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HALIFAX, THURSDAY, MARCH 6, 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 « » : Order. We will begin the daily routine.

PRESENTING AND READING PETITIONS

PRESENTING REPORTS OF COMMITTEES

TABLING REPORTS, REGULATIONS AND OTHER PAPERS

STATEMENTS BY MINISTERS

GOVERNMENT NOTICES OF MOTION

THE SPEAKER « » : The honourable Premier.

RESOLUTION NO. 38

HON. TIM HOUSTON (The Premier) « » : Speaker, I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:

Whereas Canada's vast natural resources are fundamental to our nation's economic well-being, job creation, and energy security, and developing and transporting these resources responsibly will strengthen our ability to be self-reliant in the face of foreign trade pressures; and

Whereas the current administration in the United States has taken steps to impose trade barriers that threaten Canadian exporters and underscore the importance of national resource development; and

Whereas the leader of the Bloc Quebecois continues to oppose critical infrastructure projects that would support responsible resource development, thereby undermining both national unity and Canada's economic resilience and cutting Nova Scotia off from accessing energy resources from the rest of Canada, harming our energy security;

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Therefore be it resolved that the Nova Scotia Legislature affirm its support for the responsible development of Canada's natural resources as a cornerstone of our economic security and national self-reliance, call upon the government of Canada to prioritize and streamline the approvals for oil and natural gas infrastructure projects that will foster growth, create jobs, and bolster our domestic and export capabilities, and condemn national political leaders who refuse to support policies and initiatives that would strengthen Canada's economic sovereignty and Atlantic Canada's energy security.

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

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

Is it agreed?

The honourable member for Halifax Citadel-Sable Island.

LISA LACHANCE « » : I'm wondering if we could have a copy of the resolution to have a quick review. That was a lengthy resolution, and we'd like time to consider it before calling for consent.

THE SPEAKER « » : Is there consent for a recess?

All right - a brief recess.

[1:05 p.m. The House recessed.]

[1:09 p.m. The House reconvened.]

THE SPEAKER « » : Order. I'm picking up where I left off. I've already asked for the waiver.

Is it agreed? I'm going to ask this again. I hear several Noes.

The motion is tabled.

The honourable Minister of Addictions and Mental Health.

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HON. BRIAN COMER: Speaker, I beg leave to make an introduction.

THE SPEAKER « » : Please do.

BRIAN COMER: Today in the Speaker's Gallery, we have some groups from across the province who do really important work in communities for addictions and mental health care, all the way from Yarmouth right across to Cape Breton and everywhere in between. I'm very happy to have them here today and very glad they're part of the new Community Wellness Framework, which was announced this morning, for Nova Scotians.

I would ask them to please stand as I introduce them: Kuli Malhotra and Larry Farrell, the Bereaved Families of Nova Scotia; Rhiannon Makohoniuk and Orlando Tovar, Rainbow Refugee Association of Nova Scotia; Suzanne Brooks and Maddie Bernard, the Millbrook Band Council; Canadian Mental Health Association representatives Johanne Thompson, Bev Cadham, and Kelly Hazelton; Colchester-East Hants Hospice Society, Stacey Harrison; Viola's Place Society, Lisa Deyoung; Eating Disorders Nova Scotia, Shaleen Jones; Healthy Minds Cooperative, Alison O'Handley; Survivors of Abuse Recovering, Rita vanVulpen and Theresa Redmond; Aidaen's Place, Kelly Mitchell and Kristan Burley; the Tri-County Women's Centre, Maia Mathieu; Open Arms Resource Centre, Leanne Jennings; Eastern Shore-Musquodoboit Valley, Well-Being HUB, Lesley Magee and Brandon Neuman; and the Association of Black Social Workers, Rajean Willis and Kyiaisha Benton. (Applause)

THE SPEAKER « » : Welcome to the House. Thank you for the work that you do, and we hope you enjoy your time here.

The honourable Minister of Addictions and Mental Health.

RESOLUTION NO. 39

HON. BRIAN COMER: Speaker, I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:

Whereas addictions and mental health community organizations provide valuable services and supports in cities, towns, and villages across Nova Scotia; and

Whereas Nova Scotia's Community Wellness Grants help community-based organizations support mental health and mental wellness and addiction services to support long-term community wellness projects; and

Whereas this year, 24 organizations will receive a total of $13.8 million to do their crucial work and ensure Nova Scotians have access to a variety of services like education and intervention close to home;

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Therefore be it resolved that all members of the House of Assembly applaud the organizations that provide crucial mental health support in their communities and support the multi-year province-wide Community Wellness Framework that will ensure the supports are sustainable.

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. (Standing ovation)

The honourable Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture.

HON. KENT SMITH « » : Speaker, I beg leave to make an introduction prior to my notice of motion.

THE SPEAKER « » : Please do.

KENT SMITH « » : Speaker, in the West Gallery, we have Mr. Jasper Grant, who is the son of Dr. Jon Grant, who is the subject of my notice of motion. Welcome to the House. (Applause)

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

The honourable Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture.

[1:15 p.m.]

RESOLUTION NO. 40

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

Whereas the late Dr. Jon Grant was an oceanography professor at Dalhousie University, an adjunct professor at Université du Québec à Rimouski and the Atlantic Veterinary College, and was appointed NSERC-Cooke Industrial Research Chair in Sustainable Aquaculture; and

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Whereas Dr. Grant was a leader in modelling aquaculture-environment interactions, authoring groundbreaking contributions on the sustainable management of the aquaculture industry, with more than 200 scientific publications and supervising more than 50 graduate students; and

Whereas Dr. Grant provided advice and guidance to the Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture on many occasions, including the establishment of our Environmental Monitoring Program, as well as science-based regulations to monitor potential impacts of aquaculture on the sea floor and spearheading the development of farming and natural systems for Nova Scotia;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly recognize the late Dr. Grant's significant contribution to the aquaculture sector in our province and beyond.

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

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

Is it agreed? It is agreed.

All those in favour? Contrary minded? Thank you.

The motion is carried.

INTRODUCTION OF BILLS

Bill No. 73 - An Act to Amend Chapter 217 of the Revised Statutes, 1989, the Income Tax Act, Respecting a Primary Caregiver Tax Credit. (Rod Wilson)

Bill No. 74 - An Act to Protect the Cape Breton Rail Line. (Hon. Derek Mombourquette)

Bill No. 75 - An Act to Provide Free Testing of Well Water. (Elizabeth Smith-McCrossin)

Bill No. 76 - An Act to Create a Free Heat-pump Program. (Elizabeth Smith-McCrossin)

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

NOTICES OF MOTION

STATEMENTS BY MEMBERS

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

TOM TAGGART » : Speaker, I beg leave to make an introduction.

THE SPEAKER « » : Please do.

TOM TAGGART « » : Speaker, in your Gallery - the Speaker's Gallery - I would like to introduce Stacey Harrison - if you would stand, Stacey, and be recognized by the House. Stacey is the daughter of a well-known and well-loved Harrison I used to sit next here a year ago. Most importantly, she's the executive director of the Colchester East Hants Hospice Society. I recognize that Stacey lives in MLA Armstrong's riding and the Hospice Society is in Truro. I asked to recognize her today because of the work that Stacy and her staff at the Colchester East Hants Hospice Society gave me and my family, and the residents of Portapique and surrounding areas during those terrible days. This is a great opportunity to recognize her and say thank you very much, Stacey. (Applause)

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

The honourable member For Truro-Bible Hill-Millbrook-Salmon River.

COL. E. HANTS HOSPICE SOCIETY: PROGRAMS - RECOG.

HON. DAVE RITCEY « » : I rise today to celebrate the Colchester East Hants Hospice Society. These recipients of the Community Wellness Fund are making a profound difference in our communities. Founded in 2003 as a grassroots initiative, the Society was created to fill a gap in support for those facing loss. Under the leadership of Stacey Harrison and her dedicated team, they provide compassionate, innovative programs that address the complex emotions and challenges of grief. Through support groups, retreats, and workshops, the Colchester East Hants Hospice Society allows individuals to share their experiences, reflect, and heal.

The Colchester East Hants Hospice Society exemplifies the power of community-driven care. Their dedication, innovative programs, and commitment to supporting mental health and grief-related care are truly inspiring. Let us honour their efforts and continue to prioritize initiatives that strengthen the well-being of our communities across the province.

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

ROD WILSON « » : I beg leave to introduce guests today.

THE SPEAKER « » : Please do.

ROD WILSON « » : I'd ask that Ms. Olga Milosevich and Mr. Ian Johnson stand please. (Applause)

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

The honourable member for Halifax Armdale.

MILOSEVICH, O./JOHNSON, I.: HEALTH CARE ADVOCACY - THANKS

ROD WILSON « » : Ian and Olga are long-term residents of Halifax Armdale and pillars of our community. In addition to their careers and labour in public broadcasting, they've been very generous supporters of the community. This includes the Maritime Conservatory of Performing Arts and the Scotia Festival of Music. Probably where our paths crossed - and where their real passion lies - is they are fierce and tireless advocates for better health care, founding the Nova Scotia Health Care Coalition and the Nova Scotia Office of the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives.

Probably something they should be very proud of, and I'm honoured to know, is they recently founded the Advocates for the Care of the Elderly, a volunteer-led organization advocating for improvements in Nova Scotia long-term care, in their response to the experiences of their family members in long-term care.

Ian and Olga are also, for better or worse, partly responsible for why I am here today. I want to thank them both and thank them for everything they do, their advocacy, and their true kindness every day.

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

CAMPBELL, DONNIE: C.B. HALL OF FAME INDUCTION - CONGRATS.

HON. DEREK MOMBOURQUETTE « » : I was happy to see that the new inductees have been named for the Cape Breton Music Industry Hall of Fame. I rise in my place to recognize a wonderful artist that many people may know and hear, Donnie Campbell.

Donnie Campbell has an absolutely beautiful voice. He's one of my favourite singers. He is being inducted this year. He has had a radio program called Celtic Serenade: For 51 years, he's been doing this. Not only has he been a successful musician, but Donnie donates his time and his talent to many great organizations across Cape Breton that want to learn about music and perform with Donnie.

I rise in my place to recognize a wonderful artist on his induction into the Cape Breton Music Industry Hall of Fame, but also to recognize a really wonderful man who does amazing work, not only for music, but in our community.

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

WELL-BEING HUB: FUNDING RECIP. - CONGRATS.,

HON. KENT SMITH « » : I rise today to celebrate the recipients of the Community Wellness Fund Lesley Magee and Brandon Neuman, who lead the Eastern Shore Musquodoboit Valley Well-Being HUB. This organization is making a profound and lasting impact on the lives of Nova Scotians by offering services that promote mental health and overall well-being.

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Through peer support programs, the Well-Being HUB provides a safe and compassionate space for individuals to share their experiences, find connection, and access the resources needed to thrive. The Well-Being HUB is dedicated to fostering community connections. They empower residents, organizations, and leaders to take an active role in creating a healthier, more supportive environment for all. Their work strengthens the fabric of our communities and ensures that no one is left behind.

I ask that all members of this House join me in celebrating the Eastern Shore Musquodoboit Valley Well-Being HUB and the impact they are making here in Nova Scotia. Their commitment to fostering well-being and resilience is truly commendable.

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

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

THE SPEAKER « » : Please do.

LISA LACHANCE « » : Today, joining us in your Gallery is R.J. Roggeveen. My member statement will tell you why they're here. (Applause)

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

ROGGEVEEN, R.J.: ACCESSIBILITY EFFORTS - CONGRATS.

LISA LACHANCE « » : I rise today to recognize R.J. Roggeveen, whose dedication to becoming a doctor has carved the path forward for so many others. R.J. is the first full-time wheelchair user to attend Dalhousie Medical School.

In a collaborative effort between R.J., Dalhousie Medical School, and hospital staff, they were able to make accessible adjustments and toolkits so R.J. would be able to partake in the same training as his classmates. Through grants and fundraising, R.J. was even able to purchase a standing power chair, which has allowed him to assist in the operating room as part of his education. R.J. is not just an advocate within his school but also online, where he has shared his journey, not just of medical school, but his life as a wheelchair user with over 29,000 followers. R.J. has helped change accessibility practices at Dalhousie Medical School, clearing a path for future students with disabilities.

I want to congratulate R.J. on his accomplishments. I am excited to see what the future holds for you as Dr. Roggeveen. (Applause)

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

SEWELL, OLIVIA: COOKING COMPETITION WIN - CONGRATS.

HON. IAIN RANKIN « » : I rise to congratulate Olivia Sewell for her success at the Skills Canada Nova Scotia Provincial Cooking Skills competition. Olivia, a former student at Bay View High School, won gold in the post-secondary category and then took gold in Skills Canada at the national level.

Olivia's career path came after taking a Grade 11 culinary class at Bay View High School. The high school was originally selected as one of two high schools in Nova Scotia to receive a fully operational, instructional, commercial kitchen. I remember that happening after we announced the trade school back in my first term, and it was great to see the course being part of the expansion in the 2018 skills trade expansion. The culinary course is an additional option available to students and gives a taste of first-hand exposure to service trades. As Nova Scotia continues to grow and diversify, it's important that we expand training opportunities that reflect growing industries and expose students to all career paths.

I ask the members of the House to join me in congratulating Olivia for finding something she loves to do, acquiring the skills to do it well, and finding a way of making a successful, rewarding living from it.

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

MILLBROOK BAND COUNCIL: FUNDING RECIP. - CONGRATS.

HON. LEAH MARTIN « » : Today I rise to celebrate the recipients of the Community Wellness Fund. Among them is Suzanne Brooks, who is here with us today representing the Millbrook Band Council. This remarkable organization has long stood as a pillar of strength and leadership within the Millbrook First Nation, and their unwavering commitment to the well-being of their community is truly inspiring.

The Millbrook Band Council delivers mental health and addictions support tailored to the unique needs of the community. Through initiatives such as support groups and retreats focused on mental health, addictions healing, and self-care, they provide culturally relevant, community-centred care. These programs address the specific needs of Indigenous individuals and families, fostering healing, resilience, and empowerment.

The Millbrook Band Council's efforts are a powerful example of Indigenous-led solutions that honour cultural traditions while addressing modern challenges. Their dedication to building a healthier, stronger community is a testament to the importance of local leadership and culturally grounded approaches to care.

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

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LISA LACHANCE « » : Speaker, I beg leave to make an introduction.

THE SPEAKER « » : Please do.

LISA LACHANCE « » : Joining us today from the Berhan Cultural and Education Center, we have Chairperson Sewalem Maru and Center Director Semou Zinabou. They have risen to accept the warm welcome. (Applause)

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

The honourable member for Halifax Citadel-Sable Island.

[1:30 p.m.]

BERHAN CULTURAL & EDUC. CTR.: PROGRAMS - RECOG.

LISA LACHANCE « » : Speaker, I rise today to recognize the incredible contributions that the Berhan Culture and Education Centre has made to the community. The Berhan Centre serves as a hub for Ethiopian and Eritrean families in Halifax, offering a wide range of programs, including teaching children their native languages and cultural heritage, engaging them in cooking traditional foods, and creating opportunities to connect with their community.

The Berhan school is managed and operated by passionate volunteers and parents. Since the organization's start in 2018, they have been growing and adapting to their community's needs. Starting in April, the centre is excited to launch their age-friendly community program to engage their older population.

The Berhan Centre recently concluded their African Heritage Month celebrations with the commemoration of the 129^th anniversary of Adwa Victory Day, honouring Ethiopia's historic resistance against colonial invasion, and are looking forward to celebrating Ethiopian New Year in September.

Thank you to the Berhan Cultural and Education Centre for being a place of community for so many people and their families.

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

MELANSON, JACOB: FIRST NHL GAME - CONGRATS.

