[Page 1964]

HALIFAX, MONDAY, OCTOBER 1, 2025

Sixty-fifth General Assembly

First Session

1:00 P.M.

SPEAKER

Hon. Danielle Barkhouse

DEPUTY SPEAKERS

John White, Marco MacLeod, Tom Taggart

THE SPEAKER « » : Today's version, and going forward, the version of "O Canada" will be instrumental by our very own Stadacona Band. We have received licence for that, and we thought it only fitting that it be a Nova Scotian band. I ask that all members rise for the playing of "O Canada," and the gallery if able.

[The national anthem was played.]

THE SPEAKER « » : Order. The topic for the late debate for October 1, 2025 was submitted by the member for Halifax Citadel-Sable Island, and reads as follows:

Therefore, be it resolved that this government must recognize and put an end to the abuse of fixed-term leases in this province.

We will begin the daily routine.

PRESENTING AND READING PETITIONS

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

KENDRA COOMBES « » : Speaker, I have a petition here for the Nova Scotia Government to stop the tonal noise from the Donkin coal mine, the operative clause reading:

We, the undersigned residents and concerned citizens of Nova Scotia, call upon the Department of Environment & Climate Change to take immediate action to stop the tonal noise coming from the Donkin Mine. We urge the Department to conduct an honest and accurate assessment of the noise impacts and to take all necessary steps to eliminate the harmful noise without further delay.

[Page 1965]

Speaker, there are 358 signatures, and I have attached my own as per the Rules of the House.

THE SPEAKER « » : The petition is tabled.

The honourable member for Sackville-Cobequid.

PAUL WOZNEY « » : I beg leave to table a petition, the operative clause of which reads:

Whereas the Cobequid Community Health Centre is facing record breaking overcapacity; and

Whereas the Government of Nova Scotia has still failed to deliver on the expansion of services they committed to in 2022; and

Whereas the people of Sackville have a right to quality health care, where and when they need it;

Therefore we, the undersigned, call on the Government to immediately expand capacity of the health centre to meet the needs of patients in the Sackville area.

Speaker, 427 Nova Scotians have affixed their signatures to the petition and I have also affixed my own, in accordance with the Rules of the House.

THE SPEAKER « » : The petition is tabled.

PRESENTING REPORTS OF COMMITTEES

TABLING REPORTS, REGULATIONS AND OTHER PAPERS

THE SPEAKER « » : The honourable Minister of Justice.

HON. BECKY DRUHAN « » : Speaker, I beg leave of two things; first, to table the 2024-2025 annual report of the Law Foundation of Nova Scotia. I beg leave to revert to Presenting Reports of Committees.

THE SPEAKER « » : The report is tabled.

[Page 1966]

Do I have consent to revert to Presenting Reports of Committees?

Is it agreed?

It is agreed.

[PRESENTING REPORTS OF COMMITTEES]

THE SPEAKER « » : The honourable Minister of Justice.

HON. BECKY DRUHAN « » : As Chair of the Committee on Public Bills, I am directed to report that the committee has met and considered the following bills:

Bill No. 149 - Powering the Offshore Act.

Bill No. 150 - Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act.

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

[TABLING REPORTS, REGULATIONS AND OTHER PAPERS]

THE SPEAKER « » : As Speaker of the Nova Scotia House of Assembly, and pursuant to Section 163 of the Elections Act, I am pleased to table Election Nova Scotia's Statement of Votes and Statistics: 42^nd Provincial General Election, November 26, 2024, and the Report on the Conduct of the November 26, 2024, Provincial General Election and Recommendations for Legislative Change:42^nd Provincial General Election, November 26, 2024.

Pursuant to Section 18(4) of the Auditor General Act, I am tabling the following reports of the Auditor General to the Nova Scotia House of Assembly: Follow-up of 2020, 2021, and 2022 Performance Audit Recommendations, School Capital Planning: Department of Education and Early Childhood Development, and Planning and Acquiring Nursing Home Beds.

The reports are tabled.

STATEMENTS BY MINISTERS

THE SPEAKER « » : The honourable Minister responsible for the Office of Addictions and Mental Health.

HON. BRIAN COMER « » : With a heavy heart, I rise today to acknowledge my good friend and former Speaker of the House, Alfie MacLeod. It's been a tough few months for Alfie, Shirley, Jessica, Sandra, Daniel, and their six beautiful grandchildren. He was a fighter right until the end.

[Page 1967]

I'm certainly thinking of him a lot today for what he's done for me and my own family. My first statement in the House back in 2019 was for Alfie, acknowledging the work he did as MLA and the tremendous job he did for folks across Cape Breton, not just as a politician. I think he was on about 25 different boards at one point in time: for pediatric oncology, with Caleb's Courage, from food banks to housing to the wildlife park. You could not list them all today.

He's been a huge mentor to me in public service. Certainly, coming from health care, I had no idea what I was doing, getting into this initially. I'm so thankful for his late-night phone calls, conversations, and support to me and Jen over the years.

He's been a member of the PC Party for 50 years. I was able to present him with recognition last winter at our EDA. He gave a riveting speech at our AGM last year, introducing the Premier and getting everyone riled up, as Alfie would often say.

It's just really difficult to put into words what he's done for Cape Breton. It feels like there's a huge hole right now across Cape Breton, to be honest. It's really tough. I'm thinking of Shirley and the whole family today. You're in our thoughts and in our prayers.

I will share just a bit of a funny story about Alfie. He was heavily involved in my three provincial elections. The most recent election, he was my driver in a lot of the rural parts of the constituency - no cell service and really long driveways - lots of time to talk. He pulled in a long driveway in Grand Mira North, a very beautiful rural part of my constituency. I get out, walk up to the door, and talk to the constituent. Of course, she peeks out and sees Alfie. She knows him. She's helped him with something in the past. She gives a little wave. Alfie puts down the window, and she says she baked some chocolate chip cookies. "Would you like a cookie?" He says, "One would be good. Twelve would be better." (Laughter) Next thing I know, we're heading back to Sydney River with about two dozen cookies. Not many of them made the drive back, that's for sure.

It was a great privilege to get to see Alfie on Friday night with my wife to have one last conversation. His first question was, "How are Jen and the kids?" The second question was, "What's going on in the House?" This was Friday night.

I feel very blessed to have gotten to know Alfie. We're certainly thinking of Shirley and the entire family. Cape Breton has a huge hole. He was truly a giant in Cape Breton and in Nova Scotia.

[1:15 p.m.]

[Page 1968]

Alfie, we're thinking of you. It's going to be a tough few months. We love you, and we love you too, Shirley. (Standing Ovation)

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

KENDRA COOMBES « » : Monday was a sad day in Cape Breton as we woke to the news of Alfie's passing. Alfie was a giant in Cape Breton, known by all, and could always be counted on to be an auctioneer at a community event.

He was a gentleman. He was kind, he was funny, and he always had a twinkle in his eye - a twinkle that said, "I'm up to something, and you're in for some trouble."

He loved Cape Breton. He loved the people. He took it wherever he went and supported their causes, including one near and dear to both our hearts: Horizon Achievement Centre.

Although Alfie and I had different political leanings, those differences never stopped us from coming together on issues that affected our beloved Cape Breton, including a campaign to save our health care services when those services were in jeopardy.

Alfie was one of those people who believed that politics stopped at the water's edge - or in our case, at Swiss Chalet, where my last memory of Alfie was. As we were having this conversation and talking back and forth, the waitstaff were kind of watching us having this big conversation. At one point, my daughter leaned over and whispered in my ear, "Mommy, what happened to his leg?" I said, "Well, why don't you ask him?" and he said, "Ask me what?" I said, "She wants to know what happened to your leg, Alfie."

Well, Alfie explained to my girls how he lost his leg in the way only Alfie knew how: with a smile and a joke, and at their level.

My love goes out to Shirley, his children, his grandchildren, and all those who loved him. We will always remember you, Alfie. Rest easy. (Applause)

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

HON. DEREK MOMBOURQUETTE « » : Speaker, I rise in my place to also recognize Alfie. I had a speech here, but I just want to say a few words about my buddy. He tried his best to make me a Tory. He really did. (Laughter) He tried his best, and I tried at one point to make him a Liberal, which was even funnier.

I do want to rise in my place, because regardless of whether it was the Mombourquettes or the Novaks or the McIntyres or the Kennedys or any one of the family, Alfie was always there. He was always there to support us. He was always there to support our families. That's who he was in the community.

[Page 1969]

I learned a lot from Alfie over the years, starting out as a young councillor. He was a mentor, he was supportive, but most importantly, he was a friend. He also let me do a couple of auctions with him. He used to say, "Listen, I'm doing an auction down at the Steel City. Come down and be my Vanna White." (Laughter)

Alfie and I go back a long ways, as I said. We had a lot of connections with the family. It's pretty amazing to see the outpouring of love for him from Cape Breton and from all the organizations, whether it was the Men of the Deeps, whether it was Horizon Achievement Centre, whether it was Caleb's Courage - the list goes on and on and on. He just had such an impact on people's lives. The Island is going to miss him.

I know what his family meant to him. I too had the opportunity to talk to the family, as the member for Cape Breton East did. I know how close he was with Alfie. I send my love to all of them.

I said to a few folks after Alfie passed, "Most people would walk through the gates of Heaven, but Alfie put the convertible top down, drove up to New Boston Road, drove through the gates, and said, 'It's a good day to be a Tory.'" (Laughter)

I'll say this, Speaker: There may be another name for that road. That road was built not only with asphalt but with the foundations of democracy. He fought with those people for years, and I say to myself that maybe it's time to have a conversation about the name of that road.

I rise in my place as a Cape Bretoner and as his buddy. I miss him. Rest in peace, buddy. All my love to his family. (Applause)

GOVERNMENT NOTICES OF MOTION

THE SPEAKER « » : The honourable Minister responsible for L'nu Affairs.

RESOLUTION NO. 222

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

Whereas in 1986, the late Grand Chief Donald Marshall, Sr., called on all Nova Scotians to observe October 1^st every year as Treaty Day; and

Whereas Treaty Day commemorates the unique and special relationship between the Mi'kmaq, the British Crown, Canada, and the Province that is rooted in peace and friendship; and

[Page 1970]

Whereas 2025 commemorates 300 years since the signing of the 1725 Peace and Friendship Treaty that formalized relations between the Mi'kmaq, Wabanaki, and British Crown;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House join me today, on Treaty Day, to recognize Treaty Day and the importance of our enduring relationship with the Mi'kmaq.

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

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

Is it agreed?

It is agreed.

All those in favour? Contrary minded? Thank you.

The motion is carried.

The honourable Minister of Emergency Management.

HON. KIM MASLAND « » : Speaker, I beg leave to make an introduction.

THE SPEAKER « » : Please do.

KIM MASLAND « » : Today, we are recognizing an extraordinary Nova Scotian success story, Camp Courage: The First Responders Society, which is celebrating 20 years of empowering youth and strengthening our communities in emergency services.

Founded in Halifax in 2006 by firefighter Andréa Speranza, Camp Courage began with a simple but powerful vision: to engage, educate, and empower underrepresented youth to lead, to serve, and to dream beyond limits. Since then, it has grown into a nationally recognized award-winning program and has been offered in British Columbia, Alberta, and New Brunswick, inspiring youth in communities well beyond Nova Scotia.

Each year, young women and gender-diverse youth take part in transformative hands-on training while giving back through community service projects. The results are remarkable: 36 percent of graduates now serve in emergency services, many returning as mentors. Among them, today, we have with us in the Speaker's Gallery: Christie Webb, Samantha Banfield, and Emmalee Harvey. I ask you to please stand, true examples of courage, service, and resilience. Camp Courage inspires . . . (Standing Ovation)

[Page 1971]

THE SPEAKER « » : Welcome to the House. We hope you enjoy your time here.

The honourable Minister of Emergency Management.

KIM MASLAND « » : They are joined by the very fabulous leader, Andréa Speranza. Andréa, please stand. (Standing Ovation)

THE SPEAKER « » : Welcome to the House.

The honourable Minister of Emergency Management.

RESOLUTION NO. 223

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

Whereas emergency services are vital to communities across the province and recruiting people into the roles is so important, because when an incident happens, it's they who are rushing toward the danger to help us; and

Whereas Camp Courage has been making a difference in the lives of young women and gender-diverse people who are interested in a career in emergency services over the past 20 years; and

Whereas the opportunity to attend Camp Courage has empowered, engaged, and encouraged young women to forge a path in the emergency services, an opportunity I would have loved to have had when I was growing up, trying to figure out how I could help my community;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House recognize Camp Courage and the important role this camp plays in breaking barriers and building confidence in our young women.

Speaker, I request for 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.

[Page 1972]

The motion is carried.

The honourable Minister responsible for L'nu Affairs.

RESOLUTION NO. 224

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

Whereas October in Nova Scotia is recognized as Mi'kmaq History Month, an opportunity to celebrate and educate all Nova Scotians about Mi'kmaw culture; and

Whereas this year's theme honours Mi'kmaw storytelling and storytellers, A'tukwemk aq A'tukowinu'k, inviting everyone to explore Mi'kmaw oral tradition of sharing and connecting through storytelling; and

Whereas the Province of Nova Scotia is pleased to be a Mi'kmaq History Month partner, with Mi'kmawey Debert Cultural Centre, through the Mi'kmaw Cultural Activities Program, to support cultural, recreational, and educational initiatives through the province, and the creation of the annual History Month poster;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly join me today in recognizing the good work of the Mi'kmaq History Month Committee and making time to participate in Mi'kmaq History Month programming and events throughout the province, during the month of October.

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

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

Is it agreed?

It is agreed.

All those in favour? Contrary minded? Thank you.

The motion is carried.

The honourable Minister of Seniors and Long-term Care.

HON. BARBARA ADAMS « » : I beg leave to make a couple of introductions.

THE SPEAKER « » : Please do.

[Page 1973]

BARBARA ADAMS « » : For the members here, in the Speaker's Gallery, we have a former co-worker of mine, Catherine-Anne Murray, an occupational therapist, and Courtney Cole, who is an RN. They are visiting here today. I'll ask them to rise for a minute. Both of these ladies are leaders in the Frailty and Eldercare Network, something we're all going to need at one point. I ask them to stand so that members of the Legislature can provide a warm welcome and thank them for the work that they do on behalf of all Nova Scotians. (Applause)

THE SPEAKER « » : Welcome to the People's House.

The honourable Minister of Seniors and Long-term Care.

RESOLUTION NO. 225

HON. BARBARA ADAMS « » : I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:

Whereas Nova Scotia has a large and growing population of seniors and Nova Scotians are living longer, which can result in more complex care needs such as increased frailty and can lead to more hospitalization and emergency department visits; and

Whereas frailty in older age can negatively impact the well-being and quality of life of seniors, and can often be prevented, improved, and even reversed through physical activity, exercise, tailored prevention strategies, health assessments, coaching, and wellness planning; and

Whereas Nova Scotia is recognized as a leader in addressing frailty and marking Frailty Awareness Day on October 1^st offers us an opportunity to raise awareness among Nova Scotians and health care professionals about the importance of identifying, preventing, and managing frailty so seniors can live independently and safely in their homes and communities;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this Legislature join me today in marking Frailty Awareness Day on October 1^st, and recognize the efforts to identify, prevent, and manage frailty, helping seniors live fulfilled, independent lives in their communities.

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.

[Page 1974]

All those in favour? Contrary minded? Thank you.

The motion is carried.

The honourable Minister of Seniors and Long-term Care.

RESOLUTION NO. 226

HON. BARBARA ADAMS « » : I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:

Whereas Nova Scotia seniors contribute significantly to our province and the communities they live in and deserve to count on getting the care and support they need as they age; and

Whereas continuing care is delivered by many dedicated health care professionals, including continuing care assistants, nurses, allied health professionals, and physicians, as well as support staff, administrators, family caregivers, and many volunteers who are committed to delivering high quality care and support to seniors so they can live with dignity; and

Whereas October is Continuing Care Month in Nova Scotia and this is a time to recognize this vitally important sector, the valuable contributions of the dedicated people who work in continuing care throughout Nova Scotia, and the many rewarding career opportunities available in this field;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this Legislature join me in acknowledging our continuing care workforce for their valuable role in our health care system and in the lives of the people they care for.

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

[1:30 p.m.]

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.

[Page 1975]

The honourable Minister of Advanced Education.

RESOLUTION NO. 227

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

Whereas Enactus is a global network that supports post-secondary students to use entrepreneurial action and business innovation to create a better world, and this is the second year in a row that Enactus Saint Mary's team has been the Canadian representative at the competition and the first year they had been crowned world champions; and

Whereas the Saint Mary's team wowed the judge with their 12-minute presentation on two student-run social enterprises - Alaagi and Square Roots - outperforming finalists from Zimbabwe, Tunisia, and Germany; and

Whereas this team included co-presidents Courtney Dingle and Sarah Wheeler; outgoing co-president Gabriel Martin; presenters Olivian Sanderson, Rebecca Sullivan, Mia Makhlouf; team members Maya Campbell, Prateek Tamta, Rohit, Ashley Kenney, Evan Payne, Hanna Mae Johnston, Rachelle, and Sheheryar Khan; and last but not least, their entrepreneurship centre advisors: Michael Sanderson, the director of the Arthur L. Irving Entrepreneurship Centre, along with Jason Turner, Meredith Drost, Brennan Daley, and Leslie Arsenault;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of the House of Assembly congratulate Enactus Saint Mary's on their achievements and recognize the work they are doing to provide solutions to some of our world's more pressing challenges.

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

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

Is it agreed?

It is agreed.

All those in favour? Contrary minded? Thank you.

The motion is carried.

The honourable Minister of Emergency Management.

HON. KIM MASLAND « » : Speaker, I beg leave to make an introduction.

[Page 1976]

THE SPEAKER « » : Please do.

KIM MASLAND « » : Nova Scotia firefighters have responded to a calling, one that puts their safety aside to ensure it for others. They are brave and selfless people, and they deserve to be supported by a fire service that puts their health, well-being, and safety first, and to be backed by legislation, governance, and consistency. They deserve no less.

In the gallery today are members of the Fire Services Association of Nova Scotia, Halifax Professional Fire Fighters and Truro Professional Firefighters who have also been advocating for change.

With that, I'd like to introduce our guests so they may receive the warm welcome of this House. I ask each member to stand as I call their name, please. We have Greg Jones, president of FSANS; Jim Roper, past president of FSANS; President Joe Triff from the Halifax Professional Fire Fighters; along with Brendan Meagher and Mike Sears. We also have joining us today Errison Blackie, who is representing the Truro Professional Firefighters.

I ask for all members to give them a warm welcome of our House. (Standing Ovation)

THE SPEAKER « » : Welcome to the People's House. We hope you enjoy your time here.

The honourable Minister of Emergency Management.

RESOLUTION NO. 228

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

Whereas Nova Scotia firefighters are brave and selfless, following a calling that puts their lives on the line to save others; and

Whereas at the very least, firefighters deserve a space to train for their profession that is safe, well-equipped, and upholds the highest health and safety standards; and

Whereas the Province is proud to support firefighters from funding fire departments to helping with equipment, operational needs, and enhancing emergency response capabilities;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House recognize the need to move toward a firefighter training school that prioritizes firefighters' health and well-being and proper governance for the benefit of all of those involved.

[Page 1977]

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

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

Is it agreed?

It is agreed.

All those in favour? Contrary minded? Thank you.

The motion is carried.

INTRODUCTION OF BILLS

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

HON. JOHN LOHR « » : Speaker, I beg leave to make an introduction.

THE SPEAKER « » : Please do.

JOHN LOHR « » : In March 2019, the unimaginable happened to the Blackie family. Their beloved son, Skyler, a bright light in firefighting service, was tragically killed in a preventable accident while receiving training at the Nova Scotia Firefighters School. Nova Scotia firefighters put their lives at risk every day to help others. It is one of the most dangerous jobs anyone can do. So the very least we can do is ensure a safe environment for them to train in, and a place that puts the health, safety, and well-being of its students at the forefront of its operations.

It is something the Blackie family has long advocated for - a safe training school and strong legislation for fire services. That's what this government will do because we owe it to our firefighters. With that said, I would like to introduce our guests. May they receive the warm welcome of the House. We have Skyler's parents, Blaine and Cheryl Ann Blackie, and Skyler's brother, Errison, here with us today. (Standing Ovation)

THE SPEAKER « » : Welcome to the People's House.

Bill No. 158 - An Act to Promote and Encourage Fire Safety and Fire Services. (Hon. John Lohr)

Bill No. 159 - An Act to Implement the Calls to Action of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada. (Lisa Lachance)

[Page 1978]

Bill No. 160 - An Act to Ensure Clear Grocery Pricing. (Hon. Derek Mombourquette)

Bill No. 161 - An Act Respecting Border Community Equity. (Elizabeth Smith-McCrossin)

Bill No. 162 - An Act Respecting the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. (Lisa Lachance)

Bill No. 163 - An Act to Establish the Local Grocery Infrastructure Fund. (Hon. Iain Rankin)

Bill No. 164 - An Act Respecting a Poverty Reduction Strategy. (Lina Hamid)

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

NOTICES OF MOTION

STATEMENTS BY MEMBERS

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

ADEGOKE FADARE « » : Speaker, before I read my statement, I beg leave to introduce several Nova Scotians with Nigerian heritage who are joining us today in the gallery.

THE SPEAKER « » : Please do.

ADEGOKE FADARE « » : I am honoured to introduce Bisi Akinkugbe, a professor of Law at Dalhousie University, teaching the next legal luminaries. I want to introduce Dr. Alex Emeziem, a family physician expanding his clinic. I also want to introduce Dr. Adeleke Akindele, who is also helping us with the recruitment of doctors across the U.K. and the like. Also, I want to introduce Gbenga Akintokun of M4 Media who owns his own studio right here in Nova Scotia.

THE SPEAKER « » : Welcome to the People's House. We hope you enjoy your time here.

The honourable member for Clayton Park West.

NIGERIA INDEPENDENCE: 65^TH ANNIV. - CELEBRATE

[Page 1979]

ADEGOKE FADARE « » : I rise today to celebrate the 65^th anniversary of Nigeria's independence and to honour the vibrant Nigerian community here in Nova Scotia.

On October 1, 1960, Nigeria gained its independence and began its journey as Africa's most prosperous nation, rich in culture, music, food, and innovation. From Afrobeat to world-class literature and film, Nigeria's influence has been felt across the globe.

Here in Nova Scotia, Nigerians carry that same spirit. They are students, they are professionals, they are entrepreneurs, they are health care workers, and they are community leaders. They bring energy, resilience, and creativity, strengthening our economy and enriching the cultural fabric of this province.

Speaker, I ask all members to join me in congratulating Nigerians everywhere on their 65^th Independence Day anniversary and in celebrating the remarkable contributions they continue to make here in Nova Scotia.

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

PEACE & FRIENDSHIP TREATY: 300^TH ANNIV. - UPHOLD

CLAUDIA CHENDER « » : Speaker, I rise today on Treaty Day to recognize the important and ongoing treaty relationships with the Mi'kmaq people. Peace and friendship treaties are the foundation of the nation-to-nation relationship for everyone who lives in our province.

