HALIFAX, WEDNESDAY, MARCH 26, 2025

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Sixty-fifth General Assembly

First Session

1:02 P.M.

SPEAKER

Hon. Danielle Barkhouse

DEPUTY SPEAKERS

John White, Marco MacLeod, Tom Taggart

THE SPEAKER « » : Order. The topic for late debate is going to be:

Therefore be it resolved that the House calls on the government to uphold the rights of public servants and protect their job security in the workplace.

We will begin the daily routine.

PRESENTING AND READING PETITIONS

THE SPEAKER « » : The honourable member for Dartmouth North.

SUSAN LEBLANC « » : I would like to table a petition. The operative clauses read as follows:

Whereas Nova Scotia needs 70,000 new housing units by 2030 and over half of these need to be affordable; and

Whereas the price of homes sold in Nova Scotia has increased by nearly $180,000 since 2019; and

Whereas Nova Scotians are at risk of losing their homes due to unfair evictions and fixed-term leases;

Therefore we, the undersigned, call on the Government of Nova Scotia to build thousands of new, affordable units of housing, close the fixed-term loophole, and establish a residential tenancies enforcement branch to ensure tenancy rules are being followed.

Speaker, there are 59 signatures on this particular petition and I have affixed my signature as per the Rules of the House.

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THE SPEAKER « » : The petition is tabled.

The honourable member for Dartmouth North.

SUSAN LEBLANC « » : I'd like to table another petition, which reads as follows:

Whereas over one-quarter of those who are homeless for the first time in the HRM are over the age of 60; and

Whereas over one-quarter of those who are homeless for the first time in the HRM are over the age of 60; and

Whereas nearly 5,000 people are on the wait-list for public housing with an average wait time of over two years;

Therefore be it resolved that the provincial government ban evictions of seniors who have been in their same accommodations for multiple years, for the duration of the housing crisis.

Speaker, on this petition there are approximately 54 signatures and I have affixed my own, as per the Rules of the House.

THE SPEAKER « » : The petition is tabled.

The honourable member for Dartmouth North.

SUSAN LEBLANC « » : I'd like to table a petition which reads:

Whereas Nova Scotia has a higher proportion of 2SLGBTQIA+ residents than any other province, according to Statistics Canada; and

Whereas transgender people face an inequitable barrier in the form of a fee schedule for legal name changes; and

Whereas the government has promised to address issues of inequity in the 2SLGBTQA+ Action Plan;

Therefore, we the undersigned call upon the Minister of Service Nova Scotia to revise the current Vital Statistics fee schedule to not levy a charge for Two-Spirit, transgender, non-binary, and intersex Nova Scotians seeking a legal name change and for Service Nova Scotia to waive/cover the cost of fingerprinting.

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There are 21 signatures on this petition and I have affixed my name as per the Rules of the House.

THE SPEAKER « » : The petition is tabled.

PRESENTING REPORTS OF COMMITTEES

TABLING REPORTS, REGULATIONS AND OTHER PAPERS

STATEMENTS BY MINISTERS

THE SPEAKER « » : The honourable Premier.

HON. TIM HOUSTON (The Premier) « » : Hey. I have sailed on the Bluenose and do know you go to Peggys Cove for the gingerbread, not just the view. I have asked who your father is and given directions based on landmarks that are no longer there. I have never worn a sou'wester but do know that you tie up before a nor'easter.

I've tapped my foot in the Red Shoe and know that Celtic Colours are heard, not seen. We're the province that invented the modern ice skate, which makes sense, because we also invented hockey. We're the home of Blair, Nate, and Brad, and of Sidney's beat-up dryer. We came into our own with wooden ships and iron men, but now it's our Olympian women who bring home the gold.

We call it the old bridge, even though the new bridge is older than me. We didn't need SunnyD; we had Beep, and road trips hit different when stopped at Ma Webb's or the Chickenburger. We know the colder the water, the sweeter the meat, and though it's always fresh at Sobeys, it's even fresher off the wharf. Nova Scotians invented the telephone, the odometer, newsprint, and kerosene. We gave the world the propeller, the wheelchair-accessible bus, and the donair. We're the home of responsible government, of Joseph Howe's papers, and a whole mess of very proud Capers.

We have the Oxford blueberry, the Valley's wine, and Farmer John's as a staple of every holiday dinner. Here you'll find Maud Lewis's cat, Alex Colville's horse, and the glamour of our own Hollywood East. We flock to the Lawrencetown surf and the Wanderers' turf. By the way, it's pronounced SKAWL-up, not SKAL-up.

Port Royal was Canada's first permanent European settlement, but it was founded in the world that Glooscap created. The Grand Dérangement was our greatest tragedy, but at least we know where Cajuns are from. We're the home of Canada's Navy, the Security Forum, and NATO's R&D. We're the birthplace of The Rock's father, Theodore Tugboat, and of Geoge Dixon's right hand. We were the first in the country to legalize that love is love, and ours is the province where Viola Desmond sat wherever she damn well pleased.

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Because of trade, we were the richest province in Confederation in 1867, and now the rest of Canada is again following our interprovincial lead. Inspired by the Black Loyalists, the Trelawny Maroons, we will not be bullied by those who look to oppress. We were the first province in Canada, the first port of call for generations of new Canadians, and we will never be the 51^st of anything. My name is Tim, and I am Nova Scotian.

(Standing ovation)

THE SPEAKER « » : The honourable Leader of the Official Opposition.

CLAUDIA CHENDER: Nova Scotia is a place where you're never more than 35 kilometres from the sea and where people care deeply about our oceans, our coastlines, and each other.; where we understand that in the places where we play and sing and swim, coastal erosion and sea level rise is real and action is needed. We are the province that invented the game of Waltes, where the people of this land have been performing gojua for thousands of years. We are a people who love hockey - yes, nowhere more than in Dartmouth - and where we have worked to address the darker side of the sport and encourage generations of kids and coaches to play.

We love our water, and here in Mi'kma'ki, we have been paddling our waters for millennia - only recently in a way that, again and again, brings home the gold.

We're a province of immigrants. From the Loyalists to Maroons to Syrians to Ukrainians, we are a place where we work hard to make people feel welcome, because we are all treaty people and guests in this beautiful place, where names like Paul, LeBlanc, MacDonald, Rankin, and Beals run deep, but so do names like Hamid and Arab.

We are the home of responsible government but still a place where more Johns than women have been elected to public office, where nonetheless we have pushed to form an elected body that represents the citizens of our province and to fight for the things that matter most to them and to right historical wrongs and ensure that all Nova Scotians have a seat at the table.

We are a small place with 10 universities conducting exciting research on everything from batteries to biology to ocean technology, and where learning is something we don't just treasure but can see happening all around us.

We're a place where Pictou County pizza and Cape Breton pizza have their legions of followers but where falafel and fattoush and moose meat and pho all also make up the fabric of our regional cuisine. We treasure our local food. We are the only place with a regional wine appellation in North America, one where we can taste the terroir of this ancient land with every delicious sip of Tidal Bay, and a place that treasures the fruit of our oceans, where in the city we know that the back of a truck is a better bet than the tank at the store.

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We are a place of beautiful and historical diversity, from the Francophonie and historical communities to right here in HRM, from African Nova Scotians who have been here for over 400 years to members of the African diaspora, who have been arriving in waves ever since, and from the Pride flags proudly waving across this province to the churches, mosques, temples, and places of worship in every corner of Nova Scotia.

We are a people who serve. We serve our families, our communities, and our country through successive generations. We take care of each other with humility and love, and when people ask if we need anything, we can always point to someone who needs something more - and then we make sure they get it.

We are Nova Scotians. We are proud of our province, of our successes, of our cultures, and of our children. We are humble. We reward hard work and reject gimmicks. We lift each other up.

We are Nova Scotians, and we are Canadians. (Standing ovation)

THE SPEAKER « » : The honourable member for Sydney-Membertou.

HON. DEREK MOMBOURQUETTE « » : Speaker, I rise in my place on the unceded territory of the Mi'kmaq and on the land that African Nova Scotians have lived on for over 400 years as a proud Nova Scotian and a proud Cape Bretoner.

From Sydney to Yarmouth, from Amherst to Prospect, our people listen to one another, and we care about our communities. We pay attention. I can tell you Cape Bretoners pay extra attention when people from the mainland try to tell us what to do.

I grew up here. I chose to raise my family here. Every day, it is an honour to sit in this Legislature as a representative in this province.

We all have the privilege to be here today in this part of history in this Legislature, to celebrate, to protect, and to support Nova Scotia the best we can. Whether it's supporting our neighbour in need, fighting to protect what's right, or standing up for our values, we always come together.

The Premier rightly pointed out that Nova Scotia is the birthplace of responsible government. That's why Nova Scotians pay attention when their government oversteps their bounds. We take our democracy seriously. We believe in accountability and fairness, and most of all, we believe in one another. No matter the challenge, no matter the storm, Nova Scotians stand together. We show up for our neighbours. We lift each other up.

[1:15 p.m.]

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That's who we are, and that's why I'm proud to call Nova Scotia home. (Applause)

GOVERNMENT NOTICES OF MOTION

THE SPEAKER « » : The honourable Minister of Emergency Management.

RESOLUTION NO. 178

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

Whereas emergencies can happen at any time, day and night, and require police, fire, or emergency medical services to act quickly to save lives and protect property; and

Whereas the 911 telecommunicators and dispatchers and Shubenacadie Radio Communications Centre staff are the heroes behind the headsets, helping Nova Scotians when they are the most vulnerable in challenging situations; and

Whereas Nova Scotians count on these dedicated and committed employees to be on the other end of the phone any time of the day and night and provide assistance by answering hundreds of thousands of calls for help;

Therefore be it resolved that members of the Legislature show our appreciation and thanks to Nova Scotia's 911 telecommunicators and dispatchers and recognize April 13^th to19^th as National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week. Thank you for your service.

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

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

Is it agreed? It is agreed.

All those in favour? Contrary minded? Thank you.

The motion is carried.

The honourable Minister of Communities, Culture, Tourism and Heritage.