ELIZABETH SMITH-MCCROSSIN « » : I have some exciting news to share. I rise today to congratulate Jacob Melanson of Cumberland County in his call up to the National Hockey League with the Seattle Kraken. We wish him the best of luck against the Nashville Predators tonight, which will be his very first NHL regular season game.

The road hasn't been easy for Jacob. Just this season, he battled back from an injury that kept him out of the lineup for the Coachella Valley Firebirds. However, in true Cumberland County fashion, he kept his head down, worked hard, and made his way back from the injury. His hard work inspires Cumberland County Minor Hockey players and people from all across Nova Scotia.

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Speaker, I ask that this whole House join me in congratulating Jacob Melanson and his family on this exciting opportunity. Jacob, keep making us in Cumberland County proud.

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

DOUGLAS, JEFF: "I AM CANADIAN" AD REMAKE - CONGRATS.

HON. DEREK MOMBOURQUETTE « » : Speaker, I rise in my place to talk about the remake of the "I Am Canadian" commercial. I hope that people get to see it. It's wonderful.

I want to congratulate Jeff Douglas, RPM Productions, and everybody involved with it. It's very timely, considering the narrative coming out of the United States and the importance of celebrating who we are as Canadians. Congratulations to them. It's a great commercial and I hope everybody gets a chance to take a look.

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

VIOLA'S PLACE: COM. SERV. - THANKS

DANNY MACGILLIVRAY: I rise today to recognize the incredible work at Viola's Place. This organization has become the cornerstone of support and compassion in our community. Since opening its doors in 2018, Viola's Place provides emergency shelter and essential services to individuals experiencing homelessness, helping them transition to long-term stability and independence. With support from the Office of Addictions and Mental Health's community wellness framework, Viola's Place will receive funding to hire a recreational worker, enhancing their mental health and wellness programs. This new role will create engaging, therapeutic activities that promote resilience, foster connection, and strengthen the community bonds. I recently met with Executive Director Lisa Deyoung in the gallery, introduced earlier by the minister, and her passionate team who shared the success and challenges.

Speaker, Viola's Place exemplifies the power of community-driven solutions. Their mission to provide safe shelter, basic necessities, and pathways to stable housing is transforming lives in our province. I ask all members to join me in celebrating Viola's Place. Their dedication to improving the lives of Nova Scotians is truly inspiring.

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

CREATORS: MURAL - CONGRATS.

SUSAN LEBLANC « » : Speaker, I rise today to honour an amazing group of young people in Dartmouth North and an important work of art that they have collectively created. The work is a mural comprised of small tiles designed and painted by the youth who come together to ask the question: "Where is community? Bring back the light." It is beautiful to look at, inspiring, and challenges the viewer to answer the call it demands - to bring back the light to community through resources, love and support.

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The mural was created through an ongoing program led by Kayley Dixon, with Dr. Joanna Kocsis and NSCC, to address the topic of chronic urban youth trauma and violence.

I ask the House to join me in congratulating Timiya Smith, Ronnie Harris, Akeel Sterling, Jade Goodwin, Danayah MacDonald, Tykia States, Cierrah Smith, Khaliyl Smith, Jaden Bradley, Alayja Mcintyre, Westin Brown and Haniel Lordwin. They are truly bright lights in our community.

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

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

THE SPEAKER « » : Please do.

JOHN LOHR « » : In your Gallery, we have Leanne Jennings of Open Arms. I ask her to stand and receive the warm welcome of the House. (Applause)

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

JENNINGS, LEANNE: OPEN ARMS - RECOG.

HON. JOHN LOHR « » : Today I rise to recognize Open Arms, a remarkable organization in Kentville that has been a pillar of support for those in need. Open Arms provides essential services, including emergency shelter, outreach support and community meals, ensuring that some of our most vulnerable citizens have access to safe spaces and critical resources. At the heart of this work is Leanne Jennings, their dedicated executive director. Leanne's leadership and compassion have strengthened Open Arms' impact, fostering a sense of dignity and hope for so many in the Annapolis Valley. Under her guidance, the organization continues to offer not just shelter but a path toward stability and inclusion. I ask all members of this House to join me in thanking Leanne Jennings, her staff, and volunteers at Open Arms.

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

MCRURY, DONNA: CORONATION MEDAL RECIP. - CONGRATS.

KENDRA COOMBES « » : Speaker, I rise to recognize Immediate Past President Donna McRury, Nova Scotia/Nunavut Command, Royal Canadian Legion, recipient of the King Charles III Coronation Medal. She was presented the medal by Grand President Larry Murray the other day in recognition of her service to the Dominion command as a member of the Dominion Executive Council and as Dominion command treasurer. Also, there was the National Executive Director Randy Hayley. Donna works hard on behalf of veterans and their families. She is committed to service, and this recognition is well deserved for so many things she does at a national level and at a local level. We are very proud of Donna for all her service.

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THE SPEAKER « » : The honourable member for Yarmouth.

NICK HILTON « » : Speaker, I beg leave to make two introductions somewhat related to my member statement.

THE SPEAKER « » : Please do.

NICK HILTON « » : In your Gallery today, I'd like to recognize two individuals who are here supporting those who are doing the work with the Community Wellness Framework. I was surprised this morning to see my friend Joseph Hazelton accompanying his wife Kelly, who is with the Canadian Mental Health Association. I just wanted to say a warm welcome to Joseph, a strong community member from a strong family with lots of community values.

Secondly, I'd like to welcome Kris Burley, who was recognized by a minister. I got to know Kris through the election process, and he has become a great friend. He has a successful planning and project management company, but he's best known for representing Canada at the Atlanta 1996 Summer Olympics in the sport of gymnastics. I welcome them both to the House today. (Applause)

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

The honourable member for Yarmouth.

RECIPIENTS: COM. WELLNESS FRAMEWORK FUNDING - CONGRATS.

NICK HILTON « » : Speaker, I rise today to celebrate two remarkable organizations in Yarmouth - both recipients of funding through the Community Wellness Framework - for their outstanding contributions to mental health and well-being in our community. The Tri-County Women's Centre has been a pillar of support for women and girls in Nova Scotia for more than 20 years. They address issues such as poverty, housing, mental health, and sexual violence, while fostering inclusivity and empowerment for all women. Similarly, Aidaen's Place is a youth wellness centre dedicated to supporting young Nova Scotians. Established in memory of Aidaen Mae Mitchell, the centre provides a safe, nurturing environment where youth can access peer support, life skills workshops, and suicide prevention programs. Known as the Purple House, it has become a symbol of hope, connection, and growth for countless Nova Scotians.

These organizations exemplify the power of community-driven solutions, transforming lives, and building resilience. I ask all members to join me in celebrating their work and the impact they continue to make within our community.

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

LF BAKERY: FOOD SERVICE - RECOG.

SUZY HANSEN « » : Speaker, I rise today to recognize a bakery in my community called LF Bakery. Imagine starting your day off with a delicious blueberry beignet with your cup of mochaccino. Let's just say it was heaven in every bite. That's what I was thinking all morning. Thank you to the member for Halifax Chebucto. With daily fresh bread, croissants and coffee to lunch items and take-home baked goods, it is always lovely walking into such a welcoming space. Bread has a way of giving you a warm hug and a full belly. I would like to encourage all members of this House to stop by on Gottingen Street to taste the wares. I am so grateful to have LF Bakery in my riding to provide fresh food for all of us local folks.

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

SOAR: FUNDING RECIP. - RECOG.

CHRIS PALMER: I rise today to recognize the Survivors of Abuse Recovering Society, known as SOAR, and Rita van Vulpen, a founding member who is here with us today. Thanks to the Office of Addictions and Mental Health's Community Wellness Framework, SOAR has received funding to expand their peer support programs, addressing mental health and addictions issues related to trauma, particularly among youth.

SOAR provides essential peer support, advocacy, and education to help individuals reclaim their lives. Through group sessions, community outreach, and collaboration with mental health professionals, they create a safe space for survivors to share their experiences and build resilience. Powered by dozens of dedicated volunteer peer supporters, SOAR is a lifeline for survivors, breaking the silence and stigma surrounding childhood sexual abuse. Their work empowers survivors to heal and thrive, creating a brighter future for individuals across our province.

Mental wellness is a cornerstone of a strong and healthy community. SOAR's commitment to empowerment and recovery ensures that survivors are not alone and that they have access to the resources, understanding, and encouragement they need. Their work not only changes individual lives but strengthens our entire community. I'm proud of their Annapolis Valley roots and the impact they've had on our province.

Speaker, I ask all members of this House to join me in thanking SOAR for their unwavering dedication to supporting survivors and promoting mental wellness throughout Nova Scotia.

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

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LEBLANC, SUSAN: BOOK PUBLICATION - RECOG.

SUSAN LEBLANC « » : Speaker, I rise today to congratulate my Dartmouth North name twin, journalist and author Susan LeBlanc - big "B" LeBlanc - on publishing her excellent first novel, The Nowhere Places. Published by Nimbus in Fall 2024, the novel is deeply rooted in North End Halifax in the late 1970s. Told from the vantage points of Lulu, a teenage girl, and June, a middle-aged woman, the book explores body image, sexual assault, single motherhood, caring for aging parents, abortion, poverty, and more.

The Nowhere Places was named as one of the CBC's 64 Canadian Fiction Books to read in Fall 2024, and was also included in Quill and Quire's favourite titles of 2024 as selected by fellow authors. I have even been mistaken for the author and have been asked to sign a copy of the book - a big compliment. I ask the House to join me in congratulating Susan LeBlanc on the success of her maiden novel. We look forward to reading her future works.

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

NAT'L ORGAN TISSUE AWAR. WK.: TREATMENT - RECOG.

KENDRA COOMBES « » : Speaker, April 20-26, 2025 is National Organ Tissue Donation Awareness Week. Advocate Karen McLeod has been battling graft versus host disease since receiving an allogeneic stem cell transplant to treat life-threatening leukemia in May 2015.

GVHD occurs when the donated cell recognizes the recipient's body as foreign and attacks the body. It can cause people like Karen to experience a whole host of health issues that are often chronic. Karen receives treatment called ECP and goes to New Brunswick to receive this treatment. The treatment makes Karen's systems more manageable and improves her quality of life, and she does not require as much medication.

However, travelling out of province has been financially and physically demanding, as I've mentioned several times in this House. Karen and many other Nova Scotians are requesting that Nova Scotia begin offering treatment in Nova Scotia.

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

MOTHER, ANDREA - BIRTHDAY WISHES

DANNY MACGILLIVRAY: Speaker, I rise in my place today to say "Happy Birthday, Mom."

On this day in 1946, my amazing mother Andrea was born in the small town of Mulgrave. My grandfather - her father, Andrew MacKenzie, originally from Stellarton - was employed as a CNR engineer in that community. When the Canso Causeway was built, CNR had extensive layoffs in Mulgrave. Mom's family moved back to her father's hometown of Stellarton, where he continued his employment with CNR. Mom attended Stellarton High School when they returned to her father's hometown. According to what I've been told by her classmates, she was beautiful both inside and out. I know it to be true, as that was certainly my experience growing up.

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[1:45 p.m.]

Mom chose hairdressing as her career and had her own shop in the house while I was growing up. Let me tell you, there was a great deal of hair permed, a lot of socializing, and an endless supply of town gossip. I hung out in the shop a lot as a young boy - must be why I enjoy hearing the tea, as the kids would say.

Mom's Number 1 priority was always her four children, and we all knew it. Knowing you're the Number 1 priority in someone's life isn't something granted to all children. I'm so grateful that was my experience. My parents are in Florida for the Winter, and I would like to wish her a happy birthday from all her family in Nova Scotia.

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

ESPRESSO 46: COFFEE SHOP - RECOG.

SUZY HANSEN « » : Speaker, I rise today to recognize a staple in our community - one I could not live without - a coffee shop that is just fantastic: Espresso 46. Federico Pasquinelli, founder of Espresso 46, has mastered the craft of producing blends of happiness and joy for everyone's palate.

I have had many cups of joe. Coffee was a hit or miss for me for such a long time until I had a taste of a cappuccino that was shared with me by a parent of SJAM. Thanks to that taste, I have been hooked or spoiled ever since. Our friendship through our children at SJAM was a start and has blossomed through the amazing blends of coffee.

I would like all members to join me in recognizing an amazing neighbour, Federico, and his business Espresso 46. I thank him for opening my eyes up to the flavours of the world.

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

ST. ONGE, MARC: 50^TH BIRTHDAY - BEST WISHES

DAMIAN STOILOV « » : Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the 50^th birthday of a Nova Scotia health and sciences icon, Marc St. Onge.

Marc is an entrepreneur with a track record of bringing research-based innovations to the health and wellness market and creating hundreds of jobs in Nova Scotia and for Canadians across the country. What Marc has done to ensure Canadians are happier and healthier from coast to coast is amazing and inspiring. Marc has always embodied a "Buy Canadian" mentality with Canadian-made ingredients that are better for all of us. Marc has always been Nova Scotia Loyal before it became the right thing to do. There are many reasons we could recognize Marc, including all his business accomplishments, but more than that, he is an upstanding member of our community who treats everybody with respect, dignity, and compassion.

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Please help me celebrate this significant milestone in wishing Marc all the best in his future business endeavours and a happy 50^th birthday.

THE SPEAKER « » : The honourable member for Antigonish.

HENDRICKS, DR. AMY/DAVIE, PAUL: LAND DONATION - THANKS

HON. MICHELLE THOMPSON « » : Speaker, I rise today to acknowledge and thank Dr. Amy Hendricks and Paul Davie, who generously donated 16 hectares of land to the Antigonish Affordable Housing Society.

The land is located off Highway No. 337, near St. Martha's Regional Hospital. The first phase of the development includes 54 community-supported, energy-efficient, affordable houses with supports to tenants to help navigate services and create a sense of community within the development. The estimated opening of these units is in 2027. The land donation will have a direct and lasting impact on the countless individuals and families in need of a safe and affordable place to call home. Dr. Hendricks and Mr. Davie have also been instrumental in the development of the CACL group home, which is currently under construction, with plans to build a medical clinic in the same area.

I ask all members of the Legislature to thank Amy and Paul for their land donation, their generosity, and their commitment to creating a stronger and more equitable community.

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

OLAOLOPIN, OLAYINKA: CAMPAIGN WORK - THANKS

ADEGOKE FADARE « » : Speaker, today I want to celebrate a good friend - a great friend. I think everybody needs someone who believes in them. Her name is Olayinka Olaolopin. Originally, she was a director of nursing in Nigeria before coming to Halifax, where she now serves as a registered nurse, contributing to our health care system with her skill and passion. She also volunteers on our EDA at Clayton Park West. She holds many roles, including being a dedicated wife; a loving mother to her three beautiful daughters, Trendsetter, Trailblazer, and Blossom; and a fierce advocate for progress. Olayinka is a breast cancer survivor. She's a fighter. She's an inspiration to so many.

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During my campaign, she stood beside me, along with her daughter and her husband, who played a vital role, putting up signs in support of our shared vision. I ask all members to join me in celebrating Olayinka's 49^th birthday, which was on March 4th. Thank you, Olayinka, for your unwavering commitment, your resilience and generosity.

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

LANGILLE, ANDREW: FRESH CUTS MARKET - RECOG.

HON. BECKY DRUHAN « » : I rise today to recognize Andrew Langille, owner and operator of Fresh Cuts Market in Bridgewater, and his exceptional team of more than 50 dedicated staff. Fresh Cuts is renowned for fair prices, fast service, and a welcoming environment, and for the exclusive Greek pudding and sausage, a favourite on the South Shore. The market is also a proud participant of Nova Scotia Loyal, highlighting local products. Fresh Cuts has received the Lunenburg Queens Business Excellence Award for Outstanding Service for two years running, a success that's a reflection of the engagement and empowerment of every team member. In Andrew's words, we have the best team not only on the South Shore but in all of Nova Scotia.

