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/
| TABLE OF CONTENTS | PAGE | |||
| PRESENTING AND READING PETITIONS: | ||||
| TIR: Crosswalk Flags - Allow, Mr. A. Younger | 467 | |||
| TABLING REPORTS, REGULATIONS AND OTHER PAPERS, | ||||
| Fin: State of the Pub. Finances Rept., Hon. G. Steele | 468 | |||
| Rept. of the Chief Electoral Officer, 38th Prov. Election, | ||||
| Hon. C. Parker | 468 | |||
| GOVERNMENT NOTICES OF MOTION: | ||||
| Res. 221, Mar. Prov. BBB - Anniv. (60th), | ||||
| Hon. R. Jennex | 468 | |||
| Vote - Affirmative | 469 | |||
| INTRODUCTION OF BILLS: | ||||
| Bill No. 20, Internal Trade Agreement Implementation Act, | ||||
| Hon. P. Paris | 469 | |||
| Bill No. 21, Motor Vehicle Act, Mr. A. Younger | 469 | |||
| Bill No. 22, Motor Vehicle Act, Mr. C. Porter | 469 | |||
| STATEMENTS BY MINISTERS: | ||||
| Educ.: Regional Literacy Plan - Launch, | ||||
| Hon. M. More/Hon. W. Estabrooks, | 470 | |||
| NOTICES OF MOTION: | ||||
| Res. 222, N.S. Assoc. of Health Organizations - | ||||
| Continuing Care Mo. Campaign, Hon. S. McNeil | 473 | |||
| Vote - Affirmative | 474 | |||
| Res. 223, Corlett, Brittany - Ride for the Cure Fundraising, | ||||
| Hon. K. Casey | 474 | |||
| Vote - Affirmative | 475 | |||
| Res. 224, J. & H. Industries - Small Bus. Award, | ||||
| Ms. V. Conrad | 475 | |||
| Vote - Affirmative | 475 | |||
| Res. 225, Burrows, Sr. Martha Eileen/Batten, Sr. Cecilia - Seton Award, | ||||
| Mr. David Wilson (Glace Bay) | 476 | |||
| Vote - Affirmative | 476 | |||
| Res. 226, Victoria Co. Hist. Society/Thornhill, Bonnie - Book Launch, | ||||
| Mr. K. Bain | 476 | |||
| Vote - Affirmative | 477 | |||
| Res. 227, Merchant Navy Veterans Day: Chair/Members - Congrats., | ||||
| Mr. C. MacKinnon | 477 | |||
| Vote - Affirmative | 478 | |||
| Res. 228, Bruce Chevrolet Pontiac Buick GMC - | ||||
| Sales/Service/ Customer Awards, Mr. L. Glavine | 478 | |||
| Vote - Affirmative | 478 | |||
| Res. 229, Cochrane, Tyler: Shoe Shine Business - Applaud, | ||||
| Mr. C. Porter | 479 | |||
| Vote - Affirmative | 479 | |||
| Res. 230, Shearwater Aviation Museum/No. 1 British | ||||
| Flying Training Sch. Museum - Twinning, Ms. B. Kent | 479 | |||
| Vote - Affirmative | 480 | |||
| Res. 231, Stickings, Andrew/École Grosvenor Wentworth Pk. Sch. - | ||||
| Intl. Children's Film Fest., Ms. K. Regan | 480 | |||
| Vote - Affirmative | 481 | |||
| Res. 232, Nickerson, Bridget - Miss Canada Int. (2010), | ||||
| Hon. R. Hurlburt | 481 | |||
| Vote - Affirmative | 481 | |||
| Res. 233, Gay-Straight Alliance: Musquodoboit Rural High Chapter - | ||||
| Congrats., Mr. G. Burrill | 482 | |||
| Vote - Affirmative | 482 | |||
| Res. 234, Health: Caregiver Allowance Prog. - Details, | ||||
| Ms. D. Whalen | 482 | |||
| Res. 235, Wilkie, Jim: C.B. Bus. Hall of Fame - Induction, | ||||
| Mr. K. Bain | 483 | |||
| Vote - Affirmative - 3 - | 484 | |||
| Affirmative | 484 | |||
| Res. 237, England, Darlene - Health & Stroke Fdn. Award, | ||||
| Mr. David Wilson (Glace Bay) | 485 | |||
| Vote - Affirmative | 485 | |||
| Res. 238, Benedict, Sheldon: Blue Nose Marathon - Congrats., | ||||
| Mr. C. Porter | 485 | |||
| Vote - Affirmative | 486 | |||
| Res. 239, Hopkins, Andy: Berwick Sport Hall of Fame - Induction, | ||||
| Mr. L. Glavine | 486 | |||
| Vote - Affirmative | 487 | |||
| Res. 240, North Sydney Hist. Soc.: Partners/Vols. - Congrats., | ||||
| Hon. C. Clarke | 487 | |||
| Vote - Affirmative | 488 | |||
| Res. 241, Ovarian Cancer Mo. (10/09) - Acknowledge, | ||||
| Ms. D. Whalen | 488 | |||
| Vote - Affirmative | 488 | |||
| Res. 242, Community Cares Youth Outreach: | ||||
| Halliday, Dorothy/Bd./Participants - Congrats., Hon. C. Clarke | 488 | |||
| Vote - Affirmative | 489 | |||
| GOVERNMENT BUSINESS: | ||||
| GOVERNMENT MOTIONS: | ||||
| ON MOTION FOR SUPPLY: | ||||
| Mr. A. Younger | 490 | |||
| Hon. K. Casey | 494 | |||
| Hon. W. Estabrooks | 495 | |||
| HOUSE RESOLVED INTO CWH ON SUPPLY AT 5:23 P.M. | 500 | |||
| HOUSE RECONVENED AT 9:29 P.M. | 500 | |||
| ADJOURNMENT, The House rose to meet again on Tue., Sept. 29th at 2 p.m. | 501 | |||
| NOTICES OF MOTION UNDER RULE 32(3): | ||||
| Res. 243, Kydd, Michael, Jennifer & Sophie: Nathan - Welcome, | ||||
| Hon. K. Casey | 502 | |||
| Res. 244, Petite, Brandon - Houston Astros: Draft - Congrats., | ||||
| Mr. David Wilson (Glace Bay) | 502 | |||
| Res. 245, McNeil, Rebecca/MacLean, Caitland/Clements/Kelsey - | ||||
| Glace Bay Youth Bowling Championship, | ||||
| Mr. David Wilson (Glace Bay) | 503 | |||
| Res. 246, Shearwater Aviation Museum: 12 Wing Shearwater - | ||||
| Military Aviation Hist., Ms. B. Kent | 503 | |||
| Res. 247, Barling, Sheila - No. 1 British Flying Training Sch.: | ||||
| Shearwater Aviation Museum - Partnership Efforts, | ||||
| Ms. B. Kent | 504 | |||
HALIFAX, MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 28, 2009
Sixty-first General Assembly
First Session
4:00 P.M.
SPEAKER
Hon. Charlie Parker
DEPUTY SPEAKERS
Mr. Gordon Gosse, Hon. Wayne Gaudet, Mr. Alfie MacLeod
MR. SPEAKER: Order, please. We'll start today and this week, as always, with the daily routine.
PRESENTING AND READING PETITIONS
MR. SPEAKER: The honourable member for Dartmouth East.
MR. ANDREW YOUNGER: Mr. Speaker, I wish to present a petition to the House. The operative clause is: "I believe the Nova Scotia Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal, the Honourable Bill Estabrooks should either use his existing powers of the Nova Scotia Motor Vehicle Act, or alternatively amend legislation to provide the Minister the power to direct district traffic authorities to recognize and allow the use of crosswalk flags along Waverley Road, Dartmouth and elsewhere in Nova Scotia."
It is signed by 2,952 people.
MR. SPEAKER: And have you signed it yourself?
MR. YOUNGER: I signed it myself as well.
MR. SPEAKER: The petition is tabled.