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RESOLUTION NO. 179

HON. DAVE RITCEY « » : I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:

Whereas World Theatre Day is celebrated annually on March 27^th by the international theatre community, honouring the power of theatre to bring people together, foster dialogue, and deepen understanding; and

Whereas theatre is a vital part of Nova Scotia's cultural fabric, providing meaningful opportunities for creativity and artistic expression and reflecting the diversity of voices, stories, and experiences that make up our vibrant province; and

Whereas Nova Scotians working in the performing arts contribute to a thriving creative sector that supports good jobs, attracts tourism, and drives economic growth in our communities;

Therefore be it resolved that members of the House of Assembly join me in recognizing March 27^th as World Theatre Day in Nova Scotia and encourage Nova Scotians to celebrate and experience live theatre in their communities. (Applause)

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

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

Is it agreed? It is agreed.

All those in favour? Contrary minded? Thank you.

The motion is carried.

The honourable Minister of Education and Early Childhood Development.

RESOLUTION NO. 180

HON. BRENDAN MAGUIRE: Speaker, I hereby request that the following motion be adopted without notice pursuant to Rule 32(5) of the Rules and Forms of Procedure of the House of Assembly:

Be it resolved that all congratulatory motions deposited with the Clerk pursuant to 32(3) of the Rules and Forms of Procedure of the House of Assembly from February 14, 2025, to the rising of the House today that have not been otherwise considered by the House of Assembly be approved.

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All those in favour? Contrary minded? Thank you.

The motion is carried.

INTRODUCTION OF BILLS

Bill No. 118 - An Act to Establish Mobile Care Teams for Mental Health. (Lisa Lachance)

Bill No. 119 - An Act to Ensure Fair Representation for Independent Members of the House of Assembly. (Elizabeth Smith-McCrossin)

Bill No. 120 - An Act to Amend Chapter 203 of the Revised Statutes, 1989, the Homes for Special Care Act, Respecting Comfort in Long-term Care. (Rod Wilson)

Bill No. 121 - An Act to Amend Chapter 46 of the Revised Statutes, 1989, the Building Code Act, Respecting Mass Timber. (Hon. Iain Rankin)

Bill No. 122 - An Act to Amend Chapter 197 of the Revised Statutes, 1989, the Health Services and Insurance Act. (Elizabeth Smith-McCrossin)

Bill No. 123 - An Act to Amend Chapter 36 of the Acts of 2022, the Housing Supply and Services Act. (Suzy Hansen)

Bill No. 124 - An Act to Prevent the Contamination of Drinking Water. (Hon. Iain Rankin)

Bill No. 125 - An Act to Establish a Provincial Lake Advisory Commission. (Claudia Chender)

Bill No. 126 - An Act to Amend Chapter 208 of the Revised Statutes, 1989, the Hospitals Act. (Elizabeth Smith-McCrossin)

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

The honourable member for Colchester-Musquodoboit Valley.

HON. SCOTT ARMSTRONG: I beg leave to return to Tabling Reports, Regulations, and other Papers.

THE SPEAKER « » : There's been a request to revert back.

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All those in favour? Contrary minded? Thank you.

The motion is carried.

[TABLING REPORTS, REGULATIONS, AND OTHER PAPERS]

THE SPEAKER « » : The honourable Minister of Opportunities and Social Development.

HON. SCOTT ARMSTRONG: I wish to table some answers to questions that we were asked in Estimates that we committed to providing the answers for.

THE SPEAKER « » : The paper is tabled.

NOTICES OF MOTION

THE SPEAKER « » : The honourable member for Halifax Needham.

RESOLUTION NO. 181

SUZY HANSEN « » : Speaker, I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:

Whereas for more than 200 years, Africville was home to a community of African Nova Scotians located on the shores of the Bedford Basin until the 1960s when the City of Halifax obtained the Africville lands, causing residents to be relocated, resulting in the loss of the community; and

Whereas according to a 1973 Africville Relocation Report and Supplement conducted by Donald H. Clairmont and Dennis W. Magill of the Institute of Public Affairs at Dalhousie University: ". . . there was no organized Africville presence during the 'mechanics' phase of relocation," and: "Powerlessness and community strains characterized relocatee orientation at the community level"; and

Whereas point 3 of the Africville Act, 2005 stated: "The Government of the Province shall issue a public apology to former residents of Africville and their descendants for the destruction of Africville," and yet, no such apology was issued by the provincial government on its own behalf, instead being left to Mayor Peter Kelly following the February 2010 settlement in the case of Africville Genealogy Society et al v. City of Halifax;

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Therefore be it resolved that the House instructs the Standing Committee on Community Services to consider the harmful impact of not honouring point 3 of the Africville Act, 2005, and further instructs the committee to bring forward a public apology to former residents of Africville and their descendants for the destruction of Africville, and in said apology, recognize Africville for its aforementioned significance to Haligonian and Nova Scotian history.

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

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

All those in favour? Contrary minded? Thank you.

There are several Noes.

The Notice of Motion is tabled.

The honourable member for Halifax Citadel-Sable Island.

RESOLUTION NO. 182

LISA LACHANCE « » : I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the following resolution:

Whereas Transgender Day of Visibility happens annually on March 31^st and is dedicated to raising awareness of transgender, genderqueer, nonbinary, gender questioning, agender, and all gender expansive people's resilience, passions, and contributions to the world; and

Whereas the Department of Education and Early Childhood Development undertook a process to update the Nova Scotia 2014 guidelines to support trans and gender diverse students through consultations with youth, teachers, and community members with the expectation that the guidelines will be strengthened and reaffirmed that students have their right to their pronoun and their name to be used; and

[1:30 p.m.]

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Whereas it has been recently confirmed that the guidelines will not be tabled, furthering fears amongst young queer and trans folks that their right to exist and ability to thrive will be further eroded in Nova Scotia, while at the same time reporting the worst social inclusion outcomes in the Nova Scotia Student Success Survey;

Therefore be it resolved that the House of Assembly show its urgent concern for the well-being of trans and gender-diverse Nova Scotian youth by referring the questions of how to foster their well-being in Nova Scotia to the Standing Committee on Community Services, directing the committee to report back to the House its recommendations to improve outcomes for trans and gender-diverse students.

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

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

Is it agreed? I hear several Noes.

The notice is tabled.

STATEMENTS BY MEMBERS

THE SPEAKER « » : The honourable member for Dartmouth South.

CLAUDIA CHENDER: Speaker, I beg leave to make an introduction.

THE SPEAKER « » : Please do.

CLAUDIA CHENDER: I'd like to draw the attention of the members to the gallery opposite where we're joined by Danny Cavanagh, who is no stranger to this House, the president of the Nova Scotia Federation of Labour.

I ask Danny to rise and receive the warm welcome of the House. (Applause)

THE SPEAKER « » : Welcome. We hope you enjoy your time here.

The honourable member for Dartmouth South.

CAVANAGH, DANNY: RETIREMENT - BEST WISHES

CLAUDIA CHENDER: Speaker, I rise today to recognize the contributions of a great Nova Scotian, the president of the Nova Scotia Federation of Labour, Danny Cavanagh. For over 45 years, Danny has been a steadfast champion of the labour movement, dedicating his life to fighting for workers' rights, fair wages, and better working conditions.

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His deep involvement in politics has been instrumental in shaping policies that protect and support workers, ensuring their voices are heard at every level of government.

Danny recently announced that he will be retiring. While we wish him rest and relaxation in retirement - and saving some kilometres on his car, I bet - we know that the fight for justice is in Danny's blood and we're confident that there are still picket lines to be walked, rights to be fought for, and workers to be championed in Danny's future.

Danny, on behalf of all working people in this province, thank you for everything.

THE SPEAKER « » : The honorable member for Sydney-Membertou.

FELLOW LIB. MLA: SUPPORT - RECOG.

HON. DEREK MOMBOURQUETTE « » : We are on our last day, so there will be a few thank yous in member statements today. I want to rise and recognize my colleague the member for Timberlea-Prospect, who has been on this journey with us as we have gone through our first legislative session as two veteran MLAs who made it through the last provincial election.

We are each critics of 16 departments. We serve on every committee, and we take on every role - not only in here but in the office and in the many communities across the province. It is an honour to serve with him. He is a former Premier of this province and, as difficult as it may have been election night, I am seeing promise across this province and the country for the Liberal Party. There is a renewed energy within our party and a renewed energy with people across this province and the country who see a new party with new energy.

Most importantly, I rise to recognize my friend. I'm so happy to be on this journey with him.

THE SPEAKER « » : The honourable member for Yarmouth.

PURPLE DAY: EPILEPSY AWARENESS - RECOG.

NICK HILTON « » : I rise today to honour Purple Day, a day dedicated to raising awareness about epilepsy and to celebrate the remarkable story of its founder, Cassidy Megan. In 2008, at the young age of nine, Cassidy, a young girl from Nova Scotia, shared her experience of living with epilepsy. Despite her initial fears of being bullied, she found the courage to educate her peers, fostering understanding, and showing compassion.

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Recognizing the need for a greater awareness, Cassidy envisioned a day dedicated to epilepsy, choosing purple as a symbol to reflect the diversity of seizures and the lavender flower's association with the condition. With the support of the Epilepsy Association of the Maritimes, Cassidy's vision grew into an international movement. Today, Purple Day is celebrated in more than 100 countries, uniting individuals, families and organizations.

On June 28, 2012, Cassidy's dream was realized when Purple Day was officially recognized in Canada. Speaker, Cassidy Megan's story is a testament to the power of courage, advocacy, and community. Let's all wear our purple with pride as we raise awareness and stand united with those living with epilepsy.

THE SPEAKER « » : The honourable member for Halifax Chebucto.

KRISTA GALLAGHER « » : I beg leave to make an introduction relevant to my colleague from Halifax Needham's member statement.

THE SPEAKER « » : Please do.

KRISTA GALLAGHER « » : In the Speaker's Gallery today is Stoo Metz and their partner Stephanie. Stoo is a great supporter of local, a wonderful creative, and an award-winning photographer. I welcome Stoo to stand and receive the warm welcome of the House. (Applause)

THE SPEAKER « » : Welcome. We hope you enjoy your time here.

The honourable member for Halifax Needham.

METZ, STOO: PHOTOGRAPHY - RECOG.

SUZY HANSEN « » : This is how we share the love. I rise to recognize Stoo Metz, a full-time freelance photographer who has served our community through capturing events like the 2023 Prismatic Arts Festival, the 2024 Halifax Pride Parade, and the 2024 Wavemakers Tour.

