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HALIFAX, THURDAY, NOVEMBER 3, 2022

Sixty-fourth General Assembly

First Session

1:00 P.M.

SPEAKER

Hon. Keith Bain

DEPUTY SPEAKERS

Angela Simmonds, Lisa Lachance

THE SPEAKER » : Order, please. Before we begin the daily routine, I'd like to make a Speaker's Statement. Again, I say it's a Speaker's Statement and not a ruling.

SPEAKER'S STATEMENT

Yesterday in the House, the NDP House Leader rose on a point of order after Question Period regarding the use of the word "theatrical" by the Minister of Community Services in relation to the member for Cape Breton Centre-Whitney Pier. The exact phrase was "I promise I will not be as theatrical as the Opposition member."

The Minister of Community Services then rose to retract the word and apologized. This resolved the point of order. However, the NDP House Leader noted that this was not the first time that language such as this was called into question and whether "theatrical" could be added to the list of unparliamentary words.

I've reviewed the use of the word "theatrical" in similar contexts in debates here in the House of Assembly. I should add that its use was very common in the 1990s and through the first few years of the 2000s.

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Examples include: "Mr. Speaker, I hesitate to get up after that very theatrical performance and I'm wondering if the member for Hants East pays dues to ACTRA, because it was certainly a very dynamic and forceful and entertaining presentation. I say if people are looking for the same, they are not going to find the same quality of theatrics in my remarks." That came from Nova Scotia Hansard, April 18, 1996.

Nova Scotia Hansard, April 12, 2000: "Mr. Speaker, the only thing that is not real around here is that member and his theatrics."

Nova Scotia Hansard, April 19, 2000: "Mr. Speaker, we are seeing theatrics in here. This isn't reality, this is theatrics."

In all instances but one, the use of the "theatrical" or derivative thereof went without comment. In one instance, on April 23, 1997, a point of order was raised but never ruled on in relation to the phrase, "Now that the theatrics have ended, I would request that you do so, Mr. Speaker." I recognize that a failure to object does not necessarily mean that the usage was unparliamentary.

In the House of Commons, we find more recent examples. From House of Commons Hansard, October 20, 2022: "Madam Speaker, this morning I once again find myself in some kind of bad theatrical production where people keep repeating the same lines."

Another quote from House of Commons Hansard, February 7, 2022: Mr. Speaker, with respect to the honourable member, and what I would say is a ginned-up question and theatrical performance…"

There was one occasion on which Deputy Speaker d'Entremont asked a member of the House of Commons to retract an unnamed unparliamentary word spoken during a debate in which the member's comments included the following words: "All of this is theatrics. Me coming to Parliament is theatre." That was from House of Commons Hansard, October 25, 2022. However, from the context, it seems obvious to me that the unnamed objectional word was in fact an obscenity often abbreviated as "B.S.," invoked by that same member earlier in the speech.

While some words, such as "B.S.," are inherently unparliamentary, it is often the context in which a word is used that determines whether it is unparliamentary. The analysis to be applied is aptly spelled out in Bosc and Gagnon, House of Commons Procedure and Practice, 3^rd Edition, at page 624:

"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 important, 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."

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It would be inappropriate to rule "theatrical" as being unparliamentary. There are many innocent ways in which the word can be and is used in debate in this House. Rather, for a word such as "theatrical" which is not inherently unparliamentary, if it were again to be used in a manner that is allegedly unparliamentary, I would be guided in my analysis by the approach outlined in Bosc and Gagnon.

I remind members that personal attacks and insults are never in order, and the use of "theatrical" in such a context would assuredly be ruled unparliamentary.

We'll begin the daily routine.

PRESENTING AND READING PETITIONS

PRESENTING REPORTS OF COMMITTEES

TABLING REPORTS, REGULATIONS AND OTHER PAPERS

STATEMENTS BY MINISTERS

GOVERNMENT NOTICES OF MOTION

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

RESOLUTION NO. 497

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

Whereas the Ship Hector Society, a not-for-profit society made up of community volunteers, is restoring Pictou's famous replica of the historic vessel to maintain her historic appearance and the feel of an 18^th century "bootschip"; and

Whereas the society's directors and its chair Wes Surrett are volunteering their time and expertise to help preserve their replica ship and the story of the original Hector, which arrived in Pictou Harbour in 1773, bringing 189 Scottish settlers to their new home here in New Scotland; and

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Whereas post-tropical storm Fiona in September brought down many large old hardwood trees throughout the Town of Pictou, and the Ship Hector Society has arranged to remove many fallen trees from residents' yards to be milled into lumber;

Therefore be it resolved that this House of Assembly recognize the Ship Hector Society for devising an economical and environmental way to honour the original Pictou Scottish settlers by using wood from trees grown on the settled lands to rebuild their ship and retell their story while helping the Town of Pictou recover from Fiona.

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.

All those in favour? Contrary minded? Thank you.

The motion is carried.

The honourable Minister of Agriculture.

RESOLUTION NO. 498

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

Whereas Dr. David Gray began his first appointment as Dean in the Faculty of Agriculture and Campus Principal at Dalhousie Agricultural Campus in Truro in 2013, and was reappointed as Dean and Campus Principal in 2018; and

Whereas over the past 10 years, Dr. Gray has ably led the Faculty of Agriculture during challenges caused by two significant fires on campus, not only overseeing the rebuilds, but also adding new programs, a new student learning commons, and fostering new partnerships; and

Whereas during his tenure, the Faculty of Agriculture led the largest international development project ever awarded to a Canadian university in Ethiopia;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House extend their congratulations to Dr. Gray on a successful 10 years of service.

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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.

All those in favour? Contrary minded? Thank you.

The motion is carried.

The honourable Minister of Natural Resources and Renewables.

RESOLUTION NO. 499

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

Whereas one of the largest wildfires in the province's history burned an area of approximately 3,200 hectares near Quinan in Yarmouth County in May of 2022; and

Whereas the response included 40 provincial firefighters, volunteer fire departments, and a water bomber loaned from Newfoundland and Labrador; and

Whereas crews worked for several days to extinguish the fire while battling tough conditions;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly recognize the combined efforts of those who protected Yarmouth County from wildfires in 2022 and thank those who supported the large-scale response.

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.

All those in favour? Contrary minded? Thank you.

The motion is carried.

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The honourable Minister of Natural Resources and Renewables.

RESOLUTION NO. 500

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

Whereas Newfoundland and Labrador experienced extreme wildfires in August of 2022; and

Whereas Nova Scotia has some of the top wildfire firefighter experience in the country, who proudly travel to other jurisdictions when called upon; and

Whereas the Department of Natural Resources and Renewables sent 21 employees, including 20 firefighters, to work alongside other firefighters from across Canada to suppress wildfires near Gander;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly recognize the contributions of our provincial firefighter crews and members deployed to Newfoundland and Labrador to help fight these fires near Gander.

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.

All those in favour? Contrary minded? Thank you.

The motion is carried.

INTRODUCTION OF BILLS

Bill No. 251 - An Act to Improve Access to Primary Care with Nurses in Family Practice. (Elizabeth Smith-McCrossin)

Bill No. 252 - An Act to Improve Access to Cancer Care Treatments. (Elizabeth Smith-McCrossin)

Bill No. 253 - An Act to Amend Chapter 5 of the Acts of 2011, the Elections Act. (Elizabeth Smith-McCrossin)

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[1:15 p.m.]

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

NOTICES OF MOTION

STATEMENTS BY MEMBERS

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

RCL BRANCH 164: 40^TH ANNIV. - CONGRATS.

HON. BARBARA ADAMS « » : Mr. Speaker, I rise to bring recognition to the Royal Canadian Legion Caen Branch No. 164 for proudly serving veterans and their families, as well as our community, for the last 40 years.

Members of the Caen Branch are always eager to help CFB Shearwater members and the communities of South Woodside, Shearwater, Eastern Passage, and Cow Bay. We are so very grateful for all the programs that the Legion offers, from the veterans' meet and greet to the pool and darts leagues, Summer carnival events, children's magic shows, Halloween parties, and of course, a Remembrance Day ceremony.

The Legion also partnered with the Eastern Passage and Area Business Association and community members for a new veteran banner project. I ask all members of the Nova Scotia Legislature to join me in congratulating the Royal Canadian Legion Caen Branch No. 164 on their 40^th anniversary, and for their dedication to the community they serve.

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

SILVER, DONNA & JOHN: GARDEN FUNDRAISER - CONGRATS.

HON. IAIN RANKIN « » : Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Donna and John Silver of Prospect. When Donna and John Silver purchased their property in Prospect, it was an untouched scrubland with only a few spruce and fir trees. Now, after 50 years of clearing, lifting, planting, and pruning, this couple has transformed an eight-acre piece of land into a garden masterpiece of beauty and tranquility.

A primary feature of the garden is a large man-made pond with two small islands accessed by three bridges that cross to and from the pond. A series of winding paths, named after the couple's four grandchildren, surround over 400 rhododendrons of various species and hybrids of dogwoods and magnolias.

The garden has been the venue for their daughters' weddings, annual family parties, graduations, has served as a backdrop for a renowned painter, and has been featured in Gardens East magazine. The Silvers host public tours every June when the rhododendrons are in their glory to showcase the beauty of their garden, and to support the community.

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This past June marked their 26^th annual walkabout to collect food and money for Feed Nova Scotia. With the donations collected that day, the Silvers raised over $1,000 and collected 422 pounds of food.

I would like the members of the House of Assembly to join me in congratulating Donna and John on creating a garden paradise, sharing it with the community, and using the beauty they have created to help those less fortunate.

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

CLAUDIA CHENDER « » : Mr. Speaker, I beg leave to make an introduction.

THE SPEAKER « » : Please do.

CLAUDIA CHENDER « » : I'll draw the members' attention to the Gallery opposite. Joining us, we have several folks from the NSGEU representing all of the hard-working educational workers and ECEs we heard outside. We've got Sandra Mullen, the president; Hugh Gillis, first vice president; Veronica Carr, Lindsey Ahearn, Jane Hudson, Mary Otto, and Tanya Steadman. I'd ask you to rise and receive the warm welcome of the House. (Applause)

THE SPEAKER « » : We welcome all guests to the Legislature. We hope you enjoy your time here.

The honourable member for Cape Breton Centre-Whitney Pier.

EDUC SUPP. STRIKE: UNFAIR WAGES - SOLIDARITY

KENDRA COOMBES « » : I'm fired up, I'm ready to go, and so are the members of NSGEU Local Nos. 70 and 73. I'm sure we could all hear them outside as we came in this morning and this afternoon.

When people are doing the same work, they deserve the same wage. No ands, ifs or whats about it. They want to be in the schools. They want to be with the students. They don't want to be on the picket lines, but they are being forced to be on the picket lines because of the unfair wages that are being put upon them.

This is fair and collective bargaining? I certainly don't want to see what unfair looks like. Yesterday, teachers, students and parents joined the lines. They know what's up. They know what's important: fair wages for the same work. Solidarity, comrades. Solidarity.

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

ISLAND DOG LODGE: NEW BUS. OF YR. AWD. - CONGRATS.

HON. BRIAN COMER « » : Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Island Dog Lodge of East Bay on winning New Business of the Year at the Cape Breton Regional Chamber of Commerce Excellence in Business Awards. The Island Dog Lodge is the first canine training facility of its kind in the province.

So today I would like to thank Island Dog Lodge and their staff for this amazing service. It is very much needed in our constituency.

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

RCL BRANCHES: REM. DAY EVENTS - THANKS

HON. DEREK MOMBOURQUETTE « » : Mr. Speaker, we're moving into a time of year where the Legions really start to prepare for Remembrance Day ceremonies to recognize all our veterans of all the wars, and our military personnel who serve overseas and around the world to protect our democracy.

I rise in my place to thank everybody in the Greater Sydney Area who will be putting on a multitude of events at various Legions, whether it's in Sydney or Cape Breton or across the rest of the province. A lot of people put a lot of work into it, so that we can all take time to show our respect and remember the sacrifice many Nova Scotians made to our democracy here in the province.

To everybody at home and across the province who will be coordinating over the next number of days for communities, I rise in my place to thank them.

