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HALIFAX, FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 4, 2022

Sixty-fourth General Assembly

First Session

9:00 A.M.

SPEAKER

Hon. Keith Bain

DEPUTY SPEAKERS

Angela Simmonds, Lisa Lachance

THE SPEAKER » : Order, please. 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 for Environment and Climate Change.

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

THE SPEAKER « » : Yes, by all means.

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TIMOTHY HALMAN « » : Mr. Speaker, in the West Gallery I'd like to acknowledge the late Dr. Meinhard Doelle's family in the gallery today. Joining us are Dr. Doelle's wife, Wendy Jardine . . .

THE SPEAKER « » : Order, please. You can do that when they're in the gallery.

The honourable Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture.

RESOLUTION NO. 501

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

Whereas the Mi'kmaq have generational knowledge of the lakes and rivers in Nova Scotia derived from centuries of interaction, observation, and adaptation to the natural environment; and

Whereas the Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture recognizes the importance of knowledge sharing and relationship building between fishing guides and the Mi'kmaw knowledge holders; and

Whereas the Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture has worked with L'nu Affairs, the Nova Scotia Guides Association, and Mi'kmaw knowledge keepers and elders to advance understanding and awareness of the Mi'kmaw culture and traditions, promote treaty education, and learn about complete concepts of Mi'kmaw connections to the land and the natural world;

Therefore be it resolved that this House of Assembly recognize the members of our sportfishing community, in particular the leaders who represent Nova Scotia as sportfishing guides, for taking part in the second annual Indigenous Learning Day for Fishing Guides and Anglers, to be held November 20^th at the Debert Hospitality Centre.

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 Environment and Climate Change.

HON. TIMOTHY HALMAN « » : Mr. Speaker, permission to make an introduction.

THE SPEAKER « » : Permission granted.

TIMOTHY HALMAN « » : Mr. Speaker, I'd like to take this moment to acknowledge the late Dr. Meinhard Doelle's family in the gallery with us here today. Joining us are Dr. Doelle's wife, Wendy Jardine, and daughters Alida and Nikola. His daughter Klara is watching online from Ottawa. Also in the gallery are some friends of the family.

On behalf of my colleagues here in the Legislature, I'd like to welcome them to Province House and extend our sincere condolences to the family

RESOLUTION NO. 502

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

Whereas Dr. Meinhard Doelle had a passion for learning, teaching, and the environment, and believed there were solutions for even the most complex issues; and

Whereas Meinhard's environmental leadership and his contributions to environmental law, academia, and sustainable living have improved the quality of our environment and the lives of all Nova Scotians; and

Whereas while Meinhard's contributions to the development of environmental policy are too many to name, it is notable that he contributed to the creation of Nova Scotia's Environment Act, provided a wealth of experience in environmental assessment, and informed and co-authored a guiding document related to Nova Scotia's aquaculture regulatory framework;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this Legislature offer their deepest condolences to the family of Dr. Meinhard Doelle and participate in a moment of silence for a life well-lived in the service of Nova Scotians.

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.

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All those in favour? Contrary minded? Thank you.

The motion is carried.

We'll stand for a moment of silence.

[A moment of silence was observed.]

THE SPEAKER « » : Thank you. Please be seated.

INTRODUCTION OF BILLS

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

HON. DEREK MOMBOURQUETTE « » : Mr. Speaker, I just want to recognize my friend Danielle Boutilier from Cape Breton. She's not here today, but she's watching. It's her 43^rd birthday, and she's the reason I'm doing this. (Applause)

Bill No. 254 - Entitled an Act to Amend Chapter 197 of the Revised Statutes, 1989, the Health Services and Insurance Act, Respecting Breast Reconstruction Coverage for Breast Cancer Survivors. (Hon. Derek Mombourquette)

NOTICES OF MOTION

STATEMENTS BY MEMBERS

THE SPEAKER « » : The honourable member for Argyle.

VETERANS' WK.: HONOURING SACRIFICES - RECOG.

HON. COLTON LEBLANC « » : Mr. Speaker, Veterans' Week, from November 5^th to 11^th, is an opportunity to honour the extraordinary efforts and sacrifices of our veterans.

Remembrance Day - November 11^th, the final day of Veterans' Week - marks the anniversary of the official end of the First World War. It is a time to honour and remember those who have served and continue to serve during times of war, conflict, and peace.

We owe it to our veterans to speak about them, to share their stories, to honour their sacrifices, and to keep their memories alive. Throughout this coming week, I encourage all Nova Scotians to honour our veterans, wear a poppy, and on Remembrance Day, go to a local cenotaph to pay respect. Lest we forget.

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

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FADARE, ADEGOKE: ASSOC. OF NIGERIANS SUMMER BBQ - RECOG.

RAFAH DICOSTANZO « » : Mr. Speaker, I'd like to recognize Adegoke Fadare for his role in the Association of Nigerians in Nova Scotia Summer barbecue. It is an outdoor experience that brings together Nigerians and their families from across Nova Scotia.

The barbecue event took place at Tremont Park in Clayton Park West. People came to this family event from Cape Breton, Truro, Wolfville, and other areas. They had live band performances, comedy, and game activities for the whole family.

This year, 2022, saw the biggest number of attendees with close to 2,000 people. This wonderful outdoor event allowed people to connect and network while celebrating with music, dance, games, and wonderful food. The barbecue event was free for all attendees and funded by the generous contributions of sponsors from the Nigerian business community, and a few MLAs, through advertising.

I would ask that the House join me in recognizing Mr. Fadare for his contribution to the Association of Nigerians and the summer barbecue. I look forward to next year's event.

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

BURRILL, ROGER: R. GORDON MURRAY AWD. RECIP. - RECOG.

GARY BURRILL « » : Mr. Speaker, I wish to recognize the recipient of the very first R. Gordon Murray, QC Award from the Nova Scotia Legal Aid Commission, Roger Burrill.

The R. Gordon Murray, QC Award is presented in recognition of the impact a recipient has on the legal aid movement. It recognizes an individual who, in the words of the award's citation, is deemed to have added to the quality of legal aid as an evolving pillar of justice and fairness.

The award was presented on September 22^nd at the annual meeting of Nova Scotia Legal Aid. This first R. Gordon Murray, QC Award honours Roger's retirement following 35 years as a legal aid lawyer in Halifax, as well as his recent nearly two years as Commission Counsel with the Mass Casualty Commission. It pays tribute to his lifelong commitment to providing diligent and thorough counsel to those he has represented.

I ask the House to join me and the Legal Aid Commission in recognizing the contributions of my brother. (Applause)

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

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4-H CLUBS OF HANTS CO.: AGRIC. AWAR. - RECOG.

MELISSA SHEEHY-RICHARD « » : Mr. Speaker, this year marks the 100^th anniversary of 4-H. The program was founded in Nova Scotia in 1922 and spread across Canada in the following years.

4-H stands for Head, Heart, Hands, and Health. Their belief is that you learn to do by doing, and they provide agricultural awareness to youth between the ages of nine and 21 in a fun, safe, and inclusive environment. It sets the youth of today on the path to success by providing leadership and life skills.

The 4-H programs take a combination of both keen and diligent volunteers as well as youth and family commitment to be successful. In other words, it's a huge undertaking and takes many people to make it happen. I had the opportunity to meet local 4-H members during our Hants County Exhibition last month and appreciate their projects and livestock first-hand.

I would like to recognize and commend the seven 4-H Clubs of Hants County - Avon, Burlington Workers, Border Riders, Cobequid, Rawdon and Newport - and thank all individuals involved with one of the best programs in place for our youth.

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

MEM. MARAUDERS: HOCKEY TOURN. PARTIC. - BEST WISHES

FRED TILLEY « » : Mr. Speaker, today I would like to recognize and send best wishes to the Mae Kibyuk Memorial Green and Gold High School Hockey Tournament in North Sydney. It's happening this weekend after starting yesterday.

The four local Cape Breton teams will be participating as well as a couple of teams from the mainland - I think Dartmouth and J.L. Ilsley. I just wanted to wish the Memorial Marauders the best of luck. I know they had a tough loss last night, but there are two games today. Bounce back and best of luck.

I hope that you all have a great time. Play fair and have fun.

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

[9:15 a.m.]

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PARRIS-DRUMMOND, SYLVIA: COM. SERV. - RECOG.

SUZY HANSEN « » : I rise today to acknowledge a phenomenal woman, Sylvia Parris-Drummond. Sylvia is the CEO of the Delmore "Buddy" Daye Learning Institute. Her work in education and the community is rooted in core Afrocentric principles.

Sylvia has a successful history of collaborating with communities and stakeholders and has been known to get things done in a thoughtful, respectful, and engaging way. I could list the many attributes and accolades of Miss Sylvia, but she probably wouldn't want me to go on. I will say that Miss Sylvia is an amazing person, community member, and most of all, a well-respected leader and mentor in our African Nova Scotian community.

I would like all members of this House to join me in celebrating an educational leader in our African Nova Scotian community, Mrs. Sylvia Parris-Drummond.

THE SPEAKER « » : The honourable member for Shelburne.

SEAFOOD WORKERS: ECON. CONTRIB. - RECOG.

NOLAN YOUNG « » : I rise today to acknowledge our seafood workforce across the province, and today in particular, to recognize our hard-working commercial lobster fishermen and women and their families who are preparing to begin their season in a few weeks.

In Shelburne County, one in three jobs is in the seafood industry, and provincial exports were worth $2.4 billion in 2021. This industry is not only the backbone of our local economy, but it also contributes significant tax dollars, jobs, and product to support the economy of our province and our country.

I respectfully ask all members of this House to join me in recognizing all workers in the seafood sector and wishing our local lobster fishermen and women a safe and prosperous upcoming season.

THE SPEAKER « » : The honourable member for Clare.

COMEAU, BROTHER WALTER: COMP. DES CENT-ASSOC. - CONGRATS.

RONNIE LEBLANC « » : This June, Brother Walter Comeau was admitted into the Compagnie des Cent-Associés Francophone, an organization that recognizes Canadians who have volunteered their time for the promotion of French and francophone communities.

Brother Walter, originally from Grosses-Coques, joined the Sainte-Croix congregation in 1972 and during his life has been involved in many activities which promoted the growth and development of Acadian and francophone communities. This often included travelling across Canada and beyond to organize gatherings where Acadians and francophones could meet and learn about each other.

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I ask that all members join me to congratulate Brother Walter for this honour and recognition of his contribution to the development and spread of the French language and Acadian culture in his community and across the world.

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

DELMORE "BUDDY" DAYE LEARNING INST.: 10^TH ANNIV. - RECOG.

LISA LACHANCE « » : I rise to recognize the 10^th anniversary of the Delmore "Buddy" Daye Learning Institute, or DBDLI. This institute is named after community leader Delmore "Buddy" Daye, who was also manager and Sergeant-at-Arms of Province House.