The incredible photos taken from these events highlight the diversity of both the people and talents that our province is home to. A performer themselves, they have further contributed to Halifax Needham and Halifax Chebucto by fundraising for essential organizations like Out of The Cold Community Association. Stoo has created a powerful portfolio that reflects who they are behind the lens, putting a spotlight on the beauty and resilience of queer joy.

Stoo has been a devoted photographer for over 10 years. They have been given the Gold Award for Best Photography from the Coast Best of Halifax Readers' Choice Awards for four years in a row. Please join me in applauding Stoo Metz for their continued devotion to the arts and their community. Thank you, Stoo.

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THE SPEAKER « » : The honourable member for Timberlea-Prospect.

PURPLE DAY: EPILEPSY AWARENESS - RECOG.

HON. IAIN RANKIN « » : I want to recognize Purple Day as well. It's a day that Cassidy Megan started. She's from the Prospect area. I want to acknowledge her family members who have been with her along this journey, especially her mom, Angela McCarthy, and her grandmother.

She started this when she was just nine years old, so this goes back before any of us were in the House today. There was a lot of support from all levels of government. It is celebrated now in over 100 countries, she reminded me, even in Antarctica. So every continent in the world actually celebrates Purple Day - and it was started by young Cassidy.

The member for Sydney-Membertou and I had a chance to celebrate with Cassidy at the gala this weekend. It was great to see another member of the House there as well. For many, this is not just a medical condition, it's a daily challenge that requires greater understanding and support. Today, we wear purple to stand with the more than 300,000 Canadians living with epilepsy, to raise awareness and to reaffirm our commitment to making our communities more inclusive and informed.

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

INT'L TRANSGENDER DAY OF VIS.: INCLUSION - RECOG.

HON. JILL BALSER « » : I rise today to recognize International Transgender Day of Visibility on March 31^st. It's a day to celebrate the resilience, contributions and experiences of transgender individuals in Nova Scotia and across the globe. This day calls on us to confront discrimination while uplifting transgender voices. It fosters understanding, builds empathy, and creates safer spaces for transgender Nova Scotians to live openly and authentically.

Our government, and I know all members in this House, are committed to building a more inclusive and equitable society, not only today, but every day. This is why we've developed meaningful initiatives such as our 2SLGBTQIA+ Action Plan, and we are taking concrete steps to address systemic issues and advance inclusion for all.

I encourage Nova Scotians to use this opportunity to be educated on transgender identities and experiences, to amplify transgender voices, and to stand as allies against transphobia. Let's use this day to affirm our commitment to building a Nova Scotia where every person, regardless of gender identity and race, can live with dignity and pride.

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THE SPEAKER « » : The honourable member for Halifax Needham.

SUZY HANSEN « » : I beg leave to make an introduction related to my member statement.

THE SPEAKER « » : Please do.

SUZY HANSEN « » : In the gallery opposite, we have a few folks joining us from the Upper Hammonds Plains Community Land Trust. We have Curtis Whiley, Melisa Marsman and Karalee Oliver. I'd like to ask them to stand and receive the warm welcome of the House. (Applause)

THE SPEAKER « » : Welcome to the House. We hope you enjoy your time here.

The honourable member for Halifax Needham.

HAMMONDS PLAINS: NEW CO-OP HOMES - RECOG.

SUZY HANSEN « » : Speaker, I rise today because I am beyond proud to share that the Upper Hammonds Plains Community Land Trust's Upper Hammonds Plains Housing Co-op project will receive $61.2 million to build 136 new co-op homes. This means 136 new townhome units are coming to our historic African Nova Scotian community, making it the largest Black-led housing development of its kind in Nova Scotia.

This milestone reflects years of community visioning, organizing and perseverance. Together, the Upper Hammonds Plains Community Land Trust is reclaiming land, building housing, and creating a legacy of community-led development grounded in dignity, affordability, and self-determination. Transformation is possible. They are proving the power of the community land trust model to break the barriers of disenfranchisement and opening doors to incredible possibilities.

This is only the beginning. I want to tell you all to keep up the great work and keep building for us, by us. Our ancestors are rejoicing. Each of you is a living stone in the construction of God's kingdom. Many blessings and thank you very much for your hard work.

THE SPEAKER « » : The honourable member for Sydney-Membertou.

LEGISLATIVE STAFF: SUPPORT - RECOG.

HON. DEREK MOMBOURQUETTE « » : Speaker, we all know that we've been in here for a number of weeks now doing the work that we're elected to do. I rise in my place to recognize everyone involved with the Legislature: our wonderful help that's on the floor, supporting us each and every day: our Pages, everybody who's involved with Legislative TV, all the staff, all of the commissionaires, Hansard - I don't know how Hansard does it with us sometimes, but it makes it into the records.

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I do want to rise in my place. A lot goes into the operation of this place. It's a lot of long hours for staff. We're around the clock at different hours of the day. We couldn't do it without them. So I rise in my place to recognize everyone involved in the Legislature - all the staff of the Legislature, and everybody who is involved with ensuring that we can be here to do the work that we're elected to do.

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

NAT'L INDIG. LANGS. DAY: REVITALIZATION - RECOG.

DIANNE TIMMINS: Speaker, I rise to mark a day of profound importance. National Indigenous Languages Day is on March 31^st.

On that day, we celebrate the strength, resilience, and cultural richness of First Nations languages spoken across Canada. Here in Nova Scotia, we proclaimed legislation recognizing Mi'kmaw as Nova Scotia's first language in 2022.

Our government is committed to supporting these efforts. Earlier this month, we worked in collaboration to launch the Mi'kmaw Language ReVITALization Strategy. This will support the growth and sustainability of the Mi'kmaw language throughout the province. Through the Department of L'nu Affairs, we are working to ensure that Indigenous voices help guide policies, as we recognize that true progress comes from working together in partnership.

We are witnessing amazing work being done to reclaim and revitalize Indigenous languages. From immersive programs to digital archiving that preserve ancestral knowledge, significant strides have been made in this work of language promotion and revitalization. Let's create a Nova Scotia where Indigenous languages thrive as living languages today and tomorrow. On National Indigenous Languages Day, let's ensure that Indigenous languages are not only honoured as part of our past but celebrated as a part of our present and future.

THE SPEAKER « » : The honourable member for Halifax Citadel-Sable Island.

[1:45 p.m.]

PRIDE ASSOCIATIONS: 2SLGBTQIA+ EVENTS - RECOG.

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LISA LACHANCE « » : Speaker, I rise today to recognize Pride associations across Nova Scotia who play a vital role in fostering inclusion, advocacy and celebrations for the 2SLGBTQIA+ community in our province.

First of all, I have to let you know that there is probably a Pride in your community. I have a list here. If I miss one, shout it out, but get ready for Pride. It is so great. We don't have just one Pride day. We don't even have Pride month in Nova Scotia. We actually have a Pride year, which is kind of amazing.

We have Prides coming up in Truro, Hants County, Annapolis Royal, Annapolis Valley, Ingonish, Petite Rivière, the South Shore, Yarmouth, Shelburne, Cape Breton, CBRM, Pictou County, Amherst, Eastern Shore. Did I miss any?

Mark your calendars. Get to know your local community. Also, mark your calendars now for July 19^th. That's the Halifax Pride Parade. We'd love to see everybody there this year. As well, you can get really ready for 2027 because due to the dedication of the Halifax Pride board, staff, and volunteers, Halifax will host Canada Pride in 2027, a first for Atlantic Canada.

THE SPEAKER « » : The honourable member for Cumberland North.

LEG. STAFF: SUPPORT - RECOG.

ELIZABETH SMITH-MCCROSSIN « » : As we come near to the end of this sitting, I just want to say a special shout-out and thank you to the incredible people I have working with me back in Cumberland North and also here in the Legislature.

I'll start with Dan Gould. I don't know if my staff are watching or not. Sometimes they all watch and sometimes they have to shut it off because they can't stand watching it. Dan, if you're watching, I just want to say thank you. Dan is one of these people - he's just steady and strong, shows up every day early. He's so dedicated and loyal. I thank him for that.

I want to thank Alex, who is here with me in the Legislature, my legislative assistant. He loves politics and has for a long time. I just appreciate the passion he has for politics. I also want to say a big shout-out to Gladys Coish and Ann Keddy, who are both retired but work with me part-time. I appreciate their wisdom and their expertise. Thank you to all of them. I appreciate them so much.

THE SPEAKER « » : The honourable member for Truro-Bible Hill-Millbrook-Salmon River.

COLCHESTER CARDIAC CLINIC: OPENING - RECOG.

[Page 1603]

HON. DAVE RITCEY « » : I rise today to recognize the opening of the Colchester Cardiac Clinic at Colchester East Hants Health Centre.

This new clinic is a game-changer for the residents of Truro, Colchester, and surrounding communities, bringing specialized cardiac care closer to home. By reducing travel to Halifax and improving access to timely diagnostics and treatment, this clinic enhances patient care and quality of life. The clinic's focus on heart failure and acute coronary syndrome patients, along with its integration of advanced technologies like stress echocardiography, will undoubtedly make a significant difference in the lives of many.

Thanks to the generosity of the Colchester East Hants Health Centre Foundation, this clinic is already making a positive impact, reducing hospital readmissions and ensuring patients receive the care they need. Here's to improved heart health and better patient outcomes for all.

THE SPEAKER « » : The honourable member for Dartmouth North.

ANTI-2SLGBTQIA+ BULLYING: NEED TO FIGHT - RECOG.

SUSAN LEBLANC « » : Last month, members of this House marked Pink Shirt Day by wearing pink and making member statements about the perils of bullying. Unfortunately, more and more frequently it is governments and politicians across both Canada and the U.S. being the bullies, specifically when it comes to the trans and queer community. In January, federal Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre said that he was aware of only two genders. I am personally aware of a gorgeous array of genders, and I'm privileged to be friends and work with many non-binary and gender-diverse people.

Recently, Alberta Premier Danielle Smith did an interview with a U.S. news platform, bragging about her government's laws that limit gender-affirming health care for trans youth, making schools less safe and welcoming for trans students, and preventing trans women from participating in women's sport.

On a bright note, this Fall, New Brunswickers voted for a government that would reverse the policy that would not let trans students use their pronouns and names at school without alerting their parents. I urge each and every MLA here to push back against this type of anti-2SLGBTQIA+ bullying in concrete ways during this particularly frightening moment.

THE SPEAKER « » : The honourable member for Halifax Atlantic.

