May 11, 2006

HANSARD 06-6

DEBATES AND PROCEEDINGS

Speaker: Honourable Cecil Clarke

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

THURSDAY MAY 11, 2006

TABLE OF CONTENTS PAGE
PRESENTING AND READING PETITIONS:
TPW: Meat Cove (C.B.) - Road Repair, Mr. Gerald Sampson 428
TPW: Beaver Bank North (HRM) - Snow/Ice Removal Equip.,
Mr. G. Hines 428
TABLING REPORTS, REGULATIONS AND OTHER PAPERS:
Anl. Rpt., Psychiatric Facilities Review Bd.,
Hon. C. d'Entremont 429
Nat. Res. - Economic Impact of Mineral Ind. in N.S.,
Hon. B. Taylor 429
GOVERNMENT NOTICES OF MOTION:
Res. 277, IWK Auxiliary: Support - Thank, The Premier 429
Vote - Affirmative 430
Res. 278, MacNeil, Joanna/Brinkhurst, Marena - Environmental Awards,
Hon. C. Bolivar-Getson 430
Vote - Affirmative 431
Res. 279, Wiseman, Cpl. Billy - Recovery Wish, Hon. B. Barnet 431
Vote - Affirmative 432
Res. 280, World Hypertension Day (05/13/06) - Recognize,
Hon. C. d'Entremont 432
Vote - Affirmative 433
Res. 281, Tourism Partnership Council: Strength - Recognize,
Hon. J. Streatch 433
Vote - Affirmative 433
Res. 282, Sherwin, Susan - Killam Prize, Hon. J. Muir 434
Vote - Affirmative 434
Res. 283, Neenah Paper - Safe Mill Award,
Hon. C. Bolivar-Getson 434
Vote - Affirmative 435
Res. 284, TCH - Calgary Campaign, Hon. J. Streatch 435
INTRODUCTION OF BILLS:
No. 97, Financial Measures (2006) Act,
Hon. M. Baker 437
No. 98, Occupational Health and Safety Act, Mr. F. Corbett 437
No. 99, Defibrillators Act, Mr. David Wilson (Glace Bay) 437
No. 100, Student Aid Act,
Mr. David Wilson (Sackville-Cobequid) 438
No. 101, Health Services and Insurance Act,
Ms. Maureen MacDonald 438
No. 102, Helmet Safety Awareness Week Act,
Mr. David Wilson (Glace Bay) 438
No. 103, Commissioner on Resources and Environment Act,
Mr. J. MacDonell 438
No. 104, Education Act, Mr. David Wilson (Glace Bay) 438
No. 105, Liquor Control Act, Mr. J. Pye 438
No. 106, Homes for Special Care Act, Mr. J. MacDonell 438
No. 107, Workers' Compensation Act, Mr. F. Corbett 438
No. 108, Sydney Casino Profits Distribution Act,
Mr. David Wilson (Glace Bay) 438
No. 109, Wilderness Areas Protection Act, Mr. J. MacDonell 438
No. 110, Forests Act, Mr. L. Glavine 438
No. 111, Labour Standards Code, Mr. F. Corbett 438
No. 112, Domestic Violence Elimination Act, Ms. D. Whalen 438
No. 113, Education Act, Ms. D. Whalen 439
No. 114, Mineral Resources Act, Mr. H. Theriault 439
NOTICES OF MOTION:
Res. 285, Willow, Lindsay - Human Rights Comm'n.,
Mr. K. Deveaux 439
Vote - Affirmative 440
Res. 286, Leg. Counsel Staff: Work - Commend,
Mr. Manning MacDonald 440
Vote - Affirmative 440
Res. 287, Murray, Sean - Bus. Award, Dr. J. Hamm 440
Vote - Affirmative 441
Res. 288, Terfry, Rich (Buck 65) - Juno Award,
Mr. J. MacDonell 441
Vote - Affirmative 442
Vote - Affirmative
Res. 289, Robinson, Ron - Tourism Award, Mr. E. Fage 442
Vote - Affirmative 443
Res. 290, Conrad, Sarah - Snowboarding Achievements, Ms. J. Massey 443
Vote - Affirmative 443
Res. 291, Clarke, Emma - Figure Skating Championship,
Mr. M. Parent 444
Vote - Affirmative 444
Res. 292, Dart. Curling Club: Robinson Team - Congrats.,
Ms. M. More 444
Vote - Affirmative 445
Res. 293, Brewster, Murray: Afghanistan Work - Thank,
Mr. Michel Samson 445
Vote - Affirmative 446
Res. 294, Cobequid Health Ctr.: Freer, Shirley/Organizers - Recognize,
Mr. G. Hines 446
Vote - Affirmative 447
Res. 295, Pictou Co. Idol: Hosts - Congrats., Mr. C. Parker 447
Vote - Affirmative 447
Res. 296, Gov't. (N.S.): Health Care System Creation - Failure,
Mr. David Wilson (Glace Bay) 447
Res. 297, Bray, Katie - CanSpell Award, Mr. M. Parent 448
Vote - Affirmative 449
Res. 298, Dart. HS - Model Parliament, Mr. J. Pye 449
Vote - Affirmative 450
Res. 299, Thimot, Eddie - Vol. Of Yr., Mr. W. Gaudet 450
Vote - Affirmative 450
Res. 300, Pictou Co. Health Auth.: Practices - Congrats.,
Dr. J. Hamm 451
Vote - Affirmative 451
Res. 301, Oostveen, Janice - YMCA Youth Exchange,
Mr. D. Dexter 451
Vote - Affirmative 452
Res. 302, NSAHO Funding Plan: Employers' Funding - Discuss,
Mr. S. McNeil 452
Res. 303, Barnett, Paul - Col. Co. United Way Award,
Hon. J. Muir 453
Vote - Affirmative 454
Res. 304, Slaunwhite, Wanda - Retirement, Mr. W. Estabrooks 454
Vote - Affirmative 454
Res. 305, Longueépee, Roch - Therapeutic Instit. Abuse Prog.,
Mr. G. Sampson 454
Vote - Affirmative 455
Res. 306, Dejeet, Ashley - S. Shore Idol III,
Hon. C. Bolivar-Getson 455
Vote - Affirmative 456
Res. 307, Rawdon Dist. VFD - Anniv. (35th), Mr. J. MacDonell 456
Vote - Affirmative 457
Res. 308, Volunteers - Recognize, Mr. H. Theriault 457
Vote - Affirmative 458
Res. 309, Raoul, Dianne - Lt.-Gov.'s Teaching Award,
Hon. R. Chisholm 458
Vote - Affirmative 458
Res. 310, Were, Sandra - McDonald's Manager of Yr.,
Ms. D. Whalen 458
Vote - Affirmative 459
Res. 311, Liverpool Legion: Proj. Developers - Applaud,
Hon. K. Morash 459
Vote - Affirmative 460
Res. 312, Bayside Home - Bed Numbers,
Mr. David Wilson (Glace Bay) 460
Res. 313, Huggard, Dick - NSAC Hon. Deg., Mr. W. Gaudet 461
Vote - Affirmative 461
Res. 314, MacInnis, Brent - Master Logger Certification,
Mr. Gerald Sampson 462
Vote - Affirmative 462
Res. 315, N.S. Fed.of Home & Sch. Associations: Work - Recognize,
Mr. H. Theriault 462
Vote - Affirmative 463
Res. 316, Milamodo Sushi/Lin, Steven - Congrats., Ms. D. Whalen 463
Vote - Affirmative 464
ORAL QUESTIONS PUT BY MEMBERS:
No. 37, Health: ERs. - Overcrowding, Mr. D. Dexter 467
No. 38, Fin.: Home Heating Fuel - Tax Reduction,
Mr. Michel Samson 468
No. 39, Educ. Library Funding - Reduction, Mr. D. Dexter 470
No. 40, Econ. Dev.: Magic Valley - Grant, Mr. Michel Samson 471
No. 41, Educ. - Med. Residency: Educ. Prog. - Recognize,
Mr. David Wilson (Sackville-Cobequid) 473
No. 42, Health Prom.: Commonwealth Games - Cost-benefit Analysis,
Ms. Maureen MacDonald 475
No. 43, Educ.: Student Departure - Penalize, Ms. D. Whalen 477
No. 44, Nat. Res.: Biomass - Regulations,
Mr. J. MacDonell 478
No. 45, Com. Serv.: Affordable Housing Agree. - New Units,
Mr. G. Gosse 478
No. 46, Fish. & Aquaculture: Office - Downgrading, Mr. H. Theriault 480
No. 47, TCH: Arts Council - Reinstatement, Ms. J. Streatch 482
No. 48, TPW: Rural Roads - Conditions, Mr. Gerald Sampson ^483
No. 49, Environ. & Lbr. - NSAHO Pension Surplus,
Mr. F. Corbett 485
GOVERNMENT BUSINESS:
GOVERNMENT MOTIONS:
Res. 1, Estimates - Committee of the Whole House on Supply - Referred,
Hon. M. Baker 486
Mr. G. Steele 486
Mr. Michel Samson 494
Referred to CWH on Supply 504
ADJOURNMENT
MOTION UNDER RULE 5(5):
Educ. Med. Residency: Educ. Prog. - Recognize, Mr. H. Epstein 505
Mr. K. Deveaux 505
Ms. D. Whalen 509^
ADJOURNMENT, House rose to meet again on Fri., May 12th, at 9:00 a.m. 512
NOTICES OF MOTION UNDER RULE 32(3):
Res. 317, Fry, Tucker: Fairview Legion - Commitment, Ms. D. Whalen 513
Res. 318, McDonald, Tracey & Jeff - Breastfeeding Initiative,
Ms. D. Whalen 513
Res. 319, Team Stackstrong: Pugwash DHS - Robot Comp.,
Mr. E. Fage 514
Res. 320, Lawless, Stephen: Sea Cadets - Accreditation, Mr. E. Fage 514
Res. 321, Pugwash Panthers - NSSAF Div. III Boys Championship,
Mr. E. Fage 515
Res. 322, Pugwash Mini Selects - Boys Basketball Championship,
Mr. E. Fage 515
Res. 323, Bacon, Lyman: Truemanville VFD - Vol. Of Yr., Mr. E. Fage 516
Res. 324, Pipes, Kaili - Lions Speak Out Comp., Mr. E. Fage 516
Res. 325, LeMoine, Heather: Cumb. Health Care Fdn. Auxiliary - Vol. of Yr.,
Mr. E. Fage 517
Res. 326, Blair, Emma: Remembrance Day Literary Contest - Award,
Mr. E. Fage 517
Res. 327, Boiduk, Jan & Jason - Photography Achievements,
Mr. E. Fage 518
Res. 328, Amherst Skating Club: Medals - Congrats., Mr. E. Fage 518
Res. 329, Boyle, Willard - Draper Prize, Mr. E. Fage 519
Res 330, Absolute Travel: Yarmouth Office - Opening,
Hon. R. Hurlburt 519
Res. 331, Atlantic Waves Workshop - Opening, Mr. C. O'Donnell 520
Res. 332, Lockeport: ACOA Funding Comm. - Support,
Mr. C. O'Donnell 520
Res. 333, Fishermen's Mem. Hosp. Aux.: Support - Thank,
Hon. M. Baker 521
Res. 334, Baker, Barbara/Gerhardt, Barbara/Ingold, Esther - Cdn. Troops:
Support - Thank, Hon. M. Baker 521
Res. 335, Looke CanCut - Outstanding Logging Contractor of Yr.,
Hon. M. Baker 522
Res. 336, Lunenburg Electric Light Utility - Safety Award,
Hon. M. Baker 522
Res. 337, Mahone Bay Legion Band - Mahone Bay Vol. Group of Yr.,
Hon. M. Baker 523
Res. 338, Munro, Jonathan - Portia White Prize Protege Award,
Hon. J. Muir 523
Res. 339, Truro & Dist. Lions Club - Anniv. (60th), Hon. J. Muir 524
Res. 340, Annand, Scott - Truro Rep. Vol. (2006), Hon. J. Muir 524
Res. 341, Mabey, Mike - Bible Hill Rep. Vol., Hon. J. Muir 525
Res. 342, Fulton, Steve - Truro Sport Heritage Soc. Award,
Hon. J. Muir 526
Res. 343, Nicholson, Murray & Lorne (Deceased) - Truro Sport
Heritage Soc. Award, Hon. J. Muir 526
Res. 344, Regan, Sean - Truro Sport Heritage Soc. Award,
Hon. J. Muir 527
Res. 345, Freightliners Bantam Football Team - Truro Sport
Heritage Soc. Award, Hon. J. Muir 527
Res. 346, Truro Curves Midget Female Bearcats Hockey Team -
Truro Sport Heritage Soc. Award, Hon. J. Muir 528
Res. 347, Truro Jr. A Bearcats Hockey Club - Truro Sport
Heritage Soc. Award, Hon. J. Muir 528
Res. 348, Brine, Ralph - Truro Sport Heritage Soc. Award,
Hon. J. Muir 529
Res. 349, MacNevin, Catherine - Truro Sport Heritage Soc. Vol. of Yr.,
Hon. J. Muir 529
Res. 350, Casson, Bela - Truro Sport Heritage Soc. Award,
Hon. J. Muir 530
Res. 351, McCulloch, Rod - ICANS Award, Hon. J. Muir 531
Res. 352, Archibald, Jane - Musical Accomplishments, Hon. J. Muir 531
Res. 353, Blaikie, Heather/MacNab, Jack - Bravery, Hon. J. Muir 532
Res. 354, Truro: Business Site - Ranking, Hon. J. Muir 532
Res. 355, Williams, George - Continuous Serv. Vol. Award,
Hon. J. Muir 533
Res. 356, Williams, Paula - Continuous Serv. Vol. Award,
Hon. J. Muir 533
Res. 357, Grant, Kim - Continuous Serv. Vol. Award, Hon. J. Muir 534
Res. 358, Jackson, Dr. Bernard - Continuous Serv. Vol. Award,
Hon. J. Muir 534
Res. 359, Hamilton, Keith/"Katie, Thomas & Friends" - Bible Hill
Continuous Serv. Award, Hon. J. Muir 535
Res. 360, Smith, Colton - Young Achievers Serv. Award,
Hon. J. Muir 536
Res. 361, Keddy, Spencer - Young Achievers Serv. Award,
Hon. J. Muir 536
Res. 362, Curves Bible Hill - Corporate Serv. Award, Hon. J. Muir 537
Res. 363, Bible Hill Fire Brigade Ladies Auxiliary - Corporate Serv. Award,
Hon. J. Muir 537
Res. 364, Richard, Madalene - Long-term Serv. Award,
Hon. J. Muir 538
Res. 365, Mellish, Dwane - Long-term Serv. Award,
Hon. J. Muir 538
Res. 366, McNutt, Jean - Golden Long-term Serv. Award,
Hon. J. Muir 539
Res. 367, Richard, Stephen - Golden Long-term Serv. Award,
Hon. J. Muir 540
Res. 368, Makkar, Dr. Anil - Bus. Achievement Award, Hon. J. Muir 540
Res. 369, Borden, Doug & Ellen: Woodsman Store - Renovations,
Mr. L. Glavine 541
Res. 370, Salsman, Murray - Memorial Garden, Mr. L. Glavine 541
Res. 371, West Kings DHS - Anniv. (50th), Mr. L. Glavine 542
Res. 372, Keith, Tim: Team Diabetes - Contribution, Mr. L. Glavine 542
Res. 373, Spicer, Justine - Cadet Boxing Medal, Mr. L. Glavine 543
Res. 374, Bull, Daniel: Berwick - Contribution, Mr. L. Glavine 543
Res. 375, St. Joseph's Credit Union - Congrats., The Premier 544
Res. 376, McFarlane, Melanie - Hardy Award, The Premier 544
Res. 377, Cdn. Troops: Letter-writing Campaign - Support,
The Premier 545
Res. 378, Dooks, Sylvanus: Oyster Pond & Area VFD - Serv.,
Hon. W. Dooks 545
Res. 379, Laybolt, Milton: Oyster Pond & Area VFD - Serv.,
Hon. W. Dooks 546
Res. 380, Stevens, Frank: Oyster Pond & Area VFD - Serv.,
Hon. W. Dooks 546
Res. 381, Hicks, Larry: Oyster Pond & Area VFD - Serv.,
Hon. W. Dooks 547
Res. 382, Sleigh, Fred: Oyster Pond & Area VFD - Serv.,
Hon. W. Dooks 548
Res. 383, Homewood: Ship's Co. Theatre - Gen. Manager Appt.,
Hon. M. Scott 548
Res. 384, Continuing Care Asst. Students: Cumberland NSCC - Congrats.,
Hon. M. Scott 549
Res. 385, Oxford Reg. HS Agric. Class - Bridge Const.,
Hon. M. Scott 549
Res. 386, Oxford Mini Golden Bears - Basketball Championship,
Hon. M. Scott 550
Res. 387, Oxford Girls Mini Golden Bears - Championship,
Hon. M. Scott 550
Res. 388, Oxford Golden Bears - Championship, Hon. M. Scott 551
Res. 389, Springhill Salvation Army - Anniv. (120th),
Hon. M. Scott 551
Res. 390, Sanderson, Alice - Rep. Vol. of Yr., Hon. M. Scott 552
Res. 391, Sheehy, Donna: "Romancing on the Bay of Fundy" - Publication,
Hon. M. Scott 552
Res. 392, Oxford Area Lions Club - Skating Club Donation,
Hon. M. Scott 553
Res. 393, Parrsboro Atom Predators - Championship, Hon. M. Scott 553
Res. 394, Porter, Morgan - Science Fair Award, Hon. M. Scott 554
Res. 395, Porter, Terry: Springhill FD - Serv. (23 yrs.),
Hon. M. Scott 554
Res. 396, Reid, Brittany: Forum for Young Canadians - Attendance,
Hon. M. Scott 555
Res. 397, Reynolds, Ryan - Oxford Pharmasave Scholarship,
Hon. M. Scott 555
Res. 398, ROPAK: Fundraising - Congrats., Hon. M. Scott 556
Res. 399, Smith, Tim: Springhill FD - Serv. (10 yrs.),
Hon. M. Scott 556
Res. 400, Springhill Golden Eagles - Girls Basketball Champs,
Hon. M. Scott 557
Res. 401, Springhill FD: Encounters Can. Prog. - Dedication,
Hon. M. Scott 557
Res. 402, Tidnish Pic "N" Grin - Vol. Group of Yr. Award,
Hon. M. Scott 558
Res. 403, Wardian, Hilal: 100,001 km. Walk - Congrats.,
Hon. M. Scott 558
Res. 404, Wilson, Darcee - Nat'l. Guard Training, Hon. M. Scott 559
Res. 405, Wood, Stevely - Lions Club Bursary, Hon. M. Scott 559
Res. 406, Ship's Co. Theatre - Merritt Awards, Hon. M. Scott 560
Res. 407, Smith, Isaac - Science Fair Prize, Hon. M. Scott 560
Res. 408, Fraser, Wendal: Foster Parents Assoc. - Dedication,
Mr. David Wilson (Glace Bay) 561
Res. 409, Debison, Aselin: Commun. Spirit - Congrats.,
Mr. David Wilson (Glace Bay) 561
Res. 410, Fraser, Francine: Curves Glace Bay - Glace Bay Food Drive,
Mr. David Wilson (Glace Bay) 562
Res. 411, Somerton, Garlene - Hockey Achievements,
Mr. David Wilson (Glace Bay) 562
Res. 412, Glace Bay HS Panthers Cheerleaders - Cheer Expo,
Mr. David Wilson (Glace Bay) 563
Res. 413, St. Michael's JHS: Grade 8 Sewing Classes - Donations,
Mr. David Wilson (Glace Bay) 563
Res. 414, Hiscock, Mary & Kim/Bud's Taxi - Fundraising,
Mr. David Wilson (Glace Bay) 564
Res. 415, Bonnar, Nick: Simmons Mem. Hockey Tournament Organizing,
Mr. David Wilson (Glace Bay) 564
Res. 416, Hennessey, Nicole - Youth Vol. Award,
Mr. David Wilson (Glace Bay) 565
Res. 417, MacIntosh, Ranee - Prov. Science Fair Logs,
Mr. David Wilson (Glace Bay) 566
Res. 418, Warren, Richard/Vols.: Ryan Hockey Tournament - Fundraising,
Mr. David Wilson (Glace Bay) 566
Res. 419, St. Michael's JHS: Grade 8 French Soc. Studies Class - Donations,
Mr. David Wilson (Glace Bay) 567
Res. 420, Doyle, Evelyn/Morrison, Andrew/MacDonald, Angus - Cub Awards,
Mr. David Wilson (Glace Bay) 567
Res. 421, Waverley-Fall River-Beaver Bank - Vol. Award: Recipients -
Congrats., Mr. G. Hines 568
Res. 422, Lowe, Frank & Nancy/Boutilier, Dale: Alan Jackson Show -
Appearance, Mr. G. Hines 568
Res. 423, Chester Area Mid. Sch. Boys Volleyball Team - Fundraising,
Hon. J. Streatch 569
Res. 424, Chester Mun. C of C - Fundraising, Hon. J. Streatch 569
Res. 425, Chester Old-timers Hockey League - Congrats.,
Hon. J. Streatch 570
Res. 426, Brunt, Deborah: Sch. Closure Review - Congrats.,
Hon. J. Streatch 570
Res. 427, Rafuse, Debbie/Mader, Vanessa - Arthritis Fundraising,
Hon. J. Streatch 571
Res. 428, Harnish, Rhys: Hubbards Area - Commitment,
Hon. J. Streatch 571
Res. 429, Hamm, June - Hennigar, Wells, Lamey & Baker: Serv. (40 yrs.) -
Congrats., Hon. J. Streatch 572
Res. 430, Stevens, Lydia: Slalom Season - Congrats., Hon. J Streatch 572
Res. 431, Duncan, Margery Fryday: Death of - Tribute,
Hon. J. Streatch 573
Res. 432, Haase, Martin - Mun. Dist. Of Chester: Honour - Congrats.,
Hon. J. Streatch 573
Res. 433, New Ross Cons. Sch. - Knowledge Fest., Hon. J. Streatch 574
Res. 434, Hind, Phyllis - Sm. Bus. Of Yr. Award, Hon. J. Streatch 574
Res. 435, Rafuse, Sharon - Commun. Dedication, Hon. J. Streatch 575
Res. 436, Shatford Elem. Sch.: Review Comm. - Thank,
Hon. J. Streatch 575
Res. 437, Nicholls, Katie/Hardy, Michael/Strecko, Jarek -
Nat'l. Juvenile Skiing Championships, Hon. J. Streatch 575
Res. 438, S. Shore Work Activity Prog.: Bd. Of Directors - Thank,
Hon. J. Streatch 576
Res. 439, TPW: Tantallon Traffic Comm. - Congrats.,
Hon. J. Streatch 576
Res. 440, Valley Commun. Fibre Network - Applaud,
Mr. M. Parent 577
Res. 441, Donna and Andy - ECMA Nomination, Mr. M. Parent 577
Res. 442, Pelham, Chris - Lifetime Achievement Award,
Mr. M. Parent 578
Res. 443, Kentville Police Force - Bravery Awards, Mr. M. Parent 578
Res. 444, Beaton, Bruce: Cdn. Sport - Contribution 579
Res. 445, Women's Instit. (N.S.): Efforts - Recognize,
Mr. M. Parent 579
Res. 446, Volunteer Work - Recognize, Mr. M. Parent 580
Res. 447, Camerons/Halls Hbr. Lobster Pound: Rating - Congrats.,
Mr. M. Parent 581
Res. 448, Anna. Valley Reg. Sch. Bd. - Healthier Schools Initiative,
Mr. M. Parent 581
Res. 449, Williams, Dr. Peter - Teaching Award, Mr. M. Parent 582
Res. 450, Kingsport C@psite: Continued Success - Wish,
Mr. M. Parent 582
Res. 451, Camp Aldershot: Staff Work - Recognize, Mr. M. Parent 583
Res. 452, Harris, Laura: Golf Scholarship - Congrats.,
Mr. Mark Parent 583

[Page 427]

HALIFAX, THURSDAY, MAY 11, 2006

Fifty-ninth General Assembly

Second Session

2:00 P.M.

SPEAKER

Hon. Cecil Clarke

DEPUTY SPEAKERS

Mr. James DeWolfe, Mr. Charles Parker, Mr. Keith Colwell

MR. SPEAKER: Order, please. The subject of this evening's late debate has been submitted by the honourable member for Halifax Chebucto:

Therefore be it resolved that this government recognize medical residency as an education program for the purposes of student loan repayment.

That will commence following the daily routine.

The honourable Premier.

HON. RODNEY MACDONALD (The Premier): Mr. Speaker, I draw the attention of the members to the Speaker's Gallery. We have a very special guest with us here this afternoon. I was very pleased prior to sitting this afternoon to have the opportunity to meet with His Excellency David Reddaway, British High Commissioner to Canada, along with his wife, Roshan. As well, His Excellency was accompanied by Mr. Fred Smithers whom we would all know, British Honorary Counsel of Halifax, a very well-respected businessman here in our province. I would ask them all to rise and receive the warm welcome of the House of Assembly. (Applause)

427

[Page 428]

MR. SPEAKER: It's indeed an honour to have our special guests in the Chamber today and all visitors to the gallery.

PRESENTING AND READING PETITIONS

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

MR. GERALD SAMPSON: Mr. Speaker, I beg leave to table a petition with 69 names. It reads partially:

". . . Meat Cove . . . is a vibrant community, a stunning natural treasure and an enduring tourist attraction . . . Our village of 60 people welcomes between 5,000-10,000 tourists each year."

The idea of the petition is to have improvements done to the road. Residents, on the other hand, have no choice and must deal with road hazards year-round. In the Winter the local school board must hire four-wheel drive vehicles to make the trips back and forth. It's to have something done with the roads in the rural area and I have affixed my signature.

MR. SPEAKER: The petition is tabled.

The honourable member for Waverley-Fall River-Beaver Bank.

MR. GARY HINES: Mr. Speaker, the operative clause for this petition is:

"We the undersigned residents of Beaver Bank North in the HRM ask . . ." the Minister of Transportation and Public Works ". . . to assist our MLA . . . in provision of snow and ice control equipment to provide service response times to make our community safe.

We have experienced inadequate response to winter storm events since amalgamation despite the efforts of . . ." our former MLA and now our present MLA. "We have a unique situation regarding fire and emergency services provided by our volunteer fire fighters that leaves our community at risk. Due to the road conditions our fire fighters can't get to the fires [sic] station in a timely manner to make our homes safe."

I have affixed my name.

MR. SPEAKER: The petition is tabled.

PRESENTING REPORTS OF COMMITTEES

[Page 429]

TABLING REPORTS, REGULATIONS AND OTHER PAPERS

MR. SPEAKER: The honourable Minister of Health.

HON. CHRISTOPHER D'ENTREMONT: Mr. Speaker, I beg leave to introduce a report, the year-end report of the Psychiatric Facilities Review Board.

MR. SPEAKER: The report is tabled.

The honourable Minister of Natural Resources.

HON. BROOKE TAYLOR: Mr. Speaker, I beg leave to table a report entitled the Economic Impact of the Mineral Industry in Nova Scotia.

MR. SPEAKER: The report is tabled.

STATEMENTS BY MINISTERS

GOVERNMENT NOTICES OF MOTION

MR. SPEAKER: The honourable Premier.

RESOLUTION NO. 277

HON. RODNEY MACDONALD (The Premier): Mr. Speaker, I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:

Whereas the IWK Health Centre provides quality care to children, youth, women and families in the three Maritime Provinces and beyond, a loving and necessary task which requires a great deal of financial support; and

Whereas one of the institution's most faithful supporters is its auxiliary which has for six decades provided assistance to this beloved tertiary care facility through its members; and

Whereas over the 60 years, the work of these individuals has included support for significant projects such as the Playgarden, the Read to Me program, the Family Resource Library and more than $1 million to support research at the facility;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House today celebrate the many people who have been a part of the auxiliary of the IWK and thank them for their unyielding support to the IWK Health Centre's mission, work that can be best described as a labour of love.

[Page 430]

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 Minister of Environment and Labour.

RESOLUTION NO. 278

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

Whereas Joanna McNeil of St. Peter's, Richmond County, a student at Richmond Academy, was selected from 15 scholarship winners across Canada to be recently awarded this year's Outstanding Environmental Achievement Award as well as a Toyota Earth Day Scholarship worth $5,000 from Toyota Canada partially for her innovative achievements in the fields of biology and videography, aimed at improving and protecting the environment and promoting good environmental practices; and

Whereas Marena Brinkhurst, a student at the Halifax Grammar School, from Chezzetcook, has been awarded a $5,000 Toyota Earth Day Scholarship for organizing a school recycling program, working with the Ecology Action Centre to help preserve freshwater brooks, and for working on behalf of Free the Children, Youth Global Awareness, Amnesty International, Model United Nations, and the National Youth Round Table on the Environment; and

Whereas these bright young Nova Scotians have distinguished themselves on the national stage through their environmental community service, extracurricular and volunteer activities, and academic excellence;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House congratulate Marena Brinkhurst and Joanna McNeil - who are present in the visitor's gallery, and I would ask that they stand - for reflecting the kind of spirit of good environmental stewardship that has helped to put our province on the map as a leader in recycling, and other healthy environmental practices.

[Page 431]

Mr. Speaker, I request waiver of notice.

[2:15 p.m.]

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 Health Promotion and Protection.

RESOLUTION NO. 279

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

Whereas Corporal Bill Wiseman, a commissionaire here at the House of Assembly, had a terrible accident here while on duty March 25, 2006; and

Whereas Ward Officer Gord Harrison discovered Corporal Wiseman and rushed him to the hospital, very likely saving his life; and

Whereas Corporal Wiseman is now home from the hospital and is recovering;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of the House join me in sending along our best wishes to Corporal Wiseman and his family, and wish him a speedy recovery, and also that the members send along our thanks to Ward Officer Harrison for his quick thinking and his quick actions.

Ward Officer Harrison is in the gallery today, and I ask that we could show him the warm welcome that he deserves. (Applause)

Mr. Speaker, I request waiver of notice.

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

Is it agreed?

[Page 432]

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 Health.

HON. CHRISTOPHER D'ENTREMONT: Mr. Speaker, I would like to do a quick introduction before I do my resolution. In the gallery, Allan MacAvoy from the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Nova Scotia. He is the Government Relations Officer with them and I would ask that you give him the warm welcome of the House while he watches the proceedings.

MR. SPEAKER: The honourable Minister of Health.

RESOLUTION NO. 280

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 Saturday, May 13, 2006, is designated as World Hypertension Day, to recognize the importance of hypertension and to provide information on how hypertension can be prevented, treated and controlled; and

Whereas there are approximately 144,500 Nova Scotians living with hypertension, making the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Nova Scotia's focus on public education critical to improving awareness of hypertension; and

Whereas once diagnosed, hypertension is often manageable through lifestyle changes such as diet, eliminating tobacco use, increasing physical activity, and maintaining a health weight;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House join the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Nova Scotia in recognizing Saturday, May 13th, as World Hypertension Day, and encourage all Nova Scotians to protect their health by furthering their understanding of hypertension in order to prevent heart disease and stroke.

Mr. Speaker, I request waiver of notice.

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

Is it agreed?

[Page 433]

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 Tourism, Culture and Heritage.

RESOLUTION NO. 281

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

Whereas tourism is big business in Nova Scotia, bringing in more than $1 billion in revenue each year that contributes to the health of our economy; and

Whereas government works hand in hand with the industry, through the Tourism Partnership Council, to develop an annual tourism plan and marketing strategy to grow this important industry; and

Whereas the tourism plan and marketing strategy are market-driven, based on solid research, and flexible so that Nova Scotia's tourism industry can respond to challenges and opportunities in the marketplace;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House recognize the strength of our industry-government partnership, the Tourism Partnership Council, and its role in leading the tourism industry toward long-term growth.

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 Minister of Education.

[Page 434]

RESOLUTION NO. 282

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

Whereas Susan Sherwin, a philosopher at Dalhousie University, has received the prestigious $100,000 Killam Prize for her work in feminist bioethics; and

Whereas Ms. Sherwin is a pioneer in the field of feminist bioethics, combining her interests in feminist philosophy and health care ethics; and

Whereas the Killam Prize was created to honour eminent Canadian scholars and scientists actively engaged in research, whether in industry, government agencies or universities;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House congratulate Ms. Sherwin on receiving the Killam Prize and wish her continued success with her research.