Today is also the beginning of Mi'kmaq History Month, a time in our province to celebrate Mi'kmaw culture and heritage. The Mi'kmaq have a constitutional right to consultation as the original and ongoing stewards and protectors of this land.

On the 300^th anniversary of the first treaty of Peace and Friendship, I ask all members of this House to join me in reaffirming that we must always uphold the commitments created by those Peace and Friendship treaties.

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

BREAST CANCER AWARENESS MONTH: BETTER OUTCOMES - ENSURE

HON. DEREK MOMBOURQUETTE « » : Speaker, today, on the first day of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, I am reminded of the dozens of women who came to this very building with my former colleague, Rafah DiCostanzo, who called for better screening for women with dense breasts. Their strength and determination remind us why this fight matters so much. Far too many families in our province have been touched by this disease. We all know someone: a mother, a sister, a daughter, or friend who has been impacted.

[Page 1980]

[1:45 p.m.]

We need to keep listening to their voices and making sure that Nova Scotians get early detection and the care they deserve. Awareness is important, but it's action that will save lives. We owe it to every Nova Scotian impacted by breast cancer to keep fighting for better outcomes.

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

HON. GREG MORROW « » : Speaker, before I read my statement, I beg leave to make an introduction.

THE SPEAKER « » : Please do.

GREG MORROW « » : Joining us in the gallery today, I'm honoured to introduce Herman and Joe Long with Scotia Pallets Limited. Herman and Joe, please stand and receive the warm welcome of the House. (Applause)

THE SPEAKER « » : Welcome. We hope you enjoy your time here.

The honourable member for Guysborough-Tracadie.

SCOTIA PALLETS: COMM. CONTRIB. - THANK

HON. GREG MORROW « » : I rise today to recognize Scotia Pallets Limited located in the beautiful community of Goshen.

For 38 years, Scotia Pallets has been contributing to the local economy, providing steady employment opportunities, and supporting families in the area. Their commitment to remaining Nova Scotia Loyal, investing in our people and communities, is truly commendable.

Herman Long and his son Joe have shown what it means to sustain a business with pride, resilience, and dedication. Operating a business in rural Nova Scotia can have its challenges, but it is the hard work of the business owners and their team that continues to make it happen.

I ask all members of this House to join me in thanking Herman and Joe Long and their team for running a successful business, their loyalty to our province, and their ongoing contributions to the people of Guysborough-Tracadie.

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

[Page 1981]

LINA HAMID « » : Speaker, I beg leave to make a couple of introductions, please.

THE SPEAKER « » : Please do.

LINA HAMID « » : In your gallery today, we are joined by - and please rise when I call your name so that you may receive the warm welcome of the House - Imam Mohammed Yaffa from the Atlantic Muslim Resource Centre; Imam Ibrahim Al-shanti from Al-Barakah Masjid mosque in Fairview-Clayton Park; Imam Hamzah Mangera from Dartmouth Mosque in Dartmouth North; Ammar Abdul Shakoor and Sohayb Hachmi, from the Sabeel Muslim Youth & Community Centre in Bedford South; Thierno Diallo from the National Council of Canadian Muslims; and Imam Mustafa Raslan from the Ummah Masjid and Community Center in Halifax Chebucto; as well as someone who is not a stranger to the House, Ali Duale. (Standing Ovation)

THE SPEAKER « » : Welcome to the House. We hope you enjoy your time here.

The honourable member for Fairview-Clayton Park.

ISLAMIC HERITAGE MO.: COMM. CONTRIB. - RECOG.

LINA HAMID « » : I rise today proudly as the first Muslim woman elected to this Assembly to celebrate the beginning of Islamic Heritage Month.

First proclaimed by the Canadian government in 2007, it was officially recognized here in Nova Scotia in 2022 by the only other Muslim elected to Province House, Ali Duale. October is a time to honour the invaluable contributions of Muslim Canadians who have been a part of our society since the mid-1800s. From medicine to technology to arts, business, and services to our communities, Muslim Canadians continue to enrich every part of our province and our country.

Islamic Heritage Month fosters greater understanding and appreciation and reminds us that diversity, including our vibrant Muslim community, is one of our greatest strengths. I thank community leaders and advocates who have made this recognition possible. I am proud to stand with them today, and I invite all who can - Saturday, October 4^th, all mosques are going to be open between 2:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m., open to everybody. You can go in, ask questions, learn more about Islam, learn more about the community and their contributions to our province and to our country.

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

ISLAMIC HERITAGE MO.: INVALUABLE CONTRIB. - RECOG.

HON. IAIN RANKIN « » : Our caucus also wants to join in recognizing the month of October as Islamic Heritage Month, a time of reflection, appreciation, and learning as we honour the rich legacy and invaluable contributions of Muslims across the country and around the world.

[Page 1982]

Muslims have helped shape the cultural, social, and economic fabric of Canada in fields like science, business, education, and the arts. The Muslim community continues to enrich our nation's diversity, innovation, and spirit of compassion.

Islamic Heritage Month is an opportunity for all Canadians to deepen our understanding of Islamic history and traditions by learning about the cultural practices of Islam and fostering greater respect and appreciation for the diversity that makes us strong. Let us take the opportunity to promote understanding, inclusivity, and compassion. By challenging misconceptions and actively combatting Islamophobia, we create a more welcoming and just society for all.

As we mark October as Islamic Heritage Month, our caucus joins other members in the House in wishing Muslims across our communities and across our province a joyful Islamic Heritage Month filled with meaningful gatherings, reflection, and celebration of their heritage.

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

TIM OUTHIT « » : Speaker, I beg leave to make an introduction prior to my statement.

THE SPEAKER « » : Please do.

TIM OUTHIT « » : In the gallery today, I am pleased to introduce Lauren and Brenda Burke from the Burning Flame Candle Company. Lauren and Brenda, would you please stand up and receive a welcome from the MLAs? (Applause)

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

BURNING FLAME CANDLE CO.: N.S. LOYAL BUS. - CONGRATS.

TIM OUTHIT « » : Speaker, I rise today to recognize an impressive Nova Scotia Loyal business in Bedford Basin. Burning Flame Candle Company and its owner, Lauren Burke, are a COVID success story. Lauren started Burning Flame in her kitchen in 2020 during a time of uncertainty and she grew it into something much more.

Lauren's candles can now be found in a variety of very large stores throughout Nova Scotia, including her flagship location at The Coffee Pro at 961 Bedford Highway. Many more locations across the province are listed on her website.

Burning Flame Candle Company is a one-person business and is the result of a lot of hard work and dedication. Lauren went through the start program at CEED, graduated in a time of complete uncertainty, and began pouring candles by hand while raising her son and navigating life as a single mom.

[Page 1983]

The Premier and the honourable member for Bedford South and I recently visited her shop, and she taught those two how to make a candle.

Burning Flame Candle Company is proof that you can do big things with the right amount of work and determination. I ask that members of the House join me in congratulating Lauren Burke for the success of Burning Flame Candle Company.

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

SUSAN LEBLANC « » : Speaker, may I have permission to make a couple of introductions?

THE SPEAKER « » : Please do.

SUSAN LEBLANC « » : Today in the gallery, we have a little bit of an old-home week - a Dartmouth North reunion here. I'm very pleased to welcome firstly Rebecca Rose, who is normally the constituency coordinator in Dartmouth North's MLA office, but of course, you may see that strapped to Rebecca is a baby. Rebecca is on maternity leave.

I'd like to welcome Rebecca. I'd like to welcome Rebecca's dad who is an honourable member of the Dartmouth North community, Doug Rose, to the House. Welcome, Doug. I'd like to welcome baby Wynne, who you will hear about in a moment, who is the baby.

I'd also like to welcome Cailen Pygott, who is taking Rebecca's maternity leave - so Cailen is the new constituency coordinator in Dartmouth North - and Danelle Stoddard, who is a new addition to our team in Dartmouth North and Dartmouth South.

These are all amazing people who run the constituency office from near and far, and we're really happy that they're here. (Applause)

THE SPEAKER « » : Welcome, everyone, to the House. We hope you enjoy your time here.

The honourable member for Dartmouth North.

ROSE, REBECCA: BABY WYNNE - BIRTH CONGRATS.

SUSAN LEBLANC « » : Speaker, Rebecca Rose is a long-time constituency coordinator in Dartmouth North. She is an extremely organized and capable person - so capable, in fact, that when she was getting ready to take her leave to have a baby, she had the foresight to book her maternity leave two weeks early before her due date so that she could have a bit of time to get ready for the baby.

[Page 1984]

But baby Wynne had other plans. Rebecca's water broke on the very first day of maternity leave while she was on her way to the goodbye party that we were hosting for her at work. On March 28^th, at ten past noon, Rebecca Rose and her wife, Jill Stagg, welcomed their bundle of joy, Wynne Gilbert Rose-Stagg, into the world. I like to think that Wynne was just too excited to wait any longer to meet their mamas.

In their short time on this Earth, Wynne has already swum in the ocean, learned to roll on their stomach, and lift themself up on their arms. Wynne has two teeth, is obsessed with trees, and their current favourite song is "Baby Beluga" by Raffi. There was already a lot of love in the Rose-Stagg house, and it has been wonderful to see that love grow exponentially with the addition of Wynne.

I ask the House to join me in congratulating Rebecca, Jill, and Wynne.

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

MACLEOD, ALFIE: DEATH OF - TRIBUTE

ELIZABETH SMITH-MCCROSSIN « » : Speaker, I rise to honour our good friend and former colleague, MLA Alfie MacLeod. He was a friend to all. I met him before I became an MLA at Conservative events where I was new and nervous, but he and Eddie welcomed me in and gave me a seat at their table.

Then we became caucus colleagues here in the House and shared a deep passion to improve our health care, both in Cape Breton and throughout all Nova Scotia. When I was the health critic for the PCs, he was the unofficial health critic for Cape Breton. He was dedicated to the people of Sydney River‑Mira‑Louisbourg, and he never missed a day here at the Legislature unless absolutely necessary. He even came when he shouldn't have. For several months, I was his MLA colleague and his nurse, changing dressings each day before we came to the Legislature.

Meals at the Midtown were always enjoyable. The first time I went with Alfie, I was surprised to hear him order the usual salad, until the waiter returned with two orders of deep-fried pepperoni.

Auctioneer extraordinaire, he came to the Bacon-Elliott scholarship to help raise funds, as he often did throughout Nova Scotia, and was good friends with dear Roger Bacon.

[Page 1985]

He knew how to roll with the punches in politics. He, Eddie, and Keith were inseparable. He was loyal - loyal to the party and loyal to the people. Shirley was his whole life. He was so proud of his children and grandchildren.

We think of them now as they grieve his death, but we all know his spirit lives on here in this Chamber. We can still hear him here in his final question and in his final speech, asking the Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal about the New Boston Road, to the roar and the applause of the House.

Speaker, thank you for this chance to share about our dear friend, Alfie MacLeod. May he rest in peace.

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

ISLAMIC HIST. MO.: PIONEERING MUSLIM COMM. IN CANADA - RECOG.

HON. BRENDAN MAGUIRE « » : Speaker, I rise today to recognize that October is Islamic History Month in Canada. This year's theme, Pioneering Muslim Communities in Canada, invites us to celebrate the resilience and contributions of Muslim Canadians who have helped build our nation.

Here in Nova Scotia, we honour the legacy of Muslim immigrants and the vibrant communities they cultivate. From the first mosque in the Maritimes to the cultural and educational institutions we see across the province, these spaces provide comfort, growth, and education for generations.

This month is an opportunity to reflect on the rich heritage of Nova Scotia's Muslim community and their contributions to our province's social fabric. I encourage all Nova Scotians to participate in local events, share stories, and engage in conversations that foster greater understanding and appreciation. By doing so, we continue to build a more inclusive and connected province for everyone.

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

LISA LACHANCE « » : Speaker, I beg leave to make an introduction relative to my member's statement.

THE SPEAKER « » : Please do.

LISA LACHANCE « » : I beg leave to introduce two great folks joining us in the gallery today: Executive Director Fiona Kerr from Halifax Pride - please rise - and Board Chair Connor McKiggan. I'm happy to see these folks looking relaxed and laid back in the gallery, as they are very, very busy throughout the month leading up to Pride and Pride itself. (Applause)

[Page 1986]

THE SPEAKER « » : Welcome to the House. We hope you enjoy your time here.

The honourable member for Halifax Citadel-Sable Island.

LISA LACHANCE « » : Speaker, I would like to recognize the Halifax Pride Society and all the hard work they have done, not only to lift up our 2SLGBTQIA+ community but also their commitment to providing safe spaces for queer joy and community. This year, Halifax Pride outdid themselves at the annual Halifax Pride Festival. Over 11 days, they hosted 30 festival events, over 100 community events, and the largest Pride Parade in Atlantic Canada. Halifax Pride has also worked to create a festival that is more inclusive and accessible to the entire community. These efforts include hiring . . .

[2:00 p.m.]

THE SPEAKER « » : Order. Order.

The honourable member for Halifax Citadel-Sable Island.

LISA LACHANCE « » : Speaker, we would like to ask for unanimous consent to extend the daily business to allow for some of our guests to also be received in the House. I don't know if you want me to suggest a timeline for that . . .

THE SPEAKER « » : There has been a request. We are going to have a short recess for the government to discuss.

[2:00 p.m. The House recessed.]

[2:06 p.m. The House reconvened.]

THE SPEAKER « » : Order. There has been a request to extend the time of Statements by Members by five minutes.

Is it agreed?

It is agreed.

The honourable member for Halifax Citadel-Sable Island.

HALIFAX PRIDE: FESTIVAL INCLUSIVITY - CONGRATS.

LISA LACHANCE « » : I'm thrilled to rise and recognize Halifax Pride and all the hard work they have done, not to only uplift our 2SLGBTQIA+ community but also their commitment to provide safe spaces for queer joy and community.

[Page 1987]

This year, Halifax Pride outdid themselves at their annual Halifax Pride Festival. Over 11 days, they hosted 30 festival events, over 100 community events, and the largest Pride Parade in Atlantic Canada. Halifax Pride has also worked to create a festival that is more inclusive and accessible to the entire community. These efforts include hiring ASL interpreters, making the festival grounds wheelchair accessible, and offering accessible viewing areas for the parade.

Looking forward, Halifax has the honour of hosting Canada Pride in 2027. I know that Halifax Pride is ready to welcome the country and the world. Pride is not a once-a-year event. We see it every time someone goes out into the world, unafraid to be their authentic selves.

I ask all members to join me by thanking the organizers and volunteers behind Halifax Pride.

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

TREATY DAY: UNCEDED AND UNSURRENDERED LAND - REMEMBER

HON. DEREK MOMBOURQUETTE « » : Speaker, today we mark Treaty Day in Nova Scotia, a day to celebrate and reflect on the Treaties of Peace and Friendship signed between the Mi'kmaq people and the Crown in 1752.

Treaty Day is a reminder that the Mi'kmaq people never surrendered or ceded their land, and that Mi'kma'ki remains their traditional territory. It also reminds us of the responsibilities that come with being treaty partners: to respect one another, to listen, and to work together in the spirit of those original agreements.

On behalf of Nova Scotians, I want to acknowledge the importance of these treaties and the role they continue to play in shaping our province today. We are all Treaty people.

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

MI'KMAQ HIST. MO.: TRADITIONS AND KNOWLEDGE - CELEBRATE

HON. FRED TILLEY « » : I rise today to recognize Mi'kmaq History Month, which begins today with Treaty Day. This is a time to celebrate the rich history and culture of the Mi'kmaq people here in Mi'kma'ki. This month is an opportunity for us to learn about and appreciate the contributions of the Mi'kmaw nation, whose traditions and knowledge have shaped our province for thousands of years.

[Page 1988]

In 1986, Grand Chief Donald Marshall, Sr., proclaimed every October 1^st as Treaty Day, which commemorates the signing of the Peace and Friendship Treaties. As we recognize Mi'kmaq History Month and Treaty Day, let us recommit ourselves to walking the path of truth and reconciliation.

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

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

THE SPEAKER « » : Please do.

CLAUDIA CHENDER « » : Our very patient guest in the gallery opposite is Diana Brown, who is the executive director of the MacPhee Centre for Creative Learning. I would like to thank her for her patience and ask all members to join me in welcoming her to the House. (Applause)

THE SPEAKER « » : Welcome to the House. We hope you enjoy your time here.

The honourable member for Dartmouth South.

BROWN, DIANA: MACPHEE CENTRE EXEC. DIR. APPT. - CONGRATS.

CLAUDIA CHENDER « » : Speaker, I rise to recognize Diana Brown for her appointment as the executive director of the MacPhee Centre for Creative Learning. The MacPhee Centre seeks to empower youth through arts in a welcoming, inclusive environment. They envision a world where empathy and diversity thrive, and challenges are opportunities for growth.

During the recent search for a permanent executive director, Diana seamlessly stepped into the interim role, demonstrating exceptional leadership and a deep understanding of the centre's mission and values. Making art is a transformative process and a powerful tool for youth to understand themselves and their place in the world.

Diana's passion for arts education, strong leadership skills, and extensive knowledge of the Centre will guide the youth of Dartmouth and beyond in these processes.

Please join me in congratulating Diana and congratulating Dartmouth South on this well-deserved appointment.

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

YOM KIPPUR: HIGH HOLY DAYS - RECOG.

HON. TIMOTHY HALMAN « » : Speaker, I rise to celebrate the holiest of days in the Jewish calendar: Yom Kippur. This is a deeply spiritual day, a time of atonement, reflection, and renewal. Yom Kippur, which begins at sunset this evening, marks the culmination of the High Holy Days and invites members of the Jewish community to engage in prayer, fasting, and introspection. It is a time to seek forgiveness, to mend relationships, and to commit to living with greater intention, compassion, and integrity in the year ahead.

[Page 1989]

In Nova Scotia, we are honoured to stand with our Jewish friends and neighbours during this sacred time. Their enduring faith, traditions, and contributions continue to strengthen the social and cultural . . .

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

THE SPEAKER « » : The time is now 2:12 p.m. We will finish at 3:02 p.m.

The honourable Leader of the Official Opposition.

SNS: HARP CUTS - EXPLAIN

CLAUDIA CHENDER « » : It's been a day. Speaker, late Friday afternoon, this government quietly announced sweeping changes to the Heating Assistance Rebate Program: 46,000 people will no longer receive that program. They have been kicked off a program designed to help them afford their heat, and hundreds of dollars have been cut from those who remain eligible for that program. At a time when power bills are so high and Nova Scotians are staring down a rate increase, it seems unfathomable that this government would be making it harder for Nova Scotians to afford their bills.

My question for the Premier is: Why is the government going ahead with these changes that hurt Nova Scotians' bottom line?

THE SPEAKER « » : The honourable Minister of Service Nova Scotia.

HON. JILL BALSER » : Yes, the HARP - the rebate program - we know it is so valuable to Nova Scotians to be able to support their costs of heating coming up this winter. It is a $400 rebate, and I would encourage all Nova Scotians who are eligible to apply.

Not only is this program available to Nova Scotians, but I would remind them of the many rebates that are available. The Senior Care Grant is another one. We also know that there are a number of affordability measures that have been taking place that are going to support households and save up to thousands of dollars. I remind Nova Scotians that this is just one of many initiatives that we have brought forward.

[Page 1990]

CLAUDIA CHENDER « » : Speaker, my question was why 46,000 Nova Scotians will no longer be able to receive this rebate this year. I could add: Why was it announced on a Friday afternoon? Maybe I'll save that. Let me remind the Premier, since this government has been elected, the average Nova Scotian's rent has gone up by nearly $4,400 a year. Families are spending $400 more a year on their power bills, and the poverty rate in Nova Scotia is the highest in the country. The number of Nova Scotians living in poverty has increased by 59 percent.

My question is: In what world is this the time to cut this program and make it harder for Nova Scotians to cover their costs?

[2:15 p.m.]

JILL BALSER « » : We recognize the importance of the HARP. It has been supporting Nova Scotians for many years. We know there have been changes in the program, based on the conditions Nova Scotians were experiencing when there was a higher cost of living. We know that Nova Scotians continue to see some of those burdens, Speaker. That's another reason why we brought forward in the budget last session, or whenever it was tabled or brought forward, $500 million in terms of taxation.

Speaker, that is something that is going to support all Nova Scotians. I would remind everyone in this House to make sure they are encouraging constituents who are eligible for the program this year to apply, to remind them of all the other rebates available to many Nova Scotians. Again, this is just one rebate of many. We're going to continue to support Nova Scotians.

CLAUDIA CHENDER « » : We don't need to encourage people because they are lined up outside the doors of our offices. Now, we are given the task of telling them they are not eligible.

This government likes to talk about how much they are spending. We have high bills, sky-high rent, no access to free medications like birth control, double the child care costs of families in Charlottetown or St. John's, and winter is coming. Heat is non-negotiable; 46,000 Nova Scotians will not be eligible, and this government has not put forward a rebate.

My question again is: Will this government reverse the decision to reduce the HARP benefit and kick tens of thousands of Nova Scotians off this rebate program?

JILL BALSER « » : We know the program is going to support 72,000 households, and 72,000 families will benefit from HARP. It is a $400 rebate this year to target the most vulnerable Nova Scotians.

[Page 1991]

As I said, that is one initiative or one rebate, one program of many that government is going to continue to support to make sure that Nova Scotians have the support they need. We will continue to look at affordability measures.

When I think of all my colleagues and the work that's being done across government, when we're making investments in housing and investments in health care and energy, as well as natural resources and environment, that's another reason why we have to work together to make sure we're growing the province in a way we absolutely need to for the best of Nova Scotians.

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

SNS: HARP/NSP RATE HIKES - ADDRESS

HON. DEREK MOMBOURQUETTE « » : One of my colleagues just said that mining isn't going to keep people's houses warm. Here come the cuts, Speaker. Here come the cuts, and here's the first program. There are many conversations happening within the departments of government right now about the budgets that are about to come.

Nova Scotians are struggling with the rising cost of living and are now facing another Nova Scotia Power rate hike. In the middle of this the government has quietly cut back the Heating Assistance Rebate Program, dropping the rebate from $600 to $400 and lowering the income threshold to just $30,000 for individuals.

My question is: Why is the Premier making it harder for low-income Nova Scotians to heat their homes this winter?

HON. JILL BALSER « » : Again, I'll remind Nova Scotians that yes, it is a $400 rebate, and the thresholds have been mentioned there. For all Nova Scotians who are eligible, I would encourage them to apply.

I know that my colleagues are probably excited to jump up and be able to speak to all the work that is also happening in their respective departments, but we recognize that this is one important program for Nova Scotians to help with their heating costs.

Again, there are a number of other initiatives that are going to be looking at affordability to support Nova Scotians in their time of need. We made sure we looked at HST cuts, Speaker. We're going to continue to make investments in the places that we need to. HARP is one program. It's an important program, and it's going to support the most vulnerable this year.

DEREK MOMBOURQUETTE « » : Speaker, I'd be curious to see if this would have been cut before the election, but the election is over, and now the Heating Assistance Rebate Program has been cut.

[Page 1992]

The Premier insists this government isn't cutting programs. He said it multiple times on the floor of this House, but that's exactly what is happening here. The program is meant to help those in need: seniors, single parents, and people on fixed incomes.