Over the past 10 years, DBDLI has built a network of educators, learners, and community members, all dedicated to ensuring that the learning experience of the African Nova Scotian and Black communities is optimized across the lifespan. They work across the province, engaging youth and community members alike. The institute has produced a range of books and texts celebrating the African Nova Scotian experience, from books for young children, such as the ABC's of North Preston, to a Black history text and teachers' resource.

The DBDLI team is also developing, leading, and sharing research on Afrocentric curriculum and approaches, and is renowned for their community-based approach to engagement, learning, and research.

I ask all members of this House to join me in congratulating the Delmore "Buddy" Daye Learning Institute on a successful first decade.

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

CORCORAN, CHERYL & KEITH: CYSTIC FIBROSIS ADVOCACY - RECOG.

HON. BECKY DRUHAN « » : I rise today to recognize Cheryl Corcoran and her husband Keith, who are fierce advocates for individuals living with cystic fibrosis, a fatal genetic disease that causes severe damage to the lungs, digestive system, and other organs of the body.

Cheryl has cystic fibrosis. Since 2007, she has helped raise $91,000 for research for a cure for this disease. In 2011, her commitment to the fight against cystic fibrosis earned her the Adult with CF Award, now known as the CF Warrior Award, through the Atlantic Region of Cystic Fibrosis Canada.

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In 2019, Cheryl and Keith were co-winners of the Volunteer Fundraising Champion Award through the same organization. Cheryl has also spent many years as the Atlantic regional representative and vice-regional representative for the Adult Cystic Fibrosis Advisory Committee.

I ask the members of this House of Assembly to please join me in thanking Cheryl and Keith Corcoran for their commitment and support of those affected by cystic fibrosis and to supporting work to find a cure.

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

SAJ HOUSE: MIDDLE EASTERN FOOD - RECOG.

BRAEDON CLARK « » : During this Lebanese Heritage Month, I want to recognize Saj House, an amazing Lebanese-owned business that will be opening in West Bedford very soon. An institution in Fairview-Clayton Park for nearly two decades - and I know the member for Fairview-Clayton Park is sad that they're no longer in her area, but they can come visit - we in the Bedford area are so lucky that Saj House is coming to our neighbourhood.

Saj House specializes in the savoury Middle Eastern flatbread called manoush, along with so many other delicious Lebanese and Mediterranean dishes. I had the chance a few weeks ago to meet with the owner, Bassel Al Jamil, a wonderful young guy, entrepreneur in our area.

I would ask all members of the House to congratulate Bassel and his team and visit Saj House when they open their doors soon.

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

FAMILY & FRIENDS: RECENT BIRTHDAYS - RECOG.

KENDRA COOMBES « » : Mr. Speaker, today I rise to wish happy birthday to several young people who are very important to me.

In May, we celebrated Jacob MacNeil's seventh birthday and Callum Lahey's first birthday. In July, we celebrated my daughter Rory Brown's third birthday, as well as the birth of my daughter Isla. In September, we celebrated my brother Adam's birthday, and in October, we celebrated Mason MacNeil's first birthday. Today, we celebrate Chloe MacNeil on her sixth birthday.

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I love them all, and I cannot wait for my hugs when I get home and to celebrate.

THE SPEAKER « » : The honourable member for Richmond.

REYNOLDS, WAYNE: DEATH OF - TRIBUTE

TREVOR BOUDREAU « » : Mr. Speaker, today I would like to recognize Wayne Reynolds, who passed away in August at the age of 72. Wayne grew up in Point Tupper and worked for the former Stora Forest Industries.

In his spare time, Wayne participated in the Under the Map Theatre company for many years and was a very active volunteer with the 719 Stora Royal Canadian Air Cadet Squadron. The Royal Canadian Legion Branch 47 also benefited from Wayne's talents, as he was a dedicated member for more than 40 years.

Wayne was a founding member of the Port Hawkesbury Judo Club more than 50 years ago. As a second-degree black belt, he mentored and trained many students. He was a fierce competitor and a well-respected manager in the sport. In 2021, he was inducted into the Port Hawkesbury Sports Wall of Fame for his contributions to the sport.

Please join me in offering condolences to the family of Wayne Reynolds. He will be missed.

THE SPEAKER « » : The honourable member for Annapolis.

FUNDY GIN: TASTE OF N.S. AWD. RECIP. - CONGRATS.

CARMAN KERR « » : Mr. Speaker, since 2008, the Taste of Nova Scotia Awards have celebrated the very best of Nova Scotia culinary producers, developers, exporters, and servers. I was pleased to learn that Fundy Gin, from Still Fired Distilleries in Lequille, was named Product of the Year at the 2022 awards. This award recognizes a Taste of Nova Scotia member product that embodies the essence of Nova Scotia. It's memorable, unique, and proudly local. The gin is triple-distilled. It passes over Bay of Fundy beach stone and is flavoured using eight carefully chosen botanicals, including locally hand-picked dulse, creating a truly authentic Maritime taste.

I invite all members of the House of Assembly to join me in congratulating Owen Ritchie, Andrew Cameron, and the entire Still Fired Distilleries team on receiving this recent award.

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

GOYETTE, SUE: MONOCULTURE BOOK LAUNCH - CONGRATS.

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SUSAN LEBLANC « » : Mr. Speaker, I rise to celebrate poet Sue Goyette on the occasion of the launch of her new book Monoculture.

Monoculture is an incredibly inventive and beautiful collection of writing which presents as comments left by visitors on the website of the last old-growth forest left in Nova Scotia, known in the book as the Nova Scotia Forest. It is published by Gaspereau Press from Kentville. The visitor comments are moving, rude, grateful, very funny, and honest, and the collision of the contemporary idea of online comment sections with the ancient and wise forest is profound.

At the launch of the book, which took place last night at the Bus Stop Theatre, audience members were given the chance to play the part of the forest and read excerpts from the book from cards. I was amazed at how each excerpt was brought to life by a stranger reading the words for the first time and how, collectively, all the readings gave a wondrous sense of the magnitude, beauty, and importance of our trees and the need to protect them. That is the power of poetry and art.

I ask all the members of this House to join me in congratulating Sue Goyette on this great accomplishment and thanking her for her commitment to writing and sharing her profound work with us.

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

LEA PLACE: SUPP. OF WOMEN ON E. SHORE - THANKS

KENT SMITH « » : Mr. Speaker, I rise today to bring much-deserved recognition to LEA Place Women's Resource Centre in Sheet Harbour. LEA Place provides services and programs for women and girls to respond to emerging issues, and they have been a huge support to my constituency office.

The staff at LEA Place work diligently to provide a safe refuge and confidential support for women and girls through counselling, crisis intervention, social advocacy, and accompaniment through the social service, justice, and health care systems. They deliver programs based on the needs identified by the communities that they serve, such as life skills, personal development, healthy relationships, and sexual violence prevention and intervention.

Through education and outreach, LEA Place Women's Resource Centre works hard to address policy gaps and barriers to women and adolescent girls living on the Eastern Shore and part of the Musquodoboit Valley.

I ask that all members of the Assembly join me in thanking LEA Place staff for their much-needed expertise and ongoing initiatives to support women on the Eastern Shore.

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

SAGAR, REV. MARGARET: COM. SERV. - THANKS

HON. IAIN RANKIN « » : Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize the Reverend Margaret Sagar of Terence Bay. Margaret is a force to be reckoned with. She cares passionately about her community, Canada, and the world at large. Margaret is an activist who lobbies for peace in the world and sustainability of the planet. She has a deep passion for preserving our beautiful coastlines, pristine wilderness and unique biodiversity for everyone. She devotes great energy and enthusiasm to ensure development does not negatively impact these areas.

On a local level, Margaret has been an active volunteer with the SS Atlantic Heritage Park and Museum in Terence Bay for many years, honouring the memory of those lost in the tragic sinking of the SS Atlantic, recognizing the heroism and telling the stories of local fishers and their families who risked their lives to save the victims in an important part of our local history that Margaret loves to share.

Margaret is currently chairing a committee to host the 150^th anniversary of the sinking of the SS Atlantic, an ambitious project to host the descendants of those connected to the disaster, for a period of 10 to 14 days in the Summer of 2023, a project of reflection, remembrance, and celebration of our Irish heritage.

I'd like the members of the House of Assembly to join me in thanking Margaret for her energy and devotion to our community and the planet.

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

THE BRAIDING LOUNGE: HAIR STUDIO SUCCESS - RECOG.

SUZY HANSEN « » : Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize a new Black business in Halifax Needham, The Braiding Lounge and owner, Tara Taylor. The Braiding Lounge aims to share the natural hair love on Gottingen Street. Owner Tara Taylor wants people to rediscover the beauty that is connected to natural hair.

The hair studio will offer a variety of natural services such as henna dye, extensions, microlocks, dreads, twists and locks, cornrows, silk presses, and cuts. Tara says we want Black folks to get back to what God gave them, to celebrate curls and tresses and still celebrate just being beautiful.

Hair has always been a passion for Tara Taylor, who was born and raised in East Preston. She started doing her own hair at 11 years old, quickly discovering a love for styling. Tara draws her inspiration from Ms. Viola Desmond, who had her hair and beauty studio on Gottingen Street in 1937, right across the street from where the Braiding Lounge is located, to honour Ms. Viola's memory and legacy.

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I would like all members of this House to join me in celebrating Tara Taylor's success with The Braiding Lounge in Halifax Needham.

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

VOLUNS.: TEA PARTY FUNDRAISER - THANKS

DANIELLE BARKHOUSE: Mr. Speaker, I rise today to give a report from a wonderful event that I had the pleasure of attending in June. The Anglican Parish of French Village Mothers' Union brought the community together again after two years, for a white-gloved tea party in honour of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth's Platinum Jubilee. They raised more than $1,000, benefiting The Primate's World Relief and Development Fund and supporting the purchase of an accessible van for a local community member.

Thank you to the volunteers and contributors to this successful event and to Reverend Brieanna Andrews. With a level head and a humungous heart, she is always there for her parishioners, community, myself, and anyone in need.

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

WAYE, JANICE: CONST. ASST. WORK - THANKS

HON. DEREK MOMBOURQUETTE « » : As we all know, our constituency assistants - we couldn't do our jobs without them. I do want to recognize, because she loves being recognized in public all the time - not really - but Janice Waye has been with me as my constituency assistant since I began, and she was with the previous MLA and some of the other elected representatives in the community before me.

She has helped thousands and thousands of people through the calls that come into the office every day, through some pretty heavy weather events and always does it with love and support for everybody who calls the office.

I rise in my place to recognize Janice Waye for not only the work she does for the constituents of Sydney-Membertou every day but what she has done for thousands of families across the Island over her career.

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

[9:30 a.m.]

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GASS MEM. WALK: CELEB. OF WALKING - RECOG.

LISA LACHANCE « » : Mr. Speaker, I rise to share an event happening in Halifax Citadel-Sable Island this afternoon. Today, November 4, 2022, is the second Annual David Gass Memorial Walk, organized by the Dalhousie University Department of Family Medicine.

