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24 mai 2002

HANSARD 01/02-112

Commemorating the Golden Jubilee of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, Queen of Canada, 2002

HOUSE OF ASSEMBLY

DEBATES AND PROCEEDINGS

Speaker: Honourable Murray Scott

Published by Order of the Legislature by Hansard Reporting Services and printed by the Queen's Printer.

Available on INTERNET at http://nslegislature.ca/legislative-business/hansard-debates/

Annual subscriptions available from the Office of the Speaker.

Second Session

FRIDAY, MAY 24, 2002

TABLE OF CONTENTS PAGE
PRESENTING AND READING PETITIONS:
Transport. & Pub. Wks. - Lawrencetown: Gravel Roads - Repair,
Mr. R. MacKinnon 10545
INTRODUCTION OF BILLS:
No. 136, Smoke-free Public Places Act, Ms. Maureen MacDonald 10546
NOTICES OF MOTION:
Res. 4039, Sackville-Beaver Bank MLA: Political Skills Camp -
Attend, Mr. W. Estabrooks 10546
Res. 4040, Environ. & Lbr. - Min.: Double Standards - Explain,
Mr. R. MacKinnon 10547
Res. 4041, Anna. Valley - Rescue: Med. Team/Labrador Crew -
Congrats., Mr. F. Chipman 10548
Vote - Affirmative 10548
Res. 4042, Cornwallis St. United Baptist Church: Anniv. (170th) -
Congrats., Ms. Maureen MacDonald 10548
Vote - Affirmative 10549
Res. 4043, Cole Hbr. Boys & Girls Club: Commun. Giving Tree -
Congrats., Mr. D. Dexter 10549
Vote - Affirmative 10550
Res. 4044, C.B. Ctr. for Craft & Design - Congrats., Mr. F. Corbett 10550
Vote - Affirmative 10551
Res. 4045, Paugh, Sgt. Matthew - Speaking Contest: Medal -
Congrats., (by Mr. Robert Chisholm), Mr. J. MacDonell 10551
Vote - Affirmative 10551
HOUSE RESOLVED INTO CWH ON BILLS AT 9:16 A.M. 10552
HOUSE RECONVENED AT 12:15 P.M. 10552
CWH REPORTS 10552
ADJOURNMENT, House rose to meet again on Mon., May 27th at 2:00 p.m. 10553
NOTICES OF MOTION UNDER RULE 32(3):
Res. 4046, Anna. Royal Historic Gardens - Attractions Canada:
Nomination - Congrats., Mr. F. Chipman 10554
Res. 4047, St. Bee's Anglican Church: Fundraising - Congrats.,
Mr. J. DeWolfe 10554
Res. 4048, Pictou Speech Fest.: Winners/Participants - Congrats.,
Mr. J. DeWolfe 10555
Res. 4049, Pictou Co. Food Bank - Stuff a Transport Truck Day:
Volunteers/Service Clubs - Congrats., Mr. J. DeWolfe 10555
Res. 4050, Morse, Dr. Frank W., Mem. Pub. Library - Proj.:
Participants - Congrats., Mr. F. Chipman 10556
Res. 4051, Port George Lighthouse Soc.: Comm. Members -
Recognize, Mr. F. Chipman 10556

[Page 10545]

HALIFAX, FRIDAY, MAY 24, 2002

Fifty-eighth General Assembly

Second Session

9:00 A.M.

SPEAKER

Hon. Murray Scott

DEPUTY SPEAKERS

Mr. Brooke Taylor, Mr. Jerry Pye, Mr. David Wilson

MR. SPEAKER: Order, please. Just before we begin the daily routine, I would like to bring to the attention of all honourable members that today will be the last day of one our longest-serving Pages in the Legislature. Jamie MacDonald is leaving today but fortunately she is taking up new duties in the Protocol office, mentor duties and I know that Jamie has served this House well. We are going to miss you, Jamie, and we wish all the very best in your career. Good luck and thank you very much. (Applause)

We will begin the daily routine.