PRESENTING REPORTS OF COMMITTEES
TABLING REPORTS, REGULATIONS AND OTHER PAPERS
MR. SPEAKER: The honourable Minister of Finance.
HON. GRAHAM STEELE: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I am pleased to table the report by the Minister of Finance, pursuant to Clause 8(b), Subsection (1), Paragraph (a) of Chapter 365 of the Revised Statutes, 1989, the Provincial Finance Act.
MR. SPEAKER: The report is tabled.
I also have a report I wish to table. It is from Elections Nova Scotia and the chief electoral officer, Christine McCulloch. It's the Statement of Votes & Statistics, Volume I, for the 38th Provincial General Election, held June 9, 2009.
The report is tabled.
STATEMENTS BY MINISTERS
GOVERNMENT NOTICES OF MOTION
MR. SPEAKER: The honourable Minister of Service Nova Scotia and Municipal Relations.
RESOLUTION NO. 221
HON. RAMONA JENNEX: Mr. Speaker, I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:
Whereas the Better Business Bureau of the Maritime Provinces serves to protect consumers through educating them of reputable businesses in our region who have passed their accreditation process; and
Whereas the Better Business Bureau also assists those businesses with outstanding business acumen and practices by providing them spotlight via their membership with that organization; and
Whereas in today's ever-changing marketplace this type of knowledge is essential for consumers to make wise choices with their spending;
Therefore be it resolved that members of this House of Assembly offer congratulations to the dedicated volunteers and staff with the Maritime Provinces Better Business Bureau on their 60th Anniversary and our best wishes for another 60 more.
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.
Any further government notices of motion?
INTRODUCTION OF BILLS
Bill No. 20 - Entitled an Act to Amend Chapter 8 of the Acts of 1995-96. The Internal Trade Agreement Implementation Act. (Hon. Percy Paris)
MR. SPEAKER: Any other introduction of bills?
The honourable member for Dartmouth East.
MR. ANDREW YOUNGER: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. May I please do an introduction before introducing the bill?
MR. SPEAKER: Absolutely.
[4:15 p.m.]
MR. YOUNGER: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. In the east gallery today I'd like to introduce the members to Norm and Gayle Collins who are associated with the Waverley Crosswalk Flag Program - oh, the west gallery, one of the galleries. (Applause)
Bill No. 21 - Entitled an Act to Amend Chapter 293 of the Revised Statutes of 1989. The Motor Vehicle Act. (Mr. Andrew Younger)
Bill No. 22 - Entitled an Act to Amend Chapter 293 of the Revised Statutes of 1989. The Motor Vehicle Act. (Mr. Chuck Porter)
MR. SPEAKER: Ordered that these bills be read a second time on a future day.
The honourable Minister of Education.
HON. MARILYN MORE: Mr. Speaker, could we revert to the order of business, Statements by Ministers?
MR. SPEAKER: There has been a request to revert to the order of business, Statements by Ministers.
Is it agreed?
It is agreed.
STATEMENTS BY MINISTERS
MR. SPEAKER: The honourable Minister of Education,
HON. MARILYN MORE: Mr. Speaker, it is a pleasure to rise today to announce to the members of the Legislature that this past Friday in St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia joined with our Atlantic neighbours to launch Literacy: Key to Learning and Path to Prosperity - An Action Plan for Atlantic Canada.
Working through the Council of Atlantic Ministers of Education and Training, the Nova Scotia Departments of Education and Labour and Workforce Development, along with the Education Departments of New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, and Newfoundland and Labrador - I'm sorry, I lost my voice.
MR. SPEAKER: Do you want to finish it later, minister, or do you want someone else to read it on your behalf?
The honourable Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal.
HON. WILLIAM ESTABROOKS: Mr. Speaker, there are many challenges ahead of us as we work to improve literacy rates across this region. We live in a complex and rapidly changing world, and literacy skills must keep pace. Nova Scotians and all Atlantic Canadians must be constantly learning and adapting and developing new skills so they can participate fully in their communities and the wider society.
As Atlantic Ministers of Education, we have identified literacy as an essential skill in our increasingly knowledge-based economy. It is the cornerstone of a socially progressive and sustainable society, and it is the foundation for all future and further learning. In our plan, we will use our combined expertise and resources to address these challenges and to
take advantage of all opportunities to raise literacy skills at all stages of life, from early childhood to the public education years and, of course, on to adulthood. We see this as a regional issue that needs regional solutions.
Low literacy among both children and adults is a serious challenge in our region and it is undermining our overall performance economically, socially, and globally. People with literacy challenges live in every community in every province. In fact, many Canadians have trouble with everyday reading and writing skills such as reading a newspaper or understanding a bus schedule. This means we have a number of Atlantic Canadians who are struggling to participate fully in our society.
In 2003, the International Adult Literacy and Life Skills Survey showed that between almost 45 per cent and 56 per cent of the adult population of this region have poor reading, writing, and comprehension skills, or limited skills in these same areas. That means that we have trouble coping with everyday literacy demands. Many of these people, of course - we know many of these people need our help. That means their potential to improve their lives by learning new job skills is severely compromised.
I will quote another study from Statistics Canada which found that every 1 per cent increase in literacy produces more than double the level of labour productivity and a 1.5 per cent increase in economic output per capita. That represents a $32 million boost in national income. Literacy is a key ingredient to Canada's ability to stay competitive in the 21st Century knowledge economy and remains a vital priority in ensuring the health, safety, and quality of life for all Canadians.
Mr. Speaker, I won't take up too much more of the House's time, but I would like to table the action plan and invite all members - indeed, all Atlantic Canadians - to look at our Literacy Action Plan, which can be found on-line at - now, the print's almost too small for me - www.camet-camef.ca.
On behalf of the Minister of Education, it is a pleasure to table this report and to make this statement. Thank you.
MR. SPEAKER: Thank you, minister, for pinch-hitting there.
The honourable member for Bedford-Birch Cove.
MS. KELLY REGAN: I hope the minister didn't catch my cold and that the cough drops I sent over will help.
The launch of the Regional Literacy Program is an important step but the news release made no mention at all of funding commitments to help ensure literacy rates improve. Instead we find that one of our key ways of promoting literacy at our public libraries is being
threatened with a continual lack of funding. Without more public funding for libraries it's hard to imagine that literacy across our province will improve.
Libraries help people from all walks of life gain access to books and resources. The current government has a responsibility to ensure libraries are being funded adequately. What is this government going to do? The Library Funding Task Force was established but its recommendations have thus far gone ignored. I hope the new government will adopt the recommendations that have been put forth and work with our provincial libraries. This is a key way of promoting literacy across Nova Scotia.
MR. SPEAKER: The honourable Interim Leader of the Progressive Conservative Party.
HON. KAREN CASEY: Mr. Speaker, I want to wish the minister well and I want to applaud her for the statement, which she planned to deliver on improved literacy initiatives and a commitment to improve literacy, as announced at the CAMET meeting in St. John's on Friday. This involved all of the Atlantic Ministers of Education. At the meeting earlier this year, of which I was a participant, it was agreed that there's strength in numbers, and therefore the four Atlantic ministers came together with one voice and I believe this is the outcome of that one voice.
I understand the Atlantic Canadian Literacy Action Plan identifies the benefits of early childhood education and the need to identify actions that will promote early literacy learning. The minister pointed out that in 2003 the International Adult Literacy and Life Skills Survey showed that between 45 per cent and 56 per cent of the adult population in this region have poor or limited reading, writing and comprehension skills. The minister is correct when she says literacy is a key ingredient in our ability to stay competitive in the 21st Century.
There have been some impressive strides made in literacy in recent years and I'd like to give you some examples. In May of this year, students at Shatford Memorial Elementary in Hubbards were declared world champion readers as the students read 609 books per child, 44,429 in total, to beat out children from more than 85 schools in two countries in the Adopt-a- Library WOW Reading Challenge. Two other schools in Nova Scotia were second and third: Walter Duggan Consolidated in Westville, where students each read 487 books, and Oxford Regional Elementary, where students read 411 books per student.