As you may recall, David was my father-in-law. He was a dedicated father, partner and grandparent. He was also an amazing and renowned family doctor, clinician, educator and was dedicated to primary health education and reform. He also loved to walk - on the barrens in Lower Prospect, the beach at Cape Tormentine, and to work and do chores in Halifax. This memorial event brings together his family and communities to celebrate his love of walking for health and for community.

I invite all members to join us in Point Pleasant Park this afternoon. I extend my thanks to the Dalhousie Family Medicine group for organizing this special act of remembrance.

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

RECIPS.: SACK. BUS. ASSOC. AWDS. - CONGRATS.

HON. STEVE CRAIG « » : Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate this year's recipients of the Sackville Business Association's Annual Business Awards.

Each year, the Sackville Business Association accepts community nominations for their Annual Business Awards. From the 875 nominations received this year, Supreme Auto Service received the Best New Business Award, Brian's Barber was awarded the Best Customer Service Award, and Payzant Building Supplies was named Business of the Year. The awards were presented by local musician and songwriter Joel Plaskett at the Sackville Business Awards breakfast held on October 21, 2022 at the Rock Church in Lower Sackville.

I would like to ask that all members of the House of Assembly join me in congratulating this year's recipients of the Sackville Business Awards and wish them continued success.

THE SPEAKER « » : The honourable member for Yarmouth.

STAY, PAT: DEATH OF - TRIBUTE

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HON. ZACH CHURCHILL « » : Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay homage to Pat Stay, who was a battle rap king.

He hailed from the dark side of the harbour here in Nova Scotia, but took over King of The Dot in the whole North American scene. He was a national champ, a global icon because his words bit like the prick of a bumblebee sting. His rhymes and styles were smooth as silk, and his wit was as quick as a hummingbird's wings. He was an incredible artist with no peer on the roster - a presence so large, nobody could even try to imposter. He grabbed life by the horns and built his own world like an author. The best part of the plot being - he became an incredible father.

Mr. Speaker, people are mad right now. They want Pat back so bad right now. Many will still be sad right now because they know they'll miss the moments that they'll never have right now. I ask this House to join me in extending condolences to his family, friends, and fans for this tremendous loss, and recognize the legacy of Pat Stay as an artist, a father, and a sucker-free boss. (Standing ovation.)

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

FOOD INSECURITY: IMPORTANCE OF ISSUE - RECOG.

KENDRA COOMBES « » : Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize the issue of food insecurity.

According to Feed Nova Scotia, 37,000 Nova Scotians access their supports - 4,807 from Cape Breton. Two-thirds of food insecure households are reliant on income from employment. Forty-seven per cent of adults report not buying drug prescriptions because the costs are too high and they are too food-insecure.

These numbers are unacceptable. Food insecurity is a symptom of poverty, unemployment, and a broken system. Food banks are not long-term solutions to food insecurity - only bold policy.

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

BERNARD, KAYLA: HeART PGM. EFFORTS - RECOG.

HON. BARBARA ADAMS « » : Mr. Speaker, I rise today to bring recognition to Kayla Bernard for bringing the HeART program to the South Woodside Elementary School in the constituency of Eastern Passage.

The program's registration is open to students from Grades 5 and 6 over lunch. The school anticipates opening registration to include students from Grade 4 as well. Kayla's focus is art, mindfulness, and encouraging mental wellness through art. The children learn to express themselves through many art forms while creating basic coping skills through non-competitive art.

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I ask all members of the Nova Scotia Legislature to join me in recognizing Kayla Bernard for her dedication and compassion for the wellness of not only the students of South Woodside Elementary, but for all Nova Scotians.

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

LIB. RIDING ASSOCS.: SUPP. TO MLAs - RECOG.

HON. KELLY REGAN « » : Mr. Speaker, I'd like to rise in my place today to thank the Bedford Basin Liberal Association for the support they've given me in this past election and ongoing, and also the previous riding associations with which I was connected: the Bedford Liberal Association and the Bedford-Birch Cove Liberal Association. I've had the great, good honour of serving this House - this is my fourth term. I've always had wonderful support from my riding associations.

The volunteers come out at election time and in between. I don't think we take it for granted here, but sometimes we don't get the chance to say thank you to the volunteers and the riding associations that serve us. I just want to say thank you to these folks. A lot of them have been with me through all four terms, all four elections. I just want to say thank you to those associations.

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

GOULD, RYAN - MEMB. MEN'S SOC.: COM. SERV. - CONGRATS.

HON. BRIAN COMER « » : Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Ryan Gould and the Membertou Men's Society for everything they do for their community.

Last month, the Membertou Men's Society was awarded the Charitable Committee or Organization of the Year at the Cape Breton Regional Chamber of Commerce Excellence in Business Awards. Ryan founded the society to help men who were struggling the way he had struggled. Ryan is very open about his sobriety and overcoming his addictions several years ago. He understands that men needed a safe place to talk in the community.

As well as being president of the Membertou Men's Society, Ryan is the father of six beautiful daughters with his partner, Samantha Smith. He's also a journeyman plumber with his own business and is the apprenticeship coordinator for the Mi'kmaq Economic Benefits Office in Membertou. Ryan also serves on the board of directors of the Breton Ability Centre and is a member of the PC Party Diverse Communities Committee. In September, Ryan was a panelist at Voices of Hope to draw attention to men's mental health on World Suicide Prevention Day.

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I ask the members of the Legislature to join me in congratulating Ryan and the Membertou Men's Society for receiving the Charitable Committee of the Year Award. It is very much deserved.

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

WILLIAMS, KEEGAN: WATER RESCUE - CONGRATS.

HON. BRENDAN MAGUIRE « » : Mr. Speaker, today I rise to commend Keegan Williams for his heroic efforts on July 7^th at Kidston Lake. Keegan is a 19-year-old young man attending Dalhousie University, and has worked as a lifeguard at Kidston Lake for over three Summers.

On July 7^th, he was on duty as captain lifeguard along with his assistant captain lifeguard. Shortly after the end of his shift, both Keegan and his colleague noticed that a young boy, who had been on a flutter board, had gone out beyond the buoys and was no longer on his float. Both lifeguards felt uneasy, and Keegan dove into the water and swam out to the boy.

When he reached him, he realized the young boy was having difficulty keeping his head above water. Keegan threw him a lifeguard tube and pulled him to safety. The young boy said that he thought he could touch bottom but did not realize there was a drop-off. If not for Keegan's quick reaction, the situation could have ended very badly.

I ask the members of the House to join me in congratulating Keegan for his quick actions that saved the life of a young boy that day. Keegan was able to assess the situation and react quickly in order to bring the boy to safety. Keegan and all the lifeguards who protect our beaches and lakes should be commended for their dedication and training that allows people to enjoy our wonderful beaches, knowing that they are under the watchful eye of well-trained lifeguards like Keegan.

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

DOWNEY, JOSEPHINE: COM. SERV. - THANKS

SUSAN LEBLANC « » : Mr. Speaker, there isn't a single person who lives in the public housing community of Demetreous Lane in Dartmouth North who doesn't know the name Josephine Downey. Josephine is a revered community member and leader within Demetreous Lane, and has been called the matriarch of the tight-knit community.

She was a founding member and former president of the Demetreous Lane Tenants Association. The Demetreous Lane Tenants Association has run a food bank, community garden, and library, and provides programming to residents. They have held community cleanups, barbecues, school supplies and backpack giveaways, holiday parties, and haunted houses.

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Josephine may have stepped down as the president of the tenants association a few years back - a position now held by the also-amazing Amanda Crawley - but she is still a fierce advocate for and protector of her beloved community.

I ask the House to join me in thanking Josephine Downey for all she has done for the residents of Demetreous Lane.

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

CHRIS PALMER « » : Mr. Speaker, I beg leave to make an introduction, if I could.

THE SPEAKER « » : Please do.

CHRIS PALMER « » : Mr. Speaker, we've had the privilege of having many municipal councillors visit our Legislature this week. I'd like to draw attention to the gallery above me, where we have another fine councillor from Kings County, my friend Tim Harding.

He does a great job for his constituents, the people he represents, on the municipal level. He's a great family man and volunteer in our community. Please welcome Councillor Tim Harding. (Applause)

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

The honourable member for Kings West.

AYLESFORD FIREFIGHTERS: DECS. FOR BRAVERY - CONGRATS.

CHRIS PALMER « » : Mr. Speaker, I'm very honoured to rise today to recognize four great volunteer firefighters from my constituency: Captain Bryce Carey, Volunteer Chief Shawn Carey, 1st Deputy Chief Owen Collins, and Mark Robinson. In September, they received - along with 37 others - the prestigious civilian honour, the Decoration for Bravery, in a ceremony put on by her Excellency the Right Honourable Mary Simon, Governor General of Canada. It was part of a program recognizing the 50^th anniversary of that award. They were awarded for acts of bravery from 2015.

On April 26, 2015, members of the Aylesford fire department rescued an elderly couple from a car submerged in the Annapolis River in Aylesford. The driver, stricken by illness, had swerved off the highway and into the river. Arriving on the scene, Shawn and Mark grabbed the fire truck's winch cable and swam toward the vehicle. Mark used an axe to cut a hole in the windshield and, with Bryce's assistance, connected the winch to the vehicle. Shawn pulled the passenger onto the roof of the car, and Mark brought her to shore.

[Page 4545]

Turning his attention to the driver, Mark dove several more times to free the victim's foot from where it was pinned by the brake pedal, while Bryce and Owen held the driver's head above the rushing water. They worked together to remove the victim through the car window and brought him to shore. Sadly though, the driver did not survive.

I would like to ask you and all members of this House to join me in congratulating Bryce, Shawn, Owen, and Mark for receiving this well-deserved award for their tremendous acts of bravery and their willingness to put their lives on the line for their fellow man.

THE SPEAKER « » : The honourable member for Preston.

FRASER, MARGARET: BOYS & GIRLS CLUB WORK - CONGRATS.

ANGELA SIMMONDS « » : Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the work of Ms. Margaret Fraser, founder of the Boys and Girls Club of Preston, which has been in operation since 1996. Their mission is to provide a safe, supportive place where children and youth can experience new opportunities, overcome barriers, build positive relationships, and develop confidence in the skills required for life. I can certainly attest that this is true because all three of my children - AJ, Angelina, and A'dre - attended the daycare and after-school program.

I also want to congratulate Charnell Colley, who is the new executive director of the Boys and Girls Club. I look forward to working with you and being a support in your community as you have been to us. Congratulations.

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

FLYNN, TOM: 31 YRS. OF FIRE DEPT. SERV. - THANKS

ELIZABETH SMITH-MCCROSSIN « » : Mr. Speaker, today I rise to recognize Fire Chief Tom Flynn of the Wallace Fire Department. Tom has a great team with him, and his leadership is what helps make this group so special. Tom has been with the Wallace Fire Department for 31 years.