PRESENTING AND READING PETITIONS

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

MR. RUSSELL MACKINNON: Mr. Speaker, I beg leave to table a petition better worded with the operative clause, "We the undersigned residents of Carters and Romans Subdivision, Lawrencetown, N.S. PETITION the PROVINCE OF NOVA SCOTIA to REPAIR our gravel roads to a point where they are passable all year round and keep them in good condition." There are approximately 54 names on this petition and I have affixed my signature as well.

10545

[Page 10546]

MR. SPEAKER: The petition is tabled.

PRESENTING REPORTS OF COMMITTEES

TABLING REPORTS, REGULATIONS AND OTHER PAPERS

STATEMENTS BY MINISTERS

GOVERNMENT NOTICES OF MOTION

INTRODUCTION OF BILLS

Bill No. 136 - An Act to Prohibit Smoking in Public Places. (Ms. Maureen MacDonald)

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

NOTICES OF MOTION

MR. SPEAKER: The honourable member for Timberlea-Prospect.

RESOLUTION NO. 4039

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

Whereas the member for Sackville-Beaver Bank compares himself to Maple Leafs tough guy and role player, Tie Domi, who wants off the bench but can't get a pass from his teammates; and

Whereas unlike the proud tradition of true Maple Leaf team players like Bobby Baun, Tiger Williams and Pat Quinn, the member forgets you have to get the puck and then you have to keep it; and

Whereas the member more closely resembles legendary Leaf floater Inge Hammerstrom, who could go into a corner with an egg basket full of amendments and get none of them accepted;

Therefore be it resolved that the member for Sackville-Beaver Bank be sent back to the political skills camp until he learns to skate with the big players of this House.

Mr. Speaker, I request waiver of notice.

[Page 10547]

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

Is it agreed?

I hear several Noes.

The notice is tabled.

The honourable member for Cape Breton West.

RESOLUTION NO. 4040

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

Whereas on Wednesday, May 21, 2002, the Minister of Environment and Labour stated in a media scrum that it was inappropriate for him to speak directly to an employee in his department who is investigating the complaint of an ammonia nitrate leak; and

Whereas the Minister of Environment and Labour had no difficulty visiting Baltzer Bog with the same employee on March 25, 2002 while several complaints about Baltzer Bog were before his department;

Therefore be it resolved that the Minister of Environment and Labour explain why he adheres to double-talk and double standards when it comes to the safety of Nova Scotians and Nova Scotia's environment.

MR. SPEAKER: The notice is tabled.

The honourable member for Sackville-Beaver Bank on an introduction.

MR. BARRY BARNET: Mr. Speaker, today, in our east gallery, we have with us Alexander Smith who is job shadowing me. Alexander is a Grade 10 student from Lockview School. He has political interests and Alexander and his family have worked very hard to further the interest of their community, particularly in areas of sewer and water for Beaver Bank. I would like to ask you to give Alexander the usual applause and welcome to this House. (Applause)

MR. SPEAKER: I certainly welcome Alexander to the gallery today and hope he enjoys the proceedings.

The honourable member for Annapolis.

[Page 10548]

RESOLUTION NO. 4041

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

Whereas thanks to the very able medical personnel and crew of the Provincial Air Ambulance and a Labrador helicopter, an injured 84-year-old was safely brought to the Valley Regional Hospital from a remote island in Alma Lake, Annapolis County; and

Whereas reaching the gentlemen at the remote island was not an easy feat, as the rescue began following a boat trip by one of the man's companions to shore and a hike through the woods to telephone for help to the Middleton Ambulance Station; and

Whereas the helicopter, just one hour later, reached the island but had no place to land, so the medical personnel jumped about a metre from the hovering craft to the water's edge just as the land crew arrived by boat - the teams were then assisted by a Labrador helicopter that took both the patient and the crew to shore;

Therefore be it resolved that all MLAs applaud the efforts of this dedicated medical team and the Labrador crew who went to great lengths, by boat and by air, to provide immediate medical care to one of our province's citizens.

Mr. Speaker, I request waiver of notice.

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 Needham.