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 favor of the motion please say Aye. Contrary minded, Nay.

The motion is carried.

The honourable Minister of Environment and Labour.

RESOLUTION NO. 283

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

Whereas Neenah Paper's Pictou County mill and woodlands throughout central Nova Scotia has won Pulp and Paper Canada's award for the safest mill in Canada for 2005; and

[Page 435]

Whereas this company defeated 23 mills in Canada eligible for the award by maintaining a safety record of only seven recordable incidents during nearly 800,000 hours worked; and

Whereas this award recognizes employers who go the extra mile to produce a working environment that puts its employees' health and safety at the forefront;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House congratulate Neenah Paper of Pictou County for setting a standard that inspires greater safety awareness and contributes to the province's goal of producing safer work environments for all workers in Nova Scotia.

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 favor of the motion please say Aye. Contrary minded, Nay.

The motion is carried.

The honourable Minister of Tourism, Culture and Heritage.

RESOLUTION NO. 284

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

Whereas last week Nova Scotia blitzed Calgary with lobsters and Celtic music as part of the tourism promotion designed to test the western Canadian market; and

Whereas the 78th Highlanders, Pictou Lodge Chef Alain Bosse, and the Cape Breton band Beolach helped infuse the city with the tastes and sounds of Nova Scotia while Calgarians won prizes through the Amazing Race for Lobsters; and

Whereas we handed out more than 4,000 pieces of tourism literature including our Doers and Dreamers Travel Guide to people visiting our booths, got 300 on-line requests for literature, and generated more than 5,000 hits on our Web site dedicated to the promotion;

[Page 436]

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House recognize this innovative campaign which is just one of the many consumer-focused promotions we're doing this year to bring more tourists to Nova Scotia.

Mr. Speaker, I request waiver of notice.

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

Is it agreed?

I hear a No.

The notice is tabled.

Order. Order, please.

The honourable Minister of Energy.

HON. WILLIAM DOOKS: Mr. Speaker, it's always a pleasure to have visitors from the Eastern Shore with us in Halifax. Today I am pleased to say that we have 22 Grade 11 and Grade 12 students taking a political science class, they are in visiting with us today. Also, we have Dennis LeBlanc, who certainly is not a stranger to this House. I've stood here in my place many times and said he has a history of bringing, I would think, more students than any other teacher to our Legislature, so we certainly appreciate you. Also, Lori Dawn Nicoll, we welcome you here as well. Folks, I'm going to have an opportunity to visit with you shortly. Would you please stand and receive the warm welcome of this fine House.

MR. SPEAKER: A warm welcome to all of our visitors in the House today.

The honourable member for Cape Breton South.

MR. MANNING MACDONALD: Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. I'd like to bring to the attention of members of the House to the gallery today, and it's a pleasure for me to welcome a guest here. This guest is a Member of Parliament for Vaughan, and is no stranger to politics, having been an MP since 1998. Maurizio Bevilacqua joins us today as a contender for the Leadership of the Liberal Party of Canada. I invite all members and non-members of the Liberal Party to welcome Mr. Bevilacqua and to speak with our guest at your leisure this afternoon to get his ideas on his future vision for Canada. I'd ask all members of the House to accord the usual welcome to Mr. Bevilacqua here today. (Applause)

MR. SPEAKER: Greetings to our special guests today.

[Page 437]

INTRODUCTION OF BILLS

Bill No. 97 - Entitled an Act Respecting Certain Financial Measures. (Hon. Michael Baker.)

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

MR. FRANK CORBETT: Mr. Speaker, with your indulgence, may I do an introduction before I introduce my bill?

MR. SPEAKER: Please do.

MR. CORBETT: In your gallery, Mr. Speaker, we have three people who - the tired phrase is - probably need no introduction, but I'm going to introduce them anyway. The President of the Nova Scotia Nurses' Union, Janet Hazelton; the President of the Nova Scotia Government and General Employees Union, my cousin Joan Jessome (Interruption) The member for Yarmouth says she doesn't say that and he's absolutely right. And the Executive Director of Nova Scotia Government and General Employees Union, Linda Power - no relation but plays Tarabish with a bunch of good friends of mine. Please give these women a round of applause. (Applause)

Bill No. 98 - Entitled an Act to Amend Chapter 7 of the Acts of 1996. The Occupational Health and Safety Act. (Mr. Frank Corbett)

Bill No. 99 - Entitled an Act to Provide Access to Defibrillators. (Mr. David Wilson, Glace Bay)

MR. SPEAKER: The honourable member for Sackville-Cobequid.

MR. DAVID WILSON (Sackville-Cobequid): Mr. Speaker, may I do an introduction before I introduce this bill?

MR. SPEAKER: Please do.

MR. DAVID WILSON (Sackville-Cobequid): I would like to bring the members' attention to the west gallery where we have some very special guests today. We have Beau Blois, Melissa Brooks, Maude Dusablon, Morgan Langille, Jennifer Ahmed, Meaghan Harvey, Nermine Gorguy, Amanda Crosby, Mike Ripley, Ashley Wiley, Tarek Ezzat, Jill Hudson, John Haverstock. I apologize for mispronouncing, but could you all rise? These are medical students from Dalhousie University here today. (Applause)

[Page 438]

Bill No. 100 - Entitled an Act to Assist in the Retention of Doctors in Nova Scotia. (Mr. David Wilson, Sackville-Cobequid)

Bill No. 101 - Entitled an Act to Amend Chapter 197 of the Revised Statutes of 1989. The Health Services and Insurance Act. (Ms. Maureen MacDonald)

Bill No. 102 - Entitled an Act to Establish Helmet Safety Awareness Week. (Mr. David Wilson, Glace Bay)

[2:30 p.m.]

Bill No. 103 - Entitled an Act Respecting the Appointment and Duties of a Commissioner on Resources and Environment. (Mr. John MacDonell)

Bill No. 104 - Entitled an Act to Implement Chapter 12 of the Acts of 2004, an Act to Amend Chapter 1 of the Acts of 1995-96. The Education Act. (Mr. David Wilson, Glace Bay)

Bill No. 105 - Entitled an Act to Amend Chapter 260 of the Revised Statutes of 1989. The Liquor Control Act. (Mr. Jerry Pye)

Bill No. 106 - Entitled an Act to Amend Chapter 203 of the Revised Statutes of 1989. The Homes for Special Care Act. (Mr. David Wilson, Glace Bay)

Bill No. 107 - Entitled an Act to Amend Chapter 10 of the Acts of 1994-95. The Workers' Compensation Act. (Mr. Frank Corbett)

Bill No. 108 -Entitled an Act to Establish a Board to Distribute to Charities One Half of the Profits from the Sydney Casino. (Mr. David Wilson, Glace Bay)

Bill No. 109 - Entitled an Act to Amend Chapter 27 of the Acts of 1998. The Wilderness Areas Protection Act. (Mr. John MacDonell)

Bill No. 110 - Entitled an Act to Amend Chapter 179 of the Revised Statutes of 1989. The Forests Act. (Mr. Leo Glavine)

Bill No. 111 - Entitled an Act to Amend Chapter 246 of the Revised Statutes of 1989. The Labour Standards Code. (Mr. Frank Corbett)

Bill No. 112 - Entitled an Act Respecting the Establishment of a Domestic Violence Prevention Committee in Nova Scotia (Ms. Diana Whalen)

[Page 439]

Bill No. 113 - Entitled an Act to Amend Chapter 1 of the Acts of 1995-96. The Education Act. (Ms. Diana Whalen)

Bill No. 114 - Entitled an Act to Amend Chapter 18 of the Acts of 1999. The Mineral Resources Act. (Mr. Harold Theriault)

MR. SPEAKER: Ordered that these bills be read a second time on a future day.

NOTICES OF MOTION

MR. SPEAKER: The honourable member for Cole Harbour-Eastern Passage.

RESOLUTION NO. 285

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

Whereas Lindsay Willow, a teacher at the Halifax Regional School Board, alleged she was discriminated against by the board because of her sexual orientation; and

Whereas the Nova Scotia Human Rights Commission rendered a decision on May 10, 2006 determining that Ms. Willow had been discriminated against by the Halifax Regional School Board, and requiring the payment of damages and a letter of apology; and

Whereas Carole Olsen, the Superintendent for the Halifax Regional School Board, accepted the findings of the Human Rights Commission and offered an immediate apology, and stated the board would not seek a judicial review of the decision;

Therefore be it resolved that this House recognize the courage of Lindsay Willow in bringing forward her human rights complaint, and recognize the appropriate response from Carole Olsen after the decision of the Human Rights Commission was rendered.

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.

[Page 440]

The motion is carried.

The honourable member for Cape Breton South.

RESOLUTION NO. 286

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

Whereas the Liberal caucus will have tabled over 45 bills, including accountability legislation and previous bills like freedom of information fees, prevention of needle-stick injuries and tax credits for volunteers; and

Whereas this has taken an enormous amount of time and effort by all the staff at Legislative Counsel; and

Whereas while this hard work is exceptionally important, it's a shame that very few, if any, of these bills will pass or even be called for debate;

Therefore be it resolved that members of the House of Assembly commend Chief Legislative Counsel Gordon Hebb, Gordon Johnson, Neil Ferguson, Elizabeth Cooper, and all the staff of Legislative Counsel for their hard work during this brief session of the Legislature and throughout the year.

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 Pictou Centre.

RESOLUTION NO. 287

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

[Page 441]

Whereas Advocate Printing and Publishing's President and CEO Sean Murray has been chosen as one of Canada's top-40 under-40 business leaders; and

Whereas Sean Murray was selected from a list of more than 1,200 nominees, chosen for his vision and leadership, innovation and achievement, impact, community involvement and contribution, and his strategy for growth; and

Whereas this comes on the heels of a recent announcement that Advocate Printing and Publishing will invest $10 million in its Pictou printing operation, making this the largest single investment in its 115-year history;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House congratulate Sean Murray for being recognized as such a great young businessman and leader, and thank him for his dedication and contributions to his Pictou County community, wishing him continued success in all that he does.

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 Hants East.

RESOLUTION NO. 288

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

Whereas the local music scene has been the impetus for many talented performers; and

Whereas Rich Terfry of Mount Uniacke has forged an international reputation as a rapper and hip-hop artist of distinction; and

Whereas Rich Terfry, a.k.a. Buck 65, hosted the recent Juno Awards in Halifax, and was also awarded a Juno for video of the year;

[Page 442]

Therefore be it resolved that this House of Assembly congratulate Rich Terfry on his Juno, and wish him continued success.

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 Cumberland North.

RESOLUTION NO. 289

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

Whereas Ron Robinson, from his days as a broadcast journalist to his present role with Cumberland Regional Economic Development Association, has found ways to make his community better; and

Whereas Ron was honoured by CNTA as the President Award winner for his contributions in promoting business and tourism throughout Cumberland County; and

Whereas this award is given to those who contribute significantly to tourism development and whose leadership and commitment of time and energy merit special honour from one's peers in the tourism industry. Ron serves as CREDA's resource person on Cumberland Environmental Council, Cumberland Forestry Advisory Council, Amherst Entrance Development Committee, Advocate District Development Association, Bay of Fundy Product Club, Labour Market Development Agreement Information Technology Action Team, and writer/editor of CREDA's newsletter;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House join me in sending our congratulations to Ron Robinson on his award.

Mr. Speaker, I request waiver of notice.

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

[Page 443]

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. 290

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

Whereas on February 13, 2006, Sarah Conrad attended the Winter Olympics in Torino, Italy, and competed in the Women's Half-pipe Snowboarding event; and

Whereas Ms. Conrad, along with her mother Ginny Conrad, started the snowboarding club at Prince Andrew High School, helping to build the sport within the local community; and

Whereas Sarah Conrad reached her goal of placing 15th in the women's half-pipe event with a score of 19.4 in her first run, and 33.5 in her second;

Therefore be it resolved that this Legislative Assembly extend its congratulations for Ms. Conrad's exceptional representation of the talent this province has to offer, as well as being an influential force in supporting snowboarding within the community.

Mr. Speaker, I request waiver of notice.

[2:45 p.m.]

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.

[Page 444]

The honourable member for Kings North.

RESOLUTION NO. 291

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

Whereas 11-year-old Port Williams native Emma Clarke, the daughter of Greg and Pauline Clarke, represented Nova Scotia at the Skate Canada Junior National Championships in Moncton; and

Whereas the young skater earned a place at the competition after winning gold at the BMO sectional championships in the Women's Juvenile A event held in St. Margarets Bay; and

Whereas the St. Margaret's Bay Skating Club member has been on skates for the majority of her short life, starting skating at two years of age, and seriously at five years old in Wolfville;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House send their sincerest congratulations to Emma and her parents for her achievements.

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 Dartmouth South-Portland Valley.

RESOLUTION NO. 292

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

Whereas the curling team representing the Dartmouth Curling Club won the 2006 Nova Scotia Mixed Curling Championship hosted by their home club; and

[Page 445]

Whereas the competing teams exhibited high levels of talent, experience and sportsmanship; and

Whereas the Canadian National Championships will be played in Kitchener- Waterloo, Ontario, this coming November 10th to November 18th;

Therefore be it resolved that the Nova Scotia House of Assembly congratulate Dartmouth Curling Club Team skip Mike Robinson; mate Tracey Leslie; second Owen Graham; and lead Denice Nicholson for winning the 2006 Nova Scotia Mixed Curling Championship, and wish them continued success at the national championships.

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 in the House of the Liberal Party.

RESOLUTION NO. 293

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

Whereas many Nova Scotians have dedicated their lives to the pursuit of freedom in various ways in the Middle East; and

Whereas one of the Nova Scotia Legislature's Press Gallery, our very own Murray Brewster of Broadcast News, has spent the last number of months in Kandahar embedded with troops in order to give the world a clear picture of what is happening in that country; and

Whereas Mr. Brewster endured conditions many of us can't even imagine in search of the truth to send back home;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of the House of Assembly thank Mr. Brewster for his work in Afghanistan, and welcome him back safe and sound.

[Page 446]

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 Waverley-Fall River-Beaver Bank.

RESOLUTION NO. 294

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

Whereas the opening of the Cobequid Community Health Centre creates a new landmark for Waverley and Fall River and the surrounding communities, and this would not have been possible without the tireless efforts of dedicated community members; and

Whereas the memory of Fall River resident Shirley Freer has been an integral part of the project; she lobbied the provincial government under John Buchanan for the original family medical centre, a first of its kind in Canada - and, with growth, the new centre will provide the residents of these communities with state-of-the-art medical services on a 24-hour basis; and

Whereas through the early efforts of Shirley Freer and a dedicated group of citizens, public and private sponsorship of the centre was secured, and finally on February 20th of this year the Cobequid Community Health Centre opened its doors to the community;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of the House recognize Shirley Freer, the guiding light, and today's group of fellow citizens for their dedication and hard work, where, without it, this new health centre might still remain only a good idea.

Mr. Speaker, I request waiver of notice.

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

Is it agreed?

[Page 447]

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 Pictou West.

RESOLUTION NO. 295

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

Whereas the Nova Scotia Community College Campus located in Stellarton recently hosted a series of talent contests to showcase the musical gifts of many people; and

Whereas this contest, known as the Pictou County Idol, was widely supported by both the student body and the local community; and

Whereas many people at the community college, especially Chad Bennett of Pictou, worked long and hard to make this event a success;

Therefore be it resolved that the members of this House of Assembly congratulate Chad Bennett and the Nova Scotia Community College, Pictou Campus, for hosting this very successful idol contest.

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. 296

MR. DAVID WILSON (Glace Bay): Mr. Speaker, I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:

[Page 448]

Whereas yesterday the Minister of Health was willing to table legislation that could have easily been called, debated, passed and implemented by now if this government was at all serious about protecting the safety of health-care workers; and

Whereas legislation which would recognize dental hygienists and midwives as regulated professionals as well as amendments for the Homes for Special Care Act, palliative care legislation, private health clinic legislation and legislation to protect privacy with regard to electronic health records were not seen as priorities; and

Whereas this forgotten list should sound familiar as this legislation was promised before by this government, but in usual fashion they failed to deliver;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House acknowledge the fact that by not living up to their promises this government failed to create a modern, responsible health care system that would meet the needs of Nova Scotians for many years to come.

Mr. Speaker, I request waiver of notice.

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

Is it agreed?

I hear several Noes.

The notice is tabled.

The honourable member for Kings North.

RESOLUTION NO. 297

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

Whereas 13-year-old Kentville native Katie Bray was the recent winner of the Canwest Global Canspell Spelling Bee held in Halifax; and

Whereas the Grade 8 Northeast Kings Education Centre student competed against 23 other students ranging from Grades 4 to 8 from across the province; and

Whereas she competed at the Canspell National Spelling Bee final in Ottawa this April and will travel to Washington, D.C. later this Spring to compete in the Scripps National Championships;

[Page 449]

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House send their best wishes and congratulations to Katie for her hard work and determination for she represents the best of what is yet to come for our young Nova Scotians.

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 Dartmouth North.

RESOLUTION NO. 298

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

Whereas Model Parliament at Dartmouth High School provides a parliamentary forum for debate on government issues and legislation; and

Whereas through the research of legislation and preparation of government sessions, this process leads to a better understanding of how the democratic process works in Canada; and

Whereas over 100 students of Dartmouth High School were involved in this learning experience by creating and supporting their own political Parties, each with a different ideology on how to govern;

Therefore be it resolved that the Nova Scotia Legislature congratulate the students who participated in the 2006 Model Parliament at Dartmouth High School and thank their Political Science teacher, Donald Houle, who assisted in the education of politics, thereby ensuring there will always be candidates offering for political office.

Mr. Speaker, I request waiver of notice.

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

[Page 450]

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. 299

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

Whereas the Community of Clare is very proud of its dedicated volunteers; and

Whereas this year the Clare community has selected one of its outstanding citizens as Volunteer of the Year, and this individual has given much in the way of time and energy to various organizations; and

Whereas through the love of his community, through this individual's genuine warmth and care towards others, he has become a valuable asset to the organization that he is involved in;

Therefore be it resolved that the House extend best wishes and congratulations to Eddie Thimot of Little Brook for his outstanding contributions to his community.

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 Pictou Centre.

[Page 451]

RESOLUTION NO. 300

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

Whereas the Canadian Council on Health Services Accreditation has recognized two leading practices of the Pictou County Health Authority; and

Whereas the health authority's palliative care program and surgery program will be included as examples of noteworthy practice in this year's Canadian Health Accreditation Report; and

Whereas the CEO of the Pictou County Health Authority, Pat Lee, attributes the success of the programs to the hard-working staff, nurses and physicians who contribute to the wonderful care of their patients, and calls it a tremendous honour to be recognized for these achievements;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House congratulate the hard- working staff, nurses and physicians of the hospital in Pictou County for creating outstanding practices for the whole health care field to follow, and thank them for their dedication and creativity in improving local health care programs.

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 Opposition.

RESOLUTION NO. 301

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

Whereas the annual YMCA Youth Exchanges Canada program brings together 50 young people from across Canada, to Ottawa, from June 27th to July 3rd; and

[Page 452]

Whereas the Youth Exchange provides an opportunity for youths with disabilities to celebrate and interact with their peers from across Canada, as they participate in various active living events designed to teach and enhance communication and advocacy skills; and

Whereas Janice Oostveen, a 14-year-old Grade 8 student from Graham Creighton Junior High School in Cherry Brook, has been selected as a participant for the 2006 Youth Exchange Program, where she will join other young people in rock climbing, drumming, table tennis, yoga and tubing on the Rideau River;

Therefore be it resolved that members of the House of Assembly congratulate Janice Oostveen, as she travels to our nation's capital, for this unique learning experience, and wish her all the best as she shares her stories and meets other youths from various places across the country.

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 Annapolis.

RESOLUTION NO. 302

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

Whereas representatives from the NSGEU, the NSNU, the CAW and CUPE have joined us here today to meet with government officials, to discuss problems surrounding the employer's funding of their members' NSAHO funding plan; and

Whereas according to the unions, surplus contributions made by employees are being used to offset employer contributions to that plan; and

Whereas all workers should have the peace of mind in knowing that their pensions are being adequately funded and fairly administered;

[Page 453]

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House encourage government officials to settle these outstanding issues in the best interests of Nova Scotia workers.

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

Is it agreed?

I hear a No.

The notice is tabled.

The honourable Minister of Education.

RESOLUTION NO. 303

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

Whereas Paul Barrett, the music teacher at Cobequid Educational Centre, was the first winner of the United Way of Colchester County Outstanding Leadership Award; and

Whereas Paul Barrett, who graduated from the Nova Scotia Teachers College, then attended the Berklee School of Music and later Acadia University, was honoured with the Prime Minister's Award for Teaching Excellence in 2000; and

Whereas Paul Barrett, who will retire from CEC this year, was awarded the Queen's Golden Jubilee Medal in 2002, which recognizes outstanding teachers for exemplary achievement and contributions over and above what the job specifies;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House congratulate Paul Barrett on being the first winner of the United Way of Colchester County Outstanding Leadership Award and thank him for the exemplary contribution he has given to music education and the band program at Cobequid Educational Centre, and wish him every success in his future endeavours.

Mr. Speaker, I request waiver of notice.

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

Is it agreed?

It is agreed.

[Page 454]

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

The motion is carried.

The honourable member for Timberlea-Prospect.

RESOLUTION NO. 304

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

Whereas Wanda Slaunwhite of Terence Bay is retiring from the teaching profession this June; and

Whereas this legendary teacher has provided leadership in the education profession; and

Whereas Wanda's commitment to her students will long be remembered by our community;

Therefore be it resolved that the Nova Scotia Legislature congratulate Wanda Slaunwhite on her retirement from the teaching profession, with best wishes in her future endeavours.

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 Victoria-The Lakes.

RESOLUTION NO. 305

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

[Page 455]

Whereas Roch Longueépee, a survivor of institutional abuse and founder of Internations' Justice Federation based out of Halifax, featuring programs such as the International Institutional Child Abuse Memorial Program which offers service to survivors of institutional abuse a time to remember the victims whose lives have been changed by institutional abuse; and

Whereas the Unknown Orphan Memorial will serve as a permanent reminder to those innocent children whose lives have been cut short and have never been given a proper burial, such as the "Butterbox Babies"; and

Whereas the Therapeutic Institutional Abuse Program has been designed to address the flaws of the government redress program with a holistic approach to therapy, with an intensive year-long approach to healing;

Therefore be it resolved that members of this House recognize the contributions that Roch Longueépee, a survivor himself, has made to help those who have suffered and wish him success in his commitment to assist those in need.

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.

[3:00 p.m.]

The honourable Minister of Environment and Labour.

RESOLUTION NO. 306

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

Whereas providing opportunities for youth to demonstrate their talents in the arts is crucial to improving skills; and

[Page 456]

Whereas South Shore Idol III encourages young musicians to display their skills to the general public; and

Whereas Bridgewater High School Grade 11 student Ashley Dejeet was selected South Shore Idol 2006;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House congratulate Ashley Dejeet for her successful singing performance and her selection as South Shore Idol 2006.

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 Hants East.

RESOLUTION NO. 307

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

Whereas volunteer firefighters form some of the earliest volunteer groups; and

Whereas fire protection in rural areas is dependent upon volunteer firefighters; and

Whereas on June 3, 2006, Rawdon District Volunteer Fire Department celebrates its 35th Anniversary;

Therefore be it resolved that this House of Assembly congratulate the members of the Rawdon District Volunteer Fire Department on 35 years of service and wish them success for the future.

Mr. Speaker, I request waiver of notice.

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

[Page 457]

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 Digby-Annapolis.

RESOLUTION NO. 308

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

Whereas my riding, and indeed all of Nova Scotia, is truly blessed as there are many dedicated, caring, well-motivated individuals who give their time, energy, and expertise to benefit their fellow citizens in many vital ways; and

Whereas these citizens who are so integral in the fire service, search and rescue, hospital auxiliary, hospice society, youth programs, service clubs, home and school, community development association, boards of trade, community festivals and Royal Canadian Legions, invest in their time, energy, and resources to ensure good things happen; and

Whereas last month we formally acknowledged these contributions, the countless hours, the struggles, the frustrations, and at times the fatigue associated with these volunteer commitments;

Therefore be it resolved that members of this House, in addition to every April event, make every effort throughout the year to recognize the selfless individuals, who continue to be active in their causes without the fanfare all year long, by giving them the accolades that they so truly deserve.

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.

[Page 458]

The motion is carried.

The honourable Minister of Agriculture.

RESOLUTION NO. 309

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

Whereas Dianne Raoul received the Lieutenant Governor's Teaching Award; and

Whereas Dianne was also recognized for her devotion to the community through the Terry Fox Run, UNICEF Campaign, Christmas Daddies, Breakfast Program, Recycling Program, and Thirty-four Hour Famine; and

Whereas Dianne is also active at the provincial level of Girl Guides of Canada, and she is the NSTU representative on the Policy Working Group for the Department of Education's Food and Nutrition Policy;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House congratulate Dianne Raoul on receiving the Lieutenant Governor's Teaching Award, and wish her continued success in her future teaching and volunteer commitments.

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 Clayton Park.

RESOLUTION NO. 310

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

[Page 459]

Whereas Sandra Were began her career at the Lacewood McDonald's in 1980, very quickly working her way from an entry-level position to a manager; and

Whereas Ms. Were's dedication over the past 26 years with McDonald's has been a testament to her commitment and work ethic; and

Whereas from their thousands of managers in Canada, McDonald's has recognized Sandra Were with the 2005 McDonald's Canada Outstanding Manager of the Year Award, recognizing the significant contribution she has made to the company;

Therefore be it resolved that members of the Legislature congratulate Sandra Were on receiving this award and wish her many years of continued success.

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 Minister of Economic Development.

RESOLUTION NO. 311

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

Whereas following a number of busy months this Winter, Liverpool is now home to a new Royal Canadian Legion, a 6,000-square-foot facility located next to the Saan Department Store; and

Whereas Barrington developer Ken Anthony, and members of the Liverpool Legion executive, approved the construction of a new facility late last Fall; and

Whereas Mayor John Leefe of the Queens Regional Municipality described the construction of the new Legion building as "important and if not accomplished, would have left the legion branch in a critical, if not devastating position";

[Page 460]

Therefore be it resolved that the executive of the Liverpool Legion, Barrington developer Ken Anthony, and the Region of Queens Municipality be applauded for having the necessary vision for a new Legion building in Liverpool and for moving ahead with the project.

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 Glace Bay.

RESOLUTION NO. 312

MR. DAVID WILSON (Glace Bay): Mr. Speaker, I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:

Whereas yesterday communities throughout this province were expecting specific details on when and where long-term care beds would be allocated, but instead they heard flip comments from the Minister of Health, such as "To be quite honest, they will come on when they can come on."; and

Whereas the Bayside Home in Shelburne County is questioning the Minister of Health's commitment when they keep receiving mixed messages as to the number of beds they will be allocated as a result of the minister's vague plan; and

Whereas an article in yesterday's Coast Guard indicated that local councils were told that a specific number of beds was recommended by Department of Health staff for the Bayside Home and yet we heard nothing about this in yesterday's announcement;

Therefore be it resolved that the Minister of Health release all the recommendations made in the report by the end of Question Period today so that we can be assured that any future announcements will be based on need and not on politics.

Mr. Speaker, I request waiver of notice.

[Page 461]

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

Is it agreed?

I hear several Noes.

The notice is tabled.

The honourable member for Clare.

RESOLUTION NO. 313

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

Whereas Dick Huggard joined the Department of Agriculture and Marketing in 1958 as a livestock fieldman and worked his way up through the department until he was ultimately named deputy minister in 1991; and

Whereas during his 36 years with the Department of Agriculture and Marketing, Mr. Huggard has worked very closely with farm people, industry leaders, scientists, college students, federal and provincial government officials, and many others to promote and develop the agricultural industry both in Nova Scotia and across Canada; and

Whereas Dick Huggard was awarded an honorary doctorate at the Nova Scotia Agricultural College convocation on Friday, May 5, 2006;

Therefore be it resolved that members of the House of Assembly join me in congratulating former Deputy Minister Dick Huggard for receiving an honorary doctorate from the Nova Scotia Agricultural College.

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.

[Page 462]

The honourable member for Victoria-The Lakes.

RESOLUTION NO. 314

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

Whereas on April 4, 2006 Brent MacInnis of Hugh MacInnis Lumber in Frenchvale was one of the first in Canada to receive the Master Logger Certificate in Forestry Construction; and

Whereas the forest industry is a significant part of Nova Scotia's economy, with committed professionals using the best practices to ensure a sustainable industry for future growth; and

Whereas the Atlantic Master Logger Certification Program is part of the plan to ensure the future of the forest industry, and with individual loggers and companies working to reach this goal, the industry can continue to develop;

Therefore be it resolved that the members of this House congratulate Brent MacInnis on receipt of the Master Logger Certification and wish him continued success in future endeavours.

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 Digby-Annapolis.

RESOLUTION NO. 315

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

[Page 463]

Whereas our children are our future, hence their education is one of our societies' most critical responsibilities; and

Whereas the member organizations of the Nova Scotia Federation of Home and School Associations recognize that it takes a caring community to raise a child, and work diligently throughout the year to provide for their individual school; and

Whereas the NSFHS is an association of parents, teachers, students, administrators, school board members and others who are interested in working together for the benefit of all of our children in our communities;

Therefore be it resolved that members of the House of Assembly recognize the work provided by the NSFHS and acknowledge that we all play a vital role in molding our future generations.

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 Clayton Park.

RESOLUTION NO. 316

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

Whereas Milamodo Sushi in Rockingham Ridge was opened in December 2003 by owner and chef Steven Lin; and

Whereas this restaurant has quickly become a favourite for people in the area and for others who travel far to enjoy the wonderful Japanese food and relaxing atmosphere; and

Whereas this local business has been recognized by the National Restaurant Guide which names Milamodo Sushi as one of the best Japanese restaurants in the country;

[Page 464]

Therefore be it resolved that the members of the Legislature congratulate Steven Lin and his staff for the success of Milamodo Sushi, and wish them every success in the years to come.

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 in the House of the Liberal Party.

MR. MICHEL SAMSON: Mr. Speaker, I rise on a point of personal privilege. You'll recall that on Friday, May 5th, three points of privilege were raised by myself, the member for Preston, and the member for Clare. Afterwards, a point of privilege on the same subject was also raised by the member for Halifax Needham, who also happens to be the Chair of the Public Accounts Committee. Mr. Speaker, four business days have passed since these points of privilege were first raised. Yesterday, I brought this issue to your attention again on a point of order.

Mr. Speaker, I am sure you will be certainly well aware of the importance of your role as Speaker on being able to rule when members rise in their place to talk about violation of their privileges. You will recall that you were elected by all members of this House and your role of both neutrality and fairness. The points of privilege that were raised are once again preventing members of this House, and especially members of the Public Accounts Committee, from being able to do our duty, our duty from which we were sent to this House by Nova Scotians to be able to reveal, in this case, as to whether taxpayers' dollars were properly spent, and to be able to get a better understanding of why a Minister of the Crown chose to resign his post.

Mr. Speaker, your predecessor was known, and had a habit for the last five years, of giving rulings on points of personal privilege within a couple of days after they were raised. We know now, in this case, that legal opinion has been provided by the Chief Legislative Council and we were also made aware that discussions have been taking place, prior to the points of privilege being raised, with the Clerks of this House. Therefore, Mr. Speaker, I am left at a loss to be able to determine why you have not yet ruled on these three points of privilege.

[Page 465]

I'm sure the Speaker will also be aware, as all members of this House and most Nova Scotians, that an election is looming and could be called as early as tomorrow or Saturday. As a result of that, that would not allow members to be able to receive your ruling as to whether this government, through their actions, have violated the privileges of the members of this House.

Therefore, Mr. Speaker, I rise today on the point of personal privilege as a result of the fact that by not having rendered your ruling to this point, leaves me with no option but to submit to you that your lack of ruling on this is violating my rights as a member of this House - not only mine, but also the rights of all members of this House. Therefore, I would ask that you immediately provide a ruling on those three points of privilege to this House, so this matter can be dealt with immediately.

