science of IPCC. They will ensure that Nova Scotia does its fair share to reduce greenhouse gas. We have heard a lot of comments about going further, about IPCC, about 1.5 degrees and what those recommendations are. Actually, at this time, I wouldn't mind tabling that for those who have not gone through this document.

It is a signatory document. There's no question about it. It does clearly lay out what needs to be done. I have it on the best of science and best of evidence that we have today that it is real, that what we are going to do with 53 per cent is going to meet that. I have been told that by excellent staff that I have who look at these things every day. We understand the sense of urgency, and we feel it. That's why we have set the most ambitious goals in this country, actually the most ambitious goals in North America right now.

As my colleague had mentioned, I hadn't heard an awful lot of it from the Opposition. That's the recognition that we've received from the premier environmental group in North America - the David Suzuki Foundation. When they tell us that Nova Scotia sets a new bar for ambitious climate targets, it's hard for me to listen to the Opposition and say there's no substantial targets here. Those two do not match up. Think about that, and I'd like to table that.

The David Suzuki Foundation recognizes our leadership. They say that at a time when action is needed, Nova Scotia has set a new bar. They're encouraging other governments and we're encouraging other governments to follow the action that we have here.

We will meet our goals while protecting the pocketbooks of Nova Scotians, especially the most vulnerable. While we are growing the green economy, ensuring that all Nova Scotians have the opportunity to participate in it, that they can benefit from it. We will chart a course to meet these goals in a new climate change strategy. I've already directed my staff to begin the work on that and we've set the target of having that strategy completed by 2020.

This legislation, Mr. Speaker, will come into effect as soon as we've consulted with Nova Scotians and develop new goals that are set in regulations, and that's an important piece of this legislation. I know we're criticized about it, but it's an important part of it.

We've heard some suggestions for goals during second reading and we've heard suggestions for goals here on the floor; I appreciate all those and again, I'll tell you, my ears are open and we will be putting forward new regulations with goals in them.

[Page 5039]

First, let's talk a little bit about consultation. We will be holding meaningful consultations. I want to just sort of step back for one minute because we've been accused of not consulting. Back a while ago, I started my journey as Minister of Environment and one of the first initiatives that I saw on my table that I wanted to really start action on was this piece of legislation.

The first thing I did was have a conversation with Marty Janowitz, the Chair of EGSPA, to try and get an understanding from him of where we were, as there had been some time passed and it's important to reflect and step back. May 22^nd that happened, not very long after. That turned into a good conversation that set the framework for another meeting and that meeting happened in July with the round table.

We sat for two hours, and one of the biggest conversations that we had was around how do we move forward, where are we at, what do you guys feel, what do you want? I wanted to be grounded in what the round table had to say and, despite what people are saying here, I consulted with the round table many times.

That conversation was one where, actually, the decision was, do we try and really get out and do fruitful consultation, which would mean that the bill wouldn't get to the floor of the Legislature this Fall, and the decision was pretty well unanimous with everybody: no. Let's start the process and let's build on something that will continue, and that's what we did.

We wanted to step back and see if the principles of what EGSPA stood for and what the round table felt were important in their letter of 2017, were still there, and they were. We validated that through our online.

So, we consulted with the round table a few times, we consulted online, and then we come to the Legislature and we listen here. This is a form of consultation at the purest. You won't find a better place to hear what Nova Scotians think than in the Legislature.

I spoke with the Ecology Action Centre and I was very, very encouraged and I will do a quick shout out for Meghan McMorris, who is here with us today, and to Mark Butler, who congratulated us on this piece of legislation.

Again, for people to say that this is not a good piece of legislation is a bit disrespectful to the premier environmental group in Nova Scotia, which feels differently.

From there, Mr. Speaker, I want to talk briefly about the round table itself. They are an amazing group of people. There was a requirement from EGSPA for the round table to review this legislation every five years and they met that requirement, in 2012 and again in 2017. Their recommendations in 2017 are key to why we're here today. They recommended we change the name.

[Page 5040]

Think about the round table. They recommended we change the name, and I heard a lot of people say we should keep it the same. I wanted to respect not only the group that got us to where we are here today but the group that I want to move forward with. So, with each review there's an opportunity to consider if the legislation needs changes and we made changes. We made changes in 2012, the previous government; we made changes in 2017. We are keeping the requirement in the legislation and we value the input from the round table, and that is why the membership in the NGOs and the businesses that are on that are so important.

I just want to take one brief moment to go through the list of who is actually on that group, for the understanding of everybody here, and I don't believe everybody does realize how diverse that group is: Marty Janowitz, the chair, vice president of sustainable development with Stantec, representing the environmental consultants community; Robert Grant, a partner with Stewart McKelvey, representing the legal community; Jason Kay, business development manager, Canadian Manufacturers and Exporters; Jeff Bishop, executive director, Forest Products Association of Nova Scotia; William Simpkins, Atlantic representative, Canadian Petroleum Products Institute; Sheila Cole, Nova Scotia Environmental Network; Heather Johannesen, president, Atlantic Institute for Sustainability; Councillor Jennifer Watts, Union of Nova Scotia Municipalities; Graham Gagnon, Centre for Water Resources Studies, Dalhousie University, representing Dalhousie University; Tricia Barry, member at large; Mark Butler, representing the Ecology Action Centre; Keith Phinney, consulting chemist/chemical engineer, representing the Mining Association of Nova Scotia; Scott Skinner, executive director, Clean Nova Scotia; Henry Vissers, executive director, Nova Scotia Federation of Agriculture; and John Crace, principal, practice leader, sustainability, Architecture 49, representing the environmental industries community.

That is a wonderful, tremendous group. If you think that talking to them isn't consulting, you are missing the point.

We also consulted with Nova Scotians to determine if the key principles and concepts and areas of focus proposed in these things had value, and we heard from them. We feel that, yes, they are there. That's what built this legislation, Mr. Speaker, and we have built this in a similar, collaborative way.

At this point, also, I would just quickly like to point out the support that I've had, not only from my Premier and from my colleagues, but from the team that I have in the Department of Environment: Lorrie Roberts, John Somers, and Jason Hollett, three of the most solid people that you will ever see to tell you that, yes, this is good legislation. Adele Poirier and Rachel Boomer, my communications people, have done a wonderful job. And all the support staff that we have that go along with that.

[Page 5041]

This legislation is very much about the environment and the green economy and the healthy economy. Resilient populations will both drive and benefit from sustainable prosperity in Nova Scotia. Our future depends on growing our green economy, Mr. Speaker, an economy where we use our resources wisely for sustainable development and sustainable prosperity. By taking leadership, a position on climate change, by focusing on sustainability, we're setting the stage for Nova Scotia to have a healthy environment and population and a green advantage over other jurisdictions. That's why this is a great piece of legislation.

Mr. Speaker, this is a road map. It's road map with one of the most ambitious destinations in the country. We should all be very proud, all of us, that we are part of this today, and I would respectfully ask that each and every one of you give your full support to this bill.

With that, I hereby move that we close debate on Bill No. 213 and it do pass.

THE SPEAKER « » : The motion is for third reading of Bill No. 213.

There has been a request for a recorded vote.

We will ring the bells until the Whips are satisfied.

[4:15 p.m.]

[The Division bells were rung.]

THE SPEAKER « » : Order, please. Just before we proceed with the recorded vote, I'd like to remind all members to remain silent until the vote is completed. When your name is called, please stand tall, stating simple Yea or Nay.

The Clerks will now conduct the recorded vote on Bill No. 213, the Sustainable Development Goals Act.

[The Clerk calls the roll.]

[4:16 p.m.]

YEAS NAYS

Yeas	Nay
Mr. Churchill
Mr. Furey
Ms. Regan

[Page 5042]

Mr. MacLellan
Mr. McNeil
Ms. Casey
Mr. Wilson
Mr. Delorey
Mr. Colwell
Mr. Glavine
Mr. Kousoulis
Ms. Miller
Mr. Porter
Mr. Hines
Ms. Metlege Diab
Mr. Ince
Mr. Rankin
Mr. Mombourquette
Ms. Arab
Mr. Horne
Mr. Jessome
Mr. MacKay
Mr. Maguire
Ms. Lohnes-Croft
Ms. DiCostanzo
Mr. Irving
Mr. Dunn
Mr. Bain
Ms. Masland
Ms. MacFarlane
Mr. Houston
Mr. MacMaster
Ms. Chender
Mr. Burrill
Ms. Roberts
Ms. Leblanc
Ms. Adams
Mr. Lohr
Mr. Halman
Mr. Rushton
Mr. Craig
Ms. Smith-McCrossin
Mr. Johns
Mr. Comer
Mr. LeBlanc
Mr. Harrison

THE CLERK » : For, 46. Against, 0.

[Page 5043]

THE SPEAKER « » : The motion is carried.

Ordered that this bill do pass. Ordered that the title be as read by the Clerk. Ordered that the bill be engrossed.

The honourable Government House Leader.

HON. GEOFF MACLELLAN « » : That concludes the government's business. I move that the House now recess to await the arrival of the Lieutenant Governor.

THE SPEAKER « » : The House will now recess while we await the arrival of His Honour.

[4:19 p.m. The House recessed.]

[4:41 p.m. The House reconvened.]

THE SPEAKER « » : Order, please.

SERGEANT-AT-ARMS: His Honour the Lieutenant Governor is without.

THE SPEAKER « » : Let His Honour the Lieutenant Governor be admitted.

[The Speaker and the Clerks left the Chamber.]

[The Lieutenant Governor, the Honourable Arthur J. LeBlanc, preceded by his Private Secretary and by Mr. David Fraser, Sergeant-at-Arms, bearing the Mace, entered the House of Assembly Chamber. The Lieutenant Governor then took his seat on the Throne.

The Sergeant-at-Arms then departed and re-entered the Chamber, followed by the Speaker, the Honourable Kevin Murphy; the Chief Clerk of the House, Neil Ferguson; and the Assistant Clerks, Annette Boucher and Nicole Arsenault.

The Speaker, with the Clerk and Assistant Clerk on his left and the Sergeant-at-Arms and Assistant Clerk on his right, took up his position at the foot of the Table of the House.]

SERGEANT-AT-ARMS: It is the wish of His Honour the Lieutenant Governor that the ladies and gentlemen be seated.

THE SPEAKER « » : May it please Your Honour, the General Assembly of the Province has, in its present session, passed certain bills to which, in the name and on behalf of the General Assembly, I respectfully request Your Honour's Assent.

[Page 5044]

THE ASSISTANT CLERK « » :

Bill No. 152 - Plastic Bags Reduction Act.

Bill No. 160 - Fisheries and Coastal Resources Act.

Bill No. 163 - Wilderness Areas Protection Act.

Bill No. 166 - Denturists Act.

Bill No. 169 - Expropriation Act.

Bill No. 170 - Public Highways Act.

Bill No. 175 - Marine Renewable-energy Act.

Bill No. 177 - Public Utilities Act.

Bill No. 180 - Fatality Investigations Act.

Bill No. 183 - An Act to Exempt from Taxation the Property of the Digby Town and Municipal Housing Corporation in the Town of Digby.

Bill No. 187 - House of Assembly Act.

Bill No. 189 - House of Assembly Act.

Bill No. 192 - Municipal Elections Act.

Bill No. 193 - Massage Therapist Titles Protection Act.

Bill No. 195 - An Act Respecting the Union of Certain Churches Therein Named.

Bill No. 197 - Companies Act, Co-operative Associations Act, and Corporations Registration Act.

Bill No. 201 - Municipal Government Act and Halifax Regional Municipality Charter.

Bill No. 203 - Crown Attorneys' Labour Relations Act.

[Page 5045]

Bill No. 204 - Workers' Compensation Act.

Bill No. 213 - Sustainable Development Goals Act.

THE LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR:

In Her Majesty's name, I Assent to these bills.

[The Speaker and the Clerks left the Chamber.]

SERGEANT-AT-ARMS: All rise.

[The Lieutenant Governor left the Chamber.]

SERGEANT-AT-ARMS: His Honour, the Speaker.

[The Speaker took the Chair.]

THE SPEAKER « » : I would ask that the members please rise and join me in the singing of our national anthem.

[The national anthem was sung by the members.]

THE SPEAKER « » : Thank you. Please be seated.

The honourable Premier.

THE PREMIER « » : Mr. Speaker, before I move to adjourn, I'd like to thank a number of people who were in the House and who helped ensure that this session moved along quietly.

Mr. Speaker, I want to acknowledge the Pages who are here. You are representing the entire team, but on behalf of all members of this House, let me express our appreciation to you. (Applause)

I want to acknowledge those at Legislative TV; the Clerks of our House, Neil, Annette, and your team for your continued work; the Hansard team who have done a tremendous job; and I would be remiss if I didn't acknowledge the Legislative Council Office who drafts that sound, constitutional legislation that we've been debating in this House for long periods of time; Legislative Library; the House Operations staff - this is our first time without Michael, but both the twin Peters did a great job of ensuring that we moved along; the Committees Office which continued to move us along; the Sergeant-at-Arms, as always, thank you for your support; and the Commissionaires - I want to express our appreciation to you as well, for your continued work, not only inside of this building, but ensuring the activities on the outside move along quickly and safely, so thank you on behalf of all of us, the Halifax Regional Police as well as the RCMP, who continue to provide support; and the staff in all of our caucus offices. (Applause)

[Page 5046]

These sessions, we think they're difficult on those of us who sit in these chairs, but for our staff it is much more difficult, quite frankly, and I want to express to all caucus staffs who are here for your tremendous work. The work inside of this Chamber would be impossible without them. I wish some of them would write questions that weren't so stinging, but that's okay, we'll take them, but we do want to express our appreciation to all of them. (Applause)

Mr. Speaker, I want to acknowledge all our constituency assistants; I know a number of people introduced theirs in the Chamber over the last few days in this session. Your remarks were ones that I think all of us could echo - the importance they play, particularly while we are in this House, but all the time. They really are the front line between us and our constituents. They get the first call and by the time we get to respond, oftentimes they are calmed down. So, to all the constituency assistants across the province, thank you very much. (Applause)

Mr. Speaker, I want to acknowledge the entire public service. Members on all sides of this House have had the privilege of being in government or working with those in the public service.

We may have our differences how government works and what government is doing, but the men and women who are in the public service are committed to this province. I think our public service stacks up against any public service in the country and I want to acknowledge that. (Applause)

Also, on behalf of all members, I want to acknowledge all our families for supporting us as we are in this House, ensuring that the things that continually happen in our children's lives continue to go on while we are sitting here crazy hours. I say thank you to our families for their continued support as we're here. (Applause)

Finally, Mr. Speaker, I want to acknowledge the new members, for whom this is the first session. I want to congratulate all of you on a job well done. (Applause) We look forward to having someone else join you in the not-too-distant future. We're just not sure where they're going to sit.

With that, Mr. Speaker, and members of the House of Assembly, I move that this General Assembly be adjourned, to meet again at the call of the Speaker.

THE SPEAKER « » : The motion is that the House now adjourn to meet again at the call of the Speaker.

[Page 5047]

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

The motion is carried.

The House now stands adjourned.

[The House rose at 4:56 p.m.]

NOTICE OF QUESTIONS FOR WRITTEN ANSWERS

[Page 5048]

Given on October 30, 2019

(Pursuant to Rule 30)

QUESTION NO. 12

By: Claudia Chender (Dartmouth South)

To: Hon. Geoff MacLellan (Minister of Business)

Can the minister please provide:

(1) A list of stakeholders that have been, or will be, consulted in the development of short-term rental regulations?

(2) A timeline for consultations no short-term rental regulations?

(3) Any reporting from consultations on short-term rental regulations?

QUESTION NO. 13

By: Lisa Roberts (Halifax Needham)

To: Hon. Chuck Porter (Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing)

(1) Of the 500 rent supplements targeted to be assigned this year, how many have been assigned?

(2) Of the 500 rent supplements target to be assigned this year, how many have been assigned to a person who as also found housing?

(3) Last year, the government committed to reducing the wait-list for public housing by 30 percent:

a)      Has this target been met?

b) How many people are currently on the wait-list for public housing?

QUESTION NO. 14

[Page 5049]

By: Gary Burrill (Halifax Chebucto)

To: Hon. Gordon Wilson (Minister of Environment)

(1) Will the minister please provide an update on all of the goals detailed in the Environmental Goals and Sustainable Prosperity Act of 2007 that are labelled as ongoing in the 2017 progress report?

(2) Will the minister please provide a timeline for when the next five-year review on the Environmental Goals and Sustainable Prosperity Act of 2007 will be available?

(3) Will the minister please provide any planning that the department has done on the phaseout of coal generated electricity?

QUESTION NO. 15

By: Susan Leblanc (Dartmouth North)

To: Hon. Derek Mombourquette (Minister of Energy and Mines)

(1) Will the minister please provide an updated timeline for the Muskrat Falls energy project to come online?

(2) Will the minister please provide updated accounting for what costs will be assigned to ratepayers from the Muskrat Falls energy project?

(3) Will the minister please provide any planning that the department has done on the phase-out of coal generated electricity?

QUESTION NO. 16

By: Lisa Roberts (Halifax Needham)

To: Hon. Iain Rankin (Minister of Lands and Forestry)

(1)   Can the minister please provide an updated timeline-dashboard for the implementation of the Lahey Report?

NOTICES OF MOTION UNDER RULE 32(3)

[Page 5050]

RESOLUTION NO. 1450

By: Hon. Randy Delorey (Antigonish)

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

Whereas Arolytics, a start-up company developed at St. Francis Xavier University that aims to help oil and gas companies track their greenhouse gas emissions, has developed technology to measure methane emissions; and

Whereas Arolytics' co-founders - Liz O'Connell, Emmy Atherton, and Dave Risk - feel it is poised for rapid growth as it prepares to help for-profit businesses measure and document their methane emissions in the lead up to regulatory changes in the new year; and

Whereas Arolytics is a prime example of the potential of job creation in the green economy of the future;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly congratulate Arolytics' co-founders for their success in developing this important technology and wish them much success as they expand their company and roll out to help oil and gas companies in reducing emissions.

RESOLUTION NO. 1451

By: Hon. Randy Delorey (Antigonish)

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

Whereas Ballantyne's Cove is the site of a new 100,000-pound lobster holding system, with state-of-the-art technology to chill the water for long-term lobster storage, effectively lengthening the lobster season for local fishermen by allowing the lobster to be held and sold at more opportune times; and

Whereas this innovation came about through partnership among the North Bay Fishermen's Co-op, local Antigonish high-tech company BioNovations Inc, Efficiency Nova Scotia, and the provincial and federal governments; and

Whereas this new technology will enable the Co-op to extend its season, hire more people, explore and develop new export opportunities, and sell more lobsters to locals and tourists;

[Page 5051]

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly congratulate the partners on this collaboration and wish the North Bay Fishermen's Co-op success in its continuing development as it works to create a longer, more lucrative lobster fishery.

RESOLUTION NO. 1452

By: Hon. Randy Delorey (Antigonish)

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

Whereas St. Francis Xavier University has inducted more than 80 deserving people into its Hall of Honour since 1991, recognizing alumni who have exemplified the Xaverian commitment to helping others throughout their lives; and

Whereas Basil Ludlow was inducted to the St. F.X. Hall of Honour during this year's ceremony on October 5, 2019; and

Whereas the induction citation notes Basil has "worked tirelessly over the years . . . from working in communities to playing his guitar to bring people together, to driving the blue X-Project bus for many years";

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly recognize and commend Basil Ludlow on his lifetime of volunteerism and commitment to his community.