The team exemplifies community spirit and support. Recently, they participated in the Coldest Night of the Year walk for Souls Harbour Rescue Mission, donated 400 pounds of chicken to the Bridgewater Inter-Church Food Bank, contributed to a toy drive in support of the Salvation Army, donated 600 gift cards to Big Brothers Big Sisters of South Shore, and donated vegetables to Park View Education Centre's turkey dinner. Speaker, I congratulate Fresh Cuts Market for its success and thank all involved for outstanding contributions to our community.

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

NAVASIBI, S./NARASIMHAN, P.: 25^TH ANNIV. - CONGRATS.

DAMIAN STOILOV « » : I rise today to celebrate a milestone in the lives of an incredible couple in my community of Bedford South. Siva Navasibi and his wife Prathibha are celebrating 25 years of marriage this weekend. In the quarter of a century since they have been together, they have raised a couple of wonderful kids and have supported Bedford South like no other. If I counted all the volunteer community events they have helped me and others with, we would be here until 9:59 p.m. tonight, or later - just incredible. I ask all members to help me congratulate Prathibha and Siva for 25 years of wedded bliss and wish them many more to come.

THE SPEAKER « » : The honourable member for Richmond.

BERNARD, ISAIAH: COM. SERV. - RECOG.

HON. TREVOR BOUDREAU: I would like to recognize Isaiah Bernard, who was recently elected co-Chair for the Assembly of First Nations National Youth Council. The AFN National Youth Council gives First Nations youth across Canada an opportunity to have their voices heard at the AFN council table.

[Page 972]

Isaiah is a councillor in Potlotek First Nation. His goal of encouraging community engagement led him to organize events for people to connect, including hosting a family fun day during the St. Anne's Mission and the second annual Russell and John Marshall Memorial baseball tournament in memory of two friends. Isaiah served as an umpire for the North American Indigenous Games in 2023, was the head coordinator for the Nova Scotia Mi'kmaw Summer Games in 2022, and was past co-president of the Saint Mary's University Indigenous Student Society.

Speaker, I ask all members of this House of Assembly to please join me in honouring Isaiah Bernard for his efforts to serve his community of Potlotek.

THE SPEAKER « » : The honourable member for Annapolis.

KERR, BRENT: SERVICE TO VETERANS - RECOG.

DAVID BOWLBY « » : I rise today to recognize a true Canadian patriot, retired Major Brent Kerr, MSM CD2 and his dedicated work with Respect Canada. A decorated combat veteran with more than 39 years of service in the Canadian Armed Forces, including tours in Afghanistan, Cyprus, and Darfur, Brent has devoted his life to serving our country and supporting those who served alongside him.

Since 2020, Brent has been a driving force with Respect Canada, leading meetings across Atlantic Canada and advocating for veterans' education and well-being. His efforts were instrumental in the recent announcement of Nova Scotia Community College's new veterans education plan, a testament to his commitment to empowering veterans as they transition to civilian life.

Brent was also my campaign manager and was absolutely instrumental in my success in the provincial election this past Fall. Brent's leadership both in uniform and in his community exemplifies the values of service and compassion. Today, I ask all members to join me in thanking Brent Kerr for his unwavering dedication to our veterans and their families.

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

MACDONALD, TREVOR & KRISTA: CHRISTMAS DISPLAY - CONGRATS.

HON. BRIAN WONG « » : Christmas is a time at which communities come together, and Trevor and Krista MacDonald of Windsor Junction have gone out of their way to bring joy to all of HRM. For the past 14 years, Trevor MacDonald and his family have been delighting our community with their spectacular Christmas display. What started as a neighborhood favourite has now grown into a must-see attraction, drawing attention not just in Fall River but across the city and beyond. This past Christmas, the display featured cherished pieces from the now-closed Upper Clements Park. To make it even more meaningful, the family is using the display to raise funds for Make-A-Wish Canada. I ask the members of the Legislature to please join me in recognizing the joy Trevor and Krista bring to our community and ultimately to Make-A-Wish Canada.

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

U-14 BASKETBALL TEAM: CH'SHIP WIN - CONGRATS.

JULIE VANEXAN « » : Today I rise to congratulate the Kings Minor Basketball Association U-14 girls on their gold medal win. On February 9^th, the U-14 girls' basketball team took to the courts one last time and fought hard and well to bring home gold.

I want to acknowledge each member and their coaches today: Rylee Zwicker; Charlotte Caldwell; London Steele; Lila Bishop; Elise Molnar; Elise Broome; Kennedy Swinemar; Gwen McLean, Esta Viner; Blake Lumsden; Addison AuCoin; Roxanne Gould; Jacy Murray; Abby Ward; and their coaches Vanessa Viner, Neil Zwicker, Scott Caldwell, and Les Berry.

It takes hard work and dedication from each player and coach to create a team that can mesh and cooperate as one. I ask you all to join me as we congratulate this incredible team on a hard-fought victory for gold.

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

KOPI CAFÉ: BUS. SUCCESS - RECOG.

RICK BURNS: I rise today to recognize Hammonds Plains community members and business owners Kristen Bananish and Chris Warren of Kopi Café. After time away from Nova Scotia, they returned to reconnect with people with a vision of a cozy, rustic-style café. The result? After their first year, they now produce delicious and unique baked goods, sandwiches, and seasonal drinks daily. They also provide weekly events for the community, events such as a knitting club, open mics, book clubs, and kids' movie days. They also now have a licensed establishment with a happy hour. These events bring many different groups together under one roof to share and learn from each other.

Kristen and Chris provide an inclusive and comfortable environment in a tucked-away pocket along Hammonds Plains Road. They're working with residents to maintain a strong business through community events and by fostering a welcoming environment for everyone. After nearly one year, Speaker, you can walk into the café and it feels like they've been in operation for years, just by how it operates and the overall vibe. They're truly building something special in the community, and I wish them all the best in the future.

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

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BOWERS, JEMMA: COM. SERV. - RECOG.

HON. FRED TILLEY « » : Today I rise to acknowledge and celebrate a young person in our community: Jemma Bowers. Jemma, who moved to Cape Breton from South Africa with her family, is a shining example of trying to make her new home a better place for both newcomers and current residents.

A student at Memorial High School, Jemma is very strong academically and spends countless hours volunteering in our community. For her efforts last year, she was awarded the Lieutenant Governor's Education Medal. Jemma also received an award recently from the Nova Scotia Human Rights Commission. The commission said: "Jemma's passion, resilience, and dedication to social change make her a remarkable community leader."

Our community is very proud of Jemma, and our office is especially proud because Jemma works part-time with us. We are fortunate to be able to see her compassion and love of community every day. Congratulations, Jemma.

THE SPEAKER « » : With less than a minute left, I beg leave to do a member statement. Does anybody mind? (Applause) I just want to wish my 28-year-old son a happy birthday. As a single mother of three, I'm so proud of my children, and I'm just so lucky to have them. Everything I do is for them. It's not until next week, but you're getting old, my dear. I love you. Happy birthday. (Applause)

Order. The time is now 2:00 p.m.

[2:00 p.m.]

ORDERS OF THE DAY

ORAL QUESTIONS PUT BY MEMBERS TO MINISTERS

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

PREM.: PROVINCE HOUSE PROTESTERS - LISTEN

CLAUDIA CHENDER: Yesterday, hundreds of Nova Scotians filled the street in front of Province House to protest this government's surprise agenda: their attempts to undermine the Auditor General and the Privacy Commissioner, the policies that let them fire public servants without cause and intrude on the autonomy of our province's universities and municipalities, and their blatant disregard for consultation. Nova Scotians are fed up. Will the Premier listen to the outcry of everyday Nova Scotians and address their concerns?

THE PREMIER « » : We listen carefully to Nova Scotians. These are definitely troubling times. There's no question about that. To see the NDP and its network of allies lining up to scare people even further - it's disappointing. First, we had the Nova Scotia Federation of Labour scaring people about interprovincial trade. Then we had a former NDP candidate, Alec Stratford, trying to scare people. Why is it that the Leader of the NDP is using her network of activists to try to keep Nova Scotia dependent on natural gas from the United States when we have every opportunity to become independent in this province?

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CLAUDIA CHENDER: It sounds like the Premier will only listen to the people who agree with him. On Wednesday I asked the Premier about the letter from the Assembly of Nova Scotia Mi'kmaw Chiefs condemning his plan to unilaterally remove the bans on fracking and uranium. It sounds like that meeting is now taking place, and it's better late than never, but there are many other groups of Nova Scotians who are concerned. The Colchester County Council is already having a rigorous debate about the government's plan that is creating more discord than opportunity. Was it not worth a conversation - even a phone call - with the Nova Scotia Federation of Municipalities, councils, and other interested parties before moving forward?

THE PREMIER « » : Bans like the ones the NDP put in place - that's lazy public policy. We're going to lift the bans, and they will have serious discussion on a project-by-project basis. That's what we should do, but let's accept the reality. The NDP wants homes, but they don't want trees cut down. The NDP wants solar panels, but they don't want a mine. You can't have both of these things. They are dragging their heels. They want more committees. We are a part of action. Nova Scotians know we're taking action. We will continue taking action even as the Leader of the NDP tries to hold Nova Scotia back and keep Nova Scotia reliant on the United States for things that it doesn't have to be.

CLAUDIA CHENDER: The Premier has insinuated that there are no real issues to discuss around fracking; we're wasting time. This is despite concerns from physicians, property owners, municipalities, First Nations, and many others. This week, media reported that human-induced earthquakes in British Columbia could be felt 105 kilometres from the fracking site. Nearby farms are seeing their water sources disappear. The B.C. energy regulator confirmed that these were caused by fracking-related earthquakes. Is the Premier still convinced that there is no need for debate before this ban is removed?

THE PREMIER « » : Once again, a complete mischaracterization by the NDP - scare tactics. There will be extensive debate. There is a process on individual projects. We are not saying no to discussion. That's what the NDP wants. We will have the discussions. There will be consultation. That's what's important.

We can have a resilient economy in this province. We can have energy security. We can have economic security. It's happening elsewhere; it can happen here. The sad reality is - it's shocking to me - the Leader of the NDP made her money in mining, but she doesn't want Nova Scotians to have the opportunity to have jobs in mining. The Leader of the NDP wants us to stay reliant on the United States for their energy. We can have energy security here. We will make sure we do.

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

PREM.: C.B. RAIL LINE - RESTORE

HON. DEREK MOMBOURQUETTE « » : Speaking of the economy, Cape Breton has a long history of being a driving force in Nova Scotia's economy. From our natural resource industries to our growing trade and export potential, we've been successful for many decades, but over the years Cape Breton's rail line has been left to deteriorate, limiting opportunities for businesses and making it harder to get goods to market. As global trade shifts and tariffs create new challenges, it is more important than ever that we invest in our own supply chain of transportation. This is an opportunity to strengthen all of Nova Scotia's economy, create jobs, and position Nova Scotia as a leader in trade. Can the Premier tell this House what his government is doing to ensure Cape Breton's rail corridor is protected and restored to support long-term economic growth?

THE PREMIER « » : The member raises an important issue around infrastructure - pipeline infrastructure, rail infrastructure, port infrastructure. We have tremendous infrastructure needs in this country and we are supportive of more infrastructure. We are supportive of investing in infrastructure, so we are supportive of every opportunity that allows our economies to thrive in every part of this province and certainly that's a railroad corridor that has lots of discussion and we are interested in what can happen there just like the member is.

DEREK MOMBOURQUETTE « » : I appreciate the feedback. In every region in Nova Scotia, businesses depend on reliable infrastructure to move goods efficiently and compete in the global market. Cape Breton is no exception. With increasing transportation costs and the growing demand for sustainable and efficient trade routes, restoring the Cape Breton rail line is a practical step towards strengthening our economy. Businesses, workers, and community leaders have been clear - they need the government to support this to ensure the corridor doesn't fall into further despair.

This isn't just about Cape Breton. It's about making sure Nova Scotia remains competitive. Will the Premier commit to working with all stakeholders to ensure the necessary improvements are made to restore rail service to Cape Breton?

THE PREMIER « » : Yes, we will work with stakeholders and listen to stakeholders on these important questions. In this province, we just tabled the largest capital budget ever, which of course, made last year's now the second-largest, and the year before the third-largest, because we are investing in infrastructure and we will continue to do that. We will work with Cape Bretoners and we'll work with Nova Scotians to make sure we do that properly. There are lots of opportunities for this province and I would love to join hands with the member and let's go and seize some of that opportunity that's before us.

DEREK MOMBOURQUETTE « » : Cape Breton, as we all know, has so much untapped potential when it comes to trade and business development, and we know that the investment in infrastructure leads to investment in our communities. When our businesses see the government take action to improve transportation and supply chains, they are more likely to expand and create jobs. A big part of this over the years is that multiple governments have looked at doing assessments of the work that would be needed to upgrade that line. It has been an important piece of our history and it has moved product across the Island for decades.

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I would like to ask the Premier « » : Will he commit today to doing a new assessment to determine what would be needed to restore sections of that rail line that can be used for economic development?

THE PREMIER « » : These are always ongoing discussions and assessments, for sure. I think this is a perfect project for the Joint Regional Transportation Authority, which is a unique authority created here in Nova Scotia to look at options and opportunities for moving people - for moving product. This authority is an incredible thing. It is getting national attention because it is a good thing and this is the type of initiative they can take on and I will make sure that they do.

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

DHW: AT-HOME PAP TESTS - PROVIDE

CLAUDIA CHENDER: Women and gender-diverse Nova Scotians often can't get the health care they need. Pap smears are recommended every three years to prevent cervical cancer and yet many women miss these important tests leading to late diagnosis because of lack of available care. The good news is there is a simple home test that can take the place of these invasive checkups, save health care time and dollars, and keep women healthy. While people wait for attachment to primary care, will the Premier make these life-saving tests available for Nova Scotians?

HON. MICHELLE THOMPSON « » : I want to thank the member for bringing this important issue to the floor. We are looking at those home tests for HPV. The tests really aren't the rate-limiting step. What's really important is that we have a program that wraps around those tests, so similar to other screening programs that we have, if there is a positive test, how do we support women as they move through the system, making sure that they have pathways?

We are looking at a program. It is under development. We're working with some folks in research who want to lead this program. We're certainly supportive of that, but we need to make sure that we have a wholesome and a holistic approach. It's not just the swab. It's how we care for women as they go through that journey. There will be more to say about that.

CLAUDIA CHENDER: I thank the minister for that answer, but we know how to do this. Take-home colon cancer screening is already available in Nova Scotia and has been for some time, saving time and health care dollars. Mostly men are diagnosed with this disease, and these tests have made a real difference for them in early detection. There is no good reason why women and gender-diverse people shouldn't be able to access the same kinds of at-home test for a cancer that targets them. Will the minister commit to taking urgent action to make these tests available? People are diagnosed with cervical cancer in our system every day and they should get the treatment that they need.

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MICHELLE THOMPSON « » : As I just said, the test collection is one part of it. If that sample has nowhere to go, does not have the equipment, does not have the staff, does not have the follow-up, it's for nothing.

We are looking at a program. It needs to be comprehensive and holistic. There's nothing worse than having a test or an exam come back and have no avenue to understand how to get the care that you require. We understand this is important. There are clinicians in the system who are looking at this - how to build a comprehensive and holistic approach to women's health to make sure that if and when there is a diagnosis associated with a swab that's done at home, there's a clear pathway for individuals to get the care that they require.

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

RTA: RENTER EVICTION POLICY - REJECT

SUZY HANSEN « » : This government's plan to make it faster and easier to evict renters is not just cruel; it's unnecessary. We have yet to hear a single good reason to reduce the non-payment grace period from 15 days to just three. This will put more renters at risk of homelessness. This is unacceptable, especially in a time of economic uncertainty.Will the Minister of Service Nova Scotia explain why this government is choosing to move forward with this abhorrent policy when they know it will put more Nova Scotians at risk of homelessness?