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

EDUC. SUPP. STRIKE: UNFAIR WAGES - RECOG.

GARY BURRILL « » : Mr. Speaker, there's hardly a family in Nova Scotia who has not benefited from the extraordinary work of the educational program assistants of the province. Over and over, we hear about children who have particular sets of challenges whose lives are being uplifted by the attentiveness and the ability of the EAs with whom they work.

These are people to whom the government should be turning in humility and appreciation to mark the singular calibre of their contributions. They are the last people who should be forced to go on strike in order to achieve a wage commensurate with the magnitude of their contributions. That they have been forced to do so is a discredit to the government. It is absolutely to be hoped that the injustice of school support workers' remuneration is corrected very soon.

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

MACISAAC, MICHELLE: MENTAL HEALTH CONTRIBS. - THANKS

CHRIS PALMER « » : Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Ms. Michelle MacIsaac for her significant contributions to mental health care in Canada, and particularly in Nova Scotia.

Ms. MacIsaac is the co-owner of Clannad Counselling and Consulting and a veteran of the Canadian Armed Forces. She has held numerous positions, including early interventionist, social work officer, pediatric social worker, and child and family therapist.

Ms. MacIsaac strives to better Nova Scotia and its residents by providing accessible mental health services for those in need regardless of socio-economic status, race, religion or sexual orientation. She founded the 18-month SPIRIT program designed to support women veterans living in central and western Nova Scotia.

She also began a program called Holding the Line designed to improve the psychological health and resilience among staff working with children at the IWK. This program went on to support employees of many other organizations across the province.

The duty to provide service to others before self is clearly evidenced in her work with underprivileged populations. I would like to ask all members to please join me in thanking Ms. MacIsaac for her service to others, and for her commitment to her community.

THE SPEAKER « » : The honourable member for Yarmouth.

OLD WORLD BAKERY: BUS. AWD. RECIP. - CONGRATS.

HON. ZACH CHURCHILL « » : Mr. Speaker, the Yarmouth and area Chamber of Commerce recently held its 2022 business awards. One of the categories was People's Choice: Best Place to Eat, and the winner of this award was the Old World Bakery on Main Street in Yarmouth.

The Old World Bakery is a wonderful and popular spot in downtown Yarmouth to grab breakfast or lunch. It has delicious coffee, desserts, and salads as well. I will put myself on the record and say it has the best breakfast sandwiches I've ever had in my entire life.

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I would like to congratulate owner Nathan Bane and his amazing hard-working staff on this award, and wish Old World Bakery much continued success. I hope they start opening up on Mondays.

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

EPAs: IMPORTANCE OF WORK - RECOG.

LISA LACHANCE « » : Mr. Speaker, it would be difficult for me to overstate the enormous positive impact that education program assistants have had on our family. My sweet boy wanted nothing more than to be at school, but he had a hard time for many years managing the classroom environment on his own. EPAs like Debbie, Barb and others supported him every day to be part of the school community. At one point, my daughter, still a pre-schooler, recognizing their skills, suggested that Ms. Arab should come home with us.

We all understood during COVID‑19 and school closures that it was more than the curriculum that mattered. When kids are in school, they're part of the community. EPAs support young people to be part of a collective education and to connect to their communities. The positive outcomes for the students, their classmates, teachers, and communities are far beyond academic and, in fact, move all of us closer to the type of community we want to live in.

Mr. Speaker, I send solidarity to the education workers on strike in Nova Scotia.

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

FORGOTTEN SHORE FARM: AWDS. RECIP. - CONGRATS.

HON. GREG MORROW « » : Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Forgotten Shore Farm in Port Hilford, Guysborough County, on their recent success at the St. Mary's Business Appreciation Awards. Neil Partington and his wife, Victoria Lambourne, started their business about five years ago after moving to the area from Quebec. They started by growing chemical- and pesticide-free vegetables, and selling them from the roadside near their barn.

Forgotten Shore Farm has now become a co-operative where more than 30 vendors of crafters and artists have their wares available for purchase. As you can tell, this couple has been very welcomed by the community.

During the recent St. Mary's Business Appreciation Awards ceremony, they received Best New Business, Best Customer Service, and Best Community Impact awards.

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I would like to extend congratulations to Forgotten Shore Farm and wish them continued success as their business grows.

THE SPEAKER « » : The honourable member for Bedford Basin.

SULLIVAN, TRACI: CONST. ASST. WORK - THANKS

HON. KELLY REGAN « » : Mr. Speaker, I would like to take this opportunity to recognize someone who is very important in my life and in my ability to come here to do my job every day. That is my constituency assistant, Traci Sullivan.

Now, Traci is quiet and self-effacing, and she doesn't like publicity, so she's probably going to hate this member's statement. But I have to tell you that she makes it possible for me to be here - sometimes until midnight, sometimes early in the morning when we have the Public Accounts Committee.

Her work back in the constituency makes it possible for me to do mine. I just want to say how much I enjoy working with her, and how much I appreciate her hard work. She is known for dropping off COVID-19 rapid tests to people when folks can't make it in or if they are ill. She's known for dropping off - they used to be "please slow down" signs, but now we have "slow the blazes down" signs, for traffic.

I just want to thank Traci for always going the extra mile,

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

SILVER DRAGON REST.: 37 YRS. OF SERVING COM. - THANKS

SUZY HANSEN « » : Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate a local business and family in the North End - Chiu Wong and his wife Ping, who own and operate Silver Dragon Restaurant on Robie Street. Chiu, who is the main chef, has always hired locally and gave back to the community. Chef Chiu Wong established this family-owned Chinese restaurant in 1985. Their food is considered some of the finest and most authentic in-home cooking, both in Cantonese and Szechuan styles.

Silver Dragon is still family-owned and -operated, and that makes all the difference. They take pride in using the freshest of ingredients and most are locally grown. I have been told that they may be closing within the next year. I know they will be truly missed.

I would like the members of this House to help me congratulate Silver Dragon Restaurant on 37 years of serving the North End community, and thank them for sharing their authentic cuisine with us. We wish them well in the future.

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

ELWOOD, LUKE: COM. SERV. - THANKS

HON. TIMOTHY HALMAN « » : Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize my friend and Dartmouth East resident Luke Elwood. Luke is often described as Mr. Enthusiasm from the Better Together team. He regularly enlists his friends at DASC Industries and the DASC Recreation and Leisure Club to be involved with the many Better Together initiatives.

Luke initiated the Better Together Sun Safety Program in 2017, insisting that they give away sunscreen and hats to all the young people working in the gardens at The North Grove. This year alone, Luke and his Better Together friends delivered hundreds of bottles of free sunscreen, sunglasses, reusable water bottles, and sunhats, along with sun-safety games and materials to Margaret's House, the Dartmouth North Christian Food Bank, The North Grove, East Preston Day Care, North Preston Daycare, Adsum Court, Alice House, and many more.

I'd like to thank Luke Elwood for his dedication to sun safety education and for encouraging those around him to assist in the many volunteer efforts.

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

EDUC. SUPP. STRIKE: UNFAIR WAGES - RECOG.

HON. BRENDAN MAGUIRE « » : Mr. Speaker, today we welcome student support workers to the Nova Scotia Legislature. They are not here for a visit - they are here for equal pay. I think of my friend Katie from the Valley. They are in the middle of negotiations and on strike - not for some unreasonable request but for equal pay across the province.

Student support workers on the picket line are, in some cases, making $7.00 an hour less than their counterparts in other parts of the province. They do the exact same job and deserve equal pay. Without student support workers and ECEs, quite frankly, our education system would fall apart. Governments rely on them heavily to keep the day-to-day work moving.

We have seen the Premier intervene on other issues. I call on him to step in to show our ECEs and student support workers the respect they deserve and give equal pay for equal work.

[1:30 p.m.]

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

AFTERWORDS LIT. FEST.: CELEB. OF LIT. COM. - CONGRATS.

SUSAN LEBLANC « » : Mr. Speaker, on September 24^th, not 24 hours after Hurricane Fiona, the AfterWords Literary Festival held its opening night by candlelight at Café Lara.

Co-founded by Ryan Turner and Stephanie Domet in 2019, AfterWords went virtual in 2020 and 2021 and this year marks its triumphant in-person return.

I was privileged to witness a stirring conversation between two ground-breaking politicians, Megan Leslie and the Honourable Jody Wilson-Raybould, and a great interview with fiction writer Lisa Moore by Lawrence Hill. The rest of the lineup was equally impressive - Elaine McCluskey, Alexander MacLeod, Amanda Parris, Waubgeshig Rice, shalan joudry, Anna Quon, Briana Corr Scott, and more.

We have such a vibrant literary community in Nova Scotia with many excellent writers and publishers. I am grateful that the AfterWords Literary Festival provides a venue to celebrate this community.

I ask this House to join me in congratulating Stephanie and Ryan and the entire team on a very successful festival.

THE SPEAKER « » : The honourable member for Shelburne.

GRUNDY, BOB & JOHAN - RALLY PT. RETREAT: PTSD SUPP. - THANKS

NOLAN YOUNG « » : Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Bob Grundy, a veteran who suffers from PTSD, and his wife Johan, who operate the Rally Point Retreat in Sable River.

Rally Point is a non-profit Canadian premier peer support facility that provides a variety of support services for people suffering from PTSD as the result of a traumatic event. They primarily focus on Canadian veterans, retired RCMP, firefighters, police, correctional officers, 911 operators, paramedics, medical first responders, and journalists.

Their mission is saving those who saved others, which they are achieving by providing a safe place to help residents recover and re-adapt to normal life by teaching them to identify triggers and manage or remove them.

I respectfully ask that all members join me in thanking Bob and Johan for helping to save those who saved others.

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

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

THE SPEAKER « » : Permission granted.

The honourable member for Clayton Park West.

RAFAH DICOSTANZO « » : We have with us in the West Gallery Ghita Rhammaz, Ghita is of Moroccan origin, a neighbour, a friend, and somebody I look up to. I have a member statement for her, and I'll ask her to stand and receive the welcome of the House. (Applause)

THE SPEAKER « » : On behalf of the Legislature, we welcome you to today's proceedings.

The honourable member for Clayton Park West.

RHAMMAZ, RITA: COM. SERV. - RECOG.

RAFAH DICOSTANZO « » : Mr. Speaker, I rise today to acknowledge a small business owner, Ghita Rhammaz - known by "Rita" - who is with us, for her outstanding community service. Ghita is the owner of a Tealicious business. Ghita has made the most delicious Moroccan and French sweets that Sobeys is going to sell for her. (Applause)

Even better, when she tried to bake those, she needed an industrial kitchen, but she couldn't find one. So now she's opening a business providing an industrial kitchen to help others like her who are looking for that. (Applause)

Please look out for Ghita. The new business is going to be on Novalea and called the Novalea Kitchen and Market. Please remember that. The other thing that I really want to thank Ghita for the most is her help with so many immigrants in finding them houses and always being so involved in the Kearney Lake Masjid women's Muslim community. They do so much work and I thank her so much. (Applause)

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

EDUC. SUPP. STRIKE: LOW WAGES - RECOG.

SUZY HANSEN « » : Mr. Speaker, I am glad that it will be on Novalea, in my constituency.

I'd like to rise today to recognize the amazing hard-working staff and support workers who work tirelessly with our kids in the school system.

Locals 70 and 73 of the NSGEU are currently on strike. As we heard earlier, on our way in, they are fired up. School administrative assistants, student support workers, computer technicians, and finance and payroll clerks are the lowest-paid in the province - shame.

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I would like to see all members of this House step up and see an end to this and make sure that staff get the same wages for the same work. Wage parity is solidarity.

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

SISTER-IN-LAW, MILDRED LEYTE: MOVED TO N.S. - WELCOME

HON. BRIAN WONG « » : Mr. Speaker, I'd like to take a moment to welcome a new Nova Scotian, my sister-in-law Mildred Leyte - lovingly called Mo - who just moved here after 24 years in Calgary.

Like many Atlantic Canadians, she's a good Newfoundlander who moved out west. With the 40 per cent CCA increase, she decided to move to Nova Scotia.

