May 5, 2008

HANSARD 08-24

DEBATES AND PROCEEDINGS

Speaker: Honourable Alfie MacLeod

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/

Second Session

MONDAY, MAY 5, 2008

TABLE OF CONTENTS PAGE
PRESENTING AND READING PETITIONS:
Environ. - Wind Turbine Dev.: Gulf Shore - Objection,
Mr. E. Fage 2553
TIR: Brooks Dr. (E. Preston) - Pave,
Mr. K. Colwell 2554
TABLING REPORTS, REGULATIONS AND OTHER PAPERS:
Elections N.S.: Cole Hbr.-East. Passage By-election (02/10/07) -
Info, The Speaker 2554
GOVERNMENT NOTICES OF MOTION:
Res. 2299, Atlantic, Battle of - Anniv. (65th),
The Premier 2554
Vote - Affirmative 2555
Res. 2300, NAOSH Wk. - Workplace Safety,
Hon. M. Parent 2555
Vote - Affirmative 2556
Res. 2301, Poirier, Leo: Death of - Tribute,
Hon. L. Goucher 2556
Vote - Affirmative 2557
Res. 2302, Emergency Preparedness Wk. (05/04-05/10/08):
Importance - Recognize, Hon. J. Streatch 2557
Vote - Affirmative 2558
Res. 2303, Aucoin, Craig: Studies - Commend,
Hon. K. Casey 2558
Vote - Affirmative 2559
Res. 2304, 4-H Conferences: Attendees - Congrats.,
Hon. B. Taylor 2559
Vote - Affirmative 2559
Res. 2305, Intl. Emergency Mgt. Group: Halifax - Welcome,
Hon. D. Morse 2559
Vote - Affirmative 2560
Res. 2306, Africville Genealogy Soc.: Fest./Homecoming -
Anniv. (25th), Hon. B. Barnet 2560
Vote - Affirmative 2561
Res. 2307, Opportunities Nova Scotia: Participants - Congrats.,
Hon. M. Parent 2561
Vote - Affirmative 2562
INTRODUCTION OF BILLS:
No. 154, Education Act, Mr. L. Glavine 2562
No. 155, Health Protection Act, Mr. David Wilson (Glace Bay) 2562
No. 156, Land Registration Act, Hon. J. Muir 2562
NOTICES OF MOTION:
Res. 2308, Nova Scotia Power - Rates: URB - Investigation Urge,
Mr. D. Dexter 2562
Vote - Affirmative 2563
Res. 2309, Stewart, Dr. Ronald - Hero of Emergency Medicine Award,
Mr. S. McNeil 2563
Vote - Affirmative 2564
Res. 2310, Strait Area Educ. & Rec. Ctr.: N.S. Sch. Accreditation Prog. -
Congrats., The Premier 2564
Vote - Affirmative 2564
Res. 2311, Kinsella, John - Annapolis Royal Mayor: Leadership (8 Yrs.) -
Congrats., Mr. D. Dexter 2565
Vote - Affirmative 2565
Res. 2312, Mental Health Wk. (05/05-05/11/08) - Recognize,
Mr. Manning MacDonald 2565
Vote - Affirmative 2566
Res. 2313, Smith & Bona Families: North Shore & Dist. Vol. FD -
Volunteerism, Mr. K. Bain 2566
Vote - Affirmative 2567
Res. 2314, Payzant, David: Chess Championship - Congrats.,
Ms. M. More 2567
Vote - Affirmative 2568
Res. 2315, Outhit, Tim - HRM Coun.: Election - Congrats.,
Ms. D. Whalen 2568
Vote - Affirmative 2568
Res. 2316, Robinson, Glenn - Commun. Serv.: Windsor - Congrats.,
Mr. C. PorterK. Bain 2568
Vote - Affirmative 2569
Res. 2317, Woolridge, Michael: E. Hants Mun. Model Vol. of Yr. -
Congrats., Mr. J. MacDonell 2569
Vote - Affirmative 2570
Res. 2318, Atl. Journalism Awards: Recipients - Congrats.,
Mr. M. Samson 2570
Vote - Affirmative 2571
Res. 2319, Henaut, George & Pauline - Communities in Bloom Award,
Mr. P. Dunn 2571
Vote - Affirmative 2571
Res. 2320, Dartmouth Seniors' Service Ctr.: Lobsterfest - Congrats.,
Ms. J. Massey 2572
Vote - Affirmative 2572
Res. 2321, Intl. Compost Awareness Wk. (05/04-05/10/08) -
Recognize, Mr. K. Colwell 2572
Vote - Affirmative 2573
Res. 2322, Forbes Bros. Ltd. - Anniv. (100th),
Hon. K. Casey 2573
Vote - Affirmative 2574
Res. 2323, Ali, Alissa/Langille, Janelle - Reg. Science Fair
Accomplishments, Mr. C. Parker 2574
Vote - Affirmative 2574
Res. 2324, Glace Bay Elem. Students: Fundraising - Congrats.,
Mr. David Wilson (Glace Bay) 2575
Vote - Affirmative 2575
Res. 2325, Delaney, Rick: Truro Outstanding Special Olympian -
Congrats., Hon. J. Muir 2575
Vote - Affirmative 2576
Res. 2326, Smithers, Jillian - Future Aces Award,
Mr. P. Paris 2576
Vote - Affirmative 2577
Res. 2327, Haynes, Denise: Natl. Racquetball Comp. - Congrats.,
Mr. W. Gaudet 2577
Vote - Affirmative 2578
Vote - Affirmative
Res. 2328, Bedford South Adult Communication Club: Efforts -
Recognize, Hon. L. Goucher 2578
Vote - Affirmative 2578
Res. 2329, Reddick, Cst. Charles: Afghanistan Serv. - Congrats.,
Ms. V. Conrad 2579
Vote - Affirmative 2579
Res. 2330, AGNS: Arena: The Art of Hockey - Visit,
Mr. H. Theriault 2579
Vote - Affirmative 2580
Res. 2331, Millwood HS Knights Men's Hockey Team:
Prov. Banner - Congrats., Hon. B. Barnet 2580
Vote - Affirmative 2581
Res. 2332, Hagen, Marianne: St. John Ambulance Achievements -
Congrats., Mr. W. Estabrooks 2581
Vote - Affirmative 2581
Res. 2333, Glavin, Matthew/Environ. Club: Coldbrook & Dist. Sch. -
Recognize, Hon. D. Morse 2582
Vote - Affirmative 2582
Res. 2334, Smith, Dennis: Shag Hbr./Bear Point Vol. FD -
Scroll of Recognition (15 Yrs.), Mr. S. Belliveau 2582
Vote - Affirmative 2583
Res. 2335, Speech & Hearing Awareness Mo. (05/08) - Recognize,
Mr. L. Glavine 2583
Vote - Affirmative 2584
Res. 2336, Bridgewater Jr./Sr. HS Curling Team: Prov. Banner -
Congrats., Hon. C. Bolivar-Getson 2584
Vote - Affirmative 2585
Res. 2337, Injury Free N.S.: Public Awareness - Thank,
Ms. J. Massey 2585
Vote - Affirmative 2585
Res. 2338, Prince Arthur Jr. HS - The Mikado: Production - Congrats.
Ms. M. More 2585
Vote - Affirmative 2586
Res. 2339, Cook, Sonya - So. Queens Jr. HS: Work - Recognize,
Ms. V. Conrad 2586
Vote - Affirmative 2587
Res. 2340, Morley, Fred - Intl. Econ. Dev. Coun. Bd.: Election -
Recognize, Ms. D. Whalen 2587
Vote - Affirmative 2588
Vote - Affirmative
INTRODUCTION OF BILLS:
No. 157, Financial Measures (2008) Act,
(by Hon. J. Muir) Hon. M. Baker 2588
GOVERNMENT BUSINESS:
GOVERNMENT MOTIONS:
ON MOTION FOR SUPPLY:
Mr. L. Preyra 2589
Mr. L. Glavine 2593
Hon. B. Barnet 2596
HOUSE RESOLVED INTO CWH ON SUPPLY AT 4:48 P.M. 2600
HOUSE RECONVENED AT 9:01 P.M. 2600
PRIVATE MEMBERS' PUBLIC BILLS FOR SECOND READING:
No. 129, Trade Union Act 2601
Mr. Manning MacDonald 2601
Ms. Maureen MacDonald 2601
Hon. M. Parent 2601
Mr. Manning MacDonald 2601
Vote - Affirmative 2601
No. 3, Public Utilities Act 2602
Mr. M. Samson 2602
Mr. W. Estabrooks 2605
Hon. M. Parent 2606
Mr. M. Samson 2606
Vote - Affirmative 2607
PUBLIC BILLS FOR SECOND READING:
No. 144, Nova Scotia Film Development Corporation Act 2607
Hon. A. MacIsaac 2608
Mr. C. MacKinnon 2608
Mr. Manning MacDonald 2609
Hon. A. MacIsaac 2610
Vote - Affirmative 2610
No. 135, Municipal Elections Act 2610
Hon. J. Muir 2610
Ms. B. Kent 2611
Ms. D. Whalen 2611
Hon. J. Muir 2613
Vote - Affirmative 2613
Vote - Affirmative
Vote - Affirmative
Vote - Affirmative
No. 138, Municipal Government Act 2613
Hon. J. Muir 2613
Ms. B. Kent 2614
Ms. D. Whalen 2616
Hon. J. Muir 2618
Vote - Affirmative 2618
ADJOURNMENT, House rose to meet again on Tue., May 6th at 12 noon 2619
NOTICES OF MOTION UNDER RULE 32(3):
Res. 2341, Natl. Hospice Palliative Care Wk. (05/04-05/10/08) - Recognize,
Mr. David Wilson (Glace Bay) 2620
Res. 2342, Matheson, Donald & Anna - Anniv. (50th),
The Premier 2620
Res. 2343, Island & Barrington Passage Vol. FD - Scroll of
Recognition (15 Yrs.), Mr. S. Belliveau 2621
Res. 2344, Steeves, Robin - Pit Players: Dedication - Congrats.,
Hon. M. Scott 2621
Res. 2345, Fahey, Valerie - Pit Players: Dedication - Congrats.,
Hon. M. Scott 2622
Res. 2346, Fahey, Ed - Pit Players: Dedication - Congrats.,
Hon. M. Scott 2622
Res. 2347, Murphy, Gail - Pit Players: Dedication - Congrats.,
Hon. M. Scott 2623
Res. 2348, Bell, Peter - Pit Players: Dedication - Congrats.,
Hon. M. Scott 2623
Res. 2349, Bell, Roberta - Pit Players: Dedication - Congrats.,
Hon. M. Scott 2624
Res. 2350, MacDonald, Susan - Pit Players: Dedication - Congrats.,
Hon. M. Scott 2624
Res. 2351, Williams, Marilyn - Pit Players: Dedication - Congrats.,
Hon. M. Scott 2625
Res. 2352, Varner, Janice - Pit Players: Dedication - Congrats.,
Hon. M. Scott 2625
Res. 2353, Colson, Patty - Pit Players: Dedication - Congrats.,
Hon. M. Scott 2626
Res. 2354, Leadbetter, Ruth - Springhill Rep. Vol. of Yr.,
Hon. M. Scott 2626
Res. 2355, Beaton, Isabel - Springhill Rep. Vol. of Yr.,
Hon. M. Scott 2627
Hon. M. Scott
Hon. M. Scott
- 7 -
Springhill Rep.
Vol. of Yr., Hon. M. Scott 2628
Res. 2358, Sharpe, Bev - Springhill Vol. of Yr.,
Hon. M. Scott 2628
Res. 2359, Whalen Fam. - Oxford Vol. Fam. of Yr.,
Hon. M. Scott 2629
Res. 2360, Tim Hortons (Oxford) - Building Healthier Futures
Corporate Award, Hon. M. Scott 2629
Res. 2361, Oxford Area Lions Club - Vol. Org. of Yr.,
Hon. M. Scott 2630
Res. 2362, Oxford Communities in Bloom Comm.: Award - Congrats.,
Hon. M. Scott 2630
Res. 2363, O'Brien, Lacey: Springhill Girls Jr. B Basketball Team -
MVP Award, Hon. M. Scott 2631
Res. 2364, Murray, Morgan: Springhill Girls Jr. B Basketball Team -
Best Team Player, Hon. M. Scott 2631
Res. 2365, Meager, Sarah: Springhill Girls Jr. B Basketball Team -
Scholar Athlete Award, Hon. M. Scott 2632
Res. 2366, King, Virginia - Oxford's Youth Vol. 2008,
Hon. M. Scott 2632
Res. 2367, Chapman, Wendy - Oxford Vol. of Yr.,
Hon. M. Scott 2633]" NAME="I[Page Roman">2633]">Roman">2633
Res. 2368, Chapman, Joey: Oxford FD - Vol. Firefighter of Yr.,
Hon. M. Scott 2633
Res. 2369, Carde, Julie: Musical Achievement - Congrats.,
Hon. M. Scott 2634
Res. 2370, Bird, Linda/Patterson, Sean: Cadet Awards - Congrats.,
Hon. M. Scott 2634
Res. 2371, Allen, Christopher - Cumb. Co. Youth Vol. of Yr.,
Hon. M. Scott 2635
Res. 2372, Parrsboro Karate Club - Belt Grading: Members - Congrats.,
Hon. M. Scott 2635
Res. 2373, East. Shore Slow Pitch Leagues: Season Opening - Applaud,
Hon. W. Dooks 2636
Res. 2374, Delmas, Peter - Under-18 Cdn. Natl. Hockey Team:
Selection - Congrats., Hon. L. Goucher 2636
Selection - Congrats., Hon. L. Goucher
- 8 -
Music For Young Children: Sticker Design -
Congrats., Hon. L. Goucher 2637
Res. 2377, Ross, Jimmy - Lt.-Gov.'s Medal, Hon. L. Goucher 2637
Res. 2378, Hatton, Lyall: Canoe-Kayak Championships - Congrats.,
Hon. L. Goucher 2638
Res. 2379, Light Up Bedford Parade Comm. (2007): Dedication -
Congrats., Hon. L. Goucher 2638
Res. 2380, Kydd, Sophie - Nuts4Ribs: Men's Health Issues -
Awareness, Hon. L. Goucher 2639
Res. 2381, Kydd, Michael - Nuts4Ribs: Men's Health Issues -
Awareness, Hon. L. Goucher 2639
Res. 2382, McCarther, Mike - Nuts4Ribs: Men's Health Issues -
Awareness, Hon. L. Goucher 2640
Res. 2383, Carris, Mark - Nuts4Ribs: Men's Health Issues -
Awareness, Hon. L. Goucher 2640
Res. 2384, Mulchay, Leslie - Nuts4Ribs: Men's Health Issues -
Awareness, Hon. L. Goucher 2641
Res. 2385, Whitman, Kevin - Nuts4Ribs: Men's Health Issues -
Awareness, Hon. L. Goucher 2642
Res. 2386, Marentette, Julian - Nuts4Ribs: Men's Health Issues -
Awareness, Hon. L. Goucher 2642
Res. 2387, Scott, Jennifer - Nuts4Ribs: Men's Health Issues -
Awareness, Hon. L. Goucher 2643
Res. 2388, Scott, Gary - Nuts4Ribs: Men's Health Issues -
Awareness, Hon. L. Goucher 2643
Res. 2389, Whitman, Donna - Nuts4Ribs: Men's Health Issues -
Awareness, Hon. L. Goucher 2644
Res. 2390, Land, Derek - Nuts4Ribs: Men's Health Issues -
Awareness, Hon. L. Goucher 2645
Res. 2391, Scott, Bev - Nuts4Ribs: Men's Health Issues -
Awareness, Hon. L. Goucher 2645
Res. 2392, Murphy, Aaron - Nuts4Ribs: Men's Health Issues -
Awareness, Hon. L. Goucher 2646
Res. 2393, Zainab/Bedford South Adult Communication Club:
Efforts - Recognize, Hon. L. Goucher 2646
Res. 2394, Young Jae Kim/Bedford South Adult Communication Club:
Efforts - Recognize, Hon. L. Goucher 2647

- 9 -

Recognize, Hon. L. Goucher 2648
Res. 2397, Soon Lia Kang/Bedford South Adult Communication Club:
Efforts - Recognize, Hon. L. Goucher 2648
Res. 2398, Kiasat, Sohelia/Bedford South Adult Communication Club:
Efforts - Recognize, Hon. L. Goucher 2649
Res. 2399, Seirafi, Sara/Bedford South Adult Communication Club:
Efforts - Recognize, Hon. L. Goucher 2650
Res. 2400, Sang Yoon Baek/Bedford South Adult Communication Club:
Efforts - Recognize, Hon. L. Goucher 2650
Res. 2401, Rohabeh/Bedford South Adult Communication Club:
Efforts - Recognize, Hon. L. Goucher 2651
Res. 2402, Tabrizi, Rogheih/Bedford South Adult Communication Club:
Efforts - Recognize, Hon. L. Goucher 2651
Res. 2403, Valipour, Robabeh/Bedford South Adult Communication Club:
Efforts - Recognize, Hon. L. Goucher 2652
Res. 2404, Dib, Rima/Bedford South Adult Communication Club:
Efforts - Recognize, Hon. L. Goucher 2652
Res. 2405, Ouda, Rasha/Bedford South Adult Communication Club:
Efforts - Recognize, Hon. L. Goucher 2653
Res. 2406, Randa Eid Momen/Bedford South Adult Communication Club:
Efforts - Recognize, Hon. L. Goucher 2653
Res. 2407, Abu-Abdallah, Rabah/Bedford South Adult Communication Club:
Efforts - Recognize, Hon. L. Goucher 2654
Res. 2408, Ramadan, Nevine/Bedford South Adult Communication Club:
Efforts - Recognize, Hon. L. Goucher 2654
Res. 2409, Jaber, Nasser/Bedford South Adult Communication Club:
Efforts - Recognize, Hon. L. Goucher 2655
Res. 2410, Ally, Munira/Bedford South Adult Communication Club:
Efforts - Recognize, Hon. L. Goucher 2655
Res. 2411, Hansen, Monica/Bedford South Adult Communication Club:
Efforts - Recognize, Hon. L. Goucher 2656
Res. 2412, Kyung Sook Hang/Bedford South Adult Communication Club:
Efforts - Recognize, Hon. L. Goucher 2657
Res. 2413, Kelthoum Al-Nawad/Bedford South Adult Communication Club:
Efforts - Recognize, Hon. L. Goucher 2657
Res. 2414, Liang, Jing/Bedford South Adult Communication Club:
Efforts - Recognize, Hon. L. Goucher 2658
Res. 2415, Fang, Jin/Bedford South Adult Communication Club:
Efforts - Recognize, Hon. L. Goucher 2658
Res. 2416, Gurses, Ilknur/Bedford South Adult Communication Club:
Efforts - Recognize, Hon. L. Goucher 2659
Res. 2417, Hou, Hsiu-Juan/Bedford South Adult Communication Club:
Efforts - Recognize, Hon. L. Goucher 2659
Res. 2418, Heun Yoon Baek/Bedford South Adult Communication Club:
Efforts - Recognize, Hon. L. Goucher 2660
Res. 2419, Hee Soon Kim/Bedford South Adult Communication Club:
Efforts - Recognize, Hon. L. Goucher 2660
Res. 2420, Nikkah, Hamid/Bedford South Adult Communication Club:
Efforts - Recognize, Hon. L. Goucher 2661
Res. 2421, Sigmarsdottir, Gudrun/Bedford South Adult Communication Club:
Efforts - Recognize, Hon. L. Goucher 2661
Res. 2422, Rastgou, Feridoun/Bedford South Adult Communication Club:
Efforts - Recognize, Hon. L. Goucher 2662
Res. 2423, Gurses, Ferat/Bedford South Adult Communication Club:
Efforts - Recognize, Hon. L. Goucher 2662
Res. 2424, Shin, Dongkil/Bedford South Adult Communication Club:
Efforts - Recognize, Hon. L. Goucher 2663
Res. 2425, Avci, Cahit/Bedford South Adult Communication Club:
Efforts - Recognize, Hon. L. Goucher 2664
Res. 2426, Abdo, Belques/Bedford South Adult Communication Club:
Efforts - Recognize, Hon. L. Goucher 2664
Res. 2427, Abdo, Belgies/Bedford South Adult Communication Club:
Efforts - Recognize, Hon. L. Goucher 2665
Res. 2428, Al-Kenane/Bedford South Adult Communication Club:
Efforts - Recognize, Hon. L. Goucher 2665
Res. 2429, Abdulla, Aliya/Bedford South Adult Communication Club:
Efforts - Recognize, Hon. L. Goucher 2666

[Page 2553]

HALIFAX, MONDAY, MAY 5, 2008

Sixtieth General Assembly

Second Session

3:00 P.M.

SPEAKER

Hon. Alfie MacLeod

DEPUTY SPEAKER

Mr. Wayne Gaudet

MR. SPEAKER: Order, please. We will begin the daily routine.

PRESENTING AND READING PETITIONS

MR. SPEAKER: The honourable member for Cumberland North.

MR. ERNEST FAGE: Mr. Speaker, I beg leave to table a petition of 840 individuals, from the Gulf Shore in Cumberland County, opposed to wind turbine development. The operative clause reads:

"The Gulf Shore area near Pugwash is a populated and growing residential cottage, tourist, recreation and retirement community. It is an inappropriate location for an industrial large scale wind turbine complex. We (I), the undersigned, register our (my) strong objections to the location of the proposed wind farm development at the Gulf Shore."

Mr. Speaker, I have affixed my signature, as required.

[Page 2554]

2553

MR. SPEAKER: The petition is tabled.

The honourable member for Preston.

MR. KEITH COLWELL: Mr. Speaker, I hereby beg to table a petition entitled:

"We, the undersigned, hereby petition that Brooks' Drive in East Preston being a main thoroughfare be paved by one Department of Transportation. This road is heavily traveled by commuters, school buses, public bus service and local traffic. Therefore paving this street would improve not only traffic flow but safety as well."

Mr. Speaker, it is signed by 110 residents of the area and I have my signature affixed to the petition.

MR. SPEAKER: The petition is tabled.

PRESENTING REPORTS OF COMMITTEES

TABLING REPORTS, REGULATIONS AND OTHER PAPERS

MR. SPEAKER: Honourable members, I beg leave to table the Statement of Votes and Financial Information from Elections Nova Scotia concerning the Cole Harbour-Eastern Passage by-election of October 2, 2007.

[The report is tabled.]

STATEMENTS BY MINISTERS

GOVERNMENT NOTICES OF MOTION

MR. SPEAKER: The honourable Premier.