MR. SPEAKER: In response to the member's statement, I would respond as follows as an immediate reaction to your comments, and that specifically talks about upholding the rights of all members of this House and, I believe, the right of the Speaker to have due time to consider a matter of significance, and it's not about referring to a predecessor who has previously been in this Chair for several years.

[3:15 p.m.]

In coming through and to this Chair, I take it with great seriousness and is one that members have risen on points of privilege that have gone beyond matters of simply in this Chamber. People are bringing up specifics and detail both of facts and statements that relate to activities of a committee of this Legislature as well, and statements made about matters that have arisen at the committee members' meeting for Public Accounts.

As a result of that as well, there has been a legal opinion provided and it's very incumbent upon me as well, to the honourable member, I would say to make sure that any decision I take takes into account any of the processes and procedures associated with that. I've said before that I will make the appropriate ruling and I've taken it, and this matter, very seriously with regard to getting the information. However, there have been several points of privilege that are interrelated and I am not going to hasten to one when there have been other requests by members of the House with regard to their rights and privileges as members.

So I'm putting all those points into consideration in reviewing that and I said before I would rule as soon as possible, and I will rule as soon as possible. (Applause)

MR. SPEAKER: The honourable Leader in the House of the Liberal Party.

MR. MICHEL SAMSON: Mr. Speaker, the fact that you have yet to take the opportunity to establish a strict date as to when you will provide the ruling on such an

[Page 466]

important matter, where the rights of members have been raised, where the members have told you they felt their rights have been violated, with all due respect to the Speaker, the legal opinions that have been raised refer to parliamentary texts that are well known, that are in use both here in our Legislature and in the Parliament of Canada and is not new information.

Again, discussions have been going on on this issue for over two weeks and I would submit to you that has been ample opportunity to do so. We are left with the impression, whether rightly or wrongly, that your refusal to render a ruling on this seems to have more to do with partisanship than unwilling to give a ruling. I would ask if the Speaker would at least give us a specific date as to when he will render a ruling on these points of privilege.

MR. SPEAKER: I would state again to the honourable member that you've talked about and brought forward a matter, that you've asked for a response within days. However, you refer to cases and points of privilege that have come forward that have involved, indeed, months, and involved transcripts that have to be reviewed as well as a result of doing that.

I would say, as you know, with the time available since this House has resumed, there are only so many hours in the 24-hour clock and I would humbly submit to the member that there is no one bypassing this ( Interruption) Would you like to take your place?

AN HON. MEMBER: He is in his place.

MR. SPEAKER: Would you like to address the House again? (Interruptions)

The honourable Leader in the House of the Liberal Party is free to get up on his feet on the record if you would like.

MR. MICHEL SAMSON: Mr. Speaker, with all due respect, knowing that your role as Speaker and the importance of . . .

MR. SPEAKER: The honourable Leader in the House of the Liberal Party.

MR. MICHEL SAMSON: Mr. Speaker, knowing your important role as Speaker, knowing that points of privilege have been raised, I would submit to you that, as Speaker, every minute that you had possible to be able to deal with this issue should have been dealt with. If it is your position now that you have spent as much time as was available to you on this matter, then I would invite you to make that comment and let members and Nova Scotians judge as to whether they feel that amount of time necessary to rule on this has been made.

[Page 467]

MR. SPEAKER: In response to the Leader in the House of the Liberal Party, I uphold my responsibilities as Speaker of this House and also my responsibilities as an MLA in this House, and to my constituency as well. We all know that we have to balance those priorities and responsibilities appropriately. I am doing just that, and I would inform the honourable member of that. I will rule when appropriate.

ORDERS OF THE DAY

ORAL QUESTIONS PUT BY MEMBERS

MR. SPEAKER: Question Period will begin at 3:19 p.m. and end at 4:19 p.m.

The honourable Leader of the Opposition.

HEALTH- ERs OVERCROWDING

MR. DARRELL DEXTER: Mr. Speaker, one of the measures of overcrowding in emergency rooms is the percentage of patients who leave without being seen. At Capital Health, the numbers are routinely five or six times the target rate, especially at the QE II and the Cobequid facility. A national study on ER overcrowding was released earlier this week. The lead author referred to packed emergency rooms as canaries in a coal mine for overstretched hospitals. My question for the Minister of Health is, why has emergency room overcrowding been allowed to continue well above the targets for so long?

HON. CHRISTOPHER D'ENTREMONT: Mr. Speaker, I thank the member opposite for that question and underlining an issue that's very important to us and very prevalent in Nova Scotia as well as across Canada. It's something that we've been working tirelessly to try to address. It revolves around many issues, from alternate levels of care that we need to provide and the lack of beds in some areas. It has to do with a lack of professionals in some institutions. We are trying to do the best we can in order to have those pieces put in place so that people will not have to wait as long as they do.

MR. DEXTER: Mr. Speaker, the Minister of Health is right about one thing, it does have to do with a lack of beds. In fact, of the thousands of emergency room doctors surveyed in this study, 85 per cent of them noted that the lack of beds was a major cause of ER overcrowding. At any given time, over 200 beds in Capital Health are being occupied by seniors who require nursing home care, yet knowing this the Minister of Health released the continuing care strategy yesterday that does absolutely nothing to address the shortage of nursing home beds for years. I ask the Minister of Health, why is his government waiting another three years before it is willing to do what is necessary to address this bottleneck in our health care system?

[Page 468]

MR. D'ENTREMONT: Mr. Speaker, there are two pieces to this that they fail to underline. One, continuing care strategy that looks at the care of our seniors well into the future. In 10 years' time, we will have everything that we need at that point. Yes, it's going to take some time to build beds. That is just the nature of building and construction. So if it means three to four years out, it means three to four years out. There's very little we can do on construction times. What we're doing right now is we've provided $3.6 million to the DHAs to come up with other ideas, other expansions and other things they can do to expand their bed capacities so these waiting lists go down.

MR. DEXTER: Mr. Speaker, in 2004, the minister's predecessor said patient discharge lounges and better patient flow would solve the problem, but overcrowding just keeps getting worse. It's time this government realized its inaction on nursing home beds has caused this problem, and it's time for action now - not three years from now. In fact, on a recent visit to Yarmouth I learned that the Yarmouth Regional Hospital has been in near-constant code purple status, and that patients are being cared for in lounges, with no oxygen, no washrooms, no nurse call buttons. So my question to the minister is, when will he finally see what everyone else seems to understand, that the best way to solve ER overcrowding is to get our seniors out of hospital beds and into nursing home beds?

MR. D'ENTREMONT: Mr. Speaker, the Leader of Opposition would make you believe that this is a phenomenon only in Nova Scotia. This is a problem. (Interruptions) I apologize, in Canada. This is something we see right across Canada. It is something that has multiple causes, and we're trying to get at all those causes the best we can. The member opposite says that we need to have beds right now, and unless I get out there with a hammer - and he can come and help me, we'll go build our beds and get those things set up. We have $3.6 million in this year's budget to help the DHAs construct those beds and come up with alternatives to help Nova Scotians.

MR. SPEAKER: The honourable Leader in the House of the Liberal Party.

FIN.: HOME HEATING FUEL - TAX REDUCTION

MR. MICHEL SAMSON: Mr. Speaker, Nova Scotians are still trying to figure out whether they should believe this government's sudden about-face on removing the 8 per cent provincial tax on home heating oil. It appears that even some Tories are doubtful as well.

On Wednesday, May 10th, on the Atlantic Canada Live Web site, it states, "Nova Scotia cannot afford the 8 per cent home heating rebate announced in the Tory Budget this week according to the former Tory Premier, the MLA for Pictou Centre." Mr. John Hill goes on to say "On Wednesday, while being interviewed by Rick Howe on the hotline, Hill said he was talking with former Premier Hamm just 'the other day' and

[Page 469]

Hamm told him that the province cannot afford the 8 per cent provincial sales tax rebate, home heating bills announced, and Premier Rodney MacDonald's first budget."

Mr. Speaker, my question to the Premier is on the question as to whether our province can afford this tax cut. Who are Nova Scotians to believe, the current Premier or the former Premier?

THE PREMIER: Mr. Speaker, I can see how the Liberal Party would find it quite upsetting that we have once again lowered taxes and provided much-needed relief to Nova Scotians.

MR. MICHEL SAMSON: Mr. Speaker, it is the same Liberal Party that was doubtful of your 10 per cent tax cut back in 2003 as we are doubtful about your 8 per cent tax cut today. I don't need to tell you what happened in 2003 for the poor Nova Scotians who believed Tories bearing gifts. This budget has shown the current government flip-flopping on removing the provincial tax on home heating, increasing basic personal exemption and gas regulation. For six years we listened to the former Premier tell us our province could not afford these measures or that they were not in our best interests. Now, a new Premier, on the eve of an election, suddenly finds lots of money to spend. Being the Premier, a member of the former Premier's Cabinet, can he tell us why none of those measures were affordable in last year's budget?

THE PREMIER: Mr. Speaker, I am quite proud of the budget that we have put forth, finding a balanced approach between lowering taxes for the average Nova Scotian, lowering taxes for business in our province, making a more competitive province for the future, investing in social programs such as health and education and investing in infrastructure here in our province. I can understand from the Cabinet Minister of a previous government who brought this province into deficits and who grew our debt to exorbitant matters, I can understand how they find this quite upsetting.

MR. MICHEL SAMSON: Mr. Speaker, it is quite interesting that the Premier talks about debt. Both Tories and Nova Scotians are both refusing to buy this government's sudden new-found wealth on the eve of an election. This government intends to spend an additional half-billion dollars this year while once again allowing the debt of the Province of Nova Scotia to increase. If you want to talk about increasing the debt, stand in your place and say that you are more than happy to contribute to the debt of this province as well.

My question, Mr. Speaker, why did the Premier, in preparing this budget, borrow a chapter from the book of John Buchanan rather than the book of the former Premier?

THE PREMIER: Mr. Speaker, I can assure you that I can plan on being around as long as John Buchanan was. (Interruptions)

[Page 470]

MR. SPEAKER: Order. The honourable Leader of the Opposition.

EDUC.: LIBRARIES - FUNDING REDUCTION

MR. DARRELL DEXTER: I guess just as in Ottawa this is Question Period not answer period. (Interruptions)

MR. SPEAKER: Order, order. The honourable Leader of the Opposition.

MR. DEXTER: My question is for the Premier. Mr. Speaker, last month the Premier announced what he called an additional $1 million in funding for provincial libraries, saying the funding we're announcing today recognizes how vital our libraries are to communities province-wide. The Premier assured us this funding was in addition to the amount libraries would receive in 2006-07; however, last Tuesday we discovered they will receive $1 million less than 2005-06 forecasted expenditures. So my question to the Premier is, why did you reduce library funding, despite your pre-election announcement last month?

THE PREMIER: Mr. Speaker, although it is a budget question, I will indicate that we do appreciate what libraries are doing across the province, that is why we are making the investment that we are and I will refer that to the acting minister in the House for Question Period, the former Minister of Education.

HON. ANGUS MACDONALD: Mr. Speaker, I can tell the honourable member that libraries are very important for this government, and we're going to ensure that the resources they get are going to be resources that they can use to benefit all Nova Scotians.

[3:30 p.m.]

MR. DEXTER: Mr. Speaker, as the author Salman Rushdie once said, "A book is a version of the world.", and one in three Nova Scotians have attested to the importance of books in their lives by joining their local library. In 2003, the Department of Education published Funding the Power of Libraries, which outlined a funding plan, and it included $17.8 million in spending this year. This year alone your government is $6 million behind on its own commitment to public libraries. So my question to the Premier is, when are you going to keep your government's 2003 promise to fully support the work of public libraries?

THE PREMIER: Mr. Speaker, we are fully supporting our libraries across our province. Not only that, we do consider the investment in books very important - investing in books in our P-12 education system as well. We're making record investments in the area of education: smaller classroom sizes, more books, investments

[Page 471]

in a number of areas of education, which are making a difference. Libraries are just one of those many places.

MR. SPEAKER: This is for all members during Question Period, to be mindful of issues or matters directly related to the budget itself.

MR. DEXTER: Mr. Speaker, Funding the Power of Libraries, the promise put forward in 2003, put forward a three-year investment program that cost $44.5 million. That means, for just $15 a person a year, every man, woman and child in Nova Scotia would have access to a well-stocked public library. But since 2003, the government has provided less than 80 per cent of this figure and has left our library system about $10 million short. So my final question to the Premier is, when are you going to keep your promise to ensure libraries play, what you call, a large role in helping to keep Nova Scotians educated, competitive and on the cutting edge?

THE PREMIER: Mr. Speaker, I am very proud of the investments we have put forward in the recent budget - expenditures that not only invest in our P-12 system, but also invest in our post-secondary education system. It also invests in our community colleges. No government before has put the commitment toward education that this government has put forward.

MR. SPEAKER: The honourable Leader in the House of the Liberal Party.

ECON. DEV.: MAGIC VALLEY - GRANT

MR. MICHEL SAMSON: Mr. Speaker, we've seen through uncensored documents we received from the Office of Economic Development that a consultant from ACOA developed a business plan for Magic Valley, which laid out a plan for what it would take to bring Magic Valley back to financial sustainability. This plan required a $3.7 million injection from government. We all know now that this plan was called a dream by the staff of the Office of Economic Development. Mr. Premier, you yourself, received advice from your department in 2003, and in 2004, that suggested that you not give financial assistance to this company because of its bad track record. Yet, somehow, your government walked out of Cabinet and gave Magic Valley a $350,000 grant.

So my question is, Mr. Premier, wasn't this grant just nothing more than a parting gift to a close friend of our former Premier on his way out the door?

THE PREMIER: Mr. Speaker, I will refer that to the Minister of Economic Development.

HON. KERRY MORASH: Mr. Speaker, there was a business plan submitted to the department and staff reviewed that business plan and it was decided that when you

[Page 472]

looked at the business plan and the phased-in approach year after year, that this was viable and the business plan was accepted and we hope that Magic Valley will have a very successful future.

MR. MICHEL SAMSON: Mr. Speaker, we now know, through testimony at the Public Accounts Committee, that staff of the Office of Economic Development laughed at the business plan that the government is now using to justify giving $350,000 of taxpayers' money. They were the ones who told us they laughed at it. They called it a dream, not the Opposition. Back in 2001, the Premier of the day stated that he wanted the decisions around economic development made at arm's length from government. He said he wanted the people to have confidence in the decisions that will help grow the economy in Nova Scotia. People no longer have confidence in this government's decisions, because here you are now giving handouts to political friends who do not have sound business cases, and in one case still owes this province over $200,000.

Mr. Speaker, this Cabinet is forcing politics into these decisions and not removing it, which is the exact opposite of what they promised Nova Scotians they would do when they created NSBI. My question to the Premier is, why did your government fail to take the politics and the bureaucracy out of the decisions to dole out taxpayers' hard-earned money?

THE PREMIER: I will refer that to the Minister of Economic Development.

HON. KERRY MORASH: Mr. Speaker, I would like to share with the member opposite that I was there when the plan was reviewed after staff had done a detailed analysis of it. The plan was a very good plan, and it met with the approval of departmental staff. We were very pleased to see the depth and the detail that was included in it.

MR. MICHEL SAMSON: Mr. Speaker, I would have to check through Hansard in the past, but if I'm not mistaken, at least when John Buchanan was Premier he used to answer questions that were actually put to him. Unfortunately we can't get the same from this Premier.

Mr. Speaker, Nova Scotians are left to wonder what exactly Cabinet is doing handing out money to companies that we later find out are actually violating the laws of this province, in one case by not paying their membership fees. We found out Wednesday at the Public Accounts Committee that this company has yet to receive government money, because they are still refusing to pay the membership fees that they have not been paying for the last number of years. We now know that one of the companies given money has been in default of repaying Nova Scotia taxpayers $200,000. We've had a minister resign over this. We have Nova Scotians questioning why government is giving money under such suspicious circumstances. We have a legal opinion saying . . .

[Page 473]

MR. SPEAKER: Question.

MR. MICHEL SAMSON: . . . government should have given that information. So my question to the Premier is, if your government truly has nothing to hide in regard to the loans to S&J Potato Farms and Magic Valley, will you stand in your place today and tell us that you will disclose all the documents surrounding that information, unedited?

THE PREMIER: Mr. Speaker, I refer that to the Minister of Economic Development.

HON. KERRY MORASH: Mr. Speaker, as the member opposite knows, there has been a lot of discussion with regard to documentation. We have gone through the freedom of information and we have gone through legal advice within the department, and we've made available all that information which we've been advised to make available.

MR. SPEAKER: The honourable member for Sackville-Cobequid.

EDUC. - MED. RESIDENCY: EDUC. PROG. - RECOGNIZE

MR. DAVID WILSON (Sackville-Cobequid): Mr. Speaker, my question is for the Premier today. Earlier today I was pleased to join some representatives of the Dalhousie Medical Students Society and the Professional Association of Residents in the Maritime Provinces - some of them are in the gallery today - to announce a proposal we believe will help retain more doctors in Nova Scotia. The proposal is to have the provincial government recognize medical residency as an educational program for the purpose of student loan repayment. It seems like a fairly simple but important idea. This move would let residents begin their loan repayment when they have finished their medical training, rather than forcing them into repayment after only completing their academic portion of their studies. So I ask the Premier, why has your government refused their request to make these changes brought forward by these young members of the medical community?

THE PREMIER: Mr. Speaker, indeed, we hope that as many of our medical students stay here in our province as possible. They can play a tremendous role in the future of our province. I know that this is an issue that has been brought forward to the national level by our Minister of Education. Certainly, he is pushing for that very thing.

MR. DAVID WILSON (Sackville-Cobequid): Mr. Speaker, I know they have requested from the government to just have a meeting, just to talk about this issue. We all know there's a doctor shortage in Nova Scotia. Over the next 10 years more than 700 doctors are expected to retire and we just don't have the capacity to meet that demand right now. In fact, in some areas the province has resorted to a doctor lottery to match

[Page 474]

patients up with physicians. It is not a large cost to government to make these changes, but it has a major impact on the residents and their families. It may well be the difference in a decision to stay and practice in Nova Scotia, something we need desperately here in Nova Scotia.

So I ask the Premier, when will your government recognize that penalizing medical residents is not an effective recruitment strategy?

THE PREMIER: Mr. Speaker, as I said, the Minister of Education has been pushing this on the national agenda and he will continue to do so. We value what our medical students are doing here in our province and we want to ensure that they have every opportunity to take part in our programs and to stay here in our province.

MR. DAVID WILSON (Sackville-Cobequid): Mr. Speaker, we're talking about the Nova Scotia portion of the student loan, not the Canadian student loan by the federal government. Let's be clear about the figures involved here. The average amount of loan held by a medical graduate is likely more than $125,000 with some ranging as high as $200,000. In most parts of Nova Scotia that money would purchase a large home. These residents and students aren't asking to have the government reduce their loans, they're simply asking for a more reasonable approach when repayment begins.

So my final question to the Premier is, what will it take for your government to make this commonsense low-cost move to help retain more young doctors to the Province of Nova Scotia?

THE PREMIER: I refer that to the Acting Minister.

HON. ANGUS MACISAAC: Mr. Speaker, the honourable member should know that the Minister of Education, in dealing with this issue, is not refusing this request. It is a bigger picture and it entails the debts that these students owe to the Government of Canada and if a national approach is taken and we can put that repayment off, then they are even better for that as well. There are other health care professionals who were involved and could benefit from this program. So it is under very active consideration and if we achieve success at the national level, it will work even more to their advantage.

MR. SPEAKER: The honourable member for Halifax Needham.

HEALTH PROM.: COMMONWEALTH GAMES -

COST- BENEFIT ANALYSIS

MS. MAUREEN MACDONALD: Mr. Speaker, my question through you is for the Minister of Health Promotion and Protection. Last December, Nova Scotians were really quite pleased when Halifax was chosen over Hamilton, Ottawa and York to

[Page 475]

represent Canada in the Commonwealth Games bid process. When these substantial proposals are made, the host city must convince the Commonwealth Games Committee of the substance of the bid. I think citizens as well are wanting to know the benefits and how the benefits of these games will offset or mitigate the costs. The Department of Finance is currently undertaking a cost- benefit analysis on the games. However, this government has provided very little, if any, information to the public.

So I want to ask the minister, Mr. Speaker, when will the results of the government's cost-benefit analysis on the Commonwealth Games bid be made available to members of this Legislature and to the public?

HON. BARRY BARNET: Mr. Speaker, the honourable member opposite would know that we are in a competitive environment competing with Abuja in Nigeria and Glasgow in Scotland. One of the things that we don't want to do is to provide our competition with information that would hurt Nova Scotia's opportunity to be successful in that bid process and until such time that we are able to ensure that all the information that we provide doesn't place us in a negative competitive environment, we will continue to work with the same arrangement that we have right now.

MS. MAUREEN MACDONALD: Well, Mr. Speaker, citizens are told that this could be substantially beneficial if there's a successful bid, including income from spectators, jobs across a range of sectors, and tourism income. Longer term benefits from the games could include new sports facilities, affordable housing, and improved transportation in metro, not to mention a certain cachet for our region and our province if we were to be successful. We still have so little information, so I think it's fair to ask the minister, what percentage of the Halifax 2014 Commonwealth Games budget has his government decided to contribute to the bid committee?

MR. BARNET: Again, Mr. Speaker, at this stage we don't want to put ourselves in a situation where we provide opportunities for those who are competing against us to host those games with information that may weaken our position. We believe we have a strong bid, we believe Nova Scotia will be an excellent place to host the 2014 Commonwealth Games, and we also believe the benefits of hosting those games, like affordable housing opportunities that may come as a result of those and recreation facilities, will be immense for Nova Scotia. In addition to that, we also believe that the fact these games will help Nova Scotia position itself to move towards the healthiest population in this country is a benefit that will be long-lasting and will affect our citizens well.

[3:45 p.m.]

MS. MAUREEN MACDONALD: Mr. Speaker, given this government's track record and secrecy in providing information and documents, I think we have very good

[Page 476]

reason to be concerned that the minister won't even provide a general percentage of the degree of support that the Commonwealth Games Bid Committee have from our provincial government. We all know there could be very many substantial benefits, and we all know a cost-benefit analysis is necessary and that one is underway. Part of what I'm tabling today is the business case that's on the Web site for the games. The games apparently will cost no more than 1 per cent of the provincial budget and 3 per cent of HRM budget per annum. There are nine years between now and 2014. So that's an investment of roughly $600 million at today's prices for the Province of Nova Scotia.

Mr. Speaker, my final question to the minister is, has the Province of Nova Scotia and this Tory Government agreed to give 1 per cent of its annual budget every year for nine years to the Commonwealth Games bid?

MR. BARNET: Mr. Speaker, I'm afraid the direction of the questions are actually leading to support Abuja, and Glasgow, Scotland, because if we were to answer those questions, I'm certain that they would then be able to take that information and use that against us.

What I will say to the member opposite, we have had discussions with the municipality, we continue to discuss with the federal government. The member opposite may not be aware of this, but the federal government is in the process of reviewing their hosting policy for facilities and events like this. We've had very positive discussions; in fact, I met with Minister Chong personally, and he is excited about this opportunity that is before Nova Scotia, and he has indicated to me and to all ministers responsible for health promotion in the country that this is one of their top priorities to ensure Nova Scotia wins this bid and that we see the benefits of hosting these games not only for the infrastructure it leaves behind, but also for the health and prosperity of our province.

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

EDUC: STUDENT DEPARTURE - PENALIZE

MS. DIANA WHALEN: Mr. Speaker, my question is for the Premier. Recently, at the Economic Development Committee, the member for Pictou Centre, who is also the former Premier, said some startling things in the discussion on skill shortages. The comments were widely reported on, but I will quote directly from Hansard. The former Premier said, ". . . maybe we should look more aggressively at saying, look, if you stay in Nova Scotia, that's great, but if you don't stay in Nova Scotia, maybe there's an indebtedness that you take on, by taking the training that was paid for, partly by the Nova Scotia taxpayer, and taking it to another jurisdiction."

[Page 477]

Mr. Speaker, I find it incredible that a member of the Legislature, let alone a former Premier, would suggest such a draconian approach to the issue of young people leaving Nova Scotia. My question for the Premier is, Mr. Premier do you agree with your former Leader that we should penalize students who leave Nova Scotia to find work?

THE PREMIER: Mr. Speaker, there are many measures in the budget dealing with students, dealing with making our province more competitive and making sure that our students, once they've completed post-secondary education, have every opportunity to stay at home, whether it's the graduate tax, whether it's our investments in students loans, whether it's lowering our taxes, whether it's investing in our highways or our infrastructure. All of the measures that we have taken are planning for the future, planning for the next 5, 10, 15 years.

MS. WHALEN: Mr. Speaker, our students are already paying dearly for being here in Nova Scotia where we have the highest tuition rates in the country for undergraduate education, a full $2,000 higher than the average in Canada. For anyone to even suggest that we should add another cost to the burden of students, one in the form of an exit tax or penalty is ridiculous. They need to pursue opportunities where they can find them. My question to the Premier is, what are your plans to ensure more jobs in Nova Scotia to support our post-secondary graduates?

THE PREMIER: Mr. Speaker, we just put forward a Throne Speech and a budget. In it we outline such initiatives as the graduate tax, we released such initiatives as additional repayment employment bonuses through the student loan program We released sustainable opportunities for economic development- our Economic Growth Strategy. We released a number of documents and pieces in the budget which support our students, which support the future of our province. I'll be more than happy to get the member another copy of the Throne Speech and the budget because it's all outlined there.

MS. WHALEN: Mr. Speaker, what we'd like to see is whether or not that budget ever becomes a reality because it's not heading there now. I must say that the promises for students within the budget and the Throne Speech are grossly inadequate. The musings of the former Premier clearly show a lack of respect for students and a lack of understanding about the pressures that forced them to move away from Nova Scotia. I'd like to table an article that was in The Chronicle Herald, an article by Jim Meek in which he says, "If there were a government ministry of silly ideas . . . this former premier's proposal could easily emanate from that source." Mr. Speaker, my question for the Premier is, will you tell this House clearly whether or not you agree with the former Premier that we should further penalize young people if they chose to leave Nova Scotia to make use of their education and payback their debt?

THE PREMIER: Mr. Speaker, this government does not penalize their students. I'll say this much, I am proud to stand in this House today and I was proud to stand in it

[Page 478]

before as a member of the former Premier's - the member for Pictou Centre's - Cabinet. He's a fine gentleman, he has done service to Nova Scotia beyond, he has introduced balanced budgets in this province, we have record employment levels in this province and I would stand up any day for the member for Pictou Centre. Mr. Speaker, he's a gentleman by every stretch.

MR. SPEAKER: The honourable member for Hants East.

NAT. RES.: BIOMASS - REGULATIONS

MR. JOHN MACDONELL: Mr. Speaker, my question through you is for the Minister of Natural Resources. With the rising cost of fuel and increasing energy demand, biomass has been identified as a possible fuel source for energy production. There are currently a number of proposals on the minister's desk for development of biomass energy production facilities that will utilize what has been dubbed forestry waste to produce energy. My question for the minister, what regulations are you planning to introduce to prevent the harvesting of trees and slash for biomass energy production?

HON. BROOKE TAYLOR: Mr. Speaker, I'd like to inform the member that the department is assessing some of the proposals that have been submitted and will continue to do so. I expect in the fullness of time to have an answer relative to that very important issue.

MR. MACDONELL: In Nova Scotia, 70 per cent of current forest waste is already used for heat production. To increase this amount would be to use log and slash and coarse, wooded debris, both of which are essential to preserving forest soil health and wildlife habitat. Increased use of biomass would also threaten our forest hardwood stands, a part of our heritage that has already been severely reduced in quality and quantity. So my second question to the minister is, will your regulations ensure biomass is limited to mill waste so that essential forest debris and hardwood stands are protected?

MR. TAYLOR: Mr. Speaker, again, I would inform the honourable member knows on that side of the House that when the regulations are being developed, we would give that type of concern every consideration.

MR. MACDONELL: Mr. Speaker, in the 1980s, a Canadian Forest Service program looked at the potential of biomass in Nova Scotia. It concluded that our soil is too nutrient-poor to sustain a major biomass program and that further research should be undertaken before any decisions are made. No further research has been undertaken since then of course, so we are no clearer about the risk that a major biomass program presents to our hardwood forests. So my final question to the minister is, how are you going to ensure that a biomass program does not ruin what is left of our Acadian Forests?

[Page 479]

MR. TAYLOR: Mr. Speaker, I would like to assure the honourable member that I am very confident in the staff at the Department of Natural Resources and others that when in fact we come in with some regulations relative to that important matter, they will suffice the needs and interests of all Nova Scotians.

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

COM. SERV.: AFFORDABLE HOUSING AGREE. - NEW UNITS

MR. GORDON GOSSE: Mr. Speaker, my question is for the Minister of Community Services. In 2002, this government signed an Affordable Housing Agreement with the federal government. The original intent was to create 1,500 units of affordable housing through the construction and repair programs, then that number was changed to as many as 850, midstream. Phase I of the agreement is supposed to be complete. So my question to the Minister of Community Services is, how many new units of affordable housing exist today, where I could actually walk up and ring the doorbell on a finished dwelling?

HON. DAVID MORSE: Mr. Speaker, the member opposite, I know, will be very pleased to know that we've made all of our commitments two years ahead of the extended deadline that was given to the federal government. All $37.26 million is committed and it should yield 928 units.

MR. GOSSE: "Shoulda woulda coulda" on that minister, Mr. Speaker. I obtained from the minister's department a tally of all the units presently completed, as of January 2006. There were 139 new rental and home ownership units across the province, and another 74 are under construction as we speak, but the vast majority of new housing projects have yet to break ground, nearly five years after the agreement was signed. I ask the Minister of Community Services, why is his department's track record so pathetic when it comes to creating desperately needed affordable housing for Nova Scotia?

MR. MORSE: Mr. Speaker, I'm very proud of the way the department has conducted themselves in implementing the Affordable Housing Agreement. They went out, they did their homework, they came out and they identified good projects, and moved forward. We're two years ahead of schedule. I think the department has done a commendable job.

MR. GOSSE: Mr. Speaker, commendable job. Very good words by that minister. I might add that Cape Breton has a grand total of zero new rental or home ownership units built or planned.

AN HON. MEMBER: How many?

[Page 480]

SOME HON. MEMBERS: Zero, zero.

MR. GOSSE: Zero. Even being generous and counting every project that has been announced and every individual repair grant, the grand total of new or repaired is 619. So I'll ask the Minister of Community Services, why couldn't this department even meet its own lowered expectations of 850 affordable housing units, given the need in this province?

MR. MORSE: Mr. Speaker, the member opposite asks so many questions when he gets up, it's hard to choose between them. One thing he suggested is that there were no commitments for new rental units in Cape Breton, and it seem to me that I know of one commitment that was intended in your constituency, in Cape Breton, sir. (Interruptions)

MR. SPEAKER: Order, please. Order.

[4:00 p.m.]

The honourable member for Digby-Annapolis.

FISH & AQUACULTURE: OFFICE - DOWNGRADING

MR. THERIAULT: Mr. Speaker, my question is for the Premier. It is with great sadness and dismay that I speak here today. The fact that I'm here to speak on the downgrading of the Minister of Fisheries to an office is hard to believe. This government is now proving to all that they care very little for rural Nova Scotia. The men and women who rely on this industry have been beaten down and continuously misled by government, and now they have to face the reality that this vital part of Nova Scotia is being downgraded even further, leaving them with less hope for a better future. My question to the Premier is, what exactly are the plans for this newly-minted Office of Fisheries? (Interruptions)

THE PREMIER: I won't take the bait, Mr. Speaker. I can appreciate that the member has a very real interest in fisheries here in our province, and I know he has spoken in this Legislature many times on the topic. I can assure you and, through you, all members, that the Minister responsible for Nova Scotia Fisheries and Aquaculture is putting a great deal of time and effort into the new portfolio. For instance, as outlined in the budget, there's a new aquaculture strategy moving forward, which should mean very good news for our province.