Mr. Speaker, a very nervous Mo started her first day at Northwood today. I drove her out to Bedford for orientation, and she was like a kid going to school on her first day. She was so excited.

On behalf of the Legislature, I'd like everybody to welcome my sister-in-law Mo to Nova Scotia.

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

MSVU WOMEN'S SOCCER TEAM: CH'SHIP WIN - CONGRATS.

HON. PATRICIA ARAB « » : Mr. Speaker, I want to extend my congratulations to the Mount Saint Vincent University women's soccer team on their ACAA Soccer Championship win this past weekend. The Mystics were playing the University of New Brunswick Saint John Seawolves, and the game was decided by penalty kicks after 120 minutes of regulation play. Mystic player Ashley Neves scored the deciding goal against the keeper of the year, Jillian Smith, as the crowd went wild.

This win was particularly sweet after losing in the championships final last season. The team will now travel to Quebec for the CCAA nationals being held November 9th to the 12^th, where I know they will carry this win with them and bring home the national title.

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

ELECTRIC CANDY: AWD. RECIP. - CONGRATS.

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KENDRA COOMBES « » : Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize Jayden and Kelsey, who are the owners of Electric Candy in New Waterford. I first introduced Jayden and Kelsey into this Legislature when they were students in Grade 12 who were raising money to give to not-for-profit organizations. They were doing tremendous work as Grade 12 students.

Only a few short years later, they now own their own company. In their first year of business, they have won the Community Votes Cape Breton 2022 top-pick winner for the Best in Ice Cream and were the platinum winner for candy.

Congratulations to Kelsey, Jayden, Kim, and all their staff. I knew these kids were going to go far, but I didn't realize they would go far this quickly.

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

GLOADE FAM. & CEHHC: INDIG. HEALING GARDEN - CONGRATS.

DAVE RITCEY « » : I am honoured to rise today to congratulate the family of John C. Gloade of Millbrook and the Colchester East Hants Health Centre on the opening of their memorial Indigenous healing garden.

Named in memory of Sheila Rose Gloade, it is the first Indigenous healing garden of its kind in an Atlantic Canadian hospital.

The garden consists of traditional Indigenous healing symbols, carvings, a medicine wheel, and traditional medicines. It also provides a place for traditional Mi'kmaw ceremonies, as well as a location for meditation and prayer for all patients and their families.

Mr. Speaker, I would like to thank the family of John C. Gloade, the Colchester East Hants Health Centre, the local artists who provided the artwork, and the volunteers and staff who helped create this garden. It will be a wonderful addition to our hospital and will help further education about traditional Mi'kmaw health care.

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

LEB. HER. MO.: CONTRIBS. TO COM. - RECOG.

ALI DUALE « » : Mr. Speaker, I would like to take this opportunity today to recognize this month of November as Lebanese Heritage Month. Some of my colleagues have spoken, but I'd like to emphasize the value of Lebanese community in this province, whether it's business, leadership, or cultural richness, to name a few.

We know how much we enjoy, during the Summer, the Lebanese Festival, whether it's cultural, whether it's food, whether it's members of the community. If you haven't been, I'll urge you to put it in your calendar this coming year. It is something that we as a province celebrate.

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I wish the best for the community.

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

EGG FARMERS OF N.S. ASSOC.: 50^TH ANNIV. - CONGRATS.

LISA LACHANCE « » : Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the work of the Egg Farmers of Nova Scotia association, which represents 25 farms producing eggs across the province.

In addition to being the backbone of a hugely important agricultural sector, the Egg Farmers of Nova Scotia undertake amazing charitable work. They have provided $10,000 in funding for the new Ronald McDonald House kitchen here in my constituency, as well as supplying Brigadoon Village in Aylesford with a cumulative 4,000 eggs so far.

To date, in 2022 alone, the Egg Farmers of Nova Scotia have given back over $85,000 to the community.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues in the House to join me in congratulating the Egg Farmers of Nova Scotia for their support of their sector, their ongoing generous community contributions, and their 50^th anniversary of making positive impacts across the province.

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

LIM-SOMERTON, JENNIFER: COM. SERV. - RECOG.

ELIZABETH SMITH-MCCROSSIN « » : Mr. Speaker, today I rise to recognize Jennifer Lim-Somerton and her husband Freddy. Last August, when I was going door to door during the campaign, I came across Jennifer and Freddy on Winston Avenue. They were amidst an array of unpacked boxes, as they had just moved to Nova Scotia from Ontario.

Jennifer has jumped into our community with both feet. She has found employment as the executive assistant with the Cumberland Business Connector and works very hard to assist businesses in our community. She was recently recognized for her very hard work and dedication during Small Business Week. She has also worked very hard with me and other community stakeholders and organized a newcomers' Summer party. We had a packed room and it was a huge success, welcoming newcomers with music and blueberry desserts. Jennifer wants to see newcomers like herself and other small businesses succeed and has been working hard to ensure they have all the supports they need.

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Please join me in welcoming and thanking Jennifer and her husband, Freddy, and welcome them to Nova Scotia.

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

MACAUSLAND, AVREY: ATHLETE AWD. RECIP. - CONGRATS.

HON. BRAD JOHNS « » : Speaker, I would like to offer congratulations to Avrey MacAusland of Uniacke District School, who was recently awarded with the Joshua Lake-Crossley Most Promising Athlete Award.

The award was organized to memorialize Joshua Lake-Crossley, who tragically lost his life after a 12-year battle with heart disease. Despite health complications, Joshua never failed to express his love of sports through his enthusiastic and competitive spirit.

Every year, a Grade 7 student at Uniacke District School who exhibits the same passion and willingness that were once seen in Joshua is given the Most Promising Athlete award. This year, that student is Avrey.

I would like to once again congratulate Avrey on receiving this award and wish them every success in their future.

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

SCHOOL SUPP. WORKERS: IMPORTANCE OF WORK - RECOG.

HON. KEITH IRVING « » : Mr. Speaker, I rise to acknowledge the important work of the many school support workers in the Annapolis Valley. These hard-working and dedicated workers are essential to the operation of our schools and essential to many students with learning differences. Their work is so important to so many families, and they are critical to the learning and development of many wonderful students, who deserve the support they require to grow and develop into productive citizens.

I want to thank all the school support workers for their hard work and for during these past few weeks standing up for equal pay for equal work. This seems very fair and reasonable. I ask the government and in particular the Minister of Education and Early Childhood Development to value their work with equal pay for equal work.

THE SPEAKER « » : The honourable member for Glace Bay-Dominion.

JEFFRIES, MARGARET: COM. SERV. - THANKS

[Page 4490]

JOHN WHITE « » : Mr. Speaker, Margaret Jeffries heads up the Number Eleven Volunteer Society. She is an active member in the community who uses her energy to positively impact those around her. She is a trained counsellor and the driving force of Number Eleven Volunteer Society, which is best known for renovating an unused ballfield. Now this field has a walking track, community garden, and a sandbox, and they regularly host exercising events outside.

During the hurricane, Margaret's house was powered only by a small generator, but that didn't stop her. She opened her home to the community, providing a place to charge phones and enjoy a hot cup of tea or a meal. When she learned of a young couple that was displaced from their home and didn't want to be rehoused outside of town, Margaret allowed them to move into her house to help them until something else was arranged. When she saw that I was hosting trauma support sessions throughout the constituency, she made it a point to attend every single session and assist me with them.

Thank you, Margaret, for all that you are. Glace Bay is happy to have you, and we're lucky to have you in our community.

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

VOLUNS.: HOCKEY FUNDRAISER FOR HOMELESS - RECOG.

HON. BEN JESSOME « » : Mr. Speaker, I would just like to acknowledge the team that's working hard to put on this year's Hockey Helps the Homeless. It's a fundraiser where local hockey players meet with former NHLers and professional hockey players to raise money for VETS Canada, in particular the drop-in centre in Dartmouth, as well as another organization that we're all familiar with that they've partnered with since COVID‑19, Adsum for Women and Children. This year, we're joined by Ramzi Abid, a former Moosehead; Georges Laraque; Brad May; Nova Scotia's own Jill Saulnier; and Jon Sim.

I would just like to thank everyone in the House. We got participation and support from all sides of the House this year. Thank you for helping out. If you're available on the 10^th of November, we'll be at the Dartmouth four-pad RBC Centre all day.

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

WEYMOUTH FALLS: COM. SPIRIT AWD. - CONGRATS.

HON. JILL BALSER « » : Today I rise to recognize the community of Weymouth Falls. This year they were awarded the Lieutenant Governor Community Spirit Award. This is the first time a historic African Nova Scotian community has been chosen for this honour. I would like to congratulate Weymouth Falls on this historic recognition and for all of the hard work the community has done over the past few years.

[Page 4491]

[1:45 p.m.]

The community of Weymouth Falls was established by Black Loyalists in the 1700s. The Sam Langford Community Centre is an important landmark for the community of Weymouth and for African Nova Scotian history. The community centre served as a location for recreational activities, reunions, and an employment centre, and served as a multi-purpose property.

I would now like to share a quote from Marcel Jarvis: "Weymouth Falls is a beautiful, family-oriented community full of love and caring people. It is so beautiful that this love we all share for Weymouth Falls isn't just because of shared ancestry, but also because of a shared care for our community."

I ask that all members in this Legislature join me in congratulating Weymouth Falls on their well-achieved award.

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

DUNN, STEVEN: WHEELCHAIR SPORTS LEADERSHIP - THANKS

LORELEI NICOLL « » : I'm honoured to stand and recognize Steven Dunn. Steven is one of Nova Scotia's most lauded wheelchair athletes. He represented Team Canada in wheelchair rugby and has competed in table tennis at various international events.

He has shown tireless dedication to wheelchair sports, often risking his own health due to COVID-19, to ensure people in the disabled community were able to continue with their training. He consistently volunteers his time in various board and management positions to ensure the continuation of wheelchair sporting activities.

I ask the members of the House of Assembly to join me in recognizing Steven Dunn for his leadership with wheelchair athletes, dedication to mentorship, and sports excellence in the sports of wheelchair rugby and table tennis.

THE SPEAKER « » : The honourable member for Queens.

WHITE, CHARLOTTE: MUS. VOL. SERV. HONOURS - THANKS

HON. KIM MASLAND « » : On October 30^th, the Hank Snow Home Town Museum in Liverpool very fittingly honoured Queens County volunteer extraordinaire Charlotte White at a special dedication ceremony.

With her expertise and experience, Charlotte has been invaluable to the Friends of Hank Snow Society for over 20 years. Most recently she helped to seek out and secure major funding needed for maintenance, upgrades, and improvements to the museum and its grounds. In her honour, a memorabilia room has been named The Charlotte White Room, and now the new concession building will be known as The Charlotte White Concession Building.

[Page 4492]

Please join me in applauding Charlotte on this well-deserved honour, and in thanking her for her decades of volunteer service to the people and community organizations of Queens.

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

SCHOOL SUPP. WORKERS: IMPORTANCE OF WORK - RECOG.

FRED TILLEY « » : Earlier in my career, I spent 14 years as a member of the Cape Breton-Victoria Regional School Board in Cape Breton. I would just like to stand today and talk about the work of the educational support workers in the school system and how important they are to the future of our children.

I think that it's a no-brainer when we talk about equal pay for equal work across this province. MLAs have it. Other professions have it. I think that we should get back to the table on this and make this happen so that our children in this province can get back to learning.

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

DAL. WORKERS STRIKE: WAGE PARITY - RECOG.

SUSAN LEBLANC « » : I just also wanted to stand up and express my solidarity to the NSGEU workers who are on strike, but I also wanted to shout out to CUPE 3912, which is on strike at Dalhousie today, and tell the story of last night.

I was doing the dishes, and my phone rang. It said Dalhousie on my phone, so I thought, that's weird. I'm going to pick that up. It was Dalhousie asking me for a donation as an alumnus. I said, no, I'm not giving you a donation. I am standing in solidarity with your striking workers. If you could pass on the message that the administration needs to give those workers a good deal, wage parity with similar workers across the country, that would be great. Thank you very much. I hung up the phone.