The second initiative. The Read to Me! Nova Scotia Family Literacy Program is another outstanding program encouraging early childhood literacy that could turn out to be our most potent immunizing agent. It confers a high degree of lifetime immunity against poverty, ignorance, educational failure, low self-esteem and poor health. Can you think of any other vaccine that offers such a high degree of lasting protection against so many serious afflictions? These were remarks from Dr. Richard Goldbloom, Honorary Chair of Read to Me! Nova Scotia.
The Read to Me! Nova Scotia Family Literacy Program is a practical and effective response to low literacy rates in our province. The program was launched in January 2002 at three hospitals in Nova Scotia, and by October 2004 that program was delivered at 11 obstetric hospitals across the province, reaching all 10,000 babies born in the province in that year. Over 15,000 new parents have received the Read to Me! gift bags since the program was launched.
Nova Scotia has made tremendous strides. Results released in April 2008 showed that 92 per cent of our Grade 6 students met expectations for writing in the Elementary Literacy Assessment. The test was administered to over 10,000 Grade 6 Anglophone students, and an Early Language Literacy Assessment administered to Grade 3 students in September showed that 84 per cent were meeting expectations.
If you go back to November 2007, Grade 4 students were deemed among the world's best readers, scoring significantly above the average in international reading assessment. The reading achievement of Grade 4 students in 40 countries and five Canadian provinces was measured and it showed that Nova Scotian students outperformed England and the United States and 26 other countries in that assessment.
In conclusion I want to acknowledge our farmers who participated in the Agricultural Literacy Week annually by reading books about agriculture to students in Grades 2 and 3. Mr. Speaker, the minister spoke about early learning and anything - anything - we can do to continue to improve is outstanding. I commend the minister for her support for early literacy initiatives and will be reviewing with intent the action plan that you tabled today. Thank you very much. (Applause)
MR. SPEAKER: Thank you, member. Are there any further Statements by Ministers?
NOTICES OF MOTION
MR. SPEAKER: The honourable Leader of the Official Opposition.
RESOLUTION NO. 222
HON. STEPHEN MCNEIL: Mr. Speaker, I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:
Whereas throughout the month of September, celebrations across the province have been held to recognize the invaluable contributions employees and continuing care organizations make to the lives of Nova Scotians; and
Whereas this year, the NSAHO and its member organizations have chosen the theme Above and Beyond, Because We Care: Enriching Lives Every Day to celebrate the 6th Annual Continuing Care Month campaign; and
Whereas employees in nursing homes, home care, adult residential centres, regional rehabilitation centres, residential care facilities and community-based options homes are truly the unsung heroes in our health care system;
Therefore be it resolved that the members of the Legislature extend their appreciation to the dedicated employees who enrich the lives of Nova Scotians every day and congratulate the Nova Scotia Association of Health Organizations for yet another successful Continuing Care Month campaign.
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 Interim Leader of the Progressive Conservative Party.
RESOLUTION NO. 223
HON. KAREN CASEY: Mr. Speaker, I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:
Whereas Brittany Corlett, a resident of Onslow, wanted to give something back to the community as well as recognize local hunter horse shows; and
Whereas Brittany Corlett hosted a Ride for the Cure hunter show which provided an opportunity for people of all ages to showcase their skills and from which all proceeds would be donated to the Canadian Cancer Society; and
Whereas participants from Colchester County, New Brunswick and Prince Edward Island attended this event in hopes of raising over $1,000 towards cancer research;
Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House congratulate Brittany for her efforts to make a difference in finding a cure for this disease.
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. 224
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 Lunenburg Queens Business Excellence Awards were recently presented; and
Whereas a Queens small business offering a superior level of customer service and support and are involved in their community were up for this award for the first time; and
Whereas J & H Industries of Liverpool has a business philosophy of purchasing locally and has received commendations for their business products and services;
Therefore be it resolved that the House of Assembly congratulate the owners and employees of J & H Industries of Liverpool, Nova Scotia, on their small business award at the Lunenburg Queens Business Excellence Awards for 2009.
Mr. Speaker, I request waiver of notice.
[4:30 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 member for Glace Bay.
RESOLUTION NO. 225
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 Sister Martha Eileen Burrows and Sister Cecilia Batten have been awarded the Elizabeth Ann Seton Award; and
Whereas Sister Martha Eileen and Sister Cecilia have given more than a century of combined service to all people of all denominations in their hometown of Glace Bay; and
Whereas much of their ministry has been as a team, serving young and old in direct services and in advocacy;
Therefore be it resolved that the members of the House of Assembly recognize Sister Martha Eileen Burrows and Sister Cecilia Batten as recipients of the 2009 Elizabeth Ann Seton Award for their hard work and dedication in support of others in the community of Glace Bay.
Mr. Speaker, I request waiver of notice.
MR. SPEAKER: There has been a request for waiver.
Is it agreed?
It is agreed.
Would all those in favour of the motion please say Aye. Contrary minded, Nay.
The motion is carried.
The honourable member for Victoria-The Lakes.
RESOLUTION NO. 226
MR. KEITH BAIN: Mr. Speaker, I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:
Whereas the Victoria County Historical Society has launched texts including The Road to Tarbot, The Road to North River and The Road to St. Ann's, all collections of the cultural and social history of the settlement of communities around St. Ann's Harbour from 1820 on; and
Whereas on Saturday, September 26th, a fourth book entitled The Road to Englishtown was launched at the Englishtown Community Hall with editor Bonnie Thornhill on hand to sign copies of the book; and
Whereas The Road to Englishtown includes the history of the settlement, the native Mi'kmaq, and the first arrival of other Europeans, especially French and English from 1597 on;
Therefore be it resolved that all members of this Legislature congratulate the Victoria County Historical Society and Bonnie Thornhill on the successful launch of their book, and thank them for keeping alive the history and culture of the area.
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 East.
RESOLUTION NO. 227
MR. CLARRIE MACKINNON: Mr. Speaker, I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:
Whereas the Canadian Merchant Navy carried vital supplies across the Atlantic through two World Wars, and always under threat of attack; and
Whereas the actions of the Merchant Navy with great losses of life were fundamental in providing fuel, food and armaments for the war effort; and
Whereas the Government of Canada designated September 3rd of each year as Merchant Navy Veterans Day in honour of the dwindling number of veterans who were part of this group and who were instrumental in the success of the Allies during two World Wars;
Therefore be it resolved that the Nova Scotia Legislative Assembly congratulate the 2009 Chairman of Merchant Navy Veterans Day, Captain Earl Wagner, and all members of the association for keeping this part of Canada's wartime history alive.
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 Kings West.
RESOLUTION NO. 228
MR. LEO GLAVINE: Mr. Speaker, I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:
Whereas Bruce Chevrolet Pontiac Buick GMC Limited has been recognized as the best place to work in Atlantic Canada, in addition to being named one of the top 101 companies in Atlantic Canada; and
Whereas this award is based on the stories and tributes made by the employees of Bruce GM; and
Whereas Bruce GM has also received General Motors of Canada's President's Triple Crown Award for overall sales, service and customer satisfaction;
Therefore be it resolved that members of the House of Assembly congratulate Bruce Chevrolet Pontiac Buick GMC Limited for these honours and wish them continued success in future endeavours.
Mr. Speaker, I request waiver of notice.
MR. SPEAKER: There has been a request for waiver.
Is it agreed?
It is agreed.
Would all those in favour of the motion please say Aye. Contrary minded, Nay.
The motion is carried.
The honourable member for Hants West.
RESOLUTION NO. 229
MR. CHUCK PORTER: Mr. Speaker, I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:
Whereas young entrepreneurs are our future and should be encouraged and championed whenever possible; and
Whereas Tyler Cochrane, of Windsor, demonstrated a winning attitude and a positive outlook towards his future as he started his own shoe shine business this past summer; and
Whereas this bright young man is learning exceptional people skills and gaining confidence;
Therefore be it resolved that MLAs in this House of Assembly applaud the efforts of Tyler Cochrane on an exceptional display of entrepreneurship.
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 Cole Harbour-Eastern Passage.