HON. JILL BALSER » : We don't want to see anyone in a situation where they might not be able to pay their rent or have an eviction notice in their hands at this point in time. We know that there are changes coming to the Residential Tenancies Program, which we discussed in this House last sitting. I want Nova Scotians to know that no one is going to get evicted after three days. We need to make sure that Nova Scotians know to apply to the program if a tenant finds themself in a situation where they do have an eviction notice. That is why the program is there to help. It will stop the clock on any eviction. There is an eviction process, and that's where some of those changes are around the three-day period.

SUZY HANSEN « » : The program is not working. It's clear that this government did not do their research before charging ahead with this policy. It sounds like a natural thing from this government. Luckily, the experts did. The Dalhousie Legal Aid Service studied hundreds of residential tenancies cases and found that most rental arrears cases involve small sums of money, with an average amount of just over $2,000. That's about the average monthly rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Halifax. Almost half of the cases involve large corporate landlords, not small mom-and-pops. My question is: Does this government believe that being slightly behind on rent justifies forcing renters into homelessness?

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JILL BALSER « » : Again, I stand proudly with colleagues from the Department of Opportunities and Social Development as well as the Department of Growth and Development. We're making serious and very important investments in housing.

We've said all along that the solution to our housing situation is more supply. We are seeing that developers are building. We know that small landlords are also a big part of the solution. We want to make sure that they stay in the market. We also want to make sure that Nova Scotians have choice. It's important that we look at the entire housing continuum. We do have a Residential Tenancies Program that does work. We know that it has to provide balance for both landlords and tenants, but I would encourage all Nova Scotians to access the program when they need it.

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

[2:15]

ACSW: INTIMATE PARTNER VIOLENCE - PRIORITIZE

SUSAN LEBLANC « » : Speaker, the lack of any new core funding to address the epidemic of intimate partner violence in our province is sending a clear message to survivors that they are not a priority, that their lives and well-being do not warrant epidemic-level funding. Why are intimate partner violence and gender-based violence not a priority for this government?

HON. LEAH MARTIN « » : I do find it a wild extrapolation to say that it's undervalued when we just made a historic investment last year - the biggest in two decades. It's simply not accurate. The work that we do with the transition houses and with women's centres we uphold to the highest level. We value the life-saving work that they do, which is why we work so closely in collaboration with them and within the office of the Status of Women - many of whom have come from the sector themselves. There are so many powerful women and men and people within the departments and in the service-provider sector who are working hard on this effort. I would appreciate a little more respect when discussing it.

SUSAN LEBLANC « » : The government claims - even brags - that it is doing enough. Women across this province trying to access transition houses and homes that they can afford on their own know that it is simply not true. Bryony House in Dartmouth is almost always operating at capacity. This means that women and families are sometimes placed on a wait-list and are unable to move directly into a supportive space when they decide to leave an abusive partner. I will table an article that talks about that. Does the minister think it's okay that women experiencing intimate partner violence must wait for life-saving support?

LEAH MARTIN « » : I have stood here now quite a few times - the first time in the House. I'm pretty sure that mostly every single time I've stood up, I've said there's more work that we want to do. No matter how much we put on the table, we will want to do more until this is not an issue in Nova Scotia - period. We can't do it all overnight. We are working hard every day to make sure that every cent of every dollar goes as far as it possibly can. I appreciate Bryony House and the work that they have done. My colleague Minister Halman and I paid them a visit just before the House even sat. We saw the great work that they do. They themselves said they will never turn someone away; they will always find a solution for people when they need it.

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

GAD: DOMESTIC EXPORT GOALS - UPDATE

HON. IAIN RANKIN « » : A number of the province's 2024 economic goals have not been reached yet that were set by the One Nova Scotia commission's 10-year plan. That was chaired by all political parties in partnership with the private sector. One goal that was passed early, and should be of heightened focus today, is the domestic exports of Nova Scotia agriculture and seafood products, last publicly updated in July 2023, standing at $3.09 billion. My question is: Can the Minister of Growth and Development tell us and update the House on what our exports are valued at today, and has a new stretch goal been set?

HON. COLTON LEBLANC » : I know the honourable member wants to be back in 2014 when the Ivany Report was tabled and commissioned, but guess what, Speaker? Time has moved on. We are living in a different world. We've gone through a global pandemic. We're dealing today with the threats of tariffs. Actually, we are dealing with tariffs. We are focused on economic growth across the province. We want to tap into untapped opportunities to grow our province's prosperity from one end of the province to the other. There are programs available to support Nova Scotians and Nova Scotian businesses, whether it be from the agriculture sector, whether it be within the fishery. We want to continue to do more, and we will do that.

IAIN RANKIN « » : Respectfully, stretch goals are about the future. They're about the next 10 years of growth. I'm asking this question because there is no mandate letter sent asking for these objectives. I'll redirect to the Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture: Lobster was driving export growth post-2013, especially growth outside of the United States to places like Asia, namely China. Live lobster is a particularly high-value product that growing and emerging markets want in Asia and the Middle East. My question to the minister is: Can the Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture state what his export goals are and what countries they are now primarily focused on to grow those exports?

HON. KENT SMITH « » : The goal right now with our live lobster sector and our processed lobster sector is to find new markets for it outside of the U.S.A. We know that the threat of tariffs is here upon us. It is worrisome for those in the industry. We are hoping there is a change, but I understand there is a lot of confusion and a lot of chaos at the border, and what the future will have for us. The goal right now is to find new homes through market diversification for our live and processed lobster.

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

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GAD: FUNDING BIG BOX STORES - EXPLAIN

KRISTA GALLAGHER « » : Nova Scotians are struggling to afford groceries, and our small growers are struggling to stay afloat. Giving millions of dollars to Sobeys through the Nova Scotia Loyal program didn't help. Why is this government failing to address the real problems that Nova Scotians are experiencing?

HON. COLTON LEBLANC « » : It's a shame to hear the honourable member criticize and attack our local producers. The fact that we invested in our producers through the Nova Scotia Loyal program, through an incentive program, has offered more than 160 producers the chance to be on large box-store shelves - an opportunity that they would not otherwise have had. It's a pay-to-play model, Speaker.

Today, we announced another expansion of the Nova Scotia Loyal movement. Loblaws is now part of the movement. Walmart is now part of the movement. I encourage the member opposite to encourage local producers and retailers in her community to join as well.

KRISTA GALLAGHER « » : This government's own research shows that consumers at independent stores are more likely to respond to incentives to buy local, but we're funding big-box stores. It doesn't make sense. My question to the minister is: Are we giving money to American-owned Walmart?

COLTON LEBLANC « » : I wish the member opposite had been at the announcement this morning. It was a great announcement where we shared this next step in this movement. There is no expansion of the existing incentive program. Again, I remind all members of this House that the incentive program was money through the loyalty program that went to the customer, and again allowed 160 producers that would not have otherwise had the chance to be on the shelves of Sobeys. Does the member opposite not support local producers of this province? That's my question. We are investing in Nova Scotians. We're supporting Nova Scotian local producers, growers and harvesters, and we're doubling down on that.

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

FTB: SOLE-SOURCE CONTRACT USE - END

LISA LACHANCE « » : Both this government and the Nova Scotia Health Authority have increasingly used sole-source contracts. We saw this in the Hogan Court development when we purchased the hotel, and again when we sold it to Shannex. The effect is that there's no competition, and there is no way to know if this government is getting the best value for the public's money. The OAG has called attention to her concerns about the use of alternative procurement by this government. Does the Minister of Finance agree that open competitions for government services and operations are, in fact, the best way to make sure Nova Scotians get value for money?

[Page 982]

HON. JOHN LOHR « » : I want to take a moment to give a kudos to the Minister of Health and Wellness and what we're doing in Hogan Court. This is a project that people across the nation are looking at. We're making it go as fast as we can. We will continue to work as quickly as we can. It's a project that bridges a gap between someone being in the hospital and someone getting home. It is so badly needed. This model will be replicated across the country. I congratulate the minister. We will continue to work hard for Nova Scotians.

LISA LACHANCE « » : This government has also awarded sole-source contracts to a number of U.S. companies like Google, Varian, Oracle, and Infer, Inc. Because there was never an open competition, we don't know if there were Nova Scotian or even Canadian companies that could have stepped in, provided the same services, and met our province's needs. Does the Minister of Finance agree that this government has to stop providing sole-source contracts to American companies?

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

HON. MICHELLE THOMPSON « » : I will never apologize for bringing first-in-North America technology to Nova Scotians. Through an established partnership with researchers in Nova Scotia, Varian brought Ethos here in a valued partnership. There's an office with 60 employees in this space. We are now able to reduce some cancer radiation treatments from 20 treatments down to five. We are leading the country. I believe, from the bottom of my heart, that that is incredible value for money for the health of Nova Scotians in this province. I'm proud of the work that's been done with those sole-source contracts. It's brought cutting-edge technology . . .

THE SPEAKER « » : Order.

The honourable member for Cape Breton Centre-Whitney Pier.

FTB: NOVA SCOTIAN FAMILIES - HELP

KENDRA COOMBES « » : This government is always talking about the importance of well-paying jobs, but even a well-paying job isn't enough to get by these days. Constituents Patti and her husband both have good jobs, yet she tells us that they are stretched thin on groceries. Now with the Trump tariffs, people like Patti are about to be stretched even thinner. Why isn't this government doing more to help Nova Scotian families put food on their tables?

HON. JOHN LOHR « » : We recognize that times are tough for Nova Scotians. We want to do all we can for them. That's why we're providing a record tax break. I hope the member will be able to tell her constituents that she voted for that tax break herself. This is a tax break that will put money right back in the pockets of people like her constituent.

[Page 983]

KENDRA COOMBES « » : Pennies, Speaker. Many Nova Scotians are still struggling to afford food, like Lucille, a senior on a fixed income who can't keep up with the rising cost of food, or Jean-Marc, whose grocery bill comes in at $1,500 per month to feed a family of five. Prices are going to rise even further with the Trump tariffs in place. Will this government commit to removing all taxes from groceries and other essentials and give Nova Scotians a break?

JOHN LOHR « » : We are doing a 1 per cent cut in HST, unlike that party. When they were in power, they did a 2 per cent . . .

THE SPEAKER « » : Order. Don't point. Order. This is different from this.

The honourable Minister of Finance and Treasury Board.

[2:30 p.m.]

JOHN LOHR « » : Speaker, I apologize to the member for that action.

What I will say is we are doing a historic cut in HST and adding to the basic personal amount, unlike the party that that member represents that put in a 2 per cent increase in HST. We're working hard for Nova Scotians. We'll continue to do more.

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

DPW: CHIGNECTO ISTHMUS TRADE - COMMIT

ELIZABETH SMITH-MCCROSSIN « » : My question is for the Premier. Last night in the Chamber, we talked about the importance of improving the movement of goods and trade between our Canadian provinces. We know the importance of the trade corridor that goes right through the Chignecto Isthmus. We've talked before about the Trans Canada Highway, protecting CN Rail, utility infrastructure, telecommunications. Something that's not often talked about is the Maritimes & Northeast Pipeline, that carries natural gas also through this corridor. Can the Premier tell us today: Does he see this important trade corridor through the Chignecto Isthmus as a priority as he tackles the issue of interprovincial trade?

HON. FRED TILLEY « » : We recognize the importance of the Isthmus. The work that's being done there is top-line. Let me tell you a few things that are happening there right now. Pre-construction work has started in collaboration with New Brunswick. We have applied for the federal disaster mitigation funding, and we're still waiting for an answer from the feds on that. We have hired a project manager. We are in the process of building a protective berm on the LaPlanche River. We're collecting baseline environmental data, identifying the wetlands, the fish habitat, and the species at risk. We understand how important the Isthmus is, and we're going to get it done.

ELIZABETH SMITH-MCCROSSIN « » : Earlier in Question Period, we heard the Premier validate the importance of infrastructure here in the province of Nova Scotia. He was referring to rail in Cape Breton. The Premier has been advocating for us to be able to use Canadian oil and natural gas connecting east with west for pipelines. It would seem that the protection of the Maritimes & Northeast Pipeline is more important than ever. Next week, the court of appeal will make a decision on the constitutionality of who is going to pay for the Isthmus. If there is a decision that the province will pay, will the Premier commit to amending the budget to add in money for the protection of the Chignecto Isthmus?

[Page 984]

FRED TILLEY « » : This government is providing leadership on many files. The Isthmus is one of those files. We're working with the province of New Brunswick and the province of P.E.I. on that challenge. Until we know the outcome of that challenge, we won't know what the future is. I'll tell you one thing, Speaker: the Isthmus is important. It's important to Nova Scotia. It's important to Canada. We're going to get it done.

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

DHW: FAMILY DOCTOR SHORTAGE - END

KENDRA COOMBES « » : Thousands of Nova Scotians are still waiting for a doctor. We heard from a 76-year-old man living in Halifax who has been on the wait-list since 2021. He tells us that as soon as he signed up, he knew that he would never have a family doctor again. What does the Minister of Health and Wellness have to say to Nova Scotians like Rob, who have lost all hope of ever having a family doctor?

HON. MICHELLE THOMPSON « » : I think that folks who are on the Need a Family Practice Registry should have a lot of hope, actually. We have been able to take 60,000 people off that registry. The recruitment efforts have been very significant. We have more physicians coming into this province than ever before. We just stood up a new PACE clinic that's going to train internationally educated physicians to come and care for Nova Scotians.

We fully expect that the numbers for the Need a Family Practice Registry will be out soon. I want Nova Scotians to be heartened. We continue to do the hard work. We are making progress and people should feel very hopeful that they will be attached to primary care very soon.

KENDRA COOMBES « » : The shortage of family doctors is being felt everywhere. The patchwork care that is available leaves a lot to be desired. Last month, one of my constituents, Bill, spent a full day calling and trying to get an appointment at the New Waterford Collaborative Care Clinic. There are many other Nova Scotians like Bill who are struggling to get care when they need it. Why is this government bragging about its performances in health care when thousands of Nova Scotians still can't get access?

MICHELLE THOMPSON « » : The member's constituents should feel very hopeful. There are 70,000 ways every month for people to access health care in this province, which is almost a million appointments a year. There is 811. There is virtual care available to all people on the Need a Family Practice Registry, with an immediate referral, if necessary, to inpatient care. There are primary care clinics run by pharmacists and nurse practitioners across this province. There are urgent treatment centres. There are emergency rooms if it is an emergency. There are pop-up mobile clinics. There are a number of ways in which individuals can access care. Certainly, Bill should be able to call 811 and they will navigate Bill throughout the system. If he has the app, that will navigate him as well.

[Page 985]

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

DNR: FORESTRY SECTOR JOBS - PROTECT

LISA LACHANCE « » : Forestry products represent one of Nova Scotia's top exports to the United States. Way back in January, Todd Burgess, Executive Director of Forest Nova Scotia, warned that if tariffs would come into force: "You would see businesses go out of business. You would see contractors go out of business. You would see job losses." Now that the tariffs are here, why has this government not taken any action to prevent Nova Scotians from losing their forest sector jobs?

HON. TORY RUSHTON » : Todd Burgess is a fantastic individual leading Forest Nova Scotia. We have great leaders in this government. We have great leaders in the forestry sector who believe in this government to get them through this tariff battle. Our government didn't create the tariff battle, but they know that we've been with them ever since Day 1, when these talks from Trump started. We will be with them through it and we'll be with them at the end of it.

I totally reject the concept that we've done nothing. We're looking for new markets with the sector. We're not working against the sector, putting negativity on it. We are working with the sector to put a positive spin on it.