I was really nice to the person who was working a part-time job, but I think she got the message, and I think it's real bananas that Dalhousie would be doing a campaign of giving while the workers are on strike. Solidarity CUPE 3912.

THE SPEAKER « » : The honourable member for Antigonish.

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MURPHY, DR. BRENDAN: LOGAN MEDAL RECIP. - CONGRATS.

HON. MICHELLE THOMPSON « » : Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Dr. Brendan Murphy, a geology professor at St. Francis Xavier University, on receiving the Logan Medal.

The Logan Medal is the highest award of the Geological Association of Canada. It is presented to an individual for sustained distinguished achievement in Canadian earth science. Dr. Murphy has been honoured for his exceptional career and his contributions to his field. His impressive career spans 40 years and he has received numerous national and international awards and research grants. He has been an exceptional mentor and colleague to so many people.

Dr. Murphy is an avid runner and passionate football fan who loves the beautiful game and, as well, he is a much-loved professor at St. FX. I ask all members to congratulate Dr. Brendan Murphy on this prestigious award.

THE SPEAKER « » : The honourable member for Clare.

GAUDET, NOËLLE: MED. EMERG. EFFORTS - RECOG.

RONNIE LEBLANC « » : Mr. Speaker, in August, Joan Melanson and her 16-year-old daughter, Noëlle Gaudet, were en route to Halifax on a mother-daughter back-to-school shopping trip.

On the divided highway in Lower Sackville, Joan experienced a medical emergency, falling unconscious behind the wheel of her vehicle while on cruise control. As the car went off the road into a median towards oncoming traffic, Noëlle had the presence of mind beyond her years to steer the car to avert a much more serious accident and was able to put the car in park. It was Noëlle who called 911 for her mother and called her father while they waited for an ambulance.

I ask that all members join me to recognize this brave young lady for her actions that day that ensured both mother and daughter are fine today.

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

LAFRAMBOISE, MICHÈLE: HATS FOR IWK PATIENTS - THANKS

ELIZABETH SMITH-MCCROSSIN « » : Mr. Speaker, today I rise to recognize Michèle LaFramboise of Pugwash.

During the loss of power due to post-tropical storm Fiona, Michèle decided that rather than just wait for the power to come back on, she would do something constructive. She took it upon herself to knit 12 infant baby caps for the IWK Health Centre. She now has more yarn and plans to keep on knitting those tiny hats that make such a difference.

[Page 4494]

I think it is wonderful that during the aftermath of a terrible storm, Michèle was thinking of others. Michèle is a great example of how we can come together in times of disaster, as we are a community that supports one another.

She obviously has a big heart and wants to help care for the IWK's smallest patients. I want to thank Michèle for her generosity and kindness.

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

NE KINGS EDUC. CTR. STUDENTS: GOLF CH'SHIP WIN - CONGRATS.

HON. JOHN LOHR « » : Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize four Northeast Kings Education Centre students as the 2022-2023 School Sport Nova Scotia golf champions.

Olivia Seaman, Lauren McLaughlin, Edie Marshall, and Nola Marshall won the Nova Scotia provincial championship by six strokes. This is the second consecutive win for this team. Olivia Seaman was also recognized as the top golfer on the day, winning the individual competition. This year's championship was held in October at Le Portage Golf Club in Cheticamp.

Please join me today to congratulate Olivia Seaman, Lauren McLaughlin, Edie Marshall, and Nola Marshall as the 2022-2023 School Sport Nova Scotia golf champions.

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

PICHE, PTE. EARL JAMES: DEATH OF - TRIBUTE

BRAEDON CLARK « » : Mr. Speaker, as we move closer to Remembrance Day, I wanted to recognize a veteran who made the ultimate sacrifice for our country, Private Earl James Piche of Britannia Bay, Ontario. He was my wife's grandfather and is the great-grandfather of my two children.

Earl volunteered very early on in the war. He served with distinction for many years and tragically was killed in action on April 11, 1945 - just about three weeks before the end of the war in Europe - at the age of 23. He is buried at Holten Canadian War Cemetery in the Netherlands along with 1,300 other Canadian soldiers.

Again, as we move closer to Remembrance Day, I'd ask all members of the House to recognize Earl and so many other veterans who have served our country with bravery, heroism, and sacrifice.

[Page 4495]

THE SPEAKER « » : The honourable member for Argyle.

OCEAN PRIDE FISHERIES: AWDS. RECIP. - CONGRATS.

HON. COLTON LEBLANC « » : Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Ocean Pride Fisheries on being recognized for its hard work and dedication, not once but twice recently.

At this year's Yarmouth & Area Chamber of Commerce annual business awards, Ocean Pride Fisheries received the Resiliency Award, a new award just for this year, which recognizes the efforts it took to overcome the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Ocean Pride Fisheries was also awarded the Fisheries and Aquaculture Minister's Award of Excellence for Product Development and Export Achievement. These awards recognize exceptional individuals and organizations in Nova Scotia's seafood, sportfish, and aquaculture industries.

I ask all members of the House of Assembly to join me in congratulating Ocean Pride Fisheries on their achievements and wishing them continued success.

THE SPEAKER « » : The honourable member for Annapolis.

EPAs: IMPORTANCE OF WORK - RECOG.

CARMAN KERR « » : I want to thank everyone in the gallery, everyone out in front of the Legislature, everyone on the picket lines, for fighting for equal pay for equal work.

I was able to visit the picket in my constituency in Bridgetown. I was able to speak to friends of mine out front, here in front of the Legislature. On behalf of the families of Annapolis, thank you for all the work that you do.

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

LANDRY, G./DECOSTE, N.: CONST. WORK - THANKS

HON. PAT DUNN « » : Mr. Speaker, as members of this House of Assembly, we are proud to represent our individual constituencies. We also know how important our supporters and volunteers are to our local associations.

Today I would like to recognize two of my loyal and dependable volunteers. When there is work to be done, Glen Landry and Norma DeCoste have been two of the people who are the first to show up and the last to leave.

[Page 4496]

Norma has been busy handling phone services and the reception desk, always smiling and eager to be part of the process of campaign work during election time. Her friend Glen looks after putting up and taking down signs. We all know how important and labour-intensive a job that is. When an election has come and gone, they are welcome visitors at the office, where they sometimes drop in for assistance and sometimes just to see how we are doing in these busy times.

I'd like to ask the members of this House to join me as I take this opportunity to thank Norma and Glen for their support and hard work that they continue to provide us in Pictou Centre.

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

HON. ZACH CHURCHILL « » : Mr. Speaker, I'd like to bring the attention of the House to the West Gallery, where we are joined by numerous representatives from the Nova Scotia Federation of Municipalities, from all over the province.

I'd ask those councillors and wardens, of course, to please stand and be recognized by the House. Thanks so much for being here.

THE SPEAKER « » : Once again, welcome to the Nova Scotia House of Assembly and I hope you had productive meetings.

The honourable member for Lunenburg.

MAHONE BAY: GHG RED. PLAN - RECOG.

HON. SUSAN CORKUM-GREEK « » : I rise today to bring recognition to the Town of Mahone Bay and applaud staff and council for their forward-looking commitment to the green economy.

In 2021, Mahone Bay set a clear and ambitious direction by adopting the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Action Plan. Since then, they've installed charging stations for electric vehicles, which have already seen over 810 hours of use. They are participating in the province's first large-scale community solar garden.

Partnering with Coastal Action, the town has also constructed a living shoreline to provide protection from flooding, erosion, and storm surge through completely nature-based infrastructure. This has already proved its value during Hurricane Fiona.

Mr. Speaker, I am proud to stand here today and recognize the Town of Mahone Bay for its bold and ambitious goal to rely on 100 per cent renewable energy by 2030 and thank them for their dedication to building a more sustainable future.

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

HON. MICHELLE THOMPSON « » : Mr. Speaker, I appreciate that my colleague has already made mention of the guests, but I would like to draw attention, if I could, to some locals who are here just in time for the big show.

If I could ask the folks from Antigonish - Mayor Laurie Boucher to stand up, Warden Owen McCarron and Councillor Remi Deveau, Donald MacDonald, Mary Farrell, Andrew Murray, and Glenn Horne. Is that everyone? I don't want to miss anybody. Hopefully I do you proud today.

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

NORTH BREWING TAPROOM: FUNDRAISER PARTIC. - RECOG.

HON. TONY INCE « » : Mr. Speaker, I would like to invite my colleagues and those in the HRM to visit the North Brewing Company taproom on Portland Street today. Proceeds from the sales will be going towards the Hockey Helps the Homeless Tournament happening on November 10^th.

Peter Burbridge, owner-president, and Darren Ells, retail delivery logistics manager, are participating in this wonderful fundraiser for Adsum House for Women & Children and Vets Canada.

I can't think of a more enjoyable way to support the charities and the local entrepreneurs than to have a burger.

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

[2:00 p.m.]

ORDERS OF THE DAY

ORAL QUESTIONS PUT BY MEMBERS TO MINISTERS

THE SPEAKER « » : The time is two o'clock. We will go until 2:50 p.m.

The honourable Leader of the Official Opposition.

PREM.: EA STRIKE RESOLUTION - PLAN

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HON. ZACH CHURCHILL « » : Mr. Speaker, I preface this question by recognizing that I have been on the government side during tense labour negotiations. I know the impact that these situations have on staff, on government officials, but particularly when it's in education - on our parents and our students.

I make no bones about it, the NSGEU and I have not always seen eye to eye on a number of issues. On this one, I have to say that I am in agreement. It does make sense to have equal pay for equal work in this province. We know how valuable our education assistants and our early childhood educators are. Right now, they're out of our schools, and our students are being affected in a very real way by this.

Could the Premier please tell this House what his plan is to find a resolution here, and if those folks can expect equal pay for equal work in the province?

HON. TIM HOUSTON (The Premier) » : Obviously, the member is absolutely correct. These situations are extremely stressful on parents, on students, and on those who are caring for and teaching our students, for sure. It's incredibly disruptive.

We're hopeful that all sides will return to the table and find a negotiated fair settlement at the table. We believe in collective bargaining. We support the collective bargaining process. We encourage everyone to get to the table and work it out on behalf of Nova Scotians.

ZACH CHURCHILL « » : I think it's particularly important to examine the economic situation that we're faced with right now in our province, even compared to five years ago. We have an inflationary crisis unlike we have had in 40 years. We have fuel prices going up. These EAs and staff have to travel in rural Nova Scotia to get to and from work. The cost of food is going up. We have a labour shortage as well. These conversations, I do think we have to look at with a different lens because it is a very different context right now.

I do feel that what the NSGEU is looking for right now, equal pay for equal work, is actually fair and makes sense. We know how valuable this work is that these folks do from one end of the province to the other. This is why, when we were in government, we hired hundreds more of these individuals. Now we would like to see the situation resolved so people can get back to work and our students looked after.

THE PREMIER « » : I would echo the member's concerns. Everyone wants a negotiated settlement here. We encourage people to get back to the table to have those discussions. I know the employer is ready and willing to have those discussions, particularly around wage parity.

My understanding is that a path has been offered to wage parity. We want that for all Nova Scotians. We support the collective bargaining process. We'll allow that to unfold at the table. It takes all parties to get to the table, and that's what we would like to see happen.

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ZACH CHURCHILL « » : We have seen this government intervene on other matters of importance. We have seen that with power rates. We have seen the government even encroach on municipality jurisdiction. We would like to see some leadership from the government on this to resolve the situation, and make sure that there's fair pay for equal work.

I'll give kudos to the government on increasing the pay for continuing care assistants in our province. That was a very good move, especially considering the inflationary environment that we're looking in. When you look at the pay scale for our educational assistants, our TAs, we are looking at a similar wage as existed with the CCAs before. The Premier has set a new range for salary consideration. Will he ensure that range is considered during these negotiations?

THE PREMIER « » : Listen, I'll just say it again - I think leadership means allowing the process to unfold. We believe in collective bargaining. We believe in open, fair, honest bargaining - tough bargaining. We believe in all those things, and that's what we support. In this case, we encourage the parties to get to the table and come to that resolution that's in the interest of all Nova Scotians. That's what's important here, and that's what we would like to see happen.

