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HALIFAX, MONDAY, MARCH 4, 2024

Sixty-fourth General Assembly

First Session

4:00 P.M.

SPEAKER

Hon. Karla MacFarlane

DEPUTY SPEAKERS

Lisa Lachance, Danielle Barkhouse, Nolan Young

THE SPEAKER » : Order, please. We will begin the orders of the day, starting with the daily routine.

PRESENTING AND READING PETITIONS

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

HON. ZACH CHURCHILL « » : Speaker, I beg leave to table a petition, the operative clause reads as follows:

We, the undersigned residents/taxpayers of the Town of Antigonish and the Municipality of the County of Antigonish, were denied meaningful participation prior to our two Councils' October 20, 2022 vote on consolidation of our communities. We demand a pause to the process to allow for residents to vote directly on consolidation and the future of both Antigonish Town and Antigonish County.

Speaker, I have also affixed my signature, as per the Rules of the House of Assembly.

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

ZACH CHURCHILL « » : There are over 4,200 signatories on the petition, and my name is affixed as per the Rules of the House.

THE SPEAKER « » : The petition is out of order, the reason being that you actually have three petitions presenting as one. We have a couple that are presented to the municipality, so there is a difference in them, so unfortunately, we can't table the petitions.

The honourable member for Sydney-Membertou.

HON. DEREK MOMBOURQUETTE « » : I'm looking for clarification on that because he didn't present them as three petitions. I've never heard of that before, so I'm just trying to figure that out.

THE SPEAKER « » : Certainly, just give me one moment.

DEREK MOMBOURQUETTE « » : Yes, thanks.

THE SPEAKER « » : For clarification, the language, once again, can be the same, but what has been presented is three different petitions where you're addressing to no one in one of them, and in two of them, you are addressing to the municipality. Therefore it cannot be tabled.

I hope that helps, and any further information - okay.

The honourable Leader of the Official Opposition.

HON. ZACH CHURCHILL « » : Speaker, I'll try to table one of the versions of this petition.

THE SPEAKER « » : Any petition, as I understand, that is to be tabled in here has to be worded that you are presenting to a minister, to the House of Assembly, or to the Premier. Your petitions - you have one that is not presenting to anyone, and you have two that are actually being presented to the Municipality of Antigonish. Once again, I'm sorry. I wish it was different, but we can't accept the petitions today.

The honourable member for Halifax Chebucto.

GARY BURRILL « » : Speaker, I beg leave to present a petition to the House of Assembly which reads as follows:

Whereas over a quarter of those who are homeless for the first time are over the age of 60; and

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Whereas nearly 6,000 people are on the waitlist for public housing, with an average wait time of 2 years;

Therefore be it resolved that the provincial government ban evictions of seniors whose incomes would qualify them for public housing, until there is a place in public housing for them to go.

This petition is signed by a number of residents of Liverpool Street in the constituency of Halifax Chebucto, and I have signed it also.

THE SPEAKER « » : The petition is tabled.

PRESENTING REPORTS OF COMMITTEES

THE SPEAKER « » : The honourable Minister of Justice.

HON. BRAD JOHNS « » : Speaker, as Chair of the Committee on Law Amendments, I am directed to report that the committee has met and considered the following bill:

Bill No. 404 - Energy Reform (2024) Act.

The committee recommends the bill to the favourable consideration of the House, with certain amendments.

THE SPEAKER « » : Ordered that this bill be referred to the Committee of the Whole House on Bills.

TABLING REPORTS, REGULATIONS AND OTHER PAPERS

THE SPEAKER « » : The honourable Minister of Justice.

HON. BRAD JOHNS « » : Speaker, in my capacity as Attorney General of Nova Scotia, I hereby beg leave to table the Law Foundation of Nova Scotia's Annual Report for 2022-23 and the Minister's Annual Report on Accessibility 2022-23, in accordance with the Accessibility Act.

THE SPEAKER « » : The reports are tabled.

STATEMENTS BY MINISTERS

GOVERNMENT NOTICES OF MOTION

INTRODUCTION OF BILLS

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NOTICES OF MOTION

STATEMENTS BY MEMBERS

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

MACAULAY, AMY: EMBRACE DOULA - THANKS

HON. PATRICIA ARAB « » : Today I rise to recognize Amy MacAulay, owner of Embrace Doula, a dedicated and certified postpartum doula. Amy's passion lies in providing postpartum support to families in Fairview-Clayton Park and across the HRM.

With over a decade of experience, Amy offers her clients not only support, but a wealth of knowledge gained from her extensive training and experience. Since 2008, Amy has guided her clients through the challenges of early parenthood, including sleep deprivation, feeding difficulties, postpartum recovery, and the adjustment to new parenthood.

As a mother of two herself, she understands the importance of having a supportive presence during this transformative journey. Amy leads a team of compassionate postpartum doulas whose approach ensures that each client receives the support they need to navigate their postpartum journey with confidence and ease.

Speaker, at a time when health care services are stretched to their limit, I want to thank Amy MacAulay for her dedication to supporting families navigating their first days at home with their newborns and making their postpartum experience a little less chaotic.

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

MSVU STRIKE: IMPORTANT ISSUES - RECOG.

LISA LACHANCE « » : Speaker, I rise today to acknowledge the important issues that the Mount Saint Vincent University Faculty Association is currently fighting for on strike.

The bargaining goals of the striking union are reasonable, realistic, and necessary: advancement to equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility efforts, enhanced support for academic and professional duties, and fair remuneration for all.

Ensuring better equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility at universities and advanced education centres is essential for a host of reasons. The past exclusion of diverse voices and perspectives has meant that all sectors, from medicine to engineering to arts and culture, have been using incomplete knowledge and experience. Support for diverse scholars will result in support for diverse students.