RESOLUTION NO. 1453

By: Hon. Randy Delorey (Antigonish)

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

Whereas the Canadian Association of Community Living (CACL) in Antigonish provides opportunities for participants to learn new skills, both for employment purposes and for personal development, through a variety of workshop and mentoring opportunities; and

Whereas the CACL has supported workshop member Kelly Ann Farrell's application of her artistic talents to the creation of unique ice cream cakes for Dairy Queen Antigonish, which allows her to produce delicious works of art every Wednesday as she works her weekly shift at the restaurant; and

[Page 5052]

Whereas Kelly Ann enjoys her weekly cake decorating, and her creations, "Cakes by Kelly" are in demand;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly congratulate Kelly Ann and Dairy Queen Antigonish for this delicious collaboration and wish them much success in this mutually beneficial partnership.

RESOLUTION NO. 1454

By: Hon. Randy Delorey (Antigonish)

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

Whereas St. Francis Xavier University has a proud history of championship varsity sports and a vibrant varsity sport culture supported by students, alumni and the wider community; and

Whereas the university celebrates its sport culture through the annual induction of star athletes and builders into the St. F.X. Sports Hall of Fame, thus highlighting their remarkable contribution to the athletics community at St. F.X.; and

Whereas Dr. David Cudmore has served as medical leader of the sports medicine team for St. F.X. athletics for 30 years, which has included covering hundreds of X games, both at home and on the road, and providing expert care of the student athletes, all while mentoring others on the team;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly recognize and congratulate Dr. Cudmore for his induction into the St. F.X. Sports Hall of Fame and wish him well in his future endeavours.

RESOLUTION NO. 1455

By: Hon. Randy Delorey (Antigonish)

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

Whereas the Riverside International Speedway brings exciting, high-calibre motor sport and other entertainment to Antigonish, and provides opportunity to develop the skills of motor athletes; and

Whereas Emily Chisholm of Antigonish is a young, up-and-coming racer, competing in Bandolero car racing; and

[Page 5053]

Whereas Emily is the winner of the 2019 Beginner Bandolero Championship, having won her fifth checkered flag on September 13, 2019;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly congratulate Emily Chisholm on her victory in the 2019 Beginner Bandolero Championship and wish her well in all her future racing endeavours.

RESOLUTION NO. 1456

By: Hon. Randy Delorey (Antigonish)

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

Whereas only 12 percent of small and medium-sized businesses in Canada are owned by females, and more girls and young women need to be exposed to the idea that business is a viable career path; and

Whereas St. Francis Xavier University has launched a new eight-week program called Girls Mean Business, which provides girls and young women with a chance to learn about entrepreneurship through hands-on opportunities and mentorship lead by recent St. F.X. business graduate Hannah Chisholm, working in conjunction with the university's Extension Department; and

Whereas three local young women - Madison MacDonald, Nicky Nicholson, and Bree MacPherson - successfully went through the program over the Summer, each developing successful business models with the help of mentors;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly wish the participants of this program success with the small businesses they began this summer, and wish St. F.X. continued success in delivering a valuable program as it prepares for next Summer, providing more girls and young women with the opportunity to be mentored in developing and running a small business.

RESOLUTION NO. 1457

By: Hon. Randy Delorey (Antigonish)

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

Whereas some children and their families need help acquiring enough supplies for the school year; and

[Page 5054]

Whereas eight-year-old Kenzie Gormley, a Grade 4 student at the Antigonish Education Center, decided last year to help and collected enough school supplies to outfit 75 backpacks, thus launching Kenzie's Backpacks; and

Whereas Kenzie successfully expanded Kenzie's Backpacks for the 2019-20 school year, collecting donations to provide 103 backpacks to children in Antigonish, Truro, New Glasgow, and Port Hawkesbury;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly commend Kenzie Gormley for her generosity and dedication to providing school supplies for the purpose of helping students feel great about going back to school.

RESOLUTION NO. 1458

By: Hon. Randy Delorey (Antigonish)

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

Whereas this year marks the 75^th anniversary of the liberation of Holland during World War II; and

Whereas Antigonish has a large population of citizens of Dutch ancestry; and

Whereas the Dutch community in Antigonish is celebrating its heritage by proudly commemorating this significant anniversary through events, including a Dutch Heritage Night and Pop-Up Museum on October 27^th, and the planting of 500 tulip bulbs in front of the Royal Canadian Legion Arras Branch 59;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly congratulate organizers of the successful Dutch cultural heritage events in Antigonish commemorating the 75^th anniversary of the liberation of Holland and wish them continued success in future events to share their heritage.

RESOLUTION NO. 1459

By: Hon. Randy Delorey (Antigonish)

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

Whereas Riverside International Speedway is an entertainment, sporting, and racing institution - attracting big events and big names, including NASCAR star racers - and has built a reputation as one of the premier short tracks in North America; and

[Page 5055]

Whereas Riverside International Speedway was opened in 1969 by Antigonish businessman John Chisholm, and is celebrating its 50^th anniversary this year; and

Whereas Riverside International Speedway is a Chisholm family business, passion and tradition, now run by John's son Donald, who is in turn mentoring his daughter Emily, who already has established a presence on the track;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly congratulate the Chisolm family on Riverside International Speedway's 50^th anniversary and wish them many more years of success, helping to build Maritime motorsports and putting Antigonish and Northeastern Nova Scotia on the NASCAR map.

RESOLUTION NO. 1460

By: Susan Leblanc (Dartmouth North)

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

Whereas in late August, 21 Banook Canoe Club paddlers and their families traveled to Regina, Saskatchewan for the 2019 Canoe Kayak Sprint National Championships; and

Whereas despite the nasty weather, Banook paddlers brought home bronze, silver, and gold medals; were named Canadian Champions; and were awarded both the David M. Smith Memorial Trophy and Judy Tutty Trophy; and

Whereas paddling and rowing are central to Dartmouth's identity as the "City of Lakes" and these accomplishments on the national stage are a source of pride for the entire community;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly congratulate Alex Canning on winning bronze and gold medals, being named a Canadian Champion, and receiving the Judy Tutty Trophy at the 2019 Canoe Kayak Sprint National Championships.

RESOLUTION NO. 1461

[Page 5056]

By: Susan Leblanc (Dartmouth North)

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

Whereas in late August, 21 Banook Canoe Club paddlers and their families traveled to Regina, Saskatchewan for the 2019 Canoe Kayak Sprint National Championships; and

Whereas despite the nasty weather, Banook paddlers brought home bronze, silver, and gold medals; were named Canadian Champions, and were awarded both the David M. Smith Memorial Trophy and Judy Tutty Trophy; and

Whereas paddling and rowing are central to Dartmouth's identity as the "City of Lakes" and these accomplishments on the national stage are a source of pride for the entire community;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly congratulate Carys McMurray on winning a bronze medal at the 2019 Canoe Kayak Sprint National Championships.

RESOLUTION NO. 1462

By: Susan Leblanc (Dartmouth North)

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

Whereas in late August, 21 Banook Canoe Club paddlers and their families traveled to Regina, Saskatchewan for the 2019 Canoe Kayak Sprint National Championships; and

Whereas despite the nasty weather, Banook paddlers brought home bronze, silver, and gold medals, were named Canadian Champions, and were awarded both the David M. Smith Memorial Trophy and Judy Tutty Trophy; and

Whereas paddling and rowing are central to Dartmouth's identity as the "City of Lakes" and these accomplishments on the national stage are a source of pride for the entire community;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly congratulate Cole Parsons on winning bronze, silver, and gold medal, being named a Canadian Champion, and receiving the David M. Smith Memorial Trophy at the 2019 Canoe Kayak Sprint National Championships.

RESOLUTION NO. 1463

[Page 5057]

By: Susan Leblanc (Dartmouth North)

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

Whereas in late August, 21 Banook Canoe Club paddlers and their families traveled to Regina, Saskatchewan for the 2019 Canoe Kayak Sprint National Championships; and

Whereas despite the nasty weather, Banook paddlers brought home bronze, silver, and gold medals, were named Canadian Champions, and were awarded both the David M. Smith Memorial Trophy and Judy Tutty Trophy; and

Whereas paddling and rowing are central to Dartmouth's identity as the "City of Lakes" and these accomplishments on the national stage are a source of pride for the entire community;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly congratulate Devin Joy on winning a silver medal at the 2019 Canoe Kayak Sprint National Championships.

RESOLUTION NO. 1464

By: Susan Leblanc (Dartmouth North)

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

Whereas in late August, 21 Banook Canoe Club paddlers and their families traveled to Regina, Saskatchewan for the 2019 Canoe Kayak Sprint National Championships; and

Whereas despite the nasty weather, Banook paddlers brought home bronze, silver, and gold medals, were named Canadian Champions, and were awarded both the David M. Smith Memorial Trophy and Judy Tutty Trophy; and

Whereas paddling and rowing are central to Dartmouth's identity as the "City of Lakes" and these accomplishments on the national stage are a source of pride for the entire community;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly congratulate Emily Munroe on winning a bronze medal at the 2019 Canoe Kayak Sprint National Championships.

RESOLUTION NO. 1465

[Page 5058]

By: Susan Leblanc (Dartmouth North)

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

Whereas in late August, 21 Banook Canoe Club paddlers and their families traveled to Regina, Saskatchewan for the 2019 Canoe Kayak Sprint National Championships; and

Whereas despite the nasty weather, Banook paddlers brought home bronze, silver, and gold medals, were named Canadian Champions, and were awarded both the David M. Smith Memorial Trophy and Judy Tutty Trophy; and

Whereas paddling and rowing are central to Dartmouth's identity as the "City of Lakes" and these accomplishments on the national stage are a source of pride for the entire community;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly congratulate Emily Parsons on winning bronze, silver, and gold medals and being named a Canadian Champion at the 2019 Canoe Kayak Sprint National Championships.

RESOLUTION NO. 1466

By: Susan Leblanc (Dartmouth North)

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

Whereas in late August, 21 Banook Canoe Club paddlers and their families traveled to Regina, Saskatchewan for the 2019 Canoe Kayak Sprint National Championships; and

Whereas despite the nasty weather, Banook paddlers brought home bronze, silver, and gold medals, were named Canadian Champions, and were awarded both the David M. Smith Memorial Trophy and Judy Tutty Trophy; and

Whereas paddling and rowing are central to Dartmouth's identity as the "City of Lakes" and these accomplishments on the national stage are a source of pride for the entire community;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly congratulate Ian Gaudet on winning silver and gold medals, being named a Canadian Champion, and receiving the David M. Smith Memorial Trophy and the Judy Tutty Trophy at the 2019 Canoe Kayak Sprint National Championships.

RESOLUTION NO. 1467

[Page 5059]

By: Susan Leblanc (Dartmouth North)

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

Whereas in late August, 21 Banook Canoe Club paddlers and their families traveled to Regina, Saskatchewan for the 2019 Canoe Kayak Sprint National Championships; and

Whereas despite the nasty weather, Banook paddlers brought home bronze, silver, and gold medals, were named Canadian Champions, and were awarded both the David M. Smith Memorial Trophy and Judy Tutty Trophy; and

Whereas paddling and rowing are central to Dartmouth's identity as the "City of Lakes" and these accomplishments on the national stage are a source of pride for the entire community;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly congratulate Ivy Murphy on winning a silver medal at the 2019 Canoe Kayak Sprint National Championships.

RESOLUTION NO. 1468

By: Susan Leblanc (Dartmouth North)

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

Whereas in late August, 21 Banook Canoe Club paddlers and their families traveled to Regina, Saskatchewan for the 2019 Canoe Kayak Sprint National Championships; and

Whereas despite the nasty weather, Banook paddlers brought home bronze, silver, and gold medals, were named Canadian Champions, and were awarded both the David M. Smith Memorial Trophy and Judy Tutty Trophy; and

Whereas paddling and rowing are central to Dartmouth's identity as the "City of Lakes" and these accomplishments on the national stage are a source of pride for the entire community;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly congratulate Jack Hall on winning a bronze medal at the 2019 Canoe Kayak Sprint National Championships.

RESOLUTION NO. 1469

[Page 5060]

By: Susan Leblanc (Dartmouth North)

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

Whereas in late August, 21 Banook Canoe Club paddlers and their families traveled to Regina, Saskatchewan for the 2019 Canoe Kayak Sprint National Championships; and

Whereas despite the nasty weather, Banook paddlers brought home bronze, silver, and gold medals, were named Canadian Champions, and were awarded both the David M. Smith Memorial Trophy and Judy Tutty Trophy; and

Whereas paddling and rowing are central to Dartmouth's identity as the "City of Lakes" and these accomplishments on the national stage are a source of pride for the entire community;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly congratulate Liam Ring on winning a gold medal, being named a Canadian Champion, and receiving the David M. Smith Memorial Trophy at the 2019 Canoe Kayak Sprint National Championships.

RESOLUTION NO. 1470

By: Susan Leblanc (Dartmouth North)

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

Whereas in late August, 21 Banook Canoe Club paddlers and their families traveled to Regina, Saskatchewan for the 2019 Canoe Kayak Sprint National Championships; and

Whereas despite the nasty weather, Banook paddlers brought home bronze, silver, and gold medals, were named Canadian Champions, and were awarded both the David M. Smith Memorial Trophy and Judy Tutty Trophy; and

Whereas paddling and rowing are central to Dartmouth's identity as the "City of Lakes" and these accomplishments on the national stage are a source of pride for the entire community;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly congratulate Lochlin Cranston on winning a gold medal, being named a Canadian Champion, and receiving the David M. Smith Memorial Trophy at the 2019 Canoe Kayak Sprint National Championships.

[Page 5061]

RESOLUTION NO. 1471

By: Susan Leblanc (Dartmouth North)

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

Whereas in late August, 21 Banook Canoe Club paddlers and their families traveled to Regina, Saskatchewan for the 2019 Canoe Kayak Sprint National Championships; and

Whereas despite the nasty weather, Banook paddlers brought home bronze, silver, and gold medals, were named Canadian Champions, and were awarded both the David M. Smith Memorial Trophy and Judy Tutty Trophy; and

Whereas paddling and rowing are central to Dartmouth's identity as the "City of Lakes" and these accomplishments on the national stage are a source of pride for the entire community;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly congratulate Nate Davies on winning a silver medal at the 2019 Canoe Kayak Sprint National Championships.

RESOLUTION NO. 1472

By: Susan Leblanc (Dartmouth North)

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

Whereas in late August, 21 Banook Canoe Club paddlers and their families traveled to Regina, Saskatchewan for the 2019 Canoe Kayak Sprint National Championships; and

Whereas despite the nasty weather, Banook paddlers brought home bronze, silver, and gold medals, were named Canadian Champions, and were awarded both the David M. Smith Memorial Trophy and Judy Tutty Trophy; and

Whereas paddling and rowing are central to Dartmouth's identity as the "City of Lakes" and these accomplishments on the national stage are a source of pride for the entire community;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly congratulate Raine Myers on winning bronze, silver, and gold medals, and being named a Canadian Champion at the 2019 Canoe Kayak Sprint National Championships.

[Page 5062]

RESOLUTION NO. 1473

By: Susan Leblanc (Dartmouth North)

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

Whereas in late August, 21 Banook Canoe Club paddlers and their families traveled to Regina, Saskatchewan for the 2019 Canoe Kayak Sprint National Championships; and

Whereas despite the nasty weather, Banook paddlers brought home bronze, silver, and gold medals, were named Canadian Champions, and were awarded both the David M. Smith Memorial Trophy and Judy Tutty Trophy; and

Whereas paddling and rowing are central to Dartmouth's identity as the "City of Lakes" and these accomplishments on the national stage are a source of pride for the entire community;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly congratulate Sophie Bouvette on winning a silver medal at the 2019 Canoe Kayak Sprint National Championships.

RESOLUTION NO. 1474

By: Susan Leblanc (Dartmouth North)

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

Whereas in late August, 21 Banook Canoe Club paddlers and their families traveled to Regina, Saskatchewan for the 2019 Canoe Kayak Sprint National Championships; and

Whereas despite the nasty weather, Banook paddlers brought home bronze, silver, and gold medals, were named Canadian Champions, and were awarded both the David M. Smith Memorial Trophy and Judy Tutty Trophy; and

Whereas paddling and rowing are central to Dartmouth's identity as the "City of Lakes" and these accomplishments on the national stage are a source of pride for the entire community;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly congratulate Thomas Cox on winning a bronze medal at the 2019 Canoe Kayak Sprint National Championships.

[Page 5063]

RESOLUTION NO. 1475

By: Kim Masland (Queens-Shelburne)

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

Whereas when you play on a hockey team, that team becomes your family; and

Whereas if a member of that family is faced with a challenge, the whole team stands behind him every step of the way; and

Whereas when 15-year-old Kiefer Huskins of the Major Bantam Lumberjacks was faced with a shocking cancer diagnosis, the compassion of a small community with a huge heart shone through as over 1,000 people gathered at a fundraising hockey game in Liverpool between Kiefer's team and the Liverpool Privateers, raising a staggering $33,000;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly commend everyone who donated money, time, gifts, and food to help in any way they could, as we stand with Kiefer on this difficult journey.

RESOLUTION NO. 1476

By: Kim Masland (Queens-Shelburne)

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

Whereas Nova Scotia Sports Hall of Famer Marjorie Turner-Bailey grew up in an African Nova Scotian family in Lockeport and was introduced to track and field in high school, practising her passion of running on Crescent Beach; and

Whereas after earning her first Canadian record in 1964, she went on to become a world-class athlete, competing in the Pan American Games in Mexico, the Montreal Olympics, and the Commonwealth Games in Jamaica, New Zealand, and Edmonton, winning a silver medal with the 4x100 relay team at the 1978 Commonwealth Games, after which she retired, having established four Canadian track and field records; and

Whereas in October 2017 Marjorie officially released and signed copies of her new book Can Run, depicting her memories and life story, to a capacity crowd in Lockeport;

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Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly congratulate Marjorie on the publishing of her book and her incredibly impressive athletic career, and give rightful recognition to her achievements at the world-class level.

RESOLUTION NO. 1477

By: Kim Masland (Queens-Shelburne)

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

Whereas the Region of Queens Municipality and Autism Nova Scotia have entered into a partnership agreement to work towards the construction of the Queens Universally Designed Playground; and

Whereas this will be a unique asset in southwest Nova Scotia, featuring play equipment and structures that support use by all children and adults; and

Whereas the Queens Universally Designed Playground fundraising committee will be working with Autism Nova Scotia to raise the necessary funds to enable the play park to become a reality;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly congratulate all parties involved, applauding the vision and dedication of all who have come together on this exciting project.

RESOLUTION NO. 1478

By: Hon. Karen Casey (Colchester North)

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

Whereas keeping active is a motto of 95-year-old Arthur Chisholm from Great Village, Colchester North, who moved to Great Village when he was five and now lives next door to the house he grew up in; and

Whereas after completing a course in pre-engineering at Mount A, Arthur moved to Halifax to study civil engineering at the Nova Scotia Technical College and spent 35 years working at Dalhousie University, where he taught surveying and later served as the director of the Physical Plant, overseeing campus maintenance and repairs; and

Whereas Arthur and his wife, Shirley, who were married for 66 years and one day, built a new one-storey home in 2000 to accommodate her crippling arthritis, which prevented her from doing cross-stitch and piece-sewed quilts, so Arthur took over;

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Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly congratulate Arthur Chisholm for his contributions to the many local organizations and for his generous donations of quilts, as well for being the first associate member of the Great Village Legion Branch 72, and because he still drives, cooks his own meals, works on puzzles and his quilts, and enjoys the company of his cat, Princess.