MR. THERIAULT: Mr. Speaker, the fishing industry is part of our heritage, it is one industry people think of when they hear Nova Scotia. People along the coast of our province have depended on this industry for hundreds of years, supplying seafood to

[Page 481]

numerous countries around the world, including our own. The trade revenues this industry used to create was unbelievable. We are currently in a downturn for this industry, and it is still one of our biggest economic generators of this province. If this government would listen to the people who run this industry, we could turn this around and make it one of the biggest in the world. My question to the Premier is, why would this government ever think about downgrading this department? Are you giving up on our greatest resource and the potential it has for the future?

THE PREMIER: Mr. Speaker, in fact the opposite is true. We have given it more profile by separating the Department of Agriculture, and Nova Scotia Fisheries. This gives additional opportunity for the minister to focus on the specific issues which are of importance to the fishery here in our province, which is a tremendous contributor to our local fishing communities. It is also a very big contributor to our economy as a whole. In no way should this be seen as anything but an increased focus on fisheries here in our province.

MR. THERIAULT: Mr. Speaker, it's a fact that we have a great fishing industry in Nova Scotia, but we've had little or no support from this government. Just two days ago this government voted against working to rebuild it. We have the ability to once again revive this part of our heritage to make it the great business it used to be, if this closed-minded government would just listen to some common sense from the industry. My question to the minister is, will you commit to ensuring that the fishing industry has a future in Nova Scotia and realize that this industry can be rebuilt and made better than it was before?

HON. RONALD CHISHOLM: Mr. Speaker, like the member opposite says, it is one of the major industries that we have in the province. The fishing industry, as an export industry, is worth $1.4 billion to this province. (Applause) We support that, we support the fishermen, we support the fish processing sector in the province, and we'll continue to do so.

MR. SPEAKER: The honourable member for Dartmouth East.

TCH: ARTS COUNCIL - REINSTATEMENT

MS. JOAN MASSEY: Mr. Speaker, today's press release from the minister's office highlights what is wrong with the Arts and Culture Partnership Council. Simply stated, they are too closely associated with this government. Instead of acting as an advocate for arts and culture, they are simply acting as cheerleaders for this minister.

Mr. Speaker, when will this minister get rid of her personal cheerleading section and re-establish the arm's-length Arts Council?

[Page 482]

HON. JUDY STREATCH: Mr. Speaker, I thank my honourable colleague for the question. Never let it be said that I can't blow my own horn, I don't need a cheerleading section by any stretch. I am extremely proud of the work that the Arts and Culture Council has done. They are a phenomenal group of men and women. They are highly qualified and I know that the chairman and all members of that council work diligently on behalf of all Nova Scotians.

MS. MASSEY: Mr. Speaker, the Arts and Culture Council was legislated to advise the government, through the minister, on matters of arts policy. It quickly became very obvious this was not happening. The former Culture Minister, now the Premier, ignored this Arts Council and replaced it with a body partly comprised of government bureaucrats. My question for the minister is, how can the Arts and Culture Partnership Council be considered non-political when two of its members work for the minister?

MS. STREATCH: Mr. Speaker, I thank my honourable colleague for the question. I know my honourable colleague is not questioning the integrity of anyone on that council. I would never question the integrity, I have complete faith in them, and I know that they are working hard for all Nova Scotians.

MS. MASSEY: Mr. Speaker, the two major issues that I had brought to my attention earlier this year by members of the arts community were, number one, the need for more funds to be invested to increase our position from ninth overall in per capita funding in the arts; number two, bring back the arm's-length Arts Council. So the question is, when will this minister stop listening to her cheerleaders and start listening to the arts community? I heard them - why can't you?

MS. STREATCH: Mr. Speaker, number one, this government has invested 12.6 per cent more in monies to the culture community in Nova Scotia this year - $858,000 will go to all of those, to Symphony Nova Scotia, to DRUM, to all of the worthwhile cultural activities that we have in this province, and that's welcomed by all members of the arts community in Nova Scotia. I will also let my honourable colleague know that we are the envy of every province in this country for our partnership council.

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

TPW: RURAL ROADS - CONDITIONS

MR. GERALD SAMPSON: Mr. Speaker, my question is for the Minister of Transportation and Public Works. The condition of rural roads in Nova Scotia is atrocious and they're getting worse. From the eastern point of Cape Breton to the western tip of the province and all roads in between, the rural infrastructure is falling apart and people are literally breaking their cars into pieces. Within the last three days there have been four separate petitions tabled in this House by rural residents wanting

[Page 483]

areas of the province improved. I mentioned the eastern tip, I'm going to table five pictures here of the road that's leading into Meat Cove to show the brutality of the roads and the neglect.

Mr. Speaker, my question to the Minister of Transportation and Public Works is, what does he plan to do in order to repair the terrible condition of rural roads in Nova Scotia?

HON. ANGUS MACISAAC: Mr. Speaker, since we became government in 1999 we have tripled (Interruptions)

That, Mr. Speaker, combined with the commitment made in the Financial Measures (2006) Act tabled today, will ensure that that level of funding which we have exceeded this year, but that minimum level of funding will continue into the future. That's what this government is prepared to do for rural roads. (Applause)

MR. GERALD SAMPSON: Mr. Speaker, I haven't been here since 1999, but I've been here since 2003 and I've been hearing the same rhetoric from day one.

Let me refresh somebody's memory. Yesterday, a tender call, 7.6 kilometres, Tory member for Colchester-North (Applause) Isn't that wonderful? I'm going to table these documents. Today again, 2.9 kilometres, the Tory Minister of Service Nova Scotia and Municipal Relations. (Applause). Again, today, 8.2 kilometres, the Tory Minister of Tourism - another round. (Applause). I will table those documents because I refer (Interruption) Well, the question is, so much for the campaign of fairness. And why do the people - I just tendered the pictures from Meat Cove. Mr. Speaker, I want to inform the Premier that Meat Cove is in the riding of Inverness and they have to come to me to try to get their roads fixed. What does the minister intend to do with the roads in Nova Scotia?

MR. MACISAAC: Mr. Speaker, they don't really want to hear my answer. That's why they're making so much noise. (Interruptions)

MR. SPEAKER: Order. Order.

MR. MACISAAC: Mr. Speaker, last year we reached the level of funding for capital expenditures on roads in this province for the first time since 2002 when it started to decline and hit rock bottom when that group there was the government of this province. I can tell this House and I can tell all honourable members of this House that because we have achieved the level of funding that we have, every rural riding in this province will have blacktop to restore roads in this province. (Applause)

[Page 484]

MR. GERALD SAMPSON: Mr. Speaker, I might remind the honourable minister that the former Minister of Transportation and Public Works informed this House that they were $3.4 billion in debt and looking forward to going to $4.4 billion in debt by 2011. The $34 million that was put into this year's budget sounds like a lot of money, but at $1 million a kilometre to pave, that's 34 kilometres for the Province of Nova Scotia. Try to stretch that into the Liberal ridings.

What I want to do, money was saved on the plowing of roads this year because of the mild Winter we had, there were multiple millions of dollars saved . . .

MR. SPEAKER: Order.

MR. GERALD SAMPSON: And what did the government do with the money that was saved on plowing? They're replacing guardrail that doesn't need to be replaced and they're buying $100,000 scales in order to weigh the salt every time they go out. They already know they're going to nickle and dime and save a pound of salt here and a pound of salt there instead of putting it into asphalt. My question to the minister is, when will you tell the House of Assembly that your government will commit to improving all the roads in all the rural areas across Nova Scotia? As you just promised, blacktop for all of us, I'll be back to hold you to that. What's your answer?

MR. MACISAAC: Mr. Speaker, the honourable member, perhaps, misunderstood me when he quoted the figure of $1 million a kilometre. I said blacktop, not gold. Mr. Speaker, I stand by the commitment I have made with respect to every rural riding in this province receiving blacktop. That is money that will be spent on roads that the honourable member is concerned about and I can tell the honourable member that I consider Victoria-The Lakes to be part of the rural ridings of this province.

[4:15 p.m.]

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

ENVIRON. & LBR. - NSAHO PENSION SURPLUS

MR. FRANK CORBETT: Mr. Speaker, my question is for the minister responsible for the Pension Benefits Act. It has come to our attention from four employee representative unions; the government employee's union, the Nurses' Union, CAW and CUPE, who recently discovered serious problems with the employers' funding of the Nova Scotia Association of Health Organizations pension fund. These unions say that the NSAHO's own members show that since 1998 healthcare employers across this province have used tens of millions of dollars of employees' pension surplus to make their own contributions to the plan. Using the contribution holidays the employers spent over $25 million out of the plan surplus between 1998 and 2000. The CEO, Calvin Jordan,

[Page 485]

confirmed on April 26th, 2006, that in the past 10 years some $40 to $50 million of this plan's surplus has been allocated this way. My question to that minister is, what are you doing to investigate this?

HON. CAROLYN BOLIVAR-GETSON: Mr. Speaker, I'd like to thank the honourable member opposite for the question. I am not aware of the situation, I will have staff look into this and definitely have an answer back to that member.

MR. CORBETT: Well, Mr. Speaker, this is an issue that's affecting lives of pensioners that have worked and worked hard for this province for years and years and yet you see NSAHO taking that money out of there. The reality is that in the past few years the problem has only worsened, it hasn't gotten better. Since 2004 the employer has continued to make partial contribution holidays removing between $9 million and $10 million ever since per year. This money that should have been spent on much-needed improvements to those benefit packages have been flittered away. I want to ask the minister once again, why has she and this government allowed this situation to get to the point without stepping in and protecting pensioners in our province?

MS. BOLIVAR-GETSON: Mr. Speaker, again as I said earlier, I was not aware of the situation. I definitely will report back to this House during the next Question Period if that member would like to ask or I will definitely make sure that the member is aware of the answer to that.

MR. CORBETT: Mr. Speaker, she's a minister and to tell me that she wasn't aware of $40 million to $50 million that has been forgotten in this province while pensioners suffer while they can't get decent and improved benefits, that's not much of an answer. Call again, call again. Mr. Speaker, this situation has been allowed to occur and the current structure of the plan has only four representatives from the trade unions for a total of 20. I'll go a little slower because the senior members are giving her some advice. There are also loopholes allowing surpluses to be used for contribution holidays by the employer. This practice is being undertaken at the expense, as I said, of the members of this plan. Pensioners have worked darn hard for this province so I want to ask this minister, remember Bill No. 68 when you think of healthcare workers, what concrete steps will you take to address this very serious problem because we have pensioners in this province going without - what are you going to do?

MS. BOLIVAR-GETSON: Mr. Speaker, we do have a responsibility to make sure that pensions are funded and that they are administered in this province. I had mentioned I was not aware of the situation, I will be back to that member with . . .

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

[Page 486]

GOVERNMENT BUSINESS

MR. SPEAKER: The honourable Government House Leader.

HON. RONALD RUSSELL: Mr. Speaker, would you please call the order of business, Government Motions.

GOVERNMENT MOTIONS

MR. SPEAKER: The honourable Government House Leader.

HON. RONALD RUSSELL: Mr. Speaker, would you please call Resolution No. 1.

Res. 1, Estimates: CWH on Supply - Referred - notice given May 5/06 - (Hon. M. Baker)

MR. SPEAKER: The honourable member for Halifax Fairview.

MR. GRAHAM STEELE: Mr. Speaker, budget day, I had intended to stand up for only 10 or 15 minutes, and I'm told I was actually up for half an hour, so I believe that I have 30 minutes left. I would like to go further with the theme of my remarks from the other day, which was the distance between the promises this government makes and the reality of what they actually deliver. We know that the distance between the promises and reality, the distance between this budget and having it passed includes an election.

Mr. Speaker, I heard a commentator on the radio the other day point out the very great irony in which we are in in this Legislature now, for what might be the first time ever in Nova Scotia history. We have a government that has tabled a budget which it has no intention of passing, and an Opposition which is asking the government to stay in the House to pass their budget. That's the position we're in. It's going to be very difficult, I think, for the government, for the Progressive Conservatives, to bridge that gap between the promise and reality. Because if they really meant to do all these things, all these grand things that they've been promising in the budget and over the last days and weeks, well, by golly, they would stay in this House and they would pass this budget. Then they could run an election on what they had accomplished instead of what they were merely promising.

On Tuesday I referred to the distance between the promise and the reality on children's Pharmacare, on the basic personal exemptions in income tax, on post-secondary tuition, on long-term care beds. Members will be pleased that I'm not going to repeat myself today, but I'm going to pursue the same theme on the economy, including employment, business taxes, roads, child care and municipalities.

[Page 487]

So let me begin, Mr. Speaker, by talking about the economy and employment. This government likes to take credit for the state of the Nova Scotia economy, but the reality this year, as it is every year, is in the budget documents. The two most significant factors affecting the future of the Nova Scotia economy are the state of the U.S. economy and the state of the Canadian economy. Those two factors absolutely swamp any other consideration, in terms of where our economy is going. Despite the government thumping its chest over its activity, the fact is that it is the U.S. and Canadian economies that determine how we are going to do, that determine how this government is going to do.

For example, Mr. Speaker, when we were briefed by the folks from Stora, we learned that the single biggest factor in the financial situation that they're facing, the biggest single adverse impact on their bottom line comes from the exchange rate, because they, like so many large Nova Scotia manufacturers, are very much export-oriented. Stora's problem, the financial difficulties, the lockout would be solved tomorrow if the exchange rate dropped from 90 cents to 80 cents. Stora would be immensely profitable if the exchange rate dropped from 90 cents to 75 cents.

It is unfortunate that the exchange rate is headed in the other direction, and there is nothing, not one thing, that this government can do about that. That is something that they don't acknowledge. Maybe it's part of politics, I don't know, where people take credit for things they have no business taking credit for and avoid taking blame for things for which they really ought to take some responsibility.

Mr. Speaker, as I like to do at this time every year, I'm going to now lead a pop quiz on employment in Nova Scotia, because one of the sorriest spectacles of this government is that every month the unemployment rate goes down, they issue a news release taking credit, and every month that the unemployment rate goes up, they don't say anything at all. Now, what I would like to do is ask the members on that side of the House if they really know how employment is going in their part of the province.

Let's look now, for example, Mr. Speaker, at the Annapolis Valley. Since the budget was delivered last year, for those members on that side of the House from the Annapolis Valley, has employment in your region gone up or has it gone down? Not seeing any answers, it appears that they don't know. The answer, of course, it has gone up, but I don't expect to see that on any of the campaign literature, for example of the member for Kings North. Since budget time last year, unemployment in that part of the province has gone up.

Now, Mr. Speaker, in Cape Breton has unemployment gone up or down since budget time last year? Anybody? Oh, I'm sorry, they don't have any members from Cape Breton, not from industrial Cape Breton at any rate. As a matter of fact, it has gone down, good for them, but it is now down to 15 per cent which really by any measure is

[Page 488]

awful. It's really a disgrace to us here in this House that we tolerate a region of our province having an unemployment rate that high - 15 per cent.

Mr. Speaker, I'm again going to refer to what I in previous years have called the dirty little secret of Cape Breton unemployment and that is the participation rate. The participation rate is the measure of what percentage of the adult population in Cape Breton is either working or looking for work. In other words, to look at it the other way, how many people in Cape Breton have given up even looking for work? The participation rate in Cape Breton continues to be abysmal - among the lowest in the entire country at 51.9 per cent. What that means is that approximately half of the adult population on Cape Breton Island have given up even looking for work and so the real unemployment rate is very much higher than the 15 per cent that I referred to earlier.

On the North Shore, Mr. [Deputy] Speaker, your own home territory, I wonder if you know whether unemployment has gone up or down since the last budget, and there I have my first correct answer of the day. It has gone down and good for you, member. If we had more members like you, I'm sure we would see even better results.

What about the southern region? Does anybody know? That would include the territory of the member for Queens. I wonder if the member for Queens knows whether unemployment in his area has gone up or down since the last budget. The correct answer, of course, is it has gone up. I doubt very much though that he's going to print that on his campaign literature.

Mr. Speaker, this government likes to brag about the state of employment in Nova Scotia, but there are a few simple facts that they never like to mention and that is that employment across Canada is at 30-year record levels. The rate of growth of Nova Scotian employment actually lags the country. They like to say, well, there are more people working than ever before, and that's true because of that factor that I referred to earlier. It's not because of anything that these folks have done over on that side of the House, it's because the Canadian economy is going well. It's right there in the budget documents in black and white, like it is every year.

The single biggest factor on how many of us are working, how much tax we're paying, is the state of the Canadian and American economies and it so happens that at the moment the Canadian economy is doing rather well. But one of the dark clouds on the horizon is the rising exchange rate which is very much going to hurt the export-oriented industries of Nova Scotia like Stora, like Michelin, like our fish harvesters and fish processors, because Nova Scotia is a very outward-looking province. Its economy is open to the world and there is not one thing that they can do about Canada's exchange rate, nor is there anything that we can do, and yet that absolutely dwarfs any other efforts that the government can make on the economy.

[Page 489]

Let's talk then about the distance between the promise and the reality on business taxes. I had the opportunity just yesterday to look at an analysis of the budget done by a business analyst here in town. His analysis was quite different from what you would get from the government, if you believe the government. He called the cuts in personal income tax as "minor".

[4:30 p.m.]

They are minor, Mr. Speaker, because the government would like people to believe that there's a significant income tax cut, but of course it's not true, it's pennies on the paycheck, and not this year, it's not even going to kick in until next year. People will notice, literally, pennies on their paycheck as a result of these so-called income tax cuts.

The analyst went on to point out that almost all of the cuts to business taxes had been previously announced. They were measures that were included in last year's budget, and all that the government did this year was re-announce - that's the word the analyst used, re-announce - the measures that were in last year's budget. In fact, something that I didn't hear anybody on the government side refer to is that there is one business tax that is actually going up, and that's the Large Corporations Capital Tax.

The government wants to draw attention to the fact that they're lowering the rate by a tiny amount, but what they didn't state and wasn't addressed in any of the budget documents was that this tax, which was scheduled to be phased out in 2009, has been extended to 2012. Although these large corporations are going to be paying slightly less each year, they have to pay the total amount for three more years, which means that the total they are going to be paying extra far exceeds any amount that they are going to save.

So this business analyst was quite indifferent to this taxing, it's really not anything much one way or the other, it's, again, the promise being so much greater than the reality.

Then we turn to this issue of roads, this vexed issue of roads. Mr. Speaker, in case I ever forget, I always know I am in Nova Scotia when I hear the Minister of Transportation and Public Works stand up days before an election saying every rural constituency in Nova Scotia will see new blacktop. It has to be Nova Scotia when a minister stands up and says something like that. Yet, in my own riding, he won't even promise to fix the most dangerous intersection in all of western HRM. He sends me vague non-committal letters saying, well, maybe we will, maybe we won't, we're studying it, depends on other priorities.

I would have thought before the minister promises to pave his government's way to re-election that they might commit to fixing the most dangerous intersection in all of western HRM. Who is it that says that it's the most dangerous intersection of all of HRM

[Page 490]

- it is the Department of Transportation and Public Works staff. They said it, I didn't say it, I'm simply repeating what they've said to me, and yet the minister can't see his way to finding a few dollars to fix that.

Then there's the question, Mr. Speaker, which was raised in a Public Accounts Committee meeting a couple of months ago, in that the promise that they make doesn't even match reality, because their promises of spending all the motive fuel money and registry of motor vehicle net revenue on roads simply isn't true when you look at the numbers. What they're doing, among other things, is mixing apples and oranges. They're mixing operating spending and capital spending, which, in accounting terms, should never get added together.

The other thing they're doing, of course, is that they're putting in a lot of what you might call administrative money, so that when they flick on the light switch in the headquarters here in downtown Halifax, that counts as spending on roads. So, they take every possible thing they can think of, including administrative costs, right here in the downtown centre of Halifax, and then they say, look at all the money they're spending on roads, but that includes the light bill for a downtown Halifax office building.

If you go to the people in the rural areas where the pothole is in their road, and they say, is that good enough, in your view does that count as spending on roads? I'm pretty sure that I know what the answer would be.(Interruption)

The Government House Leader says it's NDP accounting, that's not my accounting, that's the way this government, the Progressive Conservatives are doing it, that's the way they're doing it now.

Again, Mr. Speaker, the promise being so very, very far short of the reality.

HON. RONALD RUSSELL: Mr. Speaker, on a point of order. The honourable member was commenting on the fact that we use the lights in the Department of Transportation and Public Works to do our work. At least we don't work in the dark, and I was wondering if he could concede that is correct.

MR. SPEAKER: That is not a point of order.

The honourable member for Halifax Fairview.

MR. STEELE: Mr. Speaker, whenever I hear point of order in this House, I know it's not likely to be a point of order. What I will concede is that the government grossly exaggerates the amount it spends on roads and continues to grossly exaggerate the amount that it spends on roads, for electoral purposes.

[Page 491]

Mr. Speaker, let me turn then to the distance between the promise and reality on municipalities. I was very hopeful when I opened the Budget Book and there is a whole page headed Investing in Municipalities, and thought, great, at least municipalities got one page out the 28-page budget document. The problem is, it's only the first paragraph that is actually about municipalities. The rest of the page is about other things. Again, this illustrates better than anything else the problem that we have here. Big headline - Investing in Municipalities - then you find out that three-quarters or more of the page is about something else, that what they're actually doing for municipalities is really very small.

You don't need to believe me, I would like to quote a great friend of the government, the Mayor of Halifax, Peter Kelly, whose response - I believe that he was even thinking at one time of running for the Conservative Party Leadership so we know that he's a friend of the government. What was Peter Kelly's response to the budget? What did he say? Two words, "dog's breakfast." Did you read that in the paper? I did. Peter Kelly said it was a dog's breakfast, and do you know why he called it a dog's breakfast?

HON. RICHARD HURLBURT: Mr. Speaker, on a point of order. For the information of the floor, the Union of Nova Scotia Municipalities are meeting as we speak, in Digby, and they unanimously support the budget of this government that was tabled.

MR. SPEAKER: Minister, again, that's not a point of order, but taken under consideration.

MR. STEELE: Mr. Speaker, let me explain why Peter Kelly called the budget a dog's breakfast. He said it was a mishmash. There were some things that were giving small amounts to municipalities, other things that were taking away. He had to set his staff to work to figure out whether, at the end of the day, the Halifax Regional Municipality was ahead or behind. I suspect that all of the other municipalities in Nova Scotia have to do the same thing. There were some big promises from that minister just before the budget that there would be stuff in here that they would like, and yet the mayor of the largest municipality of Nova Scotia, after seeing the document, called it a dog's breakfast.

Now, the UNSM, as we all know, has issued a discussion paper on what they call fair and equitable funding. They believe that the province should share more of its revenues with the municipalities, in order to permit the municipalities to discharge their functions at a reasonably comparable level of taxation, and there is not one word in this budget addressing that. There is no money allocated to address that.

[Page 492]

Let me give you another example, the mandatory education levy, the percentage has been reduced, which the government shouts from the rooftops, but what they don't say is that because of skyrocketing property assessments in Nova Scotia, that actually means the province is still taking in more money from the municipalities. As we all know, this mandatory levy is very much a sore point with municipalities. So the government shouts, look, we're reducing the rates, but with the other hand they take in more revenue because of skyrocketing assessments. That is typical of this government and this budget.

On child care. Now that the federal government has thoroughly messed up the child-care system in Canada, this government rides in with a plan. They say they have a plan on child care, but it's a 10-year plan, and all of the new money that they're going to be spending on child care this year and next year is federal money. So they're going to take the money the two years that the federal government committed to before they ripped up the agreement, and they're going to take that money and say, look at us, aren't we good? Aren't we good on child care?

After that, they and their federal cousins really don't know what they're going to do because really, the federal plan doesn't deserve to be called a child-care benefit. It's not a child-care benefit. It is an income-support benefit. It's whatever you call it, but it's not money directed at child care. It's a very clever, very politically clever, move to do something and call it something else, something that these Progressive Conservatives know how to do very well. They call it a child care benefit, but really, at the end of the day, it has nothing to do with child care at all. Nothing at all.

Once again, the promise falling very far short of the reality. That is and must be the theme of this budget, but still, there is something that we can support in this budget, something we like very much, and I talked about that the other day, that is that the government finally is taking the provincial portion of the HST off home heating sources, after years of saying that it was impossible, that it could not be done, it was too expensive, we would have to consult with the other provinces, we would have to consult with the federal government. The member for Pictou Centre said on many occasions, could not be done. The former Finance Minister said on even more occasions, could not be done, absolutely impossible.

And here we are, Mr. Speaker, probably two days before an election call, maybe one but probably two, and the government says, oh yes, it can be done. So now we know it was always possible. It is possible and always was. We know that it can be done and always could. Why did it take the government so long to discover that it could be done? Well, because there's an election coming, because they know it was popular, they knew it was the right thing to do.

As my Leader has said before - I'm about to use an unparliamentary word, so I better not. I was going to use the phrase, you don't have to steal our ideas, but I'm not

[Page 493]

allowed to say steal. What I will say - although my name is Steele, which is an irony - is they don't have to take our ideas without notice or compensation. They can have them for free. There are lots more where those ideas came from, Mr. Speaker. We are the Party of ideas, we are the Party of accomplishing things for people.

Even this good thing, they couldn't even get this right, because at the same time that they're making an election-based promise to remove the HST from home heating sources, something that they said, up until very recently, the Premier said was impossible, can't be done, too expensive, I don't support it, and now they say it's going to be done but they can't even do that right. There is no reason why, at the same time, they had to eliminate the Keep the Heat Program, which was the income-based program for support for home heating sources. Why did they have to do that?

They didn't have to. Well, the suggestion has been made by my good friend, the member for Richmond, that they do it because they're Tories. Sometimes they just can't help themselves, Mr. Speaker. It's in their nature. They didn't have to. That is the money that supported the poorest among us, the people with the lowest incomes, many people in their own ridings. Many people in my riding don't qualify for it, because if you're going to own your own home in Fairview, chances are your income is too high for the cutoff, but many people in the rural areas of the province with very low incomes still own their own homes.

Guess what? After this "give with one hand take with the other"many of those people are going to end up worse off. They're going to end up getting less money than they did before, but I doubt very much that that is going to be underlined and emphasized on their campaign literature.

Mr. Speaker, so here we are. We have a budget which the government does not want to pass. We have an Opposition that is calling on the government to go through the budget debate, bring this budget to a vote. We are willing to accept the deficiencies of the budget in order to achieve the positive things that are in the budget, noting in particular removing the HST from home heating sources. But it appears that the government is not willing to bring their budget to a vote. How can they go to the voters and convince those voters that they actually intend to follow through on these big promises, many of which they have borrowed from our Party? If they really meant to do it, they would stay in this House and they would keep working and they would pass this budget.

Mr. Speaker, I think it will be all the evidence that Nova Scotians need about their intentions of actually following through on this stuff if they call an election this weekend or next week before the budget comes to a vote. That will tell Nova Scotians everything they need to know about this government's intentions.

[Page 494]

On this side of the House, we know our job - our job is to get a better deal for today's families. We did that yesterday, we do it today, we will do it tomorrow - we will do it through an election campaign if necessary. We know that is our job and we know that Nova Scotians know that the best way to get a better deal for themselves and their families is to send more New Democrats to this House. Thank you.

[4:45 p.m.]

MR. SPEAKER: The honourable Leader in the House of the Liberal Party.

MR. MICHEL SAMSON: Mr. Speaker, it's a - I'm not sure if it's a pleasure, but I guess it's my opportunity to rise and be able to say a few words on the budget. The other day when the bill was introduced, and this is certainly no reflection on the minister, but when I was given my opportunity on second reading, it was almost, what's the use? Why get up and wax eloquent about a bill that you know is going nowhere? At least, not in this session, for sure.

I almost had the same feeling about this budget. Should I spend an hour talking about a budget and our concerns knowing it's not going anywhere? Knowing we have to rely upon the government and the Minister of Finance who stands in his place and says, yes, yes, believe me, I promise this budget will go through eventually. Well, as I'm sure I will mention on a few occasions in my remarks, Nova Scotians - as I've said before - remember the last time Tories came bearing gifts come election time. Promises of tax cuts only to disappear after the election.

With those few opening comments, let me go through my remarks.

First of all, Nova Scotians and all members of this House realize this budget is, in fact, nothing more than a campaign platform for the Progressive Conservative Party, paid for by the taxpayers of Nova Scotia.

MR. PETER CHRISTIE: Well done.

MR. MICHEL SAMSON: The former Minister of Finance, the member for Bedford, says, "Well done." I'm not sure if he means well done that the Tories used taxpayers' money to put their campaign platform together or maybe he has something else that he feels well done.

Allow me to say, it's my understanding that some members of the House will not be given an opportunity to speak, but I do wish the former Minister of Finance and member for Bedford well in his future and commend him for the time he spent here. He has a long history in Bedford (Applause). I do wish him well. I would never want to put myself in the position of telling the Government House Leader what to do, but if we are

[Page 495]

to meet tomorrow, I would hope there would be an opportunity while we meet for those members who may not be returning after the next election - at least those who know they're not returning. Many of us are hoping we will, but there may be surprises. But I do hope there will be a few moments given to each of those members to bid their farewell here in this House. Whether it be the members for Bedford, Shelburne or some of the other members who will not be coming back. I leave that with the Government House Leader.

As I mentioned before, Nova Scotians remember well the last election when tax cuts were promised. One Party and one Party only stood in the House before and during the campaign and said, we cannot afford this tax cut. Our finances are nowhere near being in a situation where we can afford this tax cut. Not that tax cuts are bad, but it's just not the time.

Unfortunately, while we've been able to work with the NDP on some issues together, to keep the government accountable, on that issue they decided that politically it didn't make sense for them to oppose that tax cut. So the Leader at the time said it would be political suicide to oppose a tax cut, so he remained silent.

How many Nova Scotia families and how much impact did that have on our finances? Well, it managed to put the government back in power, in a minority situation, but it's unfortunate that the Leader of the NDP had not joined us and together we could have campaigned in telling Nova Scotians the province couldn't afford a tax cut. Unfortunately, at the end - not that I want to say I told you so, but, yeah, really, I told you so - it was true. The province had to rescind it and unfortunately the Premier had to swallow his own commitments and rescind, for the most part, majority of that tax cut.

Mr. Speaker, as we know, if an election is called within the next few days or the next few hours, this budget dies. The question becomes then - Nova Scotians have to ask - if we re-elect a Progressive Conservative Government, will they bring in the same budget or will they suddenly say like the last election, well, the tax cut on the home heating oil, we can't really take that off, or increasing the basic personal exemption, well, we gave ourselves until 2007 so we have lots of time, maybe we can't afford that, or how many other of the measures in here will the government suddenly say, upon reflection, we don't have the money that we thought we did.

Mr. Speaker, it is our belief that the budget presented last week - was it last week or this week, this week - is unsustainable. The government talks about 10-year plans for roads, continuing care and child care, but it's doubtful that this budget will even hold up its commitments for one year.

Mr. Speaker, this budget relies much too heavily on projected offshore revenues of $288 million. Yesterday Export Development Canada said that the energy sector

[Page 496]

exports in Nova Scotia will actually decline by 5 per cent and yet the government continues to have the bulk of their budget relying upon offshore revenues.

Mr. Speaker, budgets are all about priorities. This government says it will remove the provincial sales tax from oil at a cost of $75 million a year to the Provincial Treasury. That means the average user of oil will save 54 cents a day, not even enough for a cup of coffee. What is even more startling, and it was even startling for me, is that 60 per cent of the residents of Nova Scotia continue to burn oil for their heat. The national average is 12.5 per cent.

Mr. Speaker, we need to address the fact that we are still overly dependent on fossil fuels in this province and yet by giving a cut on oil, what message does that send? Does that send a message of conservation? Does that send a message of trying to look towards green energy, of trying to change our ways? Not at all. It sends a message of consume more because you'll have more money to consume. Rather than put the heat on 20 degrees, put it up to 23 degrees or 25 degrees because you are going to get savings. We need to have a means of being able to work with Nova Scotians towards making their homes more energy efficient, making their homes less dependent on oil, and making our province as a whole less dependent on fossil fuels.

Mr. Speaker, we also have the highest tuition in the country which is clearly driving our young people away. While Nova Scotians for the most part stayed in this province to study, now they're looking at Newfoundland and Labrador, looking at New Brunswick, looking at other jurisdictions, and saying it makes more sense for me economically to go to those provinces than stay here in Nova Scotia. Not because they don't like Dal, not because they wouldn't like to go to St. F.X. or Acadia, or Mount Saint Vincent, or Saint Mary's, or Université Sainte-Anne, or Cape Breton University, they just can't afford it. They're looking down the road and saying, can I handle the debt load at the end of the day?