MYRA, CARTER: RESILIENCE - CONGRATS.

HON. BRENDAN MAGUIRE: Speaker, I might run a little long, so I apologize. Today I rise to recognize a remarkable young man, Carter Myra.

[Page 1604]

At just 16, Carter has shown strength most of us could only hope to have. After being diagnosed with Ewing sarcoma, a rare and aggressive cancer, Carter has faced every challenge with courage, grit, and unbreakable spirit. Carter is surrounded by love: his parents, Craig and Dawn, twin brother Carson, sister Camryn, and an entire community standing with him. Their bond, their love, and their strength as a family are truly something special.

Many know Craig as an educator and a community leader. I know him as a friend and someone I lean on. Now it's our turn to stand with him and Dawn and with their amazing kids. To the Myra family: Spryfield, Halifax, and Nova Scotia are behind you. We love you, we believe in you, and we are with you every step of the way.

On a personal note, Craig, Dawn, and the entire Myra family truly embody what it means to be a Nova Scotian family. Their love for one another, their kindness, and the way they lift up our community - it's something you feel the moment you're around them. Their strength is quiet but powerful, and their hearts are full of grace. I love you more than words can say. Get better, Carter.

THE SPEAKER « » : I will make sure my Sebastian sees that, as he knows Carter as well.

The honourable member for Cape Breton Centre-Whitney Pier.

CAPE BRETON PRIDE PARADE: 25^TH ANNIV. - RECOG.

KENDRA COOMBES « » : My beautiful colleague forgot one, and that is to watch out for Eskasoni's Pride, because it's going to be good.

I rise to recognize the Cape Breton Pride Parade's 25^th anniversary. The 25^th Cape Breton Pride Parade will take place August 8^th to 15^th.

The parade has been growing over the past 25 years. What started off as a small parade with a few cars has now grown into hundreds of participants on the floor and hundreds of floats. The Pride keeps growing. As someone who has been participating in Pride for so many years now, I can't tell you the immense joy you get from walking and seeing all generations waving their flags and showing support for the 2SLGBTQIA+ community.

I ask everybody to join in a Pride parade in your community.

THE SPEAKER « » : The honourable member for Cumberland North.

[Page 1605]

THREE SISTERS - BIRTHDAY WISHES

ELIZABETH SMITH-MCCROSSIN « » : I rise today to wish a happy birthday to three of my sisters. I have several siblings. As my brother Vaughn says, there are some in the family picture and some who are not. (Laughs) Some compare my father to Abraham. Three of my sisters celebrate on the same day, today, 20 years apart.

Happy birthday to Cheryl. She lives in St. Louis, Missouri. We have a lot of interesting conversations, as you can imagine, these days. My sister Melissa, who is 20 years younger than Cheryl, is celebrating back home. She lived with Murray and me in her Grade 12 year. We had the blessing of having her with us while we had four small, young children. I love them both so much. My sister Kim turned the big 5-0 on Sunday.

To all three of my sisters who are celebrating this weekend - Kim, Melissa, and Cheryl - happy birthday. I love you guys all so much.

THE SPEAKER « » : The honourable member for Sackville-Uniacke.

WALKER, RUSSELL: DEATH OF - TRIBUTE

HON. BRAD JOHNS « » : I'm changing my member statement on the fly here. I'd like to take a moment to recognize former councillor Russell Walker, who passed away today after a long, hard fight with cancer. Russell was a personal friend as well as a mentor of mine while I was on council. Many residents of Fairview would know Russell not only as the councillor but also as a teacher at Fairview Junior High.

He was first elected to represent District 15, Fairview-Clayton Park, in 1994 and served for 27 years as he dedicated his life to personal service and the residents of that constituency. Russell was a member of the grants committee for 27 years. He was on the Nova Scotia Federation of Municipalities, the Federation of Canadian Municipalities, and a number of other committees.

I want to send my sincere condolences to his daughter Laurel as well as his son Jason. I've used his catchphrase: "Here we go again." I'd like to ask members of the Legislature if they would stand and give a moment of silence for Russell Walker, please.

[A moment of silence was observed.]

THE SPEAKER « » : You may be seated.

The honourable member for Fairview-Clayton Park.

EID: MUSLIM CELEBRATION - RECOG.

[Page 1606]

LINA HAMID « » : Starting this weekend, Muslims around the world will celebrate Eid al-Fitr, the conclusion of the Holy Month of Ramadan. Eid is a three-day celebration and for those who are unfamiliar with the holiday, the anticipation and the joy of this special occasion would be comparable to Christmas.

There are many practices and traditions to celebrate Eid around the world. These include Salat al-Eid, which is a communal prayer; Zakat al-Fitr, or charitable giving; as well as gift giving and buying new clothes, which was my most favourite part growing up.

It is a time to gather and have fun with loved ones as well as a time to show gratitude and reflect upon the spiritual journey of Ramadan. I ask members of this House to join me in wishing all Muslims around the world a happy Eid.

I'll share a few quick Arabic greetings: Kul aam wa antum bkhair (May you be well every year) and Taqabal Allah menna wa menkum saleh al aamal (May Allah accept our and your good deeds). Happy Eid.

THE SPEAKER « » : The honourable member for Eastern Shore.

PARTNER, KELLY: ENGAGEMENT - RECOG.

HON. KENT SMITH « » : I rise today with a personal announcement. Speaker, I am engaged. (Applause).

AN HON. MEMBER: Does she know?

KENT SMITH « » : Yes, she knows. After almost eight years together, after moving in together in 2021, building a house together in 2022, I proposed and she accepted: my wonderful fiancée, Kelly Brennan - Kelly B., as she's known affectionately in our house. She is so wonderful and amazing and does such a great job picking up the slack in the house when I am in the House.

She's a wonderful mother to her two sons, Alec and Beckett. She's a wonderful role model for my daughter Maia. I am incredibly fortunate and blessed that she accepted my proposal, and I look forward to a lifetime of happiness. (Applause)

THE SPEAKER « » : The honourable member for Halifax Citadel-Sable Island.

HEIST: LIVE ART COMPANY - RECOG.

LISA LACHANCE « » : I rise today to celebrate the artistic contributions to Nova Scotia from the team at Live HEIST. For over eight years now Live HEIST has been demonstrating its genre-bending, gender-expansive, inclusive art to Nova Scotians.

[Page 1607]

HEIST is the brainchild and creative platform for Richie Wilcox, Aaron Collier, and Sylvia Bell. The community was founded in 2016 and within its short existence, the award-winning trio have created and toured numerous works, including The Princess Show, New Waterford Boy, FACE, Princess Rules, Nature Vs. Nation, and Frequencies. Coming up this Summer, keep your eyes out for Coal Bowl Queen, which shows the experience of seeking inclusion and acceptance in one of our province's most famous sporting events.

On behalf of all of us, thank you to Live HEIST for sharing joy and creativity.

THE SPEAKER « » : The honourable member for Eastern Passage.

LEG. STAFF: SUPPORT - RECOG.

HON. BARBARA ADAMS « » : I rise today to give a big thank you to everyone who has worked to make this sitting of the Legislature run so smoothly. It takes so many amazing people to keep this Legislature running as well as it does.

Thank you to all the staff here, including the Sergeant-at-Arms, the Clerks, the Pages, and the staff at Legislative Television. You all do a wonderful job keeping our MLAs on track. There are so many people behind the scenes who never get to see this Chamber. The staff who work for our caucus offices are a constant support for us, whether it's putting together last-minute speeches or making sure that our member statements are in good order. Of course, our constituency assistants run our offices while we're here.

Speaker, the MLAs may be the face of this Legislature, but we are only a small part of what makes this Legislature function. Of course, on our last day of the Legislature, hopefully, we'd just like to give a shout-out to our wonderful reporter Jean Laroche on his retirement and acknowledge the great work that he did for the province.

THE SPEAKER « » : The honourable member for Timberlea-Prospect.

HON. IAIN RANKIN « » : Speaker, I'm just going to table for you the quote that I referenced yesterday - an efficient use of time - and that's the George Bernard Shaw quote.

THE SPEAKER « » : Thank you so much.

It is tabled.

Order. The time is now 2:00 p.m. We will finish at 2:50 p.m.

[2:00 p.m.]

ORDERS OF THE DAY

[Page 1608]

ORAL QUESTIONS PUT BY MEMBERS TO MINISTERS

THE SPEAKER « » : The honourable Leader of the Official Opposition.

PREM.: OBPS SUPPORT - AFFIRM

CLAUDIA CHENDER: Speaker, Nova Scotia has legislated climate goals, including reducing emissions by 53 per cent by 2030. We have a provincial program created by this government to incentivize industrial polluters to reduce emissions and meet those climate goals, but as recently as yesterday, the Minister of Environment and Climate Change said that this system is working for large industrial polluters, and then the Premier wouldn't say if he thought that the Output-based Pricing System should continue. We know that the environment is a major concern for Nova Scotians, so I'd like to ask the Premier « » : Will he clearly state if he believes that industrial polluters should have to pay?

THE PREMIER « » : I'm proud of the leadership that this Province has shown on legislating environmental goals. The work of the minister is second to none across the country. We support the goals. We all know we have an obligation to protect our planet for future generations. We will certainly do our part in government, as we have with legislation, in fact.

CLAUDIA CHENDER: I hope sometime in the future we'll get an answer from the Premier about whether he supports his own Output-based Pricing System.

The issue of pollution from industrial projects in our province is clear, and it's been Nova Scotians who have been left footing the bill for generations. In 2019, the Auditor General found that the Province recorded a staggering $370 million liability from contaminated sites - and those are only the ones on the books. Now this government is pushing forward their plans to allow fracking in our province. What does the Premier have to say to Nova Scotians who are worried about the impact of fracking on their properties and drinking water and the cost that this could create for our province?

THE PREMIER « » : We have a great process for reviewing industrial approvals and making sure that things are done safely. It's a great process. It works. There's no need to scare Nova Scotians and make believe that there's no process. There is a process.

We are going to have the discussion in this province. We have removed the bans, and it is time to have adult discussions about what is possible so that we can grow the economy and afford to deliver the services that Nova Scotians have a right to expect. We feel that obligation. We will take the "No" out of Nova Scotia.

