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HALIFAX, THURSDAY, DECEMBER 6, 2012

Sixty-first General Assembly

Fourth Session

12:00 NOON

SPEAKER

Hon. Gordon Gosse

DEPUTY SPEAKERS

Ms. Becky Kent, Mr. Leo Glavine, Mr. Alfie MacLeod

MR. SPEAKER « » : Order, please. Before we start the daily routine, the subject matter for late debate has been chosen and I will now read:

Therefore be it resolved that if the NDP Government truly believe that the economy is their strength, they are sorely mistaken and the 40,000 unemployed Nova Scotians can attest to this poorly managed and failed NDP part-time economic strategy.

It was submitted by the honourable member for Bedford-Birch Cove.

We will begin the daily routine.

PRESENTING AND READING PETITIONS

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

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MR. LEO GLAVINE « » : Mr. Speaker, I guess I bring petitioners to a conclusion today, so I beg leave to table a petition with the petitioners calling upon ". . . the Nova Scotia House of Assembly to use its powers over the Board of Commissioners of Public Utilities, the . . . (UARB) to deny any General Rate Application presented by NSPI requesting a rate increase in 2013, 2014 and 2015."

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Mr. Speaker, there are 684 in this last group, and I have affixed my name to the petition.

MR. SPEAKER « » : The petition is tabled.

PRESENTING REPORTS OF COMMITTEES

MR. SPEAKER « » : The honourable Minister of Justice.

HON. ROSS LANDRY « » : Mr. Speaker, as Chairman of the Committee on Law Amendments, I am directed to report that the committee has met and considered the following bills:

Bill No. 158 - Film Nova Scotia Act.

Bill No. 159 - Missing Persons Act.

and the committee recommends these bills to the favourable consideration of the House, each without amendment.

MR. SPEAKER « » : Ordered that these bills be referred to the Committee of the Whole House on Bills.

TABLING REPORTS, REGULATIONS AND OTHER PAPERS

MR. SPEAKER « » : The honourable Deputy Premier.

HON. FRANK CORBETT « » : Mr. Speaker, in my role as Minister of the Public Service Commission, I would like to table Moving Toward Equity, Employment Equity and Diversity in the Nova Scotia Public Service, 2011-12.

MR. SPEAKER « » : The report is tabled.

The honourable Minister of Economic and Rural Development and Tourism.

HON. PERCY PARIS « » : Mr. Speaker, I beg leave to table the Annual Report of NSBI, entitled Momentum 2011-2012 Annual Report.

MR. SPEAKER « » : The report is tabled.

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The honourable Minister of Justice.

HON. ROSS LANDRY « » : Mr. Speaker, I beg leave to table the 2012 Annual Report of the Nova Scotia Public Trustee.

MR. SPEAKER « » : The report is tabled.

STATEMENTS BY MINISTERS

GOVERNMENT NOTICES OF MOTION

MR. SPEAKER « » : The honourable Minister of Labour and Advanced Education.

RESOLUTION NO. 2658

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

Whereas December 6^th marks the National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women, commemorating the anniversary of the murder of 14 women engineering students at l'École Polytechnique in Montreal, who were killed because they were women; and

Whereas this day is also a time to remember and honour all Nova Scotia women impacted by violence; and

Whereas the province acknowledges those who have been touched by this issue - to the victims for their courage in coming forward and asking for help, to the friend or neighbour who tried to help instead of looking the other way, and to all those who have helped a victim of domestic violence, thank you;

Therefore be it resolved that government and community groups continue to work collaboratively to improve the lives of the far too many Nova Scotia families that continue to experience domestic violence.

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

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

Is it agreed?

It is agreed.

Would all those in favour of the motion please say Aye. Contrary minded, Nay.

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The motion is carried.

The honourable Minister of Health and Wellness.

RESOLUTION NO. 2659

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

Whereas Mrs. Roxanna F. Smith has served as board chair of the South Shore District Health Authority for the past 12 years; and

Whereas Mrs. Smith's role as a member and chair was to administer, manage, provide general direction and control of the affairs of the district health authority; and

Whereas after many years of diligently and respectfully representing the best health interests of the residents of Queens and Lunenburg Counties, Mrs. Smith has retired as chairman;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly applaud Mrs. Roxanna F. Smith for her steadfast dedication to improving the health and wellness of Nova Scotians by serving as chair of the South Shore District Health Authority board and wish her all the best in the future.

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

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

Is it agreed?

It is agreed.

Would all those in favour of the motion please say Aye. Contrary minded, Nay.

The motion is carried.

The honourable Minister of Communities, Culture and Heritage.

RESOLUTION NO. 2660

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

Whereas in 1887 Anna Leonowens and a group of visionary Nova Scotians founded the Victoria School of Art and Design, the institution we now know as the Nova Scotia College of Art & Design, in commemoration of Queen Victoria's Golden Jubilee; and

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Whereas through the years NSCAD lecturers, faculty, administration, and graduates have included noted artists such as Group of Seven painter Arthur Lismer; William Roué and Fred Allen, who designed the Bluenose and Theodore Too; photographer Robert Frank; political cartoonist Bruce MacKinnon; film and mixed-media artists Michael Snow and Joyce Wieland; and singer-songwriters Jimmy Rankin, Jenn Grant, and Sarah McLachlan; and

Whereas the Nova Scotia College of Art & Design plays a vital role in helping students of all ages and walks of life to develop their creative talents in a mix of full-time, part-time, and continuing education programs, and continually strengthens and expands the foundation of Nova Scotia's creative economy;

Therefore be it resolved that the members of this House, in the year where we celebrate Queen Elizabeth II's Diamond Jubilee, congratulate the faculty, staff, students, and graduates of the Nova Scotia College of Art & Design University in this, its 125^th year, and extend our best wishes for its continued and thriving existence.

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

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

Is it agreed?

It is agreed.

Would all those in favour of the motion please say Aye. Contrary minded, Nay.

The motion is carried.

The honourable Minister of Communities, Culture and Heritage.

RESOLUTION NO. 2661

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

Whereas every year on December 6^th, Nova Scotians and Canadians look back at the Halifax Explosion of 1917 as a defining moment in the culture and heritage of this province; and

Whereas with the centenary of this tragic event that took the lives of thousands of people approaching, the stories and emotions that emerged from the disaster are still being passed down from generation to generation; and

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Whereas the Nova Scotia Archives has collected and documented many first-hand accounts of the Halifax Explosion and is launching a new project using Twitter to collect even more stories from Nova Scotians;

Therefore be it resolved that the Nova Scotia Legislature take a moment today to remember the 2,000 people who died from the explosion and its aftermath, and to wish the Nova Scotia Archives great success as it continues to capture this moment in time that has so deeply affected the people of Nova Scotia for almost a century.

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

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

Is it agreed?

It is agreed.

Would all those in favour of the motion please say Aye. Contrary minded, Nay.

The motion is carried.

INTRODUCTION OF BILLS

Bill No. 161 - Entitled an Act to Improve Public Accountability for Nova Scotia's Natural Resources. (Ms. Michele Raymond)

MR. SPEAKER « » : Ordered that this bill be read a second time on a future day.

NOTICES OF MOTION

MR. SPEAKER « » : The honourable Leader of the Opposition.

RESOLUTION NO. 2662

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

Whereas across Canada people remember how on this day in 1989, Mark Lépine walked into l'École Polytechnique in Montreal and murdered 14 women solely because they were women; and

Whereas we remember women who have died in Nova Scotia at the hands of their abusive partners; and

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Whereas we must, as a collective, take a stand against violence against women, not just today but every day;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of the House of Assembly remember the women who died in Montreal's shooting, and remember those women who have died in our province, while we work toward the full eradication of violence against women.

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

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

Is it agreed?

It is agreed.

Would all those in favour of the motion please say Aye. Contrary minded, Nay.

The motion is carried.

?

The honourable Leader of the Progressive Conservative Party.

RESOLUTION NO. 2663

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

Whereas December 6^th marks the National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women; and

Whereas this National Day of Remembrance commemorates the murder of 14 young women at l'École Polytechnique in 1989, who died simply because they were women; and

Whereas December 6^th represents an opportunity for Nova Scotians, and all Canadians, to reflect on the impact violence against women and girls has on our society and what we can all do to eliminate it;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House recognize the importance of the National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women and girls and do all we can to stop gender-based violence in our own communities.

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

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

Is it agreed?

It is agreed.

Would all those in favour of the motion please say Aye. Contrary minded, Nay.

The motion is carried.

?

The honourable Minister of Education.

HON. RAMONA JENNEX « » : Mr. Speaker, before I do my notice of motion I would like to do an introduction.

MR. SPEAKER « » : Most certainly.

MS. JENNEX « » : Today in the gallery we have Marilyn and Charlie VanBuskirk of Wolfville, and Bob and Joan VanBuskirk of Halifax. Marilyn is celebrating her 41^st Anniversary in scouting with the Wolfville Cub Pack. As well, she is one of the founders of the Wolfville Food Bank, and is an active member of the Grannies, raising funds to help grandmothers who look after grandchildren in Africa whose parents died of AIDS. Marilyn is personally helping a Grannie to support two grandchildren in Africa.

Marilyn is most recently a recipient of the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal. Marilyn still works with the Wolfville Food Bank and helps to coordinate the support for up to 160 families a month. Marilyn did all of this volunteer work while working as the administrative assistant at the Wolfville Baptist Church, and is now well into retirement for the last three years - and one would be remiss if we did not mention, with the help of her beloved husband, Charlie.

I'm asking our guests to please rise and receive the warm welcome of the House. (Applause)

MR. SPEAKER « » : We welcome all our guests to the gallery and hope they enjoy this afternoon's proceedings.

The honourable Minister of Education.

RESOLUTION NO. 2664

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

Whereas Marilyn VanBuskirk, of Wolfville, was recently awarded the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal for a host of contributions including, but certainly not limited to, her celebration of 40 years of service to the scouting movement with the Wolfville Cub Pack, her founding of the Wolfville Food Cupboard, and later the Wolfville Food Bank, with the support of the Wolfville Baptist Church; and

Whereas Marilyn has been more recently been involved actively with the Grandmothers to Grandmothers Campaign of the Stephen Lewis Foundation, sponsoring two grandmothers personally, as well as promoting and operating fundraisers to help grandmothers in Africa who are raising their grandchildren, the parents being lost to HIV/AIDS; and

Whereas Marilyn has served her community and communities abroad with a tireless spirit of selflessness and volunteerism in the service of those facing hardship, embodying the principles of her faith as well as the principles of the Scouting movement as put forth in the Cub Scout Promise;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly recognize the contributions made by Marilyn VanBuskirk to the people of her community, this province, and abroad.

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

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

Is it agreed?

It is agreed.

Would all those in favour of the motion please say Aye. Contrary minded, Nay.

The motion is carried. (Standing Ovation)

?

The honourable Leader of the Opposition.

RESOLUTION NO. 2665

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

Whereas 95 years ago today at approximately 9:05 a.m., the landscape of Halifax was altered forever as the SS Imo and the SS Mont-Blanc collided in Halifax Harbour; and

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Whereas the initial impact of the explosion followed by collapsing buildings claimed the lives of 1,963 people and left 9,000 injured and 6,000 homeless; and

Whereas the world quickly responded to provide monetary support with the United States organizing a relief train full of supplies and health care professionals, a much-needed gesture that Nova Scotians still remember with gratitude today when our province sends a Christmas tree to the City of Boston;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of the House continue to honour those who lost their lives in the Halifax Explosion and ensure that our children and their children never forget the acts of heroism, courage and sacrifice that followed.

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

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

Is it agreed?

It is agreed.

Would all those in favour of the motion please say Aye. Contrary minded, Nay.

The motion is carried.

The honourable member for Victoria-The Lakes.

RESOLUTION NO. 2666

MR. KEITH BAIN « » : Mr. Speaker, I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:

Whereas the Blackhouse company, founded by the Rankin School of the Narrows students Craig MacKinnon, Katrina MacLean, Mary Emma MacNeil and Patrick MacMillan, recently participated in the province-wide Junior Achievement Pitch It! competition; and

Whereas the Victoria County students tried selling the idea for old-fashioned soap to a panel of celebrity judges, similar to the CBC television show Dragons' Den; and

Whereas the Rankin students earned a spot in the competition after winning the regional fair at the Joan Harriss Cruise Pavilion in Sydney;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly recognize the achievements of Craig, Katrina, Mary Emma and Patrick and wish them every success in the future.

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

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

Is it agreed?

It is agreed.

Would all those in favour of the motion please say Aye. Contrary minded, Nay.

The motion is carried.

The honourable member for Truro-Bible Hill.

RESOLUTION NO. 2667

MS. LENORE ZANN « » : Mr. Speaker, I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:

Whereas Robyn Eddy is president of the Eddy Group, a family business which has had a branch located in Truro since the 1950s and has employed many local people over the years, including 30 at the present moment; and

Whereas the flooding of September 2012 seriously affected the Eddy Group and required the concentrated efforts of various departments of the provincial government and the municipality to seek a solution if Eddy Group was to continue to operate in Truro; and

Whereas Robyn Eddy fully and graciously agreed to co-operate with all parties involved so that the Eddy Group would be able to continue operating their Truro branch for many years to come;

Therefore be it resolved that the Nova Scotia Legislature thank Robyn Eddy for her willingness to find a solution in order to keep the Eddy Group located in Truro, saving 30 local jobs, and thank the Eddy Group for their valuable membership in the Truro business community.

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

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

Is it agreed?

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It is agreed.

Would all those in favour of the motion please say Aye. Contrary minded, Nay.

The motion is carried.

The honourable member for Richmond.

RESOLUTION NO. 2668

HON. MICHEL SAMSON « » : M. le Président, à une date ultérieure, je demanderai l'adoption de la résolution suivante:

Attendu que l'équipe de volleyball masculin de l'École Beau-Port a participé au championnat 2012-13 de volleyball masculin, division 3 de la Nova Scotia School Athletic Federation (NSSAF) qui a eu lieu à Arichat le 1^er décembre 2012; et

Attendu que l'équipe de volleyball masculin de l'École Beau-Port a remporté la première place au championnat de la NSSAF pour la troisième année consécutive; et

Attendu que l'équipe de volleyball masculin de l'École Beau-Port est formée de Teagan Martell, Eric Thibeau, Noah Kehoe, Josh Martell, Liam MacLean, Alex MacLean, Gilles Fougere, Brandon Short, Joel LeFort et de l'entraîneuse Judy Pierce;

Par conséquent, il est résolu quo les membres de cette Assemblée se joignent à moi pour féliciter l'équipe de volleyball masculin de l'École Beau-Port pour avoir remporté la bannière du championnat de la Nova Scotia School Athletic Federation et pour avoir fait preuve de détermination, et leur souhaitent un succès continu.

M. le Président, je demande l'adoption de cette résolution sans préavis et sans débat.

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

Whereas the l'École Beau-Port boys volleyball team competed in the Nova Scotia School Athletic Federation Division 3 boys volleyball championship 2012-13 provincial tournament held at l'École Beau-Port in Arichat on December 1, 2012; and

Whereas l'École Beau-Port boys volleyball team won first place at the NSSAF tournament for the third consecutive year; and

Whereas the l'École Beau-Port boys volleyball team consists of Teagan Martell, Eric Thibeau, Noah Kehoe, Josh Martell, Liam MacLean, Alex MacLean, Gilles Fougere, Brandon Short, Joel LeFort and Coach Judy Pierce;

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Therefore be it resolved that the members of the House of Assembly join me in congratulating the l'École Beau-Port boys volleyball team for winning the Nova Scotia School Athletic Federation banner and for showing great determination and wish them continued success.

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

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

Is it agreed?

It is agreed.

Would all those in favour of the motion please say Aye. Contrary minded, Nay.

The motion is carried.

The honourable member for Inverness.

RESOLUTION NO. 2669

MR. ALLAN MACMASTER « » : Mr. Speaker, I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:

Whereas Adrean Ojoleck and Blaise MacEachern of Judique are recipients of the Diamond Jubilee Medals that recognize contributions to community through volunteer efforts; and

Whereas Ojoleck, a recent Dalbrae graduate and student at Dalhousie University, is an athlete and recipient of scholarships and awards; and

Whereas MacEachern is active locally and provincially in steering trails development and is known for his work on the Trans Canada Trail System;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly congratulate Adrean Ojoleck and Blaise MacEachern on receiving the Diamond Jubilee Medals and acknowledge their volunteer efforts.

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

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

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Is it agreed?

It is agreed.

Would all those in favour of the motion please say Aye. Contrary minded, Nay.

The motion is carried.

The honourable member for Lunenburg.

RESOLUTION NO. 2670

MS. PAM BIRDSALL « » : Mr. Speaker, I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:

Whereas December 6, 2012, marks the 23^rd Anniversary of the Montreal massacre and the Central United Church of Lunenburg is hosting a new, community-based event to draw attention to violence within our communities, while supporting those who struggle with personal issues during the holiday season; and

Whereas Carolyn Tanner and Reverend Grace Caines-Corkum conceived the idea after attending the "Be The Peace, Make the Change" forum in July, organizing a community event called "Standing for Change - Gathering for Hope"; and

Whereas "Standing for Change - Gathering for Hope" will feature an evening of music from Ellen Hunt and the Heartbeat Drummers, Common Thread, Mary Knickle and Nina Scott-Stoddart, as well as guest speakers the MLA for Lunenburg, Rachel Bailey, Lisa Nicholson, Joanne Jefferson and Nancy Ross;

Therefore be it resolved that this House of Assembly recognize the community event "Standing for Change - Gathering for Hope" and its organizers Carolyn Tanner and Reverend Grace Caines-Corkum for creating a forum of reflection and remembrance.

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

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

Is it agreed?

It is agreed.

Would all those in favour of the motion please say Aye. Contrary minded, Nay.

The motion is carried.

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The honourable member for Kings West.

RESOLUTION NO. 2671

MR. LEO GLAVINE « » : Mr. Speaker, I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:

Whereas since 1895 the Nova Scotia Federation of Agriculture has represented the interests of Nova Scotia's agricultural community; and

Whereas Dennis Boudreau was recently elected president of the federation at their annual general meeting; and

Whereas outgoing president Beth Densmore has accomplished much in her time, working diligently on important issues to producers, such as employment insurance matters, temporary foreign workers and her embracement of the 4-H Club and the future of farming with a new generation;

Therefore be it resolved this House of Assembly congratulate Dennis Boudreau as the new President of the Nova Scotia Federation of Agriculture and applaud Beth Densmore for her years of hard work with the federation.

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

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

Is it agreed?

It is agreed.

Would all those in favour of the motion please say Aye. Contrary minded, Nay.

The motion is carried.

The honourable member for Argyle.

RESOLUTION NO. 2672

HON. CHRISTOPHER D'ENTREMONT « » : Mr. Speaker, I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:

Whereas a Diamond Jubilee Medal was created to commemorate Queen Elizabeth II's ascension to the Throne 60 years ago; and

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Whereas Hector Babin of Ste. Anne du Ruisseau received the Diamond Jubilee Medal for his many years of service to the municipal firefighters association, as well as Chief of the Eel Brook and District Fire Department since 1989, and his tremendous volunteerism as a minor hockey and soccer coach, to name just a few; and

Whereas Hector Babin unfortunately passed away on November 15, 2012, at the age of 52, after a long, courageous battle with cancer, but not without leaving his mark on his family, his friends, and the community that he served so well throughout his life;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly join me in paying tribute to the late Hector Babin, honour his life, and celebrate his memory.

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

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

Is it agreed?

It is agreed.

Would all those in favour of the motion please say Aye. Contrary minded, Nay.

The motion is carried.

The honourable member for Halifax Clayton Park.

RESOLUTION NO. 2673

MS. DIANA WHALEN « » : Mr. Speaker, I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:

Whereas on September 28, 2012, Dr. Tom Traves, president of Dalhousie, announced that the Dalhousie Faculty of Management School of Business will now proudly be known as the Kenneth C. Rowe School of Business, in honour of its greatest ambassador and champion; and

Whereas this announcement, made in the atrium of the building at Dalhousie that also bears the Rowe name, recognizes Kenneth Rowe for his 20 years as a member and chair of the school's advisory board, where his guidance and support have helped to shape the School of Business; and

Whereas Kenneth Rowe has been generous as a valued adviser and benefactor, helping the School of Business to maintain its reputation of academic excellence and ability to support student success;

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Therefore be it resolved that the members of this House of Assembly thank Kenneth C. Rowe for his tremendous contribution to our province and his unwavering support of Dalhousie's School of Business, which enables students to receive the best possible education in management.

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

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

Is it agreed?

It is agreed.

Would all those in favour of the motion please say Aye. Contrary minded, Nay.

The motion is carried.

The honourable member for Cape Breton West.

RESOLUTION NO. 2674

MR. ALFIE MACLEOD « » : Mr. Speaker, I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:

Whereas Cape Breton natives Hector MacNeil and Betty Lord have created a Gaelic/English day planner, Leabhran-Suidheachaidh, which presents the days of the week, months of the year, holidays, and feast days, as well as traditional Gaelic weather lore, in both Gaelic and English; and

Whereas the day planner combines the practicality of a pocket calendar with that of a language resource and an introduction to the richness of Gaelic folklore and the Gaelic world view; and

Whereas this Gaelic/English day planner nurtures and broadens our knowledge and understanding of the Gaelic language and culture of Nova Scotia;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly congratulate Hector MacNeil and Betty Lord for developing this unique product, and thank them for their dedication to preserving and sharing the Gaelic language.

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

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

Is it agreed?

It is agreed.

Would all those in favour of the motion please say Aye. Contrary minded, Nay.

The motion is carried.

The honourable member for Clare.

RESOLUTION NO. 2675

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

Whereas the Nova Scotia Federation of Agriculture held their 117^th Annual General Meeting in Truro this past weekend; and

Whereas Dennis Boudreau of Concession, Digby County, was elected president of the Nova Scotia Federation of Agriculture; and

Whereas Dennis has always believed that many of his efforts in farm organizations were to try to make life on the farm better by all stakeholders working together for the benefit of all;

Therefore be it resolved that the members of this House of Assembly congratulate incoming president Dennis Boudreau and wish him every success in his leadership role.

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

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

Is it agreed?

It is agreed.

Would all those in favour of the motion please say Aye. Contrary minded, Nay.

The motion is carried.

The honourable Leader of the Progressive Conservative Party.

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RESOLUTION NO. 2676

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

Whereas 95 years ago today, at 8:40 a.m., the SS Mont Blanc, a French cargo ship fully loaded with wartime munitions, collided with the SS Imo in the Narrows of the Halifax Harbour, causing an explosion that devastated the city; and

Whereas entire neighbourhoods were destroyed, 2,000 lives were lost, 9,000 people were injured, and 6,000 people were left homeless as a result of the blast that was at that time the largest man-made explosion in world history; and

Whereas the resilient survivors of the Halifax Explosion immediately began relief efforts, aided by our well-disciplined troops and naval personnel already in the area;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House honour the lives lost that awful day and remember the courageous individuals who worked tirelessly to rescue victims from the rubble and preserve as many lives as possible from this tragedy.

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

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

Is it agreed?

It is agreed.

Would all those in favour of the motion please say Aye. Contrary minded, Nay.

The motion is carried.

The honourable member for Bedford-Birch Cove.

RESOLUTION NO. 2677

MS. KELLY REGAN « » : Mr. Speaker, I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:

Whereas 85-year-old Lew Turner of Bedford has been participating in the annual Walk/Run Event for the Cobequid Community Health Centre Foundation since 2003, walking at least 10 kilometres in the event every year; and

Whereas Mr. Turner says he does it because the health centre is a well-equipped facility staffed with friendly, professional people in the heart of the community; and

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Whereas in nine years Mr. Turner has raised nearly $25,000 for the health centre, more than any individual participant;

Therefore be it resolved that the members of this House of Assembly congratulate Lew Turner for contributing to the Cobequid Community Health Centre Foundation while serving as a role model for a healthy, active lifestyle for young and old alike.

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

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

Is it agreed?

It is agreed.

Would all those in favour of the motion please say Aye. Contrary minded, Nay.

The motion is carried.

The honourable member for Victoria-The Lakes.

RESOLUTION NO. 2678

MR. KEITH BAIN « » : Mr. Speaker, I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:

Whereas the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal represents the 60^th Anniversary of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II's ascension to the throne as Queen of Canada, honouring her reign and recognizing significant contributions and achievements by Canadians; and

Whereas on November 24^th, the Honourable Michael L. MacDonald presented Rod C. MacNeil the Diamond Jubilee Medal, recognizing his volunteer contributions to his community promoting Gaelic language and culture in Cape Breton for over 50 years; and

Whereas Rod C. has been actively involved in the Highland Village Museum in Iona, is a leading member of the Iona Gaelic Singers, and has been a familiar face at Gaelic events around Nova Scotia;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly congratulate and thank Rod C. for his outstanding contribution to the preservation and promotion of the Gaelic cultural community.

[Page 5017]

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

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

Is it agreed?

It is agreed.

Would all those in favour of the motion please say Aye. Contrary minded, Nay.

The motion is carried.

The honourable member for Dartmouth East.

RESOLUTION NO. 2679

MR. ANDREW YOUNGER « » : M. le Président, par la présente, j'avise que je proposerai à une date ultérieure, l'adoption de la résolution suivante:

Attendu que la Municipalité régionale de Halifax a tenu des élections pour tous les districts municipaux, le Halifax Regional School Board, ainsi que pour le Conseil scolaire acadien provincial, le 20 octobre 2012; et

Attendu que M. Lucien Comeau, résident de Dartmouth East a été et continue d'être un infatigable partisan de la communauté francophone, engagé dans divers rôles, comités et conseils, afin the protéger et promouvoir la fierté et l'héritage acadiens; et

Attendu que M. Lucien Comeau a éré élu Conseiller scolaire au nouveau Conseil scolaire acadien provincial pour la Région de Halifax lors des dernières élections;

Qu'il soit résolu que les membres de cette assemblée législative se joignent à moi pour féliciter Lucien Comeau de son élection au Conseil scolaire acadien provincial et lui souhaiter le succès durant son terme comme Conseiller scolaire.

M. le Président, je propose l'adoption de cette résolution sans préavis et sans débats.

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

Whereas the Halifax Regional Municipality held elections for all municipal districts and the Halifax Regional School Board, as well as for the Conseil scolaire acadien provincial (CSAP) school boards on October 20, 2012; and

[Page 5018]

Whereas Dartmouth East resident Lucien Comeau has been and continues to be a tireless supporter of the francophone community, holding roles on countless boards and committees to promote and preserve Acadian heritage and pride; and

Whereas Mr. Lucien Comeau has been elected to the new Conseil scolaire acadien provincial as a representative of the Halifax area in the recent elections;

Therefore be it resolved that members of the House of Assembly congratulate Mr. Lucien Comeau to his election to the Conseil scolaire acadien provincial and wish him success during his term.

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

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

Is it agreed?

It is agreed.

Would all those in favour of the motion please say Aye. Contrary minded, Nay.

The motion is carried.

The honourable member for Argyle.

RESOLUTION NO. 2680

HON. CHRISTOPHER D'ENTREMONT « » : Mr. Speaker, I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:

Whereas anniversaries are an occasion for families and friends to gather together to celebrate the life of two individuals united as one; and

Whereas it was once said that a marriage anniversary is the celebration of love, trust, partnership, tolerance, and tenacity but the order varies for any given year; and

Whereas on July 15, 2012, a very special occasion took place when Annie and Charlie Muise celebrated their 70^th wedding anniversary at an open house surrounded by their children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and other family and friends;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly congratulate Annie and Charlie on their remarkable milestone in their life together and wish them many more happy years.

[Page 5019]

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

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

Is it agreed?

It is agreed.

Would all those in favour of the motion please say Aye. Contrary minded, Nay.

The motion is carried.

The honourable member for Richmond.

RESOLUTION NO. 2681

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

Whereas the 11^th investiture ceremony for the Order of Nova Scotia, the highest honour bestowed by the province, was held on November 28^th at Government House; and

Whereas long-time Richmond County resident Silver Donald Cameron was recognized for his accomplishments in broadcasting, education, publishing, and environmentalism, having authored novels, short stories, and plays which have won him several awards; and

Whereas following the collapse of the groundfish fishery in the early 1990s, Silver Don played a leadership role in promoting community economic development on Isle Madame by helping to create Telile, the not-for-profit community television station and Development Isle Madame, an economic development organization;

Therefore be it resolved that members of the House of Assembly join me in congratulating Silver Donald Cameron on receiving the Order of Nova Scotia and wish him good health, happiness, and continued success.

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

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

Is it agreed?

[Page 5020]

It is agreed.

Would all those in favour of the motion please say Aye. Contrary minded, Nay.

The motion is carried.

The honourable member for Cape Breton West.

RESOLUTION NO. 2682

MR. ALFIE MACLEOD « » : Mr. Speaker, I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:

Whereas the Donkin Citizens Brass Band had its start on July 22, 1919, and the band made its first public appearance on Christmas Day 1919 on Schooner Pond Dam; and

Whereas the band developed into a reputable musical organization known throughout Canada, playing at the Toronto CNE, Niagara Falls City Council, and before King George VI and in 1951 before Princess Elizabeth, now our Queen; and

Whereas the band nears their 10^th decade of entertaining, the band has elected their first female president, Charlene Reid, who has been a band member for 30 years;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly wish Charlene Reid all the best and wish her success in her new role with the band as she guides them towards their 100^th Anniversary.

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

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

Is it agreed?

It is agreed.

Would all those in favour of the motion please say Aye. Contrary minded, Nay.

The motion is carried.

The honourable member for Bedford-Birch Cove.

RESOLUTION NO. 2683

[Page 5021]

MS. KELLY REGAN « » : Mr. Speaker, I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:

Whereas Bedford highland dancer Maeghan Taverner represented Nova Scotia in competition in Alberta in June, bringing home six medals; and

Whereas Maeghan then toured the Maritimes and competed in Massachusetts, Maine, Ontario, and New Hampshire, adding many medals and trophies to her collection; and

Whereas Maeghan danced in the Senior Division of the British Association of Teachers of Dancing North American Scholarships competition, held on board a cruise out of Miami, which took place just as Hurricane Sandy hit with much attendant rolling and pitching and violent waves;

Therefore be it resolved that the members of this House of Assembly congratulate Maeghan Taverner on placing in the top five in North America and wish her well in her future dance endeavours.

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

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

Is it agreed?

It is agreed.

Would all those in favour of the motion please say Aye. Contrary minded, Nay.

The motion is carried.

The honourable member for Halifax Clayton Park.

RESOLUTION NO. 2684

MS. DIANA WHALEN « » : Mr. Speaker, I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:

Whereas the Nova Scotia Talent Trust was established in 1944 to assist the career of our own Portia White, one of the great contralto voices in the history of Canadian classical music, and has given out more than $1.8 million in scholarships to over 1,900 recipients since that time; and

Whereas this year an independent volunteer scholarship selection committee looked at 129 applicants, the highest number the trust has ever received, to decide who would receive scholarships this year; and

[Page 5022]

Whereas pianist Jenna Richards of Rockingham has been selected among this group to receive one of these coveted scholarships for her studies in music;

Therefore be it resolved that the Nova Scotia Legislature congratulate Jenna Richards on being chosen to receive a 2012 Nova Scotia Talent Trust scholarship and wish her well in all her future endeavours.

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

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

Is it agreed?

It is agreed.

Would all those in favour of the motion please say Aye. Contrary minded, Nay.

The motion is carried.

The honourable member for Glace Bay.

RESOLUTION NO. 2685

MR. GEOFF MACLELLAN « » : Mr. Speaker, I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:

Whereas Glace Bay and all of Cape Breton Island were deeply saddened by the passing of Tara Ann Morgan who lost her courageous battle with cancer on October 25, 2012; and

Whereas Tara was a warm, friendly, compassionate, young lady with a beautiful smile who excelled in sports and realized her professional dream in 2009 when she graduated from the Atlantic Police Academy and was employed with the Cape Breton Regional Police Service upon her return to Cape Breton; and

Whereas Tara left a lasting impression on all of us who got to know her during the short time she had on this earth and her commitment to keeping fellow Nova Scotians safe is a testament to the remarkable individual that our community lost far too soon;

Therefore be it resolved that the members of this House of Assembly join me in extending condolences to Tara's family, her parents Fabian and Wanda, all of her extended family and the many friends she left behind and we know they take tremendous pride in the life and service of their daughter and friend, and Tara will be dearly missed.

[Page 5023]

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

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

Is it agreed?

It is agreed.

Would all those in favour of the motion please say Aye. Contrary minded, Nay.

The motion is carried.

The honourable Government House Leader.

HON. FRANK CORBETT « » : Mr. Speaker, with your indulgence and unanimous consent of the House, would it be possible to just for a moment break from the daily routine? Myself and the other two House Leaders would like to put a few remarks on the record.

MR. SPEAKER « » : The motion is for a little break in the routine.

Is it agreed?

It is agreed.

Would all those in favour of the motion please say Aye. Contrary minded, Nay.

The motion is carried.

The honourable Government House Leader.

HON. FRANK CORBETT « » : Mr. Speaker, thank you to the members of this House. I just wanted to get up as there's a rumour that this may be the last day, to thank the many people who make this House run, in spite of the members: the commissionaires, the Pages, the people who manage this building - your staff in particular, Mr. Speaker, the folks at the Clerk's Table here. We are truly blessed in this province to have such great workers who really enjoy their province so much and give so much of themselves for this House and for this province. On behalf of the government caucus, we want to say thank you. (Applause)

MR. SPEAKER « » : The honourable Opposition House Leader.

[Page 5024]

HON. MICHEL SAMSON « » : Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. As well, on behalf of our Leader, the Leader of the Opposition, and our entire caucus, we, as well, want to extend our deepest thanks to the Pages who work so hard, every day, to assist the members in their work, the House administration staff, the Clerks, the Sergeant-at-Arms, the commissionaires, the library staff, the committees staff and our own caucus staff, who are the ones behind the scenes but are the ones who do their best to prepare us for the work that we do here in this House, in carrying out the business of the people of Nova Scotia.

We certainly want to extend our deepest appreciation to them and certainly want to take the opportunity to wish them a very safe and prosperous holiday season and a Merry Christmas.

Alors, au nom de tout notre caucus, M. le Président, à toutes les personnes que j'ai soulevées, un grand merci : Joyeux No?l et Bonne Année.

MR. SPEAKER « » : The honourable Progressive Conservative House Leader.

HON. CHRISTOPHER D'ENTREMONT « » : Mr. Speaker, on behalf of our Leader and our caucus, and of course all the staff who participate, whether you're on that side of the House or this side of the House, who scurry around for us on a regular basis, I do want to say thank you, of course to the staff who are in the Chamber making sure that we're well watered and coffee'd throughout the day, making sure that we have all the things that we need from the outside world, again thank you.

For those of us who worked as Pages, I know there are a couple of Pages who are sitting in our chairs today, whether it's the member for Hammonds Plains-Upper Sackville, or of course the member for Cumberland South. (Interruption) A long time ago, yes, but then again, know what this is all about and, of course, to you, Mr. Speaker, who does get to keep us in line on many occasions, and of course to your staff, the Clerks who are here at the table, we too want to thank them.

Aussi, je veux remercier tous nos employés, tous ceux qui nous font travailler de notre mieux, pour nos régions.? ?

Mr. Speaker, also for our constituencies and constituents who do send us here to do their work, I want to thank them on their behalf.

Mr. Speaker, I hear we're ending today. We'll have to see how that goes but if in case that does happen today, Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to everyone. (Applause)

MR. SPEAKER « » : Thank you very much. Things must be winding down in here but I would also like to thank my Legislative Counsel for all the work that they do in preparing all the bills and everything. Last but not least, my legislative assistant Nancy Kinsman for all the work she does to keep the Speaker in check. (Applause)

[Page 5025]

ORDERS OF THE DAY

ORAL QUESTIONS PUT BY MEMBERS

MR. SPEAKER « » : The time now is 12:57 p.m. We will finish at 1:57 p.m.

The honourable Leader of the Opposition.

PREM. - MUSKRAT FALLS STUDY: WITHHOLDING FACTS - EXPLAIN

HON. STEPHEN MCNEIL « » : Mr. Speaker, yesterday the Premier revealed that his government had commissioned a secret $85,000 study on the viability of the Muskrat and alternatives to this project. My question to the Premier is, why did the Premier withhold the fact that the study has been underway since September?

THE PREMIER « » : Mr. Speaker, the important fact here, of course, is that the study is being done, an analysis is being done to compare all of the alternatives for Muskrat Falls to ensure that Nova Scotians get the fairest and lowest power rates. That is our commitment. Our commitment is to make sure that the project is well researched, well analyzed, that the appropriate models are put in place, and I don't think this would come as a surprise to the Leader of the Opposition. We don't want to be in a position where the Utility and Review Board is just relying on the opinion generated by Emera or by Nova Scotia Power. So it's in the best interests of the people of Nova Scotia that the report be done and be done well in advance of the Utility and Review Board.

MR. MCNEIL « » : Mr. Speaker, Opposition Parties have asked upwards of 20 questions, discussed this matter during Opposition Business numerous times, and have even held two emergency debates in this session - one of which the Premier called for himself - and yet he did not disclose the fact that there is a study ongoing. So my question to the Premier is, will the Premier « » (Interruptions) Sorry, I'm sure you called it, Premier, I want to give you credit for doing something this session.

Mr. Speaker, will the Premier release the terms of reference of this study immediately?

THE PREMIER « » : Mr. Speaker, I don't really have any problem with the release of the terms of reference. What they will show is exactly what I've said, which is that it is to look at the comparison of the various available projects that might be able to supply Nova Scotians, because we here on this side, what we are committed to is ensuring that Nova Scotians get the lowest, fairest electricity rates - unlike the Liberals who have a plan of deregulation that would drive up power rates 30 per cent to 50 per cent.

[Page 5026]

MR. MCNEIL « » : Mr. Speaker, Nova Scotians already know the NDP Government have driven up power rates 30 per cent.

I am pleased that the Premier will release today the terms of reference around the study, but I wonder if the Premier could also tell this House why he dished out an $85,000 contract untendered - could the Premier explain to this House why that went untendered?

THE PREMIER « » : Mr. Speaker, in fact there was a comprehensive process that was in place to choose the renewable electricity administrator. They then went out through a number of proposals, because there was no response. The renewable electricity administrator, among everything else, has knowledge about the Atlantic Canadian market, they have already had the experience associated with a lot of the background research, so this person and this company was in the best position to be able to complete the work on a timely basis.

MR. SPEAKER « » : The honourable Leader of the Progressive Conservative Party.

PREM. - MUSKRAT FALLS STUDY: CONSULTANT CHOICE - EXPLAIN

HON. JAMIE BAILLIE « » : Mr. Speaker, yesterday the Premier unveiled that his government is doing a secret study on Muskrat Falls for months. Not only did he keep it a secret from the people of Nova Scotia, but at least on two occasions during emergency debate in this House, on the very topic of an independent review of Muskrat Falls, the Premier failed to disclose that he was doing just such a review.

Mr. Speaker, now we know that he hand-picked the consultant doing the Muskrat Falls review. My question to the Premier is, did he hand pick his own consultant to do the review to ensure that Nova Scotians did not know what he was up to?

THE PREMER: Mr. Speaker, it's kind of an odd assertion, isn't it? I announced the study yesterday in front of 500 people of the Chamber of Commerce, so it's difficult to understand how that could possibly be construed as a secret.

What is not a secret, Mr. Speaker, is that the company that was chosen to do this was chosen through a process to be the renewable electricity administrator, did work with respect to the coal regulations that the federal government brought in, and is in the best position to deliver the best value to the people of Nova Scotia so they can be assured that they will benefit from the lowest and fairest rates.

MR. BAILLIE « » : Mr. Speaker, the Premier is trying to say that this study is independent, but it is far from independent. The province's own renewable energy administrator is actually the one who the Premier has chosen to do a study.

[Page 5027]

Mr. Speaker, a little while ago the consumer advocate wrote a letter to the renewable energy administrator in which he says the renewable RFP ". . . would unnecessarily increase annual ratepayer bills by millions of dollars, by acquiring far too much renewable energy . . ." And I will table that letter for the benefit of the House.

My question to the Premier « » : Why did he pick, as an independent consultant on Muskrat Falls, the very renewable energy administrator who is tied to closely to his own unaffordable electricity plan?

THE PREMIER « » : Mr. Speaker, the renewable energy administrator was designed to impartially determine which projects were best able to meet the needs of Nova Scotians on the renewable energy, or the renewable electricity plan. That plan will actually deliver the most stable rates that this province has seen in its history, because it will be part of an integrated energy portfolio that will allow us to keep rates at the lowest possible price for ratepayers.

MR. BAILLIE « » : Mr. Speaker, the people of Nova Scotia, who are going to pay the bills for the Premier's expensive plans, want a full and open and transparent review of Muskrat Falls compared to all the alternatives. What they don't want is a secret consultants' report, hand-picked and delivered to a company so closely associated with the Premier's own government.

That meets none of the tests of openness and transparency, so I will now ask the Premier « » : Will he now do the right thing and call for a full, open, transparent, and independent review of the Muskrat Falls project?

THE PREMIER « » : Mr. Speaker, this is a case of the Leader of the Progressive Conservative Party not being able to take yes for an answer. This is an open, transparent, full review of the Muskrat Falls project that will be released in January so that people have the opportunity to assess it before the Utility and Review Board hearing.

I wonder, as he says for some period of time, he's been asking for this kind of analysis. He has a great opinion with respect to the project, but what is it based on? Where is the analysis that the Leader of the Progressive Conservative Party has done? What economic model has he used? I think the answer to that question must be a secret.

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

PREM. - MUSKRAT FALLS STUDY:

[Page 5028]

CONSULTANT - INDEPENDENCE CONFIRM

MR. ANDREW YOUNGER « » : Mr. Speaker, my question is to the Premier. Continuing on with this secret contract, the Premier spent a lot of time saying why Mr. Dalton was chosen. I think we all know why Mr. Dalton was chosen, and it was because the government didn't want somebody truly independent. The draft RFP for the round of renewable energy procurement, prepared by Mr. Dalton, was heavily criticized by the consumer advocate. Mr. Dalton refused to accept any of the fundamental changes because the rules set by the government wouldn't allow such changes.

?Will the Premier explain how a consultant with a history of just simply following the NDP line would provide a truly independent review of Muskrat Falls?

THE PREMIER « » : Mr. Speaker, the Dalton company was chosen after an exhaustive review where there were proposals brought forward examined as to their completeness, and he was chosen because not only of the past expertise that he had but because he was able to do an analysis of these projects in a completely independent fashion. So this is serving the most basic needs in our system, one where all of the applications that came forward were being reviewed transparently, independently, and fairly.

MR. YOUNGER « » : Mr. Speaker, that search was so exhaustive, it didn't include a tender or an RFP. I'm just amazed.

We know Mr. Dalton's history in Nova Scotia. According to the consumer advocate, Mr. Dalton's decisions were unnecessarily increasing ratepayer bills by millions of dollars. And I'll table that, Mr. Speaker. The Premier has said Mr. Dalton was chosen because he knows the energy market in Nova Scotia. Well many other people do, too. But Mr. Dalton's history is partnering with the NDP to unnecessarily raise power bills.

Will the Premier admit that his choice of Mr. Dalton, who the consumer advocate accused of unnecessarily increasing ratepayer bills by millions of dollars, was not at all about ensuring that Muskrat Falls is the most affordable option, but rather about ensuring someone was picked to endorse the NDP's continued track for higher power rates and the Premier's decision to move forward with the project without even knowing the cost?

THE PREMIER « » : Mr. Speaker, I just want to correct, as is usually the case, but I want to correct again the member for Dartmouth East. There was a tender for the renewable energy administrator, in fact there was a request for proposals . . .

AN HON. MEMBER: Didn't say that.

THE PREMIER « » : That's exactly what you said. (Interruptions) He did.

Mr. Speaker, I realize this is the time for debate, but this is Question Period, and if he wants me to answer his question, I'm happy to do that. It's necessary to correct that part of what he said.

[Page 5029]

The simple fact of the matter is that the desire of the members on this side is to ensure that we achieve a number of things with respect to energy, security, and rates. And that is to ensure that the people of Nova Scotia get the lowest, fairest possible rates; that we not be held hostage to any one provider or any one source over the long term; that we have a strategic piece of infrastructure which is going to allow us to be connected to the wider energy grid of the province; and to have a consultant that is going to be able to compare those projects independently and fairly - and that's what we intend to achieve.

MR. YOUNGER « » : Mr. Speaker, I understand the Premier has trouble distinguishing between the facts and his talking points, but maybe he should go and read Hansard tomorrow. He will see that the RFP and tender that I referred to him not doing, was for Mr. Dalton's work on this particular study.

Mr. Speaker, Mr. Dalton is also good friends with Nova Scotia Power. In fact, in August Mr. Dalton awarded all three independent power purchase projects to three wind contracts to companies backed by Nova Scotia Power. Again, it was supposed to be independent, but they all went to Nova Scotia Power - and let's not forget Nova Scotia Power could only be part of those projects because the NDP changed the regulations to allow them during the millions of dollars more profit from ratepayers.

So, Mr. Speaker, why has the Premier hand-picked an analyst, with close ties to the government and a history of siding with Nova Scotia Power over ratepayers, to assess Muskrat Falls?

THE PREMIER « » : Mr. Speaker, the fundamental misinformation that is put forward by the member for Dartmouth East doesn't really do any credit to the debate. The simple fact of the matter is that what we want for the people of Nova Scotia is the lowest and fairest rates.

You know, this is consistent with what the Liberals do on everything - when they don't have an answer for something because they haven't done any analysis and don't have any of their own, what do they do? They attack credible business people, just as they did with IBM and PROJEX and now they are attacking the independent analysis by the Dalton company.

MR. SPEAKER « » : The honourable member for Bedford-Birch Cove.

STATUS OF WOMEN: DOMESTIC VIOLENCE ACTION PLAN

[Page 5030]

- COMMUN. INVOLVEMENT

MS. KELLY REGAN « » : Domestic violence is everyone's business. Today, of all days, this province needs to address this issue, not just from the top down but with the grassroots community organizations that actually make recommendations and offer perspectives based on their work with thousands of women and children impacted by violence in this province. The Domestic Violence Action Plan Coordinating Committee does not include any community members - actions are taken to address the Plan's recommendations without the input of community organizations.

My question is for the Minister responsible for the Advisory Council on the Status of Women Act. Why is it that the Domestic Violence Action Plan appears to be none of communities' business now?

HON. MARILYN MORE « » : I think most members of the House realize that the community was very involved and engaged in developing the Domestic Violence Action Plan. Many recommendations came forward from the joint committee - it was jointly chaired by a community member, and I believe it was the head of the office for the Advisory Council on the Status of Women at that time.

There were many recommendations in there that required action, research, policy changes, and better coordination within government. That is the cross-departmental committee that is now working under the leadership of senior staff from the Department of Justice and the Department of Labour and Advanced Education through the Status of Women Advisory Council Office.

?On an annual basis, we are pleased to report back on our progress. As part of that internal plan we are strengthening our relationships with community groups and working more collaboratively together, and certainly the feedback we're getting from organizations across this province and other service providers is that the relationship is working extremely well, and we are making progress working together.

MS. REGAN « » : That's actually not what we're hearing. It was the voice of community that ensured that the Neighbours, Friends and Family line would be answered by people trained to deal with domestic abuse. Organizations doing this work have not seen an increase in funding to provide this service. Community groups are dealing with the effects of violence against women every day, yet they have not received any increase in funding from this government to do this new work.

My question is, will the minister invest in the Domestic Violence Action Plan and see to it that these groups are funded to do this important work?

MS. MORE « » : Mr. Speaker, government, community groups, businesses - we're all challenged in these current times to live within our means. While we've raised domestic violence and violence against women as a priority across community and government, we have to make sure that our budgets are focused on meeting those priorities. I believe in our first year of office we did make a significant additional contribution to the transition houses across Nova Scotia, that I believe are the lead organizations for that particular help line, and we continue to work very well with them.

[Page 5031]

Believe me, if we had more money available from the taxpayers of the province, certainly domestic violence and violence against women would continue to be a high priority, but we have to work in a very balanced way. We are funding most of the organizations through various departments. Those organizations are our front-line service providers. They regularly report back on their progress. We're all in a state of transition in terms of making sure we allocate our resources to those priorities.

We take every opportunity possible to thank and congratulate and show our appreciation to those community organizations for a job well done. Thank you.

MR. SPEAKER « » : The honourable Leader of the Progressive Conservative Party.

JUSTICE: VIOLENT OFFENDERS - GPS TRACKING DEVICES

HON. JAMIE BAILLIE « » : Mr. Speaker, to the Premier, today is the National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women, an important time for all of us to reflect on the issue of violence against women and girls in Nova Scotia. The Intimate Partner Violence Tracking Project does track cases of violence against women and girls, but it does not actually provide for the tracking of violent offenders.

My question to the Premier, will he now empower judges to put GPS tracking devices on violent offenders in order to protect the victims of domestic violence?

THE PREMIER « » : Mr. Speaker, I would refer that question to the Minister of Justice.

HON. ROSS LANDRY « » : Mr. Speaker, I want to thank the member for that question. It's kind of ironic on this day that the only recommendation that the Progressive Conservative Leader would have is to put a bracelet on it. The courts have the authority. They have the ability to make those decisions, and there has been nothing cut from that program there. I guess we could say it every day, we could give them that message, and every day they don't receive it. I don't understand what we need to do differently to communicate that, but the courts have the expertise.

I want to say that's different - one thing that's significantly from this caucus and that side of the House is that we believe in the judges and their decision-making. We believe in the police officers and their operations, and we believe in the probation services and corrections. That's something different than what they hold.

[Page 5032]

MR. BAILLIE « » : Mr. Speaker, I want to remind the government that today is the National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women. I can assure the minister that we will ask this question every day over and over again, until he gets serious about taking all the steps necessary, taking all the actions that can be taken, to protect women and girls from domestic violence, including tracking the offenders.

The other day, the member for Inverness told this House the story about a young woman in Truro who had been brutally assaulted by her partner, and who reported in the Truro Daily News, which I'll table, that she was disappointed and felt unsafe when he was released on bail with no electronic monitoring device to keep her safe from him.

Mr. Speaker, in the Intimate Partner Violence Tracking report it's very clear that 59 per cent of violent offenders had, as a condition of their release, that they have no contact with the victim, and the sad truth is that too often that condition is ignored and women are at risk all over again. With that knowledge from the government's own report, I'll ask the Premier, will he ensure that there is no further violation of the conditions of release, such as staying away from the victim, by reinstating the GPS electronic monitoring program to keep women and girls safe?

THE PREMIER « » : Mr. Speaker, I'll refer that to the Minister of Justice.

MR. LANDRY « » : Thank you for that question. I just want to make something very clear and I've said it in this House before. I spent 35-plus years as a police officer and this issue is very important to me, and I'm very committed to the safety and take that seriously, and any allegations to the contrary, I take exception to. What I want to focus on is the fact that this government put forth the Domestic Violence Court and in that court it's a matter of trying to get people to take responsibility and accountability to change behaviours.

I know that when the Progressive Conservatives get up here and ask questions, that they want to build more jails and they want to put more people in jails but, remember, we're dealing with family structures and although people make mistakes and they make poor judgments, and they make decisions that can impact the community and the family, but without education, without processes to give supports, both to the victims and to the people who are committing the crimes to change behaviour, you're going to continually have the same circle of violence and breaches in society's rules. So the difference is here the Progressive Conservatives believe in building jails and filling them, not building families and educating the community.

MR. BAILLIE « » : Mr. Speaker, I'm glad to hear that the minister says this is an important issue to him. I wish he would realize how important this issue is to the victims and their families of the women and young girls of Nova Scotia. It's them that we should be focused on and not what's important to the minister and I would only further say that rather than spending his time making up what he believes is the philosophy of the Progressive Conservatives, perhaps he should read the reports of his own government because the Intimate Partner Violence Tracking Project reports that when a sentence of probation is imposed on a domestic violence offender, in 87 per cent of guilty cases they're released on probation.

[Page 5033]

So, Mr. Speaker, will the minister now, in light of his own report where 87 per cent of offenders are released on probation, agree to reinstitute the GPS tracking program for people who are violent, who are offenders, who are convicted, who are out on probation, to ensure that they cannot reoffend and that our women and children, victims of domestic violence, are kept safe?

MR. LANDRY « » : Mr. Speaker, it is all about the community, about the victim, and ensuring that they're safe. That's what my job is and I take that seriously, and I'm committed to that. I want to just reiterate my point that the courts have the full authority and ability to assign the issue on bracelets. I know that the Progressive Conservatives are locked mentally in that process and they can only see that that is one way of making it. They are available, they are within the system, and the difference between that side of the House and this side of the House is, I will reiterate and I will state again, the Progressive Conservatives believe in building jails and filling them.

MR. SPEAKER « » : The honourable member for Halifax Clayton Park.

JUSTICE: VICTIM SERVICES SURCHARGE - DISBURSEMENT

MS. DIANA WHALEN « » : Mr. Speaker, the intent of the victim services surcharge, which is a fee that's added to provincial fines, was to ensure that victims of crime, including victims of domestic abuse, could access counselling and other support services. Instead, revenue collected through these charges is being directed to general revenue. My question for the Minister of Justice is, will the minister please tell members of this House why these monies are not being used for direct services for victims as they were intended?

HON. ROSS LANDRY « » : Thank you to the member. I know that for the last couple of years she has had a passionate view on this issue and has been exploring it for some time, and I know that we had it in estimates. I know that I've spoken to her a number of times; in fact, I made an opportunity for our staff to meet with her and discuss those issues. There is money; sufficient money is going into those programs. Where there are gaps we will address those issues. I'm not aware of where people's needs are not being specifically met. In fact, I had the conversation with her before, if my memory serves me correctly, and suggested if she identified such situations we would look into them.