Mr. Speaker, I can tell you, and I've said this many times in the House, when I graduated from university, after six years at Dalhousie University, with a B.A. and then my law degree, six years, I owed $35,000. Now, back in my riding that would almost buy you a home. It would buy you a small bungalow and it would certainly go a long way towards a mortgage payment, but what did I have to show? Well, I had my degree and I owed $35,000. When you talk to students today - that was in 1997 only nine years ago - they're now saying today that's a small amount. Imagine what it is today for students for graduating.

Mr. Speaker, average undergraduate tuition fees at Nova Scotia universities are the highest in Canada at $6,281 per year. A recent study has concluded that post-secondary education in Nova Scotia is the least affordable of all provinces and states in North America. So what a distinction - Come to Life, in Nova Scotia, come to the most

[Page 497]

expensive universities in all of North America. Well, isn't that something to be proud of and somehow I didn't see where the government added that into their campaign for tourism and their campaign for life.

Mr. Speaker, the NDP and the governments indicate that their priority is the removal of the 8 per cent provincial portion of the HST off of home heating oil.

Mr. Speaker, let's look at that promise. It sounds nice when you say it quickly. For example, the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives has stated, ". . . removing the HST from home heating fuel will not ensure protection either. If the fuel prices increase beyond the 8% HST . . ." provincial tax component ". . . of the total fuel prices, low income consumers would have to make up the difference. Removing the HST could also provide an unnecessary windfall to owners of large homes with high energy costs who are not significantly impacted by high energy prices." That's what was stated on that.

Mr. Speaker, there's also the concern that landlords now may be able to benefit from this reduction, and the question is, will that benefit be passed on by lower rent costs to the tenants? I highly doubt that. It's ironic that when we, as a Liberal caucus, presented our gasoline plan that would actually save Nova Scotians money on gas prices, the criticism was that if you reduce 2 cents off the motive fuel tax, the oil companies will eat it up and there will be no savings at the end of the day.

Mr. Speaker, if that's the argument that the government and the NDP wish to use against our plan, how does that argument not work against their own plan, that if you take 8 per cent provincial tax off of home heating oil, the companies will raise their price by 8 per cent. Who gets the saving? So you can't argue it against our plan but not accept it as an argument against other plans being put forward of a similar nature.

Mr. Speaker, as I mentioned to you, the decision by the government, the last minute conversion to take the 8 per cent provincial tax off of home heating oil we all know is basically meant to steal a plank from the NDP platform. Between that and gas regulation, they've almost made the NDP irrelevant, but in that regard (Interruption) The Finance Critic says they're still hanging onto public auto. You know, we saw from their last convention that they're still looking at bringing back Nova Scotia Power into public hands, so it's good to see that they're still keeping up with modern issues facing Nova Scotians.

Mr. Speaker, one of the concerns looking at this plan, for example, is that if the Canada Revenue Agency does not agree to a point of sale rebate, then guess what will happen? The government will basically have to reinstate the Provincial Tax Commission and cause red tape - yes, more red tape - for small, independent fuel delivery operations. How ironic that the government in their Throne Speech indicated that they wanted to create a new red tape task force to make up for what the first red tape task force failed

[Page 498]

to do, and yet they're still talking about more regulation not only through this HST, the provincial tax on oil, but also through gas regulation.

We know that gas regulation in this province will cause more red tape. Not a mention of regulation in the budget, not one dollar set aside for gas regulation, which begged us to ask the question to the Finance officials, why would there not be any money set aside for regulation? There's going to be a cost to administer this. Do you know what the response was? Industry will pick up the cost. Well, if industry picks up this added cost, how is industry going to get that cost back? Mr. Speaker, that's you and I and the rest of Nova Scotians.

What does that mean? Higher gas prices, that's what it means. The government has admitted regulation brings higher prices. There will be no savings. So why are we considering regulation? Well, it's another way of stealing a plank from the NDP. It's another means to try to convince Nova Scotians that this is something that's good for them on an eve of an election.

Here is the Premier, who sat as a Cabinet Minister, last Fall, under former Premier Hamm, they came out after the Gardner Pinfold study and said regulation is bad for Nova Scotia. The member for Cumberland North at that time said that regulation was bad. Last week, he said regulation was good. Which one is it? I'll submit to you, whatever the Tories have to do or say to win an election, they are prepared to do.

That's why today, Mr. Speaker, during Question Period, I asked the Premier why did he take a chapter out of the book of former Premier John Buchanan rather than take a page out of the book of the former Nova Scotia Premier, the MLA for Pictou Centre? Something is wrong here, someone is not giving us the full picture. Now either the former Premier was somehow not really telling us the true state of our finances or the current one is somehow giving us a picture that may not be true. Which one is it? That's what Nova Scotians are left.

[5:00 p.m.]

Many columnists have concluded that the current government, the current Premier is basically going to run a campaign saying the former Premier was the mean old Premier but I'm the good Premier so everything he was mean about I'm going to be good. I think that's a shame for the former Premier of the province to see that his own colleagues, people who sat in his Cabinet, are now using his own legacy for their political advantage, not by promoting his legacy but pretty much saying that he was wrong and that they somehow are a better government. History will judge them on that sort of approach.

Mr. Speaker, budgets boil down to choices. Health care spending is up another 7 per cent this year and it is on track, I am sad to say, to meet the former Premier's own

[Page 499]

predictions that it will consume the entire revenues of the province by the year 2020. Only one Party in this House has talked about the crisis in health care. Only one Party has called upon the government to have a debate and to look at means to sustain our healthcare system and be able to afford it for the future. Right now our province is growing and our economy is growing by 2 per cent to 3 per cent, healthcare this year 7 per cent, last year 9 per cent and the year before that 11 per cent. It's not going to get any better. This year the government has decided to put another $200 million into health care.

In 1999, the Premier told us health care doesn't need more money, it needs better management. Well that sounds great, that was a wonderful statement at the time, no more money but better management, fine, so let's see how you're going to do better management and how you're going to be able to keep the costs where they are. It's unfortunate because while I have great respect for the former Premier, I believe his greatest failure has been in health care because $1.4 billion is what they have put into health care. Has it made our health care system better? Well, you can go ask the people who are in hospitals right now waiting for placement in long- term care or people who are waiting for surgery on long lists. They thought that the former Premier was being serious when he told them health care can be fixed - not with more money but with better management - $1.4 billion later. Who's going to pay for this? How can it be affordable?

The Premier is the one who gave us a report that said at current levels of spending health care will consume the entire provincial budget by the year 2020. Who is going to be able to get control of this or are we just going to wait until 2020, scratch our heads and say hey, we don't have money for anything else now, health care is the only one department of government, all the other departments are gone. We have asked for a debate on that issue, we are the only Party who has raised it, the NDP refuses to even talk about it, again, like the tax cut, they feel that it's politically dangerous for them to raise that issue and that's unfortunate. It's unfortunate because we're sitting here, 2020 is not far away. Every time the health budget increases that date is getting closer. I will submit to you it's no longer 2020, it's on its way to get there much quicker.

Mr. Speaker, the government is putting more money into health and all they talk about is fuel oil and produce nonsensical continuing care documents that project out 10 years instead of dealing with the problems facing healthcare now and the need for beds now. It's interesting that the Party that rode health care to victory in 1999 is not even mentioning it today, it gets little to no mention. Why? Because they know it's in a crisis and they don't know how to deal with it and more importantly they don't want to talk about it. You know what, Mr. Speaker, it almost reminds me of the situation at StoraEnso, something they don't know how to deal with so they choose not to talk about it - very similar. Time will tell during the campaign trail as to what impact this government's inaction on dealing with the issues at StoraEnso or Shaw Wood Industries is going to have on them.

[Page 500]

Mr. Speaker, we do believe for Nova Scotians that it is time for a change. Nova Scotians have seen six years, almost seven years now, of Tory rule. They have seen that our debt is increasing. Our health care, education, universities and child care haven't been addressed. We do believe it is time for a change and we believe that our Party will be able to put that change forward for Nova Scotians.

Mr. Speaker, students across this province are bewildered by the absolute dismissal of university students and their challenges. Our Party and our caucus's priority is education, health care and a province where people can stay, live and work, and more importantly, raise a family.

Mr. Speaker, the NDP and Tories agree the provincial portion of the HST off of oil is their priority. University is not. In fact, what did the Leader of the NDP say before the budget was tabled? At the NDP convention two weeks ago, the Leader of the NDP said: If a government of any stripe is going to actually take the HST off of home heating, this Party, the Nova Scotia NDP, will happily vote in favour. We all know the HST is not being taken off of home heating oil. The provincial portion of the HST is, but there is still the seven per cent tax that will still remain on that. The Leader of the NDP didn't say that he would support a budget if they lowered tuition or freeze tuition. He didn't say that he would vote for a budget if it addressed a need for long-term care beds. He didn't say that he would vote for a budget if it ended up getting better math scores here in Nova Scotia. HST was it.

Leading this province, Mr. Speaker, requires more than one issue at a time. It's about priorities. The newly formed Conservative-NDP alliance has clearly stated their priorities, and they do not include lower tuition, or new long-term care beds in the near future for our seniors and our families who need them right away. This government is putting up to $75 million in revenue aside in order to try to buy its way to an election - or are they really going to be setting it aside? One can only tell after the election.

Mr. Speaker, what makes this all the more cynical is that we know this budget will never see a debate, nor will it ever be voted upon. As I said, we believe it is time for a change. We fully expect an election call soon and at least Nova Scotians will still have one choice. It's a choice between the Liberal Party and the rest. A vote for the NDP or the Tories means higher gasoline prices, higher education costs and continual health care crisis. What we have here is a series of four to 10-year plans with no substance, just like we saw in the continuing care plan for yesterday.

Mr. Speaker, allow me to say, I sat here in 1998. I sat here in 1999, on that side of the House as a member of government, and later as a minister, and I remember where I stand here today, the Conservative caucus sat. I remember the Minister of Justice, I remember the Minister of Education, and I remember other members who were continually attacking the government for the need for more long-term care beds.

[Page 501]

Repeatedly. Day in, day out. That was the message, more long-term care beds and how they would provide more long-term care beds. How ironic, after seven years of Tory rule, we have less long-term care beds here in this province. How did that happen? But then again, we're talking about beds.

I remember a former member for Halifax Citadel and her famous campaign in 1999, with her postcard, close Sysco, open more hospital beds. I remember the day in estimates, when I had the opportunity for one hour, I had to put the question to her 15 times - you closed Sysco, how many more hospital beds did you open? She wouldn't answer. I remember at one point the Minister of Education stood up to try to defend her, the current Minister of Transportation and Public Works, stood up to try to defend her. At the end of the day, I remember John LeRoche with CBC radio came with the figures showing, well, wait a minute, since they closed Sysco and since they've been elected, there are actually fewer hospital beds here in this province. She didn't open one. She closed them. More Tory hypocrisy is what you saw right there.

Where is she today? The people of Halifax Citadel and the people of Nova Scotia repaid that particular member for that cynical promise she made and they sent her a postcard. It was, thanks, but no thanks, when she came back for re-election.

We looked, for example, at some of the plans. They want to eliminate the corporate capital tax by 2012 - six more long years before that tax is gone. We have a 10-year daycare plan, when Nova Scotians need daycare now. Let me remind you again that the federal Liberal Government's plan would have actually allowed the province to double the amount of spaces that they announced just last week.

As I mentioned before, this budget does absolutely nothing to address the long-term crisis in the funding of health care in this province. I submit to you that the minority government in its current state is broken and it does not function because we have a Progressive Conservative Government that believes they have a majority and has been acting as if they have a majority. No longer do they speak to the Leader of the Official Opposition, no longer do they speak to the members of our caucus or to our Leader. They have chosen to go ahead with their own plan. That is not what Nova Scotians voted for.

The high Canadian dollar is killing our export sector. This government is relying on a $288 million infusion from Sable to get us through this year. I submit to you that is a gamble. The Export Development Corporation says the value of our offshore exports will decline by 5 per cent next year. The question we need to ask is, how much longer will Sable be producing gas in our province? We hear different figures and I would love to tell you those figures are promising. They are not. Those reserves are depleting. We are now hearing three to five years. That's not a long period of time. But this government is

[Page 502]

increasing its yearly spending on the basis the offshore will be there each year to bail them out.

I would submit to you that is not long-term care planning. The question is, when will government have to start clawing back because they have started to overspend?

The Premier is trying to tell Nova Scotians that you can have tax cuts and get the same level of service because the offshore money will make up for the shortfall. If the offshore is the only thing that's propping up this budget, I would submit to you we are in big trouble in this province.

In fact, this budget is disjointed and dangerous and it tries to be all things to all people. It is not sustainable. It is not possible. We have a $12. 4 billion debt that arrived after a government a long time ago thought they could rely on offshore revenues or economic growth. It doesn't work that way and Nova Scotians know this. As I mentioned today, it is incredible that we would have a government announce a budget with $500 million in additional spending and yet turn around and increase the debt of this province.

Again, this is the government of the former Premier in 1999's famous words, I will not increase the debt of this province. We will live within our means. I will not burden my grandchildren with the decisions we make today. We all remember those famous words. The former Minister of Finance remembers those words. Each year the debt has continued to increase - $12.4 billion is the noose we have around our neck. It is the one biggest thing stopping this province from moving forward. When we are still spending hundreds of millions of dollars a year to service that debt then the government could say, $0.5 billion more in spending and they're going to increase the debt.

I'd respond to the clucking from the member for Yarmouth, but it would be of no use. Now I get to hear his childish . . .

MR. SPEAKER: Order, please. Order.

MR. MICHEL SAMSON: Mr. Speaker, now the member for Yarmouth will charm us with his childish comments and childish names. Maybe the Government House Leader could warm up his milk and get him his pacifier and then he could maybe be quiet again for a few days. I won't speak too long because I wouldn't want him to yawn out loud again in this House as he is so notorious for doing. I don't want to bore him by trying to speak too long on behalf of Nova Scotians. I will try to keep my remarks a little bit shorter so as not to trouble the member for Yarmouth too much.

Mr. Speaker, as I mentioned, this budget (Interruption) Well, you know, when you hear the member for Yarmouth say talking about health care, education, tuition and child care is not important, I think it speaks more of his personal character than anything

[Page 503]

else and maybe the people of Yarmouth will open their eyes and see truly what they have sent us here in Halifax. (Interruption) Well, once again, we can stand here and listen to the childish little catcalls over there, from the clucking of the member for Yarmouth.

MR. SPEAKER: Order, please. I will ask the member to allow the other member to carry on with his speech.

The honourable member for Richmond.

[5:15 p.m.]

MR. MICHEL SAMSON: Mr. Speaker, you know, that's a Minister of the Crown and it's always interesting to hear him.

Mr. Speaker, as I mentioned, we believe this budget has not addressed the needs of the people of Nova Scotia. We believe that the only alternative at this point is the plan that we'll be putting forward as a Party. We can't continue to underfund education and expect to keep our young people here to grow the economy and at the same time expect to pay the skyrocketing costs of our health care system.

Mr. Speaker, you can't just throw money at the health care system and expect it to get better and hope it goes away. The government doesn't talk much about health nowadays because they simply don't want to face the colossal challenge before them and would rather push it off to leave for another administration to deal with another day and to burden our children with a health care system that, unfortunately, they will probably not be able to afford.

Mr. Speaker, it saddens me again to stand in my place and to know that the government still has not announced any sort of plan to deal with the lockout at Stora, the fact that they would announce a budget which does not even put forward a plan to deal with the lockout of 600 workers. The Premier knows very well what impact this is having. I'm sure he hears it every day when he returns to his riding - no different for the member for Antigonish, or the member for Guysborough-Sheet Harbour who, as well, along with other members would know the impact that this lockout is having.

Mr. Speaker, the thought that the government and the Premier would call an election while that mill is still under a lockout, it's just beyond my understanding. The workers at that mill cannot believe that the Premier is more focused on getting re-elected than he is on getting them back to work, but they will be given their opportunity, they will be given their chance. The people of Stora deserve better. The people of Nova Scotia deserve better. Our children deserve a better future. The government has made it clear that they do not recognize these priorities. The NDP have made it clear that they're happy to be a one-issue Party. Therefore, it is time for renewal in this province. It's time for a

[Page 504]

better future and it's time to give Nova Scotians the type of government that they deserve.

Mr. Speaker, I look forward to the election and I look forward to our Party being able to present a plan to Nova Scotians that will show them that there is a way to get a better future, and that way will be in electing a Liberal Government.

MR. SPEAKER: Order, please.

The estimates stand referred to the Committee of the Whole House on Supply.

The honourable Government House Leader.

HON. RONALD RUSSELL: Mr. Speaker, I move the House do now rise to meet again on the morrow at the hour of 9:00 a.m. The House will sit from 9:00 a.m. until 12:00 noon. The order of business following the daily routine will be Public Bills for Second Reading. We will start at the top of the bill list on the orders of the day and proceed down as far as we can go.

MR. SPEAKER: We stand adjourned until 9:00 a.m. tomorrow.

Order, please.

We have now reached the moment of interruption. As indicated earlier, we have a resolution submitted by the member for Halifax Chebucto. I will read the operative clause:

"Therefore be it resolved that this government recognize medical residency as an education program for the purposes of student loan repayment."

ADJOURNMENT

MOTION UNDER RULE 5(5)

MR. SPEAKER: The honourable member for Cole Harbour-Eastern Passage.

EDUC.: MED. RESIDENCY EDUC. PROG. - RECOGNIZE

MR. KEVIN DEVEAUX: Mr. Speaker, I'm glad to have an opportunity to speak on this very important issue and, if I have time in my 10 minutes, I may share that with the member for Sackville-Cobequid, our Health Critic.

[Page 505]

I wanted to take the opportunity to chat about this, Mr. Speaker, because this is an issue that we've raised in the House a bit today because we think it's an important issue and one that affects health care in this province. We have a situation right now in Nova Scotia. People in residency go through four years of undergraduate school, usually in a Bachelor of Science program - let's face it, that's usually higher in tuition than a regular Bachelor of Arts or other programs - all the books, all the lab fees, all the money they have to put into that science program. Then if they're lucky enough to be one of the fortunate few to go to medical school, they go to medical school and that's another four years usually at a very high rate of tuition. These people are coming out after eight years of university with debt loads, in some cases, of over $100,000, and we've actually heard today in some cases closer to $200,000.

Now, we all know as doctors, as people who do the residency and some of these residencies can be for three or four years. First you do two years of residency in family medicine, some of them do internships, some of them end up doing residency in pediatric medicine, some go on to orthopaedic medicine. The key point is that after they finish their eight years of university and move on to residency, these people are considered to be people in the workforce. As people in the workforce it's required that they then start to pay back their loans. We all know that doctors can make a fair bit of money, but they don't make it as residents.

Residents are basically the grunt workers of the medical profession. They have finished medical school. Residents are not full doctors yet and they're the ones who get very little pay by medical doctor standards but are expected to do a lot of the heavy lifting. As a result, what we end up getting are doctors or medical students who go into residency who are told they have to start repaying massive loans - $200,000, $150,000 loans - and at the same time they're supposed to be working on what would be considered an average salary for a professional, maybe in the $30,000 to $50,000 range. Of course that's a lot of money by most standards in Nova Scotia but for someone who has those kinds of debts coming out of school, the encouragement then is to maybe go somewhere else where they can make more money and therefore they'll be able to pay down their debts.

To be able to stay in Nova Scotia, to retain these Nova Scotians in many cases or even others who come to Dalhousie who probably like Nova Scotia, they've enjoyed their time here, they want to stay here, but they can't, they're not allowed to stay here because the system is set up such that they are forced to go somewhere else where they can make that extra money in residency so they can start to pay off their loans. Mr. Speaker, then we lose them in most cases forever. Maybe they go to Alberta, maybe they go to the United States, maybe they join Médecins Sans Frontières, I don't know, but the fact is they are not staying here in Nova Scotia and as a result we're losing those doctors who were educated here in our school and they're going somewhere else. That's wrong, that is wrong and the system clearly needs to be changed.

[Page 506]

That is why we raised this issue today and we think it's a very important issue particularly with an election coming. It is vital that we begin to talk about how we can try to retain more doctors.

We've talked about it as Immigration Critic. I've talked with immigrants in our province, people who want to come to this province. There's a guy in my area who runs a local store, he's from Syria and he has a brother who is working in France as a doctor. He wants to come to Nova Scotia and he is having a hard time getting here. We've created this CAP program in order to try to bring more foreign doctors here to recognize their credentials, to encourage them to come here and set up practice. That is a good thing.

But at the same time I would argue it's a lot easier to retain a doctor who has finished medical school here and who enjoys this province. It's a lot easier to do that by changing a policy that says those student loans do not have to be repaid until you finish your residency. When you finish residency and you become an orthopaedic surgeon or a GP or a pediatric emergency room doctor, and you start making six figures and more, then you'll have the money to be able to start paying down those loans. That is when we should recognize that they become workers.

Residency should be recognized as a schooling program because that's really what it is, it's an apprenticeship, they're learning to be real, full doctors with full residency and privileges that come with that. In that process we should be saying, you're still in some form of schooling, you're in an apprenticeship program, we're not going to require you to have to pay. That's what we should be doing. Unfortunately that is not what we do. We talk about bringing doctors from other provinces, we talk about recruiting doctors from a foreign country, yet we have young doctors who want to stay in Nova Scotia but are forced to leave because our system is set up to make it difficult for them because they start having to pay their loans. That is an issue that a lot of Nova Scotians would truly like to see changed.

I think just recently about down in the southwestern Nova Scotia area where they're trying to have a lottery because they can't find enough doctors. They're having a lottery to see who will get to be a patient for the couple of doctors who are new to their area - a lottery, I mean that's degrading.

This province could fix that if all we would do is change the policy to say that student loans accumulated while in medical school, in undergrad, do not have to be paid back until after a medical doctor has finished their residency. It's that simple. It's a change of policy, a change of legislation - it's not rocket science. It's something that could be easily done that would make it a lot easier for these medical students, entering residency, to stay in this province. We've heard from the association, we've heard from individuals today who have specifically said that they think this can work, that it will encourage them

[Page 507]

to stay. They spoke out and said, please make this simple change and we can have a better system.

Yet, Mr. Speaker, this government is more interested in getting re-elected than it is in actually fixing the problems that Nova Scotians have. Nova Scotians have a serious problem with a lack of medical attention - there are not enough doctors in this province, particularly in rural areas. We have enough trouble trying to retain and encourage and recruit people to come to rural Nova Scotia as doctors. Again, people who are based in Halifax, they understand this province, maybe they're from here, maybe they came from somewhere else to go to medical school here. There's an opportunity to keep them here in this province, to get them into River John, to get them into Barrington Passage, to get them into Inverness. These places need doctors - frankly, Halifax has a good number of doctors; we have a good number of specialists. But there are people out there who probably, if they lived here in Halifax, would understand the nature of these communities, may have fallen in love with this province or maybe they even come from those communities.

We can get them back into those communities. All we have to do is change a simple policy that says that they don't have to pay their student loans back, they don't have to start making payments until after they finish their residency. These people are going to be making a lot of money, they're going to be making six figures and more - plus, plus - they're going to have plenty of money to pay down their loans after residency. It's those first few years when they start to plant their feet, when they start to plant roots as to which community they're going to live in the rest of the lives. That is where we need to capture them and say you went to medical school here, now you have an opportunity to stay here, and we're going to help you. Thank you for coming to Nova Scotia, thank you, if you're from Nova Scotia, for going to medical school here. We want you to stay, and we're going to make it possible by addressing this, what I consider an anomaly that says that residency is work, it is not a form of continuing education.

Mr. Speaker, I think that is something we could do. Frankly, as a lawyer I wish they would have done it for my articling fees, it would have made my life a lot easier. Unfortunately, people aren't knocking on doors demanding that we have more lawyers come to Nova Scotia.

AN HON. MEMBER: Not to the Legislature.

MR. DEVEAUX: I digress. Well, we could get into the whole story about how many lawyers are in the Legislature, but the point is, Mr. Speaker, we can talk about it for doctors, we should probably also be talking about it for nurses. There might be an opportunity for nurses actually, and now we have nurse practitioners, people talking about physician assistants - maybe we could be looking at it with regard to laboratory

[Page 508]

technologists, others in the health care field as well who have to spend the first couple of years learning their trade in some form of either de facto or de jure apprenticeship.

From that, it's important that we say to them that we want you to stay here. We want you to stay here, and we're not talking about waiving the loan or waiving tuition costs - although that is a debate we could have - all we are saying is we're not going to require you to start paying on this loan while you're in some form of apprenticeship, because we feel it is important that you start to plant your roots here, and as a result we can begin to build a system that will actually work for Nova Scotia.

That's what we need. That's what we need in this province, a system that Nova Scotians can feel confident that this government is doing everything it can to bring doctors and keep doctors in this province, and keep health care workers in this province. We don't have that now. Again, if we have to have lotteries on the South Shore as to who gets a chance to visit a doctor on a regular basis, how is it possible for us to talk about primary medical care? How can we talk about reducing causes of chronic medical problems, whether it be obesity or whether it be diabetes, the increasing rate of diabetes? These are issues that have to be dealt with by people visiting medical professionals on a regular basis, health care professionals, so they can get the advice they need to know, that they can build the diet they need, that they can have the lifestyle they need.

If they can't even get to see a doctor in this province, Mr. Speaker, how can we begin to talk to them about the primary health care needs they have to make their lives healthier, to make sure they live a long life, to make sure their children who are in that home also have an opportunity to live a long life? That is what we need. That is what we don't have, and I wish we did. Thank you.

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

MS. DIANA WHALEN: Mr. Speaker, I'm pleased to rise today to participate in this evening's late debate, which was raised by the member for Halifax Chebucto, and it reads: "Therefore be it resolved that this government recognize medical residency as an education program for the purposes of student loan repayment."

Mr. Speaker, it's a great shock to me, really, to realize that we are not doing that currently. I've read that previous to this evening, but it's certainly the absolutely wrong thing to do. The students who are involved in residency after they've completed their studies at university are still paying a fee. They're paying something like $2,500 a year in tuition fees to the university while they are full-time residents. I think, in my mind, that would be enough right there to verify and assure them of the status of a full-time student.

[5:30 p.m.]

[Page 509]

They're earning salaries that are a lot less than they could earn if they chose to do their residency in another province, and that's very damaging as well in terms of retaining people here in our province. So when we have young students who have completed medical school, I think we need to do whatever we can to shelter them from the burden of having to repay student loans and have the interest begin to accumulate on those student loans while, in fact, they have still not gotten enough training to fully occupy the profession that they are enrolled in and aiming for.

I think we need to look at this in a number of ways. First of all, as the previous speaker, the member for Cole Harbour-Eastern Passage, has said, this is a key priority area for all of us here in Nova Scotia, we need doctors, we need them particularly in the rural areas, but it is a priority in every community that we have enough doctors and specialists to take their place and serve the needs of the almost 1 million people who live in this province. Without them, Mr. Speaker, we are in dire straits. We also have an aging population putting ever-increasing demands on our medical system. If we don't have the specialists and the family doctors who can help us, we're going to be in a very serious problem in the future.

As has been said before, doctors are graduating now with, really, mortgage-size debts. I've talked to young people who feel how can they possibly start their lives and save for their own children's university, and contribute to their own children's savings funds when in fact they have enormous debt that they're paying off for years and years. It's very difficult to get out from under that burden of debt so that they can start to even prepare for their own children growing up and their needs.

We have to look at a way of at least sheltering them during the time that they're still studying. These are young people who cannot really hold another job like so many students who juggle their time in university with two or three part-time jobs in order to make ends meet, but in medical school it's quite different. In the first two years the students say it is possible to find some time to work part-time, but by the time you get into your final two years you're doing clinical rotations, which make it really impossible between your classroom time and your time spent on these clinical rotations. It's really impossible - the quote I had read was that you would have to be a miracle worker in order to fit in any part-time work at that stage.

So that means their debts are even greater. If they're eligible, they're maximizing their student loan debt, they're taking on a lot of private debt in order to finance their way through this system. Tuition alone this year is over $13,000 at Dalhousie for a medical student. So it's one of the higher tuitions and it is very, very difficult to take that cost on - and bear in mind that's only one part of the many costs they have to incur, because they have textbooks which cost an enormous amount of money, and they also have living costs. You have to spend a lot to live here in the city, anywhere in Halifax; it's much higher than other places.

[Page 510]

There are huge costs - it has to cost them well over, I'd say, $30,000 a year to attend university and do their medical studies. So when they're lucky enough to get a residency and they're trying to pursue the final studies needed to take their place as a medical doctor, we shouldn't be immediately starting the clock ticking on their student loans and starting to ask for repayment at that time. That's just thoroughly unreasonable of the government to do so.

One of the points mentioned was that even at the time of getting residencies, the positions offered here in Nova Scotia pay much less than in comparable medical centres in other places in Canada. They said that in other places you can receive up to $80,000 a year for a residency, whereas here we have in the range of $40,000 to $50,000 for those residency positions. So we're not competitive in that regard to begin with, and then as we give them a lower income, we're also trying to begin the repayment of the loans at the same time.

As I said, these young people have to be regarded as students until they are fully qualified to assume the role they are being trained for.

We want those specialists, we don't want to push them into other professions sooner, we need them to do these specialty studies. Some of them can last for years; I had the figure of seven years for surgical specialities, for example, before you're fully qualified. That's something very difficult for most of us to imagine in the fields that we have gone into.

So they have made a huge contribution to our society, they're also making a huge personal, I guess, commitment to forego other income for years and years while they study to assume these very important roles. So I think we have to look at that.

Mr. Speaker, the debt and the burden that these students are under causes so much pressure that often they don't even get to choose the area they might best want to go into. There was one story I thought which was very telling, and I'm sure it's replayed over and over. It was a student from rural Nova Scotia who wanted to become a doctor, and actually preferred to be and had aimed to be a family doctor wanting to return to rural Nova Scotia. Once she had gone through her first degree and so on, she realized, at that point, her debt was so high that if she didn't choose a specialty, that she would be paying it off forever and ever.

So it forces them not to go into family medicine but to choose another specialty where their income will ultimately be greater, even though they have to invest a few more years. So she, instead, really, abandoned her dream of being a family doctor in a small town and went to take another specialty, ending up in a big city, leaving Nova Scotia, earning more money, but not realizing her dream of serving the people of Nova Scotia in the small town she came from.

[Page 511]

What we're doing, really, through the burden of debt that the students are under and the system that we have in place, we're really forcing them to choose between serving as a family doctor, and serving in specialty areas in other places. That's driving them out of the province, Mr. Speaker.

I think, as I said, that one woman's experience is not isolated. I think there are many others who face that same question. The difference in income is really remarkable. We might think a family doctor earns a good income, but they also pay a price with the lifestyle they choose, too, because they are accepting the fact that they have less family time and less time away from work. They are on call a great deal, especially in the rural areas. When you look at all the factors and then you compare that to some of the specialist positions that pay so much more, it drives them away.

Mr. Speaker, we are here today to really, I guess, appeal to the government to ask for a change in that ruling, that, in fact, the student loan rules should be altered immediately so that no longer are medical residents considered to no longer be students and be required to start their repayment of their student loans. As I've said, it's just unreasonable, it doesn't tie into our broader public policy, which is to make Nova Scotia a more attractive place for students to stay, especially in key areas where we know we have a shortage, where we need to encourage them to be here.

We can't just do business as ususal when we have already identified some key policy areas that have to be addressed. These are areas that, if government doesn't tackle as a policy and a change in law, we're just going to continue to pay the price on the ground in our communities. Whether you're here in the city or you are living in one of the smaller towns and villages of Nova Scotia, we're having a tremendous difficulty retaining our doctors.

Mr. Speaker, I feel that we have to look squarely at this. I think we have to do more in so many ways to address this need. This is one very practical step that the students of Nova Scotia have brought to our attention and said, you can help us by making this very simple change. Stop considering us as no longer students once we are hitting our residency and recognize that we are in a period of skills training and apprenticeship, so that we get the extra sheltering until we graduate.