RESOLUTION NO. 2299

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 yesterday marked the 65th Anniversary of the Battle of the Atlantic; and

[Page 2555]

Whereas that battle claimed 24 warships and over 60 merchant marine vessels and aircraft from Coastal and Eastern Air Commands, but in human terms meant the loss of 4,234 of our country's merchant navy, sailors and airmen; and

Whereas the collective bravery of these individuals in precarious conditions at sea and in the air during the longest running battle of World War II ensured the safety of the critical Atlantic supply route;

Therefore be it resolved that all Members of the Legislative Assembly salute this remarkable group of Canadians and stand for a moment of silence to remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice in the name of freedom.

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.

[A moment of silence was observed.]

MR. SPEAKER: The honourable Minister of Labour and Workforce Development.

RESOLUTION NO. 2300

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

Whereas the Canadian Society of Safety Engineering is the Canadian Professional Association representative for North American Occupational Safety and Health Week; and

Whereas the theme for this year's event, Start Today! Live It Every Day!, focuses on the need to make the prevention of injury or illness on the job a part of every workday; and

Whereas the Province of Nova Scotia recognizes that the goals of the North American Occupational Safety and Health Week are to increase employee awareness of current occupational safety and health programs, increase employer awareness of the benefit of

[Page 2556]

occupational safety and health programs, and reduce workplace injuries and illnesses by encouraging new safety and health activities;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House join the people of Nova Scotia in keeping workplace safety top of mind not just during NAOSH week but 52 weeks of 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 Acting Minister of Seniors.

RESOLUTION NO. 2301

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

Whereas Leo Poirier of Dartmouth, who dedicated his life to serving others, passed away on Friday, May 2, 2008; and

Whereas over the past 40 years Mr. Poirier played an important role by actively serving on community councils including the Group of IX Nova Scotia Seniors' Organizations, an advisory group to the Department of Seniors; and

Whereas he received many awards over his lifetime including the Remarkable Senior Award, the Provincial Community Service Award, and the Rotary Club Paul Harris Award, among many others;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of the Nova Scotia House of Assembly salute the tremendous contribution of this advocate for seniors to better his beloved community, and send our sincere sympathies to his family and friends on their loss.

Mr. Speaker, I request waiver of notice.

[Page 2557]

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 Community Services.

HON. JUDY STREATCH: Mr. Speaker, would I be permitted to make an introduction before my resolution?

MR. SPEAKER: Please do.

MS. STREATCH: Mr. Speaker, joining us today in the gallery are three individuals who work tirelessly on behalf of all Nova Scotians, particularly on behalf of persons with disabilities in this province. We have Bernadette McKeough, the coordinator for the Nova Scotia League for Equal Opportunities; we have Linda Quigley, the executive director of the Deafness Association Advocacy of Nova Scotia; and we have Anne Macrae, the executive director of the Disabled Persons Commission. Please rise, and I would ask the House to please give a warm welcome to the individuals with us here today. (Applause)

MR. SPEAKER: The honourable Minister of Community Services.

RESOLUTION NO. 2302

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

Whereas the Disabled Persons Commission and the Department of Seniors have partnered with several organizations to publish a booklet called Are you ready? Nova Scotia's guide to Disaster Preparedness: Tips for Persons with Disabilities; Tips for Frail or Older Seniors; and

Whereas departments and agencies must be prepared to deal with emergency or disastrous situations, and we must also bring awareness to all Nova Scotians of the importance of being prepared for all contingencies; and

[Page 2558]

Whereas May 4th to May 10th is Emergency Preparedness Week throughout the country and that Nova Scotia's ongoing emergency preparedness and response is through the leadership of our provincial Emergency Management Office;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House recognize the importance of this week, and acknowledge the work of several of our departments and private partners in the development and distribution of this booklet for seniors and the disabled.

Mr. Speaker, I request waiver of notice.

[3:15 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 Education.

RESOLUTION NO. 2303

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

Whereas Craig Aucoin is a Pictou County resident studying culinary arts despite being diagnosed with retinitis pigmatosis, a type of vision loss that progressively worsens with time; and

Whereas Craig Aucoin uses a variety of specially designed kitchen instruments to help him find his way through the kitchen; and

Whereas this Spring, Craig Aucoin will be the first visually impaired person to graduate from the cooking program at the Nova Scotia Community College, Pictou Campus;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of the House commend Craig Aucoin for his resolve in pursuit of his dream of studying the culinary arts.

Mr. Speaker, I request waiver of notice.

[Page 2559]

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 Agriculture.

RESOLUTION NO. 2304

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

Whereas Nova Scotia's 4-H program allows our youth to develop confidence in themselves and leadership skills that will help them in their chosen professions; and

Whereas throughout the year many of our youth participating in our 4-H program are given an opportunity to attend various national and international events that further their learning experiences; and

Whereas nine 4-H members recently attended conferences in our nation's capital, Ottawa, and in the United States in Maryland, which provided opportunities for them to learn and explore how national and international issues affect their communities;

Therefore be it resolved that members of this Legislature congratulate our 4-H members who attended the conferences and represented Nova Scotia in the national and international 4-H 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.

[Page 2560]

The honourable Acting Minister of Emergency Management.

RESOLUTION NO. 2305

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

Whereas the Emergency Management Office is hosting the biannual conference of the International Emergency Management Group, June 9th to June 12th in Halifax; and

Whereas this conference will bring together emergency management officials from Quebec, the four Atlantic Provinces and seven eastern states to participate in presentations, discussions and a simulated disaster response exercise, to test the operations manual derived from the International Emergency Management Assistance Memorandum of Understanding; and

Whereas the International Emergency Management Assistance Memorandum of Understanding is cutting-edge in international disaster relief co-operation;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House welcome members of the International Emergency Management Group to Halifax and wish them the best in their efforts to improve disaster preparedness in Eastern Canada and the United States.

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 African Nova Scotian Affairs.

RESOLUTION NO. 2306

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

[Page 2561]

Whereas this year marks the 25th Anniversary of the Africville Genealogy Society's festival and homecoming reunion celebrations in what was once the African Nova Scotian community of Africville, now Seaview Park; and

Whereas a full week of events and activities will run from July 18th until July 27th to commemorate the history of Africville; and

Whereas the province is strongly committed to its involvement in the Africville project, which is to build a fitting memorial at Seaview Park, and is pleased the society has engaged all levels of government to move forward with an implementation plan;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House join me in congratulating the Africville Genealogy Society for its efforts in keeping the spirit of Africville alive and wish them much success in this year's homecoming reunion celebrating 25 years.

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 Labour and Workforce Development.

RESOLUTION NO. 2307

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

Whereas 11 of the province's largest employers travelled to Ontario and Alberta with government representatives to recruit expatriate Nova Scotians back home to Nova Scotia to live and work; and

Whereas Opportunities Nova Scotia was successful in connecting over 1,500 expatriate Nova Scotians and other job seekers with Nova Scotia employers offering rewarding careers that will help give expatriates and others the chance to live and work in the very best province in Canada; and

[Page 2562]

Whereas Opportunities Nova Scotia is in keeping with the government's 4R strategy aimed at recruiting, repatriating, retaining and retraining Nova Scotia's workforce;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House congratulate all the employers who participated in the Opportunities Nova Scotia initiative, including Halifax Regional Municipality, Dexter Construction, EastLink, Irving Shipbuilding Inc., the Public Service Commission, Capital District Health Authority, ADP Canada, Maritime Forces Atlantic, Michelin and the Department of Health, and thank them for their contribution to repatriation of the workforce 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 favour of the motion please say Aye. Contrary minded, Nay.

The motion is carried.

INTRODUCTION OF BILLS

Bill No. 154 - Entitled an Act to Amend Chapter 1 of the Acts of 1995-96. The Education Act. (Mr. Leo Glavine)

Bill No. 155 - Entitled an Act to Amend Chapter 4 of the Acts of 2004. The Health Protection Act. (Mr. David Wilson, Glace Bay)

Bill No. 156 - Entitled an Act to Amend Chapter 6 of the Acts of 2001. The Land Registration Act. (Hon. James Muir)

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

NOTICES OF MOTION

The honourable Leader of the Official Opposition.

RESOLUTION NO. 2308

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

[Page 2563]

Whereas Nova Scotians face rising costs for all forms of energy, including electricity; and

Whereas the Nova Scotia Utility and Review Board has allowed Nova Scotia Power profits to range from 9.3 per cent to 9.8 per cent, yet profits doubled in the first quarter of 2008; and

Whereas the Legislature has specifically empowered the URB to conduct a special investigation of unreasonable rates;

Therefore be it resolved that this House urge the URB to investigate whether Nova Scotia Power rates are unreasonable in light of expected 2008 profits and to take whatever action is necessary to return unreasonable profits to the ratepayers.

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 Liberal Party.

RESOLUTION NO. 2309

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

Whereas Dr. Ronald Stewart, Director of Dalhousie University's Medical Humanities Program, Order of Canada and Order of Nova Scotia recipient and former Liberal MLA and Minister of Health, has been given yet another prestigious distinction; and

Whereas recently the American College of Emergency Physicians named Dr. Stewart as a Hero of Emergency Medicine - an award given to emergency physicians who have made significant contributions to emergency medicine and have shown great dedication to their community, patients and their medical specialty; and

[Page 2564]

Whereas this award is given in recognition of the college's 40th Anniversary to emergency physicians across the United States, with the exception of Dr. Stewart, the only non-U.S. resident to receive the award;

Therefore be it resolved that the House of Assembly congratulate Dr. Ronald Stewart on being named a Hero of Emergency Medicine and thank him for his many years of effort in this field.

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 Premier.

RESOLUTION NO. 2310

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

Whereas the Strait Area Education and Recreation Centre operates an excellent educational facility in Port Hawkesbury; and

Whereas the high quality of the programs at SAERC have long been recognized by students, their families and the public; and

Whereas SAERC has now become the first school in the Strait Regional School Board to achieve accreditation through the Nova Scotia School Accreditation Program - a testament to their five years of hard work;

Therefore be it resolved that this House congratulate the staff, the school board and, of course, the students of SAERC on achieving this level of accreditation.

Mr. Speaker, I request waiver of notice.

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

[Page 2565]

Is it agreed?

It is agreed.

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

The motion is carried.

The honourable Leader of the Official Opposition.

RESOLUTION NO. 2311

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

Whereas John Kinsella served as Mayor of Annapolis Royal from the year 2000 until his recent resignation for health reasons; and

Whereas during John Kinsella's term as mayor, Annapolis Royal was found to be the world's Most Livable Community, was declared to be the cultural capital of Canada and celebrated the 400th Anniversary of its founding; and

Whereas John Kinsella was but the latest of the outstanding mayors of Annapolis Royal, among whom are Daurene Lewis and Phil Roberts who are also cited;

Therefore be it resolved that this House congratulate John Kinsella on eight years of leadership as mayor of Annapolis Royal, noting the care, compassion and public spirit he has demonstrated in his work life, his public offices and his participation in provincial issues.

Mr. Speaker, I request waiver of notice.

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

Is it agreed?

It is agreed.

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

The motion is carried.

The honourable member for Cape Breton South.

[Page 2566]

RESOLUTION NO. 2312

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 Canadian Mental Health Association's 57th Mental Health Week is being held May 5th through May 11th; and

Whereas Mental Health Week is an excellent opportunity to recognize the role of mental health in our daily lives; and

Whereas this year's theme is Mental Health: Make it Your Business, a theme recognizing the many positive roles that employers and businesses can play in making their workplace a mentally healthy and productive environment;

Therefore be it resolved that members of this House of Assembly recognize May 5th through May 11th as Mental Health Week and continue to support the important work of the Canadian Mental Health Association.

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 on an introduction.

[3:30 p.m.]

MR. KEITH BAIN: Mr. Speaker, in the gallery this afternoon is a former CBRM councillor, Ivan Doncaster, who is here this afternoon to view the proceedings of the House. I ask that he be given a warm welcome. (Applause)

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

RESOLUTION NO. 2313

[Page 2567]

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

Whereas slightly more than 377,000 Nova Scotians volunteer their time and expertise to a variety of community organizations and specific projects; and

Whereas three of the more than 377,000 volunteers are third-generation members of the North Shore and District Volunteer Fire Department: Nancy Smith; her daughter, Lorraine Bona; and her grandson, Tyler Bona; and

Whereas Tyler Bona is also the great-grandson of Alexander Smith, one of the original founders of the North Shore and District Volunteer Fire Department;

Therefore be it resolved that all MLAs in this historic Nova Scotia House of Assembly recognize the community spirit and volunteerism exemplified by the Smith and Bona families in their service to the North Shore and District Volunteer Fire Department.

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. 2314

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

Whereas Team Nova Scotia will be competing in the 2008 Canadian Chess Challenge in Edmonton in May; and

Whereas 12 youth each won the provincial title in their respective grade level; and

[Page 2568]

Whereas David Payzant, a Grade 2 student at Hawthorn Elementary School in Dartmouth, will be returning to the nationals for the second year, having won four of nine national matches as the Grade 1 Nova Scotian Champion in 2007;

Therefore be it resolved that this House of Assembly congratulate David Payzant of Dartmouth for winning his provincial grade championship for the second year, and wish him and his teammates all the best at the 2008 Canadian Chess Challenge, May 17th to May 19th in Edmonton, Alberta.

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. 2315

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

Whereas this past weekend Bedford elected a new councillor to be their voice on Halifax Regional Council; and

Whereas Tim Outhit, an executive with the think-tank, novaknowledge, won the hotly contested seat; and

Whereas throughout the campaign, Tim ran on a platform of social and economic development, as well as making infrastructure and transit top priorities;

Therefore be it resolved that members of the House of Assembly congratulate Tim Outhit on his new position as the representative for District 21 on the HRM council and wish him every success in the future.

Mr. Speaker, I request waiver of notice.

[Page 2569]

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 West.

RESOLUTION NO. 2316

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

Whereas Windsor Town Councillor Glenn Robinson announced recently at a council meeting that he will not re-offer in the Fall municipal elections; and

Whereas Glenn Robinson served the residents and taxpayers of Windsor with a conscious business acumen and a keen interest in the town's infrastructure; and

Whereas Councillor Robinson won a by-election in November 1999 and was returned regularly to council in the 2000 and 2004 October votes with large majorities;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this Legislature recognize the valued community service and exceptional, genuine interest Glenn Robinson has offered and continues to show for the Town of Windsor.

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.

[Page 2570]

RESOLUTION NO. 2317

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

Whereas volunteers are the heart and soul of any vibrant, progressive community; and

Whereas each year municipalities across the province honour individuals who have distinguished themselves through their selfless acts of giving; and

Whereas on April 24, 2008, Michael Woolridge of Enfield was recognized as Model Volunteer of the Year of the Municipality of East Hants;

Therefore be it resolved that this House of Assembly congratulate Michael Woolridge on being named, Model Volunteer of the Year and commend him for his outstanding example of volunteerism.

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 Labour and Workforce Development on an introduction.

HON. MARK PARENT: Mr. Speaker, I would like to draw the attention of the House to the Speaker's Gallery and in the gallery is Ed Twohig. Ed served the people of Kings North very capably for two terms and he was the MLA prior to George Archibald, I believe. We want to welcome Ed, he's back visiting and give him a warm welcome. (Applause)

MR. SPEAKER: The honourable member for Richmond.

RESOLUTION NO. 2318

[Page 2571]

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

Whereas journalists and the media have always been an important part of keeping the public informed from print and radio, to the Internet and television; and

Whereas on May 3, 2008, the Atlantic Journalism Awards were presented at an event at the Halifax Mariott Harbourfront Hotel; and

Whereas among this year's winners were a number of Nova Scotians showcasing the talent this province has to offer;

Therefore be it resolved that members of the House of Assembly congratulate all recipients of the 2008 Atlantic Journalism Awards and wish them many more years of 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 Pictou Centre.

RESOLUTION NO. 2319

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

Whereas one of New Glasgow's most popular private gardens was recognized by the National Communities in Bloom competition and claimed the award for Best Residential In-ground Garden; and

Whereas for 27 years, George and Pauline Henaut have built a property that boasts flower gardens, rock gardens and tall birch trees but one of the most notable elements has to be the Alberta Spruce shipped all the way from its home province; and

[Page 2572]

Whereas the spruce was first planted by family in that province and then moved to Ontario to be part of another family member's garden and finally, the tree was sent to Nova Scotia and planted in the Henauts' award-winning garden;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House send their utmost congratulations to George and Pauline Henaut of New Glasgow on achieving national recognition for their garden, helping to make the town one of the prettiest in Nova Scotia and now, Canada.

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 East.

RESOLUTION NO. 2320

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 May 17, 2007, I had the opportunity to attend the Dartmouth Seniors' Service Centre's 12th Annual Lobsterfest; and

Whereas the Dartmouth Seniors' Service Centre has been providing activities and services not otherwise available in their community since 1976; and

Whereas their mission is to enhance the well-being and quality of life for older adults living in our community by providing a safe, welcoming, positive learning environment for everyone;

Therefore be it resolved that this House of Assembly congratulate the Dartmouth Seniors' Service Centre on a successful Lobsterfest and wish them all the best in their future endeavours.

Mr. Speaker, I request waiver of notice.

[Page 2573]

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 Preston.

RESOLUTION NO. 2321

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

Whereas composting is a means of reducing waste while reclaiming the organic materials for beneficial purposes; and

Whereas composting is just one of the many ways to help protect our environment by turning garbage into reusable materials; and

Whereas May 4th to May 10th is recognized as International Compost Awareness Week;

Therefore be it resolved that the members of this House of Assembly recognize International Compost Awareness Week and help protect the environment by encouraging all Nova Scotians to compost wherever possible.

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 2574]

RESOLUTION NO. 2322

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

Whereas Forbes Brothers Limited began in 1908 in Denmark, Colchester County, as a small family store that sold products ranging from food and clothing to farm machinery; and

Whereas Forbes Brothers Limited has evolved primarily into a home furnishing store that has continued to enjoy success by retaining the strong family values on which it was built; and

Whereas Forbes Brothers Limited specializes in quality furniture, competitive prices and phenomenal service to third generation customers;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House congratulate Forbes Brothers Limited for 100 years as a very successful business in rural 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 favour of the motion please say Aye. Contrary minded, Nay.

The motion is carried.

The honourable member for Pictou West.

RESOLUTION NO. 2323

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

Whereas Alissa Ali and Janelle Langille, both of Northumberland Regional High School, won second and fourth place respectively at the recent Chignecto East Regional Science Fair; and

[Page 2575]

Whereas Alissa's project was to test a lubricant that will prolong the life of oil in motors and to be environmentally friendly by reducing emissions and consumption of heat and electricity; and

Whereas Janelle's project consisted of a number of trials which measured yeast metabolism in aerobic and anaerobic solutions;

Therefore be it resolved that this House of Assembly congratulate Alissa Ali and Janelle Langille for their accomplishments at the Regional Science Fair and wish them every success at the National Science Fair later this Spring in Ottawa.

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. 2324

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 Patricia Clyburn's Grade 6 students and Trudy MacPherson's Grade 4 students at Glace Bay Elementary have worked hard raising funds to purchase materials needed in Third World countries; and

Whereas the students of those two classes willingly donated their own personal recess money, placing helping hands in the school's hallway for each student's donation; and

Whereas the students of those two classes raised $300 and decided to purchase seeds, chickens and medical supplies through the World Vision association;

Therefore be it resolved that members of the House of Assembly congratulate the Grade 4 and Grade 6 classes of Glace Bay Elementary School for their hard work, kindness and dedication for the people of Third World countries.

[Page 2576]

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 Service Nova Scotia and Municipal Relations.

RESOLUTION NO. 2325

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

Whereas Rick Delaney was selected Outstanding Special Olympian of 2007 at the 2008 annual Truro Sport Heritage Society Sport Award Dinner; and

Whereas Rick Delaney, a 42-year-old citizen from Truro, has been involved in Special Olympics for over five years in the sports of baseball and snowshoeing; and

Whereas Rick has attended several provincial games in both Nova Scotia and New Brunswick where his performances earned him a spot on the Nova Scotia team that participated in the Canadian Special Olympics National Winter Games held in Quebec City this past February and early March;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House congratulate Rick Delaney on being selected Outstanding Special Olympian of 2007 by the Truro Sport Heritage Society and for his dedication to athletics and for his inspiration to others.

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 2577]

The motion is carried.

[3:45 p.m.]

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

RESOLUTION NO. 2326

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

Whereas Waverley resident Jillian Smithers has donated over 170 hours of volunteer time to the IWK Health Centre, in addition to many hours of work with charities such as the Heart and Stroke Foundation and Kids' Help Phone; and

Whereas Jillian is an honours student attending Grade 12 at Sacred Heart School, where teachers describe her as a young woman of integrity and compassion; and

Whereas Jillian's exemplary citizenship qualities have earned her a national award and scholarship from the Herbert H. Carnegie Future Aces Foundation;

Therefore be it resolved that this House of Assembly recognize Jillian Smithers' outstanding contributions to her community and congratulate her upon her Future Aces Award.

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 Clare.

RESOLUTION NO. 2327

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

[Page 2578]

Whereas the 2008 Canadian Junior Racquetball Championships took place in Brossard, Quebec, from April 22 to 26, 2008; and

Whereas Denise Haynes of Clare won gold in the women's single 18 and under, along with a bronze medal with teammate Samantha Cullen of Manitoba in the women's under-18 doubles category; and

Whereas Denise continues to excel in this sport at the national and international level;

Therefore be it resolved that members of this House of Assembly congratulate Denise Haynes on her success at the national racquetball competition and wish her continued success in the future.

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 Immigration.

RESOLUTION NO. 2328

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

Whereas the Bedford South Adult Communication Club recognizes the importance of English as a second language, as a means of enhancing communication between school and parents who are newcomers to Nova Scotia; and

Whereas the ESL Club provides a venue to better discuss school and education issues, while also providing the opportunity for newcomer parents to understand their role in supporting their children in school; and

Whereas the Province of Nova Scotia recognizes the significant contribution the role of immigration will play in our province's future;

[Page 2579]

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House recognize the efforts made by the Bedford South Adult Communication Club and its volunteers and congratulate all newcomers on their efforts to make Nova Scotia a better place in which to live both now and in the future.

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 Queens.

RESOLUTION NO. 2329

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

Whereas Charles Reddick, a member of the Queens RCMP detachment has recently returned home after serving a year in Afghanistan, having worked with the International Peacekeeping Branch; and

Whereas being able to utilize his skills learned earlier in the military and eight years of work with the RCMP, along with the extensive peacekeeping course and military training he completed before his departure; and

Whereas while in Afghanistan, Charles was successful in helping to get new police stations set up as well as developing many new checkpoints, assessments and foot patrols along with training the Afghanistan National Police basic policing skills;

Therefore be it resolved that this House of Assembly recognize Constable Charles Reddick of Queens for his year of service in Afghanistan working with the Afghanistan National Police.