MS. WHALEN « » : Mr. Speaker, this government is not using the surcharge to directly support victims. Worse still, the government has capped the amount of help a person can access through Victim Services. Some people find their lives absolutely shattered by crime, and healing is a very individual process. You cannot put a cap on that.

[Page 5034]

Will the Minister of Justice stand up for victims today and remove the limitations on how much counselling a victim can receive through Victim Services?

MR. LANDRY « » : Mr. Speaker, any victim, my heart goes out to a person who has been victimized in our society. We're a community that's judged by the way we deal with our most vulnerable, and a victim is certainly a vulnerable person within our community. There is sufficient funding there, and should there be specific needs on a case-by-case basis for additional support, I've assured the member before that would be looked into. If she has something specific that she's trying to get at, then we'd be very happy to examine that issue.

MR. SPEAKER « » : The honourable Leader of the Progressive Conservative Party.

PREM.: MUSKRAT FALLS STUDY - DETAILS

HON. JAMIE BAILLIE « » : Mr. Speaker, yesterday the Premier told Nova Scotians at the Halifax Chamber of Commerce lunch that his secret study into Muskrat Falls is able to look at all alternatives, including natural gas. I only wish that were true. The truth is that his study is looking at a review of alternatives including gas and wind - the key word being "and" - that they must look at gas and wind in combination and not just gas alone as a cheaper and cleaner alternative.

Will the Premier set the record straight about the terms of his secret study and assure Nova Scotians that it will include all alternatives - gas and wind - and also the use of more natural gas in its own right?

THE PREMIER « » : Mr. Speaker, what I will confirm for the Leader of the Progressive Conservative Party is that any alternative would also have to meet the terms of the federally mandated greenhouse gas reduction regulations. If an alternative could not meet those, then they could not be considered.

MR. BAILLIE « » : Mr. Speaker, since we are looking for a full and complete review of all the options, I'm not sure if that was a yes or a no that this secret study can look at gas or not - even though Nova Scotians know gas is far cleaner than coal, and it's also much cheaper around the world.

During the emergency debate on Muskrat Falls, on Tuesday, the member for Halifax Atlantic said, "I am very, very pleased to hear that we are able to have such firm predictions as 2 per cent to 3 per cent increases . . ." in electricity prices because it is such a predictable thing. I will table that for the benefit of the House.

The whole point is that families cannot afford further increases year after year of 2 to 3 per cent in their electricity prices as the Premier's government seems determined to charge them. So my question to the Premier is, will he ensure that his secret study is truly allowed to look at all options available to Nova Scotians, including natural gas?

[Page 5035]

THE PREMIER « » : Mr. Speaker, I've already said that it will look at natural gas; in fact, as natural gas has been lower in price we've actually seen the utility use more and more of it - next year they expect it will be about 25 per cent of the load.

One of the things I pointed out the other day is that natural gas, as a fossil fuel, is subject to very rapid escalations. Although we see on the world market a very low rate, in Nova Scotia last week it was at $14 an MMBTU - a very, very high rate. This is the problem - you don't want to have your consumers locked into these wildly vacillating prices; you want to be able to ramp up or ramp down the usage within an energy portfolio in order to be assured that you have a stable rate, therefore delivering the lowest, fairest rate.

What the Leader of the Progressive Conservative Party doesn't seem to understand is that the system they put in place has now delivered a system that is delivering the very increases that he is seeing. What we want to do is stop that.

MR. SPEAKER « » : The honourable member for Digby-Annapolis.

HEALTH & WELLNESS - DIGBY GEN. HOSP.: DIALYSIS UNIT - STATUS

MR. HAROLD THERIAULT « » : Mr. Speaker, my question is for the Minister of Health and Wellness. In December 2009, government produced a report recommending that a satellite dialysis unit at Digby be given high priority consideration, and I'll table that. Today the dialysis machine sits idle and residents of Digby still travel the longest distance in the province for this life-saving treatment.

The need hasn't changed, Mr. Speaker, and the government report is now three years old. Could the minister please tell the residents of Digby why, after three years, they still don't have a dialysis unit at the Digby General Hospital?

HON. DAVID WILSON « » : Mr. Speaker, we know that patients who have to gain access to dialysis services often have the burden of time-consuming travel to receive that care. That's why we asked for consultation to try to figure out what the true picture looked like in the province when it comes to those individuals, those Nova Scotians gaining access to dialysis services.

No question, we have limited finances. We are dealing over the last three years with a financial mess that the former Progressive Conservative Government left us in; but saying that, we continue to invest in dialysis. We know that we need to try to reduce the burden placed on Nova Scotians, especially with travel time when it comes to dialysis.

[Page 5036]

We recently made some announcements as we move forward to ensure that Nova Scotians have timely access to dialysis, Mr. Speaker. We're going to continue to do that as we move forward to hopefully lessen that burden on Nova Scotians.

MR. THERIAULT « » : Mr. Speaker, on April 4, 2012, the Deputy Minister of Health and Wellness, while appearing before the Public Accounts Committee, stated, "We have individuals in Digby who have to travel farther . . . if we had the money to move a dialysis centre, we would go to Digby first because of the greater distance they have to travel than any other individual in this province." I'll table those quotes.

Mr. Speaker, last week necessary funding for a dialysis unit was announced for the Valley Regional Hospital, despite commitments made by the Deputy Minister of Health and Wellness that Digby would be first. My question is, when can the residents of Digby expect the satellite dialysis unit to open at the Digby General Hospital?

MR. WILSON « » : Mr. Speaker, as I said, there's no question that finances of the province play a role in how we address services, especially in health care here in our province. Knowing that, as we make investments - the investments that we just made and future investments - we'll continue to look at areas of the province. That's why we recently made the announcement in the investment in Kentville, because we looked at the region of the province. If we have only a limited amount of finances to provide additional services for dialysis, what area and in what community would it have the most impact on Nova Scotians? Placing it in Kentville has the most impact on the number of people we can address and hopefully improve the services.

We know that in Digby and in other areas there are hard-to-reach individuals who are seeking services through dialysis. That's why we've invested over $1 million to renovate dialysis units across the province, but also the expansion of home therapies, an area that not many Nova Scotians take advantage of. I know it's an area that it's difficult for someone to make the decision to have home dialysis, but we're encouraging Nova Scotians that it's an option for them to reduce the opportunity for their length of travel to seek dialysis services.

MR. SPEAKER « » : The honourable member for Argyle.

COM. SERV. - LAHAVE MANOR: FIRST CONTRACT LEGISLATION - SCRAP

HON. CHRISTOPHER D'ENTREMONT « » : Mr. Speaker, my question through you is to the Minister of Community Services. LaHave Manor is a non-profit organization that enhances the quality of life for adults who are specially challenged. The manor provides wonderful residential care and supportive community living to teach life, independence and social skills to adults with individual challenges while transitioning these skills for everyday living and lifelong learning.

[Page 5037]

?

Recently the Canadian Auto Workers Union has successfully organized employees at the LaHave Manor in Bridgewater. One key in organizing this was the CAW was using the NDP's harmful first contract arbitration law. The imposition of a first contract could drastically affect the quality of life for residents and see the services they've come to expect and depend on disappear, the unintended consequences of bad NDP legislation.

My question to the minister is, which side is the minister on? Will she stand alongside her Cabinet colleagues and continue to defend the NDP's harmful first contract legislation or will she stand up for the vulnerable men and women who have depended on the services provided by LaHave Manor and urge her boss to scrap the bad law?

HON. DENISE PETERSON-RAFUSE « » : Mr. Speaker, certainly the LaHave Manor, I know it well, I know the participants who go there and staff and it's a fabulous service provider for us. I think it's fairly ridiculous that the member would stretch a story that far to think that because there is an opportunity for unionization there, if there's a decision of the employees to go that route, that that would in any way have an ill effect on the operation of LaHave Manor. That's really stretching it.

MR. D'ENTREMONT « » : Mr. Speaker, the minister knows full well that bad NDP legislation is the source of the problems that are now facing the residents of LaHave Manor. The contract put forth to the board could have had a devastating effect on the programs and services provided to the residents, programs that those individuals depend on. Programs for people with special needs may be cut and the people who run these programs could lose their jobs.

My question to the minister is, when will the minister decide to take the job seriously and stop protecting NDP bad laws and start protecting the vulnerable residents who depend on the services provided by this minister?

MS. PETERSON-RAFUSE « » : Mr. Speaker, I know it's the last day so he must be hallucinating. I'd like to pass that along to my honourable member . . .

MR. SPEAKER « » : Order, order, order, please. Order. Order. That is unparliamentary and I would ask the honourable member to please retract that comment. Thank you.

MS. PETERSON-RAFUSE « » : . . . comment. I will once again say how much he is absolutely stretching the truth of his situation. (Interruptions) Stretching the story, let me say. There are many places throughout this province that function very well with or without a union and that the people of LaHave Manor will be very well taken care of as they always have been taken care of.

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

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LBR. & ADVANCED EDUC. - NSCC AKERLEY:

YMCA/POOL FACILITY - CLOSURE DETAILS

MR. ANDREW YOUNGER « » : Mr. Speaker, it was learned recently that the YMCA and pool facility at Nova Scotia Community College's Akerley Campus is under threat of closure. Five years ago a deal was reached between the Nova Scotia Community College, the YMCA, HRM and the province to keep the facility open which is a resource used by students, the community, the Boys and Girls Club and many others. Now it seems it may close because the province and the Nova Scotia Community College seem unwilling to consider creative options to expand classroom space without removing the pool and that's despite the fact that the province put $0.5 million into renovating the pool just a few years ago.

My question is for the Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal who is responsible for the facility there, why is the government allowing the pool and YMCA facility at the Akerley Campus to close?

HON. MAURICE SMITH » : Mr. Speaker, I would like to pass that question on to the honourable Minister of Labour and Advanced Education.

HON. MARILYN MORE « » : Mr. Speaker, I am aware that there are discussions and negotiations going on between the Y and the community college. I don't believe any decisions have been made. Certainly on both sides, I know the Y is also sort of reorganizing its programs and services, taking a close look at its budget requirements.

To this point, the community college has offered free space to the Y. They also are going through a period of analyzing their space needs. I certainly will await the outcome of those discussions and negotiations. Thank you.

MR. YOUNGER « » : Mr. Speaker, I appreciate the minister's comments but in discussing this with the Y and HRM representatives, in fact, the NSCC has been unwilling to talk to them about this. The Y is now advising clients in the community that the pool and their facility will be closing.

The minister is right that the community college, in return for reduced rates at the Y for NSCC students, was giving them free rent and the municipality was kicking in a cash contribution each year. So now it seems that Dartmouth East lost a rink under the watch of the Tories, and now we'll lose the pool and the YMCA under the watch of the NDP.

There are many options and this is about getting together and finding a solution. After the province put $0.5 million into renovating that pool, Mr. Speaker, will the minister agree to meet with the Y, representatives of the community college, HRM staff, and community leaders to find an alternative to the Y and the pool closing?

[Page 5039]

MS. MORE « » : Mr. Speaker, I actually have asked the president of the community college to brief me on some of those issues and that meeting will be held shortly. After that, we can make a decision about expanding that to include the community partners. As the honourable member knows, that's certainly my approach, to bring people around the table and discuss these issues and try to come to a resolution that will have the least negative impact on everyone and continue much-needed services throughout our province.

I will go ahead with my meeting with the president of the community college and based on the information that's shared at that meeting, we can make a decision about, as I said, extending that to other stakeholder groups. I thank him for the suggestion.

MR. SPEAKER « » : The honourable member for Bedford-Birch Cove.

ENVIRON.: BEDFORD WATERFRONT DEV. CORP.

- ENVIRONMENTAL SCREENING

MS. KELLY REGAN « » : Mr. Speaker, the Bedford Waterfront Development Corporation approved a plan to infill and develop a 39-acre site on the Bedford waterfront back in 1985. The community group, Save the Bedford Waterfront, is concerned the infill plan will envelop Crosby Island and the adjacent reef.

My question to the Minister of Environment is, how did the Bedford Waterfront Development Corporation incorporate the federal environmental screening from 2002, of the two privately owned water lots, into the original 1988 approval?

HON. STERLING BELLIVEAU « » : To the member opposite again, this question has been raised a number of times and I thank her for the question. I can tell you that the slate, the material used for the infilling has been approved by the federal government and this is a project that has been looked at a number of times, and I thank the member opposite for bringing that question forward. Thank you.

MS. REGAN « » : Mr. Speaker, this is not the first time I have raised this issue and I would really like to be able to get some answers from the minister about the waterfront. My question to the minister is, have there been any studies done at all into the effect of the infilling on the ecosystem at the Bedford waterfront since 2002?

MR. BELLIVEAU « » : Again to the member opposite, this question has been raised here. I can tell you the proper channels have been followed in this project. The federal government has been evaluating this and this has followed due process. Again, thank you for bringing this question forward.

MR. SPEAKER « » : The honourable member for Victoria-The Lakes.

[Page 5040]

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.

Egg is not anti-union, Mr. Speaker. They are a responsible employer who negotiates in good faith. The problem lies in the fact that the NDP's new labour board, under NDP law, has granted IATSE certification to a designation of people Egg hires for an average of five days a year. These individuals, according to Egg President Sara Thomas, ". . . have virtually no ongoing connection to our company. What's more, the majority of these workers were not even given an opportunity to vote on whether to unionize."

So, Mr. Speaker, my question through you to the Minister of Labour and Advanced Education is, when will the minister admit that her heavy-handed NDP Government has dramatically tipped the scales as job creators and commit to changing the law to eliminate this ridiculous type of outcome?

MS. MORE « » : Mr. Speaker, I just want to remind the honourable member that our legislation consolidated the Labour Board. Most of those appointments, quite frankly, were made by previous governments. (Interruptions) I also want to remind everyone in this Chamber that men and women across this country have a constitutional right to collective bargaining. So the Labour Board followed its normal procedure around determining which employees were eligible to vote on the application and the Labour Board's decision, as he has referenced, is being appealed and because that matter is before the courts, I cannot comment further.

MR. BAIN « » : Mr. Speaker, normally in most workplaces, all employees within a certain job classification are eligible to vote on unionization. They must be present on the date of the certification application and the date of the vote. In the case of Egg Studios this did not happen. The NDP's new Labour Board made an exception and found that 11 technical workers engaged on one particular day were eligible to vote. More to the point, only five of them voted. There's simply no way of determining whether a majority of these workers even wanted to unionize.

Egg CEO Mike Hachey put it best when he said, "If the Labour Board is going to permit these kinds of occasional workers to unionize, there needs to be a fair process to determine whether the majority of workers actually want to unionize, which has always been one of the most important principles in trade union law." I'll table that.

So Mr. Speaker, my question through you to the minister is, when will the minister bring change to the NDP's overbearing laws and take the necessary steps to ensure a fair process is put in place to determine whether the majority of employees who actually work for any given employer want to unionize?

[Page 5041]

MS. MORE « » : Mr. Speaker, I have full confidence in the members of the Labour Board who ruled on that decision. They are people with a lot of experience and knowledge and I'm not going to double-guess their decision. As I said earlier, it is before the courts and I think it would be inappropriate to discuss this any further on the floor of this House.

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

HEALTH & WELLNESS: BERWICK DIALYSIS UNIT - STATUS

MR. LEO GLAVINE « » : Mr. Speaker, it sounds like there are a lot of people willing to answer questions today. Three years ago this month, the Nova Scotia Renal Program's satellite dialysis implementation plan was completed and last week government announced a piece of this plan would announce a new dialysis unit in the Valley Regional Hospital.

While government will spin this as adding extra capacity to our dialysis program, the reality is this same implementation plan outlines a recommendation to close the dialysis unit in Berwick. Will the Berwick dialysis unit close once the Valley unit opens - yes or no?

HON. DAVID WILSON « » : Mr. Speaker, I'm very proud to be part of a government that recognizes the importance to delivering services, especially dialysis services, to Nova Scotians. That's why we're investing in dialysis service across the province so that Nova Scotians have better access to dialysis no matter where they live. That's why we're investing in ensuring that people have options when it comes to home dialysis. We're going to continue to move forward to ensure that Nova Scotians have access to the service they need, especially the important services of dialysis.

MR. SPEAKER « » : The honourable member for Inverness.

LBR. & ADVANCED EDUC. - APPRENTICESHIP PROG.:

ALBERTA/N.S. - AGREEMENT PURSUE

MR. ALLAN MACMASTER « » : Mr. Speaker, my question is for the Minister of Labour and Advanced Education. Nicholas Carroll is a young man from Margaree. He undertook a two-year program at the Nova Scotia Community College and today he is doing something he couldn't do here. He is working in Alberta. In Alberta, Nicholas found non-unionized work, and then he flew home to Sydney to pick up his apprenticeship papers. He returned months later only to discover that the time he spent working in Alberta would not count toward getting his apprenticeship papers.

I spoke to him on the phone just today. He spent $3,000 flying back and forth. The reason for not signing his papers? Nova Scotia does not have a partnership (Laughter)

[Page 5042]

Mr. Speaker, we don't find this funny, and neither does Nicholas. Nova Scotia does not have a partnership with Alberta that allows Nicholas' two years spent learning his trade here in his home province to be recognized by Alberta's apprenticeship board.

My question is, will the minister pursue an agreement with the Government of Alberta that ensures young Nova Scotians like Nicholas Carroll who leave the province for job experiences and training are properly supported?

HON. MARILYN MORE « » : There are many aspects to that particular situation. I would suggest, as I've offered for all members in this House, if they have a particular situation, to bring it to the department and we'll try to work through it. But on the broader issue, it is true that Alberta doesn't recognize the hours through the pre-apprenticeship program here in Nova Scotia. We are in negotiations with that province to show the quality of the programming here in Nova Scotia, and I am very hopeful that we will get equal recognition and an articulation agreement in place.

Our staff in Nova Scotia are doing everything possible to make sure that all hours are being recognized. I would encourage the member to take that particular situation to our staff or ask that individual to contact the regional officer, and we will try to be as accommodating as possible. Thank you.

MR. MACMASTER « » : Mr. Speaker, maybe it wasn't such a bad question after all. Young people like Nicholas rarely want to head to Alberta or elsewhere. They would much rather stay closer to home and closer to family. The problem stems from a lack of jobs here in this province. For Nova Scotians heading to Alberta for work, the only way they can get their apprenticeship papers signed is if they can find union work, because the union must become the employer or else the work experience does not count. To help people like Nicholas, this has to change.

My question is, will the Minister of Labour and Advanced Education remove roadblocks for people like Nicholas? As she says, it sounds like she is working toward it, which is a good thing, so we can help people like him get started in their careers.

MS. MORE « » : I realize that this is a complex issue, but I have to say that the honourable member is totally wrong. There is nothing in our policy and guidelines that suggests that an apprentice from Nova Scotia must work in a unionized job in Alberta. There is absolutely nothing to do with that.

I think he is getting confused, Mr. Speaker, with the fact that you can stay registered in Nova Scotia if you have an employer in Nova Scotia who also works as an employer in Alberta. In some cases, some of the unions have taken on that extra role of monitoring apprentices in Alberta who are from Nova Scotia. We certainly encourage businesses that have a national profile and work across this province to take on that responsibility. One thing we will not do is send apprentices to Alberta without being monitored either by a national employer or union or monitored by the Alberta Government. That is not a safe situation; it doesn't ensure they get the oversight they need to continue in their career. Thank you.

[Page 5043]

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

NAT. RES.: N.S. PRIMARY FOREST PRODUCTS MARKETING BD.

- MEETING INFO.

MR. ANDREW YOUNGER « » : Mr. Speaker, my question is for the Minister of Natural Resources. When was the last time the Nova Scotia Primary Forest Products Marketing Board met to discuss important matters, or any matters, of the primary forest producers in this province?

HON. CHARLIE PARKER « » : Mr. Speaker, the Primary Forest Products Marketing Board is an important component in our forestry system here in Nova Scotia. They conduct important business on behalf of the province. I have met with the Primary Forest Products Marketing Board on a number of occasions and I know they continue to meet on their own without my input. I will undertake, for the member, the actual date that they last met but I don't have that at the tip of my fingers.

Forestry is an important component in our province and I know they fill a role in not only determining the marketing of forestry, pulpwood marketing board but a whole lot of other issues. I appreciate the opportunity to talk about the Primary Forest Products Marketing Board. Thank you.

MR. YOUNGER « » : Mr. Speaker, according to the board's Web site they haven't met since 2008. I'd like to know how the minister met with the board since they haven't met since 2008, according to their own Web site. You must have known . . .

MR. SPEAKER « » : Order, please. The time allotted for the Oral Question Period has expired.

The honourable member for Argyle.

HON. CHRISTOPHER D'ENTREMONT « » : Merci beaucoup, M. le Président. J'aimerais faire une introduction de quelques personnes qui sont ici dans les tribunaux. Je leur demanderais de se lever debout pour recevoir l'accueil de l'Assemblée : M. Justin Mury, président de la FANE, M^me Marie-Claude Rioux, directrice générale de la FANE, Solange Beauregard, directrice générale du Regroupement des aînés de la Nouvelle-Écosse, Natalie Aucoin, directrice générale de la Fédération acadienne des parents, Céleste Godin, Société nationale de l'Acadie, Micheline Gélinas, Fédération des femmes acadiennes de la Nouvelle-Écosse, Clyde de Viller, directeur général du Conseil acadien de Par-en-Bas et Martin Théberge, directeur général de la Fédération acadienne culturelle. Donc, je les accueille ici dans la Législature et les remercie d'être venus pour voir les débats. (Applause)

[Page 5044]

MR. SPEAKER « » : Très bien. We welcome all our guests to the gallery and hope that they enjoy this afternoon's proceedings.

GOVERNMENT BUSINESS

MR. SPEAKER « » : The honourable Government House Leader.

HON. FRANK CORBETT « » : Mr. Speaker, before I call business, I wonder if I can get unanimous consent of the House for the two bills reported back today from the Committee on Law Amendments - Bill Nos. 158 and 159 - to be allowed to go to Committee of the Whole House on Bills today.

MR. SPEAKER « » : The motion is for Bill No. 158 and Bill No. 159 to go to Committee of the Whole House on Bills. Would all those in favour of the motion please say Aye. Contrary minded, Nay.

The motion is carried.

The honourable Government House Leader.

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

[1:59 p.m. The House resolved itself into a CWH on Bills with Deputy Speaker Ms. Becky Kent in the Chair.]

[2:19 p.m. CWH on Bills rose and the House reconvened. Mr. Speaker, Hon. Gordon Gosse, resumed the Chair.]

MR. SPEAKER « » : The Chairman of the Committee of the Whole House on Bills reports:

THE CLERK » : That the committee has met and considered the following bills:

Bill No. 155 - Richmond-NewPage Port Hawkesbury Tax Agreement Act.

Bill No. 156 - Halifax Regional Water Commission Act.

Bill No. 157 - Halifax Regional Municipality Charter.

[Page 5045]

Bill No. 158 - Film Nova Scotia Act.

and the chairman has been instructed to recommend these bills to the favourable consideration of the House, each without amendment.

Further, Mr. Speaker, that the committee has met and considered the following bill:

Bill No. 159 - Missing Persons Act.

and the chairman has been instructed to recommend this bill to the favourable consideration of the House, with certain amendments.

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

The honourable Government House Leader.

HON. FRANK CORBETT « » : Mr. Speaker, with the unanimous consent of the House, I ask that the five bills - Bill Nos. 155, 156, 157, 158 and 159 - just reported back from the Committee of the Whole House on Bills be now read a third time.

MR. SPEAKER « » : The motion is that Bill Nos. 155, 156, 157, 158 and 159 now be read for a third time.

Would all those in favour of the motion please say Aye. Contrary minded, Nay.

The motion is carried.

The honourable Government House Leader.

HON. FRANK CORBETT « » : Mr. Speaker, would you please call the order of business, Public Bills for Third Reading.

PUBLIC BILLS FOR THIRD READING

MR. SPEAKER « » : The honourable Government House Leader.

HON. FRANK CORBETT « » : Mr. Speaker, would you please call Bill No. 155.

Bill No. 155 - Richmond-NewPage Port Hawkesbury Tax Agreement Act.

MR. SPEAKER « » : The honourable Government House Leader.

HON. FRANK CORBETT « » : Mr. Speaker, I now move third reading of Bill No. 155.

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MR. SPEAKER « » : The honourable Opposition House Leader.

HON. MICHEL SAMSON « » : Mr. Speaker, very briefly, as the MLA for Richmond, we will be supporting this legislation as this is an agreement which was reached between the Municipality of Richmond and Pacific West Commercial Corporation regarding the property taxes to be paid by the mill in Point Tupper. In order to allow that agreement to take place, being that the amount of taxes paid is less than the assessed value there requires an amendment to the Municipal Government Act, therefore the county has brought this forward with a request that it be done by the Legislature, and we certainly will be respecting that request.

As I pointed out on second reading, this is a decision that was a difficult one for the county to reach. As a result of the discussions that took place, the county was forced to defend its position in court which, ironically, it was victorious in court and the agreement that had been signed in 2006 by StoraEnso and then which was extended to NewPage was held to be valid until 2016, and that the new operator would be bound by the terms of that agreement.

In an effort to try to negotiate and do its part to try to make this entire deal work the municipality did agree, even after the court victory, to reduce the amount of property taxes that would be paid by Pacific West Commercial Corporation. This is a burden which will be faced by the residents of Richmond County, because this is significant revenue which no longer will be coming into the county's coffers going into 2016, and we can only hope that at that point the county will be able to negotiate a new agreement potentially so that the financial blow to the county will not be a tremendous burden.

On second reading I did raise concerns with the press release that did come from the Minister of Service Nova Scotia and Municipal Relations. I appreciate the fact that he did accept that that was erroneous and it had missed actually acknowledging that it was the residents of Richmond County who were going to be doing their part as a result of this in the reduction in taxes paid. I am pleased that the minister did recognize that, and that going forward certainly there will be acknowledgement of the work and sacrifices that were made by the Richmond Municipal Council and the residents of Richmond County.

Mr. Speaker, we are all hopeful that this mill will have a long future in the Strait area, specifically at the Point Tupper facility. Again, this is an important sacrifice being made by the Municipality of Richmond on behalf of all ratepayers in an attempt to try to make this mill a successful operation. Merçi.

MR. SPEAKER « » : The motion is for third reading of Bill No. 155. Would all those in favour of the motion please say Aye. Contrary minded, Nay.

The motion is carried.

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

The honourable Government House Leader.

HON. FRANK CORBETT « » : Mr. Speaker, would you please call Bill No. 156, and I so move.

Bill No. 156 - Halifax Regional Water Commission Act.

Bill 157 - Halifax Regional Municipality Charter.

Bill No. 158 - Film Nova Scotia Act.

MR. SPEAKER « » : The motions are carried.

Ordered that these bills do pass. Ordered that the titles be as read by the Clerk. Ordered that the bills be engrossed.

The honourable Government House Leader.

HON. FRANK CORBETT « » : Mr. Speaker, would you please call Bill 159.

Bill No. 159 - Missing Persons Act.

MR. SPEAKER « » : The honourable Government House Leader.

HON. FRANK CORBETT « » : Mr. Speaker, I move third reading of Bill No. 159.

MR. SPEAKER « » : The honourable member for Richmond.

HON. MICHEL SAMSON « » : Mr. Speaker, very briefly - I didn't have the opportunity to speak on this bill on second reading - while the intent of the bill is one that we certainly support, we have been receiving some e-mails and correspondence from Nova Scotians who are a bit concerned with how the police will be handling the information that they would be able to access as a result of this piece of legislation. So I just want to put on the record that there is a bit of unease, especially from those concerned about privacy concerns - how the information will be shared, will it be shared with family members once the police have obtained it, and is there additional information regarding an individual not relevant to the fact they've been missing that will be shared as well?

I'm certainly hopeful that the regulations that will be put there will certainly keep in mind privacy concerns, because oftentimes we may pass legislation here and at the time not really take into consideration what the impact could be. I look at the amendments that were made to the Elections Act where the government was proposing that the age of electors be identified on the lists made available to political Parties. We raised a concern at the time that that was an infringement on privacy and, at the end, the government decided to implement categories of ages rather than giving specific numbers. So that's just an example of what was seen as a good intention, that wasn't meant to violate privacy. At the end, upon sober second thought, I guess, on that one, it was seen that that may have been a bit of an infringement.

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This bill has moved forward fairly quickly. It's not one that has been sitting on the order paper for an extensive period of time, which leaves me with concerns, the fact that we had no presenters at the Law Amendments Committee, that Nova Scotians may not have been fully tuned into this legislation and the potential impacts. We will be supporting it, but I simply wanted to put those few concerns on the record. We certainly support our police force and their efforts to try to find more timely ways of identifying when someone has gone missing, but at the end of the day we always want to make sure that the proper checks and balances are in place. The bill does raise some concerns, but I'm sure there might be some opportunities through the regulations to be able to strengthen that as well.

It is my understanding, and I've been critical of the government before for not consulting the chief privacy officer in Nova Scotia, but it is my understanding she was consulted. She did make some recommendations; in fact, I believe there were changes made as a result of some of the concerns that she did raise. So I want to commend the government for having brought that legislation to her attention prior to bringing it here to the House. But it is one that deals with sensitive matters and I'm certainly hopeful that the government will be mindful of that as we move forward and, if concerns are raised, that they'll be prepared to address those concerns at that time. Merci, monsieur le Président.

MR. SPEAKER « » : The motion is for third reading of Bill No. 159. Would all those in favour of the motion please say Aye. Contrary minded, Nay.

The motion is carried.

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

The honourable Government House Leader.

HON. FRANK CORBETT « » : Mr. Speaker, would you please call Bill No. 94 for third reading.

Bill No. 94 - House of Assembly Act.

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MR. SPEAKER « » : The honourable member for Richmond.

HON. MICHEL SAMSON « » : It's a bit bizarre that the Minister of Justice would not have moved this bill or make comments on it but there may be reasons for that. Mr. Speaker, Bill No. 94 is the legalization that deals with implementing new electoral boundaries for the Province of Nova Scotia. I certainly spent a significant amount of time on second reading talking about the process, from the establishment of the select committee to determine the terms of reference, to the work of the Electoral Boundaries Commission, to what has brought us here today.

Mr. Speaker, I actually received a number of e-mails from individuals who are watching, thanking me for having explained to them exactly what happened because you have two Parties in the Legislature - both the Official Opposition and the Progressive Conservative Caucus - that obviously were not consulted and the terms of reference that were put in place, the government used its majority to impose those terms of reference, which is what brought a dissenting option at the select committee stage and I believe from there it has continued to be a tainted process.

Mr. Speaker, I wanted to remind the government a bit of their roots on this issue; I didn't have the opportunity at second reading so I wanted to take the opportunity today. As many Nova Scotians know, prior to 1992 the government of the day is who would determine what electoral boundaries would be in the Province of Nova Scotia. In 1992, ironically, under a Progressive Conservative Government, it was decided by all three Parties in Nova Scotia - and yes back then the NDP did exist they did have representation here in this House - all three Parties agreed that it should go to an independent process but prior to getting to an independent process it would require the Parties of the day to decide what the terms of reference would be.

Mr. Speaker, in 1992 the record will show that all three Parties, the Liberals, progressive Conservatives and the New Democratic Party, all unanimously agreed not only to the terms of reference but to the composition of the Electoral Boundaries Commission. The same was done in 2002. We all know what has happened in the 2011/2012 version.

Just to show you how much it was an historic day for our province back in 1992, with the help of our library staff here, I wanted to share some comments made by one of the members of the Legislature on April 28, it was a Tuesday in fact, 1992. The comments are from Alexa McDonough who then was the Leader of the New Democratic Party and in her opening remarks in the second paragraph she said:

"I just want very briefly, uncharacteristically briefly, to express my satisfaction with the process that has taken place. I think the member for Halifax Citadel is correct when he indicates this is an historic first for this province to have launched an independent electoral boundaries process and I think, as he has indicated, there was an agreement reached by the three Party Leaders at the outset, that the purpose of this was to remove politics, remove any sense that members are influencing the setting of boundaries for reasons other than of broad public interest."

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She continues by saying:

"I think the process that has ensued, the procedures established, the very open process of putting on the public record all submissions and the establishment of objective criteria that would be considered, have all respected that decision. I think it has been an extremely important one."?

I want to share just one more paragraph, when she continued by saying:

"I think the one and only comment I want to make, is that I very much hope that we do not end up stepping backwards from that. If we begin to pick away and unravel the overall integrity of the proposal that has been brought forward by the Electoral Boundaries Commission, then I fear very much we will be stepping backwards and we will end up in a situation where the process will not see itself through to its logical conclusion."

That was Alexa McDonough in 1992, with the New Democratic Party former Leader praising an independent electoral boundaries review process. I also wanted to share some other comments that were made in 1992, because this government has talked about how their interference in the terms of reference was because they wanted voter parity, that voter equality was a primary tenet of our democracy, and we could not continue what we are doing - at least, that's the excuse they gave.

So back on Tuesday, April 28, 1992, another individual who was a member at the time had a few comments regarding the report in 1992. You will recall, Mr. Speaker, that it was in 1992 that the commission recommended for the first time that there be four ridings established which did not meet the population requirements to be within the percentage allowed for variance. Those ridings were Richmond, Clare, Argyle, and Preston - three for the Acadian community and one for the African-Nova Scotian community.

Today's version of the NDP tells us that those ridings are too small and they just could not be maintained - no way could that happen. So I thought it was interesting, the remarks of Tuesday, April 28, 1992, by a gentleman by the name of John Holm, who the government may remember - a long-time member of the New Democratic Party and a long-time House Leader for the New Democratic Party. Even back then, Mr. Speaker, as you know, because the ridings were beyond the variance, they were much smaller than some of the other ridings.

Here's what John Holm had to say:

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"I believe that it is reasonable. We have seen court challenges that have upheld the principle, that really what we are talking about is relative equality in terms of the number of voters. Looking at the list that was prepared by the Electoral Boundaries Commission, in terms of the estimated population for the 52 ridings, the population ranges will go from a high in estimates of 20,700 down to a low of around 9,000. So there is quite a range in size. The smaller ones are considerably smaller and for very good reasons and I support that. I think it is very important, for example, that seats be structured in such a way as to guarantee the continued representation or the opportunity for continued representation of the Acadian population. It is very important to make it easier for a member or a representative of the black community to become elected to this House."

Mr. Speaker, that's how the NDP felt back in 1992. The arguments being put forward by this government were the same issues that were faced by the Legislature in 1992. Ironically, back then the NDP were in full support and stood up. John Holm was there praising having Acadian representation in this House and having representation from the African Nova Scotian community. How times have changed.

Mr. Speaker, with the assistance of the member for Halifax Chebucto, I also mentioned in the House that he was a member representing the NDP in 2002. He sat on the select committee to determine the terms of reference, and I mentioned in this House that at no time did he raise concerns with the terms of reference, which allowed for maintaining the Acadian ridings and the African Nova Scotian riding and the variance of 25 per cent.

He was very kind in bringing me over some of his comments from Hansard, after the bill was brought here. He indicated in there - and I will read what it says on November 5, 2002. The honourable member for Halifax Chebucto said:

"Indeed, I think the next time this Legislature sits down to give directions to an Electoral Boundaries Commission that they should be looking at a number that is much smaller than plus or minus 25 per cent. Plus or minus 5 per cent, plus or minus 10 per cent, those are the kinds of numbers that ought to be looked at."

I found that ironic because the Premier now, his new version is to say, well, there are some that wanted the variance to be less than 25 per cent so the ridings in rural Nova Scotia would be even larger if I had listened to them. We now know it was coming from within his own Party because the minutes from the select committee will also show that the government wanted a 20 per cent variance and only after the objections of the Opposition was it moved up to 25 per cent.

I also want to point out in that same discussion on November 5, 2002, the member for Halifax Chebucto said:

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"At this point, all we can say is that the next time we do this process, we have to take seriously the comments of the Electoral Boundaries Commission this time, their observation that we turn our mind specifically to those constituencies and ask ourselves whether it does make good social policy sense for those constituencies to continue." ?

That was in 2002. We're still waiting to have that discussion about whether those constituencies should continue. That discussion never took place. The government struck a select committee to do terms of reference and went in and unilaterally decided what the terms of reference would be.

So rather than simply criticize what the government did, allow me to offer this - what could have been done differently? The electoral boundaries of this province are reviewed every 10 years so when this government came into office in 2009, they were not caught by surprise that a boundaries review was going to take place. It takes place every 10 years. They had up to two years of their mandate to prepare for this. In light of the concerns from the last boundary report, the concerns the member for Halifax Chebucto has raised in this House back in 2002, the government could have said, we're concerned with the amount of variance that now exists in Richmond, Clare, Argyle and Preston. While we think that the goals were great, the numbers have become so small - like in many rural Nova Scotia communities - something has to be done.

They could have gone to the Fédération acadienne de la Nouvelle-Écosse and said, let's have a discussion - is there any other way that we can achieve the same goal but not have these ridings as they currently exist because they are so much smaller than the average? They could have gone out to the African Nova Scotia community and said the same thing, Preston is too small, is there another way that we can ensure or do our best to ensure that there's representation from the African Nova Scotia community and how can we do that?

That would have been leadership. That would have been a responsible government because then they could have at least said, we went to the people, we went to these communities and we told them, we want you to help us find a solution. Two years into their mandate, they had two full years they could have done this and yet they chose not to. Only they know the answer to that. This could have been done differently. There was a way to do it, they chose not to.

Unfortunately, we're now left with a situation that everyone knew was coming. We found out on Tuesday that the Fédération acadienne de la Nouvelle-Écosse will be taking legal action to protect the rights of Acadians in light of this assault on the rights of Acadians by this government. Ironically, when one looks back, the former Minister of Acadian Affairs almost mocked the Fédération acadienne in saying, they won't have a legal challenge, they don't have the funds, they don't have the resources, they don't have the will. Well, he only needs to look up in the gallery today if he ever questions what the will of the Acadian community is in the Province of Nova Scotia. (Applause)

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Who would have thought that the first NDP Government in the history of Nova Scotia would be the one government that would launch such an attack on minorities here in this province? Who would have thought? The last two times this was done, the NDP had no concerns, yet this time around while in government, all of a sudden this was an issue that had to be dealt with. Was there consultation? Were there discussions? Not only wasn't there with the communities impacted, but one only needs to look at the minutes of the select committee to see how the government unilaterally told staff, change the terms of reference.

Meetings that were held on December 23^rd and December 30^th of 2011, and the government rammed it through. We all recall what the Minister of Justice did with the interim report that was brought in by this independent commission, an independent commission that went out and heard from Nova Scotians and said, here's what we're hearing, they want to keep these protected ridings. One of the messages that came from them in the presentations that they heard was that the members for Richmond, Clare, and Argyle don't only represent Richmond, Clare, and Argyle - they are the voices of Acadians throughout Nova Scotia. Acadians from communities all around that were not in those ridings said that they are there to defend our rights, to speak up for us and to represent us. (Applause)

That was a turning point for the commission because at that point they said this is bigger than just protected ridings; it's so much bigger than that. What a day it was when that interim report came in, when Nova Scotians were able to say the government asked us for our opinion, we went, we gave it and they listened - it was a great day, people were celebrating.

Lo and behold, because it did not meet the political ends of this government. The Minister of Justice unilaterally, without any debate in this Chamber, on questionable legal opinion, which we have yet to see - a verbal opinion is what we've been told - decided on behalf of this Legislature to reject the interim report.

AN HON. MEMBER: Shame. Null and void.

MR. SAMSON « » : Null and void - and sent them back and said write it the way we told you to write it. Even when the final report was given the commission members, one of them was asked, Jim Bickerton, I believe - which I know the Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal has made some comments about him publicly - he was asked, can Nova Scotians look at this and see it as truly an independent process? To paraphrase his answer, it was I don't even believe it was an independent process. So if you have a commissioner saying that, how can any Nova Scotian have confidence that this was an independent process? (Applause)

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Mr. Speaker, I just want to say again and it was interesting because I believe Corporate Research Associates did a poll asking about the protected ridings and I believe 47 per cent said, yeah, get rid of them - and I believe it was 43 per cent, 44 per cent, said, keep them. The Acadian population in Nova Scotia is probably less than 20 per cent of the entire population of Nova Scotia (Interruption) The numbers vary, but let me be generous and say it's 20. Unless CRA, in that 44 per cent who said keep the Acadian ridings, unless they only called Acadians, that would tell you that there are many Nova Scotians who support the Acadian community as well.

I said from day one that this government would regret attacking Acadians, attacking African Nova Scotians, because Nova Scotians don't stand for that. Any of the success that has been achieved by the Acadian community, the African Nova Scotian community is because the majority of Nova Scotians who are not Acadian and not African Nova Scotian have supported that, and I think that's why we're so proud to be Nova Scotians, so proud to see the support that has been given, whether it be through the Office of Acadian Affairs, the Office of African Nova Scotia Affairs, that is something for us to be proud of - and yet to watch a government launch such an attack.

Nova Scotians won't be fooled by this government. We all know that the ridings of Clare, Argyle, Richmond, and Preston, are all held by Opposition members. I would suggest to you that even Nova Scotians who are fair-minded realize that if the government held even one of these ridings we would have seen quite drastic and different terms of reference than what we saw. (Applause)

It is unfortunate that we find ourselves in a process that should have been non-political, that should have been free of political interference, instead we're left with a process that was tainted from day one, tainted by this government using its majority to do so.

Mr. Speaker, I just want to add one more comment before I say a few words en français. About the Premier - when this process started, after the terms of reference were decided and we raised the concerns of what would happen to the protected ridings, the Fédération acadienne did as well, the Premier and the Minister of Acadian Affairs at the time said oh, relax, when this is over, those areas will still have an Acadian flavour.

Now I don't know if that is something you get at the grocery store, if it's something you use for cooking, an Acadian flavour that you can sprinkle on your food, but I've never heard that before. So that is a new term from the NDP, that we're not going to give you a riding but we're going to give you a flavour. Now whether it comes in ice cream or other types, we're not sure yet, but the Acadians now, and the Acadian Federation, we give you a flavour, so you have a flavour in the ridings - not your own ridings but a flavour.

Mr. Speaker, Nova Scotians are not buying that, the Acadian community is not buying it and even for the government to say today all of those ridings, they still have enough Acadians in them - enough. That is the word from this government and it's quite unfortunate that this is going to go in front of the courts, where the Acadian community has to go in front of the courts to fight to protect its rights that the government has unilaterally taken away by its actions.

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Again, Mr. Speaker, there are others who will judge the actions of this government but I can say, I certainly want to say publicly, I can't thank my colleagues enough in our caucus who have stood united with us - myself, the member for Clare, the member for Preston - in supporting us in fighting for the people who have sent us here to represent them. We have been united throughout all of this and it makes me even prouder to be a Liberal and to be a member of the Liberal caucus under the leadership of our Leader.

M. le Président, je veux juste terminer en disant quelques mots. La question de ce processus ici c'est, est-ce que ça fait une différence s'il y a des Acadiens à l'Assemblée ou pas? Quelle différence ça fait? Qu'est-ce que les Acadiens, les députés, qui ont été Acadiens ici, ont fait pour la communauté acadienne, pour la Nouvelle-Écosse?

Comme vous le savez, M. le Président, nous en avons eu plusieurs, avant l'élection de ce gouvernement ici, si on regarde il y a 50 ans ou plus, il y avait toujours un Acadien au Cabinet de la Nouvelle-Écosse. Toujours. Au moins un, des fois deux, une fois, je pense qu'il y en avait peut-être trois. Quelle différence ça fait?

Allons regarder aux services qui sont là, maintenant, pour la communauté acadienne. Nous avons l'Université Sainte-Anne, une université uniquement francophone, pour la communauté acadienne de la Nouvelle-Écosse. Après ça, nous avons le Collège de l'Acadie, qui a été créé et on a vu des campus dans toutes les communautés acadiennes à travers la province, des petites communautés, des plus grandes communautés, qui avaient accès à une éducation postsecondaire dans la langue française. Maintenant, comme vous le savez, le Collège de l'Acadie est devenu une partie de l'Université Sainte-Anne, mais les campus sont encore là et je peux vous dire, M. le Président, l'idée qu'un étudiant ou qu'une étudiante de Richmond puisse aller au campus de Petit-de-Grat et suivre des cours d'université en français, c'est remarquable qu'ils peuvent faire ça.

Là, nous avons vu que le gouvernement a créé le Conseil scolaire acadien provincial, qui a permis aux Acadiens d'avoir des écoles dans leurs communautés, pas juste pour préserver la langue, mais aussi la culture et l'identité acadienne, et ces écoles-là ont été créés dans les communautés à travers la province. Qu'est-ce que la réalité de ces écoles-là aujourd'hui? Le Conseil scolaire acadien provincial est le seul conseil scolaire en Nouvelle-Écosse qui a vu une augmentation dans les élèves de l'année passée à cette année. Quel succès! Quel succès! Qu'on doit tous être en train de dire : c'est magnifique ce qu'on voit. Parce que maintenant, les gens qui ne sont peut-être pas Acadiens ou francophones essayent de trouver des moyens d'envoyer leurs enfants aux écoles du Conseil scolaire acadien provincial. Puis quelqu'un m'a demandé l'autre jour, qu'est-ce qui arrive? Les enfants qui vont au Conseil scolaire acadien provincial, comment est leur connaissance de la langue anglaise? J'ai dit, très bonne question. L'année passée, le Conseil scolaire acadien provincial était le conseil scolaire qui avait la plus haute moyenne, dans les études provinciales, sur la langue anglaise. Son école francophone avait les meilleurs pourcentages sur la langue anglaise. Ce n'est pas une question, pourquoi ils ont du succès.

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Dernièrement, un des autres grand succès, et je veux reconnaître mon collègue d'Argyle, qui était le ministre, qui a fait de ceci une réalité, c'est la Loi sur les services en français en Nouvelle-Écosse, où nous avons une loi maintenant, qui dit que la Province de la Nouvelle-Écosse, à travers les fonctionnaires et les départements, vont offrir des services en français à la communauté acadienne et francophone en Nouvelle-Écosse.

M. le Président, je vous soumets que ces succès, si non impossibles, auraient été beaucoup plus difficiles à réaliser si on n'avait pas les voix des Acadiens, ici à l'Assemblée, ici au gouvernement, ici au Cabinet. Mais, M. le Président, avec ce nouveau gouvernement, pour la première fois, nous n'avons pas de voix pour la communauté acadienne au gouvernement. Nous n'avons pas de voix pour la communauté acadienne au gouvernement, et ça, c'est très clair et je vous soumets que si on avait ça, ce projet de loi ne serait pas devant nous aujourd'hui, comme tel, comme présenté.

Alors, ça sera une leçon pour la communauté acadienne, pour les prochaines élections. De toujours s'en rappeler, qu'est-ce qui a été fait par ce gouvernement.

M. le Président, je veux remercier toutes les personnes qui ont travaillé si dur quand nous avons eu les présentations, les réunions publiques, par la Commission électorale, qui sont venus faire des présentations. Les jeunes, spécialement les jeunes qui ont fait des vidéos, qui ont fait des manifestations : comment fiers qu'on était comme députés de voir des jeunes de 14, 15, 16 ans, 17 ans, 18 ans, il y en avait d'eux qui n'avaient même pas le droit de vote, qui étaient en train de se battre pour la communauté acadienne, et je veux le dire encore : je m'en rappelle, quand ma nièce m'a envoyé un texte. On ne parle plus sur le téléphone, on envoie des textes. Elle m'a envoyé un texte pour me dire : « Mon oncle, la directrice de l'école secondaire arrive de nous annoncer que le rapport par intérim de la Commission électorale a été présenté aujourd'hui et qu'on a protégé nos sièges acadiens. » Elle avait 16 ans. Ils ont annoncé ça à l'école, la directrice et tous les enfants se sont mis à frapper des mains. Je vous soumets que ce gouvernement ne comprend pas que les circonscriptions de Richmond, Clare, Argyle ne sont pas seulement des circonscriptions politiques. Elles font partie de l'identité. Elles font partie de l'histoire et elles font partie du futur de la communauté acadienne. (Applaudissements)

M. le Président, je suis fier d'être député acadien, de pouvoir me prononcer dans cette Chambre, dans ma langue maternelle. J'espère que le processus en cours aura du succès et que le gouvernement, n'importe qui sera au gouvernement, au moment donné, va continuer de respecter les droits de la communauté acadienne.

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M. le Président, juste au cas où il y avait un doute, je peux vous assurer que je ne voterai pas pour le projet de loi 94, et je ferai mon mieux pour continuer, durant mon temps ici à l'Assemblée, de me battre, pas juste pour toutes les personnes qui m'ont élu et qui m'ont envoyé ici, mais certainement pour ne jamais oublier mes racines et jamais oublier ma fierté dans la communauté acadienne. Merci. (Applaudissements)

MADAM SPEAKER « » : The honourable member for Argyle.

L'HON. CHRISTOPHER D'ENTREMONT: Madame la Présidente, membres de l'Assemblée, je me mets ici, sans vraiment de texte préparé, pour parler du projet de loi 94, et même dans ma région, ce projet de loi nonante-quatre. Quel fameux projet de loi que ça va être, dans nos régions acadiennes, pour les Acadiens et les francophones, en Nouvelle-Écosse.

Il y a beaucoup de blâme qui a circulé à travers de cette Chambre pendant les derniers 12 mois, depuis qu'on a commencé avec le Comité spécial sur les frontières. Mais, quand ça vient que la communauté a demandé quelque chose, que ça soit pendant les présentations qu'on a eues à chaque communauté comme Comité, comme la Commission a eues, chaque fois qu'elle a visité des régions à travers la province. Chaque fois ils ont dit que les circonscriptions acadiennes sont importantes, qu'on doit trouver une façon de les maintenir comme elles sont, pour faire s?r que la représentation acadienne continue dans la Chambre d'assemblée.

C'est ça que j'ai entendu comme membre du Comité, c'est ça que j'ai entendu quand j'ai assisté aux réunions de la Commission, que ça soit en Argyle, que ça soit en Clare et même en parlant avec les autres qui ont eu la chance de participer dans chaque communauté, ils ont dit la même chose. Ce que je trouve vraiment inquiétant, c'est qu'un gouvernement ait pris ces informations et a dit non, ce n'est pas important. Ce qu'on a entendu des Néo-Écossais, qu'on a entendu de la communauté, n'est pas important. Allez le refaire.

Quand on veut impliquer le monde dans quelque chose, on fait beaucoup de « advertising », on fait beaucoup de choses pour faire s?r qu'ils sont à nos réunions. La plupart du temps, ils ne viennent pas, mais cette fois-ci, ils savaient que c'était important d'assister à ces réunions-là. De voir un groupe de personnes, une communauté qui est venue s'exprimer pendant ces réunions-là, c'est vraiment touchant parce que, comme je dis, souvent, nos communautés, les communautés, qu'elles soient acadiennes ou non, sont un peu passives. Bien, c'est la politique, on n'a pas besoin de se présenter, ils vont nous protéger. Mais, cette fois-ci, on n'a pas vu ça, on a vu des présentations à chaque fois. Si on vous demandait de nouveau, les Acadiens, des jeunes, d'autres organismes ou populations de la Nouvelle-Écosse, si on leur demande de participer de nouveau, je sais ce qu'ils vont dire. Ils vont dire non. Ils ne nous ont pas écoutés la dernière fois, pourquoi participer dans un processus électoral politique? C'est ça que je trouve dommage du processus qu'on vient juste de vivre.

[Page 5058]

On a le projet de loi devant nous maintenant. On a entendu plusieurs fois de notre premier ministre. Bien, les circonscriptions acadiennes, ça existe encore. Ça existe encore. Bien, peut-être qu'il y en a, Argyle Barrington, Digby, Clare, Richmond, qui incluent maintenant tout. Port Hawkesbury, non, c'est ça, Cape Breton-Richmond. Peut-être que le nom est là, mais la voix des Acadiens dans ces régions-là est maintenant extrêmement diminuée.

Quand je parlais l'autre jour à un des médias dehors, j'ai dit, comprenez ça : si dans la région d'Argyle, et ça c'est l'exemple que je connais le mieux maintenant, si je prends la région d'Argyle et j'additionne la région de Barrington, qui est un bon endroit, il y a de bonnes personnes là mais, la plupart de cette population-là, est anglophone. Donc on prend les 6 200, à peu près, 6 500 de la région d'Argyle, on les additionne à Barrington, qui est 6 300, ou quelque chose de même, on les mets ensemble, ça diminue le nombre d'Acadiens dans ma circonscription. Quand j'avais 60 pour 100, ce nombre-là maintenant diminue à, je ne suis pas le maître sur ça, je pense que c'est 28 pour 100, quelque chose de même. C'est moins de 30 pour 100. Donc si je regarde ce que j'ai besoin de faire, comme député, quand je viens les représenter ici dans la Chambre, c'est maintenant du poids diminué, dans toutes les choses que j'ai besoin de faire comme député. Donc, la voix des Acadiens est beaucoup moins forte aujourd'hui quand ce projet de loi va passer ici, dans la Chambre.

Madam Speaker, I think what was even worse, as I talked about the population coming out to present during the public consultation phases of the number of committees that have been going around, people told us time and time again, please, do not split up our communities; please, protect linguistic rights in the Province of Nova Scotia. This is what they heard. This is not what they got. They got something completely different. More recently the member for Shelburne and the community of Shelburne came out in what I would say a spirited debate - they came before the Law Amendments Committee and said, please, don't split us up.

What we saw in the final is the Premier comes forward and says, no, no, no, we're not doing anything with this. We are going to accept it the way it is. Well, I feel badly for the member for Shelburne because his community is now being split in half. I feel badly for the constituency of Argyle that now loses its identity. I feel badly for the constituency of Queens that changes in a large way. It's historic. Life is different because of that change and addition to the community of Shelburne and the surrounding areas, but it's not what people asked for. Nowhere along this did the people of Nova Scotia get what they asked for, and do you know why? It is because politics got involved.