My question is: Can the Premier explain why he is cutting a program that is supposed to help low-income Nova Scotians keep the heat on?

JILL BALSER « » : Again, I want to emphasize the work government has done in bringing forward $500 million in tax savings for Nova Scotians. I know my colleagues are just itching for me to say this, of course, that we did not have support from the Opposition on those measures.

We are going to continue to support the most vulnerable Nova Scotians, so for this year, that was the focus for HARP. We made sure that it is a $400 rebate. We are working within our existing budget. This is a $30-million program. At $30 million, it is still going to support Nova Scotians with their heating costs. I want to emphasize that this is an important program. We have a number of other initiatives that are going to be supporting Nova Scotians in their time of need, and I encourage all support from Opposition . . .

THE SPEAKER « » : Order.

The honourable Leader of the Liberal Party.

DEREK MOMBOURQUETTE « » : Speaker, the member talked about their existing budget. Their existing budget is a $1.2 billion in deficit, so the existing budget to me makes no sense whatsoever. If you are going to look at cutting programs, I can submit a list of lots of cuts that the government could make and this is not one of them. This is not one of them, Speaker, where you are impacting the most vulnerable Nova Scotians. Nova Scotia Power is proposing another rate increase that could add as much as $400, per year, to people's power bills. Instead of protecting families, this government is cutting the very program designed to help them afford heat.

Will the Premier admit that he is out of touch with the reality that Nova Scotians are facing and commit to restoring the rebate program?

JILL BALSER « » : Again, just to emphasize the tax measures that we have brought forward, that is going to support and help Nova Scotians save thousands of dollars. So, again, that did not necessarily exist when we looked at HARP in the previous years. So, we are a government that is responsive to the needs of Nova Scotians. When we needed to make investments in HARP, we did. Now we are also looking at the broader scope of what government needs to be able to do. We made those tax-cut measures to support Nova Scotians while investing in housing, while investing in health care, while investing in our natural resources and making sure that we are going to continue to grow the province in the way that we need to because that is what Nova Scotians deserve. We will always support them when they need us.

[Page 1993]

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

SNS - HARP CUT: VULNERABLE NOVA SCOTIANS - EXPLAIN

SUSAN LEBLANC « » : Speaker, this government's decision to cut the Heating Assistance Rebate Program is shocking and frankly, the minister's comments are also shocking. I have heard about this cut from constituents already. One woman wrote to me to tell me that she no longer qualifies even though she has in the past. She provides for two children with the cost of living becoming less and less affordable. She relied on the HARP to cover her heating bill. The litany of programs that the minister has listed today are not going to combat the rising costs of power and water and rent.

What does this government suggest my constituent go without so that she can heat her home and provide for her children?

HON. JILL BALSER « » : Speaker, I need to correct for the record that this is not a program cut. We are working within our existing budget of $30 million that's going to be going out to Nova Scotians - the most vulnerable Nova Scotians. We also know that there have been a number of other initiatives that government has done. Again, I can reference the tax measures that are going to save thousands of dollars to Nova Scotian households.

This is all important work and I would encourage all of us to make sure that our constituents know about all the measures that government is doing to make sure that the affordability piece is being addressed. HARP is one program. It is an important program and we want Nova Scotians to know that it is there to support their heating costs, especially as we are moving into the colder months, but we are going to be focusing on affordability measures and continue to . . .

THE SPEAKER « » : Order. Order.

The honourable member for Dartmouth North.

SUSAN LEBLANC « » : Speaker, any way you look at it, this is a cut to a program. By slashing the Heating Assistance Rebate Program, this government is letting down seniors. My office spends a lot of time helping seniors apply for the program. They live on a fixed income, so even though their expenses are growing, their income does not. Why is this government leaving seniors in the cold this winter?

JILL BALSER « » : Again, we know that HARP is one rebate program that is available to Nova Scotians. The Senior Care Grant, too, is another one. We are making significant investments in affordable housing. We are going to continue to look at all the ways in which we can support the most vulnerable Nova Scotians, the elderly, and everyone in Nova Scotia there. We want to make sure that they recognize the efforts that government has made.

[Page 1994]

Again, the tax saving measures is going to save Nova Scotian households thousands of dollars. That is significant work. We will focus on the affordability measures that we need to make sure that Nova Scotians know that we will be responsive to their needs. Again, I would make sure that all Nova Scotians know what programs are available to them, and they can apply.

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

SNS: FIXED-TERM LEASE LOOPHOLE - CLOSE

CLAUDIA CHENDER « » : It is now more expensive to live in Nova Scotia than it is to live in Toronto. The average Nova Scotian's rent has gone up by nearly $4,400 per year since this government was elected. Homelessness has nearly doubled in the city of Halifax and nearly tripled in the western region of this province. This is the context in which this government is cutting HARP and stripping back what few rights renters have.

I have another question: Will this government close the fixed-term lease loophole that is letting landlords ignore the rent cap, forcing rents up and making people move year after year?

HON. JILL BALSER « » : I want to emphasize, of course, the investments that we have been making in housing, recognizing the work of the Department of Growth and Development and the minister's hard work in making sure that Nova Scotians see the growth that's happening.

I can even speak to my own constituency: the changes that have happened and knowing that public housing units are going there in my constituency of Digby-Annapolis. It is significant. That is in conjunction with all the other efforts and measures that government is doing. We're continuing to focus on growing the province. That has been referenced many times in this particular session. I look to my colleagues in multiple departments to make sure that Nova Scotians know all the efforts that we're taking to see this province move ahead.

Again, we want Nova Scotians to have safe, affordable places to live, and we'll continue to make . . .

THE SPEAKER « » : Order.

The honourable Leader of the Official Opposition.

[Page 1995]

CLAUDIA CHENDER « » : Over one-third of Nova Scotians rent, and the public housing that has been announced is a fraction of the need and a long way away. The average increase for any new lease in this province is 28 percent, and that's way above the 5 percent rent cap that government has in place. It's not working. Renters across the province are asking for real rent control. That means allowable increases tied to CPI and tied to the unit, not the tenant. When someone moves out, the cost of that space shouldn't go up by hundreds of dollars for the next person, but that's what's happening.

My question is: If this government is serious about addressing sky-high housing costs, when can Nova Scotians expect real rent control?

THE SPEAKER « » : The honourable Minister of Growth and Development.

HON. COLTON LEBLANC » : I want to reassure Nova Scotians that we are taking the housing situation in this province very seriously. We're the first and the only government to table and present a housing action plan: $1.7 billion. We're 167 percent of our five-year completion goal. We're seeing housing starts going up; we see vacancy going up. There are over 11,000 units just in HRM alone that are under construction - unprecedented work, if only the NDP would have done.

All these initiatives, the NDP shamefully voted against. In one sense they say, "Do more," but the other way, they're saying, "No, we don't support that." We're going to continue to do what's best for Nova Scotians.

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

SNS - TEMPLETON PROP.: RENTER PRESSURE – ADDRESS

SUZY HANSEN « » : A resident of The Scotian has been sleeping on a couch since August because her unit was destroyed by water damage. Instead of getting support, Templeton Properties told her she must sign a new fixed-term lease by the end of the month or face eviction. She hasn't even had a chance to see her restored home.

Why is this government allowing landlords to pressure renters into signing leases on homes they can't even access?

HON. JILL BALSER « » : Going back to the tenants of The Scotian - and I've said this in Question Period before - of making sure that if they have any questions of course to come forward to the Residential Tenancies Program, where we can address those concerns and see a positive mediation through our program.

A lease is a contract between a landlord and a tenant. If there is any part of that contract that is not being seen through in the right way or the appropriate way, then that is exactly why someone should come forward to the Residential Tenancies Program. For any Nova Scotian who has any questions about their lease, regardless of whether it's a fixed-term lease or a periodic lease, the program is here to help. I would encourage anyone to come forward with the questions that they have.

[Page 1996]

[2:30 p.m.]

SUZY HANSEN « » : This is the same Residential Tenancies Program that the minister says works, yet this resident has had no updates from her landlord, no clear repair timeline, and is being pressured to make a decision about her housing without even seeing her new unit. She's lost her home because of negligence, and now she's being threatened with eviction because this government refuses to take action on fixed-term leases. Why won't this government act to protect renters like her from being exploited through fixed-term leases?

JILL BALSER « » : Again, for any tenant in Nova Scotia who continues or has questions in regard to their lease, to come forward to the Residential Tenancies Program. I know the folks who work in the department work very hard, and the Residential Tenancies officers who exist, who are working across the province, are also working very hard for Nova Scotians.

I do believe in the program, and we have seen changes to the program. We will always be listening to Nova Scotians and our community partners on improvements that can be made. Again, a lease is a contract between a landlord and a tenant, and if there is a breach or a breaking of that contract, come forward so that the Residential Tenancies team can support in the best way that they can.

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

DOE: HARP CUTS: INCOME THRESHOLDS - ADDRESS

HON. IAIN RANKIN « » : Today we're hearing a lot about the Heating Assistance Rebate Program cuts. Meanwhile, the government is saying they're doing everything they can for Nova Scotians to afford their power bills. I recently heard from a constituent who makes just a little bit over the threshold for the Oil to Heat Pump Affordability Program. When you compare us to all the other Maritime provinces, we have the lowest income threshold, with inflation eating away at what used to be a nation-leading program. Will the Minister of Energy consider raising the income so that more families can benefit and reduce their power bills?

HON. TREVOR BOUDREAU » : We recognize that affordability is top of mind for Nova Scotians and for many people across Canada, and it's top of mind for this government. I will take an opportunity to talk about the programming on the efficiency side.

[Page 1997]

This province has invested over $250 million in efficiency programming, and with that has secured another $250 million in federal funding. Our HomeWarming program supports Nova Scotians with a household income up to the federal low-income cut-off threshold, plus an additional 35 percent. We know Nova Scotians are feeling the pinch. We'll continue to do what we can to support them.

IAIN RANKIN « » : Surely we can invest more like Prince Edward Island and New Brunswick are, being a larger province with higher costs of living. We're seeing a slow phase-out of other energy retrofitting programs. Now is the time to be investing more in these programs, which help low- and middle-income families lower their power bills and make their homes more energy efficient.

They can't get a rebate for solar anymore, and oil to heat is more out of touch. Can the minister commit to strengthening and expanding support for retrofitting programs, instead of them slowly being cut by not moving the thresholds based on increases of cost of living in the province.

TREVOR BOUDREAU « » : Just in the last year alone, over 18,000 homes received upgrades through that funded off-oil program. Low and moderate and income families can access up to $30,000 to move away from oil. These households can save up to $1,500 a year when doing that. Because of our program, over half of Nova Scotian homes now have heat pumps.

On top of that, this has been an economic driver. Over 5,000 new, good paying jobs have been developed in Nova Scotia because of this programming. We'll to look to what we can do for Nova Scotians. We recognize that the cost of living is a challenge, and we'll be there for them.

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

DHW: MENOPAUSE CLINICS - UPDATE

ROD WILSON « » : Speaker, before I ask my question to the Minister of Health and Wellness, I have to say as an MLA and new in this Legislature, that today I'm ashamed to be an MLA. I'm ashamed that this government chooses to cut rates in a province with the highest poverty rate. However, I move on.

In the spring sitting of the Legislature, the minister announced the creation of a menopause clinic. I welcome an update on that clinic today.

Also, my question to the minister is: Given the large number of women who are on the clinic (inaudible), can women without family doctors self-refer to this clinic, and when should we expect access to this clinic to occur?

[Page 1998]

HON. MICHELLE THOMPSON » : I thank the member opposite for the question. Certainly, it was a promise that was in the platform. We've been working with clinicians, not only in the Central Zone, but across the province, working with experts in menopause care to understand, working with the IWK Health Centre, working with the Nova Scotia Health Authority, as well as the Department of Health and Wellness.

There will be more information that will be coming soon. It's not something that I can share today, but there is progress, and I will just assure the member that there will be more information coming soon.

ROD WILSON « » : I thank the minister for what I believe to be a sincere answer. Access to primary care is lacking across Nova Scotia, particularly for women in rural areas. Women in these areas have to travel long distances, but we all know often the reality is that women don't. They put themselves last, and they just don't travel.

Can the minister tell us how many women over the age of 50 are on the Need a Family Practice Registry and when they should expect access to primary care in rural Nova Scotia?

MICHELLE THOMPSON « » : The Need a Family Practice Registry is a registry that allows us to understand how all Nova Scotians are seeking services. Those individuals who require permanent care, as I've said before, have access to virtual care, and they are able to be seen in primary care clinics across this province, which enable them to be seen in person.

In addition to that, people are able to use the YourHealthNS app in order to navigate and get really good information, so that they are not left to google. There is information there from the IWK Health Centre and the Nova Scotia Health Authority. We are looking at a multitude of ways to support women who are experiencing a variety of health issues, not only menopause. We need to empower women to take care of their health and not apologize for a normal part of life.

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

OLA: ASSEMBLY OF MI'KMAW CHIEFS: CONSULTATION REQ. - EXPLAIN

LISA LACHANCE « » : Speaker, today on Treaty Day, my question is for the Premier. Last June, the Assembly of Nova Scotia Mi'kmaw Chiefs put out a public call for this government to meaningfully consult with them before decisions that fall under the Peace and Friendship Treaties are made. At that time, Chief Tamara Young said:

The Mi'kmaq are not opposed to ethical and sustainable development, but we will not accept processes that disregard our Aboriginal and Treaty Rights. Nova Scotia must engage with us meaningfully instead of taking steps backwards in our Nation-to-Nation relationship.

[Page 1999]

Why is this government continuing to push through changes before consulting with Mi'kmaw leaders?

HON. LEAH MARTIN « » : Thank you to the member opposite for the question. Just a couple of points of clarity that I think are really helpful for everybody to understand. The first one is that we respect the treaties, and here on Treaty Day, I think it is important to double down on that message. The second part is that we highly honour our duty to consult. It is of the utmost importance, and we actually have an entire department to ensure that actually happens properly.

As we move forward, there are going to be difficult conversations that happen, and we do those all the time, but we do them together with the Mi'kmaw Chiefs at the Assembly. In fact, portfolio leads have come together with Chief leads in the portfolios to have meaningful conversations, to wage a path forward together, where it is very upfront and very honest in talking about these difficult and challenging times.

LISA LACHANCE « » : Speaker, I think the Mi'kmaq made it clear that conversations after the fact are not fulfilling a duty to consult, and as recently as last week, on September 26^th, the Assembly of First Nations released another public notice highlighting how despite repeated assurances, the provincial government continues to make significant legislative and policy announcements on natural resource development without advanced notice to or discussion with the Mi'kmaq.

This should be a time for greater trust building with the Mi'kmaq, not escalating tensions and aggressive enforcement action. When will this government in fact honour their treaty responsibilities?

LEAH MARTIN « » : When there is a duty to consult, we will absolutely honour that duty and do the duty to consult. I want to make sure that is abundantly clear. Conversations that we're having are actually happening in real time. Nobody expected what happened south of the border to impact us at such an exacerbated rate but here we are.

I am really honoured to hold the position and the relationships with the Chiefs, with the Assembly of First Nations, to be able to navigate these challenging times and maybe not always get it right but talk to them through it and hear from them and hear from all people in all of Nova Scotia about how we wage a pathway forward.

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

OSD: HIGHEST NAT'L POVERTY RATE:

[Page 2000]

LACK OF REDUCTION POLICY - EXPLAIN

LINA HAMID « » : Nova Scotia has the highest poverty rate in the country. Since this government was elected, the number of Nova Scotians living in poverty has increased by 59 per cent. I will table that. Food bank use is up by 62 percent - I will table that as well - yet Nova Scotia hasn't had a poverty reduction strategy since 2009.

Why is this government leaving low-income Nova Scotians to fall further behind instead of taking real action to address poverty?

HON. SCOTT ARMSTRONG » : I find the hypocrisy of the question, on the day that the minimum wage in Nova Scotia has gone up to its highest level ever - that was a wage increase that the NDP voted against.

We are standing for people with low incomes in this province. We are raising the minimum wage. We cut $500 million in taxes. We've reduced the HST. We're making strong moves in supporting low-income Nova Scotians. We are there for them every day. It's one measure after another, and every one of those measures was voted against by the Opposition.

LINA HAMID « » : Yet the fact is that Nova Scotia still has the highest poverty rate in the country. Homelessness has nearly doubled in Halifax and nearly tripled in western Nova Scotia since this government was elected. At the same time, the Poverty Reduction Credit hasn't been adjusted for inflation since 2018, and the Affordable Living Tax Credit hasn't been touched since 2011.

When will the minister admit that by refusing to update these basic supports, this government is failing the people who need it the most?

SCOTT ARMSTRONG « » : We've increased income assistance levels twice. We've actually indexed it for inflation. We are standing behind low-income Nova Scotians.

Speaker, the best social program is a job. That's why we're investing in natural resources. We're expanding the economy of this province. We're going to create jobs. We're going to create income, and we're going to be there for people of low income. We stand for them, we stand behind them, and we're going to give them a hand up.

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

DHW: CUMB. REG. EMERG.:

PRIOR COMPLAINTS ABOUT DOCTOR - ADDRESS

ELIZABETH SMITH-MCCROSSIN « » : My question is for the Minister of Health and Wellness. Earlier this year we learned about a physician who had practiced at Cumberland Regional emergency room who was charged with sexual assault. The CBC reporting reveals that before coming to Nova Scotia, the Quebec College of Physicians had already received sexual complaints about this doctor in 2019 and 2020. In 2022, the Quebec College revoked his license after finding he falsified his academic background and withheld past misconduct history. Despite this history, he was hired to practice here in Nova Scotia.

[Page 2001]

My question to the minister is: How could this doctor, with this record, be granted privileges to practice in a Nova Scotia hospital?

HON. MICHELLE THOMPSON « » : I certainly can't speak to individual cases. We do have a rigorous process in Nova Scotia where first of all, credentials are reviewed and where appropriate, given by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Nova Scotia. After that, certainly there is a process in place with the employers across this province to do due diligence wherever possible that happens.

I am not in a position that I am able to speak to this case directly, but I do have faith in those processes. We trust the College of Physicians and Surgeons, and we do trust our HR hiring policies.

Maybe at times there are things that happen, but it certainly is not something that I am able to comment directly on the individual case.

[2:45 p.m.]

ELIZABETH SMITH-MCCROSSIN « » : Speaker, I'm really surprised to hear the minister say that she has full confidence in the processes. My assistant found information about this position within 10 minutes. The minister, in my opinion, deserves to give the people of Cumberland County, the women who are victims of this doctor - they deserve an apology, and they deserve an explanation for how this doctor got his bloody licence in this province. It took my assistant 10 minutes to get information from Miami, from Quebec, and from other areas. Obviously, Nova Scotia Health Authority did not do their due diligence.

Will the minister commit to do a full review of physician hiring and credentialling processes here in this province?

MICHELLE THOMPSON « » : The operators throughout the province have a process that, when something goes awry through patient care, there is a quality review process. Again, I have faith in that process. I will not speak on individual cases.

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

DMA: HALIFAX WATER RATE HIKE - INTERVENE

[Page 2002]

KENDRA COOMBES « » : Halifax Water is imposing a 36 percent rate hike over two years. They admitted they didn't consider how this would impact low-income residents. Families are already struggling to keep up with food, power, and rent.

Why won't the Minister of Municipal Affairs intervene to prevent Nova Scotians from taking yet another financial hit?

HON. JOHN LOHR « » : The reality is that this government has invested over $250 million over the last five years in municipal infrastructure. We will continue to invest in water, sewer, and sidewalks across the province and in HRM. The other reality is that we are an intervener. In this, we recognize the burden of increased water costs for Nova Scotians and for residents of HRM. We have intervened. We'll see what the RAB says. We do recognize affordability issues for Nova Scotians.

KENDRA COOMBES « » : Water is a basic necessity, not a luxury. There's federal money available to help cover water infrastructure costs. Instead, families are facing a huge potential rate shock.

Will the minister use federal money available and commit to working with all levels of government to prevent this unaffordable rate hike?

JOHN LOHR « » : Speaker, the reality is we have been waiting for two or three years for a replacement program to the federal program that was their ICIP. We have made that request to the federal government a number of times. We're working hard for affordability for Nova Scotians, for example, the School Lunch Program, which I'll remind the member is helping Nova Scotians: 104,000 students in Nova Scotia got a meal today because of our School Lunch Program.

I will ask: Why didn't her party vote in favour of that program?

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

DHW - FRONT-LINE WORKERS: CALL-IN PAY - ADDRESS

PAUL WOZNEY « » : This past Monday was Medic Monday. It was good to see all parties express their support for the paramedics doing incredible work on the front lines in Nova Scotia.

Here in Nova Scotia, many front-line emergency response workers - including firefighters, police officers, and hospital employees - are excluded from receiving the minimum three-hour call-in pay when they are called into work during an emergency.

Why is this government disrespecting emergency response workers by excluding them from receiving the minimum three-hour call-in pay?

[Page 2003]

THE SPEAKER « » : I ask the member to repeat the question, please.

PAUL WOZNEY « » : The question is to the Minister of Labour, Skills and Immigration. This past Monday was Medic Monday . . .

THE SPEAKER « » : Order. (Interruption)

Order. Thank you. The minister has figured it out.

The honourable Minister of Health and Wellness.

HON. MICHELLE THOMPSON « » : We're very proud of our record of negotiating a contract in this province. This is an issue that's between the union and the employer. The union should bring those things to the negotiating table. We're very proud of our track record. We work very hard to support health care workers and first responders across this province. We will continue to do so.

PAUL WOZNEY « » : The fact is that this government has a track record of excluding emergency workers from the three-hour call-in payroll. All workers in Nova Scotia are currently entitled to only three hours of pay at the minimum wage, not their actual wage. In fact, many workers in Nova Scotia are paid overtime in general based on the minimum wage rather than their regular wage, including shipbuilders, IT workers, and truck drivers. All these workers help build up our province.

Will the Minister of Labour, Skills and Immigration explain why his government believes overtime hours worked by people doing important jobs should be paid at the minimum wage rather than at their actual rates of pay?

HON. NOLAN YOUNG » : Our department is neutral. We remain neutral in this. Government respects the perspectives of unions, employees, and employers. We provide conciliation and mediation services.

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

DOA: FARMING IND. LOSSES - INVESTIGATE

KRISTA GALLAGHER « » : Last year, Nova Scotia's farming industry lost $41 million. It was the eighth consecutive year. All the Minister of Agriculture had to say in his response was that he didn't know why the farms of the province were losing money.

How can farmers trust this government when the minister doesn't even know where the losses are coming from?

[Page 2004]

HON. GREG MORROW « » : I would go back to the president of the Nova Scotia Federation of Agriculture's comments - Alicia King - who said it's a very complex situation. There's no one single issue or one single answer to this question. There are a number of things at play here. It could be the weather. It could be labour. It could be rising costs - a number of things.

Industry should know that we are working directly with them and with the federation and working on a strategic plan to move forward - to move this industry forward. We're supporting them through various forms of funding, whether that's outside the budget process or included in the budget process.