[Page 2580]

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. 2330

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

Whereas the Art Gallery of Nova Scotia has scored with their latest exhibit, Arena: The Art of Hockey; and

Whereas this exhibit, through various art forms, shows the history and passion that Nova Scotians have for the popular sport; and

Whereas the exhibit is perfectly timed with many people from around the world visiting Halifax to participate in, or watch, the IIHF World Hockey Championships this May;

Therefore be it resolved that members of the House of Assembly encourage all Nova Scotia hockey fans to visit this exhibit and celebrate one of Nova Scotia's favourite games.

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 2581]

The honourable Minister of Health Promotion and Protection.

RESOLUTION NO. 2331

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

Whereas for the third consecutive year, the Millwood High School Knights hockey team has made the provincial finals; and

Whereas due to great coaching and very skilled playing by the students, the Millwood Knights were able to capture their second provincial banner in three years; and

Whereas members of the community do their part to lend their support to the Millwood Knights hockey program by attending auctions and games;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House join me and congratulate the 2007-08 Millwood High School Knights men's hockey team for capturing the provincial banner and wish them the best of luck next season.

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 Timberlea-Prospect.

RESOLUTION NO. 2332

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

Whereas Marianne Hagen of Timberlea joined the St. John Ambulance in1992, assisted at various events from Swissair 111 to Hurricane Juan, along the way winning several Canadian First Aid competitions; and

[Page 2582]

Whereas in November 2007, Marianne was honoured by the St. John Ambulance with a Lifesaving Award for her actions in June of that year at the Halifax Metro Centre; and

Whereas Marianne Hagen has demonstrated exemplary leadership as a volunteer with the St. John Ambulance;

Therefore be it resolved that this House of Assembly congratulate Marianne Hagen on her achievements with the St. John Ambulance and thank her for her noteworthy contributions to our province.

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 Natural Resources.

RESOLUTION NO. 2333

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

Whereas Matthew Glavin, a Grade 8 student from Coldbrook and District School has taken his role as Student Council Environment Minister quite seriously; and

Whereas Matthew and fellow members of the school's environment club have encouraged everyone to bring litterless lunches to school on Earth Day and, indeed, all school days; and

Whereas Matthew Glavin and club members have been getting the word out at school that lunches packed in reusable containers are better for the environment by saving energy and reducing emissions;

[Page 2583]

Therefore be it resolved that all the members of this House recognize these young environmentalists for bringing such a level of enlightenment to the Coldbrook and District School.

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 Shelburne.

RESOLUTION NO. 2334

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

Whereas Dennis Smith of the Shag Harbour/Bear Point Fire Department was awarded with a Scroll of Recognition from the Municipality of Barrington at the Shelburne County Mutual Aid Supper for his 15 years of long service to the fire department on March 8, 2008; and

Whereas volunteer firefighters give freely of their time to train for and respond to emergencies and have chosen to make a long-term commitment to their local fire department; and

Whereas it is important to recognize the commitment and dedication all firefighters make to ensure the safety and well-being of their communities;

Therefore be it resolved that this House of Assembly congratulate Dennis Smith of the Shag Harbour/Bear Point Volunteer Fire Department on being awarded a Scroll of Recognition from the Municipality of Barrington on March 8, 2008, at the Shelburne County Mutual Aid Supper for his 15 years of long service to the fire department.

Mr. Speaker, I request waiver of notice.

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

[Page 2584]

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 Kings West.

RESOLUTION NO. 2335

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

Whereas May is designated as Speech and Hearing Awareness Month, a time to acknowledge the difficulties faced by people with speech and hearing impairments; and

Whereas throughout May, professionals involved with the treatment of speech, language and hearing disorders come together to participate in a public awareness campaign that encourages early detection and prevention of communication disorders; and

Whereas this month the 5,000 members of the Canadian Association of Speech-Language Pathologists and Audiologists will also be working hard to bring awareness to their professions and the many issues surrounding communication disorders;

Therefore be it resolved that members of this House of Assembly recognize May as Speech and Hearing Awareness Month and acknowledge the work being done by professionals in this field.

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 Human Resources.

[Page 2585]

RESOLUTION NO. 2336

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 the Nova Scotia School Athletic Federation Curling Championships were held in Truro on March 29th; and

Whereas Bridgewater's Junior-Senior High School's Curling Team brought home the provincial banner; and

Whereas skip Marlee Powers and her teammates Leah Squarey, Tara LeGay and Laura Murray did their school proud;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House congratulate skip Marlee Powers, Leah Squarey, Tara LeGay and Laura Murray on their win of the provincial banner.

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 East.

RESOLUTION NO. 2337

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 November 28, 2007, I had the opportunity to attend the Injury Free Nova Scotia Wine and Cheese Event; and

Whereas the President of Injury Free Nova Scotia and the Vice-President of the Atlantic Provinces Insurance Bureau of Canada were in attendance and entertainment was provided by comedienne Candy Palmeter; and

[Page 2586]

Whereas this event took place to advocate for and promote healthy public policy related to injury prevention;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly thank Injury Free Nova Scotia for increasing public awareness of injury issues.

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. 2338

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

Whereas Dartmouth's Prince Arthur Junior High Camelot Players presented Gilbert and Sullivan's The Mikado to great acclaim on April 2 and April 3, 2008; and

Whereas over 100 students displayed their many talents and learned valuable new skills with the support of staff, parents, volunteers and community; and

Whereas all those involved in the cast, staging, set design, painting and construction, costuming, makeup, props, lighting and sound, ticket sales, poster and program design and production, and sponsorship, produced a most enjoyable experience for all;

Therefore be it resolved that this House of Assembly congratulate Prince Arthur Junior High's Camelot Players and their many supporters for the high production and entertainment standards of this year's The Mikado, and wish them well in their future endeavours.

Mr. Speaker, I request waiver of notice.

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

[Page 2587]

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 Queens.

RESOLUTION NO. 2339

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

Whereas the Education Department recently recognized outstanding teachers in our province; and

Whereas Queens County, and in particular South Queens Junior High School, had Sonya Cook, guidance counsellor, recognized for her programs and initiatives which she has put in place to help her students cope and to develop into productive, fulfilled members of our society; and

Whereas a program with the local Queens RCMP provided information sessions for parents and community about legal and safety issues affecting students, classes in anger management, Internet safety, effective time management, Take Your Kid to Work Day, Baby Think It Over program, and The Choices Program, are just a few activities that Sonya Cook put together for the students of South Queens Junior High School;

Therefore be it resolved that this House of Assembly recognize Sonya Cook, guidance counsellor, of South Queens Junior High School, for her inspiring work with students and the community.

Mr. Speaker, I request waiver of notice.

[4:00 p.m.]

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

Is it agreed?

It is agreed.

[Page 2588]

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. 2340

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

Whereas Fred Morley has built a successful career in economic development, most recently with the Greater Halifax Partnership; and

Whereas in December 2007, he was elected to the board of the International Economic Development Council, IEDC, for a two-year term; and

Whereas the IEDC is the premier international organization dedicated to helping economic development professionals create high-quality jobs, develop vibrant communities and improve the quality of life in their regions;

Therefore be it resolved that members of the House of Assembly recognize Fred Morley on his election to the IEDC board and for his work to promote our province, and wish him great 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.

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

The motion is carried.

The honourable member for Hants West.

MR. CHUCK PORTER: Mr. Speaker, may I be permitted to do an introduction?

MR. SPEAKER: Please do.

[Page 2589]

MR. PORTER: I would like to introduce in the gallery opposite this afternoon, Councillor Glenn Robinson, from the Town of Windsor, who has served the people since 1999. Glenn, I ask you to stand and get a warm welcome from the House this afternoon. (Applause)

MR. SPEAKER: The honourable Deputy Government House Leader.

MR. CHUCK PORTER: Mr. Speaker, with the permission of the House, would you please revert to the order of business, Introduction of Bills.

MR. SPEAKER: Is it agreed?

It is agreed.

INTRODUCTION OF BILLS

Bill No. 157 - Entitled an Act Respecting Certain Financial Measures. (Hon. Michael Baker)

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

ORDERS OF THE DAY

GOVERNMENT BUSINESS

MR. SPEAKER: The honourable Deputy Government House Leader.

MR. CHUCK PORTER: Mr. Speaker, I move that you do now leave the Chair and that the House resolve itself into a Committee of the Whole House on Supply unto Her Majesty.

MR. SPEAKER: The honourable member for Halifax Citadel.

MR. LEONARD PREYRA: Also soon to be known as Halifax Citadel and Sable Island I hope, Mr. Speaker.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to speak about my constituency of Halifax Citadel. Most of you know it. (Interruptions)

MR. SPEAKER: Order, please. Let's hear the minister - I mean let's hear the member.

[Page 2590]

MR. PREYRA: Not yet, Mr. Speaker, but thank you. Mr. Speaker, more specifically, I would like to draw the attention of this House to some of the issues and concerns raised by my constituents. Some of the suggestions that they've made of things that they would like us to see handling them. I would like to start by talking about education; the educational institutions lie at the heart of my constituency. In fact, I have six universities present in my constituency, and until very recently Nova Scotia Community College was here as well.

Post-secondary education is a several billion dollar industry if you include the teaching, the research, the scholarship, the innovation and productivity that occurs on those campuses, Mr. Speaker, and there's a great deal of concern about that industry and the future of that industry in that there's a sense that the government itself might not be looking at it as this very productive, very lucrative industry. It appears to be discouraging people from away from coming to take up study here or to conduct research here, and we need to make sure that we do not kill the goose that lays this golden egg for my constituency.

More directly, Mr. Speaker, the constituency has been preoccupied by school closures. As you know, for the past year we've been fighting to keep our elementary schools open and although it appears that we have succeeded in keeping most of them open, the proposal coming out of the school board suggests that one of those schools, St. Mary's School, be closed. St. Mary's School has been on the list now, I believe this is the fifth time they've been fighting a proposal to close that school down. I've had the pleasure of being at St. Mary's School several times in the last couple of months, most recently at their multicultural festival.

To many, Mr. Speaker, St. Mary's School is a model of what a school should be like. It is a small school. It is working at capacity. It's directly integrated with the community. In fact, I was at the adjoining Spencer House that evening and I was told that St. Mary's School and Spencer House have a very productive program of intergenerational learning where seniors go to St. Mary's and talk about the things that they know and the students go to Spencer House and engage with the seniors there in all kinds of activities and music. It's a very impressive site and it's disappointing that this school, once again, is fighting closure. It serves the health care community, it serves single parents, immigrants, and in many ways it does lie at the heart of the community there.

It is a community centre, its gyms are used, and like small school communities everywhere in this province, Mr. Speaker, St. Mary's, in particular, I believe, can make a strong case for staying open and certainly I would help them and I would like to believe that this House would help them in their fight to stay open.

I would like to speak a little bit about the arts and culture as well, another billion dollar industry, Mr. Speaker. That's really underappreciated in the province itself. The film industry was booming until very recently and as we've come under competition as we faced the rising Canadian dollar, with the loss of Electropolis, we do need in Nova Scotia and we

[Page 2591]

do need in Halifax a sound stage so that we can develop this industry. Without the infrastructure and without the support of the government for building these essential services, the industry will go elsewhere and it's one of those service industries that brings millions of dollars, real dollars, of valuable jobs to our community and it helps develop the other skills that make our community of Halifax Citadel such a wonderful place to live.

The film industry has talked about access to public buildings, something very similar to access to any other place for doing business. The film industry and the entertainment industry have argued that we have this infrastructure not being used very much, the schools in the summer, for example, HRM buildings. We need to make better use of our public buildings and we need to make them more accessible to the film industry. We need to provide incentives for them to train and develop local talent.

Speaking of talent, Mr. Speaker, most of our talent rests on the creation of incubation spaces for our young and emerging artists. Over the years, more of these spaces have closed down and not very far from here; we had the Khyber Arts Centre, which used to be a vibrant place where young artists could come and exhibit their art or play their music. Out of those spaces came talent like Ellen Page and Sarah McLachlan and Buck 65. We have essentially closed off these avenues to our young artists.

In the school system, we are discouraging art and music programs. We are shutting them down and they have become sort of an extra that you tag on to the school day rather than a core part of our curriculum. In my constituency, we have this wonderful school, Citadel High School. It is state of the art but it does not have an auditorium, Mr. Speaker, and the community is going about raising several million dollars so that we can have an art and music program.

So art and music are important for us, not just because of the quality of life they add to the constituency and the province, but this industry that we call art, culture, heritage and tourism, all rest on this essential need. We need to nurture this talent, we need to develop it, because without that talent we don't have the higher and more financially rewarding economy that we develop here.

I want to say something about transit, Mr. Speaker. In the last several months, we have seen proposals for expanding the rail cut and building a four- to six-lane thoroughfare through my constituency, which would bring trucks and emergency services and essentially lead to the expropriation of large tracts of land on either side of the rail cut. We have seen the Halifax-Dartmouth Bridge Commission suggest that they want to build a similar size highway across the harbour, right through my constituency, or a tunnel.

Mr. Speaker, my constituents are telling me that they would like fewer cars on the Halifax peninsula and that should be the priority of this House, that we should find ways to reduce the number of cars coming onto the peninsula and make it available for people to use

[Page 2592]

public transit. We have these fast-growing suburban areas that have been developed, apparently without very much planning, and those people have no alternative, in most cases, than to take their cars and bring them into Halifax Citadel. As a result, more and more downtown land is being devoted to the development of parking lots. Houses are being expropriated, streets are being widened, when really what we need to do is expand our transit system.

We should inquire into the feasibility of using the rail cut for developing a rail transit, for expanding it, even for moving container traffic, Mr. Speaker, from the port to points east. The first thing we need to do is look at alternatives to bringing cars and trucks into the downtown core. We can show some leadership in this area by creating incentives for employees downtown, for employers to encourage public transit. The Government of Nova Scotia, for example, in the health care system, could expand the bus pass system that has proven to be so successful at the universities, to take away the parking spaces, perhaps, that they give to their employees, and maybe give them bus passes instead so that they will make the transition to taking the bus. Public transit is a very important issue downtown if we want to create that kind of quality of life, if we want to preserve our neighbourhoods and we want to preserve our heritage districts.

I'd like to say something about housing. My constituency of Halifax Citadel has become largely unaffordable to most families with young children. It's become unaffordable for students who come to study here. It's become unaffordable for many seniors. It's become unaffordable to single income individuals and people with low income. We need to make sure we don't create a gentrified constituency in downtown Halifax.

For those who own homes, home assessments have become a huge issue and a growing concern. Even though some people, many seniors, live in apparently large homes, they don't have the income to pay for that - they don't have the wherewithal to repair some of these houses, so assessments have to be fairly arrived at and we have to take into account the income of some of those people living in those homes.

The condo owners, in recent months, have talked to me. This is a fast-growing industry, most people who move now into downtown Halifax, move into condos. They're saying the one year warranty program really doesn't address the kinds of challenges they face now, where the problems that were not apparent in the construction of their units have become apparent. There is no warranty that covers them, especially when it comes to water leakage. The warranty program has to be expanded beyond one year, perhaps to five years so there can be some accountability for the builders, the people who sell those condo units.

[4:15 p.m.]

The condo dwellers have told me . . .

[Page 2593]

MR. SPEAKER: Order, please. The chatter's just growing too high and it's very difficult to hear the member.

MR. PREYRA: The condo unit owners have told me that we need to license builders, that we license people for all kinds of things. If you're building your home, you need a licence and you need to meet a number of regulatory hurdles, but you don't in building a condo. Builders don't need to be licensed and the tradespeople who work on those condos don't need to be directly supervised. They're suggesting that perhaps we should move to a system of better regulation and better licensing for the people who build condos and I'm inclined to agree with them.

I'd like to speak about environment. My constituents feels that not enough is being done about climate change, that we seem to see climate change as something that happens very far away and it's in the distant future. As the member for Sable Island, I feel particularly concerned about coastal zone management. I feel concerned about the fact that many of these valuable spaces, many of our shorelines, many of our beaches will be lost. We do need to invest in retrofitting, reduce our energy conservation. We need to invest in alternate energy and we need to create more green spaces.

I see my time is coming to an end. There are very many more things my constituents would like me to say here and that I will bring to the attention of this House in the coming days, but those issues, the question of education, what do we do about educating our young people and protecting the industry? How do we promote a vibrant arts and culture and heritage community in downtown Halifax? How do we go about reducing the number of cars that come onto the peninsula? How do we provide affordable housing for the many young people, seniors and families who want to come into our constituency? How do we protect the environment, to ensure the legacy we leave to future generations is sustainable, that it provides for a habitable and healthy lifestyle.

I want to say something about the economy overall. This is last, but certainly not the least of our concerns here. I've referred to some of our major industries - post-secondary education, universities, colleges, the film, arts and culture, but we haven't done very much about the Port of Halifax. The Port of Halifax has been our flagship through generations. We talk about Lunenburg and the Bluenose and its domination of the waves. We brag about the Cunard Lines that plied the trade, the first shipping industry in globalization and we need to make sure we nurture that industry and that it continues to carry us into the next century.

Mr. Speaker, with that, I will thank you and I will speak to these other issues later. Thank you.

MR. SPEAKER: The honourable member for Kings West.

[Page 2594]

MR. LEO GLAVINE: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I am pleased today to rise in my place and to speak going into Supply, mainly in terms of Kings West and some of the strengths and challenges that the area has but also in the context, really, of the Annapolis Valley. To place agriculture at the top of that list goes without saying. We still have an employment factor here, where 25 per cent of all employees in the Valley and in Kings County, in particular, are directly or indirectly employed with agriculture. So it is a very, very important industry and the economic value to the Valley economy is extremely significant.

Over the past couple of years, an industry that once put $100 million into the economy of the province - the hog industry - has gone into a near state of collapse and by the end of this year we will have only a very small number of farmers left in that particular sector. Even those will have extreme challenges facing them.

It goes without saying that when I first came to the House in 2003, that the cattle industry was suffering tough times as the BSE crisis had broken in April. We returned to the House in September 2003 and we all know that farmers converged on Province House to try to help salvage their industry.

The same is occurring now and government has had two infusions of support, $2 million for the beef plant and the $1.9 million that will go to the producer. Right now, for example, this weekend at a cattle auction in Lawrencetown, farmers were basically getting 1970s prices. So it's a question of how long that producer can stay in the industry when those kinds of prices are being recorded.

While we have those two sector - and those are part of the unmanaged sectors so a guaranteed price and meeting the cost of production is not guaranteed and this is what makes it such a challenge for this group of farmers. At the same time, we're starting to see the impact of locally grown food and the requirement of local production, as that trend is now becoming more and more mainstream, that people want to purchase and consume foods that are locally produced.

So that brings the question around the protection of our farmland very much to the fore in Kings County. This has been a big issue during the past 12 months. During the 12-month period, we have had Kings County Council challenged to hold on to some of our best farmland. I give kudos and commend Kings County Council, those members of council who had the foresight to turn down a number of proposed developments because while the agriculture sector is going through some difficult and transition times, there will be a return to greater acreage put into local food needs - and we are starting to see some of that emerge now. It's an area that I feel Select Nova Scotia and the local food movement - and even to go a little bit further, with the 100-Mile Diet and trying to consume as much of your daily diet that's produced within 100 miles of where you live.

[Page 2595]

All those kinds of initiatives, I believe, are starting to take hold, and we are hearing from those who have farm markets and also the farmer who has direct sales through small farm markets or those who go to the Saturday markets in Wolfville or Annapolis Royal, these, in fact, are gaining a greater foothold. So there is tremendous potential here and we will see this, I am sure, continue to gain momentum, and for that reason keeping farmland in the hands of farmers is very significant, very important.

However, that is not without its challenges either, because for many farmers we know that they could sell their land and this could become their RRSP, the value of their land. So looking at some type of land trust or land bank, I think is going to be another area that governments, at all levels, will in fact have to engage in.

So with the local food movement there are two or three other areas where agriculture, at least, has a very, very positive developing around it and that is with cranberries, blueberries, and a re-emerging apple industry, which is really what the Valley, of course, has been known for - for over 200 years now, apples have been produced commercially in the Annapolis Valley. So with the removal - and programs to support this at the federal, combined with the provincial level - of old orchards, ones that are non-productive or varieties that are no longer in high demand in the marketplace, and now putting in new varieties, in particular the Honeycrisp, Minnesota, 1918, Ambrosia, these varieties hold enormous promise. Even though we are in a time with perhaps some shift with climate change taking hold, the growing weather and environment in the Valley is, in fact, making those varieties that I just mentioned even better than the areas in which these hybrid varieties were developed. So that's a very, very positive part.

Cranberry production is increasing every year and the demand now for the health benefits in cranberries is being recognized and they are being used in a whole variety of food products. The price has been going up, so it is a good return on what requires a huge investment to get started. So while we have challenges in agriculture, there are some bright spots and those are the ones we need to have government programs to continue to support.

An area that I would be remiss not to talk about is an area of transportation, and that is with Highway No. 101 - Highway No. 101 from Coldbrook to Bridgetown does not have any passing lanes. The area, probably Coldbrook to Greenwood, in fact would have the highest volume of traffic as 14 Wing Greenwood is a major employer in the riding of Kings West.

Without any passing lanes, there have been too many tragedies and too many accidents on that piece of road. So while there is talk now, and as an engineering look at the construction of passing lanes - but to have an area that's about 50 kilometres long on a major trunk like Highway No. 101 is, in fact, a real deficiency that exists in the riding of Kings West.

[Page 2596]

Also, rural roads, especially in relation to the tourist industry, continues to be an area of concern. In fact, it was just about a week or so ago that the manager of the Wandlyn Inn in Coldbrook was talking about tourists asking him about places to see along the Bay of Fundy shore. Again, our rural roads are not of the quality that quickly invite tourists to head off to the Bay of Fundy.

We have those challenges that I feel, if addressed, will make the Bay of Fundy, as a tourist attraction, even stronger than what it is today, because we are seeing some revival of our small Bay of Fundy communities. It's a very, very desirable place for cottagers, but even more so for those who are returning to the province for their retirement - along the Bay of Fundy shore is, indeed, an exceptional place to live. If we get a better system, a higher quality system of rural roads, I think we'll even see more people return to communities like Morden, like Harbourville, and this is a positive development.

[4:30 p.m.]