RESOLUTION NO. 230
MS. BECKY KENT: Mr. Speaker, I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:
Whereas in 1941 Halifax, Nova Scotia, became a conduit between England's Royal Air Force cadets and their assignment to the No. 1 British flying training school in Terrell, Texas, during the Second World War; and
Whereas in July of this year the Shearwater Aviation Museum in Eastern Passage and the No. 1 British Flying Training School Museum celebrated their unique histories by twinning the two museums to further recover and preserve the common history of the two museums; and
Whereas the No. 1 British Flying Training School Museum is hosting a Frontiers of Flight celebration, including Flights of Our Fathers fly-in from October 2nd to October 4th and the City of Terrell has proclaimed July 20th as the Shearwater Aviation Museum and British Flying School Training Museum Day;
Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly congratulate Shearwater Aviation Museum and the No. 1 British Flying Training School Museum on the twinning of the two museums and thank them for preserving a very important part of world history and, in particular, the contribution of flight to our military history 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.
The honourable member for Bedford-Birch Cove.
RESOLUTION NO. 231
MS. KELLY REGAN: Mr. Speaker, I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:
Whereas the 2009 Chicago International Children's Film Festival will take place October 22 to November 1, 2009; and
Whereas last year Andrew Stickings' Grade 5 students at École Grosvenor Wentworth Park School created the movie Titanic Halifax; and
Whereas there were over 900 submissions to the 26th Chicago International Children's Film Festival and Titanic Halifax is one of 260 chosen to be presented at this year's festival;
Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly congratulate Andrew Stickings and his students for this tremendous honour and wish them every 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 Yarmouth.
RESOLUTION NO. 232
HON. RICHARD HURLBURT: Mr. Speaker, I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:
Whereas Bridget Nickerson of Yarmouth recently won an impressive title, being crowned Miss Canada International for 2010; and
Whereas Bridget is no stranger to pageant success, having previously held the title of Yarmouth Seafest First Lady; and
Whereas Bridget's impressive accomplishment paves the way for other young girls from Southwest Nova Scotia to have drive and dedication when working toward goals, knowing they can be achieved, no matter how big those goals happen to be;
Therefore be it resolved that the members of the House of Assembly congratulate Bridget on her impressive achievement and wish her continued success towards her goals in life.
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 Colchester-Musquodoboit Valley.
RESOLUTION NO. 233
MR. GARY BURRILL: Mr. Speaker, I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:
Whereas a chapter of the Gay/Straight Alliance was founded at Musquodoboit Rural High School in an inaugural meeting held on September 24th; and
Whereas the Gay/Straight Alliance is an international organization of universities and schools dedicated to countering homophobia through solidarity and the encouragement of openness to a diversity of sexual orientation; and
Whereas this has been an entirely student led initiative under the leadership of Lily Hartley, a Grade 11 student at the school;
Therefore be it resolved that all members of the Nova Scotia House of Assembly express their congratulations to the Gay/Straight Alliance of Musquodoboit Rural High and extend to the alliance best wishes for the future of its contribution to the 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 Halifax Clayton Park.
RESOLUTION NO. 234
MS. DIANA WHALEN: Mr. Speaker, I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:
Whereas the Liberal members of this House are deeply concerned by the many first-hand accounts of people being denied the Caregiver Allowance Program; and
Whereas caregivers make both financial and personal sacrifices to care for their loved ones in their own homes; and
Whereas the government has yet to deliver information to this House and to Nova Scotians regarding the accessibility of this program, namely the number of applicants who have applied and the number who have met the criteria to receive the full caregiver allowance;
Therefore be it resolved that the Minister of Health release to the House today how many Nova Scotians have applied and have been approved by the government to receive the full funding from the Caregiver Allowance Program.
Mr. Speaker, I request waiver of notice.
MR. SPEAKER: There has been a request for waiver.
Is it agreed?
I hear several Noes.
The notice is tabled.
The honourable member for Victoria-The Lakes.
RESOLUTION NO. 235
MR. KEITH BAIN: Mr. Speaker, I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:
Whereas recently the Sydney and Area Chamber of Commerce, in partnership with Cape Breton University, inducted five exceptional individuals into its Cape Breton Business Hall of Fame; and
Whereas one of the 2009 honourees was Jim Wilkie, one of the founding partners of AB Mechanical and a resident of Sugar Loaf, Victoria County; and
Whereas these honourees were selected from a list of nominees who have established a legacy for the community in terms of commitment, time, energy, financial support and outcomes that have broadened opportunities for others;
Therefore be it resolved that all members of this Legislature congratulate Jim Wilkie and all inductees into the Cape Breton Business Hall of Fame and thank them for their commitment to the community.
Mr. Speaker, I request waiver of notice.
MR. SPEAKER: There has been a request for waiver.
Is it agreed?
It is agreed.
Would all those in favour of the motion please say Aye. Contrary minded, Nay.
The motion is carried.
The honourable Minister of Finance.
RESOLUTION NO. 236
HON. GRAHAM STEELE: Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the Premier, I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:
Whereas volunteers of Canoe '09 helped welcome 75 countries and over 1,000 athletes and team members to Lake Banook for this international competition; and
Whereas the volunteers hosted the largest international sporting event ever held in Atlantic Canada to date; and
Whereas Nova Scotia's finest hospitality was showcased throughout this event;
Therefore be it resolved that the members of this House congratulate the volunteers of Canoe '09 for hosting a world-class sporting event and showing the world that Nova Scotia is a premiere destination for sporting and entertainment events.
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. 237
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 Darlene England of Glace Bay was a recipient of the Nova Scotia Heart and Stroke Foundation's Outstanding Volunteer Award; and
Whereas Darlene was recognized for her leadership, motivation and dedication to that Foundation; and
Whereas she was presented this prestigious award by the Lieutenant-Governor of Nova Scotia, the Honourable Mayann E. Francis and Ian MacDonald, Chair of the Heart and Stroke Foundation;
Therefore be it resolved that members of the House of Assembly recognize Darlene England for her hard work and dedication over the last eighteen years for the Heart and Stroke Foundation and congratulate her on receiving this outstanding 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 Hants West.
[4:45 p.m.]
RESOLUTION NO. 238
MR. CHUCK PORTER: Mr. Speaker, I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:
Whereas completing a marathon shows great determination and tremendous endurance; and
Whereas Sheldon Benedict of Falmouth, Hants County displayed a magnificent sense of devotion towards his training for the Bluenose Marathon that he participated in on May 17, 2009 in Halifax where he placed a commendable 13th place out of 1,520 participants overall and placed 6th out of 193 in his age bracket; and
Whereas this admirable display of accomplishment will continue to be the momentum behind Sheldon's desire to compete in other marathons;
Therefore be it resolved that MLAs in this House of Assembly applaud Sheldon Benedict on his perseverance and dedication and wish him all the best in future competitions.
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 Kings West.
RESOLUTION NO. 239
MR. LEO GLAVINE: Mr. Speaker, I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:
Whereas the annual Berwick Sports Hall of Fame induction ceremony took place June 6, 2009, celebrating local accomplishments in sport; and
Whereas Andy Hopkins was inducted in this year's ceremony as a builder and an athlete in recognition of his contribution to Nova Scotia's Deaf Sports; and
Whereas Andy was a dedicated athlete who excelled in various sports both as an individual and as a team member;
Therefore be it resolved that the members of this House congratulate Andy Hopkins on being inducted into the Berwick Sports Hall of Fame as both a builder and an athlete.
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 North.
RESOLUTION NO. 240
HON. CECIL CLARKE: Mr. Speaker, I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:
Whereas the North Sydney Historical Society has been an integral part of showcasing the rich past of the community and the vibrancy of the community's culture, both past and present; and
Whereas the society is in the process of constructing a new community complex in partnership with the North Sydney Seniors and Pensioners Club, the Cape Breton Regional Library, the North Sydney Artists Association and the Business Improvement District Association; and
Whereas these dedicated local organizations are working with all three levels of government, including leadership by the Cape Breton County Economic Development Authority for project management;
Therefore be it resolved that the members of this House congratulate the many volunteers for their outstanding contributions and recognize the power of this partnership to renew community infrastructure, programs and pride of place.