CLAUDIA CHENDER: We have and we recognize the environmental assessment process. But when the Premier was asked yesterday if discussions would happen outside of that, in fact, his answer was not clear. When he says "discussions," what he means is we're going to plow ahead with the projects that companies may or may not want to pursue here, and they will do the bare minimum through the processes that we have to engage with Nova Scotians.

[Page 1609]

I want to ask the Premier again: When he says, "We're lifting the bans to start a conversation," what does that conversation look like? How is he engaging? How are Nova Scotians going to have a part in the conversation about the future of our natural resource strategy?

THE PREMIER « » : There's a well-established process. It works just fine. Previous governments - the NDP decided to take uranium out of that process. We're putting it back in that process. The Liberal government decided to take natural gas out of that process. We're putting it back in.

Speaker, we're not okay with being dependent on the United States for our energy sources. We're not okay with looking the other way from opportunities to lift up Nova Scotia. We will move ahead. The Opposition can join us in supporting Nova Scotians should they choose, or they can continue to scare Nova Scotians. I wish they'd get on board behind Nova Scotians. That's where Nova Scotians are.

THE SPEAKER « » : The honourable Leader of the Liberal Party.

PREM.: BAN-LIFTING BENEFITS TIMELINE - PROVIDE

HON. DEREK MOMBOURQUETTE « » : Speaker, on the same topic: Last night the government lifted bans on uranium mining and fracking. We've heard from communities and environmental experts and concerned Nova Scotians who have questions, yet we haven't heard from a single business or individual who has submitted any applications. The ministers and the Premier have claimed that this will bring $6 billion in investment. If that's the case, surely there are projects ready to go. To the Premier « » : Now that the ban is lifted, when can Nova Scotia expect to see the first economic benefits that were promised?

THE PREMIER « » : The potential for this province is absolutely staggering. I am so excited about the potential for this province. Nova Scotians are excited about the potential of this province. They want to move forward. There are those who want to hold Nova Scotia back. Don't count us in that group. Count us in a group that want to move forward.

I want to be clear to those who want to come here and develop and help grow our economy, the first step is not to submit the application to the two-member Liberal caucus. The first step is to work with the government on that.

DEREK MOMBOURQUETTE « » : Some new talking points - some new speaking points. The people of this province didn't have this conversation about these bans being lifted during the election. The government has said there will be environmental assessments, but we know that accepting written submissions isn't the same as real consultation. There are a lot of questions from communities and rightly so. They have questions about what's taking place now that these bans are lifted, particularly around fracking. It's important that we have those conversations with the communities. How will the Premier ensure meaningful consultation with Nova Scotians occurs before these projects move forward?

[Page 1610]

THE PREMIER « » : We'll follow the process, of course. It's an established process; it's a respected process. There's lots to talk about. In this session, there was lots to talk about as well. We could have been talking about an over-$17 billion budget that invests about $6 billion in health care, invests close to $2 billion in seniors, and invests in school lunches. These are the things we want to talk about. That budget is there. Those members all voted against it. Those members even voted against an increase to the minimum wage in this province. We are positive on the future of this province. We are bullish, and we're moving forward.

DEREK MOMBOURQUETTE « » : If that question around the banning was on the election ballot, I think there would be a few more Liberals in here. The people of this province didn't vote for these bans to be lifted. It wasn't talked about on the campaign trail.

The government said there will be environmental assessments, but we know that accepting the written submissions isn't the same as real consultation. There are serious health and safety concerns that are coming forward from Nova Scotians. All we're asking, to the Premier, is: Can he outline what the consultation process is going to be for these communities that are going to start to see these projects?

THE PREMIER « » : A short history lesson: We had an election. Nova Scotians put their trust in one party in a pretty resounding number - the largest caucus ever. Nobody on the campaign trail was talking about our biggest ally and trading partner declaring economic war with us. That wasn't on the ballot. What Nova Scotians did is say: What is the group of people who can lead us forward through whatever comes? They put their trust in us, and I am honoured. We will respond to the issues of the day. We will govern in a way that Nova Scotians can be proud of and move this economy forward. I can't wait to get going on it.

THE SPEAKER « » : The honourable Leader of the Official Opposition.

PREM.: AFFORDABLE HOMES - PROVIDE

CLAUDIA CHENDER: While speaking of the campaign, the No. 1 thing I heard from Nova Scotians was their concern about affording a home, yet in this sitting, we've heard next to nothing from the government on making sure people can afford their mortgages and their rent today. The new public housing units in this budget are welcome, but they are a drop in the bucket for the more than 35,000 Nova Scotians who can't afford their housing. No action has been taken to keep people in their homes. People at every stage of life tell us the cost of housing is too much. When will the Premier make sure Nova Scotians have homes they can afford?

[Page 1611]

THE SPEAKER « » : The honourable Minister of Growth and Development.

HON. COLTON LEBLANC » : I'll remind the House that we are the first government to table and present a housing plan. I challenge the Leader of the NDP to show and table in this Legislature their housing plan. We have seen unprecedented growth in our province. Yes, there are challenges with that growth, but there are so many opportunities. We are focused on continuing to support Nova Scotians to create the environment to build more housing. Eighteen months into our housing plan, we're meeting and exceeding all of those targets. We'll continue that work.

CLAUDIA CHENDER: Seniors are worried about being priced out of their homes. More and more young people can't ever see being able to afford to buy one. We don't even have a department of housing. There was nothing in this sitting to protect renters or help put more Nova Scotians on a path to home ownership. The only action taken is to make it easier to evict people sooner. A family's home is their biggest expense, and we know people are having a harder and harder time making ends meet. Will the Premier do the right thing and take action to ensure that people can afford their homes and the life that they want to live here?

COLTON LEBLANC « » : Speaker, I find it absolutely shameful that the leader of a political party would dismiss the work of public servants leading work on housing. They work in the Department of Growth and Development. Perhaps the member opposite missed the memo there. There's important work that's being done. To dismiss the work that's being done by this staff is absolutely ridiculous.

I will remind the member that we have a housing plan. Again, I'll talk forever about this great work. We're meeting and exceeding all of our targets. We're investing in rent supplements. We're investing in public housing. Perhaps the member can tell me and all members of this House which public housing units she doesn't want in her constituency, and we can bring them elsewhere.

THE SPEAKER « » : The honourable member for Fairview-Clayton Park.

DOJ: IPV SURVIVORS - SUPPORT

LINA HAMID « » : Speaker, Brandi Whynot is a survivor of intimate partner violence. She has spent four years living in fear while her alleged abuser keeps skipping court dates, with no real consequences. She has had to beg the RCMP to act on his arrest warrant, only to be ignored. No survivor should have to fight this hard for justice. Will the minister fix this broken system and make sure abusers face consequences when they skip court dates?

[Page 1612]

THE SPEAKER « » : The honourable Deputy Premier.

HON. BARBARA ADAMS « » : Of course we have an epidemic of violence across this province, and intimate partner and domestic violence is an epidemic. What I want to assure the member is that this is a very serious issue and there have been tremendous investments across all government departments in order to deal with this issue. I want to assure the member that there are a lot of issues that are in front of the Department of Justice, as well as the Office of Equity and Anti-Racism, as well as the Advisory Council on the Status of Women Act. We are looking forward to more actions coming in the future.

LINA HAMID « » : Speaker, the justice system is failing victims of intimate partner violence. Brandi Whynot's case has been delayed for four years while her abuser walks free. Experts say that the system isn't built to support survivors, and Brandi says she feels like she doesn't matter. Will the minister take action now to stop these delays and ensure that survivors get the justice they deserve?

BARBARA ADAMS « » : There are certainly delays in the justice system. I will agree wholeheartedly with that. The department has taken a number of actions to streamline what has become an incredibly complex process. Twenty years ago, we didn't have artificial intelligence, body cameras, and video cameras filming things. The amount of evidence that our police officers and RCMP officers have to collect is astronomically greater than it used to be. There are a number of actions that the Department of Justice is taking and the Public Prosecution Service is taking in order to streamline the process and get justice for Nova Scotians. There is more to come.

THE SPEAKER « » : The honourable member for Halifax Citadel-Sable Island.

EECD: FLYING OF DIVERSE FLAGS AT SCHOOLS - ENSURE

LISA LACHANCE « » : Speaker, we were relieved to hear that this government will take swift action to support flying diverse flags at Nova Scotian schools. These flags are more than symbols. They tell Mi'kmaw, African Nova Scotian, Acadian, and 2SLGBTQIA+ students, staff, family, and community members that they belong. Students and staff have the right to visible representation and celebration, not just inside the school but outside too. What steps are this government taking to ensure that these communities will continue to be represented at schools across the province?

[2:15 p.m.]

HON. BRENDAN MAGUIRE: I've said this, and I will continue to say this for as long as I have the ability to breathe: We want to make sure that every student and every youth, every adult, every person in this province is welcome, no matter their race, religion, or who they love. When I heard about the flag issue, we dealt with it immediately. We want to make sure that when children walk into those schools, they feel warm, they feel welcome, and they have an environment that is safe for them to learn.

[Page 1613]

LISA LACHANCE « » : If this government is truly committed to ensuring that diverse Nova Scotians feel included, we have given lots of ideas over this sitting and past ones. We want to help government members stand up to do more and publicly support communities. The Premier said yesterday that we host flag raisings here at Province House and that he has participated in a number of them himself. We are hosting a flag raising on March 31^st for the Transgender Day of Visibility, and soon after that, we will be back for May 17^th - the International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, and Transphobia. I would like to extend an invitation in person. Will the Premier commit to attending the flag raising for Transgender Day of Visibility on Monday at noon?

BRENDAN MAGUIRE: I just want to say that there have been a lot of ideas put forward here this session, but also, there have been even more ideas and consultation that was done by the previous Minister of Education and Early Childhood Development and the department when it comes to LGBTQIA+ rights, when it comes to African Nova Scotian rights, when it comes to Acadians, when it comes to the diversity that we have here in Nova Scotia. A code of conduct will come out soon, and when it comes out, we are doing our absolute best to make sure that all students are encapsulated in it. If not, we will continue to work on it and make sure that it is.

THE SPEAKER « » : The honourable member for Timberlea-Prospect.