We're starting to see some of the communities, although very small and aging, they're taking a very, very strong interest in their community halls. Many of them, of course, were resurrected through the Little Red Schoolhouse program and were able to at least survive a period of shutdown, and now there's a new growing interest in our community halls right through the Annapolis Valley. This is one of the things about community life - if you have a central place to meet, to congregate, to have social events, then this adds to the vibrancy of our rural way of life.

One of the areas that we've talked about here, that comes out of a bit of a controversial remark from our Premier around transit - well, in our area of Kings County, the Kings Transit and TransCounty Transportation system are really two shining examples. It's a system that has its main trunks, the main corridors in which the bus route has developed has, in fact, enhanced people's work possibilities. Employers now, for example, all the way to Cornwallis, where 400 - 500 people are working at Convergys, and there are people from all over the Valley that use Kings Transit to go there, if now they were to be given support to develop some spur lines off the main road, it could really enhance rural transportation, mass transit, if you wish, in our area.

So there are many strengths and challenges that we do have. One of the real bright areas, I think, for the Valley, is the Berwick Electric Commission, one of the six utilities that can actually produce power and be engaged in large-scale, power development for resale into the hydro system in the province. Berwick has started with a small project and I know they will continue forward with those. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

MR. SPEAKER: The honourable Minister of Health Promotion and Protection.

[Page 2597]

HON. BARRY BARNET: Mr. Speaker, I began this speech, actually, last week, speaking into Supply. I want to, first of all, thank the very dedicated member for Hants West who has graciously forgiven his time so that I could continue this speech that I began last week.

The member for Hants West is a tremendous asset to our caucus. He has been very successful in his constituency and I know that when he gets his chance to speak going into Supply, he'll talk about some of his accomplishments; like the new nursing home for Windsor Elms; like his accomplishment with the curling rink, where he was able to work with the community to help rebuild that curling rink; as well, his support of Hockeyland which rightfully places Windsor as the birthplace of hockey in our nation and in our world; and as well, his work with the Minas Basin Pulp and Power has been tremendous to his community. I know that firsthand because I was able to share with him and his community at a community hall centre meeting. Hundreds of people attended to support that member, he does a great job and the people of Hants West should be thankful to have a member who is so dedicated to his constituency as that member is.

Mr. Speaker, the last time I spoke, I began to talk about the renewal of the Healthy Kids, Active Kids strategy. I expressed to the House, as I adjourned, that we renewed that strategy and launched that renewal at Gottingen Street Community Centre a number of months back, in the middle of a fierce winter storm. Many people showed up and it shows the kind of commitment and support to our department and to the work that we're doing at Health Promotion and Protection. This strategy aims to increase the physical levels by 10 per cent by the year 2010. It's an ambitious goal and we have some work to do, but I think it's one that's absolutely worth doing.

Mr. Speaker, in dealing with such complex areas, it is important to know what we're up against. We have done our research and we know what the barriers to more physical activity are - costs for sport, which have been addressed through our funding to Kids Sport Program to help low-income children register for sport. With the passage of this budget, we will see our Healthy Living Tax Credit expanded to all Nova Scotians, something that I am tremendously proud of. Nova Scotians can easily go on the Internet, receive a list of sporting organizations that are able to issue tax credits and they will be able to take advantage of that program.

Mr. Speaker, when I look through the list of sporting organizations, I am absolutely impressed that the sport community in the Province of Nova Scotia has stepped up to the plate and participated in this program. It's everything from Biathlon Nova Scotia to bicycles to baseball to basketball - every sport you could possibly imagine is registered. All the schools have registered. Many of the other sporting organizations have registered and for that I am grateful.

[Page 2598]

Equipment for sport, Mr. Speaker, is a barrier. We will continue to invest in our provincial sport organizations and we also have introduced a new program that will help support the cost of new equipment as our athletes prepare to compete in Halifax for the 2011 Canada Winter Games.

Mr. Speaker, distance is another barrier. Our rural communities face long travel times getting to and from sport and recreation facilities. That is why we will invest a total of $98 million over the next 10 years, to build or improve existing sport and recreation facilities across this province. Some of these projects are already underway. We have invested $5 million in the Region of Queens Municipality who are now constructing a $20 million facility. Just today, we made a contribution to a facility in Chester-St. Margaret's - a $350,000 contribution towards a $1 million improvement to their facility there. It will be an important facility, is an important facility for that community, one of which they're very proud of.

Mr. Speaker, we have also announced our commitments to the following areas: $1.2 million to the Town of Amherst for the renovation and expansion of the Amherst Stadium; $600,000 to Highland District Soccer Association for a new multi-sport field house. It was featured just this weekend on one of the local television programs. Mr. Speaker, I know, and I have seen first-hand, the impact that that facility is having on that community and the surrounding communities.

To the South Shore Field House Society, $833,330 for a new multi-sport field house, Mr. Speaker; $300,000 to the Bear River-Sissiboo Trail Association for the construction of a multi-use trail in Digby County. That represents 47 kilometres of new trail for that community.

Mr. Speaker, we have also reached our initial commitment to building 500 kilometres of new trail in Nova Scotia and have started to work on building another 500 kilometres. Trails connecting communities and support for active transportation such as walking and biking are an important part of our department.

Nova Scotia will play host to the Canada Winter Games in 2011. This will bring new attention to sport in our province and will allow our athletes to compete at home in front of their friends and their families. Mr. Speaker, on the adult side, we are doing quite well in comparison to our Canadian counterparts. Nova Scotians participate in sport more often than their fellow Canadians. With 32 per cent of Nova Scotians aged 15-plus regularly participating in some form of sport in 2005, our province sits above the national average at 28 per cent. So there is still lots of good news and in comparison to our counterparts elsewhere in the country, we are doing quite well.

Mr. Speaker, the PACY study also helps us measure the dietary intake of children. Physical activity and diet go hand in hand to the overall health of our young people. We have

[Page 2599]

found the eating habits of Canadian youth are poor. They drink less milk, they eat fewer milk products, they eat less vegetables and fruit and they often skip breakfast. We must ensure that our children have access to healthy foods and here is how we are helping. In partnership with the Department of Education, we have introduced the Nova Scotia School Food and Nutrition Policy. This policy bans unhealthy snacks and deep-fried foods and fats. It requires that only 100 per cent fruit juices, water and milk be sold in our schools.

Mr. Speaker, I want to stop there. Last year I had the opportunity to participate with Team Nova Scotia at the Canada Winter Games. I was scrummed by the media in Whitehorse and the first thing they asked me about was our School Food and Nutrition Policy. They were interested in the fact that the Province of Nova Scotia was leading the country and they were looking for ways they could convince their political leaders to do the same thing.

Mr. Speaker, we are providing annual funding to our school boards to work with partners within the school setting to work toward building and strengthening healthier school environments for students to work, learn and play. It's called the Health Promoting Schools Program. For many of you, this project might sound familiar since it's an innovation of the World Health Organization. As well, we participated in a joint consortium for school health which is a Pan-Canadian initiative to strengthen school health across our nation by sharing and working together across Departments of Health, Health Promotion and Protection, and Education.

Mr. Speaker, we are developing food and nutrition policy for all licensed child care facilities in the province to support healthy eating at an even earlier age. We will continue to support our school breakfast programs to ensure all students, regardless of economic status, get a great start to their day. Just last week, I highlighted a local hero in the Beaver Bank area who has done a great deal of work, Sheila King, on behalf of the Beaver Bank Kinsac Elementary School, in that area.

Mr. Speaker, we also are working to reduce our gambling rates across Nova Scotia. Our Gambling Prevalence Study helps us keep an eye on problem gaming activities in our province and allows us to take action to help curb it and prevent it. The amount of problem gamblers remains relatively stable and low over the last five years. In 2003, our rates of severe gamblers was just 0.8 per cent of the population and about 4.8 per cent at risk gamblers. These numbers are consistent with our colleagues across the country but in response to these numbers we launched a toll-free, 24 hours a day, seven days a week counselling line. We also launched two social marketing campaigns, yellowflags.ca and youarenotalone.ca. The yellowflags.ca campaign is for at-risk gamblers; the youarenotalone.ca campaign is targeted at problem gamblers.

[Page 2600]

Mr. Speaker, through both these campaigns we are seeing a marked increase in people taking advantage of our counselling services or calling our problem gambling help lines.

Mr. Speaker, I am proud of the achievements we have achieved with my department and there are also a great many things happening within my community as well and within the constituency of Hammonds Plains-Upper Sackville. So I'd now like to take a little time to talk about the constituency of Hammonds Plains-Upper Sackville.

Mr. Speaker, with the determination of the residents, we were able to expand municipal sewer and water to the Lively Road subdivision and surrounding area, a project residents were desperate to achieve.

The Lively Road subdivision is the subdivision that I grew up in and I was raised in. It's a subdivision that has been without potable water and sewer for some time. The community first started discussing this project over 40 years ago and, Mr. Speaker, I am so proud that the construction is underway. It's expected to be in operation later this summer and although there have been some traffic delays and the road leading to this area is in bad shape, but will be repaired, I want to say that the residents I represent are so grateful that they are able to have clean water, something that they should have had 40 years ago.

The federal and provincial funding of $2,878,600 was announced on May 8, 2006, and we are continuing our work to ensure that communities everywhere have access to effective waste water treatment and safe drinking water. We will continue, Mr. Speaker, to work with our federal and municipal partners to reach this goal. Delivering a safer and reliable supply of drinking water and improving our waste water services is a top priority of our government. This project represents a positive step forward for making our communities healthier and safer.

[4:45 p.m.]

In January of last year, I held a community meeting to discuss the Beaver Bank West interchange on Highway No. 101 and the Beaver Bank bypass. The Department of Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal anticipates the traffic in the subdivision development will continue to grow in the Beaver Bank and Upper Sackville area. As a result, an additional Highway No. 101 interchange and trunk connector No. 1 is being planned for construction in the future. This corridor is planned as a limited control access highway with an at-grade intersection at strategic locations.

Mr. Speaker, the exiting Beaver Bank Road interchange and Highway No. 101 at Exit 2 is the main 100-Series Highway access to Sackville and to Beaver Bank. The Beaver Bank West interchange will provide an alternate access to the Sackville-Beaver Bank area, improve access to Highway No. 101 and meet the anticipated needs of development in the

[Page 2601]

area. Early planning for the highway is and was important, as the main area is quickly developing and the Halifax Regional Municipality has received subdivision proposals on the south side of the proposed interchange.

The department has acquired most of the properties in the corridor and discussions have taken place with Halifax Regional Municipality regarding the timing for the construction of the interchange and the connector roadway. The proposed Beaver Bank West interchange and connector to Trunk 1 and Highway No. 101 west of Lucasville Road with a grade-separated interchange, is located 2.8 kilometres west of the existing Beaver Bank interchange, the connector road between Highway1 and Highway No. 101 would be a limited access in design for five lanes.

Work to complete, prior to the start of construction, includes field survey, detailed design and the remainder of the property acquisition. The department has begun the design work on the interchange and the connector road. The announcement was made by my honourable colleague, the Minister of Environment, on the Blue Mountain Birch Cove Lakes Wilderness Area, and I understand I'm running out of time, Mr. Speaker? I have about 20 seconds.

Mr. Speaker, I still have another 20 pages of things that I'd like to talk about and I appreciate the opportunity to speak and take the turn that was originally slated for the member for Hants West. At some future time, I will stand in my place and finish this speech but, in closing, I want to thank the member for Hants West, and for his hard work on behalf of his constituents and indulge the House, I guess, with the opportunity to move into the estimates.

MR. SPEAKER: The motion is carried.

[4:48 p.m. The House resolved itself into CWH on Supply with Deputy Speaker Mr. Wayne Gaudet in the Chair.]

[9:01 p.m. CWH on Supply rose and the House reconvened. Mr. Speaker, Hon. Alfie MacLeod, resumed the Chair.]

MR. SPEAKER: Order, please. The Chairman of the Committee of the Whole House on Supply reports:

THE CLERK: That the committee has met and made progress and begs leave to sit again.

MR. SPEAKER: Is it agreed?

It is agreed.

[Page 2602]

The honourable Government House Leader.

HON. CECIL CLARKE: Mr. Speaker, would you please call the order of business, Private Members' Public Bills for Second Reading.

PRIVATE MEMBERS' PUBLIC BILLS FOR SECOND READING

MR. SPEAKER: The honourable Government House Leader.

HON. CECIL CLARKE: Mr. Speaker, would you please call Bill No. 129.

Bill No. 129 - Trade Union Act.

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

MR. MANNING MACDONALD: Mr. Speaker, I am going to be very brief on this bill. This is an amendment to the Trade Union Act, affecting collective bargaining by police. I believe that this bill, by the NSGEU, has been the subject of some discussion between both the NDP and the government and, for that reason, I will just move second reading and we will see if there's anybody else interested in it over at the Law Amendments Committee.

MR. SPEAKER: The honourable member for Halifax Needham.

MS. MAUREEN MACDONALD: Mr. Speaker, I, too, will be very brief with respect to this bill and, indeed, we are quite happy to see this bill proceed through second reading to the Law Amendments Committee.

MR. SPEAKER: The honourable Minister of Labour and Workforce Development.

HON. MARK PARENT: Mr. Speaker, it is my pleasure, too, to support the member's bill. The department has had representation from various individuals, including the president of the NSGEU, so we are in support of this moving forward.

MR. SPEAKER: If I recognize the member it will be to close the debate.

The honourable member for Cape Breton South.

MR. MANNING MACDONALD: Mr. Speaker, I would like to thank all members for their participation in this bill this evening. I move second reading.

[Page 2603]

MR. SPEAKER: The motion is for second reading of Bill No. 129. Would all those in favour of the motion please say Aye. Contrary minded, Nay.

The motion is carried.

Ordered that this bill be referred to the Committee on Law Amendments.

The honourable Government House Leader.

HON. CECIL CLARKE: Mr. Speaker, would you please call Bill No. 3.

Bill No. 3 - Public Utilities Act.

MR. SPEAKER: The honourable member for Richmond.

MR. MICHEL SAMSON: Mr. Speaker, it is with pleasure that I rise in my place this evening to move second reading of Bill No. 3, the amendments to the Public Utilities Act. It's very direct in what this bill aims to do. It aims to give a voice to the hundreds, if not thousands, of small businesses throughout Nova Scotia when it comes to hearings in front of the Utility and Review Board, in regard to applications to deal with power rates by Nova Scotia Power.

Mr. Speaker, I want to commend the Leader of our caucus, the honourable member for Annapolis, who upon his election has made the issues of small-business owners one of his main priorities, because, as you're well aware, the Leader of our Party, the member for Annapolis, has had a long career as a small-business owner in the Annapolis area and certainly understands some of the challenges being faced by small businesses throughout Nova Scotia, the added costs of doing business, and one of those main costs is the cost of electricity. As we know, there have been a number of hearings which have taken place over the last number of years due to applications being submitted by Nova Scotia Power for rate increases.

Mr. Speaker, for anyone who has had the opportunity to attend one of these hearings, it's quite the sight, to say the least, because what you see when you go in - and I've had the opportunity to make a number of presentations on behalf of our caucus during the public session that was held by the Utility and Review Board - and when you walk in, you see lawyers who are there representing Nova Scotia Power.

You see lawyers who are there representing the Utility and Review Board. You see the lawyers who are there representing some of the larger industrial consumers in Nova Scotia, whether they be Bowater Mersey, whether they be the old Stora Forest Industries or Stora Enso, which is now a new page in this Point Tupper, and a number of other large industrial customers, which are there with their lawyers in order to be able to question

[Page 2604]

representatives from Nova Scotia Power, some of the experts that they bring forward, and to be able to deal with some very significant and technical matters that are being addressed by the board as part of the rate application.

Mr. Speaker, I was pleased to see that, in the last number of years, we have recognized the need to give a voice to Nova Scotians at these hearings. They're very technical. It's not always easy to follow. There are thousands of pages of documents to go through as part of a regular rate hearing and it's not reasonable to expect that all Nova Scotians would be able to take time out of their busy schedules or to fully understand the very technical nature of these rate hearings.

What was created, Mr. Speaker, was a consumer advocate who would be there on behalf of Nova Scotians. Mr. John Merrick has been doing this for the last number of years and he is there to be able to ask questions, having had a very long and distinguished career as a lawyer, having a broad range of experiences during his legal career. He has been the person who has been there to speak on behalf of Nova Scotians and to be able to ask questions and to be able to, I think in many ways, explain to Nova Scotians the process and whether, in his view, the decisions of the board have been fair or whether there are matters that he would have wished to have gone differently.

So, Mr. Speaker, if I could review all of that: you have the lawyers for the board, you have the lawyers for Nova Scotia Power, you have the lawyers for the large industrial customers, and you have the consumer advocate. Yet one large sector of Nova Scotia's economy, which is impacted by the decisions when it comes to rate of electricity in this province, is the small businesses themselves. I think Small Business Week is coming up - I don't think we've celebrated it yet, I believe it's sometime in this month of May - and when you see the figures of how many Nova Scotians are employed by small businesses, we know their importance to the Nova Scotia economy.

So, Mr. Speaker, it was our belief, and certainly the belief of our Leader - and when you look at this bill number, I think it speaks volumes to the priority our caucus and our Leader place on this legislation because it is Bill No. 3. Before this, I believe the bill that was called was Bill No. 120-something, Bill No. 129, but this one is Bill No. 3, because our Leader wanted to send a message right away of how important we feel small businesses are and how important it is to give them a voice, not only here in this House but to give them a voice in front of the Utility and Review Board. So the goal of this legislation is that whenever there will be another appearance of Nova Scotia Power in front of URB, there will be a voice for small businesses.

Mr. Speaker, the question is, why do we need this? Why do we need this? Why can't these small businesses just bring lawyers too? Large industrial customers have lawyers, the board has lawyers, Nova Scotia Power has lawyers. It's very impractical to expect that small businesses throughout Nova Scotia with the financial pressures they face would be able to

[Page 2605]

say, we're going to each hire our own lawyer to represent us at these hearings and to be our voice. It's not practical; it's not practical to expect that small businesses are going to pool their monies together to be able to hire a lawyer and an advocate to be there for them during these rate hearings.

We believe that the government has a role to play in making sure that these small businesses have a voice. When one looks, we've had a number of rate increases over the years. If I look in 2002, 3.1 per cent; in April 2005, 6.2 per cent; March 2006, 8.6 per cent - it's a very significant one - and certainly in April 2007, 4.7 per cent. Mr. Speaker, this comes very timely as well because the cost of electricity is increasing and there are fears that it's going to go even higher.

I want to commend our Leader because it was he, on behalf of the Liberal caucus, who raised the concerns of Nova Scotians when they found out that Nova Scotia Power, that Emera, had reported in their first quarter a doubling of the profits from last year. They went further to say that of the different companies that Emera controls, the bulk of that profit came from Nova Scotia Power. Somehow Nova Scotia Power in the first quarter has managed to double its profits over last year. That's why our Leader took the responsible step of calling on the Premier to show leadership on this issue through the Utility and Review Board and to find a means of calling the board back to investigate. How is it that when they last set the rate increase for Nova Scotia Power that it was determined that that rate should allow Nova Scotia Power to meet its guaranteed margin of profit. We now know that margin of profit has doubled over last year so something went wrong along the way, some predictions or assumptions must have been incorrect. The question is - we often see, beware of granting Nova Scotia Power rate increases. We can't see why in this case the URB could not be there to grant Nova Scotians a decrease in their power rates.

Mr. Speaker, I was pleased that the Premier's response to this was not to dismiss the suggestion but to say that he was going to look into the matter to see what could be done. URB is an arm's-length body but yet there needs to be an ability for us as legislators to call on that body and to be able to look into this matter. I know that the Minister of Finance indicated in his response that he would take the matter under advisement and see if there are any means that the government can compel or even request the URB to hold a hearing in order to determine what took place. Again, that was leadership on behalf of our Leader and getting the government to agree to take those steps, I believe that's how we get things done. We will wait to see exactly what is going to be done in that case. We hope that Nova Scotia Power will be called upon to explain to Nova Scotians why they've been able to double their profits in the first quarter and why it is that Nova Scotians should not expect a rate decrease while allowing Nova Scotia Power to meet the same profit levels that they did last year.

Mr. Speaker, as I mentioned, small-business owners employ thousands of Nova Scotians and it's essential that we do what we can as legislators to support them in their efforts and to make sure that they do have a voice where it matters. There's no better place

[Page 2606]

to start off with than making sure they have a voice at these rate hearings so that there will be someone there to ask the tough questions, that there will be someone there to analyze the evidence that is brought forward, and someone there to speak to them directly and indicate whether the decision of the board was fair or what changes should have been considered as well.

Mr. Speaker, I'm pleased that the government has called this legislation. There may be some changes that will be proposed during the Law Amendments Committee process. At the end of the day I believe this is legislation which is good for Nova Scotians, which is good for this House and at the end of the day hopefully will help strengthen small-business owners throughout our good Province of Nova Scotia. Thank you.

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

MR. WILLIAM ESTABROOKS: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. This Bill No. 3, as brought forward by the Leader of the Liberal Party, is a worthy piece of legislation. As it proceeds through second reading and, of course, on to the Law Amendments Committee, it will be important that we have the opportunity to hear from small businesses throughout the province as they look at this piece of legislation and understand it is something that will help them as they continue to navigate their way through the Utility and Review Board.

[9:15 p.m.]

Mr. Speaker, as the Justice Critic, of course, never being intimidated by lawyers is not a problem, because after all you have to look at the fact that they, on behalf of their clients, are representing them to the best of their abilities. Many people in the legal profession, of course, are doing a wonderful job, but when you arrive at the Utility and Review Board, the URB, let me tell you, it's an important part of the process in this province. It's an arm's-length organization that has value. The consumer advocate, in particular, is playing an important role, and the member for Richmond, very clearly, as he pointed out, when you appear there in front of them, or you're there for one reason or another to observe the operation, is something that, of course, if you're not prepared for the bureaucracy as it unfolds in front of you, it's important that we have the ability to be able to help out small businesses when they look at this legislation.

I would like to point out to members, of course, that on May 5th, the Leader of the Official Opposition, the member for Cole Harbour, pointed out this resolution, and I think it's important that we read it into the record again so that they are aware of the fact.

"Whereas Nova Scotians face rising costs for all forms of energy, including electricity; and

[Page 2607]

Whereas the Nova Scotia Utility and Review Board has allowed Nova Scotia Power profits to range from 9.3 per cent to 9.8 per cent, yet profits doubled in the first quarter of 2008; and

Whereas the Legislature has specifically empowered the URB to conduct a special investigation of unreasonable rates;

Therefore be it resolved that this House urge the URB to investigate whether Nova Scotia Power rates are unreasonable in light of expected 2008 profits and to take whatever action is necessary to return unreasonable profits to the ratepayers."