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. 241
MS. DIANA WHALEN: Mr. Speaker, I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:
Whereas there are 2,400 cases of ovarian cancer diagnosed each year in Canada, 65 of those being cases here in Nova Scotia; and
Whereas ovarian cancer is a silent killer, with most diagnoses being late stage as there are no early diagnoses test and no clear symptoms; and
Whereas this evening at the Alderney Library in Dartmouth, the Listen to the Whispers series - an educational session organized by the Atlantic Regional office of Ovarian Cancer Canada - will take place, featuring volunteers speaking about the symptoms of ovarian cancer;
Therefore be it resolved that the members of the Legislature acknowledge October as Ovarian Cancer Month and extend our appreciation to all volunteers of the Listen to the Whispers series and Leslie Power, Atlantic Regional Manager of Ovarian Cancer Canada for all of their efforts in raising awareness and educating the public on recognizing symptoms earlier so early diagnosis can follow.
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 North.
RESOLUTION NO. 242
HON. CECIL CLARKE: Mr. Speaker, I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:
Whereas Community Cares Youth Outreach provides a wide range of youth to community programs and services led by Dorothy Halliday and a dedicated board of volunteers committed to youth engagement and empowerment; and
Whereas the Community Cares Youth Outreach, in partnership with other like-minded community leaders and organizations, has embarked on a much-needed renovations, including a full kitchen upgrade that will provide for both food services and hands-on learning for youth; and
Whereas initiatives such as those offered by Community Cares provide a beacon where youth can gather, learn, share and contribute to their own well-being as well as contributing as citizens to their community where they once were viewed as a liability or a problem;
Therefore be it resolved that the members of this House congratulate Dorothy Halliday, the board of directors, community givers and the youth for continuing to improve the quality of life and living for some of those most vulnerable in our society.
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.
GOVERNMENT BUSINESS
MR. SPEAKER: The honourable Government House Leader.
HON. FRANK CORBETT: Mr. Speaker, would you please call the order of business, Government Motions.
GOVERNMENT MOTIONS
HON. MANNING MACDONALD: Mr. Speaker, on a point of order. Those who have been around here a long time would realize the House rules were changed some years ago to permit government staff to sit on the floor of the House with ministers while they're debating estimates, as we move into Supply. I don't have any problem with that; they are there to assist the ministers in their answers. I would suggest that some consideration be given to having researchers sit on the floor with people who are asking the questions to give advice to the members and also the same would apply in the Red Room. This is something that we've been thinking about for some time. You might want to rule on that or you might want to send it to Committee on Assembly Matters, if it's ever going to meet again, or whenever it does. I will leave that up to your discretion but it's something that our members are interested in having. The researcher wouldn't sit here permanently but will be brought in from time to time to assist the members.
MR. SPEAKER: The honourable Government House Leader.
HON. FRANK CORBETT: Mr. Speaker, I hear what the Official Opposition House Leader said and I have some sympathy for the point but really it is a matter for the Committee on Assembly Matters. It would be a rule change and that would best left to be changed there, if you so wish.
MR. SPEAKER: I think it's something that I have to take under advisement and the Committee on Assembly Matters would have to look at it. So at this point we're not going to make a ruling on it but we will take it under advisement and see what might be possible.
[The honourable Government House Leader.
HON. FRANK CORBETT: Mr. Speaker, I move that you do now leave the Chair and the House resolve itself into a committee of the Whole House on Supply unto Her Majesty.]
MR. SPEAKER: The honourable member for Dartmouth East.
MR. ANDREW YOUNGER: Mr. Speaker, as we go into Supply today I want to take some time to discuss an issue with the House that was raised earlier today with the presenting of a petition signed by almost 3,000 people regarding crosswalk safety.
Mr. Speaker, I think all members of this House are aware that crosswalk safety has become an issue on the top of the minds of many residents. Over the past few years there have been a number of deaths and many, many more close calls than that. The petition today was obviously a very large petition and interestingly, it was signed primarily by folks from Dartmouth because that's where it was distributed. The committee of the Waverley Road crosswalk flag group also received supportive e-mails from around the province and, of course, because we can't take electronic signatures and so forth, in this House, they were not included.
Mr. Speaker, there is very clearly a dispute between the Department of Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal and the Halifax Regional Municipality. Let me first say I certainly want to thank and applaud the minister for being supportive of the crosswalk flag program. He certainly has been - there's no question about that - but, of course, he keeps punting it back to the municipality and he has also received at least two, and I believe three, letters from the municipality asking for a change to the legislation that would allow them to consider crosswalk flags.
Mr. Speaker, the minister wrote to a resident on behalf of the Premier a little while ago saying that the province does not have the legislative authority to require municipalities or municipal traffic authorities to permit the use of crosswalk flags on crosswalks. I don't think for a moment that anybody wants to require anybody to use these on crosswalks. What we're talking about here is ensuring that municipalities and municipal traffic authorities have the ability to use anything in their arsenal to improve crosswalk visibility and crosswalk safety. As the minister is no doubt aware, overhead lights and things like that a number of years ago were regulated out of use on two-lane roadways and so that limited the options available to municipalities. So this is a direction we want to go.
The transportation authority of Canada recently reviewed this and in meeting with Michael Savage, the MP for Dartmouth-Cole Harbour, they said, listen, we don't have any problem with crosswalk flags. We can't rule in favour of them because no province has put them in the legislation. So, Mr. Speaker, in addition to the petition that was tabled today, we of course tabled the bill as well, which we hope the minister will encourage his Cabinet colleagues to call for a vote. It's certainly nothing that would cost the government money and perhaps equally important, it's nothing that goes against government policy. In fact, it supports something that the minister has stated he supports from the very beginning.
Mr. Speaker, I understand and I sympathize with the minister when he talks about the idea that the municipality should do their own thing and should go it alone. Well, the municipality - and not only the Halifax Regional Municipality but other municipalities in Nova Scotia - suggested and feel very strongly on legal advice, that they do need a change
to the Act or the regulations in order to consider their use in areas where community groups want to do this. So it's interesting that the very first crosswalk flag program was implemented by a community group in advance of the Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City in 2000. Of course, the Olympics were in 2002 a couple of years later. Wouldn't it be nice if we could have this mess cleaned up before the Canada Winter Games that are coming to HRM? Wouldn't that be a nice tie-in?
There are at least 22 municipalities in the United States that now use them. The Traffic Authority for the U.S. Government now lists them on their Web site as one of the options to improve crosswalk visibility. In fact, they are apparently also used in Japan.
I think that there are a lot of options here, and I certainly hope the minister will go back to his Cabinet colleagues and say, listen, we're not losing any face here by calling this bill for a vote. With 3,000 people signing that petition, there are certainly a number of people signing it from the minister's own constituency as well.
Mr. Speaker, when we look at what's going on here, there's no question that there is a dispute over jurisdiction. I know that sometimes the municipality - you know, I sat there for five years and I know they like to punt the ball down here to Province House, but we shouldn't be playing part of that here. There are 52 reasonable people in this House and 52 people can make - I guess there are 50 at the moment - but there are 50 people who can make reasonable decisions, and I think that this is a decision we can all come to support and support very quickly before this session of the House ends.
I'd like to let the members of the House know about some of the other programs. There is a lot of talk about, well, you know, if I live in Windsor, I live in Truro, and suddenly a group wants to come and do this - what's it going to cost the municipality? Mr. Speaker, there need not be a cost because, unlike the free money that we hear about sometimes from the Premier in terms of the university payments, this, in fact, on Waverley Road, was 100 per cent funded by the residents. They monitored it themselves, businesses put money - in fact, I put money into the program myself to get it going, and there were no municipal resources, by way of time or by way of cash.