LISA LACHANCE « » : Businesses and employers are looking for guaranteed support from this government when they are facing intense financial pressure and potential unemployment. Nova Scotians working in the sector deserve more than a vague notion of potential financial support. They deserve a concrete plan from this government. We've known for months that tariffs were coming. What will this minister and this government do today to support the forestry sector?

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

HON. COLTON LEBLANC « » : To tie into the honourable Minister of Natural Resources' comment, we actually added forestry products to Nova Scotia Loyal. I know the NDP is against a budget contingency to support Nova Scotia businesses, but we got that in our budget this year. We're working on a trade action plan. I want all Nova Scotia businesses to know there's actually programming available now - $130 million. I encourage them to reach out to Invest Nova Scotia and I'll read the phone number right now, 1-800-260-6682. There are people ready to help them out.

[Page 986]

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

DHW: PLANNED ER CLOSURES - EXPLAIN

ROD WILSON « » : During our discussions in Health Estimates, I asked the Minister of Health and Wellness: Are there any planned closures, reductions in hours to emergency room services in Nova Scotia in the coming year? The answer was no. Yet days later, we learned the ER at Queens General Hospital will no longer be open on weekends. I ask the minister again: Are there any plans to close or reduce the ERs or change emergency rooms into urgent care centres in the coming fiscal year in Nova Scotia?

HON. MICHELLE THOMPSON « » : We continue to work with physicians across this province who are working in our emergency departments, and we don't plan closures. We sometimes have unplanned closures, however, when circumstances arise. Sometimes they are longer term; sometimes it's a waiting room full of people, or the physician gets a headache and has to leave. We have to work with what's in front of us.

We are working across this province to understand how we best utilize the resources we have in our physician group. We work with them when they identify that they need a different model of care; we do that, but that's not to say that we are looking at dropping any level of service for the long term. This is interim. We continue to work with physicians across this province, and we will continue to provide care to Nova Scotians to the best of their ability.

ROD WILSON « » : The Nova Scotia Health Authority is hosting a community meeting on Wednesday, March 25^th, in West Hants to discuss "important updates on our health care services at Hants Community Hospital and in the community." People have contacted me with the belief and concerns that this meeting is to discuss or announce changes in the emergency room services at the Hants Community Hospital. I ask the minister: Are there plans to close or reduce hours or change the status of the ER at Hants Community Hospital?

MICHELLE THOMPSON « » : Throughout the province, the zone leadership with the Nova Scotia Health Authority is working hard to meet needs. We've done a number of things. We have recruited a number of emergency room physicians. We've extended capacity by having physician assistants in the emergency room. We've extended capacity by having nurse practitioners in the waiting room. We have waiting room care providers. We have waiting room assessors, as well. There's no stone being left unturned.

We have additional hours in emergency rooms where the volume is high. We have FLOAT MD, which allows an additional physician in the emergency department. We are working hard. It's a specialized skill set. We understand that the communities have needs, and we will continue to invest in Nova Scotians.

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

[Page 987]

PSC: MESSAGE TO PUBLIC SERVANTS - EXPLAIN

HON. DEREK MOMBOURQUETTE « » : Over the last two weeks, e-mails were sent to all Nova Scotia public servants: one from the Premier's office telling them to stop being problem-stretchers and start being problem-solvers, and another from the head of the Public Service Commission reinforcing the message. This e-mail came right after legislation was tabled with plans to change rules so the government could fire public servants without cause. Public servants are the ones doing the real work for this government and governments before them, dealing with the ongoing trade war and delivering important services to Nova Scotians. My question to the Minister of the Public Service Commission is: Can she provide rationale for this reasoning to have this in place?

[2:45 p.m.]

HON. TWILA GROSSE » : We appreciate our public servants. They work hard every day for Nova Scotians. This change gives the government flexibility to react to the changing needs that are happening out there to ensure we're able to continue to provide Nova Scotians with the best and excellent service.

DEREK MOMBOURQUETTE « » : I agree with the minister. We have incredible public servants who do incredible work every day in this province. I hear the ministers on the other side tell their stories about the work they're doing in their departments. We are in a situation right now where we are about to go into a trade war. It's done. We're going to ask these public servants to work around the clock to build new programs to support businesses and to build new programs to support families.

I've seen it first-hand during the pandemic, the hours that they're going to put in. I don't believe that they need this hanging over their heads - that they can be fired without cause. My question to the minister: Will she reconsider this so that these employees whom we know are going to work around the clock can have that confidence?

TWILA GROSSE « » : It's all about having flexibility to be able to meet those needs, the needs of the public service, because of things like these trade wars and everything. They're changing. We have to have that flexibility to be able to put those resources where they are needed.

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

DMA: COLLABORATION WITH MUNICIPALITIES - IMPROVE

KENDRA COOMBES « » : Back in 2021, this government granted municipalities the power to use inclusionary zoning. In simple terms, this allows municipalities to require the creation of affordable units in all new housing developments. It's a simple way to create affordability that we're missing across the province. The minister said earlier this week that not a single municipality in the province has implemented this practice. Can the Minister of Municipal Affairs explain why municipalities are not using inclusionary zoning?

[Page 988]

HON. JOHN LOHR « » : I would like to point out that our municipal partners are incredibly important in the whole housing file and everything they do. They are appreciated. They are the ones that look after zoning, water, sewer, all of those important things. As far as the inclusionary zoning, they were asking for it. They had been asking for it for seven, eight, nine, ten years. In reality, this is a question that our municipal partners would have to answer themselves in terms of why it hasn't been used.

KENDRA COOMBES « » : This government's actions exist on two extremes of the spectrum: Give municipalities the ability to implement the inclusionary zoning without following up to see what additional supports may be needed at one end of the spectrum; at the other end of the spectrum exists an array of decisions to increase ministerial authority and diminish local decision-making. Neither of these extremes are producing homes that Nova Scotians can afford. Why is this government failing to collaborate with municipalities to build affordable homes?

JOHN LOHR « » : I'm very proud of the record that we have in the last four years with our municipalities. We renegotiated the 1995 MOU, the Service Exchange Agreement that put more than double the amount of money back into our municipalities. We have invested constantly in water, sewer, infrastructure, sidewalks. We've done a lot for our municipalities. We've developed and implemented, in partnership with the municipalities in reality, the Code of Conduct, which has just come in now, which municipalities were waiting for for a long time. We've done many things. We will continue to work with our municipalities.

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

PREM.: DEMOCRACY - ENCOURAGE

SUSAN LEBLANC « » : This government has a habit of breaking promises. Take, for example, the first bill it passed in 2021, the fixed election date. The Premier himself said, and I'll quote: "A fixed" election "date encourages democracy, creates predictability and increases accessibility. Most importantly, it is the right thing to do." In the latest snap election, only 45 per cent of Nova Scotians turned out to vote. This government's record on . . . (interruptions).

THE SPEAKER « » : Order. We have 50 seconds left. Let's try to take it home.

The honourable member for Dartmouth North.

SUSAN LEBLANC « » : This government's record on democracy speaks for itself: limiting debate, restricting freedom of information, and stripping power from municipalities and universities. Does the Premier stand by his statement that he wants to encourage democracy, or was it just another broken promise?

[Page 989]

THE PREMIER « » : I always think it's a good time to give people their say. We gave them their say. I forget what they said. I think it was "Keep going," so we will.

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

GOVERNMENT BUSINESS

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

MELISSA SHEEHY-RICHARD » : Speaker, pursuant to Rule 5C, I move that the hours for Friday, March 7^th be not 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m, but instead be 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

THE SPEAKER « » : There has been a request for the hours for Friday, March 7^th, not be from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., but from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

All those in favour? Contrary minded? Thank you.

The motion is carried.

The honourable Deputy Government House Leader.

MELISSA SHEEHY-RICHARD « » : Speaker, would you please call the order of business Government Motions.

GOVERNMENT MOTIONS

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

MELISSA SHEEHY-RICHARD « » : Speaker, I move that you do now leave the Chair and the House resolve itself into a Committee of the Whole on Supply.

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

SUZY HANSEN « » : I have an interesting topic today. Because, you know, I always have some wonderful things to say while we're in here.

As we gather here today, I would like to ask that each member take time to recognize the traditional treaty territory of Mi'kma'ki. To recognize the land is an expression of gratitude and appreciation to those whose territory we all reside on, and a way of honouring Indigenous people who have been living on and caring for these lands since time immemorial.

[Page 990]

We understand how important it is to acknowledge the long-standing and painful history that has brought us to reside on the land. We must continue to seek to understand our place within that history, as partners and allies of all Indigenous people.

Many of us in this room are beneficiaries of ongoing colonialism. This isn't something that exists only in the past; it is present. It is in our relationships, our systems and our institutions. We have all been privileged to build a life here in Mi'kma'ki, the ancestral and unceded land of the Mi'kmaw people, a territory governed by the Peace and Friendship Treaties.

I believe it is important to name that this land is also known by many to be the birthplace of Black heritage and culture, in what is now known as Canada, following the forcible displacement and enslavement of people of African descent. There are over 20,000 people in Nova Scotia identifying as being part of the African Nova Scotian community. We bring acknowledgement into this space, this space that we share together today, because we must prioritize relational accountability in our work as MLAs, and with each other.

Much of the privilege many of us have in this space stems from colonialism in the past and today, and in the oppression of our Indigenous peoples, and Black and African Nova Scotian people. My thought today is: What is meaningful consultation? Meaningful consultation is an act exchanging information and opinions about something in order to reach a better understanding of what it is that we're looking at or talking about, to make a decision or a meeting for this purpose. Nova Scotia is the unceded land of the Mi'kmaq. They never sold it. They never ceded it.

We've heard that the Premier has big plans for Nova Scotia - plans that he has disclosed to everyone but Nova Scotians, everyone but the Nova Scotians who will be impacted. We heard that the Premier's plans are national. We heard that last evening. And that Canadians are supportive. Yet we hear from Nova Scotians, specifically the First Nations folks, who haven't even been consulted, haven't even been spoken to yet on the plans for their land.

This was tabled yesterday, this particular piece that I'm going to read from. But I want folks in here to understand what actually is going on. We hear a lot of the time the narrative of what some sound bites might be in the media or those that we hear in this House, but I actually want folks to listen to what the people, especially from the Assembly of Nova Scotia Mi'kmaw Chiefs, are saying:

Premier Houston, . . .

On February 18, 2025, legislation was introduced that would create potential for hydraulic fracturing to access onshore natural gas and that would repeal the Uranium Exploration and Mining Prohibition Act to allow research about uranium's presence and distribution in the Mi'kma'ki (Unceded land of the Mi'kmaq), signalling an intention to lift the uranium exploration and mining ban.

[Page 991]

In October of last year we wrote to you regarding the province's lack of engagement with . . . KMK and the Assembly of Nova Scotia Mi'kmaw Chiefs (the Assembly) in the lead-up to Bill 471 on offshore wind. This failure was compounded when the province scheduled a single day for submissions before the Law Amendments Committee, on the day before KMK and the Assembly were scheduled to present to the Standing Senate Committee on Bill C-49, its federal counterpart.

Last week's sweeping legislative proposal is another example of the provincial government choosing not to engage or consult with the Mi'kmaq of Nova Scotia prior to introducing significant changes in the mining sector that will directly impact the Mi'kmaq's section 35 rights.

The Province of Nova Scotia is aware of and is a signatory to the Terms of Reference for a Mi'kmaq-Nova Scotia-Canada Consultation Process (TOR). The Province also sits at several tables with KMK and the Assembly where these changes should have been discussed but were never raised or flagged for us. From a relationship perspective, these types of repetitive omissions are highly erosive.

The Assembly has strongly opposed hydraulic fracturing and uranium mining in the past. The Assembly has made its position clear in past correspondences to the Department of Natural Resources . . ."

and publicly as well:

It is unacceptable that this government is fast-tracking the extraction of natural resources that will be permanently devalue and damage our unceded lands and adversely impact the exercise of our section 35 rights. All resource extraction developments and strategic level planning decisions impacting our unceded lands must be accompanied by consultation and discussions of compensation and mitigation.

None of the recent announcements on fracking, uranium mineral exploration or lithium mining development were included in the Progressive Conservative Party of Nova Scotia's campaigning platform during the past election. It is very concerning that our Provincial Government is proposing such dramatic changes in sectors for which they did not receive a mandate from the people of this province.

[Page 992]

All Nova Scotians are treaty peoples. It is disheartening to see our . . . provincial partners disregard the Mi'kmaq and the . . . battles our peoples have fought (such as opposing hydraulic fracturing). We do not wish to stand in the way of ethical and well-planned developments that respect our s. 35 rights and provide opportunities for our people. However, when the province pushes through hurried legislative changes that reverse longstanding policies in the name of Nova Scotia being "open for business," it sends a clear message that our rights and our voices do not matter to this administration.

It is our expectation consultation will be forthcoming on current and upcoming planning decisions which may lead to major shifts in the resource extraction practices of the province. These developments will have a direct impact on The Mi'kmaq's s. 35 rights. The provincial government has a legal and constitutional duty to consult with The Mi'kmaq . . . and this cannot be ignored.

As we know, there will be a meeting coming up, and it has been discussed multiple times in this House. I do want to say that I'm actually very, very disappointed to know that these folks have not been consulted. As much as I talk about legislation being viewed from multiple lenses - and I know new members in here will be like, what's that? - this government put forward a bill so that we could actually have strategic planning so that all voices could be heard around the table, yet we hear the main voice of this province has not even been consulted.

I have stood in this Chamber each and every sitting to talk about meaningful conversations and connections to communities - African Nova Scotian communities, Indigenous communities. Never in my life have I seen such disrespect toward groups of people.

My role before this was to be a bridge for service providers to help build trust and relationships in community - I've said it multiple times - especially in the marginalized communities, especially in African Nova Scotian communities. Government trust has been broken so many times, and folks here in this House know that. They all know how this has happened, and we see it continuing, which is a bad pattern to have.

Broken relationships have happened because of lack of communication - broken promises, abuse, racism, discrimination. I could go on and on. Yet we see time after time pieces of legislation that come before this House with no consultation. We would think that we would have learned from the multiple times we've pulled things back.

[3:00 p.m.]

[Page 993]

It is absolutely disheartening to see that we haven't even consulted the people on the lands we borrow from. We don't own these lands. These are not our lands to do what we want with. First Nations deserve that respect, especially pieces that are going to affect marginalized communities, African Nova Scotian communities, Indigenous communities.

We see that there's no care in the world to have a conversation. There's no thought to even having meaningful communication with these folks. Our lands are not for sale. It has been said by many of my Mi'kmaw sisters and brothers that these lands are not for sale. Our communities will not be overridden by environmental racism. Our people will continue to fight for our waters and continue to fight for the land that our generations will inherit. Our communities will continue to be the voice here in this House.

I stand and take my place as much as I can because I will not be silenced about the atrocities, about the discrimination, about the racism, about the environmental harms, about the generational trauma, about the continuation of the disregard of peoples' lives - Indigenous peoples' lives, Black peoples' lives. I will not stand here and allow that to happen - not on my watch.

As we leave here today, and we talk about how we want to move forward and build a better Nova Scotia, always remember that includes and will always include and involve the Indigenous peoples of these lands - the First Nations, the Mi'kmaw Nation.

The First Nations are the first points of colonization and contact, and they are still here because they are fighters. When are we going to get it right? Why does everything that this government has to do or put forward have to be combative? Why? You can be wrong. You can change your course.

It's not about money. This is not just about the Nova Scotian economy, because if it was, the government would have done their due diligence before acting so quickly. They have had multiple opportunities to do so, and a conversation goes a long way. It's just plain respectful.

But there's some stuff that you just can't buy. When you talk about lithium exploration and mining, you've got to talk to the First Nations people. They are the first peoples of this land. They raised their voices - and so will we for something we believe in. The Mi'kmaq don't just look at this generation; they look at seven generations and more down the road. This is something we need to adopt. We could learn so much from our First Nations. We just have to have that conversation.