The Wallace Fire Department stayed open during the Hurricane Fiona aftermath from 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. for almost two weeks so that local residents could have access to power and water. This was a crucial service for those living in this rural community who were without power - up to 14 days for some.

I'm thankful for Tom Flynn and for all of the team of the Wallace Fire Department. They truly care about the people they serve in the Wallace, Malagash, and Pugwash area. This was a great encouragement to those who were without power during this time.

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

DOUCETTE, TY: BASEBALL ACHIEVEMENTS - RECOG.

HON. TIMOTHY HALMAN « » : Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize an up-and-coming baseball player from Dartmouth East, Ty Doucette.

Ty has played baseball his whole life, with his mum being his first coach. Over his athletic career, he has developed an extraordinary skill level. According to the Prep Baseball Report for high school baseball scouting, Ty is listed as one of the top 500 prospects. With this ranking, Ty has the potential to enter the MLB draft. He is well on his way to becoming the next Canadian baseball star. Ty is a prospect committed to Oregon State University, where he will continue to train, compete, and improve his skills.

On behalf of the residents of Dartmouth East, I wish Ty all the best as he continues to follow his dreams on the field.

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

AALDERS, DAVID: COM. SERV. - RECOG.

HON. PATRICIA ARAB « » : Mr. Speaker, today I would like to recognize a hard-working volunteer in Fairview-Clayton Park, David Aalders. David spent the last two and a half years dedicated to ensuring the most vulnerable residents in our area have consistent and free access to food.

Since the start of the COVID‑19 pandemic, Dave has championed the construction, installation, and management of three community food pantries. He has forged partnerships with many like-minded local community groups to ensure continued success.

Twice a month, Dave works with Square Roots Fairview-Clayton Park to bring fresh fruits and vegetables to the local pantries, and he regularly stocks and monitors the pantries throughout the week. Part of his basement is now even dedicated storage for groceries he purchases when he sees items on sale.

Dave is also a dedicated volunteer leader with the Mainland North Joint Emergency Management team. This team is trained by Halifax Regional Fire & Emergency and works year-round to help our community be ready for any emergency situation. The JEM team were very busy during the aftermath of Hurricane Fiona, sacrificing time with their families to ensure many other families were safe, warm, and connected when they needed services.

[9:45 a.m.]

[Page 4547]

I ask all members of the House to join me in thanking Dave for his very important contributions to our community.

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

BLACKIE, SKYLER: DEATH OF - TRIBUTE

HON. BRIAN WONG « » : On March 20, 2019, Nova Scotia lost a young firefighter from Windsor Junction, Skyler Blackie, after an explosion during a training exercise in Waverley.

Skyler was a remarkable son, sibling, and husband, and a pillar of the community he grew up in. He also touched the lives of those in Truro, where he worked. Skyler is one of five men from Nova Scotia who will have their names engraved on a memorial in Ottawa that honours firefighters who lost their lives in the line of duty.

I ask that we take a moment to remember the life and accomplishments of this local hero.

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

CHOC. LAKE REC. CTR.: FITNESS PGMS. - RECOG.

ALI DUALE « » : Today I would like to recognize the Chocolate Lake Community Centre located in my constituency. The recreation centre offers many sports and fitness programs for the community, as well as major discounts or free usage for low-income individuals. The centre is partnered with the Down Syndrome Society and offers special arts programs and social life for those struggling with disabilities. I want to thank the recreation centre for their hard work and dedication to the community.

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

VOLUNS.: COATS FOR CUMB. CAMPAIGN - THANKS

ELIZABETH SMITH-MCCROSSIN « » : I rise today to draw attention to the wonderful work of volunteers throughout Cumberland County who organized the Coats for Cumberland campaign.

Each year, donations of gently used outdoor Winter clothes are sought from around the county, and many local businesses offer to serve as drop-off locations. Thanks to the generosity of local residents, items are donated and then gathered and organized by the volunteers, and pick-up stores are opened in various locations where those in need of warm clothes for themselves and their families can stop by. It's really quite a sight to see: hundreds and hundreds of Winter coats and jackets.

[Page 4548]

Jackets, coats, mittens, gloves, scarves, and hats are all made available and are very much appreciated by those who otherwise might face the Winter ahead without warm gear to wear.

I want to recognize the many local residents who generously donate items that they themselves no longer need, and also thank the volunteers who work diligently each year for Coats for Cumberland.

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

TRI-COUNTY WOMEN'S CTR.: 20TH ANNIV. - CONGRATS.

HON. JILL BALSER « » : Today I'd like to rise to congratulate and applaud the Tri-County Women's Centre on their 20^th anniversary. This Spring, the Tri-County Women's Centre hosted a series of open houses throughout the month of May and June in Shelburne, Barrington, Yarmouth, and Digby.

For 20 years, they have provided services and programs to women and girls in the Tri-County area. Their mission is to address public policy to enhance the status of women and to fulfill their mandates: direct service and social change.

Their services have empowered so many women and girls in the span of 20 years, but I know they have so much more great work ahead of them. Congratulations on all the success the Tri-County Women's Centre has achieved so far. Thank you for helping our women and girls grow stronger every day.

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

BAKER, CATHY: CONST. ASST. WORK - THANKS

HON. BEN JESSOME « » : We're all very fortunate to have so many people support us to do the work that we do. Today I would like to embarrass - I mean thank - my wonderful constituency assistant, Cathy Baker. She's been with me for - gosh, thick and thin, yes, but more than five years, not quite 10.

I'm very grateful for the support that she provides the constituents of Hammonds Plains-Lucasville and beyond. Some might have known her in a former role as Mama Duck when she was the number one fan with the junior team in St. Margaret's Bay, the Bay Ducks. That Mama Duck mentality is really something that she has taken on very willingly and takes very personally.

She does this for so many people, not limited to the community of Hammonds Plains-Lucasville.

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

ROBINSON, KATIE: VALLEY HARVEST MARATHON PERF. - CONGRATS.

HON. JOHN LOHR « » : Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Kentville resident Katie Robinson on her time of 1:27:39 in the Women's Half Marathon division of the Valley Harvest Marathon.

The Valley Harvest Marathon celebrated its 30^th anniversary this year with more than 2,500 participants. The Valley Harvest Marathon originally began in Kentville, but later moved to Wolfville with all routes exploring the beautiful Valley through Wolfville and Port Williams areas. The entire marathon begins and finishes at Raymond Field on the Acadia University campus.

Please join me today to congratulate Katie Robinson of Kentville on her noteworthy finish time in the Women's Half Marathon and all runners and volunteers in this year's Valley Harvest Marathon.

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

DUSSAULT, JACQUES: COM. SERV. - RECOG.

LORELEI NICOLL « » : Mr. Speaker, I'm honoured to stand and recognize Jacques Dussault.

Jacques served in the Canadian Forces' RCAF for more than three decades and continues to be an active member of the Nova Scotia UN-NATO group. He has been a member of the Royal Canadian Legion for the past 35 years.

He single-handedly collected and submitted hundreds of signatures through petitions to have a street named for a major collector in the Halifax Regional Municipality's urban core to read Heroes Way. In 2011, the Commemorative Name Application was approved by Halifax Regional Council. I think of Jacques often as I travel on the Circumferential Highway.

Jacques continues to volunteer as a bilingual host and announcer for Sport and Entertainment Atlantic, volunteers with Habitat for Humanity, and is now a member of the Emergency Health Services as a medical transport service operator.

Jacques Dussault, we recognize you for your continued dedication and service.

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

[Page 4550]

ANDERSON, SANDY/ELMS, VERNA: COM. SERV. - THANKS

HON. PAT DUNN « » : Mr. Speaker, I am proud to stand today and share with this House of Assembly a dynamic duo of Sandy Andersen and Verna Elms. How lucky are we to lay claim to these couple of incredible women in Pictou Centre.

Most days, if you are out and about the town of New Glasgow, you can see them out for their daily walk around the neighbourhood. If the weather is bad, they head to the mall, because nothing stops these two from their exercise. Sandy and Verna are also members of the Second Baptist Church on Washington Street in New Glasgow and let me say, they are famous in our area for serving the best church suppers in the land. Their Easter brunches and their Christmas turkey dinners are truly not to be missed.

Sandy and Verna are also two of the best advocates that our seniors in the area could ever hope for. When they are out on their walks and outings, they make sure they inform any senior they meet about government grants and assistance that may be available to them.

We are forever grateful and proud to ask this Legislature to join us today in thanking these wonderful women for their service and care provided to our community.

THE SPEAKER « » : The honourable member for Lunenburg.

LIFT LUN. CO. MICROLENDING: SERV. TO BUS. - RECOG.

HON. SUSAN CORKUM-GREEK « » : Mr. Speaker, I rise today to bring recognition to LIFT Lunenburg County Microlending.

A new venture, LIFT, is designed to support Lunenburg County-based entrepreneurs wanting to start or grow a business by providing a low-interest micro-loan and complementary business coaching. At the intersection of philanthropy and community economic development, LIFT is entirely funded by those who want to give others a hand up, and support a prosperous, vibrant, and diverse Lunenburg County. To date, they have already assisted two young female entrepreneurs with loans and support.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank the team at LIFT and commend them on their commitment to building and strengthening the business community in Nova Scotia.

THE SPEAKER « » : The honourable member for Annapolis.

MOVEMBER: PROSTATE CANCER AWAR. - RECOG.

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CARMAN KERR « » : Mr. Speaker, since 2003, people around the world have been turning November into Movember by growing moustaches to help raise awareness of men's health issues such as prostate cancer, testicular cancer, and men's mental health and suicide.

In Canada, 1 in 9 men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer in their lifetime. Testicular cancer continues to be the most diagnosed cancer in young men, and 3 in 4 suicides are amongst men, as well. Movember is not just for men. Anyone can take part by raising funds and encouraging men to be proactive about their health.

I invite all members of the House of Assembly and all Nova Scotians to consider participating in Movember this year.

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

WHITE, WANDA: CAN. 55+ GAMES PARTIC. - CONGRATS.

HON. BRAD JOHNS « » : Mr. Speaker, I'd like to recognize Wanda White of Middle Sackville and her hockey team the Zoomers' Boomers for representing Nova Scotia in the Canada 55-Plus Games held in Kamloops, B.C., this Summer. The team consists of women over the age of 60, many of whom are teachers, nurses, including Wanda herself, who is a retired nurse.

Wanda's love of hockey began during her childhood. Growing up in Fairview, she always had an interest in sport, so much so that she gathered 60 women and coaches to create the first women's hockey team in Fairview. Since then, she has used the sport as an outlet for recreation and enjoyment.

I'd like to once again congratulate Wanda and her team for representing our province on the national stage and wish them all the success in their future.

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

CONST. ASSTS.: IMPORTANCE OF WORK - THANKS

RAFAH DICOSTANZO « » : Mr. Speaker, I'd like to take this opportunity to thank all CAs but my CAs - I've had some amazing CAs, from Zeina Klayme to Charlotte Moase to Alxys Chamberlain and now I have Linda Tweedie. Amazing women who have truly helped me to do my job.