RESOLUTION NO. 1479

By: Hon. Kevin Murphy (Eastern Shore)

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

Whereas the arrival of a hurricane can create a great deal of stress for residents, and dealing with damage caused by downed trees, power outages, and lack of water can be overwhelming; and

Whereas it can also be a time where we see the best features of our community shine through, in that people come together to support each other in a time of need; and

Whereas many organizations like the Memory Lane Heritage Village opened their doors as comfort centres, providing a safe space for hot meals and washroom facilities and the ability for people to come together;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly join me in thanking the Memory Lane Heritage Village for all the support they gave to our community during Hurricane Dorian.

RESOLUTION NO. 1480

By: Hon. Kevin Murphy (Eastern Shore)

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

Whereas Marine Communities Food Bank, which operates through the dedicated support of community volunteers, ensuring that all local residents have access to the food they need, recently discovered structural issues with their building; and

Whereas Laurie Ward became aware of the issues and committed their time and skills in order to ensure that the building was safe and functioned in a effective manner for the local volunteers; and

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Whereas this act by a local citizen shows a high level of integrity and dedication to the people of the Eastern Shore who the food banks serve;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly join me thanking Laurie Ward for their dedication to the people of the Eastern Shore.

RESOLUTION NO. 1481

By: Hon. Kevin Murphy (Eastern Shore)

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

Whereas Marine Communities Food Bank, which operates through the dedicated support of community volunteers, ensuring that all local residents have access to the food they need, recently discovered structural issues with their building; and

Whereas LS Max Reid of the Fleet Diving Unit became aware of the issues and committed his time and skills in order to ensure the building was safe and functioned in a effective manner for the local volunteers; and

Whereas this act by a member of our Canadian Armed Forces shows a high level of integrity and dedication to the people of the Eastern Shore who the food banks serve;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly join me thanking LS Max Reid for his service to his country and to the people of the Eastern Shore.

RESOLUTION NO. 1482

By: Hon. Kevin Murphy (Eastern Shore)

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

Whereas Marine Communities Food Bank, which operates through the dedicated support of community volunteers, ensuring that all local residents have access to the food they need, recently discovered structural issues with their building; and

Whereas PO1 Glenn Moss of MOG5 became aware of the issues and committed his time and skills in order to ensure the building was safe and functioned in a effective manner for the local volunteers; and

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Whereas this act by a member of our Canadian Armed Forces shows a high level of integrity and dedication to the people of the Eastern Shore who the food banks serve;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly join me thanking PO1 Glenn Moss for his service to his country and to the people of the Eastern Shore.

RESOLUTION NO. 1483

By: Hon. Kevin Murphy (Eastern Shore)

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

Whereas Marine Communities Food Bank, which operates through the dedicated support of community volunteers, ensuring that all local residents have access to the food they need, recently discovered structural issues with their building; and

Whereas PO2 Ben Towns of the Fleet Maintenance Facility became aware of the issues and committed his time and skills in order to ensure the building was safe and functioned in a effective manner for the local volunteers; and

Whereas this act by a members of our Canadian Armed Forces shows a high level of integrity and dedication to the people of the Eastern Shore who the food banks serve;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly join me thanking PO2 Ben Towns for his service to his country and to the people of the Eastern Shore.

RESOLUTION NO. 1484

By: Hon. Kevin Murphy (Eastern Shore)

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

Whereas Marine Communities Food Bank, which operates through the dedicated support of community volunteers, ensuring that all local residents have access to the food they need, recently discovered structural issues with their building; and

Whereas PO2 Dan Williams of the Fleet Diving Unit became aware of the issues and committed his time and skills in order to ensure the building was safe and functioned in a effective manner for the local volunteers; and

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Whereas this act by a member of our Canadian Armed Forces shows a high level of integrity and dedication to the people of the Eastern Shore who the food banks serve;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly join me thanking PO2 Dan Williams for his service to his country and to the people of the Eastern Shore.

RESOLUTION NO. 1485

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 the Halifax County United U13 AA boys soccer team capped off an incredible season this summer; and

Whereas the team finished the season with 17 wins and two ties, capturing the league's first-place finish, the Nova Scotia provincial title, ending the season with the bronze at the Atlantic Championships; and

Whereas the majority of the team have played soccer together for over five years and have formed friendships on and off the field, contributing to their success;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly join me in congratulating Aaron John, Adam Sneddon, Bannon Rourke, David MacLean, Des Crawford, Elias MacPhee, Endrit Kuka, Eric Halliday, Gabe Moshett, Jamisen Morash, Joshua Tanner, Lachlan Hawes, Lachlan Sylvester, Logan Wigglesworth, Luc Melonson, Spencer Berry, Thomas Connell, Ty Boone, and Xavier Manning for their hard work and commitment to achieve this success.

RESOLUTION NO. 1486

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 John and Joyce Little celebrated their 65^th wedding anniversary on February 27^th of this year; and

Whereas every anniversary is a special one, and it is particularly admirable to take the journey of sharing and celebrating 65 years of union with another person, and to cherish memories, explore opportunities, and support each other through the obstacles life presents is an extraordinary milestone; and

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Whereas the partnership of joining your life with another person can be challenging, and requires constant love and compassion, good communication, and the ability to listen, to compromise, to respect, and to care for each other, especially through times that test your commitment;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly join me in congratulating John and Joyce on their 65^th wedding anniversary and wish them many more years of happiness together.

RESOLUTION NO. 1487

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 Sheila Higgins Beal is a highly motivated community volunteer who gives her time and energy to build friendships and relationships and connect people in her neighbourhood; and

Whereas Sheila has been described by neighbours as a person who has discovered the formula to build and maintain a flourishing community by getting her neighbours to turn off the TV, leave the house, and come out to enjoy each other's company and friendship; and

Whereas over the past year, Sheila has organized small but very meaningful events to raise money for the purpose of funding social activities such as Halloween parties, walk-a-thons, ice cream socials, and bike parades - small but important gestures that bring people together, enhance communications, and enrich the community;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly join me in thanking Sheila for her dedication to the community and for her work to unite neighbours and help shape a happy and vibrant community spirit.

RESOLUTION NO. 1488

By: Hon. Margaret Miller (Hants East)

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

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Whereas Nova Scotia's volunteer fire departments are made up of individuals who show their dedication by contributing hard work, skills, frequently risking their lives, and dealing with incidents of great emotional stress; and

Whereas long service volunteers are the life blood of our community; and

Whereas Brian Supple is a recipient of the 2019 Municipal Fire Fighters Long Service Award;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly join me in congratulating Brian Supple on this award and thank him for his 30 years of service to the Uniacke & District Volunteer Fire Department and the residents of Uniacke area.

RESOLUTION NO. 1489

By: Hon. Margaret Miller (Hants East)

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

Whereas Nova Scotia's volunteer fire departments are made up of individuals who show their dedication by contributing hard work, skills, frequently risking their lives, and dealing with incidents of great emotional stress; and

Whereas long service volunteers are the life blood of our community; and

Whereas David Winter is a recipient of the 2019 Municipal Fire Fighters Long Service Award;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly join me in thanking David for his 30 years of service with the Rawdon & District Fire Department and in congratulating him on this well- deserved award.

RESOLUTION NO. 1490

By: Hon. Margaret Miller (Hants East)

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

Whereas Nova Scotia's volunteer fire departments are made up of individuals who show their dedication by contributing hard work, skills, frequently risking their lives, and dealing with incidents of great emotional stress; and

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Whereas long service volunteers are the life blood of our community; and

Whereas Ernest Blois is a recipient of the 2019 Municipal Fire Fighters Long Service Award;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly join me in thanking Ernest for his 30 years of service with the Enfield Volunteer Fire Department and in congratulating him on this well- deserved award.

RESOLUTION NO. 1491

By: Hon. Margaret Miller (Hants East)

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

Whereas Nova Scotia's volunteer fire departments are made up of individuals who show their dedication by contributing hard work, skills, frequently risking their lives, and dealing with incidents of great emotional stress; and

Whereas long service volunteers are the life blood of our community; and

Whereas Malcolm Noble is a recipient of the 2019 Municipal Fire Fighters Long Service Award;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly join me in thanking Malcolm Noble for his 45 years of service with the Elmsdale Fire & Emergency Services and in congratulating him on this well- deserved award.

RESOLUTION NO. 1492

By: Hon. Margaret Miller (Hants East)

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

Whereas Nova Scotia's volunteer fire departments are made up of individuals who show their dedication by contributing hard work, skills, frequently risking their lives, and dealing with incidents of great emotional stress; and

Whereas long service volunteers are the life blood of our community; and

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Whereas Norval Mitchell is a recipient of the 2019 Municipal Fire Fighters Long Service Award;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly join me in thanking Norval Mitchell for his 40 years of service with the Elmsdale Fire & Emergency Services and in congratulating him on this well- deserved award.

RESOLUTION NO. 1493

By: Hon. Margaret Miller (Hants East)

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

Whereas Nova Scotia's volunteer fire departments are made up of individuals who show their dedication by contributing hard work, skills, frequently risking their lives, and dealing with incidents of great emotional stress; and

Whereas long service volunteers are the life blood of our community; and

Whereas Raymond Ross is a recipient of the 2019 Municipal Fire Fighters Long Service Award;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly join me in thanking Raymond Ross for his 30 years of service with the Walton Shore Fire Department and in congratulating him on this well-deserved award.

RESOLUTION NO. 1494

By: Hon. Margaret Miller (Hants East)

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

Whereas Nova Scotia's volunteer fire departments are made up of individuals who show their dedication by contributing hard work, skills, frequently risking their lives, and dealing with incidents of great emotional stress; and

Whereas long service volunteers are the life blood of our community; and

Whereas Terry Frail is a recipient of the 2019 Municipal Fire Fighters Long Service Award;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly join me in thanking Terry for his 30 years of service with the Rawdon & District Fire Department and in congratulating him on this well deserved- award.

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RESOLUTION NO. 1495

By: Hon. Zach Churchill (Yarmouth)

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

Whereas the U13 Pet Value Clippers Girls Soccer Team had an outstanding season; and

Whereas not only did the team go undefeated in their league, but they ended their league games with no goal scored against them; and

Whereas they were regional champions and went on to compete in Provincials in New Waterford, Cape Breton, where they captured silver;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly congratulate the U13 Pet Value Clippers Girls Soccer Team and their coaches on an amazing and unforgettable soccer season and wish them all the best in the future.

RESOLUTION NO. 1496

By: John Lohr (Kings North)

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

Whereas the Canning Volunteer Fire Department has a proud history of providing fire protection and emergency response to the communities it serves; and

Whereas the members of the volunteer department commit to undergo extensive training, accept numerous departmental responsibilities, are regularly on call, and respond to emergencies that expose them to situations that are physically and emotionally challenging; and

Whereas the work of the department is made possible by volunteers and family members who raise funds, organize events, and adjust their own lives to support the demanding schedules of firefighters;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly recognize the central role that the Canning Volunteer Fire Department plays in the communities it serves and extend deep appreciation to the firefighters, auxiliary volunteers, and family members who invest countless hours in a cause that protects the safety of Nova Scotians.

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RESOLUTION NO. 1497

By: John Lohr (Kings North)

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

Whereas the Canning Volunteer Fire Department Station #2 Scots Bay has a proud history of providing fire protection and emergency response to the communities it serves; and

Whereas the members of the volunteer department commit to undergo extensive training, accept numerous departmental responsibilities, are regularly on call, and respond to emergencies that expose them to situations that are physically and emotionally challenging; and

Whereas the work of the department is made possible by volunteers and family members who raise funds, organize events, and adjust their own lives to support the demanding schedules of firefighters;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly recognize the central role that the Canning Volunteer Fire Department Station #2 Scots Bay plays in the communities it serves and extend deep appreciation to the firefighters, auxiliary volunteers, and family members who invest countless hours in a cause that protects the safety of Nova Scotians.

RESOLUTION NO. 1498

By: John Lohr (Kings North)

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

Whereas the Halls Harbour Fire Department has a proud history of providing fire protection and emergency response to the communities it serves; and

Whereas the members of the volunteer department commit to undergo extensive training, accept numerous departmental responsibilities, are regularly on call, and respond to emergencies that expose them to situations that are physically and emotionally challenging; and

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Whereas the work of the department is made possible by volunteers and family members who raise funds, organize events, and adjust their own lives to support the demanding schedules of firefighters;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly recognize the central role that the Halls Harbour Fire Department plays in the communities it serves and extend deep appreciation to the firefighters, auxiliary volunteers, and family members who invest countless hours in a cause that protects the safety of Nova Scotians.

RESOLUTION NO. 1499

By: John Lohr (Kings North)

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

Whereas the Kentville Volunteer Fire Department has a proud history of providing fire protection and emergency response to the communities it serves; and

Whereas the members of the volunteer department commit to undergo extensive training, accept numerous departmental responsibilities, are regularly on call, and respond to emergencies that expose them to situations that are physically and emotionally challenging; and

Whereas the work of the department is made possible by volunteers and family members who raise funds, organize events, and adjust their own lives to support the demanding schedules of firefighters;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly recognize the central role that the Kentville Volunteer Fire Department plays in the communities it serves and extend deep appreciation to the firefighters, auxiliary volunteers, and family members who invest countless hours in a cause that protects the safety of Nova Scotians.

RESOLUTION NO. 1500

By: John Lohr (Kings North)

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

Whereas the Port Williams Volunteer Fire Department has a proud history of providing fire protection and emergency response to the communities it serves; and

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Whereas the members of the volunteer department commit to undergo extensive training, accept numerous departmental responsibilities, are regularly on call, and respond to emergencies that expose them to situations that are physically and emotionally challenging; and

Whereas the work of the department is made possible by volunteers and family members who raise funds, organize events, and adjust their own lives to support the demanding schedules of firefighters;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly recognize the central role that the Port Williams Volunteer Fire Department plays in the communities it serves and extend deep appreciation to the firefighters, auxiliary volunteers, and family members who invest countless hours in a cause that protects the safety of Nova Scotians.

RESOLUTION NO. 1501

By: John Lohr (Kings North)

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

Whereas the Waterville and District Fire Department has a proud history of providing fire protection and emergency response to the communities it serves; and

Whereas the members of the volunteer department commit to undergo extensive training, accept numerous departmental responsibilities, are regularly on call, and respond to emergencies that expose them to situations that are physically and emotionally challenging; and

Whereas the work of the department is made possible by volunteers and family members who raise funds, organize events, and adjust their own lives to support the demanding schedules of firefighters;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly recognize the central role that the Waterville and District Fire Department plays in the communities it serves and extend deep appreciation to the firefighters, auxiliary volunteers, and family members who invest countless hours in a cause that protects the safety of Nova Scotians.

RESOLUTION NO. 1502

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By: Hon. Gordon Wilson (Clare-Digby)

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

Whereas the Digby & Area Board of Trade held its 2019 Business Awards of Excellence Dinner on May 28, 2019; and

Whereas Casa Nova Fine Beverages received the Customer Service Award; and

Whereas this award is presented to a business or service association that has consistently provided excellent service to its customers;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly congratulate Casa Nova Fine Beverages restaurant on receiving this award and wish them continued success.

RESOLUTION NO. 1503

By: Hon. Gordon Wilson (Clare-Digby)

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

Whereas the Digby & Area Board of Trade held its 2019 Business Awards of Excellence Dinner on May 28, 2019; and

Whereas Fundy Complex received the Hospitality & Tourism Excellence Award; and

Whereas this award is presented to a business/organization/person who has made a significant contribution to the enhancement/development of our tourism product and shown a consistent pattern of providing a positive tourism experience for travellers to our area;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly congratulate Fundy Complex on receiving this award and wish them continued success.

RESOLUTION NO. 1504

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By: Hon. Gordon Wilson (Clare-Digby)

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

Whereas the Digby & Area Board of Trade held its 2019 Business Awards of Excellence Dinner on May 28, 2019; and

Whereas Jordantown-Acaciaville-Conway Betterment Association received the Community Contribution Award; and

Whereas this award is presented to a business that has made a significant contribution to the community through its consistent support of projects/programs that are for the benefit of our area;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly congratulate Jordantown-Acaciaville-Conway Betterment Association on receiving this award and wish them continued success.

RESOLUTION NO. 1505

By: Hon. Gordon Wilson (Clare-Digby)

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

Whereas the Digby & Area Board of Trade held its 2019 Business Awards of Excellence Dinner on May 28, 2019; and

Whereas Kenaan's Kitchen received the Rising Star Award; and

Whereas this award is presented to a young entrepreneur(s) who has/have demonstrated an innovative approach to business and economic development in our area;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly congratulate Kenaan's Kitchen on receiving this award and wish them continued success.

RESOLUTION NO. 1506

By: Hon. Gordon Wilson (Clare-Digby)

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

Whereas the Digby & Area Board of Trade held its 2019 Business Awards of Excellence Dinner on May 28, 2019; and

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Whereas Lewis Mouldings and Wood Specialties received the Export Achievement Award; and

Whereas this award is presented to a business individual that adds value to our local community by stimulating economic prosperity in our region and their exports are raising the profile and reputation of our natural and human resources internationally;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly congratulate Lewis Mouldings and Wood Specialties on receiving this award and wish them continued success.

RESOLUTION NO. 1507

By: Hon. Gordon Wilson (Clare-Digby)

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

Whereas the Digby & Area Board of Trade held its 2019 Business Awards of Excellence Dinner on May 28, 2019; and

Whereas Mike Bartlett received the Area Ambassador Award; and

Whereas this award is presented to an individual who has gone above and beyond the limits of their business to promote and enhance the value of our community, increasing prosperity and enriching our local industries;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly congratulate Mike Bartlett on receiving this award and wish him continued success.

RESOLUTION NO. 1508

By: Hon. Gordon Wilson (Clare-Digby)

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

Whereas the Digby & Area Board of Trade held its 2019 Business Awards of Excellence Dinner on May 28, 2019; and

Whereas Sanford & Associates Chartered Professional Accountants Inc. received the Business Excellence Award; and

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Whereas this award is presented to a business individual who has through consistent performance and solid practices made a positive impact in this area, this award is one of achievement within the business community;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly congratulate Sanford & Associates Chartered Professional Accountants Inc. on receiving this award and wish them continued success.

RESOLUTION NO. 1509

By: Hon. Gordon Wilson (Clare-Digby)

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

Whereas the Digby & Area Board of Trade held its 2019 Business Awards of Excellence Dinner on May 28, 2019; and

Whereas Sohma & Eliza Desmaurais received the Ian Russell Entrepreneur Award; and

Whereas this award is presented to a business/individual who has developed a product or enhanced a marketing opportunity that is unique or innovative;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly congratulate Sohma & Eliza Desmaurais on receiving this award and wish them continued success.

RESOLUTION NO. 1510

By: Hon. Gordon Wilson (Clare-Digby)

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

Whereas the Digby & Area Board of Trade held its 2019 Business Awards of Excellence Dinner on May 28, 2019; and

Whereas Sustainable Oceans Applied Research (SOAR) received the Environmental Service Award; and

Whereas this award recognizes the individual or business who has demonstrated outstanding dedication, involvement in and accomplished of environmental goals with a particular emphasis on proper solid waste management or waste reduction initiatives;

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Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly congratulate Sustainable Oceans Applied Research (SOAR) on receiving this award and wish them continued success.

RESOLUTION NO. 1511

By: Hon. Gordon Wilson (Clare-Digby)

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

Whereas the Digby & Area Board of Trade held its 2019 Business Awards of Excellence Dinner on May 28, 2019; and

Whereas Tom Amirault received the Lifetime Achievement Award; and

Whereas this award is presented a business or an individual who has made a significant contribution to the community;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly congratulate Tom Amirault on receiving this award and wish him continued success.