Let me assure you, Mr. Speaker, that was passed unanimously in this House.

This piece of legislation, from my understanding, allows to cut through the legalese. Any piece of legislation that will allow small businesses, individuals, various people throughout our province that allows this to happen, is something that this caucus is willing to support as it moves through the House to the Law Amendments Committee. I encourage small businesses to take the opportunity to appear in front of the Law Amendments Committee. The Law Amendments Committee, of course, is an important part of the process in this province of ours. It is an important opportunity for small businesses to appear in front of this important committee to make sure that they will speak in support of the legislation. If they have some suggestions and improvements, we look forward to hearing from them but, at this stage, Bill No. 3 is something this caucus is willing to support as it moves on to the next stage as we face the possibilities of giving more voice to small business in this province.

Mr. Speaker, thank you for the time this evening.

MR. SPEAKER: The honourable Minister of Labour and Workforce Development.

HON. MARK PARENT: Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. I will confine myself to speaking just to the bill and not move into other areas, as the members have done. Certainly, we agree with the emphasis upon small businesses. Small businesses are the heart of the community that I serve and many ridings across this country. Having been at the URB myself and made representation, I can understand the complexity of the process and the member's bill as a possible means of perhaps helping small businesses in front of the URB.

That having been said, Mr. Speaker, we support small businesses, clearly. They are the heart and backbone of our ridings, and our Party has done much to support them. We recognize the complexities and the importance of the URB. We will be making some representations at the Law Amendments Committee stage, and we look forward very much to hearing from the public. We certainly wouldn't want this bill to do anything to reduce the diversity of opinion that could come forward. To restrict that in any way, that's certainly not

[Page 2608]

the intention, I know that, but that might be one concern that we would have, but we look forward to hearing from the public and we will have some representations.

With those few words, I want to thank the member for bringing forth the bill.

MR. SPEAKER: If I recognize the member it will be close the debate.

The honourable member for Richmond.

MR. MICHEL SAMSON: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I'm pleased with the comments that have been made on Bill No. 3. As I said, this is an issue which our leader brought forward immediately during this session as an issue of importance to us and to small businesses. Again, not only is it important this bill go forward so that we can establish a strong voice . . .

MR. SPEAKER: Order, please. The honourable member for Richmond has the floor.

MR. SAMSON: Again, Mr. Speaker, not only would this bill be important to establish a strong voice for small businesses around this province, but during the debate on this bill as it moves forward, we will be looking forward to the response from the government to the issue brought forward by the Leader of the Liberal caucus in calling upon the government to require the URB to look into the fact that Nova Scotia Power has been reporting a doubling of its profits in the first quarter.

As legislators, what we can do while allowing the arm's-length body of the URB to do its work - the government can be in a position to at least request that such a hearing take place so that Nova Scotians can have confidence in the system established by the URB and we can get a better understanding of why the rates agreed to last year and the increase are now suddenly producing a doubling of the profits from one year to the next.

Mr. Speaker, those are some of the issues we will be looking at as we move forward, but, again, I want to thank our Leader for pushing this issue forward and the fact that we now look forward to the Law Amendments Committee process to see what changes maybe proposed there and the presentations from Nova Scotians and even from small-business owners, which we hope will see the value of making this important change and providing them with a permanent voice from here forward at any rate hearings being held by the Utility and Review Board.

With that, it is my pleasure to close debate on second reading of Bill No. 3.

MR. SPEAKER: The motion is for second reading of Bill No. 3. Would all those in favour of the motion please say Aye. Contrary minded, Nay.

[Page 2609]

The motion is carried.

Ordered that this bill be referred to the Committee on Law Amendments.

The honourable Government House Leader.

HON. CECIL CLARKE: Mr. Speaker, would you please call the order of business, Public Bills for Second Reading.

PUBLIC BILLS FOR SECOND READING

MR. SPEAKER: The honourable Government House Leader.

HON. CECIL CLARKE: Mr. Speaker, would you please call Bill No. 144.

Bill No. 144 - Nova Scotia Film Development Corporation Act.

MR. SPEAKER: The honourable Minister of Economic Development.

HON. ANGUS MACISAAC: Mr. Speaker, I move that this bill be read a second time. The purpose of the bill is to provide the legal framework under which the name of the Nova Scotia Film Development Corporation can be changed to Film Nova Scotia. This action is taken by Film Nova Scotia after considerable consultation with stakeholders, the industry and people who have an interest in the industry. The obvious reason is to facilitate the promotion and marketing of this industry and enabling Film Nova Scotia to be more easily recognized and accepted by the industry and by stakeholders.

It's important to note that the film industry in this province generates over $100 million a year in business over the period of the past decade. This change in legislation, which will provide the legal basis for the change of name, will allow Film Nova Scotia to continue and be competitive and promote the industry more effectively as we move forward. Thank you.

MR. SPEAKER: The honourable member for Pictou East.

MR. CLARRIE MACKINNON: Mr. Speaker, I am very pleased to stand in this House and support Bill No. 144. I understand that the minister had a press conference last week in relationship to the name change. I thought there was going to be an announcement there, but the name change is important.

The new name, Film Nova Scotia, is a more welcoming, friendlier name, I'm sure, than the Nova Scotia Film Development Corporation. I, too, support this industry and

[Page 2610]

recognize that it is worth over $100 million to the Province of Nova Scotia annually and that it has caused our province to place fourth in Canada as a filming area.

I would be remiss if I didn't mention not only do we have four seasons and so many beautiful coastal areas and pastoral areas, like we have in the East River valley of Pictou East, but we also have so many - I'm sorry, am I running out of time? Okay, I'm sorry.

MR. SPEAKER: Order, please. The honourable member for Pictou East.

MR. MACKINNON: I just wanted to mention the talent that we have here and also I wanted to zero in on some of the great talent that we have coming from my constituency of Pictou East. Now we're all familiar with the Trailer Park Boys and certainly one of the stars in that, Mike Smith, is from the Village of Thorburn, an area where I used to be the municipal councillor back in 1970, way back in 1970.

Mr. Speaker, Mike Smith - who is Bubbles in the Trailer Park Boys - is an outstanding actor who, in fact, has been awarded a Gemini Award in 2003 for being the best comic and the people's choice. We also have Nigel Bennett in Pictou County, who is an outstanding actor and comes from Linacy. He keeps being nominated time and time again for a Gemini. So I think that we do have a great film industry here in Nova Scotia, we are very supportive on this side of the House to that film industry and I am very pleased that we can have this bill go on to the Law Amendments Committee.

The evening is running by so I will not say much more, other than supporting the name change. Thank you very much.

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

MR. MANNING MACDONALD: Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. I am pleased to rise in support of this bill this evening, Bill No. 144. I notice that while the name is changing, maybe we could have a renewed interest by the Film Development Corporation in coming back to Cape Breton with some of the business that has been talked about.

I can recall, you know we're talking about all of the things that are happening in Nova Scotia with the film industry and what comes to mind is some of the things that happened on Cape Breton Island. Of course I refer to the television series Pit Pony, I refer to Squanto, New Waterford Girl, Bay Boy - all of the productions that were done over the years by the Film Development Corporation, or Film Nova Scotia now.

I can also recall, Mr. Speaker, pleading with this House time and time again to level the playing field by increasing the tax credit system that would permit the film agencies that want to come to Nova Scotia to have an option to go to Cape Breton or, indeed, to any other area outside of the Halifax Regional Municipality, in order to spread the work around.

[Page 2611]

[9:30 p.m.]

You know, Mr. Speaker, we do have the infrastructure in Sydney. It's well known that if you go to Point Edward you can see the sets that were left there. You can see the sound stage that's now turned into a warehouse. So while I applaud the name change and I do applaud what the film authority is doing in Nova Scotia, I just wish a little of that would come east to Cape Breton because we do have people down there who have been trained in the film industry, who are proficient in what they need to do to promote the film industry and where are they at? They're working in Halifax, or they're working out West, or they're working somewhere else, they could be working in Sydney or the surrounding area on production. So, while I would welcome this change this evening, also, I welcome the change in the tax credit system, which indeed has improved, and I would hope that that will lead to a renewed interest in the film industry coming to Cape Breton. Believe me, we have lots of actors in Cape Breton who can take advantage of it. (Interruptions)

So I would say to Ann MacKenzie and company, we certainly welcome you back to Cape Breton when you choose to do so. So we certainly will be supporting this bill on second reading.

MR. SPEAKER: If I recognize the minister it will be to close the debate.

The honourable Minister of Economic Development.

HON. ANGUS MACISAAC: Mr. Speaker, I don't expect that there will be any Geminis arise out of tonight's performances, but I do appreciate very much the words of support from the honourable members and, in particular, the member for Cape Breton South pointing out the expanded tax credit and the fact that that will indeed help Film Nova Scotia in its efforts to spread the work of this industry throughout all parts of the province. I include, of course, Cape Breton in that description.

Mr. Speaker, I look forward to this bill passing through other stages of the procedure.

MR. SPEAKER: The motion is for second reading of Bill No. 144. Would all those in favour of the motion please say Aye. Contrary minded, Nay.

The motion is carried.

Ordered that this bill be referred to the Committee on Law Amendments.

The honourable Government House Leader.

[Page 2612]

HON. CECIL CLARKE: Mr. Speaker, would you please call Bill No. 135.

Bill No. 135 - Municipal Elections Act.

MR. SPEAKER: The honourable Minister of Service Nova Scotia and Municipal Relations.

HON. JAMES MUIR: Mr. Speaker, I'm pleased to rise this evening on second reading of amendments to the Municipal Elections Act. I guess, to be quite frank, it's not much wonder that these amendments are coming forth. We are now living in an electronic age and it's a matter of getting the electoral system, perhaps, in tune with modern lifestyle. Although there were indications that electronic voting in a municipality is permissible under the MGA, this will clarify it. What it does is it expands the powers of a municipality to permit new methods of voting, including those using the Internet and telephone.

These proposed amendments, Mr. Speaker, were developed at the request of HRM in preparation for the October 2008 municipal election and they would prefer to be able to try electronic voting then. Hopefully, once this bill passes, if they can't do it this time, they'll certainly be ready to do it the next time but, anyway, the municipality intends to pursue the new methods of voting in that upcoming municipal election, including Internet-based advance polls. With that in mind, these proposed changes to the Act will provide further clarification around the process and procedures related to electronic voting.

Specifically, Mr. Speaker, these amendments will clarify that a municipal council can provide for a method of recounting ballots that are cast electronically, that additional hours and days for voting at an advance poll can be provided, and there will be provisions related to proxy voting. The proposed changes will also provide amendments relating to the contravention of election bylaws.

In closing, Mr. Speaker, I would like to note that while all of these amendments were designed to address the concerns raised by Halifax Regional Municipality, the changes will apply to all municipalities and there are other municipalities that have indicated an interest in moving to allow electronic voting. Mr. Speaker, I want to thank you at this time and now move second reading of Bill No. 135.

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

MS. BECKY KENT: Mr. Speaker, I'd like to start out by thanking the Minister of Service Nova Scotia and Municipal Relations for bringing these amendments forward to the Municipal Elections Act. Certainly they are very timely. They're timely on a lot of levels, as he has spoken of but I'll mention as well. Certainly with the Fall municipal elections in the not- too-distant future, it's important that this happened. Also it's important in the year of a celebration of democracy not only in Nova Scotia but in Canada. It's a time that we all

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know that voter turnout is not what we'd like to see - at this point it's a must do. It's the natural progress to create a wider access to opportunities to vote, to engage more voters. Our young adults are certainly electronically connected, our persons with disabilities often have the opportunity to be electronically connect, and our seniors as well. It's timely certainly in recognition of the approval for advanced electronic voting at Halifax Regional Municipality.

These amendments as well speak to the integrity of the electoral process. In the Fall session myself and my colleague, and member of caucus from Halifax-Fairview, have both spoken of the importance of the safeguards that need to be in place, security of voting privileges. These amendments speak to that and offers the abilities of municipalities to address these safeguards. It's certainly my hope, as no doubt it is for all members of the Legislature, that our municipalities will get it right the first time and I'm confident they will.

With that, our caucus certainly supports this bill going forward, this amendment going to the Committee on Law Amendments. Thank you.

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

MS. DIANA WHALEN: Mr. Speaker, I'm pleased to rise today to say a few words about Bill No. 135, which is an Act to amend the Municipal Elections Act. Certainly we did have the opportunity to talk about HRM's aspirations about employing electronic voting in the coming election and looking at alternate ways of engaging the citizens in the electoral process. This year being the year for municipal elections this October, I think it's timely and important that we put in place the legislative framework that allows these changes to be adopted.

I was particularly noting the ability to clarify such things as the hours of voting because advanced polls would be quite different if you're voting on-line or voting by telephone rather than in person at a specified place. We have to look at it as breaking new ground. I do applaud HRM for taking this step and asking for us to move in this direction, and I think there are a number of other municipalities in Nova Scotia that are watching very carefully and will want to emulate this change provided all goes well, or they'll certainly learn from HRM's experience.

I think HRM has put a lot of thought into it with these enabling clauses and the clarification around their ability to control the integrity of the process, and particularly to impose fines or create offences where any of the intended use of these electronic means is not properly followed. I think that's important because of the supreme importance of our democracy. As was mentioned, this is Democracy 250 that we're celebrating this year and anything that we can do that draws attention to a more vital and engaging democracy is important. I think that, particularly for the younger Nova Scotians, we have to align ourselves with the times and show that we can also adapt and change.

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While we're looking at that, I think it's notable that our own Legislature does not recognize on-line petitions. We've had that discussion here a number of times, but I think this is an opportune time to mention it once again knowing that the government of course will be listening carefully and would like to find a means to be leaders in that regard. In this year alone the government has used the Internet for getting budget feedback for the first time and used that in crafting the budget. There have been two on-line petitions at least sponsored by the government - one about the Atlantic Accord, intended to pressure Ottawa; and another around safe communities, also intended to bring attention to the widespread support for our province's stance on safe communities. Yet, these petitions are not recognized here in the House. So, Mr. Speaker, I know that is a matter of grave concern that you will perhaps have an opportunity to address at some future time.

I think at the moment, we can certainly commend HRM for breaking new ground in their realm, looking at on-line and telephone and other means of engaging voters in the process so that they can improve the number of Nova Scotians or, in this case, number of residents of HRM, who will, in fact, vote. The numbers have been particularly low, and it is really important that we get more people attracted to cast their ballot and have their say in municipal elections. I hope that at some point this will become a model for the province, as well.

With that, Mr. Speaker, we look forward to hearing if anybody has comments at the Law Amendments Committee, and we will be following the process. Thank you.

MR. SPEAKER: If I recognize the minister it will be to close the debate.

The honourable Minister of Service Nova Scotia and Municipal Relations.

HON. JAMES MUIR: Thank you, Mr. Speaker, and I want to thank the members on the opposite side of the House for supporting this bill. Just a couple of things about maybe why this is needed a little bit. We had a municipal by-election in HRM on Saturday and I think 22 per cent turned out. The vote count was 22 per cent. The last provincial by-election that we had, I believe the voter turnout was 44 per cent.

Mr. Speaker, clearly, everybody understands that not enough people are now taking their democratic responsibility seriously enough, and if this will help do this - a couple of examples where they went electronic back in 2003 in Markham and Peterborough, Ontario, and they found that when they allowed electronic balloting, there was a 300 per cent increase in the advance poll.

So, Mr. Speaker, with those comments, I would ask you to take the vote on second reading.

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MR. SPEAKER: The motion is for second reading of Bill No. 135. Would all those in favour of the motion please say Aye. Contrary minded, Nay.

The motion is carried.

Ordered that this bill be referred to the Committee on Law Amendments.

The honourable Government House Leader.

HON. CECIL CLARKE: Mr. Speaker, would you please call Bill No. 138.

Bill No. 138 - Municipal Government Act.

MR. SPEAKER: The honourable Minister of Service Nova Scotia and Municipal Relations.

HON. JAMES MUIR: Mr. Speaker, thank you very much, I am pleased to stand before the members of the House for second reading of Bill No. 138, which calls for several amendments to the Municipal Government Act. These proposed amendments are a result of consultation with the UNSM, Halifax Regional Municipality and other municipalities. I am just going to go through these things very quickly.

The amendments will allow municipalities to adopt by-laws that regulate the removal of existing trees or vegetation on residential property. In other words, you can't clear cut in anticipation that a development will take place sometime. That applies not to large subdivisions but not to the small ones, and they don't apply, obviously, to agriculture or forestry operations. These amendments are also in line with the government's overall green plan.

Other changes involve imposing time limits on the Utility and Review Board with respect to planning appeals. It will give the Utility and Review Board - it's proposed they have 45 days in which to commence a hearing relating to a planning appeal, and after all the information is submitted, 60 days to render a decision.

Mr. Speaker, the memorandum of understanding that the province entered into with the UNSM this past November provides for the appointment of municipal auditors' general and, at this time, changes are being made or proposed to the MGA which will provide the authority for this and, clearly, the establishment of a municipal auditor general will provide for additional transparency. However, I should add that there is going to be about a year's consultation on this and this is really enabling legislation at this time.

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Mr. Speaker, Bill No. 138 will extend the authority that HRM has to acquire vacant, boarded-up buildings to all other municipalities; in other words, to get rid of some of the eyesores in the town.

Other changes in the bill, Mr. Speaker, stem from requests to the UNSM related to restricted dogs and I think other people have seen the rest of the bill. With that, I will move second reading of Bill No. 138.

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

MS. BECKY KENT: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Again I thank the minister for bringing these amendments forward. Certainly this bill is a mishmash of a significant number of housekeeping amendments, much of which I won't need to speak on, but there are a few and I think it's important to share some points.

Enabling municipalities to better serve the many, many non-profit and charitable organizations that are in all of our communities across Nova Scotia, these are important amendments. So many of these groups - well, all of them - are doing tremendously important work in all of our communities and, quite frankly, in far too many cases they're doing the work of government. For instance, food banks, shelters, these groups are ensuring that Nova Scotia's citizens, especially the most vulnerable, gain access to food and shelters. These are the kinds of organizations we're talking about, Mr. Speaker.

These amendments offer municipalities opportunities and abilities to shorten wait times. For financial support within a municipality, it creates a much more efficient process, certainly a potential better use of staff resources and committees of council resources, who often have to move forward the deliberation of these organizations that would normally have an opportunity to come through quickly.

Mr. Speaker, concerns around boarded-up buildings and vacant buildings certainly, unfortunately, can be found in all of our communities, so I am particularly pleased to see these amendments to help the municipalities more effectively deal with them.

Another important part of these amendments, which I'm pleased to see, deals with concerns around the loss of treed lots, natural vegetation. This issue is particularly relevant in my riding of Cole Harbour-Eastern Passage. Large-scale tree removal on so many suburban lots is a concern to my residents. Development is happening at an exponential rate in my riding.

As municipal councillor and now as the MLA, I hear of the devastating effects of this scale of tree removal. Mr. Speaker, not only a loss of natural beauty of these trees, but ground and storm water management often goes unchecked until an abutting property owner has been flooded out, due to the inability of our natural vegetation to absorb the rainfall.

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MR. SPEAKER: Order, please. The chatter is getting too loud.

The honourable member for Cole Harbour-Eastern Passage has the floor.

MS. KENT: These amendments are important amendments. I believe they should be going through, but the ability for our municipalities to have an effect with these changes certainly require policing. We know that so often the trees are removed, then they beg for forgiveness. This, I believe, is a step in the right direction.

Mr. Speaker, issues relating to dogs has me a bit more concerned in this amendment. Having been a municipal councillor, I certainly am aware that municipalities already have abilities to deal with dangerous dogs. I'm not quite sure why this is included, so I'll wait to hear the submissions by the public on this one.

Enabling amendments to allow municipalities to engage more residents in important planning issues is very positive, Mr. Speaker. Many times, planning decisions affect a much wider catchment area than is currently being notified. This is a positive response to a very current issue that is going on here in the capital. HRM, by design, for example, has the ability to affect the downtown Halifax and Dartmouth area, but frankly all of those decisions will affect the greater municipality, as those residents have a vested interest in what is happening in the downtown capital.

The tightening up of the rules of the URB - I certainly believe the timelines are a positive step for due process. The issues that are being addressed in this are an ongoing concern and often debated in councils across the province, but I have to say that we do have concerns around the costs that are potentially being associated in these amendments.

Much of the costs for the URB hearings are already incorporated into permits and planning costs. They're there to make sure that in the event something should go forward to an appeal, they're being captured. I'm concerned this is an opportunity for a sense of a double-dipping here. It's also another deterrent to the public being able to add, or at least being encouraged to add, their voice in the process that's in place for them. So we have very serious concerns about this.

The municipal auditor general - certainly, we're supportive. It will be a great help, not only in the HRM area but in all municipalities. My colleague, the member for Halifax Needham, has a private members' bill on this very issue, so we're pleased to see this come forward. The memorandum of understanding for the UNSM is an unwritten memorandum, it's a bit unclear, but I'm glad to hear that these amendments have the potential to address some of what's in that understanding.

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To take a year to work out the details - I guess all I would add is that it appears this government likes to take the time, a long time in so many cases, in the interest of getting it done. I just hope that in this case it doesn't take too long.

For now, Mr. Speaker, we're prepared as a caucus to move this on to the Law Amendments Committee, and I look forward to the public input on these issues. Thank you.

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

MS. DIANA WHALEN: Mr. Speaker, it's a pleasure for me to rise at this hour for just a few minutes to talk about Bill No. 138. I know the clock is ticking, but this is an important bill in the sense that it covers a lot of different issues. It is a basket of changes, essentially.

I wanted to thank the minister for his staff taking the time to come and brief myself and our staff about what was in it, because it has a lot of different items that are covered and we do appreciate it when the time is taken by the staff of government to let us know why things have come forward. It takes some of the guesswork out of it.

There are a number of things I think that do stand out in this bill. Again, we certainly support the idea of individual municipalities being able to identify the non-profit, charitable and volunteer-driven organizations that would be eligible for tax exemptions. They should do that in the most expeditious way possible. That helps a lot because those organizations are the heart of all our communities. We want to support them as much as we can and we know the municipal councillors feel the same way.

On the side of the vacant buildings, that's something that HRM has had the power to do, I believe, in terms of acquiring boarded-up and vacant buildings and it's been a tremendous advantage. A number of years ago, I did sit on the Dangerous & Unsightly Premises Committee when we couldn't do anything about those buildings that were devaluing properties and really were an eyesore to the neighbours around them. So I think it's very important that be extended to all municipalities.

