MR. SPEAKER: Yesterday I indicated that both requests I received yesterday for an emergency debate met the criteria set out in Rule 43. I then put the leave motion to the House on the request I received first in time. As the House knows, the leave was granted and the emergency debate put forward by the Progressive Conservative Party took place at the moment of adjournment yesterday. The New Democratic Party has resubmitted their motion with due notice.

I now recognize the Acting Leader of the New Democratic Party to move her motion for emergency debate.

ALLAN MACMASTER: Mr. Speaker, before we get into Question Period, you will note earlier today in accordance with Rule 43(2) I wrote to you indicating my intention to request an emergency debate on the subject of lack of access to primary health services for people who live in the remote northern tip of Cape Breton Island. It puts their lives at danger.

THE PREMIER: Mr. Speaker, in accordance with Rule 43(1), I am making a motion for an emergency debate on climate change. This is an issue that is important to all members of this House and, indeed, all Nova Scotians.

We have seen this issue take the forefront of the global community, and it is important for Nova Scotians to be recognized for the work they have already done, but also for all of us in this House to recognize there is way more work for us as a province to do.

I ask that the business of the House be set aside to deal with this urgent matter.

TIM HOUSTON: Mr. Speaker, in accordance with Rule No. 43(1), I'm making a motion for an emergency debate on emergency health services, specifically ambulance service. This is an issue that is important to all members of this House and, indeed, all Nova Scotians. This is an issue that quite literally is a matter of life and death for many Nova Scotians.

HON. ZACH CHURCHILL: Mr. Speaker, under Rule 43-10(b), I move a motion that business of the House be set aside for the purpose of dealing with an issue of urgent public importance: the cost of living crisis.

MR. ANDREW YOUNGER: Mr. Speaker, I rise in accordance with Rule 43 of the House of Assembly Rules and Forms of Procedure to request that the business of the House be set aside for the purpose of discussing a matter of urgent public importance. Further, in accordance with Rule 43(2), I have provided you a written statement earlier today within the timeline. The motion in question that I have proposed to be debated is:

HON. ZACH CHURCHILL: This past weekend, premiers from across the province came to Halifax and they all stayed at Scott McCrea's hotel, Queen's Marque - probably the most expensive hotel in the province. This is also an individual who is closely aligned with the Premier, who chaired his transition team, has fundraised for the Premier, is a close friend and personal ally. Does the Premier understand how this could be perceived as a potential conflict of interest or favouritism?

HON. ZACH CHURCHILL: The Premier, in Question Period, referenced an RCMP investigation into the Liberal Party. I have to state for the House there is no such investigation. The Premier did not table any substantiating . . .

THE SPEAKER: Order. That is not a point of order. A point of order is based on breach of rules of the House. (Interruption) I am correct. It's not a point of order, but perhaps there is something else you would rather say.

The honourable Leader of the Official Opposition.

ZACH CHURCHILL: I'll rise on a point of privilege.

HON. JOHN LOHR: I rise on a point of order.

Last night, in the debate during the Committee of the Whole House on Bills, the debate on Bill No. 340 - the MOU bill - the Leader of the Official Opposition suggested that I as a member was not worthy of the designation of "honourable". I just wanted to say that we can disagree about points or what's happening, we can disagree in this House on how we get the work done, but to cast aspersions on someone else's character in that way is . . . (Interruption)