DOJ: INTER-AGENCY RESPONSE - IMPROVE

HON. IAIN RANKIN « » : This past September, the Province brought in new policing standards and gave agencies a year before they are audited. The RCMP, however, responded with assurances that they are already meeting or exceeding the standards. I found that to be an interesting comment. One of the critical issues that needs to be addressed is improving inter-agency response. The policing review is expected next month. However, as a matter of public safety, I want to ask if there are clear MOUs signed amongst all of our municipal forces and the RCMP to ensure that when more than one agency is involved across Nova Scotia, we know that there are clear expectations on who the lead is and that there is better communication.

THE SPEAKER « » : The honourable Deputy Premier.

HON. BARBARA ADAMS « » : The inter-municipal and inter-police agencies - it is incredibly important that process be as efficient as possible, and that is why we introduced new policing standards. The police and RCMP have a year to develop those standards, and then we are going to start auditing them, which is going to be a very robust process. I am not going to preconceive what they are going to develop over the next several months. We are going to give them time to do that, and I respect that process.

[Page 1614]

IAIN RANKIN « » : A clear recommendation in the Mass Casualty Commission is that the RCMP retain "the tasks that are suitable to a federal policing agency, and identifying what responsibilities are better reassigned to other agencies" - potentially new agencies. I will table that. This is not the first review that criticized the issue of the province's dual policing model. Since then, a 2023 study found that leadership is disconnected, the governance models are separate, operating models are distinct, and there is no coordination of resources and limited operability. That's a study I will table. Ms. Lynn Gallant-Blackburn cited this issue in her new book on the murder case taking so long to lay charges on the late Paula Gallant's husband in Timberlea. Can the minister say if the government has identified responsibilities to be reassigned to a different agency, and will the police report be ready next month?

BARBARA ADAMS « » : Of course, all members are aware that the Mass Casualty Commission continues to do the very important work that they are doing. I had an opportunity to meet with them last week. I know that work is ongoing and that their report will be coming out shortly in terms of how they feel that our government department is doing on implementing the recommendations. I look forward to hearing that once it's released. In terms of the police review, I don't have an exact date, but I do know that it's coming up shortly.

THE SPEAKER « » : The honourable member for Halifax Needham.

GAD: HOUSING PLAN - IMPROVE

SUZY HANSEN « » : Over the last few weeks, I've asked about housing a number of times, and each time, the minister has confidently said that this government's housing plan is working. The fact remains that over 200 families are staying in government-funded motel rooms, and many others are doubling up with friends and family while they desperately search for housing that they can afford. Does the minister responsible for housing believe that the housing plan is working for these families?

HON. COLTON LEBLANC « » : I have the confidence that our housing plan is working. It does take time to build. If only a previous government - perhaps the Liberal government or even the NDP government before that - had tabled a plan, introduced action to address the housing needs in this province, and invested in public housing, perhaps we'd be in a different situation. We are investing in public housing. We are investing in rent supplements. We are investing in community housing, student housing, and housing for health care workers. We know there's more work to get done, and we're going to continue doing it.

SUZY HANSEN « » : These families are not the only ones struggling to find housing they can afford. We're hearing constantly from renters who are struggling with rental costs, fixed-term leases, and bad landlords. This government has done nothing to improve access to rent supplements, has refused to implement real rent control or close the fixed-term lease loophole, and has continuously sided with landlords over tenants. What does the minister say to these Nova Scotians whom the plan is not working for?

[Page 1615]

COLTON LEBLANC « » : Our goal is for Nova Scotians to find a safe and affordable place to call home. We know that we need to increase the supply. Our plan is working. We know, based on reports from CMHC and others, that vacancy rates are increasing, that supply is increasing, that rents are starting to stabilize. The member opposite references that we're not doing anything for rent supplements. That's absolutely false. Our government has increased its investment in rent supplements by four times. I'll remind all Nova Scotians that that member voted against that.

THE SPEAKER « » : The honourable member for Halifax Citadel-Sable Island.

AMH: MENTAL HEALTH CRISIS TEAMS - FUND

LISA LACHANCE « » : Two men in Halifax recently died after being tased when police were the only service available to respond to mental health crises. HRM Regional Council recently approved the creation of a mental health crisis response team, which is a step to better safety and outcomes for people living with mental illness. This is an evidence-based approach that is in place across Canada and around the world, long called for by clinicians, police, and people living with mental health issues. Why won't this government commit to funding mental health crisis teams across the province now so that all Nova Scotians can get the right help when they need it?

HON. BRIAN COMER: That was certainly a tragic incident that they're referring to. I can't comment directly to those. I would say we're doing important work right now with the first pilot, which was a community-led crisis response model in Windsor. We've done significant work with different policing agencies across the province in terms of crisis intervention training. Specifically in Central Zone, there are a number of new services for acute mental health distress, acute mental health day hospitals, and recovery support centres. We're doing everything we can to increase care. We certainly have some ongoing conversations with HRM, and we'll continue to have those.

LISA LACHANCE « » : Pilot projects are important when you need to provide proof of concept. Mental health crisis teams have a body of national and international evidence that we can use. There's no question that the model works. There's other evidence that we aren't using in Nova Scotia for patient safety and better outcomes. For instance, this government's universal mental health program ignores existing models that centre patient safety and deliver high-quality, evidence-based care in the universal model. My question to the minister is: Will the minister commit to implementing patient safety measures in the universal mental health program starting April 1^st?

[Page 1616]

BRIAN COMER: I've had the opportunity to speak to many of our clinicians across the provinces over the last several years. They use evidence-based practice and patient-centred care, and always involved with family to the best of their ability. To say that our clinicians don't use evidence-based care - I wouldn't agree with that. I think they do a fantastic job. There's certainly always more we can do, especially in terms of crisis response. With the pilots we're doing and our commitment to universal access, it's at least sending a message that we could do more, but we're doing everything we can.

THE SPEAKER « » : The honourable member for Cape Breton Centre-Whitney Pier.

DHW: EMERGENCY CARE ACCESS - IMPROVE

KENDRA COOMBES « » : This week, the Annual Accountability Report on Emergency Departments was officially scrapped. This move was not made because the problem of emergency department closures has been resolved - quite the opposite. Many rural emergency room departments continue to be closed on a regular basis. My question to the Minister of Health and Wellness is: Can the minister explain why rural Nova Scotians are forced to deal with unpredictable access to emergency care?

HON. MICHELLE THOMPSON « » : Both the department and the Nova Scotia Health Authority have worked really hard across the province with clinicians, in particular. We know there are a number of rural communities where, for a number of reasons, recruitment has been a bit of a struggle. We are working directly with those clinicians to understand what the model of care is that they are best able to support the community in which they are living and working.

We understand we are looking at a variety of different ways to recruit new folks with the skill sets that are required to work in rural emergency departments. We continue to work with clinicians, who are working very hard to keep their hospitals, their offices, and their nursing homes open to the best of their ability. I can assure Nova Scotians that we are investing everything we have in order for that to happen.

[2:30 p.m.]

KENDRA COOMBES « » : Speaker, I agree that our health care workers work extremely hard. The minister has reported a number of times in this House - we can easily go online and look at our emergency room closures. We can also see that this government has not fixed the emergency care in our province yet. Yesterday, Nova Scotia Health Authority's website had 10 emergency department disruption notices, and today it is up to 11. I'll table that. What we can't see is whether this government is either making progress to reduce closures or making the problem worse. My question to the minister is: Why doesn't this government want Nova Scotians to see whether and where progress is being made on emergency room department closures?

[Page 1617]

MICHELLE THOMPSON « » : I want to thank all the folks who have helped with the recruitment. We have so many more physicians in this province than we did three or four years ago. We have a competitive contract looking at longitudinal family medicine and making sure people are compensated for the work they do in their office. We are now looking at rural longitudinal family medicine.

We are in markets across the world. We have looked at economic mobility for our physicians - first in the country. There are a number of things happening. We are leading the country in terms of recruitment and retention, and we are seen as "the little province that could" (laughter) in order to bring health care workers to this province to care for Nova Scotians.

THE SPEAKER « » : The honourable member for Cumberland North.

SLTC: LONG-TERM CARE BEDS - ADD

ELIZABETH SMITH-MCCROSSIN « » : My question is for the Minister of Seniors and Long-term Care. Cumberland County has 304 long-term care beds, and 31 per cent of our population is over 65. Another point I want to make is that, in our acute care hospital, 12 of our beds are being taken up by people waiting for long-term care, which eliminated our surgical unit. My question to the minister is: I'm wondering if today the Minister of Seniors and Long-term Care can provide an update for the people back home? What is the plan to add more long-term care beds in Cumberland County?

HON. BARBARA ADAMS « » : I could talk all day long about the plans for long-term care in the province of Nova Scotia. We had fewer than 8,000 long-term care homes for residents across the province. We are building 54 new and replacement facilities across the province. We did - because it didn't exist before - a comprehensive analysis of where the buildings were in the province, which ones were in need of repair, which ones were in need of replacement, and we announced a nine-year infrastructure plan that we are well under way in terms of executing, both in metro and across the province. I'll have more to say about her area in just a minute.

ELIZABETH SMITH-MCCROSSIN « » : I actually have another question for my supplementary. In addition to home care, home care services are not readily available for people who need them in their home. Unfortunately, VON are the only approved agency that Continuing Care can hire, and they don't have enough staff to mee the needs. So people are pretty consistently not having people show up to provide the care that they need. There are other agencies just across the border that are willing to provide the services.

Given the Premier's focus on removing interprovincial barriers, will the minister be willing to allow Continuing Care to hire these agencies that are willing to provide the care, want to provide the care, and are available, but happen to be on the other side of the Nova Scotia-New Brunswick border?

[Page 1618]

BARBARA ADAMS « » : We have 18 hired agencies that provide home care in the province of Nova Scotia to 40,000 Nova Scotians. One of the things that we have also done is we have provided direct benefits. There are quite a number of Nova Scotians who are able to hire someone that they would like to hire from their local communities. I've not had any requests to hire someone using those funds from another province. That's a request that I will now take back to the department. I do want to end on a very positive note: I do believe that the member's constituency has the shortest wait time for long-term care in the province of Nova Scotia.

THE SPEAKER « » : The honourable member for Halifax Citadel-Sable Island.

EECD: STUDENTS' NAMES & PRONOUNS - RESPECT

LISA LACHANCE « » : When all the flags came down at South Shore schools, the response from the 2SLGBTQIA+ community was swift, because we know that inclusion can't be jeopardized. 2SLGBTQIA+ students have told us time and time again in the Province's own Student Success Survey that Nova Scotia schools are not a safe place to learn. In this session, the minister confirmed that a long-awaited update to the 2014 Guidelines to support trans and non-binary students has been abandoned, despite extensive student engagement and previous commitments by this government. Does the minister confirm today that students in Nova Scotia will have the right to be addressed by their name and pronoun?