I am very thankful to have Linda at the moment, who has done an amazing job at my office, the number of calls and the issues that we're dealing with I haven't dealt with in the last four years. I couldn't have asked for a better CA than Linda, who is very experienced and is helping everybody and going out of her way, driving some constituents to safety sometimes.

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I thank you, Linda, and I thank all the CAs I have had. I have been blessed.

THE SPEAKER « » : The honourable member for Richmond.

BOUDREAU, TERRY: RICH. CO. VOL. OF MO. - CONGRATS.

TREVOR BOUDREAU « » : Mr. Speaker, today I would like to acknowledge Terry Boudreau from Petit-de-Grat, who was named Richmond County's Volunteer of the Month for September. Terry began volunteering with the Strait Richmond Palliative Care Society after the death of her husband Roy.

For 17 years, Terry has dedicated her time as a member and has also served as Chair. She promotes palliative care in the Strait area through volunteering, networking, advocacy, and education. Terry is passionate about everyone receiving the best palliative care possible.

Terry is also a long-time volunteer with the Canadian Kidney Foundation, St. Joseph's Parish Council, and the Canadian Cancer Society.

Please join me in congratulating Terry Boudreau for her hard work and dedication to her community.

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

ROWLINGS, BRIAN: MUSGO RIDER COOP SERV. - CONGRATS.

KENT SMITH « » : Mr. Speaker, I rise again today to bring recognition to Brian Rowlings, for working with the MusGo Rider Cooperative for 10 years. Brian began working with MusGo in November 2012, when the first vehicles started providing public transit on the Eastern Shore. He was the first employee and often pitched in with dispatching as well as many other duties in the early days to keep the organization going.

For a period of time, Brian worked without pay until additional funding was secured, because he understood how important transportation is for those who have none. One of Brian's favourite sayings is "drive to arrive." It has been adopted as the MusGo Riders' official motto.

I ask all members of the Assembly to join me in congratulating Brian on celebrating 10 years of service and for his ongoing dedication to supporting the MusGo Rider Cooperative.

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

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LEWIN-LAFRANCE, A. & S.: SAIL. CH'SHIPS PARTIC. - CONGRATS.

DANIELLE BARKHOUSE: Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the Lewin-LaFrance sisters of Chester who competed at the 49ers World Sailing Championships which took place in Hubbards this Summer. The sister team took home the highest placement for a Canadian in the competition, finishing in the 14^th spot with a total score of 249.1 in the 49er FX Class.

Beginning to sail through the Chester Yacht Club in their youth, this duo is looking ahead to the 2024 Olympics.

I ask the House to join me in congratulating the sisters for their success and wishing them the best of luck in the future.

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

The honourable member for Eastern Passage on an introduction.

HON. BARBARA ADAMS « » : Mr. Speaker, I beg leave to introduce some wonderful residents from Eastern Passage. In the West Gallery we have a good friend of mine, Rhonda Vickers, as well as her neighbour Danielle Fowler. I ask all members of the Legislature to welcome them to the House of Assembly.

THE SPEAKER « » : Again, we welcome all visitors to the Legislature.

[10:00 a.m.]

ORDERS OF THE DAY

ORAL QUESTIONS PUT BY MEMBERS TO MINISTERS

THE SPEAKER « » : The time is 10 o'clock. We will go until 10:50.

The honourable Leader of the Official Opposition.

PREM.: DOCTOR RECRUITMENT - PLAN

HON. ZACH CHURCHILL « » : Mr. Speaker, we've seen over the last year the numbers on the Need a Family Practice Registry skyrocket by 45,000 more Nova Scotians. That number is up to over 116,000. We've not seen numbers yet for this month. We wonder if those numbers are going to be higher.

We've seen those folks who need a family doctor - those numbers - skyrocket in Halifax by over 4,000 per cent since the incentive for family practice in Halifax was taken away, and now we are seeing B.C. come up with a very new, lucrative, and appealing pay model for their family physicians.

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Does the Premier anticipate that this new pay model in B.C. is going to have an impact on our recruitment and retention efforts here in Nova Scotia?

HON. TIM HOUSTON (The Premier) » : I thank the member for this important question. Obviously, the compensation of our physicians and compensation of our health care professionals - it's a competitive world out there, but we know that our health care workers in Nova Scotia are dedicated to serving Nova Scotians. They've been through a lot. They're giving a lot right now. We're working hard to make sure that we support them and improve their working conditions. We think Nova Scotia has a lot to offer them.

That's where our focus will continue to be: making sure we're supporting our health care workers, making sure we're offering them a quality of life in a wonderful province. I think we can do a lot to support them. That's what we'll do.

ZACH CHURCHILL « » : As we're talking to medical professionals and doctors, we are hearing that the situation in our hospitals is deteriorating. Working conditions are becoming more challenging as the labour shortage grows, as people are out with COVID and other respiratory illnesses, and as there's more pressure being put on that system.

We are hearing that people are already looking for exit ramps from our health care system in terms of work. We are concerned that this new pay model in B.C., which is being deemed a gold standard now in physician pay, might exacerbate these problems here in Nova Scotia.

Does the Premier have a plan to ensure that that doesn't happen?

THE PREMIER « » : I think under the leadership of the health leadership team and the minister, there's a lot that's been done in health care. There's no question that there's a lot more to be done, but every time I get a chance to speak to health care professionals, they recognize that this is a government that supports them. They recognize that this is a government that listens. There are lots of pilot projects across the province that are happening. We're having good initial feedback on those.

Those are ideas that came from health care professionals, that came from the front lines. We'll continue to listen to the health care professionals. We'll continue to work with them. We'll continue to make sure that they understand that this government is here to support them and always will be.

ZACH CHURCHILL « » : They need to be supported with good public health policy. They need to be supported also with proper compensation. We had competitive compensation here in Nova Scotia until B.C.'s new framework. We did have the highest-paid emergency docs in Atlantic Canada. The alternative payment plan was very successful at recruitment.

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But now there's a new card being played by a bigger, more prosperous province, and we're wondering if the Premier's got a specific strategy to tackle that issue and ensure that we're not going to lose potential doctors that we could have recruited and lose doctors who are actually serving in Nova Scotia now.

THE PREMIER « » : We're obviously aware of what's happening nationally on different compensation packages. We have a good relationship with Doctors Nova Scotia. We'll continue to work with them. We'll continue to listen to frontline health care professionals. I think we have a lot to offer in this province. I wouldn't sell this province short on any scale, certainly not on quality of life. We'll continue to work with those health care professionals and make sure that we're sharing the message that they'll be supported by this government. They're responding to that.

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

PREM.: EHS SYSTEM DETERIORATION - EXPLAIN

CLAUDIA CHENDER « » : My question is for the Premier. Last Sunday, a 78-year-old man in Halifax suffered a fall in Point Pleasant Park. His wife, Donna McInnis, explained to us that he waited immobile on the asphalt, exposed to the hazard of traffic passing by, shivering with muscle spasms and in pain, from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m., before an ambulance came to take him away on a stretcher. Despite being less than four kilometres from an emergency department, it was discovered when paramedics arrived two and a half hours later that they had come from Milford in East Hants. Mr. Speaker, why has the Premier allowed our EHS system to deteriorate?

THE PREMIER « » : Those are certainly heartbreaking stories. Unfortunately, there are a few of them, and there continues to be a few of them. I want to assure the member and all Nova Scotians that we're working hard to improve the EHS system. That's why we've hired 180 transport drivers. The number of transports that are happening in the province that no longer require a fully-trained paramedic - that number is down by three-quarters. That frees up paramedics to make calls.

We know there's a lot of work to do. We'll continue to do that, but those stories are certainly heartbreaking, for sure.

CLAUDIA CHENDER « » : Like doctors, we also just need more paramedics. Earlier this year, a representative from the province's paramedics union told media that: "Our paramedics are some of the most highly skilled and trained in North America, and yet they're some of the lowest paid. It's easy to see why we are bleeding paramedics to other professions and other jurisdictions." I'll table that.

[Page 4556]

The Minister of Health and Wellness told this House that both recruiting and retaining paramedics is critical to reducing ambulance wait times. My question for the Premier is: Can he see that Nova Scotia will continue to lose paramedics to other provinces unless they are adequately compensated and supported by this government?

THE PREMIER « » : Certainly, compensation is part of the equation. There are other parts to the equation as well. That's why we've taken a number of steps around the licensing of paramedics to get them working quicker. That's why we've taken some policy changes to make the drop-offs at emergency rooms quicker and more efficient. The transport system - I can't stress enough what an improvement that has been. Paramedics have reached out to me. They're not always shy to give their frank feedback, but they're reaching out to me and saying these steps are helping.

It will take time. These steps are part of it. Compensation is part of. There are a lot of parts to the equation. We're focused on every single part of the equation.

CLAUDIA CHENDER « » : The numbers don't lie. Ambulance response times have gotten longer and longer despite the direct transfer system instituted this Spring. The average off-load times are climbing as well. Whatever this government is doing is not working. This government ran on an election promise to fix health care. When will we see the results?

THE PREMIER « » : It's very easy to get impatient. There's no question about that. I ask Nova Scotians to trust the people working on the front lines of health care, who are bending over backwards to fix a system, to fix the foundations of a system that has been very broken. We have to fix those foundations, and then we can build up from there.

It will take time. I've always been clear with Nova Scotians on that. I wish it was faster. There's a lot of work to be done. To say that things that are taking place aren't working is disrespectful to our health care professionals, who are actually driving that change. I support those health care professionals. I know it's easy to get impatient, but there's work to be done and we're doing it.

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

EECD: PARENT FEE REDUCTION WITHHELD - EXPLAIN

HON. PATRICIA ARAB « » : Daycare operators are telling us that their parent fee reductions are being withheld for this month. This accounts for 25 per cent of their yearly budget, and without the next installment of this grant, make no mistake, operators will have to close. My question to the Minister of Education and Early Childhood Development is: Why is her department not giving operators this month's parent fee reduction?

[Page 4557]

HON. BECKY DRUHAN « » : I want to be very clear. Operators are receiving their parent fee reductions, absolutely, 100 per cent. All of the funding that was flowing to operators to support the 25 per cent fee reduction for parents is continuing to flow to operators. If the member opposite is in touch with an individual operator who's having any challenges with this, I encourage her to reach out to me or the department and we can support that.

PATRICIA ARAB « » : We know that operators are struggling, and they've been told that their parent fee reduction grants will be withheld unless they sign a new deal by November 14^th. Many operators are now having to face an impossible decision and have told me directly that they feel they are being coerced into signing a new deal. My question for the minister is simple: Will she immediately release the parent fee reductions to operators that they rightfully deserve?