I will leave that there, Speaker. I hope people digest this information, because this is not something we should disregard. Communication is key. Having serious and meaningful conversations, especially with the people who own this land, is paramount. It's a priority. It should be a priority for everything we look at here in this Legislature.

I know people know that I will say that we need to do better because everything we do should be for all Nova Scotians, not for just a select few. We have a duty and a responsibility for Nova Scotians in this province, and the First Nations are Number 1 on that list.

[Page 994]

THE SPEAKER « » : I know I just got back in the chair, but before I recognize the next speaker, I did hear the person speaking mention someone's name. Just a reminder to everyone that you are not allowed to state people's names. Thank you very much.

The honourable member for Cape Breton Centre-Whitney Pier.

KENDRA COOMBES « » : It's time for my annual poverty speech. That's sad, isn't it? Poverty is a political choice created by government's policies, decisions, approach to the social welfare system, and the refusal to fix inadequate social programs that bring families and individuals above the poverty line. This budget could have been transformative, but it failed to include real, transformative measures to improve the lives of Nova Scotians living in poverty.

According to the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives and tax filer data - at the end I will table everything - child poverty has increased by 16 per cent from 20.5 per cent to 23.8 per cent. This increase is the highest single-year increase in Nova Scotia since that pledge to end poverty by 2000 was made in 1989. I agree with the authors of the 2024 Poverty Report Card with the quote: "With more than one of every five children living in low-income families and an increase of more than 6,000 children to 41,500, we should be ashamed of the lack of progress" and we should be alarmed by the increasing rates of poverty.

In the electoral district of Cape Breton-Canso, poverty rates have gone up by 15.6 per cent, representing 3,140 children living in poverty. In Sydney-Victoria, poverty rates rose by 16.5 per cent, representing 4,380 children living in poverty. Nova Scotia has the highest rates of poverty for persons aged 65 years and older at 10.4 per cent. That increase in elderly poverty is very concerning, reaching levels not seen since 2015. Of note, most of those seniors living in poverty were living alone and were disproportionately women.

As inequalities continue to rise, more Nova Scotians will need more money for their basic needs. Not having enough money to cover those basic needs leaves many Nova Scotians with increased anxiety, illness, and social isolation, leading to greater need for services, including emergency room services and mental health care, which are already stretched way too thin, with way too long wait times, and way too many long lineups.

JoAnna LaTulippe-Rochon, director of the Cape Breton Family Resource Centre, told the Cape Breton Post that her clients face challenges just meeting basic needs such as food, shelter, transportation costs, home heating and fuel, and electricity:

I didn't see a bigger picture or a more concerted effort to look at poverty reduction, to look at strengthening the economy, to look at a social safety net that actually is a safety net that does provide for people to be able to meet their basic needs, whether people are transitioning from not working to working or trying to finish some education or find themselves ill and unable to work. As we get older, our senior populations, or at home with little children trying to find their way and make their way as parents and caregivers.

[Page 995]

Our families are really struggling and for very basic needs. Over this last year and a half, there's been a huge increase in people needing support around infant formula, with diapers, with heating oil, needing support (after) getting behind in their utilities, not being able to cover the cost of the cell phones and they are pretty much a basic necessity in this day and age.

According to the CCPA - Nova Scotia report, low-income families are experiencing much higher household food insecurity rates. In 2022, 40.1 per cent of Nova Scotian children - the second highest percentage in Canada - lived in food-insecure households, representing 71,000 children. In 2022, compared to all households, non-racialized households had lower rates of food insecurity in Nova Scotia at 27.6 per cent; as did non-Indigenous households at 28.3 per cent.

As Nova Scotians see the rising costs of groceries, which includes healthy food, it is becoming increasingly difficult for people to afford groceries. Instead, Nova Scotians are forced to make hard decisions, like buying food with less nutritional value, because it's cheaper, or skipping meals. We have seniors becoming sick due to lack of a proper healthy diet. People choose whether to eat, skip meals, take medications, or heat their homes. This is the Nova Scotia we woke up to this morning. This is the Nova Scotia we wake up to every morning. This budget doesn't acknowledge this indecent fact.

Removing the grocery tax would help keep a little bit more money - more money than a 1 per cent tax cut - in people's pockets at the grocery store and allow them to buy more than $100 worth of groceries. We saw that eliminating the grocery tax increased the purchasing power of Nova Scotians. Instead, this government's continued response to food insecurity is food banks. This government's response to food insecurity for the past several years has been food banks.

Food banks do yeoman's work. Don't get me wrong, Speaker. They are fantastic. They are much-needed. They don't want to be needed. They want to be put out of business. They want the Nova Scotia government to put them out of business. They want Nova Scotians to be able to afford to go to the grocery store and not have to make the tough choices of heating homes, taking medication or eating. I have people in my riding who are putting the heat on just enough that their pipes don't freeze, because if they freeze, we have a worse mess on our hands.

[3:15 p.m.]

It is expensive to live on a low income. It is expensive to live in poverty. While the Nova Scotia School Lunch Program was finally introduced in September at all schools with elementary grades in Nova Scotia, it is sadly not universal. The program has the potential to increase access to nutritious food, enhance learning, and support local economies and school food workers. I take the stance that CCPA Nova Scotia rightfully pointed out: The school lunch progress should not be justified as a solution to food insecurity. Without robust income security measures, families will increasingly struggle to feed their children where they spend most of their time - at home. Families need a living wage of over $22 an hour, compared to the minimum - which will come in April - $15.70.

[Page 996]

Nova Scotians receiving income assistance need more help. Many assume that full-time work is a pathway out of poverty, but many Nova Scotians who get about a minimum wage face a different reality. So many Nova Scotians identify as "working poor." They go to work, but they do not have enough money to live. They struggle to pay the bills, put food on the table, heat their homes, and pay rent or their mortgages.

I know of Nova Scotians who work, yet they live in their cars, in tents, on people's couches. I know Nova Scotians who work but can't afford their medications. It's indecent, Speaker. If Nova Scotians had enough money, they would not be forced to choose between these critical basic needs. People must be able to afford their basic needs of life. They need their bread but they need their roses, as a beautiful song once said. Everyone deserves a roof over their head, and no one should wake up with frost on them in Nova Scotia. No one should live in tents, in their cars or on the streets.

The HST cut will cost between $260 million and $294 million in 2025-26. As a flat tax, it is regressive. Those who have lower incomes are going to pay a more significant portion of their incomes on taxes for essentials; however, higher-income consumers will more likely account for the more substantial portion of the revenue loss. Instead, the government should be looking at boosting the Affordable Living Tax Credit and increasing the Nova Scotia Child Benefit. This would better help struggling families.

The tax that we are losing with this tax cut could have made those income supports more generous and expanded them to all low- and middle-income Nova Scotians. According to the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives, the Nova Scotia Child Benefit, phasing out at $44,000 instead of $34,000 and boosting it from $1,525 to $7,000 annually would decrease poverty by 12 per cent, lifting thousands out of poverty and would cost about $220 million. You do the math.

The government has invested a small fraction of what is needed, with child poverty worsening. More must be done. Indexing income assistance to inflation still leaves recipients in deep poverty.

I'll talk about the rent supplement for a moment and say that it's great if there's a place to live. It's great if the CMHC looks at the secondary market, but in places where many of us live, including myself, CMHC doesn't take into account the secondary market.

In my community and along Cape Breton and across rural Nova Scotia, our numbers are skewed. So many of our people are not getting the rent supplement because they don't qualify under the CMHC numbers, which this government continues to use, knowing that they are far behind and false numbers. They're skewed - I know the government likes them, but they only work if we have places to live.

[Page 997]

With or without the HST cut, the province could have improved affordability for Nova Scotians by increasing funding to expand key universal public services, including child care, health care, public transportation, and food security, with a significant amount directed to non-market, affordable housing.

The budget doesn't do that. It doesn't look at increasing availability to post-secondary education, which is going to be more and more expensive, leaving more and more people unable to go.

THE SPEAKER « » : Order, order. I ask that members not stand between myself and the person speaking.

The honourable member for Cape Breton Centre-Whitney Pier.

KENDRA COOMBES « » : This government should have invested more in the care economy. Good luck or happenstance should not determine whether Nova Scotians can access primary or long-term care or child care. Expanding these services requires more investment in skilled workers who provide the care. We have such a need for the care economy but there will be no additional child care spaces without improving the wages and benefits to retain and recruit early childhood educators.

Nonetheless, this is another budget year with no additional provincial funding outside of the bilateral agreement with the federal government. There can be no additional long-term beds without a team of skilled caregivers, cleaners, and support workers.

This government needs to stop patting itself on the back, because it has done very little to actually deal with the big picture of poverty. For that, we should all be ashamed.

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

ELIZABETH SMITH-MCCROSSIN « » : Next week, the Court of Appeal will decide on the constitutional responsibility of the infrastructure we call the Chignecto Isthmus. This has significant Canadian history and also protects the interprovincial transportation trade and communication links, as well as the natural gas pipeline between New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, and all of Canada.

The case for the Chignecto Isthmus is as set out in Order of Council, dated July 19, 2023. As we talk in this House about ensuring interprovincial trade, we cannot exclude this topic of the Chignecto Isthmus. As the elected representative for the constituency of Cumberland North, which includes the Chignecto Isthmus, I work closely with neighbouring MLA Megan Mitton of Westmoreland County, New Brunswick, as well as our municipal councillors, our mayors, the Member of Parliament, Dr. Stephen Ellis, local farmers, and landowners.

[Page 998]

I speak to this today, keeping this in mind: that there is absolutely no money in this provincial budget for the protection of the Chignecto Isthmus - at least not yet. I certainly look forward to the case that is scheduled for next week, and the results.

Let's look, for a moment, at the history of this area, for that is often not spoken about. The name Chignecto is a European adaptation of the Mi'kmaq term for a much larger region, Siknikt - the drainage place - that extends from the Cobequid highlands to the eastern edge of Wolastoqiyik, the Saint John River drainage area, and north to the Baie-des-Chaleurs.

The isthmus at the centre of that district is a resource-rich marshland, traversed by rivers and portage routes that link the Bay of Fundy to the Gulf of St. Lawrence, and further to major routes leading to the interior of the continent. Siknikt is a large district of Mi'kma'ki, with the isthmus at its centre, whereas what is currently called Chignecto is a small strip of land that margins two provinces, bisected by a border first created by imperial competition in 1713.

There had been a significant Mi'kmaq presence at Chignecto for millennia, when in the 17^th century, a small Acadian group started a settlement there. This group planted the seed of a community that would grow and spread over an 80-year history, sharing Chignecto with existing - and also growing - Mi'kmaq communities. These communities managed a coexistence in this space, without a colonial administrative presence, creating a distinctly independent region. Maybe that's why we've had so many independents, both federally and provincially, until the French-British conflict brought the story of the shared place to a crisis in the 1750s.

Today, the Isthmus of Chignecto contains five national historic sites of Canada that are operated or owned by Parks Canada, meaning that the sites are protected and presented by the Canadian government. Most are in private hands or are in the property of other levels of government.

In Chignecto, Beaubassin National Historic Site, an Acadian village destroyed in 1750, and Fort Lawrence National Historic Site were built on the ruins of the village. Both occupy a ridge to the southeast of the Missaguash River, the modern border between Nova Scotia and New Brunswick. As you cross the Nova Scotia-New Brunswick border, you're crossing the Missaguash River.

Fort Beauséjour-Fort Cumberland National Historic Site, on the northwestern ridge overlooking the Missaguash, was designated in 1920. Fort Beau consists of the partially restored ruins of a French stone fortification, subsequent British alterations, and trenchworks from the 1755 siege, as well as the concealed ruins of the Acadian villages. Between the two is L'Île-de-la-Vallière/Tonge's Island, also a national historic site. Fort Beau, I might add, is where my grandson's name came from - Beau.

[Page 999]

The Acadian villages at Chignecto settled among established Mi'kmaq communities on a well-connected trade route, and had a relatively brief history, beginning at Beaubassin in the 1670s and ending when the Acadian villages east of the Missaguash River were destroyed in 1750, and the villages of refuge west of the river were destroyed in 1755.

I share this with you because we often only talk about the economic impact of the risk of flooding at the Chignecto Isthmus, but there is very rich Canadian history in this area - Indigenous, French, and British.

When we speak of the risks of flooding of the Chignecto Isthmus, it's important that we know our history. A network of dikes to protect the land from the tides was installed in the late 1600s in this area, around the Chignecto Isthmus, first by the Acadian people who settled on that land. Today, a network of 35 kilometres of dikes and aboiteaux exist, but the system, as we know, must be enhanced.

The people living on or near the Chignecto Isthmus have growing fears that a storm or hurricane will cause catastrophic flooding that will affect our homes and our properties. Flooding is predicted to occur in the Chignecto Isthmus due to rising sea levels and an increased incidence of storms. We know it's only a matter of time. There is a real threat to critical infrastructure if and when the existing dikes are breached along the Chignecto Isthmus.

Local and national supply chains will be broken, as well as telecommunications, electrical infrastructure, and natural gas transmission lines - specifically, as I mentioned in Question Period today, the Maritimes & Northeast Pipeline. As we talk in this House about connecting energy east to west in this country, under the current threat of Trump's tariffs, our Maritimes & Northeast Pipeline, which goes through the Chignecto Isthmus, must be considered.

Significant hectares of farmland could also be flooded and damaged due to the salt water. This would have a catastrophic effect on local food production, something that we must also consider. The outgoing chair of the Halifax Port Authority, just a couple of years ago, cited that their biggest risk is the flooding at the Chignecto Isthmus.

Recent hurricanes - Hurricane Dorian in 2019 and Hurricane Fiona in 2022 - heightened people's anxieties across the province, especially us locally. Every storm causes anxiety in our local area as people wonder: Will this be the storm or hurricane that causes irreparable damage?

There is a report revised in December 2012 called An Evaluation of the Flood Risk to Infrastructure Across the Chignecto Isthmus that was commissioned by Atlantic Climate Adaptation Solutions. This report specifically speaks to the concerns of the local people whom I represent. I'll read from the report and table it when I'm done: "With sea-level rise (SLR) estimates of 1 to 5 m predicted" - that's high; that's a lot -

[Page 1000]

for the Chignecto Isthmus by 2100, and more intense storms another likely consequence of climate change, Nova Scotia Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal (NSTIR) has real concerns for protecting the significant public infrastructure that it has to manage. At present, a system of agricultural dykes and the Canadian National Railway (CNR) in Nova Scotia and New Brunswick hold back the sea -

Yes, the actual rail line is on a dike, and that's one of the areas that's holding back the Bay of Fundy:

- and protect many secondary roads and residents of Amherst, NS, and Sackville, NB, and thousands of hectares of dykeland with public and private assets exceeding $100 million. . . . The area has flooded many times over the past 300+ years including major flooding events in 1758, 1869 (the Saxby Gale), 1887, 1958, and 1976. . . . These flooding events led to considerable property damage and loss of lives, and all were associated with storm surges that coincided with very high tides.

Flood modeling using a new high-resolution digital elevation model (Lidar-DEM) of the Isthmus terrain between the upper Bay of Fundy (Cumberland Basin) and the Northumberland Strait (Baie Verte) clearly shows (1) critically-low segments within agricultural dykes in NS and NB that would flood during storm surges that coincide with high tides, (2) dyke overtopping at these low areas and flooding of portions of the CNR and TCH (delays in inter-provincial and international trade with a value of $50 million per day?), (3) extensive flooding of local roads and protected dykelands?, and (4) salt water damage to agricultural lands and the many non-agricultural, public and private assets. . . .

With extreme predictions of SLR, up 4-5 m by 2100, Nova Scotia could become an island, particularly during storm surges, unless the dyke system is considerably upgraded or other adaptation options implemented.