HON. BRENDAN MAGUIRE: I would challenge the member to show where I said it was abandoned. What I actually said is we did - thank you to the former Minister of Education and Childhood Development - comprehensive consultation and research with the community so that it could inform the Code of Conduct. Yes, the community was swift in their reaction to the flags, but what was even swifter was our department's reaction to make sure it was fixed.

LISA LACHANCE « » : I do find that it has been hard to get a direct answer from the minister about whether or not the students' rights to pronouns and names will be contained in the Code of Conduct, whereas it had been confirmed that that would be part of the Guidelines. As well, over the last months, anti-2SLGBTQIA+ sentiments and graffiti have appeared throughout the province. Graffiti on the South Shore, transphobic slurs in public spaces, not to mention the online climate. The 2SLGBTQIA+ community has collected the data. They've done the work. Now it's our turn as leaders to respond. Can the Minister stand and tell us when the much needed 2SLGBTQIA+ Action Plan will be delivered?

BRENDAN MAGUIRE: There's this picture that they are trying to paint, which is simply not true. I stood beside and will continue to stand beside that community. My own niece went through the process, and I watched as individuals threw hatred at her. I stood beside her, and my family stood beside her. I have been very clear on this matter. We respect the community, we respect the individuals, and we want our schools to be safe. They will be safe. We listened, we gathered their information, and that will be reflected in the Code of Conduct. If we missed anything, we will go back, we will look at it, we will consult, and we'll make adjustments.

[Page 1619]

THE SPEAKER « » : The honourable member for Dartmouth North.

OSD: ENCAMPMENT DEATHS - ADDRESS

SUSAN LEBLANC « » : Late last year, in the span of just five weeks, three people living in tent encampments died. Three lives lost - three people with families, with stories, with hopes. Nobody should die because they have nowhere safe to sleep. This government must take meaningful action before more lives are lost. My question for the Minister of Opportunities and Social Development is: When will this government address the crisis and ensure no more Nova Scotians die in tent encampments?

HON. SCOTT ARMSTRONG: Good news, Speaker: We have taken action, and that's why we increased the budget by 1,300 per cent. That's why we have new units going up all over the province. That's why homeless encampments are going down. We are providing spaces for people to go. I can happily report that on a cold night in this Winter, we had a spot for every single homeless person - a safe spot, a warm spot, and a spot with wraparound services to support them.

SUSAN LEBLANC « » : We appreciate that some work is being done, but that doesn't change the fact that lives are being lost. Those spots that the minister is talking about - not every person who lives in a tent is able to go into those spots, for a variety of reasons. It doesn't change the fact that during the Spring session, this government has refused to protect renters and lift Nova Scotians out of poverty while more than 1,000 people in this province still don't have a safe place to live. We have an excellent example of what is needed and is working in The Overlook in Dartmouth North.

Will the government ensure, like at The Overlook, that every Nova Scotian has an appropriate place to live with wraparound supports they need to survive and thrive and make sure no one else dies outside?

SCOTT ARMSTRONG: We have a range of supports for people who are experiencing homelessness or being challenged with a safe place to live, from emergency shelters, permanent shelters, and transitional housing to supportive housing. I'd like to point out The Rose. I've pointed it out many times in this sitting. There is a unit with 18 families who have been moved out of places like hotels. They provide a good place to live with bathrooms and a kitchen. There's a playground. There's a gym facility. We're going to continue to invest and support Nova Scotians who struggle.

[Page 1620]

I've said it before: The most important social program is a job. We're connecting people who struggle with employment in this province. That's our goal: to have fewer people needing supports. We're getting the job done.

THE SPEAKER « » : The honourable member for Cape Breton Centre-Whitney Pier.

DEM: HURRICANE CLEANUP COST - PAY

KENDRA COOMBES « » : This Province owes the CBRM for the cost of cleaning up after Hurricane Dorian. The claim was submitted to the Province in 2021, but it has not been processed because the government does not have enough staff to process disaster financial assistance claims within a timely manner. Can the Minister of EMO explain why it's taking this government years to process claims related to severe weather events?

HON. KIM MASLAND: My first question of the sitting. I thought I was going to go free. I'm aware of the claim that has been put in by the municipality. We have hired extra staff to work through those processes. We have over 2,600 claims from that storm. There's a lot of work to be done. We're down to minimal numbers now. We've advanced an amount of that money to the CBRM, but the CBRM has to finish their work as well.

KENDRA COOMBES « » : I am proud to have given the minister her first question of the sitting. The high cost associated with extreme weather events does not only fall onto government but also homeowners. After evading the Coastal Protection Act, this government released a guide for homeowners to safeguard their properties. This guide told coastal homeowners to get better insurance, cautioning that flood insurance typically doesn't cover damages from coastal flooding and erosion, even after a large storm event. Homeowners are responsible for the cost of repairs. My question to the minister is: Why did this government abandon coastal homeowners?

THE SPEAKER « » : The honourable Minister of Environment and Climate Change.

HON. TIMOTHY HALMAN » : Despite the false narrative and misrepresentation, Nova Scotia is moving forward with a very strong Coastal Action Plan, an action plan which we're currently working on with our municipalities, through the Nova Scotia Federation of Municipalities, to develop the example bylaws. Living in the past: There's no future in it. I encourage the Official Opposition to get on board with the Coastal Action Plan, which supports informed decision-making, supports municipal leadership, and deploys immediate resources for coastal action.

THE SPEAKER « » : The honourable member for Sydney-Membertou.

DHW: MEASLES VACCINATION RATE - PROVIDE

[Page 1621]

HON. DEREK MOMBOURQUETTE « » : As we know, measles cases are rising across Canada with multiple outbreaks now confirmed, including Ontario, Quebec, and New Brunswick. This highly contagious disease poses a serious risk, especially to infants and those with weakened immune systems. We know that vaccination is the best way to prevent the spread of measles and protect our communities. Can the Minister of Health and Wellness provide clarity on the current measles vaccine uptake rate in Nova Scotia and what steps the government is taking to encourage more families to get their children vaccinated?

HON. MICHELLE THOMPSON « » : I certainly had an opportunity to speak recently with Public Health. There is a lot of work under way to make sure that children are getting their childhood vaccinations and they're getting them on the schedule that's required.

Vaccination coverage is a little bit different across the province. What's happening is that Public Health, through the Nova Scotia Health Authority, is looking specifically at communities where vaccination rates are a bit lower and working really hard with resources in communities, whether that's resource centres or schools, et cetera, to support parents in bringing their children to be vaccinated.

I want to reassure members in the House and in the broader community that surveillance is under way and Public Health is looking at really creative ways to make sure that other kids are immunized.

DEREK MOMBOURQUETTE « » : Many parents are understandably worried about these measles outbreaks and want to know what steps they should take to keep their children safe. In past public health situations, Nova Scotians have looked to the Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Strang, for clear, science-based guidance. Is this government planning on holding any public briefings with Dr. Strang to give families the opportunity to hear directly from our top Public Health expert on how to protect their loved ones?

MICHELLE THOMPSON « » : Dr. Strang is our well-loved Chief Medical Officer of Health and works across the province. We have a number of folks who work under the department and under Dr. Strang's supervision. What's really important is that we work throughout community to make sure that the folks closest to the people who require the vaccination are actually involved in the work as well.

[2:45 p.m.]

Dr. Strang is very much involved. There are a number of medical officers of health across the province by zones. We have very talented and educated and experienced public health nurses. We have primary care providers; we have pharmacists. I just want to assure the member opposite that Dr. Strang has this well in hand. He is giving us all our marching orders and making sure that he is mobilizing the very effective Public Health team in the province.

[Page 1622]

THE SPEAKER « » : The honourable member for Halifax Needham.

EECD: NEW STUDENT CODE OF CONDUCT - DELIVER

SUZY HANSEN « » : Students, teachers, and parents have been waiting for more than a year for a new student code of conduct. The draft was due in September but this government missed the deadline. Then the minister promised that it would be shared and put into action in March. Well, it's almost the end of March and gaps in the consultation process to finalize have been identified during this sitting. Will the Minister of Education and Early Childhood Development confirm that the code of conduct will actually be delivered this month? Or will there be another missed deadline?

HON. BRENDAN MAGUIRE: Again, I just want to stand in my place and thank the former Minister of Education and Early Childhood Development for all the hard work on this. A lot of voices went into this. Speaker, I've said it before, and I'll say it again: I would rather take the time to do it right and make sure we hear from everybody. We made a promise to release it sometime in March. We're still in the month of March last time I checked, and we're going to make sure that when the plan comes out, everyone gets a peek at it.

SUZY HANSEN « » : Speaker, we know these things can't be rushed, but Nova Scotians at least deserve an update. The code of conduct is long overdue because across Nova Scotia, students are afraid to go to school. Teachers are afraid to go to work. Parents are anxious about sending their kids to an environment where violence is rising and consequences are unclear. It's almost the end of the school year, yet students, teachers and parents are waiting while the government continues to delay the release of the code of conduct. When will this government address these fears and commit to making our schools safer for everyone?

BRENDAN MAGUIRE: I think painting the education system as "children are afraid to go to school" does a disservice and misrepresents the hard work of all our teachers, our support staff, PSAANS, and all the volunteers and all the great kids who are in our schools across this province. What I can tell the member, Speaker, is that the update we have given. We've given lots of updates on this. We have talked to the NSTU. We're talking to PSAANS. We're talking to SACs. We're getting as much information as we can, and it will be out this month.

THE SPEAKER « » : The honourable member for Halifax Citadel-Sable Island.

DHW: FULL TRANSGENDER HEALTH CARE - DELIVER

LISA LACHANCE « » : The World Professional Association for Transgender Health has established, based on peer review and expert studies, standards of care for the health of transgender and gender-diverse people. In the current Version 8, the standards include comprehensive health care beyond hormonal or surgical treatments. Yet this is where coverage in Nova Scotia is stuck. The minister has been reviewing the Standards of Care Version 8 since September 2022, but there is still medical care that Nova Scotians can't get. Will the minister stand and commit to delivering comprehensive transgender health care?