RESOLUTION NO. 1512

By: Kim Masland (Queens-Shelburne)

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

Whereas Nova Scotia's forests cover 75 per cent of our province, generating an annual revenue of $2.1 billion, and almost $1 billion contributes to the Gross Domestic Product; and

Whereas almost 12,000 Nova Scotians are employed directly or indirectly by the forest industry; and

Whereas it is the backbone of rural Nova Scotian employment, especially in Queens-Shelburne, where for example, Freeman's Lumber Mill directly employs 150 people alone;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly congratulates and thanks all members of Nova Scotia's forest industry, whose toils sustain our economy.

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RESOLUTION NO. 1513

By: Kim Masland (Queens-Shelburne)

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

Whereas the McKay Memorial Library in Shelburne celebrated 50 years of service on October 29, 2019; and

Whereas the library joined as a branch of Western Communities Regional Library on June 5, 1969, and opened their doors February the following year; and

Whereas the branch has continued to evolve to meet the changing needs and roles of modern libraries, and offers a wide variety of services, including internet access, an Early Literary Station, photocopying and fax, and a host of others;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly congratulates and thanks the McKay Memorial Library for their continued facilitation of this invaluable institution for the people of Shelburne.

RESOLUTION NO. 1514

By: Kim Masland (Queens-Shelburne)

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

Whereas the Fisheries Safety Association of Nova Scotia hosted its second annual 'Splashes of Safety' Awards Ceremony on September 27, 2019; and

Whereas 'Splashes of Safety' is an event that celebrates and acknowledges the accomplishments in the Nova Scotia fishing industry all while raising funds that are directly used for Fishing Safety; and

Whereas Star Donovan, the HR and Safety Manager at Mersey Seafoods in Liverpool, has worked diligently with all staff to uphold the very best practices towards reducing fishing related workplace injuries and fostering a safety culture within the industry;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly congratulates Star and all the employees at Mersey Seafoods on being the recipients of this year's Fishing Safety Award of Excellence.

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RESOLUTION NO. 1515

By: Susan Leblanc (Dartmouth North)

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

Whereas in September of 2019 fifteen young Canadians, ages 15-17, traveled to Bratislava, Slovakia, to represent the country in the canoe and kayak Olympic Hopes International Regatta, and the team included five paddlers from Nova Scotia, three of whom were from Dartmouth; and

Whereas Ian Gaudet, a member of Banook Canoe Club, earned a bronze medal in the K1 200m; and

Whereas Ian was also named Sport Nova Scotia's Junior Male Athlete of the Year;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly congratulate Ian on winning a bronze medal in the K1 200m at the 2019 Olympic Hopes International Regatta and on being named Sport Nova Scotia's Junior Male Athlete of the Year.

RESOLUTION NO. 1516

By: Hon. Chuck Porter (Hants West)

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

Whereas more than 1.4 million caring men and women belong to Lions Club organizations around the world leading by example, building relationships and improving the world through kindness; and

Whereas the Hantsport & District Lions Club was organized in the Fall of 1983, was officially chartered in December 1983 with 25 Charter members and is celebrating 35 years of service to their community; and

Whereas whether it is fundraising projects or service activities, the members of the Hantsport & District Lions Club give freely of their time knowing that their efforts will benefit others in need;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly thank the Hantsport & District Lions Club for 35 years of dedication and service to their community and wish them many more years of helping those less fortunate.

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RESOLUTION NO. 1517

By: Hon. Chuck Porter (Hants West)

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

Whereas Harold G. S. Adams, Q.C. has been practising law in the Town of Windsor for many years, with thousands of clients needing his skills and expertise; and

Whereas after 47 years as a general practice lawyer and seeing many changes, Harold has decided it is time to hang up his hat and enjoy his retirement; and

Whereas September 30, 2019, will be Harold's last official day at the office before handing his practice over to the Taylor MacLellan Cochrane law firm;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly thank Harold Adams, Q.C. for his 47 years serving the people of Hants County and wish him many enjoyable years of much deserved retirement.

RESOLUTION NO. 1518

By: Hon. Chuck Porter (Hants West)

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

Whereas the Walter J. Hachborn Store of the Year Award is Home Hardware's most prestigious honour for retail excellence and was named for the Canadian businessman and co-founder of Home Hardware of the same name; and

Whereas Home Hardware has recognized Windsor's Home Hardware Store as the recipient of the Walter J. Hachborn Store of the Year Award for 2018 for achieving the highest standards in retailing, merchandising, staff performance, and overall quality and service; and

Whereas the award was presented to dealer-owner Jeff Redden for representing Hachborn's values of service, good value and dependability;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly congratulate Jeff and the staff at Windsor Home Hardware on receiving such an honoured award and wish them continued success.

[Page 5085]

RESOLUTION NO. 1519

By: Hon. Chuck Porter (Hants West)

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

Whereas the Roy Hobbs World Series promotes adult amateur recreation baseball, bringing five weeks of competition to Fort Myers, Florida, featuring a Women's Division plus Men's Divisions separated by age from 35 - 75-plus; and

Whereas three Hants County baseball players, Al Simm, Ed Sherman, and Jeff Burgess had a shot at winning the Roy Hobbs World Series title in Fort Myers, Florida, last Fall where the Nova Scotia Monarchs sent 4 teams to compete in the AAA Legends 53-plus division; and

Whereas the Monarchs brought home the silver medal and bragging rights along with Al Simm being chosen as MVP of the tournament;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly congratulate Al Simm, Ed Sherman, and Jeff Burgess for never giving up their love of the game and wish them all the best.

RESOLUTION NO. 1520

By: Hon. Lena Metlege Diab (Halifax Armdale)

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

Whereas Wyatt Redmond of Halifax Armdale is a proud business owner, father, and valued member of the business community in Spryfield; and

Whereas Wyatt is a recognized local leader in recycling and waste management, and owns and operates Beaver Enviro Depot on Herring Cove Road in Halifax, which celebrated 40 years in business on September 6, 2019; and

Whereas Wyatt's business reduces waste and improves our environment, and has recently partnered with Chebucto Heights Elementary in Armdale on a bottle return program that will serve as a year-long fundraiser for the school;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly join me in congratulating Wyatt for his four decades of success in business, and thank him for everything he has done to strengthen our community.

[Page 5086]

RESOLUTION NO. 1521

By: Hon. Leo Glavine (Kings West)

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

Whereas the Kingston District Fire Department has worked tirelessly to serve Kingston and its surrounding areas since 1944; and

Whereas six people have served as fire chief, including current chief Watson Armstrong who has served as chief since 2001; and

Whereas in 2019, the Kingston District Volunteer Fire Department celebrated their 75^th anniversary of protecting the people and property of the Village of Kingston and surrounding areas, and they continue to set an example for not only our local area, but for our province;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly congratulate the Kingston District Volunteer Fire Department on their 75^th anniversary and thank them for their 75 years of loyal service to our community.

RESOLUTION NO. 1522

By: Hon. Leo Glavine (Kings West)

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

Whereas 14 Wing Greenwood played host to Air Show Atlantic on August to September 1^st, drawing in thousands of spectators, resulting in a great economic impact for our local area; and

Whereas this years' event saw many unique aviation teams participate, including the Blue Angels and a solo performance by Matin Hivon in his YAK-55M among others; and

Whereas much buzz was created around the village and surrounding areas, including many children who were able to look up to the sky and be inspired to one day do that as well;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly congratulate the incredible organizers of Air Show Atlantic and 14 Wing Greenwood on hosting yet another unforgettable show.

[Page 5087]

RESOLUTION NO. 1523

By: Hon. Leo Glavine (Kings West)

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

Whereas Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, also referred to as ALS, is a disease that affects many across our province and country; and

Whereas local chapters of the ALS Society are working to help support those living with ALS and promote the opportunity for further research, including a local group in Kingston that hosted the ALS Walk Strong event this past September; and

Whereas many community members attended this event that included a walk and ticket auction which raised a significant contribution for the ALS Society to further their work, along with importantly raising overall awareness of this disease;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly congratulate and thank the local organizers of the Kingston ALS Walk Strong event for hosting a successful fundraiser and continuing to support the efforts and awareness campaign of the ALS Society.

RESOLUTION NO. 1524

By: Hon. Leo Glavine (Kings West)

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

Whereas in 2011, Amy Graves founded the Get Prescription Drugs off the Street organization after the loss of her younger brother, Josh; and

Whereas Amy's advocacy has resulted in important awareness related to the opioid crisis, continual conversation and enhancement of education related to addiction and prescription drug use, and overall change within the medical, law enforcement, pharmaceutical, and political community; and

Whereas Amy has recently announced that her time in public advocacy has come to an end after almost a decade of her tireless and remarkable efforts, which has left an important legacy and important strides in relation to the opioid use and addiction;

[Page 5088]

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly congratulate and thank Amy Graves for her many years of advocacy for an important cause that has made our community and province a much better, safer, and educated space.

RESOLUTION NO. 1525

By: Hon. Leo Glavine (Kings West)

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

Whereas the Berwick Community Market formally opened on July 28, 2018, with the assistance of a seven-member board of directors, and continuing to operate each subsequent Saturday morning at the Berwick Royal Canadian Legion; and

Whereas a variety of market vendors has drawn several attendees in each week, contributing to the overall success and sustainability of the market; and

Whereas this past July, the Berwick Community Market celebrated their 1^st anniversary with a large crowd and, of course, cake;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly congratulate the Berwick Community Market on a successful first year of operation and wish them continued success for many years to come.

RESOLUTION NO. 1526

By: Hon. Leo Glavine (Kings West)

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

Whereas Bruce Redden, long-time resident of Somerset, grew up playing minor hockey in Berwick for many winning teams and was named Most Valuable Player during the 1965-1966 season; and

Whereas Bruce also had much success in baseball and as a hockey official, having been recognized as the best official in the league during the 1979-1980 season; and

Whereas in recognition of his contributions and decorated sports career, Bruce was inducted into the Berwick Sports Hall of Fame this past August;

[Page 5089]

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly congratulate Bruce Redden on his many accomplishments, including his recent induction into the Berwick Sports Hall of Fame.

RESOLUTION NO. 1527

By: Hon. Leo Glavine (Kings West)

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

Whereas Claudia Fulton is a young woman who enjoys playing sports and has an infectious passion for athleticism, playing rugby and basketball for St. F.X. University and baseball for Team Nova Scotia; and

Whereas Claudia was born with central neural hearing loss and has never let this define her or inhibit her from doing amazing things in all facets of life, especially on the rugby pitch; and

Whereas due to her incredible talent, Claudia was chosen to represent Canada at the U20 Tri-Nations Cup in England this past July;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly congratulate Claudia Fulton on her amazing accomplishments, specifically on being selected to represent our country at this prestigious rugby competition.

RESOLUTION NO. 1528

By: Hon. Leo Glavine (Kings West)

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

Whereas gifted sports journalist Daniel D'Aubin is the great mind behind 17 Degree Sports - a local sports journalism blog that covers everything sports from local Annapolis Valley news to international phenomena; and

Whereas in the face of adversity, Daniel has always held his head high, and his pen higher, having never let his (dis)Abilities get in the way of achieving his dreams; and

Whereas Daniel has recently acquired a contract to cover our local Valley Wildcats hockey organization - a task that he is doing exceptionally well at;

[Page 5090]

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly congratulate Daniel D'Aubin for all he has accomplished thus far with his career in sports journalism and for making the 17 Degree Sports brand a household name.

RESOLUTION NO. 1529

By: Hon. Leo Glavine (Kings West)

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

Whereas Margie Lamb has been a co-owner of Meadowbrook Meat Market since the 1970s, having been the sole proprietor of the family business up until very recently, since her husband, Jimmie, passed away in 2016; and

Whereas Margie is a prominent female entrepreneur in our community who has achieved great things with her business, always having a positive attitude and is extremely committed to helping, mentoring, and promoting others within their businesses; and

Whereas Marge was recently honoured at the 2019 Women of Excellence banquet, having received the Businesswoman of Excellence Award;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly congratulate Margie Lamb on receiving this well-deserved award and continuing to be a role model for female entrepreneurs in our community and beyond.

RESOLUTION NO. 1530

By: Hon. Leo Glavine (Kings West)

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

Whereas Kingston athlete Mark Makepeace recently participated in the Warrior Games 2019 in Tampa Bay, Florida, from June 21^st to 30^th; and

Whereas these games serve to assist with the recovery of ill and injured armed service members and veterans through sport; and

Whereas Mark, an artilleryman with the military, had a remarkable showing at the games for Team Canada, having competed in cycling, wheelchair basketball, and wheelchair rugby;

[Page 5091]

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly congratulate Mark Makepeace for representing our country at the Warrior Games and making us all very proud.

RESOLUTION NO. 1531

By: Hon. Leo Glavine (Kings West)

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

Whereas the Capes is a 100-mile trail run that boasts beautiful scenery in the northern part of our province and is known to be a true test to many runners' capabilities that requires the utmost athletic ability and mental focus; and

Whereas master marathoner Roy Banks of Greenwood battled through blisters, no sleep, and rough terrain, finishing with a remarkable time of thirty-two hours and five minutes; and

Whereas this is an incredible feat that Roy has trained hard for and the picture of his smile as he crossed the finish line truly tells it all;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly congratulate Roy on achieving his dreams of completing the 100-mile Capes Trail Run with a commendable time that he should be very proud of.

RESOLUTION NO. 1532

By: Hon. Leo Glavine (Kings West)

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

Whereas on September 2, 1939, TSS Athenia departed Liverpool and one day later was torpedoed, leading to mass casualties and distress for 223 survivors, who were rescued by the City of Flint freighter and brought to Pier 21 in Halifax; and

Whereas this past September 3, 2019, marked the 80^th anniversary of the sinking of TSS Athenia which was commemorated by the hosting of a survivors reunion and get-together; and

Whereas Scott Fraser of Kingston was among those leading the organizing of this important historical event, and thanks to his efforts, this led to a very important and well-attended event;

[Page 5092]

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly congratulate Scott Fraser on his volunteer efforts in collaboration with his colleagues to host the 80^th anniversary event in commemoration of the sinking of TSS Athenia and its survivors.

RESOLUTION NO. 1533

By: Hon. Leo Glavine (Kings West)

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

Whereas Dean Peach has long been an active member of our community, having recently organized Wounded Warriors - an incredibly successful event that saw around two dozen registered cyclists raise money for the Wounded Warriors organization; and

Whereas under Dean's leadership, a total of $20,000 was raised, which will support programs for military and first responders and their families; and

Whereas as Dean has mentioned, the 200-kilometre ride would not have been possible without a combined community effort, which includes countless volunteers, supporters, businesses, and first responders;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly congratulate Dean Peach on facilitating a no one gets left behind attitude, which resulted in a ride that created significant bonds and inspired many, and where the impacts will be felt by participants and those involved with the Wounded Warriors organization for a lifetime.

RESOLUTION NO. 1534

By: Hon. Patricia Arab (Fairview-Clayton Park)

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

Whereas Amanda Scott was valedictorian at Mount Saint Vincent University this Spring; and

Whereas Amanda has maintained a 4.0 GPA while completing her bachelor of business administration degree in accounting with a minor in management; and

Whereas Amanda balanced a full-time job in the food and beverage industry while being a supplemental instruction leader and student marker and helping kids in New Orleans, Louisiana, and Florida;

[Page 5093]

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly join me in congratulating Amanda on all that she has achieved and in wishing her the best of luck as she continues to seek her CPA designation.

RESOLUTION NO. 1535

By: Hon. Patricia Arab (Fairview-Clayton Park)

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

Whereas last year at Burton Ettinger Elementary, Angela DiLiberatores had the idea to get her Grade 3 and 4 class to write, perform, and produce a video that explores bullying and what it means to be a bystander; and

Whereas as part of the project, students stand in front of the camera and talk about the effects of bullying; and

Whereas in the video, students are encouraged to be an upstander and give tips on what to do when they witness or experience bullying;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly join me in thanking Angela for her continued support for her students in their fight against bullying.

RESOLUTION NO. 1536

By: Hon. Patricia Arab (Fairview-Clayton Park)

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

Whereas the new restaurant Budapest Bisztro recently opened in my riding at 650 Washmill Lake Drive; and

Whereas Budapest Bisztro markets itself as a taste of Hungary with extraordinary food and a casual dining atmosphere; and

Whereas among the many traditional menu items is a Transylvanian goulash, a pork stew with homemade Hungarian spicy sausages, several types of Schnitzel, and traditional flour crepes;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly join me in congratulating Budapest Bisztro on a successful opening.

[Page 5094]

RESOLUTION NO. 1537

By: Hon. Patricia Arab (Fairview-Clayton Park)

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

Whereas Casey Perrin received her bachelor of arts and non-profit leadership certificate at Mount Saint Vincent's Spring Convocation; and

Whereas in 2011, after an ATV accident that left her paralyzed, Casey wanted to continue her university career and chose the Mount because of its reputation as a safe, comfortable, and supportive learning environment; and

Whereas in addition to her academic achievements, Casey is known in Nova Scotia and Canada for her success in global wheelchair athletics;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly join me in congratulating Casey on her amazing achievements.

RESOLUTION NO. 1538

By: Hon. Patricia Arab (Fairview-Clayton Park)

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

Whereas many new immigrants and refugees are making use of the new Common Roots Urban Farm at the Bicentennial Highway Park; and

Whereas Janet Niyonkuru is a survivor of the Rwandan genocide, former refugee, and now Canadian citizen who is using gardening to cure her PTSD; and

Whereas Imelde Nduwimana is a former refugee from Burundi who uses the community garden to create traditional dishes and says the garden project reminds her of home;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly join me in congratulating Common Roots on their successful move and in wishing Janet and Imelde a successful harvest.

RESOLUTION NO. 1539

[Page 5095]

By: Hon. Patricia Arab (Fairview-Clayton Park)

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

Whereas Jane Garnier is a Grade 7 student at Fairview Junior High who excels academically and is involved in band, Girl Guides, and horseback riding; and

Whereas on her own initiative, Jane is fundraising for at least three organizations before next summer; and

Whereas currently, Jane is organizing donations for Phoenix House, an organization that provides housing and parenting support and many other services to youth;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly join me in recognizing Jane for her incredible accomplishments and commitment to making the world a better place.

RESOLUTION NO. 1540

By: Hon. Patricia Arab (Fairview-Clayton Park)

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

Whereas as the coordinator of Halifax's Mobile Food Market, Jessie Dale recognized that many low-income seniors in Halifax were unable to access fresh affordable produce due to physical and economic constraints; and

Whereas Jessie began accepting food orders from seniors in north-end Halifax and Fairview and delivering fresh fruit and vegetables to them bi-weekly; and

Whereas Jessie also realized that there was an opportunity to connect cultures and to provide Syrian and Middle Eastern youth with their first job by tasking them with organizing the produce into customized orders;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly join me in thanking Jessie for her incredible work.

RESOLUTION NO. 1541

[Page 5096]

By: Hon. Patricia Arab (Fairview-Clayton Park)

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

Whereas Hurricane Dorian left many residents without power and unable to cook meals for several days; and

Whereas on September 9, Joe Howe Superstore opened its PC Cooking School for Fairview residents to relax, plug in, and enjoy complimentary coffee, tea, and snacks; and

Whereas on September 11, staff posted on Facebook and encouraged those without power or food to come to the PC Cooking School to enjoy some free chili;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly join me in thanking Joseph Howe Superstore for their help in the wake of Hurricane Dorian.