KRISTA GALLAGHER « » : It's clear that the minister doesn't understand what farmers need. There was a strategy. There was a draft food and beverage strategy prepared by the minister's department that was ready for launch in 2023. This strategy would have increased local production and put more healthy food on the plates of Nova Scotians across the province, but instead of it being implemented, it was quietly abandoned.

Why is fresh local food not a priority for this government?

GREG MORROW « » : It certainly is a priority of this government. We're supporting industry through season-extension programs - increasing funding in that realm. We want to put more food in our local institutions. We implemented the School Lunch Program. These were all things that were listed in the input that we received from stakeholders - 1,900 submissions we received. These were some of the things that came back: institutional procurement and a school lunch program. These are all things that were in the strategy. We listened. We don't need a strategy to do the right thing. We implemented these things, and you know what? The School Lunch Program - those members voted against it.

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

DOE - CLEAN ENERGY PROJ.: RISKS - CLARIFY

HON. IAIN RANKIN « » : Nova Scotia has some of the best renewable energy opportunities in the country, and wind is an enormous opportunity for jobs, investment, and stabilizing power bills, but this government has a track record of opening up access to our power markets without competition. Now we see a hard cap on new, clean energy projects. We agree with the government that protecting ratepayers is critically important.

Can the Minister of Energy clarify what risk it sees to ratepayers from clean, designated energy projects?

HON. TREVOR BOUDREAU « » : Thank you, Speaker, and I am very pleased to talk about our clean power plan, getting to 80 percent renewables by 2030 and off coal. We are working very hard to achieve that and we have everything in place that we need to do that. When we are talking about the curtailment on projects that are not done through our procurement and what we are saying is we cap in order to make sure that we do not have curtailment or wastes. So, it is about making sure that ratepayers are taken care of and this province, this government, we are focused on making sure that we are doing what we can for ratepayers and we will continue to do that.

[Page 2005]

IAIN RANKIN « » : We support new renewable energy in Nova Scotia but it needs to be matched to load like the Goose Harbour project for Port Hawkesbury Paper or export sale opportunities. What I do not support is special regulations for businesses the Premier is friendly with, and I will table that. The reason this government is introducing this change is to protect ratepayers from a sweetheart deal of their own creation.

Why has a special carveout been given to EverWind and how does the minister propose to protect Nova Scotians from the Premier's friends if the hydrogen project never materializes in the province?

TREVOR BOUDREAU « » : What we are talking about here is an opportunity with the hydrogen sector. We had three proponents, including EverWind and Bear Head Energy and Simply Blue Group, or now Octopus Energy Generation. These are all opportunities to grow our economy, to put jobs in Nova Scotia, to keep Nova Scotians at home. This is not about looking at friends. These are all opportunities where we see the opportunities to grow our economy, to keep people at home. We will not apologize for trying to keep Nova Scotians and jobs right here in Nova Scotia.

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

DMA - CBRM: EQUALIZATION PAYMENTS - RECTIFY

KENDRA COOMBES « » : Cape Bretoners are struggling with a strained health care system, roads that are falling apart, and social services that do not provide support people deserve. Why? Because the regional municipality is shamefully not getting their fair share of equalization payment.

To the Minister of Municipal Affairs: How much longer is the government going to shortchange CBRM?

HON. JOHN LOHR « » : Speaker, I disagree with the position of the member - her question completely. We are investing an unprecedented amount of money in Cape Breton in hospitals, in schools, in seniors, in long-term care, in roads. We will continue to invest in the people of Cape Breton.

KENDRA COOMBES « » : Yet this government is cutting CBRM's municipal capacity grant, Speaker. Over the summer, the Premier sent letters to a few municipalities. The message was clear: Let uranium projects move forward or risk losing provincial funding for housing, roads, bridges, and more.

[Page 2006]

Why is this government treating municipal funding like a political game?

JOHN LOHR « » : Speaker, the reality is we have invested unprecedented amounts of money in municipalities. We will continue to do that. We have strongly supported our municipalities. We have renegotiated an MOU. We are working hard to make all our municipalities successful. I disagree with the premise of the member's question entirely.

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

CCTH: ARTS & CULTURE SPACES IMPROVEMENT FUND - COMMIT

SUSAN LEBLANC « » : Speaker, arts, culture, and heritage spaces are important gathering places for Nova Scotians to witness performances, exchange ideas, and share cultural traditions. Some spaces like the Bus Stop Theatre or the Ross Creek Centre for the Arts have been supported by government at the building or the renovation stage, but when these spaces need capital improvements, there is little available to help. The Recreation Facility Development Grant program is largely used for community centres and recreation facilities, and the money runs our pretty quickly.

[3:00 p.m.]

My question is: Will the government commit today to creating an arts and cultural spaces improvement fund to maintain these important spaces?

HON. DAVE RITCEY » : What a great department I have: wonderful staff, wonderful community infrastructure investments we've made over the past number of years, including my most recent years, in recent months.

I'll take the member's request back to the department for consideration.

SUSAN LEBLANC « » : I look forward to spreading the news of that program happening. The Turret Arts Space in the Khyber building on Barrington Street has been an arts venue, a queer space, and a cultural hub in downtown Halifax for decades. Now this piece of Halifax history is ready for its next chapter as an accessible arts community and cultural centre.

However, this beautiful building and arts space risks being lost forever without government supports.

My question for the minister is: Will the government commit to saving the Khyber building and funding the Turret Arts Space?

[Page 2007]

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

OPPOSITION MEMBERS' BUSINESS

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

HON. BRAD JOHNS » : Speaker, I beg leave to make a quick introduction.

THE SPEAKER « » : Please do.

BRAD JOHNS « » : I'd like to direct the members of the House to the Speaker's Gallery, where there is someone who, of course, many people know. He is no stranger to the House - my constituency coordinator, Regan Oliver, is with us today.

With Regan are two very special young women from the constituency, one of whom was one of my summer students in our constituency office, Addison Nipper. There's Addison. I point out, for members of the House, that Addison has not only been assisting the residents of the constituency, she is also one of the past graduates of Camp Courage, which was recognized here earlier in the House.

With that, I want to welcome Addison, Ava, and of course, Regan, back to the House. I'd ask all the members to join me in giving them a warm welcome, please. (Applause)

THE SPEAKER « » : Welcome to the House. We hope you enjoy your time here.

The honourable House Leader for the Official Opposition.

LISA LACHANCE « » : Speaker, would you please call the order of business Private Members' Public Bills for Second Reading.

PRIVATE MEMBERS' PUBLIC BILLS FOR SECOND READING

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

LISA LACHANCE « » : Speaker, would you please call Bill No. 131.

Bill No. 131 - Privacy and Credit Protection Act.

[Page 2008]

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

SUSAN LEBLANC « » : I would like to move the reading of Bill No. 131.

I rise today to talk about our Privacy and Credit Protection Act. This Act has several important things that will help protect the privacy and sensitive personal information of Nova Scotians. Following this year's data breach at Nova Scotia Power, Nova Scotians have told us they are frustrated and want to see change from Nova Scotia Power as a result.

Bill No. 131 would establish standards for how companies hold onto private information, putting limits on how they store social insurance numbers and personal banking information. This Act would also help Nova Scotians avoid identity fraud by freezing their credit without impacting their credit score. It would also lower barriers for people coming together in a class action lawsuit against Nova Scotia Power to seek damages related to this year's data breach.

People want their privacy to be protected. They want Nova Scotia Power to feel real consequences, and they want to be able to afford their power too. We think Nova Scotians deserve all of this. In fact, we think they should get a rebate of 10 percent on their power bills immediately. That's something we've been pushing for as a caucus. It's real relief that could take effect now, and it would make a big difference to all Nova Scotians.

This is no more than people need and deserve in the face of the massive data breach this year. When we heard that hundreds of thousands of Nova Scotians were affected by the breach, we were shocked. How could this happen? How could Nova Scotia Power allow this to happen? Why were they holding on to the social insurance numbers of so many Nova Scotians?

And then last month, we heard that even more Nova Scotians could be impacted by the breach, and that we'll never really know how many people are affected. We now understand that all customers, past and present, could be affected. Tens of thousands more may have had their private information exposed to the world. Virtually all Nova Scotians are at risk here, since everyone who has ever had an account with Nova Scotia Power could have had their data stolen.

People are feeling scared, frustrated, betrayed. And let's face it, they were already frustrated with Nova Scotia Power because of the high power bills we in Nova Scotia experience. The rates keep increasing, and people honestly don't feel like they're getting their money's worth. The grid is unreliable, leaving people without power with little explanation, and sometimes, as we've heard, on beautiful sunny days. The grid is also not very green. We still burn coal to generate power, and we are increasingly worried about missing our clean energy targets and deadlines.

[Page 2009]

The frustration surrounding this and other issues with Nova Scotia Power has grown following the cyber attack, the cyber breach. People find it incredible that the company's CEO has little explanation about what happened, who exactly is impacted, and what information was taken. Speaker, people deserve answers.

And now Nova Scotia Power is requesting another rate hike. This is unacceptable. Nova Scotians deserve clean, reliable, affordable energy, and they also deserve to have their personal data protected. The fact is that too many Nova Scotians are struggling with high power bills. Since 2021, when this government took power, the average family has seen their power bill go up by $400 a year. We are living in a cost-of-living crisis. People can't afford these increasing bills, including power bills.

I heard from one constituent who told me that they are frustrated by the constant rate hikes. They said that in their view, Nova Scotia Power is just interested in profits, which makes things very difficult for low-income, working-class Nova Scotians to pay bills, like their rent or their groceries. They felt this isn't right, and that something should be done to stop it. I agree with my constituent, Speaker. It's not right that Nova Scotia Power hikes rates over and over. They line shareholders' pockets and, meanwhile, face no repercussions for massive data breaches like the one we've just seen.

Another person, who is a constituent of my colleague from Fairview-Clayton Park, said that power bills already make life difficult for their family. They said that the impact of a further rate increase would have severe consequences on their family's quality of life. They're facing very tough choices, worried they won't be able to pay for heat and keep the lights on, as well as food. They're very worried about a rate hike.

This is exactly what I worry about for all Nova Scotians. With costs rising across the board, people are stretched so thin. I see this first-hand in Dartmouth North, but the issue goes far beyond my district. Nova Scotians are paying 30 percent more on their power bills compared with other Canadians. No wonder so many people feel they just can't get ahead. They can't keep up with the costs they already have.

We also keep hearing from Nova Scotians that they just can't trust Nova Scotia Power. They can't trust them to keep the rates down. They can't trust them to keep their private data safe. They can't trust them to keep the lights on. One person wrote to us about their experience this winter with no power. They said:

Our family was without power for nearly a whole week this past winter. We have no back up generator and because we are forced to rent there is no wood stove. The entirety of our family and pets were huddled into one small room to try and keep warm. We weren't able to cook food or heat up water, or work. Shivering that hard felt inhumane and the pain from it in our muscles last days after the heat was turned back on. Nova Scotia Power refused to compensate us for any of this and had zero compassion. This company is dangerous to Nova Scotians and we deserve better. We deserve safety and reliability.

[Page 2010]

Speaker, I simply must agree. Nova Scotia Power should be working for Nova Scotians. People need power to live their lives. Just like the person in that story, they pay high rates for power and they deserve to have that power on when they need it, and when the power goes out in the dark and cold of winter, it can be a dangerous situation. I will add that the person is, right now, facing down another winter with another rate hike coming, and to top it off, it's possible their private information could have been stolen.

This data breach is no small matter. People are facing repercussions that could affect them for the rest of their lives. With sensitive information like social insurance numbers out there, they face having their identities stolen. Right now Nova Scotia Power is saying they will pay for five years of credit monitoring, but that threat will continue after those five years.

This bill on that table lays important groundwork to give people the power to bring fast action suits against Nova Scotia Power. People deserve to have this option to seek damages. It's important to break down barriers that right now are preventing them from doing that. It's not even clear why Nova Scotia Power was holding on to social insurance numbers.

We heard from one person, Shaun Purdy, who moved back to Nova Scotia after a decade of living in B.C. When he got here, he called Nova Scotia Power to set up an account. When he did, they asked for his social insurance number and used it to find his old account. That means his social insurance number was on file for 18 years. That's not good data management.

People deserve answers from Nova Scotia Power and we haven't heard them, and they need this government to get those answers for them. Nova Scotians can't wait any longer for the changes they need. They need lower power bills, not a rate hike. They need the 10 percent power bill rebate that we are proposing, and they need the $400 dollars back, the amount the average family's bill has increased since 2021.

We all deserve a Nova Scotia Power that works for us. One with clean, reliable energy and a power bill that is affordable, and we need answers from Nova Scotia Power. They must face real consequences for the data breach and that is what this bill on the table is about.

Speaker, I look forward to hearing from my colleagues and I look forward to them supporting the bill.

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

[Page 2011]

HON. IAIN RANKIN « » : Speaker, our caucus supports this bill. It addresses critical issues around privacy and cybersecurity that all Nova Scotians require. We have also tabled a couple of pieces of legislation in the House this session. The Private Data Protection Act would give Nova Scotians the ability to take legal action if their privacy is wilfully violated through surveillance or misuse of data. Then we also proposed amendments to the Consumer Reporting Act that would allow Nova Scotians to place a security alert or freeze on their credit files free of charge, which will help protect against identity theft.

We also think the addition of alerts in this bill, in addition to credit freezes, is a good tool for Nova Scotians to have, and so we proposed that would be an addition to this bill. Once this bill passes through the House, maybe the NDP would entertain some amendments.

[3:15 p.m.]

In a digital age, privacy breaches and cyberattacks are only going to happen more as more companies collect our personal data. I have heard somewhere before that if it's good for other provinces, then it's good for Nova Scotians. I have heard that from the Premier and several ministers. Provinces like Quebec and British Columbia have already implemented these protections. Quebec has free credit freezes. British Columbia also allows for class action lawsuits in case of privacy breaches.

This bill would go further to strengthen the protections, and it would complement other legislation that our caucus tabled, which would require Nova Scotia Power to publicly report on cybersecurity investments, breaches, and risks every year with oversight from the Standing Committee on Natural Resources and Economic Development.

Importantly, our bill ensures that any fines imposed for failing to meet cybersecurity standards cannot be passed onto its customers, protecting Nova Scotians from paying for corporate mismanagement. I also urge the government to consider this measure, which would be complementary to the suggestions in this bill. If the government takes these ideas from both Opposition parties, they can create a stronger framework to protect privacy, prevent identity theft, and increase transparency and accountability in cybersecurity across the province.

Across all parties, we know that we must do more to hold Nova Scotia Power responsible for their cybersecurity breach that happened this summer, one of the largest breaches in our province's history, alongside the government's own breach that happened recently. We have received lots of emails from constituents looking for help and looking for assurances that this wouldn't happen again.

I recall all parties getting fired up about this, about protecting Nova Scotians' privacy and ensuring Nova Scotia Power not being able to continue to raise rates while offering some of the least reliable power in Canada. Government members had a lot to say when Nova Scotia Power was at committee. This is their opportunity to act as we are in maybe, I would say, the final days of the House session. Our party and the NDP have introduced legislation to hold Nova Scotia Power accountable and protect Nova Scotians. This bill is a good one, and it would go in the right direction to hold them more accountable and protect Nova Scotians.

[Page 2012]

It remains to be seen what this government will do in this House session or after. We strongly encourage them to take actions that Nova Scotians expect, beyond the rhetoric that we have heard from the Premier and other government officials.

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

DAMIAN STOILOV « » : Protecting Nova Scotians' privacy and guarding against credit fraud is top of mind for this government. We have spent a great deal of time working with financial institutions, Nova Scotian credit unions, and consumer reporting agencies to make sure we do everything we can to protect Nova Scotians, and this work continues.

This is not about appeasing industries. This is about protecting Nova Scotians from possible negative effects to the way they interact with the system they rely on.

It is important to make clear to everyone that the financial industry in Nova Scotia also includes over 220 small lenders and 20 credit unions in communities across our province. We need to ensure any new changes are effective and enforceable and provide real protection without unintended consequences to Nova Scotian consumers.

In Quebec, as an example, credit freezes took over two years to implement. In Ontario, where legislation was originally passed in 2018, credit freezes are still not available today.

In direct response to Nova Scotia Power's data breach, we have brought forward new legislation, the Social Insurance Number Protection Act, which will prohibit the collection of social insurance numbers by companies unless under specific circumstances and regulate retention timelines. Under the federal privacy legislation, the Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act, PIPEDA, it is legal for businesses to ask consumers to voluntarily provide social insurance numbers in many situations. Our new legislation will go beyond what currently exists federally to provide Nova Scotians with the protections they deserve.

For public entities, the Government Records Act sets out policies and regulations "to protect the records in the custody or under the control of public bodies from unauthorized access, disposition, or alienation." The Government Records Committee oversees the comprehensive records management programs of each department to ensure that public bodies can meet their obligations under this Act.

[Page 2013]

We take data protection and security seriously, especially in today's rapidly evolving digital world. That is why this government created a dedicated Department of Cyber Security and Digital Solutions - the first province in Canada to do so. Technology and cyber threats are constantly changing, which means rigid, one-size-fits-all protocols can quickly become outdated. That's why existing provincial and federal legislation focuses on ensuring safeguard protocols, not fixed methods. A flexible approach allows organizations to adapt their security measures as new risks emerge, ensuring that personal data remains protected at all times, not fixed methods.

We diligently continue to do the hard work needed to keep Nova Scotians' information secure and build our resistance to ever-present threats. This work includes the following: improving breach protocols and incident response to ensure that there is enhanced capacity to respond to larger-scale breaches; improving how data is classified and managed; continually reviewing, adapting, and evolving to the overall cybersecurity strategy to strengthen abilities to respond to large-scale events; introducing recurring mandatory cybersecurity awareness and training for all staff; and working closely with the Canadian and international jurisdictions to ensure shared learnings and build capacity in Nova Scotia.

We will continue to do that going forward. We care about the security of all Nova Scotians.

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

ELIZABETH SMITH-MCCROSSIN « » : I stand in support of this bill that the NDP has brought forward and thank them for doing so. We all know the cybersecurity concerns and the breach that happened from Nova Scotia Power. Although other speakers have discussed it, I'll just give a couple of the highlights.

In early 2025, Nova Scotia Power experienced a ransomware cyber attack resulting in unauthorized access to customer data. Initially, the company estimated around 280,000 customers might be impacted; of those, it later disclosed that roughly 1,400 social insurance numbers and records were affected. In later disclosures, Nova Scotia Power expanded the scope, acknowledging that former customer data was also impacted and opened the offer of five years of free credit monitoring to all customers.

My husband was one of those customers. Our home Nova Scotia Power bill is in my husband's name. He received the letter and he went online to register, but he couldn't, because he already had an account. The reason he already had an account is because of the two cybersecurity breaches that have happened under this government.

As an independent member, I watch a lot and listen. Through all this that has happened with Nova Scotia Power - I'm not condoning any of it, but there's been so much criticism, yet under this government there have been two cybersecurity breaches. The member - our good friend who just spoke - he did share that there is now a department, which is great, that is looking at this. Hopefully measures will be put in place to protect for future.

[Page 2014]

I remember it wasn't that long ago when this government was in Opposition. They took it so seriously then that then-Interim Leader of the Opposition Party - the PCs - actually called for the resignation of the minister who was responsible for that department when there was a cyber breach under the Liberals. I remember how upsetting it was for the minister. She was very upset. I have a lot of respect for her, and it was a very upsetting time for her. Later, when she was in Opposition, I had an opportunity to talk to her about how that all went down and how she felt about that and how her leader had her back. That was really something, the respect that they had in that caucus.

I remember just how much of a big deal that was when this government was in Opposition, yet we have had two breaches. We've had the breach in May of 2023 - a global vulnerability exploited in the MOVEit file transfer system, affecting many organizations including the Government of Nova Scotia. The breach impacted some employees, members of the public, the Nova Scotia Health Authority, the IWK, and public service records. That's when my husband was impacted. The government had posted breach alerts, including a post incident response plan and privacy impact assessment summary.

Then, of course, in January of this year, not that long ago, the Government of Nova Scotia announced that PowerSchool, a system used in K-12 education, had experienced a cyber breach. Although this system didn't include financial data, it did include personal information, such as identifiers, student data, and staff data.

I do think there's a role for all of us to play. We do know that cybersecurity is top of mind. A few years ago, I had the honour of going to a CPA conference out in Vancouver - actually, it was Victoria - and those of us in attendance got to go to an RCMP briefing - actually, it was a military briefing. That would have been probably in 2018 or 2019. I remember the captain at the time said the biggest threat in all of Canada is the threat of cyber breaches. That was where their number one focus was for our country.

The reality is it's a threat for all organizations, as the former MLA spoke and shared, whether it's a small business, whether it's government, whether it's Nova Scotia Power. I do again applaud my colleagues in Opposition, in the NDP, the Official Opposition, for bringing this bill forward. I do hope that the government will work with them and pass this bill.

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

CLAUDIA CHENDER « » : I rise to just say a few words about this legislation, which we began working on shortly after the breach. A few people have referenced - many people, I think ourselves included, have expressed dismay, upset, anger at the fact that this happened, at the way that the utility has dealt with this. That's not really our job. Our job is to make sure it doesn't happen again. We set to work on trying to establish a framework that would prevent this from happening again, because that is the job of government.

[Page 2015]

Of course, we came into this session hopeful that it would be redundant and that we would see legislation come forth from this government that would meet the need, particularly because we have a new department. Our hope was piqued when we saw the very first bill entitled The Protecting Nova Scotians Act. Then our hopes were dashed. The provision that the government has put forward around regulating the collection of social insurance numbers is of course a good idea, an idea that should have been actioned a very long time ago.

Contrary to some statements I've seen from members in the media, our understanding is that this is not retroactive. We have a situation where companies are not, to my knowledge, compelled to dispose of the data they already have. That means that we are open to more breaches. Further, the reason for this legislation, as has been said, is because we are not regulating, nor giving Nova Scotians the ability to hold responsible, private companies that hold our sensitive personal information. We know - it is incontrovertible - that the biggest threat facing us right now are those cyber threats. Those are the threats. My colleague spoke of that, the member for Cumberland North. We have spoken of that in this House. This is what happens. We have these horrible data breaches. We've had many under this government's watch, although it may be under any government's watch, truly. This is what's happening. That universe and particularly the more nefarious actors in that universe are moving more quickly than we are.

[3:30 p.m.]

What do we need to do? We need to catch up, Speaker. The way we catch up is by regulating properly, by legislating properly - not at 10 o'clock at night, not for three weeks a year, not with omnibus legislation that does seven different things, but by actually relating to the threat in front of us and addressing it. This legislation aims to do just that. This legislation aims to protect Nova Scotians.

In addition to what the government has brought forward - protecting people, the collection of social insurance numbers - we would also ensure that there are lower barriers to a class-action lawsuit. Now for those folks who don't speak and think legal, that is a sentence that might go in one ear and out the other. What does it mean? What it means right now is that in the eyes of the law, the body that suffered harm when that data breach occurred - that massive data breach where almost all of our private information was compromised in some way - well, who was harmed legally? I get to live being a law professor, something I never did.