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

PREM.: EA WAGE PARITY - SUPPORT

CLAUDIA CHENDER « » : Mr. Speaker, those educational support workers from the Valley and the South Shore were marching outside the Legislature today as they continue their fight to be paid the same wage as someone doing the same job in Halifax.

Earlier this week, in response to our question about this, the minister said, "Our government fully supports wage parity and fully supports equivalent compensation across the province, equal pay for equal work. An EA who works in Digby should be making the same amount as an EA who works in Antigonish or an EA who works in Glace Bay." The minister ducked our question about the Halifax wages.

I'll give the Premier the opportunity to set the record straight. Does the Premier believe that educational support workers from the South Shore and the Valley should be paid the same amount as those doing the job in Halifax - yes or no?

THE PREMIER « » : I'll just reiterate the comments of the minister. We believe in wage parity, and we believe in the collective bargaining process. We don't think it's any benefit to anyone to try to negotiate on the floor of this Legislature during Question Period. Those negotiations would happen at the table. We respect that. We will value that process and we'll be there to support that process.

[Page 4500]

We believe in wage parity. We understand that is one of the proposals as part of a suite of negotiations that will happen. We'll allow the process to go. We support collective bargaining. There's only one way that can be done, and that's at the table. That's what we'd like to see happen.

CLAUDIA CHENDER « » : The minister and the Premier subverted collective bargaining to give CCAs a wage increase, to do lots of other things. The Premier is the employer.

I visited three picket lines this week, and the people marching were, with very few exceptions, women. Women make up the vast majority of the caring economy - the folks we rely on to make sure children are educated, sick people are cared for, and that elderly folks have their needs looked after. In this sector, they make 71 cents of every dollar that a man makes.

One woman I spoke to in New Minas said she couldn't recommend this job, which she loved so much, since it's impossible to survive on her wages. She said that when she started, this was a second income for her family. Her work as an educational program assistant caring for students doesn't make her enough to pay the bills.

My question is: Will the Premier acknowledge the value of this work and help close the gender pay gap by ensuring that workers in rural Nova Scotia make the same amount of money as . . .

THE PREMIER « » : I would certainly echo the member's comments that the value of the work that's being provided is extremely valuable, and the impact that is made on families and students, is completely immeasurable. It's valued by this government. You are valued by this government, for sure. But I can't even imagine what the members opposite would be saying if we were trying to intervene in the collective bargaining process.

The reality is that these things are best worked out at the table. That's what we would like to see happen. We hope everyone can get back to the table. That's what's in the interest of all Nova Scotians. We hope that everyone can get back to the table and get that done. Maybe the members opposite will encourage that exact thing to happen in the interests of Nova Scotians.

CLAUDIA CHENDER « » : The CUPE members on the line need no encouragement to get to the table. They need a fair offer that gives them parity with people in Halifax. These workers want to be in school, but by not coming to a fair agreement at the bargaining table as an employer - and let's be very clear, this government is the employer - the government is forcing these women to stay away from schools, and from the students who need them.

[Page 4501]

The government is depriving many of the most vulnerable children in our province of an education, and in many cases, forcing parents to stay home without pay. Across the Annapolis Valley, children are being sent home, told not to come to school, and often not supported at all.

Doesn't the Premier think it would be better to come to the table with an offer that pays these workers in rural Nova Scotia the same amount that their counterparts in Halifax are making now, rather than . . .

THE PREMIER « » : I guess what I'd say is there's obviously a number of inaccuracies in the member's characterization of the situation. I am not at the table, so I wouldn't dare speak to what the discussions would be. But I encourage the parties who are actively involved in this, including the employer, to get to the table and work out what's in the best interest of all Nova Scotians.

I think we've shown as a government that we will invest in Nova Scotians. We will do that at every single opportunity we have, but we also have to invest in the collective bargaining process. We will continue to do just that.

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

FTB: INFLATION STRATEGY - DEVELOP

HON. ZACH CHURCHILL « » : Mr. Speaker, we can't accept the fact that the government is going to hide behind a regional centre of education in this. We all know in this House where the final authority lies in the education system, where the purse strings are, and where the cheques are signed. They are with the Province and the provincial government. The challenges that our EAs are facing, all Nova Scotians are facing right now.

We had a report out recently that said 78 per cent of Atlantic Canadians believe it is a bad time to make purchases, because of high inflation. That was an Angus Reid study and I'll table that.

We know that this pressure on family household spending is also going to have the consequence of impacting our economy. When you slow down spending and people are saving their money, that means our small businesses and our economy are going to be hurt.

We have not seen a strategy to deal with these issues of inflation, the cost of living, and this impending recession. Will the Premier please tell us if he is going to develop one with his minister?

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HON. ALLAN MACMASTER » : Mr. Speaker, I was waiting for the question, because I was sincerely listening to see if it's directed at me or the Minister of Education and Early Childhood Development. He's talking about a matter that's being . . .(Interruption)

THE SPEAKER « » : Order, please. The Minister of Finance and Treasury Board has the floor.

The honourable Minister of Finance and Treasury Board.

ALLAN MACMASTER « » : I know that he's talking about something that's happening, which we believe should happen at the collective bargaining table. We respect collective bargaining, something that his government did not respect when they were in government.

ZACH CHURCHILL « » : I am glad the Minister of Finance and Treasury Board responded to this, even though the question was asked to the Premier. I do want to table a comment that the minister said when talking about this inflationary pressure that's not only impacting staff, but impacting all Nova Scotians. He said: "I guess the challenge I have with this is that not everybody is hurting." I'll table that.

I'm wondering how the minister can say that when people are hurting right now. We've had the price of fuel go up 41 per cent in the past year. I'll table that. The average price of housing has gone up close to 40 per cent. I'll table that. The average Nova Scotian income earners are paying the highest taxes in the country - and I'll table that.

We clearly have an inflationary environment right now that is leading us into a recession that is impacting everybody. When will we see this government take it seriously and respond?

ALLAN MACMASTER « » : I will say it again - as I've said it the last two days - I was referring as an example of this very issue. What good is it to give a $500 cheque to somebody who is single with no dependents making $100,000 a year? Clearly, somebody like that is not in the same position as somebody who's struggling to make ends meet and struggling to put food on the table for themselves. If the Opposition can't see that, I can't help them.

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

MAH: HOUSING SOLUTIONS - EXPLAIN

[Page 4503]

BRAEDON CLARK « » : Mr. Speaker, I'd like to lay out some numbers in the situation on housing here in Nova Scotia.

There are 6,000 people on the wait-list for public housing. This government has no plans to build any new units. There are 700 people in HRM alone who are homeless and hundreds more beyond this city. That number had doubled in the past year. We have the second highest rent in the country at $2,400. We have homeowners who are struggling to pay their mortgages, and this government has done next to nothing.

I would ask the minister: This session, what has this government done on housing other than consolidate and control power in the minister's office?

HON. JOHN LOHR « » : Mr. Speaker, I would like to say that the Affordable Housing Commission Report and the Auditor General report were an absolute indictment on that government's management of housing. Since we have taken control of that file and really started to actively manage it, we have shortened the turnover time of units appreciably. I can provide statistics for that.

Furthermore, the Auditor General has said that if we dealt with overhousing, we could take 1,000 people off the list. I'm telling you that the previous government didn't deal with the overhousing issue. We're starting to deal with the overhousing issue. That's a real number, and a real number of people who are coming off that list.

BRAEDON CLARK « » : I'm glad that the minister raised the Affordable Housing Commission, because he himself has said that the very first recommendation of that commission was ignored by this government in this bill that is before the House.

As we know, there is an unprecedented housing crisis going on here in Nova Scotia. Young adults cannot afford to be homeowners. Hundreds of students coming here to study at our universities cannot find a place to live - hundreds of them. We have higher rent than they do in Ontario. We're leading Atlantic Canada in unaffordability on rent. Mortgage payments are through the roof. We have a record number of seniors on the housing wait-list.

This government's solution is a "we know best" approach - railroading other levels of government, ignoring recommendations of the Housing panel, and taking power away from the people on the ground. I'd like to ask the minister: Why doesn't this government value solutions that come from outside of its Cabinet table?

JOHN LOHR « » : Mr. Speaker, I'd like to point out that the Affordable Housing Commission report recommended $25 million in a quick-start program. We put in $35 million. We are investing in housing across the spectrum, and I am very proud of all the action. For instance, the Community Housing Access Program - we call it CHAP - earlier this year we put money in that and kept almost 300 naturally occurring, affordable units right here in the HRM.

[Page 4504]

[2:15 p.m.]

There's a variety of things we're doing. We're doing an unprecedented amount of activity. We will continue to do more. I'm very proud of our record on housing, Mr. Speaker.

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

MAH: MUNICIPAL POWERS STRIPPED - EXPLAIN

LORELEI NICOLL « » : Mr. Speaker, it is without question that there's a housing crisis in the HRM and, in fact, in all of Nova Scotia. Municipalities across the province play a vital role in housing and to be productive in finding solutions to the housing crisis, the Province should be collaborating with municipalities. Instead, this government continues an alarming trend of stripping municipalities of their power and putting it in the hands of their Premier. As Mayor Savage said, "to be overruled without public consultation is distasteful in a democracy" - which I will table.

My question to the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing is: Why have they not consulted and met with municipalities before stripping them of their power?

HON. JOHN LOHR « » : Mr. Speaker, I think that this is a question directly about Bill No. 225 and the aspects of that. I think the member will get to say lots about that bill in Committee of the Whole House on Bills and in third reading.

LORELEI NICOLL « » : I will expect an answer at that time, which I am not getting now. Mr. Speaker, CBRM Mayor Amanda McDougall said leaving the ability to nullify a bylaw to a Cabinet minister who may not be answerable to the residents of a municipality in question, is "quite undemocratic" - which I will table. Unfortunately, the word "undemocratic" has had to come up a lot over this session to describe the actions of this government. My question to the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing is: Does he believe that wholesale overriding of the decisions of elected officials is a democratic action to take?

JOHN LOHR « » : Mr. Speaker, again I believe this is directly asking about Bill No. 225. I'd be happy to answer that.

It is not an uncommon thing. There are other jurisdictions in Canada which have this same role for the provincial government. We have it in various ways in the MGA and HRM Charter already in other aspects. This is not an unprecedented role for us to take. We are democratically elected to and we'll be answerable in our own election. We are acting in the public interest in what we are doing.

[Page 4505]

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

EECD: SCHOOL STAFF WAGE PARITY - IMPLEMENT

SUZY HANSEN « » : Mr. Speaker, my question is for the Minister of Education and Early Childhood Development. We are now entering the second week of strikes in both the province's South Shore and the Valley. More than 700 school staff are still on the picket lines in pursuit of fair wages and wage parity. Earlier this week, the minister stated that our government fully supports wage parity and fully supports equivalent compensation across the province, equal pay for equal work. I'll table that.

My question to the minister is: If this government fully supports wage parity, then why have they not implemented it?

HON. BECKY DRUHAN » : Our educational support staff are incredibly important members of our school teams. I value and respect the work they do. They do incredible work in inclusive education, they support administration, and they deliver education to some of our earliest learners.

I will be clear: with eight separate education entities, there has never been parity across this sector. We absolutely do support parity, and we understand that that's what the NSGEU is looking for. For that reason, I am very heartened to hear that the Valley and the NSGEU will be getting back to the table. I very much look forward to a negotiated resolution. Not only do we value these workers and the incredible work they do, we also value collective bargaining and respect that process.

SUZY HANSEN « » : Mr. Speaker, I read the Act earlier today and according to the Act, the minister is responsible. That's why there are no boards.

I just want to highlight just how low some of the wages are that these school workers are being paid. A memorandum of understanding just last month was signed to increase the wages of educational assistants and library support workers to $13.60 per hour. If this hadn't been done, these workers would be earning less than the provincially legislated minimum wage.

Mr. Speaker, would the minister be able to provide for her family making $13.60 per hour without struggling? How does this minister expect these workers to do the same?