I think that's essential, and I call upon the government to do it as soon as possible. This is hurting our retention of doctors in the province, which is essential that we get around that and do better. It's also hurting young people every day here in the Province of Nova Scotia. With that, Mr. Speaker, I thank you very much for your time, and I hope the government will listen.

MR. SPEAKER: Thank you, honourable member. Seeing no other speakers on this issue, I would declare the time for the adjournment debate has expired.

[Page 512]

The House will sit again tomorrow at 9:00 a.m.

[The House rose at 5:39 p.m.]

[Page 513]

NOTICES OF MOTION UNDER RULE 32(3)

RESOLUTION NO. 317

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 Murray "Tucker" Fry has been an active member of the Fairview Legion for 54 years and is the last of the Charter Members of this branch of the Legion; and

Whereas the Fairview Legion continues to serve as a source of strength and comradery in the community; and

Whereas during his years of service, Mr. Fry has served at various times on the Executive, the Youth and Sports Participation Committee and as awards chairman.

Therefore be it resolved that members of this House of Assembly acknowledge the commitment Tucker Fry has made to the Fairview Legion and his community, and wish him continued success in the future.

RESOLUTION NO. 318

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 breastfeeding is the healthiest choice for babies and their mothers as well as saving parents hundreds of dollars in formula costs; and

Whereas new parents Tracey and Jeff McDonald of Sydney Forks are part of a new initiative to change the way people think about breastfeeding; and

Whereas their daughter Brooke has been breastfed since her birth as a direct result of the support and encouragement her parents received at Cape Breton Regional Hospital.

Therefore be it resolved that members of this House congratulate the McDonald family for helping to change people's attitudes and increase the number of breastfed babies in the province.

[Page 514]

RESOLUTION NO. 319

By: Mr. Ernest Fage (Cumberland North)

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

Whereas Pugwash District High School won the Robots East competition held at the Dalplex in Halifax recently with their robot Lance Armstack; and

Whereas this event had 19 teams entered from across the Maritimes, where the object of the competition was to have a robot they designed and constructed to pick up various items and stack them into towers with the highest in two minutes winning that round; and

Whereas team Stackstrong won seven of eight heats earning 31 points out of a possible 32 giving them first place. The last time they won was in 2001 with the Bleacher Creature;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House join me in sending our congratulations to all members of Team Stackstrong for their creation and win with robot Lance Armstack of Pugwash District High School.

RESOLUTION NO. 320

By: Mr. Ernest Fage (Cumberland North)

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

Whereas 18 year old Stephen Lawless, a six year veteran of the 258 Royal Canadian Sea Cadets Corps from Amherst, will travel to Australia this April; and

Whereas Stephen is one of only three cadets chosen nationwide and the first cadet from Amherst to go on the exchange in 30 years; and

Whereas while in Australia, he will take part in the adventure training and weapons handling programs offered. Besides being a top cadet Stephen is also the winner of the 2006 Cumberland 4-H host competition and just a two year member of 4-H;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House join me in sending our congratulations to Stephen Lawless for his accreditations with sea cadets and 4-H.

[Page 515]

RESOLUTION NO. 321

By: Mr. Ernest Fage (Cumberland North)

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

Whereas the Pugwash District High Panthers claimed the Nova Scotia School Athletic Federation Division III Boys Championships this season by defeating the host Bridgewater High Vikings 66-53; and

Whereas the last time Pugwash won this title was 39 years ago and this is only the third time the Panthers have been in receipt of this title; and

Whereas the proud team members are as follows: Matthew Benjamin, Greg Morrison, Andrew Canfield, Jonathan Kennedy, Morgan Fisher, Paul Benjamin, Michael Blaikie, Jarred Nix, Jay Brown, Anthony Reeves, Coach Vincent Pye and Assistant Coach David Canfield;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House join me in sending our congratulations to the Pugwash Panthers for this long awaited and hard earned win.

RESOLUTION NO. 322

By: Mr. Ernest Fage (Cumberland North)

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

Whereas the Pugwash Mini Selects Boys Basketball team recently won gold at the Basketball Nova Scotia Mini Boys Championships in Hantsport, Nova Scotia downing the North End Knicks from Halifax 72-47; and

Whereas the proud team members carrying home gold are Justin Moore, Rocky Barton, Jordan Reid, Colby Stevens, Colby Allen, Lucas Morrison, Alex Tuttle, Alex Mundle, Tristin McKellar, and tournament Most Valuable Player Nicholas Stevens; and

Whereas they share victory with team Coach David Reid and Assistant Coach Halena Stevens;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House join me in sending our congratulations to the Pugwash Mini Selects Boys Basketball team for bringing home the gold.

[Page 516]

RESOLUTION NO. 323

By: Mr. Ernest Fage (Cumberland North)

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

Whereas Truemanville Volunteer Fire Department Chief Lyman Bacon was honoured recently with the departments first annual Volunteer of the Year Award; and

Whereas Chief Bacon has been a member for 20 years and appointed Deputy Chief on the day he joined and held that position for eight years and chief for the past 12. Other positions held by him include past president and presently active with Cumberland County Fire Fighters Association, member of Fire Chief's Association of NS, and past director of the board of the NS Fire Officer's Association; and

Whereas Chief Bacon continues his external obligations to the fire service while remaining a valuable leader for his department. He is highly respected and has created a strong fellowship with all members. He is a strong liaison between the fire service and the county, worked hard and diligently not just for his department but the entire fire service of Cumberland County;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House join me in sending our congratulations to Fire Chief Lyman Bacon on being recognized for his dedication and long service to TVFD and Cumberland County.

RESOLUTION NO. 324

By: Mr. Ernest Fage (Cumberland North)

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

Whereas Kaili Pipes, a 16- year- old Amherst Regional High School student, captured first place in the Annual Lions Speak Out competition recently; and

Whereas with a commanding voice and emphatic delivery, Kaili presented an impressive speech about stereotypes facing women today and that women are often not taken seriously in the workplace even though she feels, as others, that women are equal to men; and

[Page 517]

Whereas Kaili will represent her zone at the provincials. Speak Out competition gives students an opportunity to talk about current issues and present their thoughts and ideas effectively in a public forum;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House join me in sending our congratulations to Kaili Pipes for her winning speech and wish her luck at the provincials.

RESOLUTION NO. 325

By: Mr. Ernest Fage (Cumberland North)

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

Whereas Heather LeMoine was selected as Volunteer of the Year by the Cumberland Health Care Foundation Auxiliary; and

Whereas this award was given to Heather for her service as treasurer for the hospital coffee shop, meeting participation as well as working for the hospital fund raiser Highland Fling, and other tasks requested of her; and

Whereas she always does these tasks in her skillful, cheery and caring way making her a great friend and asset to the auxiliary;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House join me in sending our congratulations to Heather LeMoine for her community service and recognition from the Cumberland Health Care Foundation Auxiliary.

RESOLUTION NO. 326

By: Mr. Ernest Fage (Cumberland North)

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

Whereas Emma Blair, a student of Wallace Consolidated Elementary School, won first place in a province- wide Remembrance Day Literary Contest for her essay about veteran family members; and

Whereas members of the Malagash Royal Canadian Legion presented Emma with her award; and

[Page 518]

Whereas Jean & John McKenzie, Jim Whitman and Russ Durling were on hand overseeing the ceremony;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House join me in sending our congratulations to Emma Blair for her fine literary talents and interest in our honoured veterans.

RESOLUTION NO. 327

By: Mr. Ernest Fage (Cumberland North)

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

Whereas Jan Boiduk and son Jason recently won prestigious Accepted Awards at the Professional Photographers of Canada Atlantic Region competition; and

Whereas this means that their work has been accepted by a jury of professional photographers from across Canada and has met the bar for high quality; and

Whereas Jan won in the commercial category, with a promotional image on the local documentary "Weaving the Story", and tourism; while Jason won in the commercial category of fashion, editorial and industrial;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House join me in sending our congratulations to Jan and son Jason Boiduk on their photography achievements and accredited awards.

RESOLUTION NO. 328

By: Mr. Ernest Fage (Cumberland North)

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

Whereas Jessica White, Jennifer Porter, Ashley Bickerton, Chelsey Borne, Jennifer O'Brien, Haley Speight, Shelby MacPhee and Annie Crocker all members of the Amherst Skating Club competed in the Star Skate Provincial Championship in February of this year; and

Whereas they did their club and hometown proud by bringing home ten medals in gold, silver, and bronze from several categories; and

[Page 519]

Whereas this sport is one which demands hours of practice perfecting jumps and spins. To see them earn their rightful place among the best in Nova Scotia is a rewarding way to end a season of figure skating;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House join me in sending our congratulations to these young women for representing their skating club with such honour.

RESOLUTION NO. 329

By: Mr. Ernest Fage (Cumberland North)

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

Whereas Willard S. Boyle of Wallace, NS shared the 2006 Charles Stark Draper Prize from the American National Academy of Engineering for inventing the Charged-Coupled Device, a key component of digital cameras, space telescopes and the heart of all video cameras; and

Whereas Willard, along with a fellow engineer, were brainstorming to develop a technology to increase the speed of computer function in 1969 while working for Bell Laboratories; and

Whereas what they invented, however, was the first practical solid-state imaging device, which is essential to many medical imaging devices, space telescopes and remote sensing cameras. The Hubble Space Telescope, Mars Rovers Spirit and Opportunity and the many surveillance satellites circling Earth, all incorporate the rugged and energy-efficient device;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House join me in sending our congratulations and thanks to Willard Boyle for his great contribution to our world of technology.

RESOLUTION NO. 330

By: Hon. Richard Hurlburt (Service Nova Scotia and Municipal Relations)

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

Whereas Absolute Travel recently expanded their Nova Scotia operation with the opening of their second office, at 262 Main Street in Yarmouth; and

[Page 520]

Whereas Absolute Travel under the capable ownership of Fred Mack is a locally owned and operated travel agency, enabling the firm to control the quality of their products and services; and

Whereas Absolute Travel is staffed in Yarmouth by Senior Travel Representatives Jane Blades and Shelley Primrose;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House extend our sincerest congratulations to owner Fred Mack and staff Jane and Shelley, for showing their business confidence in Yarmouth and Southwestern Nova Scotia and wish them nothing but continued success.

RESOLUTION NO. 331

By: Mr. Cecil O'Donnell (Shelburne)

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

Whereas the Atlantic Waves workshop in Lockeport celebrated the grand opening of its new space on May 8; and

Whereas the facility on North Street will continue to provide 12 clients, most of whom reside at Atlantic Heights, with an opportunity for work experience; and

Whereas Atlantic Waves continues to seek out small business opportunities, thus offering a variety of services to the Lockeport community;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House congratulate the instructors and co-ordinators of Atlantic Waves and support similar initiatives throughout Nova Scotia.

RESOLUTION NO. 332

By: Mr. Cecil O'Donnell (Shelburne)

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

Whereas the Town of Lockeport continues its efforts to transform the former Lockeport Regional High School into a community economic development centre; and

[Page 521]

Whereas it has received feedback from ACOA regarding its funding application with a suggestion to focus on economic development in the area; and

Whereas it is currently working on establishing an incubator mall for the area and creating a partnership with the government to help the proposal works;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House support the committee working towards securing ACOA funding for economic development in the Lockeport area.

RESOLUTION NO. 333

By: Hon. Michael Baker (Finance)

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

Whereas the Maritime Philanthropy Awards are held annually by the Nova Scotia Chapter of the Association of Fundraising Professionals to recognize organizations for their fundraising excellence; and

Whereas the Fishermen's Memorial Hospital Auxiliary has been chosen to receive the Outstanding Volunteer Fundraising Group Award in recognition of their exceptional fundraising efforts in support of the Fishermen's Memorial Hospital in Lunenburg, Nova Scotia; and

Whereas the Fisherman's Memorial Hospital Auxiliary has purchased over $300,000 of equipment for the hospital and supported many other upgrades and improvements to the hospital over the years;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly thank the Fishermen's Memorial Hospital Auxiliary for the support they have provided to their community hospital and congratulate them on being awarded the Outstanding Volunteer Fundraising Group.

RESOLUTION NO. 334

By: Hon. Michael Baker (Finance)

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

[Page 522]

Whereas our Canadian troops are conducting dangerous work in Afghanistan and many other countries around the world; and

Whereas we must do all that we can to support our troops in the very difficult job they are undertaking; and

Whereas Barbara Baker, Barbara Gerhardt, and Esther Ingold of the Boscawen Chapter of the IODE are doing their part to help out by knitting comfort dolls which the troops can provide to the many children that live in these wartorn countries;

Therefore be it resolved that the members of the House of Assembly thank Barbara Baker, Barbara Gerhardt, and Esther Ingold for their support of our Canadian troops and the many children which will be comforted as a result of their efforts.

RESOLUTION NO. 335

By: Hon. Michael Baker (Finance)

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

Whereas Lunenburg County has a long standing history of involvement in the forestry industry; and

Whereas each year, the Canadian Woodlands Forum recognizes logging businesses who demonstrate commitment to responsible environmental performance, employee safety and training, and professional business practices; and

Whereas this year the Canadian Woodlands Forum has selected Looke CanCut Ltd., of Barss Corner, Lunenburg County, as the Atlantic Outstanding Logging Contractor of the Year;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly congratulate Looke CanCut Ltd. on being recognized as the 2006 Atlantic Outstanding Logging Contractor of the Year.

RESOLUTION NO. 336

By: Hon. Michael Baker (Finance)

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

[Page 523]

Whereas the promotion and awareness of safe working environments is important for all businesses; and

Whereas the Lunenburg Electric Light Utility has been recognized by the Workers' Compensation Board for its exceptional record of injury-free work days and its promotion of occupational health and safety within the workplace; and

Whereas the Lunenburg Electric Light Utility has not had a work-related injury during the past 20 years;

Therefore be it resolved that the members of this House of Assembly congratulate the Lunenburg Electric Light Utility on its exceptional record of injury-free work days and its commitment to occupational health and safety.

RESOLUTION NO. 337

By: Hon. Michael Baker (Finance)

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

Whereas Lunenburg County is very fortunate to have many volunteer organizations who give so freely of their time for the benefit of others; and

Whereas the Town of Mahone Bay recently honoured its volunteers for their contribution to the community; and

Whereas this year, the Mahone Bay Legion Band was recognized as the Volunteer Group of the Year by the Town of Mahone Bay;

Therefore be it resolved that the members of this House of Assembly congratulate the Mahone Bay Legion Band on receiving the Town of Mahone Bay Volunteer Group of the Year Award and thank the many volunteers for their contribution to their community.

RESOLUTION NO. 338

By: Hon. James Muir (Education)

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

[Page 524]

Whereas Jonathan Munro of Truro has been named the protegé recipient of the 2005 Portia White Prize; and

Whereas the protegé award, which consists of $7,000 and a certificate of recognition, goes to an emerging Nova Scotia artist who has demonstrated the potential to make a significant contribution to Nova Scotia's cultural life; and

Whereas Jonathan Munro was named the Portia White Prize protegé by Mr. Walter Borden, the 2005 Portia White prize recipient;

Therefore be it resolved that this House congratulate Jonathan Munro on receiving the prestigious Portia White Prize protegé award and wish him continued success in his musical studies and performances.

RESOLUTION NO. 339

By: Hon. James Muir (Education)

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

Whereas in 2006, the Truro and District Lions Club is celebrating its 60th Anniversary; and

Whereas the Truro and District Lions Club has raised approximately $1.3 million in support of local causes and international disaster relief during its 60 years of service; and

Whereas the Truro and District Lions Club continues to serve their community through their generous donations of time and talent while enjoying an exemplary fellowship;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House congratulate the Truro and District Lions Club on its 60th Anniversary and thank them for their six decades of community service.

RESOLUTION NO. 340

By: Hon. James Muir (Education)

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

[Page 525]

Whereas Scott Annand is the Town of Truro's 2006 representative Volunteer and was honoured at the Provincial Volunteer of the Year Award ceremony; and

Whereas Scott Annand has provided leadership in amateur and college sport for more than 20 years, spearheading the planning of the new TAAC Clubhouse and raising $150,000 toward its construction; and

Whereas Scott Annand has been a strong supporter of minor football in his community and, as a teacher, has coached track and field, downhill skiing, junior curling, high school football, and St. Mary's Huskies collegiate football;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House congratulate Scott Annand on being named as the Town of Truro's 2006 representative Volunteer, thank him for his efforts to improve life for others, and wish him continued happiness and good health.

RESOLUTION NO. 341

By: Hon. James Muir (Education)

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

Whereas Mike Mabey is the Village of Bible Hill's 2006 representative Volunteer and was honoured at the Provincial Volunteer of the Year Award ceremony; and

Whereas Mike Mabey volunteers with the Village of Bible Hill Parks and Recreation Department, chaperones village-sponsored preteen, assists with school education programs and other community events; and

Whereas Mike Mabey has provided many years of volunteer firefighting with the Bible Hill Fire brigade, volunteers for ground search and rescue, and has realized a dream to become a full-time professional firefighter;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House congratulate Mike Mabey on being named as the Village of Bible Hill's 2006 representative Volunteer, thank him for his support of village events and community safety, and wish him continued good health and happiness.

RESOLUTION NO. 342

[Page 526]

By: Hon. James Muir (Education)

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

Whereas Steve Fulton received a Truro Sport Heritage Society Merit Award at the 22nd Annual Sports Awards Dinner for his outstanding contribution to sport over a number of years; and

Whereas Steve Fulton is a former football player and has worked and volunteered in sports and recreation for over 30 years, has coached football for 15 years, amassing six provincial titles, one Maritime title; and

Whereas Steve Fulton is past-president of the NS Minor Football League, a past member and tireless worker on the Truro Sports Heritage Society Board of Directors, a member of the first CEC Cougar football team and member of Truro's first bantam team, the Vultures;

Therefore be it resolved that members of this House congratulate Steve Fulton on receiving a merit award from the Truro Sport Heritage Society and thank him for his many years of sport leadership.

RESOLUTION NO. 343

By: Hon. James Muir (Education)

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

Whereas Murray Nicholson and his late brother, Lorne, received the Truro Sport Heritage Society Merit Award at the 22nd Annual Sports Awards Dinner for their outstanding contribution to sport over a number of years; and

Whereas the Nicholson families have been instrumental in providing sponsorship, a venue, and other support to the Truro Sport Heritage Society for over 20 years; and

Whereas the Nicholson establishment has been the host to the Truro Sport Heritage Society Annual Sports Awards Dinner since the beginning, and has hosted some of the world's greatest athletes from all disciplines;

Therefore be it resolved that members of this House congratulate Murray Nicholson and his late brother, Lorne, on receiving the Truro Sport Heritage Society Merit Award and thank them for their contributions to sport heritage over many years.

[Page 527]

RESOLUTION NO. 344

By: Hon. James Muir (Education)

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

Whereas Sean Regan received a Truro Sport Heritage Society Merit Award at the 22nd Annual Sports Awards Dinner for his outstanding contribution to sport over a number of years; and

Whereas Sean Regan, an extremely patient, positive and supportive coach, has helped to build the fundamental basketball skills and life skills of the junior girls varsity team at Central Colchester Junior High School for the past nine years; and

Whereas Sean Regan coaches a Summer basketball club team and a junior girls rep team, and his teams have won district championships and placed second in regional competition;

Therefore be it resolved that members of this House congratulate Sean Regan on winning a 2005 merit award from the Truro Sport Heritage Society and thank him for his commitment to sports over many years.

RESOLUTION NO. 345

By: Hon. James Muir (Education)

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

Whereas the Freightliners football team received the Truro Sport Heritage Society Outstanding Team Award at the 22nd Annual Sports Awards Dinner for the sports team, 15 years and under, which has achieved outstanding success in their particular sport over the year; and

Whereas the Freightliners enjoyed a 8-0 2005 season in an eight-team league, and continued this undefeated season with victories in the semi-final and provincial championships, providing Truro with the first bantam level championship since 1988; and

Whereas the Freightliners showed dominance on both sides of the ball, outscoring their opponents by a margin of 4 to1, leading the league in defense;

[Page 528]

Therefore be it resolved that members of this House congratulate the Freightliners bantam football team, Nova Scotia Minor Football Provincial Champions, Bantam Division, on winning the Truro Sport Heritage Society Outstanding Team Award.

RESOLUTION NO. 346

By: Hon. James Muir (Education)

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

Whereas the Truro Curves Midget Female Bearcats hockey team received the Truro Sport Heritage Society Outstanding Female Team Award at the 22nd Annual Sports Awards Dinner for the female team, 16 years and over, which has achieved outstanding success in their particular sport over the year; and

Whereas the Truro Curves Midget Female Bearcats had great performances at several Midget AAA level tournaments which led to a Nova Scotia Female Midget AAA Championship win, the first Truro female team to achieve this feat; and

Whereas the Truro Curves Midget Female Bearcats had many 2005 top finishes, including silver medal showings in the SEDMA, Sherwood-Parkdale Early Bird, the TASA Alan Floyd Memorial Christmas, the Truro KFC Christmas tournaments, and the semi finals in the Joe Lamontague Memorial tournament;

Therefore be it resolved that members of this House congratulate the Truro Curves Midget Female Bearcats hockey team, Nova Scotia Female Midget AAA Champions, on winning the Truro Sport Heritage Society Outstanding Female Team Award.

RESOLUTION NO. 347

By: Hon. James Muir (Education)

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

Whereas the Truro Junior A Bearcats Hockey Club received the Truro Sport Heritage Society Outstanding Male Team Award at the 22nd Annual Sports Awards Dinner for the male team, 16 years and over, which has achieved outstanding success in their particular sport over the year; and

Whereas the Truro Junior A Bearcats Hockey Club began a successful 2005 season with the first provincial banner since 1972, then advanced to the Maritime Junior

[Page 529]

A Hockey League's (MJAHL) championship and fought as true underdogs to win the series and the Callaghan Cup symbolizing the MJAHL champion, earning a berth to the Eastern Canadian Fred Page Cup Championship; and

Whereas Bearcats goaltender, Matt Iorianni, was chosen as MJAHL playoff MVP, and Bearcats coach, Shawn Evans, as MJAHL Coach of the Year;

Therefore be it resolved that members of this House congratulate the Truro Junior A Bearcats Hockey Club, MJAHL champions, on winning the Truro Sport Heritage Society Outstanding Male Team Award.

RESOLUTION NO. 348

By: Hon. James Muir (Education)

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

Whereas Ralph Brine received the 2005 Truro Sport Heritage Society Coach of the Year Award at the 22nd Annual Sports Awards Dinner for his exceptional ability as an instructor, motivator and leader; and

Whereas Ralph Brine assisted with the development of the female hockey program for beginning players in the Truro area, providing a coaching model and mentorship for all of his players; and

Whereas Ralph Brine coached the Truro Curves Midget Female Bearcats who won the provincial title in the past season, the first provincial title won in the Truro and area Minor Hockey Association in over a decade, and also the first provincial championship earned by a female team;

Therefore be it resolved that members of this House congratulate Ralph Brine for winning the 2005 Coach of the Year Award from the Truro Sport Heritage Society and thank him for his continued commitment to young athletes.

RESOLUTION NO. 349

By: Hon. James Muir (Education)

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

[Page 530]

Whereas Catherine MacNevin received the Truro Sport Heritage Society Volunteer of the Year Award at the 22nd Annual Sports Awards Dinner for her dedication and commitment for the betterment of sport; and

Whereas Catherine MacNevin's 12 years of volunteer work with the Truro and Area Minor Hockey Association includes five years on the TAMHA board as an age category representative, team manager for midget, bantam and pee wee and tournament chairman for the Atom A provincial championships; and

Whereas Catherine MacNevin has also volunteered with the Truro Minor Lacrosse Association as team manager for the Junior B and Midget Bearcats, helps with the Central Colchester Soccer Association registration and team management, raises funds for the CEC boys soccer team, and served for 14 years as chairman of the PTG at Willow Street Elementary School;

Therefore be it resolved that members of this House congratulate Catherine MacNevin for being recognized as the 2005 Volunteer of the Year by the Truro Sport Heritage Society for her ongoing contribution to sport, our children and our community.

RESOLUTION NO. 350

By: Hon. James Muir (Education)

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

Whereas Bela Casson of Truro received the 2005 Truro Sport Heritage Society Outstanding Female Senior Athlete Award at the 22nd Annual Sports Awards Dinner for outstanding sport achievement by an active athlete age 50 and over; and

Whereas Bela Casson, an avid runner, served as co-director of the Tulip Fest - Jim Vibert 10km run for the past 20 years, competed in many 10km road races and placed first in the Senior Golden Master Female Competition in 2005; and

Whereas Bela Casson is a longtime member of the Truro Tennis Club, and serves in other community organizations such as the St. Andrews choir, the Cantabile Singer, the Cobequid Arts Council, and the fundraising piano fund for the Marigold Centre;

Therefore be it resolved that members of this House congratulate Bela Casson on winning the 2005 Outstanding Female Senior Athlete Award of the Truro Sport Heritage Society and for her exceptional sport and community achievements.

[Page 531]

RESOLUTION NO. 351

By: Hon. James Muir (Education)

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

Whereas Rod McCulloch, FCA, President and CEO, Nova Scotian Crystal Ltd., was awarded the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nova Scotia (ICANS) 2005 Ross L. Towler CA of the Year Award last November; and

Whereas Rod McCulloch's lengthy career and numerous volunteer endeavours includes co-founding the Blue Nose International Marathon, which attracts runners of all ages and athletic abilities, with a particular emphasis on youth, and which recruited over 3,000 participants in its inaugural year and 5,500 runners in 2005; and

Whereas Rod McCulloch's work to maintain the Blue Nose Marathon has resulted in funds raised for the YMCA, healthier youth and community members, and increased awareness of health promotion;

Therefore be it resolved that members of this House congratulate Rod McCulloch on receiving the ICANS 2005 Ross L. Towler CA of the Year Award and thank him for his dedication and exemplification of community-minded spirit.

RESOLUTION NO. 352

By: Hon. James Muir (Education)

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

Whereas Jane Archibald, operatic soprano from Truro, Nova Scotia, was selected earlier this Spring to join the Vienna State Opera Company as a soprano soloist for two years, starting in September of this year; and

Whereas Jane Archibald has toured extensively, performing opera internationally in cities like Toronto, Kitchener-Waterloo, Tanglewood, Chicago, Halifax, San Francisco, and Atlanta, and has worked through 2004-05 as an Adler Fellow with the prestigious San Francisco Opera's Merola Opera Program; and

Whereas Jane Archibald was a prizewinner in many distinguished competitions including the Neue Stimmen Competition, the Young Canadian Mozart Singers' Competition, the Jeunesses Musicales Competition, and the Canadian National Music

[Page 532]

Festival, and Miss Archibald has been featured in Opera Canada and Elle Canada as a young performer of note;

Therefore be it resolved that members of this House recognize Jane Archibald's exceptional talent and wish her much success in the future as her musical career continues to grow.

RESOLUTION NO. 353

By: Hon. James Muir (Education)

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

Whereas Heather Blaikie and Jack MacNab were among the community members who quickly responded to a four-unit apartment building fire on Brunswick Street in Truro last November; and

Whereas Heather Blaikie called 911 and, together with Jack MacNab, helped two residents out of the building and across the street to safety in Blaikie's home; and

Whereas Heather Blaikie's and Jack MacNab's quick actions saved the lives of those inside the burning building and prevented the fire from becoming a tragedy;

Therefore be it resolved that members of this House recognize Heather Blaikie and Jack MacNab for their brave lifesaving actions, and offer thanks to Ms. Blaikie and Mr. MacNab, community volunteers, and area firefighters for their emergency response efforts.

RESOLUTION NO. 354

By: Hon. James Muir (Education)

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

Whereas Truro, Nova Scotia, was ranked the best site to do international business in Canada in the 2006 KPMG Competitive Alternatives Report released last March; and

Whereas Truro and the surrounding area was measured for 27 variables where cost may vary from location to location, including labour, facility costs, transportation, utilities and income taxes based on a United States benchmark of business costs against which centres from other countries are measured; and

[Page 533]

Whereas Truro and its neighbouring communities continue to show our province's competitive business strength to the world with the right mix of cost competitiveness, innovation, highly educated workers and our strategic links to world markets;

Therefore be it resolved that members of this House congratulate Truro on being chosen the best place in Canada best to conduct business on the world stage.

RESOLUTION NO. 355

By: Hon. James Muir (Education)

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

Whereas George Williams received the Continuous Service Award at the Bible Hill Volunteer Awards reception on April 26th for volunteering his services to the community on an ongoing basis for a period of two years or longer; and

Whereas George Williams has been involved in Scouting for approximately 50 years, starting in Dartmouth as a cub, advancing to a leader, and continuing his work in Charlottetown, Moncton, Riverview and, most recently, in Bible Hill; and

Whereas George Williams' volunteer work includes the Bible Hill Safety Advisory Committee, the Bible Hill Central School Lunch Program, child identification, bicycle rodeo, safe Halloween programs, Canadian Red Cross and Salvation Army Christmas collection, Bullying Task Force for Colchester County, and serving as warden at St. George's Anglican Church;

Therefore be it resolved that members of this House congratulate George Williams on receiving the Continuous Service Volunteer Award, thank him for his service to his community, and wish him all the best in the future.

RESOLUTION NO. 356

By: Hon. James Muir (Education)

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

Whereas Paula Williams received the Continuous Service Award at the Bible Hill Volunteer Awards reception on April 26th for volunteering her services to the community on an ongoing basis for a period of two years or longer; and

[Page 534]

Whereas Paula Williams has a long history of volunteering in the village with many causes benefiting from her involvement, including organizing the Canada Day Parade lineup as well as other community and children's events like day camp and holiday events; and

Whereas Paula Williams also serves with the Village of Bible Hill Safety Advisory Committee to organize courses on issues like babysitting, boat safety courses and first aid, and volunteers as a firefighter with the Bible Hill Fire Brigade;

Therefore be it resolved that members of this House congratulate Paula Williams on receiving the Continuous Service Volunteer Award, thank her for her service to her community, and wish her all the best in the future.

RESOLUTION NO. 357

By: Hon. James Muir (Education)

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

Whereas Kim Grant received the Continuous Service Award at the Bible Hill Volunteer Awards reception on April 26th for volunteering her services to the community on an ongoing basis for a period of two years or longer; and

Whereas Kim Grant has been a Scout leader for three years and works tirelessly each week to help deliver a fun and educational program for the children she leads; and

Whereas Kim Grant has also been Group Committee Fundraising Coordinator and has also been on the stewards' committee at St. David's United Church where she served as treasurer for seven years;

Therefore be it resolved that members of this House congratulate Kim Grant on receiving the Continuous Service Volunteer Award, thank her for her service to her community, and wish her all the best in the future.

RESOLUTION NO. 358

By: Hon. James Muir (Education)

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

[Page 535]

Whereas Dr. Bernard Jackson received the Continuous Service Award at the Bible Hill Volunteer Awards reception on April 26th for non-residents of Bible Hill who have volunteered their services to our community on an ongoing basis; and

Whereas Dr. Bernard Jackson has been working on turning an acre of open field and hill on the NSAC campus into a spectacular rock garden since the late 1990s, and coordinates the Friends of the Garden in the upkeep of the alumni garden, the herb garden, the butterfly garden, and the starting of the plants for the carpet bedding in front of the play field on Pictou Road; and

Whereas Dr. Bernard Jackson started the Rock Garden Society of Nova Scotia, which includes members from all over Nova Scotia, and is the author of Mind Full of Butterflies;

Therefore be it resolved that members of this House congratulate Dr. Bernard Jackson on receiving the Continuous Service Volunteer Award, thank him for his service to his community, and wish him all the best in the future.

RESOLUTION NO. 359

By: Hon. James Muir (Education)

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

Whereas Keith Hamilton, along with "Katie, Thomas and friends", received the Continuous Service Award at the Bible Hill Volunteer Awards reception on April 26th for non-residents of Bible Hill who have volunteered their services to our community on an ongoing basis; and

Whereas Keith Hamilton and his group have a long history with the Village of Bible Hill, performing at village seniors' socials, Canada Day, and other holiday events and functions throughout the year free of charge; and

Whereas Keith Hamilton and his group have reliably served the recreation and entertainment needs of the Bible Hill Parks and Recreation Committee, always responding to requests for their services, even those at the last moment;

Therefore be it resolved that members of this House congratulate Keith Hamilton, along with Katie, Thomas and friends, on receiving the Continuous Service Volunteer

[Page 536]

Award, thank them for their service to the Bible Hill community, and wish them all the best in the future.