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I ask all members to recognize that enhancing equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility support in universities will result in better student experiences and better outcomes for all Nova Scotians.

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

WORLD WILDLIFE DAY: CONSERVATION - RECOG.

HON. BRAD JOHNS « » : I rise today to bring awareness to World Wildlife Day, which is observed annually on March 3^rd.

World Wildlife Day advocates for the conservation of endangered species and plants by reminding people of the important contributions these animals make to our daily lives and the health of our planet. Each year on the birthday of CITES - the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Flora and Fauna - we celebrate World Wildlife Day and all it stands for.

In 2020, CITES News published an article stating that Nova Scotia is the home of approximately 28 unique Canadian species, putting an added emphasis on wildlife conservation within our province.

Speaker, I'd like to take this opportunity to bring further awareness to World Wildlife Day and the importance of wildlife conservation.

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

MUSLIM YOUTH COM.: COM. SERV. - RECOG.

RAFAH DICOSTANZO « » : Speaker, I rise today to recognize a group of compassionate youth, some of whom live in my constituency. They spend much of their weeknights, weekends, and holidays showing the true spirit of community and empathy.

Fares Siddiqui, who is with us here in the House, and his friends Ilyas Anini and Sanad Artimy are proud members of the Muslim Youth Community who have dedicated their time and energy to preparing and delivering hot, delicious meals to shelters and, recently, to the homeless who were at the Grand Parade.

Fares is also a Page here at the Legislature. His commitment to community service doesn't stop there, as he is looking at forming a group to work with seniors to improve their quality of life through recreation. As young citizens, they serve as an inspiration to us all.

I ask the House to join me in commending Fares Siddiqui and the Muslim Youth Community for their exemplary service to our community.

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[4:15 p.m.]

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

MSVU STRIKE: ISSUES - RECOG.

GARY BURRILL « » : Speaker, the faculty strike at Mount Saint Vincent University goes into its fourth week today. More than 160 faculty, librarians, and lab instructors at the Mount have been on strike since February 12^th in a dispute which has at its centre the union's demand for a collective agreement that better reflects values of equity, diversity, inclusion, accessibility, and respect.

A fair compensation package is also key. Mount Saint Vincent's faculty is among the lowest-paid in the province, which is particularly troubling in light of the university's history of the advancement of women and the fact that women make up a majority of the bargaining unit in this dispute. A key part of the context of the strike is that since 2018, the university's vice presidents, associate vice presidents, and president have received average raises of 19, 26, and 73 per cent, respectively, while faculty salaries have increased by an average of eight per cent during that same time. It speaks for itself.

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

WINNERS: GIRLS BASKETBALL CH'SHIP - CONGRATS.

JOHN WHITE « » : The Girls AA Middle School Highland Regionals in basketball were played this weekend in Glace Bay. After an amazing year with very few losses, the Oceanview Education Centre Girls AA basketball team are regional champions.

Back in January, this team won the Sergeant James MacNeil Memorial Tournament in another very close game, and the Oceanview Breakers came out on top in the end, defeating the team that they lost to earlier in the tournament. Again this weekend in the regionals, the girls dug deep to face a team that beat them earlier in the tournament, but they came out on top this time again.

Congratulations to the team for their great success this year. They have come a long way and deserve the banner. A special thank you to coaches Kennedy White, Jessica Kelly, and Cassie MacKinnon for guiding the team through a successful year. I ask all members of the Legislature to join me in congratulating the Oceanview Breakers on their successful year.

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

TAYLOR, HARRY &. ALAINE: COM. SERV. - THANKS

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FRED TILLEY « » : Today I rise to recognize, thank, and congratulate Harry and Alaine Taylor, two people who have volunteered their whole lives in the community of Northside-Westmount.

They've been married for 33 years, and they've dedicated all those years to helping others. They're both very active in the Royal Canadian Legion Branch No. 19 in North Sydney. Harry can be seen on the poppy campaign or helping veterans, Alaine working away with the Ladies' Auxiliary in the kitchen.

I wanted to take this opportunity to thank them for their service. They're both involved in many things outside of the Legion too, but in particular, Harry was given the Meritorious Service Award by the Legion, which is the highest medal that can be received by the Legion, and was also Maritimer of the Week in 2015.

Thank you so much for your service, Harry and Alaine, and I wish you all the best.

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

GRANT, JENN: PALESTINIAN RELIEF SONG - THANKS

SUSAN LEBLANC « » : On February 27^th, local songbird Jenn Grant released an anthem that she wrote with her partner, Daniel Ledwell, called "Hello Everyone (Ceasefire Now)." The song, which calls for an immediate and permanent ceasefire in Gaza, features over 35 musicians from across Canada, Ireland, and Australia, along with the voice of Palestinian photojournalist Motaz Azaiza.

The lyrics are haunting but also beautiful, reflecting on some of the horrific images we've seen coming out of Gaza and dreaming of a time in which Palestinian children will be free to dance. It ends with two familiar chants: "No one is free until everyone is free," and "By the tens of millions, we are all Palestinians." All proceeds of the streaming and purchasing of the song go directly to the Palestine Red Cresent Society, adding to the funds that Jenn previously raised from her paintings of several well-known Palestinian journalists.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank Jenn Grant and her collaborators for using music to call for what we all should be calling for: a ceasefire now.

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

FOX, RORY: SWOLE BEARS PROTEIN GUMMIES - RECOG.

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HON. BRIAN WONG « » : Today I would like to recognize an incredible young entrepreneur who is taking Nova Scotia's fitness nutrition world by storm.

Rory Fox, a 15-year-old student at Lockview High School, created Swole Bears protein gummies, which are delicious high-protein treats. He started selling to his friends at school and is now spending his free time creating these gummies for a much wider customer base.