I'm particularly pleased to see the enabling legislation there to allow municipalities to enact tree bylaws to protect trees within their boundaries. HRM is known, or Halifax was known, as the City of Trees and we have had no control over the cutting of trees. I know the member for Cole Harbour-Eastern Passage had mentioned the extreme rate of development in her area and I can attest to the same thing in Clayton Park. We have had acre upon acre of new areas developed and the standard procedure is to cut all the trees and blast all the rock and then do a little bit of replanting at the other side.

Now, in about 15 years the properties start to look rather nice again, but we lose all those trees in the meantime and it's very alarming to people, particularly if they've lived in

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that neighbourhood for a long time. I see there's one control on that - in the serviced areas the lots have to be at least three lots or more I believe and in an unserviced area, 10 lots or more. I think that is some protection.

It would be worth noting that along the Bedford Highway, in about the year 2000, a very large area was cut that was all privately owned. There are now two large apartment buildings sitting on that lot that cut all of the hemlock trees right up to the edge of Hemlock Ravine Park, which is very important in that neighbourhood and in fact, left all those trees in that park very vulnerable. It created a real outcry, in our municipality, for something to be done to allow us to control the number of trees that are cut on a lot. I know the City of Toronto and many other cities have bylaws that do control tree cutting. I think it would be probably proper to mention Linda Mosher who has been asking for this change for quite some time. She's an active member of council and I know I supported her at that time when she brought it to HRM Council.

The introduction of a Municipal Auditor General is a very good idea. Again, that will increase accountability and transparency, having Auditor General reports, someone else that we can turn to just as we do in the province when there are issues that really do require an independent and careful analysis. I think that will help. I'm not sure, in this case, why it takes a full year since we have models that would be available to look at. If it has to do with notification I guess we can do that. I think it is important and I know it has the support of the municipalities and the UNSM, so I think that is very important as well.

On the provisions around the URB, the timelines and tightening those up, I think that's really important from a development point of view because we have heard, time and again, how delayed our processes are here. In fact they're costing developers a tremendous amount of money in appeals and in delays. As much as it's important to protect the integrity of our city, our buildings and our built heritage, it's also important that we remain a vibrant and good place to do business. Just getting more timelines and more certainty around what a developer or any builder is getting involved with is important.

Mr. Speaker, I will say as well that Clause 19 does raise a bit of a red flag and we'll be interested to see if there are comments about that at the Law Amendments Committee. That is the clause that suggests that the Nova Scotia Utility and Review Board may impose costs in planning related appeals, which I think might be interpreted as costs if theses appeals are perhaps frivolous, or repetitive, or something of that nature. I'm not entirely sure how that's going to play out but certainly we feel the majority of these changes that are outlined in the bill are called for. I know that they are enabling and things that the municipalities are looking for. Mr. Speaker, with that we look forward to it coming to the Law Amendments Committee. Thank you.

MR. SPEAKER: If I recognize the minister it will be to close the debate.

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The honourable Minister of Service Nova Scotia and Municipal Relations.

HON. JAMES MUIR: Mr. Speaker, I wanted to thank colleagues on the opposite side of the House for their helpful interventions. I ask you now to call the vote for second reading of Bill No. 138.

MR. SPEAKER: The motion is for second reading of Bill No. 138. Would all those in favour of the motion please say Aye. Contrary minded, Nay.

The motion is carried.

Ordered that this bill be referred to the Committee on Law Amendments.

The honourable Government House Leader.

HON. CECIL CLARKE: Mr. Speaker, that concludes the government's business for the day. I move that the House do now rise to meet again tomorrow at the hour of 12:00 noon until midnight. (Interruption) Mr. Speaker, apparently my enthusiasm is not shared so we will go from 12:00 noon until 8:00 p.m. Government business following the daily routine will be debate on Supply, estimates debate, following that we will come back to Government Business. We will have Public Bills for Second Reading and in there we'll include Bill Nos. 120, 127, 130, 131, 133 and 146 as well as Private Members' Public Bills for Second Reading which will include Bill No. 81 as well as Bill No. 121.

I move the House do now rise.

MR. SPEAKER: The motion is that the House do now rise to meet tomorrow at the hour of 12:00 noon.

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 House rose at 9:59 p.m.]

[Page 2621]

NOTICES OF MOTION UNDER RULE 32(3)

RESOLUTION NO. 2341

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 National Hospice Palliative Care Week runs from May 4th to May 10th ; and

Whereas this week is used as an opportunity to educate and bring awareness to the importance of advanced planning for an individual's final days; and

Whereas the week's objectives mirror this year's theme, which is "Advance Care Planning: Let's talk about it";

Therefore be it resolved that members of the House of Assembly recognize May 4th through 10th as National Hospice Palliative Care Week and work towards bringing awareness to the importance of palliative care in our province.

RESOLUTION NO. 2342

By: Hon. Rodney MacDonald (Premier)

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

Whereas Donald and Anna Matheson from Belle Cote, Cape Breton, were first joined in marriage on December 26, 1957; and

Whereas the couple recently celebrated their golden wedding anniversary with their three children and two grandchildren, sharing the fond memories of their life together so far; and

Whereas their commitment to each other today is as strong as it was 50 years ago;

Therefore be it resolved that this House extend greetings, congratulations and best wishes for many more years of good health and happiness to Donald and Anna Matheson on the occasion of their 50th Wedding Anniversary.

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RESOLUTION NO. 2343

By: Mr. Sterling Belliveau (Shelburne)

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

Whereas Dawn Mitchell of the Island/Barrington Fire Department was awarded with a Scroll of Recognition from the Municipality of Barrington at the Shelburne County Mutual Aid Supper for her 15 years of long service to the fire department on March 8, 2008; and

Whereas volunteer firefighters give freely of their time to train for and respond to emergencies and have chosen to make long-term commitments to their local fire departments; and

Whereas it is important to recognize the commitment and dedication all firefighters make to ensure the safety and well being of those in their communities;

Therefore be it resolved that this House of Assembly congratulate Dawn Mitchell of the Island/Barrington Volunteer Fire Department on being awarded a Scroll of Recognition on March 8, 2008, from the Municipality of Barrington at the Shelburne County Mutual Aid Supper for her 15 years of long service to the fire department.

RESOLUTION NO. 2344

By: Hon. Murray Scott (Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal)

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

Whereas Robin Steeves is a member of the Pit Players which was named Volunteer Group of the Year for the Town of Springhill in 2008; and

Whereas Robin is an Educational Assistant who works and lives in Springhill and has been singing and acting with the Pit Players since the beginning some eight years ago and also belongs to the Springhill Baptist Choir and a member of the Pit Players singing group; and

Whereas Robin has given freely of her time and efforts to help the Pit Players raise over $80,000 for charities in Cumberland County.

Therefore be it resolved that the members of this House congratulate Robin Steeves for her dedication to the Pit Players and wish her all the best in all future endeavours.

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RESOLUTION NO. 2345

By: Hon. Murray Scott (Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal)

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

Whereas Valerie Fahey is a member of the Pit Players which was named Volunteer Group of the Year for the Town of Springhill in 2008; and

Whereas Valerie began writing plays eight years ago when asked to write a dinner theatre for the Catholic Church, since that time she has written over forty plays with thirty one plays staged thus far and was accepted into the Playwrite Guild of Canada in 2006; and

Whereas Valerie Fahey has given freely of her time and efforts to help the Pit Players raise over $80,000 for charities in Cumberland County.

Therefore be it resolved that the members of this House congratulate Valerie Fahey for her dedication to the Pit Players and wish her all the best in all future endeavours.

RESOLUTION NO. 2346

By: Hon. Murray Scott (Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal)

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

Whereas Ed Fahey is a member of the Pit Players which was named Volunteer Group of the Year for the Town of Springhill in 2008; and

Whereas Ed began his acting career in 2000 and has acted in several plays staged by the Pit Players as well as lending his voice to the Pit Players singing group; and

Whereas Ed Fahey has given freely of his time and efforts to help the Pit Players raise over $80,000 for charities in Cumberland County.

Therefore be it resolved that the members of this House congratulate Ed Fahey for his dedication to the Pit Players and wish him all the best in all future endeavours.

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RESOLUTION NO. 2347

By: Hon. Murray Scott (Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal)

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

Whereas Gail Murphy is a member of the Pit Players which was named Volunteer Group of the Year for the Town of Springhill in 2008; and

Whereas Gail is one of the original members of the Pit Players and is the designer/faculty member for the Diploma in Paralegal Services (DPS) program at NSCC and also performs with the Pit Players Singing Group; and

Whereas Gail Murphy has given freely of her time and efforts to help the Pit Players raise over $80,000 for charities in Cumberland County.

Therefore be it resolved that the members of this House congratulate Gail Murphy for her dedication to the Pit Players and wish her all the best in all future endeavours.

RESOLUTION NO. 2348

By: Hon. Murray Scott (Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal)

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

Whereas Peter Bell is a member of the Pit Players which was named Volunteer Group of the Year for the Town of Springhill in 2008; and

Whereas Peter recently retired after thirty five years as a school teacher and has been a member of the Pit Players since the group began eight years ago and during the past two years Peter has played piano and guitar with the Pit Players and is a member of the Pit Players Singing Group; and

Whereas Peter Bell has given freely of his time and efforts to help the Pit Players raise over $80,000 for charities in Cumberland County.

Therefore be it resolved that the members of this House congratulate Peter Bell for his dedication to the Pit Players and wish him all the best in all future endeavours.

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RESOLUTION NO. 2349

By: Hon. Murray Scott (Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal)

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

Whereas Robert Bell is a member of the Pit Players which was named Volunteer Group of the Year for the Town of Springhill in 2008; and

Whereas Roberta has been with the Pit Players since its inception promoting, catering, acting and is a part time office assistant for "Chalice" formerly "Child Care International" and also sings with the Pit Players Singing Group; and

Whereas Roberta Bell has given freely of her time and efforts to help the Pit Players raise over $80,000 for charities in Cumberland County.

Therefore be it resolved that the members of this House congratulate Roberta Bell for her dedication to the Pit Players and wish her all the best in all future endeavours.

RESOLUTION NO. 2350

By: Hon. Murray Scott (Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal)

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

Whereas Susan MacDonald is a member of the Pit Players which was named Volunteer Group of the Year for the Town of Springhill in 2008; and

Whereas Susan is a teacher and guidance councilor for the Springhill JR/SR High School and has been with the Pit Players since it's beginning and besides singing and acting, Susan also plays the fiddle; and

Whereas Susan MacDonald has given freely of her time and efforts to help the Pit Players raise over $80,000 for charities in Cumberland County.

Therefore be it resolved that the members of this House congratulate Susan MacDonald for her dedication to the Pit Players and wish her all the best in all future endeavours.

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RESOLUTION NO. 2351

By: Hon. Murray Scott (Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal)

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

Whereas Marilyn Williams is a member of the Pit Players which was named Volunteer Group of the Year for the Town of Springhill in 2008; and

Whereas Marilyn is a retired teacher and principal and joined the group this year and has been singing in choirs for many years; and

Whereas Marilyn Williams has given freely of her time and efforts to help the Pit Players raise over $80,000 for charities in Cumberland County.

Therefore be it resolved that the members of this House congratulate Marilyn Williams for her dedication to the Pit Players and wish her all the best in all future endeavours.

RESOLUTION NO. 2352

By: Hon. Murray Scott (Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal)

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

Whereas Janice Varner is a member of the Pit Players which was named Volunteer Group of the Year for the Town of Springhill in 2008; and

Whereas Janice is the recreation director at Cumberland Lodge and is one of the newest members in the group; and

Whereas Janice Varner has given freely of her time and efforts to help the Pit Players raise over $80,000 for charities in Cumberland County.

Therefore be it resolved that the members of this House congratulate Janice Varner for her dedication to the Pit Players and wish her all the best in all future endeavours.

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RESOLUTION NO. 2353

By: Hon. Murray Scott (Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal)

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

Whereas Patty Colson is a member of the Pit Players which was named Volunteer Group of the Year for the Town of Springhill in 2008; and

Whereas Patty is a teacher with the Chignecto-Central Regional School Board and has many talents to lend to the group including singing, and acting and is known for perfect timing when delivering her lines; and

Whereas Patty Colson has given freely of her time and efforts to help the Pit Players raise over $80,000 for charities in Cumberland County.

Therefore be it resolved that the members of this House congratulate Patty Colson for her dedication to the Pit Players and wish her all the best in all future endeavours.

RESOLUTION NO. 2354

By: Hon. Murray Scott (Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal)

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

Whereas Ruth Leadbetter of Springhill, Cumberland County, was chosen by the All Saints Springhill Hospital Auxiliary to be named as their representative for Volunteer of the Year for the Town of Springhill in 2008; and

Whereas Ruth has been a member of the auxiliary for 40 years and has been on the committee for 30 years; and

Whereas Ruth is a faithful, hardworking and valued member of the group, always willing to help in any way possible;

Therefore be it resolved that the members of this House congratulate Ruth Leadbetter on being chosen by the All Saints Springhill Hospital Auxiliary to represent them as Springhill's Volunteer of the Year and wish her success in all future endeavours.

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RESOLUTION NO. 2355

By: Hon. Murray Scott (Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal)

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

Whereas Isabel Beaton of Springhill, Cumberland County, was chosen by the All Saints Springhill Hospital Auxiliary to be named as their representative for Volunteer of the Year for the Town of Springhill in 2008; and

Whereas Isabel has been a member of the auxiliary for 22 years and has been part of the phone committee for 15 years and is faithful in her service and also a very valuable member of our group, always in attendance at meetings and functions; and

Whereas Isabel Beaton is a faithful, hardworking and valued member of the group, always willing to help in any way possible;

Therefore be it resolved that the members of this House congratulate Isabel Beaton on being chosen by the All Saints Springhill Hospital Auxiliary to represent them as Springhill's Volunteer of the Year and wish her success in all future endeavours.

RESOLUTION NO. 2356

By: Hon. Murray Scott (Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal)

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

Whereas Margaret Casey was nominated, with pleasure, by the Cobequid Chapter IODE to represent them as Springhill's Volunteer of the Year for 2008; and

Whereas whatever the task may be, Margaret sets her mind to it and carries it to completion with skill, enthusiasm and a personal passion for the cause; and

Whereas Margaret is president of the Cobequid Chapter of the IODE and finds volunteering stretches her abilities and creates opportunities to meet wonderful people while helping to accomplish goals in an organization that has been a part of Canada's history for more than 100 years;

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Therefore be it resolved that the members of this House congratulate Margaret Casey on being chosen by her peers to represent Cobequid Chapter IODE as Springhill's Volunteer of the Year for 2008 and wish her all the best in all future endeavours.

RESOLUTION NO. 2357

By: Hon. Murray Scott (Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal)

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

Whereas the Cumberland County Ross Refrigeration Cool Blues Junior B hockey team is proud to nominate Raymond Lees as their representative for the Springhill Volunteer of the Year for 2008; and

Whereas Raymond is president of the team and is an extremely hardworking and dedicated member of the Blues' executive who has put his heart and soul into making this organization one of the very best in the Junior B hockey league; and

Whereas under Raymond Lees' leadership this past year, the organization has also received the honour of Executive of the Year for the second time in the past three years, showing that Raymond's leadership and selfless dedication makes him the ideal person to represent the Cumberland Cool Blues;

Therefore be it resolved that the members of this House congratulate Raymond Lees and the Cumberland Cool Blues on this award and wish them all the best in all future endeavours.

RESOLUTION NO. 2358

By: Hon. Murray Scott (Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal)

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

Whereas Bev Sharpe of Springhill, Cumberland County, is a name that everyone in the community knows, admires and associates with volunteer work, and was recognized for that by being named Springhill's Volunteer of the Year for 2008; and

Whereas Bev is known as everybody's granny, and with four children of her own, 10 grandchildren, and married for over 40 years, you would expect her life to be full as it is, but she is also a devoted community volunteer and always has an iron in the fire and a cause to champion; and

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Whereas Bev volunteers time at the local Salvation Army thrift shop, helped with the hot lunch program while her children attended school to raise money to buy computers for the Junction Road Elementary School, and continues to support that school by being a Rocking Granny, which helps raise money annually through rock-a-thons; she was also instrumental in raising monies to purchase a motorized scooter for a Springhiller in need, she committed herself to stuff 1,000 envelopes each night for Christian Child Care International, helps with the winter carnivals and Santa Clause parade, and sits on a committee to develop a park in the community, and has personally seen to it that every senior citizen in the complex receives a Valentine for the past 20 years, and Bev has hosted a grading-day party annually for anyone who wants to attend since her children were in school;

Therefore be it resolved that the members of this House congratulate Bev Sharpe on her outstanding volunteer efforts and for being named Volunteer of the Year, a much-deserved honour, and wish her all the best in all future endeavours.

RESOLUTION NO. 2359

By: Hon. Murray Scott (Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal)

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

Whereas the Whalen Family of Cumberland County is an outstanding volunteer family and they were recognized as such by the Town of Oxford in 2008; and

Whereas the motivation for this family to volunteer is to lend a hand and because they care about their community, including home and school, helping out at the church, helping the town out with recreation activities and taking pictures for their community; and

Whereas Shaun Whalen takes pictures for the community and helps the United Church, also assisting the home and school with meals and his time, Sandra Whalen is also part of the home and school and helps with church activities, Lachlan Whalen helps coach fun hockey programs and fun soccer programs;

Therefore be it resolved that the members of this House congratulate the Whalen family on being named Volunteer Family of the Year for the Town of Oxford and wish them all the best in all future endeavours.

RESOLUTION NO. 2360

By: Hon. Murray Scott (Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal)

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

Whereas Tim Hortons in Oxford, Cumberland County, is an exceptional volunteer business and it was recognized as such by the Town of Oxford when they were awarded the Building Healthier Futures Corporate Award for 2008; and

Whereas Tim Hortons helps financially with uniforms and medals for team sports and they donate timbits and coffee, also giving out door prizes for school fundraisers; and

Whereas the benefit is to see the success, and to be a part of it makes the employees proud to work at Tim Hortons;

Therefore be it resolved that the members of this House congratulate Tim Hortons on receiving the Building Healthier Futures Corporate Award and wish them all the best.

RESOLUTION NO. 2361

By: Hon. Murray Scott (Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal)

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

Whereas the Town of Oxford showed their appreciation and pride to have the Oxford Area Lions as part of their community by naming them Volunteer Organization of the Year for 2008; and

Whereas the Oxford Area Lions Club do fundraising, donate money, volunteer their time and much more including raising money for the playground at the Lions Park while still giving money and helping out other organizations in need; and

Whereas the Lions Club is an organization which is dedicated and eager to start projects and see them succeed;

Therefore be it resolved that the members of this House congratulate the Oxford Area Lions Club on receiving this well-deserved award and wish them success in all future endeavours.

RESOLUTION NO. 2362

By: Hon. Murray Scott (Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal)

[Page 2632]

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

Whereas Oxford Communities in Bloom Committee accepted an award they and the town earned in the annual CIB community judging; and

Whereas Oxford earned four out of five blooms in the 1,001 to 3,000 population category and were honoured during a luncheon sponsored by Communities in Bloom and the Tourism Industry Association of Nova Scotia; and

Whereas the Town of Oxford, its citizens, community groups and partners at broader levels have succeeded in making an attractive and lively community which strikes the arriving visitor immediately in the tidiness, floral displays and the general condition of the public buildings and the urban forest;

Therefore be it resolved that the members of this House congratulate the Oxford Communities in Bloom Committee on this outstanding award and wish them all the best in all future endeavours.

RESOLUTION NO. 2363

By: Hon. Murray Scott (Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal)

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

Whereas Lacey O'Brien, a member of the Springhill Girls Junior B Basketball Team, was honoured by her team and coaches at the Awards Presentation for 2008; and

Whereas the Springhill Girls Junior B Basketball Team had a great year due to their dedicated and hard-playing members who put 100 per cent into each practice and game; and

Whereas Lacey O'Brien is certainly one of those dedicated players and was shown appreciation when she was awarded the Most Valuable Player for 2008;

Therefore be it resolved that the members of this House congratulate Lacey O'Brien on receiving this outstanding award and wish her continued success in all future endeavours.

RESOLUTION NO. 2364

By: Hon. Murray Scott (Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal)

[Page 2633]

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

Whereas Morgan Murray, a member of the Springhill Girls Junior B Basketball Team, was honoured by her team and coaches at the Awards Presentation for 2008; and

Whereas the Springhill Girls Junior B Basketball Team had a great year due to their dedicated and hard-playing members who put 100 per cent into each practice and game; and

Whereas Morgan Murray is certainly one of those dedicated players and was shown appreciation when she was awarded the Best Team Player for 2008;

Therefore be it resolved that the members of this House congratulate Morgan Murray on receiving this outstanding award and wish her continued success in all future endeavours.

RESOLUTION NO. 2365

By: Hon. Murray Scott (Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal)

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

Whereas Sarah Meager, a member of the Springhill Girls Junior B Basketball Team, was honoured by her team and coaches at the Awards Presentation for 2008; and

Whereas the Springhill Girls Junior B Basketball Team had a great year due to their dedicated and hard-playing members who put 100 per cent into each practice and game; and

Whereas Sarah Meager is certainly one of those dedicated players and was shown appreciation when she was awarded the Scholar Athlete Award for 2008;

Therefore be it resolved that the members of this House congratulate Sarah Meager on receiving this outstanding award and wish her continued success in all future endeavours.

RESOLUTION NO. 2366

By: Hon. Murray Scott (Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal)

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

Whereas Virginia King, a student at Oxford Regional High School, was honoured by being named Oxford's Youth Volunteer for 2008; and

[Page 2634]

Whereas Virginia volunteers by canvassing for many foundations and working for the church, and is very eager to help at school events including the "Green Project"; and

Whereas Virginia volunteers because she says it is the right thing to do and by doing this she is helping others, she also wants her school and community to be as beautiful and full of life as they can be;

Therefore be it resolved that the members of this House congratulate Virginia King on this outstanding award and thank her for her volunteer efforts on behalf of her community and the Province of Nova Scotia.

RESOLUTION NO. 2367

By: Hon. Murray Scott (Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal)

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

Whereas Wendy Chapman of Oxford, Cumberland County, is an example of what volunteering is all about in her community and, as such, was named Oxford's Volunteer of the Year for 2008; and

Whereas Wendy has been a member of the Oxford Firemen's Ladies Auxiliary for fifteen years and has sat on the executive for the past eleven years, currently as president, and also is press secretary for the Ladies Auxiliary; and

Whereas Wendy organizes Meals on Wheels, kids' dances, peer mediator programs, canteen for the fire department, recruiting people to help with activities, along with being a mobile hairdresser she runs errands for her clients such as banking, getting their groceries or housework all the while they are under the hair dryer;

Therefore be it resolved that the members of this House congratulate Wendy Chapman on this well-deserved award and wish her all the best in all future endeavours.