You know, when a process like this, when in 1992 you hear the good words of Alexa McDonough - I never thought I would say that - the good words of Alexa McDonough, it's difficult for me to say, but there were some good words there. (Interruption) She's a wonderful person and she had a very, very good sense of what was going on there - an Order of Nova Scotia recipient. She said, look, finally we're finding a way to take the politics out of boundary reviews. Yet in this process - I mean, really what should happen is that the government should have just gone and drafted everything all by themselves and done it because it didn't matter what we said as Opposition Parties at all. It didn't matter. They were going out to do what they felt was their right thing to do.

[Page 5059]

I mean we can get into the debate on who was right and who was wrong and all those things but, quite honestly, I think they have heard time and time again, and through the continuation and the end of this process, that they were wrong, that maybe, had this been set up the right way, the pain wouldn't be quite as much.

The government found itself in a bit of a quandary when the final report came out. I think originally they might have tried to do it to grab a few more constituencies, didn't really matter about the ones they didn't hold, and move on that way. I'm guessing that may be how the discussion started. In the end, they got affected just as much as everybody else but just because everybody gets to share the pain equally. It doesn't mean that it was a good process or it was a good end. I think the people who came and spoke, time and time again, their voices actually matter. Why didn't they matter in this particular case?

This is one of those things where I hate to say I told you so but if we read what the conclusion of the dissenting members of the select committee had to say, it's a little bit of an "I told you so". The majority opinion of the select committee not only ignores the findings of previous non-partisan commissions of the province, the decisions of the courts, it ignores the opinions of the vast majority of Nova Scotians who took the time to make representations before the committee and, like we said, the four members who dissented or signed the dissenting document, it is our belief the terms of reference for the Electoral Boundaries Commission should be sufficiently acceptable to all Parties represented in the House of Assembly and not just the members of the majority governing Party.

To take the politics out of it just a little bit - because I know it's like, oh yeah, well there's Chris talking about Argyle . . .

AN HON. MEMBER: You're not allowed to refer to yourself.?

MR. D'ENTREMONT « » : I'm not allowed to refer to myself, I know. There's the member for Argyle talking about the member for Argyle - that makes a lot more sense - just worried about his constituency. That couldn't be further from the truth, because after me there will be other people, who are going to want to represent the area and are going to want to be able to be the member for Argyle, whether they're from Pubnico, whether they're from East Pubnico, whether they're from Sluice Point, Quinan, Comeau's Hill, Wedgeport, Plymouth, Argyle and all the other communities that are held within my wonderful constituency.

We heard that from the youth who came and presented to the select committee and to the commission, youth who said someday I might want to be an MLA, I might want to be the MLA for Argyle. They will never have that chance anymore because that constituency has dramatically changed in size and in composition, and at some point the outcomes will be different in that constituency.

[Page 5060]

Madame la Présidente, je veux remercier tous ceux qui ont pris la chance de participer dans le processus, je veux remercier mes collègues dans le caucus progressiste-conservateur et tout le monde qui supporte le fait que nos circonscriptions sont importantes, le fait français. Je veux remercier mes collègues dans le Parti libéral qui ont supporté les mêmes choses, les mêmes idéaux, quand ça vient à protéger les régions acadiennes, de trouver une façon d'avoir une représentation ici, dans la Législature de la Nouvelle-Écosse et je veux vraiment remercier et vraiment souhaiter bonne chance à la FANE et ses organismes membres, parce que, de prendre ça et d'aller en cour, c'est quelque chose qui prend beaucoup, beaucoup de coeur, beaucoup de conviction et ça prend de l'argent.

M. la Présidente, ça va prendre du temps d'expliquer et de débattre ça en cour, pour nos communautés. Ils vont faire le travail que cette Assemblée était supposé faire : aller en cour, parler et expliquer que les régions acadiennes sont importantes.

UN MEMBRE HONORABLE : Comment est-ce qu'ils votent aussi? La moyenne, le pourcentage qui vote??

MR. D'ENTREMONT : Bien, c'est ça.

Ils ne vont pas oublier, les Acadiens de la Nouvelle-Écosse, qui sont un peu partout et, principalement pour des raisons historiques que je ne vais pas commencer cet après-midi. Mais, ils ne vont pas oublier que c'était un gouvernement néo-démocrate qui a pris leur droit d'avoir un siège, ici, dans la Législature.

Avec ces mots, je vais prendre ma place, mais je dis finalement que, c'est notre intention comme Parti progressiste-conservateur de voter contre ce projet de loi, parce que le processus était assez marqué de fautes et de mauvais esprits, que ça n'a pas le droit d'être passé dans ce lieu historique. Avec ces mots, je vous remercie pour le temps. Merci. (Applaudissements)

MADAM SPEAKER « » : The honourable Minister of Communities, Culture and Heritage.

HON. LEONARD PREYRA « » : Madam Speaker, it's a pleasure to get up for a few minutes and say a few words about Bill No. 94, the House of Assembly Act. I'm not going to say much about the process that the members opposite have referred to. I did speak at length on the process when I spoke on second reading, and certainly the record is clear and available, and for anyone who wants an antidote to the recitation that we got on the other side they should consult the official record, and I'm not going to say anything more about the process on that.

[Page 5061]

I do want to talk about the process by which electoral boundaries are changed, because sometimes one gets the impression that we are making up this process here. The process - the House of Assembly Act clearly states how boundaries should be made. The government in its wisdom - many governments over many, many years - have decided via the House of Assembly Act that every 10 years electoral boundaries will be reviewed and revised. Nova Scotia is no different in that regard. All of the provinces and the federal government do it that way.

Electoral boundaries are revised based on the census, and they are revised largely to track and reflect population changes. We know that there have been dramatic shifts in population right across the country. We know that everywhere in the world, rural populations are being dislocated. They are being redefined, and there has been an urbanization of the population. Certainly the latest census is no different from other censuses that we have seen over the last several decades. Each decade the House of Assembly embarks on the process of responding to those population shifts, and this process was no different.

Every province in the country, including the federal government, sets terms of reference for a boundaries commission that goes out and responds to these shifts. Those terms of reference are virtually identical across the country. The first thing they do is to protect the principle of parity, the principle of equality, the principle that in a democracy every individual and every individual vote is equal. That principle of equality, Madam Speaker, is balanced by the recognition - it's particularly recognized in Canada, in all of the provinces and the federal government - that we have to have more than just equality, more than just parity. Even though parity is the cardinal principle, that parity has to be balanced against the principles of equity and being equitable.

In order to respond to that requirement, they established variances. Across the country, the highest variance is 25 per cent, and those were the terms of reference that were set - that there be parity of voting power and that there be a variance. The reason why we have this variance, Madam Speaker, is to respect diverse communities. It's to respect rural communities and respect the size of communities. We want to make sure that we have in our Legislatures the diversity that we need. We don't want to impose extraordinary burdens on individuals who are to be representatives of large constituencies. So we see in the terms of reference terms that are identical to terms of references across the country.

We want more Acadians. We want more African Nova Scotians. We want more women. We want people with disabilities. We want people from a wide variety - as wide a variety as we have in our province, Madam Speaker. I find it ironic that here we have a combined Opposition attacking a government that is the most diverse government in the history of this province. We have more women on this side; we have more women in the Cabinet. I myself, as I've said before, am the first Asian-Canadian who has ever been elected to this House. We've got African Nova Scotians. We've got people from every single region of the country here on this government's side, and we're being lectured to by two Opposition Parties that have not even pretended to incorporate diversity and the principles that they pretend to preach for. (Interruption)

[Page 5062]

Madam Speaker, if they were truly committed to having an African Nova Scotian in their caucus, perhaps they would have considered nominating more African Nova Scotian candidates across . . .

MR. SPEAKER « » : Order. I said earlier in the week that when I say order, that's going to be the end of it. I know it's the last day and I don't want to see anybody going out the door, but order means order in the Chamber.

The honourable Minister of Communities, Culture and Heritage has the floor.

MR. PREYRA « » : Thank you . . .

MR. SPEAKER « » : Order, order. The honourable member for Yarmouth.

MR. ZACH CHURCHILL « » : Mr. Speaker, on a point of personal privilege. As a visible minority in this Liberal caucus, as the only member elected in this House of Lebanese descent, I take very real exception to the words of the member opposite.

MR. SPEAKER « » : There's no such thing as a point of personal privilege, it's a point of privilege. It's not a point of privilege.?

The honourable Minister of Communities, Culture and Heritage.

MR. PREYRA « » : Mr. Speaker, as I was saying, we will not stand here and be lectured to by one of the most homogenous Oppositions that we have seen in the history of this province. (Interruptions)

MR. ZACH CHURCHILL « » : You're an embarrassment. You're an absolute embarrassment.

MR. SPEAKER « » : Order, please. Order. I would remind the honourable member for Yarmouth that's unparliamentary language. Calling the honourable member an embarrassment is unparliamentary and I would ask the honourable member for Yarmouth to retract that please.

MR. ZACH CHURCHILL « » : Mr. Speaker, I'm sorry and I retract the unparliamentary language but it's completely offensive for that member to stand up and say what he's saying in this House of Assembly. It's offensive to everybody. The fact that he has the nerve to get up and do this in front of everybody here is . . .

[Page 5063]

MR. SPEAKER « » : Order. The honourable Minister of Communities, Culture and Heritage has the floor.

MR. PREYRA « » : Mr. Speaker, we know the political Parties have the tools to promote diversity if they really wanted to and that is the way to do it. We have people in this Legislature with the names Theriault, Boudreau, Belliveau, and Landry who are not elected in Acadian seats. they're not protected seats.

AN HON. MEMBER: They're not Acadian.

MR. PREYRA « » : The members opposite say they're not Acadian - I wonder what test they're using. The members opposite are saying those people are not Acadian. I'd like to know what test they're using to determine whether or not someone is Acadian. The point is that they have the tools and we are being diverse in areas that are not protected.

In any case, we respect the principle of parity of voting power and the variances there to make sure we have effective and equitable and fair representation for diverse groups of communities and rural Nova Scotians. The Boundaries Commission, in its final report, addresses these twin requirements that are in the terms of reference. They try to strike a balance between parity of voting power and effective representation. It's not an easy job, as we know, the Boundaries Commission travelled far and wide across the province and they came up with a report.

There is a lot that can be said about the process by which boundaries are set and perhaps the members opposite would like to review the House of Assembly Act to see if we can improve it. There is room for improvement there. The Boundaries Commission did go out and set out terms of reference and responded to terms of reference.

These Boundaries Commission reports - the Boundaries Commissions are established to remove this partisan political debate. (Interruptions) So the House of Assembly Act is structured in such a way to say that the commission reports to the government and the government then acts on that report. The final report of the Boundaries Commission essentially does that. The reason why the government transmits and essentially reports and acts as a conduit for the Boundaries Commission report is to avoid that kind of partisanship.

We have a majority government here. If we wanted to (Interruptions) If we wanted to be politically expedient, Mr. Speaker, and if any majority government wanted to be politically expedient, they could change the boundaries to suit their own purposes. I would love to have all these boundaries that are being shut down in Cape Breton, Cape Breton Nova - and Pictou was suggested as one of them, Shelburne is another. All of them are government constituencies and if a government in the future, if a majority government wanted to use its political power, it could change those political boundaries to protect its members.

[Page 5064]

We could do that if that's what the members opposite are saying we can do. That's why the political system has isolated and insulated boundaries commissions from that type of process. That's why this government, Mr. Speaker, is choosing to transmit the Electoral Boundaries Commission Report to us without major changes. Certainly we know what kind of major changes we would have liked to have made. We know if they exercised that power in the future, we know what future majority governments might do if we break with that precedent and say we are going to change those boundaries in a significant way.

Mr. Speaker, this bill effectively transmits and acts as a conduit for the Electoral Boundaries Commission Report. I am delighted that the government has taken the high road and decided we are not going to do what we were going to do and introduce this bill as it is. It respects the spirit of the House of Assembly Act; it respects the principle of parity of voting power; it respects the principle of effective representation, it reflects the role of the Electoral Boundaries Commission and I'm happy to support this bill.

MR. SPEAKER « » : The honourable member for Preston.

HON. KEITH COLWELL « » : Mr. Speaker, it is with great pride that I represent the community and the riding of Preston. It truly has been a cultural enrichment for myself and indeed, the support the Black community shows me is well respected. It has been over 200 years that the Black community was trying to get representation in this Legislature. I want to commend the Parties in 1992 when they saw the foresight, unanimously, to create the Preston riding, to create the Acadian ridings that are so important.

Previously I represented the Chezzetcook area that had a tremendous amount of Acadians. I spoke in the Legislature about this before. The Acadians in the community were told, in my generation, not to speak French because you couldn't get a job - you couldn't get a job because you spoke French, my generation. Today we see this government with a totally flawed process. For political reasons, it appears - strongly appears - political reasons have taken the rights away of the African Nova Scotian community to elect who they want and the Acadian communities to elect who they want.

With the redistribution of boundaries in Preston, it will be almost virtually impossible for someone from African Nova Scotian descent to win the seat - very difficult now and indeed, my predecessor in our Party - Wayne Adams, whose picture is in this hall right here - made history when he was the first Black Nova Scotian ever to be elected in this place.

AN HON. MEMBER: Which Party was he with?

MR. COLWELL « » : He was with the Liberal Party. I'm very honoured to think that I'm the first person in history who has been re-elected in this riding three times. That has been largely to do with the fact that the Black community supports the work I do to help them and I really respect the privilege I do have to represent the community.

[Page 5065]

We've seen a very, very flawed system with political interference from this government. All the time I've spent in this Legislature, and I've spent - there are only two members in this House who have sat in this Legislature longer than me: one is from an Acadian riding and the other one is from Cape Breton - both from my Party - and this is the worst I have ever seen in this Legislature, the worst. They're taking the rights away of people in this province who have had a very difficult time in history, a very difficult time, and how can they say that they're truly representing this and this is the way it should be and justify what they're doing? You know, I sit here and watch the NDP, the former NDP members who were sitting in Opposition here, and they spoke very passionately about the rights of Nova Scotians. This government is taking that away.

It appears it's a political decision to do this. As was already mentioned by my colleagues here, none of the seats that are affected by this change, minority seats, are held by the NDP and that's not a coincidence - not a coincidence - and I think, as my honourable colleague from Cape Breton says, that probably after the next election there won't be very many NDP members left in this House. Hopefully that's the case; I truly hope that is the case for the sake of Nova Scotia.

It appears that this government has decided that they want to create more seats in metro where they have the most power and ability to get people elected. That's what it appears like. That's what the numbers show. That's what the redistribution appears like it was all about. It was interfered by the Minister of Justice and interfered by the Premier, indeed, to do these things and the people in Nova Scotia will judge, they will judge. I'm hearing a tremendous amount in the communities - not just from my own community but from outside the community - about how the system was, I would say, gerrymandered or interfered with, or whatever terms you want to use. People have all different opinions on that, but indeed the opinion is the same - it is the same - that indeed this is not healthy for Nova Scotia, it is not healthy.

It has only been a very few years that the minority groups in this province have seen the rights put forward that they have today and this is taking some of those rights away. It was very disappointing and, you know, we have to work together to ensure that the rights of individuals in this province are protected and improved upon. We have to. It has to be all of us who do that and that's what happened in 1992, all Parties did that. Unfortunately, this has been taken away and will be taken away today - today this will be taken away by this NDP Government. It's disgraceful, it is disgraceful.

I can speak on this much longer but unfortunately - you know, it's very passionate for me and it's very passionate for people in my community. I've had a lot of discussions with individuals in my community and groups and they're very disappointed in this government, and they're going to show it in the polls in the next election I'm sure - not just in my area but a lot of people of African Nova Scotian descent - they're all over this province. This government has refused to do an inquiry into the Nova Scotia Home for Colored Children, it will affect the whole province, and I think it's all part of the process that this government has in place - very disappointing, absolutely very disappointing.

[Page 5066]

There was a lot of high hopes for this government when they were first elected to protect the rights of individuals and organizations, and indeed groups of individuals in this province, and that hasn't happened. Just the opposite has happened - it's very disappointing. I'm sure that that honourable member, Alexa McDonough, who was here before - and I knew her, I was here when she was here - would be very, very disappointed if she was in this Legislature today. But I can't speak for her, that's something she'll have to do herself - of course, she's very capable of that. Indeed these are not the goals and the objectives that this NDP Government had.

For years and years I sat here and listened many, many times, very intently, to the members who very passionately talked about the rights of individuals and minority groups in this Legislature, and indeed today a very big injustice has been done and will be done when this vote is carried today to take away those rights of Acadians, African Nova Scotians, and every other minority group in this province. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. (Applause)

MR. SPEAKER « » : The honourable member for Cape Breton West.

MR. ALFIE MACLEOD « » : Mr. Speaker, I rise today to talk on a subject that indeed will change the history of the Province of Nova Scotia - and I can't believe that a minister of that government would go on the way the Minister of Communities, Culture and Heritage did in this House.

We had a process, a process that was supposed to be independent. We had a process where we had individuals from across this province who care about the Province of Nova Scotia, who went out and listened to the people in the Province of Nova Scotia and came back with a report. That initial report is what they heard, and in that report it said that we should keep the minority seats.

Now, Mr. Speaker, we heard from the member for Richmond earlier today about the words of the former Leader of the NDP, and one of the sitting members. They indeed believed in the process, they supported the process, and they saw the process move forward. The reason they did that was because they truly believed in democracy; they believed that was the right thing to do.

My constituency is next door the member for Richmond, and I have had a lot of dealings with that community - as a matter of fact I went to school in Richmond County. So I have a lot of friends there, and never once in all my time did I hear anyone say, gee, there are only 7,500 people here and there are 13,000 people there and that's not fair. What I did see was a community of interest, a community that worked together for the betterment of where they were, keeping their culture alive and moving forward on things that were important to their community.

[Page 5067]

Now as a result of the move of this government it has turned into a numbers game - a game where it's just about within the 25 per cent, and there are people who are going to be affected by this right across the province. They're going to be affected in a way that the Minister of Communities, Culture and Heritage says is fair. Well, he's not on the money on this one.

One of the things that is going to happen here that really has made me want to rise to my feet is, again, the Island of Cape Breton is going to lose a voice, and you know people need to have that voice - and people will say well the population is changing and people are moving out. But if you look at the numbers, we are justified in having that extra seat in Cape Breton. It has worked there all along - and how ironic it is that it happens to be a government seat that is going to be gone. Mr. Speaker, as a matter of fact it's your seat that is going to be gone. And what is that going to do for the voices of the people in our area?

We listened to the government saying that this is the right thing for the people of Nova Scotia, but yet time after time, meeting after meeting, people came out and said this is not we want. To get 2,500 people to come to a meeting in Yarmouth in the middle of summer - is there not a message there? To get people to come out in Shelburne and say this is not what we want, we want to keep our community together, we want to keep our heritage together - which, by the way, is one of the guidelines and one of the principles of this whole procedure, that you take in community of interest and you should take into consideration the culture and what's taking place. And what has happened? It didn't suit the political needs of the government of the day, and that's a shame.

This government should be ashamed of themselves for putting their own interests ahead of the interests of the people of the Province of Nova Scotia, for taking the democratic process that we should be so proud of as leaders in the country of being the first elected Assembly outside of Westminster, celebrating 250 years of representative government, and here we are today about ready to vote on a bill to take that and tear it apart.

Recently we just celebrated Remembrance Day, Mr. Speaker, where we looked and paid tribute to the veterans, people who went to war to make sure that our rights and our freedoms were looked after. We paid great homage to them, and we should, but today we are now expected to vote on a bill that is going to squash some of those very freedoms. It's a sad day for Nova Scotia; it's a sad day for the Acadians, and it's a sad day for the African Nova Scotians. Thank you.

MR. SPEAKER « » : The honourable Minister of Environment.

[Page 5068]

HON. STERLING BELLIVEAU « » : I want to take this opportunity to say a few words about the House of Assembly Act, Bill No. 94. The last few weeks have been very difficult for the people of Shelburne County and, as do I, feel a strong attachment to the historical electoral boundaries, which is why the Electoral Boundaries Commission's decision to split up the county has been met with such resistance.

I have said this many times but I'll say it again, the decision for the commission to split up Shelburne County, without prior notice or consultation, blindsided the residents. I speak for each and every one of them when I say this, this is wrong. The commission failed Shelburne County.

That being said, the Electoral Boundaries Commission may have failed to engage the people of Shelburne County but our government did not. I want to acknowledge the efforts of the Committee on Law Amendments who travelled to Shelburne County over two days at the Sandy Point Community Centre, listening to almost 50 presentations, all calling to keep Shelburne County united. I am very proud that the only time on record that the Law Amendments Committee left Halifax was to appear in Shelburne County.

I think this action was very warranted, given the circumstances, and I once again want to thank the members from all Parties who took the time to hear what Shelburne County residents had to say on this issue. More importantly, I want to thank the residents of Shelburne County who appeared at the Committee on Law Amendments to have their say. I know a great deal of effort and organization went into the campaign to keep the communities that make up Shelburne County united. I want them to know that their efforts were not lost on their MLA and I dare say that in recent weeks the voices of other members of this House were definitely heard.

It is because of them that I am unable to support this legislation. The people of Shelburne County were unanimous in their call to keep the seat of Shelburne County intact and as their MLA I want them to know that I stand behind them. For 250 years, families in Shelburne County have elected someone to represent them in this Legislature. To put that into perspective, the people of Shelburne County have had a seat in this Legislature before Napoleon was even born. To the residents of Shelburne County, this legislation will mark a significant change in how they are governed. Given the choice, the people of Shelburne County would prefer if there were no change to their electoral boundaries.

That being said, I realize the boundary process is certainly a challenging one. An independent review of the boundaries is an important part of our democratic process, as is my right to stand in my place and oppose the recommendation for Shelburne County. Ultimately, my main complaint with the Electoral Boundaries Commission was that they did not - I repeat, did not - properly consult the people of Shelburne County, prior to making the decision. If anything can be learned from the past few weeks it is that this should not be allowed to happen again. The Electoral Boundaries Commission has an obligation to consult and engage with those communities most affected by their decision.

[Page 5069]

As I said before, I will not be supporting this legislation but I want the people of Shelburne County to know that even though this House of Assembly Act represents the end of an era, it also marks the beginning of a new one. Mr. Speaker, at the end of the day, each member of this House was not put here to represent electoral boundary lines, we were put here to represent the people and the families of Nova Scotia.

Mr. Speaker, in Nova Scotia boundary lines are certainly all around us and are ever-changing. For example, at one time my hometown of Woods Harbour was in Yarmouth County. In earlier times, Yarmouth and Argyle were part of a much larger Shelburne County. Today the federal government is revising eight of the 11 current Nova Scotia ridings and at the municipal level, my hometown district was redrawn just last October. As a fisherman, I can personally witness many changes to our coastal zones. For example, a three-mile limit, a 12-mile limit and today Canada's 200-mile limit and in Atlantic Canada we boast of 41 lobster districts across the Atlantic zones. I just want to point out that fish do not respect boundary lines.

Mr. Speaker, the point is that with time, communities change and, as a result, government must adapt. The current Shelburne electoral boundaries may have been in existence for 250 years but for many residents, the last three years have been the most positive. This was a common theme at the Law Amendments Committee.

Mr. Speaker, I am proud of this government, the NDP Government accomplishments in Shelburne County since 2009. The building of Bay Side Home allowed more seniors to stay and live close to their homes, as has the elimination of security deposits from nursing homes.

Mr. Speaker, we secured the safety of our fish stocks by extending the offshore drilling moratorium on Georges Bank and we've given new fish harvesters greater access to capital through the Fisheries Loan Board and we've helped our inshore fisheries stand up to Ottawa, protecting the owner/operator fleet separation policy. Most important, for the first time in decades, our NDP Government is reversing the tide of out-migration of our youth by investing in good jobs that will allow young people to stay, work and raise families in Shelburne County.

Mr. Speaker, at the Law Amendments Committee at Sandy Point, I heard over and over again the people point out the refurbishment of the Shelburne Shipyard and the creation of close to 400 new jobs by Cooke Aquaculture. These are all game changers for the young people of Shelburne County. These major job creators are a direct result of this government's commitment to creating good jobs in rural Nova Scotia. As a result, Shelburne County is on the cusp of returning to economic prosperity we haven't experienced . . .

MR. SPEAKER « » : Order, please. I would remind the honourable member that the topic is on Bill No. 94, the House of Assembly Act. I don't think that last bit of contact had anything to do with the House of Assembly Act so I'd ask the honourable member to stay on the bill, please.

[Page 5070]

The honourable Minister of Environment has the floor.

MR. BELLIVEAU « » : Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. Shelburne County is on the cusp of returning to the economic prosperity prior to the cod moratorium.

Mr. Speaker, I want the people of Shelburne County to know that I'm always in their corner regardless of where the boundary lines are drawn. Just because I will not be somebody's MLA anymore doesn't mean I won't continue to work on their behalf. This has never changed. (Applause)

Mr. Speaker, regardless of where the boundary lines are drawn, my government will continue to make life better for families - all families - in Shelburne County. Through our jobsHere plan we will continue to create jobs and opportunity for the young people. (Interruptions)

MR. SPEAKER « » : Order, please. I shut the microphone a few minutes ago.

The motion is for third reading of Bill No. 94, the House of Assembly Act - jobsHere has nothing to do with the bill. I would ask the honourable member to stick to the subject matter of the bill, please.

The honourable Minister of Environment has the floor.

MR. BELLIVEAU « » : Mr. Speaker, that being said, I also must acknowledge that sometimes changes are unavoidable, and ultimately what's important to myself as an MLA is not electoral boundaries but the people and the families who live within those boundaries.

So, Mr. Speaker, boundaries are just lines in the sand. I want the people of Shelburne County to know that a change in those lines will not change my, nor this government's commitment to making life better for the families in Shelburne County. Thank you for the time. (Applause)

MR. SPEAKER « » : The honourable member for Bedford-Birch Cove.

MS. KELLY REGAN « » : Mr. Speaker, I have to say I'm rather sad today, seeing this bill come before the House and seeing what's going to happen as a result of this bill. My understanding - and perhaps I was a little naive coming into the House in 2009 - was that setting the boundaries was supposed to be an open and transparent process. What ensued, what happened here, doesn't pass the smell test.

[Page 5071]

On December 23^rd we saw the government try to ram through terms of reference, and use its majority. Now, my understanding - and again, maybe I'm wrong, but what I had heard in the past was that all three Parties would get together and discuss the terms of reference, and they would agree on them. You would not have one Party or another ramming it through, shoving it down the throats of the other Parties. It would be a plan that was arrived at through a process that was civil and was respectful.

Calling members to come to a committee meeting for December 23^rd, which didn't even get its work done because staff were leaving in the middle of the day and they had to defer it to the next week - that wasn't respectful. That wasn't a collaborative process. That didn't have the best interests of Nova Scotians at heart. What it was was an example of a government ramming something through, and they didn't give a hoot what anybody else thought. It was their way or the highway.

Again, a week later, same deal. They used their majority on that committee to determine the terms of reference, and the process was so offensive that - and I could be wrong on this, but my understanding is it's the first time in history that you had a dissenting opinion issued by the Opposition, who were adamant that these were not the appropriate terms of reference and they did not agree with them. The government did not care.

So the process gets underway and an independent commission is appointed, but that independent commission had a problem, because they were given two conflicting instructions. They were supposed to adhere to the terms of reference, but they were also supposed to listen to the people who presented to them. They had a choice. They could listen to the terms that the government rammed through, dictated, or they could listen to the people who appeared before them and they decided they would listen to the people who actually came out, the voters, the constituents who actually came out and spoke to the commission.

So what happened when that first interim report came out? Then Nova Scotia was treated to the spectre of the Minister of Justice coming out and interfering in what was supposed to be an independent process. It was not independent because that commission was not allowed to do what it thought was right, based on the fact that it was supposed to be listening to what it was hearing from people, and so we were treated to what I view as completely scandalous - the minister interfering in an independent process. Nova Scotians, I think, expect openness and accountability from their government and they haven't seen a whole lot of it from over there so maybe we shouldn't have been surprised.

The government didn't care. They just went ahead and rammed it through and they didn't even care when they made it plain for everybody to see that they were even willing to interfere in an independent process. So we are here today and what we see is the disappearance of four protected ridings, and those Acadian ridings had the highest turnouts for elections across the whole province. They took their right to vote very seriously and maybe that's why the government did away with them, but I have to say I am stunned to see the government do that.

[Page 5072]

Shelburne as a riding will not exist after this election. Cape Breton Nova as a riding will not exist at the next election. Antigonish has been tampered with, Queens, Digby, all across the board. But the government has only itself to blame for what happened. They decided to interfere. It was not done the way it is normally done and they will have to live with the consequences.

I understand their urge to want to make voter parity more paramount, but let's face it, in our particular system of government, this kind of thing exists all over the place. Look at Prince Edward Island, look at it federally, it has four seats with a population that is pretty much equal to one of our Halifax metro seats and yet it still exists and yes it's protected under the BNA Act or the Constitution Act, as it's now known, but the fact of the matter is very few people begrudge P.E.I. their seats. Do you know what? They have a really great turnout there. And do you know why? Because everybody knows their elected members and they know their candidates and maybe that was the secret to the Acadian ridings, why they had such great turnout there.

I have to say that today is probably one of the most profoundly disappointing days for me to be here in this House. I spoke a few days ago about the Transgender Persons Protection Act and how proud I was to be here to vote for that Act. I have to tell you how profoundly disturbed I am today to watch what happened here, to watch a government - the NDP - they were supposed to be on the side of people, that's what they always told us, and instead they just rammed through what they wanted and, Madam Speaker, I am really disappointed.

I understand that in my riding it may not be a huge deal about Acadian ridings. I have a lot of Acadians in my riding but I didn't have a whole lot of letters saying don't let them do this. But I will tell you what people don't like, no matter whether they're Acadian, whether they're Black, whether they are of Ukrainian-Canadian descent - like me - or whatever, what they don't like is when people use "might" as if it's right and that's what they did. (Applause)

MADAM SPEAKER « » : The honourable Leader of the Progressive Conservative Party.

HON. JAMIE BAILLIE « » : Madam Speaker, much has been said in this Chamber already, both in second reading, in committee, and again today, but I do just want to rise in my place for a few moments and talk about what is about to happen when the third reading vote finally takes place.

It's not going to be a proud moment in the history of this great province, because for the first time the electoral boundaries of the province are going to be drawn and enacted into law by only one Party - exclusively one Party. Not a single member of the Opposition that I know of in either Party or the Independent member plan to support the bill that is before us today.

[Page 5073]

What a shame for a province that prides itself on its democratic traditions, that something as important as drawing the rules of the game for the next election, as putting together communities of interest and making sure that their voices are heard in this Chamber, of determining the boundaries on which people will place their votes, of striking that important and right balance between parity of vote and effective representation - all of that will be determined exclusively by one political Party alone.

Madam Speaker, if any Nova Scotian still wonders if the process was independent, as the government continues to maintain, if any single Nova Scotian wonders about the fiction that the NDP continues to create about the independence of this process, when that vote happens in a few minutes here today they will know for sure that this was not an independent process, that it didn't meet any of the tests of independence or fairness, and that one Party alone is carrying this to its awful conclusion.

When that vote comes, I hope all Nova Scotians see it for what it is, and that is a Party using its majority - a majority given to them by the people of Nova Scotia - not in a responsible way but in a very irresponsible way to force through rules that no one else agrees to, that no one else in this House agrees to. That many, many Nova Scotians spoke up in travels around the province, and in representations here, that they don't agree to. That is not consistent with the great traditions and history of this province, and it offends the? common-sense values of Nova Scotians, and it offends the sense of fairness that Nova Scotians have and are known for here at home and around the world. That will be a dark moment when all that comes crashing home when the vote on third reading of Bill No. 94 happens in a few minutes. It didn't have to be this way. That's the great shame of it; it didn't have to be this way.

This House of Assembly appointed a select committee to draw up the terms of reference for an independent review as has been done in previous decades. That select committee went around the province as a committee of MLAs and it heard from the people of Nova Scotia. It heard many representations from Nova Scotians themselves about preserving communities of interest, respecting municipal boundaries where possible, of recognizing the importance of effective representation and not just parity of vote if we're going to have a House of Assembly that is as diverse and as articulate and as representative of the people as it can possibly be.

The NDP used their majority on that select committee to make a choice. They could have ensured that those terms of reference that select committee drew up reflected what the committee heard in its travels around the province, which was the will of Nova Scotians, or they could go with the will of their own Party alone. And when that moment came to choose between the people of the province and their wishes for this House and their own partisan wishes, they chose their Party, and they used their majority to make it happen. Madam Speaker, that was error number one that sent our province hurtling down this awful road that will come to this conclusion today.

[Page 5074]

I will point out again that at the time of the creation of that select committee, we did suggest, as an improvement on the way it had been done in the past, that all Parties be equally represented on that committee, so that whatever terms of reference are drawn up at least meet that test of fairness, that all three Parties that are officially-recognized Parties, that elect members to this House, have an equal say. It's a natural check on any one Party trying to use our electoral boundary process to get an advantage.

The defence of the NDP in rejecting it was that that's not the way it has been done before. For a Party that people thought they were voting for to get change, it was a bizarre defence, but that's what they said. They wanted to go with the old way and not have a new way. I will never understand why the Liberal Party also disagreed with that improvement. I hope that as they look back on the last few months that they will see it for what it is, and maybe one thing that can come out of this in the future is that we'll set the next review on the right foot by having a committee representative equally of all recognized Parties so that this can't happen again.

My main point, Madam Speaker, is that when given a choice as the majority on that select committee to choose to go with what people said in their presentations around the province or to go with their own partisan wishes, the NDP used their majority on that select committee to go with their partisan wishes. Would that have only been the first time in this awful process.

Then the independent commission was struck, and it too went around the province hearing the views of Nova Scotians - Nova Scotians from all walks of life. In fact, that commission itself was made up of some pretty distinguished Nova Scotians - men and women from all parts of our province volunteering their time to go and hear Nova Scotians' wishes on their electoral boundaries.

They had a lot of submissions, and it's in their first report how many submissions they had in writing, by e-mail, and verbally. That commission had terms of reference that said they were directed to be guided by the terms of reference, and they weighed that direction along with the representations that they heard. In that first interim report, that independent commission reported that, being guided by the terms of reference and wanting to be on the side of Nova Scotians themselves, they wrote a report that produced the first set of boundaries.

All seemed fine that day, Madam Speaker - that Nova Scotians' views had been heard, that an independent commission had done its work, had done its best to fit the twisted terms of reference of the NDP in with the views that they knew Nova Scotians had and expressed. I believe both of the Opposition Parties respected the independence of that first report - but not the governing Party.

[Page 5075]

On behalf of the Premier and the Cabinet of the NDP, the Minister of Justice was not happy. Again the NDP faced a choice - do we accept an independent commission that has listened around the province to the views of Nova Scotians from all parts of the province, from all walks of life, or do we force a change again that only advantages one Party? On behalf of the Premier and his government, the Minister of Justice threw out that first report and directed the independent commission to do their work all over again.

Now, Madam Speaker, that is offensive on many levels, but let me tell you one that I don't believe has been properly covered in this House, along with all the others that have already been described. The independent commission reported that when they first got the terms of reference, some of them were unclear and so they wrote to the Speaker of the Legislature to ask if there were any further direction before they began their work. This is reported on Page 20 of their final report. The Speaker of the Legislature, the Officer of this House, on behalf of all members, wrote to the committee that the terms of reference would be the final guidance from this House to that independent commission and that they use their own judgment from then on, which is exactly what they did.

But as it turns out, Madam Speaker, that wasn't the final direction from a member of this House to that independent commission, as the Speaker on all of our behalf had told them it would be. After they did their work and produced their interim report, a member of this House took it upon himself to give further direction to that independent commission, an extreme form of further direction, and that is to write to them and tell them the report was not acceptable to that member and presumably when he did that he was speaking for the entire NDP Government and Party. Only the NDP said that that report was not acceptable.

That's the second time the majority Party had a chance to listen to what the will of the people and the independent commission had to say or to go with their own partisan means and they chose their own Party over the people, twice. That further pushed us down the road to where we are today. If there was any doubt after those two one-Party-only interventions that the independence of this process was thrown out the window, that did it. It was done and off we go.

Now, Madam Speaker, the independent commission instructed, wrongly, by the governing Party, to do their work over again. They did go around, got more opinions from Nova Scotians and produced a second interim report. Nobody knows better that the people of Yarmouth what that second independent report said. Then the independent commission went to Yarmouth to get their views - 2,500 people showed up at the Mariners Centre to give them their views.

?At least they had a chance to have their say; at least there was a final report yet to come, when all of that was going on. And of course the people of Clare, Argyle, Richmond, Preston and others also had a chance to have their say both in the first interim report and the second interim report. The commission listened to those concerns before they produced their final report, put into the impossible position as independent commissioners - as everyday men and women of our province who are doing a service to Nova Scotia - between trying to incorporate the views that they knew they had heard from the people of this province with the constant interventions of the governing Party who had appointed them, and that's how we got to the final report.

[Page 5076]

So like an awful game of Russian roulette where there are so many bullets in the chamber and they keep firing, it is the people of Shelburne who are the last ones up, who saw the final report in total surprise realizing - not to mix metaphors - but, they were going to be the ones left holding the bag by this awful process, this process that now had lost any shred of independence. Madam Speaker, even worse, the people of Shelburne realized they don't even get a say. It's bad enough what happened to Yarmouth, it's bad enough what's happening to the protected seats, and it's bad enough that the NDP has already twice, by this point, interfered in an independent process. But for the people of Shelburne who had to endure all of those indignities, they also don't get a say.

I will say I feel very badly for the MLA for Shelburne. I don't believe that he wanted it to end this way. I know no one on this side of the House wanted it to end this way, and I don't believe he did either. I happen to have a lot of family in his riding, as he knows, and I will say that they say good things about him. They speak very highly of their MLA, and I respect that. I feel very badly that he has been put in the position he has been put in, because it is his own Party and his own government that set this process down this road. I'm sure he didn't foresee it would end this way, but somebody over there ought to have seen that the minute that a majority Party interferes in an independent process, you never know who's going to get left holding the bag. In this sad case, it is the people of Shelburne, and so I feel very badly about that.

Madam Speaker, they had a town hall meeting in Shelburne anyway, even though the process didn't allow for it. The member for Shelburne was there in Barrington at the high school. The MLA for Argyle was there. The Leader of the Liberal Party was there. I was there, along with about 400 other people - I think that was the number. They were very clear. They don't want to be left holding the bag. They don't want to have this happen to them, and they don't even get a chance to speak to a commission or any other official committee.

So we made the suggestion that the Law Amendments Committee go to Shelburne as the last chance to actually get a say in their own electoral fate, and I'm glad that that happened. That was the right thing to do, Madam Speaker, but having again heard from the people of Shelburne overwhelmingly about their wishes, the NDP had another chance to make a choice. They rejected all of the arguments that were put forward in Shelburne, and are plowing through on the same course of a process that lacks independence and that was fiddled with from the start, and that brings us to today.

[Page 5077]

Madam Speaker, I hope I added a few new twists to this twisted tale, because as I said a moment ago, shortly there will be a vote on Bill No. 94, and for the first time in this province's history, not a single member of the Opposition is going to support the way that the boundaries of the province are being redrawn. Only one Party is going to carry all of the weight of that moment when they vote yes to a process that has been unfair, unjust, and undemocratic and has nothing to do with independence.

Good luck, I say to the next government, the next House of Assembly who has to ask independent commissioners to give of their time and sit on a commission and do the right thing for the people of Nova Scotia. Good luck to whoever is in this House when that time comes. Hopefully when that next time comes, all members of this House together and all Parties together will do the right thing and draw up terms of reference that are truly independent, that are worthy of the support of all the Parties, because that's the only way we'll ever convince another panel of distinguished Nova Scotians to give of their time and do something right for their province, like be a truly independent commission and hear the views of Nova Scotians and report them back.

?If they have any doubt that they are going to go down that road and have their independence kicked out from under them by one Party because it has the numbers to do it, we'll never have another set of volunteers to do that again. Mr. Speaker, that is another one of the shames of this whole thing. We had a group of independent commissioners willing to do a service to their province. I'm sure they're not going to report that they enjoyed this particular experience under this government

So, Mr. Speaker, here we go. This sad tale, in this great province with its great democratic history, is going to come to its unfortunate conclusion in a few minutes when Nova Scotia makes history by having its electoral boundaries redrawn by the exclusive vote of only one Party and that is a real shame.

MR. SPEAKER « » : The honourable member for Yarmouth.

MR. ZACH CHURCHILL « » : Mr. Speaker, it has always been a case of great pride and privilege that I stand in this historic seat and represent the constituency of Yarmouth, an historic constituency that has always been represented in this Legislative Assembly. I'm the product of two very proud Yarmouthian families. I am the descendent of many generations of Churchills, who settled in Yarmouth from Brittany, and I'm also a third-generation Lebanese-Canadian, and proudly so, from my maternal side.

Being a member of a family who have played such an important role in Yarmouth's history but who have also faced the damaging impacts of racism and assimilation - as recently in the past as my mother's generation - I took great exception to the insensitive and ill-placed comments of the Minister of Communities, Culture and Heritage and I do ask him again publicly to apologize to this caucus for those words, and to the Lebanese community in this province.

[Page 5078]

One of my proudest moments as a Yarmouthian was the night of August 13^th when over 2,500 community members came together for what was the largest public meeting in Nova Scotian history to express their disapproval, not just about the interim report that was published in June but about the entire process of this Electoral Boundaries Commission. That was a real defining moment for my community whereby we stood together and, specifically within the riding of Yarmouth, accomplished what we had set out to accomplish in keeping that historic riding together and intact, as it should be. Anyone who participated in that moment is still very, very excited about that experience and about what we accomplished together specifically within the riding of Yarmouth. Even Dr. MacNeil, the chair of the independent, or what used to be the independent commission, was very expressive about her appreciation around the level of respect that the people of Yarmouth showed the commission that night.

However, Mr. Speaker, the only objective of that meeting was not just to keep the riding of Yarmouth together but it was also to support our neighbours and our friends who live within our communities, specifically Acadians.

Moi, je peux parler français, je peux comprendre le français à cause que j'avais des enseignants acadiens qui nous avaient enseignés en français, dans le programme d'immersion à Yarmouth. C'était la deuxième classe d'immersion à Yarmouth et la raison qu'on avait ça, c'était à cause que l'influence francophone dans notre communauté, l'influence acadienne. (Applaudissements)

?

I'm a very proud Yarmouthian and one of the reasons that I'm so proud of my area is because of the linguistic diversity. Growing up, I was the second immersion class in Yarmouth, and the reason that we have an immersion program in Yarmouth, and so Anglophone people like me are able to learn French and speak French, is because of the Acadian influence in our area, because of our neighbouring communities that play such an important role in our identity and in our economy. Today I stand with those communities in opposition to this bill as is presented because it fundamentally does eliminate protected ridings and rights that were given to very specific communities of interest in this Province of Nova Scotia, communities of interest that should be protected and have been protected until this NDP Government chose to insert themselves into what was supposed to be an independent process, and eliminate that status for those protected ridings.

This has been a process that has been flawed from the start. It has hurt a lot of communities, it has created a lot anxiety amongst many people, and it was not necessary. All that was required for this government to do was to stay out of it - to stay out of this process, to leave it be and allow an independent commission to do their work. And if that was the case, if this government did not intercede and impose its political will on that commission in a very, very forceful way, by telling them they were breaking the law - that's what was said by the Attorney General, he accused the commissioners of breaking the law - if it wasn't for that interference then we would still have, and proudly so, protected Acadian ridings, a protected African Nova Scotian riding, and the riding of Shelburne would still be intact, if it wasn't for the interference of this government, and that's a fact, Mr. Speaker.

[Page 5079]

In trying to understand why this government has acted in the way it has on this file is very confusing, and the only thing it can come down to is - I believe, and very sincerely - arrogance. We've seen this government act in a way that is not inclusive of other Parties, is not inclusive of stakeholders that disagree with their positions, and now we have this final result and it's because of that attitude, I think, which is why we've been brought to where we are today.

This did not have to be such a divisive process. If this Premier had taken the example of previous Premiers who included all Parties in the terms of reference, who sought the approval of the entire House of Assembly in setting their terms of reference because it impacts every region, every riding, and every Party - if we had a Premier that had taken that example we would have had a very different process here, one that we could all proudly stand behind tonight and support, potentially. As it is, we cannot do that and I do believe it's because, plain and simple, this is a government that has been driven in part by a certain level of arrogance, I think, that is unprecedented in this Legislative Assembly - at least since I've been around.

So today, although I know many members of my community are happy with the fact that Yarmouth was together - personally that is a relief to me to not have that constituency split up because it is a community of interest with a shared economy and with a shared history that is very distinct - as legislators I don't think we can take a selfish viewpoint on this legislation, and in my opinion this piece of legislation is destructive, it's divisive, and it has ignored the voices of very, very important people in this province, our Acadian population in particular, and reflects only the will of this Party, the New Democratic Party, and not the will, I think, of the majority of Nova Scotians.

I spoke at length on this bill in second reading, so I will be brief today, but the way even in which the Premier responded to criticism around this I think is unprecedented. We have a Premier who personally attacked a member of that independent commission - he was a volunteer who was trying to represent the interests of Acadians, of people from his area, and he simply disagreed with the final report. You know, we're allowed to disagree in a democracy; we do it every day in this Legislature - and to have a Premier act in such a way, to attack him personally and accuse him of being a troublemaker from day one, I think, was a real disservice to the process and I think it really shows how this Premier thinks on a lot of different issues.

I've experienced a lot, a certain attitude from this government where it's almost like members of this government believe that they are above criticism, they are above questioning, and that somehow it's an affront to all that's good in the world if members on the opposite benches get up and ask these critical questions and are critical of these decisions. I'm sorry, that's not the case. We are all allowed to criticize each other. We're allowed to engage in debate. We're allowed to disagree. Whether you like it or not, that's how democracy works.

[Page 5080]

I know it's this government's first term, so perhaps they're not used to being the recipients of such criticism, but I sat in this gallery for a long time when I was a student, and I listened to that Party in Opposition voraciously criticize past governments. So for them to think that they're somehow above that, I think is totally wrong, and I think it does come from a certain arrogance that exists in certain members over there.

That said, Mr. Speaker, this process isn't one that I can support. I do believe there's been a grave injustice done to our Acadian communities and to our democratic process. The number one lesson that I hope everyone takes from this is that our democracy is not as simple as a mathematical equation. If we've learned anything from this, I hope it's that. We have to take into consideration geography, communities of interest, and cultural and linguistic minorities - protecting one of the foundational languages in this province, the original language.

This bill does not do that. This government has not approached this in a way that has ensured equitable or fair representation. If the federal government did engage in a process that only looked at riding distribution in the way that this government does, P.E.I. would be without its representation that it currently has now and Nova Scotia would lose two seats in the House of Commons. I know there's no member on that side of the House of Assembly that will get up and say that Nova Scotia should lose two seats in the House of Commons, so why then apply that same logic and rationale to the provincial distribution of seats? It doesn't add up and it's unnecessary.

Again, this is a process that has hurt people, that has been divisive, and none of that needed to happen, Mr. Speaker. So I proudly stand with those Acadian communities that have been impacted, with the constituents of Shelburne, with the constituents in Cape Breton, and with all people who oppose this bill and feel hurt by it. Thank you very much.

MR. SPEAKER « » : The honourable member for Cape Breton South.

HON. MANNING MACDONALD « » : Mr. Speaker, I rise for a few moments to join the debate on Bill No. 94. I have to say at the outset that this was a sad decision for democracy in Nova Scotia. The Leader of the Progressive Conservatives was quite right that all Opposition members are going to be voting against this bill. It started out as an independent commission and was politicized by the government to the point where they picked the ridings they wanted. The Minister of Justice got involved early in the process and started the process going of what turned out to be a political process and not an independent process, to let the commission do its work without interference from the government.

[Page 5081]

Much has been said, Mr. Speaker, about the process here. Much has been said about the Acadian ridings that have been adversely affected by this government and also the riding of Preston for the African Nova Scotian population which has been adversely affected, but very little has been said about Cape Breton in this particular debate we're having around the boundaries.

Mr. Speaker, when I came to this place almost 20 years ago, Cape Breton had 11 seats in the Nova Scotia Legislature. If this vote goes through today, Cape Breton will have eight seats in the provincial Legislature. I don't think the people of Cape Breton have been fairly treated by this government. There's been very little said about this government. I think it goes back again to politics. I think this government is so obsessed with the urban area of Halifax County here, where they have a large number of seats, that they think they can grow there and the Dexter bus has been very active, I believe, in throwing people under that bus in various other parts of this province.

Some members may not like that, but I think the very fact is that we're losing seats in Cape Breton, one seat, Cape Breton Nova is disappearing - your own seat, Mr. Speaker. I have to tell you that seat was a seat with a lot of history in Nova Scotia, over the years. It was well represented over the years by Percy "Pinkie" Guam from the Progressive Conservative Party for years, and then Paul MacEwan for many, many years and lately, Mr. Speaker, you have been representing that particular seat.

When I look at the multiculturalism that abounds in Whitney Pier and the kind of impact Whitney Pier has had in the cultural diversity of Cape Breton Island, it's hard to believe that this government has decided to abandon that particular riding. The Ashby part of that riding has been moved back and forth so many times now that - three times, the Speaker reminds me - that they don't know what riding they are in. I have to tell you when you make a case for representation by population, there have to be some other things brought into play here.

In the case of Cape Breton Island, we are hurting economically. We're still hurting economically, and all we get from this government is another loss of a member. We are now down to eight members on Cape Breton Island, out of a Legislature of 52, soon to be 51. I don't think the people of Cape Breton are being well served by this vote that is going to happen here later today or tomorrow, depending on how we get along the rest of the day debating this bill. I can tell you, I believe the commission that was put in place with Dr. Teresa MacNeil, an eminent Nova Scotian - her commission was, I think, disregarded by this government for political reasons.

I listened with intense interest to the member for Shelburne speaking about his riding. The optics here are actually beyond belief, what's happened here. The minister is still sitting over here as a Minister of the Crown, even though he disagrees with government policy, he's been allowed to do that. The minister has a scripted announcement today, tried to get into all the good things that have happened in Shelburne County under his watch. He was very well scripted on that but I have to tell you, the people of Shelburne must be wondering where that member is, because that member is still here but the constituency is disappearing and I would have thought that member would have sided 100 per cent with the people of his constituency and said I'm against this government policy so I'm stepping away from the Executive Council and let the people of that riding consider that in the next election.

[Page 5082]

But he didn't do that. What he said was, the Committee on Law Amendments came down and listened to the people of Shelburne. What happened? Nothing. It was an exercise to try to appease the member for that particular area. The government had no intentions of changing that report when the Committee on Law Amendments went down there - no intention, none. But they went down there and put on a show and came back and did absolutely nothing. They sold the people of Shelburne down the river, that's what this government did. They tried to make out that they were doing something for them and the minister representing that area stood by and let it happen.

What happens when the government came back and didn't do any changing of the bill in the Committee on Law Amendments or in Committee of the Whole House on Bills, I think it was at that time that the member should have said I've had enough of this Party, I'm stepping aside in favour of representing the people who sent me here. But he didn't do that. He didn't do that. He said in his remarks that he blamed the commission - not the government, but the commission. He said in his prepared statement that he blamed the commission and not the government.

Mr. Speaker, it was the government. It was the government that didn't change that boundary. It was the government that changed the commission's report. As a matter of fact, I'm being reminded that the commission protected the riding in the first go around. But the minister has taken great pains to blame everybody else but his own government. I say to that minister that that minister should have stepped out of the Executive Council and stood by the people who sent him here. I'll tell you, Mr. Speaker, you stand with the people who sent you here, you don't stand with a government against policies you don't believe in. (Applause)

There's no question that we in Cape Breton are going to have less influence here in this House in the next Legislature because of the fact we're going to have one less member representing the important issues that face Cape Breton. That is a sad reflection on the way this has been going in terms of have-not areas of this province, and when you represent an area like I do, and like you do, Mr. Speaker, that has an unemployment rate in excess of 16 per cent, I believe the government should be paying more attention to that part of the province and not less attention by allowing less members to come to Halifax from Cape Breton Island.

[Page 5083]

I believe, Mr. Speaker, that this commission set out to do what was right and if they had been left alone with the complete independence that a commission of this kind should have, then I believe we would be sitting here, all of us, supporting this particular report that's here today. But we're going to vote against the report because it's more evident now than it ever was that this government is only concerned about political numbers, and they feel they have a better chance of getting what they want politically out of the people of Nova Scotia if they hand-pick the ridings that are going to be allowed to stand in the next election.

I believe that the member who, I believe, is one of the chief architects, the Minister of Culture and whatever else he represents - Culture and something, whatever else it is - the junior minister over there in any case, I think, had both hands in this mess around Christmastime last year when he decided to try to pull, what we call in Cape Breton, a "Hank Snow" at the last minute in favour of the government. But that minister, Mr. Speaker, is not smart enough to think of that himself. That came from One Government Place, he was merely the messenger. He was merely the messenger, and I believe he insulted everybody in this House earlier today, and I agree with the member for Yarmouth, that that member should be apologizing to the people of this House as well. (Applause)

I think, Mr. Speaker, the problem that member has is he's drowning in his own importance over there, and I believe that he not only owes an apology but if he's going to be the chief architect for this government as they move towards the next election, Heaven help the NDP in the next election. That's all I can say.