Rory is a bright young man who is doing everything, from the creation to the marketing of Swole Bears. He is even a member of the Fall River Business Association. I was fortunate to meet him at our last networking event and bought a few packets myself. That's why I'm all buffed up.

Speaker, please join me today in recognizing Rory and wishing him all the best with his business.

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

NELSON, MARK: NEW MCDONALD'S REST. - RECOG.

HON. IAIN RANKIN « » : I rise today to recognize Mark Nelson and congratulate him on the grand opening of his new McDonald's restaurant in Timberlea. Talk about being buffed up - I was there a couple of times myself.

Mark and his wife, Samantha, hosted a much-anticipated VIP night last month and invited family, friends, and local business members to celebrate their opening, while welcoming and inviting their guests to enjoy anything offered on the menu.

Mark is a great leader of restaurant management and operations as the franchisee of McDonald's locations on Spring Garden Road, Hammonds Plains, as well as the nostalgic McDonald's restaurant on Quinpool Road that recently marked the end of an era. Mark has extensive hands-on experience in business operations, customer relations, and advice. Although the iconic Quinpool Road is no longer operating, a new McDonald's will be opening next door to the apartment building that's going up.

Mark is looking forward to serving his guests and contributing to the continued growth and development in Timberlea. I'd like the members of the House of Assembly to join me in congratulating Mark as he launches another business venture and wish him success in the Timberlea area.

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

NEW WATERFORD & DIST. RINK: 50TH ANNIV. - CONGRATS.

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KENDRA COOMBES « » : I rise today to acknowledge 50 years of the New Waterford & District Community Centre Rink. On Wednesday, February 14, 2024, the New Waterford & District Community Centre Rink celebrated its 50th anniversary in operation. It holds the distinction of being one of the oldest active arenas in Cape Breton.

The venue first opened on February 14, 1974. In 1987, the rink was the official venue for the speed skating for the Canada Winter Games. It was also home, from 1996 to 2005, to the Cape Breton Alpines, the junior league hockey team, which many of my family quite enjoyed and were sad to see them go.

It's also home to the New Waterford Minor Hockey Association and the New Waterford Skating Club. The rink belongs to the community. It's a community-run rink, community-owned, and it is enjoyed by many people in the community, and it's been one of the first places many people learned to skate.

THE SPEAKER « » : The honourable member for Shelburne.

BUCHANAN, SHAWN: FIRE RESCUE - RECOG.

NOLAN YOUNG « » : Thank you, Speaker. I rise today with great pleasure to recognize a local hero, Shawn Buchanan.

Early on the morning of April 13, 2023, on his way to work, Shawn realized that a house he was passing was on fire. Shawn quickly turned his vehicle around, driving back to the house, blowing his horn, and then jumping out and yelling to a sleeping family of six to get them up and get them out of the house. Although the house was lost, due to Shawn's quick thinking and actions, the family members were saved.

Not all heroes wear capes. Some, thankfully, are just on their way to work. Thank you, Shawn.

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

BEDFORD FERRY: 2^ND PHASE ANNOUNCED - RECOG.

HON. KELLY REGAN « » : I just wanted to talk today about what a wonderful day it was in Bedford. It's always a wonderful day in Bedford. It's often sunnier in Bedford, and it's often warmer in Bedford, but today it was a particularly good day. Well, it would have been better if I'd been able to announce it myself, but I got to announce the first phase of the Bedford ferry, and today we saw the second phase get announced. We had significant funding from this province, the municipality, and especially the federal government - $155.686 million from the feds, $65 million from the province, and then almost $39 million from HRM.

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Thank you to all levels of government, all people involved. Five high-speed ferries, two new terminals. I want to thank my colleagues on all sides of the House, as well as my councillor, Tim Outhit, and all of the MPs who were involved in that over the years.

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

WONNACOTT, JOHN: SABLE ISLAND GOLD BK. - CONGRATS.

LISA LACHANCE « » : Speaker, sometimes it's hard to get to really know a part of your constituency, especially when it's in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean. Sable Island is seldom visited and maintains a special air of mystery. One of my constituents, John Wonnacott, is working on a novel that features it prominently, Sable Island Gold.

This novel tells the story of a young Canadian engineer who thinks of a way to safely salvage Central American gold from a 19^th Century Spanish shipwreck that actually did happen on the shores of Sable Island. Our protagonist's plans become more complicated when he falls in love with a teacher from Guatemala to whose ancestors the treasure rightfully belongs. John will publish Sable Island Gold later this year, and I await it with great anticipation.

I ask the House to join me in congratulating John Wonnacott for his storytelling on one of the most unique parts of Nova Scotia.

THE SPEAKER « » : The honourable member for Preston.

DOWNEY-BEALS, CAROLETTA: DEATH OF - TRIBUTE

HON. TWILA GROSSE « » : Speaker, I rise today to honor Caroletta Downey-Beals, a daughter, a friend, a wife, a mother, and a grandmother, who passed away on January 18, 2024. Caroletta was born and raised in Toronto. She studied at the Ontario College of Art & Design, University of Guelph, and the Nova Scotia Community College.

Caroletta was an incredible artist, making beautiful mixed media artwork. Upon moving to Nova Scotia, she was employed at the Kiwanis Boys and Girls Club, followed by Nova Scotia College of Art and Design, Dalhousie University, and the Halifax Regional Centre for Education. Caroletta had a passion for music: She sang in her church choir in North Preston and also served as a member and Director of the Nova Scotia Mass Choir.

I ask all members of the Nova Scotia Legislature to please join me in remembering this incredibly gifted and compassionate individual.

THE SPEAKER « » : The honourable member for Yarmouth.

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HON. ZACH CHURCHILL « » : Speaker, I beg leave to make an introduction before I read my member's statement.