RESOLUTION NO. 360

By: Hon. James Muir (Education)

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

Whereas Colton Smith received the Young Achievers Service Award at the Bible Hill Volunteer Awards reception on April 26th for young residents of Bible Hill who volunteer their services to the community; and

Whereas Colton Smith has volunteered on the Canada Day Committee for the Village of Bible Hill, helping to draft the Canada Day event plan, and working during the day of the event in every role at the park; and

Whereas Colton Smith also helped with taking photographs at the Canada Day event, and volunteers his time to help with other Village of Bible Hill recreation events;

Therefore be it resolved that members of this House congratulate Colton Smith on receiving the Young Achievers Service Award, thank him for his service to his community, and wish him all the best in the future.

RESOLUTION NO. 361

By: Hon. James Muir (Education)

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

Whereas Spencer Keddy received the Young Achievers Service Award at the Bible Hill Volunteer Awards reception on April 26th for young residents of Bible Hill who volunteer their services to the community; and

Whereas Spencer Keddy has been involved in Special Olympics as a soccer coach for the past four years, and is committed to providing sport and recreational opportunities for persons with special abilities; and

Whereas Spencer Keddy served as an assistant coach for two years, and took over the program replacing the head coach when he was only 16 years old, leading the team to gold, defeating Ontario in the finals;

[Page 537]

Therefore be it resolved that members of this House congratulate Spencer Keddy on receiving the Young Achievers Service Award, thank him for his service to his community, and wish him all the best in the future.

RESOLUTION NO. 362

By: Hon. James Muir (Education)

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

Whereas Curves of Bible Hill received the Corporate Service Award at the Bible Hill Volunteer Awards reception on April 26th for Bible Hill organizations that have made an outstanding volunteer contribution to Bible Hill; and

Whereas Curves is a business whose focus is on the improvement of life for its members, as well as community, by supporting charitable events through fundraising endeavours; and

Whereas Curves' staff and members have raised funds and volunteered for the Heart and Stroke Society, took part in the Relay for Life, Breast Cancer Awareness Month activities, the Christmas Index Program, Christmas Daddies, the Brainchild Program, and donated non-perishable items to the food bank, in addition to marching in the Village of Bible Hill Canada Day Parade;

Therefore be it resolved that members of this House congratulate Curves of Bible Hill, as well as its staff and its members, on receiving the Corporate Service Award, thank them for their service to their community, and wish them all the best in the future.

RESOLUTION NO. 363

By: Hon. James Muir (Education)

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

Whereas the Bible Hill Fire Brigade Ladies Auxiliary received the Corporate Service Award at the Bible Hill Volunteer Awards reception on April 26th for Bible Hill organizations that have made an outstanding volunteer contribution to Bible Hill; and

Whereas the Bible Hill Fire Brigade Ladies Auxiliary was organized in September, 1979, to support and assist the Bible Hill Fire Brigade; and

[Page 538]

Whereas the Bible Hill Fire Brigade Ladies Auxiliary has catered to many functions over the years which include weddings, anniversaries, birthdays, banquets, auctions, and the annual village levee, has hosted the Ladies Auxiliary bowling and dart tournaments, participated in many sports events, and has donated to various charities and organizations;

Therefore be it resolved that members of this House congratulate the Bible Hill Fire Brigade Ladies Auxiliary on receiving the Corporate Service Award, thank them for their service to their community, and wish them all the best in the future.

RESOLUTION NO. 364

By: Hon. James Muir (Education)

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

Whereas Madalene Richard received the Long -Term Service Award at the Bible Hill Volunteer Awards reception on April 26th for those residents of Bible Hill who have made contributions through community volunteer service for a period of 25 years or longer; and

Whereas Madalene Richard has been a volunteer with the Bible Hill Fire Brigade Ladies Auxiliary for catering activities and has served as treasurer for approximately 10 years; and

Whereas Madalene Richard is a very active member of the ladies auxiliary, taking part in helping the firemen, social events, and other ladies auxiliary functions;

Therefore be it resolved that members of this House congratulate Madalene Richard on receiving the Long- Term Service Award, thank her for her service to her community, and wish her all the best in the future.

RESOLUTION NO. 365

By: Hon. James Muir (Education)

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

Whereas Dwane Mellish received the Long-Term Service Award at the Bible Hill Volunteer Awards reception on April 26th for residents of Bible Hill with volunteer service for a period of 25 years or longer; and

[Page 539]

Whereas Dwane Mellish has been a member of the Bible Hill Fire Brigade for 25 years, and is currently serving as deputy chief and training officer; and

Whereas Dwane Mellish helped found the Village of Bible Hill Emergency Planning Committee and the Bible Hill Safety Advisory Committee, and served the East Court Road Elementary School PTA g roup, Nova Scotia Institute of Agrologists, Agricultural Institute of Canada, Nova Scotia Firefighters Curling Association, Bible Hill Village Preschool, Provincial 4-H, Bible Hill Preteen Dances, Truro Relay for Life, Central Colchester Soccer Association, and the Glenwood Christian Church;

Therefore be it resolved that members of this House congratulate Dwane Mellish on receiving the Long -Term Service Award, thank him for his service to his community, and wish him all the best in the future.

RESOLUTION NO. 366

By: Hon. James Muir (Education)

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

Whereas Jean McNutt received the Golden Long -Term Service Award at the Bible Hill Volunteer Awards reception on April 26th for those residents of Bible Hill who have made contributions through community volunteer service for a period of 50 years or longer; and

Whereas Jean McNutt has been an active member of the Bible Hill Fire Brigade Ladies Auxiliary, serving as its very first president; and

Whereas Jean McNutt is a reliable member of the Bible Hill Fire Brigade Ladies Auxiliary, serving in a variety of roles ranging from meal preparation to the bowling team, and she is well known for her strawberry tarts which she bakes as a treat for the firemen;

Therefore be it resolved that members of this House congratulate Jean McNutt on receiving the Golden Long- Term Service Award, thank her for her 50 years of service to her community, and wish her all the best in the future.

RESOLUTION NO. 367

[Page 540]

By: Hon. James Muir (Education)

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

Whereas Stephen Richard received the Golden Long-Term Service Award at the Bible Hill Volunteer Awards reception on April 26th for those residents of Bible Hill who have made contributions through community volunteer service for a period of 50 years or longer; and

Whereas Stephen Richard joined the Bible Hill Fire Brigade 54 years ago, participated in Maritime firemen sports, served as assistant coach for the firemen's Little League baseball team, worked for many years helping with Fire Prevention Week, assisted with the firemen's auction, and for the last 40 years he has bowled, curled, and golfed in the firemen's sports tournaments; and

Whereas Stephen Richard has received several awards including the Nova Scotia Fire Service Long-Service Medal, Village of Bible Hill Continuous Service Award plaque in 1977, and the Arnold A. Crowe Memorial Trophy in 1998;

Therefore be it resolved that members of this House congratulate Stephen Richard on receiving the Golden Long -Term Service Award, thank him for his 50-plus years of service to his community, and wish him all the best in the future.

RESOLUTION NO. 368

By: Hon. James Muir (Education)

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

Whereas Dr. Anil Makkar received the prestigious 2005 Business Achievement Award in early March at the Truro and District Chamber of Commerce 116th Annual Gala Dinner; and

Whereas Dr. Anil Makkar's dental practice has a solid reputation as a world-class facility that brings clients into Truro from all over Canada; and

Whereas Dr. Anil Makkar is supported at Victoria Court Dental by the services of Dr. Marco Chiarot, Dr. Peter Manzer, Dr. Roger Daya, Dr. Ronald Rix, Dr. Stacey Doncaster, Dr. Stephen Vickers, and Dr. Renier Van Ardt, as well as a large team of practice coordinators, dental assistants, hygienists and management staff;

[Page 541]

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House congratulate Dr. Anil Makkar on earning the 2005 Business Achievement Award of the Truro and District Chamber of Commerce and wish him, and his colleagues, continued success.

RESOLUTION NO. 369

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 Doug and Ellen Borden have renovated and re-opened the former Woodsman gas bar and store in Dalhousie; and

Whereas conveniently located, the store will provide many services to the community, providing a much-needed local gas stop, a laundromat for cottagers, and convenience items such as DVDs and groceries; and

Whereas knowing the store will be much more than just a place to pick up the necessities, the Bordens will have an area set up for coffee and a game of cribbage, or a neighbourly chat, creating a meeting place for the community, as a whole.

Therefore be it resolved that members of this House wish Doug and Ellen Borden every success with the new "Bordens' in the Woods".

RESOLUTION NO. 370

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 Murray Salsman turned his personal loss of his wife, Margaret, into a positive action and created a memorial garden in her honour after she lost her battle with cancer; and

Whereas Murray's "garden of glads" in Margaret's memory, is not only a testament to her love of working with flowers, but has blossomed into a major fundraiser for cancer care; and

Whereas Margaret's memory will live on not only in the hearts of her friends and family but in all those who will enjoy the "glad" in her memory;

[Page 542]

Therefore be it resolved that members of this House send their condolences to Murray Salsman and wish him continued success with his tribute to his wife, Margaret.

RESOLUTION NO. 371

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 West Kings District High School will be celebrating its 50th Anniversary in late June 2006, with a reunion of former students and staff; and

Whereas West Kings was one of the first district schools in the province when it opened its doors for the 1956/1957 school year; and

Whereas throughout its 50 years in operation, West Kings has distinguished itself as a leader in many curriculum and extracurricular endeavours, being recognized both provincially and nationally for its achievements.

Therefore be it resolved that members of this House congratulate West Kings for 50 years of excellence both academically and in athletics, and wish them every success with the 50-year reunion celebrations.

RESOLUTION NO. 372

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 Tim Keith of Kingston has worked tirelessly to raise the funds to participate in the Team Diabetes marathons; and

Whereas in addition to raising the much- needed financing , Tim is committed to the physical training involved in such an endeavour; and

Whereas not only is Tim committed to his own accomplishments, he is also assisting others to ensure Canada is well represented at the various marathons throughout the world;

Therefore be it resolved that members of this House recognize the contribution Tim Keith has made to Team Diabetes and wish him continued success.

[Page 543]

RESOLUTION NO. 373

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 Justine Spicer of Berwick has trained diligently to develop her skills in the boxing ring; and

Whereas Justine's training has paid off with a silver medal at the Cadet C National Championships; and

Whereas not only did Justine's talent earn her a medal, she also contributed to her team winning the Best Team in Canada Award;

Therefore be it resolved that members of this House congratulate Justine Spicer for her medal, and wish here continued success in future endeavours.

RESOLUTION NO. 374

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 Daniel Bull is an inspiration to many people he has met; and

Whereas Daniel's commitment to volunteer to help those in his community has given him the distinction of serving as the Youth Volunteer representative for the Town of Berwick; and

Whereas Daniel has worked tirelessly to improve the quality of his community;

Therefore be it resolved that members of this House recognize the contribution Daniel Bull has made in the Town of Berwick and wish him every success in future endeavours.

RESOLUTION NO. 375

[Page 544]

By: Hon. Rodney MacDonald (The Premier)

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

Whereas the St. Joseph's Credit Union, based in Petit de Grat, was recently honoured with receipt of the Building a Better Future Award; and

Whereas the award is presented by the Ethical Funds Company which honours a credit union dedicated to social responsibility and sustainability; and

Whereas St. Joseph's Credit Union was noted for its creative lending policy to charity;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House congratulate the staff, management and membership of the St. Joseph Credit Union for going the extra mile for its community.

RESOLUTION NO. 376

By: Hon. Rodney MacDonald (The Premier)

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

Whereas the 2006 Esso Women's National Championship Awards Banquet took place this past March honouring some of the finest players in women's hockey; and

Whereas one of the awards presented during this ceremony is the Isobel Gathorne Hardy Award, "attributed to an active player, at any level of the game, whose values, leadership and personal traits are representative of all female athletes and who has demonstrated strong community involvement and dedication to the game of hockey"; and

Whereas this year, the honour for such a prestigious award was given to one of Nova Scotia's own star athletes, Ms. Melanie McFarlane;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House congratulate Ms. McFarlane on being recognized for such tremendous commitment to our nation's beloved game of hockey and for showing leadership in the game and in her community.

[Page 545]

RESOLUTION NO. 377

By: Hon. Rodney MacDonald (The Premier)

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

Whereas a 14-year-old Ontario student has challenged her country to spend the time it would take one to sit down for a coffee and write a letter of support to our military personnel serving overseas; and

Whereas Auriele Diotte, after reading about the horrors of World War II, especially as they related to the Holocaust, wanted to ensure that the men and women of today's Armed Forces knew Canadians were thinking of them and the sacrifices they were making to help others; and

Whereas she inspired Canadian Armed Forces Day - on the first day of Spring - a time of "new beginnings, fresh hope and better tomorrows" and helped to foster a national letter-writing campaign;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House challenge all Nova Scotians to send along their letters through www.cafeday.ca, as well as send their own so that our troops know that they have our support as they continue in service to our country to help others realize the same peace and freedoms we are so fortunate to enjoy today.

RESOLUTION NO. 378

By: Hon. William Dooks (Energy)

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

Whereas Sylvanus Dooks, having served with distinction on the front lines for 33 years with the Oyster Pond & Area Volunteer Fire Department until his retirement from active firefighting duty, remains an important member of the department, assisting with social activities and promoting the department's vital works in his community; and

Whereas more than 7,500 Nova Scotians continue to selflessly serve their communities each day as volunteer members of their local fire service; and

[Page 546]

Whereas members of the community will come together to celebrate the Oyster Pond & Area Volunteer Fire Department's 40th Anniversary with a special banquet on June 3, 2006

Therefore be it resolved that the members of the House congratulate the members of the Oyster Pond & Area Volunteer Fire Department on this important milestone, and thank Sylvanus Dooks for his continuing service to his community and wish him continued success in the future.

RESOLUTION NO. 379

By: Hon. William Dooks (Energy)

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

Whereas Milton Laybolt, having served with distinction on the front lines for 30 years with the Oyster Pond & Area Volunteer Fire Department until his retirement from active firefighting duty, remains an important member of the department, assisting with social activities and promoting the department's vital work in his community; and

Whereas more than 7,500 Nova Scotians continue to selflessly serve their communities each day as volunteer members of their local fire service; and

Whereas members of the community will come together to celebrate the Oyster Pond & Area Volunteer Fire Department's 40th Anniversary with a special banquet on June 3, 2006.

Therefore be it resolved that the members of this House congratulate the members of the Oyster Pond & Area Volunteer Fire Department on this important milestone, and thank Milton Laybolt for his continuing service to his community and wish him continued success in the future

RESOLUTION NO. 380

By: Hon. William Dooks (Energy)

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

Whereas Frank Stevens, having served with distinction on the front lines for 27 years with the Oyster Pond & Area Volunteer Fire Department until his retirement from

[Page 547]

active firefighting duty, remains an important member of the department, assisting with social activities and promoting the department's vital work in his community; and

Whereas more than 7,500 Nova Scotians continue to selflessly serve their communities each day as volunteer members of their local fire service; and

Whereas members of the community will come together to celebrate the Oyster Pond & Area Volunteer Fire Department's 40th Anniversary with a special banquet on June 3, 2006.

Therefore be it resolved that the members of this House congratulate the members of the Oyster Pond & Area Volunteer Fire Department on this important milestone, and thank Frank Stevens for his continuing service to his community and wish him continued success in the future.

RESOLUTION NO. 381

By: Hon. William Dooks (Energy)

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

Whereas Larry Hicks, having served with distinction on the front lines for 19 years, seven years with the Oyster Pond & Area Volunteer Fire Department until his retirement from active firefighting duty, remains an important member of the department, assisting with social activities and promoting the department's vital work in his community; and

Whereas more than 7,500 Nova Scotians continue to selflessly serve their communities each day as volunteer members of their local fire service; and

Whereas members of the community will come together to celebrate the Oyster Pond & Area Volunteer Fire Department's 40th Anniversary with a special banquet on June 3, 2006.

Therefore be it resolved that the members of this House congratulate the members of the Oyster Pond & Area Volunteer Fire Department on this important milestone, and thank Larry Hicks for his continuing service to his community and wish him continued success in the future.

RESOLUTION NO. 382

[Page 548]

By: Hon. William Dooks (Energy)

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

Whereas Fred Sleigh, having served with distinction on the front lines for 16 years with the Oyster Pond & Area Volunteer Fire Department until his retirement from active firefighting duty, remains an important member of the department, assisting with social activities and promoting the department's vital work in his community; and

Whereas more than 7,500 Nova Scotians continue to selflessly serve their communities each day as volunteer members of their local fire service; and

Whereas members of the community will come together to celebrate the Oyster Pond & Area Volunteer Fire Department's 40th Anniversary with a special banquet on June 3, 2006.

Therefore be it resolved that the members of this House congratulate the members of the Oyster Pond & Area Volunteer Fire Department on this important milestone, and thank Fred Sleigh for his continuing service to his community and wish him continued success in the future.

RESOLUTION NO. 383

By: Hon. Murray Scott (Justice)

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

Whereas Chuck Homewood will take on the position as new general manager of Ship's Company Theatre later this year; and

Whereas Chuck Homewood has extensive experience in arts management and is the former executive director for the Associated Designers of Canada as well as the Canadian Institute for Theatre Technology; and

Whereas Mr. Homewood will be a very welcome addition to the Ship's Company family, and with his extensive experience and impressive background will only add to the dynamic team to head Ship's Company Theatre into the future;

Therefore be it resolved that the members of this House congratulate Chuck Homewood on being named the new general manager of Ship's Company Theatre, and we wish him all the best in his future endeavours.

[Page 549]

RESOLUTION NO. 384

By: Hon. Murray Scott (Justice)

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

Whereas the Continuing Care Assistants (CCA) students at the Nova Scotia Community College, Cumberland Campus, have been very busy in the classroom and in fundraising; and

Whereas the 23 full-time students hosted the Heart and Stroke Foundation Dress for Red annual fundraiser on February 21, 2006, for the seventh year in a row on the campus where students supported this very worthwhile cause by dressing in red, making a donation, and wearing a heart sticker to show their participation; and

Whereas these students, while on their job placements ,often have the opportunity to work with people in their own community who have heart disease, and rely on the work of the Heart and Stroke Foundation, were thrilled to be able to help out this outstanding organization;

Therefore be it resolved that the members of this House congratulate the Continuing Care Assistants students at the Nova Scotia Community College, Cumberland Campus, and we wish them all the best in their chosen careers.

RESOLUTION NO. 385

By: Hon. Murray Scott (Justice)

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

Whereas the Oxford Regional High School agriculture class installed a new arched bridge over the gully in the area that is being cleaned up for students; and

Whereas several juniper trees cut from the Northumberland Trail behind the school were sawn into lumber at the mill of their teacher, Mr. Black, to build the bridge; and

Whereas students were all a part of that process from the tree removal, the mill sawing and planing of the lumber to the construction of the bridge;

[Page 550]

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House congratulate the ORHS agriculture class on this outstanding achievement that we are sure their fellow students will enjoy for a long time to come, and we wish them all the best in the future.

RESOLUTION NO. 386

By: Hon. Murray Scott (Justice)

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

Whereas the Oxford Mini Golden Bears hosted a Provincial Division 2 Basketball Tournament on April 8th and 9th; and

Whereas the Mini Golden Bears came away the champions, downing St. Margaret's Bay in the championship game by 61-54; and

Whereas members of the Championship Mini Golden Bears Team were Madison Swan, Cassie Newell, Heidi Dormiedy, Emily Davis, Cara Wood, Raelene Wilson, Megan Deveaux, Jenna Rushton, Savannah Davis, Shannalee Smith, Regan Swan, and their mascot Ryan Wilson;

Therefore be it resolved that the members of this House congratulate the Oxford Mini Golden Bears on this outstanding achievement, and we wish them continued success in the future.

RESOLUTION NO. 387

By: Hon. Murray Scott (Justice)

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

Whereas the Oxford Girls Mini Golden Bears hosted and swept the 2006 Mini Girls Invitational on February 10th and 11th; and

Whereas the Bears now post an impressive 20-0 record for the season and they controlled the games throughout this tournament, earning them the victorious title; and

Whereas members of the Oxford Girls Mini Golden Bears include Madison Swan, Cassie Newell, Heidi Dormiedy, Emily Davis, Nikki Wood, Raelene Wilson, Cara Wood, Megan Deveaux, Savannah Davis, Shannalee Smith, Jenna Rushton and Regan Swan;

[Page 551]

Therefore be it resolved that the members of this House congratulate the Oxford Girls Mini Golden Bears on this outstanding achievement, and we wish them continued success for the season.

RESOLUTION NO. 388

By: Hon. Murray Scott (Justice)

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

Whereas the Oxford Golden Bears dominated at the Jason Edwards Memorial Tournament, in River Hebert, in February; and

Whereas Oxford clinched the title with a convincing 99-55 win over the Duncan MacMillian Eagles; and

Whereas members of this winning team included J.R. Murray, Brandon Patriquin, Tim Ellis, Mike Adams, Bryan Margeson, Doug Patriquin, Bob Ripley, Brian Wood, Justin Schwenzer, Brian Purcell, Kyle Purdy, Ray Godfrey, and Tyler Wood;

Therefore be it resolved that the members of this House congratulate the Oxford Golden Bears on this outstanding achievement, and we wish them continued success in the future.

RESOLUTION NO. 389

By: Hon. Murray Scott (Justice)

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

Whereas the Springhill Salvation Army has been a valuable member of their community of Springhill for 120 years, and they are celebrating that anniversary with great pride in 2006; and

Whereas the Salvation Army was originally founded in 1865 in London, England, and came to Canada in 1882; and

Whereas the Salvation Army now operates in 111 countries and provides services in 175 different languages;

[Page 552]

Therefore be it resolved that the members of this House congratulate the Springhill Salvation Army on its 120th Anniversary, and we wish them many more years of service to their community.

RESOLUTION NO. 390

By: Hon. Murray Scott (Justice)

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

Whereas Alice Sanderson of River Hebert was honoured for her volunteer efforts by being named representative Volunteer of the Year for 2006; and

Whereas the presentation was made at a special dinner at the Ed Fullerton Municipal Building at Upper Nappan on Wednesday, April 5, 2006; and

Whereas the presentation was given to Alice in Council Chambers, along with five other local volunteers for their volunteer activities in Cumberland County;

Therefore be it resolved that the members of this House congratulate Alice Sanderson on this outstanding achievement, and we thank her for her many hours of volunteer service to her county and to the Province of Nova Scotia.

RESOLUTION NO. 391

By: Hon. Murray Scott (Justice)

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

Whereas Donna Sheehy, of Parrsboro, is releasing her new book of poetry - Romancing on the Bay of Fundy: My Soul's Attraction; and

Whereas Donna's book is a collection of works she has put together over the past fifteen to twenty years, with emphasis on the past five to six years she has spent living in the Parrsboro area with her husband, Robert; and

Whereas the majority of the poems are inspired by the Parrsboro area and are an assortment of the cultures, lifestyles and legends of the Bay of Fundy, as well as selected romantic poems;

[Page 553]

Therefore be it resolved that the members of this House congratulate Donna Sheehy on publishing her book of poems, and we wish her continued success in the future.

RESOLUTION NO. 392

By: Hon. Murray Scott (Justice)

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

Whereas the Oxford Area Lions Club presented its annual donation to the Oxford Area Skating Club; and

Whereas Lion Stu Asbell presented a $500 cheque to members of the club's Star Skaters Program in January, 2006; and

Whereas the donation will greatly help the skating club which has 33 skaters registered in the Star Skater and CanSkate programs;

Therefore be it resolved that the members of this House congratulate the Oxford Area Lions Club on this donation, and we wish them all the best in the future.

RESOLUTION NO. 393

By: Hon. Murray Scott (Justice)

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

Whereas the Parrsboro Atom Predators were successful in their bid to win their second championship banner of the season in Cole Harbour in March, 2006; and

Whereas the Predators participated in and won the 25th Annual Joe Lamontagne Tournament; and

Whereas the Predators, as a whole, played extremely well and look forward to hanging their second banner for the year in the Parrsboro Arena rafters;

Therefore be it resolved that the members of this House congratulate the Parrsboro Atom Predators, and we wish them continued success in the future.

RESOLUTION NO. 394

[Page 554]

By: Hon. Murray Scott (Justice)

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

Whereas Morgan Porter, a Grade 7 student at Springhill High School, along with her partner, Meagan Bowers, won the Judge's Choice Award for their entry, Make More Free Throws with your Right or Left Eye, at their High School Science Fair; and

Whereas the young scientists had their projects judged by science students from Mount Allison University; and

Whereas the Science Fair was sponsored by the Natural Science and Engineering Research Council;

Therefore be it resolved that the members of this House congratulate Morgan Porter on winning Judge's Choice in the Science Fair and wish her all the best in all future endeavours.

RESOLUTION NO. 395

By: Hon. Murray Scott (Justice)

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

Whereas Terry Porter, a member of the Springhill Fire Department, was honoured for his 23 years of service; and

Whereas on January 28, 2006, local dignitaries, friends, family and special guests gathered together to honour the firefighters of the Springhill Fire Department; and

Whereas Terry Porter is one of many dedicated firefighters who worked many long, hard hours to protect the Town of Springhill and surrounding areas when needed;

Therefore be it resolved that the members of this House congratulate Terry Porter on this outstanding achievements and wish him all the best in the future.

RESOLUTION NO. 396

By: Hon. Murray Scott (Justice)

[Page 555]

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

Whereas Brittany Reid of Springhill was honoured by being chosen by her school and by the Forum selection committee to attend the Forum for Young Canadians in Ottawa; and

Whereas the Forum for Young Canadians is recognized as Canada's premier youth educational program of Canadian systems of government, leadership and citizenship; and

Whereas each year Forum brings 600 students from across Canada to Ottawa to spend a week on Parliament Hill and experience first- hand how Canadian government works;

Therefore be it resolved that the members of this House congratulate Brittany Reid on being chosen for this prestigious event and wish her all the best in her future endeavours.

RESOLUTION NO. 397

By: Hon. Murray Scott (Justice)

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

Whereas Ryan Reynolds of Springhill, a member of the Cumberland County Cool Blues hockey team was honoured in January 2006; and

Whereas Ryan was presented with a scholarship from Carla Benjamin of Oxford Pharmasave; and

Whereas the scholarship will be presented annually to a member of the Blues who is a well-rounded student heavily involved in the team;

Therefore be it resolved that the members of this House congratulate Ryan Reynolds on receiving this scholarship and wish him continued success in the future.

RESOLUTION NO. 398

By: Hon. Murray Scott (Justice)

[Page 556]

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

Whereas employees, management and the parent company of ROPAK, of Springhill, have worked diligently over the weeks before Christmas to gather donations of toys, food items, and gift certificates to help make Christmas brighter for those less fortunate; and

Whereas this is the third year in a row that ROPAK has worked on this project to get donations for the needy at Christmas; and

Whereas all of the items donated will go to needy families in the area through several organizations in the community including the Salvation Army, the St. Vincent de Paul Society, and St. Andrew's Wesley United Church;

Therefore be it resolved that the members of this House congratulate the employees, management, and the parent company of ROPAK for their generosity and wish them all the best in the future.

RESOLUTION NO. 399

By: Hon. Murray Scott (Justice)

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

Whereas Tim Smith, a member of the Springhill Fire Department, was honoured for his 10 years of service; and

Whereas on January 28, 2006, local dignitaries, friends, family and special guests gathered together to honour the firefighters of the Springhill Fire Department; and

Whereas Tim Smith is one of many dedicated firefighters who worked many long, hard hours to protect the Town of Springhill and surrounding areas when needed;

Therefore be it resolved that the members of this House congratulate Tim Smith on this outstanding achievement and wish him all the best in the future.

RESOLUTION NO. 400

By: Hon. Murray Scott (Justice)

[Page 557]

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

Whereas the Springhill Golden Eagles posted a trio of victories to claim the 15th Annual Tournament of Hearts girls basketball tournament; and

Whereas the Golden Eagles defeated Pugwash High Panthers 60-40, then New Germany High Saints 62-51, and finished up with a win over Carleton North 67-56; and

Whereas members scoring for the Springhill Golden Eagles included Patti Gilroy, Sara Laurie, Kathryn Macdonald, Lacey Rushton, Teesha Symes, Tela VarnerHiliary, Burbine Sam McCormick, and Courtney Sauveur;

Therefore be it resolved that the members of this House congratulate the Springhill Golden Eagles on this outstanding achievement and wish them continued success in the future.

RESOLUTION NO. 401

By: Hon. Murray Scott (Justice)

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

Whereas the Springhill Fire Department continues to do what they can to make the community a better place by investing in the future of one Springhill High School student; and

Whereas fire department President Darrin Embree presented area student Jackie Stiles with a cheque for $500 to attend the Encounters Canada Program in Ottawa; and

Whereas this donation is just one of many volunteer acts that the department performs which doesn't require extinguishing fires;

Therefore be it resolved that the members of this House congratulate the Springhill Fire Department on their dedication to this very worthwhile cause and wish them all the best in the future.

RESOLUTION NO. 402

By: Hon. Murray Scott (Justice)

[Page 558]

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

Whereas Tidnish Pic'N Grin was honoured for their volunteer efforts by being named Volunteer Group of the Year for 2006; and

Whereas the presentation was made at a special dinner at the E.D. Fullerton Municipal Building at Upper Nappan on Wednesday, April 5, 2006; and

Whereas the presentation was given to Tidnish Pic 'N Grin in Council Chambers, along with the other local volunteers, for their volunteer activities in Cumberland County;

Therefore be it resolved that the members of this House congratulate Tidnish Pic 'N Grin on this outstanding achievement and thank them for their many hours of volunteer service to their county and to the Province of Nova Scotia.

RESOLUTION NO. 403

By: Hon. Murray Scott (Justice)

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

Whereas Hilal Wardian, from Springhill, set out on a mission 10 years ago and through persistence, determination and many long hours, finally realized his dream in March 2006; and

Whereas Hilal started a 100,001 kilometre walk 10 years ago and finished up on March 21, 2006; and

Whereas Hilal's long trek can teach us all a lesson about determination, stamina and physical fitness as he hit that 100,001 kilometre mark that has made us proud of the fact that he accomplished what he set out to do in 1996;

Therefore be it resolved that the members of this House congratulate Hilal Wardian on this outstanding achievement and wish him all the best in his future endeavours.

RESOLUTION NO. 404

By: Hon. Murray Scott (Justice)

[Page 559]

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

Whereas Darcee Wilson, from Springhill, represented the local militia to receive training under the U.S. National Guard at the Fort Pickett Maneuver Training Centre in southeastern Virginia; and

Whereas during the 10-day trip, Darcee became part of a 30-person platoon that will go through manoeuvres designed to help build upon skills they've learned at the Springhill Armouries; and

Whereas Darcee is attending St. Mary's University, where she is taking an arts degree with an eye towards a degree in criminology;

Therefore be it resolved that the members of this House congratulate Darcee Wilson on being part of this outstanding training and wish her continued success in the future.

RESOLUTION NO. 405

By: Hon. Murray Scott (Justice)

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

Whereas Stevely Wood, a graduate of Parrsboro Regional High School, has been helped along by the Parrsboro Lion's Club; and

Whereas Stevely has been presented with a $500 bursary from the Lion's Club on February 5, 2006; and

Whereas the Lion's Club is a regular bursary presented to students in the area and are very honoured that they can help such a determined student as Stevely Wood;

Therefore be it resolved that the members of this House congratulate Stevely Wood on this achievement and wish him all the best in his future education plans.

RESOLUTION NO. 406

By: Hon. Murray Scott (Justice)

[Page 560]

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

Whereas Ship's Company Theatre captured two awards at the annual Robert E. Merritt Awards held in Halifax; and

Whereas "Brighter Than The Light Of The Sun", a theatrical mish-mash of Louis Riel, Louis B. Mayer and the relationship between Canadian and American Culture, won the award for Outstanding Set Design by Denyse Karn and Outstanding Sound Design went to Frederick Kennedy for the same production; and

Whereas the Robert E. Merritt Theatre Awards recognize achievement in theatre in Nova Scotia;

Therefore be it resolved that the members of this House congratulate the Ship's Company Theatre on this well-deserved award and wish them many more years of success.