It is possible for municipalities to do just as they've done in places like Charleston, South Carolina; Madison, Wisconsin; San Francisco and Berkeley, California; New Brunswick - not New Brunswick, Canada, Mr. Speaker, New Brunswick in the United States; Seattle, Washington; where community groups have funded these programs and monitored these programs much like a neighbourhood watch program would do.
It is frustrating for me to hear the issue of crosswalks go back and forth. I know that there is no member of this House who wouldn't do anything to ensure that crosswalks are safer, that there are more options. There is no question; there is no magic bullet. You can put a flag, you can put a sign, you can paint the lines in the road - that is not suddenly going to put an end to the deaths in crosswalks and the near misses that we've seen, even as recently
as last week in Sydney with three young children having an incident in a crosswalk. There's no magic bullet.
But why, as a House of Assembly and as the elected representatives of the public, would we not make every single possible option available to municipalities - to communities - that improves the visibility of crosswalks, that makes them safer, that makes people feel safer when they cross the road?
Mr. Speaker, this all started because there were a number of residents who came forward and said, you know, I saw this in Salt Lake City, I saw that it worked, and I want to try this here. In my previous life as a member of Halifax Regional Council, I went to the Traffic Authority and I said, can we do a trial? At the time they were up front and said, we can't allow them officially because it's not in the provincial Act, it's not in the regulations, it's not in the manual of uniform traffic controls. They did allow it as a trial only, hoping that at the end of this the province would either amend the regulations or amend the rules.
Now, I've heard the Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal stand up in questioning last week and say that the municipalities - in his view and in his staff's view - feel that there's already the power to do this. Well, the minister has also not written a letter in response, as far as I can see, to Mayor Peter Kelly, telling him that he has the authority to go ahead and do this. So, in the absence of anything like this, it does not hurt the House, it does not hurt any members here, it doesn't negatively impact any municipality in this province for us to simply pass the bill, which I believe was Bill No. 21 today - pass that bill and allow the municipalities to consider this.
[5:00 p.m.]
There are a lot of people who are very concerned about crosswalk safety and there are a lot of people who were finally happy to see residents and community organizations taking responsibility. I think, at the end of the day, we know that there's a responsibility for drivers, we know there's a responsibility for pedestrians to ensure their own safety, but we also must be aware that we need to take every tool available and we need to support these community groups.
Mr. Speaker, how do we think these members of the public feel when government says to them - whether it's just up the hill at City Hall or it's here at Province House - we are not going to take the lead and make sure that this can happen? How do those people feel? That's how we lose community involvement; that's how when it comes to other issues such as crime and Neighbourhood Watch groups and Citizens on Patrol groups, that's why we lose them. It's because when they try things and when they try to do things that are so supported in the community, they just see them punted back and forth like a football or a name game.
This isn't about a name game because, as I said at the beginning, I know the minister is supportive of this. The minister has, in fact, said, in a letter to Mr. Collins, that he has no
difficulty with the notion of pedestrians using small fluorescent orange or red flags such as those used on Waverley Road to alert motorists. In fact, he then goes on to say "it seems intuitively obvious to me that pedestrian flags should enhance pedestrian visibility." Well then let's move forward, let's call that to a vote, and let's allow that to happen.
During Question Period last week, the minister referred to some others - and I'm not sure whether they were people in his own department or people elsewhere - who have suggested that perhaps there is a false sense of security. Well, the trial litigation lawyers in the United States, who make their money off suing people on technicalities like that, actually have a statement on their Web site where they say, we reviewed that, that was a concern we had up front, but it's no longer a concern.
The Transportation Association of Canada and many of their traffic engineers are the ones that have said painted crosswalks, countdown timers and overhead lights present a false sense of security, so it seems that anything can present a false sense of security. Mr. Speaker, we need to ensure that all of these options are there and all of the options are there for the public to consider.
I am not for a minute suggesting that this House should make the decision on whether the flags should be used at crosswalks in any municipality in Nova Scotia. I am suggesting that the public should have the ability to go to their elected officials and municipal councillors and ask them to make this happen. At the moment, the traffic authorities and the legal advice that municipalities are getting unanimously across this province when they review this is that they need changes to provincial legislation.
It's my fervent hope that the minister, being so supportive of this program, will come out in the next day or so and indicate to the public that he's willing to let that come for a vote. Even if it ends up being a free vote at the end of the day, that's perfectly fine. We can lobby the members of the House to vote for that, but this seems to fall in line with the government's own policy. There's no cost. So many bills are introduced in this House that have a cost and maybe it makes sense sometimes to say that bill needs to be deferred to a future time.
I know my time is running short here. We need to hear from the minister on this issue in the next few days to say that his government is willing to allow that bill - Bill No. 21, I believe - come for a vote. It is such a simple element that we can take and that we can move forward.
People are watching this. There are 3,000 people who signed that petition and there are many more who would have signed it had it been available to them. One need only look at the comments to the newspapers and so forth to see the overwhelming support across this province for this program. Let's be a leader in Canada and adopt something that has already taken place from such diverse places as Alaska and Japan and California. Let's make this happen here, and let's all get behind something unanimously and allow municipalities that power.
Mr. Speaker, I see that my time is up, and I thank you for the time of the House.
MR. SPEAKER: The honourable Interim Leader of the Progressive Conservative Party.
HON. KAREN CASEY: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I stand in my place to welcome the beginning of the Committee of the Whole House on Supply. We know that the Speech from the Throne and the Budget Speech that were delivered were what we considered to be slim on detail. We know that the questions that we have asked in the House in the last few days - we've heard the response that that will be in the budget. So we've been patient and we're ready.
We are a Party in Opposition here whose mandate is to hold government accountable, and it is our plan to do that. We welcome the opportunity to ask the questions of ministers, to learn about that detail that is not there, to ask for clarity of the programs that have been introduced or the programs that have been re-introduced, looking at asking for implementation plans for those programs, looking at the cost of implementation, some of the benefits and limitations that the programs will present for Nova Scotians, and any impact that those programs will have - both hopefully positive, but also looking to make sure there are no negative impacts on Nova Scotians as a result of those decisions that have been made around the budget.
We know that Nova Scotians have those questions and, as their elected members in the Legislature, we feel it is our responsibility to ask those questions, to get those answers on the floor of this House, so that all Nova Scotians will be well aware of the detail in this particular budget.
We are prepared to do that, Mr. Speaker. We certainly know that this budget has been touted as being a Tory budget. We know it's not - we know it's very much an NDP budget, and we will be looking at some of the programs that would be good for any government to introduce at any time. We recognize that introducing those programs at a time when we are in a bit of a decline in our economic situation here in the province is something where we need to find balance. As a Party in Opposition, we will be looking at that balance, of how you can continue to provide services and supports for Nova Scotians but living within our means in order to do that.
So I welcome the opportunity - all members of our caucus welcome the opportunity to ask those questions, and we will certainly be looking for the detail in the responses. Thank you very much.
MR. SPEAKER: Thank you, member.
I'll recognize the honourable Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal.
HON. WILLIAM ESTABROOKS: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I'd like to take a few moments today before we go into Supply, as we begin to review estimates, to point out to the people of Timberlea-Prospect how pleased I am to have the opportunity to serve them again. You know we had the results from Elections Nova Scotia distributed to our desks today. I can tell you it is almost humbling at times to look at those results and realize the people in our constituencies have made the democratic choice to put us in this place. I hope the members on all sides of the House appreciate the fact, the challenges we have ahead of us - responsibility that we, of course, are now going to take on in the serious manner that we do.
Before I begin my comments, on behalf of the New Democrats, of course I'm wishing all the best to the member for Richmond who is in the House today. It's great to see you here, and all the best to you and your young family. (Applause) Of course, Mr. Speaker, the member for Digby-Annapolis has had a few health challenges and I want him to know that I am waiting for him to stand in his place. I've got one answer prepared for him; it's one that I prepared long before the Cobequid Pass. I can hardly wait for that member to stand in his place and ask about alders. On behalf of our caucus and the government and I am sure all members, we wish both the member for Richmond and the member for Digby-Annapolis all the best in the few months and days and long years ahead. So all the best to both of you.