I refer again to the fact that we here in Cape Breton, and certainly I know, Mr. Speaker, you're very concerned about the fact that the Whitney Pier riding of Cape Breton Nova is going to be assimilated into three other ridings. While that is a concern to us that we're losing a member from Cape Breton Island in this House in the next Legislature, I don't think that's going to diminish the importance of the community of Whitney Pier or the community of Ashby, I believe that they're well entrenched in their multicultural activities there and the mosaic that they have, particularly in the Whitney Pier area, and as you know, Mr. Speaker, I represented that area when I was mayor in Sydney for 15 years and had the opportunity to coach Little League baseball in Whitney Pier. I know the member loves to get me talking about that - I don't know how successful I was, but the Police Atlantic Club Dodgers were a pretty good team at that time.

Anyway, Mr. Speaker, I think the area of Whitney Pier, I believe the commission took a look at the numbers, and in this particular respect if the government wanted to interfere with the entire process, they should have taken a look as well. You know, once they said that there was no more independence in the commission's report, then they should have taken a look at the value of keeping a certain number of seats representing the Island of Cape Breton. So now, again, when I started out by saying that we had 11 seats when I was first elected to this place, now we're down to eight seats, and I believe that Cape Bretoners are underrepresented in the House of Assembly here, and I believe that in some cases that hurts in order to try to get the government's attention for valuable programs that we do need in that part of Nova Scotia.

[Page 5084]

I'll say this as well, Mr. Speaker, when you look at what has happened to the Acadian seats here and what the government allowed to happen, it's no accident that all of these seats that are being tinkered with, I guess, or altered severely are all Opposition ridings. Now is that a coincidence that they just all happen to be Opposition ridings except (Interruption) I was getting to that - except Shelburne? I'm talking about the Acadian seats and the African Nova Scotian seat - the four protected seats.

The minister was quick to put his hand up over there fiercely representing his people of Shelburne, but if he was fiercely representing them he would have stepped out of Cabinet long ago and started representing them as an MLA down there, instead of trying to play both ends of the fence. And that's what he's trying to do. He's trying to make out that he really cares about the people down there yet he's staying in Cabinet, and as a result - and I've seen this happen before, I've been a Cabinet Minister. No Cabinet Minister is given permission to vote against a government bill or policy unless they step outside the Cabinet, but this Premier obviously either doesn't control this Cabinet or this Cabinet does not (Interruption)

You know, the Minister of Justice is an expert now on this, I guess. He has sat in Cabinet for a couple of years and he's an expert, but I can tell you that Cabinet solidarity is important and government policy is important but if you're in Cabinet and you can't abide by the rules or the decisions made by the government, you step outside the Executive Council and stand with the people that you represent, who sent you here. (Applause)

I feel very badly about the fact that I'm going to be voting against this bill today because in the past it was always a bill that was determined by the entire makeup of the House of Assembly. I can remember the last boundaries change 10 years ago. My riding changed and I accepted that, then 10 years before that it changed and I accepted that, and the previous member accepted it. But there were slight alterations in boundaries to create a more equitable distribution of voters in those ridings. It wasn't the wholesale dissolution of protected ridings and also the problems created with reducing numbers of seats in various parts of the province, particularly in my case and in your case, Mr. Speaker, on the Island of Cape Breton. We now have less representation here than we did when I first came here, three seats less than that, and that is not good for the future representation of the people of Cape Breton Island in this Legislature.

However, Halifax is gaining a couple more seats because of population and one can say, yes, there can be arguments on both sides that there should be less members - there are people out there who are saying we have too many members in the first place, that we should be down to around 36 members, some say 40. But here we are, we made a big change and reduced it from 52 to 51, and that's a start. By the time the next century rolls around we may get back to taking a closer look at, do we really need the number of MLAs that we do have? The proportion of distribution of those members, I believe, is not a distribution that favours parts of this province, such as Cape Breton Island and certainly other parts of the province as well.

[Page 5085]

I was particularly pleased to hear the member for Yarmouth so passionately talk about his area, with all of the economic problems that he has had over the past few years. But he's standing tall for the people of Yarmouth, he's standing tall for them and has done so in this Legislature right through this piece. Even to the point where he didn't stand silent when the Boundaries Commission visited his area, he didn't hide, he made his feelings known right then and there, because he knew something was going on and he moved to stop it, and indeed he was one of the catalysts that did stop it. So I congratulate the member for Yarmouth for sticking up for his constituents.

Mr. Speaker, I am going to take my seat in a moment but I'm going to say that I never thought that we'd be standing here today debating a boundaries bill and having the Leader of the Progressive Conservatives say that both Parties are together voting against this particular bill. I agree that this bill is flawed. I agree this bill has been hijacked by the government from day one, for political purposes, for political purposes only. That's a sad day when you take a commission like the one we had, the esteemed Dr. Teresa MacNeil and her commission, and what this government has done is said there is no more independence. You're an independent commission starting out but the minute we don't like what you're saying, you're no more an independent commission.

That is what happened. This government jumped in politically with both feet and it came from One Government Place. Whoever is doing the spin doctoring for this Premier and this government, I suggest that he should get some new people because the way this government is going, by the time the next election comes, they won't be at 29 per cent in the polls, they will be at 9 per cent. Thank you.

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

MR. ANDREW YOUNGER « » : Mr. Speaker, it was interesting listening to the Minister of Communities, Culture and Heritage. I hope he goes back to reflect on his comments. He asked the question, how do you define an Acadian? Then he went on to criticize the Opposition Parties for not having representation of minorities, despite the fact that this caucus includes a member of Lebanese descent, a Ukrainian-Canadian, two Acadians. He said that the Liberal caucus hadn't nominated Black candidates. He should speak to the Premier and ask him who ran against him. I think Mr. Ince would be surprised to learn the Minister of Communities, Culture and Heritage does not consider him to be a Black Nova Scotian. (Applause)

He said if the government was hijacking the process with their majority, they would rejig the boundaries to save various members - I don't remember his exact words, something like that. There is no boundary big enough to save most of the members in the NDP caucus these days, based on the decisions they've made. That would be one heck of a riding.

[Page 5086]

He talks about independence in the House of Assembly Act, which this flows out of, there is a whole section that talks about the commission being independent. It talks about the structure of the select committee that establishes the terms of reference and how that select committee, in the Act, is determined like other committees, the same balance, and so the government gets the majority because that's the way committees are established in the Legislature; that's in the Act.

At the beginning of this process, we said that's fine. We want the rules to be followed and that was part of the rules. Others tried to make a political point but didn't actually introduce an amendment, just tried to have a political stunt which would have violated the House of Assembly Act, if in fact that had gone ahead at the time.

But we moved ahead and in our very first meeting we sat around, members of all Parties, and we thought this would move forward. It's interesting that in the commission's final report on Page 5 they wrote to the Speaker because they felt maybe there was not some clarity around the terms of reference. You, Mr. Speaker, wrote back - and I hope you will allow me to use the word 'you' in referring to you. You wrote:

". . . the terms of reference established in the Report of the Select Committee constitute the totality of direction to the Commission and no person or body is authorized to give further direction (subject to any further direction from the House of Assembly)."

I will table that, Mr. Speaker - that was direction from you to the commission when they asked. I'm sure you can imagine the commission's surprise when their first interim report is rejected by the Minister of Justice in a letter where he says, "As such, I would request that the Commission prepare a revised interim report that complies with the terms of reference."

I will table that letter from the Minister of Justice. That's after, Mr. Speaker, you wrote the commission telling them that there is no person or body that has the right to give them additional direction. In fact, it wasn't that they disagreed with the terms of reference. It wasn't that at all. It was that they read them, they travelled the province and listened to various interpretations, and they decided that they would interpret the direction in their own way. I will table that, too. I will table their direction.

We'll come to a vote on this shortly, I assume. At the end of the day, the commission did their job. It's interesting - as a member of the select committee, I travelled the province with the other members, and we heard very loud and clear what Nova Scotians wanted. If there was any doubt about that, the commission travelled the province and got submissions and heard the same thing. That's what resulted in their first interim report - they heard the same thing, Mr. Speaker. What they heard was that people felt that protecting those ridings was important.

[Page 5087]

That shouldn't be surprising, because Jean Léger, who is - or was, I guess he isn't now - the executive director of la Fédération acadienne de la Nouvelle-Écosse, had brought to the commission's attention something which had been brought up in many of the previous commission reports. He brought up a ruling of the Supreme Court that talked about Section 3 of the Charter of Rights and Freedoms, one of the things that defines us as Canadians, one of the things that, regardless of Party, we celebrate as saying this is part of what makes Canada, Canada.

The Supreme Court said the province is empowered by convention to establish electoral boundaries, but that convention is subject to Section 3 of the Charter. "The content of the Charter right to vote is to be determined in a broad and purposive way, having regard to historical and social context. The broader philosophy underlying the historical development of the right to vote must be sought and practical considerations, such as social and physical geography, must be borne in mind." I'll table that.

They went on to talk about the idea of effective representation. They talked about the fact that effective representation is as important as truly exact, one-to-one representation. They said that's just as important because you have minorities, you have cultural groups in this country which have been disadvantaged because of the historical and social context, and deserve and demand in our Legislatures the appropriate representation.

I think we all know what that history is in Nova Scotia as it relates to Acadians. I think we all know what that history is as it relates to Black Nova Scotians. Certainly the former NDP MLA for Preston knew when she said, "I always saw the New Democrats as a progressive Party and this Act is regressive," and "To me, it's just taking something else away from the Black community." I'll table that as well. That was the former NDP MLA for Preston. She knows that at the moment Preston isn't represented by someone whose skin colour is black, but she still felt that was important because she recognizes that it's not about the person.

Finally, much of what I've had to say on this I've said over the past while, so just a last couple of comments. Mr. Speaker, the Minister of Communities, Culture and Heritage - and I truly do hope that he reflects on his comments - talked about not nominating an African Nova Scotian candidate. He was wrong on that, but I think he might want to check who the NDP nominated in Richmond and in Argyle for those Acadian seats (Interruption) and in Preston, I guess, apparently. He might want to just check on that history, because those in glass houses really shouldn't throw stones.

That might be an overused statement, but the minister stood up and made - I mean, he must have gone off-script, I guess. It's like the member for Pictou East the other day, you know, when they don't read their notes.

[Page 5088]

AN HON. MEMBER: Going to hell in a handbag.

MR. YOUNGER « » : Well, I was going to say that, but it would probably be ruled out of order.?

Mr. Speaker, you know, the Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture was right. We are here to represent all Nova Scotians and the select committee that I was a part of travelled the province and the commission travelled the province. They heard from Nova Scotians loud and clear and this government is not representing Nova Scotians, this government in this report is failing with Nova Scotians today.

MR. SPEAKER « » : The honourable Leader of the Opposition.

HON. STEPHEN MCNEIL « » : Mr. Speaker, it has been about a year now since Nova Scotians have been put through what has been an extremely difficult process. I have stood in my place in this House and have spoken a number of times on this bill and about the division that has been created by this bill, but I think it's important to go back to where we started, which was back in December of last year, December 2011, when we put together a group of select members of this House representing two members of our caucus, two members of the Progressive Conservative caucus, and five members of the governing Party, to kind of put together terms of reference that would guide the Nova Scotians who were chosen to represent us in the deliberations and how they engage Nova Scotians about what the electoral boundaries should look like.

Mr. Speaker, recognizing that after having gone through this process two different times, I think most people know that it would be difficult when you go into communities and you start talking about changing electoral boundaries, about moving people in and out of particular ridings, but I know last December the members of our caucus, the member for Richmond and the member for Dartmouth East, and the member for Argyle in the Progressive Conservative caucus and the member for Victoria-The Lakes in the Progressive Conservative caucus, raised serious concerns.

Mr. Speaker, when you go back and look at the terms of reference that were set for Bill No. 94, there's a dissenting report in that terms of reference and the dissenting report is really surrounded around Clause 2(d) because it went against minority rights in the Province of Nova Scotia. What's really important, in 1992 and in 2002, if you actually read the terms of reference for both of those reports, they are almost identical except Clause 2(d) but what it really said to the commissioners who were chosen in 1992 and in 2002, we're giving you the ability, the flexibility, to go out and listen to Nova Scotians and respond to what you hear. We're giving you the ability to protect minority ridings in the Province of Nova Scotia. We're giving you the ability to ensure that cultural and linguistic communities have a voice in the Nova Scotia Legislature. It never said you had to, it said we're going to give you the right and the ability and the flexibility to respond to what Nova Scotians are saying.

[Page 5089]

Mr. Speaker, after going through this process last December, we then went out and engaged an impressive group of Nova Scotians, some of whom have had experience before - some were involved in the 2002 review, and some were new. All of them accepted the request from government to participate with the understanding that they would have independence. They read the terms of reference and they went out and, as you know - it has been discussed here a number of times - they actually sent a letter to you and you responded that the terms of reference were the final thing.

Well, Mr. Speaker, lo and behold, they embark on what is always a very difficult situation when you go into communities and suggest that we're going to have to look at dividing boundaries, changing boundary lines, but they embarked on that mission in good faith. They went out and they listened to Nova Scotians, and Nova Scotians from one end of this province to the other responded. They showed up passionately describing and telling why they believed that their individual communities should either be protected or why certain communities belonged together in the Province of Nova Scotia. The commission listened and they delivered an interim report. It's really, truly, the only independent report of the Electoral Boundaries Commission that we've seen so far.

?

Mr. Speaker, they went out and they listened and they said - Nova Scotians said -? we want minority rights protected in the Province of Nova Scotia. We see the value. We see what a difference it has made to the House of Assembly.

The member for Argyle, who happens to hold that seat now but his predecessor who was in here was the Minister of Finance; the member for Clare, who has been in Cabinet; the member for Richmond, who has also been in Cabinet; the member for Preston, who has also been in Cabinet, representing minority rights; they've seen what has happened when their voices at the Cabinet Table - someone who is representing their linguistic and cultural differences, Mr. Speaker, someone who is protecting minority rights in the Province of Nova Scotia, they wanted those rights protected. The commission listened and said, you know what? We like the makeup of the House of Assembly today because it's what Nova Scotians see as a reflection of who they are.

We were very encouraged by that. I must tell you, Mr. Speaker, there were parts of that interim report, minority changes in boundaries here or there, that would have been on the final go-around that people would have had a turn to express their concerns. But by and large, Nova Scotians were proud of the fact that hardworking Nova Scotians accepted the task in this government and then responded by protecting minority rights. It was only when the Minister of Justice responded to the call from the Premier to tell those Nova Scotians to ignore what they heard as they were travelling around, to tell the committee to ignore what Nova Scotians told you; only listen to what One Government Place says.

[Page 5090]

One Government Place said minority rights don't matter, communities of interest don't matter. The only thing that matters is population. Mr. Speaker, when you focus solely on population, you end up having happen to Shelburne what happens to communities.

What did the government believe would happen? What did the member for Shelburne believe would happen if you stopped protecting minority rights on the west side of him? What did he believe was going to happen to Argyle? Or did he think the people from Argyle were going to get representation because the government didn't believe they should have their own representation?

Mr. Speaker, he's quite right, the committee did not go to Shelburne. The committee has not been in Digby either and that constituency has been changed, drastically, without hearing from the select committee. I will say that the member for Digby-Annapolis did speak to that select committee about the challenges facing his constituency because he saw what was coming. He saw that when the government of the day, when the Justice Minister said to this committee, go back, start over again, ignore minority rights, ignore communities of interest, only focus on population; he knew his community was going to be affected in a way that wasn't positive to them.

Mr. Speaker, if you go back and look at the terms of reference that were set, if you look at this whole process over the entire year, we've ended up here today with the elimination of protected ridings for one reason, it's because that's what the NDP Government wanted. There's no other way around it. At every turn, every time something happened, they interfered. They undermined the independence of this commission by going back and telling them to redraw the position.

We are here in this House now, going to be voting on a bill that will eliminate minority rights in the Province of Nova Scotia. I don't think any member of the House should feel good about that, Mr. Speaker.

Mr. Speaker, as I said when I was in second reading, my mother is from Richmond County, Cape Breton. My mother is a Mombourquette, of Acadian descent. I'm somewhat poorer for the fact, quite frankly, that the language has not been passed on to me. I hope my children will pick up my part of my family lineage and pick up the Acadian language.

Mr. Speaker, Acadian communities across this province were represented well in this House by their protected ridings and by the members who represented them. I think as a province, by the passing of this piece of legislation, we are all the poorer for it. (Applause) I'm not sure why we proceeded and rushed this bill through when the terms of reference - and why the government wanted to proceed last Fall. If you actually read what has been in legislation for quite some time, the select committee actually only had to be put in place today. It didn't have to report by December 31, 2012. We just had to select the members who were going to sit on that committee. They could have taken the next year or two years to report back to this House and had a full airing of Nova Scotians.

[Page 5091]

That would have probably been the correct thing to do: giving the commission the flexibility that the two previous commissions have had, to be able to listen to Nova Scotians and to be able to respond to their desires and their wishes on the makeup of this House. I was hoping that at some point the government might listen to that and extend this to allow that to take place. We don't have to vote on it in this session. We could actually hear from Nova Scotians again, or listen to what they've actually said to us in the first place. But that's not what we're going to do. This bill's going to come for a vote here very soon.

I am extremely proud of the work that has taken place by my colleagues in the Liberal caucus. I am extremely proud to have been and to be their Leader. I'm extremely proud of the way all members of this caucus have stood by my Acadian colleagues and by the member who represents Preston, by standing with them to ensure that minority rights are protected.

I would be remiss if I didn't say a few words on the comments made by the Minister of Communities, Culture and Heritage. I hope at some point he reflects on those words. It was not only offensive to members of this House, members of the Acadian community, and the African Nova Scotian community. It was offensive to women and to all minorities in the Province of Nova Scotia. I take great exception, as a Leader of a political Party who takes great pride in the diversity of his caucus, in the diversity of his Party, and in the diversity of the community that I represent, that in any way that minister would think that a son of a widowed mother who raised us would in any way discriminate against the rights of any minority or any female member. It is unacceptable. (Applause)

HON. LEONARD PREYRA « » : Mr. Speaker, I rise on a point of order. The Leader of the Opposition has imputed certain remarks and implied certain remarks to me, and certainly based on what some of the other members of his caucus have said, it's clear that they have misunderstood the intent of my remarks. I want to apologize if they have misunderstood it, but certainly there was no insult intended. Thank you.

MR. SPEAKER « » : The honourable Leader of the Opposition has the floor.

MR. MCNEIL « » : Mr. Speaker, I will wrap up. It clearly highlights why we're here today. The remarks of that minister clearly highlight why we're here today. He completely misunderstands. He doesn't have to apologize to me. He doesn't have to apologize to me at all. I would appreciate it if he would apologize to every minority in the Province of Nova Scotia and if he would apologize to every female member, not only of this House, but every woman in this province for his remarks. The fact that he would stand up the way he just did and not come clean to apologize is beyond me.

It highlights why we're here. It highlights why that caucus has trampled on minority rights in the Province of Nova Scotia, when you have a member sitting at the Cabinet Table who would stand in this House and go on like he did and then stand up and not be willing to apologize. It highlights why we are where we are, Mr. Speaker. (Applause)

[Page 5092]

HON. FRANK CORBETT « » : Mr. Speaker, on a point of order, I just want to know, we had earlier arranged for the Lieutenant Governor to arrive, I wonder with unanimous consent of the House can we extend the hours of the House by two hours? (Interruption) If it was to recess at 6:00 p.m. we would go to 8:00 p.m.

MR. SPEAKER « » : The motion is - and by the way, that is a point of order - well because it deals with the Rules of the Assembly.

The motion is to extend the hours of the House for two hours, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Would all those in favour of the motion please say Aye. Contrary minded, Nay.

The motion is carried.

The honourable member for Clare.

HON. WAYNE GAUDET « » : Merci, M. le Président. Lors du débat sur le projet de loi 94, en deuxième lecture, j'ai indiqué que le rôle du gouvernement NPD a été très autoritaire. Le gouvernement n'a pas écouté la population acadienne de la Nouvelle-Écosse.

Mr. Speaker, as I indicated during the debate on second reading of Bill No. 94 the NDP Government from the start of this electoral boundaries review that started back a year ago was heavy-handed all through. At every step of the electoral boundaries review the NDP Government did not take into consideration the will of the people. The people of Clare expressed their view loud and clear and stated please maintain the four protected ridings of Clare, Argyle, Richmond and Preston. Lo and behold what did the NDP Government do? Well, just the opposite, let's eliminate the four protected ridings of Preston, Richmond, Argyle and Clare. According to the NDP Government, the four protected ridings did not have the magic number of voters. The NDP did not accept the fact that other factors must be taken into consideration.

Mr. Speaker, back on New Year's Eve last year the headlines of the ChronicleHerald read, and I have a copy here because I used this in second reading, the headline read, Acadian and Black seats lose protection, this is one year ago. I don't know if this, as I indicated during second reading, I remember when I first read the headline on the paper that morning if this was a New Year's resolution for the NDP Government to eliminate the four protected ridings but I guess we're right down to the wire that we truly understand, right through this whole process exactly what the NDP Government had in mind to do.

[Page 5093]

At every step of the process, and the records show this and members, my colleagues here in the House, have time and time again showed through you, Mr. Speaker, exactly the interference that the government did right along the process. Why? Because the NDP Government have the majority government, today they have a majority government and they felt they don't have to listen to what people of Nova Scotia have to say. The government can try to blame the special committee of the House for setting the terms of reference for the commission, but we all know it's the NDP Government that dictated the terms of reference for the commission.

The NDP Government had a minority on this select committee. It didn't matter what the duly elected Opposition members on this committee had to say, they had a majority. The NDP members decided the terms of reference to reflect the will of the NDP Government. There was no discussion, no debate; the terms of reference were designed to eliminate the four protected seats.

Right through this boundary review we heard the NDP Government members talking about vote parity and nothing else but vote parity. According to the NDP no other factors should be considered and, Madam Speaker, this is wrong. So why did the provincial NDP Government decide to neglect all other factors by imposing the notwithstanding clause in the terms of reference? This 25 per cent variance imposed by the NDP Government made it impossible for the Electoral Boundaries Commission to consider any other factors in determining the future of these four protected ridings. Even with the 25 per cent guideline the Electoral Boundaries Commission recommended keeping the four protected seats.

Before the Electoral Boundaries Commission started their public consultation, the commission themselves were handcuffed and this was done on purpose. The NDP Government decided back on New Year's Eve last year, 2011, what was going to happen to the riding of Clare and the other three protected seats. Now here we are: the government has fulfilled their New Year's resolution by no more allowing these protected ridings to exist in our province.

This was a done deal before the commission got on the road and started its public consultation. As I indicated, before the commission actually started their consultation, The ChronicleHerald, Saturday, December 31, 2011, the headline: Acadian, black seats lose protection. I think a lot of people who read this didn't believe it, but I guess looking back at the last 12 months and here we are tonight, just a few minutes away from this important vote, this was a done deal before the commission got on the road and started its public consultation.

Back in April the commission came to Clare for a public hearing and the people of Clare strongly expressed their view to the commission. The people of Clare attended, in large number, a public meeting at the Clare Legion to prepare for the visit of the commission coming to Clare back in April. The commission's first - you know there have been so many interim reports and government interference, people certainly get lost when you go back and try to reflect on what action, what happened, when did it happen, who said what, there has been lots.

[Page 5094]

The commission's first interim report, I can tell you, was greatly appreciated by the people of Clare because it reflected their will, reflected what they had a chance to tell the commission that night. But as we all know the good news didn't last too long once the Attorney General stepped into the work of the so-called independent commission and declared the commission's work null and void. Well, the intervention by the Attorney General certainly caused - and I say caused - an uproar throughout Clare, and that is putting it mildly. The Attorney General's intervention certainly caused an uproar throughout the Acadian community and across our province.

I was surprised to see members of the commission stay on. As a matter of fact, I was really surprised, and I wasn't the only one. A lot of people could not believe that the commissioners, after being told by the Attorney General, decided to stay on and try again. I think everybody, everybody, was surprised. I understood that the commission must have had some really difficult decisions before arriving into continuing their work.

However, in their second report, the commission proposed major changes for the four protected ridings. Then on September 25, 2012, the commission filed its final report recommending the elimination of the Clare constituency, and the people of Clare found it extremely unacceptable. Under Bill No. 94, it is proposed that Clare and Digby will be combined into one riding. This is not the extension of Clare into Digby. This is the elimination of the Clare riding. It dilutes the Clare riding into the Digby riding.

So in closing, the NDP Government has designed the outcome of this independent boundary review from the word go. The so-called, apparent, public consultation, done by the special select committee of the House, done by the Electoral Boundaries Commission, was a mockery of democracy. Why? Because it didn't take the will of the people into consideration.

The disappearance of the four protected ridings was not done within an open debate, which is warranted on this fundamental question. This has been a top-down decision imposed by the NDP Government - imposed on the special select committee, imposed on the Electoral Boundaries Commission, imposed on the Acadians throughout Nova Scotia, imposed on the people of Nova Scotia, and imposed on the people of Clare.

I report to you, Madam Speaker, that the people of Clare are highly upset. We're writing history tonight. History will blame this NDP Government for the elimination of the Clare riding that has existed for many years.

[Page 5095]

Madame la Présidente, l'histoire de la Nouvelle-Écosse va indiquer que le Nouveau Parti démocratique de la Nouvelle-Écosse a été le gouvernement qui a éliminé les circonscriptions acadiennes d'Argyle, de Richmond et de Clare.

Un dernier mot : je désire donner un remerciement spécial à toute la communauté acadienne et francophone pour leur participation tout au long du processus de la révision des frontières des circonscriptions électorales.

Finalement, un remerciement tout spécial, à la Fédération acadienne de la Nouvelle-Écosse, pour son intérêt à protéger les circonscriptions acadiennes.

Thank you, Madam Speaker.

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

The honourable Minister of Justice.

HON. ROSS LANDRY « » : Madam Speaker, I want to just thank all of the people who got up and spoke on this. It was most enlightening and very dynamic in many ways, and I enjoyed the evening. So thank you very much, and I move third reading.

MADAM SPEAKER « » : The motion is for third reading of Bill No. 94.

A recorded vote has been called for.

Ring the bells. Call in the members.

[5:30 p.m.]

[The Division Bells were rung.]

MR. SPEAKER « » : Are the Whips satisfied?

[The Clerk calls the roll.]

[5:46 p.m.]

[Page 5096]

YEAS NAYS

Mr. Landry Mr. Belliveau

Ms. More Mr. Manning MacDonald

Mr. Smith Mr. Gaudet

Ms. Peterson-Rafuse Mr. Glavine

Mr. Corbett Ms. Whalen

Mr. Dexter Mr. McNeil

Ms. Maureen MacDonald Mr. Samson

Mr. Wilson Mr. d'Entremont

Mr. Paris Mr. Baillie

Ms. Jennex Mr. Bain

Mr. MacDonell Mr. Porter

Ms. Zann Mr. MacMaster

Ms. Kent Mr. MacLeod

Ms. Conrad Mr. Orrell

Mr. Preyra Mr. Younger

Mr. MacKinnon Ms. Regan

Ms. Raymond Ms. Casey

Mr. Steele Mr. Colwell

Mr. Epstein Mr. Zinck

Mr. Estabrooks Mr. Theriault

Mr. Prest Mr. MacLellan

Mr. Ramey Mr. Churchill

Mr. Whynott

Mr. Morton

Ms. Birdsall

Mr. Burrill

THE CLERK « » : For, 26. Against, 22.

MR. SPEAKER « » : The motion is carried.

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

The honourable Government House Leader.

HON. FRANK CORBETT « » : Mr. Speaker, that concludes the government's business. I move that the House do now recess; the Lieutenant Governor is on his way, so it should be somewhere in the vicinity of half an hour or 45 minutes.

MR. SPEAKER « » : The motion is to recess until the Lieutenant Governor arrives.

[Page 5097]

Would all those in favour of the motion please say Aye. Contrary minded, Nay.

The motion is carried.

We will now take a short recess while we wait for the Lieutenant Governor.

[5:50 p.m. The House recessed.]

[6:13 p.m. The House reconvened.]

MR. SPEAKER « » : Order, please.

SERGEANT-AT-ARMS: His Honour the Lieutenant Governor is without.

MR. SPEAKER « » : Let His Honour the Lieutenant Governor be admitted.

All rise.

[The Speaker and the Clerks left the Chamber.

SERGEANT-AT-ARMS: His Honour the Lieutenant Governor.

[The Lieutenant Governor, the Honourable John James Grant, preceded by his escort and by Mr. Ken Greenham, Sergeant-at-Arms, bearing the Mace, entered the House of Assembly Chamber. The Lieutenant Governor then took his seat on the Throne.

The Sergeant-at-Arms then departed and re-entered the Chamber, followed by the Speaker, the Honourable Gordon Gosse; the Chief Clerk, Neil Ferguson; and the Assistant Clerk, Annette Boucher.

The Speaker, with the Sergeant-at-Arms and the Assistant Clerk on his right and the Chief Clerk on his left, took up his position at the foot of the Table of the House.]

?

SERGEANT-AT-ARMS: It is the wish of His Honour the Lieutenant Governor that the ladies and gentlemen be seated.

MR. SPEAKER « » : May it please Your Honour, the General Assembly of the Province has, at its present session, passed certain bills to which, in the name and on behalf of the General Assembly, I respectfully request Your Honour's Assent.

THE CLERK « » :

[Page 5098]

Bill No. 94 - House of Assembly Act.

Bill No. 97 - Fairer Power Rates Act.

Bill No. 102 - Education Act.

Bill No. 105 - Agriculture and Marketing Act.

Bill No. 107 - Debt Collection and Management Reform (2012) Act.

Bill No. 109 - Bee Industry Act.

Bill No. 111 - Fur Industry Act.

Bill No. 112 - Municipal Government Act and Halifax Regional Municipality Charter.

Bill No. 114 - Interjurisdictional Support Orders Act.

Bill No. 115 - Interprovincial Investigative Authority Act.

Bill No. 117 - Anne Murray Centre Tax Exemption Act.

Bill No. 119 - Cosmetology Act.

Bill No. 125 - War Amps Key Tag Act.

Bill No. 127 - Art Gallery of Nova Scotia Act.

Bill No. 129 - Liverpool United Baptist Church Cemetery Act.

Bill No. 130 - Convention of Atlantic Baptist Churches Act.

Bill No. 131 - School Board Members Duties Clarification Act.

Bill No. 133 - Inter-city Bus Service Act.

Bill No. 136 - Green Economy Act.

Bill No. 139 - Sisters of Saint Martha Consolidation Act.

Bill No. 140 - Transgendered Persons Protection Act.

Bill No. 143 - Importation of Wine for Personal Use Act.

[Page 5099]

Bill No. 144 - Insured Health Services Act.

Bill No. 146 - East Hants Curling Arena Act.

Bill No. 147 - Regulated Health Professions Network Act.

Bill No. 150 - Residential Tenancies Act.

Bill No. 151 - Workers' Compensation Act.

Bill No. 153 - Community Interest Companies Act.

Bill No. 155 - Richmond-NewPage Port Hawkesbury Tax Agreement Act.

Bill No. 156 - Halifax Regional Water Commission Act.

Bill No. 157 - Halifax Regional Municipality Charter.

Bill No. 158 - Film Nova Scotia Act.

Bill No. 159 - Missing Persons Act.

THE LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR:

In Her Majesty's name, I Assent to these Bills.

[The Speaker and the Clerks left the Chamber.]

[The Lieutenant Governor left the Chamber.]

SERGEANT-AT-ARMS: His Honour, the Speaker.

[The Speaker took the Chair.]

MR. SPEAKER « » : Please be seated. I would like to first say I would like for all the members to have a very joyous holiday season and a happy New Year with your family and your friends. I look forward to seeing you all again in the next session in the Spring. I would ask that the members please rise and join me in the singing of our national anthem.

[The national anthem was sung by the members.]

MR. SPEAKER « » : Please be seated everybody.

The honourable Premier.

[Page 5100]

THE PREMIER « » : Mr. Speaker, and members of the House of Assembly, I move that this General Assembly be adjourned, to meet again at the call of the Speaker.

MR. SPEAKER « » : We now stand adjourned until the call of the Speaker.

[The House rose at 6:26 p.m.]

NOTICES OF MOTION UNDER RULE 32(3)

[Page 5101]

RESOLUTION NO. 2686

By: Ms. Becky Kent « » (Cole Harbour-Eastern Passage)

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

Whereas Ed DeYoung from Eastern Passage has been volunteering in his community for over 60 years; and

Whereas Ed's past volunteering includes roles such as member of the Eastern Passage-Cow Bay Athletic Association, coaching baseball and hockey teams, founding member of the Lions Club and Buffalo Club, St. Andrews Parish volunteer, Lions Club Christmas Food Boxes distribution, member of the Benevolent Society and Annual Terry Fox Run volunteer; and

Whereas Ed presently sits on St. Andrews Parish Council, does volunteer updating of the 'Community Notice Board' at Quigleys Corner and is a current and long-time member of the board of directors for The Beacon for over 30 years;

Therefore be it resolved that this Nova Scotia House of Assembly congratulate Ed DeYoung of Eastern Passage for all of his volunteer work over the last 60 years and recognize his reputation as one of the top volunteers in his community.

RESOLUTION NO. 2687

By: Ms. Lenore Zann « » (Truro-Bible Hill)

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

Whereas Al McNutt, who was diagnosed with HIV in 1987, is a true pioneer in the fight to support people living with HIV/AIDS and the drive to educate all Canadians on the facts about HIV/AIDS and to dispel the discrimination and stigma surrounding this disease; and

Whereas Al McNutt founded the Truro AIDS Outreach in 1994, which later evolved into the Northern AIDS Connection Society and where he was also instrumental in opening the first voluntary and confidential HIV testing centre in Truro organizing the first AIDS walk in Truro in 1996 and has served on the boards of the Interagency Coalition on AIDS & Development and the Canadian AIDS Society; and

Whereas Al McNutt has been honoured with past awards including an award for Action on HIV/AIDS and Human Rights from the Legal Network and New York-based Human Rights Watch and a Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee Award and he has currently been announced as a recipient of a Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee medal;

[Page 5102]

Therefore be it resolved that the Nova Scotia Legislature congratulate Al McNutt on receiving this distinguished award and thank him for his tireless service on behalf of Canadians suffering with HIV/AIDS and for his dedication to educating the public on all issues involving HIV/AIDS including awareness of the facts, prevention and for his work to help end discrimination of people living with HIV/AIDS.

RESOLUTION NO. 2688

By: Ms. Lenore Zann « » (Truro-Bible Hill)

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

Whereas the Cobequid Cougars girls Division 1 volleyball team consisting of players, Manon LeBlanc-Hill, Morgan Marshall, Katie McNutt, Ally Fanning, Anissa Blackmore, Shea Lynn Callaghan, Emma Bastarache, Stephanie Tompkins, Rachel Sinclair, Allison Harris, Alex Jackson, Jasleen Singh, Janine Marshall, Jackie McClelland, Joanna Burris and led by coaches Bob Piers, Heather Wolfe and Suzanna Fougere have had a very successful season with eight tournament wins in 10 events; and

Whereas the eight wins this season gave the Cobequid Cougars girls' team the Northumberland Region Title and the opportunity to play in the provincial Nova Scotia Athletic Federation Division 1 championships held November 30 - December 1 in Antigonish; and

Whereas the Cobequid Cougars girls' volleyball team were victorious in the provincial beating the J.L. Ilsley Judges 2 - 1 in the final match making them the gold medal winners;

Therefore be it resolved that the Nova Scotia Legislature congratulate the Cobequid Cougars Volleyball team for an outstanding season and for winning the Nova Scotia School Athletic Federation Division 1 provincial championships.

RESOLUTION NO. 2689

By: Ms. Lenore Zann « » (Truro-Bible Hill)

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

Whereas the Cobequid Cougars girls Division 2 volleyball team consists of team players, Phoebe Bastarache, Olivia Cullip, Lauren Doane, Amira Faulkner, Rachel Ven Gestel, Teya Green, Riley MacEachern, Faith Marshall, Morganne Peck, Maddison Putnam, Traveen Singh, Kristin Spencer and coaches Hilary Cummings and Carrie Peck; and

[Page 5103]

Whereas the Cobequid Cougars Girls' Volleyball Division 2 team won the Northumberland Region Championships in November earning the team a spot in the Nova Scotia Athletic Federation Division 2 provincial playoffs; and

Whereas the Division 2 Girls Volleyball team is comprised of players from Grade 10 and ply teams with older, experienced players from Grades 11 and 12 and that despite this still won the bronze medal at the Nova Scotia School Athletic Federation Division 2 provincial playoffs November 30 - December 1;

Therefore be it resolved that the Nova Scotia Legislature congratulate the Cobequid Cougars Volleyball Division 2 team players and coaches on winning the Northumberland Region Championships and for bringing home the bronze medal from the provincial playoffs.

RESOLUTION NO. 2690

By: Ms. Lenore Zann « » (Truro-Bible Hill)

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

Whereas the Cobequid Cougars Boys Volleyball Division 1 team consisting of players Zack Bernard, Arjen Blaauwendraat, Harrison Callaghan, Chris Cameron,? Ben Chisholm, Josh Dorey, Josh Roberts, Eric Roy, Adam Sanderson, Riley Tanner and coached by Harvey MacEachern entered the recent provincial championships having won two tournaments our of seven this season; and

Whereas the Cobequid Cougars Boys team won the Northumberland Region Division 1 title in November earning them a spot in the provincial championship playoffs; and

Whereas the Cobequid Cougars Boys Volleyball Division 1 team won the gold medal at the Nova Scotia School Athletic Federation Division 1 provincial playoffs held November 30^th to December 1^st, giving them their first provincial title win since 2005;

Therefore be it resolved that the Nova Scotia Legislature congratulate the Cobequid Cougars Boys Volleyball Division 1 team on winning the Nova Scotia School Athletic Federation division 1 provincial title and thank the coaches and team players for their hard work and dedication.

[Page 5104]

RESOLUTION 2691

By: Ms. Becky Kent « » (Cole Harbour-Eastern Passage)

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

Whereas Carolyn Hockley from Cole Harbour has just completed and published her first book called Arazi Crossing Quinn's Evolution; and

Whereas this is one of a 6-book Arazi Crossing series for young adult fiction/fantasy readers and was recently launched in November at Cole Harbour Place; and

Whereas Redemption House Publishing, a new publisher in the Halifax area, has lined up a Nova Scotia book signing tour offering opportunities to meet and support local author Carolyn Hockley;

Therefore be it resolved that this Nova Scotia House of Assembly congratulate Carolyn Hockley from Cole Harbour on the recent completion, publication, and launch of her first book, Arazi Crossing Quinn's Evolution.

RESOLUTION NO. 2692

By: Ms. Becky Kent « » (Cole Harbour-Eastern Passage)

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

Whereas in September, 2012 a memorandum of understanding (MOU) was signed between 105.9 Seaside FM, Eastern Passage and Land Force Atlantic Area (LFAA) marking the beginning of a partnership that will have military members participate in the day-to-day radio station operations in an attempt to maintain and hone this important media operations capability; and

Whereas Wayne Harrett, Seaside's Station Manager and Program Director, and Lieutenant-Colonel Sanchez King, LFAA's G9 Branch Head, both expressed their excitement and optimism about this new arrangement, noting the wealth of experience and knowledge at Seaside coupled with the military's youthful vigor, will create a fantastic atmosphere at Seaside FM; and

Whereas the uniting of talents between the two organizations is sure to be a productive learning experience for both;

[Page 5105]

Therefore be it resolved that this Nova Scotia House of Assembly congratulate Land Force Atlantic Area and Seaside FM, Eastern Passage, on their agreement to combine their broadcasting skills and learn from each other as they deliver the well-known broadcast service to the listening audience of Seaside FM.

RESOLUTION NO. 2693

By: Ms. Becky Kent « » (Cole Harbour-Eastern Passage)

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

Whereas volunteering is the most fundamental act of citizenship and philanthropy in our society as volunteers enrich our communities with their tremendous commitment and generosity that serves to improve the quality of life for all Nova Scotians; and

Whereas George Noble of Eastern Passage has exemplified the role of volunteer for over 50 years; and

Whereas George's list of accomplishments, too numerous to mention all, have included co-establishing the first ball field, erecting/maintaining the first field lights in the ball field, being one of the original members of the Carnival Committee, an original member of the Athletic Association, past President of the Ratepayers Association, a pilot with the Shearwater Flying Club who used to drop candy on the ball field during Carnival Days, a key player in the requirement that all hockey referees wear helmets, and the list goes on;

Therefore be it resolved that this Nova Scotia House of Assembly thank and commend George Noble of Eastern Passage for his devotion to his community and Nova Scotia through more than 50 years of volunteer service.

RESOLUTION NO. 2694

By: Ms. Lenore Zann « » (Truro-Bible Hill)

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

Whereas Truro native Jon McIsaac has been working towards a career as a hockey official since 2004: and

Whereas Jon McIsaac has officiated at the pro hockey level for the past three seasons, refereeing in the central league of the American Hockey League and then landing a full-time job with the AHL last season; and

[Page 5106]

Whereas Jon McIsaac has been hired by the National Hockey League and will have the opportunity to use his skills there as well as continuing in the AHL

Therefore be it resolved that the Nova Scotia Legislature congratulate Jon McIsaac on accomplishing his goal of becoming a hockey official with the National Hockey League.

RESOLUTION NO. 2695

By: Ms. Lenore Zann « » (Truro-Bible Hill)

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

Whereas Jessica Bartlett, a Truro Lions javelin thrower, had a personal goal of throwing the javelin 40 meters; and

Whereas Jessica Bartlett, who has been throwing the javelin for five years, attended her final Legion track championship on August 17, 2012 in Charlottetown, P.E.I.; and

Whereas Jessica Bartlett earned a bronze medal at the Legion Canadian Youth Track and Field Championships by throwing her personal best, a distance of 40.38 meters;

Therefore be it resolved that the Nova Scotia Legislature congratulate Jessica Bartlett on accomplishing her goal in the javelin throw and for bringing a bronze medal back to Truro.

RESOLUTION NO. 2696

By: Ms. Lenore Zann « » (Truro-Bible Hill)

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

Whereas Emily McInnis, a Grade 8 student at Redcliffe Middle School, and Brandin Arsenault, a Grade 9 student at Bible Hill Junior High, celebrated the one-year anniversary of their anti-bullying organization - Operation Unfriend Bullying - on October 21, 2012; and

Whereas since the launch of their Web site, a little over half a year ago, Operation Unfriend Bullying has had over 2,625,000 hits from over 26,500 households and businesses worldwide; and

[Page 5107]

Whereas on October 21^st, 2012, Operation Unfriend Bullying held a public event to both celebrate their one-year anniversary and further promote their Web site;

Therefore be it resolved that the Nova Scotia Legislature congratulate Emily and Brandin for celebrating their one-year anniversary of their Web site Operation Unfriend Bullying, and commend them for the success of their anti-bullying program.

RESOLUTION NO. 2697

By: Ms. Lenore Zann « » (Truro-Bible Hill)

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

Whereas the Millbrook Warriors lacrosse team made history as the first all-Aboriginal team in Atlantic Canada when they first formed in 2011; and

Whereas the Millbrook Warriors field lacrosse team recently won the Nova Scotia varsity field lacrosse championship with a 17-16 victory over Halifax in the final game; and

Whereas the Millbrook Warriors named Billie Julian, who scored five goals in their final game, as their MVP, and Haidyn Oudemans as the Most Improved Player;

Therefore be it resolved that the Nova Scotia Legislature congratulate the Millbrook Warrior's team members and coaches on their victory, and wish the team continued success in the future.

RESOLUTION NO. 2698

By: Ms. Lenore Zann « » (Truro-Bible Hill)

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

Whereas Jeremiah Jones of Truro, Nova Scotia, born in 1880 and died in 1950 at the age of 50, enlisted in the 106^th Battalion (Nova Scotia Rifles) in June 1916; and

Whereas Private Jones transferred to the Royal Canadian Regiment, where he participated in front-line combat at the battle of Vimy Ridge in April 1917 and also in the Battle of Passchendaele before being discharged due to injury in early 1918; and

[Page 5108]

Whereas as a result of his bravery during battle, Jeremiah Jones was recommended for the Distinguished Conduct Medal of which he was well-deserving, and was finally awarded the medal posthumously in 2010;

Therefore be it resolved that the Nova Scotia Legislature congratulate the family of Jeremiah Jones and honour the heroic contributions of Jeremiah Jones, a faithful and patriotic soldier of our nation.

RESOLUTION NO. 2699

By: Ms. Lenore Zann « » (Truro-Bible Hill)

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

Whereas Al Hollis and his family have been in the automobile industry for over 50 years; and;

Whereas Al Hollis and his son Rick Hollis, co-owners of Hollis Ford, recently completed their new 8,000-square foot showroom and waiting area, with upgrades to their parts department, including the counter and warehouse areas and to the service and reception area, which was presented to the public at their grand opening on November 13, 2012; and

Whereas to honour the expansion of this Truro business which employs 38 people, Dianne Craig, CEO and President of Ford Motor Company of Canada, presented Hollis Ford with the Golden Shovel Award;

Therefore be it resolved that the Nova Scotia Legislature congratulate Hollis Ford on receiving the Golden Shovel Award for their recent expansion, thank them for being a valuable contributor to the economy of the Truro area, and wish them continued success.

RESOLUTION NO. 2700

By: Ms. Lenore Zann « » (Truro-Bible Hill)

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

Whereas Darryll Taylor, co-owner of Maritime Marionettes of Truro, while attending a writers' workshop in Hawaii some years ago, began to develop an idea for a book chronicling his experiences growing up as a horse breeder's son in Antigonish County; and

[Page 5109]

Whereas Mr. Taylor gained confidence in his writing ability by telling his stories to friends and at social gatherings; and

Whereas Darryll Taylor's first book The Stud Horse Boy has been published, followed by a successful book launch and several book signings, and he is now currently working on a follow-up book, with hopes of a third to follow;

Therefore be it resolved that the Nova Scotia Legislature congratulate Darryll Taylor on the publishing of his first novel The Stud Horse Boy, and wish him continued success in his writing career.

RESOLUTION NO. 2701

By: Hon. Ramona Jennex « » (Minister of Education)

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

Whereas Chef Jason Lynch and the staff of Le Caveau, on the premises of Domaine de Grand Pre, were most recently named Best Fine Dining Restaurant in the Taste of Nova Scotia Prestige Awards for 2012; and

Whereas Le Caveau serves inspired cuisine from all regions of the globe, complemented by a glass of the award-winning on-premises wine; and

Whereas Chef Jason Lynch and his staff also take the time to serve as ambassadors for inventive, inspiring food and ingredients to all of their patrons, as well as the community at large;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly recognize the achievements of Chef Jason Lynch, the staff at Le Caveau, and Domaine de Grand Pre for all of their efforts.

RESOLUTION NO. 2702

By: Hon. Ramona Jennex « » (Minister of Education)

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

Whereas Acadia University student Alana Fairfax of Somerset was recently named the recipient of the Canadian Interuniversity Sport Student-Athlete Community Service Award; and

[Page 5110]

Whereas Alana has served her community for many years in various incarnations, including work with Acadia's S.M.I.L.E. program, Relay for Life, the Wolfville Nursing Home, and the anti-bullying WITS group; and

Whereas Alana stands as an example of what it means to be a charitable and committed citizen and student, embodying the best principles of sportsmanship and civic-mindedness;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly recognize the achievements and contributions made by Alana Fairfax to her university, her community, and her peers.

RESOLUTION NO. 2703

By: Ms. Vicki Conrad « » (Queens)

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

Whereas Junior Achievement is an international non-profit organization that works to inspire and prepare youth for the changing global economy; and

Whereas on October 16^th, 2012, 12 students from Liverpool Regional High School began a 19-week Junior Achievement business education program; and

Whereas volunteers Peter Ripple and Doug Millar have taken on the role of mentors to guide the students through the process of developing a business plan, following through with running a company, and ultimately selling the business;

Therefore be it resolved that the House of Assembly recognize Peter Ripple, Doug Millar, and the students of the Junior Achievement program for their participation in this international non-profit organization.

RESOLUTION NO. 2704

By: Ms. Vicki Conrad « » (Queens)

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

Whereas the mission of the South Queens Chamber of Commerce is to promote and improve trade and commerce, working to foster the economic, civic, and social welfare of the district; and

[Page 5111]

Whereas an annual project of the Chamber's Christmas committee is the Christmas Gift Gallery: Local Artisans Showcase and Sale, an event that brings together local artisans under one roof to promote their work in the spirit of an economic community; and

Whereas this year's Christmas Gift Gallery saw more than 30 vendors taking part in this event on November 30 and December 1, 2012;

Therefore be it resolved that the House of Assembly recognize and congratulate the South Queens Chamber of Commerce for promoting a broad spectrum of economic activity in Queens County.

RESOLUTION NO. 2705

By: Ms. Vicki Conrad « » (Queens)

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

Whereas the community health coordinator for Queens County is responsible for assisting the Queens Community Health Board with its day-to-day operations; and

Whereas the community health coordinator is also responsible for working with teens to coordinate activities and events at the Teen Access Zone at Queens Place Emera Centre in Liverpool; and

Whereas in October 2012, Francis Kangata became the new community health coordinator for Queens County;

Therefore be it resolved that the House of Assembly recognize and congratulate Francis Kangata for his new role as the community health coordinator in Queens County.

RESOLUTION NO. 2706

By: Ms. Vicki Conrad « » (Queens)

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

Whereas the fourth annual Firefighters Christmas Parade rolled through Liverpool on November 30, 2012; and

Whereas close to 50 floats contributed to the festive success of the parade; and

[Page 5112]

Whereas volunteer firefighter Chad Whynot has been the primary organizer of this event since its inception;

Therefore be it resolved that the House of Assembly recognize and congratulate Chad Whynot for his initiative and dedication to this festive event that truly brings his community together.

RESOLUTION NO. 2707

By: Hon. Sterling Belliveau « » (Fisheries and Aquaculture)

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

Whereas Lockeport Cottages and Campground manager Jamie Cotter was the recipient of the Consumer Service Excellence Award at the Eastern Shelburne County Business Excellence Awards on October 18, 2012; and

Whereas Jamie Cotter often goes above and beyond to ensure his guests have a memorable experience while visiting the beautiful Lockeport area, from sitting around the campfire playing his guitar for their musical enjoyment to providing information on local events and attractions they may want to visit; and

Whereas Jamie Cotter has also been hosting music festivals at the campground for the past several years for the entertainment of his guests, as well as the general public, helping to promote some of the wonderful musical talent in the area;

Therefore be it resolved that this House of Assembly congratulate Lockeport Cottages and Campground manager Jamie Cotter for receiving the Consumer Service Excellence Award at the Eastern Shelburne County Business Excellence Awards on October 18, 2012.

RESOLUTION NO. 2708

By: Mr. Sidney Prest « » (Eastern Shore)

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

Whereas a nursing home in Musquodoboit Harbour is on a mission to change the way people look at nursing homes; and

Whereas Marny Warner, the recreation director of the Birches Home for Special Care, was behind the idea of creating a three-minute video posted on YouTube showcasing the employees and residents bouncing to the tune of I've Got a Feeling; and

[Page 5113]

Whereas the video showed each of the 41 residents and their families, whose ages ranged from 1 to 99, even those who were camera-shy were shown in stills;

Therefore be it resolved that the Nova Scotia Legislature congratulate Marny Warner, the staff and residents of the Birches Home for Special Care on the creation of their video showing the beauty of elderly people and applaud them for their efforts in showing others that seniors' facilities can be fun.

RESOLUTION NO. 2709

By: Mr. Jim Morton « » (Kings North)

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

Whereas Fox Hill Cheese House of Port Williams, owned and operated by Jeanita and Richard Rand and family, provides unique, delicious, high-quality, locally produced products, all made from drug and hormone-free milk; and

Whereas Fox Hill Cheese House creates an outstanding variety of cheeses, yogurt, fresh quark, cheese curds and 20 flavours of gelato, as well as serving as the only local outlet for pasteurized, non-homogenized milk in the Valley; and

Whereas Fox Hill Cheese House has been recognized for the excellence of its products by the Taste of Nova Scotia Prestige Awards in being named Producer of the Year for 2012;

Therefore be it resolved that the members of this House recognize Fox Hill Cheese House as a wonderful example of the fine Nova Scotia producers who create, develop, export, prepare and serve the best quality local food in the province.

RESOLUTION NO. 2710

By: Mr. Chuck Porter « » (Hants West)

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

Whereas Nova Scotia's civil servants, whether they fight fires, provide quality health care, fix or repair our roads, or monitor food safety, provide a wide range of services that make life better for families in every region of our province; and

[Page 5114]

Whereas Tim Peters of Mount Denson can easily be described as one of those individuals providing a wide range of services that make life better for families, having been recognized for his 25 years of employment with the Department of Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal; and

Whereas Nova Scotia's civil servants are truly great people, doing great things and know they are making a difference in the lives of Nova Scotians on a daily basis;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly recognize the quality and quantity of work undertaken by Mount Denson's Tim Peters during his 25 years of employment with Nova Scotia's Department of Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal, while wishing him every future success.

RESOLUTION NO. 2711

By: Mr. Chuck Porter « » (Hants West)

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

Whereas Nova Scotia's civil servants are truly great people, doing great things which they can share together about making a difference in the lives of Nova Scotians on a daily basis; and

Whereas Nova Scotia's civil servants, whether they fight fires, provides quality health care, fix or repair our roads, monitor food safety, or provide a wide range of services that make life better for families in every region of our province; and

Whereas Tim Snair, a resident of the Town Road in Falmouth, can easily be described as one of those truly great people, having been recognized for his 25 years of employment with the Department of Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal earlier this week;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly recognize the dedication and commitment of Falmouth's Tim Snair during his 25 years of employment with Nova Scotia's Department of Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal.