THE SPEAKER « » : Please do.

ZACH CHURCHILL « » : Earlier today, we were joined by Jack Sullivan, Terry Penny, Anne-Marie Long, Sarah MacKeigan, Alicia Vink, Jeanette Benoit, Councillor Sean Cameron, Councillor Diane Roberts, and Coline Morrow. They were here representing individuals from the Let Antigonish Decide group that presented at Law Amendments Committee and came to see the petition tabled tonight.

THE SPEAKER « » : The honourable member for Yarmouth.

TEAM N.S.: SPECIAL OLYMPICS PERF. - CONGRATS.

HON. ZACH CHURCHILL « » : Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Team Nova Scotia on their successful trip to Calgary to compete in the 2024 Special Olympics Canada Winter Games. The team arrived home this morning with 27 medals in total: seven gold, 12 silver, and eight bronze. Special Olympics Nova Scotia sent a team of 45 athletes across several sports, including skating, snowshoeing, floor hockey, figure skating, curling, cross-country skiing, alpine skiing, and five-pin bowling.

The athletes were supported by 24 staff members, the majority of whom are volunteers. Team Nova Scotia competed at the games with the goal of achieving personal bests and in some cases, the opportunity to be named to the Special Olympics Team Canada for the next Winter World Games.

Without a doubt, the team competed with the Special Olympics oath in mind: "Let me win, but if I cannot win, let me be brave in the attempt."

I want to congratulate all the athletes, volunteers, coaches, organizers, and fundraisers for making this possible for our incredible Special Olympians.

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

DAVIDSON, LT. COL. PETER: MEDALS RECIP. - CONGRATS.

ELIZABETH SMITH-MCCROSSIN « » : Speaker, today I rise to congratulate Lieutenant Colonel Peter Davidson of Amherst, who was recently presented with two medals by Governor General Mary Simon at a ceremony at Rideau Hall in Ottawa.

Lieutenant Colonel Davidson served a total of 30 months in the Middle East, including two tours of duty in Iraq. For his service, he was awarded the Service Cross and the Meritorious Service Medal.

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I would ask my fellow members to join me in congratulating Lieutenant Colonel Davidson on receiving these well-deserved awards and thank him for his service to our country.

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

[4:30 p.m.]

BARRON, ELLA: 100TH BIRTHDAY - BEST WISHES

HON. KEITH BAIN « » : Speaker, on January 3^rd, I had the pleasure to join Deputy Warden and Councillor Larry Dauphinee at Highland Manor to present 100^th birthday certificates to Ella Barron, a resident of the home. Ella also known as Cornelia Aletta Anna Iske, was born in Amsterdam on December 12, 1923.

Alex Barron fought in the liberation of Holland, where he met Ella Iske at a dance in Amsterdam, and they fell in love and married. Ella was one of the 48,000 war brides to arrive at Pier 22 in Halifax, and she arrived in Ingonish on June 16, 1946.

She married Alex, who was from Ingonish, and jokingly remarked that she was married three times to the same person. She and Alex raised a family of ten. She continued to live in Ingonish until 2019. and is presently a resident of Highland Manor in Neil's Harbour.

I ask all members of the House of Assembly to please join me in a heartfelt congratulations to Ella Barron, who celebrated her 100^th birthday on December 12^th, and thank her for continuing to share her knowledge of history with us and her community.

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

C.B. CANCER CTR.: SUPPORT TO FAMILIES - RECOG.

HON. DEREK MOMBOURQUETTE « » : Speaker, I rise in my place today to recognize everyone at the Cape Breton Cancer Centre at home who looked after my mother for the last six months. She finishes radiation this week. (Applause)

I didn't think I would get emotional about it. The support the Cancer Centre provides to families is world-class. It's great that Mom is getting through that journey. I know she misses the girls. We sure missed her. I love you, Mom. (Applause)

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

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BLACK PT. & AREA COM. CTR.: EVENTS - RECOG.

DANIELLE BARKHOUSE: Speaker, I rise today to recognize Black Point and Area Community Centre. This not-for-profit is run by members of communities and is regularly used for many types of events.

This community centre boasts a large, bright space with high ceilings, a stage, and full commercial kitchen space. The types of events hosted here include fundraisers, weddings, parties, meetings, classes, workshops, health centres, and COVID testing.

Currently they run pickleball on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays at $2 a pop. They frequently host indoor walking through the colder months. Don't forget the amazing hip of beef dinner, which is always popular.

I would like to ask members of the Legislature to join me in recognizing the Black Point and Area Community Centre, and thanking the community volunteers who make it so successful.

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

CAMPAIGN FOR KIDS: BURGER FUNDRAISER - THANKS

HON. KEITH IRVING « » : Speaker, every April since 2016, a Kings County charity, Campaign for Kids, invites restaurants in the Valley to participate in a burger frenzy to determine who has the best burger in town. Restaurants put a feature burger on the menu for the month, and local burger lovers rate every burger they eat. One dollar from every burger sold is donated to the Campaign for Kids, which helps financially disadvantaged children and youth.

I am proud to report that two restaurants in Kings South won this year's People's Choice Award. Longfellow Restaurant in Grand-Pré won with the Double Rib Coaltrain Burger and the runner-up prize went to the Old Orchard Inn in Greenwich for their Golden Delicious burger. The ultimate winners in this challenge are the children and youth supported by the Campaign for Kids that raised $15,000 in this year's Burger War.

I ask all members of the House of Assembly to join me in thanking the volunteers behind Campaign for Kids for the charitable work they do for children and youth in our communities. I congratulate Longfellow Restaurant and the Old Orchard Inn on their delicious wins.

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

CHRIST CHURCH ANGLICAN: 200^TH ANNIV. - CONGRATS.