[Page 2016]

Nova Scotia Power, they are the aggrieved body. They are the ones that have suffered harm. The only people that can be held liable legally for the data breach that just happened is Nova Scotia Power. Maybe they should be, but they are the only ones that have been hurt. Nova Scotians themselves are not seen to be people who have been hurt. If you are a Nova Scotian whose data was stolen, who suffers from identity theft, who has money stolen from their bank account, who has any of the numerous problems that come out of these kinds of breaches, you cannot pursue legal action against the company because you weren't hurt, the company was. That's what this bill aims to change.

In other provinces this is possible. You can sue a company that is a custodian of your data if they do not protect that data. That's common sense, folks. That's what people in Nova Scotia probably think they can already do, but if you talk to the lawyers who handle these kinds of actions, they'll tell you: Well, no, people in Nova Scotia cannot do that. They should be able to.

We're not trying to facilitate a bunch of class-action lawsuits. We still don't know what the full impact of this breach will be. We need to make sure Nova Scotians are protected. I don't hold out a great deal of hope, given the tenor of the House recently, for this bill going forward. I would implore the government members to look at the provisions in this bill and to take them seriously. One is enabling action against the company for Nova Scotians whose data has been stolen. Another is credit freezes.

We heard the government members say that it's hard and it takes time. That's okay, better late than never. It took two years in Quebec. Maybe it will take two years in Nova Scotia. Let's get the ball rolling. If people are concerned enough about the breach of their personal information that they would like to request a credit freeze, they should be able to. Right now, they can't. In Quebec they can, in Nova Scotia they can't. That's another thing that this bill would allow; they could request that credit freeze.

Will it happen overnight? No. Should it? Probably not, but that's okay. We don't do anything very quickly. We can wait, but let's start the ball rolling. Let's have that conversation.

I think I've spoken, and my colleagues have spoken, to many of the provisions in this bill. I want to end by just zooming out a little bit and reminding people of the context in which this bill is coming forward. The context is we have a utility that is not meeting the moment. They are charging too much money for unreliable power that is still coming from sources like coal, and maybe it will be bunker C oil. It's not renewable, it's not reliable, it's not affordable, and they're not protecting our information.

We've seen nothing come forward, aside from a single provision in an omnibus bill that actually addresses that. We have the power, folks. We in this room have the capacity to regulate this company, and we must. That is why we have put this forward, and that is why we hope that this government will take seriously the provisions we have put forward and will actually act to protect Nova Scotians.

[Page 2017]

With that, Speaker, I move to close second reading.

THE SPEAKER « » : The motion is to adjourn debate on Bill No. 131.

All those in favour? Contrary minded? Thank you.

The motion is carried.

The honourable House Leader for the Official Opposition.

LISA LACHANCE « » : Speaker, would you please call the order of business Motions Other Than Government Motions.

MOTIONS OTHER THAN GOVERNMENT MOTIONS

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

LISA LACHANCE « » : Speaker, would you please call Resolution 219.

Res. 219 re Housing Crisis - Tenant Affordability - Protect - notice given Sept. 26, 2025. (C. Chender)

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

CLAUDIA CHENDER « » : Thank you, Speaker. We have filed this resolution with the House, and now I'd like to move it and read it for the benefit of the members.

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

Whereas Nova Scotia is in the midst of a housing crisis that has left people struggling with rising rents, unaffordable homes, growing homelessness, and deepening housing insecurity; and

Whereas under this government's watch, average rents across Nova Scotia have increased by an average of $4,400 per year, homelessness has nearly doubled in Halifax and has nearly tripled in the western region of the province, and the cost relative to income of buying a home has nearly doubled; and

Whereas rather than take action to address housing insecurity by removing the financial incentive for fixed-term leases, this government has consistently shown that their first priority is to put the interests of landlords first, by failing to establish a residential tenancies enforcement unit and actively stripping tenants who live in shared accommodations with their landlords from their rights;

[Page 2018]

Therefore be it resolved that on a future date the House shall debate the housing crisis in Nova Scotia to allow all members the opportunity to speak on this urgent need for stronger protections for tenants, and meaningful action on housing affordability.

I wanted to just read that for the benefit of members, because it wasn't read on the floor of the House. I think it kind of speaks for itself, but I will say a few things. We have gotten into a bit of a rhythm on the floor of this House where we ask questions about renter protections and we're told that the Residential Tenancies enforcement system works and that people just need to know about it. It's like a tiny bit crazy-making as the person asking the question, because we're really trying to get answers. Our purpose in putting this resolution forward is to try to understand - and conversely to try to help the members on the government side understand - the reality for renters in this province.

The reality for renters in this province is bleak. Rent hikes are outpacing pay cheques, period. Rents are going up an astronomical amount. I'm not sure why we have a rent cap anymore, because it doesn't work. I should say, it doesn't work for anyone. The rent cap doesn't work for tenants, but it doesn't work for landlords either. That's why they're not using it. If it worked, then landlords would be signing long-term leases for tenants, and tenants would be able to stay in units that were affordable, but that's not the case. We need something that works. What we need are protections for renters.

What we also hear when we talk about closing the fixed-term lease loophole is that there are lots of organizations that use fixed-term leases. There are lots of non-profits and folks who provide housing for more vulnerable Nova Scotians or people who do not have a rental history who might use those fixed-term leases - or students or professionals. Sure, that makes sense. I have had to rent an apartment for nine months, but when I wanted to, not when that was the only choice. We actually do not need to get rid of fixed-term leases. We need to remove the financial incentive for fixed-term leases.

The reason that we have so many fixed-term leases is because it is the only way that the government can get around the rent cap. The rent cap is 5 percent if you have a long-term lease, but there is no rent cap if you do not. If the rent control, rent cap, or rent-stabilizing measures were tied to units and not people, you could have any duration of lease that you wanted because you would not have a financial incentive to get rid of people. Now, there is a financial incentive, and we do not pretend that is not real. It is. We hear this government talk a lot about balance: "We are balancing the needs of landlords and tenants." But it is not balanced. It is not balanced because the landlords can raise the rent as high as they want, and the tenants need to try to pay it.

There is no agency. The residential tenancies enforcement unit - it is overburdened and underequipped - I mean the residents. Sorry. The Residential Tenancies system is overburdened and underequipped, and we do not have an enforcement unit. We do not have an enforcement unit, notwithstanding this government commissioned a report that advised establishing a unit for the cost of $1 million - a rounding error on the $1.2-billion deficit we just heard about. Yet, we do not have it. We have tenants in my colleague's constituency who were out of power for a week and are being forced into new leases for units they have not even seen.

[Page 2019]

We have abuse of this system. Again, this is an opportunity for this government to do its job. Yes, the agreement between with a tenant is a private agreement, but we regulate some of that, and we should do it well. We should do it better. We should do it in a way that ensures that, at the bare minimum, Nova Scotians can have a roof over their heads. We have this conversation more in the fall session than we do in the spring session. Why? Because it is going to get cold. It is going to start snowing, and people are still going to be living outside. Now, with a push from our municipal units to get people inside - maybe they are living in substandard housing or shelter space, or maybe they are moving into the woods. Who knows? What we need is housing. We are able to provide that.

I will say, we have seen programs. I am certain that my government colleagues will stand up and talk about the programs. I will remind them they did not need our vote for those programs, and if they were not in an omnibus bill, we certainly would have supported them - but they are not enough.

They are not enough. They are not enough because rents are rising 28 percent year over year because people are paying $4,400 more per year for rent now than they were when this government took office. They were because there is no real path to home ownership in this province anymore, and it is as expensive to live and commute in Nova Scotia as it is to live and commute in Toronto or Montreal.

What does that mean for our kids? What does that mean for our businesses? What does it mean for the economic development projects that we hear about from this government? Where are people going to live? It is hard. I am sure you have all heard about this.

What we are asking for is action. Close the fixed-term lease loophole. Cap rents at inflation and make it make sense for landlords and for tenants. Build more homes that people can actually afford. Look at some innovative solutions, like rent-to-own starter homes and shared equity that folks like United Way have been piloting.

[3:45 p.m.]

There are so many options. There are so many good things happening in little pockets of this province and in little corners of this country. Take them and run with them. You will have our support. In the meantime, please let us know what is being done for the many tens of thousands of Nova Scotians who are struggling to afford a place to live.

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

[Page 2020]

HON. IAIN RANKIN « » : Our caucus is in support of the spirit of this resolution, which calls attention to the urgent housing challenges that are facing Nova Scotians. From skyrocketing rents to increasing unaffordability of homes and a troubling rise in homelessness, it's clear that the current trajectory is not sustainable.

In Halifax, where we have an average rent of an apartment increasing by 18 percent in just the last year alone, reaching $2,373 a month - and province-wide rents have risen by hundreds of dollars a month as well. Homelessness in Halifax has nearly doubled, and in the western part of the province it's nearly tripled since 2022. As we travel across the province, we hear about this. People mention that they've never seen so many Nova Scotians struggling with homelessness. We hear about child poverty rates. We hear about energy poverty. Affording a home seems completely out of reach. In Halifax, the average home is now $580,000 and more than double what it was a decade ago. In that same time frame, household income has barely kept up with inflation. Home ownership is now a distant dream for many young people in our province.

These alarming trends underscore the urgent need for action - not necessarily spending action. While this government likes to brag about just how much money they are spending, it's not just about the amount you spend. If it was, this government would have fixed everything with virtually all of their departments overspending - coming in at budget and then overspending on top of that. This resolution talks about stronger tenant protections and meaningful support for non-profit housing partners.

I'll just mention a couple of spending things that the government has worked on. Happipad, which demonstrates the problem with poorly targeted spending. Over a million dollars spent on this initiative, yet it resulted in 60 leases in two years, costing the government over $20,000 per lease. This clearly raises questions about the efficacy and efficiency of government programs, but the government doesn't care about that. They have yet to actually review any of their programs since they came into government. Imagine what that money could have done if directed toward more effective and impactful initiatives such as supporting non-profit housing providers or providing direct assistance to tenants who are facing eviction.

We've seen this government ignore solutions like a residential tenancies enforcement unit, an initiative supported by landlords, tenants, and this government's own study into improving the Residential Tenancies system. I'm glad the resolution calls for stronger protections for tenants, which are absolutely needed. We need strong tenant protections to prevent unfair practices like the abuse of the fixed-term lease to circumvent the rent cap.

This crisis requires practical solutions that actually do get homes built. Our party believes strongly in building more houses of all types - non-market housing, but also driving market-oriented housing. We believe in ensuring fairness for tenants but also ensuring builders, landlords, and non-profits are willing and able to add supply.

[Page 2021]

Nova Scotians need a comprehensive approach to the housing crisis that increases supply, strengthens tenant protections, supports non-profits, and addresses affordability in a meaningful way. We need investment in public and non-profit housing for vulnerable populations. We need incentives and partnerships with the private sector to accelerate the construction of new rental units, affordable homes, and diverse housing types - transit-oriented housing, never talked about by the government.

We also need a huge investment in infrastructure to unlock new opportunities for housing. This speaks to new roads, new transit, actually being a real partner with municipalities to build transit. Water infrastructure: we've suggested how to tap into available infrastructure funds to offset costs with water and actually really invest in what is needed - the basics. Without modernizing our permitting systems and investing more in things like trade streaming - I understand there are many different wait-lists still at the Nova Scotia Community College for trades that we need - and fixing bottlenecks in planning, just throwing government money around at different programs will not solve the problem.

This resolution is a clear call for government to recognize the depth of the crisis and take urgent action. I urge all members to support it and help Nova Scotians truly find safe, affordable housing and a roof above their head.

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

JOHN WHITE « » : Speaker, I really am happy to get up on this topic because I don't know if any government has done anything as much as we have to address housing. I'll address some of the things that we said along the way. I've been taking notes as you went here to try to address specifically what was said. There were a lot of comments over there, and my notes include a lot of numbers. If you are anything like me - I glaze over when there are too many numbers, so I will try to take my time at that point just so you can let it sink in.

When it comes to an enforcement unit, an assessment has been done on an enforcement unit, and it showed that it wouldn't be what Nova Scotians are looking for. It wouldn't give us the bite that they wanted. It would add bureaucracy to the system and potentially cause delays in the program, which is something that other provinces have experienced with such a unit.

The report did not recommend whether an enforcement unit should be implemented. However, guiding principles that resulted from the report were incorporated and modernized in the Residential Tenancies Program. We took the good parts that we could deal with out of it.

[Page 2022]

These actions include introducing initiatives to reduce hearing wait times, which are now among the shortest in the country at less than five weeks, when wait times can be as long as six months in provinces that have complied with the enforcement units - five weeks compared to six months - creating a scheduling process for hearings that is responsive to high priority cases and enforcing options for resolving disputes without a hearing in an emergency situation; offering more accessible online information in service to the program; and increasing education and awareness outreach.

Strengthening tenants' rights under this government - under this government several amendments have been made to the Residential Tenancies Act. Over the last four years, we have taken steps that have strengthened tenants' rights in Nova Scotia, including: we've extended the temporary rent cap until December 31, 2027; we've protected tenants against renovation evictions by implementing minimum notice timelines and a compensation model that includes three months' rent, moving expenses, and possible rent differences in a new rental unit; we've made it easier for tenants to get their security deposit back; we are requiring the landlord's contact information to be on the contract; we've prohibited tenants from subletting at rental rates higher than the original rates to the potential tenants; and we are authorizing the publication of director's orders or summaries to increase transparency.

As I said, it gives me great pleasure to stand here and speak about the actions taken by this government to help protect tenants' affordability. As the Leader of the Opposition has said, we need more housing, and we'll agree. Government's response to housing affordability is to create more supply.

I heard a member from the Liberal caucus over there talking about $20,000 per contract for the Happipad. Happipad, in my opinion, has been made a bit of a joke in this House by the Opposition. Speaker, I would like to ask any one of those members opposite to ask the 60,000 people who signed a contract within Happipad if they think it's a joke.

We cannot build a house for $20,000. Speaker, it gets better than that, 60,000 contracts were signed within the platform. Outside of that, 400 units. I don't think that's a joking matter, I don't think housing is a joking matter. Maybe the Opposition members would like to ask somebody who has accessed housing that way.

Glace Bay isn't fortunate enough to get some public housing already. It has been only approximately 30 to 40 years since we had some built. We've got eight two-bedroom units completed, fully accessible ground floors. I have to tell you that the heartfelt thank you I am receiving on that is absolutely incredible. I am so proud to be part of a government that takes housing as seriously as it does, to invest the kind of money that we are investing in this and a five-year plan that we're two years into and we're already 167 percent complete. I think this government is doing fabulous when it comes to housing.

I know we had lots of need out there. I know there's lots more to do, but by no means, can a member stand over there on the opposite side and say that we're not acting, that we aren't getting things done.

[Page 2023]

When I talk about the government response to housing, over 60,000 Nova Scotians and their families are closer to accessing housing, with thousands more to come as our first-of-its-kind housing plan continues to show exceptional results - 60,000.

Speaker, you heard the minister quote many times, 167 percent of a five-year plan. Those 60,000 families are pretty grateful that we're moving at breakneck speed, I would say. In the plan's first 24 months we've invested hundreds of millions of dollars, cut miles of red tape, supported the workforce and reduced costs and we're just getting started.

We remain focused on helping all Nova Scotians in need of housing. The work we're doing is making it easier to build and it's getting more Nova Scotians in homes much faster.

The progress of our Action for Housing plan from April 1, 2023, to July 31, 2025, is pretty substantial. Through a partnership with the Community Housing Transformation Centre, 10 Indigenous and African Nova Scotian organizations received 21.6 percent of the seed funding awarded through the Community Housing Growth Fund which helps to strengthen the sector and lay groundwork for development in 2024 and 2025.

New housing supply programs, whether it's building hundreds of new public housing units for the first time since the 1990s, protecting and preserving affordable housing stock, quadrupling our investment in rent supplements or working alongside our community housing partners to create or preserve over 3,000 affordable units, this government has been working tirelessly to ensure as many Nova Scotians have access to safe, affordable housing as possible. Isn't that what we're here talking about?

[4:00 p.m.]

I had the luxury of attending a housing announcement in Digby not long ago. That was absolutely incredible because we got to speak to tenants who were going into units. Those tenants were just glowing at the thought of a new home, a safe place to live. To suggest that this government is not working to help supply housing is simply not looking at the facts, not looking at numbers at all.

The department administers several programs designed to increase the availability and affordability of housing, including the land for housing program, the affordable housing development program, secondary and backyard suite incentive program, the student housing development program, and an initiative designed to increase housing availability for health care workers. I would say that's a pretty serious government to address housing, Speaker.

[Page 2024]

In the past three years, through these programs and initiatives, a total of 2,794 new units have been committed to or built, of which 1,184 are affordable units. That's 42.4 percent. This includes 475 units for students and health care workers.

Support for renters - rent supplements and public housing. Rent supplements help make life more affordable for Nova Scotians, and we are focused on making sure as many people and families as possible have access to this program. Through rent supplements and public housing, currently 21,207 households across Nova Scotia are supported. Over 12,023 households with 20,905 tenants are occupants of public housing units across Nova Scotia. Speaker, 69 percent of those are seniors - a vulnerable sector of society.

Applicants may be prioritized for access to public housing if they are experiencing homelessness, if they are survivors of family violence, if they're living in inadequate housing, or need affordable housing located near life-sustaining supports.

We announced the largest investment in new public housing in the province's history - the first major investment in over 30 years. If the two parties opposite did anything on housing when they were in government, perhaps there wouldn't be such an urgent need right now. Nonetheless, we'll continue to forge forward.

Since 2023, a total of $251.2 million has been committed to build 515 new public housing units; 51 of those units are modular, and 464 are new builds. That will house up to 1,300 Nova Scotians.

The executive panel on housing in HRM is working to remove barriers and to speed up development so that people can access homes faster. The work of the panel has been successful in creating conditions to build over 60,000 units in the HRM. Without the panel, thousands of units would have been delayed for years, possibly stalling housing access for tens of thousands of Nova Scotians and their families.

The minister has designated 16 specialty planning areas. That will result in 60,000 housing units being brought to market between three years and 24 months earlier than would have otherwise been the case. Again, if we'd had any movement on this file from the previous government, perhaps the urgency wouldn't be so felt by Nova Scotians today.

Through community housing preservation programs, we've increased our investment in the community housing sector by 10 times since taking office, to the tune of $283 million. This has helped over 3,000 people and families access affordable housing faster. I think that's what we're trying to do. That should be all members of the House. I think those are all our goals. I would dare say this government is moving on exactly that: multiple programs and big numbers.

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

[Page 2025]

ELIZABETH SMITH-MCCROSSIN « » : I thank the NDP for bringing this resolution forward - asking for stronger protections for tenants and meaningful action on housing affordability. I can only speak to what I know in Cumberland North. While this government has invested in housing, and we're grateful for what they have done, there is still an enormous need, greater than ever before seen.

In fact, last weekend, I was at a memorial service for first responders. I was telling our chief of police a little story - it was something that had happened the day before - and he said, "Elizabeth, in the last two to three weeks, with the weather starting to cool, the greatest issue facing our area is the lack of housing and the lack of places for people to lay their head safely." He said people he's never seen before - people who have full-time jobs but can't afford a place to live - they're sleeping in their cars or otherwise.

The story that I had shared with him: The day before, I'd gone out to the Linden Hall Community Centre around 9:30 a.m. I had organized a workshop on healthy well waters. I told my staff, "Take the weekend off. I'm fine. I'll do it." I didn't take anyone with me. I was a little nervous because the day before, sadly, there was somebody who was mentally unstable who had come to my Pugwash office and took a note that was a little scary, and we had to report to police. I was nervous going by myself, but I thought, "It will be fine. I'm going to Linden, which is where I grew up. I'll be safe."

Half an hour before the workshop was to start, I'm there by myself, and a man starts - just appears. He's walking toward the building, clearly disheveled, backpack on, and I think, "Oh my goodness."

Anyway, thankfully, he turned out to be a very friendly, kind-hearted man, but he was unsheltered. He was coming because he saw my vehicle there, and he wanted to know if there was any chance that I had anything for him to eat. I shared with him some of the food that I had brought for the workshop. He asked me if I had a cigarette. I said, "I don't have a cigarette, but I have caffeine." He was so grateful.

I asked him, "Where did you sleep last night?" He said, "Just up there in the ditch." It's very sad to see some of the circumstances that people are living in these days. I wish I had millions of dollars; I'd just build a place, so everybody had a place to go. No one should have to sleep in the ditch.

Just last week, someone my age who has worked her whole life - whom I know, who's struggling with mental illness - was discharged and has no place to go. A woman my age - she's worked her whole bloody life, and where does she have to go? The local shelter.

It's unbelievable, actually, that these circumstances are happening. I just wanted to share a few of these stories - a few of these examples - just to emphasize that, while there has been money spent on public housing, and while there's been money spent on supporting some of the non-profit initiatives, which I'm very grateful have happened in Cumberland North, there is still such a need. I hope that the government sees the need and doesn't just see all the good work that has been done, but the need that still needs to be done.

[Page 2026]

I'm getting daily emails and phone calls from my office on housing and the need for housing, and they're from people of all ages, including seniors. I'm going to finish up quickly, because I want to make sure there's time for my other colleagues to share as well. I do want to finish my comments on housing by asking the government to please reconsider the cutbacks to HARP, because the people that are struggling right now are these very people that need those programs.

It's the hardest thing to be in my office - and I'm sure other MLAs sitting here are experiencing the same thing - when you have somebody come to your office who's 75, who's worked their entire life, who looks you in the eye and say, "What am I supposed to do? I don't have enough money to put oil in my oil tank." They're going to be cold all winter.

I'll end with those few comments. I implore the government to reverse their decision on cutting back who's eligible on HARP and increase it to what it was last year.

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

SUSAN LEBLANC « » : I thank the folks in the House who have spoken to this resolution thus far. I just want to make a quick couple of quick comments.

Hearing my colleague from Cumberland North speak, it's clear now, and I know that everyone in this room knows this, that the housing crisis is not just an HRM problem. There was a time when it was mostly an HRM issue, and we who represent ridings in the HRM have been very familiar with it and have been proposing solutions and calling for government action for many years.

Now we're hearing people who represent more rural areas, towns instead of cities, who are experiencing the - they're witnessing the trauma of homelessness and the housing crisis. I want to say that when we talk about such things, to rattle off statistics and numbers about how much money has been invested here, and how much money has been invested there, and all of the things that we've done, and all of the things, and why would we - no one else has done anything, but we've done it all. All of those numbers could be true, and yet it doesn't actually show up in what people are experiencing right now.

As people get housed, there are more people becoming unhoused, because we are not addressing the systemic issues that cause homelessness. So we can build all the affordable housing we want. We can make sure that people have access to shelters. We can do all kinds of things to make sure people aren't sleeping outside - which, by the way, aren't enough, because there's an awful lot of people sleeping outside right now. Homelessness has doubled in the last year in the HRM, Speaker. There are people living in tents all over the place, even with shelters open. We all know that shelters are not a solution for everybody. Even with that, if we do not address the reasons why people are being rendered homeless, then we are just spinning our wheels. We're like hamsters on the wheel. We are putting band-aids on cuts, and then the cuts are happening in other places.

[Page 2027]

So I will give you one simple solution, Speaker, one thing that could not end homelessness, but it could certainly slow it down, and that is ending the fixed-term lease loophole in the Residential Tenancies Act. When I hear the Minister of Service Nova Scotia talk about how the Residential Tenancies Act works for people and how everyone just needs to get educated about how well it works, well it's just not the case. It's not the case.