RESOLUTION NO. 2712

[Page 5115]

By: Mr. Chuck Porter « » (Hants West)

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

Whereas Warrant Officer Shawn A. Fletcher was born in Windsor in 1966 and enrolled in the Canadian Forces at the age of 21, where upon completion of his field artillery training he was posted to J Battery, 3^rd Regiment, Royal Canadian Horse Artillery in Shilo, Manitoba; and

Whereas Officer Fletcher served in Lahr, West Germany, for three years between 1989 to 1992, before returning to Shilo for the next 12 years and then being deployed on his first UN Peacekeeping Tour to Cyprus between August 1992 and February 1993 and Bosnia between May to November 1994, July 1997 to January 1998, and April to September 2000, where he served as a mortar tube commander in Visoko and Coralici, and finally a detachment commander; and

Whereas Officer Fletcher also served in Afghanistan between February and September 2008, while also providing a wide range of national service here in Canada such as battling forest fires, searching for missing people, and being involved in the Winnipeg Flood of 1997;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly recognize Warrant Officer Shawn Fletcher, a native of Hants West, for 25 years of outstanding service to the Canadian Forces as he prepares for his retirement on January 4, 2013.

RESOLUTION NO. 2713

By: Mr. Chuck Porter « » (Hants West)

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

Whereas the Annapolis Valley Event and Sports Tourism Association held their 4th Annual Awards Luncheon on November 15 in Greenwich; and

Whereas the Event Legacy of the Year Award came down to three finalists: the Kingston Steer Barbeque, the Tremont World Fair, and the Kempt Shore Bluegrass Music Festival; and

Whereas despite not placing first, the Kempt Shore Bluegrass Music Festival was in the running after another truly successful event in 2012, featuring the best bluegrass, country, and folk music in the Maritimes, including performances this year by the Saddle River String Band, Tom Terrell, The Modern Grass, and the Elliot County Swing Band;

[Page 5116]

Therefore be it resolved that members of this House of Assembly congratulate Marc Peterson and Patti Gass for their outstanding creativity in putting together successful festivals year in and year out.

RESOLUTION NO. 2714

By: Mr. Jim Boudreau « » (Guysborough-Sheet Harbour)

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

Whereas at an awards ceremony on May 25, 2012, at the Chedabucto Education Centre in Guysborough, His Honour Brigadier-General The Honourable J.J. Grant, CMM, ONS, CD (Ret'd), Lieutenant Governor of Nova Scotia presented select Grade 11 students with the Lieutenant Governor's Medal; and

Whereas the Lieutenant Governor's Medal is awarded annually to students who have demonstrated qualities of leadership and service in both the school and community, as well as commendable performance in the courses in which they are enrolled; and

Whereas Danielle Lauren Haines of Little Dover, a student of Canso Academy, was a 2012 recipient of the Lieutenant Governor's Medal;

Therefore be it resolved that the members of this House of Assembly congratulate Danielle Lauren Haines on receiving this prestigious award and wish her every success in her future endeavours.

RESOLUTION NO. 2715

By: Mr. Jim Morton « » (Kings North)

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

Whereas the Valley Community Learning Association continuously demonstrates original thinking both in developing and delivering high-quality programs which promote increased literacy and lead to successful workplace integration for its clients; and

Whereas Valley Community Learning Association highlights volunteerism and innovative skills development and creates flexible programs such as video conferencing for its rural residents, which allows them to learn wherever they are; and

Whereas the Valley Community Learning Association, because of its recognized success, was recently selected by the Nova Scotia Department of Labour and Advanced Education as the only site outside of metro to share learning with a visiting delegation from the Department of Public Employment Services of Argentina;

[Page 5117]

Therefore be it resolved that the members of this House of Assembly congratulate the Valley Community Learning Association on the excellence of its innovative programs and practices and for helping make life better for those it serves.

RESOLUTION NO. 2716

By: Mr. Mat Whynott « » (Hammonds Plains-Upper Sackville)

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

Whereas many Nova Scotians will agree that there are few things in life better than some fresh haddock, battered and fried to perfection, accompanied by some hand-cut french fries and perhaps some vinegar, mushy peas or tartar sauce; and

Whereas the East Coast fast food delicacy originated in Tommyfield, Greater Manchester, back in 1860; and

Whereas on December 3, 2012 the brand new local chipper Acadian Fish and Chips opened its doors at 1990 Hammonds Plains Road, bringing a dozen jobs and delicious catch to the area;

Therefore be it resolved that the members of the Nova Scotia Legislative Assembly join me in welcoming Acadian Fish and Chips to the Hammonds Plains community and thank them for bringing the Nova Scotian treat and good jobs to our small part of Nova Scotia.

RESOLUTION NO. 2717

By: Mr. Mat Whynott « » (Hammonds Plains-Upper Sackville)

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

Whereas parent-teacher organizations in our province can be, and most often are, skilled, creative fundraisers in their own communities; and

Whereas holidays like Valentine's Day, Christmas, or St. Patrick's Day are a particularly popular time for large fundraisers; and

Whereas Sackville Heights Elementary School put their creative minds to work this past October and held their first Turkey Bingo fundraiser around Thanksgiving and raised $2,200 which will go directly to the betterment of student learning in their school;

[Page 5118]

Therefore be it resolved that the members of the Nova Scotia Legislative Assembly join me in congratulating the PTO of Sackville Heights Elementary School in Middle Sackville on their successful Turkey Bingo event this past October and wish them future success in their fundraising endeavours at their school.

RESOLUTION NO. 2718

By: Mr. Mat Whynott « » (Hammonds Plains-Upper Sackville)

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

Whereas a Christmas tree is a decorated tree, usually an evergreen conifer such as pine or fir, traditionally associated with the celebration of Christmas and placed in the common rooms of homes, throughout the holiday season; and

Whereas the Christmas tree symbolizes different things across the world, from eternal life to friendship and thanks, where it is exemplified with the annual gift from Nova Scotia to Boston as thanks for assisting our province during the time of the Halifax Explosion; and

Whereas on December 8^th and December 9^th 2012, the Hammonds Plains Scouting Troop will hold their annual fundraiser in the Uplands Park neighbourhood, where they will serve hot cocoa and candy canes to Christmas tree shoppers while also delivering the trees to their door;

Therefore be it resolved that the members of the Nova Scotia House of Assembly join me in wishing the Hammonds Plains Scouting Troop great success in their fundraising efforts this holiday season and for many to come.

RESOLUTION NO. 2719

By: Mr. Mat Whynott « » (Hammonds Plains-Upper Sackville)

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

Whereas Breanna Lanceleve has been making headlines this past year for her talent and dedication to women's hockey; and

Whereas she has been the top goal scorer in the AAA Nova Scotia Midget Female Hockey League and earlier this year was invited to Hockey Canada's National Women's Under-18 Development Team for the second year in a row; and

[Page 5119]

Whereas Lanceleve is a perfect example of young women who dedicate time, money and social lives to be the best at their sport, showing girls across the province that they too can be hockey champs;

Therefore be it resolved that this House of Assembly congratulate Middle Sackville's Breanna Lanceleve on her current success in her sport and thank her for being a positive role model for female athletes in Nova Scotia.

RESOLUTION NO. 2720

By: Hon. Ramona Jennex « » (Education)

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

Whereas the annual Cadance Academy presentation of The Nutcracker is an Annapolis Valley institution, providing patrons the opportunity to step into an enchanted performance of dance and music; and

Whereas The Nutcracker production sees nearly 100 participants and volunteers from all ages and all walks of life working together to provide a timeless and creative Christmas classic; and

Whereas The Nutcracker continues to enthrall audience after audience and bring individuals from this region together for a showcase of local arts and culture produced at a professional level;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly recognize the achievements of the cast and crew of The Nutcracker who create this beautiful and magical show.

RESOLUTION NO. 2721

By: Hon. Ramona Jennex « » (Education)

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

Whereas the inaugural Valley Tea Festival was a great success, drawing many patrons and tea lovers of all stripes to the Atlantic Theatre Festival for a warm cup of healthy tea; and

[Page 5120]

Whereas in partnership with Our Communities, Our Health, this first annual Valley Tea Festival promotes the values of community, personal health, and conversation surrounding one of the most healthful and diverse beverages known; and

Whereas the Our Communities, Our Health Valley Health Revitalization Campaign and the Valley Tea Festival have worked together to raise funds to support the Valley Hospice Foundation;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly recognize the achievements and contributions of the staff and volunteers with Our Communities, Our Health and the Valley Tea Festival for their efforts in support of health care in the Annapolis Valley.

RESOLUTION NO. 2722

By: Hon. Ramona Jennex « » (Education)

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

Whereas Dance ConXion recently produced and performed Holiday Havok at Central Kings High School, drawing a substantial crowd and plenty of support from the local community; and

Whereas Holiday Havok showcased the artistic talents of several young dancers from all around the region; and

Whereas Dance ConXion and their Holiday Havok production have worked in tandem to develop the dance community in this area, and to promote community involvement in the sport and art of dance;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly recognize the achievements of the cast and crew who promote and produce this festive and exciting dance performance.

RESOLUTION NO. 2723

[Page 5121]

By: Hon. Ramona Jennex « » (Education)

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

Whereas Innovative Systems of New Minas provide electronics and computer service, as well as upcycling and recycling services; and

Whereas through the Atlantic Canada Electronics Stewardship (ACES) program, Innovative Systems is able to divert around 14,000 kilograms per month from landfills; and

Whereas Innovative Systems and their staff provide excellent customer service while promoting the three Rs of the waste hierarchy - Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle - not only via ACES but also by servicing and selling refurbished units;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly recognize the achievements of Innovative Systems and their staff for taking a proactive and green approach to the electronics sector and the growing problem of e-waste.

RESOLUTION NO. 2724

By: Hon. Ramona Jennex « » (Education)

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

Whereas the New Minas Sunrise Rotary Club recently passed their fundraising goal of $250,000 for Camp Brigadoon, a camp for chronically ill children and their families; and

Whereas the New Minas Sunrise Rotary Club has worked tirelessly to accumulate funds towards this fundraising initiative, including but not limited to the wildly popular Camp Out for Kids event which is held on an annual basis; and

Whereas the New Minas Sunrise Rotary Club, through this donation, is able to provide a fully winterized cabin for these children and their families at Camp Brigadoon, in Aylesford Lake;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly recognize this achievement and this contribution of the New Minas Sunrise Rotary Club to Camp Brigadoon, and honour this club's commitment to a brighter future for all people.

RESOLUTION NO. 2725

[Page 5122]

By: Hon. Ramona Jennex « » (Education)

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

Whereas Lew Flanders of Coldbrook was a founding member of the Brooklyn Fire Department in 1962; and

Whereas Lew continues to serve his community via membership in the Coldbrook Lions Club, having served with them for nearly 20 years; and

Whereas the Brooklyn Fire Department is celebrating its 50^th Anniversary, and Lew is one of only three remaining founders;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly recognize the achievements and contributions made by Mr. Lew Flanders over the course of the past 50 years and into the future.

RESOLUTION NO. 2726

By: Hon. Denise Peterson-Rafuse « » (Community Services)

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

Whereas in 2003 Mrs. Mae Payne of Chester received the Meritorious Service Medal from the F.E. Butler Branch 44, Royal Canadian Legion, Chester, N.S.; and

Whereas in April 2004 Mae lost her leg to a serious infection but did not allow this hardship to break her spirit or force her to give up her love of volunteering, as while she was in rehab she was busy knitting dishcloths for favours for the Dominion Dart Tournament to be held later that year; and

Whereas at the age of 83 years young Mae still continues to volunteer in her community and Legion and help those who are less fortunate by knitting afghans for fundraisers, dishcloths, pneumonia vests for her church to be sent around the world, hats for Missions for Seamen, and comfort shawls for those in hospital, plus she made two large roaster pans of baked beans for the monthly Legion and breakfast, and in recognition of her service, on November 11^th Mae was awarded the Palm Leaf for her Meritorious Service medal;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House join me in congratulating Mae Payne on receiving the Palm Leaf award and being a shining example for all that a disability need not define us and life does continue to go on.

[Page 5123]

RESOLUTION NO. 2727

By: Hon. Denise Peterson-Rafuse « » (Community Services)

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

Whereas Lt. (N) Timothy Thompson is the Commanding Officer of RCSCC (Royal Canadian Sea Cadets Corp) #351 Llewellyn in Chester; and

Whereas under the direction of his leadership the sea cadet corp gathered at the F.E. Butler Branch Royal Canadian Legion on November 10^th and paraded to the Cenotaph, arriving at 11:00 a.m.; and

Whereas the cadets of #351 Llewellyn performed sentry duty at the Cenotaph in groups of two or four in two-hour shifts until the Legion parade arrived on the 11^th hour of the 11^th day of the 11^th month;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly congratulate Lt. (N) Timothy Thompson and the #351 Llewellyn in this tremendous show of support for our veterans and lost service personnel.

RESOLUTION NO. 2728

By: Hon. Percy Paris « » (Economic and Rural Development and Tourism)

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

Whereas the grand opening of the Beaver Bank Kinsac Community Centre was held on November 24, 2012, three years after it was destroyed by fire; and

Whereas this improved, LEED-certified centre will be home to many community groups, including the Beaver Bank Keeners, Firefighters Station 48, and the children's learning centre; and

Whereas Fred Gallop, Mannie Lewis, and Tom Margeson were recognized for their volunteer contributions and dedication to the new centre;

Therefore be it resolved that members of the House of Assembly congratulate the numerous volunteers and staff on the completion of this project that will serve the needs of the community for many years to come.

[Page 5124]

RESOLUTION NO. 2729

By: Hon. Darrell Dexter « » (The Premier)

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

Whereas local restaurant the Vines Pasta Grill hosted their 3^rd annual free community breakfast in support of Feed Nova Scotia; and

Whereas 15 staff and volunteers made the commitment to organize and host the event to benefit Nova Scotians in need; and

Whereas the event raised $500 and collected over 300 kilograms of food for Feed Nova Scotia;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House thank the staff and community volunteers of the Vines Pasta Grill for their commitment and dedication to helping vulnerable Nova Scotians and wish them all the best for next year's community breakfast.

RESOLUTION NO. 2730

By: Hon. Darrell Dexter « » (The Premier)

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

Whereas the Cole Harbour Girls Atom hockey team recently did their community proud at the Chicks With Sticks Tournament in Yarmouth; and

Whereas the weekend started with a clash against the reigning provincial champions, the Pictou Subway Selects, setting the tone for an exciting weekend of hockey; and

Whereas the Cole Harbour girls rallied from their first loss to win their next two games and setting up a rematch with the Pictou Selects, which the team from Cole Harbour won;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House congratulate the Cole Harbour Atom girls hockey team for their gold medal performance and thank the many coaches and parents who support this team.

[Page 5125]

RESOLUTION NO. 2731

By: Hon. Darrell Dexter « » (The Premier)

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

Whereas coach Craig Parsons and his Cole Harbour Bantam A Wings hockey team attended the Ozzie Fraser Memorial Tournament in Sydney, Cape Breton; and

Whereas the Cole Harbour Wings went undefeated in four games and advanced to the gold medal game against the Cape Breton West team; and

Whereas the Wings skated hard and played well enough to earn an impressive 9-1 victory and won the gold medal;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House congratulate the Cole Harbour Bantam A Wings on their tournament victory and thank the many coaches, parents and volunteers who give these payers the chance to learn and compete in a sport they love.

RESOLUTION NO. 2732

By: Hon. Darrell Dexter « » (The Premier)

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

Whereas in conjunction with Nova Scotia Agricultural Awareness, the Cole Harbour Heritage Farm hosted an exhibition of farm displays; and

Whereas over 300 Grade 3 students from local elementary schools visited the displays and learned about the Christmas tree industry, egg farming, apple growing and were treated to some homemade ginger cookies; and

Whereas Nova Scotia farmers play an important part in providing good jobs and help grow our economy, and through their efforts may have sparked the interest and curiosity of a young student to become a future farmer;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House thank the many volunteers and farmers that gave up some of their time to teach these young students about the value of farming in our province.

[Page 5126]

RESOLUTION NO. 2733

By: Hon. Darrell Dexter « » (The Premier)

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

Whereas October 21^st to October 27^th was National Foster Family Week, a time to acknowledge the special people who open their hearts and homes to children in need; and

Whereas for the last 27 years Clarence and Kathy Guest have provided love and support to more than 70 children in need; and

Whereas the Forest Hills couple have opened their homes to children in need of short-term care as well as longer stays and each child leaves knowing they have someone in the world who loves them and took care of them;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House thank Clarence and Kathy Guest and the many other foster families in Nova Scotia who open their hearts and homes to children in need of love and support.

RESOLUTION NO. 2734

By: Hon. Darrell Dexter « » (The Premier)

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

Whereas soccer provides young people with the opportunity to stay active, make new friends and develop lifelong skills like leadership and teamwork; and

Whereas local sport organizations all across the province require many hours of dedicated and passionate parents and volunteers to bring these experiences to our young and developing athletes; and

Whereas the Dartmouth United Soccer Club showed that they can bend it like Beckham by winning the under-12 girls Provincial Championship and the under-16 boys team winning the bronze;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House congratulate these two teams and the many volunteer parents, coaches, managers and players for their dedication and commitment to keeping our communities vibrant and our young people active.

[Page 5127]

RESOLUTION NO. 2735

By: Hon. Darrell Dexter « » (The Premier)

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

Whereas the RCMP recently launched their Canadian Champions initiative at Auburn High School; and

Whereas this initiative helps encourage young people to build a future that is drug free; and

Whereas the program includes an interactive video that highlights Canadian athletes, students and celebrities sharing their stories about how drug use has impacted their lives and gives students the opportunity to share their stories;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House recognize this important RCMP initiative and support bringing this program to schools across the province.

RESOLUTION NO. 2736

By: Hon. Marilyn More « » (Labour and Advanced Education)

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

Whereas the Dartmouth Heritage Museum held its 5^th heritage house tour on October 13^th and 14^th, 2012, an ongoing initiative that raises funds for the museum and creates awareness of Dartmouth's rich heritage; and

Whereas the Museum Society's board, staff and numerous volunteers play a major role in providing significant services to the community through their time, expertise, commitment and passion; and

Whereas the museum is working on a collection inventory project to catalogue and digitally record every artifact in the museum's incredibly diverse collection of upwards of 45,000 artifacts;

Therefore be it resolved that this Nova Scotia House of Assembly commend the Dartmouth Heritage Museum, its board, staff and volunteers for their outstanding effort in preserving the rich heritage of Dartmouth and proudly sharing that heritage with others.

[Page 5128]

RESOLUTION NO. 2737

By: Hon. Marilyn More « » (Labour and Advanced Education)

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

Whereas HomeBridge Youth Society is a charitable non-profit organization established to accommodate a need for residential care for Nova Scotian youth; and

Whereas the Gordon Foundation for Children and Youth's Service Recognition Award is awarded to outstanding leaders in the field of mental health and service to children and youth in Nova Scotia; and

Whereas HomeBridge's executive director Linda Wilson was awarded this year's Gordon Foundation Service Recognition Award for her dedication over her 25 year career, including her work with Adsum for Women & Children, Phoenix Youth Programs and HomeBridge Youth Society, to improving services and provision of quality programming for children, youth, families and communities;

Therefore be it resolved that this Nova Scotia House of Assembly congratulate Linda Wilson for receiving the 2012 Gordon Foundation Service Recognition Award for her dedication and leadership in the voluntary sector of Nova Scotia and thank her as she continues to make a difference in the lives of individuals, families and communities across this province.

RESOLUTION NO. 2738

By: Hon. Maureen MacDonald « » (Finance)

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

Whereas Common Values Emporium opened its doors for business at the corner of Cunard and Agricola Streets in the North End of Halifax on August 22, 2012, offering a wide variety of goods for sale to appreciative customers; and

Whereas Common Values Emporium is an initiative of Affirmative Ventures, an innovative non-profit business organization that assists mental health consumers and other persons with disabilities to achieve economic independence through social enterprises; and

Whereas Common Values Emporium provides employment and on the job training to prepare its staff to enter the job market and expects to employ and train about 40 people during its first year of operation so that they will be ready to find jobs and achieve economic independence;

[Page 5129]

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this Legislature congratulate Affirmative Ventures, the Common Values Emporium, and all of the employees at the Emporium on their successful initiative and express our confidence that working at the Common Values Emporium will be the beginning of a successful working life for its employees.

RESOLUTION NO. 2739

By: Ms. Pam Birdsall « » (Lunenburg)

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

Whereas the War Amps Child Amputee Program Operation Legacy aims to teach younger generations the importance of remembering the sacrifice of our fallen soldiers and of our veterans, commemorating and preserving Canada's military heritage; and

Whereas in honour of Remembrance Day, the Lunenburg branch of the South Shore Public Library was presented with two war-related productions by Operation Legacy - the documentary The Boys of Kelvin High: Canadians in Bomber Command as well as the Jack Singer memoir Grandpa's War in Bomber Command; and

Whereas presentation of the two productions was made to Lunenburg library staff member Janet Wells by Operation Legacy member Bromlyn Myra;

Therefore be it resolved that this House of Assembly recognize the contributions made by War Amps Operation Legacy program to the Lunenburg branch of the South Shore Public Library to commemorate Canada's military history for future generations.

RESOLUTION NO. 2740

By: Hon. Leonard Preyra « » (Communities, Culture and Heritage)

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

Whereas in July 1963, Neptune Theatre opened its doors on the corner of Argyle and Sackville Streets in downtown Halifax; and

Whereas in September 2012, Neptune Theatre began its 50^th Anniversary season; and

[Page 5130]

Whereas Neptune Theatre has provided world class live theatre for five decades along with considerable economic, social and educational benefits;

Therefore be it resolved that this House of Assembly congratulate Neptune Theatre and all of the artists, administrators, volunteers, donors, sponsors and ticket buyers.

RESOLUTION NO. 2741

By: Ms. Kelly Regan « » (Bedford-Birch Cove)

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

Whereas the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal was created to mark the 2012 celebrations of the 60^th Anniversary of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II's accession to the throne as Queen of Canada; and

Whereas the Diamond Jubilee Medal is a tangible way for Canada to honour Her Majesty for her service to this country, while honouring the significant contributions and achievements by Canadians; and

Whereas Halifax West Member of Parliament Geoff Regan presented St. Ignatius Parish priest Father Patrick Cosgrove with the Jubilee Medal in a ceremony on November 12, in recognition of Father Pat's charity work, particularly his founding of Chalice (Canada), a charity that raised $20 million last year for humanitarian aid and international development, and which has been recognized for fiscal responsibility;

Therefore be it resolved that the members of this House congratulate Father Patrick Cosgrove on being awarded the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal - it is richly deserved.

RESOLUTION NO. 2742

By: Ms. Vicki Conrad « » (Queens)

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

Whereas events such as dinner theatre provide fantastic interactive entertainment and brings members of a community together; and

Whereas dinner theatre also attracts visitors to our communities to enjoy a meal and an evening of laughter; and

[Page 5131]

Whereas the Caledonia Visitor Information Centre Committee presented the Have-A-Laugh Players in Acting Rich on November 23 and November 24, 2012, at the Westfield Community Hall;

Therefore be it resolved that the House of Assembly recognize and congratulate the Caledonia Visitor Information Centre Committee for contributing to the spirit of community while attracting visitors to Queens County.

RESOLUTION NO. 2743

By: Ms. Vicki Conrad « » (Queens)

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

Whereas the Options and Opportunities Program at Liverpool Regional High School is built on partnerships with community members, organizations, and businesses; and

Whereas the students of the Options and Opportunities Program became an integral part of the 4^th Annual Fire Fighters Christmas Parade in Liverpool; and

Whereas with design assistance from engineer Rick Gilbert and building materials donated by Stu and Cheryl Horton of Brady's Home Building Centre, the students of the Options and Opportunities Program constructed the centerpiece of the parade, Santa's sleigh and reindeer;

Therefore be it resolved that the House of Assembly recognize and congratulate the students of the Options and Opportunities Program, in partnership with Rick Gilbert and Stu and Cheryl Horton, for their contribution to the 4^th Annual Fire Fighters Christmas Parade in Liverpool.

RESOLUTION NO. 2744

By: Hon. Denise Peterson-Rafuse « » (Minister of Community Services)

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

Whereas this coming year The Masthead News, located in Hubbards, Nova Scotia, serving 15,747 homes and businesses from Tantallon to Chester, will be celebrating its 23^rd Anniversary; and

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Whereas The Masthead News is known as "The eyes and ears of the community" and is owned by Ron Driskill, who is also the paper's editor and publisher; and

Whereas The Masthead News relies on its group of writers as well as community involvement for stories, also offering a business directory, letters to the editor, advertising, and more, and it is truly a community newspaper that is read cover to cover;

Therefore be it resolved that the House of Assembly congratulate Ron and everyone involved with The Masthead News on their upcoming 23^rd year in operation and wish them all the best in years to come.

RESOLUTION NO. 2745

By: Hon. Denise Peterson-Rafuse « » (Minister of Community Services)

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

Whereas from December 1^st to December 16^th in the Village of Chester, Nova Scotia, the 2^nd Annual Gingerbread Festival occurs; and

Whereas the event is a collaborative effort between the Chester Art Centre, the Village Merchants, and the Chester Playhouse; and

Whereas this year over 200 gingerbread people will be placed throughout the village in various stores and businesses, in which the gingerbread people will be designed by the businesses however they choose and the public is asked to vote for their favorite;

Therefore be it resolved that the House of Assembly wish all the participating stores and businesses the best of luck in the festival and thank all volunteers who help make this community festival possible.?

RESOLUTION NO. 2746

By: Mr. Clarrie MacKinnon « » (Pictou East)

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

Whereas when the Little Harbour home in which Nicholas Rocca was residing became filled with smoke on Friday, November 30^th, the 14-year-old heard his physically disabled aunt yelling for assistance; and

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Whereas Nicholas Rocca had a rush of adrenalin knowing that his Aunt Dean from Westville did not have the use of her legs and Rocca knew he had to get her out of the house; and

Whereas with thick smoke all around and both of them choking, Nicholas held his Aunt Dean up to the bedroom window, held her while he first crawled through himself and then gently pulled the frail woman out to fresh air and safety, just as flames broke through the roof;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of the Nova Scotia House of Assembly congratulate and commend the 14-year-old Nicholas Rocca of Little Harbour for his calm, brave efforts in rescuing his great-aunt with a sense of courage and love.

RESOLUTION NO. 2747

By: Ms. Diana Whalen « » (Halifax Clayton Park)

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

Whereas on October 10, 2012, Dr. Ingrid Sketris was appointed by the government of Latvia as Honorary Consul of the Republic of Latvia in Nova Scotia; and

Whereas Dr. Ingrid Sketris is a renowned professor in the College of Pharmacy, School of Nursing, School of Health Services Administration and Computer Science, and the Department of Community Health and Epidemiology at Dalhousie University and received a Chair in health services research focusing on pharmaceutical policy, in June, 2000; and

Whereas this diplomatic appointment recognizes the strengthening relationship between Latvia and Nova Scotia and encourages a greater awareness of the links between our province and Latvia;

Therefore be it resolved that the members of the Legislative Assembly congratulate Dr. Ingrid Sketris on her recent diplomatic appointment and inclusion in the Honorary Consular Corps of Nova Scotia and wish her and her husband Michael Poulton all the best as they assume their official duties.

RESOLUTION NO. 2748

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By: Ms. Diana Whalen « » (Halifax Clayton Park)

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

Whereas the third annual Haliwards were held on October 18, 2012 in Halifax to recognize a group of individuals for their extraordinary contributions to our community; and

Whereas Bob and Wendy McDonald were among those who were chosen as recipients of a Haliward for their tireless work to create and sustain the Halifax North West Trails Association, which has been active in our area since 2003; and

Whereas this award is well deserved as Bob and Wendy McDonald have succeeded in offering trail walks which bring people together to enjoy the outdoors and discover the joys of walking while appreciating the beautiful trails that Clayton Park has to offer;

Therefore be it resolved that the members of this House of Assembly congratulate Bob and Wendy McDonald on receiving this distinction and thank them for their continuing efforts to help keep their community active and healthy.

RESOLUTION NO. 2749

By: Ms. Diana Whalen « » (Halifax Clayton Park)

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

Whereas 40 inspirational young people from across Canada descended on Parliament Hill on November 27, 2012 as part of the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation Kids for a Cure event; and

Whereas these "Living Proof Champions" were in Ottawa to meet Members of Parliament and Senators to discuss the challenges they face living with type I diabetes and the importance of expanding the JDRF Canadian Clinical Trial Network (JDRF CCTN) to all parts of the country; and

Whereas 14-year-old Megan Beamish, of Clayton Park West, who was diagnosed with type I diabetes at the age of 10, was the co-chair of this year's group and she took the opportunity to explain how research and advances, such as the insulin pump, have made a difference in her life and can help others with the disease;

Therefore be it resolved that this House of Assembly thank Megan Beamish for her leadership as co-chair of the Kids for a Cure event and wish her all the best next summer when she will be the only Canadian attending the Children's Congress in Washington.

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RESOLUTION NO. 2750

By: Mr. Chuck Porter « » (Hants West)

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

Whereas the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child was adopted by the UN General Assembly on November 20, 1989; and

Whereas students in Primary to Grade 7 across Nova Scotia, in a promotion sponsored by the Office of the Ombudsman, recently participated in a poster contest illustrating their understanding of this year's National Child Day theme; and

Whereas the winning poster for a Grade 3 class was awarded to Jahnaya States, a student at Three Mile Plains Elementary School located just outside of Windsor;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly recognize the diligent art work of Grade 3 student Jahnaya States and for her keen interest in understanding the basic human rights children younger than 18 are entitled to.

RESOLUTION NO. 2751

By: Mr. Chuck Porter « » (Hants West)

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

Whereas when it comes to public service and understanding the needs of individuals concerning transportation issues, one would have to go a long way before finding a better person than Larry Lowthers of Three Mile Plains, currently an Acting Operational Supervisor for the Department of Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal; and

Whereas public servants make a huge difference in the lives of hundreds of thousands of Nova Scotians; and

Whereas Larry Lowthers was honoured this week for his 35 years of employment with Nova Scotia's Public Service;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly recognize the outstanding work of Larry Lowthers, and applaud him for his 35 years of dedicated service with the Nova Scotia Department of Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal.

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RESOLUTION NO. 2752

By: Mr. Keith Bain « » (Victoria-The Lakes)

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

Whereas the Wreck Cove General Store is now in its 38^th year of operation, under the dynamic ownership of Marcelle Lavoie; and

Whereas the Wreck Cove General Store is located along the North Shore of Cape Breton's rugged highlands, which run from the Englishtown Ferry to the foot of Smokey Mountain; and

Whereas the Wreck Cove General Store has a large selection of books from local authors and artists, published by Cape Breton Books and Music, and also serves delicious, tender lobster sandwiches;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly recognize the hospitality of Marcelle, Lynn, and John, at the Wreck Cove General Store, while wishing them continued prosperity.

RESOLUTION NO. 2753

By: Mr. Keith Bain « » (Victoria-The Lakes)

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

Whereas Island Insurance office in Baddeck looks after their customers with proficiency and respect; and

Whereas Island Insurance is a member of the MacLeod Lorway Group of companies and is staffed by manager John Pino and personal lines broker Janice Hudson; and

Whereas John or Janice is prepared to look after any insurance concern which might exist for residents of Victoria and Inverness Counties;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly congratulate Island Insurance in Baddeck and their staff, John Pino and Janice Hudson, for providing local quality service.

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RESOLUTION NO. 2754

By: Hon. Karen Casey « » (Colchester North)

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

Whereas Travis Moore from Lower Onslow, Colchester North, is the first-ever, fifth-year player for the Truro Bearcats; and

Whereas the opening of the civic centre and the upcoming Fred Page Cup make this a very significant year for the Bearcats; and

Whereas Moore is tied for the team scoring lead after four games, setting a good example for the other players and showing his ability and experience;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly congratulate Travis Moore for being named captain of the Truro Bearcats and the first to come from Colchester County.

RESOLUTION NO. 2755

By: Hon. Karen Casey « » (Colchester North)

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

Whereas Warren Manthorne from Upper Onslow, Colchester North, comes from many generations of boat builders on his mother's side of the family; and

Whereas Manthorne has built 21 boats, and his current project is a 75-foot schooner named the Lena Blanche in honour of his late mother; and

Whereas in 2007, to commemorate the start of building the vessel, the boatshed of Manthorne, and his wife Andrea, became the scene of a keel laying ceremony which included a piper, 79 guests, and a master of ceremonies who gave a history of shipbuilding in Manthorne's family;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly congratulate Warren Manthorne, and his wife Andrea, for pursuing a dream and making it a reality, and for continuing a tradition and passing it on to their children, and wish them success with the anticipated launch of their schooner in 2014.

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RESOLUTION NO. 2756

By: Hon. Karen Casey « » (Colchester North)

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

Whereas the small, rural community of Great Village, Colchester North, is the home of two nationally recognized high-tech companies: Instrument Concepts-Sensor Software Inc. and Ocean Sonics Limited; and

Whereas Ocean Sonics Ltd. recently launched a new class of instrument that simplifies the collection, processing and understanding of underwater sound, while reaching depths of 3,500 metres, known as the icListen Smart Hydrophone, an underwater microphone that fits all the amplifiers, digitizers and processors into one unit; and

Whereas Mark Wood, founder and president of both companies, says the unit is being used and tested in many places and by many groups including Dalhousie in the Grand Passage, as part of research for tidal turbine activity; by Acadia University to study tidal action in the Minas Passage in the Bay of Fundy; and even the possibility of attaching a unit to a fish which would, after a pre-set time, detach itself and float to the surface;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this Nova Scotia House of Assembly congratulate Mark Wood for founding two very innovative and productive companies and wish him and his staff continued success and creativity.

RESOLUTION NO. 2757

By: Hon. Karen Casey « » (Colchester North)

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

Whereas more than 10,000 students in Grades 7 - 12 in Nova Scotia participated in school-based science fairs and more than 1,000 students moved on to participate in a regional science fair; and

Whereas only 40 of these students were selected to represent Nova Scotia at the National Science Fair, which was held in Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island; and

Whereas more than 450 of the top young scientists from across Canada took part in the eight day competition;

[Page 5139]

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly congratulate Harishitaa Prithiviraj, a Grade 7 student at Redcliff Middle School in Valley, Colchester North, who was awarded a gold medal for her project titled, "A Sniff a Day, Let the Memory Stay".

RESOLUTION NO. 2758

By: Hon. Karen Casey « » (Colchester North)

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

Whereas the Relay for Life raises money each year to benefit cancer research; and

Whereas the grandfather of nine-year-old Maxwell MacPherson from North River, Colchester North, died from cancer of the liver last year? and his mother underwent surgery and treatment for breast cancer; and

Whereas Maxwell's desire is to see cancer cured, he has made a life-long commitment and is personally working to raise money for the Relay for Life;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly congratulate Maxwell MacPherson for his commitment and work to raise money for such a worthy cause and reaffirm our commitment to support cancer research.

RESOLUTION NO. 2759

By: Hon. Karen Casey « » (Colchester North)

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

Whereas 25 years ago Ed MacDonald and his wife Alana gave up their jobs with the federal government to become the owners of Maritime Auto Parts in Glenholme, Colchester North; and

Whereas their hard work and dedication to the business now has seen it grow to 20 employees and has become completely computerized and automated; and

Whereas Andrew MacDonald, a mechanical engineer with Toyota in Ontario, will be following in the footsteps of his parents and will be taking over the family business within the next year;

[Page 5140]

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly congratulate the MacDonald family for their entrepreneurial skills, their concerns for and efforts to protect the environment through automotive recycling, and their commitment to ensuring the succession of their family business.

RESOLUTION NO. 2760

By: Hon. Karen Casey « » (Colchester North)

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

Whereas James LeFrense purchased the Tatamagouche train station in 1974 at the age of 18; and

Whereas in 1989 he opened the Train Station Inn, which includes a dining car, a station house and cabooses; and

Whereas tripadvisor.com published a list of the 10 quirkiest places to stay in the world and the Train Station Inn was listed as No. 6;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly congratulate James LeFrense, the founder and owner of the Train Station Inn and congratulate him for this global recognition of his business.

RESOLUTION NO. 2761

By: Mr. Jim Boudreau « » (Guysborough-Sheet Harbour)

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

Whereas in November 2012 the recipients of the Canadian Conservatory Medal of Excellence were given awards in London, Ontario; and

Whereas the Canadian Conservatory Medal of Excellence is awarded to the candidate receiving the highest mark for the academic year in each grade; and

Whereas Miss Rebecca MacKeen of Guysborough was presented with the Canadian Conservatory Medal of Excellence for achieving the highest mark in the Province of Nova Scotia in her Grade Two Vocal Exam for the second year in a row;

[Page 5141]

Therefore be it resolved that the members of this House of Assembly congratulate Miss Rebecca MacKeen on receiving the prestigious award and wish her every success in her future endeavours.

RESOLUTION NO. 2762

By: Mr. Jim Boudreau « » (Guysborough-Sheet Harbour)

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

Whereas in November 2012 the recipients of the Outstanding Retailer Awards were announced in a gala in Toronto, Ontario; and

Whereas the Outstanding Retailer Awards were created to honour excellence and innovation in hardware and home improvement retailing; and

Whereas Central Supplies of Antigonish, with a branch in Guysborough, was awarded the Hardware Merchandising's 2012 Outstanding Retailer Award in the category of Large Surface Retailer;

Therefore be it resolved that the members of this House of Assembly congratulate Central Supplies on receiving this prestigious honour, with near-perfect marks from the judges, and wish them every success in the future.

RESOLUTION NO. 2763

By: Mr. Jim Boudreau « » (Guysborough-Sheet Harbour)

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

Whereas the Teachers Association of Physical and Health Education honours a K-12 physical education specialist with the Physical Education Excellence Award to one recipient annually; and

Whereas the Physical Education Excellence Award is presented to a physical education specialist who provides outstanding teaching performance and exceptional ability to motivate students to participate in a lifetime of physical activity, and is active in professional development and mentoring teachers; and

Whereas Scott Hudson, physical education teacher at St. Mary's Academy, Sherbrooke, has been honoured by the Teachers Association of Physical and Health Education with the Physical Education Excellence Award;

[Page 5142]

Therefore be it resolved that the members of this House of Assembly congratulate Scott Hudson on receiving this prestigious award and wish him continued success in his teaching career.

RESOLUTION NO. 2764

By: Mr. Jim Boudreau « » (Guysborough-Sheet Harbour)

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

Whereas the Royal Canadian Mounted Police provide a critical and selfless community service; and

Whereas Constable Neil Parnell was employed at the Sheet Harbour Detachment for the last 18 years of his service; and

Whereas Constable Neil Parnell has recently retired after 35 years of service to the Royal Canadian Mounted Police;

Therefore be it resolved that the members of this House of Assembly extend congratulations to Neil Parnell for his service and dedication to peacekeeping and service in his community and the Province of Nova Scotia and wish him a happy and healthy retirement.

RESOLUTION NO. 2765

By: Ms. Becky Kent « » (Cole Harbour-Eastern Passage)

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

Whereas a work party to repair and restore the over 100 historic trees and shrubs in the Hugonin-Perrin Victorian Gardens and tackle residual cleanup from Hurricane Juan on McNabs Island on March 23 involved 22 professional arborists and 17 other volunteers; and

Whereas this was a partnership that the Friends of McNabs Island Society developed with the International Society of Arboriculture Atlantic - Chapter and Landscape Nova Scotia; and

Whereas the International Society of Arboriculture - Atlantic Chapter and the Friends of McNabs Island volunteered their time to restore and cleanup the Victorian Gardens planted in the 1880s so that all Nova Scotians could enjoy this special place on the island;

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Therefore be it resolved that this Nova Scotia House of Assembly congratulates the International Society of Arboriculture - Atlantic Chapter and the Friends of McNabs Island Society for their spectacular job cleaning up and restoring the historic Victorian Gardens on McNabs Island.

RESOLUTION NO. 2766

By: Ms. Becky Kent « » (Cole Harbour-Eastern Passage)

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

Whereas a cleanup of McNabs Island was held on June 3 which attracted over 200 volunteers who picked up 450 bags of garbage and recyclables and another cleanup held in September netting another 90 bags of garbage; and

Whereas The Friends of McNabs Island Society has been organizing these cleanups since 1991 and has since collected over 10,670 bags of garbage from McNabs and Lawlors Island Provincial Park; and

Whereas The Friends of McNabs Island Society covers the majority of all costs from their membership dues such as the transportation of all volunteers from both Halifax and Eastern Passage, with Clean Nova Scotia annually providing the garbage bags, and Schooner Supplies this year donating gloves;

Therefore be it resolved that this Nova Scotia House of Assembly congratulates The Friends of McNabs Island Society for their continued efforts and monetary input during their annual cleanups of McNabs and Lawlors Island Provincial Parks.

RESOLUTION NO. 2767

By: Ms. Becky Kent « » (Cole Harbour-Eastern Passage)

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

Whereas to support the development of a strong and prosperous Canadian economy, Nova Scotia welcomes immigrants who have a strong entrepreneurial mindset; and

Whereas relocating one's family to another country requires the tasks of assimilation and social networking and even more so when deciding to start a small business, which is always a risk requiring much hard work, ingenuity and perseverance; and

[Page 5144]

Whereas Bianca and Johannes DeRozari from Indonesia immigrated to Canada 10 years ago and this past June took over Coffee, Tea & Sea, a coffee house in Fisherman's Cove, Eastern Passage, having thus far created not only a steadfast business but a social hub for the community;

Therefore be it resolved that this Nova Scotia House of Assembly congratulates Bianca and Johannes DeRozari and Coffee, Tea & Sea on creating a warm, welcoming environment with their small business and establishing some ethic flair for the community of Eastern Passage.

RESOLUTION NO. 2768

By: Mr. Allan MacMaster « » (Inverness)

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

Whereas Marble Mountain bestowed Honorary Villager awards to Ivan MacKenzie and Raymond MacPhail; and

Whereas at a recent community dinner it came as a surprise to MacKenzie and MacPhail when they were called upon and introduced as guests of honour; and

Whereas despite busy personal schedules, both gentlemen have dedicated much of their time to help the small community in many ways and it was only fitting that they be acknowledged as honorary members of the village;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly congratulate Ivan MacKenzie and Raymond MacPhail on their recent award and commend their efforts to improve the Village of Marble Mountain.

RESOLUTION NO. 2769

By: Hon. Christopher d'Entremont « » (Argyle)

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

Whereas anniversaries are an occasion for family and friends to gather together to celebrate the life of two individuals united as one; and

[Page 5145]

Whereas it was once said that a marriage anniversary is the celebration of love, trust, partnership, tolerance and tenacity but the order varies for any given year; and

Whereas on October 15, 2012 a very special occasion took place when Thomas and Phyllis Doucette celebrated their 50^th wedding anniversary;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly congratulate Thomas and Phyllis on this remarkable milestone in their life together and wish them many more happy years.

RESOLUTION NO. 2770

By: Hon. Christopher d'Entremont « » (Argyle)

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

Whereas anniversaries are an occasion for family and friends to gather together to celebrate the life of two individuals united as one; and

Whereas it was once said that a marriage anniversary is the celebration of love, trust, partnership, tolerance and tenacity but the order varies for any given year; and

Whereas on July 29, 2012 a very special occasion took place when Anne and André d'Entremont celebrated their 40^th wedding anniversary;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly congratulate Anne and André on this remarkable milestone in their life together and wish them many more happy years.

RESOLUTION NO. 2771

By: Hon. Christopher d'Entremont « » (Argyle)

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

Whereas anniversaries are an occasion for family and friends to gather together to celebrate the life of two individuals united as one; and

Whereas it was once said that a marriage anniversary is the celebration of love, trust, partnership, tolerance and tenacity but the order varies for any given year; and

[Page 5146]

Whereas on October 6, 2012 a very special occasion took place when Edna and Ulysses Melanson celebrated their 60^th wedding anniversary;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly congratulate Edna and Ulysses on this remarkable milestone in their life together and wish them many more happy years.

RESOLUTION NO. 2772

By: Hon. Christopher d'Entremont « » (Argyle)

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

Whereas anniversaries are an occasion for family and friends to gather together to celebrate the life of two individuals united as one; and

Whereas it was once said that a marriage anniversary is the celebration of love, trust, partnership, tolerance and tenacity but the order varies for any given year; and

Whereas on November 10, 2012 a very special occasion took place when Betty and Joe Robbins celebrated their 50^th wedding anniversary;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly congratulate Betty and Joe on this remarkable milestone in their life together and wish them many more happy years.

RESOLUTION NO. 2773

By: Hon. Christopher d'Entremont « » (Argyle)

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

Whereas the birth of a child is a momentous event and marks the beginning of a very satisfying journey down a long road, where the rewards far outnumber the challenges; and

Whereas author Edna J. Leshan said "a new baby is like the beginning of all things - wonder, hope, a dream of possibilities"; and

Whereas on November 17, 2012 Tracie and Gerald Williams welcomed their son into the world;

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Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House congratulate Tracie and Gerald on this special event in their lives and wish them many more happy years as parents.

RESOLUTION NO. 2774

By: Hon. Stephen McNeil « » (Leader of the Official Opposition)

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

Whereas the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal was created to mark the 2012 celebrations of the 60^th Anniversary of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II's accession to the throne as Queen of Canada; and

Whereas the Diamond Jubilee Medal is a tangible way for Canada to honour Her Majesty for her service to this country while honoring the significant contributions and achievements by Canadians; and

Whereas Gavin Giles, QC has been awarded a Jubilee Medal in recognition of his extensive volunteer efforts, in particular his many years as the top fundraiser for the MS Bike Tour in this province and it should be noted Mr. Giles was recently honoured by the Canadian Red Cross with its national Distinguished Service Award for 2012;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly congratulate Gavin Giles, QC on being awarded the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal, as it is richly deserved.

RESOLUTION NO. 2775

By: Ms. Diana Whalen « » (Halifax Clayton Park)

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

Whereas the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal was created to mark the 2012 celebrations of the 60^th Anniversary of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II's accession to the throne as Queen of Canada; and

Whereas the Diamond Jubilee Medal is a tangible way for Canada to honour Her Majesty for her service to this country while honoring the significant contributions and achievements by Canadians; and

Whereas Halifax West Member of Parliament Geoff Regan presented Halifax resident Michael Kabalen with the Jubilee Medal in a ceremony on November 12 in recognition of his outstanding spirit of volunteerism, particularly his contribution to Our Lady of Lebanon Church as well as his work with the Investment Property Owners of Nova Scotia;

[Page 5148]

Therefore, be it resolved that this House of Assembly congratulate Michael Kabalen on being awarded the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal and wish him well with all his future volunteer endeavours.

RESOLUTION NO. 2776

By: Ms. Diana Whalen « » (Halifax Clayton Park)

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

Whereas the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal was created to mark the 2012 celebrations of the 60^th Anniversary of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II's accession to the throne as Queen of Canada; and

Whereas the Diamond Jubilee Medal is a tangible way for Canada to honour Her Majesty for her service to this country while honoring the significant contributions and achievements by Canadians; and

Whereas Jean Murdoch of Halifax was honoured with the presentation of a Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal for her dedication to raising awareness about osteoporosis which led to her establishing the Nova Scotia chapter of Osteoporosis Canada, of which she is chair;

Therefore be it resolved that this House of Assembly congratulate Jean Murdoch on receiving this honour and thank her for using her knowledge as a nurse to help improve our understanding of osteoporosis and ultimately improve the health of Nova Scotians.

RESOLUTION NO. 2777

By: Ms. Diana Whalen « » (Halifax Clayton Park)

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

Whereas the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal was created to mark the 2012 celebrations of the 60^th Anniversary of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II's accession to the throne as Queen of Canada; and

Whereas the Diamond Jubilee Medal is a tangible way for Canada to honour Her Majesty for her service to this country while honoring the significant contributions and achievements by Canadians; and

[Page 5149]

Whereas Halifax West Member of Parliament Geoff Regan presented Bob and Wendy McDonald of Clayton Park West with the Jubilee Medal in a ceremony on November 12, in recognition of their volunteer efforts, particularly their leadership in establishing the Halifax North West Trails Association and advocating for the creation of the Blue Mountain Birch Cove Lakes;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly congratulate Bob and Wendy McDonald on being awarded the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal and wish them well with all their future volunteer endeavours.

RESOLUTION NO. 2778

By: Ms. Diana Whalen « » (Halifax Clayton Park)

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

Whereas the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal was created to mark the 2012 celebrations of the 60^th Anniversary of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II's accession to the throne as Queen of Canada; and

Whereas the Diamond Jubilee Medal is a tangible way for Canada to honour Her Majesty for her service to this country while honoring the significant contributions and achievements by Canadians; and

Whereas Halifax West Member of Parliament Geoff Regan presented Halifax resident Lena Diab with the Jubilee Medal in a ceremony on November 12 in recognition of her tremendous volunteer efforts, particularly as president of the Canada Lebanon Society;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly congratulate Lena Diab on being awarded the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal and wish her well with all her future volunteer efforts.

RESOLUTION NO. 2779

By: Mr. Chuck Porter « » (Hants West)

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

Whereas this year marks Queen Elizabeth's 60^th Anniversary as Head of the Commonwealth of Nations and Queen of Canada and with it, a Diamond Jubilee Medal is being presented in Her Honour to Nova Scotians for outstanding service to their communities and province; and

[Page 5150]

Whereas Roger Taylor is a talented musician and established Windsor's Dorian Hall Academy of Music nearly 30 years ago, while also teaching numerous school choirs throughout the Annapolis Valley, and contributing each and every year over the past 36 years as a wonderful community volunteer for the Hants County Christmas Angels Show; and

Whereas Roger also founded, as well as directs, the Four Seasons Community Orchestra while also directing the Hants County Chorale and has also played with Symphony Nova Scotia;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly acknowledge the inspiration provided by Roger Taylor, to so many young musicians over the decades, while congratulating him on being awarded a Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal.

RESOLUTION NO. 2780

By: Mr. Chuck Porter « » (Hants West)

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

Whereas this year marks Queen Elizabeth's 60^th Anniversary as Head of the Commonwealth of Nations and Queen of Canada and with it, a Diamond Jubilee Medal is being presented in Her Honour to Nova Scotians for outstanding service to their communities and province; and

Whereas Rev. Garnet Parker of Windsor is now retired as a Baptist Church Minister, after serving various congregations, including one of his first, the Scotch Village United Baptist Church in the 1970's; and

Whereas Rev. Parker, despite his retirement from the ministry, is still an active and gracious volunteer in the community at large;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly applaud the dynamic enthusiasm demonstrated by Rev. Garnet Parker as a Baptist Church Minister over some 30 years, while commending him for his tremendous volunteerism and congratulating him on being awarded a Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal.

RESOLUTION NO. 2781

[Page 5151]

By: Mr. Chuck Porter « » (Hants West)

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

Whereas this year marks Queen Elizabeth's 60^th Anniversary as Head of the Commonwealth of Nations and Queen of Canada and with it, a Diamond Jubilee Medal is being presented in Her Honour to Nova Scotians for outstanding service to their communities and province; and

Whereas Clifford Brison of Cheverie has shown over the past 66 years what a driving force he has been in the communities of Cheverie and Kempt Shore, doing everything from establishing a country general store in 1946, after leaving the Bank of Commerce in Hantsport at the tender age of 23, to being a role model for his children while they competed in sports; and

Whereas Clifford was a well-respected minor sports coach, having coached the Cheverie Cardinals and the Shore Maroons while providing young fellows playing on those teams with uniforms and elderly advice;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly applaud the community attributes brought forward by Clifford Brison while commending him for his tremendous volunteerism and congratulating him on being awarded a Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal.

RESOLUTION NO. 2782

By: Mr. Keith Bain « » (Victoria-The Lakes)

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

Whereas the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal represents the 60^th Anniversary of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II's accession to the Throne as Queen of Canada, honouring her reign and recognizing significant contributions and achievements by Canadians; and

Whereas on November 24^th, the Honourable Michael L. MacDonald presented Gordon Hardy the Diamond Jubilee Medal, recognizing his brave service to his country and his tireless volunteer contributions to his community; and

Whereas Gordon Hardy joined the Merchant Navy in 1941 at the age of 17, was a survivor of the S.S. Rose Castle that was torpedoed in the early hours of November 2, 1942, was a founding member of the Ingonish Volunteer Fire Department in 1962 and is presently a member of the Royal Canadian Legion, Branch 105, in Ingonish, Cape Breton;

[Page 5152]

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly congratulate and thank Gordon for his brave contribution to his country and outstanding contribution to his community.

RESOLUTION NO. 2783

By: Mr. Keith Bain « » (Victoria-The Lakes)

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

Whereas the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal represents the 60^th Anniversary of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II's accession to the Throne as Queen of Canada, honouring her reign and recognizing significant contributions and achievements by Canadians; and

Whereas on November 24^th, the Honourable Michael L. MacDonald presented Calvin Hillier of North River, Victoria County, the Diamond Jubilee Medal, recognizing his numerous volunteer efforts to his community; and

Whereas Calvin is a member of the Royal Canadian Legion and has served on the executive as Poppy Chair, service officer and is dedicated to the cadet movement in the Baddeck area, as well as serving as a volunteer for many organizations such as the Hospice Society of Victoria County and the North Shore and District Volunteer Fire Department;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly congratulate and thank Calvin Hillier for his outstanding contribution to his community, province and country.