RESOLUTION NO. 1542

By: Hon. Patricia Arab (Fairview-Clayton Park)

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

Whereas Kyly Whitfield's research on nutritional deficiencies has been lauded as groundbreaking and embraces the polarizing topic of breastfeeding; and

Whereas her study on infantile beriberi in Asia led her to add thiamine to Cambodian mothers' food and was hailed as a success; and

Whereas in Halifax, Kyly compiles data at her Milk and Micronutrient Assessment Lab to help establish optimum long-term health practices starting in infancy;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly join me in thanking Kyly for her continued research into the field of infant and maternal nutrition.

RESOLUTION NO. 1543

By: Hon. Patricia Arab (Fairview-Clayton Park)

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

Whereas Geoff Regan has been serving Halifax West for over 20 years and with his recent re-election, will continue to be an incredible advocate for our community in Ottawa; and

[Page 5097]

Whereas Andy Fillmore has been a huge proponent of putting Halifax on the map and will continue to do great things for our city and province; and

Whereas Bernadette Jordan, Darrell Samson, Darren Fisher, Sean Fraser, and new MPs Mike Kelloway, Jaime Battiste, Lenore Zann, Kody Blois, and Chris d'Entremont will represent their constituencies well in Ottawa;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly join me in congratulating our Members of Parliament on their successful election and re-election.

RESOLUTION NO. 1544

By: Hon. Patricia Arab (Fairview-Clayton Park)

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

Whereas this May, Rinaldo's New York Pizza opened a new takeout and delivery location at 3428 Dutch Village Rd; and

Whereas pizza connoisseurs Sam and Tony own the food truck T-Dogs sandwich company, Rinaldo's Italian American Specialties, and their other Rinaldo's location on Windsor St; and

Whereas the entrepreneurial spirit runs in the family as the Rinaldo brothers learned from their father, the original owner of Salvatore's New York Pizza;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly join me in congratulating Sam and Tony on their new location.

RESOLUTION NO. 1545

By: Hon. Chuck Porter (Hants West)

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

Whereas the Avon River Quilters have committed the time, trouble and expense of making quilts as a group with the good intentions of donating them to many needy causes; and

Whereas the quilters formed their group 20 years ago in the Windsor-Falmouth area and find it's a friendship of like-minded people, who inspire and challenge each other; and

[Page 5098]

Whereas the Avon River Quilters have donated quilts to raise money for Misfit Manor Dog Rescue, Brooklyn Elementary School, have made six quilts for children who lost their home due to a fire, and the have completed two Quilts of Valor presented to injured or ill members of the Armed Forces, past or present;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly congratulate the Avon River Quilters for their dedication to making donation quilts that give back to the community.

RESOLUTION NO. 1546

By: Hon. Chuck Porter (Hants West)

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

Whereas what was an ordinary day for Eugene Kaiser, driving his 18-wheel truck along the 101 Highway, turned into a fight for his life when he blacked out and his truck careened off the road; and

Whereas Graham Driscoll, a Halifax Transit bus driver and volunteer firefighter, was heading home to Falmouth when he came upon the accident where two nurses and an off-duty paramedic were already with Eugene who was in cardiac arrest; and

Whereas Graham was one of the first people to rush to his aid, performing CPR alongside the others helping to save Eugene's life;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly congratulate Graham Driscoll, for saving a life by using his CPR training, showing how important it is to learn the basics and being willing to stop when people are in need.

RESOLUTION NO. 1547

By: Hon. Chuck Porter (Hants West)

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

Whereas the first community-based group home in Nova Scotia, King's Meadow, opened in 1969 and is a non-profit organization which provides residential support services to 10 adults with intellectual disabilities operating under a volunteer board of directors; and

Whereas the focus is on teaching skills necessary for daily living with programs addressing such skills as fiscal responsibility, household maintenance, independent travel, safety, social connections, self-care, self-esteem, recreation, citizenship and healthy living with all residents working and learning in their community; and

[Page 5099]

Whereas living life to the fullest is fundamental to the program with residents being self-directive in their lifestyle choices and determining the services they wish to receive;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly congratulate King's Meadow on their 50th anniversary and recognize their hard work through fundraising efforts as well as giving their time to support the special activities that are available to the residents.

RESOLUTION NO. 1548

By: Hon. Chuck Porter (Hants West)

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

Whereas after 13 years of loyal and dedicated service, Louis Coutinho has retired from his position as Chief Administrative Officer for the Town of Windsor; and

Whereas Louis has demonstrated his passion for local government and shown unconditional commitment to strengthening its effectiveness not only within the borders of the Town of Windsor but throughout Nova Scotia; and

Whereas Louis was the recipient of the Lieutenant Governor's Award for Excellence in Public Administration and has enthusiastically shared his knowledge and experience with his peers, colleagues and involvement in mentoring programs through Dalhousie School of Public Administration;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly congratulate Louis Coutinho for his vision and leadership that he has demonstrated and wish him a happy retirement.

RESOLUTION NO. 1549

By: Hon. Chuck Porter (Hants West)

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

Whereas occasionally forgetting someone's name can be embarrassing but for someone with Alzheimer's or dementia the embarrassment of forgetting the name of the person you're talking to can be a daily reality and 13-year-old Lucas Hilden hoped his science project could help alleviate some of that emotional trauma; and

[Page 5100]

Whereas Lucas' project 'The New Solution for Facial Blindness' takes the facial recognition aspect out of the person's responsibility and uses a computer to assist in the task by giving the name of that person and the relationship the user has to them; and

Whereas Lucas presented his science project at the Canada-wide Science Fair in Fredericton where he earned a gold medal in his age bracket that included a $4,000 entrance scholarship to the University of Western Ontario and a challenge award for 'most innovative';

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly congratulate Lucas for his efforts in creating a device that may some day assist individuals with facial recognition and wish him continued success.

RESOLUTION NO. 1550

By: Hon. Chuck Porter (Hants West)

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

Whereas 18-year-old Lucas Singleton was diagnosed with medulloblastoma, a form of brain cancer, when he six, and in July he was one of 14 young Canadians who have battled cancer who gathered for a therapeutic adventure expedition to Quebec's Manicouagan Reservoir facilitated by the On the Tip of the Toes Foundation; and

Whereas this was Lucas' first experience with extended paddling voyages and remote wilderness camping, with campers paddling voyageur canoes from island to island, often for one to two hours at a time in all conditions; and

Whereas the program and activities helped him overcome his shyness with Lucas being described as one of the most supportive people in the group, showing great respect for everyone's strengths and limitations;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly congratulate Lucas showing his strength and independence by taking part in the therapeutic adventure expedition.

RESOLUTION NO. 1551

[Page 5101]

By: Hon. Chuck Porter (Hants West)

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

Whereas to be a recipient of the Canadian Volunteer Fire Services Association Lifetime Achievement Award one must have shown outstanding performance and remarkable achievements in the fire service and community; and

Whereas Chief (Retired) Martin Bell joined the Conquerall Bank Fire Department in 1973, rose through the ranks, served as Chief for 15 years, was an instructor at the Fire School for five years, trained a Medical Response team in CPR and advanced first aid and his fire department was one of the first in the province to provide MFR services outside of Halifax-Dartmouth; and

Whereas Martin encouraged his firefighters to set high goals for themselves, was a firm believer in personal community involvement, and was elected to the Municipality of the District of Lunenburg Council serving on many municipal committees;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly congratulate Chief (Retired) Martin Bell on this prestigious award honouring his commitment to leadership roles in the fire service and his community.

RESOLUTION NO. 1552

By: Hon. Chuck Porter (Hants West)

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

Whereas Roland Smith picked up the guitar at a young age and by 12 was in a band where his bandmates were in their 30's and 40's and had to have a permit to play late at night at bars; and

Whereas he has spent the last four years developing a unique sound and has branched out into flamenco and is also writing orchestral music, having recently premiered a concerto for guitar and orchestra; and

Whereas Roland has won plenty of accolades for his compositions and is an up and coming artist in the composition world, but his guitar skills are absolutely incredible;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly congratulate Roland on his debut album, Equilibrium, his award winning classical arrangements and his contributions to his craft.

[Page 5102]

RESOLUTION NO. 1553

By: Hon. Chuck Porter (Hants West)

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

Whereas it is amazing what a small but dedicated group of women can accomplish in just a few years; and

Whereas seven members of the Upper Vaughan Hospital Auxiliary recently presented a cheque to help purchase a mobile vital signs monitor, a stand for Unit 500, and an over-the-bed table PAC for the operating room; and

Whereas by paying a monthly fee of $5, selling tickets on a raffle basket and their biggest fundraiser the annual hospital bazaar, the auxiliary has donated $30,000 worth of hospital equipment since 1976;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly congratulate this small group making an important difference with their fundraising for the Hants Community Hospital.

RESOLUTION NO. 1554

By: Hon. Stephen McNeil (Annapolis)

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

Whereas Danielle Prout has been a member of the Girl Guides of Canada in Middleton for 10 years; and

Whereas her extraordinary commitment to Guiding and to her community has resulted in her earning the Chief Commissioner's Gold Award; and

Whereas the Chief Commissioner's Gold Award is the highest honour a youth member can achieve in the Girl Guides of Canada Senior Branches Program;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly join me in congratulating Danielle on receiving this prestigious award and in wishing her continued success in all of her future endeavours.

[Page 5103]

RESOLUTION NO. 1555

By: Hon. Stephen McNeil (Annapolis)

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

Whereas Hannah Stoddart has been a member of the Girl Guides of Canada in Middleton for 13 years; and

Whereas her extraordinary commitment to Guiding and to her community has resulted in her earning the Chief Commissioner's Gold Award; and

Whereas the Chief Commissioner's Gold Award is the highest honour a youth member can achieve in the Girl Guides of Canada Senior Branches Program;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly join me in congratulating Hannah on receiving this prestigious award and in wishing her continued success in all of her future endeavours.

RESOLUTION NO. 1556

By: Hon. Stephen McNeil (Annapolis)

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

Whereas Marissa Feener has been a member of the Girl Guides of Canada in Middleton for seven years; and

Whereas her extraordinary commitment to Guiding and to her community has resulted in her earning the Canada Cord; and

Whereas the Canada Cord is the highest award that a Pathfinder can receive;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly join me in congratulating Marissa on receiving this prestigious award and in wishing her continued success in all of her future endeavours.

RESOLUTION NO. 1557

[Page 5104]

By: Hon. Patricia Arab (Fairview-Clayton Park)

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

Whereas Jonathan Grant graduated this spring with a Bachelor of Education and was his class valedictorian at convocation; and

Whereas among his many titles, Jonathan volunteered with the Mount Students' Union during Shinerama and as an orientation leader; and

Whereas Jonathan also served as VP Advocacy and Treasurer for the Canadian Federation of Students - Nova Scotia and was president of the ASCD-MSVU Chapter;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly join me in congratulating Jonathan on his academic achievements and wishing him the best of luck in his future.

RESOLUTION NO. 1558

By: Hon. Patricia Arab (Fairview-Clayton Park)

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

Whereas the numerous achievements of my local hockey team, the Halifax Hawks, is in large part, due to the incredible community volunteers that support them; and

Whereas Kevin Mitchell recently won the Hockey NS Clary MacDonald Memorial Award for his outstanding service to amateur hockey; and

Whereas Kevin has a great relationship with current and former players, and is dedicated to their success and growth;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly join me in congratulating Kevin on his well-deserved award.

RESOLUTION NO. 1559

[Page 5105]

By: Hon. Patricia Arab (Fairview-Clayton Park)

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

Whereas Leah Nichols and Gillian Bonner recently travelled to India and Thailand this summer as part of the Hammonds Plain District Girl Guide Group; and

Whereas the group participated in the Sangam Community Programme, which is a unique opportunity for self-development and a chance for young women to live abroad and gain personal and professional experience; and

Whereas as part of the experience, Leah and Gillian worked at the World Wide Centre in India completing tasks such as leading children's activities, teaching, and understanding Indian culture;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly join me in thanking Leah and Gillian for their community involvement and in wishing them the best in their future endeavours.

RESOLUTION NO. 1560

By: Hon. Patricia Arab (Fairview-Clayton Park)

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

Whereas Molly Nichols, a Pathfinder Guide, travelled to Switzerland and the U.K. with the Halifax South District Girl Guide Group this summer; and

Whereas part of her travel plans included visiting the Girl Guides chalet in Switzerland, meeting other like-minded youth from across the world, and participated in many activities and adventures; and

Whereas in the second half of her trip, Molly discovered London, participated in a community service project, and celebrated the international spirit of Guiding and Scouting;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly join me in wishing Molly the best in all her future endeavours.

RESOLUTION NO. 1561

[Page 5106]

By: Hon. Patricia Arab (Fairview-Clayton Park)

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

Whereas Brent and Melissa Haas, captains with the Salvation Army, recently moved to Halifax from Happy Valley-Goose Bay; and

Whereas while stationed in Labrador, the Haases hosted a community block party where more than 2,200 people attended; and

Whereas among other community initiatives, the Haases increased their kettle campaign contributions from $18,000 to $85,000 over the course of their six years in Happy Valley-Goose Bay;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly join me in wishing Melissa and Brent the best of luck in their new positions at Fairview Citadel Corps.

RESOLUTION NO. 1562

By: Hon. Patricia Arab (Fairview-Clayton Park)

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

Whereas Wayne Little is co-owner of and pharmacist at Shoppers Drug Mart on Joseph Howe Drive; and

Whereas born and raised in St. John's, Newfoundland, Wayne graduated from the College of the North Atlantic in 1982; and

Whereas Wayne has owned Shoppers for over 10 years and continues to provide advice to patients on a daily basis;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly join me in thanking Wayne for providing many Fairview residents with incredible care and advice.

RESOLUTION NO. 1563

[Page 5107]

By: Hon. Patricia Arab (Fairview-Clayton Park)

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

Whereas in the wake of Hurricane Dorian, many residents in Fairview were without power and necessities for several days; and

Whereas the Centre for Immigrant Programs at Bayer's Rd and the Community YMCA on Gottingen St opened as comfort centres, so those without power could charge their devices or have a hot cup of coffee; and

Whereas the Community Y was also able to offer hot showers;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly join me in thanking our local YMCAs for always being a constant source of comfort for many of our residents.

RESOLUTION NO. 1564

By: Hon. Margaret Miller (Hants East)

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

Whereas volunteers make a positive impact on their community by giving selflessly of themselves; and

Whereas the Municipality of East Hants will recognize the contributions and commitments of volunteers during their 38^th Annual Volunteer Recognition Ceremony; and

Whereas Byron Allum was recognized for his contributions to the community with the Elmsdale Beautification Society since its conception;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly join me in thanking Byron for his tireless volunteer efforts and tremendous commitment to his community and congratulating him on receiving the Shining Star recognition award.

RESOLUTION NO. 1565

[Page 5108]

By: Hon. Margaret Miller (Hants East)

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

Whereas volunteers make a positive impact on their community by giving selflessly of themselves; and

Whereas the Municipality of East Hants will recognize the contributions and commitments of volunteers during their 38^th Annual Volunteer Recognition Ceremony; and

Whereas Caye Allum was recognized for her contributions to the community with the Elmsdale Beautification Society since its conception;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly join me in congratulating Caye on receiving the Shining Star recognition award

RESOLUTION NO. 1566

By: Hon. Margaret Miller (Hants East)

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

Whereas volunteers make a positive impact on their community by giving selflessly of themselves; and

Whereas the Municipality of East Hants will recognize the contributions and commitments of volunteers during their 38^th Annual Volunteer Recognition Ceremony; and

Whereas Faye Curry has been volunteer for 11 years with the Shumilacke Food Bank, going above and beyond to help others;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly congratulate Faye Curry for her tireless volunteer efforts.

RESOLUTION NO. 1567

[Page 5109]

By: Hon. Margaret Miller (Hants East)

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

Whereas Nova Scotia's volunteer fire departments are made up of individuals who show their dedication by contributing hard work and skills, frequently risking their lives, and dealing with incidents of great emotional stress; and

Whereas long-service volunteers are the life blood of our community; and

Whereas Kevin Jodrey is a recipient of the 2019 Municipal Fire Fighters Long Service Award;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly join me in thanking Kevin for his 35 years of service with the Rawdon and District Fire Department and congratulating him on this well-deserved award.

RESOLUTION NO. 1568

By: Hon. Margaret Miller (Hants East)

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

Whereas volunteers make a positive impact on their community by giving selflessly of themselves; and

Whereas the Municipality of East Hants will recognize the contributions and commitments of volunteers during their 38^th Annual Volunteer Recognition Ceremony; and

Whereas Gilbert Chandler was recognized for being a 100 per cent dedicated member of the East Hants Ground Search and Rescue for 30 years;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly join me in thanking Gilbert for his tireless volunteer efforts and tremendous commitment to the safety of others and in congratulating him on receiving the Shining Star recognition award.

RESOLUTION NO. 1569

[Page 5110]

By: Hon. Margaret Miller (Hants East)

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

Whereas volunteers make a positive impact on their community by giving selflessly of themselves; and

Whereas the Municipality of East Hants will recognize the contributions and commitments of volunteers during their 38^th Annual Volunteer Recognition Ceremony; and

Whereas Harvey Day has volunteered his time with MADD for 10 years helping in any capacity necessary to ensure the success of the MADD mission;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly join me in thanking Harvey for his tireless volunteer efforts and tremendous commitment and congratulating him on receiving the Shining Star recognition award.

RESOLUTION NO. 1570

By: Hon. Margaret Miller (Hants East)

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

Whereas volunteers make a positive impact on their community by giving selflessly of themselves; and

Whereas the Municipality of East Hants will recognize the contributions and commitments of volunteers during their 38^th Annual Volunteer Recognition Ceremony; and

Whereas Jennifer Kennard is an instrumental volunteer for the Shubenacadie Community Development Association where her bookkeeping skills are invaluable;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly join me in thanking Jennifer for her tireless volunteer efforts and tremendous commitment to her community and in congratulating her on receiving the Shining Star recognition award.

RESOLUTION NO. 1571

[Page 5111]

By: Hon. Margaret Miller (Hants East)

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

Whereas volunteers make a positive impact on their community by giving selflessly of themselves; and

Whereas the Municipality of East Hants will recognize the contributions and commitments of volunteers during their 38^th Annual Volunteer Recognition Ceremony; and

Whereas John Csutorka has given 10 years of volunteer time to the East Hants Curling Association, where he is currently president;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly join me in congratulating John Csutorka on receiving this much-deserved award for being instrumental in bringing curling to the East Hants Sportsplex.

RESOLUTION NO. 1572

By: Hon. Margaret Miller (Hants East)

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

Whereas volunteers make a positive impact on their community by giving selflessly of themselves; and

Whereas the Municipality of East Hants will recognize the contributions and commitments of volunteers during their 38^th Annual Volunteer Recognition Ceremony; and

Whereas Lee Cooke was recognized as a community volunteer putting countless hours into the maintenance of the Mount Uniacke Community Memorial Park;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly join me in thanking Lee Cooke for his tireless volunteer efforts and tremendous commitment to his community and in congratulating him on receiving the Shining Star recognition award.

RESOLUTION NO. 1573

[Page 5112]

By: Susan Leblanc (Dartmouth North)

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

Whereas the Good Food Crusaders formed to run the Bluenose Marathon Charity Challenge to raise money for the Dartmouth North Community Food Centre; and

Whereas the Dartmouth North Community Food Centre, located at 6 Primrose Street, works to increase access to healthy food for low-income people living in and around Dartmouth North, and during the 2018-19 year the Food Centre - a cornerstone of the Dartmouth North community - served 27,480 healthy and delicious meals; and

Whereas the Good Food Crusaders raised an amazing $15,000 to fund the important work of the Dartmouth North Community Food Centre;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly congratulate Good Food Crusader Amanda Nickerson on helping to raise $15,000 for the Dartmouth North Community Food Centre.