You know, when the weekend comes I hope we all take it upon our responsibility, and one of the things I always do in every piece of literature that I mail out - I always finish it off with "Keep in touch. It's a privilege to serve you." So on Friday afternoon, I want you to know when I had the opportunity to leave the House and become the other man who some people vote for, I put my Bruins hat on and I went out and put my Bruins jacket on and made my first stop at Brookside Junior High.
Brookside Junior High is the school where I had the privilege of working for a number of years. If you want to keep in touch with your constituency, I urge all members to get into their schools, to have an opportunity to drop by - not just to talk to the teachers but to talk to the students, and, of course, to talk to that important person in every school, the school secretary. So I can tell you on Friday afternoon it was with great delight that I had the opportunity to spend a few minutes with Donna Hopkinson, a key member of the community, a key person who continues to always make sure that her MLA is involved in issues that she brings to my attention.
I then further went down the Prospect Road and had the opportunity to drop in on a number of corner stores. You know the best way to finish off Friday after being in this Legislature for a period of time is to stop at Holt's, to go to Abby's, or go to Habib's. Make sure that those are the three stops. You're going to be able to get yourself a good meal eventually. I want you to know it's always a pleasure to stop into those businesses because those are the parts of my constituency where you can have a real opportunity to find out what has been going on in your community.
Then, of course, on Friday afternoons I always make sure I have had that final visit with Ed and Pauline Andrews. I know the Andrews are people who pay great attention to all things political whether it's in Timberlea-Prospect or whether it's in this province and Mr. and Mrs. Andrews are key activists in their community. In fact, a number of the major improvements that were made to the Prospect Road a number of years ago when the Official Opposition was the government of this province - the minister at the time was one Clifford Huskilson and Mr. Huskilson took us up on an important offer and came to the community and had the opportunity to listen to questions. It was a great night for the community because Mr. Ed Andrews was the first one to ask the question- just when was this road going to get the attention it did and over the past 11 or 12 years the road is now up to scratch. The road is now satisfying the needs of the community whether it's the Liberals in government, whether it's the Progressive Conservatives in government, or now the New Democrats. No matter who the Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal is, you have to make sure that you satisfy the needs of your community and bring forth their concerns.
Also over this past weekend I had the opportunity to make a number of important visits. I know that the Sergeant-at-Arms would be well aware of the fact you can never visit any of the communities that I represent unless, of course, you go to a good lobster supper. I know that when we always have the opportunity to take people on tours of our constituency, you always take them to the Village of Terence Bay or the Village of Prospect. I had the opportunity to go to the Prospect supper and let me tell you it's always very rewarding to make sure that you're in those sorts of situations because whether you're eating a lobster or serving it, it's a wonderful fundraising activity that reflects the interest for our community.
On that same day I had the opportunity to go to a football game. I hope you all take the opportunity, wherever you are or whatever constituency you're in, make sure that you are supporting local athletes, that you're out there advertising at their events, that you're in their programs, that your banner is hanging from their fence. More importantly, if it's in a football field, you're realizing how important it is to get out there and show those young men that you are going to take the time, as perhaps an old jock from many years ago, that you're going to take the time to go see them play that great game. On that particular day I had the opportunity to watch the Sir John A. Flames put it to the Cobequid Education Cougars. Oh, it felt good after all those many years when the previous member for Truro-Bible Hill always talked about his Cougars. I know the current member, of course, is as supportive of CEC and the wonderful traditions that we have there. That football game resulted in the fourth victory of the season, 17-9 for the Flames.
The headline, of course, Cody Lee leads Sir John A., and I want you to know Cody Lee is the outstanding son of a young man who used to be a student of mine named Ron Lee. The Lees have been through some challenges as a young family. Cody continues to participate in his school, play sports and show leadership. One of the more rewarding things, when the game was over, Cody Lee actually took the time to come over and thank me for taking the time to be there.
[5:15 p.m.]
The highlight of my weekend, I want you to know, was the 165th Anniversary, 1844 to 2009, the 165th Anniversary of the Beechville Baptist Church. The service began at 11:00 a.m., with Reverend Clarence Armstrong taking his place. Of course, we were joined at that time in the Beechville Baptist Church by the Lieutenant Governor of Nova Scotia, the Honourable Mayann Francis. It was an emotional and wonderful two and a half hours - followed by a great meal - of singing, dancing and celebration in recognition of this wonderful historic community and what it has contributed to our community.
Among the many people who were there, and if I mention one, I'll lose one, but I want you to know among them was young Josh Crawford, the son of Randall Crawford. Josh Crawford is an inspirational young man who's off to Dalhousie University this Fall. He is an outstanding young man who took the time this past summer, Mr. Speaker, to actually go to New Jersey and work on the streets of New Jersey as a church worker. When you have the opportunity to go into your community, you make sure you go to your schools, you make sure you go to your lobster suppers, and you make sure you attend your churches. They are the heart and soul of not just the historic community of Beechville but communities from one end of my constituency to the other.
Mr. Speaker, I want to particularly point out to members opposite and to the members on this side of the House that there are certain key groups within every constituency that you must continually be in touch with. The St. Margaret's Centre is one of the examples. The St. Margaret's Centre has just gone through renovations because we are going to be hosting the speed-track racing for the Canada Winter Games at the oval and this, of course, means that the rink has gotten even wider. I know that the member for Waverley-Fall River-Beaver Bank will be concerned because he should know that that is an Olympic-sized ice surface, and for old timers like us, we can now play cross-ice, it is that safe for us to get on the ice.
I had the opportunity to watch the Cape Breton Canadians, and I looked at those poor kids as they came out on the ice - very well intentioned, great, young, tough Cape Breton hockey players dressed in Cape Breton Canadians/Montreal Canadiens uniforms - I mean what chance did they stand? They were playing the Bay Ducks; final score: Bay Ducks, 4, the Cape Breton Canadians, 0. Now I can tell the member for Whitney Pier, and I can tell other members from Cape Breton, it was a great game, the kids played hard, the kids from Cape Breton demonstrated great sportsmanship and worked very hard, but they have got to do something about those uniforms.
At the game there were, of course, a number of prominent citizens, among them was Mike Leroux who is the manager of the St. Margaret's Centre. Mr. Leroux and Tim Hill, who is the President of the volunteer board of directors, have done a great deal of work to make sure that particular part of our community continues to play a prominent role.
I had a great opportunity the previous weekend, if I may, Mr. Speaker, digress for a moment, because I want you to know that I had the wonderful opportunity to be present - there are two ice surfaces at the St. Margaret's Centre. There is the Fountain ice surface, named after the Fountain Family who have been so generous to our community in recent years, but there is another older arena, older as in about 1988 when it opened, and last Sunday that arena was renamed the Daniel Smith Arena.
Daniel Smith is a legendary volunteer in the community that I represent. Mr. Smith had given of himself for many, many long years to hockey, to young people, to soft ball, to fast ball, and it was a great afternoon when we had the opportunity - Lions Club members who were present, old timers hockey players, volunteers for years - to join and celebrate the fact that the original St. Margaret's ice surface is from now on the Daniel Smith Arena. It was a great moment and it is a wonder testimony to the Smiths. I should mention that it is not just to Daniel himself but to his wonderful wife Ruth. Ruth continues to work in that arena, continues to be there all the time, and we can count on her for her good contributions.
Mr. Speaker, I'm fortunate enough to have my office in the Lakeside Recreation Centre at 1492 St. Margaret's Bay Road and I want you to know that it takes people like Doug Branscombe, who is in charge of recreation for the western end of Halifax County, to make sure that building never really closes. I can go by that building seven nights a week, - well I must tell you, Mr. Speaker, six nights a week would be best for me - that building is open until 10 p.m. night after night. It is used as a day care during the day, it also has social services there and the good Minister of Community Services assured me that some time on a Friday afternoon she is going to drop in to visit with staff at that particular rec centre. That rec centre, under the leadership of Doug Branscombe, continues to play a prominent role in the community I represent.