BECKY DRUHAN « » : The member opposite would know I took this role about 14 months ago. I can't speak to why the prior government may have left the system and the pay . . . (Interruption)

THE SPEAKER « » : Order, please. The honourable Minister of Education and Early Childhood Development has the floor.

[Page 4506]

BECKY DRUHAN « » : They may want to speak with their colleagues in the Official Opposition as to why the situation is the way it is with the pay across the regions. What I can say right now is that our government supports parity. We also value and respect the collective bargaining process.

For that reason, we are very heartened to hear that the parties are getting back to the table, and we look forward to a negotiated resolution that will get our students back into class, get our workers back into the schools, and support a positive resolution.

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

DHW: NAFP REGISTRY LEADERSHIP - CLARIFY

HON. BRENDAN MAGUIRE « » : There's a simple solution. Just give it today.

Mr. Speaker, one of the biggest priorities on this side of the aisle has always been health care, such as the doctors wait-list and access to primary care, which is extremely important. When asked last week, Mr. Speaker, the Premier described his leadership on the Need a Family Practice Registry as remarkable, and I will table that.

To the 116,000 people thus far on the Need a Family Practice Registry struggling to find access to primary care, I don't think "remarkable" is even close to a word that they would use to describe his leadership. These are people whose lives are being impacted by the lack of access to primary care.

Could the Premier please let the 116,000 Nova Scotians on the Need a Family Practice Registry know how his work can be described as remarkable?

HON. MICHELLE THOMPSON « » : Every time I stand up in this Legislature, I do want to talk about the remarkable work that health care providers in this province deliver every day.

We have invested in health care workers since we formed government. We have just actually set up a mobile clinic that is now travelling across the province and is working in Antigonish this weekend to support the primary care needs in that constituency. We set up a mobile unit in Membertou shortly after Hurricane Fiona. We are investing in nurse practitioner seats. We are investing in medical residency seats. All of these things that could have easily been done on the other side of the House and were ignored for a number of years.

BRENDAN MAGUIRE « » : Mr. Speaker, it's a trend. Just like at today's meeting at NSFM, the Premier is refusing to answer questions.

[Page 4507]

We are now awaiting the release of the doctor wait-list for this month, as we were last month. We still do not have it. It would not be a surprise on this side of the House if the numbers aren't released until Friday or whenever this government decides to leave the Legislature. That, of course, is by design. The Premier would rather say his work on the doctor wait-list is remarkable than have to prove it.

Mr. Speaker, if the Premier's work on this list is truly remarkable - we know he's not going to answer the question - can the minister tell the House today how many people are on the Need a Family Practice Registry?

MICHELLE THOMPSON « » : That list should be published within five days. It takes a long time for the staff. It takes five business days. I want to be respectful of the work that they do because we want those numbers to be accurate. I will let the member know that we do know that they need to be out within a number of times, and within five business working days they will be published.

THE SPEAKER « » : The honourable member for Annapolis.

DHW: HIGH OCCUPANCY NUMBERS - EXPLAIN

CARMAN KERR « » : Mr. Speaker, the current government has encouraged us to visit the website Action for Health, so we did. Acute occupancy in our hospitals is now averaging well over 100 per cent province-wide. It's statistically the worst it has ever been, and I'll table those stats. In my community of Annapolis, occupancy is at 125 per cent; Soldiers in Middleton at 116 per cent; Digby at 120 per cent; Valley at 118 per cent. I'm worried that the system is not adapting, a system that this government promised to fix.

To the Minister of Health and Wellness: Why do these acute occupancy numbers remain so dangerously high?

HON. MICHELLE THOMPSON « » : We know that occupancy levels are quite high in the province. A contributing factor to that is the number of people, frail and elderly folks, who are waiting for long-term care in this province. Because of the lack of investment by the previous government, we don't have the adequate numbers.

They can say all they want about what they invested, but in 2016, 1 per cent of every long-term care facility's budget in this province was reduced - in my facility, by $120,000. The impact that had on the sector as a result of that has been long-reaching.

We are investing in long-term care and community-based care in this province in order to make capacity in hospitals for acutely sick people.

CARMAN KERR « » : Mr. Speaker, we're seeing this in EHS response times as well. If you go to the Action for Health website, despite total EHS responses, response times are going way up. It was an average response time of 33 minutes for the week of September 25^th. That's a long time for anyone looking for emergency care. Add another 45 minutes on in my constituency to get to an emergency centre. This isn't the fault of the people working in the system. It's the system itself that doesn't seem to be adapting the way it needs to be.

[Page 4508]

Can the minister explain why average EHS wait times have come close to doubling over the last six months?

MICHELLE THOMPSON « » : Certainly, we know that there is a high number of vacancies that we continue to work with in our EHS system. We know there was a disruption in the education training related to COVID-19 over the last couple of years and we are catching up.

We have added 180 new transport drivers in order to free up our paramedics in order to respond to emergency calls. We have implemented a medical comms physician and nurse in order to support paramedics in the field.

There are a number of things happening in the field to support paramedics and we will continue to work on their behalf.

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

SNSIS: QEII PROJECT DELAY - EXPLAIN

RAFAH DICOSTANZO « » : Mr. Speaker, we spent a full day in this sitting pressing this government on their progress - or lack of it - on the QEII redevelopment project. This is the largest health care infrastructure project of our generation. If you listened to any of the answers we received that day, you'd think that the entire project was fine and well in hand.

In fact, when we asked the Premier directly why the project was going to be delayed, he flat-out disagreed that there was going to be any delay - multiple times. I will table that. One week later, what a change in tune. All of a sudden there's going to be an indefinite delay, and I repeat that, indefinite delay.

My question to the Premier is: Did he not want to tell Nova Scotians that he knew the project was going to be delayed or was he truly . . .

HON. COLTON LEBLANC « » : Mr. Speaker, I certainly appreciate the question from the member opposite. I believe that Nova Scotians appreciate and understand the global economic climate that we find ourselves in. The challenges on the construction industry, in particular, were based on inflation, labour shortages, supply chain issues.

[Page 4509]

We remain to be in an open procurement on this important file. We recognize - and I recognize, as minister, as a former health care worker - the importance of moving forward on our health care infrastructure projects to improve the overall health of our health care system. That's something we're committed to doing right.

RAFAH DICOSTANZO « » : Mr. Speaker, they delayed it for a year. We knew this project was in trouble because, quite frankly, this government does not have the ability to manage it. This is increasingly obvious every day. Last week the minister responsible defended his decision to put the brakes on this project, saying that it was sound decisions to analyze the project and ensure whatever he just said. I will table that.

Mr. Speaker, can the minister deliver some transparency to the public on this project, or will he continue to hide behind the procurement process they took?

COLTON LEBLANC « » : Mr. Speaker, I can assure the member I am not hiding, I am right here. What I said previously, and I'll say again, is there's a process and I respect that process to maintain the integrity of the open procurement process.

The members opposite may disagree with that process, but I'll remind them again that this is the same process that unfolded for the Bayers Lake Community Outpatient Centre, which is actually in the member's constituency, if I'm not mistaken.

Mr. Speaker, we're committed to doing it right. We're very fortunate to have PCH engaged on this file. We're moving forward in lockstep with them to make sure that we get things right in Nova Scotia.

THE SPEAKER « » : Order, please. Before we go any further, I'm going to ask the honourable member for Clayton Park West to withdraw a statement that she made about "hiding behind." That is unparliamentary language and I'll ask her to withdraw that.

The honourable member for Clayton Park West

RAFAH DICOSTANZO « » : I would like to withdraw that.

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

OAMH: UNIV. MENTAL HEALTH CARE - COMMIT

LISA LACHANCE « » : My question is for the minister responsible for the Office of Addictions and Mental Health.

[2:30 p.m.]

[Page 4510]

In 2021, this government promised $100 million for mental health billing codes, but the budget that they tabled in the Spring only contained one-fifth of that amount and nothing for billing codes.

When asked recently about their promise to implement universal mental health care, the minister spoke about the Strongest Families Institute and a new peer support line. This is not the universal mental health care that this government ran an election on.

Mr. Speaker, I will ask the minister again: When will this government make good on its commitment of universal mental health care for all Nova Scotians?

HON. BRIAN COMER « » : We remain deeply committed as a government to universal mental health care and I certainly do, as the minister. Mental health care needs are complex, and they vary across the province. If you look at the new recovery support centres, the acute mental health and addictions day hospital and all these services right across the province, these are new and enhanced services. There will be more significant investments to make in addictions and mental health care across this province.

LISA LACHANCE « » : The last time we asked about this, the minister also dodged the question, did not provide a time frame, and refused to table any work or analysis that's been done to date on the question of universal mental health care. That time, too, he referenced the recovery support centres and day hospital. There's only one day hospital right now and there's no timeline for the others. Meanwhile, people are waiting months for access to any kind of support. There are major gaps in the care available in schools and people are struggling more than ever. Mr. Speaker, is the government going to break its promise for universal mental health care?

BRIAN COMER « » : We're definitely not going to break our promise on universal mental health care. We're the first province in the country to undertake this mandate. We've been across the province. I've spoken to clinicians. I've spoken to community-based organizations. I've spoken to people with lived experience. The need is there, and it's been neglected for a long time. I remain certainly committed to this.

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

SNSIS: QEII PROJECT DELAY - EXPLAIN

HON. TONY INCE « » : Following along the lines of health care, every single project milestone was on time and on budget for years until the government took the reins. Now it appears to be crumbling. One proponent pulled out. A joint bid was rejected by this government. Now the sole remaining bidder has missed the submission deadline. When asked about this long-term delay, the Premier refused to give answers and said, "It's going to take some time." I'll table that. My question to the Premier is: How long does he think Nova Scotians can afford to wait?

[Page 4511]

HON. COLTON LEBLANC « » : I previously heard a comment from a member opposite signalling that this project was ready to be signed off on Day 1 when we formed government. I wonder why they didn't sign off on it in the last Cabinet meeting if that was the truth.

I want to reassure the members of this House and all Nova Scotians that we understand the importance of our health care infrastructure projects. That's why we're moving forward in an open procurement process. It's a very complex project; the biggest one in our country. There are a number of challenges that the government and the proponent have realized. We're moving forward and working, again, in lockstep on new dates.

TONY INCE « » : Mr. Speaker, it amazes me. Let me just state that when you point a finger, you always have three more pointing back. They continue to point their finger.

The government has seemingly redirected its efforts on health care infrastructure and renovating the ancient Victoria Building. Let me be frank. It's totally unacceptable to take this as an answer. This is not a valid backup plan. Our health care workers and patients deserve so much better. It's not safe, and frankly, unethical . . .

THE SPEAKER « » : Question, please.

TONY INCE « » : . . . to extend the expansion of this decrepit building. My question . . .

COLTON LEBLANC « » : I want to point out there's a difference between pointing fingers and stating facts. There's a big difference there. I want to reassure all members of this House and all Nova Scotians that the ongoing work, part of the QEII redevelopment - again, the Halifax Infirmary expansion project is one element of the QEII redevelopment project. There's the parkade construction that's under way. There's the HI ED administration building that's near completion, as well as the Summer Street entrance. These are all three important projects enabling work to allow us to hit the ground running as we move forward.

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

EECD: CHILD CARE OPERATORS - SUPPORT

HON. PATRICIA ARAB « » : Last week, we asked the government about the challenges facing our child care operators. Unfortunately, we heard no real answers. Our caucus spoke to the operators who came to the Legislature last week, and they said they are being squeezed out by this government. They are facing rising costs with no support, guidance, or help.

We have seen multiple operators close due to financial pressure they're facing, the Fall River Childcare Centre being one of many. My question to the Minister of Education and Early Childhood Development is: When will the government step up and support operators so we don't lose more spaces, and how many of the 1,500 spaces that were announced in the Spring are actually now open?

[Page 4512]

HON. BECKY DRUHAN « » : I want to be really clear about this: The work that we are doing to advance and expand access to child care across Nova Scotia is work that supports our operators. In fact, in Fall River, what we saw was the successful transition from prior ownership to a new model. That's a real success.