RESOLUTION NO. 1574

By: Susan Leblanc (Dartmouth North)

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

Whereas the Good Food Crusaders formed to run the Bluenose Marathon Charity Challenge to raise money for the Dartmouth North Community Food Centre; and

Whereas the Dartmouth North Community Food Centre, located at 6 Primrose Street, works to increase access to healthy food for low-income people living in and around Dartmouth North, and during the 2018-19 year the Food Centre - a cornerstone of the Dartmouth North community - served 27,480 healthy and delicious meals; and

Whereas the Good Food Crusaders raised an amazing $15,000 to fund the important work of the Dartmouth North Community Food Centre;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly congratulate Good Food Crusader Angus Duncan on helping to raise $15,000 for the Dartmouth North Community Food Centre.

RESOLUTION NO. 1575

[Page 5113]

By: Susan Leblanc (Dartmouth North)

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

Whereas the Good Food Crusaders formed to run the Bluenose Marathon Charity Challenge to raise money for the Dartmouth North Community Food Centre; and

Whereas the Dartmouth North Community Food Centre, located at 6 Primrose Street, works to increase access to healthy food for low-income people living in and around Dartmouth North, and during the 2018-19 year the Food Centre - a cornerstone of the Dartmouth North community - served 27,480 healthy and delicious meals; and

Whereas the Good Food Crusaders raised an amazing $15,000 to fund the important work of the Dartmouth North Community Food Centre;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly congratulate Good Food Crusader Anne Blackler on helping to raise $15,000 for the Dartmouth North Community Food Centre.

RESOLUTION NO. 1576

By: Susan Leblanc (Dartmouth North)

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

Whereas the Good Food Crusaders formed to run the Bluenose Marathon Charity Challenge to raise money for the Dartmouth North Community Food Centre; and

Whereas the Dartmouth North Community Food Centre, located at 6 Primrose Street, works to increase access to healthy food for low-income people living in and around Dartmouth North, and during the 2018-19 year the Food Centre - a cornerstone of the Dartmouth North community - served 27,480 healthy and delicious meals; and

Whereas the Good Food Crusaders raised an amazing $15,000 to fund the important work of the Dartmouth North Community Food Centre;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly congratulate Good Food Crusader Anne Cogdon on helping to raise $15,000 for the Dartmouth North Community Food Centre.

RESOLUTION NO. 1577

[Page 5114]

By: Susan Leblanc (Dartmouth North)

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

Whereas the Good Food Crusaders formed to run the Bluenose Marathon Charity Challenge to raise money for the Dartmouth North Community Food Centre; and

Whereas the Dartmouth North Community Food Centre, located at 6 Primrose Street, works to increase access to healthy food for low-income people living in and around Dartmouth North, and during the 2018-19 year the Food Centre - a cornerstone of the Dartmouth North community - served 27,480 healthy and delicious meals; and

Whereas the Good Food Crusaders raised an amazing $15,000 to fund the important work of the Dartmouth North Community Food Centre;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly congratulate Good Food Crusader Avelene Osmond on helping to raise $15,000 for the Dartmouth North Community Food Centre.

RESOLUTION NO. 1578

By: Susan Leblanc (Dartmouth North)

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

Whereas the Good Food Crusaders formed to run the Bluenose Marathon Charity Challenge to raise money for the Dartmouth North Community Food Centre; and

Whereas the Dartmouth North Community Food Centre, located at 6 Primrose Street, works to increase access to healthy food for low-income people living in and around Dartmouth North, and during the 2018-19 year the Food Centre - a cornerstone of the Dartmouth North community - served 27,480 healthy and delicious meals; and

Whereas the Good Food Crusaders raised an amazing $15,000 to fund the important work of the Dartmouth North Community Food Centre;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly congratulate Good Food Crusader Brenda Preeper on helping to raise $15,000 for the Dartmouth North Community Food Centre.

RESOLUTION NO. 1579

[Page 5115]

By: Susan Leblanc (Dartmouth North)

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

Whereas the Good Food Crusaders formed to run the Bluenose Marathon Charity Challenge to raise money for the Dartmouth North Community Food Centre; and

Whereas the Dartmouth North Community Food Centre, located at 6 Primrose Street, works to increase access to healthy food for low-income people living in and around Dartmouth North, and during the 2018-19 year the Food Centre - a cornerstone of the Dartmouth North community - served 27,480 healthy and delicious meals; and

Whereas the Good Food Crusaders raised an amazing $15,000 to fund the important work of the Dartmouth North Community Food Centre;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly congratulate Good Food Crusader Caralee McDaniel on helping to raise $15,000 for the Dartmouth North Community Food Centre.

RESOLUTION NO. 1580

By: Susan Leblanc (Dartmouth North)

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

Whereas the Good Food Crusaders formed to run the Bluenose Marathon Charity Challenge to raise money for the Dartmouth North Community Food Centre; and

Whereas the Dartmouth North Community Food Centre, located at 6 Primrose Street, works to increase access to healthy food for low-income people living in and around Dartmouth North, and during the 2018-19 year the Food Centre - a cornerstone of the Dartmouth North community - served 27,480 healthy and delicious meals; and

Whereas the Good Food Crusaders raised an amazing $15,000 to fund the important work of the Dartmouth North Community Food Centre;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly congratulate Good Food Crusader Christine Borgel on helping to raise $15,000 for the Dartmouth North Community Food Centre.

RESOLUTION NO. 1581

[Page 5116]

By: Susan Leblanc (Dartmouth North)

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

Whereas the Good Food Crusaders formed to run the Bluenose Marathon Charity Challenge to raise money for the Dartmouth North Community Food Centre; and

Whereas the Dartmouth North Community Food Centre, located at 6 Primrose Street, works to increase access to healthy food for low-income people living in and around Dartmouth North, and during the 2018-19 year the Food Centre - a cornerstone of the Dartmouth North community - served 27,480 healthy and delicious meals; and

Whereas the Good Food Crusaders raised an amazing $15,000 to fund the important work of the Dartmouth North Community Food Centre;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly congratulate Good Food Crusader David Lincourt on helping to raise $15,000 for the Dartmouth North Community Food Centre.

RESOLUTION NO. 1582

By: Susan Leblanc (Dartmouth North)

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

Whereas the Good Food Crusaders formed to run the Bluenose Marathon Charity Challenge to raise money for the Dartmouth North Community Food Centre; and

Whereas the Dartmouth North Community Food Centre, located at 6 Primrose Street, works to increase access to healthy food for low-income people living in and around Dartmouth North, and during the 2018-19 year the Food Centre - a cornerstone of the Dartmouth North community - served 27,480 healthy and delicious meals; and

Whereas the Good Food Crusaders raised an amazing $15,000 to fund the important work of the Dartmouth North Community Food Centre;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly congratulate Good Food Crusader Dean Morton on helping to raise $15,000 for the Dartmouth North Community Food Centre.

RESOLUTION NO. 1583

[Page 5117]

By: Susan Leblanc (Dartmouth North)

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

Whereas the Good Food Crusaders formed to run the Bluenose Marathon Charity Challenge to raise money for the Dartmouth North Community Food Centre; and

Whereas the Dartmouth North Community Food Centre, located at 6 Primrose Street, works to increase access to healthy food for low-income people living in and around Dartmouth North, and during the 2018-19 year the Food Centre - a cornerstone of the Dartmouth North community - served 27,480 healthy and delicious meals; and

Whereas the Good Food Crusaders raised an amazing $15,000 to fund the important work of the Dartmouth North Community Food Centre;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly congratulate Good Food Crusader Deborah Dickey on helping to raise $15,000 for the Dartmouth North Community Food Centre.

RESOLUTION NO. 1584

By: Susan Leblanc (Dartmouth North)

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

Whereas the Good Food Crusaders formed to run the Bluenose Marathon Charity Challenge to raise money for the Dartmouth North Community Food Centre; and

Whereas the Dartmouth North Community Food Centre, located at 6 Primrose Street, works to increase access to healthy food for low-income people living in and around Dartmouth North, and during the 2018-19 year the Food Centre - a cornerstone of the Dartmouth North community - served 27,480 healthy and delicious meals; and

Whereas the Good Food Crusaders raised an amazing $15,000 to fund the important work of the Dartmouth North Community Food Centre;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly congratulate Good Food Crusader Eesha Bahorun on helping to raise $15,000 for the Dartmouth North Community Food Centre.

RESOLUTION NO. 1585

[Page 5118]

By: Susan Leblanc (Dartmouth North)

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

Whereas the Good Food Crusaders formed to run the Bluenose Marathon Charity Challenge to raise money for the Dartmouth North Community Food Centre; and

Whereas the Dartmouth North Community Food Centre, located at 6 Primrose Street, works to increase access to healthy food for low-income people living in and around Dartmouth North, and during the 2018-19 year the Food Centre - a cornerstone of the Dartmouth North community - served 27,480 healthy and delicious meals; and

Whereas the Good Food Crusaders raised an amazing $15,000 to fund the important work of the Dartmouth North Community Food Centre;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly congratulate Good Food Crusader Emily Davenport on helping to raise $15,000 for the Dartmouth North Community Food Centre.

RESOLUTION NO. 1586

By: Susan Leblanc (Dartmouth North)

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

Whereas the Good Food Crusaders formed to run the Bluenose Marathon Charity Challenge to raise money for the Dartmouth North Community Food Centre; and

Whereas the Dartmouth North Community Food Centre, located at 6 Primrose Street, works to increase access to healthy food for low-income people living in and around Dartmouth North, and during the 2018-19 year the Food Centre - a cornerstone of the Dartmouth North community - served 27,480 healthy and delicious meals; and

Whereas the Good Food Crusaders raised an amazing $15,000 to fund the important work of the Dartmouth North Community Food Centre;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly congratulate Good Food Crusader Grace Anderson on helping to raise $15,000 for the Dartmouth North Community Food Centre.

RESOLUTION NO. 1587

[Page 5119]

By: Susan Leblanc (Dartmouth North)

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

Whereas the Good Food Crusaders formed to run the Bluenose Marathon Charity Challenge to raise money for the Dartmouth North Community Food Centre; and

Whereas the Dartmouth North Community Food Centre, located at 6 Primrose Street, works to increase access to healthy food for low-income people living in and around Dartmouth North, and during the 2018-19 year the Food Centre - a cornerstone of the Dartmouth North community - served 27,480 healthy and delicious meals; and

Whereas the Good Food Crusaders raised an amazing $15,000 to fund the important work of the Dartmouth North Community Food Centre;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly congratulate Good Food Crusader Jyllian Merritt on helping to raise $15,000 for the Dartmouth North Community Food Centre.

RESOLUTION NO. 1588

By: Susan Leblanc (Dartmouth North)

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

Whereas the Good Food Crusaders formed to run the Bluenose Marathon Charity Challenge to raise money for the Dartmouth North Community Food Centre; and

Whereas the Dartmouth North Community Food Centre, located at 6 Primrose Street, works to increase access to healthy food for low-income people living in and around Dartmouth North, and during the 2018-19 year the Food Centre - a cornerstone of the Dartmouth North community - served 27,480 healthy and delicious meals; and

Whereas the Good Food Crusaders raised an amazing $15,000 to fund the important work of the Dartmouth North Community Food Centre;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly congratulate Good Food Crusader Katherine Carey on helping to raise $15,000 for the Dartmouth North Community Food Centre.

RESOLUTION NO. 1589

[Page 5120]

By: Susan Leblanc (Dartmouth North)

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

Whereas the Good Food Crusaders formed to run the Bluenose Marathon Charity Challenge to raise money for the Dartmouth North Community Food Centre; and

Whereas the Dartmouth North Community Food Centre, located at 6 Primrose Street, works to increase access to healthy food for low-income people living in and around Dartmouth North, and during the 2018-19 year the Food Centre - a cornerstone of the Dartmouth North community - served 27,480 healthy and delicious meals; and

Whereas the Good Food Crusaders raised an amazing $15,000 to fund the important work of the Dartmouth North Community Food Centre;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly congratulate Good Food Crusader Kathleen Thompson on helping to raise $15,000 for the Dartmouth North Community Food Centre.

RESOLUTION NO. 1590

By: Susan Leblanc (Dartmouth North)

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

Whereas the Good Food Crusaders formed to run the Bluenose Marathon Charity Challenge to raise money for the Dartmouth North Community Food Centre; and

Whereas the Dartmouth North Community Food Centre, located at 6 Primrose Street, works to increase access to healthy food for low-income people living in and around Dartmouth North, and during the 2018-19 year the Food Centre - a cornerstone of the Dartmouth North community - served 27,480 healthy and delicious meals; and

Whereas the Good Food Crusaders raised an amazing $15,000 to fund the important work of the Dartmouth North Community Food Centre;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly congratulate Good Food Crusader Laura Yorke on helping to raise $15,000 for the Dartmouth North Community Food Centre.

RESOLUTION NO. 1591

[Page 5121]

By: Susan Leblanc (Dartmouth North)

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

Whereas the Good Food Crusaders formed to run the Bluenose Marathon Charity Challenge to raise money for the Dartmouth North Community Food Centre; and

Whereas the Dartmouth North Community Food Centre, located at 6 Primrose Street, works to increase access to healthy food for low-income people living in and around Dartmouth North, and during the 2018-19 year the Food Centre - a cornerstone of the Dartmouth North community - served 27,480 healthy and delicious meals; and

Whereas the Good Food Crusaders raised an amazing $15,000 to fund the important work of the Dartmouth North Community Food Centre;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly congratulate Good Food Crusader Melissa Arsenault on helping to raise $15,000 for the Dartmouth North Community Food Centre.

RESOLUTION NO. 1592

By: Susan Leblanc (Dartmouth North)

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

Whereas the Good Food Crusaders formed to run the Bluenose Marathon Charity Challenge to raise money for the Dartmouth North Community Food Centre; and

Whereas the Dartmouth North Community Food Centre, located at 6 Primrose Street, works to increase access to healthy food for low-income people living in and around Dartmouth North, and during the 2018-19 year the Food Centre - a cornerstone of the Dartmouth North community - served 27,480 healthy and delicious meals; and

Whereas the Good Food Crusaders raised an amazing $15,000 to fund the important work of the Dartmouth North Community Food Centre;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly congratulate Good Food Crusader Melissa Meunch on helping to raise $15,000 for the Dartmouth North Community Food Centre.

RESOLUTION NO. 1593

[Page 5122]

By: Susan Leblanc (Dartmouth North)

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

Whereas the Good Food Crusaders formed to run the Bluenose Marathon Charity Challenge to raise money for the Dartmouth North Community Food Centre; and

Whereas the Dartmouth North Community Food Centre, located at 6 Primrose Street, works to increase access to healthy food for low-income people living in and around Dartmouth North, and during the 2018-19 year the Food Centre - a cornerstone of the Dartmouth North community - served 27,480 healthy and delicious meals; and

Whereas the Good Food Crusaders raised an amazing $15,000 to fund the important work of the Dartmouth North Community Food Centre;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly congratulate Good Food Crusader Sharon Clark on helping to raise $15,000 for the Dartmouth North Community Food Centre.

RESOLUTION NO. 1594

By: Susan Leblanc (Dartmouth North)

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

Whereas the Good Food Crusaders formed to run the Bluenose Marathon Charity Challenge to raise money for the Dartmouth North Community Food Centre; and

Whereas the Dartmouth North Community Food Centre, located at 6 Primrose Street, works to increase access to healthy food for low-income people living in and around Dartmouth North, and during the 2018-19 year the Food Centre - a cornerstone of the Dartmouth North community - served 27,480 healthy and delicious meals; and

Whereas the Good Food Crusaders raised an amazing $15,000 to fund the important work of the Dartmouth North Community Food Centre;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly congratulate Good Food Crusader Skana Gee on helping to raise $15,000 for the Dartmouth North Community Food Centre.

RESOLUTION NO. 1595

[Page 5123]

By: Susan Leblanc (Dartmouth North)

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

Whereas the Good Food Crusaders formed to run the Bluenose Marathon Charity Challenge to raise money for the Dartmouth North Community Food Centre; and

Whereas the Dartmouth North Community Food Centre, located at 6 Primrose Street, works to increase access to healthy food for low-income people living in and around Dartmouth North, and during the 2018-19 year the Food Centre - a cornerstone of the Dartmouth North community - served 27,480 healthy and delicious meals; and

Whereas the Good Food Crusaders raised an amazing $15,000 to fund the important work of the Dartmouth North Community Food Centre;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly congratulate Good Food Crusader Susan Goupil on helping to raise $15,000 for the Dartmouth North Community Food Centre.

RESOLUTION NO. 1596

By: Susan Leblanc (Dartmouth North)

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

Whereas the Good Food Crusaders formed to run the Bluenose Marathon Charity Challenge to raise money for the Dartmouth North Community Food Centre; and

Whereas the Dartmouth North Community Food Centre, located at 6 Primrose Street, works to increase access to healthy food for low-income people living in and around Dartmouth North, and during the 2018-19 year the Food Centre - a cornerstone of the Dartmouth North community - served 27,480 healthy and delicious meals; and

Whereas the Good Food Crusaders raised an amazing $15,000 to fund the important work of the Dartmouth North Community Food Centre;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly congratulate Good Food Crusader Wendy Fraser on helping to raise $15,000 for the Dartmouth North Community Food Centre.

RESOLUTION NO. 1597

[Page 5124]

By: Hon. Leo Glavine (Kings West)

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

Whereas on August 2, 2019, the Apple Tree Golf Classic was held at Berwick Heights Golf Course in memory of Wayne Morgan; and

Whereas this year marked their 25^th year of hosting this tournament, which was a huge success, seeing 129 golfers hit the greens; and

Whereas tournament raffles raised just over $1,800 and the overall tournament raised $31,000 in support of the Kings Regional Rehabilitation Centre;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly congratulate the organizers on another great event and their most financially successful tournament to date.

RESOLUTION NO. 1598

By: Hon. Leo Glavine (Kings West)

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

Whereas Dave McKeage was personally inspired to create a camp for people living with chronic illness, thus creating Camp Brigadoon, which opened its doors in 2011; and

Whereas since its first camp, Brigadoon has become a leading camp in North America and Canada's largest pediatric illness camp, which now offers 14 camp programs that are designed to accommodate health and/or life challenges, resulting in a lifechanging experience for many youth; and

Whereas this past August, Dave's Place, the new arts centre in honour and memory of Brigadoon's founder, was announced, which will include a ceramics studio, music studio, and arts space;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly congratulate Brigadoon on providing a safe, fun, and accessible camp environment for youth, so that these children living extraordinary lives have the opportunity to feel ordinary.

RESOLUTION NO. 1599

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By: Hon. Mark Furey (Lunenburg West)

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

Whereas the Bridgewater Day Care Centre celebrated its 50^th Anniversary this October, and over 20 dedicated staff work hard to fulfill the organization's mandate to provide families with a high-quality, affordable, caring, and challenging environment; and

Whereas many of the faces you see working at the Bridgewater Day Care Centre today are the same ones from 30-plus years ago, which is truly a testament to how much they love and are committed to their work with the children of Bridgewater and area; and

Whereas according to Executive Director Denise McAuley the centre focuses on play, social development, and being part of the community, which includes visiting seniors at Hillside Pines, baking muffins for Souls Harbour, fundraising for Muscular Dystrophy, collecting food for the Food Bank, and packing shoeboxes for Samaritans Purse, to name a few;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly congratulate and thank the staff and board of directors of the Bridgewater Day Care for their commitment, kindness, and enthusiasm.