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ELIZABETH SMITH-MCCROSSIN « » : Speaker, I rise to celebrate a significant milestone in our community's history: the 200^th anniversary of Christ Church Anglican in Amherst. They had a special celebration from September 29 to October 1, 2023. For two centuries, this cherished building and church has been a pillar of faith, community, and service. Christ Church Anglican's steadfast commitment to spiritual guidance, outreach, and inclusivity has enriched the lives of countless individuals and families throughout the community. Their enduring presence has been a source of strength and inspiration, embodying the values of compassion, fellowship, and goodwill.

As we mark this momentous occasion here in the Legislature, let us extend our heartfelt congratulations to Christ Church Anglican and its congregation. May their legacy of faith, hope and love continue to shine brightly for generations to come. Two hundred years is something to honour.

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

BERKMAN, LISA: TEACHING DEDICATION - THANKS

HON. BARBARA ADAMS « » : Speaker, I rise today to bring recognition to Lisa Berkman for sharing her kindness and compassion with the staff and students at South Woodside Elementary School. Lisa is a child and youth practitioner who has been going above and beyond in her job for the past two years.

Lisa is phenomenal at supporting the social and emotional needs of our students. She recognizes that these needs are essential for success within the classroom, and also in life. Lisa works with small groups inside and outside the classroom, and strives to obtain the best outcomes for every child.

I ask all members of the Nova Scotia Legislature to join me in thanking Lisa for her continued passion, hard work, and dedication to the students and staff at South Woodside Elementary School.

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

MINKUS, JANINA: JANINA'S CAFÉ - RECOG.

HON. PATRICIA ARAB « » : Speaker, as Women's History Month continues, I rise today to applaud and highlight Janina Minkus, a culinary artisan and entrepreneur. Hailing from Kaliszany, Poland, Janina's passion for cooking was instilled in her from a young age by her mother. Mastering the art of Polish cuisine from perogies to cakes, Janina's culinary prowess soon gained recognition among friends and acquaintances.

In 1994, she took a leap of faith and began selling her homemade goodies at the Brewery Market, under the banner Sweets & Herrings. In 2009, she opened what is now known as Janina's Café, famous for its Polish and homestyle cuisine. While her daughter Anna oversees the business, Janina's culinary expertise continues to shine in the kitchen, ensuring that every dish served is made with love and authenticity.

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Over the last 15 years, Janina's Café has transformed into a thriving business that is a cornerstone of the community. Let us applaud Janina Minkus and all women entrepreneurs whose inspiring journeys shape our society and drive positive change.

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

NATIONAL SONS DAY: VALUE - RECOG.

SUZY HANSEN « » : I rise today to recognize March 4^th as National Sons Day. Speaker, they may be mischievous at times, but their love, laughter, and boundless energy make every day an adventure.

Sons are amazing gifts in life. To experience holding them as babies, raising them up, and teaching them to be respectful and lovable young men is an honour and privilege that we as parents have.

All of us can certainly celebrate this day, because this day celebrates the little boys of this world who have grown up to become amazing men. I would like all members of this House to join me in recognizing today, March 4^th, as National Sons Day.

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

MILLS, BILL: TRURO MAYOR'S 36^TH ANNIV. - CONGRATS.

DAVE RITCEY « » : Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Mayor Bill Mills on his remarkable 36-year milestone with the Town of Truro. Mayor Mills's enduring dedication, steadfast leadership, and unwavering commitment have left an incredible mark on our community. Throughout his tenure, he has tirelessly worked to enhance the quality of life for residents, promote economic growth, and foster a spirit of unity and co-operation. His passion for Truro and its people has been evident over the years.

We extend our deepest gratitude to Mayor Mills for his decades of service and leadership, and we look forward to many more years of his contributions to our town's success and prosperity.

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

BEDFORD FERRY PROJECT: IMPORTANCE - RECOG.

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BRAEDON CLARK « » : Speaker, I grew up in Bedford. I lived there for the vast majority of my life, so the first time I heard about the Bedford ferry idea I was 5 or 10 years old, I think. It's been around a long time. Needless to say, today's announcement was really a long time coming. I know many members from all sides of the House were there today.

It's a transformational project for Bedford. It's going to make a huge difference in my community of Bedford South through to Sackville, Hammonds Plains, Clayton Park and beyond. I think the thing that stood out to me, being there today, was that governments, when they work together and put aside petty politics and disagreements, can still get some pretty big things done.

That was an exciting thing to see today. I hope that's a lesson for future projects as well. A great day today for Bedford and for all Nova Scotia.

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

ATARAXY FARM: AWD. RECIP. - CONGRATS.

HON. KENT SMITH « » : Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Ataraxy Farm in Lawrencetown for winning the 2024 Canadian Choice Award in the Mental Health Therapy Farm category.

Owners Blair and Kim Davis started their therapy farm in 2013 to help Blair manage his PTSD following his military service in Bosnia. In 2021, they opened to the public, and the farm has grown to include a variety of therapy animals such as horses, donkeys, mules, goats, and chickens.

The couple offers free farm tours to make their services accessible to anyone struggling with mental health issues. Their farm receives many visitors seeking the comfort and companionship of their therapy animals, including many injured veterans, clients of the Dartmouth Adult Services Centre, and members of the Eastern Shore Mental Health Association.

Additionally, the farm operates as a dairy goat farm. The goats are milked by hand daily, with a variety of skin and hair care products crafted from the milk. One hundred per cent of the sales from their products go back into the farm and towards caring for the animals.

I ask all members of the Assembly to join me in recognizing Blair and Kim, along with their farm staff and volunteers, for their exceptional efforts in providing award-winning mental health therapy.

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

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VOLUNTEERS: SNOWSTORM RELIEF - THANKS

HON. BEN JESSOME « » : In late January and early in the month of February, Nova Scotia was hit with some once- or twice-in-a-lifetime snowstorms.