On the topic of rec centres, the building of a new rec centre is now underway on the Prospect Road, which will include a gym, meeting rooms, kitchen. It would be, after all, a very important part of the communities along the Prospect Road, because that means that many of the young people and seniors will no longer have to be looking for a place to have their meetings or play their athletic events. They will no longer have to pay some the unfortunate rents that the HRM and the schools charge us, particularly on the weekends. They will now have the opportunity to use the Prospect Road Rec Centre. We're looking forward to its opening. It will be a great day. It has happened because of the cooperation between the city, or I should say the Halifax Regional Municipality, the province and, of course, the local volunteers led by Barb Allen, in particular, Kelly Morrissey and some others. I want you to know that it will be a great day in our community when we have the opportunity to open the Prospect Road Rec Centre.
The members on my side of the House have heard me talk about this many times. I have tried to point out to them, whether they have been here for a number of years or whether they're here for the first time, you're only as good as your last election - don't forget that election on June 9, 2009 is now history. If we're going to continue to serve the people in our
constituencies, if we're going to continue the job which we were put here for, we have to get out there every day and every way to make sure that we are going to do our job.
I encourage all members of the House to look very carefully at the fact that there are challenges they have ahead of them, challenges we all have to face in representing all Nova Scotians, all people in our constituency, whether they voted for us or not. I know the member for Cape Breton North noted the other day, in the middle of a very passionate speech, which of course he's prone to give - not prone to give but he's complimentary in his fashion most of the time. We were looking at election results and he quite quickly put it this way - if I can remember his passion at the moment - that he's back here and he's going to represent everybody in Cape Breton North, as I'm going to represent everybody in Timberlea-Prospect, as the member for Cape Breton South will represent everybody in his constituency, regardless of whether they voted for us or not.
How many times do they call our office and they say to you, using your first name, I voted for you and now I want you to do something for me? If I kept track of that over the years that I've been in this House, I'm sure that just about everybody in Timberlea-Prospect, sometime in their voting career, made the choice of voting for this MLA. So when you have the opportunity to get out there and serve your constituents, please do so.
Remember, and I want everyone to know this, it's a great honour to be in this House. The huge majority of the members that I've been in this House with - and the member for Cape Breton South has been here a little bit longer than me - the huge majority of the people who work in this business - and it is a business, it's not a game, it's a business - work hard at it. People are watching us thinking some of the hours that we put in, we get paid well, let's not quibble about that. It's a challenge to serve the people of your constituency, to serve all of them, to do it to the best of your ability and make sure when the next time you put your name in the ballot you can say, I worked as hard as possible and hopefully did something for the people of Timberlea-Prospect.
With those comments, Mr. Speaker, I thank you for your time and I'll take my place.
MR. SPEAKER: The motion is carried.
[5:23 p.m. The House resolved itself into a CWH on Supply with Deputy Speaker Mr. Gordon Gosse in the Chair.]
[9:29 p.m. CWH on Supply rose and the House reconvened. Mr. Speaker, Hon. Charlie Parker, resumed the Chair.]
MR. SPEAKER: The Chairman of the Committee of the Whole House on Supply reports:
THE CLERK: That the committee has met and made considerable progress and begs leave to sit again.
MR. SPEAKER: Is it agreed?
It is agreed.
The honourable Government House Leader.
HON. FRANK CORBETT: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. That ends the government's business for today. Tomorrow after the daily routine and Question Period, we will once again be going into Committee of the Whole House on Supply. I move that the House do now rise, to meet at the hour of 2:00 p.m. tomorrow afternoon.
MR. SPEAKER: There has been a motion for adjournment.
Is it agreed?
It is agreed.
Would all those in favour of the motion please say Aye. Contrary minded, Nay.
The motion is carried.
We stand adjourned until 2:00 p.m. tomorrow.
[The House rose at 9:30 p.m.]
NOTICES OF MOTION UNDER RULE 32(3)
RESOLUTION NO. 243
By: Hon. Karen Casey (Interim Leader of the Progressive Conservative Party)
I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:
Whereas Michael Kydd, my Public Relations Adviser, and his wife Jennifer are the proud parents of a new son born Friday morning at 8:08 a.m. at the IWK Health Centre in Halifax; and
Whereas Nathan Orion Kydd weighed in at a healthy 8 lbs. 3 ounces and is a new baby brother to sister Sophie; and
Whereas Michael took a few minutes to see those wretched New York Yankees clinch the AL East this weekend over his beloved Boston Red Sox, he remained in an upbeat mood because he is firmly convinced that three day old Nathan will become the next Ted Williams and perhaps Major League Baseball's next .400 hitter;
Therefore be it resolved that the members of this House of Assembly extend our heartfelt congratulations to Michael, Jennifer and Sophie on welcoming Nathan into the Kydd family on Friday morning September 28th.
RESOLUTION NO. 244
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 Brandon Petite of Glace Bay was drafted into Major League Baseball by the Houston Astros; and
Whereas Brandon was the 10th high school player selected in the 2009 draft; and
Whereas Brandon began his playing days in the Glace Bay Minor Baseball system and was a member of the Glace Bay McDonald's Colonels in 2003 when they were the Canadian Little League champions;
Therefore be it resolved that members of this House of Assembly recognize Brandon Petite being drafted by the Houston Astros and wish him all the best in his future endeavours.
RESOLUTION NO. 245
By: Mr. David Wilson (Glace Bay)
I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:
Whereas the girls junior bowling team from Glace Bay Atlantic Youth Bowling participated in the Canadian National Youth Bowling Championships hosted by Heather Lanes in Sydney; and
Whereas the girls junior team from Glace Bay won silver in the Canadian National Championships; and
Whereas team members are Rebecca McNeil, Caitland MacLean and Kelsey Clements;
Therefore be it resolved that members of the House of Assembly recognize Rebecca McNeil, Caitland MacLean and Kelsey Clements of Glace Bay Atlantic Youth Bowling for their accomplishment.
RESOLUTION NO. 246
By: Ms. Becky Kent (Cole Harbour-Eastern Passage)
I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:
Whereas Shearwater Aviation Museum, located in Eastern Passage, offers the public a look at the rich history of military aviation in Nova Scotia and more specifically to 12 Wing Shearwater; and
Whereas the board of trustees of the Shearwater Aviation Museum work tirelessly to bring the tremendous assets of the museum to the local community and as well are working with international organizations to further celebrate our local history; and
Whereas Shearwater Aviation Museum has established a "twinning" partnership with the No. 1 British Flying Training School Museum in Terrell, Texas to further recover and preserve the common history of the two museums;
Therefore be it resolved that this Nova Scotia House of Assembly support and recognize the Shearwater Aviation Museum for its ongoing efforts to celebrate the rich and significant military aviation history at 12 Wing Shearwater and congratulate the board and
staff for their efforts in the twinning partnership with the No. 1 British Flying Training School in Terrell, Texas on behalf of Nova Scotia.
RESOLUTION NO. 247
By: Ms. Becky Kent (Cole Harbour-Eastern Passage)
I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:
Whereas Sheila Barling of Fall River is the Canadian Liaison to the No. 1 British Flying Training School in Terrell, Texas and has been instrumental in establishing a relationship between the British Training Flying School, Shearwater Aviation Museum and the Wings Museum Ltd. to commemorate the journey of RAF cadets from England via Halifax to Terrell during the Second World War; and
Whereas the Sheila was instrumental in establishing a working relationship between the two museums in the interest of preserving the remarkable history of co-operation between the United States, Canada and Great Britain; and
Whereas Sheila worked to coordinate a reception at 12 Wing Shearwater on July 20th co-hosted by the U.S. Consul General's office, celebrating the twinning of the two museums and announcing a proclamation issued in Terrell by Mayor Hal Richards declaring July 20th as the Shearwater Aviation Museum and British Flying Training School Museum Day;
Therefore be it resolved that his Nova Scotia House of Assembly commend Sheila Barling, the Canadian Liaison to the No. 1 British Flying Training School for her exemplary efforts to establish a strong partnership with Shearwater Aviation Museum in support of a celebration of the rich military history that Nova Scotians value deeply.