RESOLUTION NO. 4042

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

[Page 10549]

Whereas since 1832 the Cornwallis Street United Baptist Church has been the foundation on which the spiritual and community life of the African-Nova Scotian community is anchored in the City of Halifax; and

Whereas the motto of the Cornwallis Street United Baptist Church, "We Enter to Worship, We Go Out to Serve," is reflected in the care and compassion of its congregation and clergy; and

Whereas from May 21st to May 26th, Cornwallis Street United Baptist Church will celebrate 170 years of faithful Christian service in the City of Halifax;

Therefore be it resolved that members of the Nova Scotia Legislature extend our congratulations and best wishes for a successful celebration of the 170th Anniversary of the Cornwallis Street United Baptist Church.

Mr. Speaker, I request waiver of notice.

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 Official Opposition.

RESOLUTION NO. 4043

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

Whereas Boys and Girls Clubs are founded on a strong belief in the positive potential of every child; and

Whereas Boys and Girls Clubs have been providing healthy activities, recreational programs, leadership and guidance to the youth of Nova Scotia for more than three decades; and

Whereas Cole Harbour Boys and Girls Club is unveiling the Community Giving Tree at a community open house on Saturday, June 1, 2002, from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.;

[Page 10550]

Therefore be it resolved that this Legislature offer appreciation and congratulations to the staff and volunteers of the Cole Harbour Boys and Girls Club and wish them continued success with their important work with the boys and girls of Cole Harbour.

Mr. Speaker, I request waiver of notice.

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 Centre.

RESOLUTION NO. 4044

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

Whereas the Cape Breton Centre for Craft and Design has been training artists in contemporary and traditional craft-making for 30 years; and

Whereas the centre is helping preserve and promote Cape Breton crafters involved in rug hooking, quilting, hand weaving, basketry, stained glass, painting and decorative art; and

Whereas the centre will soon launch its newly-designed Web site for Cape Breton craftspeople, artisans and others involved in the craft industry, which will greatly enhance their ability to market, promote and sell their creations;

Therefore be it resolved that the members of the House congratulate the Cape Breton Centre for Craft and Design and Executive Director Carol Beaton for providing a vibrant and strong support structure for both professional and aspiring craftspeople of Cape Breton Island.

Mr. Speaker, I request waiver of notice.

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

Is it agreed?

[Page 10551]

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 Atlantic.

RESOLUTION NO. 4045

MR. ROBERT CHISHOLM: Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the member for Hants East, I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:

Whereas Air Cadets provide opportunities for young Canadians to develop skills they never knew they had; and

Whereas effective public speaking is an asset the members of this House can easily appreciate; and

Whereas Sgt. Matthew Paugh of the 652 Milford and District Royal Canadian Air Cadets won a gold medal for placing first at the provincial level at the annual Cadet League Effective Speaking Contest and he will now go on to the national competition in June at Niagara Falls;

Therefore be it resolved that the members of this House of Assembly congratulate Sgt. Paugh for his gold medal performance in the annual Cadet League Effective Speaking Contest, wish him good luck in the national competition and encourage other members of this House to go on and take that training. (Laughter)

[9:15 a.m.]

That last part was mine, Mr. Speaker, and I request waiver of notice.

MR. SPEAKER: There has been a request for waiver without the last line.

Is it agreed?

It is agreed.

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

The motion is carried.

[Page 10552]

ORDERS OF THE DAY

GOVERNMENT BUSINESS

MR. SPEAKER: The honourable Government House Leader.

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

MR. SPEAKER: Is it agreed?

It is agreed.

[9:16 a.m. The House resolved itself into a CWH on Bills with Mr. Chairman, Mr. Brooke Taylor, in the Chair.]

[12:15 p.m. CWH on Bills rose and the House reconvened with Deputy Speaker Mr. Brooke Taylor in the Chair.]

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

THE CLERK: That the committee has met and made considerable progress.

MR. SPEAKER: The honourable Government House Leader.

HON. RONALD RUSSELL: Mr. Speaker, I move the House do now rise to meet again on Monday at the hour of 2:00 p.m. The House will sit until 10:00 p.m. The order of business following the daily routine will be Committee of the Whole House on Bills and we'll start with Bill No. 125 and in the event that we should complete business on Bill No. 125, we will then proceed with Bill No. 106, Bill No. 108 and Bill No. 115 in Committee of the Whole House. So I move the House do now rise and I wish all a pleasant weekend.