RESOLUTION NO. 1600

By: Hon. Mark Furey (Lunenburg West)

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

Whereas David Mullins of Petite Riviere was selected by the Rotary Club of Bridgewater and District to receive the 2019 True Rotarian Award; and

Whereas "The 'True Rotarian' is the foundation of Rotary International: always there, contributing to community needs and is the lifeblood of Rotary around the world"; and

Whereas David Mullins has played a vital role in the growth of the Rotary Club of Bridgewater since joining it in 2013 by serving as both president and treasurer and initiating and leading several international and local projects that include improvements to the food bank; the addition of a shed at the Bridgewater Community Gardens; and the Dictionary Program, where every Grade 3 student in Lunenburg County is presented with a dictionary/mini-encyclopedia;

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Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly applaud David Mullins, a 29-year Rotarian, for his commitment to his community and others around the world.

RESOLUTION NO. 1601

By: Hon. Mark Furey (Lunenburg West)

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

Whereas the Bridgewater Michelin Social Club Pickleball players experienced great success at the 2019 Pickleball Nova Scotia Championships, held in Antigonish last May: and

Whereas the results for the Michelin Social Club Pickleball players are as follows: Men's Doubles - Stephen Boudreau & Jared Uhlman (Gold, Age 12+); Daryl Bishop & David Reynolds (Silver, Age 50+); Wayne Uhlman & Bob Denault (Silver, Age 65+); Wayne Thorburne & Millage Demond (Gold, Age 70+) -Mixed Doubles -Candace Ernst & Jared Uhlman (Gold, Age 12+); Barry Mills & Becky Nodding (Silver Age 12+); Charlotte Selig & Wayne Uhlman (Silver, Age 55+); Beverly Cook & Daryl Bishop (Bronze, Age 55+); Wayne Thorburne & Wanda Winaut (Silver, Age 65+) - Men's Singles - Wayne Uhlman (Bronze, Age 55+) - Women's Singles: Sally Jorgensen (Gold, Age 65+) -Women's Doubles - Candice Ernst & Marita Winaut (Gold, Age 35+) and Beverly Cook & Charlotte Selig (Gold, Age 55+); and

Whereas pickleball is all about fun, friends, and fitness, and competitors share a passion for the game and enjoy meeting others and competing with athletes their own age;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly congratulate the members of the Michelin Social Club Pickleball Club for their success and commend them for their positive spirit and love of the game.

RESOLUTION NO. 1602

By: Hon. Mark Furey (Lunenburg West)

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

Whereas Nolan O'Brien of Hebbville helped the Nova Scotia Selects capture the Under-17 Baseball Canada Cup championship in Regina, Saskatchewan, in August 2019, marking the province's first-ever Canada Cup victory; and

[Page 5127]

Whereas after round-robin play, Nova Scotia defeated powerhouse Quebec 3 to 1 to advance to the finals against Ontario, where they defeated the defending champion 3 to 2, and Zack Zinck of Pinegrove and Larry Hood, who works in Bridgewater, were part of the coaching staff; and

Whereas a publication posted August 13^th by Baseball Nova Scotia said, "Every so often, an event takes place that can be described as 'Historic' and given the rich baseball history of Nova Scotia, it's not often we can use that term to describe the accomplishments of an individual or team and if what occurred on August 12th in Regina, Saskatchewan does not qualify as a 'historic' moment, we will likely never see one";

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly congratulate Nolan and Team Nova Scotia.

RESOLUTION NO. 1603

By: Hon. Mark Furey (Lunenburg West)

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

Whereas the South Shore Stamp Club celebrated its 25^th anniversary and unveiled a special anniversary cancel on September 25^th at Stampex 19, an annual exhibition and auction held at the Michelin Social Club in Bridgewater; and

Whereas the South Shore Stamp Club has members from Lunenburg, Queens, and Shelburne Counties, as well as the Annapolis Valley and Dartmouth, who get together to enjoy monthly meetings and auctions "that can become quite spirited at times"; and

Whereas the South Shore Stamp Club highlights include a cancel created by Canada Post in 1996 in recognition of Lunenburg County as the Forestry Capital of Canada; a special cancel from Canada Post in 1999 to mark Bridgewater's Centennial; and another Canada Post cancel in 2017, featuring Pijnuiskaq Park, which marked a Regional Stamp Show in Bridgewater;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly congratulate the South Shore Stamp Club on reaching this milestone anniversary.

RESOLUTION NO. 1604

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By: Hon. Mark Furey (Lunenburg West)

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

Whereas Zoe Mosher, who is a Grade 7 student at Bridgewater Junior High and a proud member of the Bluenose Athletics Club and the 902 Athletics Kids Run Club, is passionate about running, a sport she just started in the past year; and

Whereas last June, while still in Grade 6, Zoe placed first in three individual events (800m, 1500m, and 3000m) at her first NSSAF Western Region Track and Field Championships; and

Whereas this summer Zoe placed first in the Athletics Nova Scotia Outdoor Track and Field Provincial and Club Championships and in the Women's 12-13 800m, and she is currently competing in the Youth Running Series, which is a combination of cross country and track, and is contending for first place in the U15 Female category, and she captured first place at the Junior Girls Western Region Cross Country Championships on October 21^st and took silver at the 2019-20 NSSAF Provincials Cross Country Championships on October 28^th;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly congratulate Zoe Mosher, who is having a fantastic first year in a sport she loves.

RESOLUTION NO. 1605

By: Hon. Margaret Miller (Hants East)

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

Whereas the Riverside Education Centre Junior Boys Cross Country Race Team exemplified athleticism at the Cross Country Provincials held in Pictou on October 28, 2019; and

Whereas the EC Jr. Boys cross-country team first became regional champions to advance to the provincials, where they captured the provincial title; and

Whereas Aaron Manuel, with his coaching expertise, helped teach his runners the fortitude necessary to secure the regional and provincial title;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly congratulate Aaron Manuel on his determination and athleticism to win the provincial title.

[Page 5129]

RESOLUTION NO. 1606

By: Hon. Margaret Miller (Hants East)

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

Whereas the Riverside Education Centre Junior Boys Cross Country Race Team exemplified athleticism at the Cross Country Provincials held in Pictou on October 28, 2019; and

Whereas the EC Jr. Boys cross-country team first became regional champions to advance to the provincials, where they captured the provincial title; and

Whereas Brendan Good executed the race placing 32^nd with a time of 15:35 to help secure the team provincial title;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly congratulate Brendan Good on his determination and athleticism to win the provincial title.

RESOLUTION NO. 1607

By: Hon. Margaret Miller (Hants East)

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

Whereas the Riverside Education Centre Junior Boys Cross Country Race Team exemplified athleticism at the Cross Country Provincials held in Pictou on October 28, 2019; and

Whereas the EC Jr. Boys cross-country team first became regional champions to advance to the provincials, where they captured the provincial title; and

Whereas Brennan Mackinnon executed the race placing 90^th with a time of 18:42 to help secure the team provincial title;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly congratulate Brennan Mackinnon on his determination and athleticism to win the provincial title.

RESOLUTION NO. 1608

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By: Hon. Margaret Miller (Hants East)

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

Whereas volunteers make a positive impact on their community by giving selflessly of themselves; and

Whereas the Municipality of East Hants will recognize the contributions and commitments of volunteers during their 38^th Annual Volunteer Recognition Ceremony; and

Whereas Caye Allum was recognized for her contributions to the community with the Elmsdale Beautification Society since its conception;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly join me in thanking Caye for her tireless volunteer efforts and tremendous commitment to her community and congratulate her on receiving the Shining Star recognition award.

RESOLUTION NO. 1609

By: Hon. Margaret Miller (Hants East)

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

Whereas the Riverside Education Centre Junior Boys Cross Country Race Team exemplified athleticism at the Cross Country Provincials held in Pictou on October 28, 2019; and

Whereas the EC Jr. Boys cross-country team first became regional champions to advance to the provincials, where they captured the provincial title; and

Whereas Jacob Sanford executed the race in second place with a time of 14:29 to help secure the team provincial title;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly congratulate Jacob Sanford on his determination and athleticism to win the provincial title.

RESOLUTION NO. 1610

[Page 5131]

By: Hon. Margaret Miller (Hants East)

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

Whereas the Riverside Education Centre Junior Boys Cross Country Race Team exemplified athleticism at the Cross Country Provincials held in Pictou on October 28, 2019; and

Whereas the EC Jr. Boys cross-country team first became regional champions to advance to the provincials, where they captured the provincial title; and

Whereas Nolan McLauchlan executed the race placing 72^nd with a time of 17:41 to help secure the team provincial title;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly congratulate Nolan McLauchlan on his determination and athleticism to win the provincial title.

RESOLUTION NO. 1611

By: Hon. Margaret Miller (Hants East)

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

Whereas the Riverside Education Centre Junior Boys Cross Country Race Team exemplified athleticism at the Cross Country Provincials held in Pictou on October 28, 2019; and

Whereas the EC Jr. Boys cross-country team first became regional champions to advance to the provincials, where they captured the provincial title; and

Whereas Peyton Cannon executed the race placing 15^th with a time of 14:59 to help secure the team provincial title;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly congratulate Peyton Cannon on his determination and athleticism to win the provincial title.

RESOLUTION NO. 1612

[Page 5132]

By: Hon. Margaret Miller (Hants East)

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

Whereas the Riverside Education Centre Junior Boys Cross Country Race Team exemplified athleticism at the Cross Country Provincials held in Pictou on October 28, 2019; and

Whereas the EC Jr. Boys cross-country team first became regional champions to advance to the provincials, where they captured the provincial title; and

Whereas Tyler Stewart executed the race placing 23^rd with a time of 15:16 to help secure the team provincial title;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly congratulate Tyler Stewart on his determination and athleticism to win the provincial title.

RESOLUTION NO. 1613

By: Hon. Margaret Miller (Hants East)

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

Whereas the Riverside Education Centre Junior Boys Cross Country Race Team exemplified athleticism at the Cross Country Provincials held in Pictou on October 28, 2019; and

Whereas the EC Jr. Boys cross-country team first became regional champions to advance to the provincials, where they captured the provincial title; and

Whereas Zack Rogers executed the race in sixth place with a time of 14:44 to help secure the team provincial title;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly congratulate Zack Rogers on his determination and athleticism to win the provincial title.

RESOLUTION NO. 1614

[Page 5133]

By: Hugh MacKay (Chester-St. Margaret's)

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

Whereas Collette and Stirling Gates of McInnis Lake Farm in New Ross were the hosts of the 2019 Canadian Horse Demonstration this past September, 2019; and

Whereas the Canadian horse breed was first introduced to North American in 1665 by the King of France from his own stables, then almost became extinct but was saved by a few dedicated believers, it was finally recognized as the designated horse breed of Canada by Parliament in 2002; and

Whereas these beautiful and historic horses are known for qualities of great strength and endurance, resilience, intelligence and good temper;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly, that Collette and Stirling Gates be congratulated as leading members of the Canadian Horse Breeders Association/Atlantic Division.

RESOLUTION NO. 1615

By: Hugh MacKay (Chester-St. Margaret's)

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

Whereas Ms. Karen MacKenzie-Stepner of Chester led a team to Peru this past summer to work with deaf school educators as part of the Deaf Schools Teacher Training Project, part of Team Canada Healing Hands, a registered Canadian charity based in Fredericton, N. B.; and

Whereas Karen attended five universities and rose to the top of her field of Speech Pathology; and

Whereas Karen has taken over 40 trips worldwide with Team Canada Healing Hands and is a passionate humanitarian dedicated to the education and the enhancement of deaf students;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly congratulate and thank Karen MacKenzie-Stepner for her humanitarian work with the Deaf Schools Teacher Training Project.

RESOLUTION NO. 1616

[Page 5134]

By: Hugh MacKay (Chester-St. Margaret's)

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

Whereas the Murphy Family invited the New Ross Trails Association to create a series of trails on their working Christmas Tree Farm in New Ross; and

Whereas a beautiful garden and trail rest area on Porcupine Hill has been created and named "Ruby's Spot" after baby Ruby Webber, daughter of Candace Gates and Lucas Webber and a granddaughter of the Murphy family, who passed away in 2017; and

Whereas "Ruby's Spot" is not accessible to all, therefore the New Ross Tails Society organized a "Mobility Day" to provide a motorized "ferry" transport from the Murphy's property on the Forties Road to "Ruby's Spot;"

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly congratulate the New Ross Trails Society and the Murphy Family for organizing this special "Mobility Day" so many could enjoy this treasured garden and trail rest area created on Porcupine Hill in memory of baby Ruby Webber.

RESOLUTION NO. 1617

By: Hugh MacKay (Chester-St. Margaret's)

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

Whereas Mr. Philipp Schmid has been recently named as Chief Technology Officer of Nautel, one of the world's largest manufacturers of AM and FM radio broadcast transmitters, located in Hacketts Cove since its inception in 1969; and

Whereas Philipp's passion is the advancement of digital transmission technologies, and was recognized by the National Association of Broadcasters for presenting the best paper at their 2018 Broadcast Engineering and Information Technology Conference; and

Whereas Philipp has a Masters of Engineering, holds multiple patents, and has played a leading role in award-winning research for Nautel during his 14 year tenure with the company;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly congratulate Mr. Philipp Schmid on his well-deserved appointment as the Chief Technology Officer of Nautel.

[Page 5135]

RESOLUTION NO. 1618

By: Hon. Zach Churchill (Yarmouth)

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

Whereas the U13 Pet Value Clippers Girls Soccer Team had an outstanding season; and

Whereas not only did the team go undefeated in their league, but they ended their league games with no goal scored against them; and

Whereas they were regional champions and went on to compete in Provincials in New Waterford, Cape Breton, where they captured silver;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly congratulate the U13 Pet Value Clippers Girls Soccer Team consisting of players - Ivy Cushing; Danica Nakpil; Zara Hemani; Katie Atkinson; Tylar Pitman; Serenity Crowell; Lainie Mosley; Maddison Hiltz; Emily Nickerson; Georgia Muise; Sarah Houston; Morgan MacLean; Renee Olson; Marlee Amirault; Isabel Doucet,; and Isabelle D'Entremont; coaches Rob Nakpil; Rob Veinot; Christian Nickerson; Mandy Nickerson; and manager Stephanie Pitman on an amazing and unforgettable soccer season and wish them all the best in the future.

RESOLUTION NO. 1619

By: Hugh MacKay (Chester-St. Margaret's)

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

Whereas 2019 is the 50^th anniversary of the Guild of St. Augustine's Roman Catholic Church in Chester; and

Whereas the original purpose of the guild was to organize housekeeping at their church and rectory, as well as to be strong advocates for issues like poverty, homelessness and social isolation; and

Whereas over the next 50 years the guild took on many social activities and fundraising projects to support church priorities, to support local families in need, and to aid international relief efforts;

[Page 5136]

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly congratulate all the women who founded St. Augustine's Guild, as well as all the volunteers over the past 50 years who continue to serve the needs of their community in Chester.

RESOLUTION NO. 1620

By: Susan Leblanc (Dartmouth North)

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

Whereas the Good Food Crusaders formed to run the Bluenose Marathon Charity Challenge to raise money for the Dartmouth North Community Food Centre; and

Whereas the Dartmouth North Community Food Centre, located at 6 Primrose Street, works to increase access to healthy food for low-income people living in and around Dartmouth North, and during the 2018/19 year the Food Centre - a cornerstone of the Dartmouth North community - served 27, 480 healthy and delicious meals; and

Whereas the Good Food Crusaders raised an amazing $15,000 to fund the important work of the Dartmouth North Community Food Centre;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly congratulate Good Food Crusader Anne-Marie McElrone on helping to raise $15, 000 for the Dartmouth North Community Food Centre.

RESOLUTION NO. 1621

By: Hon. Randy Delorey (Antigonish)

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

Whereas athletics play a big role in helping our youth stay fit, develop friendships and learn important leadership skills; and

Whereas the Antigonish Celtics Soccer Club provides soccer players in Antigonish an opportunity to learn, play and develop regardless of age, gender or ability; and

Whereas the Antigonish Celtics Soccer Club had an extremely successful 2019 provincial season, topped by a gold medal win by the U15 Boys' team, and a silver medal win by the U15 Girls' team;

[Page 5137]

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly congratulate the Antigonish Celtics Soccer Club on its successful season, and thank the coaches, parents and volunteers who support the team.

RESOLUTION NO. 1622

By: Hon. Randy Delorey (Antigonish)

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

Whereas athletics play a big role in helping our youth stay fit, develop friendships and learn important leadership skills; and

Whereas the Antigonish Celtics Soccer Club provides soccer players in Antigonish an opportunity to learn, play and develop regardless of age, gender or ability; and

Whereas the Antigonish Celtics Soccer Club had an extremely successful 2019 provincial season, topped by a gold medal win by the U15 Boys' team;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly congratulate the Antigonish Celtics Soccer Club and the U15 Boys' team on its successful season, and thank the coaches, parents and volunteers who support the team.

RESOLUTION NO. 1623

By: Hon. Randy Delorey (Antigonish)

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

Whereas athletics play a big role in helping our youth stay fit, develop friendships and learn important leadership skills; and

Whereas the Antigonish Celtics Soccer Club provides soccer players in Antigonish an opportunity to learn, play and develop regardless of age, gender or ability; and

Whereas the Antigonish Celtics Soccer Club had an extremely successful 2019 provincial season, topped by a silver medal win by the U15 Girls' team;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly congratulate the Antigonish Celtics Soccer Club and the U15 Girls' team on its successful season, and thank the coaches, parents and volunteers who support the team.

[Page 5138]

RESOLUTION NO. 1624

By: Hon. Randy Delorey (Antigonish)

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

Whereas the Nova Scotia School Athletic Federation (NSSAF) hosted the 2019 Cross Country Provincial Championships at Trenton Park on Monday, October 28^th ; and

Whereas the team from Dr. John Hugh Gillis Regional High School won the Intermediate Girls' Division, taking the gold medal and banner for 2019, with team member Anna Robinson finishing second overall; and

Whereas the Dr. J.H. Gillis Regional High School's Intermediate Girls' team worked hard and had a great finish, proving that hard work pays off;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly congratulate the Dr. J.H. Gillis Regional High School's Intermediate Girls' team athletes and coaches for their great results for 2019.

RESOLUTION NO. 1625

By: Hon. Randy Delorey (Antigonish)

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

Whereas the Nova Scotia School Athletic Federation (NSSAF) hosted the 2019 Cross Country Provincial Championships at Trenton Park on Monday, October 28^th; and

Whereas the team from Dr. John Hugh Gillis Regional High School won the Senior Girls' Division, taking the gold medal and provincial banner for 2019; and

Whereas Siona Chisholm won the overall provincial title in the Senior Girls' Division;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly congratulate the Dr. J.H. Gillis Regional High School's Senior Girls' team athletes - especially Siona Chisholm on her first-place finish overall - along with the coaches, for their great results in 2019, which show that hard work pays off.

[Page 5139]

RESOLUTION NO. 1626

By: Hon. Randy Delorey (Antigonish)

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

Whereas athletics play a big role in helping our youth stay fit, develop friendships and learn important leadership skills; and

Whereas East Antigonish Education Centre/Academy has a strong soccer program; and

Whereas East Antigonish Education Centre/Academy Junior Boys' soccer team won the 2019-2020 J.A.G.A.S. Banner on October 23^rd;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly congratulate the East Antigonish Education Centre/Academy Junior Boys' soccer team on winning the 2019-20 J.A.G.A.S. Banner.