I just want to take this opportunity to say thank you to the volunteers who were in Cape Breton in particular, representing Team Rubicon, who went up there to do whatever they could to support what was a difficult situation.

They were out helping people go through their homes after our community was hit with fires last year. I met a number of them from across the country, and I know that communities value their presence through difficult times. Just a quick shout-out to the folks and volunteers at Team Rubicon for doing their thing again.

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

SAMBRO DINNER THEATRE: NEW PROD. - CONGRATS.

HON. BRENDAN MAGUIRE « » : This year will be the 22^nd Annual Sambro Dinner Theatre. This year's play is The Silence of the Lobsters.

In the sleepy little village of Sambro, the lobsters have vanished, leaving local fishermen puzzled and their bank accounts drained. A mystery for the ages, Speaker.

I want to congratulate Izzy Lang, Mya Lang, Langley Tibbo, Elizabeth Pickart, Jennifer Matthews, Bill Stewart, Pat Thomas, Issac Crossman, Barry Pike, Brad Lowes, Sara Scarfe, Ray Laing, Crystal Gilkie, Alicia Getz, Cathie Garrison, Greg Potter, and Gemma Vale. Here's to a successful run.

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

HARDISTY BREWING CO.: NEW TAPROOM - CONGRATS.

Laura and Charlène produce their own take on a variety of beer styles: pale ale, lager, porter, IPA and stout, with names like Block Party Smash to a brew bearing Sidney Crosby and Nathan MacKinnon's numbers, 87-29. They also offer non-alcoholic beverages and local charcuterie boards.

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Growing a hobby into a business was the natural evolution of Charlène's passion, and I applaud Laura and Charlène for taking this huge step. Please join me in congratulating them and wishing them many years of success.

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

[4:45 p.m.]

LILY NAILS SALON: BUS. SUCCESS - CONGRATS.

HON. JILL BALSER « » : Today I rise to recognize Lily Nails Salon. Lily Nails is a professional and friendly nail salon located in Cornwallis Park.

I first met Nhung, the owner of the salon, in 2014 when I started working at the Fundy YMCA as the YReach Settlement staff member.

Nhung, who immigrated from Vietnam with her son and her husband, had recently moved to Cornwallis Park. In the years of getting to know Nhung, I have learned that she is a passionate gardener and a very caring person. The number of times that she fed me Vietnamese sweets and soups are too many to count.

When Nhung told me that her dream was to open a nail salon in her home, we got to work right away to make it happen. Nhung studied and practiced for her exams with the Cosmetology Association, and in 2016 she opened her dream salon.

During this time, as Nhung perfected her skills, my nails never looked better. I would like to congratulate Nhung on all of her achievements since opening her salon. Her dedication and perseverance are an inspiration to so many, including her friends, family, and clients.

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

LEASEFRIENDLY APP: DEVT. - CONGRATS.

RAFAH DICOSTANZO « » : Speaker, I rise today to recognize three young entrepreneurs from my area: Elio, Elsey, and Mary Ellen Makhlouf. They have created an app called LeaseFriendly. The app is to help tenants, renters, and small-scale landlords to navigate through the renter-landlord relationship and try to improve outcomes.

The app helps all move through legal issues by means of the Residential Tenancies Act, provides connections to services like insurance, and also provides rent payment options. It will allow renters to enter maintenance issues and landlords to respond. I am so excited to see their idea come to life, as the need for this app now is very timely given the current housing crisis.

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I ask the House to join me in celebrating the entrepreneurial spirit of our youth in solving today's issues with concrete solutions. I can't wait for the launch of this LeaseFriendly app late this Spring.

THE SPEAKER « » : The honourable member for Antigonish.

NEARY, SHAUNA: PWHL REFEREE - CONGRATS.

HON. MICHELLE THOMPSON « » : I rise today to congratulate Antigonish's Shauna Neary who along with Nova Scotia's Sophie Thomson have officiated two games in the newly formed Professional Women's Hockey League, with hopes of regular assignments.

Shauna hails from Fairmont and is the daughter of Paddy and Eileen Neary. Shauna started off as a competitive hockey player and played goalie for Mount Allison University. After her playing career, she coached and then moved into officiating. She has 14 years of experience refereeing at Junior A and Junior B levels, AUS women's games, and at international events.

In 2021, she was awarded the Hockey Canada Officiating Program Branch Award entitled Most Deserving. In 2022, Hockey Nova Scotia announced that Shauna was the recipient of the 2022 Hal Lewis Award. This award recognizes the province's Official of the Year.

I ask all members of this House to congratulate Shauna on this prestigious refereeing assignment. We're very proud of you, Shauna.

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

CHISHOLM, MICHAEL: SCOUTING SVC. AWD. - CONGRATS.

HON. IAIN RANKIN « » : I rise to recognize Michael Chisholm of Upper Tantallon for his dedication and service as a group commissioner and scouter for the 1st Five Island Lake Scouts group. Mike has been involved in Scouting for over 20 years and has received several Scouts Canada awards for outstanding service, including the Medal for Good Service and the Bar to the Medal for Good Service awards. These service awards are given to Scouters who exceed the requirements and expectations of their position or role and positively impact the youth and adult members of their Scouting group.

By providing safe and fun opportunities for youth to take part in new and challenging activities that engender a sense of belonging, self-worth and community, leaders contribute to the growth and development of other Scouters through mentoring and coaching, guiding them to become valuable contributors to their community.

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I'd like the members of the House of Assembly to join me in thanking Michael for his volunteer work and to acknowledge the essential role volunteers play in our community.