I also want to mention that we made a number of steps, a number of improvements. We've reduced fees by 25 per cent already for families this year. That will go to an additional 50 per cent by the end of the year, and just so the member opposite knows, that is fully funded by the government so that those monies flow to operators to support those fee reductions. They don't come off the backs of the operators and we can support families to access more affordable child care.

PATRICIA ARAB « » : The lack of support from this government for child care operators is forcing our operators to make a difficult decision, and this is from their mouths directly. They either sign the deal and hope they can sustain themselves past April, they close their doors, or they don't sign the deal, meaning they will lose their workers, lose their children, and lose their business.

My question to the minister is: What is her department doing to make sure our operators can both provide increased wages and lower costs for parents while still keeping those doors open?

BECKY DRUHAN « » : The member opposite can continue to repeat the phrase "lack of support" but that doesn't actually make it true. We have continued to provide . . . (Interruption)

THE SPEAKER « » : Order, please. This is two days in a row, folks. We've got to try to get a little civil in here, I think.

The honourable Minister of Education and Early Childhood Development has the floor.

BECKY DRUHAN « » : We have supported and will continue to support our operators, both our for-profit operators and our private operators, to continue to provide incredible care to the children in our child care system.

I've already mentioned a few of those supports, but I'll continue on the supports we've provided. As we roll out reduced child care fees and flow all of that money to our operators, we are continuing to provide the grants that were in place prior to that work, so all of those grants that support daily operations, including food, and fuel, and all of those things, those funds continue to flow and support our operators.

[Page 4513]

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

EECD: EDUC. SUPP. WKRS. PAY - INCREASE

HON. KEITH IRVING « » : In response to several questions on the strike of support workers in the Annapolis Valley, the Minister of Education and Early Childhood Development stated that her government's position is equal pay for equal work, which I will table. The minister also said she wants the parties to get back to the negotiating table, which suggests that she takes no responsibility for the negotiations.

The regional education centres take direction from the minster. The regional education centres get their budgets from the minister, and any negotiation mandate would be authorized by her and her cabinet colleagues, full stop. The minister could fix the wage disparity issue today by authorizing a negotiating mandate to their negotiating team for wage parity . . .

THE SPEAKER « » : Question, please.

KEITH IRVING « » : My question to the minister: If she truly stands behind her words, then why won't she?

HON. BECKY DRUHAN « » : Mr. Speaker, I will reiterate. We value our educational support staff, we value parity in wages, and we also value the collective bargaining process. It may be difficult for the members opposite to understand that we can value all of those three things, but the reality is that we've heard a few times now that they're suggesting we do it today and take action today. I'll remind the members opposite that there's currently a strike under way and the parties are not actually at the table. It sounds like they're suggesting that we maybe impose a collective agreement and legislate back to work as we saw the prior government do, and I will say . . . (Interruption)

THE SPEAKER « » : Order, please. Order, please. How many times?

The Minister of Education and Early Childhood Development has about four seconds left.

BECKY DRUHAN « » : We have not given up on bargaining, we will not give up on bargaining, and we encourage the parties to get back to . . .

KEITH IRVING « » : My office is receiving calls from parents of students with disabilities who have been told by this government to stay home during this labour disruption while the majority of students can attend. This unfair treatment of a small number of students by this government is a violation of their human rights.

[Page 4514]

In Ontario, the Human Rights Commission has concluded that unequal treatment of students with disabilities is a violation of their human rights and has instructed government and unions to develop contingency plans during strikes for students with disabilities - and I will table that.

My question for the minister is: When can parents of children with disabilities expect this government's contingency plans so that their children can return to school?

BECKY DRUHAN « » : We completely understand and sympathize with the challenges that families are facing right now. Strikes are disruptive. They are disruptive by design, and that's the reality of them. They are part of this process. Through the course of this strike, we do understand that the regions are supporting families as best they can, and that looks like a few different things. There are a variety of supports in place. For our pre-Primary programs, materials have been sent home to support families. For students with medical issues, there are alternate options that are being provided to enable them to attend school safely, and for students with other needs, the regions are working with families to ensure that they're best supported as they can be through the course of this strike.

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

DCS: SENIORS SUPPORT INADEQUATE - ACKNOWLEDGE

GARY BURRILL « » : For my question to the Premier, I'll table a media account from a couple of days ago where Lawrence Shebib, the coordinator of the North Sydney Food Bank Society, spoke in North Sydney about the recent rise in seniors coming there. He said their increases in pensions don't keep up with the added cost. Even with the government helping them out a bit, it is still not filling the gap.

This week, here, in response to repeated questions about the cost of living crisis, various ministers of the government have referred to a number of different programs the government has as evidence for their opinion that the government is responding in an adequate way, but will the Premier acknowledge that when increasing numbers of seniors are receiving their groceries through charity this is, in fact, an indication that there's something inadequate about what the government is providing?

HON. KARLA MACFARLANE » : We know right now that life is challenging in Nova Scotia, and this is happening because of forces out of all of our control. It really is. We know it's going on globally, but what we have done as a government, we have looked at all kinds of different things that we can implement. We've increased the Seniors Care Grant by $500, we've increased the Heating Assistance Rebate Program, we have increased the child benefit tax benefit, we have increased rent supplements. We have continued to invest in Nova Scotians with data that is provided to us to make sure that we're targeting the right number of people.

[Page 4515]

[2:45 p.m.]

GARY BURRILL « » : I want to table another account, and this is from a couple of days ago, where Anne Hunter, who's 88, speaks about the financial pressures on her fixed income and speaks about her plan to sell her car and cancel her insurance and CAA, so that she'll be able to have a better chance to get through the year.

I understand the minister's and other ministers' expressions that the government is concerned about this, and that the government has - as the minister just said - done a bunch of stuff. We're not questioning that the government does some stuff. We're not questioning the authenticity of their concern. What we are questioning is the result.

I want to ask the Premier « » : Is it not the case - does he not acknowledge that today, the financial position of seniors on fixed incomes in Nova Scotia . . .?

KARLA MACFARLANE « » : Again, we are absolutely aware of what is happening in Nova Scotia. Again, I will say that it has been very difficult knowing that a lot of this is out of control. It's happening globally. We continue to make the proper investments. We continue to name what we have done to try to make it easier for Nova Scotians. We'll keep investing in that.

Mr. Speaker, I'll tell you what's going to be hard for Nova Scotians though. It's going to be the Liberal carbon tax. The Liberal carbon tax that is going to be supported by the NDP - that's what's going to hurt . . . (Interruption)

THE SPEAKER « » : Order, please.

The honourable member for Cumberland North.

OAMH: RECRUIT PSYCHIATRISTS - COMMIT

ELIZABETH SMITH-MCCROSSIN « » : Mr. Speaker, my question today is for the Minister of Health and Wellness. There are a number of people in Cumberland North who experience mental illness as well as addiction challenges. Not only does stigma associated with mental health prevent people from accessing care, if someone does ultimately find themself in a crisis situation, there is no mental health crisis team available in Cumberland County for 24/7 care. There are also no psychiatrists on call for 24/7 care.

My question to the Minister of Health and Wellness is: What is currently being done to recruit psychiatrists for Cumberland County for the regional hospital, and will she commit to . . .

HON. BRIAN COMER « » : There are definitely some significant issues in rural parts of the province. I have been to all of them myself as the minister responsible. In the Northern Zone specifically, I have met with the chief psychiatrist there. He's very knowledgeable, a very heartfelt clinician. We're constantly looking at how to improve evidence-based services for constituents across rural Nova Scotia.

[Page 4516]

ELIZABETH SMITH-MCCROSSIN « » : In addition to there being no full-time mental health crisis team 24/7 in Cumberland County, it is one of the nine regional hospitals in the province, and should have equity of care as other regional hospitals in the province. If anyone in Cumberland County needs in-patient acute care for mental illness, they have to go to Truro or another regional hospital. Almost always, an emergency room physician is told there are no beds. What happens to our people is that they're discharged without receiving the proper psychiatric care they need.

Will the minister answer: What are families and their patients supposed to do when they're suffering from acute mental illness in Cumberland County?

BRIAN COMER « » : I would say that addictions and mental health needs are very complex and vary across the needs of individuals. The issues with mobile crisis are definitely something I have been actively looking into with my colleagues in the Department of Justice and the Department of Health and Wellness. It's something that I'm looking at right now. I should have something to update the House with in the near future.

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

GOVERNMENT BUSINESS

THE SPEAKER « » : The honourable member for Richmond on an introduction.

TREVOR BOUDREAU « » : In the Speaker's Gallery, I would like all members here to take a look. We have a couple of municipal officials here with us. I'd like to introduce Warden Amanda Mombourquette from the County of Richmond, Councillor Mike Diggdon from the County of Richmond, and Mayor Brenda Chisholm Beaton from the Town of Port Hawkesbury, who has just been voted and elected as the president of the NSFM for Nova Scotia. (Standing ovation)

THE SPEAKER « » : Welcome to all and congratulations to the mayor.

The honourable Leader of the Official Opposition.

HON. ZACH CHURCHILL « » : People may as well stay on their feet, Mr. Speaker, I've got some introductions to make. We've got two municipal leaders from Yarmouth here with us: Victoria Brooks, the CAO of the Municipality of the District of Yarmouth; and the Warden of the Municipality of the District of Yarmouth, John Cunningham. Thanks for joining us here. (Standing ovation)

[Page 4517]

THE SPEAKER « » : Welcome.

The honourable member for Fairview-Clayton Park on an introduction.

HON. PATRICIA ARAB « » : It's not a municipal councillor, but in the West Gallery is somebody whom I've actually introduced here before, but I can never enough good things about her. I can't give her enough attention - my constituency assistant Allison Covert. When I was first elected, the former member for Annapolis said to us as advice, make sure that you pick a CA you can trust.

I have to say that my CA is the best CA out of all the CAs. She is like a sister to me. I trust her implicitly. She knows how much my constituents mean to me, so I know that when I'm here she is treating them even better than I could possibly treat them myself. If she could rise and receive the warm applause of the House. (Standing ovation)

THE SPEAKER « » : Once again, welcome to everybody here. That's the easiest way to say it.

The honourable Government House Leader.

HON. KIM MASLAND « » : Mr. Speaker, would you please call the order of business, Government Motions.

GOVERNMENT MOTIONS

THE SPEAKER « » : The honourable Government House Leader.

HON. KIM MASLAND « » : Mr. Speaker, would you please call Resolution No. 385.

Res. No. 385, re Dep. Spkr. Salary: Change Req'd. - Recog. - notice given Oct. 13/22 - (Hon. John Lohr)

THE SPEAKER « » : The honourable member for Glace Bay-Dominion has 59 minutes left.

We'll take a five-minute recess.

[2:53 p.m. The House recessed.]

[3:12 p.m. The House reconvened.]

THE SPEAKER « » : Order, please. Our five-minute break was a lot longer than five minutes, but we're back together again.

[Page 4518]

The honourable member for Halifax Citadel-Sable Island.

LISA LACHANCE « » : Mr. Speaker, I have an amendment to the resolution. I believe it has been distributed. The proposal is that Section 2 of Resolution No. 385 be struck out.

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

SUSAN LEBLANC « » : I would just like to speak briefly about this. When we look at the resolution in front of us, Section 2 basically names the honourable member for Eastern Shore to be the Deputy Speaker within the meaning of Subsection 14(3) of the House of Assembly Act and within the meaning of the House of Assembly Management Commission Act.

Essentially, what that means is that there always needs to be one Deputy Speaker who is the Deputy Speaker in the meaning of the Act. That means if there is ever a time when the Speaker of the House can't fulfil their duties and can't resign and a new Speaker be immediately - or a new Speaker can't be immediately elected, it doesn't matter why the Speaker can't fulfill their duties - then this Deputy Speaker moves into the position of Speaker.

Really, that's an administrative position, because if the Legislature is sitting, then a new Speaker would be elected and we wouldn't have to worry about it. But if we were in between sittings, then there might be the need for there to be a Speaker in place for the administration of the House. Obviously we know, Mr. Speaker, that the job of the Speaker does not just extend to this room. The Speaker does a lot of other jobs in this building and beyond.