I'll table this report.

I encourage every member in this Assembly to read this report. It's very informative and affects all of us. It includes lidar mapping, based on flood risk mapping. The mapping report mentions that the current system of agricultural dikes, CN, as well as Trans-Canada Highway, collectively, protect the low-lying land behind it. But once any portion of the system is overtopped, a large area of land is vulnerable to flooding because of its elevation.

[Page 1001]

In addition to the low elevation, much of the land north of the Trans-Canada Highway and CN Rail consists of wetlands and lakes, indicating that the land is already saturated and the water table is very high in this area. This report says:

If portions of the dykes were to be overtopped by a storm surge, the land would not be able to absorb much of the water and thus increase the residence time of the flood water behind the dykes. The dyke system holds back the ocean at 7.7 m . . . The rail line at 8.7 m acts as the main dyke protecting the TCH . . .

In one of these documents I am going to table there's actually a picture taken by a man named Mike Johnson. He was our EMO coordinator for a period of time in Cumberland County. I'll table this document that is a picture of the Bay of Fundy water right up next to a train that is going by on the CN Rail. It is a very good picture showing the risks that we are currently facing.

[3:30 p.m.]

Speaker, I do believe that it is our duty and responsibility, as elected representatives, to look after and protect our people when we face a predictable danger, and certainly this is a predictable danger.

I will reference that there was a study done, Speaker, called the Chignecto Isthmus Climate Change Adaptation Comprehensive Engineering and Feasibility Study. The cost was $700,000. It was paid 50 per cent by the federal government, 25 per cent by us, Nova Scotia, and 25 per cent by New Brunswick. It made three recommendations when it was released - it actually made 11 but three were taken by our two provinces. They were raising the dikes, building new dikes or raising the existing dikes and installing steel sheet pile walls at select locations. You can find these recommendations in the document I just tabled or online on the New Brunswick website. Each of these costs ranges between $190 million and $300 million.

I'm going to move ahead here. The people I represent have been through a lot in the last few years. Our border towns suffered greatly during the pandemic when provincial borders were closed for 17 months. We suffered tremendous trauma from the mass murders in 2020. For 26 years our people had to pay a toll, a tax, to get to the rest of our very own province. The people who live on or near the Chignecto Isthmus do not want to have to go through another catastrophic event. We want the work done.

The provincial premiers of Nova Scotia and New Brunswick and all citizens of our province will be better off if we contribute financially to the protection of our land. In the world of business, if you refuse to pay any portion of your bill, you lose the ability to have a say in the work that gets done. We cannot afford that.

[Page 1002]

We cannot trust that Ottawa will make the best decisions for the repairs of the Chignecto Isthmus. Those decisions should be made by Maritimers. We know our land; we know our waterways. Our area has led to the formation of this great country, in fact. MLA Sir Charles Tupper from Cumberland County led Confederation. We have an opportunity now to show Canada our strength, our leadership, so let's do it.

Let's remove every interprovincial barrier and let's ensure we have the infrastructure in place to continue our own trade. Protecting and strengthening the Chignecto Isthmus must be a priority of this government. I urge the government to amend the budget and allocate money for the protection of our people, for the protection of our land, and to promote interprovincial trade.

THE SPEAKER « » : The motion is carried.

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

[3:43 p.m. The House rose resolved into the CWH on Supply with Deputy Speaker Tom Taggart in the Chair.]

[8:08 p.m. CWH on Supply rose and the House reconvened. The Speaker, Hon. Danielle Barkhouse, resumed the Chair.]

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

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

THE SPEAKER « » : Is it agreed? It is agreed.

I have the honour to inform you that His Honour the Honourable Mike Savage, Lieutenant Governor of Nova Scotia, signified royal assent to Bill No. 3, An Act to Amend Chapter 1 (1992 Supplement) of the Revised Statutes, 1989, the House of Assembly Act, on this, the 6^th day of March, 2025. (Applause)

The honourable Government House Leader.

[GOVERNMENT BUSINESS]

HON. BRENDAN MAGUIRE: Speaker, would you please call Public Bills for Second Reading.

PUBLIC BILLS FOR SECOND READING

THE SPEAKER « » : The honourable Government House Leader.

HON. BRENDAN MAGUIRE: Speaker, would you please call Bill No. 68.

[Page 1003]

Bill No. 68 - Financial Measures (2025) Act.

THE SPEAKER « » : The honourable Minister of Finance and Treasury Board.

HON. JOHN LOHR « » : I move that Bill No. 68, the Financial Measures (2025) Act, be now read a second time. As is typical with Financial Measures Acts, there are a number of different elements in it. I do have prepared remarks but I will listen to the remarks of my colleagues and incorporate - if there are any explanations or things I can unpack at the closing of second reading, I will do so.

At this moment I look forward to hearing comments from members of the House.

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

LISA LACHANCE « » : I'm happy to rise tonight and offer a few questions, a few concerns around the Financial Measures (2025) Act. It is always difficult to separate the FMA from all the work that we've all been doing over the last nine days, considering Estimates, specifically considering the program and service allocations that are being made, having good conversations about whether or not those allocations - those proposals are meeting the needs of Nova Scotians.

I can't offer comments without starting by saying I think we are still concerned by how this budget was framed and how it continued the framing of the Speech from the Throne in terms of talking about special interests, in terms of - of course we all want economic development. I think I spent the first three and a half years being an MLA asking about what was happening in economic development in this province and not really receiving a lot of answers. We are happy to hear that, but not in the way that this is being done. That's really disregarding significant issues around environment, health, constitutional responsibilities, in a way that divides Nova Scotians.

I guess I would say again that we approach this work with humility and curiosity, and we approach thinking about the different measures within the FMA in that same way.

I'll start by speaking a bit about some of the things that are firmly in the FMA, in terms of tax measures. There is, for instance, the non-resident deed transfer tax proposal. I have to say I was surprised to see this back in the government's bailiwick. I would have thought we had enough fun with that and enough pushback on that a couple of years ago when this government tried it previously and had to drop it.

We have been hearing lots and lots of concerns about this proposed increase in the non-resident deed transfer tax. I think a couple of things: One is we are hearing lots of controversy really and it seems particularly out of step with having a Team Canada approach, right? We're trying to reduce provincial barriers in 100 different ways. We want those reductions to be permanent. We really want to overcome the types of challenges that have blocked interprovincial trade in this country, so this seems like a step in the opposite direction.

[Page 1004]

I am also wondering: When I asked you to look at the amount of money that we're talking about - in this fiscal year we were looking at - the increase is actually, I think, $13 million in our budget of - anyway, revenues of $13.8 billion. Something that people didn't want before, they really don't want now. It's out of step with the times and it doesn't do a lot for our bottom line.

I do have a pile of letters here that I'll table eventually from constituents who have written as being opposed to this measure. I'm also hoping and looking forward to hearing from folks at Public Bills Committee on this.

There are small business tax cuts. I think those will help us, actually make us more competitive - again competition with Team Canada, but probably in a more positive way.

[8:15 p.m.]

What we've been asking for is: What are the direct supports for small business in this on-again, off-again tariff world? I think we're going to have four years of this. If it's not tariffs, it's going to be the next thing. As I tabled before from the governor of the Bank of Canada, this is a likely economic shock. We're not going to avoid some kind of shock. It's likely a structural change.

If you look at recessions that happened before - 1999-2000, 2008, that sort of thing - without direct firm support to small businesses that they can identify - money in their bank accounts to pay for rent, employees, stock - we had fewer businesses after those two structural changes. We didn't have that happen after COVID. I just want to make sure that we're not thinking about what we're about to experience like COVID. It was a huge economic shock, but because of the supports that were immediately put in place, in fact, both families and businesses were able to make it through 2020.

I think this is a start, but I think we need to know: What are the direct supports for small business? I note mention of a trade action plan and would love to hear more about this. If the Premier comes with the Department of Intergovernmental Affairs, we'll be able to learn more about the plans behind that.

Again, putting it all together, it's hard to separate all the other things that we're considering, but we are looking at wanting to reduce interprovincial trade barriers. I guess I have questions about how that works in concert with our goals and commitments around Nova Scotia Loyal, for instance. If we're saying, "If it's good enough in your province, it's good enough in our province. We won't see any barriers," how does that work? How does that work for our government procurement? We have targets around government procurement for local goods, but it's not clear to me what the impact of legislation we might be considering on the floor of the House, as well as this budget - what that actually means. I'd love to hear more about that.

The minister and I had a chance to talk a bit about the HST cut. I think first and foremost, consumption taxes and consumption tax cuts don't have as great an effect on folks who are lower-income as other folks. When I clarified about the number being batted around as $1,000 per family on average, for lower-income families, it's actually only $339.

[Page 1005]

I think the other thing we learned - having lived through COVID, supply chain, inflation - is a little bit about things like greedflation and shrinkflation. My concern is: What is this government going to do to make sure that every family actually sees a reduction in their grocery bill, for instance? What businesses are likely to do - and we have proof that they do this; this is what the last four or five years have looked like - is that maybe the tax will reduce things by a few cents, but businesses will just put the price up. We've seen this happen time and time again.

Is this enough to really provide financial support for Nova Scotians? I think we would say no. There's a lot more that the government could be doing to ensure that lower-income Nova Scotians benefit more, and could do more to protect all Nova Scotians from that type of corporate behaviour.

I've also talked a bit about overall whether this is the budget that we need now and whether this is time for the types of revenue changes that are being proposed. I know that the government will talk about what the rating agencies had to say, but I would say that I also went through the major banks in Canada, who are all expressing concern about the growth versus our net debt-to-GDP ratio. RBC noted that the debt-to-gross-GDP product ratio will rise in this fiscal plan to 40.9 per cent - I'm not sure what the budget number is - "making Nova Scotia's debt burden among the heaviest in Canada," and that our growth assumptions in this fiscal year are rosier than theirs, and I can table that.

The National Bank of Canada, when looking at Nova Scotia's 2025 budget, talked about:

The debt burden is expected to steadily rise throughout the forecast horizon, hitting 39.8% of GDP in 2028-29 (before contingencies) and surpassing the cyclical peak set at the height of the pandemic in 2020-21 (<37%). Debt servicing costs will grow at a heady clip (9.5%/year) over the coming years.

They go on to note quite clearly that the surplus streak that Nova Scotia has had is set to come to an end in this fiscal year. Again, concerns about where the spending in this budget, where the spending of this government is taking us in terms of debt.

Scotiabank said:

However, in a more serious downturn provinces including NS would likely face much more larger deterioration in fiscal balances that exceed this level of contingency. Broad-based tax cuts today on the margin could translate into heavier lifting by other parts of the balance sheet, but in such a significant downside scenario, fiscal paths get reset.

[Page 1006]

What does that actually mean? What that means is that, as we head toward touching the goalpost set by the Department of Finance and Treasury Board - the goalpost set because it's the goalpost of 40 per cent that we know that credit rating agencies are going to look at - we have to start thinking about how we're going to respond to that. We don't know what the next four or five years are going to look like. Our concern with this is that that directly leads into austerity.

We have not seen, from this government, during the first session and yet to date, real movement on the key indicators around poverty, housing, access to health care in this province. What I am concerned about is that we end up with a large debt-to-GDP ratio in a few years and that we won't have the growth that we have been fortunate to have. There has been unexpected growth that has not actually added to our economic capacity. That's what happened over the last few years.

Yes, we totally had more tax revenue. That was great, but we didn't actually build our economy.

I'll just finish with TD:

There is high uncertainty around the government's solid economic forecasts, depending on how the situation with the U.S. evolves. There's also some chance that the government may need to open its purse strings to cushion households and businesses in the province in the event of a Canada-U.S. trade spat. As such, the fiscal position of Nova Scotia could deteriorate, and we could be looking at a different situation by the time the next fiscal update rolls around. Note that net debt-to-GDP is already expected to rise to its highest level in about 25 years at the end of the projection horizon, even without significant downside risks manifesting.

Again, what does that mean? We're going to be at the highest point in 25 years, even if things don't go badly over the next four to five years.

Just for fun - because this is actually a little bit fun - I thought back to the last time the government called forth memories of the last time the HST went up and went down. I think we need to call back. Basically, we were a province in enormous amounts of debt. Then we hit 2008, and that was a global economic recession. I have the last Nova Scotia budget bulletin of the previous PC government that I can table.

Basically, it had seriously affected our ability to go to the markets for money. It had seriously affected how we could run our social programs. It is probably why we have had challenges with our infrastructure. We have gone here before. I would say that we have gone here before with this particular stripe of government, where there has been a lot of spending, no regard for the debt that we're accumulating, the increasing debt servicing costs. Then we come to a point where, in fact, nobody wants to give us more money, or we have to pay a whole lot of money to borrow money.

[Page 1007]

We are concerned. We're concerned about the fiscal plan that's here, and we're concerned about the fiscal plan in the context of the current uncertainty that we face. Ask us, "Is this the budget we need now?" I'm not sure that we would agree with that. And we have tons of ideas. I know we're often accused of not having ideas, but we have tons of ideas.

We talked earlier this week about the increased spending on homelessness. Policy changes could have reduced the need for those expenditures. Policy changes in 2021, when this government became a government, could have kept more people in the homes they had.

There is no new money in this budget for gender-based violence or intimate partner violence. I understand that last year there was an investment, but it's clearly not enough. I think that the number of people who have died in the past six months due to gender-based violence is an example that it isn't enough. We're not pointing fingers. We're just saying it's not enough. That's what stakeholders are saying. That's what we're saying.

I've noticed the government talking about reducing the Need a Family Practice wait-list, which is true: It is decreasing. However, from 2021, it actually doubled in size. The government grew it and now is decreasing it. I don't know if that's progress. It seems like a lot of money. If we could have done something differently, we may not have had to make those types of changes that we're having to make.

I guess I would invite feedback on how is this the budget that we need now, and how is this the responsible budget that we need for this period of time that we're in.

THE SPEAKER « » : Did you table all the documents? Thank you.

The honourable member for Timberlea Prospect.

HON. IAIN RANKIN « » : It's great to hear the NDP talk about fiscal discipline. (Laughter) Don't look at me like that. The $700 million deficit that's tabled in this sitting is pretty close to the $500 million deficit that we inherited in 2013 to deal with, I must say. The recession was 2008-09, but by the end of that, there was a big hole that the government that came in in 2013-14 had to deal with.

I think fiscal discipline is something that we all should be concerned about, especially as we prepare for the next inevitable crisis, whether that's a recession, which will happen at some point, whether these tariffs stick, some other catastrophe, or a pandemic.

I think that it was proven that the fiscal discipline that took place under the prior government really did allow the nimbleness and the quick action to help Nova Scotians across a whole bunch of different ways. That is one of the reasons why Nova Scotia stood out in the federation, to support Nova Scotians through tough times.

[Page 1008]

Like any business - any family - there's the top-line revenue and then there's the controlling of expenditures. I think that with this Financial Measures (2025) Act, it speaks to some revenue areas in both Section 4 and Section 8 which are concerning. I would say that I have issues with both of those.

I have issues that there is revenue that the government is giving up annually that we need. The $300 million that is going to be put directly on our debt as soon as this bill passes - which is more than they're setting aside for a fund that is supposed to help people with the tariff situation, with the $200 million - is the wrong move. I think it is irresponsible and a populist move.

I have a no problem, as an HRM member, having the courage to say - knowing that some of my constituents are going to benefit; that drive across the bridge, that work on the Dartmouth side of the bridge in Burnside - but I have to tell you, after 11 years, I haven't had one email, one phone call, one constituent come to me and tell me that they wanted that toll removed, as an HRM member.