The fixed-term lease loophole is just that; it's a loophole. I understand that not-for-profit housing organizations use it. I understand that people who rent to students use it. I understand all of that. I get it, and I see that those are important uses for that type of lease. However, if we had rent control or a rent cap tied to a unit instead of a person, then there would be no way to exploit or reason to exploit the fixed-term lease loophole.

[4:15 p.m.]

These are things that we have been saying for several years, and they are falling on the shoulders of this government that refuses to listen to us. We need a rent cap tied to a unit. The rent goes up 5 percent. If someone new moves in, it's at the same price. If someone moves in, you don't get to adjust the rent, you just keep it at the 5 percent every time, whether there is a new person or not. That way, a fixed-term lease loophole - a fixed-term lease is not helpful to a landlord who is trying to evade the rent cap. It's as simple as that. We ask for this change to be made, and we ask for it to be made today.

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

SUZY HANSEN « » : I am standing up to speak on this motion because, as we all know, housing is an issue, and it is affecting every single community across this province. There is no way that we can deny it because each and every one of us sees it in our emails, our offices, and our phone calls. You can't pick up the paper, scroll social media, or talk to your neighbours without hearing about housing.

Every day, my office tries to help people find their homes - homes that they can afford - apply for rent supplements, and navigate the overburdened Residential Tenancies system. I know that the minister likes to talk about how things are working, and the tenancies system works. Well, spend a day in my office. I will tell you that that is not the truth, but my office can only do so much in a system that isn't working the way that it should.

People are struggling to find a place to live, struggling to afford the rent once they find an apartment, and struggling to stay in the homes they already have. There is no way around it. We've heard from folks and colleagues across the aisle and on this side talk about the rising rents and how homes are unattainable, and there is no way around it. Nova Scotia is in the middle of a housing crisis.

[Page 2028]

Let's start with rents. They are skyrocketing. If people think, "Aw, that's not true. You don't know what you're talking about," well, on average, Nova Scotians are paying about $4,400 more per year for rent - that is a lot of money per year - than they were before this government was elected. Think about that. That's $360 more every single month. That's not like pennies; that's not a dollar extra or something that you can kind of cut. That is $360 more every single month for a renter.

This money could pay for an extra grocery run. It could pay for school supplies and extracurricular activities. This money could go toward paying for inflated power bills, water bills, or phone bills. I know each and every one of us have water bills and power bill emails, so I know you understand that that is an issue.

This is money that families just don't have to spare. Meanwhile, homelessness has doubled in Halifax and nearly tripled in the western part of the province, which has been spoken here today. The point-in-time count, as of September - not even a couple days ago - was 1,028. It has tripled in the western part of the province. These are people forced to sleep in cars, in tents, in shelters, or on couches, with nowhere safe that they can afford.

We also aren't building nearly enough housing. In HRM over the last four years, only 19 new housing units were built for every 100 persons added to the population. Think about that; 19 new housing units for every 100 people. What housing is built, very few can afford. I can tell you that in Halifax Needham we have lots of housing, but it's very unaffordable because we have no real rent cap and very little real investment in non-market housing that is actually affordable.

This means more Nova Scotians are forgetting about the dream of home ownership. The cost of buying a home has far surpassed how much people are making. For entire generations, that dream is slipping out of reach. Over 60 percent of Nova Scotians say they worry they will never get ahead financially.

None of this is inevitable. These outcomes are a result of the choices that this government is making, but with better choices, we can change direction. This government has had opportunities to act. They could have closed the fix-term lease loophole - as my colleague has spoken about - to give renters real security. They could have created a residential tenancies enforcement unit to prevent renters from being abused.

Instead, we saw different priorities. I want to be very clear, this government has raised the rent cap to 5 percent, the highest in the country, making it easier and faster for landlords to evict renters and investing in boondoggles like Happipad that promised big results but delivered very little. Yes, those 60 people that have got a room in someone's house, I bet they are super happy because they now have a roof over their heads, but what about the thousands of people who are on wait-lists? What about the thousands of people that are out on the street right now in tents, in their cars, in the forest?

[Page 2029]

Because of that investment at that enormous cost of $22,500, per lease, you know, that could have built a secondary home or one of the - what are they - the grandfather suite or the grandma suites or whatever they are called? That could have, it could have made a one-home tiny house. Now, there are even efforts to remove rights from renters in shared accommodations. So, under a bill ironically titled the Protecting Nova Scotians Act, you know, sitting after sitting, I have been watching - watching and waiting - for a housing bill that helps Nova Scotians. Instead, sitting after sitting, announcement after announcement, we see things that strip rights from Nova Scotians, from renters in Nova Scotia, from homeowners in Nova Scotia.

Speaker, the impact of these choices is clear. Here is what that impact looks like. It looks like seniors on fixed incomes who are seeing their rent jump hundreds of dollars overnight. It looks like young people working two jobs but still getting forced out of the communities that they grew up in. It looks like renters at The Scotian who paid their full rent this month after not having power for over two weeks. It looks like families sitting in shelters and kids doing their homework in motel rooms because that is their only option. It looks like service workers, health care workers, construction workers, and teachers - the very people this province depends on - saying that they cannot afford to live here anymore.

I am not sharing these stories, you know, out of frustration. These are facts. I share it because I know that we as a collective can do better. We have the solution from renters, from housing advocates, from experts at Dalhousie Legal Aid Service and across the province. We hear from folks all the time giving us suggestions. We bring them forward here on the floor to discuss and debate.

These are ideas that are on the table. We just need the political will to act, and that political will can happen in this House. People do not want excuses. They do not want studies. They want action that will make real differences in their lives.

The NDP has put forward solutions that will help people now. We want to protect renters by creating real rent control, max cap rent increases at the rate of inflation, and close the fixed-term lease loophole so that the rent control actually works. Let us increase the supply of housing by expanding preapproved home design and investing in infrastructure. Municipalities need to support our housing. Let us invest in more non-market housing where renters pay no more than 30 percent of their income on rent and let us finally build a path to home ownership with rent-to-own starter homes. These are practical, doable ideas that will actually make a difference for people right now.

Housing is not a luxury. It is the foundation of everything else. If you do not have a safe, stable home you can afford, everything else in life is harder, and we all know that. That is why our motion matters. This motion is simple. Let us debate the housing crisis. Let us put it on the floor. Let us let Nova Scotians know that we care about housing in Nova Scotia. Folks talk to us all the time and they tell us: Why are we not discussing housing? Why are we not changing the rules and the regulations and putting forward legislation that helps renters in Nova Scotia?

[Page 2030]

Let us put it on the floor of this House and have this government stand up and say where they stand. Do they stand with renters who need protection or with landlords who have been allowed to take advantage of loopholes and weak enforcement? Do they stand with Nova Scotians who want a fair shot at home ownership, or do they shrug while this dream drifts further and further out of reach?

Listen, this should not be a partisan issue. Every single one of us in here hears from our constituents that tell us about this housing crisis, whether it be a neighbour, whether it be someone that they see on the street who they want to help, similarly to my colleague, who has seen someone and felt for them. We all have a heart; we understand this.

Every single one of us has heard from the people we represent, who are hurting. Every single one of us knows families who have been pushed to the brink, who have had to spend and borrow and loan - all these things just to pay rent because they had to put back their children's milk or couldn't buy eggs or couldn't buy bread to feed their children or couldn't pay for their full medication. We know this from seniors because we hear this all the time. These are the people who we represent. These are the people who are asking us, "What are we doing about this housing crisis?" These are our neighbours, our friends, our constituents. Yet we have not heard a debate at all on this floor about housing and how important it is for it to be a human right for people.

Let's have this debate. I think it's valid for us to have this debate. Let's listen to the voices of Nova Scotians, who are saying loud and clear that what this government is doing right now is not enough. Let's stop pretending that trickle-down housing policy is going to solve this.

Speaker, we heard about all of the many investments happening with this government. I want to set the record straight because I have just a touch of time left. The member mentioned - let this sink in - enforcement assessment was not what Nova Scotians are looking for. I challenge Nova Scotians to actually talk to your MLA about what enforcement really means for you. We hear from folks every single day about how their homes are unlivable, how they can't even open a window, how there's mould growing in their bathroom. These are small things they take to the Residential Tenancies Program, and guess what, they have to suck it up because it doesn't go through the same way that we feel it should happen here in Residential Tenancies.

I just want to say that it wouldn't delay anything. When we talk about enforcement, that's not a delay; that's actually help. More hands make light work, do you know what I'm saying? If you have more people doing the work, you have fewer people hearing from people who have issues. Wait times would still be there, but there will be less of that extra, having to figure out those processes in order to help people.

[Page 2031]

I also want to say that rent supplement program has been broken. The calculations aren't accurate. We have heard from multiple people, and it has also been looked into. When we talk about rent supplements and people using those rent supplements, yes, because it's a necessity, because the cost of living is skyrocketing. We also know that rents are high and based on amounts that are not realistic. When we think about the amount for a one bedroom, it's not realistic in the actual rental price of a unit that you would purchase or rent in Halifax or in the HRM.

I want to say there need to be changes to the RTA; it needs to be strengthened. I haven't heard anything about rent control. I hear about all these things being stripped from housing renters. We see it; we've heard it. Instead of seeing a bill that comes across this table to help renters, we haven't seen that.

Speaker, this motion is about cutting through the excuses and forcing this government to reckon with the reality Nova Scotians are facing every day. We need to open our ears and our eyes and have this discussion. Then let's work toward making sure every Nova Scotian can afford their home.

I want to thank you, Speaker, for your time. I move to adjourn debate on Resolution No. 219.

THE SPEAKER « » : The motion is to adjourn debate on Resolution No. 219.

All those in favour? Contrary minded? Thank you.

The motion is carried.

The honourable House Leader for the Official Opposition.

[4:30 p.m.]

LISA LACHANCE « » : Speaker, would you please call the order of business Motions Other Than Government Motions.

MOTIONS OTHER THAN GOVERNMENT MOTIONS

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

LISA LACHANCE « » : Speaker, would you please call Resolution No. 220.

[Page 2032]

Res. 220. Mi'kmaq Rights: Nat. Res. Projects - Consult - notice given Sept. 26, 2025. (C. Chender)

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

CLAUDIA CHENDER « » : Speaker, I am honoured to rise today, on Treaty Day, to speak to this resolution. I will read it for the benefit of members because it was tabled earlier.

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

Whereas the duty to consult Indigenous peoples is a constitutional obligation, grounded in Section 35 of the Constitution Act, 1982, and has been affirmed by the Supreme Court of Canada in Haida Nation v. British Columbia (2004) and subsequent decision; and

Whereas the Mi'kmaq are the original inhabitants of Mi'kma'ki, which includes the lands and waters of Nova Scotia, and hold constitutionally protected Aboriginal and Treaty rights; and

Whereas significant natural resource projects in Nova Scotia may affect those rights and interests, requiring meaningful consultation and, where appropriate, accommodation;

Therefore be it resolved that on a future date, the House shall debate the importance of upholding the legal duty to consult Indigenous communities on significant natural resource projects and the importance of ensuring that consultation processes are timely, transparent, respectful, and consistent with the honour of the Crown.

I hope we can have a good conversation, as we move this final resolution on our Opposition Day, around consultation. This is something that has come up a fair bit. Yesterday, we had our national holiday for Truth and Reconciliation. Today, October 1^st, is Treaty Day, and we are celebrating the 300^th anniversary of the signing of the first Treaty of Peace and Friendship in 1725.

Those 300 years have been a bit rocky, I would say, but in many ways, the spirit of those treaties has persevered. It's incredibly important that to mark that day and to show respect for the Mi'kmaq of this land and beyond, we have a conversation about consultation. This is an issue that has come up again and again since this government, subsequent to the last election, made some very major changes in policy and surprise announcements around their intention to exploit the natural resources of Nova Scotia, namely lifting the bans on uranium mining and fracking that had been in place for a long time.

[Page 2033]

I would be remiss if I didn't point out that, unlike what has been the tradition for decades, there were no commemorations marking Treaty Day in this House. There was nothing marking Treaty Day from this government. I hope that's something that will be remedied in the years to come.

This is a very important day. To sit on this day to, as we anticipate, bring controversial legislation for debate late at night on the day that we signed a treaty 300 years ago, is disrespectful to the spirit of those treaties. That is why we have brought this resolution. Because what we have heard, both through official channels of the Assembly and - my colleague will get into this more - through unofficial channels, members of the Grand Council, and in communities, is that the Mi'kmaq feel that this change to our natural resource policy triggers that duty to consult.

Consultation happens prior to action. It's not an either/or. It's not "We do it, and then we talk about it." Consultation means we talk about it and then we do it. That's the definition. In this case, that's not how it happened.

There's still time for meaningful engagement. I think some bit of that is happening, but we need to discuss not just our constitutional requirement - what the constitutional requirement does is codify what is in the Treaties of Peace and Friendship. When we were at Government House earlier today, and many of my colleagues from all sides of this House were there for the flag raising, the Chief of the Grand Council spoke. There were many people there representing the Mi'kmaq, who have direct lineage to the Mi'kmaq leaders who signed those treaties, who were a party to those treaties. ouse were thereHou

These are grandfathers and great-grandfathers and great-great-grandfathers; strong patriarchs and matriarchs in the Mi'kmaw community who signed those treaties with probably some great-grandfathers of some of the people in this Chamber. We are called upon to respect those, and we have not respected those.

As we move forward and we think about the ways in which we are legislating on behalf of all Nova Scotians, we need to have at the front of our mind the spirit of those treaties and our constitutional requirement. We are not doing that, I would submit. We heard very compelling - related to legislation that I think we'll be discussing later - presenters at Public Bills recently, saying that they feel disrespected, that they feel insulted. This is not how they should be made to feel, and in fact, it is a violation of the treaties that we have signed.

It is imperative that we take that responsibility seriously. We bring this resolution today to give the government an opportunity to do that; to give this government an opportunity to stand, to reaffirm the commitment to the treaties, to engage in a systematic way with the First Nations leadership in our province, to hold back on introducing or debating further legislation that is on the order paper that also is in need of prior consultation before it moves forward. We certainly hope that government will listen to us.

[Page 2034]

We want to know that this government will engage with First Nations in a meaningful way in good faith. We want the leadership of the Mi'kmaq to know that we are capable of taking a different approach, where we can consult, listen, engage, and deliver real economic prosperity for all Nova Scotians: for First Nations, for communities, for cities and towns and villages, and for people all across our province. With those few words, I look forward to the comments of my colleagues.

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

HON. DEREK MOMBOURQUETTE « » : I'm honoured to get up in my place to support this resolution. Our caucus supports this resolution. I'll just take a few minutes to talk about our thoughts as a caucus, but also some experience I've had in the consultation process when it came to natural resource projects over the years.

As my colleague from the NDP pointed out, today marks the beginning of Mi'kmaq History Month and also Treaty Day, making this topic especially important to talk about. The duty to consult, as we know, is enshrined in constitution, which we always respect, but ultimately, in my experience, to consult is really at the will of the government.

I go back to a time when I was involved in the mining and energy side where we were heavy into conversations around bringing natural gas across the country to ship from Guysborough. At the time, we were speaking with members of the European Union. There was a big conversation, which is happening again, around the dependence on natural gas coming from Russia. We were into all of this, and there was a lot of headway that was made.

One of the key elements of that was the fact that we were consulting at the time. There were agreements in place with First Nations leadership around what a potential project would look like, the employment that would come from it, and after the project was built and constructed, who would be responsible for it. It was done very collaboratively. I use that as one example.

I'm very fortunate to be the MLA and represent the community of Membertou. Membertou was really one of the saviours of our community when it was our darkest times. When outmigration was at its highest, the vision of Chief Paul and council and Dan Christmas and all the people who were involved back then - who I've had the fortune of learning from my entire career - really stepped up. The motto was simple: What was good for Membertou was good for the community, and what was good for the CBRM was good for Membertou. There was always respect for their government. It was self-government. They direct their own future. As elected representatives, whether it was with the city or with the Province, we always worked in collaboration. We have seen huge success on a local level because of that.

[Page 2035]

We have also seen that collaboration with Membertou has now expanded across Nova Scotia and the world, for that matter. Their reputation speaks for themselves when it comes to a community that was bankrupt at one point and how they were able to turn their fortunes around, not only for the people of their community but for people right across communities of this province. That is very important for me. As I said, I'm very lucky that I have had the ability to learn from Chief Terry. They have given me a lot of knowledge and a lot of support since I was in my early 20s, finishing college and getting into being involved in the community.

I reiterate with this government, why this resolution is important - let's not forget it wasn't that long ago that this government was really talking about uranium mining and fracking. The big message was "We're building, and we're going to develop resources. It's going to happen overnight, and everybody's going to be prosperous." Interestingly enough, though, Speaker, I haven't heard the Premier or the government talk about uranium mining in a long time. I would argue that probably the Premier's Office told the departments to not talk about it anymore, because it was not done correctly.

I say that as a former mining minister who still supports that we're not prepared to be mining uranium in this province. There are a whole number of reasons why we put that in place when we were there. I'm happy to stand in my place and do that, as I think there are lots of great opportunities across the province when it comes to resource development. We've tabled bills around doing the real science to make sure that you can map this province, and you can see where your opportunities are. There are still too many conversations around uranium mining and there are too many conversations to be had around hydraulic fracturing. There are. That's why the moratoriums were put in place. People were supposed to be consulted. They weren't consulted, period. I'll leave it there.

The point is, the government stopped talking about that, as I said, because they were probably told to stop talking about it. If you recall, letters immediately came out from First Nations leadership saying that they weren't consulted. It was immediate. These are stewards of the land. These are the original peoples of this land, and you were going to start hydraulic fracturing and uranium mining and not having a conversation with First Nations leadership. You got called out. Government got called out, and rightfully so. That's how quick it can happen if you don't consult.

In all of my experience that I've been fortunate to have with this, consultation can be very healthy. It can be very productive. You can go into projects together with mutual respect, mutual economic benefit, social benefit for everybody in this province, and a mutual understanding that we all want the same thing. We want to develop the resources that we have. We want to do it safely, we want to do it environmentally soundly, and we want to ensure that everybody benefits from it - period. That's it.

[Page 2036]

[4:45 p.m.]

I've been in situations - I use the example of trying to bring natural gas from out west. We went out to northern Calgary; flew the flag - a batch of Liberals, believe it or not - we all went out. We flew the flag. We saw the transition from coal, and natural gas was part of that. When we were talking about wind projects. You see a lot of the partnerships were happening, so there are lots of examples I can provide.

This government came right out of the gate and said, "We are going to frack. We're going to take the ban off uranium mining. We're not going to tell anybody." And rightfully were called out by First Nations leadership. Rightfully so. You got off on a bad foot right away.

Hopefully, the government is taking a step back right now. Obviously, they are from uranium mining for two reasons: There were no bids, which we predicted, because there has been some science done around it, and they are not talking about it anymore because communities all over the province were like, "Wait a second, we were supposed to be consulted on this. We weren't consulted at all. That was the whole point of taking the ban off, that we were going to be consulted first."

It was said on the floor of the Legislature here that we will consult first, and then we will go out and do the science. All of a sudden people started realizing that activity was happening. Nobody had any information. The bids never came in, and I am sure the Premier's office told everybody to stop talking about uranium mining because it was a hot-button topic. Every riding or constituency has them. I've had lots of them over the years, myself, when I was in government.

I will end with: I've seen, in my experience, when consultation really works, and it's building relationships. There is no science to it. It's a government respecting the rights of our First Nations leaders and their communities to be part of what success can come for everyone in this province. It starts with mutual respect. It starts with a handshake, and it starts with sitting down and saying, "We're in this together. We want the best for our communities, and we want the best for all of our kids, period."

I was very fortunate to see that. I had a front-row seat to it with leadership at home in Membertou. It's been a privilege to represent the community and as I said, I learned a lot along the way. With that, Speaker, we support this resolution. The government's really got off to, I would argue, a difficult path when it comes to resource development because they started announcing stuff and not consulting with anyone.

They have some trust to build back, in my opinion. For us, as I said, I've seen it first-hand - good collaboration. We want everyone to succeed. The First Nations of this province are there - the original Peoples of this province. They deserve every right to be consulted and be part of the success. We have so many great examples from Membertou and beyond, and so I am very happy to get on my feet and support the cause.

[Page 2037]

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

MARCO MACLEOD « » : Speaker, I thank you for the opportunity to rise and speak on this important topic, one that affects all Nova Scotians and one that must be approached with sincerity, with respect, and with purpose.

We recognize the fundamental importance of consultation with Nova Scotia's 13 Mi'kmaw communities. This is not just a check box in our decision-making. It is a constitutional duty, rooted in Section 35 of the Constitution Act, 1982, and guided by decades of Canadian common law. It is also simply the right thing to do.

The Province of Nova Scotia takes this responsibility seriously. We understand that when government considers a decision, particularly those related to land, resources, or development, and when that decision may adversely impact established or credibly assertive Mi'kmaw rights, the duty to consult is triggered, and this duty is not optional. It is a legal and moral obligation, one we are committed to fulfilling with transparency, respect, and above all, good faith.

This process is always case-by-case, never cookie-cutter. We ensure that consultation is meaningful, not performative. It must be transparent and responsive to the rights and interests at stake. We also understand that consultation is not about one party getting everything it wants, nor is it about government acting unilaterally. It is about finding a fair and principled balance between Mi'kmaw rights and the broader interests of Nova Scotians, interests that include public safety, environmental protection, and economic growth.

I'll offer a recent example, Speaker, one that illustrates how this could work in practice. Before extending the forest utilization licence agreement for Port Hawkesbury Paper, the province consulted with the Mi'kmaq for over two years. That process showed that it is indeed possible to respect Mi'kmaw rights while also supporting critical industries and the communities that rely on them.

This is a success story and a model we intend to build on. Consultation, when done properly, often leads to better outcomes for everyone. We've seen this firsthand, whether it's in resource management, community development, or environmental stewardship. Working in partnership doesn't just fulfill our legal requirement; it creates solutions that are sustainable, widely supported, and far more effective in practice. It strengthens relationships, it builds trust, it creates resilience - economic, social, and environmental - across all our communities.

We value the contributions of the Mi'kmaq and we want to work with Mi'kmaw communities as we harness Nova Scotia's resource wealth. From Wind West to critical minerals, these projects represent once-in-a-generation opportunities; opportunities that will create jobs, spark local investment and help communities thrive, not just economically but holistically.

[Page 2038]

We are not only talking about opportunities for individuals. We're talking about entire communities participating, benefitting, and leading in these initiatives, because we believe, as the saying goes, that a bigger pie makes for a better feast.

Economic reconciliation is a vital part of reconciliation. Unlocking our natural resource potential with all Mi'kmaw participation is a key step forward in achieving economic justice for all Nova Scotians.

The dedicated public servants who review these projects and the government members who make decisions are Nova Scotians too. They care deeply about the air, the land, and the water. We have tremendous respect for the Mi'kmaw tradition of thinking seven generations ahead. That principle, long-term stewardship, is not only wise, it is essential, and we share that value. We, too, care deeply about those who come behind us, about the Nova Scotia that our children and their children will inherit.

