HON. DEREK MOMBOURQUETTE: We recently learned that St Barbara Gold - a major mining company - is pulling out of Nova Scotia. In an interview last year, the CEO of the company said, "The only difficulty that we've really encountered in Nova Scotia is dealing with the Department of Environment." I'll table that quote. My question to the Minister of Environment is: Is he worried that his department is one of those "special interest groups" that the Premier has recently rallied against?

HON. MICHELLE THOMPSON: I appreciate the advocacy that is happening in the House. This is an individual case. The matter is before the courts, and I will not comment further on it.

MR. ALFIE MACLEOD: Mr. Speaker, my question is for the Minister responsible for the Resource Recovery Fund Board. Earlier this session, the member for Victoria-The Lakes asked, ". . . which rural town will be the next to feel the wrath of this government's policies?" Now, we have the answer - it is Lincolnville, Guysborough.

MR. KEITH BAIN: Mr. Speaker, the NDP's attack on job creators continues. Egg Studios recently announced they will continue to pursue legal recourse and a judicial review appeal to the Supreme Court in their effort to reverse the decision of the NDP's new labour board, under NDP law, to certify a group of technical employees earlier this year.

...

HON. STEPHEN MCNEIL: My question to the Premier is, why does the Premier think it's okay to take land from a Nova Scotia family business to give to a large multinational corporation yet won't consider taking land back from Resolute?

THE PREMIER: Mr. Speaker, I'll await your ruling on this but I believe that is a matter before the courts and any response to that question would be inappropriate.

[page 1480]

MR. HAROLD THERIAULT: Mr. Speaker, my question is to the Premier. During this government's last mandate, they handed over a permit to Global Quarry Products to mine a 3.9 hectare basalt rock on Digby Neck, without an environmental assessment. We are all aware that this came under considerable scrutiny from residents and environmental groups from across this province. This company views itself as community-minded and this government leaped at the chance to attract their industry.

ENVIRON. - GUYSBOROUGH MUN.: RRFB - FOIPOP REQUESTS

MR. ANDREW YOUNGER: Mr. Speaker, my question is for the Minister of Environment. Yesterday the Municipality of Guysborough announced a lawsuit against the Resource and Recovery Fund Board over the handling of the tire recycling facility tender. Now, while I understand the minister can't speak to a lawsuit itself, it has raised questions about how the minister's department, and agencies under the minister's control, handle Freedom of Information requests.

LBR. & ADV. EDUC.: EGG STUDIOS - UNION CERTIFICATION

MR. KEITH BAIN: Mr. Speaker, the NDP's attack on job creators continues. Egg Studios recently announced they will continue to pursue legal recourse and a judicial review appeal to the Supreme Court in their effort to reverse the decision of the NDP's new labour board, under NDP law, to certify a group of technical employees earlier this year.