When I went to the pancake supper the other evening, the first thing that the guy said when I was paying for my supper was: You've got to tell that government to stop trying to take tolls off the bridge - an HRM resident. Maybe it was a political calculation on seats within HRM, but I will say that it is something that is irresponsible at a time when we know that we are going to need to have fiscal capacity for other things.

There will be a time when a government will have to undertake a program review again. I have tabled a bill that would mandate that every so many years. I think the last time there was a program review was 2014-15. It looked across all government departments and at what programs have served their purpose, what programs have maybe needed to be modified in some ways - and maybe there were some mistakes in terms of which programs were modified.

When a new government comes in with a whole new list of promises - some of them are in this bill, some of them were already previously announced - something has to give, especially when taxes are being reduced at the same time. The member who spoke before me referenced past governments. It just doesn't add up when there are tax reductions happening at the same time as significant expenditures of various programs.

This has happened before, where governments have inherited federal funding, which this government has, and it's gone directly on program spending. That happened in prior Conservative governments. The Chrétien and Martin governments transferred billions of dollars over for infrastructure to the Province, and it went into operating.

We continuously have increased reliance on revenue, and we're giving up revenue here in this bill - an immediate $300 million that will impact this generation and future generations that can't vote, that didn't vote, in the last election.

I think it's a pattern. I think it's showing a lack of discipline - an annual commitment of $40 million to $50 million to replace lost toll revenue that nobody was asking for. There is an engineering report from November 2020 that estimates the cost of a new bridge, which we need, will be in the range of $1 billion. We know that estimate will continue to grow. That's even notwithstanding what's happening with the tariff situation. Without tolls and without the Halifax-Dartmouth Bridge Commission, the debt will directly go on the public books. That's another $1 billion that future generations will have to pay to deal with that infrastructure.

[Page 1009]

The provincial government has said they'll look to the federal government once again. On a project this size, that would mean a loan from the Canada Infrastructure Bank - the fund that's actually at risk if a federal Conservative government comes in, because that leader has said he will cut that fund. Regardless, it's the same fund that's used to build the intertie, which was announced yesterday, and to access that fund, you need revenue. For a bridge, that means tolls. Removing the tolls from the bridge will cut off this federal funding and require the Province to take on the debt directly. That will impact our debt-to-GDP ratio again. Again, future generations will have to pay that.

For some reason, the government has no problem with growing our debt-to-GDP ratio to 40 per cent, and somehow are proudly talking about it and how the debt will grow to $29 billion, tripling over their two terms. At some point, people understand that deficits today mean taxes tomorrow. For political reasons, in terms of the election cycle, they can reduce HST, they can do things within the income tax brackets, index them, but they know future governments will have to deal with that. People in this province will have to pay for that decision.

The other section is Part VIII of the Act: doubling the deed transfer tax. My understanding is that this is the only province in all of Canada that's prepared to start taxing other Canadians when they purchase land in our province. There are a couple of provinces - British Columbia and Ontario - that have a tax on foreign homebuyers, designed to prevent speculation. Is this supposed to prevent speculation? What about Canadians who are in this fight with us, where we're supposed to stand shoulder to shoulder? What about our tourism industry, where we're supposed to have open markets for people who have seasonal homes?

Why is it that Nova Scotia wants to stand alone and charge Canadians a tax? It doesn't seem to line up with the rhetoric around working together and tearing down the differences between other provinces' tax regime.

Even today, we saw a motion that talks about more co-operation across the country in natural resources. There is a bill introduced for the trade barriers and, obviously, the talk about Team Canada. This bill and this action, I don't believe, line up with that. So while we work with other provinces - and New Brunswick is one of them - to look at electricity and bringing more energy into our province, this is also sending a signal to New Brunswickers that they won't be welcome to buy a place in our province without that extra tax burden. That is an interprovincial tax barrier. We are the only province that will be doing that.

[Page 1010]

I actually don't agree with the revenue estimates that this will grow our revenue. Where's the calculation that people actually won't purchase it because of that tax hit, and they'll look elsewhere?

When the Premier was asked on the radio today about the Cobequid Pass tolls and doubling them for American truckers, I think he struggled to find a way to say why that was needed. He said it's about sending a message to Americans that we're upset about this. If that's about sending a message, imagine what the message is when you're doubling a tax, what that message is to the rest of Canada at a time when we actually need to start working with them more.

At this juncture, I'll be opposing both Part IV and Part VIII of the FMA. I do think that those parts need some changes, but I do look forward to what is brought forward at Public Bills. I look forward to comments from my colleagues.

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

(Interruption) It's lonely over there, isn't it? (Laughter)

ELIZABETH SMITH-MCCROSSIN « » : I know what's it's like, Iain. I feel your pain.

I want to say a few words on the FMA in second reading - a couple of general comments about the budget. I also have strong concerns about the ballooning debt, about our GDP-to-debt ratio, and the long-term financial risks.

Given the government spending over the last three years, I am also concerned that this budget will not reflect real expenditures. I believe that the government should take the Auditor General's recommendations that she has made over the last couple of years about improving legislative oversight and changing the legislation to reflect what other provinces have in place to ensure more responsible government when it comes to spending.

Something I am really happy to see in this budget and in the FMA is the increase to the basic personal tax exemption. I was trying to find something to table, and I didn't get it in time, so I'll bring it for third reading. I do think it could be higher. When we look at what the basic personal tax exemption is across Canada, I know Alberta is the highest at around $20,000, and we were the lowest. I know the Halifax Chamber of Commerce had recommended that it should be around $15,000, and we're a little below $12,000. I am happy that it is going to be indexed, so at least it will be increasing each year, based on the CPI.

I had expressed concerns in the budget that the minister may want to look at changing the shingles vaccine, pointing out that the eligibility gap should be changed. Based on clinical guidelines, the shingles vaccine is recommended to be given at the age of 50. The budget is only going to provide it for those who are 65 years old and over. It's leaving a real gap for people who, based on guidelines, it's recommended that they have.

[Page 1011]

I'm very happy to see the removal of hospital parking fees.

One of the things that's missing is the lack of any funding for the Chignecto Isthmus. I have already mentioned that today.

Like my colleagues, I think my biggest concern with the FMA is the non-resident deed transfer tax. Everyone in here likely knows what a deed transfer tax is already. As my colleague mentioned, we are the only province in the country that has a non-resident deed transfer tax that is higher than for residents. I will table this document here, Speaker. It's just a list of what all the municipalities across the province charge for a deed transfer tax. It's anywhere between 0.5 per cent in the Town of Mulgrave to - I believe the highest is 1.5 per cent. There are several municipalities that charge that.

We already have a non-resident deed transfer tax in place that charges 5 per cent to our non-residents. Before this session even started, I had conversations over the last few months with several people who were upset with the 5 per cent and had actually said, When you get in there, make sure you talk about that. That should be removed. We shouldn't be penalizing our neighbours.

The reality is that a lot of the people who own cottages - and this is what a lot of the non-residents are buying - are our neighbours, often living just a few minutes away in New Brunswick, in Baie Verte or Upper Aboujagane or Shediac. They own properties or purchased a property, or it was passed down from their family. We shouldn't be punishing our neighbours, as already mentioned. I know that when I brought this up to the minister before, he mentioned that P.E.I. and New Brunswick have some penalties.

I'll just go over that quickly, just so everyone knows. Prince Edward Island has a real property transfer tax. Both residents and non-residents pay a 1 per cent tax on the greater of the purchase price or the assessed value when buying a property. This cost is the same regardless of residency. Prince Edward Island does offer a tax credit for properties that are occupied by the owner as of December 31^st. Since a non-resident - for example, someone living in Nova Scotia - generally would not be using the property as their primary residence, they do not qualify for this credit. They don't pay more, but they don't qualify for a credit if they're non-residents.

In New Brunswick, there is a real property transfer tax. As with P.E.I., New Brunswick charges a 1 per cent tax on the greater of the purchase, but they do have a higher property tax rate for non-residents. Many believe that is still quite a bit lower than what we're talking about here with this non-resident deed transfer tax.

New Brunswick generally applies a higher property tax to non-resident owners. This typically results from two factors: a rate differential - municipalities may have different mill rates, the amount of the tax payable per dollar of assessed value for properties that are not the owner's primary residence - or a loss of credit. Non-residents usually cannot access resident-specific tax credit or relief programs.

[Page 1012]

[8:45 p.m.]

We're looking at some numbers just for fun. If a non-resident was to purchase a $200,000 property with a 5 per cent deed transfer tax, they're paying the province $10,000 extra above the purchase price. If that increases to 10 per cent, they're paying $20,000. If the property is $500,000, right now they're paying $25,000 and it's going to increase to $50,000. This is in addition to the purchase price. If it's a $700,000 property, they're already paying the government an extra $35,000 just to have the deed transfer tax. If it increases to 10 per cent, they're paying $70,000. We're talking about a significant amount of money, and I think it is important to bring up.

Like my colleague already mentioned, I remember back when the non-resident property tax was brought in, and it was changed. There was an amendment that removed it. It's probably one of the most controversial bills that I've seen brought to the House and that I heard from thousands of people on. The government did change their mind and pull that back.

I haven't heard from thousands on this, but I've certainly heard from hundreds this week and last week. Now that we're starting to debate it in the House, we'll probably all be starting to hear from more people.

With those few words, I'll take my seat for debate on the FMA.

THE SPEAKER « » : If I am to recognize the honourable Minister of Finance and Treasury Board, it will be to close debate on second reading.

The honourable Minister of Finance and Treasury Board.

HON. JOHN LOHR « » : I do appreciate hearing the comments from members of the Opposition. There are a number of things I want to address.

The overarching question: Is this a budget for this time in our history? I would say absolutely yes. We are facing an unprecedented crisis with tariffs - on again, off again. The reality is that the budget - we already know that even the uncertainty of the tariffs is damaging to our businesses. It causes businesses to worry: should they make investments, should they not, and what preparation they need to do. Even the discussion has been damaging to our economy. We realize that.

The reality is that the budget we brought forward is a strong economic stimulus budget. It is a budget that puts money back in the pockets of Nova Scotians. I will always be in favour of putting money back in pockets of Nova Scotians rather than charging more taxes. I think Nova Scotians are capable of deciding themselves how they want to spend their own money.

We have a high tax jurisdiction. I was surprised to hear the member for Timberlea-Prospect speak against these tax cuts. I know they campaigned in - 2021, I believe, or - 2024 on a 2 per cent HST tax cut. We're putting in a 1 per cent HST tax cut, which is a significant tax cut.

[Page 1013]

We want to put the money back in the pockets of Nova Scotians. We realize that having that money to spend, they can choose better how to spend it than we can choose for them. The suggestion that the historic capital build that we're doing - which is the largest in Nova Scotia, which follows the second-largest in Nova Scotia's history, which three years ago was the third-largest - we're on a historic capital build for things Nova Scotians need.

We ask ourselves: Can we afford to do it? Then we ask ourselves the question: Can we afford not to? What are we building?

We're building hospitals. We're building schools in areas where they're badly needed. We're building housing, we're building roads, we're building seniors and long-term care facilities - seniors and long-term care facility investment. The last time a government announced a seniors and long-term care facility was the Rodney MacDonald government, which the Dexter government opened. They did not announce any new ones until 2018-2019. The McNeil government did announce a couple, so give them credit, but we had asked for that constantly from 2013 on.

Those types of things - our province needs these investments. We know that putting money back into the pockets of ordinary Nova Scotians and spending money on capital projects in Nova Scotia will drive our economy forward at a critical time.

Do we recognize the debt-to-GDP ratio issue? Yes. We have delivered four balanced budgets in a row. With the caveat that this year is not quite yet over, we're projecting a balanced budget for this year. We've delivered three; we're projecting a fourth balanced budget. I'm proud of that on behalf of our government. The debt-to-GDP ratio, the scale of the capital build, and the trajectory of it has been known for two, three, or four years. We were predicting for this year ending right now - I believe it was in the range of a 33 per cent debt-to-GDP ratio. We're about 2 percentage points better right now. We're in the 31.7 per cent debt-to-GDP ratio.

We're in a better position, in a stronger position right now due to the strength in our economy. We know that economic growth will make that difference. I believe absolutely that this is a budget for this moment in time. This is the budget we need. There are other measures in the Financial Measures (2025) Act.

The question of the deed transfer tax for non-residents - I just want to address that for a moment. The reality is, not only are we making homes more affordable for Nova Scotians by doing this, but if they're competing against a buyer from another province who wants to have a cottage, then they have a little bit of a leg up in that transaction. They have a bit of an advantage. We want to give Nova Scotians that.

[Page 1014]

The reality is that advantage is there for people from other provinces who want to come and live here too. If you're living in Ontario or Quebec - any of the provinces - and you say, I'm moving to Nova Scotia because there's better opportunity - a better job here, that non-resident deed transfer tax will advantage you too, because you don't pay it. You can come and move here, and as long as you become a resident within six months, that means that house was 10 per cent more affordable for you than for someone who wanted it for a cottage.

The reality is, if you go around rural Nova Scotia, there are many homes that are cottages for people in other provinces that could be a home here. That's the reality. We want to provide the opportunity for Nova Scotians. We have had a housing crisis. We've heard lots about it. We continue to hear lots about the housing crisis in Question Period. This housing crisis is right straight across our province. It's in every community in our province, as the report we received about a year and a half ago told us.

It's in every single community, and in all of these communities in rural Nova Scotia, in particular, we know people buy homes for cottages because they're very affordable. The homes have been in the $60,000, $70,000, $80,000 range for a long time. Now they're more expensive. They've become very hard for our own residents to buy when a home that sold for $70,000 four or five years ago is now in the $200,000 or $300,000 range. It's a tough purchase. But even then, that's still - vis-à-vis in Ontario or some other jurisdiction in Canada - a great buy.

We still are a well-priced economy for housing for people from other areas. We want to just do something to help our own residents buy a home here. We want to do something for those people who want to move here to be able to afford a home. We are doing those things.

The member for Halifax Citadel-Sable Island brought up a number of issues. I just want to say that we know Nova Scotia Loyal is a good program. We are going to support that program. As a small business owner my whole life, working in the Atlantic region - our business was doing distribution within the Atlantic region - but in Nova Scotia, every small business starts local. If we can give those local small businesses a leg up through the Nova Scotia Loyal program, we will.

Does that mean we don't want to do business with Ontario? Absolutely not. We want to have our producers be able to sell in Ontario. We want Ontario producers to be able to sell here. We know that if we can make - I'm sounding a little bit hoarse, I guess.

We know that we want to encourage that. Every business starts small. A small business will always be most competitive right in its own local area, right in its own region. Any small business starting that we can help here through the Nova Scotia Loyal program to get a leg up and get going is one that could grow to become a business that does business in Ontario or Quebec or P.E.I. or New Brunswick or Newfoundland and Labrador, and maybe someday even in the United States. We know that every small business starts local and is most competitive locally. The Nova Scotia Loyal program will give those businesses a leg up. I'm very proud of the minister working on that and what we are doing there.

With that, Speaker, I will say that I believe this is the budget we need right now for our province. This will stimulate our economy. It will put lunches in schools for thousands more of our children. For that reason alone, I hope that all members of this House will vote for that school lunch food program.

With that, Speaker, I move to close second reading on Bill No. 68.

THE SPEAKER « » : The motion is for second reading of Bill No. 68.

All those in favour? Contrary minded? Thank you.

Ordered that the bill be referred to Standing Committee on Public Bills.

The honourable Government House Leader.

HON. BRENDAN MAGUIRE: This concludes government business for today. I move that the House now rise to meet again tomorrow, March 7^th, between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. Following the daily routine, Government Business will include a Committee of the Whole House on Supply.

THE SPEAKER « » : The motion is that the House rise to meet again on Friday, March 7^th, between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m.

All those in favour? Contrary minded? Thank you.

The motion is carried.

We stand adjourned until Friday, March 7^th.

[The House rose at 8:23 p.m.]

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