In many ways the Mi'kmaq are uniquely positioned to help shape today's opportunities. We have examples of that working very well. Take moose management. The Province has worked closely with Mi'kmaw partners on this issue for years. In fact, we've paused the mainland moose hunt in recent years to give the population time to recover. That was a joint decision, and the right one.

It's important that all Nova Scotians understand that the Mi'kmaq and the Province have been working together on moose management for nearly 20 years through the collaborative moose management working group. That includes KMK and the Unama'ki Institute of Natural Resources, who continue to work with us on population surveys, habitat protection, and more. These are real partnerships built on real trust, and they are working.

Another important point, Speaker, is the Made-In-Nova Scotia Process, the formal negotiating table involving the Mi'kmaq, the Province, and the Government of Canada. We will listen carefully, engage earnestly, and work towards solutions that benefit everyone.

We recognize that some individuals feel their chiefs do not speak for them. We acknowledge those concerns. That said, we continue to operate in good faith under the existing agreements - agreements signed with the duly elected chiefs. We are bound by those agreements and we honour them. We will not act outside the processes that have guided our relationship for nearly two decades.

The bottom line is this: Since 2007, the Mi'kmaq of Nova Scotia, represented by the Thirteen Mi'kmaq Saqmaq, have been engaged in structured negotiations with the Province and Canada to address co-management requests, wildlife harvesting, land issues, and broader rights-related questions. Let's be clear: This is the table where these issues are meant to be discussed. The Mi'kmaq can raise issues at the main table at any time. We've seen concerns raised in the media recently, but to date, nothing has been flagged to the main table. We encourage that to happen. We want to work with Mi'kmaw communities, not around them. Now more than ever, resource projects like Wind West represent a massive opportunity. We want to see more prosperity shared by all Nova Scotians.

[Page 2039]

Speaker, let me restate this so that it is clear. We recognize the fundamental importance of consultation with Nova Scotia's 13 Mi'kmaw communities. This is not just a checkbox in our decision-making. It is a constitutional duty rooted in Section 35 of the Constitution Act, 1982, and guided by decades of common law. The Province of Nova Scotia takes this responsibility seriously. We understand that when government considers a decision, particularly those related to land, resources, or development, and when that decision may adversely impact established or credibly asserted Mi'kmaw rights, the duty to consult is triggered.

This duty is not optional. It is a legal and moral obligation, one we are committed to fulfilling with transparency, respect, and above all, good faith. This process is always case-by-case, never cookie-cutter. We ensure that consultation is meaningful, not performative. It must be transparent and responsive to the rights and interests at stake. We also understand that consultation is not about one party getting everything it wants, nor is it about government acting unilaterally. It's about finding a fair and principled balance between Mi'kmaw rights and the broader interests of Nova Scotians, interests that include public safety, environmental protection, and economic growth.

[5:00 p.m.]

I'll offer a recent example, one that illustrates how this can work in practice. Before extending the forest use licence for Port Hawkesbury Paper, the Province consulted with the Mi'kmaq for over two years. That process showed that it is indeed possible to respect Mi'kmaw rights while also supporting critical industries and the communities that rely on them. This is a success story and a model we intend to build on.

Consultation, when done properly, often leads to better outcomes for everyone. We've seen this first-hand, whether it's in resource management, community development, or environmental stewardship. Working in partnership doesn't just fulfill a legal requirement; it creates solutions that are sustainable, widely supported, and far more effective in practice. It strengthens relationships, it builds trust, and it creates resilience - economic, social, and environmental - across all our communities.

We value the contributions of the Mi'kmaq, and we want to work with Mi'kmaw communities as we harness Nova Scotia's resource wealth. From Wind West to critical minerals, these projects represent once-in-a-generation opportunities that will create jobs, spark local investment, and help communities thrive, not just economically but holistically. We're not only talking about opportunities for individuals, we're talking about entire communities participating, benefiting, and leading in these initiatives.

[Page 2040]

We believe, as the saying goes, that a bigger pie makes for a better feast. Economic reconciliation is a vital part of reconciliation, and unlocking our natural resource potential, with full Mi'kmaw participation, is a key step forward in achieving economic justice for all Nova Scotians.

In closing, this government believes that consultation is not a hurdle; it is an opportunity to get it right, to build lasting relationships, and to create economic and environmental solutions that stand the test of time. We are committed to this path. We believe in and respect reconciliation that is both meaningful and measurable. We believe that when we work together, all Nova Scotians - Mi'kmaq and non-Mi'kmaq alike - benefit.

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

SUSAN LEBLANC « » : I am pleased to speak to this resolution. What we have just witnessed in this Chamber, with my honourable colleague from Pictou West speaking, is exactly why we need to have this discussion. That member just read - if all of us in the future go back and look at what Hansard prints out for us - that member just read his speech almost in its entirety twice. There was no need for that. The member is playing politics with the seriousness of this debate. This is Treaty Day in Nova Scotia. This is the day that we recognize the 300^th anniversary of the first treaty between the Mi'kmaw people and the British Crown.

We in the NDP have brought this resolution forward because we know that consultation is not taking place properly in this province. That member has decided to chew up the Opposition time by saying his speech twice. Give me a break, Speaker. It is shameful, and I hope every one of the member's caucus feels a little bit of shame. It's honestly embarrassing.

His closing remarks are about how this government wants to work collaboratively with Mi'kmaq and non-Mi'kmaq people. That's the way he finished his speech. If there's anything less collaborative, I would say - that doesn't make sense. What he just did was the epitome of non-collaboration.

I am just going to take a couple of minutes to speak, because really there are people who can speak on this a lot more intelligently than me. I will say a couple of things.

Today is Treaty Day. We have heard from the government that they do nothing but the proper type of consulting with the Mi'kmaw people. That doesn't explain the letter that all the Mi'kmaw Chiefs signed last year when Bill No. 1 was introduced, lifting the uranium ban and the fracking ban. They weren't consulted when that happened. Oh, but they'll get consulted case by case, Speaker. Case by case. Isn't that great? Well, it's not enough.

[Page 2041]

It's their land. We live on unceded, unsurrendered Mi'kmaw territory. Anybody in this room who is not Indigenous, not Mi'kmaq, we are guests on this land. It is unceded land, and the Mi'kmaq must be consulted first. There is a group of land protectors standing on Hunter Mountain right now in Cape Breton. They are protecting the woods. Some people will call them pesky protesters. In fact, a bill that we are going to have in front of us tonight has in it a clause that will make it illegal and punishable by jail time to block logging roads.

That's what those folks on Hunter Mountain are doing. They're protecting the forests. That is what the people who set up the Treaty Truck House at Alton Gas were doing. Thank God they stayed. They have saved that land and that river from pollution by Alton Gas on behalf of the entire province for future generations. That's what land protection and water protection are. If they are too much of a nuisance to talk to and consult with, well I'm sorry, that is not acceptable in this province. The duty to consult is enshrined in law. The definition of the way this government is acting does not seem to me law-abiding.

I cannot predict the future, but I would imagine if Bill No. 127 goes through this House unamended, without taking out that clause about the Crown Lands Act, I would imagine this province will be facing some court challenges. That is just like - why are we doing that? These cases have been fought in courts. There's precedence. It's bad legislation.

I will sit down and let my honourable colleague finish.

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

ELIZABETH SMITH-MCCROSSIN « » : I thank my honourable colleagues for bringing forth this Resolution No. 220 and for all the comments that have been shared.

I will start off by saying I am not an expert on this topic, but I have learned since I have become an MLA about treaty rights and about the duty to consult Indigenous people. Honestly, I wish that it's information and knowledge that I had before I became an MLA. I do believe that it's something that should be taught in our schools. It's not something that I was ever taught in all my 13 years of education, not something that I learned in university. It's information that I learned as an MLA. Our treaties that have been signed with the Indigenous people should be taught in our schools.

[Page 2042]

I also echo my colleague's comments just now about the bill that we will be debating tonight and the constitutional challenges that are going to come, without a doubt, if that amendment to the Crown Lands Act does go forward. I stand in support of this resolution to echo some of the comments that have already been shared, to reaffirm that this is not an optional thing to do. It is not symbolic but a constitutional duty - the obligation of governments to consult Indigenous people whenever decisions may affect rights and lands.

While I have much respect for my colleague in government who spoke today, I feel obligated to say that from my experience in Opposition - in particular, I will bring up Bill No. 6 that we all debated last session - it is my understanding from the Indigenous people that they weren't consulted before Bill No. 6 was brought to the Legislature. And they were quite upset about that. Of course, that bill was to lift the ban on hydraulic fracturing onshore as well as lift the ban on uranium mining. I could be wrong, Speaker, but my understanding from the Indigenous people is they were not consulted on Bill No. 6 before it came here, and it was a surprise to them. I just remind my member of that.

So, despite the words and the speech that he shared today, we need to look at actions. Actions do speak louder than words. If we want to have a respectful relationship with our Indigenous people here in our province, we must speak the truth. We must be truthful in all of our conversations and show them respect and follow our constitutional obligations and do what is right.

For these reasons and with these few comments, I want to end by saying that I support this resolution put forth by my colleagues. Therefore, be it resolved that it is important to uphold the legal duty to consult Indigenous communities on significant natural resource projects and to ensure that consultation processes are timely, transparent, respectful, and consistent with the honour of the Crown.

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

LISA LACHANCE « » : I rise today to speak with great humility, really, on Treaty Day about our need to recognize the current harm that is being done in Mi'kma'ki and in our relationship as treaty people. I really wish we were doing something different on Treaty Day. I wish we were not talking about our failure to uphold our treaty and constitutional responsibilities. I wish that I was not about to read the words of the Assembly of Nova Scotia Mi'kmaw Chiefs, who have time and time again this year talked about their concern and anger and lack of consultation.

I wish this was a different story, and I think actually I will start quickly with this story. This can be a different story. Our Mi'kmaq-Nova Scotia-Canada Tripartite Forum, which started in 1997, was actually ground-breaking. I began working at the Nova Scotia Department of Finance a handful of months before the Progressive Conservative Minister of Finance of the day, Michael Baker, passed away. He had been at the forefront of those discussions about establishing the tripartite. I will tell you it was absolutely incredible and meaningful to see all of the Chiefs from across Nova Scotia come to his funeral. And they came because they knew they had worked with someone who respected them, and they had worked with him to establish a process that was meaningful, that was implementing our constitutional duty.

[Page 2043]

So, as we go into what I do think are going to be some constitutional challenges, I would encourage folks on the other side of the table to remember that, in fact, their legacy is better than this. Your legacy is the tripartite. That is your government's legacy, and we are not seeing it upheld. I think also to be up here on the day after the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, and as my colleague from Cumberland North talked about, it is true. There is lots that we didn't know. The truth part of the name of that day is really important, and the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada. I didn't grow up knowing about residential schools. I don't know how many people did. We didn't understand what policies were put forward to essentially enable the genocide of a people - of peoples.

[5:15 p.m.]

It's really important to note that, when we think about truth and reconciliation, a lot of times we focus on language and culture - that's very important - and we focus on the narrative around this idea of Christianizing Indigenous peoples in Canada. That was sort of the background of the residential schools.

The residential schools - that full approach - was also to destroy the culture and language so that Europeans could have access to the land without hindrance. People knew that if you destroyed family units, if you took people away from their language, and if you destroyed an entire culture, the ability to resist and respond to essentially a European takeover of their territory would be much diminished.

It's really important that we talk about that truth because until we, as Canadians, can really accept that truth behind our country, it's going to be very hard to work forward to live with the reconciliation piece.

I was in Sipekne'katik yesterday to join the public event to mark the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. One of the things that was important was that so many elders were there. More and more elders come every year to that ceremony, even though, sadly, more elders are passing as per age. More and more elders come because they see the community showing up and being ready to receive the truth. For so long, their history and experience of sexual, emotional, physical, and mental abuse was such a heavy load to carry, and it had worked.

The residential schools did work. They destroyed a whole bunch of languages, they made people ashamed, and they destroyed family units. It fundamentally worked.

[Page 2044]

It's meaningful to see that more and more elders are able to come forward and be part of community gatherings because they feel the support growing in our communities.

That brings us now to Treaty Day, where we're here, and we have been faced, especially since last January, with a raft of advocacy from the Assembly of Nova Scotia Mi'kmaw Chiefs pointing out where this government is falling down in its responsibilities.

It is absolutely disgraceful that, because there has been no real contact or consultation, the Assembly has to constantly go to a public forum and make this known publicly. There's no other forum for them.

There were public letters in January 2025, March 2025, and June 2025. I'll table all these when I'm done with them. They noted that months have passed since the Assembly publicly called for engagement with the provincial government on changes they are making to natural resources legislation in Nova Scotia. Chief Tamara Young is quoted as saying, "Our voices must be heard before decisions are made; true collaboration is not merely a formality, but a constitutional duty that honours our Rights and our role as owners of the land and resources."

On Treaty Day, if you have not had a chance to read the Peace and Friendship Treaties, I strongly encourage you to read them. They have nothing to do with the land. We stand on unceded territory. The constitutional right has been established for consultation, but when you're standing on unceded territory, that responsibility is even deeper.

This is Mi'kmaw land; this is Mi'kma'ki. I will also just finish from the June 13^th letter with this quote:

There is a feeling of disappointment that the Assembly has not seen any progress or commitment to transparency from this Nova Scotia Government . . . The United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, UNDRIP, which Canada adopted into its legislation, further emphasizes the importance of free, prior and informed consent, which the Assembly wants Nova Scotia to take

seriously. So far, Nova Scotia has not been adhering to UNDRIP's principles.

That was in June.

I have another public release that I think it's quite interesting because I think it gives us a sense of what it looks like actually when there is a more collaborative approach. This is from August 18, 2025, and it says, "Clarification on the MoU with Nova Copper," and it says, "To be clear, the Assembly, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding, MoU, with Nova Copper - this is not an approval for any mining project." They are just clarifying, and what they say at the end is,

[Page 2045]

This MoU with Nova Copper allows us to learn more about the project first-hand, involve our communities in the discussion, and protect our inherent Rights and Title.

When projects happen in our territory, economic opportunities for our Mi'kmaw communities are important, but they will never come at the cost of the environment. For far too long, the Mi'kmaq have been left out of projects and the economic potential in Nova Scotia.

I think that's a really important example of what isn't working. It's not working with this government, but it's clear that the Mi'kmaq are ready to be a part of the discussion about sustainable development, and that they want to be.

I reference the protest on Hunters Mountain, and again, as I understand it, the Mi'kmaq were involved in the moose study that was undertaken on Unama'ki. They were partners in that. There's information about the moose population and the health of the moose population, but it is now being kept by the departments and not being shared.

Again, this whole idea around having a trusting relationship - if you want people to understand what's happening, and you've partnered with them to gather scientific information, why would you not share that as part of the community consultation? I will just quote from this from September 3^rd:

We are supposed to be co-managers of these lands, waters, and resources, yet decisions continue to be made that are impacting our position and our Rights . . . Our concerns are often overlooked and dismissed, and it is clear that community members are frustrated with the position that puts us in as a Nation.

I think the most recent quote that I talked about earlier today from September 26^th, really summarizes that we are still in a situation where the Mi'kmaq are not being meaningfully engaged in conversations about the unceded Mi'kmaq territory, and that is absolutely shameful.

One of the other parts of this - of the responsibility of the Crown - we're sitting here in this Legislature as lawmakers. Ideally, we are making laws that can stand the test of time. We should be really interested in making laws that follow our constitutional structure and responsibility, that don't leave us open for a constitutional challenge, for instance, but it is also about we - each one of us in this room - carries the honour of the Crown in that relationship. I've discovered a couple of things about the honour of the Crown.

[Page 2046]

Further, the honour of the Crown involves a connection to and respect for Indigenous sovereignty in the sense of upholding a degree of control over the political decisions that affect their interests, lands, and livelihoods.

I guess I would invite you, as we are all sitting here in this House, to sit back and think, what am I doing? What am I doing as a member for a certain constituency, as a minister, to assure that I'm upholding the Crown's honour in the relationship with the Mi'kmaq?

This author goes on further to say, "The Crown's failure to act per its 'honour' is also a failure to move towards reconciliation," and so don't talk to me about your commitment to reconciliation when you're not doing the work, and not only are you not doing the work, but the people in Nova Scotia, the Assembly of Mi'kmaw Chiefs, have told you time and time again that you are not doing the work. We also heard from land protectors at the Public Bills Committee. I think it is very hard to take seriously any commitment to consultation when the people who are supposed to be on the other side of that are telling you very clearly that it is not working right now.

The Supreme Court has issued a raft of rulings on the duty to consult. We haven't made this very easy for Indigenous people to assert their rights. In fact, there have been decades of legal work where people have had to fight to have their rights under treaties or their non-specific rights recognized. The Supreme Court of Canada has made it clear that Crown agents, in accordance with promises made by the Crown, even if the conduct is imperfect, must not become "a persistent pattern of errors and indifference that substantially frustrates the purposes of a solemn promise."

I would say here that 2025 has been a shameful year in Nova Scotia's path toward reconciliation, with a government that continually ignores its responsibilities on their duty to consult, that is actually undertaking a very persistent pattern of indifference. We'll be considering again tonight a law that arrived without consultation, without any input. I just want to say, too, that this is such a critical issue, but at the same time, the treatment of the Mi'kmaq and their constitutional rights on unceded territory is very consistent with how this government has been treating lots of other Nova Scotians.

We saw this government start off with a Speech from the Throne that was just so shameful. The Speech from the Throne is supposed to be a vision of your government. This government's Speech from the Throne talked about all the special interests that you didn't like. I mean, I guess this is very consistent behaviour. This government is feeding increased polarization and hate within our province. This government is casting anyone with questions or concerns as blockers rather than citizens with rights - people with lived experience who can and should shape government policy. It seems consistent, then, to ignore the Mi'kmaw people and leadership as a way to imply that they are part of these "special interests."

[Page 2047]

This government - all governments - should be encouraging social cohesion amongst its population, not driving division. This government should be enthusiastically engaged in making truth and reconciliation real with every decision and action taken. On this side of the House, in the Official Opposition, we recommit ourselves to being treaty people every day.

Treaty Day is an opportunity for all of us here in this House, who sit in this place of honour, to make sure that we are listening to the voices of Mi'kmaw people and to understand the mistakes that are being made right now, the mistakes that are likely to be made later on this evening and in this week. It's not too late to stop. It's not too late to really fully embody the spirit of being treaty people (inaudible).

THE SPEAKER « » : Order.

The honourable Minister of L'nu Affairs.

HON. LEAH MARTIN « » : Thank you for the opportunity to deliver a few thoughts and remarks and hopefully clarifications about some of the things that I've just heard, and things that I have witnessed first-hand.

As everybody knows, I am a proud member of Millbrook First Nation. This is where I'm coming from - and obviously, the Office of L'nu Affairs.

A few things that the Opposition hit on that I think do deserve some clarification: number one, I think it's good that we heard the information twice. I think there is so much confusion and misinformation that's in community. It's good when we can clarify that and hear it two times over - of the work that we are trying to do every single day.

Before I came into government, I felt similarly. I thought, oh my gosh, I have to do all of this work, because nothing's happening in the right way. Then I got there, and I realized, oh, there's actually a ton of great work happening. Are we all the way there yet? No. Are we making some incredible strides? Absolutely. I'm going to clarify what some of those strides are, and then I'm going to use as much time as I can, because a lot of it has been eaten up.

I will say the first one would be around Netukulimk and Etuaptmumk being legislated into our Environmental Goals and Climate Change Reduction Act. I don't have time to go into that in further detail, so I'll keep moving on.

Essentially - with 10 seconds left, I would just say that if you would like to hear more from an actual Indigenous person from Millbrook, you should ask me a question in Question Period so I have more time to answer you.

[Page 2048]

THE SPEAKER « » : Order, please. The time allotted for Opposition business has expired. Pursuant to Rule 21(2), the debate is deemed to be adjourned.

[5:30 p.m.]

We have now reached the moment of interruption.

ADJOURNMENT

MOTION UNDER RULE 5(5)

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

FIXED-TERM LEASES: ABUSE - END

LISA LACHANCE « » : Thank you very much, Speaker. I actually will just quickly start off with some context behind this, because the Late Debate Motion actually reads:

Whereas renters at The Scotian building in Halifax spent more than two weeks in the dark without power, too afraid to go to the Residential Tenancies Board for help because they knew their landlord could retaliate by not renewing their fixed-term leases; and

Whereas we know this is not a one-off, and that there are Nova Scotians all the way from Yarmouth to Sydney living in fear of eviction every day; and

Whereas instead of working to ease the fear of tenants, this government has consistently worked to make tenants more vulnerable by speeding up evictions and letting the cost of rent spiral out of control;

THE SPEAKER « » : Order. Order. Just so that way everybody knows the rules. I am to read the last paragraph, and not the whole thing. No, I'm just putting that out there.

The honourable member for Halifax Citadel-Sable Island.

LISA LACHANCE « » : Therefore be it resolved that this government recognizes and puts an end to the abuse of fixed-term leases in the province.

So, as you know, in early September in my constituency, I first became aware of there being a problem in an aging building because I actually got an anonymous email from someone who had created an email account that said, Nervous Tenant, and said, "I live at The Scotian building and we haven't had power for more than a week." I then hear from somebody's co-worker who said their co-worker was too scared to reach out for fear of retaliation, but this is what was happening.

[Page 2049]

Very quickly my office became involved to understand what was happening. I always say that there's lots of things that have surprised me about being an MLA, being in this Legislature, and this was another time that actually surprised me. So, here was an incident, a flood, a fire, something happened in a building. Anyone can imagine that that can happen at any time. We can't anticipate these situations and when something goes wrong, government should be there to help Nova Scotians, not just point them to an already overwhelmed and backlogged Residential Tenancies system.

When I first became aware of this problem, it seemed to me that we would all want to jump in and help. I did reach out to the landlord, the owner of the property company, who was quite dismissive, but that's okay. They couldn't do what they want because we have laws in Nova Scotia to protect vulnerable Nova Scotians, particularly the loss of power for more than a week.

When we have hurricanes, when we have forest fires, when we have things that happen, immediately Nova Scotians want to jump in to help. I wanted to reach out to the minister responsible for Residential Tenancies to say: Surely this is a violation of the Residential Tenancies Act.

What I have to tell you is that from the time that I found out about the lack of power on day 8, it actually continued for a whole other week, where folks were left in the dark. They were not able to store or prepare food. There were a number of elderly people who had medical devices that they could not charge, right? They couldn't charge them. As well, people who had home offices couldn't work from their home office and were losing contracts. This seemed clearly unjust, and clearly why we have laws to protect people, but the system did not work at all for the residents of The Scotian building.

First of all, there were four different instances where people contacted the Residential Tenancies division by phone and were basically dissuaded from launching a complaint; that they couldn't do anything about the lack of power, that they were on fixed-term leases so they'd better be careful because the landlord could kick them out. It was only after contact with the minister and the minister's office that I encouraged a couple of people - who were already planning on leaving, frankly, who were done with the situation - to file complaints. I was assured that once they were filed, they would be dealt with quickly. As far as I know, no one has had any resolution for that.