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

COACHES: GIRLS BASKETBALL EVENT - THANKS

SUZY HANSEN « » : I rise today to recognize the Community YMCA Panthers U10 girls team. My daughter plays on that team. They played all weekend at the Jamboree: Friday, Saturday, and two games on Sunday. Even though it took up all my time all weekend, and I was the Uber for the kids, I too had a ball cheering for our team and all of the great plays and shots taken by all the players.

What an experience: the teams, camaraderie, and brunch laughs, to a final game played that was super-exciting. It truly was a nail-biter. Even though there was no score posted, the girls played with heart and effort and never gave up, still smiling at the end of it all.

I'd like to thank Coach Young, Coach Swinamer, and Coach Lucas for their patience and energy, for all their time and love for the girls and the game. Go Panthers go.

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

SACK. BUS. ASSOC.: SACK. SNOW DAYS FEST. - CONGRATS.

HON. STEVE CRAIG « » : Today I rise to congratulate the Sackville Business Association and the organizing team of the Sackville Snow Days Festival.

The 10^th Annual Sackville Snow Days Festival was held from February 16^th to 19^th, and once again this year, the team was able to bring the community together to celebrate and bring fun to the full Winter season that we are experiencing, and this year we did have snow.

There was something for everyone: fireworks, skating, sledding, snowshoeing, curling, live music, pancakes, movies on the big screen, cookie decorating, paint night, and even butter-making.

Speaker, I would like to ask that all members of the House of Assembly join me in congratulating the Sackville Business Association, community organizations, businesses, volunteers, sponsors, and yes, the residents who support the Sackville Snow Days festival every year. Without their commitment and hard work, this Winter fun weekend would not have been possible.

[Page 7745]

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

NEW DEAL DEVT.: HOUSING PROJECTS - THANKS

FRED TILLEY « » : Speaker, we all know the issues around housing in our communities, but I want to take a moment to commend an organization called New Deal Development, which is doing a wonderful job providing housing for seniors in our community. They saw the need, they created the plan, they found the funding, and, after Christmas, 22 new people moved into their facility in Sydney Mines on Pitt Street. It's a beautiful facility. In total, they have more than 40 residents living in two buildings, and I don't think they're finished yet. We hope they continue to look after the seniors in our community.

Thank you to Dave Julian, president of New Deal, and his amazing board for all their success.

THE SPEAKER « » : The honourable member for Queens.

INGLIS, SUSAN: COACHING AWD. RECIP. - CONGRATS.

HON. KIM MASLAND « » : Speaker, I rise today to applaud and congratulate Susan Inglis from Liverpool. Susan is the recipient of the Coach of the Year Award for Queens-Lunenburg Counties for the amazing work she does with local athletes who compete in Special Olympics Nova Scotia. In the Summer she coaches athletics, and in the Winter she coaches snowshoeing.

This well-deserved award recognizes Susan's nine years of volunteering with Special Olympics as a coach and board member. A very humble person who receives great joy from what she does, she is a firm favourite with all the athletes she works with. She selflessly invests a great deal of time and effort in supporting them in any way necessary.

It gives me immense pride and pleasure to recognize her achievements here today. Thank you, Coach Inglis, for your tireless efforts and commitments to your athletes.

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

SILKEN LINGERIE: COM. SERV. - RECOG.

HON. KELLY REGAN « » : Today is a big day for Bedford small business Silken Lingerie. Today they've opened their expanded store in Sunnyside Mall. Silken Swim has everything you want for the beach, pool, or resort. Owner Adele Hallal took over the business a few years ago and has now expanded it, more than doubling her space.

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In addition to carrying everything from hats to swimsuits to resort-wear in the new store, Adele and her team at Silken Lingerie are certified bra fitters, and they specialize in post-mastectomy fittings. In fact, Adele regularly raises money to benefit breast cancer survivors. Recently, her customers helped her raise enough money to provide 200 post-surgical temporary prostheses - called puffs - to breast cancer surgery recipients, and Adele matched their contributions for a total of 400 puffs. Adele also regularly ensures that her suppliers send donations of undergarments to local women's shelters.

Speaker, you'll understand why Adele is such an important part of our community and why I am so delighted to see her latest business venture. I wish her every success.

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

DONALDSON, RALPH: 90^TH BIRTHDAY - BEST WISHES

JOHN A. MACDONALD: Speaker, on this day in 1934, Ralph Donaldson was born. On Saturday, March 2^nd, he was surrounded by family and friends at the Enfield Legion, celebrating his birthday. I'd like all the members of the House to please join me in wishing Ralph Donaldson a happy 90^th birthday. Happy birthday, Ralph.

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

LOAVES AND FISHES: COM. SERV. - RECOG.

HON. DEREK MOMBOURQUETTE « » : Speaker, I rise in my place to recognize Loaves and Fishes in Sydney, which many folks will have heard about here. Loaves and Fishes has been around since 1981. They provide meals and support to many of the residents in Sydney who need support the most. They've also been feeding a lot of students who have come into the community as well. They've seen their numbers double in the last number of years.

I do want to recognize my friend and the general manager, Marco Amati, the board, and all of the volunteers who every day are serving hundreds of meals in the greater Sydney area. They've been doing it now for decades, and they're such a wonderful asset to our community, so I rise in my place to recognize Marco, his team, and all the staff at Loaves and Fishes who do their very best and do an amazing job of supporting some of our most vulnerable in the CBRM.

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

PARTICIPANTS: ALTAMATE GYMNASTICS COMP. - RECOG.

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HON. TIMOTHY HALMAN « » : Yesterday I had the opportunity to witness incredible displays of athleticism at the ALTAmate Gymnastics Competition in Halifax. Speaker, you had teams from all over the Maritimes participate in this display of incredible gymnastic skill. You had folks from Pictou County, you had a team from Saint John, New Brunswick, you had a team from Cape Breton, and Speaker, you had the Dartmouth Titans.