RESOLUTION NO. 2368

By: Hon. Murray Scott (Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal)

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

[Page 2635]

Whereas Joey Chapman of Oxford, Cumberland County, was honoured as he received the Volunteer of the Year Award for 2008; and

Whereas Joey has served the Oxford Fire Department for just over 20 years and has held many officer positions during this time including being elected to the Deputy Chief position for 2007; and

Whereas Joey has been a huge support to many committees in the fire department as a long-time member of the social committee and currently the chairperson of the New Fire Hall committee;

Therefore be it resolved that the members of this House congratulate Joey Chapman on his outstanding volunteer efforts and being named Volunteer Firefighter of the Year and wish him continued success in all future endeavours.

RESOLUTION NO. 2369

By: Hon. Murray Scott (Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal)

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

Whereas Springhill's Cumberland Campus has their own Campus Idol who walked away with a win in a Nova Scotia Community College challenge to find this year's top singing talent in a competition with singers from all across the province; and

Whereas Julie Carde already had a reputation as a talented musician here in Cumberland County and beyond and Campus Idol isn't her first stint at the idol competitions since she has been to Toronto twice with Canadian Idol; and

Whereas the regional finals for Campus Idol was an evening of entertainment and fun at Teaser's Pub where Julie sang Who Will Save Your Soul by Jewel and Only One by Melissa Etheridge, making Julie the pride of Cumberland Campus;

Therefore be it resolved that the members of this House congratulate Julie Carde on this outstanding achievement and wish her continued success in all future endeavours.

RESOLUTION NO. 2370

By: Hon. Murray Scott (Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal)

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

[Page 2636]

Whereas Oxford No. 2553 Royal Canadian Army Cadets placed well in an April 12, 2008, shoulder-to-shoulder cadet shoot in Truro; and

Whereas Linda Bird, Acting Warrant Officer of the Cadet Corp and Master Corporal Sean Patterson placed first in the Team Expert Division, Linda Bird also placed first in the Individual Expert while Sean Patterson placed third in the individual marksman; and

Whereas the Oxford Cadet Corp is under the command of Captain Alfie King who has great pride in his corp;

Therefore be it resolved that the members of this House congratulate Linda Bird and Sean Patterson on their outstanding achievements and wish them continued success in all future endeavours.

RESOLUTION NO. 2371

By: Hon. Murray Scott (Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal)

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

Whereas Christopher Allen of Collingwood, Cumberland County, does what he can to make people happy; and

Whereas Christopher accepted an award from the County of Cumberland naming him the Youth Volunteer of the Year for 2008; and

Whereas for the past few years, Christopher has volunteered his services anywhere he is needed including helping out at the Collingwood Community Hall for the yearly dinners on various occasions and is a leader of his local Scout group;

Therefore be it resolved that the members of this House congratulate Christopher Allen on receiving this award, thank him for his time volunteering in his community and wish him all the best in the future.

RESOLUTION NO. 2372

By: Hon. Murray Scott (Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal)

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

[Page 2637]

Whereas the members of the Parrsboro Karate Club trained and received new belts during a recent grading in Diepe, N.B.; and

Whereas among those participating in the event with their instructor, Melissa Cormier, were John Taylor; Peter Hamel; Gage Shea, first kyu; Bryan Taylor, fifth kyu; Ashley Hamel and Sarah Merriam, sixth kyu; and

Whereas the event was another success for the club, which is an extension of the Amherst Club;

Therefore be it resolved that the members of this House congratulate the members of the Parrsboro Karate Club and wish them continued success in all future endeavours.

RESOLUTION NO. 2373

By: Hon. William Dooks (Tourism, Culture and Heritage)

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

Whereas the Spring has arrived and with Spring comes the beginning of the Eastern Shore Slow Pitch Season; and

Whereas the Eastern Shore is host to three adult leagues, a mens league that has been around for 30- plus years, which is now split into two ; an over- 30 and an under- 30 and also a women's league which has been around for at least 26 years and many junior leagues; and

Whereas the seasons run from the beginning of May till the end of September;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House applaud the opening of the Eastern Shore Slow Pitch Leagues ball season and wish them continued success.

RESOLUTION NO. 2374

By: Hon. Leonard Goucher (Immigration)

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

[Page 2638]

Whereas Peter Delmas, resident of Bedford, was selected to Canada's under - 18 national hockey team; and

Whereas Peter was the only Nova Scotian to be selected to the under- 18 national team; and

Whereas Peter's goaltending skill has met and exceeded the expectations to play at this elite level;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House extend their congratulations to Peter Delmas on his selection to the under - 18 Canadian national hockey team.

RESOLUTION NO. 2375

By: Hon. Leoneard Goucher (Immigration)

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

Whereas Julie Thornton, resident of Bedford, was recipient of the Bronze Duke of Edinburgh Award; and

Whereas the Duke of Edinburgh Award sets aims and objectives for participants to meet in community service, life skill development, and physical recreation; and

Whereas Julie has met and exceeded those expectations and has been a positive influence in her community, school and her peers, through her involvement in this program;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House extend their congratulations to Julie for completing the Bronze Duke of Edinburgh program.

RESOLUTION NO. 2376

By: Hon. Leonard Goucher (Immigration)

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

Whereas Ava Pancura, a resident of Bedford and student at Fort Sackville School, has drawn a winning design for Music for Young Children stickers; and

Whereas Music for Young Children has a sticker program that recognizes contributions to music by young gifted children; and

[Page 2639]

Whereas Ava's design will be given to 13,000 children worldwide;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House extend their congratulations to Ava in recognition of her artistic ability.

RESOLUTION NO. 2377

By: Hon. Lenoard Goucher (Immigration)

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

Whereas the Lieutenant Governor Medal is presented to a high school student who demonstrates leadership, service and commendable academic performance; and

Whereas Jimmy Ross was selected for the 2007 Lieutenant Governor Medal and is one of two students chosen for this award at Charles P Allen High; and

Whereas Jimmy has been chosen by Charles P Allen High for having shown commendable performance in each of the areas highlighted by the award;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House recognize Jimmy who has demonstrated a high quality of leadership and service in the school and community.

RESOLUTION NO. 2378

By: Hon. Leonard Goucher (Immigration)

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

Whereas Lyall Hatton of Bedford, alongside teammate Connor Taras, participated in world junior canoe-kayak championships in Racice, Czech Republic; and

Whereas the world junior canoe-kayak championships bring out the best canoe-kayak competitors in the world; and

Whereas Lyall's team captured silver at the world junior championships;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House extend their congratulations to Lyall for his silver medal performance.

RESOLUTION NO. 2379

[Page 2640]

By: Hon. Leonard Goucher (Immigration)

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

Whereas on Sunday, November 18th, Bedford celebrated the 10th annual Light Up Bedford Parade with an estimated crowd of between 12,000 and 15,000 in attendance; and

Whereas the parade also raised $3,000 for the turkey club which helps needy families get through this difficult time of year; and

Whereas members of the 2007 Light Up Bedford Parade committee ensured another successful event;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House extend their congratulations to the 2007 Light Up Bedford Parade Committee for their dedication to continuing this community tradition in Bedford.

RESOLUTION NO. 2380

By: Hon. Leonard Goucher (Immigration)

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

Whereas in August, 2007, Nuts4Ribs was the first event of its kind in Canada to raise awareness and funds toward testicular cancer; the purpose of this ribfest is to provide a venue for men to openly discuss men's health issues, enjoy the finest barbeque ribs and entertainment Nova Scotia has to offer and spend quality time with their families and proceeds from this year will go toward testicular cancer awareness with the Canadian Cancer Society; and

Whereas more than 850 Canadian men are diagnosed with testicular cancer each year and with it being the most common cancer among men between the ages of 15 to 35, it is important to bring attention to some of the facts surrounding this disease; and

Whereas I see this as an opportunity to thank Sophie Kydd for making this event a reality and I wish this group all the best in 2008 as they continue to educate Nova Scotians on the facts surrounding testicular cancer;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House recognize Nuts4Ribs as an event for all men and their families in Nova Scotia to celebrate healthy living and thank Sophie Kydd for raising awareness towards men's health issues in Nova Scotia.

[Page 2641]

RESOLUTION NO. 2381

By: Hon. Leonard Goucher (Immigration)

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

Whereas in August 2007, Nuts4Ribs was the first event of its kind in Canada to raise awareness and funds toward testicular cancer; the purpose of this ribfest is to provide a venue for men to openly discuss men's health issues, enjoy the finest barbeque ribs and entertainment Nova Scotia has to offer and spend quality time with their families, and proceeds from this year will go toward testicular cancer awareness with the Canadian Cancer Society; and

Whereas more than 850 Canadian men are diagnosed with testicular cancer each year and with it being the most common cancer among men between the ages of 15 to 35, it is important to bring attention to some of the facts surrounding this disease; and

Whereas I see this as an opportunity to thank Michael Kydd for making this event a reality and I wish this group all the best in 2008 as they continue to educate Nova Scotians on the facts surrounding testicular cancer;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House recognize Nuts4Ribs as an event for all men and their families in Nova Scotia to celebrate healthy living and thank Michael Kydd for raising awareness towards men's health issues in Nova Scotia.

RESOLUTION NO. 2382

By: Hon. Leonard Goucher (Immigration)

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

Whereas in August 2007, Nuts4Ribs was the first event of its kind in Canada to raise awareness and funds toward testicular cancer; the purpose of this ribfest is to provide a venue for men to openly discuss men's health issues, enjoy the finest barbeque ribs and entertainment Nova Scotia has to offer and spend quality time with their families, and proceeds from this year will go toward testicular cancer awareness with the Canadian Cancer Society; and

Whereas more than 850 Canadian men are diagnosed with testicular cancer each year and with it being the most common cancer among men between the ages of 15 to 35, it is important to bring attention to some of the facts surrounding this disease; and

[Page 2642]

Whereas I see this as an opportunity to thank Mike McCarther for making this event a reality and I wish this group all the best in 2008 as they continue to educate Nova Scotians on the facts surrounding testicular cancer;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House recognize Nuts4Ribs as an event for all men and their families in Nova Scotia to celebrate healthy living and thank Mike McCarther for raising awareness towards men's health issues in Nova Scotia.

RESOLUTION NO. 2383

By: Hon. Leonard Goucher (Immigration)

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

Whereas in August 2007, Nuts4Ribs was the first event of its kind in Canada to raise awareness and funds toward testicular cancer; the purpose of this ribfest is to provide a venue for men to openly discuss men's health issues, enjoy the finest barbeque ribs and entertainment Nova Scotia has to offer and spend quality time with their families, and proceeds from this year will go toward testicular cancer awareness with the Canadian Cancer Society; and

Whereas more than 850 Canadian men are diagnosed with testicular cancer each year and with it being the most common cancer among men between the ages of 15 to 35, it is important to bring attention to some of the facts surrounding this disease; and

Whereas I see this as an opportunity to thank Mark Carris for making this event a reality and I wish this group all the best in 2008 as they continue to educate Nova Scotians on the facts surrounding testicular cancer;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House recognize Nuts4Ribs as an event for all men and their families in Nova Scotia to celebrate healthy living and thank Mark Carris for raising awareness towards men's health issues in Nova Scotia.

RESOLUTION NO. 2384

By: Hon. Leonard Goucher (Immigration)

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

Whereas in August 2007, Nuts4Ribs was the first event of its kind in Canada to raise awareness and funds toward testicular cancer; the purpose of this ribfest is to provide a venue

[Page 2643]

for men to openly discuss men's health issues, enjoy the finest barbeque ribs and entertainment Nova Scotia has to offer and spend quality time with their families, and proceeds from this year will go toward testicular cancer awareness with the Canadian Cancer Society; and

Whereas more than 850 Canadian men are diagnosed with testicular cancer each year and with it being the most common cancer among men between the ages of 15 to 35, it is important to bring attention to some of the facts surrounding this disease; and

Whereas I see this as an opportunity to thank Leslie Mulchay for making this event a reality and I wish this group all the best in 2008 as they continue to educate Nova Scotians on the facts surrounding testicular cancer;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House recognize Nuts4Ribs as an event for all men and their families in Nova Scotia to celebrate healthy living and thank Leslie Mulcahy for raising awareness towards men's health issues in Nova Scotia.

RESOLUTION NO. 2385

By: Hon. Leonard Goucher (Immigration)

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

Whereas in August 2007, Nuts4Ribs was the first event of its kind in Canada to raise awareness and funds toward testicular cancer; the purpose of this ribfest is to provide a venue for men to openly discuss men's health issues, enjoy the finest barbeque ribs and entertainment Nova Scotia has to offer and spend quality time with their families, and proceeds from this year will go toward testicular cancer awareness with the Canadian Cancer Society; and

Whereas more than 850 Canadian men are diagnosed with testicular cancer each year and with it being the most common cancer among men between the ages of 15 to 35, it is important to bring attention to some of the facts surrounding this disease; and

Whereas I see this as an opportunity to thank Kevin Whitman for making this event a reality and I wish this group all the best in 2008 as they continue to educate Nova Scotians on the facts surrounding testicular cancer;

[Page 2644]

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House recognize Nuts4Ribs as an event for all men and their families in Nova Scotia to celebrate healthy living and thank Kevin Whitman for raising awareness towards men's health issues in Nova Scotia.

RESOLUTION NO. 2386

By: Hon. Leonard Goucher (Immigration)

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

Whereas in August 2007, Nuts4Ribs was the first event of its kind in Canada to raise awareness and funds toward testicular cancer; the purpose of this ribfest is to provide a venue for men to openly discuss men's health issues, enjoy the finest barbeque ribs and entertainment Nova Scotia has to offer and spend quality time with their families, and proceeds from this year will go toward testicular cancer awareness with the Canadian Cancer Society; and

Whereas more than 850 Canadian men are diagnosed with testicular cancer each year and with it being the most common cancer among men between the ages of 15 to 35, it is important to bring attention to some of the facts surrounding this disease; and

Whereas I see this as an opportunity to thank Julian Marentette for making this event a reality and I wish this group all the best in 2008 as they continue to educate Nova Scotians on the facts surrounding testicular cancer;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House recognize Nuts4Ribs as an event for all men and their families in Nova Scotia to celebrate healthy living and thank Julian Marentette for raising awareness towards men's health issues in Nova Scotia.

RESOLUTION NO. 2387

By: Hon. Leonard Goucher (Immigration)

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

Whereas in August 2007, Nuts4Ribs was the first event of its kind in Canada to raise awareness and funds toward testicular cancer; the purpose of this ribfest is to provide a venue for men to openly discuss men's health issues, enjoy the finest barbeque ribs and entertainment Nova Scotia has to offer and spend quality time with their families, and proceeds from this year will go toward testicular cancer awareness with the Canadian Cancer Society; and

[Page 2645]

Whereas more than 850 Canadian men are diagnosed with testicular cancer each year and with it being the most common cancer among men between the ages of 15 to 35, it is important to bring attention to some of the facts surrounding this disease; and

Whereas I see this as an opportunity to thank Jennifer Scott for making this event a reality and I wish this group all the best in 2008 as they continue to educate Nova Scotians on the facts surrounding testicular cancer;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House recognize Nuts4Ribs as an event for all men and their families in Nova Scotia to celebrate healthy living and thank Jennifer Scott for raising awareness towards men's health issues in Nova Scotia.

RESOLUTION NO. 2388

By: Hon. Leonard Goucher (Immigration)

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

Whereas in August 2007, Nuts4Ribs was the first event of its kind in Canada to raise awareness and funds toward testicular cancer; the purpose of this ribfest is to provide a venue for men to openly discuss men's health issues, enjoy the finest barbeque ribs and entertainment Nova Scotia has to offer and spend quality time with their families, and proceeds from this year will go toward testicular cancer awareness with the Canadian Cancer Society; and

Whereas more than 850 Canadian men are diagnosed with testicular cancer each year and with it being the most common cancer among men between the ages of 15 to 35, it is important to bring attention to some of the facts surrounding this disease; and

Whereas I see this as an opportunity to thank Gary Scott for making this event a reality and I wish this group all the best in 2008 as they continue to educate Nova Scotians on the facts surrounding testicular cancer;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House recognize Nuts4Ribs as an event for all men and their families in Nova Scotia to celebrate healthy living and thank Gary Scott for raising awareness towards men's health issues in Nova Scotia.

RESOLUTION NO. 2389

By: Hon. Leonard Goucher (Immigration)

[Page 2646]

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

Whereas in August 2007, Nuts4Ribs was the first event of its kind in Canada to raise awareness and funds toward testicular cancer; the purpose of this ribfest is to provide a venue for men to openly discuss men's health issues, enjoy the finest barbeque ribs and entertainment Nova Scotia has to offer and spend quality time with their families, and proceeds from this year will go toward testicular cancer awareness with the Canadian Cancer Society; and

Whereas more than 850 Canadian men are diagnosed with testicular cancer each year and with it being the most common cancer among men between the ages of 15 to 35, it is important to bring attention to some of the facts surrounding this disease; and

Whereas I see this as an opportunity to thank Donna Whitman for making this event a reality and I wish this group all the best in 2008 as they continue to educate Nova Scotians on the facts surrounding testicular cancer;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House recognize Nuts4Ribs as an event for all men and their families in Nova Scotia to celebrate healthy living and thank Donna Whitman for raising awareness towards men's health issues in Nova Scotia.

RESOLUTION NO. 2390

By: Hon. Leonard Goucher (Immigration)

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

Whereas in August 2007, Nuts4Ribs was the first event of its kind in Canada to raise awareness and funds toward testicular cancer; the purpose of this ribfest is to provide a venue for men to openly discuss men's health issues, enjoy the finest barbeque ribs and entertainment Nova Scotia has to offer and spend quality time with their families, and proceeds from this year will go toward testicular cancer awareness with the Canadian Cancer Society; and

Whereas more than 850 Canadian men are diagnosed with testicular cancer each year and with it being the most common cancer among men between the ages of 15 to 35, it is important to bring attention to some of the facts surrounding this disease; and

[Page 2647]

Whereas I see this as an opportunity to thank Derek Land for making this event a reality and I wish this group all the best in 2008 as they continue to educate Nova Scotians on the facts surrounding testicular cancer;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House recognize Nuts4Ribs as an event for all men and their families in Nova Scotia to celebrate healthy living and thank Derek Land for raising awareness towards men's health issues in Nova Scotia.

RESOLUTION NO. 2391

By: Hon. Leonard Goucher (Immigration)

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

Whereas in August 2007, Nuts4Ribs was the first event of its kind in Canada to raise awareness and funds toward testicular cancer; the purpose of this ribfest is to provide a venue for men to openly discuss men's health issues, enjoy the finest barbeque ribs and entertainment Nova Scotia has to offer and spend quality time with their families, and proceeds from this year will go toward testicular cancer awareness with the Canadian Cancer Society; and

Whereas more than 850 Canadian men are diagnosed with testicular cancer each year and with it being the most common cancer among men between the ages of 15 to 35, it is important to bring attention to some of the facts surrounding this disease; and

Whereas I see this as an opportunity to thank Bev Scott for making this event a reality and I wish this group all the best in 2008 as they continue to educate Nova Scotians on the facts surrounding testicular cancer;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House recognize Nuts4Ribs as an event for all men and their families in Nova Scotia to celebrate healthy living and thank Bev Scott for raising awareness towards men's health issues in Nova Scotia.

RESOLUTION NO. 2392

By: Hon. Leonard Goucher (Immigration)

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

Whereas in August 2007, Nuts4Ribs was the first event of its kind in Canada to raise awareness and funds toward testicular cancer; the purpose of this ribfest is to provide a venue

[Page 2648]

for men to openly discuss men's health issues, enjoy the finest barbeque ribs and entertainment Nova Scotia has to offer and spend quality time with their families, and proceeds from this year will go toward testicular cancer awareness with the Canadian Cancer Society; and

Whereas more than 850 Canadian men are diagnosed with testicular cancer each year and with it being the most common cancer among men between the ages of 15 to 35, it is important to bring attention to some of the facts surrounding this disease; and

Whereas I see this as an opportunity to thank Aaron Murphy for making this event a reality and I wish this group all the best in 2008 as they continue to educate Nova Scotians on the facts surrounding testicular cancer;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House recognize Nuts4Ribs as an event for all men and their families in Nova Scotia to celebrate healthy living and thank Aaron Murphy for raising awareness towards men's health issues in Nova Scotia.

RESOLUTION NO. 2393

By: Hon. Leonard Goucher (Immigration)

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

Whereas the Bedford South Adult Communication Club recognizes the importance of English as a Second Language as a means of enhancing communication between school and parents who are newcomers to Nova Scotia; and

Whereas the ESL Club provides a venue to better discuss school and education issues, while also providing the opportunity for newcomer parents to understand their role in supporting their children in school; and

Whereas the Province of Nova Scotia recognizes the significant contribution the role of immigration will play in our province's future;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House recognize the efforts made by Bedford South Adult Communication Club and its volunteers and congratulate Zainab on efforts to make Nova Scotia a better place in which to live, both now and in the future.

RESOLUTION NO. 2394

By: Hon. Leonard Goucher (Immigration)

[Page 2649]

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

Whereas the Bedford South Adult Communication Club recognizes the importance of English as a Second Language as a means of enhancing communication between school and parents who are newcomers to Nova Scotia; and

Whereas the ESL Club provides a venue to better discuss school and education issues, while also providing the opportunity for newcomer parents to understand their role in supporting their children in school; and

Whereas the Province of Nova Scotia recognizes the significant contribution the role of immigration will play in our province's future;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House recognize the efforts made by Bedford South Adult Communication Club and its volunteers and congratulate Young Jae Kim on efforts to make Nova Scotia a better place in which to live, both now and in the future.

RESOLUTION NO. 2395

By: Hon. Leonard Goucher (Immigration)

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

Whereas the Bedford South Adult Communication Club recognizes the importance of English as a Second Language as a means of enhancing communication between school and parents who are newcomers to Nova Scotia; and

Whereas the ESL Club provides a venue to better discuss school and education issues, while also providing the opportunity for newcomer parents to understand their role in supporting their children in school; and

Whereas the Province of Nova Scotia recognizes the significant contribution the role of immigration will play in our province's future;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House recognize the efforts made by Bedford South Adult Communication Club and its volunteers and congratulate Yasser Mohamed on efforts to make Nova Scotia a better place in which to live, both now and in the future.