The property company only signs fixed-term leases. As we heard earlier today, one tenant - and I have a direct letter from them - whose apartment was sort of the epicentre of the destruction, the lease is set to expire on January 1^st. They've been told if they don't sign a new fixed-term lease by the end of September, they will be facing eviction. She's been sleeping on a couch at a friend's since August because of this poor maintenance. The property company wanted people to rely on their tenant insurance but then didn't provide them with the right information to apply for that - took September 1^st rent, took October 1^st rent.

[Page 2050]

Again and again, our rental system is failing renters. It places them in situations of extreme vulnerability. I could not believe that people sat on their power outage for an entire week without contacting me for help. They also hadn't contacted the city of Halifax or 311 because they were concerned that, when the fire inspectors came in, they would close down the building, and then where would they go?

People were very scared. This is very real. There were dozens of people who were too scared to ask for help. I don't think any of us want that. I think that we think of Nova Scotians as being ready to help. I think we're a province that is unfortunately all too accustomed to having different types of power outages, and we know how we normally respond to those as a community. This didn't happen.

The fixed-term lease loophole is now being used as the primary lease in Nova Scotia. Leaving it open is a major failure by this government. This loophole allows landlords to refuse to renew a lease. They can bring in a new tenant; they can circumvent the rent cap. People lose their homes year after year. Certainly, in my constituency, I've talked to people, who through a four-year undergraduate degree or other circumstances have moved dozens of times because they keep ending up in fixed-term leases, and the landlord keeps moving them on because they were still able to charge more rent.

You can't put down roots in a community if you're moving constantly. It's not fair to people if they're trying to create a home for their family, and it gets around the rent cap. We're really only supposed to have rents increasing by 5 percent, but the statistics show otherwise. This is on top of the cost-of-living crisis. Nova Scotians are struggling to pay for bills. They keep getting more expensive. Rent is no different. People are really struggling to afford the basic necessities and to make choices about how to live in Nova Scotia. This is why we need real rent control that would protect renters from facing huge rent increases each year.

It would be a reasonable approach to supporting the landlord-tenant relationship, and along with closing the fixed-lease loophole, would begin to give people more security of tenure in their homes. Like I said, I really was surprised that, essentially, we found out we had families living in the building trying to get kids off to school without power, we found out that there were elderly folks who, of course, were unable to leave their apartments, especially at night, because the hallways were dark. There was no emergency lighting; there were debris and cables all through the hallways. I truly thought that this is why we have a government, to protect people in this kind of situation. It was deeply disappointing, day after day, to have to connect with folks and find out that there was no change, that they were still living in the dark, and that people were not being able to access any help easily.

[Page 2051]

The fixed-term lease loophole is being abused. I'm sure you all have stories of people who live in your constituencies, who are living very tenuous lives as renters. That's not the way it's supposed to be. This idea of fixing the housing crisis, part of that comes from stabilizing people's living environments and living spaces. We also don't have enforcement. Under the current system, Residential Tenancies can fine landlords in the wrong, but then they can't do anything about it.

I think this is also part of the reason why lots of folks who were living through this in The Scotian were like, "I don't know what I'm supposed to do here, and what's the value of it, anyway?"

The onus is on the renter to go to Small Claims Court, to use their own time and money fighting this injustice. We need a system that can enforce the Residential Tenancies Act. The government has refused to build that, and we don't know why. That's something that both renters and landlords want.

This government loves to talk about balance. A great way to bring some balance to the system would be ending the fixed-term lease loophole, ensuring that there is a residential enforcement unit, and bringing in real rent control.

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

HON. IAIN RANKIN « » : I'm happy to join the debate as we talk about what is one of the most important things: that people have stable housing and fairness.

I want to start by acknowledging what the residents at The Scotian building have endured, which is obviously deeply troubling - going over a week in darkness, afraid to seek help, which we view as unacceptable. They were afraid to go to the Residential Tenancies Program because they knew the reality that if they spoke up, their landlord could simply refuse to renew their lease.

The reality is that it's not an isolated incident, as the resolution speaks to. I hear from constituents in my own constituency. I actually just recently had to go sign a notary, which all of us do. Sometimes I go to apartments or houses to do that, especially if there are mobility issues. It was brought to me, and obviously I won't say the name - and this resolution kind of speaks to why. That person had a broken window. They couldn't even open the window. This was in the heat of late summer, and they were afraid to speak out because of ramifications with the landlord. They literally said, when I offered to call the landlord, "Don't do that, because I don't want to have my lease terminated." This is a tenant who has been there for, like, 20 years.

Sometimes I do call the landlord, but it's a difficult conversation to say, "You'd better not remove that person, but it's unacceptable that there's mould in your building. It's unacceptable that there are fire hazards in your building or that you're not fixing windows in bedrooms."

[Page 2052]

This is an intentional government policy. That's why I find it difficult to understand why there is a refusal to act when evidence is clear and this is something that both tenants and landlords - at least the good ones - have asked for. Fixed-term leases were never meant to give these loopholes. Originally, they had a narrow purpose - for example, if a landlord was moving back into their own home or a student was subletting for a few months - but in practice, they've become a loophole, a tool for landlords to sidestep protections that should exist for tenants.

This is a policy choice. We heard this when we were talking at committee, that we see increasing evictions happening. Renters are constantly walking on eggshells, and to speak out about repairs becomes tenuous at best. To discuss your tenancy with your neighbours can cost you your home. That's not just an inconvenience. It's destabilizing for families, for seniors - for the most vulnerable among us.

At the committee we had housing advocates come before us and tell us that fixed-term leases are one of the most common tools used to silence tenants and push them out. I can't recall the percentage, but the vast majority of evictions now that were tracked by advocates are from fixed-term leases.

Rules that leave tenants vulnerable even when they pay on time and follow the law - the testimony confirmed at that committee what renters have been telling us: As long as this loophole exists, tenants will continue to live in fear.

What has the government done in the face of these abuses by landlords? They have actually sped up evictions, and they have let costs of rent get out of control.

There is a bit of a distinction from our party and the Official Opposition with some policy. I think it's worth mentioning that we don't believe that rent caps are a permanent solution. We believe that they should be lifted once there is a healthy vacancy mix on the market so that market forces actually do what they're supposed to do. We have that unfair supply and demand mix, so we still believe in the rent cap, but not as a permanent rent control. That could stifle investment in a lot of these homes that really need a lot of capital put into them to bring them up to standards that I think people want to live under, but until that happens, tenants need this stability, and government has failed to provide it.

[5:45 p.m.]

With government speaking last on this, I am going to anticipate that they will say that fixed-term leases give landlords flexibility. Well, flexibility does exist for landlords, and that should not mean insecurity for tenants. They can end tenancies for valid reasons, like non-payment, damage, or personal use, and that's fair.

[Page 2053]

What's not fair is ending someone's housing just because they asked for repairs. I've heard government members believing that increasing housing supply is the silver bullet to solving the crisis. While it is incredibly important - I mentioned that before - it's not going to fix everything because building more housing does not protect a tenant whose plumbing has been failing for six months because they can't enforce basic maintenance standards.

The next member is probably going to speak to how tenants already have protection from the Residential Tenancies Program. These protections mean nothing if people are afraid to use them. The Scotian building showed us that; tenants literally sat in the dark because they feared retaliation.

If people are silenced by fear, then so-called protections are paper thin. We'll probably hear, as we heard from some landlords, that tenants like fixed-term leases, but tenants do not prefer instability. They want to know that if they pay their rent and follow the rules, they'll have a home.

The landlords still have every right to rent their units, collect fair rent, and end tenancies for legitimate reasons. What this resolution really speaks to is to stop the abuse that tarnishes the reputation of all landlords, including good ones. If people live in fear of losing their home, it affects everything, like their mental health, ability to work, children's education, and sense of belonging.

We believe that Nova Scotians deserve better. Closing the fixed-term lease loophole will restore the original narrow purpose - we brought it in under COVID - for genuine temporary arrangements only. When a term ends, tenants who have met their obligations should have a right to continue just to a month-to-month lease.

We need a well-resourced, independent residential tenancies enforcement unit to inspect, monitor, and enforce compliance. We were the first to introduce that policy. We need policies to spur housing development, especially mid-market in affordable housing for Nova Scotians to have a real choice. Opponents may say that may be too onerous and governments can't police it, but you can point to other provinces that have done this. In B.C., they have taken administrative penalties for failure to repair, illegal evictions, and non-compliance. It seems to work, and landlords themselves in B.C. have expressed that they prefer a level playing field. Those who do everything correctly want there to be consequences for those who don't.

Tenants want recourse. An enforcement unit gives both parties a credible mechanism to hold the system to account. There's no good reason why Nova Scotia can't build that kind of framework. Tenants and landlords have all advised the government to create stronger enforcement to clamp down on abusive fixed-term leases to ensure tenants are not punished for seeking redress.

[Page 2054]

All Nova Scotians deserve to feel comfortable in their housing and safe. They shouldn't have to choose between demeaning conditions and staying silent. That's a failure of government.

To landlords who play by the rules, who maintain good housing, and who follow codes, you too deserve a fair system where you are not undercut by bad actors. A strong regulatory and enforcement regime would protect both sides.

The renters at The Scotian building deserve better, and families from one end of the province deserve better. Good landlords deserve a system that is fair, balanced, and free of abuse. This debate about closing a loophole that destabilizes lives and community is a good one, and government should be listening.

I'll thank my colleague, the member for Halifax Citadel-Sable Island, for putting forward this resolution - one that we support. I urge this government to take it seriously and recognize that Nova Scotians deserve better. Let's make housing stable, secure, and fair for everyone.

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

HON. BRIAN WONG « » : First off, I just want to express my empathy for the folks who were living at The Scotian on Green Street. Living without power is very difficult. My wife and I went 10 days during White Juan - even though it was over 20 years ago, it's still very fresh in my mind - when we were without power. You had to find to do things very differently if at all, especially if you have small children at home, if you are a senior, you do not have access to the same resources. So, to have to get up in the morning and try to find warm water even to wash in or to cook in, it is an extreme struggle to wash your clothes, to do any of the normal functions like work, charge your electronics, very, very difficult.

So I certainly have a lot of empathy, but at the same time, we need to be careful when we talk about eliminating fixed-term leases or the fixed-term lease loophole. Fixed-term leases have played a role in our housing system for many years. So in making changes to the Residential Tenancies Act, we must be careful to consider the factors every step along the way. Renewing or changing fixed-term leases from the Act while a temporary rent cap is in place may have unintended consequences that negatively impact the housing supply.

We have heard in the past from people that own rental units that they cannot afford to be able to operate their rental units because costs have gone up, but the rent has not. We have actually lost housing supply even because of a rent cap. So if we add taking away the option of a fixed-term lease, we also run the risk of reducing housing supply.

[Page 2055]

The answer of course lies in increasing our supply of housing. We want more Nova Scotians to have choice. We want more Nova Scotians to have the option to enter a fixed-term lease or not enter a fixed-term lease. There are a lot of different arrangements that one can have when they enter into a rental agreement. As supply improves, tenants get more choice, and as they get more choice, they will have more options.

Our unprecedented investments in housing are showing real results for Nova Scotians. Let me share just a few. Housing permits increased by 9.2 percent in 2024; 9,112 new units were permitted in Nova Scotia compared to 8,344 units in the same period of 2023. That was, in itself, in 2023, unprecedented. Housing starts increased 176 percent across the province over the last two years. Vacancy rates rose to 2 percent in 2024, up from 1.1 percent in 2023, and the Canadian vacancy rate in 2024 was at 2.2 percent. Housing completions in HRM increased by 39 percent in the first seven months of 2025 compared to 2024.

Speaker, I can guarantee when I drive around my constituency around Halifax, around Fall River, I am seeing signs that say vacancy. I am also seeing signs that say incentive, free month's first rent, first two months free rent. So we can see that our work on increasing housing supply is working for the rental market and for housing market.

The Official Opposition thinks that all housing issues, all rental issues, can be fixed with fixing the fixed-term lease loophole, as they call it. However, at the same time, the real solution, as my colleague across the aisle has mentioned, is finding good jobs for people, give them incentives in order to find a better place, a better way for them. If a fixed-term lease is what they are on now, with building more houses, getting a better job, being able to afford better housing, we are going to have more options.

How are we going to get people better jobs? By investing in Nova Scotians, by investing in projects like Wind West, by investing in projects like green hydrogen, by investing in projects and looking at the viability of safely extracting natural gas. We will get Nova Scotians better jobs, we will get more housing, we will get more rental options for them, and we will get people into better housing.

Instead of empowering renters with the knowledge of the rules that exist to protect them and the types of leases available under the Act, they are being held to believe that there are no options or protections for them. It is harmful to be misled by our Official Opposition in thinking that the Residential Tenancies Program is not there to support them.

In addition, the Residential Tenancies Act does protect against retribution. That is something that we have tenants believing that they have no options, that if they feel that a landlord is not treating them with respect and not upholding their obligations that they have no recourse, except for fixing the fixed-term loophole, so to speak.

[Page 2056]

I encourage all members of this House, I encourage everyone, if you have constituents who are having difficulties, having issues with their landlord or tenant, I encourage them to call, I encourage them to look at the program on the website, I encourage them to get help where they can actually get real help.

Residential Tenancies have officers who are willing to answer questions, willing to look at the issues and resolve problems. Educating landlords and tenants of their rights and responsibilities is already part of the program. It is something we continue to do with our educational materials and community outreach.

It's important for tenants to know what they are signing and what type of lease is best for their current needs and for landlords to be clear on what they are providing tenants. Good communication is key to avoid problems in the future, and the Residential Tenancies Program is here to help.

We're creating more options for Nova Scotia. We are making progress that is making a difference for tenants right across this province. We're not afraid to try new things. We're not afraid to try to put something else in our toolbox to help Nova Scotia renters. That's why we did introduce Happipad. We introduced a home-sharing program which is not a new idea anywhere in this world. We've had home-sharing programs and they still operate right now. You don't to have to have an official name or an official title like Happipad. That was something we tried as a solution. We didn't get any support from the Opposition on Happipad, even though we spent money on trying to make sure that home sharing is a viable option for people looking for a place to live.

As a matter of fact, Speaker, we've heard from not-for-profit housing programs that actually said: You know what, Happipad was actually a pretty good idea, it's too bad it didn't go the right way. Maybe we didn't have all the right things in place. I have heard the Opposition say - I've heard the honourable member for the Liberal Party mention that it is a good thing in some instances. If it can work for students, it can work for everyone else. If can work for our not-for-profit housing agencies, it can work for other people as well.

We have to continue using fixed-term leases as part of that overall tool. I would encourage everybody to reach out to Residential Tenancies. I have seen the magic they can do. I have seen them work with community. As a matter of fact, I have a land-lease community in my constituency that I have been working with a lot. The wood-buying community has been working hard on making the lives better of wood-buying residents. They have also been doing outreach to other land-lease communities. They have reached into Residential Tenancies, pretty well have a direct line in. When an issue comes up, when there is a problem that we can find a solution to together, we continue to do that work.

Residential Tenancies not only is a place for people to call; they also do outreach. One of the great things that happened in order to make it work at the Woodbine community is that they were able to get several people to come out and listen to the issues, listen to the problems that community has had, and they have been able to work with them in order to find solutions.

[Page 2057]

Those solutions have changed the lives of over 600 homes in that community, with over 2,000 people who live there, they have been able to take the time and explain to them exactly what is needed. Residential Tenancies has consulted and they've brought it back to the tenants and they have done a wonderful job. Thank you to the folks who work in Residential Tenancies, you guys are awesome.

THE SPEAKER « » : Order. I would like to thank all the members who participated in the adjournment debate this evening.

[6:00 p.m.]

The honourable Government House Leader.

HON. BRENDAN MAGUIRE « » : Thank you, Speaker. I just need one minute, please.

THE SPEAKER « » : Certainly.

The honourable Government House Leader.

HON. BRENDAN MAGUIRE « » : Thank you, everyone, for participating in our democracy tonight.

I ask for unanimous consent on Private and Local Bills on the Order Paper to skip Private and Local Bills Committee and Committee of the Whole House on Bills; and that Bill No. 156 and Bill No. 157 be permitted to proceed to third reading today, if they pass second reading.

AN HON. MEMBER: Can you repeat that?

BRENDAN MAGUIRE « » : I'll repeat it.

Speaker, I ask for unanimous consent on Private and Local Bills on the Order Paper to skip Private and Local Bills Committee and Committee of the Whole House on Bills; and Bill No. 156 and Bill No. 157, which are also Private and Local Bills, to be permitted to proceed to third reading today, if they pass second reading.

THE SPEAKER « » : Is it agreed?

It is agreed.

[Page 2058]

All those in favour? Contrary minded? Thank you.

The motion is carried.

The honourable Government House Leader.

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

PRIVATE AND LOCAL BILLS FOR SECOND READING

The honourable Government House Leader.

HON. BRENDAN MAGUIRE « » : Speaker, would you please call Bill No. 156.

Bill No. 156 - Bridgewater Museum Commission Dissolution Act.

THE SPEAKER « » : The honourable Minister of Justice.

HON. BECKY DRUHAN « » : Speaker, I rise to open debate at second reading for Bill No. 156.

I'm bringing this forward at the request of the Town of Bridgewater to update and reconcile the legislation with practice. Those are my brief remarks, and I look forward to debate.

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

The honourable Minister of Justice.

HON. BECKY DRUHAN « » : I rise to close second reading on Bill No. 156.

THE SPEAKER « » : The motion is for second reading of Bill No. 156.

All those in favour? Contrary minded? Thank you.

The motion is carried.

The honourable Government House Leader.

HON. BRENDAN MAGUIRE « » : Speaker, would you please call Bill No. 157.

Bill No. 157 - LaHave and District Fire Department Act (amended).

[Page 2059]

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

HON. BECKY DRUHAN « » : Speaker, I rise to open debate at second reading for Bill No. 157.

This Act modernizes and updates the terms of this legislation. I don't need to say very much about how important it is to support our fire departments. I'm glad to be bringing this forward on their behalf.

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

The honourable Minister of Justice.

HON. BECKY DRUHAN « » : I'm pleased to rise to close debate on second reading of Bill No. 157.

THE SPEAKER « » : The motion is for second reading of Bill No. 157.

All those in favour? Contrary minded? Thank you.

The motion is carried.

Ordered that this bill and the previous bill be read a third time forthwith.

The honourable Government House Leader.

HON. BRENDAN MAGUIRE « » : Speaker, would you please call the order of business Government Motions.

GOVERNMENT MOTIONS

THE SPEAKER « » : The honourable Government House Leader.

HON. BRENDAN MAGUIRE « » : Speaker, I move that you do now leave the Chair and the House resolve itself into the Committee of the Whole House on Bills.

THE SPEAKER « » : The motion is carried.

We will have a short recess while the committee sets up.

[6:29 p.m. The House rose and resolved into the CWH on Bills with Deputy Speaker John White in the Chair.]

[11:17 p.m. CWH on Bills rose and the House reconvened. The Speaker, Hon. Danielle Barkhouse, resumed the Chair.]

[Page 2060]

THE SPEAKER « » : Order. 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. 127 - Protecting Nova Scotians Act.

Bill No. 130 - Traffic Safety Act.

Bill No. 134 - Justice Administration Amendment (Fall 2025) Act.

each without amendments. The Chair has been instructed to recommend these bills to the favourable consideration of the House.

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

The honourable Government House Leader.

HON. BRENDAN MAGUIRE « » : Speaker, would you please call the order of business Private and Local Bills for third reading.

PRIVATE AND LOCAL BILLS FOR THIRD READING

THE SPEAKER « » : The honourable Government House Leader.

HON. BRENDAN MAGUIRE « » : Speaker, would you please call Bill No. 146.

Bill No. 146 - An Act to Incorporate Banook Canoe Club, Limited (amended).

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

HON. TIMOTHY HALMAN « » : It's an honour to rise on third reading for Bill No. 146.

This is a housekeeping amendment, which will allow the Banook Club to borrow as it sees fit.

THE SPEAKER « » : Seeing no more speakers, if I recognize the honourable member it will be to close third reading.

HON. TIMOTHY HALMAN « » : Speaker, I move to close debate at third reading of Bill No. 146.

[Page 2061]

THE SPEAKER « » : The motion is for third reading of Bill No. 146.

All those in favour? Contrary minded? Thank you.

The motion is carried.

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

The honourable Government House Leader.

HON. BRENDAN MAGUIRE « » : Speaker, would you please call Bill No. 156.

Bill No. 156 - Bridgewater Museum Commission Dissolution Act.

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

HON. BECKY DRUHAN « » : Speaker, I move that Bill No.156 be now read for a third time.

This will support the modern operations of the museum in Bridgewater.

THE SPEAKER « » : The motion is for third reading of Bill No. 156.

All those in favour? Contrary minded? Thank you.

The motion is carried.

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

The honourable Government House Leader.

HON. BRENDAN MAGUIRE « » : Speaker, could you please call Bill No. 157.

Bill No. 157 - LaHave and District Fire Department Act (amended).

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

HON. BECKY DRUHAN « » : I move Bill No. 157 for third reading.

THE SPEAKER « » : Is the House ready for the question? The motion is for third reading of Bill No. 157.

[Page 2062]

All those in favour? Contrary minded? Thank you.

The motion is carried.

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

The honourable Government House Leader.

HON. BRENDAN MAGUIRE « » : Speaker, would you please call Bill No. 155.

Bill No. 155 - Yarmouth Golf and Country Club, An Act to Incorporate (amended).

THE SPEAKER « » : The honourable member for Yarmouth.

NICK HILTON « » : I rise today to move Bill No. 155, An Act to Incorporate the Yarmouth Golf and Country Club, an Act to Amend.

The Yarmouth Golf and Country Club is home to both Yarmouth Links and Curl Yarmouth. This is a 500-members recreation facility, located in beautiful Yarmouth County. The club serves both its membership and the entire region.

The passing of this bill updates the name of the club, dropping the outdated country club title to move to a more inclusive title of the Yarmouth Golf and Curling Centre. The name makes for a more modern club title that represents its true identity of curling and golf.

Curling and golf have coexisted in Yarmouth for over 100 years. This club's proud history is one of inclusiveness of both sports of curling and golf. We are excited to grow together and move toward a more prosperous history together.

This is a hub of both social activity and professional recruitment, and we're excited to move this change to the Act. Thank you.

THE SPEAKER « » : Is the House ready for the question? The motion is for third reading of Bill No. 155.

All those in favour? Contrary minded? Thank you.

The motion is carried.

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

The honourable Government House Leader.

HON. BRENDAN MAGUIRE « » : Speaker, this concludes government business for today. (Interruptions) We can keep going, folks, if you want to. I move that the House do now rise and meet again on October 2^nd, from 12:00 p.m. to 11:59 p.m.

Following the daily routine and Question Period, government business will include Committee of the Whole House on Bills and, if time allows, third reading.

THE SPEAKER « » : The motion is that the House do rise and meet again on Thursday, October 2^nd, between the hours of 12:00 p.m. and 11:59 p.m.

All those in favour? Contrary minded? Thank you.

The motion is carried.

We stand adjourned.

[The House rose at 11:24 p.m.]

[Page 2063]