RESOLUTION NO. 407

By: Hon. Murray Scott (Justice)

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

Whereas Isaac Smith, a Grade 8 student at Springhill High School, along with his partner Josh Adshade, won first place for their hydraulic arm at their High School Science Fair; and

Whereas the young scientists had their projects judged by science students from Mount Allison University; and

Whereas the Science Fair was sponsored by the Natural Science and Engineering Research Council;

Therefore be it resolved that the members of this House congratulate Isaac Smith on winning first place in the science fair and wish him all the best in all future endeavours.

RESOLUTION NO. 408

By: Mr. David Wilson (Glace Bay)

[Page 561]

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

Whereas Mr. Wendal Fraser is president of the local Foster Parents Association; and

Whereas Mr. Fraser is also the representative for the local Foster Parents Association on the provincial Board; and

Whereas Mr. Fraser has been both a foster parent as well as the local trainer/adviser for others who wish to become foster parents in the area for the past number of years;

Therefore be it resolved that the members of the House of Assembly congratulate Mr. Wendal Fraser for his dedication to the Foster Parents Association and the children of his community.

RESOLUTION NO. 409

By: Mr. David Wilson (Glace Bay)

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

Whereas Miss Aselin Debison, an artist, musician and resident of the Town of Glace Bay, has travelled extensively throughout Nova Scotia, Canada, U.S., as well as China, promoting our local talent and culture; and

Whereas Miss Aselin Debison has been singing the National Anthem for both Canada and the U.S. during the Vince Ryan Hockey Tournament, a yearly event in the Town of Glace Bay since she was seven years old; and

Whereas Miss Aselin Debison is an excellent representative of talent and artistry of the Glace Bay, Cape Breton Area on both a national and international scale. She is a fine example of an artist who takes pride in giving back to her community by participating in local events and fund raisers;

Therefore be it resolved that members of the House of Assembly congratulate Miss Aselin Debison, a fine representative of the youth in the Town of Glace Bay, for her sense of community spirit.

RESOLUTION NO. 410

[Page 562]

By: Mr. David Wilson (Glace Bay)

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

Whereas Mrs. Francine Fraser is the owner and manager of Curves Fitness Centre in Glace Bay; and

Whereas Mrs. Francine Fraser, her staff and the members of the Curves Fitness Centre, Glace Bay Branch, have participated in an annual food drive and have donated the items of food to the Glace Bay Food Bank; and

Whereas Curves Fitness Centre has 9,000 branches worldwide that participate in this annual event;

Therefore be it resolved that members of the House of Assembly congratulate Mrs. Francine Fraser, her staff and the members of the Glace Bay Curves Fitness Centre for their collective efforts for the food drive and donations to the Glace Bay Food Drive.

RESOLUTION NO. 411

By: Mr. David Wilson (Glace Bay)

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

Whereas Ms. Garlene Somerton of Glace Bay, a member of the Nova Scotia Women's Hockey team participated in the 2006 Esso Women's National Hockey Championship, which was held in Sydney this year; and

Whereas Ms. Somerton and her teammates have competed against other women hockey players for the National Women's League who were representing their province from other parts of Canada, some of whom are gold-medal winning Olympic talent; and

Whereas this was Ms. Somerton's first opportunity to compete as a member of the Nova Scotia's 2006 Women's National Hockey League;

Therefore be it resolved that members of the House of Assembly congratulate Garlene Somerton for her talent and dedication to the sport of women's hockey, as well as obtaining a spot on Team Nova Scotia and wish her good luck in the future.

RESOLUTION NO. 412

[Page 563]

By: Mr. David Wilson (Glace Bay)

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

Whereas the Glace Bay Panthers' Cheerleaders, squad and coaches, won the High School Division "A" title at the 2006 Cheer Expo held at the Halifax Forum; and

Whereas Panthers Katee MacAulay, Kinsi Clarke, Katie Cullen, Elyse Gregor and Jaclyn MacDonald teamed up to win silver in the senior dance group competition; and

Whereas the Panthers finished second and third in the high school stunt category. Emily Adshade, Katee MacAulay, Heather Krewenki, Amanda Morrison and Beth Farrow teamed up to finish second, while Panthers' teammates Elyse Gregor, Jennifer Munden, Kendra Wallace, Nicole Chant and Emily Gardiner finished third. The Panthers were also awarded $5,000 towards the purchase of new uniforms as a result of winning a uniform design competition, an event introduced in 2006, sponsored by the Ontario-based Miss Pompom. Diane MacNeil, Glace Bay High School staff liaison person came up with the winning design;

Therefore be it resolved that members of the House of Assembly congratulate the Glace Bay High School Panthers, as well as their squad members and coaches for their continuing success.

RESOLUTION NO. 413

By: Mr. David Wilson (Glace Bay)

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

Whereas sewing teacher and student council advisor, Brenda Donahue, at St. Michael's Junior High School, Glace Bay, as well as her sewing students from all the Grade 8 classes for the year 2006 participated in a class project; and

Whereas Mrs. Donahue and her sewing students from the Grade 8 classes have sewn/made fleece toques for newborn babies, as well as for older children with cancer, then donated these items to the Neonatal Unit and the Pediatric Cancer Unit at the Cape Breton Regional Hospital; and

Whereas the Class of 2006 sewing students from St. Michael's Junior High School and their teacher Mrs. Brenda Donahue had also created and put together crib side quilts and donated these items to the Cape Breton Regional Hospital Pediatric Unit;

[Page 564]

Therefore be it resolved that members of the House of Assembly congratulate each and every student of the St. Michael's Junior High School Grade 8 Sewing Classes, as well as their teacher, Mrs. Brenda Donahue for both their generosity of spirit and a job well done.

RESOLUTION NO. 414

By: Mr. David Wilson (Glace Bay)

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

Whereas Mrs. Mary Hiscock, her daughter Kim and the staff of Bud's Taxi have actively participated in a fund raising events in the community of Glace Bay; and

Whereas Mrs. Mary Hiscock, her daughter Kim and the staff of Bud's Taxi have been donating $1 from each driver from every shift, every day for the past number of years as a fund raising event for a much-needed new building for the Town Daycare Centre in Glace Bay; and

Whereas the owner, manager and staff of Bud's Taxi set a wonderful example of the sense of community as well as displaying a generosity of spirit of the people of Glace Bay area;

Therefore be it resolved that the members of the House of Assembly congratulate Mrs. Hiscock, her daughter Kim and the staff of Bud's Taxi in Glace Bay for their generosity to the building fund for the Town Daycare Centre.

RESOLUTION NO. 415

By: Mr. David Wilson (Glace Bay)

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

Whereas Mr. Nick Bonnar, his tournament committee, as well as the volunteers, plan and organize the Jason Simmons Memorial Hockey Tournament; and

Whereas Mr. Bonnar, the tournament committee and volunteers have made this an annual event for the past number of years in the Glace Bay area; and

[Page 565]

Whereas this event has been an annual fund raiser for the Glace Bay High School Scholarship/Bursary Fund, which benefits the graduating class for that coming year with said award;

Therefore be it resolved that members of the House of Assembly congratulate Mr. Nick Bonnar, the members of his tournament committee as well as his volunteers, for their continuing efforts and dedication to the students of Glace Bay High School Graduating Class Scholarship/Bursary Fund.

RESOLUTION NO. 416

By: Mr. David Wilson (Glace Bay)

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

Whereas Miss Nicole Hennessey, a Grade 12 student of Glace Bay School, has been presented with the Youth Volunteer Award; and

Whereas Miss Hennessey , a resident of Glace Bay and an honours student with the highest distinction, has been given this award by the Cape Breton Regional Municipality as well as the Cape Breton Victoria School Board. She was nominated for this award by her high school's guidance counsellors, Denise Breen and Sharon Preeper; and

Whereas Miss Hennessey has been actively volunteering from the early age of six years when she collected for UNICEF while she was in Sparks. In Grade 6 Nicole and six friends raised more than $1,000 for the IWK Children's Hospital. Nicole is also a peer educator, going into elementary schools to teach children about alcohol, drugs and addictions, as well as volunteering at Seaview Manor, Holy Cross Church, Savoy Theatre, the Cancer Society and the Heart and Stroke Foundation;

Therefore be it resolved that members of the House of Assembly congratulate Miss Nicole Hennessey for receiving the Youth Volunteer Award. She is a wonderful example of the youth of today and the promise of tomorrow.

RESOLUTION NO. 417

By: Mr. David Wilson (Glace Bay)

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

[Page 566]

Whereas Miss Ranee MacIntosh, a resident of the Town of Glace Bay and student of L'Ecole de l'Acadie; and

Whereas Miss Ranee MacIntosh is the daughter of Laurie and Ron MacIntosh and has participated in the contest for the Province Science Fair with the design of a logo; and

Whereas Miss Ranee MacIntosh, a youth of the Town of Glace Bay and student of L'Ecole de l'Acadie, has won this contest for the Provincial Science Fair, Conseil Scolarie Acadien;

Therefore be it resolved that members of the House of Assembly congratulate Miss Ranee MacIntosh as a fine representative of the youth in the town of Glace Bay for coming up with the winning logo for the Provincial Science Fair - Conseil Scolarie Acadien.

RESOLUTION NO. 418

By: Mr. David Wilson (Glace Bay)

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

Whereas Mr. Richard Warren and his team of volunteers who have worked diligently for the past 17 years to raise funding for scholarships through the Vince Ryan Hockey Tournament; and

Whereas Mr. Richard Warren and his team of dedicated volunteers have enriched the community of Glace Bay and surrounding areas with this yearly event which has also helped the local economy of Glace Bay; and

Whereas the Glace Bay Vince Ryan Hockey Tournament has grown into a national success which stretches across the border to Los Angeles, California;

Therefore be it resolved that the members of the House of Assembly congratulate Mr. Richard Warren and his staff of volunteers, whose dedication to the Vince Ryan Hockey Tournament has made this yearly tournament a growing success.

RESOLUTION NO. 419

By: Mr. David Wilson (Glace Bay)

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

[Page 567]

Whereas the 29 students of the Grade 8 class of the St. Michael's School, Glace Bay, as well as their teacher, Lisa Roach of the PDR Class have raised money and have purchased toys for the pediatric ward of the Cape Breton Regional Hospital; and

Whereas one of the students was recently at the hospital and noticed the need for newer, up-to-date toys for the pediatric ward and decided to bring the matter of the old toys to the attention of her teacher and classmates; the students sold pizza, collected recyclables, and set up a coat check at the school dance to raise more than $300; and

Whereas the Grade 8 students of St. Michael's Junior High School took on a project focussed on giving back to the community as part of the class curriculum. Past projects consisted of the adoption for Christmas of less fortunate families and palliative care patients;

Therefore be it resolved that members of the House of Assembly congratulate St. Michael's Junior High School, Grade 8 French Social Studies students, as well as their teacher, Mrs. Lisa Roach for both their generosity of spirit and a job well done.

RESOLUTION NO. 420

By: Mr. David Wilson (Glace Bay)

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

Whereas two members of the 1st Bridgeport Cubs have been honoured. Cub members Evelyn Doyle and Andrew Morrison were presented with the Victor Doucette Memorial Cub of the Year Award; and

Whereas Mr. Angus MacDonald, Head Cub Leader of the 1st Bridgeport Cub Pack, Glace Bay said the two winners were very dedicated and would be the first to offer their assistance with projects, as well as do the little extras necessary to help the organization run more efficiently; and

Whereas both Evelyn Doyle and Andrew Morrison received a plaque from Mr. MacDonald for the Cub of the Year Award and their names have been added to the list of former awardees and displayed in the church hall where the weekly meetings are held at Immaculate Conception Church, Bridgeport, Glace Bay, Nova Scotia;

Therefore be it resolved that members of the House of Assembly congratulate this year's winners Evelyn Doyle and Andrew Morrison, as well as Mr. Angus MacDonald for a job well done.

[Page 568]

RESOLUTION NO. 421

By: Mr. Gary Hines (Waverley-Fall River-Beaver Bank)

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

Whereas the third annual Waverley, Fall River and Beaver Bank Volunteer Awards banquet was held on April 28, 2006; and

Whereas all volunteers nominated by their respective community groups received certificates for their achievements; and

Whereas Arlene Reid, Cora Sampson, Edgar (Jim) MacLeod, Gary Obritsch, Joanne Dalrymple, Linda Keddy, Margie Hartlen, Nancy MacDonald, Pamela Leitch, Rick Karst and Wendy Saunders were recognized for their selfless community contribution;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House extend their appreciation and congratulations for all the recognized efforts of the award recipients on behalf of their respective communities.

RESOLUTION NO. 422

By: Gary Hines (Waverley-Fall River-Beaver Bank)

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

Whereas every year, the Atlantic region continues to attract international entertainment acts, confirming the strength of the facilities and resources available in the area; and

Whereas country music greats, Alan Jackson, and Brooks and Dunn, will be appearing in Moncton on August 19 of this year; and

Whereas local entertainers Frank and Nancy Lowe of Beaver Bank, and their band, accompanied by long-time metro guitarist, Dale Boutilier, have been invited to open for the famous musicians;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House congratulate Frank, Nancy, their band, and Dave Boutilier on their appearance at this exciting, world-class stage show, surely one of the region's summer musical highlights.

[Page 569]

RESOLUTION NO. 423

By: Ms. Judy Streatch (Tourism, Culture and Heritage)

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

Whereas the Chester Area Middle School boys' volleyball team hosted their second movie night on Friday, December 17, 2005; and

Whereas those having a night on the town while watching "Oliver Twist" helped raise money for the Lighthouse Food Bank; and

Whereas the Chester Area Middle School boys' volleyball team made it to the regionals with a record of 14 wins and 5 losses this season, but unfortunately were eliminated by Lunenburg and Centre;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House thank the Chester Area Middle School boys' volleyball team for their fundraising efforts and congratulate them on a tremendous season.

RESOLUTION NO. 424

By: Ms. Judy Streatch (Tourism, Culture and Heritage)

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

Whereas an auction was hosted by Linens for Life, in Chester, on December 10, 2005, helped raise more than $600 for the Chester Municipal Chamber of Commerce; and

Whereas the money will be put to good use and help offset the cost of two new employees for the chamber; and

Whereas President Elaine LeBlanc said that it is very encouraging to see more local businesses participate in this event;

Therefore be it resolved that all MLAs congratulate the Chester Municipal Chamber of Commerce and wish all members much success in the future.

RESOLUTION NO. 425

By: Ms. Judy Streatch (Tourism, Culture and Heritage)

[Page 570]

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

Whereas Paul Aulenback, who is 80 years old, and Elmer Cross, who is 75, are two members of the Chester Old-timers Hockey League; and

Whereas according to Wally Armstrong, the chief organizer for the league, there have been more than 80 players who have graced the roster in the past 8 years; and

Whereas there are usually 24 players at the Chester Arena on every Wednesday and Friday afternoon, honing their skills and working up a sweat;

Therefore be it resolved that all MLAs of this House congratulate the players of the Chester Old-timers and wish them much success in the years to come.

RESOLUTION NO. 426

By: Ms. Judy Streatch (Tourism, Culture and Heritage)

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

Whereas the Halifax Regional School Board asked both Shatford's Elementary School and East St. Margaret's Elementary to review their future; and

Whereas Deborah Brunt, the local school board representative, lobbied hard to keep both schools open; and

Whereas the Halifax Regional School Board decided that both schools would continue operations;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House congratulate Deborah Brunt on a job well done.

RESOLUTION NO. 427

By: Ms. Judy Streatch (Tourism, Culture and Heritage)

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

[Page 571]

Whereas on December 11, 2006, Debbie Rafuse and Vanessa Mader of Chester will be competing in the Honolulu Marathon as part of the Arthritis Society's Joints in Motion fundraiser; and

Whereas if the duo continues at their rate of practice, by the time the marathon rolls around they will collectively have walked 7,725 kilometres; and

Whereas Debbie and Vanessa has set a fundraising goal of over $10,000;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House extend their best wishes to Debbie and Vanessa as they stride towards their goal.

RESOLUTION NO. 428

By: Ms. Judy Streatch (Tourism, Culture and Heritage)

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

Whereas in the Summer of 1936, the National Gyro Club contacted Guy Harnish of Hubbards about hosting a lobster supper on Hubbards Beach, its first in over 100 years; and

Whereas the lobster supper was a great success, and soon other groups began to seek the services of the Harnish family, however, the weather was always an issue, so in 1946, Roy Harnish (Guy's son) built the Shore Club so groups could be accommodated even on rainy days; and

Whereas now, in 2006, the Hubbards Shore Club is celebrating its 60th Anniversary as the last of the great dance halls;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House congratulate Rhys Harnish for his many years of commitment to the Hubbards area and wish him much success in the years to come.

RESOLUTION NO. 429

By: Ms. Judy Streatch (Tourism, Culture and Heritage)

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

[Page 572]

Whereas in 1965, June Hamm began working for lawyer Ralph Hennigar as a 17-year-old business school graduate; and

Whereas for the last 40 years, she has seen many changes to the business, including the introduction of computers, and the addition of many new business partners, such as the honourable Member for Lunenburg; and

Whereas Ms. Hamm has done everything from saving records from a flood to playing medical assistant for Dr. George Jollymore who worked next door, and since Ms. Hamm would like to achieve her golden work anniversary with Hennigar, Wells, Lamey and Baker;

Therefore be it resolved that members of this House of Assembly commend June on her 40 years at Hennigar, Wells, Lamey and Baker, and wish her success for many years to come as she strives to reach her goal.

RESOLUTION NO. 430

By: Ms. Judy Streatch (Tourism, Culture and Heritage)

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

Whereas Chester native, Lydia Stevens, is a slalom specialist, placing second overall in Nova Scotia during her 2006 season; and

Whereas Lydia will be representing Nova Scotia at the 2007 Canada Winter Games in Whitehorse; and

Whereas the 17- year- old, Grade 11 Forest Heights student has a full academic load which includes both Grade 11 and Grade 12 mathematics to free up time for training and the games in the next school year;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House congratulate Lydia for a superb season and wish her good luck during the 2007 Canada Winter Games.

RESOLUTION NO. 431

By: Ms. Judy Streatch (Tourism, Culture and Heritage)

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

[Page 573]

Whereas the Hubbards area suffered the loss of a true friend on February 27, 2006; and

Whereas Marge Duncan was a well-known business owner in Black Point, operating the family cottage rental business for many years; and

Whereas she was involved in several organizations within her community;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House extend their deepest sympathies to the family of the late Margery Fryday Duncan.

RESOLUTION NO. 432

By: Ms. Judy Streatch (Tourism, Culture and Heritage)

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

Whereas April 23 - 29 was Provincial Volunteer Week in Nova Scotia; and

Whereas Martin Haase was honoured at a reception hosted by the Municipality of the District of Chester for his volunteer work; and

Whereas volunteers are a valuable part of our communities;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House congratulate and thank Mr. Haase for all his hard work and dedication to his community.

RESOLUTION NO. 433

By: Ms. Judy Streatch (Tourism, Culture and Heritage)

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

Whereas the students of New Ross Consolidated School celebrated the halfway mark of the school year by engaging in physical activities that are tied to a mental math exercise; and

Whereas math, literacy, and active, healthy living are key points in the school's improvement plan; and

[Page 574]

Whereas the students of New Ross Consolidated placed first or second in the mental math events every year since the Park View Education Knowledge Festival began 3 years ago;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House congratulate the staff and students at New Ross Consolidated School on a job well done and wish them much success in the years to come.

RESOLUTION NO. 434

By: Ms. Judy Streatch (Tourism, Culture and Heritage)

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

Whereas Phyllis Hind is owner-operator of Rosewood of the Cove, a three- cabin waterfront cottage business that she started in 1989; and

Whereas Phyllis Hind now employs close to a dozen employees at her cottage business on the Hubbards Cove; and

Whereas Rosewood on the Cove was chosen as Small Business of the Year by the Metropolitan Halifax Chamber of Commerce;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House congratulate Phyllis Hind on her award and wish her much success in the years to come.

RESOLUTION NO. 435

By: Ms. Judy Streatch (Tourism, Culture and Heritage)

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

Whereas April 23 - 29 was Provincial Volunteer Week; and

Whereas Sharon Rafuse of New Ross has attended the Provincial Volunteer Awards Ceremony on behalf of the Municipality of the District of Chester; and

Whereas volunteers are the heart of our small communities;

[Page 575]

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House congratulate and thank Sharon Rafuse for all her hard work and dedication to her community.

RESOLUTION NO. 436

By: Ms. Judy Streatch (Tourism, Culture and Heritage)

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

Whereas the Halifax Regional School Board asked the parents, staff, and the community at Shatford's Elementary School to organize a committee to examine the future of the school; and

Whereas the nine members of the Shatford's Review Committee put in a countless number of hours over the last couple of months; and

Whereas on March 29th, the Halifax Regional School Board voted unanimously to keep Shatford's Elementary School open;

Therefore be it resolved that all MLAs of this House thank the review committee for all their hard work.

RESOLUTION NO. 437

By: Ms. Judy Streatch (Tourism, Culture and Heritage)

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

Whereas Katie Nicholls, Michael Hardy, and Jarek Strecko are three very talented young individuals from the St. Margarets Bay area; and

Whereas all three have been selected to represent Nova Scotia at the National Juvenile Skiing Championships in Mont Tremblant, Quebec; and

Whereas all three skiers are rated as remarkable alpine racers;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House congratulate these three individuals.

RESOLUTION NO. 438

[Page 576]

By: Ms. Judy Streatch (Tourism, Culture and Heritage)

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

Whereas the South Shore Work Activity Program will be able to purchase a much needed van, thanks to a $50,000 cheque from the Department of Community Services; and

Whereas program director, David Outhouse, says the van will be the organization's first van, and is critical to the success of the organization; and

Whereas the organization is vital in providing instruction, assessment, and other programs to participants 18 years of age and older whose personal, physical, or social challenges make it hard to find employment;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House thank the South Shore Work Activity Program's Board of Directors and staff for working so hard to keep this program viable, and wish them future success for many more years to come.

RESOLUTION NO. 439

By: Ms. Judy Streatch (Tourism, Culture and Heritage)

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

Whereas the Tantallon Traffic Committee formed to lobby the government for a set of stop lights at the Fox Hollow, French Village, and Hammonds Plains Road intersection; and

Whereas the committee consists of Carrie Ramsay, Carol Duplisea, Karen Pratt, and Cathy Williams, four very talented and dedicated individuals; and

Whereas with the decision to install a set of traffic lights at this intersection, I was able to announce, on April 24, 2006, that their commitment, teamwork and determination have paid off;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House congratulate the committee for all their efforts and thank the Minster of Transportation and Public Works for this fantastic decision.

RESOLUTION NO. 440

[Page 577]

By: Mr. Mark Parent (Kings North)

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

Whereas this month, the Annapolis Valley increased its technological capabilities with the launch of a new fibre optic link designed to link universities, businesses and municipalities; and

Whereas the $3.2 million Valley Community Fibre Network will run from Dalhousie University in Halifax, to the Nova Scotia Community College in Middleton, and there connect to its Fundy Web network; and

Whereas this important piece of infrastructure will place the region in a more desirable position, opening it up to attract new business and increase the internationally renowned educational and research facilities in the Valley;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House applaud the technological advances made in the Valley and recognize this kind of growth and to work towards bringing such advances to all of Nova Scotia's communities

RESOLUTION NO. 441

By: Mr. Mark Parent (Kings North)

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

Whereas musical act, Donna and Andy, were nominated for a 2006 East Coast Music Award; and

Whereas the duo, who won an ECMA two years ago, were nominated in the same category, Children's Entertainer of the Year, for their recording, Dinosaurs, Dragons and Me; and

Whereas the pair have contributed to the popular Computer Cat CD and songbook which was approved by the Department of Education as a learning resource, now a part of all P-6 classrooms across the province;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House congratulate Kentville native Donna Rhodenizer, and Cambridge resident Andy Duinker for their second

[Page 578]

nomination and wish them the best of luck as they work with the Music Association of Nova Scotia to expand their music to Ontario.

RESOLUTION NO. 442

By: Mr. Mark Parent (Kings North)

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

Whereas the executive director for the Acadia Centre for Small Business and Entrepreneurship, Chris Pelham, was recognized for his tireless work recently at a national conference; and

Whereas Mr. Pelham received the Lifetime Achievement Award in Waterloo, Ontario, at the Canadian Council for Small Business and Entrepreneurship for his dedication to the internationally renowned centre since 1988; and

Whereas since 2001, Mr. Pelham has been instrumental in developing the ACSBE as the Canadian delivery institute of APEC's small business counselling certification program;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House send their appreciative congratulations to Chris Pelham and encourage the continuation and growth of his work; in addition, Mr. Pelham is to be thanked for his tremendous impact his work has had locally with such organizations as Just Us! Coffee Roasters.

RESOLUTION NO. 443

By: Mr. Mark Parent (Kings North)

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

Whereas the Town of Kentville recently honoured some of its own police force with bravery awards; and

Whereas Board of Police Commissioners chairperson and town councillor, Nola Folker-Hill, along with Mayor Dave Corkum, presented Certificates of Recognition to Cpl. Darryl Brown and Constables Trevor MacNeil and Jason Sehl respectively; and

Whereas the three officers were honoured for their bravery when they evacuated residents from apartments above Avery's Farm Market in Kentville in August of 2005,

[Page 579]

which has led to the town developing its own policy and protocol to ensure that recognition is bestowed upon all of those residents deserving of similar honours;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House congratulate the three officers on their award and thank them for their bravery and professionalism.

RESOLUTION NO. 444

By: Mr. Mark Parent (Kings North)

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

Whereas Kentville resident and Edmonton Eskimos football star, Bruce Beaton; and

Whereas the two-time Grey Cup champion has contributed to his Valley community during his brief retirements as a minor football league assistant coach; and

Whereas Bruce was awarded a certificate of congratulation by Kentville Mayor Dave Corkum for his contributions to the community;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House send their congratulations to Kentville's resident CFL star, Bruce Beaton, for his contribution to Canadian sport and for lending his talents towards the betterment of the recreational life of Valley youth.

RESOLUTION NO. 445

By: Mr. Mark Parent (Kings North)

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

Whereas the Women's Institute of Nova Scotia, with 63 branches from Cape Breton to Yarmouth, continued with its efforts in the community this year with its Quilts for the Homeless program; and

Whereas it produced and donated hundreds of handmade quilts to the Salvation Army in the HRM, which, through its street ministry program, distributed the quilts to the homeless population; and

[Page 580]

Whereas the Women's Institute also distributed meals, counselling and clothing items such as hats, mittens and socks to homeless people and those thrown into a crisis situation;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House recognize the continued efforts of the longstanding Women's Institute of Nova Scotia for their tireless and invaluable work within Nova Scotia's community, and thank the organization for their continued work throughout the year in supporting 12,000 children across the province this Christmas.

RESOLUTION NO. 446

By: Mr. Mark Parent (Kings North)

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

Whereas Northeast Kings Education Centre Grade 12 student Sarah Knowles, and her father, Larry Knowles, travelled to Bolivia earlier this year to volunteer their time at a child care facility; and

Whereas the Casa de la Amistad assists children of local prison inmates and welcomed the Knowles' through the Canadian Baptist Missions based in New Brunswick; and

Whereas the organization, along with the Knowles, are working towards raising funds for the Bolivian community to purchase a new van to enable safer transportation for the children to and from the facility;

Therefore be it resolved that al l members of this House recognize the extraordinary volunteer work being done by people from across this province all over the world, such opportunities allow Nova Scotia to send its unofficial ambassadors of good will around the globe displaying the core values that set this province apart from any other in the country.

RESOLUTION NO. 447

By: Mr. Mark Parent (Kings North)

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

[Page 581]

Whereas the owner and operators of the popular Hall's Harbour Lobster Pound were included in a prestigious list as part of an Ottawa Citizen article recently; and

Whereas Rodger and Sharla Cameron were honoured to be included as one of the Five Best Places for Lobster in the world who admit, on good days, they can serve up to 400 pounds of the prized shellfish; and

Whereas the list included places as diverse as Australia and Anguilla, lending it a prestigious and exclusive tone, given the extensive travel undertaken to compile the list;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House send their sincere congratulations to the Cameron's and the Hall's Harbour Lobster Pound for their newly-acquired international status and tireless work, and, in doing so, we acknowledge their overall contribution to the Nova Scotia lobster industry.

RESOLUTION NO. 448

By: Mr. Mark Parent (Kings North)

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

Whereas the Annapolis Valley Regional School Board was recently awarded additional funding for its Health Promoting Schools program; and

Whereas the program received stage three funding of $100,000 from the provincial Office of Health Promotion, for schools that have a food policy and breakfast program in place and are working towards long-term sustainability; and

Whereas the AVRSB was also recognized for being a provincial leader in health promotion in schools after having started in 1997 by concerned parents at eight elementary schools in the region;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House continue to support health promotion amongst all Nova Scotia schools and congratulate the AVRSB for its commitment to leadership in the pursuit of healthier schools and, ultimately, healthier youth.

RESOLUTION NO. 449

By: Mr. Mark Parent (Kings North)

[Page 582]

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

Whereas Acadia University professor, Dr. Peter Williams, claimed, for the fourth year, the 2006 Canadian Association of Physicists (CAP) Medal for Excellence in Teaching; and

Whereas it was reported that Acadia president and vice-chancellor, Dr. Gail Dinter-Gottlieb, expressed that Dr. Williams had a lasting impact on his students and community for "offering an original and creative approach to teaching"; and

Whereas Dr. Williams was also bestowed with honours in 2002 when he was honoured with an award by the International Conference on College Teaching, Learning and Technology for successfully incorporating technology into course work with his class Studio Physics;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House congratulate Dr. Williams on his latest award and support his work at Acadia University and the impact he has had, not only his current and past students, but on the community at large that benefits from the world-class institution that is Acadia University.

RESOLUTION NO. 450

By: Mr. Mark Parent (Kings North)

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

Whereas the community of Kingsport may be one of the quieter communities in Nova Scotia, it does boast one of the busiest and most successful c@p sites in the Annapolis Valley; and

Whereas the landmark, big red store, in the town centre, became a 21st Century landmark when it officially opened as the Lloyd Memorial Centre that houses the c@p site which boasts some of the highest usage rates for a rural area in the province; and

Whereas local resident, George Barkhouse, worked with Kingsport Community Association president, Barry Schaffner, in conjunction with ACOA and Nova Scotia Sport and Recreation to raise funds to open the centre with some of the highest statistics for a non-library c@p site in the Valley;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House send their thanks and wishes for continued success to Mr. Barkhouse and Mr. Schaffner and the Kingsport c@p

[Page 583]

site, and with continued support, the resource outlet can continue to provide information during its busy Summer season to tourists and residents year-round.

RESOLUTION NO. 451

By: Mr. Mark Parent (Kings North)

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

Whereas Camp Aldershot in the Annapolis Valley recently received a CDS CF Unit Commendation from Defence Staff Chief Gen. Rick Hillier; and

Whereas General Hillier presented the commendation, pennant and coin to Land Force Atlantic Training Centre Detachment Aldershot for exemplary services in recent year, and this honour was also bestowed for Operation Parasol, that assisted Kosovar refugees in 1999; and

Whereas and for Operation Support, that provided assistance to stranded travellers on September 11, 2001, and the days immediately following;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House recognize the work being done by staff at Camp Aldershot, particularly during specific operations, and, in doing so, this Legislature recognizes the important place that military personnel and their combined skills bring to nation building in our own country and abroad.

RESOLUTION NO. 452

By: Mr. Mark Parent (Kings North)

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

Whereas New Minas native and Ken-Wo Gold Club junior, Laura Harris, has earned a lucrative golf scholarship from a major U.S. university; and

Whereas the Horton High Grade 12 honour student and former Nova Scotia and Canadian under-15 junior golf champion was awarded a scholarship worth $92,000 U.S., over four years, from Illinois State University; and

Whereas she has plans to study sports business management and play golf for the NCAA Division 1 Redbirds of the Missouri Valley Conference out of Normal, Ill.;

[Page 584]

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House congratulate Laura Harris on her remarkable achievement which demonstrates the kind of success that is attainable with the support and resources available in rural Nova Scotia; Ms. Harris is yet another young sports ambassador for this great province, and may we take this opportunity to send her our best wishes.