RESOLUTION NO. 2396

[Page 2650]

By: Hon. Leonard Goucher (Immigration)

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

Whereas the Bedford South Adult Communication Club recognizes the importance of English as a Second Language as a means of enhancing communication between school and parents who are newcomers to Nova Scotia; and

Whereas the ESL Club provides a venue to better discuss school and education issues, while also providing the opportunity for newcomer parents to understand their role in supporting their children in school; and

Whereas the Province of Nova Scotia recognizes the significant contribution the role of immigration will play in our province's future;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House recognize the efforts made by Bedford South Adult Communication Club and its volunteers and congratulate Yaghoub Khataei on efforts to make Nova Scotia a better place in which to live, both now and in the future.

RESOLUTION NO. 2397

By: Hon. Leonard Goucher (Immigration)

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

Whereas the Bedford South Adult Communication Club recognizes the importance of English as a Second Language as a means of enhancing communication between school and parents who are newcomers to Nova Scotia; and

Whereas the ESL Club provides a venue to better discuss school and education issues, while also providing the opportunity for newcomer parents to understand their role in supporting their children in school; and

Whereas the Province of Nova Scotia recognizes the significant contribution the role of immigration will play in our province's future;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House recognize the efforts made by Bedford South Adult Communication Club and its volunteers and congratulate Soon Lia Kang on efforts to make Nova Scotia a better place in which to live, both now and in the future.

[Page 2651]

RESOLUTION NO. 2398

By: Hon. Leonard Goucher (Immigration)

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

Whereas the Bedford South Adult Communication Club recognizes the importance of English as a Second Language as a means of enhancing communication between school and parents who are newcomers to Nova Scotia; and

Whereas the ESL Club provides a venue to better discuss school and education issues, while also providing the opportunity for newcomer parents to understand their role in supporting their children in school; and

Whereas the Province of Nova Scotia recognizes the significant contribution the role of immigration will play in our province's future;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House recognize the efforts made by Bedford South Adult Communication Club and its volunteers and congratulate Sohelia Kiasat on efforts to make Nova Scotia a better place in which to live, both now and in the future.

RESOLUTION NO. 2399

By: Hon. Leonard Goucher (Immigration)

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

Whereas the Bedford South Adult Communication Club recognizes the importance of English as a Second Language as a means of enhancing communication between school and parents who are newcomers to Nova Scotia; and

Whereas the ESL Club provides a venue to better discuss school and education issues, while also providing the opportunity for newcomer parents to understand their role in supporting their children in school; and

[Page 2652]

Whereas the Province of Nova Scotia recognizes the significant contribution the role of immigration will play in our province's future;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House recognize the efforts made by Bedford South Adult Communication Club and its volunteers and congratulate Sara Seirafi on efforts to make Nova Scotia a better place in which to live, both now and in the future.

RESOLUTION NO. 2400

By: Hon. Leonard Goucher (Immigration)

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

Whereas the Bedford South Adult Communication Club recognizes the importance of English as a Second Language as a means of enhancing communication between school and parents who are newcomers to Nova Scotia; and

Whereas the ESL Club provides a venue to better discuss school and education issues, while also providing the opportunity for newcomer parents to understand their role in supporting their children in school; and

Whereas the Province of Nova Scotia recognizes the significant contribution the role of immigration will play in our province's future;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House recognize the efforts made by Bedford South Adult Communication Club and its volunteers and congratulate Sang Yoon Baek on efforts to make Nova Scotia a better place in which to live, both now and in the future.

RESOLUTION NO. 2401

By: Hon. Leonard Goucher (Immigration)

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

Whereas the Bedford South Adult Communication Club recognizes the importance of English as a Second Language as a means of enhancing communication between school and parents who are newcomers to Nova Scotia; and

[Page 2653]

Whereas the ESL Club provides a venue to better discuss school and education issues, while also providing the opportunity for newcomer parents to understand their role in supporting their children in school; and

Whereas the Province of Nova Scotia recognizes the significant contribution the role of immigration will play in our province's future;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House recognize the efforts made by Bedford South Adult Communication Club and its volunteers and congratulate Rohabeh on efforts to make Nova Scotia a better place in which to live, both now and in the future.

RESOLUTION NO. 2402

By: Hon. Leonard Goucher (Immigration)

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

Whereas the Bedford South Adult Communication Club recognizes the importance of English as a Second Language as a means of enhancing communication between school and parents who are newcomers to Nova Scotia; and

Whereas the ESL Club provides a venue to better discuss school and education issues, while also providing the opportunity for newcomer parents to understand their role in supporting their children in school; and

Whereas the Province of Nova Scotia recognizes the significant contribution the role of immigration will play in our province's future;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House recognize the efforts made by Bedford South Adult Communication Club and its volunteers and congratulate Rogheih Tabrizi on efforts to make Nova Scotia a better place in which to live, both now and in the future.

RESOLUTION NO. 2403

By: Hon. Leonard Goucher (Immigration)

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

[Page 2654]

Whereas the Bedford South Adult Communication Club recognizes the importance of English as a Second Language as a means of enhancing communication between school and parents who are newcomers to Nova Scotia; and

Whereas the ESL Club provides a venue to better discuss school and education issues, while also providing the opportunity for newcomer parents to understand their role in supporting their children in school; and

Whereas the Province of Nova Scotia recognizes the significant contribution the role of immigration will play in our province's future;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House recognize the efforts made by Bedford South Adult Communication Club and its volunteers and congratulate Robabeh Valipour on efforts to make Nova Scotia a better place in which to live, both now and in the future.

RESOLUTION NO. 2404

By: Hon. Leonard Goucher (Immigration)

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

Whereas the Bedford South Adult Communication Club recognizes the importance of English as a Second Language as a means of enhancing communication between school and parents who are newcomers to Nova Scotia; and

Whereas the ESL Club provides a venue to better discuss school and education issues, while also providing the opportunity for newcomer parents to understand their role in supporting their children in school; and

Whereas the Province of Nova Scotia recognizes the significant contribution the role of immigration will play in our province's future;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House recognize the efforts made by Bedford South Adult Communication Club and its volunteers and congratulate Rima Dib on efforts to make Nova Scotia a better place in which to live, both now and in the future.

RESOLUTION NO. 2405

By: Hon. Leonard Goucher (Immigration)

[Page 2655]

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

Whereas the Bedford South Adult Communication Club recognizes the importance of English as a Second Language as a means of enhancing communication between school and parents who are newcomers to Nova Scotia; and

Whereas the ESL Club provides a venue to better discuss school and education issues, while also providing the opportunity for newcomer parents to understand their role in supporting their children in school; and

Whereas the Province of Nova Scotia recognizes the significant contribution the role of immigration will play in our province's future;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House recognize the efforts made by Bedford South Adult Communication Club and its volunteers and congratulate Rasha Ouda on efforts to make Nova Scotia a better place in which to live, both now and in the future.

RESOLUTION NO. 2406

By: Hon. Leonard Goucher (Immigration)

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

Whereas the Bedford South Adult Communication Club recognizes the importance of English as a Second Language as a means of enhancing communication between school and parents who are newcomers to Nova Scotia; and

Whereas the ESL Club provides a venue to better discuss school and education issues, while also providing the opportunity for newcomer parents to understand their role in supporting their children in school; and

Whereas the Province of Nova Scotia recognizes the significant contribution the role of immigration will play in our province's future;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House recognize the efforts made by Bedford South Adult Communication Club and its volunteers and congratulate Randa Eid Momen on efforts to make Nova Scotia a better place in which to live, both now and in the future.

RESOLUTION NO. 2407

[Page 2656]

By: Hon. Leonard Goucher (Immigration)

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

Whereas the Bedford South Adult Communication Club recognizes the importance of English as a Second Language as a means of enhancing communication between school and parents who are newcomers to Nova Scotia; and

Whereas the ESL Club provides a venue to better discuss school and education issues, while also providing the opportunity for newcomer parents to understand their role in supporting their children in school; and

Whereas the Province of Nova Scotia recognizes the significant contribution the role of immigration will play in our province's future;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House recognize the efforts made by Bedford South Adult Communication Club and its volunteers and congratulate Rabah Abu-Abdallah on efforts to make Nova Scotia a better place in which to live, both now and in the future.

RESOLUTION NO. 2408

By: Hon. Leonard Goucher (Immigration)

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

Whereas the Bedford South Adult Communication Club recognizes the importance of English as a Second Language as a means of enhancing communication between school and parents who are newcomers to Nova Scotia; and

Whereas the ESL Club provides a venue to better discuss school and education issues, while also providing the opportunity for newcomer parents to understand their role in supporting their children in school; and

Whereas the Province of Nova Scotia recognizes the significant contribution the role of immigration will play in our province's future;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House recognize the efforts made by Bedford South Adult Communication Club and its volunteers and congratulate Nevine

[Page 2657]

Ramadan on efforts to make Nova Scotia a better place in which to live, both now and in the future.

RESOLUTION NO. 2409

By: Hon. Leonard Goucher (Immigration)

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

Whereas the Bedford South Adult Communication Club recognizes the importance of English as a Second Language as a means of enhancing communication between school and parents who are newcomers to Nova Scotia; and

Whereas the ESL Club provides a venue to better discuss school and education issues, while also providing the opportunity for newcomer parents to understand their role in supporting their children in school; and

Whereas the Province of Nova Scotia recognizes the significant contribution the role of immigration will play in our province's future;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House recognize the efforts made by Bedford South Adult Communication Club and its volunteers and congratulate Nasser Jaber on efforts to make Nova Scotia a better place in which to live, both now and in the future.

RESOLUTION NO. 2410

By: Hon. Leonard Goucher (Immigration)

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

Whereas the Bedford South Adult Communication Club recognizes the importance of English as a Second Language as a means of enhancing communication between school and parents who are newcomers to Nova Scotia; and

Whereas the ESL Club provides a venue to better discuss school and education issues, while also providing the opportunity for newcomer parents to understand their role in supporting their children in school; and

Whereas the Province of Nova Scotia recognizes the significant contribution the role of immigration will play in our province's future;

[Page 2658]

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House recognize the efforts made by Bedford South Adult Communication Club and its volunteers and congratulate Munira Ally on efforts to make Nova Scotia a better place in which to live, both now and in the future.

RESOLUTION NO. 2411

By: Hon. Leonard Goucher (Immigration)

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

Whereas the Bedford South Adult Communication Club recognizes the importance of English as a Second Language as a means of enhancing communication between school and parents who are newcomers to Nova Scotia; and

Whereas the ESL Club provides a venue to better discuss school and education issues, while also providing the opportunity for newcomer parents to understand their role in supporting their children in school; and

Whereas the Province of Nova Scotia recognizes the significant contribution the role of immigration will play in our province's future;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House recognize the efforts made by Bedford South Adult Communication Club and its volunteers and congratulate Monica Hansen on efforts to make Nova Scotia a better place in which to live, both now and in the future.

RESOLUTION NO. 2412

By: Hon. Leonard Goucher (Immigration)

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

Whereas the Bedford South Adult Communication Club recognizes the importance of English as a Second Language as a means of enhancing communication between school and parents who are newcomers to Nova Scotia; and

[Page 2659]

Whereas the ESL Club provides a venue to better discuss school and education issues, while also providing the opportunity for newcomer parents to understand their role in supporting their children in school; and

Whereas the Province of Nova Scotia recognizes the significant contribution the role of immigration will play in our province's future;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House recognize the efforts made by Bedford South Adult Communication Club and its volunteers and congratulate Kyung Sook Hang on efforts to make Nova Scotia a better place in which to live, both now and in the future.

RESOLUTION NO. 2413

By: Hon. Leonard Goucher (Immigration)

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

Whereas the Bedford South Adult Communication Club recognizes the importance of English as a Second Language as a means of enhancing communication between school and parents who are newcomers to Nova Scotia; and

Whereas the ESL Club provides a venue to better discuss school and education issues, while also providing the opportunity for newcomer parents to understand their role in supporting their children in school; and

Whereas the Province of Nova Scotia recognizes the significant contribution the role of immigration will play in our province's future;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House recognize the efforts made by Bedford South Adult Communication Club and its volunteers and congratulate Kelthoum Al-Nawad on efforts to make Nova Scotia a better place in which to live, both now and in the future.

RESOLUTION NO. 2414

By: Hon. Leonard Goucher (Immigration)

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

[Page 2660]

Whereas the Bedford South Adult Communication Club recognizes the importance of English as a Second Language as a means of enhancing communication between school and parents who are newcomers to Nova Scotia; and

Whereas the ESL Club provides a venue to better discuss school and education issues, while also providing the opportunity for newcomer parents to understand their role in supporting their children in school; and

Whereas the Province of Nova Scotia recognizes the significant contribution the role of immigration will play in our province's future;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House recognize the efforts made by Bedford South Adult Communication Club and its volunteers and congratulate Jing Liang on efforts to make Nova Scotia a better place in which to live, both now and in the future.

RESOLUTION NO. 2415

By: Hon. Leonard Goucher (Immigration)

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

Whereas the Bedford South Adult Communication Club recognizes the importance of English as a Second Language as a means of enhancing communication between school and parents who are newcomers to Nova Scotia; and

Whereas the ESL Club provides a venue to better discuss school and education issues, while also providing the opportunity for newcomer parents to understand their role in supporting their children in school; and

Whereas the Province of Nova Scotia recognizes the significant contribution the role of immigration will play in our province's future;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House recognize the efforts made by Bedford South Adult Communication Club and its volunteers and congratulate Jin Fang on efforts to make Nova Scotia a better place in which to live, both now and in the future.

RESOLUTION NO. 2416

By: Hon. Leonard Goucher (Immigration)

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

[Page 2661]

Whereas the Bedford South Adult Communication Club recognizes the importance of English as a Second Language as a means of enhancing communication between school and parents who are newcomers to Nova Scotia; and

Whereas the ESL Club provides a venue to better discuss school and education issues, while also providing the opportunity for newcomer parents to understand their role in supporting their children in school; and

Whereas the Province of Nova Scotia recognizes the significant contribution the role of immigration will play in our province's future;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House recognize the efforts made by Bedford South Adult Communication Club and its volunteers and congratulate Ilknur Gurses on efforts to make Nova Scotia a better place in which to live, both now and in the future.

RESOLUTION NO. 2417

By: Hon. Leonard Goucher (Immigration)

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

Whereas the Bedford South Adult Communication Club recognizes the importance of English as a Second Language as a means of enhancing communication between school and parents who are newcomers to Nova Scotia; and

Whereas the ESL Club provides a venue to better discuss school and education issues, while also providing the opportunity for newcomer parents to understand their role in supporting their children in school; and

Whereas the Province of Nova Scotia recognizes the significant contribution the role of immigration will play in our province's future;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House recognize the efforts made by Bedford South Adult Communication Club and its volunteers and congratulate Hsiu-Juan Hou on efforts to make Nova Scotia a better place in which to live, both now and in the future.

RESOLUTION NO. 2418

By: Hon. Leonard Goucher (Immigration)

[Page 2662]

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

Whereas the Bedford South Adult Communication Club recognizes the importance of English as a Second Language as a means of enhancing communication between school and parents who are newcomers to Nova Scotia; and

Whereas the ESL Club provides a venue to better discuss school and education issues, while also providing the opportunity for newcomer parents to understand their role in supporting their children in school; and

Whereas the Province of Nova Scotia recognizes the significant contribution the role of immigration will play in our province's future;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House recognize the efforts made by Bedford South Adult Communication Club and its volunteers and congratulate Heun Yoon Baek on efforts to make Nova Scotia a better place in which to live, both now and in the future.

RESOLUTION NO. 2419

By: Hon. Leonard Goucher (Immigration)

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

Whereas the Bedford South Adult Communication Club recognizes the importance of English as a Second Language as a means of enhancing communication between school and parents who are newcomers to Nova Scotia; and

Whereas the ESL Club provides a venue to better discuss school and education issues, while also providing the opportunity for newcomer parents to understand their role in supporting their children in school; and

Whereas the Province of Nova Scotia recognizes the significant contribution the role of immigration will play in our province's future;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House recognize the efforts made by Bedford South Adult Communication Club and its volunteers and congratulate Hee Soon Kim on efforts to make Nova Scotia a better place in which to live, both now and in the future.

RESOLUTION NO. 2420

[Page 2663]

By: Hon. Leonard Goucher (Immigration)

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

Whereas the Bedford South Adult Communication Club recognizes the importance of English as a Second Language as a means of enhancing communication between school and parents who are newcomers to Nova Scotia; and

Whereas the ESL Club provides a venue to better discuss school and education issues, while also providing the opportunity for newcomer parents to understand their role in supporting their children in school; and

Whereas the Province of Nova Scotia recognizes the significant contribution the role of immigration will play in our province's future;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House recognize the efforts made by Bedford South Adult Communication Club and its volunteers and congratulate Hamid Nikkah on efforts to make Nova Scotia a better place in which to live, both now and in the future.

RESOLUTION NO. 2421

By: Hon. Leonard Goucher (Immigration)

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

Whereas the Bedford South Adult Communication Club recognizes the importance of English as a Second Language as a means of enhancing communication between school and parents who are newcomers to Nova Scotia; and

Whereas the ESL Club provides a venue to better discuss school and education issues, while also providing the opportunity for newcomer parents to understand their role in supporting their children in school; and

Whereas the Province of Nova Scotia recognizes the significant contribution the role of immigration will play in our province's future;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House recognize the efforts made by Bedford South Adult Communication Club and its volunteers and congratulate Gudrun Sigmarsdottir on efforts to make Nova Scotia a better place in which to live, both now and in the future.

[Page 2664]

RESOLUTION NO. 2422

By: Hon. Leonard Goucher (Immigration)

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

Whereas the Bedford South Adult Communication Club recognizes the importance of English as a Second Language as a means of enhancing communication between school and parents who are newcomers to Nova Scotia; and

Whereas the ESL Club provides a venue to better discuss school and education issues, while also providing the opportunity for newcomer parents to understand their role in supporting their children in school; and

Whereas the Province of Nova Scotia recognizes the significant contribution the role of immigration will play in our province's future;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House recognize the efforts made by Bedford South Adult Communication Club and its volunteers and congratulate Feridoun Rastgou on efforts to make Nova Scotia a better place in which to live, both now and in the future.

RESOLUTION NO. 2423

By: Hon. Leonard Goucher (Immigration)

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

Whereas the Bedford South Adult Communication Club recognizes the importance of English as a Second Language as a means of enhancing communication between school and parents who are newcomers to Nova Scotia; and

Whereas the ESL Club provides a venue to better discuss school and education issues, while also providing the opportunity for newcomer parents to understand their role in supporting their children in school; and

Whereas the Province of Nova Scotia recognizes the significant contribution the role of immigration will play in our province's future;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House recognize the efforts made by Bedford South Adult Communication Club and its volunteers and congratulate Ferat

[Page 2665]

Gurses, on efforts to make Nova Scotia a better place in which to live, both now and in the future.

RESOLUTION NO. 2424

By: Hon. Leonard Goucher (Immigration)

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

Whereas the Bedford South Adult Communication Club recognizes the importance of English as a Second Language as a means of enhancing communication between school and parents who are newcomers to Nova Scotia; and

Whereas the ESL Club provides a venue to better discuss school and education issues, while also providing the opportunity for newcomer parents to understand their role in supporting their children in school; and

Whereas the Province of Nova Scotia recognizes the significant contribution the role of immigration will play in our province's future;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House recognize the efforts made by Bedford South Adult Communication Club and its volunteers and congratulate Dongkil Shin on efforts to make Nova Scotia a better place in which to live, both now and in the future.

RESOLUTION NO. 2425

By: Hon. Leonard Goucher (Immigration)

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

Whereas the Bedford South Adult Communication Club recognizes the importance of English as a Second Language as a means of enhancing communication between school and parents who are newcomers to Nova Scotia; and

[Page 2666]

Whereas the ESL Club provides a venue to better discuss school and education issues, while also providing the opportunity for newcomer parents to understand their role in supporting their children in school; and

Whereas the Province of Nova Scotia recognizes the significant contribution the role of immigration will play in our province's future;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House recognize the efforts made by Bedford South Adult Communication Club and its volunteers and congratulate Cahit Avci on efforts to make Nova Scotia a better place in which to live, both now and in the future.

RESOLUTION NO. 2426

By: Hon. Leonard Goucher (Immigration)

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

Whereas the Bedford South Adult Communication Club recognizes the importance of English as a Second Language as a means of enhancing communication between school and parents who are newcomers to Nova Scotia; and

Whereas the ESL Club provides a venue to better discuss school and education issues, while also providing the opportunity for newcomer parents to understand their role in supporting their children in school; and

Whereas the Province of Nova Scotia recognizes the significant contribution the role of immigration will play in our province's future;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House recognize the efforts made by Bedford South Adult Communication Club and its volunteers and congratulate Belques Abdo on efforts to make Nova Scotia a better place in which to live, both now and in the future.

RESOLUTION NO. 2427

By: Hon. Leonard Goucher (Immigration)

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

[Page 2667]

Whereas the Bedford South Adult Communication Club recognizes the importance of English as a Second Language as a means of enhancing communication between school and parents who are newcomers to Nova Scotia; and

Whereas the ESL Club provides a venue to better discuss school and education issues, while also providing the opportunity for newcomer parents to understand their role in supporting their children in school; and

Whereas the Province of Nova Scotia recognizes the significant contribution the role of immigration will play in our province's future;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House recognize the efforts made by Bedford South Adult Communication Club and its volunteers and congratulate Belgies Abdo on efforts to make Nova Scotia a better place in which to live, both now and in the future.

RESOLUTION NO. 2428

By: Hon. Leonard Goucher (Immigration)

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

Whereas the Bedford South Adult Communication Club recognizes the importance of English as a Second Language as a means of enhancing communication between school and parents who are newcomers to Nova Scotia; and

Whereas the ESL Club provides a venue to better discuss school and education issues, while also providing the opportunity for newcomer parents to understand their role in supporting their children in school; and

Whereas the Province of Nova Scotia recognizes the significant contribution the role of immigration will play in our province's future;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House recognize the efforts made by Bedford South Adult Communication Club and its volunteers and congratulate Al-Kenane on efforts to make Nova Scotia a better place in which to live, both now and in the future.

RESOLUTION NO. 2429

By: Hon. Leonard Goucher (Immigration)

[Page 2668]

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

Whereas the Bedford South Adult Communication Club recognizes the importance of English as a Second Language as a means of enhancing communication between school and parents who are newcomers to Nova Scotia; and

Whereas the ESL Club provides a venue to better discuss school and education issues, while also providing the opportunity for newcomer parents to understand their role in supporting their children in school; and

Whereas the Province of Nova Scotia recognizes the significant contribution the role of immigration will play in our province's future;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House recognize the efforts made by Bedford South Adult Communication Club and its volunteers and congratulate Aliya Abdulla on efforts to make Nova Scotia a better place in which to live, both now and in the future.