BECKY DRUHAN « » : I will answer that question again. The funding for the parent fee reduction has flowed to operators, as it has done so since we implemented the 25 per cent fee reduction. If there's a particular operator who has questions, I do encourage the member opposite to reach out to me or to the department. That's probably a more constructive way to work that through than in the 45 seconds we have to answer questions on this.

I do want to assure Nova Scotians and the members opposite, and communities, that all of the improvements that we're making in child care are fully funded up front for the operators so that they are supported to implement the 25 per cent fee reduction so parents have hundreds of dollars in their bank accounts now that they didn't before. We are also funding an advance of the costs associated with the ECE wage increases so that those . . .

THE SPEAKER « » : The honourable member for Annapolis.

DHW: UTC HOURS INCREASE - CLARIFY

CARMAN KERR « » : Mr. Speaker, this question is for the Minister of Health and Wellness. The emergency centre at the Annapolis Community Health Centre operated 24 hours a day seven days a week for years. Recently Nova Scotia Health closed our emergency centre. They have opened an Urgent Treatment Centre, but it's only open three days a week from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., with no overnight model. Can the Minister of Health and Wellness tell me if there are plans to increase the hours of the UTC, both in terms of adding more days and overnight hours?

HON. MICHELLE THOMPSON » : We do continue to work in the community around recruitment, and it is important that we have consistent hours for the Urgent Treatment Centre. We're also making sure that patients who attend the Urgent Treatment Centre have a feedback form that they fill out following their experience there in order for us to better tailor experiences for the community to that centre. The work is ongoing around recruitment, and we do want to open more hours for the community.

[Page 4558]

CARMAN KERR « » : It's positive to hear that we're taking feedback as well.

Given that the new model offers fewer services and is open for significantly fewer hours - I think it was 168 hours at one point, and it's down to 24 hours a week - it seems possible that this change may result in cost savings for the government. Can the minister tell me if this cost saving was a motivating factor for the decision to transition to a UTC model and if this change will result in fewer health care dollars being allocated to the Annapolis Royal area?

MICHELLE THOMPSON « » : My response will probably make every Progressive Conservative in the province cringe, but money is not an issue is what I would say. We have committed to invest in health care. We're very concerned as well about the HHR issues that we're facing. This is certainly not an effort to save money at all.

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

DCS: UNHOUSED PEOPLE - ASSIST

RAFAH DICOSTANZO « » : Mr. Speaker, my question is to the Minister of Community Services. My office is receiving enormous amounts of calls. I have been an MLA for five years, and there are more in the last year than in the whole four years.

Actually, I have an email from a constituent, and she is part of the team at St. Benedict Parish Church, who are helping people who are homeless. I'll table this because I'm going to quote what happened in this case. This is about a 55-year-old single female who was facing immediate homelessness. They called to help her, and what they received from the department is: "I'm sorry, but right now we are only offering help to people with children. We do not have anything for single women or single men. We were offering tents, but we ran out of them."

What does the minister think of . . .

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

HON. KARLA MACFARLANE » : This is extremely important. I'm disappointed to hear that's what was said. I would like to have a copy, if this was put in writing. The member knows I have worked with her on other individuals and we certainly do our best. I would like to find out what exactly happened in this case. I'm willing to meet right after Question Period and get this solved. That's not right.

[Page 4559]

[10:15 a.m.]

RAFAH DICOSTANZO « » : I thank the minister. I honestly want to highlight the severity and the number of people who are arriving at our office. These are not people on income assistance; these are middle class people who are homeless. I already brought her another issue this week. My question to her today is: What are we doing for the homeless people? Cold is coming; Winter is here. What plans do you have for those people, please?

KARLA MACFARLANE « » : We certainly know that those who are experiencing homelessness are experiencing the situation for different reasons. It could be poverty, but the member is correct. There are a number of individuals whom we consider hard-working Nova Scotians finding themselves losing their home during these difficult, challenging times.

What I would certainly suggest is calling our office. We will do our very best in finding them supportive housing and temporary shelter or hotels. This government did make an investment of $17 million in our last budget to deal with this situation, and there are more investments coming.

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

DHW: ACCESS TO PRIMARY CARE - INFORM

SUSAN LEBLANC « » : Mr. Speaker, my question is for the Premier.

At a meeting of the Public Accounts Committee in April this year, an official from the Nova Scotia Health Authority stated that the average Virtual Care N.S. wait time was 31 minutes. By August, this time had grown to 110 minutes. Now some Nova Scotians report logging on every day to find appointments fully booked. For these people, wait-times are now measured in days and weeks, if they can get an appointment at all. Nova Scotians still don't have access to the primary care that was promised by this government. When will Nova Scotians get the care that they need?

HON. MICHELLE THOMPSON « » : We continue to look at recruitment. I know that Virtual Care N.S., as an example, continues to on-board physicians and nurse practitioners in order to help. It is actually a sign that people are finding it a very convenient way to access care, particularly for episodic complaints. We continue to work with the Office of Healthcare Professionals Recruitment to look at what the opportunities are. As well, we are looking at immigration as a source to bring in internationally educated physicians. We understand that this is going to take time. We are working very, very quickly in order to bring in the appropriate number of health care professionals.

SUSAN LEBLANC « » : Virtual Care N.S. is delivered through Maple, a for-profit corporation that offers telehealth for a fee. When Nova Scotians are turned away from virtual care, they find that they're still able to access Maple's services, but at a cost of $49 for a visit. Two weeks ago, we relayed stories of Nova Scotians travelling out of province to find needed health care - and now this. It's becoming clear that care is available, but only if you pay. Can the Premier answer: Is a two-tiered health care system this government's vision for the future of health in this province?

[Page 4560]

MICHELLE THOMPSON « » : We do have a contract with Maple as a private-public partnership. The folks we employ are Nova Scotia Health Authority employees. I can't speak to the private portion of that company. We continue to look at how we can publicly fund and on-board health care professionals who are funded fully by government in order to support people with primary care in the province.

THE SPEAKER « » : The honourable member for Preston.

EECD: WAGES FOR LONG-SERVING ECEs - ADDRESS

ANGELA SIMMONDS « » : Mr. Speaker, I've been hearing from more and more ECEs in my constituency about their frustration with the roll-out of the new child care agreement. I have a letter written by six hard-working ECEs that I will table. The women of the East Preston Day Care Centre have combined experience of over 150 years in their field. However, they are still not even being paid a living wage. The government continues to overlook some of the most valued, needed, and experienced early child care educators. Can the Minister of Education and Early Childhood Development let us know why ECEs with 20 and 30 years of experience are not receiving a living wage?

HON. BECKY DRUHAN « » : This is a sector - as we've said many times and we've heard from the sector - that has been neglected for decades. They have been underfunded. They have not been given the attention nor the money that they deserve. To deal with this issue, we have inherited an agreement, and we are implementing that agreement. We have provided an additional $100 million a year to increase the wages of our ECEs. For most ECEs, that means a 30 per cent increase in pay. Most ECEs are getting a 14 to 43 per cent increase in pay. This is a significant investment that professionalizes compensation for this sector. Is this the end of the road? Absolutely not. This is the first step.

ANGELA SIMMONDS « » : It's significant, but not enough, as we continue to hear concerns. The ECEs at East Preston Day Care Centre have spent their entire lives dedicated to their work. They've trained countless new ECEs. They go above and beyond - and have for years. These folks who have sacrificed their personal time and personal funds, giving children the education and care they deserve, require more. The system has failed them. If these great ECEs are finally getting the raise we hear so much about - which is long-deserved - can the minister please explain why the cap is set at five years and why our longest-serving ECEs, the most dedicated, are not a priority?

BECKY DRUHAN « » : We have heard the members opposite say it's not enough. I have to emphasize, absolutely. The commitment that the prior government made to doing this work was not enough. That is why our government kicked in an additional $40 million to make these wage increases.

[Page 4561]

Also, this compensation package that we've rolled out is not the end of the story. We did a number of other things, and we'll be doing a number of other things as well. First, we knew that just flowing the funds at the end of this year, which the prior government committed to, was not enough. That's why we made these increases retroactive. In addition to that, we will be coming in next year with benefits, including retirement benefits, because these folks deserve compensation.

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

DHW: SURGERY AVAILABILITY - ADDRESS

HON. IAIN RANKIN « » : Mr. Speaker, my question is for the Minister of Health and Wellness. My constituent Barry McCulley was admitted to the ICU in the U.S. with acute renal failure. Thankfully, Barry had insurance to cover it. However, he faced significant challenges to accessing care when he came home from the U.S. It was weeks before he was able to get any follow-up care in Nova Scotia. Barry is now waiting for vital surgery - polyp prostate surgery - that he cannot get access to. Can the Minister of Health and Wellness explain why this surgery is not available to him in Nova Scotia?

HON. MICHELLE THOMPSON « » : I'm not familiar with this person's individual case, and I'm not actually familiar with that procedure. I think it would be something I would have speak to you after, to better understand what the issue is.

IAIN RANKIN « » : More broadly on this issue, we want to make sure that patients are getting communicated to on timelines for when their surgery is going to be done. My office has been told that they are working through a lengthy procurement process with ISD. The surgeon is actually available to do the surgery, but they don't have the equipment. This surgery was supposed to be available back in the Spring, I'm told.

Can the minister commit to a timeline for Barry when this important, life-saving procedure will be done?

MICHELLE THOMPSON « » : I can't commit to a timeline because I'm not really clear about the procedure. I'm not sure if there's a supply chain issue. I'm not really sure about the procurement. It's something that we're certainly happy to look into.

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

EECD: FRENCH IMM. PGM. ACCESS - UPDATE

[Page 4562]

HON. BEN JESSOME « » : I would like to ask the Minister of Education and Early Childhood Development about access to early French immersion programs in my community. For several years, I have been advocating and working with the HRCE and local families from the Millwood Family of Schools - residents from Indigo Shores, Lucasville, Waterstone, and Kingswood North - about access to early immersion in that family of schools. Now we're seeing new programs roll out in neighbouring communities. I'm wondering if the Minister of Education and Early Childhood Development can weigh in on when the Millwood family of schools may get access to early immersion.

HON. BECKY DRUHAN « » : We know that introduction of French and support of the French language and French education is a valuable and important part of our school system. We also know that the regions and schools tailor their programming to meet local community needs. When a school or region decides what programs to offer in what locations, it's really all about demand and need and interest in the community. With respect to French programming, those are the factors that go into consideration of what programming is offered in individual schools. I would be more than happy to talk to the member about the needs of his community, and help him engage with the region to express that, and look at what's possible.

BEN JESSOME « » : I do appreciate how these things come together, but it is concerning, certainly for me and my constituents. I don't begrudge any community for getting French immersion - let's be clear about that. But when a new school comes into the mix and a school community that has been asking for this for several years is looked over - in the past, we have heard rationale around the shortage of French immersion teachers - it's a little concerning. It raises a question of why the Millwood Family of Schools would not be accepting a French immersion program coming into the next school year when the neighbouring community is getting it.