The Dartmouth Titans Gymnastic and Trampoline Club brought home a lot of medals, and they brought home a lot of accolades. I want to take a moment and thank all the incredible gymnasts who participated in this and give a shout-out to the coaching staff under Susie Gallagher and all the amazing coaches. And a shout-out to Dartmouth's Ella Halman, who came in first on the bars and third overall. Ella, Dad is very proud of you. Je t'aime.

THE SPEAKER « » : The honourable member for Argyle.

WEST PUBNICO RESIDENTS: SENIOR RESCUE - THANKS

HON. COLTON LEBLANC « » : I rise today to recognize three young men from West Pubnico: Connor Pothier, Dylan d'Entremont, and Maxime d'Entremont.

While out for a drive in the community, something caught their attention on the side of the road. The three turned around to find a 99-year-old injured lady lying on the ground. The woman had wandered from her home after dark and suffered a fall. After making sure she was okay, they managed to get her inside, and she was later transported to the hospital for care.

I want to ask all members of the House to join me in thanking Connor, Dylan, and Maxime for their act of kindness. These three young men were definitely heroes that night. Our province is a better place because of people like them.

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

PARKER, PAULINE: COM. SERV. - THANKS

HON. GREG MORROW « » : I rise to recognize Pauline Parker of Canso for her years of volunteering at the Shamrock Seniors Club. For more than 16 years, Pauline has been president of the club, and volunteered her time to keep it going alongside a team of others on the executive. Recently, she has stepped down from her role to focus on spending more time with her family.

Shamrock Seniors Club hosts bingos, card plays, dinners, music nights, and other events under Pauline's direction, and has also served as a polling station for many elections. Pauline has worked hard to apply for funding for repairs and upgrades to the facility, and advocates for this club wholeheartedly. Her life has become very dedicated to her volunteering, and she can always count on her husband, Bill, for support along the way.

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Pauline's leadership skills have certainly set an example for the remaining volunteers and the next generation coming up. Speaker, I ask the House to please join me in applause and gratitude for Pauline Parker for her years as the president of the Shamrock Seniors Club, and wish her, Bill, and her family all the best in her new adventure back to Pauline's homeland of England.

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

BARNETT, JOANNE/REID, A.J.: COM. SERV. - THANKS

MELISSA SHEEHY-RICHARD « » : Although Joanne Barnett and A.J. Reid are relatively new to the area, they certainly have big Hants County hearts. They are the owners and operators of Walkers Restaurant and Magic Pizza Windsor, but that's not all they do.

From first meeting them in the fall of 2022, I saw first-hand the hand-up they offer anyone in need in our community, from offering a safe and inclusive place to work to community fundraisers and everything in between.

They provide affordable or free Christmas dinners on Christmas Day, involve youth in their catering business, and hosted a first annual Canada Day celebration last year. Most recently, they hosted the hope for the unhoused fundraiser out of their restaurant space, which raised just over $2,000. Their offers to help are endless, and they certainly do not wait around to be asked.

Speaker, community-minded individuals like Jo and A.J. are true grassroot leaders. I want to thank them for all they do, and for acting with their big hearts.

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

CLARK-ETTINGER, MARTY: PASTORAL CARE - RECOG.

TOM TAGGART « » : I rise to recognize the religious minister Marty Clark-Ettinger. Marty has undertaken the responsibility of leading worship, providing pastoral care, conducting funerals, and officiating weddings for four churches along our shore. These churches in Five Islands, Economy, Bass River, and Masstown all benefit from Marty's organizational skills, which have enabled him to conduct services on a rotational basis.

Speaker, it takes a very creative and community-minded individual to unite four churches, each with its own unique needs and concerns. I would like to commend Marty for his unwavering commitment to the people along the shore.

[5:00 p.m.]

[Page 7749]

THE SPEAKER « » : Order. The honourable Government House Leader.

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

THE SPEAKER « » : The motion is to resolve into Committee of the Whole on Supply.

The motion is carried.

As you know, we will briefly take an approximately 15-minute recess. Just a reminder that due to the flood in the Committee Room last week, the Subcommittee on Supply did not meet on Friday.

Tonight, while the House is resolving itself into a Committee of the Whole House on Supply, the Committee of the Whole will not actually be called to order.

The Subcommittee on Supply will proceed in the Red Chamber and after reporting back this evening, we expect to have a full four hours completed in both Committee of the Whole and Subcommittee.

Also, because the Committee of the Whole will not be called to order, the Subcommittee will be broadcast on Legislative Television and streamed on the primary feed, which is here in the Chamber, instead of the secondary feed, so those of you who are over there, enjoy the spotlight.

[5:20 p.m. The House resolved itself into a CW on Supply with Deputy Speaker Danielle Barkhouse in the Chair.]

[9:27 p.m. The Subcommittee of the Whole on Supply rose and the House reconvened with Deputy Speaker Nolan Young in the Chair.]

THE SPEAKER « » : Order. The Chair of the Subcommittee of the Whole on Supply reports:

THE CLERK » : That the Subcommittee of the Whole on Supply has met and made progress and begs leave to sit again.

The honourable Deputy Government House Leader.

JOHN WHITE « » : That concludes government business for the day. I move that the House do now rise to meet again on Tuesday, March 5^th between the hours of 1:00 p.m. and 9:00 p.m. Following daily routine and question period, government business will include Committee of the Whole House on Supply and, if time permits, Committee of the Whole on Bill No. 404.

THE SPEAKER « » : The motion is that we now rise and meet again tomorrow between the hours of 1:00 p.m. and 9:00 p.m.

All those in favour? Contrary minded? Thank you.

The motion is carried.

We stand adjourned.

[The House rose at 9:28 p.m.]

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