MR. MICHEL SAMSON: Mr. Speaker, on a point of order. I would find it very unfortunate that in the year of Democracy 250, when we have students visiting here, the House, that they would have to see honourable members, in any way, trying to mislead the House. I would ask if the honourable member for Halifax Fairview, whose Party was pursuing the 8 per cent cut in home heating oil and electricity, which cost the Government of Nova Scotia $75 million in revenue.

HON. RICHARD HURLBURT: Mr. Speaker, I would like to rise on either a point of order or personal privilege - I guess you can rule on that. Sometimes in Question Period we get embroiled in the barbs going back and forth and I believe that maybe my tone to the Leader of the Liberal Party was out of order. I would like to retract the statement I made and I apologize if I embarrassed any member of the Legislature.

MR. SPEAKER: The record shall reflect the same.

The honourable Leader of the Liberal Party.

MR. SPEAKER: Order, please. I'd just note to our guests in the gallery today that you can neither respond favourably or negatively to any of the activity on the floor of the House during its proceedings.

MR. SPEAKER: Order, please. Before beginning with the daily routine, I would like to start with a matter that has been troubling me as Speaker - a matter that I have deemed to be a very serious one before this House.

THE SPEAKER: Order, please. I'm sorry to the person speaking. I want to remind members in this House that, when you enter and leave this Chamber, you are to bow to the person speaking and to the Chair. It's the one long-standing tradition we have to show respect. I know it gets testy in here at times, but that is one way we show respect to each other.

BRAD MCGOWAN: I know it's been a long day, but if you've got eight more minutes left in you, I would be grateful.

I'm Brad McGowan, and I am so grateful to be part of Premier Tim Houston's team and the MLA for Cole Harbour-Dartmouth . . . (interruptions).

THE SPEAKER: Order.

BRAD MCGOWAN: When I went to the amazing people of our community and asked for the honour to . . .

THE SPEAKER: Order. I just want to remind the honourable member that you cannot use your own name or another member's name.

The honourable member for Cole Harbour-Dartmouth.

ROD WILSON: My question is for the Minister of Seniors and Long-term Care, and I commit not to point to anyone, or look at anyone other than yourself.

...

THE SPEAKER: Before I recognize the minister: I don't know if that was a funny little comment or a sarcastic comment, but there is a difference between staring at somebody across and looking over every now and then.

CLAUDIA CHENDER: Yes, this government is getting national recognition. There are headlines in every national news outlet talking about the assault on democracy by this government. The Globe and Mail, The Vassy Kapelos Show, CTV, Power and Politics - every single one of them has featured Bill No. 1 - Bill No. 1, which I have to say the members were curiously silent on last night. I didn't hear the (miming applause). I didn't hear it.

THE SPEAKER: Order. Before we get started, I'd like to read this.

ELIZABETH SMITH-MCCROSSIN: Speaker, I would like to stand on a point of privilege.

THE SPEAKER: Okay.

ELIZABETH SMITH-MCCROSSIN: Yesterday, I spoke in this House, and I talked about our nurses, and today in Question Period, I'm sharing the concerns. Yesterday, the member for Halifax Atlantic and today the Minister of Health and Wellness, both times, are demeaning my character and discrediting my words. I feel I should be able to . . .