Currently, for the knowledge of my honourable colleagues, the person who is in that position currently is the member for Preston. The member for Preston is the Deputy Speaker within the meaning of Subsection 14(3) of the House of Assembly Act and within the meaning of the House of Assembly Management Commission Act.

We are proposing that the member for Preston remains in that position. That is essentially what this amendment means. We know that this resolution will pass, and the members for Chester-St. Margaret's, Eastern Shore, and Shelburne will become Deputy Speakers because the Progressive Conservative party caucus has a majority vote, or majority amount of people.

We know that the resolution will pass. What we are saying is make sure - take out No. 2 of the resolution so that the member for Preston can remain in her position as Deputy Speaker. We see no reason why Section 2 of this resolution needs to be present, unless there is some other reason why the government wants the member for Eastern Shore to be teed up in the case of you, Mr. Speaker, not being able to be the Speaker.

[Page 4519]

[3:15 p.m.]

We all know that at the beginning of this session, this government made quite a to-do about the fact that the Speaker was going to be replaced. It seems to me that No. 2 of this resolution is explicitly here so that the member for Eastern Shore can become the new Speaker of the House without being elected by the members of this House.

I want to point out that I have pages and pages of research by the Legislative Library that I will table going back to the 1700s. Never has there been a case in the history of the Nova Scotia Legislature that this No. 2 clause of the resolution - what it's referring to, so Subsection 14(3) - never has there been a case where that has had to be the case. We understand that in an emergency situation, it's a good idea to have someone who can take the role of the Speaker, but it never has been done.

For 300 years, or whatever we're talking about - 300 years, 200, 1700s - we've never needed to do that. So why in the world do we need to anticipate that kind of a replacement of the Speaker and anticipate it in such a way that we would have to remove the person who is already in place to do that job in the emergency situation where a Speaker cannot fulfill their role and put a government member into that position. Feels a little fishy to me. Feels really fishy.

I want to reiterate, this amendment would strike out the fact that the honourable member for Eastern Shore would be the Deputy Speaker within the meaning of Subsection 14(3) of the House of Assembly Act, and within the meaning of the House of Assembly Management Commission Act.

That would mean that the members for Eastern Shore, Shelburne, and Chester-St. Margaret's would still become deputy speakers because we know this resolution will pass whether we like it or not - and we don't, because we don't think we need five deputy speakers - but that resolution will pass. But it will mean that the member for Preston retains her position as Deputy Speaker under that part of the Act.

It's a really clear amendment. There's no reason to change it. I urge the House to support this amendment. I will table this research, and I will take my seat. Thank you.

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

ALI DUALE « » : I support this change, and I support it for two good reasons. One, in this House, we have made some historical significance in this 64^th Session of this House. We celebrate that, rightly so - the largest elected officials of African descendants in this House, which is one of the oldest outside of Great Britain. We got to this point over 250 years.

[Page 4520]

Here we are taking away this gain and progress that we have made to show the next generation how far we have come, where we are heading, and who these seats belong to. They belong to every single Nova Scotian irrespective of their background, their heritage, and who they are.

This section, in my opinion, will continue that legacy. The reason that I'm saying this is we have seen the first African Nova Scotian sit in that seat - rightly so. Number one, we're elected as members of this House. Second, she has the qualifications to sit in that seat and to hold that responsibility.

This is one of the reasons why I'm supporting this change. It's to uphold this, to respect the decisions that we make, and how we respect each other. The African Nova Scotian community is watching what we do here today - the decisions that we make and the rationale that is behind those decisions.

I think this section will allow my colleague for Preston to continue her seat and her role. Let's continue that and let's be mindful for that. The second reason, when the government put this bill and this change forward, one of my colleagues spoke of why this is important to change. It was the member for Hants West, and I have her speech here and I will table that.

This is a concern for me as an elected official and as an individual. We must be mindful of the words that we use for each other and how we address each other. Specifically, when we are addressing people who have endured harm through history. the language we use, how we address each other - the words we use have impacts.

The reason I'm tied to this particular change is because we are removing a person of colour because those individuals who held this seat were ineffective. When you use that term and you replace with a male individual, you are proving those individuals and those females and those people of colour - that they cannot hold the seats. When we hear these kinds of terms and these kinds of actions, you are proving those points and that's harmful.

We all have roles to play, we all have jobs. Those responsibilities do not belong to us. Positions and jobs and titles come and go. What matters for me is how. What matters to me is the damage those individuals and the harm those decisions will create.

My colleague from Preston is one of the most qualified individuals. I am here to enlighten my colleagues, irrespective of what side they sit on in this House. We know we have a busy life and we know sometimes our notes, our statements that we prepare, our staff, our people who help us to do our job and those people do great jobs. Also, we have to be mindful that we come from different backgrounds. We come from a different perspective in life. We use different language. I urge every single individual in this House, when you have been given a note and you address it in public, look at those notes and think about it twice, those notes and those words, the impact that they could have on one another.

[Page 4521]

I'm saying this in general, because this could happen on this side, any one of us. We know we have a busy life. We know we don't have every single piece of information that we need to address. I am grateful to those who are behind us and prepare us for this and make us ready but also that human being. We should be those who actually protect those who prepared this and to give a second guess, a second look, and ask how this, if I say it, will have an impact. How this will affect the community.

Mr. Speaker, I feel very optimistic in this House, the members of this House. I'm grateful for your leadership. Earlier you mentioned what is parliamentary and what is not and reminded us how we should treat each other and how we conduct ourselves in this House. Even though I know I have parliamentary privilege when I stand here to say what I have to say, that should not give me a free ticket. That should not give me licence to allow whatever I have to say.

Mr. Speaker, through your leadership, I urge that members of this House be mindful of each other and be mindful of our community. I'll take my seat. Thank you.

THE SPEAKER « » : The honourable member for Richmond.

TREVOR BOUDREAU « » : Thank you to my colleagues on the other side for giving an explanation as to the amendment that's come forward and certainly the perception of why this is important. I would say the intent was not there for what the perception was. I would just like to let the members know that we will be supporting this amendment that has been brought forward.

THE SPEAKER « » : Since there is no further discussion, will the amendment carry?

The amendment is carried.

The honourable member for Cape Breton Centre-Whitney Pier.

KENDRA COOMBES « » : I'll speak to the main motion, if that's in order. I first want to thank our colleagues opposite for supporting this amendment, because I think it's very important to strike out Section 2. To think of a day where our honourable Speaker is not in his seat is something I don't want to contemplate, because I adore the member for Victoria-The Lakes. I don't want to see our Speaker out of his seat.

I still do have issues with Section 1, though. I find having a total of five deputy speakers in our small province quite an overkill, a little redundant, and ridiculous. I believe when the Leader of the NDP spoke on this, she said that the only reason why there has ever been somebody else who needed to fill in besides our deputy speakers is when the normal, regular House hours were not being respected, were not being adhered to, and were being overridden. So if we sat in the House on our daily business and we'd have a committee meeting happening somewhere else - during the time of Estimates.

[Page 4522]

[3:30 p.m.]

If we did this work, as we have been doing in the past few days, we'd do better work. Also, we don't have this absolute need to have tons of people filling in for our deputy speakers because they are able to go where they need to go and do their job. As much as I do appreciate and thank my colleagues across the way for understanding why our amendment - and striking out Section 2 - is much-needed, and that by doing so we are keeping that representation in the Legislature, I still truly believe five deputy speakers is too much. Two deputy speakers do the job.

THE SPEAKER « » : The honourable member for Kings North to close debate on the resolution.

HON. JOHN LOHR « » : I move to close debate on Resolution No. 385.

THE SPEAKER « » : The motion is for Resolution No. 385 to pass with one amendment.

All those in favour? Contrary minded? Thank you.

The motion is carried.

The honourable Government House Leader.

HON. KIM MASLAND « » : Mr. Speaker, would you please call the order of business, Private and Local Bills for Second Reading.

PRIVATE AND LOCAL BILLS FOR SECOND READING

THE SPEAKER « » : The honourable Government House Leader.

HON. KIM MASLAND « » : Mr. Speaker, would you please call Bill No. 239.

Bill No. 239 - An Act to Incorporate the Amherst Curling Club.

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

ELIZABETH SMITH-MCCROSSIN « » : Mr. Speaker, I rise today to speak to an important bill that, while narrow in scope, will have widening impact for residents in Cumberland County.

[Page 4523]

The Amherst Curling Club serves as an important hub, not just for curling enthusiasts, but also a number of community groups that rely on the venue as a hosting space. Various community events, such as fundraisers, bonspiels, meetings, banquets, and other activities, are regularly hosted there. The club has four sheets of curling ice, a fully licensed lounge, and a large upstairs with a multi-purpose room that includes kitchen facilities.

The Amherst Curling Club first opened its doors 125 years ago in 1873. Next weekend, they will be marking this amazing milestone - 1873, amazing. The club offers practices and instructional clinics as well as private lessons. They also have several social curling leagues for ladies', men's, and mixed curling, as well as competitive leagues for those more experienced curlers. The facility is an important resource for sport and physical activity in our community.

This bill proposes that Chapter 70 of the Acts of 1938, An Act to Incorporate the Amherst Curling Club, is amended by adding immediately after Section 1 the following Section:

1A) The corporation shall operate on a not-for-profit basis.

This change will allow the club to receive charitable status and will help ensure that the club continues to be open for residents of Cumberland County and beyond for years to come. With the rising costs of inflation, finding new ways to raise money and ensure secure financial footing is essential. This bill allows the Amherst Curling Club to do just that.

I hope that members of the House will join me in supporting this bill - an important community resource for Cumberland County.

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

The honourable member for Cumberland North.

ELIZABETH SMITH-MCCROSSIN « » : Mr. Speaker, I ask to close debate on Bill No. 239.

THE SPEAKER « » : The motion is for second reading of Bill No. 239.

All those in favour? Contrary minded? Thank you.

The motion is carried.

Ordered that this bill be referred to the Committee on Private and Local Bills.

[Page 4524]

The honourable member for Annapolis.

CARMAN KERR « » : Mr. Speaker, I beg leave to make an introduction.

THE SPEAKER « » : Permission granted.

CARMAN KERR « » : I would like to introduce the House to my friend and Annapolis County councillor Brad Redden. I invite my colleagues to welcome him to the House. (Applause)

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

CHRIS PALMER « » : Mr. Speaker, I see my good friend from Kings South - we're on the same wavelength. I just want to make an introduction as well. In Kings County I'm very privileged to have some great councillors in my constituency that I work with. I would like to introduce another fine councillor in our area. Councillor Joel Hirtle is with us today. (Applause)

THE SPEAKER « » : I'll also allow the member for Kings South to respond to the introduction as well.

HON. KEITH IRVING « » : He is such an impressive young councillor that he deserves two introductions. Joel's district overlaps the honourable member for Kings West with mine. Joel is a hard-working, conscientious councillor, who does an excellent job of cleaning the tables at the Lions breakfast.

THE SPEAKER « » : Welcome to both our guests. We hope you enjoyed this session of the Legislature.

The honourable Government House Leader.

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

[3:41 p.m. The House recessed.]

[3:51 p.m. The House resolved itself into a CWH on Bills with Deputy Speaker Lisa Lachance in the Chair.]

[5:57 p.m. The CWH on Bills rose and the House reconvened. Deputy Speaker Lisa Lachance assumed the Chair.]

THE SPEAKER « » : The Chair of the Committee of the Whole House on Bills reports:

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

Bill No. 205 - St. Francis Xavier University Act (amended).

Bill No. 208 - Environment Act (amended).

Bill No. 222 - Housing Supply and Services Act.

each without amendments, and

Bill No. 225 - Halifax Regional Municipality Charter (amended).

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

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

The honourable Government House Leader.

HON. KIM MASLAND « » : Mx. Speaker, this concludes government business for the day. I move that the House do now rise to meet again on Friday, November 4^th, between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. Business will include Committee of the Whole House on Bills.

THE SPEAKER « » : The motion is for adjournment of the House.

All those in favour? Contrary minded? Thank you.

The motion is carried.

The House is adjourned until 9:00 a.m. tomorrow morning.

[The House rose at 5:58 p.m.]

[Page 4525]