BECKY DRUHAN « » : Again, it really comes down to questions around community interest and the volume of enrolment, desires and availability of resources. I can't speak to the particular issue, but I would be more than happy to speak to the member following Question Period.

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

MAH: AFFORDABLE HOUSING - BUILD

SUZY HANSEN « » : Mr. Speaker, my question is for the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing. Earlier this week, the minister tabled a report that repeated an idea that we've heard before from this government: Helping Nova Scotians move from renting to owning their first home also assists with making affordable housing available. I'll table that. Everyone knows that without a rent control system, landlords will raise the rent of a vacant unit to whatever the market will bear. When will this government admit that the way to create affordable housing is to build, protect, and support affordable housing?

[Page 4563]

HON. JOHN LOHR « » : I will pick out one part of that. I'm very proud that we've increased the Down Payment Assistance Program for new homeowners. We are working to enable new homeowners. We increased the limits on the program, and we're working on that in terms of renters.

Some of the questions the member is asking may be more specific to my colleague in the Department of Service Nova Scotia and Internal Services. We are working across the housing spectrum. We recognize that the housing crisis in Nova Scotia is urgent. It's unprecedented. There's no one solution. We're working on many facets of this. We want to see that every Nova Scotian has a safe, affordable place to live.

SUZY HANSEN « » : I would like to address another housing myth that we've heard this government repeat: There is no definition of what constitutes affordable housing. We've heard the minister say that the real definition is that there's a spectrum. For some people it needs to be deeply affordable, for others it needs to be somewhat affordable. I'll table that. In fact, the CMHC and Statistics Canada both agree there is a definition: Rents must not exceed 30 per cent of a person's before-tax income. Will the minister admit that there is, in fact, a clear definition of affordable housing, but that he just doesn't want to build housing that applies to it?

JOHN LOHR « » : As I've said, we're working across the spectrum, from deeply affordable housing with things like Akoma Holdings and Souls Harbour Rescue Mission, and with our partners with the federal government. In fact, earlier this week we made an announcement about a decision to increase by $5.3 million the budget for the Homeowner Residential Rehabilitation Assistance Program. That's a program that helps primarily seniors - not exclusively - to stay in their own home.

This is an income-tested program. It is primarily used for helping people with roofs, furnaces and home repairs when they can't afford that. That's for homeowners, people who own their own homes. That program has been in place for many years. The previous government supported it very well too. We're working across the housing spectrum.

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

DHW: FOLLOW-UP HEALTH CARE - ENSURE

HON. KELLY REGAN « » : Months ago, I was contacted by a constituent concerned about the health care, or lack of it, that she received earlier this year. Erin MacDonald is 42 years old. In April, she suffered a stroke and went to the Halifax Infirmary. There she was seen by a resident, but not the attending neurologist who was on site. She was sent home and told she would be contacted for follow-up, but no follow-up came. After a couple of weeks, she reached out to discover that her follow-up appointments for tests were scheduled for months out, at the end of June and July. The result was that Ms. MacDonald suffered a second stroke, less than one month after the first.

[Page 4564]

This is a very common occurrence for women. Their concerns are routinely minimized or dismissed. It's worse for African Nova Scotian, Indigenous, immigrant, and low-income women. Does the Minister of Health and Wellness think that Ms. MacDonald's treatment was acceptable?

HON. MICHELLE THOMPSON « » : Again, I am not familiar with that particular case. I think there are a number of things. We want to provide timely access for not only treatment but also follow-up and investigations. Again, I can't speak to that. If there is a concern about the care the individual received, we should be reaching out to the College of Physicians and Surgeons if, at any point, that care is not what the person expected or was not following clinical guidelines. I'm happy to speak to the member opposite afterwards to understand how we can better support that patient.

KELLY REGAN « » : I did write to the minister in early September to outline Ms. MacDonald's case. I have not received an answer, and it has been nearly two months. Ms. MacDonald has since discovered her case was not flagged as urgent. She was unable to work following her strokes. She has a family to care for. She wants to know what is being done to ensure stroke victims - particularly women - are treated in a timely and appropriate manner. Can the minister please advise what is being done to ensure that no other Nova Scotian is subjected to this lack of treatment again?

MICHELLE THOMPSON « » : Again, we do want to make sure that Nova Scotians have the best care that they receive. Clinicians do have a number of guidelines that they need to follow, particularly in relation to stroke care, right from the time symptoms occur, in terms of timely access to investigations, as well as treatment. We also have a stroke program throughout the province, where there is an expected rehabilitation program that should happen afterwards.

I will follow up. It could potentially be not only a system issue, but there may be an issue with the clinician, but I'll have to learn more about the case.

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

ECC: IMPERIAL OIL LEAK CONCERNS - ADDRESS

HON. DEREK MOMBOURQUETTE « » : There's growing concern in the north end of Sydney about contamination that was discovered at the Imperial Oil tank farm, and the community is looking for more answers in the wake of last Summer's leak.

[10:30 a.m.]

[Page 4565]

Since the spill's occurrence, residents say they've been attempting to get some straight and honest answers from Imperial representatives only to walk away feeling angered and with a growing sense of mistrust. The latest provincial information on the additional hydrocarbon contamination finding left residents even more upset. I'll table that.

My question to the Minister of Environment and Climate Change is: What is being done to ensure the residents of this community get the answers they are seeking and they deserve?

HON. TIMOTHY HALMAN « » : He's absolutely correct. The residents of North Sydney, the residents of Sydney-Membertou, absolutely deserve clarity and openness. Rightly so, there are a lot of questions around that. I want to assure residents of that community that as the regulator, I expect Imperial Oil to be open and transparent in their communications.

We know from the investigation in July, from the leak, that historic contamination was discovered. From there, the Contaminated Site Regulations have been implemented. I want to assure the honourable member that under the Contaminated Site Regulations, we'll hold Imperial Oil accountable.

DEREK MOMBOURQUETTE « » : I want to thank the Minister of Environment and Climate Change for the answer. He's been engaged with this file. I appreciate his support, and I appreciate the support and the direction he's provided to the local folks on the ground with Environment and Climate Change in Sydney.

As I said, the residents of the north end of Sydney - they've been upset, they've been looking for answers. The additional historic contaminants that are on-site are a huge concern for people, so people are really looking for answers. They are looking to set up a community meeting in the near future, to which they'll be inviting representatives from all levels of government. I was there for the first few.

Can the minister commit that Environment and Climate Change staff could attend that meeting for them so they could provide an update from a provincial perspective in the reporting that the department has done?

TIMOTHY HALMAN « » : To the last part of that question, absolutely. I'll ensure that staff from the Sydney office are present at that meeting. Imperial has a lot of work to do, and under the Contaminated Site Regulations, they have to give us their remediation plan. I will ensure staff holds them accountable to that remediation plan. We certainly expect Imperial to be open and transparent in their communication, and that communication is done in a timely manner.

I also want members of that community to know that my department will ensure that the Contaminated Site Regulations are enforced. We'll ensure that the community is updated. We'll also ensure that the larger members in the community of CBRM are updated as well.

[Page 4566]

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

SLTC: HOME PALLIATIVE CARE PLEA - COMMIT

ELIZABETH SMITH-MCCROSSIN « » : Often when a constituent comes to one of us as an MLA, it's because they're in a desperate situation. Bonnie Petten is in that situation right now, where she literally, physically has no voice. She has asked me to be her voice. Today I'm here in the Legislature to beg for her. She is dying. She wants to die at home, and just yesterday she received word that she will not receive the nursing care in her home that she wants. Everyone deserves to die with dignity. Today I ask for the government to respond and grant Bonnie her dying wish.

HON. BARBARA ADAMS « » : I'm certainly happy to speak with the member afterwards. I don't have any details on this, so I'd be more than happy to speak with her afterwards.

ELIZABETH SMITH-MCCROSSIN « » : I've spoken about Bonnie before during a member statement, and did send a letter, and the minister and I have spoken about this personally about three weeks ago. I was hopeful that Bonnie would be granted her dying wish, but as I mentioned just yesterday, she was told her care team met with her and gave her the very sad news that she will not be able to die at home. She does not have much time left. Over the last month, she's been communicating to me all she had left was a little bit of movement in her thumbs, and it would take her an hour just to send a message that was probably one sentence long, but now she can't even do that. I beg on behalf of Bonnie Petten to grant her wish to allow her to die at home.

BARBARA ADAMS « » : There have been a lot of discussions in this Legislature about how much home care someone needs to be able to stay living. At some point, people need 24-hour-a-day care, and that's why we do need additional levels of care. I don't know the specifics of this case, but I'd be certainly happy to speak to the member afterward.

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

SLTC: DRUMLIN HILLS HOME LOSS - ADDRESS

GARY BURRILL « » : My question is for the Premier. No doubt, the Premier is aware of the circumstances of the residents in the extended living units of Drumlin Hills Seniors Home in Bridgewater, that the home there has had a change in ownership, and the new owner is discontinuing the provision of assisted living in the building. This is happening at a time when there is, of course, the severe shortage of appropriate housing alternatives in the South Shore. I want to ask the Premier « » : What is the government doing for the seniors at Drumlin Hills who are losing their homes?

[Page 4567]

HON. BARBARA ADAMS « » : I think it's important to be clear of the different levels of care. There are apartment buildings, and then there are unlicensed 24-hour-a-day care facilities that private people set up, and then there are the publicly funded licensed residential care and long-term care facilities. The one we're talking about in Drumlin Hills is an apartment. It is an apartment that a landlord was offering a meal program and other things, and we have heard reports that the new owner is changing what was offered under the lease. We would encourage all members who are living in that facility, if they have concerns about the change in the lease of this private apartment, that they reach out to the Tenancies Board.

GARY BURRILL « » : It is true, Mr. Speaker, that the residents at Drumlin Hills enhanced living units range in age from their 70s to a couple who are over 100. In Bridgewater, there is a group of concerned residents - including quite a number of clergy - who have come together to support them out of a deep concern that some of these people could very well end up homeless. I want to ask the Premier « » : Does he recognize that that is a realistic concern, and that the government has a responsibility to address it?

HON. COLTON LEBLANC « » : I certainly appreciate the member opposite bringing this question forward, and I certainly empathize with the residents being impacted by this change. When a new landlord assumes the responsibility or the ownership of that property, they assume also the responsibility of the existing leases. When a tenant disagrees with the decision of their landlord, I certainly encourage them to reach out to the Tenancies Board and submit an application. I'd certainly appreciate it if the members were willing to help out with that process as well.

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

NRR: SAMBRO FIRE STATION LAND REQUEST - RESPOND

HON. BRENDAN MAGUIRE « » : As the Minister of Natural Resources and Renewables is aware, HRM decommissioned the Fire Station in Sambro. HRM has remediated the land and brought it back to its original state. The local community of Sambro has asked that when the land is transferred back to the Province, it be signed over to the community so that they can build a community centre. I've spoken to HRM, and I've been told that they did their work, and they're just waiting on sign off from the Province.