MR. SPEAKER: Honourable members, please continue enjoying your healthy lifestyle and have a good weekend.

The motion is that we do now adjourn and meet Monday at 2:00 p.m.

Is it agreed?

It is agreed.

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

[Page 10553]

The motion is carried.

[The House rose at 12:16 p.m.]

[Page 10554]

NOTICES OF MOTION UNDER RULE 32(3)

RESOLUTION NO. 4046

By: Mr. Frank Chipman (Annapolis)

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

Whereas Attractions Canada created a contest for the purpose of recognizing the merit and excellence of Canadian attractions; and

Whereas Annapolis Royal Historic Gardens is among the finalists this year for the national contest; and

Whereas Historic Gardens was selected as a finalist on the basis of its efforts to conserve and promote local heritage;

Therefore be it resolved that the members of this House congratulate the Annapolis Royal Historic Gardens on becoming a finalist and wish those who so carefully tend to this beautiful site best of luck in the competition.

RESOLUTION NO. 4047

By: Mr. James DeWolfe (Pictou East)

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

Whereas St. Bee's Anglican Church was a busy place on Saturday, May 11th; and

Whereas volunteers were serving up ham and salad suppers as a fundraiser; and

Whereas Donna Hasiuk, Marion Dort and Adelene McGillivary were a few of the volunteers who had their hands full on Saturday;

Therefore be it resolved that the members of this House recognize the volunteers of St. Bee's Anglican Church and thank all those who supported the dinner and the worthy cause this fundraiser was in support of.

[Page 10555]

RESOLUTION NO. 4048

By: Mr. James DeWolfe (Pictou East)

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

Whereas on April 3, 2002, the Speech Festival was held in Pictou; and

Whereas there were three categories corresponding to the different age levels; and

Whereas in category One, Theresa Young placed first, Kelsey Bernard tied for second, and Merle Marshall and Kamden Nicholas placed third; in category Two, Erica Stevens placed first with a perfect score, Cynthia Denny placed second and Natalie Bernard placed third; in category Three, Jordon Francis placed first, Cecelia Bernard placed second and Sylvia Bernard placed third;

Therefore be it resolved that the members of this House congratulate the winners of the Speech Festival and recognize the efforts of all participants and schools.

RESOLUTION NO. 4049

By: Mr. James DeWolfe (Pictou East)

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

Whereas Saturday, May 18th, was recognized as Stuff a Transport Truck Day; and

Whereas the challenge was to stuff an entire tractor trailer with food in support of the Pictou County Food Bank; and

Whereas this was the third time that the Rotary Club, United, Commercial Travelers Club, the Kinette Club and the Kinsmen Club joined forces to support the Pictou County Food Banks;

Therefore be it resolved that the members of this House congratulate these remarkable volunteers and their respective service clubs for organizing such a unique and profitable fundraiser to support such a worthy cause.

[Page 10556]

RESOLUTION NO. 4050

By: Mr. Frank Chipman (Annapolis)

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

Whereas on May 9, 2002, the Dr. Frank W. Morse Memorial Public Library was one step closer to reality; and

Whereas it was on that day that the official sod-turning ceremony took place on the site of the new library; and

Whereas it is thanks to the generosity of Marjorie Morse that this project has been made possible;

Therefore be it resolved that the members of this House recognize Marjorie Morse and others involved in this project and wish them luck in their official opening of the library on August 29th.

RESOLUTION NO. 4051

By: Mr. Frank Chipman (Annapolis)

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

Whereas on May 3, 2002, the committee members of the society formed to save the Port George Lighthouse took possession of this beloved historical treasure; and

Whereas it was through the tremendous efforts of their committee and community that they were able to preserve the light for all to enjoy; and

Whereas the lighthouse was often referred to as the beacon for travellers since 1889 and more recently "as the heart and soul of our community";

Therefore be it resolved that the members of this House recognize the committee members Bob Weaver, Sherilyn Fritz, Jim Balcom, Donna Parsons, Brian Bartaux, Bill Mahar, Bonnie Leggett, Harry Verran, and wish them luck in future projects for the Port George Lighthouse.