RESOLUTION NO. 2784

By: Mr. Keith Bain « » (Victoria-The Lakes)

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

Whereas the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal represents the 60^th Anniversary of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II's accession to the Throne as Queen of Canada, honouring her reign and recognizing significant contributions and achievements by Canadians; and

Whereas on November 24^th, the Honourable Michael L. MacDonald presented Katherine Robinson the Diamond Jubilee Medal, recognizing her years of service and volunteer contributions to her community and church; and

[Page 5153]

Whereas Katherine worked as a postmistress for Englishtown Post Office from 1958 to 1993, never taking a sick day and is also involved in St. Ann's Bay United Church, serving many years as Trustee and Clerk of Session;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly congratulate and thank Katherine for her years of service as postmistress and her outstanding contribution to her church and community.

RESOLUTION NO. 2785

By: Mr. Keith Bain « » (Victoria-The Lakes)

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

Whereas the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal represents the 60^th Anniversary of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II's accession to the Throne as Queen of Canada, honouring her reign and recognizing significant contributions and achievements by Canadians; and

Whereas on November 24^th, the Honourable Michael L. MacDonald presented the Honourable Roland Thornhill, former Nova Scotia Deputy Premier and Cabinet Minister who represented the constituency of Dartmouth South in the Nova Scotia Legislature from 1974 to 1993, the Diamond Jubilee Medal recognizing his outstanding contribution to his community, province and country; and

Whereas Roland also served as Mayor of Dartmouth from 1968 to 1972 and throughout his political and community life, served on numerous boards and commissions and is currently a member of the Board of Governors of Cape Breton University;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly congratulate and thank the Honourable Roland Thornhill for his outstanding contribution to his community, province and country.

RESOLUTION NO. 2786

By: Hon. Karen Casey « » (Colchester North)

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

Whereas the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal was created to mark the 60^th Anniversary of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II's accession to the Throne as Queen of Canada; and

[Page 5154]

Whereas the medal is not only a way for Canada to honour Her Majesty for her service, but also to honour contributions and achievements made by Canadians; and

Whereas a medal recipient must be a Canadian citizen and have made a significant contribution to a particular province, territory, region, or community within Canada, or an achievement abroad that brings credit to Canada;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly congratulate Joy Laking from Portapique, Colchester North, a recipient of a Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal, for her many contributions to the artistic community.

RESOLUTION NO. 2787

By: Hon. Karen Casey « » (Colchester North)

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

Whereas the Queen Elizabeth II Medal is one of the most prestigious awards that a student graduating with a Nova Scotia High School Completion Certificate can receive; and

Whereas the winner of this medal must demonstrate superior achievement in all three years of high school; and

Whereas an outstanding record in all aspects of school and community involvement is also a requirement;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly congratulate Kerri Veno, the recipient of the 2012 Queen Elizabeth II Medal at North Colchester High School in Tatamagouche.

RESOLUTION NO. 2788

By: Hon. Karen Casey « » (Colchester North)

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

Whereas over 40,000 student athletes participate annually in school sport programs throughout Nova Scotia; and

[Page 5155]

Whereas volunteer teacher and community coaches, under the direction of the school principal, provide leadership in 19 different sports offered by the Nova Scotia School Athletic Federation; and

Whereas the Nova Scotia School Athletic Federation annually organizes the celebration of School Sport to celebrate participation, fair play and service to school sports, and to reinforce the significant role interscholastic athletics play in education;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly congratulate A.J. Cunningham, a coach at North Colchester High School, and the recipient of the Nova Scotia School Athletic Federation Coach Award.

RESOLUTION NO. 2789

By: Hon. Karen Casey « » (Colchester North)

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

Whereas over 40,000 student athletes participate annually in school sport programs throughout Nova Scotia; and

Whereas volunteer teacher and community coaches, under the direction of the school principal, provide leadership in 19 different sports offered by the Nova Scotia School Athletic Federation; and

Whereas the Nova Scotia School Athletic Federation annually organizes the celebration of School Sport to celebrate participation, fair play and service to school sports, and to reinforce the significant role interscholastic athletics play in education;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly congratulate Alyson Pickard-Tattrie, a student at North Colchester High School, and the recipient of the Nova Scotia School Athletic Federation Female Award.

RESOLUTION NO. 2790

By: Hon. Karen Casey « » (Colchester North)

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

Whereas over 40,000 student athletes participate annually in school sport programs throughout Nova Scotia; and

[Page 5156]

Whereas volunteer teacher and community coaches, under the direction of the school principal, provide leadership in 19 different sports offered by the Nova Scotia School Athletic Federation; and

Whereas the Nova Scotia School Athletic Federation annually organizes the celebration of School Sport to celebrate participation, fair play and service to school sports, and to reinforce the significant role interscholastic athletics play in education;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly congratulate Dustin McCarthy, a coach at Central Colchester Junior High School, Colchester North, and the recipient of the Nova Scotia School Athletic Federation Coach Award.

RESOLUTION NO. 2791

By: Hon. Karen Casey « » (Colchester North)

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

Whereas over 40,000 student athletes participate annually in school sport programs throughout Nova Scotia; and

Whereas volunteer teacher and community coaches, under the direction of the school principal, provide leadership in 19 different sports offered by the Nova Scotia School Athletic Federation; and

Whereas the Nova Scotia School Athletic Federation annually organizes the celebration of School Sport to celebrate participation, fair play and service to school sports, and to reinforce the significant role interscholastic athletics play in education;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly congratulate Luke Ferguson, a student at Central Colchester Junior High School, Colchester North, and the recipient of the Nova Scotia School Athletic Federation Male Award.

RESOLUTION NO. 2792

By: Hon. Karen Casey « » (Colchester North)

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

Whereas over 40,000 student athletes participate annually in school sport programs throughout Nova Scotia; and

[Page 5157]

Whereas volunteer teacher and community coaches, under the direction of the school principal, provide leadership in 19 different sports offered by the Nova Scotia School Athletic Federation; and

Whereas the Nova Scotia School Athletic Federation annually organizes the celebration of School Sport to celebrate participation, fair play and service to school sports, and to reinforce the significant role interscholastic athletics play in education;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly congratulate Olivia MacPhee, a student at Central Colchester Junior High School, Colchester North, and the recipient of the Nova Scotia School Athletic Federation Female Award.

RESOLUTION NO. 2793

By: Hon. Karen Casey « » (Colchester North)

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

Whereas over 40,000 student athletes participate annually in school sport programs throughout Nova Scotia; and

Whereas volunteer teacher and community coaches, under the direction of the school principal, provide leadership in 19 different sports offered by the Nova Scotia School Athletic Federation; and

Whereas the Nova Scotia School Athletic Federation annually organizes the celebration of School Sport to celebrate participation, fair play and service to school sports, and to reinforce the significant role interscholastic athletics play in education;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly congratulate Russell Miles, a student at North Colchester High School, and the recipient of the Nova Scotia School Athletic Federation Male Award.

RESOLUTION NO. 2794

By: Hon. Karen Casey « » (Colchester North)

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

Whereas the Lieutenant Governor Medal is presented to a Grade 11 boy and Grade 11 girl in each high school in Nova Scotia; and

[Page 5158]

Whereas the medal recipient must have commendable performance in the courses in which he or she is enrolled, and must demonstrate qualities of leadership and service in the school and the community; and

Whereas these medal winners are well rounded individuals who possess the ability and leadership qualities that we value and admire and want to see in our future citizens;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly congratulate Alyson K. Pickard-Tattrie, a student at North Colchester High School, for being awarded the prestigious Lieutenant Governor's Medal for 2011/12.

RESOLUTION NO. 2795

By: Hon. Karen Casey « » (Colchester North)

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

Whereas the Lieutenant Governor Medal is presented to a Grade 11 boy and Grade 11 girl in each high school in Nova Scotia; and

Whereas the medal recipient must have commendable performance in the courses in which he or she is enrolled, and must demonstrate qualities of leadership and service in the school and the community; and

Whereas these medal winners are well rounded individuals who possess the ability and leadership qualities that we value and admire and want to see in our future citizens;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly congratulate Jesse Lewis Hunt, a student at North Colchester High School, for being awarded the prestigious Lieutenant Governor's Medal for 2011/12.

RESOLUTION NO. 2796

By: Hon. Karen Casey « » (Colchester North)

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

Whereas athletics are an important part of school life and help to develop the well rounded individual we wish our students to become; and

Whereas the athletes not only get to develop, challenge and display their abilities, they learn the meaning of commitment, hard work, cooperation and organization as they learn to balance academics and sports; and

[Page 5159]

Whereas some students are especially gifted with athletic ability, work particularly hard and excel as role models by always showing their sportsmanship and team spirit;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly congratulate Alyson Pickard-Tattrie for being named the Senior Female Athlete of the Year at the North Colchester High School Awards Banquet in Tatamagouche, Colchester North.

RESOLUTION NO. 2797

By: Hon. Karen Casey « » (Colchester North)

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

Whereas athletics are an important part of school life and help to develop the well rounded individual we wish our students to become; and

Whereas the athletes not only get to develop, challenge and display their abilities, they learn the meaning of commitment, hard work, cooperation and organization as they learn to balance academics and sports; and

Whereas some students are especially gifted with athletic ability, work particularly hard and excel as role models by always showing their sportsmanship and team spirit;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly congratulate Hannah Martin for being named the Junior Female Athlete of the Year at the North Colchester High School Awards Banquet in Tatamagouche, Colchester North.

RESOLUTION NO. 2798

By: Hon. Karen Casey « » (Colchester North)

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

Whereas athletics are an important part of school life, and help to develop the well rounded individual we wish our students to become; and

Whereas the athletes not only get to develop, challenge and display their abilities, they learn the meaning of commitment, hard work, cooperation and organization as they learn to balance academics and sports; and

[Page 5160]

Whereas some students are especially gifted with athletic ability, work particularly hard and excel as role models by always showing their sportsmanship and team spirit;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly congratulate John Hunt for being named the Junior Male Athlete of the Year at the North Colchester High School Awards Banquet in Tatamagouche, Colchester North.

RESOLUTION NO. 2799

By: Hon. Karen Casey « » (Colchester North)

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

Whereas athletics are an important part of school life, and help to develop the well rounded individual we wish our students to become; and

Whereas the athletes not only get to develop, challenge and display their abilities, they learn the meaning of commitment, hard work, cooperation and organization as they learn to balance academics and sports; and

Whereas some students are especially gifted with athletic ability, work particularly hard and excel as role models by always showing their sportsmanship and team spirit;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly congratulate Ryan Nickerson for being named the Senior Male Athlete of the Year at the North Colchester High School Awards Banquet in Tatamagouche, Colchester North.

RESOLUTION NO. 2800

By: Hon. Karen Casey « » (Colchester North)

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

Whereas athletics are an important part of school life, and help to develop the well rounded individual we wish our students to become; and

Whereas the athletes not only get to develop, challenge and display their abilities, they learn the meaning of commitment, hard work, cooperation and organization as they learn to balance academics and sports; and

[Page 5161]

Whereas some students are especially gifted with athletic ability, work particularly hard and excel as role models by always showing their sportsmanship and team spirit;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly congratulate Whitney Tattrie for receiving the North Colchester High School Spirit Award at the North Colchester High School Awards Banquet in Tatamagouche, Colchester North.

RESOLUTION NO. 2801

By: Hon. Karen Casey « » (Colchester North)

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

Whereas the Nova Scotia Agricultural College has established a reputation for excellence throughout the world; and

Whereas the Nova Scotia Agricultural College held its last convocation ceremony on May 4, 2012; and

Whereas this year's graduating students continued to achieve the high standards that have been set by this highly-respected institution;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly congratulate Caitlin Elaine Congdon from Great Village, Colchester North, for graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture - Plant Science with Honours and wish her continued success with her future endeavours.

RESOLUTION NO. 2802

By: Hon. Karen Casey « » (Colchester North)

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

Whereas the Nova Scotia Agricultural College has established a reputation for excellence throughout the world; and

Whereas the Nova Scotia Agricultural College held its last convocation ceremony on May 4, 2012; and

Whereas this year's graduating students continued to achieve the high standards that have been set by this highly-respected institution;

[Page 5162]

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly congratulate Carling Noelle Gratto from Masstown, Colchester North, for receiving her Engineering Degree-Diploma with High Honours and wish her continued success with her future endeavours.

RESOLUTION NO. 2803

By: Hon. Karen Casey « » (Colchester North)

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

Whereas the Nova Scotia Agricultural College has established a reputation for excellence throughout the world; and

Whereas the Nova Scotia Agricultural College held its last convocation ceremony on May 4, 2012; and

Whereas this year's graduating students continued to achieve the high standards that have been set by this highly-respected institution;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly congratulate Jonathan Andrew Fredeen from Valley, Colchester North, for receiving his Engineering Degree-Diploma and wish him continued success with his future endeavours.

RESOLUTION NO. 2804

By: Hon. Karen Casey « » (Colchester North)

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

Whereas the Nova Scotia Agricultural College has established a reputation for excellence throughout the world; and

Whereas the Nova Scotia Agricultural College held its last convocation ceremony on May 4, 2012; and

Whereas this year's graduating students continued to achieve the high standards that have been set by this highly-respected institution;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly congratulate Julia Afton Sampson from Tatamagouche, Colchester North, for graduating with a Master of Science NSAC/Dalhousie and for receiving the AAFC and NADA Graduate Research Training Initiative Scholarship.

[Page 5163]

RESOLUTION NO. 2805

By: Hon. Karen Casey « » (Colchester North)

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

Whereas the Nova Scotia Agricultural College has established a reputation for excellence throughout the world; and

Whereas the Nova Scotia Agricultural College held its last convocation ceremony on May 4, 2012; and

Whereas this year's graduating students continued to achieve the high standards that have been set by this highly-respected institution;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly congratulate Kaleigh Brinkhurst from Tatamagouche, Colchester North, for graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture/Agricultural Economics, for receiving High Honours, and for receiving the Canadian Agricultural Economics Society Book Prize, and wish her continued success with her future endeavours.

RESOLUTION NO. 2806

By: Hon. Karen Casey « » (Colchester North)

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

Whereas the Nova Scotia Agricultural College has established a reputation for excellence throughout the world; and

Whereas the Nova Scotia Agricultural College held its last convocation ceremony on May 4, 2012; and

Whereas this year's graduating students continued to achieve the high standards that have been set by this highly-respected institution;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly congratulate Katelyn Mary Frizzell from Upper North River, Colchester North, for graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture - Animal Science with Honours and for receiving the NSERC Undergraduate Student Research Award.

[Page 5164]

RESOLUTION NO. 2807

By: Hon. Karen Casey « » (Colchester North)

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

Whereas the Nova Scotia Agricultural College has established a reputation for excellence throughout the world; and

Whereas the Nova Scotia Agricultural College held its last convocation ceremony on May 4, 2012; and

Whereas this year's graduating students continued to achieve the high standards that have been set by this highly-respected institution;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly congratulate Nicole Ashley Cox from Onslow Mountain, Colchester North, for receiving her Engineering Degree-Diploma with Honours and wish her continued success with her future endeavours.

RESOLUTION NO. 2808

By: Hon. Karen Casey « » (Colchester North)

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

Whereas the Nova Scotia Agricultural College has established a reputation for excellence throughout the world; and

Whereas the Nova Scotia Agricultural College held its last convocation ceremony on May 4, 2012; and

Whereas this year's graduating students continued to achieve the high standards that have been set by this highly-respected institution;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly congratulate Ross Alan Hayman from Tatamagouche, Colchester North, for graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture - Animal Science with High Honours and for receiving the Ketchum Manufacturing Company Limited Prize and wish him continued success with his future endeavours.

[Page 5165]

RESOLUTION NO. 2809

By: Hon. Karen Casey « » (Colchester North)

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

Whereas the Nova Scotia Agricultural College has established a reputation for excellence throughout the world; and

Whereas the Nova Scotia Agricultural College held its last convocation ceremony on May 4, 2012; and

Whereas this year's graduating students continued to achieve the high standards that have been set by this highly-respected institution;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly congratulate Travis Esau from Debert, Colchester North, for graduating with a Master of Science NSAC/Dalhousie and wish him continued success with his future endeavours.

RESOLUTION NO. 2810

By: Hon. Karen Casey « » (Colchester North)

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

Whereas the Nova Scotia Agricultural College has established a reputation for excellence throughout the world; and

Whereas the Nova Scotia Agricultural College held its last convocation ceremony on May 4, 2012; and

Whereas this year's graduating students continued to achieve the high standards that have been set by this highly-respected institution;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly congratulate Samuel David Cripps from Tatamagouche, Colchester North, for graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture - Animal Science and for being named the Class of 2012 Life Executive President.

RESOLUTION NO. 2811

[Page 5166]

By: Hon. Karen Casey « » (Colchester North)

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

Whereas the Nova Scotia Agricultural College has established a reputation for excellence throughout the world; and

Whereas the Nova Scotia Agricultural College held its last convocation ceremony on May 4, 2012; and

Whereas this year's graduating students continued to achieve the high standards that have been set by this highly-respected institution;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly congratulate William MacKenzie from Lower Debert, Colchester North, for receiving his Engineering Degree-Diploma with High Honours and wish him continued success with his future endeavours.

RESOLUTION NO. 2812

By: Ms. Becky Kent « » (Cole Harbour-Eastern Passage)

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

Whereas Lions Clubs across Canada work to empower volunteers to serve their communities, meet humanitarian needs, encourage peace and promote international understanding; and

Whereas the Eastern Passage Cow Bay Lions Club hosted their Annual Charter Night on June 2 as a night to honour it's long time members, outstanding volunteerism and recognize community partners; and

Whereas Brenda Anderson has been a long time EPCB Lions Club member as well as an outstanding community volunteer in Eastern Passage and was awarded a Life Time Membership to the Lions Foundation of Canada at the Annual Charter Night celebration;

Therefore be it resolved that this Nova Scotia House of Assembly congratulates Brenda Anderson on receiving a Life Time Membership to the Lions Foundation of Canada, and wishes her many more years of success as a community volunteer in the Eastern Passage area.

RESOLUTION NO. 2813

[Page 5167]

By: Ms. Becky Kent « » (Cole Harbour-Eastern Passage)

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

Whereas Lions Clubs across Canada work to empower volunteers to serve their communities, meet humanitarian needs, encourage peace and promote international understanding; and

Whereas the Eastern Passage Cow Bay Lions Club hosted their Annual Charter Night on June 2 as a night to honour it's long time members, outstanding volunteerism and recognize community partners; and

Whereas Denton Rock has been a long time EPCB Lions Club member as well as an outstanding community volunteer in Eastern Passage and was awarded a Life Membership to the Lions Foundation of Canada at the Annual Charter Night celebration;

Therefore be it resolved that this Nova Scotia House of Assembly congratulates Denton Rock on receiving a Life Membership to the Lions Foundation of Canada, and wishes him many more years of success as a community volunteer in the Eastern Passage area.

RESOLUTION NO. 2814

By: Ms. Becky Kent « » (Cole Harbour-Eastern Passage)

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

Whereas Lions Clubs across Canada work to empower volunteers to serve their communities, meet humanitarian needs, encourage peace and promote international understanding; and

Whereas the Eastern Passage Cow Bay Lions Club hosted their Annual Charter Night on June 2 as a night to honour it's long time members, outstanding volunteerism and recognize community partners; and

Whereas Irvin Keough has been a long time EPCB Lions Club member as well as an outstanding community volunteer in Eastern Passage and was awarded a Life Time Membership to the Lions Foundation of Canada at the Annual Charter Night celebration;

Therefore be it resolved that this Nova Scotia House of Assembly congratulates Irvin Keough on receiving a Life Time Membership to the Lions Foundation of Canada, and wishes him many more years of success as a community volunteer in the Eastern Passage area.

[Page 5168]

RESOLUTION NO. 2815

By: Ms. Becky Kent « » (Cole Harbour-Eastern Passage)

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

Whereas Lions Clubs across Canada work to empower volunteers to serve their communities, meet humanitarian needs, encourage peace and promote international understanding; and

Whereas the Eastern Passage Cow Bay Lions Club hosted their Annual Charter Night on June 2 as a night to honour it's long time members, outstanding volunteerism and recognize community partners; and

Whereas Marie Morash has been a long time EPCB Lions Club member as well as an outstanding community volunteer in Eastern Passage and has received the Melvin Jones Fellowship Award, a top International Award named after the Lion's founder, at the Annual Charter Night celebration;

Therefore be it resolved that this Nova Scotia House of Assembly congratulates Marie Morash of Eastern Passage on receiving a the Melvin Jones Fellowship Award, and wishes her many more years of success as a community volunteer in the Eastern Passage area.

RESOLUTION NO. 2816

By: Ms. Becky Kent « » (Cole Harbour-Eastern Passage)

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

Whereas Lions Clubs across Canada work to empower volunteers to serve their communities, meet humanitarian needs, encourage peace and promote international understanding; and

Whereas the Eastern Passage Cow Bay Lions Club hosted their Annual Charter Night on June 2 as a night to honour its long-time members, outstanding volunteerism and recognize community partners; and

Whereas Rhonda Trickett has been a long time EPCB Lions Club member, as well as an outstanding community volunteer in Eastern Passage and received the Judge Brian Stevenson Fellowship Medal, a top Canadian Award, at the Annual Charter Night celebration;

[Page 5169]

Therefore be it resolved that this Nova Scotia House of Assembly congratulates Rhonda Trickett of Eastern Passage on receiving the Judge Brian Stevenson Fellowship Medal from the Lions Club, and wishes her many more years of success as a community volunteer in the Eastern Passage area.

RESOLUTION NO. 2817

By: Ms. Becky Kent « » (Cole Harbour-Eastern Passage)

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

Whereas Lions Clubs across Canada work to empower volunteers to serve their communities, meet humanitarian needs, encourage peace and promote international understanding; and

Whereas the Eastern Passage Cow Bay Lions Club hosted their Annual Charter Night on June 2 as a night to honour it's long time members, outstanding volunteerism and recognize community partners; and

Whereas Rose Dalling has been a long time EPCB Lions Club member, as well as an outstanding community volunteer in Eastern Passage and was awarded a Life Membership to the Lions Foundation of Canada at the Annual Charter Night celebration;

Therefore be it resolved that this Nova Scotia House of Assembly congratulates Rose Dalling on receiving a Life Membership to the Lions Foundation of Canada, and wishes her many more years of success as a community volunteer in the Eastern Passage area.

RESOLUTION NO. 2818

By: Ms. Becky Kent « » (Cole Harbour-Eastern Passage)

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

Whereas Lions Clubs across Canada work to empower volunteers to serve their communities, meet humanitarian needs, encourage peace and promote international understanding; and

Whereas the Eastern Passage Cow Bay Lions Club hosted their Annual Charter Night on June 2 as a night to honour it's long time members, outstanding volunteerism and recognize community partners; and

[Page 5170]

Whereas Valerie Hawley has been a long time EPCB Lions Club member as well as an outstanding community volunteer in Eastern Passage and received the Judge Brian Stevenson Fellowship Medal, a top Canadian award, at the Annual Charter Night celebration;

Therefore be it resolved that this Nova Scotia House of Assembly congratulates Valerie Hawley on receiving the Judge Brian Stevenson Fellowship Medal, and wishes her many more years of success as a community volunteer in the Eastern Passage area.

RESOLUTION NO. 2819

By: Ms. Becky Kent « » (Cole Harbour-Eastern Passage)

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

Whereas Lions Clubs across Canada work to empower volunteers to serve their communities, meet humanitarian needs, encourage peace and promote international understanding; and

Whereas the Eastern Passage Cow Bay Lions Club hosted their Annual Charter Night on June 2 as a night to honour it's long time members, outstanding volunteerism and recognize community partners; and

Whereas Shirley Farrell has been a long time EPCB Lions Club member as well as an outstanding community volunteer in Eastern Passage and was awarded a Life Time Membership to the Lions Foundation of Canada at the Annual Charter Night celebration;

Therefore be it resolved that this Nova Scotia House of Assembly congratulates Shirley Farrell on receiving a Life Time Membership to the Lions Foundation of Canada, and wishes her many more years of success as a community volunteer in the Eastern Passage area.

RESOLUTION NO. 2820

By: Ms. Becky Kent « » (Cole Harbour-Eastern Passage)

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

Whereas the Lions Mission Statement is to empower volunteers to serve their communities, meet humanitarian needs, encourage peace and promote international understanding through Lions Clubs; and

[Page 5171]

Whereas the Club initially met in St. Andrews Hall in 1972, their healthy growth required they build their own location in 1978 where it presently sits on Hornes Road and over the years they've continuously surpassed their mission statement and have set a fine example of selfless service; and

Whereas on June 2, 2012 The Eastern Passage Cow Bay Lions Club celebrated 40 years of community service;

Therefore be it resolved that this Nova Scotia House of Assembly congratulates The Eastern Passage Cow Bay Lions Club on their 40 years of community service to those in need and wishes them many more years of success.

RESOLUTION NO. 2821

By: Ms. Becky Kent « » (Cole Harbour-Eastern Passage)

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

Whereas Lions Clubs across Canada work to empower volunteers to serve their communities, meet humanitarian needs, encourage peace and promote international understanding; and

Whereas the Eastern Passage Cow Bay Lions Club hosted their Annual Charter Night on June 2 as a night to honour it's long time members, outstanding volunteerism and recognize community partners; and

Whereas Tom Currie has been a long time EPCB Lions Club member as well as an outstanding community volunteer in Eastern Passage and received a 10 year Service Award at the Annual Charter Night celebration;

Therefore be it resolved that this Nova Scotia House of Assembly congratulates Tom Currie of Eastern Passage on receiving the 10 year Service Award, and wishes him many more years of success as a community volunteer in the Eastern Passage area.

?

RESOLUTION NO. 2822

[Page 5172]

By: Ms. Becky Kent « » (Cole Harbour-Eastern Passage)

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

Whereas the Department of Canadian Heritage established a medal program commemorating the Diamond Jubilee of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II's accession to the Throne as Queen of Canada; and

Whereas during 2012, 60,000 deserving Canadians will be recognized for their contributions to Canada; and

Whereas William Maguire was one of the Queen's Diamond Jubilee Medal recipients from the Eastern Passage area of Nova Scotia;

Therefore be it resolved that this Nova Scotia House of Assembly congratulate William Maguire of Eastern Passage on receiving the Queen's Diamond Jubilee Medal in September 2012.

RESOLUTION NO. 2823

By: Ms. Becky Kent « » (Cole Harbour-Eastern Passage)

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

Whereas the Department of Canadian Heritage established a medal program commemorating the Diamond Jubilee of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II's accession to the Throne as Queen of Canada; and

Whereas during 2012, 60,000 deserving Canadians will be recognized for their contributions to Canada; and

Whereas Gerald Allen (Bill) Mont, of Eastern Passage, was one of the Queen's Diamond Jubilee Medal recipients from the Eastern Passage area of Nova Scotia;

Therefore be it resolved that this Nova Scotia House of Assembly congratulate Bill Mont of Eastern Passage on receiving the Queen's Diamond Jubilee Medal in September 2012.

RESOLUTION NO. 2824

[Page 5173]

By: Ms. Becky Kent « » (Cole Harbour-Eastern Passage)

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

Whereas Elsie Johnston of Eastern Passage has been one of the most active members of her community since she began as a schoolteacher in 1959; and

Whereas Elsie's volunteering in Eastern Passage has included roles as a founding member of the Fisherman's Cove Gallery, and current treasurer; the treasurer of? the local community newspaper, The Beacon, for 22 years; Ocean View Manor volunteer; previous chairman of the Eastern Passage/Cow Bay Summer Carnival; volunteer at Seaside Elementary for many years; weekly volunteer selling bingo cards at the Lions Club; Sunday School superintendent at what was then the Woodside United Church; volunteer at the Dartmouth Adult Literacy Program; and as an active member of the Woodside/Cole Harbour United Church Women's Group; and

Whereas Elsie was a recent recipient of the Queen's Diamond Jubilee Medal, which celebrated her passion and dedication to her community;

Therefore be it resolved that this Nova Scotia House of Assembly congratulate Elsie Johnston of Eastern Passage for her dedication to all of her volunteer efforts spanning over 50 years, setting one of the finest examples of selfless service as a recipient of the Queen's Diamond Jubilee Medal.

RESOLUTION NO. 2825

By: Ms. Becky Kent « » (Cole Harbour-Eastern Passage)

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

Whereas the Department of Canadian Heritage established a medal program commemorating the Diamond Jubilee of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II's accession to the Throne as Queen of Canada; and

Whereas during 2012, 60,000 deserving Canadians will be recognized for their contributions to Canada; and

Whereas Bryon D. Harvey was one of the Queen's Diamond Jubilee Medal recipients from the Eastern Passage area of Nova Scotia;

Therefore be it resolved that this Nova Scotia House of Assembly congratulate Bryon Harvey of Eastern Passage on receiving the Queen's Diamond Jubilee Medal in September 2012.

[Page 5174]

RESOLUTION NO. 2826

By: Ms. Becky Kent « » (Cole Harbour-Eastern Passage)

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

Whereas the Department of Canadian Heritage established a medal program commemorating the Diamond Jubilee of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II's accession to the Throne as Queen of Canada; and

Whereas during 2012, 60,000 deserving Canadians will be recognized for their contributions to Canada; and

Whereas Alexander Moore of Eastern Passage? was one of the Queen's Diamond Jubilee Medal recipients from the Eastern Passage area of Nova Scotia;

Therefore be it resolved that this Nova Scotia House of Assembly congratulate Alexander Moore of Eastern Passage on receiving the Queen's Diamond Jubilee Medal in September 2012.

RESOLUTION NO. 2827

By: Ms. Becky Kent « » (Cole Harbour-Eastern Passage)

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

Whereas the Department of Canadian Heritage established a medal program commemorating the Diamond Jubilee of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II's accession to the Throne as Queen of Canada; and

Whereas during 2012, 60,000 deserving Canadians will be recognized for their contributions to Canada; and

Whereas Clifford J. Ashton of Eastern Passage was one of the Queen's Diamond Jubilee Medal recipients from the Eastern Passage area of Nova Scotia;

Therefore be it resolved that this Nova Scotia House of Assembly congratulate Clifford Ashton of Eastern Passage on receiving the Queen's Diamond Jubilee Medal in September 2012.

[Page 5175]

RESOLUTION NO. 2828

By: Ms. Becky Kent « » (Cole Harbour-Eastern Passage)

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

Whereas the Department of Canadian Heritage established a medal program commemorating the Diamond Jubilee of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II's accession to the Throne as Queen of Canada; and

Whereas during 2012, 60,000 deserving Canadians will be recognized for their contributions to Canada; and

Whereas David Waddell was one of the Queen's Diamond Jubilee Medal recipients from the Shearwater area of Nova Scotia;

Therefore be it resolved that this Nova Scotia House of Assembly congratulate David Waddell of Shearwater on receiving the Queen's Diamond Jubilee Medal in September 2012, with his wife Dayle accepting on his behalf.

RESOLUTION NO. 2829

By: Ms. Becky Kent « » (Cole Harbour-Eastern Passage)

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

Whereas the Department of Canadian Heritage established a medal program commemorating the Diamond Jubilee of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II's accession to the Throne as Queen of Canada; and

Whereas during 2012, 60,000 deserving Canadians will be recognized for their contributions to Canada; and

Whereas Eva Naugle of Eastern Passage was one of the Queen's Diamond Jubilee Medal recipients from the Eastern Passage area of Nova Scotia;

Therefore be it resolved that this Nova Scotia House of Assembly congratulate Eva Naugle of Eastern Passage on receiving the Queen's Diamond Jubilee Medal in September 2012.

[Page 5176]

RESOLUTION NO. 2830

By: Ms. Becky Kent « » (Cole Harbour-Eastern Passage)

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

Whereas the Department of Canadian Heritage established a medal program commemorating the Diamond Jubilee of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II's accession to the Throne as Queen of Canada; and

Whereas during 2012, 60,000 deserving Canadians will be recognized for their contributions to Canada; and

Whereas James F. Edwards of Eastern Passage was one of the Queen's Diamond Jubilee Medal recipients from the Eastern Passage area of Nova Scotia;

Therefore be it resolved that this Nova Scotia House of Assembly congratulate James Edwards of Eastern Passage on receiving the Queen's Diamond Jubilee Medal in September 2012.

RESOLUTION NO. 2831

By: Ms. Becky Kent « » (Cole Harbour-Eastern Passage)

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

Whereas the Department of Canadian Heritage established a medal program commemorating the Diamond Jubilee of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II's accession to the Throne as Queen of Canada; and

Whereas during 2012, 60,000 deserving Canadians will be recognized for their contributions to Canada; and

Whereas Kathleen MacIntyre was one of the Queen's Diamond Jubilee Medal recipients from the Eastern Passage area of Nova Scotia;

Therefore be it resolved that this Nova Scotia House of Assembly congratulate Kathleen MacIntyre of Eastern Passage on receiving the Queen's Diamond Jubilee Medal in September 2012.

[Page 5177]

RESOLUTION NO. 2832

By: Ms. Becky Kent « » (Cole Harbour-Eastern Passage)

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

Whereas the Department of Canadian Heritage established a medal program commemorating the Diamond Jubilee of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II's accession to the Throne as Queen of Canada; and

Whereas during 2012, 60,000 deserving Canadians will be recognized for their contributions to Canada; and

Whereas Sadie D. Harvey was one of the Queen's Diamond Jubilee Medal recipients from the Eastern Passage area of Nova Scotia;

Therefore be it resolved that this Nova Scotia House of Assembly congratulate Sadie Harvey of Eastern Passage on receiving the Queen's Diamond Jubilee Medal in September 2012.

RESOLUTION NO. 2833

By: Ms. Becky Kent « » (Cole Harbour-Eastern Passage)

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

Whereas the Department of Canadian Heritage established a medal program commemorating the Diamond Jubilee of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II's accession to the Throne as Queen of Canada; and

Whereas during 2012, 60,000 deserving Canadians will be recognized for their contributions to Canada; and

Whereas Carolyn Jean Scott of Cow Bay was one of the Queen's Diamond Jubilee Medal recipients from the Cow Bay area of Nova Scotia;

Therefore be it resolved that this Nova Scotia House of Assembly congratulate Carolyn Scott of Cow Bay on receiving the Queen's Diamond Jubilee Medal in September 2012.

[Page 5178]

RESOLUTION NO. 2834

By: Ms. Becky Kent « » (Cole Harbour-Eastern Passage)

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

Whereas the Department of Canadian Heritage established a medal program commemorating the Diamond Jubilee of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II's accession to the Throne as Queen of Canada; and

Whereas during 2012, 60,000 deserving Canadians will be recognized for their contributions to Canada; and

Whereas Thomas R. Birchall of Eastern Passage was one of the Queen's Diamond Jubilee Medal recipients from the Eastern Passage area of Nova Scotia;

Therefore be it resolved that this Nova Scotia House of Assembly congratulate Thomas Birchall of Eastern Passage on receiving the Queen's Diamond Jubilee Medal in September 2012.

RESOLUTION NO. 2835

By: Ms. Becky Kent « » (Cole Harbour-Eastern Passage)

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

Whereas The World's Largest Truck Convoy is an international, one-day celebration of the trucking industry to raise funds for and showcase an awareness of the support of the trucking industry to the Athletes of Special Olympics; and

Whereas this international movement incorporates over 12,000 trucks and athletes in 24 states and four provinces and this September marked the first annual convoy in Atlantic Canada; and

Whereas this September's event totalled 57 trucks that convoyed through the streets of Dartmouth, Cole Harbour and Eastern Passage, and was hosted at 12 Wing Shearwater raising $18,900 for Special Olympics;

Therefore be it resolved that this Nova Scotia House of Assembly congratulate the organizers, truckers and volunteers of The World's Largest Truck Convoy on their huge success in raising funds and awareness for the Special Olympics this past September at 12 Wing Shearwater.

[Page 5179]

RESOLUTION NO. 2836

By: Ms. Becky Kent « » (Cole Harbour-Eastern Passage)

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

Whereas The World's Largest Truck Convoy is an international, one-day celebration of the trucking industry to raise funds for and showcase an awareness of the support of the trucking industry to the Athletes of Special Olympics; and

Whereas this international movement incorporates over 12,000 trucks and athletes in 24 states and four provinces and this September marked the first annual convoy in Atlantic Canada; and

Whereas this September's event totalled 57 trucks that convoyed through the streets of Dartmouth, Cole Harbour and Eastern Passage, and was hosted at 12 Wing Shearwater raising $18,900 for Special Olympics;

Therefore be it resolved that this Nova Scotia House of Assembly congratulate the Armour Transport Transportation for partaking in The World's Largest Truck Convoy, helping to raise funds and awareness for the Special Olympics this past September at 12 Wing Shearwater.

RESOLUTION NO. 2837

By: Ms. Becky Kent « » (Cole Harbour-Eastern Passage)

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

Whereas The World's Largest Truck Convoy is an international, one-day celebration of the trucking industry to raise funds for and showcase an awareness of the support of the trucking industry to the Athletes of Special Olympics; and

Whereas this international movement incorporates over 12,000 trucks and athletes in 24 states and four provinces and this September marked the first annual convoy in Atlantic Canada; and

Whereas this September's event totalled 57 trucks that convoyed through the streets of Dartmouth, Cole Harbour and Eastern Passage, and was hosted at 12 Wing Shearwater raising $18,900 for Special Olympics;

[Page 5180]

Therefore be it resolved that this Nova Scotia House of Assembly congratulate the Atlantic Tiltload Ltd. of Dartmouth for partaking in The World's Largest Truck Convoy, helping to raise funds and awareness for the Special Olympics this past September at 12 Wing Shearwater.

RESOLUTION NO. 2838

By: Ms. Becky Kent « » (Cole Harbour-Eastern Passage)

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

Whereas The World's Largest Truck Convoy is an international, one-day celebration of the trucking industry to raise funds for and showcase an awareness of the support of the trucking industry to the Athletes of Special Olympics; and

Whereas this international movement incorporates over 12,000 trucks and athletes in 24 states and four provinces and this September marked the first annual convoy in Atlantic Canada; and

Whereas this September's event totalled 57 trucks that convoyed through the streets of Dartmouth, Cole Harbour and Eastern Passage, and was hosted at 12 Wing Shearwater raising $18,900 for Special Olympics;

Therefore be it resolved that this Nova Scotia House of Assembly congratulate Plus Four Trucking and Carrier of Eastern Passage for partaking in The World's Largest Truck Convoy, helping to raise funds and awareness for the Special Olympics this past September at 12 Wing Shearwater.

RESOLUTION NO. 2839

By: Ms. Becky Kent « » (Cole Harbour-Eastern Passage)

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

Whereas The World's Largest Truck Convoy is an international, one-day celebration of the trucking industry to raise funds for and showcase an awareness of the support of the trucking industry to the Athletes of Special Olympics; and

Whereas this international movement incorporates over 12,000 trucks and athletes in 24 states and four provinces and this September marked the first annual convoy in Atlantic Canada; and

[Page 5181]

Whereas this September's event totalled 57 trucks that convoyed through the streets of Dartmouth, Cole Harbour and Eastern Passage, and was hosted at 12 Wing Shearwater raising $18,900 for Special Olympics;

Therefore be it resolved that this Nova Scotia House of Assembly congratulate Leo J. Beazley Ltd. of Eastern Passage for partaking in The World's Largest Truck Convoy, helping to raise funds and awareness for the Special Olympics this past September at 12 Wing Shearwater.

RESOLUTION NO. 2840

By: Ms. Becky Kent « » (Cole Harbour-Eastern Passage)

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

Whereas The World's Largest Truck Convoy is an international, one-day celebration of the trucking industry to raise funds for and showcase an awareness of the support of the trucking industry to the Athletes of Special Olympics; and

Whereas this international movement incorporates over 12,000 trucks and athletes in 24 states and four provinces and this September marked the first annual convoy in Atlantic Canada; and

Whereas this September's event totalled 57 trucks, including Troy Mills of Express Trucking, that convoyed through the streets of Dartmouth, Cole Harbour and Eastern Passage, and was hosted at 12 Wing Shearwater raising $18,900 for Special Olympics;

Therefore be it resolved that this Nova Scotia House of Assembly congratulate Troy Mills of Express Trucking for partaking in The World's Largest Truck Convoy, helping to raise funds and awareness for the Special Olympics this past September at 12 Wing Shearwater.

RESOLUTION NO. 2841

By: Ms. Becky Kent « » (Cole Harbour-Eastern Passage)

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

Whereas 'The World's Largest Truck Convoy' is an international one day celebration of the trucking industry to raise funds for and showcase an awareness of the support of the trucking industry to the Athletes of Special Olympics; and

[Page 5182]

Whereas this international movement incorporates over 12,000 trucks and athletes in 24 states and four provinces and this September marked the first annual convoy in Atlantic Canada; and

Whereas this September's event totalled 57 trucks, including Bobby Hall Trucking, that convoyed through the streets of Dartmouth, Cole Harbour and Eastern Passage, and was hosted at 12 Wing Shearwater raising $18,900 for Special Olympics;

Therefore be it resolved that this Nova Scotia House of Assembly congratulate Bobby Hall Trucking for partaking in The World's Largest Truck Convoy, helping to raise funds and awareness for the Special Olympics this past September at 12 Wing Shearwater.

RESOLUTION NO. 2842

By: Ms. Becky Kent « » (Cole Harbour-Eastern Passage)

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

Whereas The World's Largest Truck Convoy is an international, one-day celebration of the trucking industry to raise funds for and showcase an awareness of the support of the trucking industry to the Athletes of Special Olympics; and

Whereas this international movement incorporates over 12,000 trucks and athletes in 24 states and four provinces and this September marked the first annual convoy in Atlantic Canada; and

Whereas this September's event totalled 57 trucks, including trucks from Guysborough Transfer Ltd., that convoyed through the streets of Dartmouth, Cole Harbour and Eastern Passage, and was hosted at 12 Wing Shearwater raising $18,900 for Special Olympics;

Therefore be it resolved that this Nova Scotia House of Assembly congratulate Guysborough Transfer Ltd. for partaking in The World's Largest Truck Convoy, helping to raise funds and awareness for the Special Olympics this past September at 12 Wing Shearwater.

RESOLUTION NO. 2843

[Page 5183]

By: Hon. Charlie Parker « » (Natural Resources)

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

Whereas 4-H is the largest and longest running rural youth organization in Canada; and

Whereas the 2012 Annual Pictou County 4-H Celebration and Awards event was held in November and 4-H leaders and youth members were honoured for their work and accomplishments in 4-H; and

Whereas at this year's 4-H awards event a Leaders Award was presented to David Allen of River John, Pictou County, in recognition of his 10 years of dedication and commitment to 4-H;

Therefore be it resolved that the Nova Scotia Legislative Assembly congratulate and thank David Allen for his 10 years of service to 4-H and the youth of his community.

RESOLUTION NO. 2844

By: Hon. Charlie Parker « » (Natural Resources)

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

Whereas 4-H is the largest and longest running rural youth organization in Canada; and

Whereas the 2012 Annual Pictou County 4-H Celebration and Awards event was held in November and 4-H leaders and youth members were honoured for their work and accomplishments in 4-H; and

Whereas at this year's 4-H awards event a Leaders Award was presented to Valerie Suidgeest of River John, Pictou County, in recognition of her 10 years of dedication and commitment to 4-H;

Therefore be it resolved that the Nova Scotia Legislative Assembly congratulate and thank Valerie Suidgeest for her 10 years of service to 4-H and the youth of her community.

RESOLUTION NO. 2845

[Page 5184]

By: Hon. Charlie Parker « » (Natural Resources)

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

Whereas 4-H is the largest and longest running rural youth organization in Canada; and

Whereas the 2012 Annual Pictou County 4-H Celebration and Awards event was held in November and 4-H leaders and youth members were honoured for their work and accomplishments in 4-H; and

Whereas at this year's 4-H awards event a Leaders Award was presented to Kim Watters of Saltsprings, Pictou County, in recognition of her 15 years of dedication and commitment to 4-H;

Therefore be it resolved that the Nova Scotia Legislative Assembly congratulate and thank Kim Watters for her 15 years of service to 4-H and the youth of her community.

RESOLUTION NO. 2846

By: Hon. Charlie Parker « » (Natural Resources)

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

Whereas 4-H is the largest and longest running rural youth organization in Canada; and

Whereas the 2012 Annual Pictou County 4-H Celebration and Awards event was held in November and 4-H leaders and youth members were honoured for their work and accomplishments in 4-H; and

Whereas at this year's 4-H awards event a Leaders Award was presented to Crystal Barbrick of the Saltsprings 4-H Club in recognition of her 10 years of dedication and commitment to 4-H;

Therefore be it resolved that the Nova Scotia Legislative Assembly and congratulate and thank Crystal Barbrick for her 10 years of service to 4-H and the youth of her community.

RESOLUTION NO. 2847

[Page 5185]

By: Hon. Charlie Parker « » (Natural Resources)

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

Whereas 4-H is the largest and longest running rural youth organization in Canada; and

Whereas the 2012 Annual Pictou County 4-H Celebration and Awards event was held in November and 4-H leaders and youth members were honoured for their work and accomplishments in 4-H; and

Whereas at this year's 4-H awards event a Leaders Award was presented to Andrew Watters of Saltsprings, Pictou County, in recognition of his 15 years of dedication and commitment to 4-H;

Therefore be it resolved that the Nova Scotia Legislative Assembly congratulate and thank Andrew Watters for his 15 years of service to 4-H and the youth of his community.

RESOLUTION NO. 2848

By: Ms. Becky Kent « » (Cole Harbour-Eastern Passage)

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

Whereas the Eastern Passage RCMP Community Safety Office ran a very well-attended Seniors Academy at the Fisherman's Cove new NET Centre, led by Constable Bart Leppan; and

Whereas an overwhelming 41 registrants graduated from the course that lasted for six consecutive Tuesdays with daily guest speakers educating attendees on all aspects of maturing, such as advising them of the many health care professionals and agencies available to assist seniors; and

Whereas Rita Shore received her certificate from Constable Leppan and Sgt. Craig Smith upon her completion of the course;

Therefore be it resolved that this Nova Scotia House of Assembly congratulate recent graduate of the Seniors Academy Rita Shore and wish her many more years of health, safety, and fulfillment in her senior years.

RESOLUTION NO. 2849

[Page 5186]

By: Ms. Becky Kent « » (Cole Harbour-Eastern Passage)

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

Whereas the Eastern Passage RCMP Community Safety Office ran a very well-attended Seniors Academy at the Fisherman's Cove new NET Centre, led by Constable Bart Leppan; and

Whereas an overwhelming 41 registrants graduated from the course that lasted for six consecutive Tuesdays with daily guest speakers educating attendees on all aspects of maturing, such as advising them of the many health care professionals and agencies available to assist seniors; and

Whereas Victor Gosbee received his certificate from Constable Leppan and Sgt. Craig Smith upon his completion of the course;

Therefore be it resolved that this Nova Scotia House of Assembly congratulate recent graduate of the Seniors Academy Victor Gosbee and wish him many more years of health, safety, and fulfillment in his senior years.

RESOLUTION NO. 2850

By: Ms. Becky Kent « » (Cole Harbour-Eastern Passage)

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

Whereas the Eastern Passage RCMP Community Safety Office ran a very well-attended Seniors Academy at the Fisherman's Cove new NET Centre, led by Constable Bart Leppan; and

Whereas an overwhelming 41 registrants graduated from the course that lasted for six consecutive Tuesdays with daily guest speakers educating attendees on all aspects of maturing, such as advising them of the many health care professionals and agencies available to assist seniors; and

Whereas Robert O'Halloran received his certificate from Constable Leppan and Sgt. Craig Smith upon his completion of the course;

Therefore be it resolved that this Nova Scotia House of Assembly congratulate recent graduate of the Seniors Academy Robert O'Halloran and wish him many more years of health, safety, and fulfillment in his senior years.

[Page 5187]

RESOLUTION NO. 2851

By: Ms. Becky Kent « » (Cole Harbour-Eastern Passage)

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

Whereas the Eastern Passage RCMP Community Safety Office ran a very well-attended Seniors Academy at the Fisherman's Cove new NET Centre, led by Constable Bart Leppan; and

Whereas an overwhelming 41 registrants graduated from the course that lasted for six consecutive Tuesdays with daily guest speakers educating attendees on all aspects of maturing, such as advising them of the many health care professionals and agencies available to assist seniors; and

Whereas Rita Smith received her certificate from Constable Leppan and Sgt. Craig Smith upon her completion of the course;

Therefore be it resolved that this Nova Scotia House of Assembly congratulate recent graduate of the Seniors Academy Rita Smith and wish her many more years of health, safety, and fulfillment in her senior years.

RESOLUTION NO. 2852

By: Ms. Becky Kent « » (Cole Harbour-Eastern Passage)

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

Whereas the Eastern Passage RCMP Community Safety Office ran a very well-attended Seniors Academy at the Fisherman's Cove new NET Centre, led by Constable Bart Leppan; and

Whereas an overwhelming 41 registrants graduated from the course that lasted for six consecutive Tuesdays with daily guest speakers educating attendees on all aspects of maturing, such as advising them of the many health care professionals and agencies available to assist seniors; and

Whereas Robert Thompson received his certificate from Constable Leppan and Sgt. Craig Smith upon his completion of the course;

[Page 5188]

Therefore be it resolved that this Nova Scotia House of Assembly congratulate recent graduate of the Seniors Academy Robert Thompson and wish him many more years of health, safety, and fulfillment in his senior years.

RESOLUTION NO. 2853

By: Ms. Becky Kent « » (Cole Harbour-Eastern Passage)

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

Whereas the Eastern Passage RCMP Community Safety Office ran a very well-attended Seniors Academy at the Fisherman's Cove new NET Centre, led by Constable Bart Leppan; and

Whereas an overwhelming 41 registrants graduated from the course that lasted for six consecutive Tuesdays with daily guest speakers educating attendees on all aspects of maturing, such as advising them of the many health care professionals and agencies available to assist seniors; and

Whereas Sarah Myers received her certificate from Constable Leppan and Sgt. Craig Smith upon her completion of the course;

Therefore be it resolved that this Nova Scotia House of Assembly congratulate recent graduate of the Seniors Academy Sarah Myers and wish her many more years of health, safety, and fulfillment in her senior years.

RESOLUTION NO. 2854

By: Ms. Becky Kent « » (Cole Harbour-Eastern Passage)

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

Whereas the Eastern Passage RCMP Community Safety Office ran a very well-attended Seniors Academy at the Fisherman's Cove new NET Centre, led by Constable Bart Leppan; and

Whereas an overwhelming 41 registrants graduated from the course that lasted for six consecutive Tuesdays with daily guest speakers educating attendees on all aspects of maturing, such as advising them of the many health care professionals and agencies available to assist seniors; and

[Page 5189]

Whereas Ruby Arsenault received her certificate from Constable Leppan and Sgt. Craig Smith upon her completion of the course;

Therefore be it resolved that this Nova Scotia House of Assembly congratulate recent graduate of the Seniors Academy Ruby Arsenault and wish her many more years of health, safety, and fulfillment in her senior years.

RESOLUTION NO. 2855

By: Ms. Becky Kent « » (Cole Harbour-Eastern Passage)

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

Whereas the Eastern Passage RCMP Community Safety Office ran a very well-attended Seniors Academy at the Fisherman's Cove new NET Centre, led by Constable Bart Leppan; and

Whereas an overwhelming 41 registrants graduated from the course that lasted for six consecutive Tuesdays with daily guest speakers educating attendees on all aspects of maturing, such as advising them of the many health care professionals and agencies available to assist seniors; and

Whereas Ruby Gosbee received her certificate from Constable Leppan and Sgt. Craig Smith upon her completion of the course;

Therefore be it resolved that this Nova Scotia House of Assembly congratulate recent graduate of the Seniors Academy Ruby Gosbee and wish her many more years of health, safety, and fulfillment in her senior years.

RESOLUTION NO. 2856

By: Ms. Becky Kent « » (Cole Harbour-Eastern Passage)

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

Whereas the Eastern Passage RCMP Community Safety Office ran a very well-attended Seniors Academy at the Fisherman's Cove new NET Centre, led by Constable Bart Leppan; and

Whereas an overwhelming 41 registrants graduated from the course that lasted for six consecutive Tuesdays with daily guest speakers educating attendees on all aspects of maturing, such as advising them of the many health care professionals and agencies available to assist seniors; and

[Page 5190]

Whereas Susan L'Abbe received her certificate from Constable Leppan and Sgt. Craig Smith upon her completion of the course;

Therefore be it resolved that this Nova Scotia House of Assembly congratulate recent graduate of the Seniors Academy Susan L'Abbe and wish her many more years of health, safety, and fulfillment in her senior years.

RESOLUTION NO. 2857

By: Ms. Becky Kent « » (Cole Harbour-Eastern Passage)

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

Whereas the Eastern Passage RCMP Community Safety Office ran a very well-attended Seniors Academy at the Fisherman's Cove new NET Centre, led by Constable Bart Leppan; and

Whereas an overwhelming 41 registrants graduated from the course that lasted for six consecutive Tuesdays with daily guest speakers educating attendees on all aspects of maturing, such as advising them of the many health care professionals and agencies available to assist seniors; and

Whereas Sheila Trepanier received her certificate from Constable Leppan and Sgt. Craig Smith upon her completion of the course;

Therefore be it resolved that this Nova Scotia House of Assembly congratulate recent graduate of the Seniors Academy Sheila Trepanier and wish her many more years of health, safety, and fulfillment in her senior years.

RESOLUTION NO. 2858

By: Ms. Becky Kent « » (Cole Harbour-Eastern Passage)

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

Whereas the Eastern Passage RCMP Community Safety Office ran a very well-attended Seniors Academy at the Fisherman's Cove new NET Centre, led by Constable Bart Leppan; and

[Page 5191]

Whereas an overwhelming 41 registrants graduated from the course that lasted for six consecutive Tuesdays with daily guest speakers educating attendees on all aspects of maturing, such as advising them of the many health care professionals and agencies available to assist seniors; and

Whereas Thelma Knudsen received her certificate from Constable Leppan and Sgt. Craig Smith upon her completion of the course;

Therefore be it resolved that this Nova Scotia House of Assembly congratulate recent graduate of the Seniors Academy Thelma Knudsen and wish her many more years of health, safety, and fulfillment in her senior years.