Can the minister tell me if the land's been transferred back to the Province, and when it can be transferred back to the community of Sambro?

HON. TORY RUSHTON » : Just to update the member, the lease was released by HRM last Summer. That land has been granted back to the Crown, if you will. To date, there has been no application from any community group, but we would certainly entertain any application, as we do for any Crown lands throughout the province.

[Page 4568]

BRENDAN MAGUIRE « » : I want to thank the minister for answering and for listening to the concerns. The cost of inflation is driving construction costs through the roof. Mr. Speaker, I spoke to the minister's department and was told that the process from the Province side could take years. The longer it takes, the higher the price for the community to build the community centre. Can the minister promise the community that this will be done promptly so the community can control construction costs and get the community centre they deserve?

TORY RUSHTON « » : Quite right - when I took the seat, some of the applications do take a long time. That's one of the things that this government is trying to do, speedway things, remove red tape, and further the process. What I'll say to the member opposite is that I look forward to having the application. That's the timely thing, to get the application in so we can move in a timely manner. If the application does come, as I said, we'll look at that application as we do with any Crown land application.

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

EECD: AVRCE REPLACEMENT WORKERS - ADDRESS

HON. PATRICIA ARAB « » : Mr. Speaker, my question is for the Minister of Education and Early Childhood Development. We have just been informed that the Annapolis Valley Regional Centre for Education intends to immediately hire additional teachers to perform teacher duties while NSGEU workers are on strike. I'll table a memo that was sent to these teachers. Was the minister aware that strikebreakers were going to be brought in?

HON. BECKY DRUHAN « » : I haven't seen the document that the member opposite has tabled. I look forward to taking a look at it. I can say that strikes are disruptive, and we sympathize very much with . . .(Interruption) Strikes are disruptive, and . . .

THE SPEAKER « » : Order, please. I ask that the members please try to control their talk for a little while.

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

BECKY DRUHAN « » : They are meant to be that. That's okay. We respect that they are part of the collective bargaining process. What the education system, what the region, is focused on right now through the course of this is to support families and students and staff, to continue to support education in the system. We know that there are supports that are being provided to pre-Primary programs. We know that there are supports that are being provided to individual students. The region is doing what they can to support families through the situation.

[Page 4569]

PATRICIA ARAB « » : Mr. Speaker, for a minister and a government that continues to espouse that they support fair and collective bargaining, hiring teachers at teacher wages to replace striking ECEs is not respecting fair and collective bargaining. Rather than getting back to the table, the government is trying to hire teachers. It was also said that parents were welcome to come in to do the work with the kids as well. Again, if the minister is not aware of this currently, I would implore her to become aware and to do something to make this not a reality.

BECKY DRUHAN « » : I'm just seeing this document, which is from an organization that is not actually the region. I will follow up on this after the fact. I am encouraged, and we should all be encouraged that the parties are back at the table today. What we have said all along is that we encourage the parties to get back to the table to negotiate, to come to a negotiated agreement through the collective bargaining process. We're hopeful that that resolution will be soon.

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

SNSIS: NORTHSIDE HEALTH CENTRE - UPDATE

FRED TILLEY « » : Mr. Speaker, this month marks the one-year anniversary of the collaborative care centre opening in North Sydney, and all reports are that things are going very well in that facility, and people are getting appointments and getting through. My question for the Minister of Health and Wellness is: Where are we in the Northside redevelopment project? Are things on time and on budget?

HON. COLTON LEBLANC « » : The Northside Health Centre is one of the important pillars of the Cape Breton redevelopment project, including also the New Waterford Community Hub, the Glace Bay Hospital expansion, as well as the work at the Cape Breton Regional Hospital, including the cardiac catheterization unit that our government announced - very proud.

Mr. Speaker, we're certainly understanding that the global economic climate is impacting all infrastructure projects, but we're certainly working on those challenges and we're continuously looking at the progress that's being made on the member's particular project in his constituency, understanding the importance for his region and all of Cape Breton.

FRED TILLEY « » : Mr. Speaker, I thank the minister for that answer. I just want to confirm that that project is still on the books and is not delayed for the residents of Northside-Westmount.

[10:45 a.m.]

[Page 4570]

COLTON LEBLANC « » : Mr. Speaker, things are on track, as far as I know, and I am looking very much forward to touring the Cape Breton region part of the redevelopment projects, after the House rises because I hear that steel is going up and dust is in the air, and perhaps we'll see the member there.

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

DCS: DEINSTITUTIONALIZATION PLANS - UPDATE

KENDRA COOMBES « » : My question is for the Minister of Community Services. Yesterday it was reported that disability advocate Vicky Levack would finally be moving out of her nursing home and into community-based living. Levack has advocated for years for the deinstitutionalization of Nova Scotians living with disabilities.

In June this year the minister stated, "Everyone should be able to participate in our communities without barriers." However, this sentiment is not the reality in our province and recent reports show that over 800 individuals are on the wait-list for community-based living.

My question to the minister is: When will everyone on this wait-list receive the good news?

HON. KARLA MACFARLANE « » : First of all, I am really excited for Vicky and her other roommates who will be joining soon. They are the first of a pilot project that we're all very excited about. We will probably also be having about 25 others moving into independent living as well. We need to keep up this momentum; it's really going well. The relationships and partnerships are going really well, and I want the Opposition to know that I am very committed to this. It will never go as fast as any of us want it, but we certainly are going as fast as we can and we're working collectively together.

KENDRA COOMBES « » : People like Vicky have been fighting for years for the right to live in their communities. A department spokesperson told the media that the "goal, over time, is to close all institutionalized residential settings and move people into community." However, this government will not commit to any timelines for this. Mr. Speaker, during the election, the Progressive Conservatives committed to completing the recommendations of the disability rights road map by the end of their first term. My question to the minister is: Is the government still committed to this goal?

KARLA MACFARLANE « » : This government is deeply committed to moving individuals out of large institutions and into small option homes and independent living. We know this is exactly what they've been requesting for decades. We are committed to working together. Our talks and our discussions are going very well. We're looking at a remedy that might be able to move faster, but we're doing that together. We are committed. We continue to make those investments. In this last budget we put $34 million towards it, and we'll keep making those commitments.

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

SLTC: ADDITIONAL FUNDING FOR SENIORS - INFORM

HON. TONY INCE « » : This week I had the opportunity to attend a seniors social event in Cole Harbour. Many seniors I've talked to were concerned about the cost of living crisis. They are worried about paying their home heating bill, putting food on their table, and prescriptions. My question to the Minister of Seniors and Long-term Care is: What other resources or funding are you going to commit to seniors who currently don't qualify for the Seniors Care Grant?

HON. BARBARA ADAMS « » : We are doing, as the Premier has outlined, targeted and sustainable investments. The Seniors Care Grant was the very first action that our department took. There are a number of people who are eligible for that grant. There are also home heating grants . . .

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

The honourable Deputy Government House Leader.

JOHN WHITE » : Mr. Speaker, I move that you do now leave the Chair and that the House resolve itself into the Committee of the Whole House on Bills.

THE SPEAKER « » : We'll resolve into the Committee of the Whole House. We'll take a recess until the committee gets set up.

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

[11:11 a.m. The House resolved itself into a CWH on Bills with Deputy Speaker Angela Simmonds in the Chair.]

[12:13 p.m. The CWH on Bills rose and the House reconvened. Speaker Keith Bain resumed 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. 214 - Invest Nova Scotia Act.

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Bill No. 215 - Invest Nova Scotia Board Act (amended).

Bill No. 216 - Build Nova Scotia Act.

Bill No. 219 - Gaming Control Act (amended).

Bill No. 223 - Municipal Finance Corporation Dissolution Act.

Bill No. 224 - Perennia Food and Agriculture Corporation Act.

Bill No. 227 - Financial Measures (Fall 2022) Act.

Bill No. 228 - Public Utilities Act (amended).

Bill No. 230 - Provincial Lichen Act.

each without amendments, and

Bill No. 212 - Public Utilities Act (amended).

which was reported with certain amendments by the Law Amendments Committee to the Committee of the Whole House, without further 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 Deputy Government House Leader.

JOHN WHITE « » : Mr. Speaker, that concludes government business for the day. I move that the House do now rise to meet again on Tuesday, November 8^th between the hours of 1:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m.

THE SPEAKER « » : The motion is that the House rise to meet again on Tuesday, November 8^th between the hours of 1:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m.

All those in favour? Contrary minded? Thank you.

The motion is carried.

We stand adjourned until Tuesday, November 8^th.

[The House rose at 12:14 p.m.]

NOTICES OF MOTION UNDER RULE 32(3)

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RESOLUTION NO. 503

By: Gary Burrill (Halifax Chebucto)

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

Whereas Pat Acheson and Dan Conlin have been sharing their love of flags and history with their Duncan Street neighbourhood; and

Whereas they post an information card highlighting a significant date or fact that relates to each flag; and

Whereas the daily flag installation has become a well-loved feature of the neighbourhood, enjoyed by schoolchildren and adults alike;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly thanks Pat and Dan for sharing their passion for vexillology and history in such a creative and community-minded way.

RESOLUTION NO. 504

By: Gary Burrill (Halifax Chebucto)

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

Whereas Propeller Brewing Company is celebrating their 25^th anniversary this year; and

Whereas John Allen founded Propeller at a time when the contemporary craft beer industry was still very young, and craft beers were hard to find in Nova Scotia; and

Whereas Propeller's classic and seasonal offerings like Extra Special Bitter and Pumpkin Ale are well-loved products whose popularity have stood the test of time;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly congratulates Joe, his son Mike, and the team at Propeller on the occasion of their 25^th anniversary and wishes them all the best for the next quarter-century and beyond.

RESOLUTION NO. 505

By: Gary Burrill (Halifax Chebucto)

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

Whereas Joel Martell and Brian Innes started a Queer Community Library, in the tradition of tiny neighbourhood libraries, located at Kline Street near Quinpool Road; and

Whereas Jon at ProSkates built the case to house the tiny library, and Joel, Brian, and their friends shopped at local bookstores to fill the shelves with the Library's first offerings; and

Whereas this project endeavours to offer queer literature, resources for youth and adults, and opportunities to foster friendships;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly congratulates Joel, Brian, and their friends for their neighbourly initiative, and wishes their project all the best in its mission to build local queer community in Nova Scotia.

RESOLUTION NO. 506

By: Gary Burrill (Halifax Chebucto)

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

Whereas the team at Sarah & Tom, along with their customers, have once again stepped up to fundraise for local food banks in Halifax and Pictou; and

Whereas the Parker Street Food and Furniture Bank, Beacon House Interfaith Society, and Pictou County Food Bank East each received a cheque for ten thousand dollars, presented by Sarah Milberry, Tom Yun, and their family; and

Whereas during this time of increased need for food banks' services, these donations are greatly appreciated;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly thanks the team at Sarah and Tom for their fundraising efforts and commitment to our communities, particularly in this time of increasing need.

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