RESOLUTION NO. 1627

By: Hon. Randy Delorey (Antigonish)

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

Whereas school athletics are important to the overall success of our students, and Antigonish has a long history of a strong running program; and

Whereas the Dr J. H. Gillis Royals girls' cross country team successfully competed in the 18th annual Maine Festival of Champions Cross Country Meet, October 5^th, on the 5k course in Belfast, Maine, racing against some of the top runners from New England in the largest high school meet for the region, which includes more than 1,900 athletes from more than 80 schools; and

Whereas the Dr. J.H. Gillis Royals girls' cross country team garnered an impressive third-place finish in a field of 60 teams that included 645 runners, trailing only second-place Bonny Eagle High School of Maine and Harwood High School of Vermont by one and three points, respectively;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly congratulate the Royals team on its third-place finish overall, and acknowledge and thank the coaches, parents and volunteers who support the team.

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RESOLUTION NO. 1628

By: Hon. Randy Delorey (Antigonish)

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

Whereas school athletics are important to the overall success of our students, and Antigonish has a long history of a strong running program; and

Whereas the Dr. J.H. Gillis Royals girls cross country team successfully competed in the 18th annual Maine Festival of Champions Cross Country Meet, October 5^th, on the 5k course in Belfast, Maine, racing against some of the top runners from New England in the largest high school meet for the region, which includes more than 1,900 athletes from more than 80 schools, garnering an impressive third-place finish in a field of 60 teams that included 645 runners, trailing only second-place Bonny Eagle High School of Maine and Harwood High School of Vermont by one and three points, respectively; and

Whereas Mairin Canning raced to a top-10 finish (sixth), with a time of 8:42;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly congratulate Mairin on her sixth-place overall finish, and the Royals team on its third-place finish overall, and acknowledge and thank the coaches, parents and volunteers who support the team.

RESOLUTION NO. 1629

By: Hon. Randy Delorey (Antigonish)

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

Whereas school athletics are important to the overall success of our students, and Antigonish has a long history of a strong running program; and

Whereas the Dr J.H. Gillis Royals' girls cross country team successfully competed in the 18th annual Maine Festival of Champions Cross Country Meet, October 5^th, on the 5k course in Belfast, Maine, racing against some of the top runners from New England in the largest high school meet for the region, which includes more than 1,900 athletes from more than 80 schools, garnering an impressive third-place finish in a field of 60 teams that included 645 runners, trailing only second-place Bonny Eagle High School of Maine and Harwood High School of Vermont by one and three points, respectively; and

[Page 5141]

Whereas Siona Chisholm of the Regional finished second, clocking a 18:08;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly congratulate Siona on her second-place finish, and the team on its third-place finish overall, and acknowledge and thank the coaches, parents and volunteers who support the team.

RESOLUTION NO. 1630

By: Lisa Roberts (Halifax Needham)

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

Whereas Christian Barry is a multi-award-winning director and theatre-maker from Halifax, Nova Scotia, and is co-founder and artistic co-director of 2b Theatre Company; and

Whereas Christian won the 2019 Toronto Theatre Critics Circle Awards for Best Director and Best New Musical and was nominated for six Drama Desk Awards in 2018, including Best Director and Best Production, and is a finalist for the 2019 Siminovitch Prize in Theatre for Directing; and

Whereas Christian received the 2008 Halifax Mayor's Award for an Emerging Artist, the 2006-2007 Urjo Kareda residency grant at the Tarragon Theatre, and the 2018 NS Masterworks Award — the highest honour for the arts in the province;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly congratulate Christian Barry on his many awards and accomplishments and wish him the best successes in the future.

RESOLUTION NO. 1631

By: Lisa Roberts (Halifax Needham)

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

Whereas Ottawa-born Hannah Moscovitch wrote Old Stock: A Refugee Story after learning about her great-grandparents' arrival in Canada as Jewish refugees from Romania more than 100 years ago; and

Whereas this tale, starring singer-songwriter-actor Ben Caplan and directed by Christian Barry, has resonated with audiences well beyond Canada's borders; and

[Page 5142]

Whereas in the two years since the musical appeared at the National Arts Centre's Canada Scene festival, the show has travelled the world, gathering many awards and has become the biggest hit in Canadian indie theatre in many years;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly congratulate Hannah Moscovitch on her accomplishments in the area of the arts and wish her many more years of success.

RESOLUTION NO. 1632

By: Lisa Roberts (Halifax Needham)

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

Whereas Kate Macdonald is the founder and co-creator of the Magic Project, which aims to bring marginalized communities to the forefront of popular culture and discussion using art and photography, and also works as a community educator with The Youth Project and as an outreach and education coordinator at South House Sexual Health and Gender Resource Centre on the Dalhousie University campus; and

Whereas Kate Macdonald has successfully hosted numerous workshops and discussions, where she has acted positively as a facilitator holding difficult conversations in the community; and

Whereas Kate Macdonald skillfully facilitated recent difficult discussions regarding the creation and opening of the Overdose Prevention Site in the North End of Halifax;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly acknowledge and commend Kate Macdonald for her ongoing desire to initiate change and empower youth, while maintaining a pragmatic approach to community discussions and facilitation.

RESOLUTION NO. 1633

By: Lisa Roberts (Halifax Needham)

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

Whereas Matthew Bonn, a former intravenous drug user and the president of HaliFIX, an overdose prevention society in Halifax, has passionately advocated to establish Atlantic Canada's first overdose prevention site in Halifax; and

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Whereas Matthew Bonn fought for and succeeded in receiving government approval and exemption to operate an overdose prevention site located in the North End of Halifax aimed at providing a safe and supportive space for drug-users; and

Whereas Matthew Bonn is continuing to pass on his knowledge and experiences through workshops with local groups about overdose prevention and education to reduce the stigma that comes with substance use and abuse;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly acknowledge and commend Matthew Bonn for his ongoing efforts to normalize the conversation surrounding drug use, while also reducing barriers for people trying to access services here in Nova Scotia.

RESOLUTION NO. 1634

By: Lisa Roberts (Halifax Needham)

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

Whereas the Legal Information Society of Nova Scotia has received extensive five-year funding to develop materials and programming to address the pervasive harms of workplace sexual harassment; and

Whereas over the next year, with the support of an excellent project team, Allison Smith, while on secondment from the Nova Scotia Human Rights Commission, will be helping to develop an online training program regarding workplace sexual harassment that will help educate and empower victims to make choices and access services that are right for them, using a trauma informed approach; and

Whereas training will include information about how to support victims, as well as training directed at bystanders, and in addition, legal advice services will be set up to further support victims;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly congratulate the Legal Information Society of Nova Scotia and Allison Smith for taking on this important project to educate and advocate on behalf of victims of workplace sexual harassment.

RESOLUTION NO. 1635

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By: Lisa Roberts (Halifax Needham)

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

Whereas Trayvone Clayton, born and raised in Halifax in Uniacke Square, is a third-year student of criminology at Saint Mary's University, a university basketball player and a basketball coach and mentor for the Gottingen Street's YMCA youth under-12 team; and

Whereas Trayvone Clayton has been a strong voice against racial profiling since experiencing it first at the young age of 16 while walking home from Halifax's South End, and later on Parliament Hill while attending the National Canadian Black Summit in Ottawa earlier this year; and

Whereas Trayvone has advocated for a ban on street checks by police in media conferences, newspaper articles and social media; and helped organize and facilitate community meetings and a rally, which contributed to a permanent ban on street checks in October of this year;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly congratulate Trayvone Clayton for his advocacy for equal opportunities for members of the African Nova Scotian community and a more just and equitable Nova Scotia.

RESOLUTION NO. 1636

By: Hon. Keith Colwell (Preston-Dartmouth)

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

Whereas Complete Care Hospital for Pets of Lake Echo celebrated their 10th year anniversary with an Open House and Customer Appreciation on July 13, 2019; and

Whereas Complete Care Hospital for Pets understands the special bond we have with our pets, they are dedicated to the health care needs of companion animals; and

Whereas in addition to full-service small animal hospital, they offer an equine farm call service and a house call service.

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly recognize and congratulate Mr. Tom Sladek and the Complete Care Hospital for Pets for their dedication to the health of our companion animals.

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RESOLUTION NO. 1637

By: Hon. Keith Colwell (Preston-Dartmouth)

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

Whereas the MacPhee Metro Mustangs baseball team is the first all-girls team to play in the "boys" competitive Bluenose League with Baseball Nova Scotia; and

Whereas during the provincial tournament the girls scored 54 runs while allowing only 15.

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly recognize and congratulate the MacPhee Metro Mustangs on their impressive achievement of capturing the provincial championship in the Bluenose League.

RESOLUTION NO. 1638

By: Hon. Keith Colwell (Preston-Dartmouth)

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

Whereas Mr. Ross Simmonds of Preston, founder of Foundation Marketing, is this year's chair of the Black Business Summit at the Halifax Convention Centre; and

Whereas he was tasked to provide oversight to ensure the content delivered at the summit was related to technology in business; and

Whereas his background is in technology and he is well suited to delivering the Black Businesses Institute's summit on creating businesses without boundaries.

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly recognize and congratulate Mr. Ross Simmonds for his entrepreneurial drive and technology expertise in business.

RESOLUTION NO. 1639

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By: Hon. Keith Colwell (Preston-Dartmouth)

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

Whereas Ms. Samantha Dixon Slawter of East Preston is the owner and operator of Styles by SD Ltd on Portland Street in Dartmouth; and

Whereas she is continuing the legacy of black hair stylists, as she received her training from Ms. Verna Skinner who in turn trained under Ms. Viola Desmond; and

Whereas in addition to completing a degree in international development from Dalhousie University, she is the first African Nova Scotian to receive Red Seal certification from the Nova Scotia Apprenticeship Agency via the East Preston Empowerment Academy (EPEA).

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly recognize and congratulate Ms. Slawter on providing a valuable service to her community and continuing the work started by Ms. Viola Desmond.

RESOLUTION NO. 1640

By: Hon. Keith Colwell (Preston-Dartmouth)

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

Whereas Mr. Sean Mott is a dedicated journalist and media critic; and

Whereas he has experience in most forms of modern journalism; and

Whereas he has recently published his first novel Fill the Chalice.

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly recognize and congratulate Sean Mott on authoring his first novel and his ongoing dedication to journalism.

RESOLUTION NO. 1641

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By: Hon. Keith Colwell (Preston-Dartmouth)

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

Whereas Mr. Alex Lawrie of Mineville honed the craft of baseball umpire at the Minor League Baseball Umpire Training Academy in Vero Beach, Florida, which resulted in a contract to work in the Gulf Coast League; and

Whereas he can, in six to ten years, work his way up to AAA and then possibly the Major League; and

Whereas he started umpiring mosquito and peewee at the age of 13, progressing at age 18 to working the Nova Scotia Senior Baseball League, the highest level of baseball in Atlantic Canada.

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly recognize and congratulate Alex Lawrie for achieving this high level of professionalism and wish him every success in the future.

RESOLUTION NO. 1642

By: Hon. Keith Colwell (Preston-Dartmouth)

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

Whereas Mr. Chris Johnson of North Preston was signed by the Halifax Hurricanes to provide key offensive scoring and leadership to his younger teammates; and

Whereas he is no stranger to the National Basketball League of Canada, as he has played for the Cape Breton Highlanders and the Island Storm; and

Whereas he had a very successful career overseas for years and followed up with two productive seasons in the Canadian league.

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly recognize and congratulate Chris Johnson for achieving this high level of achievement and wish him every success as a member of the Hurricanes.

RESOLUTION NO. 1643

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By: Hon. Keith Colwell (Preston-Dartmouth)

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

Whereas Mr. Trevor Silver of North Preston, a third-year management student at Dalhousie University, runs his own business, tREv Clothing; and

Whereas he believes, as the acronym indicates, that trust, respect, educate and value are principles that must be applied to achieve success in business; and

Whereas he is running his own business from home and wants to grow the business before expanding to Ontario.

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly recognize and congratulate Trevor Silver on the success of his business and wish him every success in the future.

RESOLUTION NO. 1644

By: Hon. Keith Colwell (Preston-Dartmouth)

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

Whereas Mr. Tyler Simmonds is a filmmaker, artist, writer, peer support worker, and entrepreneur from North Preston who uses his creative talents to inspire others; and

Whereas he is a public speaker and filmmaker and speaking openly about his experience with mental illness reminds people that recovery is possible; and

Whereas he was a finalist for the prestigious 2019 JRG Emerging Artist grant presented at the JRG Society for the Arts awards in Halifax, Nova Scotia on October 16th, 2019.

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly recognize and congratulate Tyler Simmonds for his outstanding achievements in the arts and advocacy for individuals with mental illness, and wish him every success in the future.

RESOLUTION NO. 1645

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By: Hon. Margaret Miller (Hants East)

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

Whereas volunteers make a positive impact on their community by giving selflessly of themselves; and

Whereas the Municipality of East Hants will recognize the contributions and commitments of volunteers during their 38^th Annual Volunteer Recognition Ceremony; and

Whereas Byron Allum was recognized for her contributions to the community with the Elmsdale Beautification Society since it's conception.

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly join me in thanking Byron for his tireless volunteer efforts and tremendous commitment to his community and congratulating him on receiving on receiving the 2019 Municipality of East Hants Shining Star Award.

RESOLUTION NO. 1646

By: Hon. Margaret Miller (Hants East)

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

Whereas volunteers make a positive impact on their community by giving selflessly of themselves; and

Whereas the Municipality of East Hants will recognize the contributions and commitments of volunteers during their 38^th Annual Volunteer Recognition Ceremony; and

Whereas Caye Allum was recognized for her contributions to the community with the Elmsdale Beautification Society since it's conception.

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly join me join me in thanking Caye for her tireless volunteer efforts and tremendous commitment to her community and congratulating her on receiving the 2019 Municipality of East Hants Shining Star Award.

RESOLUTION NO. 1647

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By: Hon. Margaret Miller (Hants East)

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

Whereas volunteers make a positive impact on their community by giving selflessly of themselves; and

Whereas the Municipality of East Hants will recognize the contributions and commitments of volunteers during their 38^th Annual Volunteer Recognition Ceremony; and

Whereas Faye Curry has been volunteer for 11 years with the Shumilacke Food Bank going above and beyond to help others;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly to join me in congratulating Faye on receiving the 2019 Municipality of East Hants Shining Star Award.

RESOLUTION NO. 1648

By: Hon. Margaret Miller (Hants East)

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

Whereas Nova Scotia's volunteer fire departments are made up of individuals who show their dedication by contributing hard work, skills, frequently risking their lives, and dealing with incidents of great emotional stress; and

Whereas long service volunteers are the life blood of our community; and

Whereas Kevin Jodrey is a recipient of the 2019 Municipal Fire Fighters Long Service Award;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly be it resolved that the House of Assembly join me in thanking Kevin for his 35 years of service with the Rawdon & District Fire Department and congratulating him on this well deserved award.

RESOLUTION NO. 1649

By: Hon. Margaret Miller (Hants East)

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

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Whereas volunteers make a positive impact on their community by giving selflessly of themselves; and

Whereas the Municipality of East Hants will recognize the contributions and commitments of volunteers during their 38^th Annual Volunteer Recognition Ceremony; and

Whereas Gilbert Chandler was recognized for being a 100 per cent dedicated member of the East Hants Ground Search and Rescue for 30 years;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly join me in thanking Gilbert for his tireless volunteer efforts and tremendous commitment to the safety of others and in congratulating him on receiving the 2019 Municipality of East Hants Shining Star Award.

RESOLUTION NO. 1650

By: Hon. Margaret Miller (Hants East)

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

Whereas volunteers make a positive impact on their community by giving selflessly of themselves; and

Whereas the Municipality of East Hants will recognize the contributions and commitments of volunteers during their 38^th Annual Volunteer Recognition Ceremony; and

Whereas Harold is a board member of the East Hants Curling club for the past 7 years and was instrumental in bringing curling to the East Hants Sportsplex;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly join me in congratulating Harold MacNeil on receiving the 2019 Municipality of East Hants Shining Star Award.

RESOLUTION NO. 1651

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By: Hon. Margaret Miller (Hants East)

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

Whereas volunteers make a positive impact on their community by giving selflessly of themselves; and

Whereas the Municipality of East Hants will recognize the contributions and commitments of volunteers during their 38^th Annual Volunteer Recognition Ceremony; and

Whereas Harvey Day has volunteered his time with MADD for 10 years helping in any capacity necessary to ensure the success of the MADD mission;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly join me in congratulating Harvey Day on receiving the 2019 Municipality of East Hants Shining Star Award.

RESOLUTION NO. 1652

By: Hon. Margaret Miller (Hants East)

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

Whereas volunteers make a positive impact on their community by giving selflessly of themselves; and

Whereas the Municipality of East Hants will recognize the contributions and commitments of volunteers during their 38^th Annual Volunteer Recognition Ceremony; and

Whereas Heidi Brown volunteers her time to various roles at Hants North Rural High, coaching sports teams, 4-H, KAMBA and the Kennetcook and Area Volleyball Club;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly join me in congratulating Heidi Brown on receiving the 2019 Municipality of East Hants Shining Star Award.

RESOLUTION NO. 1653

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By: Hon. Margaret Miller (Hants East)

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

Whereas volunteers make a positive impact on their community by giving selflessly of themselves; and

Whereas the Municipality of East Hants will recognize the contributions and commitments of volunteers during their 38^th Annual Volunteer Recognition Ceremony; and

Whereas Jennifer Kennard is an instrumental volunteer for the Shubenacadie Community Development Association where her bookkeeping skills are invaluable;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly join me in congratulating her on receiving the 2019 Shining Star Award.

RESOLUTION NO. 1654

By: Hon. Margaret Miller (Hants East)

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

Whereas volunteers make a positive impact on their community by giving selflessly of themselves; and

Whereas the Municipality of East Hants will recognize the contributions and commitments of volunteers during their 38th Annual Volunteer Recognition Ceremony; and

Whereas John Csutorka has given 10 years of volunteer time to the East Hants Curling Association where he is currently president;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly join me in congratulating John Csutorka on receiving the 2019 Municipality of East Hants Shining Star Award.

RESOLUTION NO. 1655

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By: Hon. Margaret Miller (Hants East)

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

Whereas volunteers make a positive impact on their community by giving selflessly of themselves; and

Whereas the Municipality of East Hants will recognize the contributions and commitments of volunteers during their 38^th Annual Volunteer Recognition Ceremony; and

Whereas Lee Cooke was recognized as a community volunteer putting countless hours into the maintenance of the Mount Uniacke Community Memorial Park;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly join me in thanking Lee Cooke for his tireless volunteer efforts and tremendous commitment to his community and in congratulating him on receiving the 2019 Shining Star Award.

RESOLUTION NO. 1656

By: Hon. Margaret Miller (Hants East)

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

Whereas volunteers make a positive impact on their community by giving selflessly of themselves; and

Whereas Lillian Pye has been Tournament Chairman of the East Hants Minor Hockey Association for the past 4 years; and

Whereas Lillian has been instrumental in running the Trevor Ettinger - Jeff Smith Memorial March Break Tournament, filling the tournament to its capacity and being the largest fundraiser for the association for the past 4 years;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly join me in thanking Lillian Pye for her tireless efforts to ensure the success of the tournament for EHMHA and in congratulating her on receiving 2019 Shining Star Award.

RESOLUTION NO. 1657

By: Hon. Margaret Miller (Hants East)

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

Whereas volunteers make a positive impact on their community by giving selflessly of themselves; and

Whereas the Municipality of East Hants will recognize the contributions and commitments of volunteers during their 38^th Annual Volunteer Recognition Ceremony; and

Whereas Lorna Burbidge was recognized for volunteering with several organizations in her community of Walton and has a member of the Walton Area Development for 20 years;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly join me congratulating Lorna Burbidge on receiving the Municipality of East Hants 2019 Shining Star Award.

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