RESOLUTION NO. 2859

By: Ms. Becky Kent « » (Cole Harbour-Eastern Passage)

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

Whereas the Eastern Passage RCMP Community Safety Office ran a very well-attended Seniors Academy at the Fisherman's Cove new NET Centre, led by Constable Bart Leppan; and

Whereas an overwhelming 41 registrants graduated from the course that lasted for six consecutive Tuesdays with daily guest speakers educating attendees on all aspects of maturing, such as advising them of the many health care professionals and agencies available to assist seniors; and

Whereas Vicky Murphy received her certificate from Constable Leppan and Sgt. Craig Smith upon her completion of the course;

Therefore be it resolved that this Nova Scotia House of Assembly congratulate recent graduate of the Seniors Academy Vicky Murphy and wish her many more years of health, safety and fulfillment in her senior years.

RESOLUTION NO. 2860

[Page 5192]

By: Ms. Becky Kent « » (Cole Harbour-Eastern Passage)

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

Whereas the Eastern Passage RCMP Community Safety Office ran a very well-attended Seniors Academy at the Fisherman's Cove new NET Centre, led by Constable Bart Leppan; and

Whereas an overwhelming 41 registrants graduated from the course that lasted for six consecutive Tuesdays with daily guest speakers educating attendees on all aspects of maturing, such as advising them of the many health care professionals and agencies available to assist seniors; and

Whereas Vera Mackenzie received her certificate from Constable Leppan and Sgt. Craig Smith upon her completion of the course;

Therefore be it resolved that this Nova Scotia House of Assembly congratulate recent graduate of the Seniors Academy Vera Mackenzie and wish her many more years of health, safety and fulfillment in her senior years.

RESOLUTION NO. 2861

By: Ms. Becky Kent « » (Cole Harbour-Eastern Passage)

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

Whereas the Eastern Passage RCMP Community Safety Office ran a very well-attended Seniors Academy at the Fisherman's Cove new NET Centre, led by Constable Bart Leppan; and

Whereas an overwhelming 41 registrants graduated from the course that lasted for six consecutive Tuesdays with daily guest speakers educating attendees on all aspects of maturing, such as advising them of the many health care professionals and agencies available to assist seniors; and

Whereas Verna Senchuk received her certificate from Constable Leppan and Sgt. Craig Smith upon her completion of the course;

Therefore be it resolved that this Nova Scotia House of Assembly congratulate recent graduate of the Seniors Academy Verna Senchuk and wish her many more years of health, safety and fulfillment in her senior years.

[Page 5193]

RESOLUTION NO. 2862

By: Ms. Becky Kent « » (Cole Harbour-Eastern Passage)

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

Whereas the Eastern Passage RCMP Community Safety Office ran a very well-attended Seniors Academy at the Fisherman's Cove new NET Centre, led by Constable Bart Leppan; and

Whereas an overwhelming 41 registrants graduated from the course that lasted for six consecutive Tuesdays with daily guest speakers educating attendees on all aspects of maturing, such as advising them of the many health care professionals and agencies available to assist seniors; and

Whereas Peter Gill received his certificate from Constable Leppan and Sgt. Craig Smith upon his completion of the course;

Therefore be it resolved that this Nova Scotia House of Assembly congratulate recent graduate of the Seniors Academy Peter Gill and wish him many more years of health, safety and fulfillment in his senior years.

RESOLUTION NO. 2863

By: Ms. Becky Kent « » (Cole Harbour-Eastern Passage)

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

Whereas the Eastern Passage RCMP Community Safety Office ran a very well-attended Seniors Academy at the Fisherman's Cove new NET Centre, led by Constable Bart Leppan; and

Whereas an overwhelming 41 registrants graduated from the course that lasted for six consecutive Tuesdays with daily guest speakers educating attendees on all aspects of maturing, such as advising them of the many health care professionals and agencies available to assist seniors; and

Whereas Margaret Toni-Fox received her certificate from Constable Leppan and Sgt. Craig Smith upon her completion of the course;

[Page 5194]

Therefore be it resolved that this Nova Scotia House of Assembly congratulate recent graduate of the Seniors Academy Margaret Toni-Fox and wish her many more years of health, safety and fulfillment in her senior years.

RESOLUTION NO. 2864

By: Ms. Becky Kent « » (Cole Harbour-Eastern Passage)

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

Whereas the Eastern Passage RCMP Community Safety Office ran a very well-attended Seniors Academy at the Fisherman's Cove new NET Centre, led by Constable Bart Leppan; and

Whereas an overwhelming 41 registrants graduated from the course that lasted for six consecutive Tuesdays with daily guest speakers educating attendees on all aspects of maturing, such as advising them of the many health care professionals and agencies available to assist seniors; and

Whereas Helena Sullivan received her certificate from Constable Leppan and Sgt. Craig Smith upon her completion of the course;

Therefore be it resolved that this Nova Scotia House of Assembly congratulate recent graduate of the Seniors Academy Helena Sullivan and wish her many more years of health, safety and fulfillment in her senior years.

RESOLUTION NO. 2865

By: Ms. Becky Kent « » (Cole Harbour-Eastern Passage)

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

Whereas the Eastern Passage RCMP Community Safety Office ran a very well-attended Seniors Academy at the Fisherman's Cove new NET Centre, led by Constable Bart Leppan; and

Whereas an overwhelming 41 registrants graduated from the course that lasted for six consecutive Tuesdays with daily guest speakers educating attendees on all aspects of maturing, such as advising them of the many health care professionals and agencies available to assist seniors; and

[Page 5195]

Whereas Jean Davis received her certificate from Constable Leppan and Sgt. Craig Smith upon her completion of the course;

Therefore be it resolved that this Nova Scotia House of Assembly congratulate recent graduate of the Seniors Academy Jean Davis and wish her many more years of health, safety and fulfillment in her senior years.

RESOLUTION NO. 2866

By: Ms. Becky Kent « » (Cole Harbour-Eastern Passage)

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

Whereas the Eastern Passage RCMP Community Safety Office ran a very well-attended Seniors Academy at the Fisherman's Cove new NET Centre, led by Constable Bart Leppan; and

Whereas an overwhelming 41 registrants graduated from the course that lasted for six consecutive Tuesdays with daily guest speakers educating attendees on all aspects of maturing, such as advising them of the many health care professionals and agencies available to assist seniors; and

Whereas Jean-Marc Trepanier received his certificate from Constable Leppan and Sgt. Craig Smith upon his completion of the course;

Therefore be it resolved that this Nova Scotia House of Assembly congratulate recent graduate of the Seniors Academy Jean-Marc Trepanier and wish him many more years of health, safety and fulfillment in his senior years.

RESOLUTION NO. 2867

By: Ms. Becky Kent « » (Cole Harbour-Eastern Passage)

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

Whereas the Eastern Passage RCMP Community Safety Office ran a very well-attended Seniors Academy at the Fisherman's Cove new NET Centre, led by Constable Bart Leppan; and

Whereas an overwhelming 41 registrants graduated from the course that lasted for six consecutive Tuesdays with daily guest speakers educating attendees on all aspects of maturing, such as advising them of the many health care professionals and agencies available to assist seniors; and

[Page 5196]

Whereas Ina Yorke received her certificate from Constable Leppan and Sgt. Craig Smith upon her completion of the course;

Therefore be it resolved that this Nova Scotia House of Assembly congratulate recent graduate of the Seniors Academy Ina Yorke and wish her many more years of health, safety and fulfillment in her senior years.

RESOLUTION NO. 2868

By: Ms. Becky Kent « » (Cole Harbour-Eastern Passage)

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

Whereas the Eastern Passage RCMP Community Safety Office ran a very well-attended "Seniors Academy" at the Fisherman's Cove new NET centre, led by Constable Bart Leppan; and

Whereas an overwhelming 41 registrants graduated from the course that lasted for six consecutive Tuesdays, with daily guest speakers educating attendees on all aspects of "maturing" such as advising them of the many health care professionals and agencies available to assist seniors; and

Whereas Judie Reddy received her certificate from Constable Leppan and Sergeant Craig Smith upon her completion of the course;

Therefore be it resolved that this Nova Scotia House of Assembly congratulate recent graduate of the "Seniors Academy," Judie Reddy, and wish her many more years of health, safety, and fulfillment in her senior years.

RESOLUTION NO. 2869

By: Ms. Becky Kent « » (Cole Harbour-Eastern Passage)

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

Whereas the Eastern Passage RCMP Community Safety Office ran a very well-attended "Seniors Academy" at the Fisherman's Cove new NET centre, led by Constable Bart Leppan; and

[Page 5197]

Whereas an overwhelming 41 registrants graduated from the course that lasted for six consecutive Tuesdays, with daily guest speakers educating attendees on all aspects of "maturing" such as advising them of the many health care professionals and agencies available to assist seniors; and

Whereas Kay MacIntyre received her certificate from Constable Leppan and Sergeant Craig Smith upon her completion of the course;

Therefore be it resolved that this Nova Scotia House of Assembly congratulate recent graduate of the "Seniors Academy," Kay MacIntyre, and wish her many more years of health, safety, and fulfillment in her senior years.

RESOLUTION NO. 2870

By: Ms. Becky Kent « » (Cole Harbour-Eastern Passage)

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

Whereas the Eastern Passage RCMP Community Safety Office ran a very well-attended "Seniors Academy" at the Fisherman's Cove new NET center, led by Constable Bart Leppan; and

Whereas an overwhelming 41 registrants graduated from the course that lasted for six consecutive Tuesdays, with daily guest speakers educating attendees on all aspects of "maturing" such as advising them of the many health care professionals and agencies available to assist seniors; and

Whereas Ken Riles received his certificate from Constable Leppan and Sergeant Craig Smith upon his completion of the course;

Therefore be it resolved that this Nova Scotia House of Assembly congratulate recent graduate of the "Seniors Academy," Ken Riles, and wish him many more years of health, safety, and fulfillment in his senior years.

RESOLUTION NO. 2871

[Page 5198]

By: Ms. Becky Kent « » (Cole Harbour-Eastern Passage)

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

Whereas the Eastern Passage RCMP Community Safety Office ran a very well-attended "Seniors Academy" at the Fisherman's Cove new NET centre, led by Constable Bart Leppan; and

Whereas an overwhelming 41 registrants graduated from the course that lasted for six consecutive Tuesdays, with daily guest speakers educating attendees on all aspects of "maturing" such as advising them of the many health care professionals and agencies available to assist seniors; and

Whereas Lillian Barrett received her certificate from Constable Leppan and Sergeant Craig Smith upon her completion of the course;

Therefore be it resolved that this Nova Scotia House of Assembly congratulate recent graduate of the "Seniors Academy," Lillian Barrett, and wish her many more years of health, safety, and fulfillment in her senior years.

RESOLUTION NO. 2872

By: Ms. Becky Kent « » (Cole Harbour-Eastern Passage)

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

Whereas the Eastern Passage RCMP Community Safety Office ran a very well-attended "Seniors Academy" at the Fisherman's Cove new NET centre, led by Constable Bart Leppan; and

Whereas an overwhelming 41 registrants graduated from the course that lasted for six consecutive Tuesdays, with daily guest speakers educating attendees on all aspects of "maturing" such as advising them of the many health care professionals and agencies available to assist seniors; and

Whereas Leah Woynar received her certificate from Constable Leppan and Sergeant Craig Smith upon her completion of the course;

Therefore be it resolved that this Nova Scotia House of Assembly congratulate recent graduate of the "Seniors Academy," Leah Woynar, and wish her many more years of health, safety, and fulfillment in her senior years.

RESOLUTION NO. 2873

[Page 5199]

By: Ms. Becky Kent « » (Cole Harbour-Eastern Passage)

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

Whereas the Eastern Passage RCMP Community Safety Office ran a very well-attended "Seniors Academy" at the Fisherman's Cove new NET centre, led by Constable Bart Leppan; and

Whereas an overwhelming 41 registrants graduated from the course that lasted for six consecutive Tuesdays, with daily guest speakers educating attendees on all aspects of "maturing" such as advising them of the many health care professionals and agencies available to assist seniors; and

Whereas Lorraine Eddy received her certificate from Constable Leppan and Sergeant Craig Smith upon her completion of the course;

Therefore be it resolved that this Nova Scotia House of Assembly congratulate recent graduate of the "Seniors Academy," Lorraine Eddy, and wish her many more years of health, safety, and fulfillment in her senior years.

RESOLUTION NO. 2874

By: Ms. Becky Kent « » (Cole Harbour-Eastern Passage)

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

Whereas the Eastern Passage RCMP Community Safety Office ran a very well-attended "Seniors Academy" at the Fisherman's Cove new NET centre, led by Constable Bart Leppan; and

Whereas an overwhelming 41 registrants graduated from the course that lasted for six consecutive Tuesdays, with daily guest speakers educating attendees on all aspects of "maturing" such as advising them of the many health care professionals and agencies available to assist seniors; and

Whereas Lynn Stanley received her certificate from Constable Leppan and Sergeant Craig Smith upon her completion of the course;

Therefore be it resolved that this Nova Scotia House of Assembly congratulate recent graduate of the "Seniors Academy," Lynn Stanley, and wish her many more years of health, safety, and fulfillment in her senior years.

[Page 5200]

RESOLUTION NO. 2875

By: Ms. Becky Kent « » (Cole Harbour-Eastern Passage)

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

Whereas the Eastern Passage RCMP Community Safety Office ran a very well-attended Seniors Academy at the Fisherman's Cove new NET Centre, led by Constable Bart Leppan; and

Whereas an overwhelming 41 registrants graduated from the course that lasted for six consecutive Tuesdays with daily guest speakers educating attendees on all aspects of maturing, such as advising them of the many health care professionals and agencies available to assist seniors; and

Whereas Marjorie Moore received her certificate from Constable Leppan and Sgt. Craig Smith upon her completion of the course;

Therefore be it resolved that this Nova Scotia House of Assembly congratulates recent graduate of the Seniors Academy Marjorie Moore and wishes her many more years of health, safety, and fulfillment in her senior years.

RESOLUTION NO. 2876

By: Ms. Becky Kent « » (Cole Harbour-Eastern Passage)

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

Whereas the Eastern Passage RCMP Community Safety Office ran a very well-attended Seniors Academy at the Fisherman's Cove new NET Centre, led by Constable Bart Leppan; and

Whereas an overwhelming 41 registrants graduated from the course that lasted for six consecutive Tuesdays with daily guest speakers educating attendees on all aspects of maturing, such as advising them of the many health care professionals and agencies available to assist seniors; and

Whereas Maureen McKinnon received her certificate from Constable Leppan and Sgt. Craig Smith upon her completion of the course;

[Page 5201]

Therefore be it resolved that this Nova Scotia House of Assembly congratulates recent graduate of the Seniors Academy Maureen McKinnon and wishes her many more years of health, safety, and fulfillment in her senior years.

RESOLUTION NO. 2877

By: Ms. Becky Kent « » (Cole Harbour-Eastern Passage)

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

Whereas the Eastern Passage RCMP Community Safety Office ran a very well-attended Seniors Academy at the Fisherman's Cove new NET Centre, led by Constable Bart Leppan; and

Whereas an overwhelming 41 registrants graduated from the course that lasted for six consecutive Tuesdays with daily guest speakers educating attendees on all aspects of maturing, such as advising them of the many health care professionals and agencies available to assist seniors; and

Whereas Pat Penny received her certificate from Constable Leppan and Sgt. Craig Smith upon her completion of the course;

Therefore be it resolved that this Nova Scotia House of Assembly congratulates recent graduate of the Seniors Academy Pat Penny and wishes her many more years of health, safety, and fulfillment in her senior years.

RESOLUTION NO. 2878

By: Ms. Becky Kent « » (Cole Harbour-Eastern Passage)

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

Whereas the Eastern Passage RCMP Community Safety Office ran a very well-attended Seniors Academy at the Fisherman's Cove new NET Centre, led by Constable Bart Leppan; and

Whereas an overwhelming 41 registrants graduated from the course that lasted for six consecutive Tuesdays with daily guest speakers educating attendees on all aspects of maturing, such as advising them of the many health care professionals and agencies available to assist seniors; and

[Page 5202]

Whereas Geri Thompson received her certificate from Constable Leppan and Sgt. Craig Smith upon her completion of the course;

Therefore be it resolved that this Nova Scotia House of Assembly congratulates recent graduate of the Seniors Academy Geri Thompson and wishes her many more years of health, safety, and fulfillment in her senior years.

RESOLUTION NO. 2879

By: Ms. Becky Kent « » (Cole Harbour-Eastern Passage)

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

Whereas the Eastern Passage RCMP Community Safety Office ran a very well-attended Seniors Academy at the Fisherman's Cove new NET Centre, led by Constable Bart Leppan; and

Whereas an overwhelming 41 registrants graduated from the course that lasted for six consecutive Tuesdays with daily guest speakers educating attendees on all aspects of maturing, such as advising them of the many health care professionals and agencies available to assist seniors; and

Whereas Gerry Young received his certificate from Constable Leppan and Sgt. Craig Smith upon his completion of the course;

Therefore be it resolved that this Nova Scotia House of Assembly congratulates recent graduate of the Seniors Academy Gerry Young and wishes him many more years of health, safety, and fulfillment in his senior years.

RESOLUTION NO. 2880

By: Ms. Becky Kent « » (Cole Harbour-Eastern Passage)

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

Whereas the Eastern Passage RCMP Community Safety Office ran a very well-attended Seniors Academy at the Fisherman's Cove new NET Centre, led by Constable Bart Leppan; and

Whereas an overwhelming 41 registrants graduated from the course that lasted for six consecutive Tuesdays with daily guest speakers educating attendees on all aspects of maturing, such as advising them of the many health care professionals and agencies available to assist seniors; and

[Page 5203]

Whereas Chris Thompson received his certificate from Constable Leppan and Sgt. Craig Smith upon his completion of the course;

Therefore be it resolved that this Nova Scotia House of Assembly congratulates recent graduate of the Seniors Academy Chris Thompson and wishes him many more years of health, safety, and fulfillment in his senior years.

RESOLUTION NO. 2881

By: Ms. Becky Kent « » (Cole Harbour-Eastern Passage)

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

Whereas the Eastern Passage RCMP Community Safety Office ran a very well-attended Seniors Academy at the Fisherman's Cove new NET Centre, led by Constable Bart Leppan; and

Whereas an overwhelming 41 registrants graduated from the course that lasted for six consecutive Tuesdays with daily guest speakers educating attendees on all aspects of maturing, such as advising them of the many health care professionals and agencies available to assist seniors; and

Whereas Brenda MacNeil received her certificate from Constable Leppan and Sgt. Craig Smith upon her completion of the course;

Therefore be it resolved that this Nova Scotia House of Assembly congratulates recent graduate of the Seniors Academy Brenda MacNeil and wishes her many more years of health, safety, and fulfillment in her senior years.

RESOLUTION NO. 2882

By: Ms. Becky Kent « » (Cole Harbour-Eastern Passage)

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

Whereas the Eastern Passage RCMP Community Safety Office ran a very well attended Seniors Academy at the Fisherman's Cove new NET Centre, led by Constable Bart Leppan; and

[Page 5204]

Whereas an overwhelming 41 registrants graduated from the course that lasted for six consecutive Tuesdays with daily guest speakers educating attendees on all aspects of maturing, such as advising them of the many health care professionals and agencies available to assist seniors; and

Whereas Betty Ellwanger received her certificate from Constable Leppan and Sergeant Craig Smith upon her completion of the course;

Therefore be it resolved that this Nova Scotia House of Assembly congratulate recent graduate of the Seniors Academy Betty Ellwanger and wish her many more years of health, safety and fulfillment in her senior years.

RESOLUTION NO. 2883

By: Ms. Becky Kent « » (Cole Harbour-Eastern Passage)

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

Whereas the Eastern Passage RCMP Community Safety Office ran a very well attended Seniors Academy at the Fisherman's Cove new NET Centre, led by Constable Bart Leppan; and

Whereas an overwhelming 41 registrants graduated from the course that lasted for six consecutive Tuesdays with daily guest speakers educating attendees on all aspects of maturing, such as advising them of the many health care professionals and agencies available to assist seniors; and

Whereas Elsie Johnston received her certificate from Constable Leppan and Sergeant Craig Smith upon her completion of the course;

Therefore be it resolved that this Nova Scotia House of Assembly congratulate recent graduate of the Seniors Academy Elsie Johnston and wish her many more years of health, safety and fulfillment in her senior years.

RESOLUTION NO. 2884

[Page 5205]

By: Ms. Becky Kent « » (Cole Harbour-Eastern Passage)

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

Whereas the Eastern Passage RCMP Community Safety Office ran a very well attended Seniors Academy at the Fisherman's Cove new NET Centre, led by Constable Bart Leppan; and

Whereas an overwhelming 41 registrants graduated from the course that lasted for six consecutive Tuesdays with daily guest speakers educating attendees on all aspects of maturing, such as advising them of the many health care professionals and agencies available to assist seniors; and

Whereas Elizabeth Gill received her certificate from Constable Leppan and Sergeant Craig Smith upon her completion of the course;

Therefore be it resolved that this Nova Scotia House of Assembly congratulate recent graduate of the Seniors Academy Elizabeth Gill and wish her many more years of health, safety and fulfillment in her senior years.

RESOLUTION NO. 2885

By: Ms. Becky Kent « » (Cole Harbour-Eastern Passage)

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

Whereas the Eastern Passage RCMP Community Safety Office ran a very well attended Seniors Academy at the Fisherman's Cove new NET Centre, led by Constable Bart Leppan; and

Whereas an overwhelming 41 registrants graduated from the course that lasted for six consecutive Tuesdays with daily guest speakers educating attendees on all aspects of maturing, such as advising them of the many health care professionals and agencies available to assist seniors; and

Whereas Evelyn States received her certificate from Constable Leppan and Sergeant Craig Smith upon her completion of the course;

Therefore be it resolved that this Nova Scotia House of Assembly congratulate recent graduate of the Seniors Academy Evelyn States and wish her many more years of health, safety and fulfillment in her senior years.

[Page 5206]

RESOLUTION NO. 2886

By: Ms. Becky Kent « » (Cole Harbour-Eastern Passage)

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

Whereas the Eastern Passage RCMP Community Safety Office ran a very well attended Seniors Academy at the Fisherman's Cove new NET Centre, led by Constable Bart Leppan; and

Whereas an overwhelming 41 registrants graduated from the course that lasted for six consecutive Tuesdays with daily guest speakers educating attendees on all aspects of maturing, such as advising them of the many health care professionals and agencies available to assist seniors; and

Whereas Florence Crosby received her certificate from Constable Leppan and Sergeant Craig Smith upon her completion of the course;

Therefore be it resolved that this Nova Scotia House of Assembly congratulate recent graduate of the Seniors Academy Florence Crosby and wish her many more years of health, safety and fulfillment in her senior years.

RESOLUTION NO. 2887

By: Ms. Becky Kent « » (Cole Harbour-Eastern Passage)

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

Whereas the Eastern Passage RCMP Community Safety Office ran a very well attended Seniors Academy at the Fisherman's Cove new NET Centre, led by Constable Bart Leppan; and

Whereas an overwhelming 41 registrants graduated from the course that lasted for six consecutive Tuesdays with daily guest speakers educating attendees on all aspects of maturing, such as advising them of the many health care professionals and agencies available to assist seniors; and

Whereas Garnetta Ramey received her certificate from Constable Leppan and Sergeant Craig Smith upon her completion of the course;

[Page 5207]

Therefore be it resolved that this Nova Scotia House of Assembly congratulate recent graduate of the Seniors Academy Garnetta Ramey and wish her many more years of health, safety and fulfillment in her senior years.

RESOLUTION NO. 2888

By: Ms. Becky Kent « » (Cole Harbour-Eastern Passage)

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

Whereas the Eastern Passage RCMP Community Safety Office ran a very well attended Seniors Academy at the Fisherman's Cove new NET Centre, led by Constable Bart Leppan; and

Whereas an overwhelming 41 registrants graduated from the course that lasted for six consecutive Tuesdays with daily guest speakers educating attendees on all aspects of maturing, such as advising them of the many health care professionals and agencies available to assist seniors; and

Whereas Anna O'Halloran received her certificate from Constable Leppan and Sergeant Craig Smith upon her completion of the course;

Therefore be it resolved that this Nova Scotia House of Assembly congratulate recent graduate of the Seniors Academy Anna O'Halloran and wish her many more years of health, safety and fulfillment in her senior years.

RESOLUTION NO. 2889

By: Ms. Diana Whalen « » (Halifax Clayton Park)

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

Whereas the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal was created to mark the 2012 celebrations of the 60^th Anniversary of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II's accession to the throne; and

Whereas the Diamond Jubilee Medal is a tangible way for Canada to honour Her Majesty for her service to this country, while honouring the significant contributions and achievements by Canadians; and

Whereas on November 12, Halifax West Member of Parliament Geoff Regan presented the Jubilee Medal to Halifax resident Lieutenant (N) Robin Allan James Blatch in recognition of his service as a well-respected leader with the Royal Canadian Sea Cadet Corps where he serves as the commanding officer of 1 Nelson Royal Canadian Sea Cadet Corps;

[Page 5208]

Therefore be it resolved that the members of this House of Assembly congratulate Lieutenant (N) Robin Allan James Blatch on being awarded the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal and wish him continued success in all his future endeavours.

RESOLUTION NO. 2890

By: Ms. Diana Whalen « » (Halifax Clayton Park)

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

Whereas the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal was created to mark the 2012 celebrations of the 60^th Anniversary of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II's accession to the throne; and

Whereas the Diamond Jubilee Medal is a tangible way for Canada to honour Her Majesty for her service to this country, while honouring the significant contributions and achievements by Canadians; and

Whereas on November 12, Halifax West Member of Parliament Geoff Regan presented the Jubilee Medal to Halifax residents Pat and Peggy McNair in recognition of their work as outstanding volunteers, particularly Peggy's involvement in the establishment of the Make-A-Wish Foundation in Halifax and Pat's many years of volunteering at the Art Gallery of Nova Scotia;

Therefore be it resolved that the members of this House of Assembly congratulate Pat and Peggy McNair on being awarded the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal and wish them continued success in all their future endeavours.

RESOLUTION NO. 2891

By: Ms. Diana Whalen « » (Halifax Clayton Park)

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

Whereas the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal was created to mark the 2012 celebrations of the 60^th Anniversary of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II's accession to the throne; and

[Page 5209]

Whereas the Diamond Jubilee Medal is a tangible way for Canada to honour Her Majesty for her service to this country, while honouring the significant contributions and achievements by Canadians; and

Whereas Halifax West Member of Parliament Geoff Regan presented Halifax resident Bakhtawer Masih Chaudhary with the Jubilee Medal in a ceremony on November 12 in recognition of his work as director of the Asian Christian Fellowship, a group that provides services that support new Canadians and refugees;

Therefore be it resolved that the members of this House of Assembly congratulate Mr. Chaudhary on being awarded the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal and wish him continued success in all his future endeavours.

RESOLUTION NO. 2892

By: Ms. Diana Whalen « » (Halifax Clayton Park)

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

Whereas the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal was created to mark the 2012 celebrations of the 60^th Anniversary of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II's accession to the throne; and

Whereas the Diamond Jubilee Medal is a tangible way for Canada to honour Her Majesty for her service to this country, while honouring the significant contributions and achievements by Canadians; and

Whereas Halifax West Member of Parliament Geoff Regan presented Halifax resident Dick Miller with the Jubilee Medal in a ceremony on November 12 in recognition of his volunteerism and his contribution to his profession on a local and national level;

Therefore be it resolved that the members of this House of Assembly congratulate Dick Miller on being awarded the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal and wish him continued success in all his future endeavours.

RESOLUTION NO. 2893

[Page 5210]

By: Ms. Diana Whalen « » (Halifax Clayton Park)

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

Whereas the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal was created to mark the 2012 celebrations of the 60^th Anniversary of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II's accession to the throne; and

Whereas the Diamond Jubilee Medal is a tangible way for Canada to honour Her Majesty for her service to this country, while honouring the significant contributions and achievements by Canadians; and

Whereas Halifax West Member of Parliament Geoff Regan presented Clayton Park resident Charles Baxter with the Jubilee Medal in a ceremony on November 12 in recognition of his years of volunteering, particular his involvement in the Air Cadet League of Canada and the Commissionaires;

Therefore be it resolved that the members of this House of Assembly congratulate Charles Baxter on being awarded the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal and wish him continued success in all his future endeavours.

RESOLUTION NO. 2894

By: Ms. Diana Whalen « » (Halifax Clayton Park)

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

Whereas the third annual Haliwards were held on October 18, 2012, in Halifax to recognize individuals or groups for their extraordinary contributions to the community; and

Whereas since returning to his native Canada with his wife and children after living in Southeastern Mexico, Conrad Fox has been the producer of New Roots Radio, a weekly radio news magazine on immigration for CKDU 88.1 FM in Halifax; and

Whereas Conrad Fox was among those who were chosen to receive a 2012 Haliward for his wonderful work in providing a unique forum for new immigrants to have their voices heard, as they are often struggling alone to adapt and thrive in Nova Scotia;

Therefore be it resolved that the members of this House of Assembly congratulate Conrad Fox on receiving this distinction and wish him continued success in his work, which helps newcomers settle successfully in Nova Scotia while also helping the wider community to understand the experience of immigrants.

[Page 5211]

RESOLUTION NO. 2895

By: Ms. Diana Whalen « » (Halifax Clayton Park)

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

Whereas the third annual Haliwards were held on October 18, 2012, in Halifax to recognize individuals or groups for their extraordinary contributions to the community; and

Whereas Lynn Anderson has worked tirelessly for the Parent-Teacher Association of Park West School to support the school and raise money to help make it a better place for students to grow up; and

Whereas Lynn Anderson was among those honoured for her outstanding service to the community at this year's Haliwards for her dedication to the community of Clayton Park West and her leadership in Park West School;

Therefore be it resolved that the members of this House of Assembly congratulate Lynn on receiving this distinctive award and thank her for her continuing efforts to strengthen and improve our community.

RESOLUTION NO. 2896

By: Mr. Leo Glavine « » (Kings West)

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

Whereas Beth Densmore became the first woman president in the 114-year history of the Federation of Agriculture, but will be remembered for her ardent promotion in advancing agriculture; and

Whereas Beth never relented in challenging a government to make the agricultural sector a central part of rural and economic development; and

Whereas in her role as president she advanced the federation's position on federal issues that could negatively impact our farmers, as well as created policies for the future of farming with the current and next generation;

[Page 5212]

Therefore be it resolved that members of the House of Assembly acknowledge the hard work, the advocacy and dedication of Beth Densmore to our farm community.

RESOLUTION NO. 2897

By: Mr. Leo Glavine « » (Kings West)

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

Whereas Janet Newton has spent 21 years in elected public service as a school board member and first chairperson of AURSB, as well as a Kings County Councillor, with the last two as Deputy Warden; and

Whereas Janet brought a passion for excellence in education that translated into not only making the amalgamated school board work but make decisions to deliver the highest quality of public education; and

Whereas Janet's impact on Kings County Council will continue to evolve in the future as she works to create open and accountable processes in the governance of Kings County;

Therefore be it resolved that members of the House of Assembly acknowledge with gratitude her 21 years in public service, extend congratulations on being awarded the Queens Diamond Jubilee Medal, and wish her and husband Walter the very best.

RESOLUTION NO. 2898

By: Mr. Leo Glavine « » (Kings West)

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

Whereas Faith Ann Fowler has had a very special year of dance with the Precision Dance Company; and

Whereas Faith Ann danced solos at the 5678 World Cup in Montreal and won top mark awards, including winning the prestigious Candance Teen Miss Halifax 2012 Title; and

Whereas Ms. Fowler has a number of local and national achievements that led to a career highlight when she competed for Atlantic Canada at the Candance North American competition held in Orlando, Florida;

[Page 5213]

Therefore be it resolved that the members of this House of Assembly congratulate Faith Ann Fowler on her accomplishments and wish her every success in her future dance career.

RESOLUTION NO. 2899

By: Mr. Leo Glavine « » (Kings West)

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

Whereas the Free Spirit Therapeutic Riding Association was established as an organization at the Rohan Wood Stables on the Morden Road; and

Whereas therapeutic riding is designed to assist individuals in reaching physical, mental, cognitive, social, behavioural and communication goals; and

Whereas therapeutic riding is a proven activity to assist individuals with physical, intellectual, developmental and/or sensory impairments to achieve educational goals;

Therefore be it resolved all members of the Nova Scotia House of Assembly commend Evelyn Fraser, Alissa Cue, volunteers and board members for establishing this highly effective program for building self-confidence and a true sense of achievement.

RESOLUTION NO. 2900

By: Mr. Leo Glavine « » (Kings West)

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

Whereas James and his father Lindsay Kinsman who own and operate Windcrest Farm located beneath the North Mountain and partly located in the Thomas Brook watershed; and

Whereas over the last few years Windcrest Farm has been part of a national evolution of the effects of beneficial management practices on surface water quality; and

Whereas the Kinsman's commitment to being outstanding stewards of the land and water by implementing intensive sampling of the effects of manure and fertilizer application on greenhouse gas emissions, as well as energy efficient technologies, crop rotation and no-till practices;

Therefore be it resolved all members of the House of Assembly congratulate James and Lindsay Kinsman, their families, and workers, on being nominated for the Environmental Farm Stewardship by the NS Federation of Agriculture.

[Page 5214]

RESOLUTION NO. 2901

By: Ms. Diana Whalen « » (Halifax Clayton Park)

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

Whereas the Duke of Edinburgh's Award, founded by His Royal Highness Prince Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh, was introduced to Canada in 1963 and is currently present in more than 120 countries; and

Whereas the award encourages young people to become active and engaged citizens in the area of community service and challenged them to develop personal skills and learn what it means to exemplify leadership; and

Whereas Cydney Kane, a Grade 12 student at Halifax West High School, successfully completed the rigorous requirements and received the bronze Duke of Edinburgh's Award at a ceremony on November 27^th at Halifax West High School;

Therefore be it resolved that the members of this House of Assembly congratulate Cydney Kane on receiving this prestigious award and offer best wishes for continued success as a leader in our community.

RESOLUTION NO. 2902

By: Ms. Diana Whalen « » (Halifax Clayton Park)

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

Whereas the Duke of Edinburgh's Award, founded by His Royal Highness Prince Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh, was introduced to Canada in 1963 and is currently present in more than 120 countries; and

Whereas the award encourages young people to become active and engaged citizens in the area of community service and challenged them to develop personal skills and learn what it means to exemplify leadership; and

Whereas Melina Hurley, a Grade 12 student at Halifax West High School, successfully completed the rigorous requirements and received the bronze Duke of Edinburgh's Award at a ceremony on November 27^th at the school;

[Page 5215]

Therefore be it resolved that the members of this House of Assembly congratulate Melina Hurley on receiving this prestigious award and offer best wishes for continued success as a leader in our community.

RESOLUTION NO. 2903

By: Ms. Diana Whalen « » (Halifax Clayton Park)

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

Whereas the Duke of Edinburgh's Award, founded by His Royal Highness Prince Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh, was introduced to Canada in 1963 and is currently present in more than 120 countries; and

Whereas the award encourages young people to become active and engaged citizens in the area of community service and challenged them to develop personal skills and learn what it means to exemplify leadership; and

Whereas Elizabeth Haikings, a Grade 11 student at Halifax West High School, successfully completed the rigorous requirements and received the bronze Duke of Edinburgh's Award at a ceremony on November 27^th at the school;

Therefore be it resolved that the members of this House of Assembly congratulate Elizabeth Haikings on receiving this prestigious award and offer best wishes for continued success as a leader in our community.

RESOLUTION NO. 2904

By: Ms. Diana Whalen « » (Halifax Clayton Park)

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

Whereas the Duke of Edinburgh's Award, founded by His Royal Highness Prince Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh, was introduced to Canada in 1963 and is currently present in more than 120 countries; and

Whereas the award encourages young people to become active and engaged citizens in the area of community service and challenged them to develop personal skills and learn what it means to exemplify leadership; and

[Page 5216]

Whereas Goda Galinyte, a Grade 12 student at Halifax West High School, successfully completed the rigorous requirements and received the bronze Duke of Edinburgh's Award at a ceremony on November 27^th at the school;

Therefore be it resolved that the members of this House of Assembly congratulate Goda Galinyte on receiving this prestigious award and offer best wishes for continued success as a leader in our community.

RESOLUTION NO. 2905

By: Ms. Diana Whalen « » (Halifax Clayton Park)

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

Whereas the Duke of Edinburgh's Award, founded by His Royal Highness Prince Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh, was introduced to Canada in 1963 and is currently present in more than 120 countries; and

Whereas the award encourages young people to become active and engaged citizens in the area of community service and challenged them to develop personal skills and learn what it means to exemplify leadership; and

Whereas Natasha Osborne, a Grade 11 student at Halifax West High School, successfully completed the rigorous requirements and received the bronze Duke of Edinburgh's Award at a ceremony on November 27^th at the school;

Therefore be it resolved that the members of this House of Assembly congratulate Natasha Osborne on receiving this prestigious award and wish her all the best in her future academic and volunteer endeavours.

RESOLUTION NO. 2906

By: Ms. Diana Whalen « » (Halifax Clayton Park)

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

Whereas the Duke of Edinburgh's Award, founded by His Royal Highness Prince Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh, was introduced to Canada in 1963 and is currently present in more than 120 countries; and

[Page 5217]

Whereas the award encourages young people to become active and engaged citizens in the area of community service and challenged them to develop personal skills and learn what it means to exemplify leadership; and

Whereas Emma Power, a Grade 11 student at Halifax West High School, successfully completed the rigorous requirements and received the bronze Duke of Edinburgh's Award at a ceremony on November 27^th at the school;

Therefore be it resolved that the members of this House of Assembly congratulate Emma Power on receiving this prestigious award and offer best wishes for continued success as a leader in our community.

RESOLUTION NO. 2907

By: Mr. Zach Churchill « » (Yarmouth)

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

Whereas the Basketball Nova Scotia Division 5A Provincial Championships were held on March 29-31, 2012, at the Dalhousie Sexton Memorial Gym in Halifax; and

Whereas the Yarmouth Panthers Bantam girls basketball team consisting of Emma Atkinson, Tatum Emin, Ashley Higby, Victoria Kenney, Haley LeBlanc, Katie Lewis, Kaitlyn Mooney, Julie Phillips, Tessa Rogers and Maggie Trask, under the guidance of coach David Atkinson and assistant coach April Emin, competed in this tournament; and

Whereas the Yarmouth Panthers Bantam Girls Basketball Team won this tournament;

Therefore be it resolved that the members of this House of Assembly congratulate the Yarmouth Panthers Bantam Girls Basketball Team on becoming provincial champions and wish them every future success.

RESOLUTION NO. 2908

By: Mr. Zach Churchill « » (Yarmouth)

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

Whereas the NSSAF Division 2 Provincial Basketball Tournament was held on March 1-3, 2012, at Porters Lake; and

[Page 5218]

Whereas the Yarmouth Consolidated Memorial High School Vikings boys basketball team, consisting of Tony Nguyen, Gavin Eldridge, Luke Nickerson, Fernando Phillippi, Josh Deveau, Allen Rowe, Liam Atkinson, Brandon Trask, Karim Hafazalla, Brandon Wallace, Adam Burnett, Brandon Gallagher, Mike Lewis and Ghislain Doucet, under the guidance of coaches Joel Durling and Tom MacMillan, competed in this tournament; and

Whereas the Yarmouth Consolidated Memorial High School Vikings boys basketball team won this tournament;

Therefore be it resolved that the members of this House of Assembly congratulate the Yarmouth Consolidated Memorial High School Vikings Boys' Basketball Team on becoming provincial champions and wish them every future success.

RESOLUTION NO. 2909

By: Mr. Zach Churchill « » (Yarmouth)

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

Whereas the Maple Grove Education Centre's boys track and field team placed first at the Nova Scotia Athletic Federation Junior boys Provincial Track and Field Competitions in Sydney, Nova Scotia, on June 1-2, 2012; and

Whereas the team won triple banners in the Spring track and field season - winning the districts and regionals banners, in addition to the provincial Junior Boys NSSAF Track and Field championship banner; and

Whereas the team consisting of Nathan Bourque, Hudson Grimshaw-Surette, Jordan LeBlanc, John Atwood, Dylan LeBlanc, Alex Christie and Logan O'Connell, under the guidance of coaches Josh Burke, Charlene Doucette and Torey Grimshaw, contributed points to a score of 104 points which was twice as many points as the second-place team;

Therefore be it resolved that the members of this House of Assembly congratulate the Maple Grove Education Centre's boys track and field team on a very successful year filled with several important accomplishments and wish them every future success.

RESOLUTION NO. 2910

[Page 5219]

By: Mr. Zach Churchill « » (Yarmouth)

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

Whereas in September 2012, the Yarmouth Peewee AA Gateways competed in the 2012 provincial baseball championships; and

Whereas the team went on to compete in the Atlantic championships in PEI; and

Whereas the team, consisting of Brett Mercier, Brad Jones, Dylan Spinney, Cory Newell, Matthew Barron, Zack Lefave, Miguel Surette, Jacob Symonds, Cale Spates, Skyler Baxter, Brayden Moses and Adam d'Entremont-Harris, under the guidance of coaches Scott Surette, Doug Jones, Gary Baxter and Laurie Barron won both the provincial and Atlantic championships;

Therefore be it resolved that the members of this House of Assembly congratulate the Yarmouth Peewee AA Gateways on becoming provincial and Atlantic champions and wish them continued success in the sport of baseball.

RESOLUTION NO. 2911

By: Mr. Chuck Porter « » (Hants West)

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

Whereas the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child was adopted by the UN General Assembly on November 20, 1989; and

Whereas students in Primary to Grade 7 across Nova Scotia, in a promotion sponsored by the Office of the Ombudsman, recently participated in a poster contest illustrating their understanding of this year's National Child Day theme; and

Whereas the winning poster for the Grade 2 class was awarded to Ocean Smith, a student at Forest Ridge Academy in Barrington;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly recognize the diligent artwork of Grade 2 student Ocean Smith and her keen interest in understanding the basic human rights children younger than 18 are entitled to.

RESOLUTION NO. 2912

[Page 5220]

By: Ms. Kelly Regan « » (Bedford-Birch Cove)

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

Whereas Geoffrey Machum, Q.C., is a senior partner with the law firm of Stewart McKelvey where he serves on the Regional Partnership Board and the Human Resources and Governance Committee, and was awarded the Queen's Counsel designation in 2003 recognizing his professional integrity and contribution to the law profession; and

Whereas Mr. Machum, who was first appointed as a director of the Halifax Port Authority in 2006, has been elected chairman of the authority; and

Whereas Mr. Machum contributes his time to a number of community organizations including Symphony Nova Scotia, the Halifax Grammar School, the United Way's Leadership Giving Campaign, and the Mental Health Foundation of Nova Scotia;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly congratulate Geoffrey Machum, Q.C., on his accomplishments, and encourage his continued involvement in his community.

RESOLUTION NO. 2913

By: Hon. Michel Samson « » (Richmond)

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

Whereas the Louisdale Lions Club is an organization that helps where help is needed within the community, and worldwide, with honour and energy; and

Whereas on Saturday, October 13, 2012, the Louisdale Lions Club held their 43^rd Annual Charter Night where nine members were honoured for their many years of hard work and dedication with the club; and

Whereas Merlin Boudreau received a Life Member Award, as well as the Officer Ring, in recognition of his 43 years of volunteer work with the Louisdale Lions Club;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly congratulate Merlin Boudreau and commend him for being a positive role model in the community.

RESOLUTION NO. 2914

[Page 5221]

By: Hon. Michel Samson « » (Richmond)

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

Whereas the Louisdale Lions Club is an organization that helps where help is needed within the community, and worldwide, with honour and energy; and

Whereas on Saturday, October 13, 2012, the Louisdale Lions Club held their 43^rd Annual Charter Night where nine members were honoured for their many years of hard work and dedication with the club; and

Whereas Leon Landry received a Life Member Award, as well as the Officer Ring, in recognition of his 42 years of volunteer work with the Louisdale Lions Club;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly congratulate Leon Landry and commend him for being a positive role model in the community.

RESOLUTION NO. 2915

By: Hon. Michel Samson « » (Richmond)

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

Whereas the Louisdale Lions Club is an organization that helps where help is needed within the community, and worldwide, with honour and energy; and

Whereas on Saturday, October 13, 2012, the Louisdale Lions Club held their 43^rd Annual Charter Night where nine members were honoured for their many years of hard work and dedication with the club; and

Whereas Howard Sampson received a Life Member Award, as well as the Officer Ring, in recognition of his 23 years of volunteer work with the Louisdale Lions Club;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly congratulate Howard Sampson and commend him for being a positive role model in the community.

RESOLUTION NO. 2916

[Page 5222]

By: Hon. Michel Samson « » (Richmond)

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

Whereas the Louisdale Lions Club is an organization that helps where help is needed within the community, and worldwide, with honour and energy; and

Whereas on Saturday, October 13, 2012, the Louisdale Lions Club held their 43^rd Annual Charter Night where nine members were honoured for their many years of hard work and dedication with the club; and

Whereas Robert Sampson received a Life Member Award, as well as the Officer Ring, in recognition of his 42 years of volunteer work with the Louisdale Lions Club;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly congratulate Robert Sampson and commend him for being a positive role model in the community.

RESOLUTION NO. 2917

By: Hon. Michel Samson « » (Richmond)

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

Whereas the Louisdale Lions Club is an organization that helps where help is needed within the community, and worldwide, with honour and energy; and

Whereas on Saturday, October 13, 2012, the Louisdale Lions Club held their 43^rd Annual Charter Night where nine members were honoured for their many years of hard work and dedication with the club; and

Whereas Art Marchand received a Life Member Award, as well as the Officer Ring, in recognition of his 41 years of volunteer work with the Louisdale Lions Club;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly congratulate Art Marchand and commend him for being a positive role model in the community.

RESOLUTION NO. 2918

[Page 5223]

By: Hon. Michel Samson « » (Richmond)

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

Whereas the Louisdale Lions Club is an organization that helps where help is needed within the community, and worldwide, with honour and energy; and

Whereas on Saturday, October 13, 2012, the Louisdale Lions Club held their 43^rd Annual Charter Night where nine members were honoured for their many years of hard work and dedication with the club; and

Whereas Narcisse Marchand received a Life Member Award, as well as the Officer Ring, in recognition of his 43 years of volunteer work with the Louisdale Lions Club;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly congratulate Narcisse Marchand and commend him for being a positive role model in the community.

RESOLUTION NO. 2919

By: Hon. Michel Samson « » (Richmond)

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

Whereas the Louisdale Lions Club is an organization that helps where help is needed within the community, and worldwide, with honour and energy; and

Whereas on Saturday, October 13, 2012, the Louisdale Lions Club held their 43^rd Annual Charter Night where nine members were honoured for their many years of hard work and dedication with the club; and

Whereas Herman Linden received a Life Member Award, as well as the Officer Ring, in recognition of his 41 years of volunteer work with the Louisdale Lions Club;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly congratulate Herman Linden and commend him for being a positive role model in the community.

RESOLUTION NO. 2920

[Page 5224]

By: Hon. Michel Samson « » (Richmond)

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

Whereas the Louisdale Lions Club is an organization that helps where help is needed within the community, and worldwide, with honour and energy; and

Whereas on Saturday, October 13, 2012, the Louisdale Lions Club held their 43^rd Annual Charter Night where nine members were honoured for their many years of hard work and dedication with the club; and

Whereas Don Cornell received a Life Member Award, as well as the Officer Ring, in recognition of his 43 years of volunteer work with the Louisdale Lions Club;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly congratulate Don Cornell and commend him for being a positive role model in the community.

RESOLUTION NO. 2921

By: Hon. Michel Samson « » (Richmond)

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

Whereas the Louisdale Lions Club is an organization that helps where help is needed within the community, and worldwide, with honour and energy; and

Whereas on Saturday, October 13, 2012, the Louisdale Lions Club held their 43^rd Annual Charter Night where nine members were honoured for their many years of hard work and dedication with the club; and

Whereas Kenny Walker received a Life Member Award, as well as the Officer Ring, in recognition of his 35 years of volunteer work with the Louisdale Lions Club;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly congratulate Kenny Walker and commend him for being a positive role model in the community.

RESOLUTION NO. 2922

[Page 5225]

By: Hon. Christopher d'Entremont « » (Argyle)

Monsieur le Président, a une date ultérieure, je demanderai l'adoption de la résolution suivante:

Attendu que Bernice d'Entremont de Publico-Ouest a été présentée la Médaille du Jubilé diamant de la Reine Elizabeth II le 11 Octobre, 2012; et

Attendu que Bernice d'Entremont était parmi 50 récipiendaires de la Médaille du Jubilé diamant de la reine Elizabeth II lors d'une cérémonie et réception spéciale qui ont eu lieu au Annapolis Basin Conference Centre à Cornwallis; et

Attendu que Bernice d'Entremont a été reconnue pour son leadership et son dévouement aux Musée des Acadiens des Pubnicos et Centre de recherche et de nombreuses autres organisations à travers la communauté;

Par conséquent qu'il soit résolu que tous les membres de cette Assemblée félicitent Bernice d'Entremont sur sa réception de la Médaille du Jubilé diamant de la reine Elizabeth II et la remercier pour sa engagement et sa dévouement à pour le Musée des Acadiens des Pubnicos et sa communauté et la souhaitent une bonne santé continue.

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

Whereas Bernice d'Entremont of West Pubnico was presented with the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal on October 11, 2012; and

Whereas Bernice d'Entremont was among 50 recipients of the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal at a special ceremony and reception held at the Annapolis Basin Conference Centre in Cornwallis; and

Whereas Bernice d'Entremont was recognized for her leadership and dedication to the Musée Acadiens des Pubnicos et Centre de recherché as well as many other organizations throughout the community;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly congratulate Bernice d'Entremont on receiving the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal and thank her for commitment and devotion to the Musée des Acadiens and community.

RESOLUTION NO. 2923

[Page 5226]

By: Hon. Christopher d'Entremont « » (Argyle)

Monsieur le Président, a une date ultérieure, je demanderai l'adoption de la résolution suivante:

Attendu que Père Maurice LeBlanc de Pubnico-Ouest a été présenté la Médaille du Jubilé diamant de la Reine Elizabeth II le 11 Octobre, 2012; et

Attendu que Père Maurice LeBlanc était parmi 50 récipiendaires de la Médaille du Jubilé diamant de la Reine Elizabeth II lors d'une cérémonie et réception spécial qui ont eu lieu au Annapolis Basin Conference Centre à Cornwallis; et

Attend que Père Maurice LeBlanc a été reconnue pour son leadership et son dévouement à la musique et les arts, être un artiste accompli, d'avoir un théâtre local nommé d'après lui, d'être un grand défenseur des droits des francophones et des acadiens, ainsi que son dévouement à son Église;

Par conséquent qu'il soit résolu que tous les membres de cette Assemblée félicitent Père Maurice LeBlanc sur sa réception de la Médaille du Jubilé diamant de la reine Elizabeth II et le remercier pour son engagement et son dévouement à son église et sa communauté et lui souhaitent une bonne santé continue.

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

Whereas Father Maurice LeBlanc of West Pubnico was presented with the Queen Elizabeth Diamond Jubilee Medal on October 11, 2012; and

Whereas Father Maurice LeBlanc was among 50 recipients of the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal at a special ceremony and reception held at the Annapolis Basin Conference Centre in Cornwallis; and

Whereas an accomplished artist who has a local theatre named after him, Father Maurice LeBlanc was recognized for his leadership and dedication to music and art, for being a good defender of Acadian and French rights and his devotion to his church;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly congratulate Father Maurice LeBlanc on receiving the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal, thank him for his commitment and devotion to his church and community, and wish him continued good health.

RESOLUTION NO. 2924

[Page 5227]

By: Ms. Diana Whalen « » (Halifax Clayton Park)

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

Whereas on November 1, 2012 The Coast publication released their annual "Best of" edition, which named Marco Di Quinzio one of their Gold Winners as Halifax's Best Real Estate Agent; and

Whereas this award is even more meaningful because it is the readers of The Coast who vote for this award; and

Whereas Marco Di Quinzio of HomeLife Atlantic Real Estate in Rockingham is known in his profession, by his clients and his co-workers, for his friendly and personable demeanor, dynamic way of thinking, and his tremendous ability to meet the needs of his clients;

Therefore be it resolved that the Nova Scotia Legislature congratulate Marco Di Quinzio for being voted the Best Real Estate Agent in Halifax Regional Municipality by The Coast's readers, in recognition of his superior customer service and his understanding of the needs of home buyers and wish him continued success in the future.

RESOLUTION NO. 2925

By: Hon. Michel Samson « » (Richmond)

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

Whereas on June 7, 2012, I joined Principal Lois Landry and staff for the annual Richmond Academy Awards Night, an evening to celebrate the success of students; and

Whereas students were recognized for scholastic, sports and student council awards; and

Whereas Jillian Burke received an Academic Distinction Award as a Grade 10 student;

Therefore be it resolved that the members of the House of Assembly congratulate Richmond Academy student Jillian Burke on being recognized during the 2012 Awards Night.

RESOLUTION NO. 2926

[Page 5228]

By: Hon. Michel Samson « » (Richmond)

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

Whereas on June 7, 2012, I joined Principal Lois Landry and staff for the annual Richmond Academy Awards Night, an evening to celebrate the success of students; and

Whereas students were recognized for scholastic, sports and student council awards; and

Whereas Jamison Sampson received an Academic Distinction Award as a Grade 10 student and a Student Council committee award;

Therefore be it resolved that the members of the House of Assembly congratulate Richmond Academy student Jamison Sampson on being recognized during the 2012 Awards Night.

RESOLUTION NO. 2927

By: Hon. Michel Samson « » (Richmond)

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

Whereas on June 7, 2012, I joined Principal Lois Landry and staff for the annual Richmond Academy Awards Night, an evening to celebrate the success of students; and

Whereas students were recognized for scholastic, sports and student council awards; and

Whereas Meghan Merrick received an Academic Distinction Award as a Grade 10 student;

Therefore be it resolved that the members of the House of Assembly congratulate Richmond Academy student Meghan Merrick on being recognized during the 2012 Awards Night.

RESOLUTION NO. 2928

[Page 5229]

By: Hon. Michel Samson « » (Richmond)

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

Whereas on June 7, 2012, I joined Principal Lois Landry and staff for the annual Richmond Academy Awards Night, an evening to celebrate the success of students; and

Whereas students were recognized for scholastic, sports and student council awards; and

Whereas Melanie Poaps received an Academic Distinction Award as a Grade 10 student;

Therefore be it resolved that the members of the House of Assembly congratulate Richmond Academy student Melanie Poaps on being recognized during the 2012 Awards Night.

RESOLUTION NO. 2929

By: Hon. Michel Samson « » (Richmond)

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

Whereas on June 7, 2012, I joined Principal Lois Landry and staff for the annual Richmond Academy Awards Night, an evening to celebrate the success of students; and

Whereas students were recognized for scholastic, sports and student council awards; and

Whereas Haley Sampson received an Academic Distinction Award as a Grade 10 student;

Therefore be it resolved that the members of the House of Assembly congratulate Richmond Academy student Haley Sampson on being recognized during the 2012 Awards Night.

RESOLUTION NO. 2930

[Page 5230]

By: Hon. Michel Samson « » (Richmond)

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

Whereas on June 7, 2012, I joined Principal Lois Landry and staff for the annual Richmond Academy Awards Night, an evening to celebrate the success of students; and

Whereas students were recognized for scholastic, sports and student council awards; and

Whereas Tyler Cooke received an Academic Distinction Award as a Grade 10 student;

Therefore be it resolved that the members of the House of Assembly congratulate Richmond Academy student Tyler Cooke on being recognized during the 2012 Awards Night.

RESOLUTION NO. 2931

By: Hon. Michel Samson « » (Richmond)

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

Whereas on June 7, 2012, I joined Principal Lois Landry and staff for the annual Richmond Academy Awards Night, an evening to celebrate the success of students; and

Whereas students were recognized for scholastic, sports and student council awards; and

Whereas Meaghan Landry received an Academic Distinction Award as a Grade 10 student;

Therefore be it resolved that the members of the House of Assembly congratulate Richmond Academy student Meaghan Landry on being recognized during the 2012 Awards Night.

RESOLUTION NO. 2932

[Page 5231]

By: Hon. Michel Samson « » (Richmond)

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

Whereas on June 7, 2012, I joined Principal Lois Landry and staff for the annual Richmond Academy Awards Night, an evening to celebrate the success of students; and

Whereas students were recognized for scholastic, sports and student council awards; and

Whereas Breina Rutherford received an Academic Distinction Award as a Grade 10 student;

Therefore be it resolved that the members of the House of Assembly congratulate Richmond Academy student Breina Rutherford on being recognized during the 2012 Awards Night.

RESOLUTION NO. 2933

By: Hon. Michel Samson « » (Richmond)

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

Whereas on June 7, 2012, I joined Principal Lois Landry and staff for the annual Richmond Academy Awards Night, an evening to celebrate the success of students; and

Whereas students were recognized for scholastic, sports and student council awards; and

Whereas Brittany Sampson received an Academic Distinction Award as a Grade 10 student;

Therefore be it resolved that the members of the House of Assembly congratulate Richmond Academy student Brittany Sampson on being recognized during the 2012 Awards Night.

RESOLUTION NO. 2934

[Page 5232]

By: Hon. Michel Samson « » (Richmond)

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

Whereas on June 7, 2012, I joined Principal Lois Landry and staff for the annual Richmond Academy Awards Night, an evening to celebrate the success of students; and

Whereas students were recognized for scholastic, sports and student council awards; and

Whereas Brittney Gurney received Most Improved in Girls Volleyball;

Therefore be it resolved that the members of the House of Assembly congratulate Richmond Academy student Brittney Gurney on being recognized during the 2012 Awards Night.

RESOLUTION NO. 2935

By: Hon. Michel Samson « » (Richmond)

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

Whereas on June 7, 2012, I joined Principal Lois Landry and staff for the annual Richmond Academy Awards Night, an evening to celebrate the success of students; and

Whereas students were recognized for scholastic, sports, and student council awards; and

Whereas LaTanya Whitty received an Academic Distinction Award as a Grade 10 student;

Therefore be it resolved that the members of the House of Assembly congratulate Richmond Academy student LaTanya Whitty on being recognized during the 2012 Awards Night.

RESOLUTION NO. 2936

[Page 5233]

By: Hon. Michel Samson « » (Richmond)

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

Whereas on June 7, 2012, I joined Principal Lois Landry and staff for the annual Richmond Academy Awards Night, an evening to celebrate the success of students; and

Whereas students were recognized for scholastic, sports, and student council awards; and

Whereas Eric Poirier received the Sportsmanship Award in Golf;

Therefore be it resolved that the members of the House of Assembly congratulate Richmond Academy student Eric Poirier on being recognized during the 2012 Awards Night.

RESOLUTION NO. 2937

By: Hon. Michel Samson « » (Richmond)

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

Whereas on June 7, 2012, I joined Principal Lois Landry and staff for the annual Richmond Academy Awards Night, an evening to celebrate the success of students; and

Whereas students were recognized for scholastic, sports, and student council awards; and

Whereas John Burt received MVP in Boys Basketball, Sportsmanship in Boys Soccer, Most Improved in Boys Softball, and was the recipient of the 2011-12 Roy Boudreau Memorial Scholar Athlete Award;

Therefore be it resolved that the members of the House of Assembly congratulate Richmond Academy student John Burt on being recognized during the 2012 Awards Night.

RESOLUTION NO. 2938

[Page 5234]

By: Hon. Michel Samson « » (Richmond)

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

Whereas on June 7, 2012, I joined Principal Lois Landry and staff for the annual Richmond Academy Awards Night, an evening to celebrate the success of students; and

Whereas students were recognized for scholastic, sports, and student council awards; and

Whereas Jessica Matthews received a Student Council Award for the Interact Club and Safe Grad;

Therefore be it resolved that the members of the House of Assembly congratulate Richmond Academy student Jessica Matthews on being recognized during the 2012 Awards Night.

RESOLUTION NO. 2939

By: Hon. Michel Samson « » (Richmond)

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

Whereas on June 7, 2012, I joined Principal Lois Landry and staff for the annual Richmond Academy Awards Night, an evening to celebrate the success of students; and

Whereas students were recognized for scholastic, sports, and student council awards; and

Whereas Devin DeCoste received the Sportsmanship Award in Hockey;

Therefore be it resolved that the members of the House of Assembly congratulate Richmond Academy student Devin DeCoste on being recognized during the 2012 Awards Night.

RESOLUTION NO. 2940

[Page 5235]

By: Hon. Michel Samson « » (Richmond)

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

Whereas on June 7, 2012, I joined Principal Lois Landry and staff for the annual Richmond Academy Awards Night, an evening to celebrate the success of students; and

Whereas students were recognized for scholastic, sports, and student council awards; and

Whereas Jan Straub received Most Improved in Track and Field;

Therefore be it resolved that the members of the House of Assembly congratulate Richmond Academy student Jan Straub on being recognized during the 2012 Awards Night.

RESOLUTION NO. 2941

By: Hon. Michel Samson « » (Richmond)

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

Whereas on June 7, 2012, I joined Principal Lois Landry and staff for the annual Richmond Academy Awards Night, an evening to celebrate the success of students; and

Whereas students were recognized for scholastic, sports, and student council awards; and

Whereas Abbie Landry received a Special Olympics Award;

Therefore be it resolved that the members of the House of Assembly congratulate Richmond Academy student Abbie Landry on being recognized during the 2012 Awards Night.

RESOLUTION NO. 2942

By: Hon. Michel Samson « » (Richmond)

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

Whereas on June 7, 2012, I joined Principal Lois Landry and staff for the annual Richmond Academy Awards Night, an evening to celebrate the success of students; and

[Page 5236]

Whereas students were recognized for scholastic, sports, and student council awards; and

Whereas Jillian Marchand received a Special Olympics Award;

Therefore be it resolved that the members of the House of Assembly congratulate Richmond Academy student Jillian Marchand on being recognized during the 2012 Awards Night.

RESOLUTION NO. 2943

By: Hon. Michel Samson « » (Richmond)

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

Whereas on June 7, 2012, I joined Principal Lois Landry and staff for the annual Richmond Academy Awards Night, an evening to celebrate the success of students; and

Whereas students were recognized for scholastic, sports, and student council awards; and

Whereas Jerome Ford received a Student Council Award for the Hurricane Crew;

Therefore be it resolved that the members of the House of Assembly congratulate Richmond Academy student Jerome Ford on being recognized during the 2012 Awards Night.

RESOLUTION NO. 2944

By: Hon. Michel Samson « » (Richmond)

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

Whereas on June 7, 2012, I joined Principal Lois Landry and staff for the annual Richmond Academy Awards Night, an evening to celebrate the success of students; and

Whereas students were recognized for scholastic, sports, and student council awards; and

Whereas Emily Boudreau received a Student Council Award for the Interact Club;

[Page 5237]

Therefore be it resolved that the members of the House of Assembly congratulate Richmond Academy student Emily Boudreau on being recognized during the 2012 Awards Night.

RESOLUTION NO. 2945

By: Hon. Michel Samson « » (Richmond)

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

Whereas on June 7, 2012, I joined Principal Lois Landry and staff for the annual Richmond Academy Awards Night, an evening to celebrate the success of students; and

Whereas students were recognized for scholastic, sports, and student council awards; and

Whereas Kevin Campbell was the winner of the University of Waterloo's Mathematics "Fermet Test";

Therefore be it resolved that the members of the House of Assembly congratulate Richmond Academy student Kevin Campbell on being recognized during the 2012 Awards Night.

RESOLUTION NO. 2946

By: Hon. Michel Samson « » (Richmond)

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

Whereas on June 7, 2012, I joined Principal Lois Landry and staff for the annual Richmond Academy Awards Night, an evening to celebrate the success of students; and

Whereas students were recognized for scholastic, sports, and student council awards; and

Whereas Wendell Landry received the Sportsmanship Award in Boys Softball;

Therefore be it resolved that the members of the House of Assembly congratulate Richmond Academy student Wendell Landry on being recognized during the 2012 Awards Night.

RESOLUTION NO. 2947

[Page 5238]

By: Hon. Michel Samson « » (Richmond)

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

Whereas on June 7, 2012, I joined Principal Lois Landry and staff for the annual Richmond Academy Awards Night, an evening to celebrate the success of students; and

Whereas students were recognized for scholastic, sports, and student council awards; and

Whereas Jung Yang received a Student Council Award for the Gay-Straight Alliance Committee;

Therefore be it resolved that the members of the House of Assembly congratulate Richmond Academy student Jung Yang on being recognized during the 2012 Awards Night.

RESOLUTION NO. 2948

By: Hon. Michel Samson « » (Richmond)

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

Whereas on June 7, 2012, I joined Principal Lois Landry and staff for the annual Richmond Academy Awards Night, an evening to celebrate the success of students; and

Whereas students were recognized for scholastic, sports, and student council awards; and

Whereas Megan Gurney received a Student Council Award for the Hockey Committee, as well as MVP for Girls Softball;

Therefore be it resolved that the members of the House of Assembly congratulate Richmond Academy student Megan Gurney on being recognized during the 2012 Awards Night.

RESOLUTION NO. 2949

[Page 5239]

By: Hon. Michel Samson « » (Richmond)

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

Whereas on June 7, 2012, I joined Principal Lois Landry and staff for the annual Richmond Academy Awards Night, an evening to celebrate the success of students; and

Whereas students were recognized for scholastic, sports, and student council awards; and

Whereas Zachery O'Toole received a Student Council Award for the Hurricane Crew, as well as a Special Olympics Award;

Therefore be it resolved that the members of the House of Assembly congratulate Richmond Academy student Zachery O'Toole on being recognized during the 2012 Awards Night.

RESOLUTION NO. 2950

By: Hon. Michel Samson « » (Richmond)

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

Whereas on June 7, 2012, I joined Principal Lois Landry and staff for the annual Richmond Academy Awards Night, an evening to celebrate the success of students; and

Whereas students were recognized for scholastic, sports, and student council awards; and

Whereas Tenisha Francis received a Student Council Award for the Gay-Straight Alliance Committee;

Therefore be it resolved that the members of the House of Assembly congratulate Richmond Academy student Tenisha Francis on being recognized during the 2012 Awards Night.

RESOLUTION NO. 2951

[Page 5240]

By: Hon. Michel Samson « » (Richmond)

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

Whereas on June 7, 2012, I joined Principal Lois Landry and staff for the annual Richmond Academy Awards Night, an evening to celebrate the success of students; and

Whereas students were recognized for scholastic, sports, and student council awards; and

Whereas Kanta Kodama received MVP in Boys Soccer;

Therefore be it resolved that the members of the House of Assembly congratulate Richmond Academy student Kanta Kodama on being recognized during the 2012 Awards Night.

RESOLUTION NO. 2952

By: Hon. Michel Samson « » (Richmond)

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

Whereas on June 7, 2012, I joined Principal Lois Landry and staff for the annual Richmond Academy Awards Night, an evening to celebrate the success of students; and

Whereas students were recognized for scholastic, sports, and student council awards; and

Whereas Mark MacDonald received an Academic Distinction Award as a Grade 9 student;

Therefore be it resolved that the members of the House of Assembly congratulate Richmond Academy student Mark MacDonald on being recognized during the 2012 Awards Night.

RESOLUTION NO. 2953

[Page 5241]

By: Hon. Michel Samson « » (Richmond)

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

Whereas on June 7, 2012, I joined Principal Lois Landry and staff for the annual Richmond Academy Awards Night, an evening to celebrate the success of students; and

Whereas students were recognized for scholastic, sports, and student council awards; and

Whereas Tamara Burns received MVP in Girls Soccer and Most Improved in Girls Softball;

Therefore be it resolved that the members of the House of Assembly congratulate Richmond Academy student Tamara Burns on being recognized during the 2012 Awards Night.

RESOLUTION NO. 2954

By: Hon. Michel Samson « » (Richmond)

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

Whereas on June 7, 2012, I joined Principal Lois Landry and staff for the annual Richmond Academy Awards Night, an evening to celebrate the success of students; and

Whereas students were recognized for scholastic, sports, and student council awards; and

Whereas Patrick Taylor received a Special Olympics Award;

Therefore be it resolved that the members of the House of Assembly congratulate Richmond Academy student Patrick Taylor on being recognized during the 2012 Awards Night.

RESOLUTION NO. 2955

[Page 5242]

By: Hon. Michel Samson « » (Richmond)

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

Whereas on June 7, 2012 I joined Principal Lois Landry and staff for the annual Richmond Academy Awards Night, an evening to celebrate the success of students; and

Whereas students were recognized for scholastic, sports and student council awards; and

Whereas Kailum Rogers received a Student Council Award for the Student Council Committee as well as MVP for Boys Softball;

Therefore be it resolved that the members of the House of Assembly congratulate Richmond Academy student Kailum Rogers on being recognized during the 2012 Awards Night.

RESOLUTION NO. 2956

By: Hon. Michel Samson « » (Richmond)

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

Whereas on June 7, 2012 I joined Principal Lois Landry and staff for the annual Richmond Academy Awards Night, an evening to celebrate the success of students; and

Whereas students were recognized for scholastic, sports and student council awards; and

Whereas Claudia Poirier received a Student Council Award for the Hockey Committee;

Therefore be it resolved that the members of the House of Assembly congratulate Richmond Academy student Claudia Poirier on being recognized during the 2012 Awards Night.

RESOLUTION NO. 2957

[Page 5243]

By: Hon. Michel Samson « » (Richmond)

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

Whereas on June 7, 2012 I joined Principal Lois Landry and staff for the annual Richmond Academy Awards Night, an evening to celebrate the success of students; and

Whereas students were recognized for scholastic, sports and student council awards; and

Whereas Justin Boutilier received a Student Council Award for the Hurricane Crew;

Therefore be it resolved that the members of the House of Assembly congratulate Richmond Academy student Justin Boutilier on being recognized during the 2012 Awards Night.

RESOLUTION NO. 2958

By: Hon. Michel Samson « » (Richmond)

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

Whereas on June 7, 2012 I joined Principal Lois Landry and staff for the annual Richmond Academy Awards Night, an evening to celebrate the success of students; and

Whereas students were recognized for scholastic, sports and student council awards; and

Whereas Dustin Martel received a Student Council Award for the Hurricane Crew;

Therefore be it resolved that the members of the House of Assembly congratulate Richmond Academy student Dustin Martel on being recognized during the 2012 Awards Night.

RESOLUTION NO. 2959

[Page 5244]

By: Hon. Michel Samson « » (Richmond)

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

Whereas on June 7, 2012 I joined Principal Lois Landry and staff for the annual Richmond Academy Awards Night, an evening to celebrate the success of students; and

Whereas students were recognized for scholastic, sports and student council awards; and

Whereas Gabrielle Dorey received a Student Council Award for the Gay Straight Alliance Committee;

Therefore be it resolved that the members of the House of Assembly congratulate Richmond Academy student Gabrielle Dorey on being recognized during the 2012 Awards Night.

RESOLUTION NO. 2960

By: Hon. Michel Samson « » (Richmond)

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

Whereas on June 7, 2012 I joined Principal Lois Landry and staff for the annual Richmond Academy Awards Night, an evening to celebrate the success of students; and

Whereas students were recognized for scholastic, sports and student council awards; and

Whereas Kyle Marchand received an Academic Distinction Award as a Grade 9 student;

Therefore be it resolved that the members of the House of Assembly congratulate Richmond Academy student Kyle Marchand on being recognized during the 2012 Awards Night.

RESOLUTION NO. 2961

[Page 5245]

By: Hon. Michel Samson « » (Richmond)

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

Whereas on June 7, 2012 I joined Principal Lois Landry and staff for the annual Richmond Academy Awards Night, an evening to celebrate the success of students; and

Whereas students were recognized for scholastic, sports and student council awards; and

Whereas Bethany King received an Academic Distinction Award as a Grade 11 student;

Therefore be it resolved that the members of the House of Assembly congratulate Richmond Academy student Bethany King on being recognized during the 2012 Awards Night.

RESOLUTION NO. 2962

By: Hon. Michel Samson « » (Richmond)

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

Whereas on June 7, 2012 I joined Principal Lois Landry and staff for the annual Richmond Academy Awards Night, an evening to celebrate the success of students; and

Whereas students were recognized for scholastic, sports and student council awards; and

Whereas Kevin Campbell received an Academic Distinction Award as a Grade 11 student;

Therefore be it resolved that the members of the House of Assembly congratulate Richmond Academy student Kevin Campbell on being recognized during the 2012 Awards Night.

RESOLUTION NO. 2963

[Page 5246]

By: Hon. Michel Samson « » (Richmond)

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

Whereas on June 7, 2012 I joined Principal Lois Landry and staff for the annual Richmond Academy Awards Night, an evening to celebrate the success of students; and

Whereas students were recognized for scholastic, sports and student council awards; and

Whereas Alexandria Samson received an Academic Distinction Award as a Grade 11 student and a student council award for the Student Council Committee and Interact Club;

Therefore be it resolved that the members of the House of Assembly congratulate Richmond Academy student Alexandria Samson on being recognized during the 2012 Awards Night.

RESOLUTION NO. 2964

By: Hon. Michel Samson « » (Richmond)

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

Whereas on June 7, 2012 I joined Principal Lois Landry and staff for the annual Richmond Academy Awards Night, an evening to celebrate the success of students; and

Whereas students were recognized for scholastic, sports and student council awards; and

Whereas Emily Middleton received an Academic Distinction Award as a Grade 11 student;

Therefore be it resolved that the members of the House of Assembly congratulate Richmond Academy student Emily Middleton on being recognized during the 2012 Awards Night.

RESOLUTION NO. 2965

[Page 5247]

By: Hon. Michel Samson « » (Richmond)

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

Whereas on June 7, 2012, I joined Principal Lois Landry and staff for the annual Richmond Academy Awards Night, an evening to celebrate the success of students; and

Whereas students were recognized for scholastic, sports, and student council awards; and

Whereas Ava Sturm received an Academic High Distinction Award as a Grade 9 student and a Student Council Award for the Glee Club and Gay-Straight Alliance Committee;

Therefore be it resolved that the members of the House of Assembly congratulate Richmond Academy student Ava Sturm on being recognized during the 2012 Awards Night.

RESOLUTION NO. 2966

By: Hon. Michel Samson « » (Richmond)

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

Whereas on June 7, 2012, I joined Principal Lois Landry and staff for the annual Richmond Academy Awards Night, an evening to celebrate the success of students; and

Whereas students were recognized for scholastic, sports, and student council awards; and

Whereas Daniel MacLeod received an Academic High Distinction Award as a Grade 9 student;

Therefore be it resolved that the members of the House of Assembly congratulate Richmond Academy student Daniel MacLeod on being recognized during the 2012 Awards Night.

RESOLUTION NO. 2967

[Page 5248]

By: Hon. Michel Samson « » (Richmond)

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

Whereas on June 7, 2012, I joined Principal Lois Landry and staff for the annual Richmond Academy Awards Night, an evening to celebrate the success of students; and

Whereas students were recognized for scholastic, sports, and student council awards; and

Whereas Erin Samson received an Academic High Distinction Award as a Grade 9 student, a Student Council Award for the Gay-Straight Alliance Committee, as well as the Sportsmanship Award in Track and Field;

Therefore be it resolved that the members of the House of Assembly congratulate Richmond Academy student Erin Samson on being recognized during the 2012 Awards Night.

RESOLUTION NO. 2968

By: Hon. Michel Samson « » (Richmond)

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

Whereas on June 7, 2012, I joined Principal Lois Landry and staff for the annual Richmond Academy Awards Night, an evening to celebrate the success of students; and

Whereas students were recognized for scholastic, sports, and student council awards; and

Whereas Drake Boudreau received an Academic High Distinction Award as a Grade 9 student and a Student Council Committee Award;

Therefore be it resolved that the members of the House of Assembly congratulate Richmond Academy student Drake Boudreau on being recognized during the 2012 Awards Night.

RESOLUTION NO. 2969

[Page 5249]

By: Hon. Michel Samson « » (Richmond)

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

Whereas on June 7, 2012, I joined Principal Lois Landry and staff for the annual Richmond Academy Awards Night, an evening to celebrate the success of students; and

Whereas students were recognized for scholastic, sports, and student council awards; and

Whereas Lydia Haustein received an Academic High Distinction Award as a Grade 9 student and a Student Council Award for the Gay-Straight Alliance Committee;

Therefore be it resolved that the members of the House of Assembly congratulate Richmond Academy student Lydia Haustein on being recognized during the 2012 Awards Night.

RESOLUTION NO. 2970

By: Hon. Michel Samson « » (Richmond)

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

Whereas on June 7, 2012, I joined Principal Lois Landry and staff for the annual Richmond Academy Awards Night, an evening to celebrate the success of students; and

Whereas students were recognized for scholastic, sports, and student council awards; and

Whereas Kristen Savoury received an Academic High Distinction Award as a Grade 9 student;

Therefore be it resolved that the members of the House of Assembly congratulate Richmond Academy student Kristen Savoury on being recognized during the 2012 Awards Night.

RESOLUTION NO. 2971

[Page 5250]

By: Hon. Michel Samson « » (Richmond)

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

Whereas on June 7, 2012, I joined Principal Lois Landry and staff for the annual Richmond Academy Awards Night, an evening to celebrate the success of students; and

Whereas students were recognized for scholastic, sports, and student council awards; and

Whereas Emily David received an Academic High Distinction Award as a Grade 9 student and a Student Council Award for the Gay-Straight Alliance Committee;

Therefore be it resolved that the members of the House of Assembly congratulate Richmond Academy student Emily David on being recognized during the 2012 Awards Night.

RESOLUTION NO. 2972

By: Hon. Michel Samson « » (Richmond)

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

Whereas on June 7, 2012, I joined Principal Lois Landry and staff for the annual Richmond Academy Awards Night, an evening to celebrate the success of students; and

Whereas students were recognized for scholastic, sports, and student council awards; and

Whereas Michaela Haustein received an Academic High Distinction Award as a Grade 9 student and a Student Council Award for the Gay-Straight Alliance Committee;

Therefore be it resolved that the members of the House of Assembly congratulate Richmond Academy student Michaela Haustein on being recognized during the 2012 Awards Night.

RESOLUTION NO. 2973

[Page 5251]

By: Hon. Michel Samson « » (Richmond)

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

Whereas on June 7, 2012, I joined Principal Lois Landry and staff for the annual Richmond Academy Awards Night, an evening to celebrate the success of students; and

Whereas students were recognized for scholastic, sports, and student council awards; and

Whereas Daniel MacLeod received an Academic High Distinction Award as a Grade 9 student as well as University of Waterloo's Mathematics 1^st Place Pascal Contest Winner;

Therefore be it resolved that the members of the House of Assembly congratulate Richmond Academy student Daniel MacLeod on being recognized during the 2012 Awards Night.

RESOLUTION NO. 2974

By: Hon. Michel Samson « » (Richmond)

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

Whereas on June 7, 2012, I joined Principal Lois Landry and staff for the annual Richmond Academy Awards Night, an evening to celebrate the success of students; and

Whereas students were recognized for scholastic, sports, and student council awards; and

Whereas Jamie Samson received an Academic High Distinction Award as a Grade 9 student;

Therefore be it resolved that the members of the House of Assembly congratulate Richmond Academy student Jamie Samson on being recognized during the 2012 Awards Night.

RESOLUTION NO. 2975

[Page 5252]

By: Hon. Michel Samson « » (Richmond)

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

Whereas on June 7, 2012, I joined Principal Lois Landry and staff for the annual Richmond Academy Awards Night, an evening to celebrate the success of students; and

Whereas students were recognized for scholastic, sports, and student council awards; and

Whereas Micayla Matthews received an Academic High Distinction Award as a Grade 12 student, and a Student Council Award for the Student Council Committee, Yearbook Committee, and Safe Grad;

Therefore be it resolved that the members of the House of Assembly congratulate Richmond Academy student Micayla Matthews on being recognized during the 2012 Awards Night.

RESOLUTION NO. 2976

By: Hon. Michel Samson « » (Richmond)

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

Whereas on June 7, 2012, I joined Principal Lois Landry and staff for the annual Richmond Academy Awards Night, an evening to celebrate the success of students; and

Whereas students were recognized for scholastic, sports, and student council awards; and

Whereas Alyssa Babin received an Academic High Distinction Award as a Grade 12 student, and a Student Council Award for the Yearbook Committee;

Therefore be it resolved that the members of the House of Assembly congratulate Richmond Academy student Alyssa Babin on being recognized during the 2012 Awards Night.

RESOLUTION NO. 2977

[Page 5253]

By: Hon. Michel Samson « » (Richmond)

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

Whereas on June 7, 2012, I joined Principal Lois Landry and staff for the annual Richmond Academy Awards Night, an evening to celebrate the success of students; and

Whereas students were recognized for scholastic, sports, and student council awards; and

Whereas Christoph Vetter received an Academic High Distinction Award as a Grade 12 student;

Therefore be it resolved that the members of the House of Assembly congratulate Richmond Academy student Christoph Vetter on being recognized during the 2012 Awards Night.

RESOLUTION NO. 2978

By: Hon. Michel Samson « » (Richmond)

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

Whereas on June 7, 2012, I joined Principal Lois Landry and staff for the annual Richmond Academy Awards Night, an evening to celebrate the success of students; and

Whereas students were recognized for scholastic, sports, and student council awards; and

Whereas Cody Marchand received an Academic High Distinction Award as a Grade 12 student, MVP in Golf, the Landry Resilience Hockey Award, and as well he was the male recipient of the 2011-2012 Nova Scotia School Athletic Federation Award, and the 2011-2012 Male Athlete of the Year for Richmond Academy;

Therefore be it resolved that the members of the House of Assembly congratulate Richmond Academy student Cody Marchand on being recognized during the 2012 Awards Night.

RESOLUTION NO. 2979

[Page 5254]

By: Hon. Michel Samson « » (Richmond)

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

Whereas on June 7, 2012, I joined Principal Lois Landry and staff for the annual Richmond Academy Awards Night, an evening to celebrate the success of students; and

Whereas students were recognized for scholastic, sports, and student council awards; and

Whereas Shaylyn MacAulay received an Academic High Distinction Award as a Grade 12 student, and a Student Council Award for the Interact Club, Yearbook Committee, Safe Grad, and IWK;

Therefore be it resolved that the members of the House of Assembly congratulate Richmond Academy student Shaylyn MacAulay on being recognized during the 2012 Awards Night.

RESOLUTION NO. 2980

By: Hon. Michel Samson « » (Richmond)

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

Whereas on June 7, 2012, I joined Principal Lois Landry and staff for the annual Richmond Academy Awards Night, an evening to celebrate the success of students; and

Whereas students were recognized for scholastic, sports, and student council awards; and

Whereas Megan Matthews received an Academic High Distinction Award as a Grade 12 student;

Therefore be it resolved that the members of the House of Assembly congratulate Richmond Academy student Megan Matthews on being recognized during the 2012 Awards Night.

RESOLUTION NO. 2981

[Page 5255]

By: Hon. Michel Samson « » (Richmond)

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

Whereas on June 7, 2012, I joined Principal Lois Landry and staff for the annual Richmond Academy Awards Night, an evening to celebrate the success of students; and

Whereas students were recognized for scholastic, sports, and student council awards; and

Whereas Jasmine Boudreau received an Academic High Distinction Award as a Grade 12 student, a Student Council Award for Safe Grad and the IWK Committee, as well as Sportsmanship in Girls Soccer;

Therefore be it resolved that the members of the House of Assembly congratulate Richmond Academy student Jasmine Boudreau on being recognized during the 2012 Awards Night.

RESOLUTION NO. 2982

By: Hon. Michel Samson « » (Richmond)

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

Whereas on June 7, 2012, I joined Principal Lois Landry and staff for the annual Richmond Academy Awards Night, an evening to celebrate the success of students; and

Whereas students were recognized for scholastic, sports, and student council awards; and

Whereas Carmen Marchand received an Academic High Distinction Award as a Grade 10 student;

Therefore be it resolved that the members of the House of Assembly congratulate Richmond Academy student Carmen Marchand on being recognized during the 2012 Awards Night.

RESOLUTION NO. 2983

[Page 5256]

By: Hon. Michel Samson « » (Richmond)

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

Whereas on June 7, 2012, I joined Principal Lois Landry and staff for the annual Richmond Academy Awards Night, an evening to celebrate the success of students; and

Whereas students were recognized for scholastic, sports, and student council awards; and

Whereas Liam Burke received an Academic High Distinction Award as a Grade 10 student;

Therefore be it resolved that the members of the House of Assembly congratulate Richmond Academy student Liam Burke on being recognized during the 2012 Awards Night.

RESOLUTION NO. 2984

By: Hon. Michel Samson « » (Richmond)

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

Whereas on June 7, 2012, I joined Principal Lois Landry and staff for the annual Richmond Academy Awards Night, an evening to celebrate the success of students; and

Whereas students were recognized for scholastic, sports, and student council awards; and

Whereas Hannah Sampson received an Academic High Distinction Award as a Grade 10 student, a Student Council Award for the Dance Committee and Interact Club, as well as Most Improved in Girls Volleyball;

Therefore be it resolved that the members of the House of Assembly congratulate Richmond Academy student Hannah Sampson on being recognized during the 2012 Awards Night.

RESOLUTION NO. 2985

[Page 5257]

By: Hon. Michel Samson « » (Richmond)

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

Whereas on June 7, 2012 I joined Principal Lois Landry and staff for the annual Richmond Academy Awards Night, an evening to celebrate the success of students; and

Whereas students were recognized for scholastic, sports and student council awards; and

Whereas Katelyn Samson received an Academic Distinction Award as a Grade 10 student;

Therefore be it resolved that the members of the House of Assembly congratulate Richmond Academy student Katelyn Samson on being recognized during the 2012 Awards Night.

RESOLUTION NO. 2986

By: Hon. Michel Samson « » (Richmond)

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

Whereas on June 7, 2012 I joined Principal Lois Landry and staff for the annual Richmond Academy Awards Night, an evening to celebrate the success of students; and

Whereas students were recognized for scholastic, sports and student council awards; and

Whereas Ainslee McNamara received an Academic High Distinction Award as a Grade 10 student, a Student Council Award for the Gay Straight Alliance Committee, as well as University of Waterloo's Mathematics 1^st place Cayley Test winner;

Therefore be it resolved that the members of the House of Assembly congratulate Richmond Academy student Ainslee McNamara on being recognized during the 2012 Awards Night.

RESOLUTION NO. 2987

[Page 5258]

By: Hon. Michel Samson « » (Richmond)

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

Whereas on June 7, 2012 I joined Principal Lois Landry and staff for the annual Richmond Academy Awards Night, an evening to celebrate the success of students; and

Whereas students were recognized for scholastic, sports and student council awards; and

Whereas Quinelle Boudreau received an Academic High Distinction Award as a Grade 10 student, a Student Council Award for the Dance Committee, Interact Club and Winter Carnival as well as University of Waterloo's Mathematics 2^nd place Cayley Test winner;

Therefore be it resolved that the members of the House of Assembly congratulate Richmond Academy student Quinelle Boudreau on being recognized during the 2012 Awards Night.

RESOLUTION NO. 2988

By: Hon. Michel Samson « » (Richmond)

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

Whereas on June 7, 2012 I joined Principal Lois Landry and staff for the annual Richmond Academy Awards Night, an evening to celebrate the success of students; and

Whereas students were recognized for scholastic, sports and student council awards; and

Whereas Cali Kehoe received an Academic High Distinction Award as a Grade 10 student and a Student Council Award for the Dance Committee;

Therefore be it resolved that the members of the House of Assembly congratulate Richmond Academy student Cali Kehoe on being recognized during the 2012 Awards Night.

RESOLUTION NO. 2989

[Page 5259]

By: Hon. Michel Samson « » (Richmond)

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

Whereas on June 7, 2012 I joined Principal Lois Landry and staff for the annual Richmond Academy Awards Night, an evening to celebrate the success of students; and

Whereas students were recognized for scholastic, sports and student council awards; and

Whereas Calum MacDonald received an Academic High Distinction Award as a Grade 10 student;

Therefore be it resolved that the members of the House of Assembly congratulate Richmond Academy student Calum MacDonald on being recognized during the 2012 Awards Night.

RESOLUTION NO. 2990

By: Hon. Michel Samson « » (Richmond)

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

Whereas on June 7, 2012 I joined Principal Lois Landry and staff for the annual Richmond Academy Awards Night, an evening to celebrate the success of students; and

Whereas students were recognized for scholastic, sports and student council awards; and

Whereas Mira Straub received an Academic High Distinction Award as a Grade 10 student and MVP in Track And Field;

Therefore be it resolved that the members of the House of Assembly congratulate Richmond Academy student Mira Straub on being recognized during the 2012 Awards Night.

RESOLUTION NO. 2991

[Page 5260]

By: Hon. Michel Samson « » (Richmond)

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

Whereas on June 7, 2012 I joined Principal Lois Landry and staff for the annual Richmond Academy Awards Night, an evening to celebrate the success of students; and

Whereas students were recognized for scholastic, sports and student council awards; and

Whereas Shania Boucher received an Academic High Distinction Award as a Grade 10 student;

Therefore be it resolved that the members of the House of Assembly congratulate Richmond Academy student Shania Boucher on being recognized during the 2012 Awards Night.

RESOLUTION NO. 2992

By: Hon. Michel Samson « » (Richmond)

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

Whereas on June 7, 2012 I joined Principal Lois Landry and staff for the annual Richmond Academy Awards Night, an evening to celebrate the success of students; and

Whereas students were recognized for scholastic, sports and student council awards; and

Whereas Jessica Poirier received an Academic High Distinction Award as a Grade 10 student;

Therefore be it resolved that the members of the House of Assembly congratulate Richmond Academy student Jessica Poirier on being recognized during the 2012 Awards Night.

RESOLUTION NO. 2993

[Page 5261]

By: Hon. Michel Samson « » (Richmond)

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

Whereas on June 7, 2012 I joined Principal Lois Landry and staff for the annual Richmond Academy Awards Night, an evening to celebrate the success of students; and

Whereas students were recognized for scholastic, sports and student council awards; and

Whereas Chelsey Dakai received a Student Council Award for the Music Committee;

Therefore be it resolved that the members of the House of Assembly congratulate Richmond Academy student Chelsey Dakai on being recognized during the 2012 Awards Night.

RESOLUTION NO. 2994

By: Hon. Michel Samson « » (Richmond)

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

Whereas on June 7, 2012 I joined Principal Lois Landry and staff for the annual Richmond Academy Awards Night, an evening to celebrate the success of students; and

Whereas students were recognized for scholastic, sports and student council awards; and

Whereas Kara Marchand received an Academic High Distinction Award as a Grade 11 student;

Therefore be it resolved that the members of the House of Assembly congratulate Richmond Academy student Kara Marchand on being recognized during the 2012 Awards Night.

RESOLUTION NO. 2995

[Page 5262]

By: Hon. Michel Samson « » (Richmond)

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

Whereas on June 7, 2012 I joined Principal Lois Landry and staff for the annual Richmond Academy Awards Night, an evening to celebrate the success of students; and

Whereas students were recognized for scholastic, sports and student council awards; and

Whereas Donna DeWolfe received an Academic High Distinction Award as a Grade 11 student;

Therefore be it resolved that the members of the House of Assembly congratulate Richmond Academy student Donna DeWolfe on being recognized during the 2012 Awards Night.

RESOLUTION NO. 2996

By: Hon. Michel Samson « » (Richmond)

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

Whereas on June 7, 2012 I joined Principal Lois Landry and staff for the annual Richmond Academy Awards Night, an evening to celebrate the success of students; and

Whereas students were recognized for scholastic, sports and student council awards; and

Whereas Colton Burke received an Academic High Distinction Award as a Grade 11 student and a Student Council Committee Award, as well Colton was the winner of the University of Waterloo's Mathematics Fermet Test and the 2012 Engineers of Nova Scotia Award;

Therefore be it resolved that the members of the House of Assembly congratulate Richmond Academy student Colton Burke on being recognized during the 2012 Awards Night.

RESOLUTION NO. 2997

[Page 5263]

By: Hon. Michel Samson « » (Richmond)

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

Whereas on June 7, 2012 I joined Principal Lois Landry and staff for the annual Richmond Academy Awards Night, an evening to celebrate the success of students; and

Whereas students were recognized for scholastic, sports and student council awards; and

Whereas McKayla MacNeil received an Academic High Distinction Award as a Grade 11 student and a Student Council Award for the Celtic Club;

Therefore be it resolved that the members of the House of Assembly congratulate Richmond Academy student McKayla MacNeil on being recognized during the 2012 Awards Night.

RESOLUTION NO. 2998

By: Hon. Michel Samson « » (Richmond)

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

Whereas on June 7, 2012 I joined Principal Lois Landry and staff for the annual Richmond Academy Awards Night, an evening to celebrate the success of students; and

Whereas students were recognized for scholastic, sports and student council awards; and

Whereas Taylor Samson? received an Academic Distinction Award as a Grade 12 student, a Student Council Award for the Student Council Committee, Interact Club, Safe Grad, Hockey Committee, as well as MVP in girls softball, the female recipient of the 2011-12 Nova Scotia School Athletic Federation Awards and 2011-12 Female Athlete of the Year for Richmond Academy;

Therefore be it resolved that the members of the House of Assembly congratulate Richmond Academy student Taylor Samson on being recognized during the 2012 Awards Night.

RESOLUTION NO. 2999

[Page 5264]

By: Hon. Michel Samson « » (Richmond)

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

Whereas on June 7, 2012 I joined Principal Lois Landry and staff for the annual Richmond Academy Awards Night, an evening to celebrate the success of students; and

Whereas students were recognized for scholastic, sports and student council awards; and

Whereas Nolan Sampson received an Academic Distinction Award as a Grade 12 student and the Landry Resilience Hockey Award;

Therefore be it resolved that the members of the House of Assembly congratulate Richmond Academy student Nolan Sampson on being recognized during the 2012 Awards Night.

RESOLUTION NO. 3000

By: Hon. Michel Samson « » (Richmond)

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

Whereas on June 7, 2012 I joined Principal Lois Landry and staff for the annual Richmond Academy Awards Night, an evening to celebrate the success of students; and

Whereas students were recognized for scholastic, sports and student council awards; and

Whereas Angelina Pottie received an Academic Distinction Award as a Grade 12 student and a Student Council Award for the Gay Straight Alliance;

Therefore be it resolved that the members of the House of Assembly congratulate Richmond Academy student Angelina Pottie on being recognized during the 2012 Awards Night.

RESOLUTION NO. 3001

[Page 5265]

By: Hon. Michel Samson « » (Richmond)

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

Whereas on June 7, 2012 I joined Principal Lois Landry and staff for the annual Richmond Academy Awards Night, an evening to celebrate the success of students; and

Whereas students were recognized for scholastic, sports and student council awards; and

Whereas Madison Gaudet received an Academic Distinction Award as a Grade 12 student and a Student Council Award for the Interact Club and Hockey Committee;

Therefore be it resolved that the members of the House of Assembly congratulate Richmond Academy student Madison Gaudet on being recognized during the 2012 Awards Night.

RESOLUTION NO. 3002

By: Hon. Michel Samson « » (Richmond)

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

Whereas on June 7, 2012 I joined Principal Lois Landry and staff for the annual Richmond Academy Awards Night, an evening to celebrate the success of students; and

Whereas students were recognized for scholastic, sports and student council awards; and

Whereas Mariah Demers-Kennedy received an Academic Distinction Award as a Grade 12 student;

Therefore be it resolved that the members of the House of Assembly congratulate Richmond Academy student Mariah Demers-Kennedy on being recognized during the 2012 Awards Night.

RESOLUTION NO. 3003

[Page 5266]

By: Hon. Michel Samson « » (Richmond)

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

Whereas on June 7, 2012 I joined Principal Lois Landry and staff for the annual Richmond Academy Awards Night, an evening to celebrate the success of students; and

Whereas students were recognized for scholastic, sports and student council awards; and

Whereas Whitney Landry received an Academic Distinction Award as a Grade 12 student and the Sportsmanship Award in girls softball;

Therefore be it resolved that the members of the House of Assembly congratulate Richmond Academy student Whitney Landry on being recognized during the 2012 Awards Night.

RESOLUTION NO. 3004

By: Hon. Michel Samson « » (Richmond)

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

Whereas on June 7, 2012 I joined Principal Lois Landry and staff for the annual Richmond Academy Awards Night, an evening to celebrate the success of students; and

Whereas students were recognized for scholastic, sports and student council awards; and

Whereas Kathleen MacCuspic received an Academic Distinction Award as a Grade 12 student, a Student Council Award for the Interact Club, Yearbook Committee, Safe Grad, Hockey Committee and MVP in girls volleyball ;

Therefore be it resolved that the members of the House of Assembly congratulate Richmond Academy student Kathleen MacCuspic on being recognized during the 2012 Awards Night.

RESOLUTION NO. 3005

[Page 5267]

By: Hon. Michel Samson « » (Richmond)

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

Whereas on June 7, 2012 I joined Principal Lois Landry and staff for the annual Richmond Academy Awards Night, an evening to celebrate the success of students; and

Whereas students were recognized for scholastic, sports and student council awards; and

Whereas Mathieu Colpin received an Academic Distinction Award as a Grade 12 student and MVP in hockey;

Therefore be it resolved that the members of the House of Assembly congratulate Richmond Academy student Mathieu Colpin on being recognized during the 2012 Awards Night.

RESOLUTION NO. 3006

By: Hon. Michel Samson « » (Richmond)

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

Whereas on June 7, 2012 I joined Principal Lois Landry and staff for the annual Richmond Academy Awards Night, an evening to celebrate the success of students; and

Whereas students were recognized for scholastic, sports and student council awards; and

Whereas Joel Gionet received an Academic Distinction Award as a Grade 12 student;

Therefore be it resolved that the members of the House of Assembly congratulate Richmond Academy student Joel Gionet on being recognized during the 2012 Awards Night.

RESOLUTION NO. 3007

[Page 5268]

By: Hon. Michel Samson « » (Richmond)

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

Whereas on June 7, 2012 I joined Principal Lois Landry and staff for the annual Richmond Academy Awards Night, an evening to celebrate the success of students; and

Whereas students were recognized for scholastic, sports and student council awards; and

Whereas Kaitlyn Savoury received an Academic Distinction Award as a Grade 12 student;

Therefore be it resolved that the members of the House of Assembly congratulate Richmond Academy student Kaitlyn Savoury on being recognized during the 2012 Awards Night.

RESOLUTION NO. 3008

By: Hon. Michel Samson « » (Richmond)

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

Whereas on June 7, 2012 I joined Principal Lois Landry and staff for the annual Richmond Academy Awards Night, an evening to celebrate the success of students; and

Whereas students were recognized for scholastic, sports and student council awards; and

Whereas Benjamin Boudreau received an Academic Distinction Award as a Grade 12 student, the Sportsmanship Award in boys soccer, Most Improved in boys basketball and 2011-2012 Male Athlete of the Year;

Therefore be it resolved that the members of the House of Assembly congratulate Richmond Academy student Benjamin Boudreau on being recognized during the 2012 Awards Night.

RESOLUTION NO. 3009

[Page 5269]

By: Hon. Michel Samson « » (Richmond)

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

Whereas on June 7, 2012 I joined Principal Lois Landry and staff for the annual Richmond Academy Awards Night, an evening to celebrate the success of students; and

Whereas students were recognized for scholastic, sports and student council awards; and

Whereas Anthony Morgan received an Academic Distinction Award as a Grade 12 student;

Therefore be it resolved that the members of the House of Assembly congratulate Richmond Academy student Anthony Morgan on being recognized during the 2012 Awards Night.

RESOLUTION NO. 3010

By: Hon. Michel Samson « » (Richmond)

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

Whereas on June 7, 2012 I joined Principal Lois Landry and staff for the annual Richmond Academy Awards Night, an evening to celebrate the success of students; and

Whereas students were recognized for scholastic, sports and student council awards; and

Whereas Hannah Fougere received an Academic Distinction Award as a Grade 9 student;

Therefore be it resolved that the members of the House of Assembly congratulate Richmond Academy student Hannah Fougere on being recognized during the 2012 Awards Night.

RESOLUTION NO. 3011

[Page 5270]

By: Hon. Michel Samson « » (Richmond)

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

Whereas on June 7, 2012 I joined Principal Lois Landry and staff for the annual Richmond Academy Awards Night, an evening to celebrate the success of students; and

Whereas students were recognized for scholastic, sports and student council awards; and

Whereas Siobhan McNeil received an Academic Distinction Award as a Grade 12 student and Most Improved in girls basketball;

Therefore be it resolved that the members of the House of Assembly congratulate Richmond Academy student Siobhan McNeil on being recognized during the 2012 Awards Night.

RESOLUTION NO. 3012

By: Hon. Michel Samson « » (Richmond)

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

Whereas on June 7, 2012 I joined Principal Lois Landry and staff for the annual Richmond Academy Awards Night, an evening to celebrate the success of students; and

Whereas students were recognized for scholastic, sports and student council awards; and

Whereas Kalem Scanlan received an Academic Distinction Award as a Grade 12 students;

Therefore be it resolved that the members of the House of Assembly congratulate Richmond Academy student Kalem Scanlan on being recognized during the 2012 Awards Night.

RESOLUTION NO. 3013

[Page 5271]

By: Hon. Michel Samson « » (Richmond)

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

Whereas on June 7, 2012 I joined Principal Lois Landry and staff for the annual Richmond Academy Awards Night, an evening to celebrate the success of students; and

Whereas students were recognized for scholastic, sports and student council awards; and

Whereas Dana McNamara received an Academic Distinction Award as a Grade 12 student and a Student Council Award for Safe Grad;

Therefore be it resolved that the members of the House of Assembly congratulate Richmond Academy student Dana McNamara on being recognized during the 2012 Awards Night.

RESOLUTION NO. 3014

By: Hon. Michel Samson « » (Richmond)

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

Whereas on June 7, 2012 I joined Principal Lois Landry and staff for the annual Richmond Academy Awards Night, an evening to celebrate the success of students; and

Whereas students were recognized for scholastic, sports and student council awards; and

Whereas Kaysha MacNeil received an Academic Distinction Award as a Grade 9 student;

Therefore be it resolved that the members of the House of Assembly congratulate Richmond Academy student Kaysha MacNeil on being recognized during the 2012 Awards Night.

RESOLUTION NO. 3015

[Page 5272]

By: Hon. Michel Samson « » (Richmond)

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

Whereas on June 7, 2012, I joined Principal Lois Landry and staff for the annual Richmond Academy Awards Night, an evening to celebrate the success of students; and

Whereas students were recognized for scholastic, sports and student council awards; and

Whereas Kailey Landry received an Academic Distinction Award as a Grade 9 student and the Sportsman Award for Girls Volleyball;

Therefore be it resolved that the members of the House of Assembly congratulate Richmond Academy student Kailey Landry on being recognized during the 2012 Awards Night.

RESOLUTION NO. 3016

By: Hon. Michel Samson « » (Richmond)

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

Whereas on June 7, 2012, I joined Principal Lois Landry and staff for the annual Richmond Academy Awards Night, an evening to celebrate the success of students; and

Whereas students were recognized for scholastic, sports and student council awards; and

Whereas Jessy Boudreau received an Academic Distinction Award as a Grade 9 student;

Therefore be it resolved that the members of the House of Assembly congratulate Richmond Academy student Jessy Boudreau on being recognized during the 2012 Awards Night.

RESOLUTION NO. 3017

[Page 5273]

By: Hon. Michel Samson « » (Richmond)

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

Whereas on June 7, 2012, I joined Principal Lois Landry and staff for the annual Richmond Academy Awards Night, an evening to celebrate the success of students; and

Whereas students were recognized for scholastic, sports and student council awards; and

Whereas Amy Hill received an Academic Distinction Award as a Grade 9 student;

Therefore be it resolved that the members of the House of Assembly congratulate Richmond Academy student Amy Hill on being recognized during the 2012 Awards Night.

RESOLUTION NO. 3018

By: Hon. Michel Samson « » (Richmond)

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

Whereas on June 7, 2012, I joined Principal Lois Landry and staff for the annual Richmond Academy Awards Night, an evening to celebrate the success of students; and

Whereas students were recognized for scholastic, sports and student council awards; and

Whereas Kendra Sampson received an Academic Distinction Award as a Grade 9 student;

Therefore be it resolved that the members of the House of Assembly congratulate Richmond Academy student Kendra Sampson on being recognized during the 2012 Awards Night.

RESOLUTION NO. 3019

By: Hon. Michel Samson « » (Richmond)

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

Whereas on June 7, 2012, I joined Principal Lois Landry and staff for the annual Richmond Academy Awards Night, an evening to celebrate the success of students; and

[Page 5274]

Whereas students were recognized for scholastic, sports and student council awards; and

Whereas Liam Hearn received an Academic Distinction Award as a Grade 9 student;

Therefore be it resolved that the members of the House of Assembly congratulate Richmond Academy student Liam Hearn on being recognized during the 2012 Awards Night.

RESOLUTION NO. 3020

By: Hon. Michel Samson « » (Richmond)

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

Whereas on June 7, 2012, I joined Principal Lois Landry and staff for the annual Richmond Academy Awards Night, an evening to celebrate the success of students; and

Whereas students were recognized for scholastic, sports and student council awards; and

Whereas Ana Cardenas received an Academic Distinction Award as a Grade 9 student and a Student Council Award for the Gay Straight Alliance Committee;

Therefore be it resolved that the members of the House of Assembly congratulate Richmond Academy student Ana Cardenas on being recognized during the 2012 Awards Night.

RESOLUTION NO. 3021

By: Hon. Michel Samson « » (Richmond)

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

Whereas on June 7, 2012, I joined Principal Lois Landry and staff for the annual Richmond Academy Awards Night, an evening to celebrate the success of students; and

Whereas students were recognized for scholastic, sports and student council awards; and

[Page 5275]

Whereas Kerry Landry received an Academic Distinction Award as a Grade 9 student;

Therefore be it resolved that the members of the House of Assembly congratulate Richmond Academy student Kerry Landry on being recognized during the 2012 Awards Night.

RESOLUTION NO. 3022

By: Ms. Diana Whalen « » (Halifax Clayton Park)

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

Whereas the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal was created to mark the 2012 celebrations of the 60^th Anniversary of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II's accession to the Throne; and

Whereas the Diamond Jubilee Medal is a tangible way for Canada to honour Her Majesty for her service to this country, while honouring the significant contributions and achievements by Canadians; and

Whereas Halifax West Member of Parliament Geoff Regan presented Halifax resident Colonel Orest Cochkanoff with the Jubilee Medal in a ceremony on November 12^th in recognition of his lifetime of devoted service to Canada as an educator and as a member of the Canadian Forces;

Therefore be it resolved that the members of this House of Assembly congratulate Colonel Orest Cochkanoff on being awarded the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal and wish him well in all his future endeavours.