[Page 1623]

HON. MICHELLE THOMPSON « » : I am proud of the work that has happened in the Department of Health and Wellness and with the advocacy of a number of community members to support the expansion of gender-affirming care. I recently did meet with a number of advocates to be able to talk about the procedures we don't cover that are included in the WPATH guidelines. We are looking at those. I know that there are a number. We are looking at what is happening jurisdictionally, whether other provinces are covering these treatments, et cetera. There are discussions under way.

I will say there are a number of things that come through the department, as members know. There's an infinite number of requests for finite resources. We really are trying to improve access to health care across all genders and all age groups. We will continue to work with community to understand how we can support.

LISA LACHANCE « » : Earlier this Winter, the North End Community Health Centre was planning to host a session on gender-affirming care at the Glitter Bean Cafe. Unfortunately, the event had to be cancelled because groups were planning to protest outside, and I'll table that. All Nova Scotians deserve a safe place to discuss their health care. What will the minister do in the coming year to expand gender-affirming care and support better education so that people can safely discuss their health care needs?

MICHELLE THOMPSON « » : We want people to feel safe and be able to ask questions and get the information that they require. We want folks to not only have conversations in health care facilities but to feel free and welcome to have those conversations in places like libraries and community resources, particularly in rural Nova Scotia, where it's more difficult sometimes for people to access information, so perhaps online would be better. We're open to those conversations. We work with folks in the sexual health world who are providing services. We're open to any ideas that are available in order for us to help support people who are looking for gender-affirming care information.

THE SPEAKER « » : Order, please. The time allotted for Oral Questions Put by Members to Ministers has expired.

The honourable member for Cumberland North.

ELIZABETH SMITH-MCCROSSIN « » : I rise on a point of order. During Question Period, while answering a question from the member for Sydney-Membertou, the Premier gestured toward the opposition section of the House and said, "Those members didn't support the budget." While this budget has some issues, I did support the budget and would like the Premier's words to be retracted.

[Page 1624]

THE SPEAKER « » : Not a point of order. It is a disagreement between members.

OPPOSITION MEMBERS' BUSINESS

The honourable member for Halifax Citadel-Sable Island.

LISA LACHANCE « » : Speaker, would you please call the order of business Private Members' Public Bills for Second Reading.

PRIVATE MEMBERS' PUBLIC BILLS FOR SECOND READING

THE SPEAKER « » : The honourable Official Opposition Government House Leader.

LISA LACHANCE « » : Speaker, will you please call Bill No. 109.

Bill No. 109 - Ending Abuses of Fixed-term Leases Act.

The honourable member for Dartmouth North.

SUSAN LEBLANC « » : I am happy to stand today to speak to Bill No. 109, Ending Abuses of Fixed-term Leases Act. I want to begin by saying that we have had an awful lot of conversation this sitting around issues related to housing. I've said this before, but I'll say it again: The issues that are present in the housing sector in terms of renters are extremely present in the constituency that I represent - Dartmouth North.

I feel like, even though I am not the critic of this area for our party, I've done tons and tons of work on this subject. Basically, my constituency office is daily full of people who are experiencing an eviction process - going through an eviction process. They are applying for the rent supplement. They are trying to figure out how their power bill is going to get paid because their rent is too high. Essentially, the people who come to the Dartmouth North MLA office are people for whom life is not affordable, and they cannot make ends meet. There are a number of ways that these folks can be helped through government programs and otherwise, but one of the biggest issues facing people whom I represent has been the rising cost of rents over the last seven or eight years - really, six or seven years.

Many landlords - and I will reiterate, folks, not all landlords - but many landlords are trying their hardest to rapidly cycle tenants in and out of their units with fixed-term leases so that rents can be increased beyond the rent cap. If you don't believe me, there are plenty of news articles about this very thing.

[Page 1625]

Speaker, here's the deal: Rents were going out of control, people were getting renovicted, so the government of the day decided, instead of dealing with this issue in a holistic and sustainable way, to put an emergency rent cap in place, which - let me tell you - was a good thing, and it stopped people from being evicted. It stopped people from not being able to pay their rent and getting out on the street. It did bandage one part, one wound of this entire - these many wounds, in terms of the housing crisis.

The rent cap went in place. I think in the beginning it was 2 per cent; then it was 2 per cent; then it was 5 per cent, and it is 5 per cent now, but the problem is that the rent cap did not contemplate the needs of landlords in any way, so there was no way for landlords to charge more rent if there was an emergency, if their building was falling apart, if they needed a new roof. Therefore, landlords who are stuck in this situation have looked for other ways to skirt the rent cap, and the best way to do it is with a fixed-term lease.

They are - and not all of them; I'm going to say that again and again - but many landlords, we see them trying to - when a unit becomes available, they put it back on the market with a fixed-term lease, and then because a fixed-term lease obviously has a fixed end date, the person who's renting has to leave and the next person comes in. And the landlords can jack the rent again and again and again. There's no cap on how much they can charge for rent.

We have situations now in Dartmouth North where - I have a friend who lives in a studio apartment on Leaman Drive. She lives on a very low income but she pays $700 for her apartment. It is what she can afford. She is able to pay the rent every month, so that's great, but a person living across the hall from her is in the exact same layout of an apartment, and it's $1,700. So, of course, people are terrified of leaving their units, and they're struggling to hold onto the units they have, even with the 5 per cent rent cap.

I'm happy to bring - I have plenty of examples that I could bring, but I'd like to discuss one today. It is sort of disappointing that here we are again talking about this issue. We've been talking about it for years. We've seen the harms being caused by the abuse of fixed-term leases and how they've been affecting Nova Scotians for several years now, and the government has refused to act. Fixed-term leases are meant to allow people to rent for limited periods of time, like in short-term rentals. There are lots of good reasons to use fixed-term leases. I'm convinced of that. I've had landlords have meetings with me. I understand that.

But we're not talking about those good uses of fixed-term leases. We're talking about the abuse of fixed-term leases. Again, I will reiterate that it's happening all over the place. I'm sure we've all heard stories from constituents who've been forced to move because their landlord refused to renew their fixed-term lease, not because they were bad tenants - perfectly fine tenants - but because the landlord wanted to charge more than 5 per cent for the unit. They have an opportunity to get someone out of the unit, and they can charge 25 per cent. They can charge 1,000 per cent more if they want.

[Page 1626]

Until very recently, they've been getting those rents. People are desperate for a place to live, and they'll pay anything - or some people will. It has huge consequences for tenants. Last year, an entire building in my constituency was evicted after the landlord refused to renew a series of fixed-term leases. One of these tenants evicted from this building, Keely Corrigan, saw her rent more than double. It was from $754 to close to $1,600. I'll table that article. If Keely's landlord was unable to use the fixed-term lease loophole to evict her, she would have seen an increase of, at most, 5 per cent. Instead, because this government has refused to close the fixed-term lease loophole, she's had to move to a new building with a rental price that was 112 per cent higher than her old one.

A CBC reporter recently caught up with Keely to see how she was handling her significantly higher rent, and she explained - and I quote, and I've tabled the article - "I'm obliterating my savings. I have not been able to save anything for emergencies or retirement . . . I can't even put away 20 bucks because I got all my pennies accounted for."

She has given up completely on ever buying a home. As she put it, "How can you plan for any sort of future when you can't even guarantee that you're going to have a home tomorrow, right?"

Keely is far from alone in her experience. Fixed-term leases are pervasive in this province. A recent study completed by Nova Scotia ACORN found that when tenants were asked why they signed their fixed-term lease, over 99 per cent responded that it was the only form of lease that the landlord had presented to them. I can table that.

Forget the fact that fixed-term leases are being used almost ubiquitously now. Most of the time - or many of the times, I should say - in my experience with constituents whom I'm representing, people don't even know that they're signing them. When we talk about tenants knowing their rights and understanding that they should go to the Residential Tenancies Program when something is happening, when they're getting evicted or whatever, this is a major issue. People are signing leases because the landlord tells them they need to, and they are essentially signing their eviction order for the following year.

[3:00 p.m.]

I had another building in my riding that I organized, where it was sold and a new owner came to all of the tenants who had the other kind of lease - a periodic lease. They had periodic leases. The landlord's building manager came and knocked on all the doors and said, "We have a new owner and you've got to sign this new piece of paper here."

He presented the new piece of paper to them. It had a place for a signature. They signed it, thinking that this is the kind of thing that happens when your building gets sold. "Oh, you can stay. Don't worry about it, your rent is not going up. Don't worry about it. Just sign here. You have to re-sign."

[Page 1627]

A lot of them signed it because they didn't know any better. Who would? They were evicted a year later. Luckily, the Dalhousie Legal Aid Service intervened and some of them were able to fight that eviction at Residential Tenancies but some of them just left. They got their notice to leave - "Your fixed-term lease ends on this date" - and they up and left. Who knows where they went? Some of them could have gone into the tenting encampment just down the street. I don't know for sure.

Additionally, 35 per cent of tenants who responded to ACORN's survey reported that they have been evicted on a fixed-term lease before when their landlord refused to renew the lease. This is a problem that is relatively unique to Nova Scotia. Other provinces do not leave tenants vulnerable to eviction and massive rental increases. In British Columbia, for example, landlords are required to offer tenants a new lease at the end of their fixed-term lease, unless the landlord or a close family member plans to move into the unit.

In Manitoba, landlords must provide the tenant with a renewal of the fixed-term lease three months before the term comes to an end. In P.E.I., Speaker, you cannot be evicted simply because your fixed-term agreement has ended. There has to be another reason. I like this system.

The bill in front of us, Bill No. 109, would better align our province with other Canadian jurisdictions. It will restrict the use of fixed-term leases to better balance the relationship between tenants and landlords. I know that yesterday I said it's impossible to make that relationship balance, but there are some things we can do to help the balance. In particular, it will require the landlord to offer a month-to-month lease to the tenant one month before the set end of the fixed-term lease.

Through these changes, tenants will be able to stay in their apartments year after year, while only incurring, at most, the 5 per cent rental increase under the current cap. Even though that 5 per cent rent increase at the moment is far too high - it's much higher than the cost of the CPI or the rate of inflation - it's still a lot better than facing eviction and a rental increase of over 100 per cent.

This government is refusing to make the changes that support renters. Instead of closing the fixed-term lease loophole and lowering the rent cap to help tenants stay in their homes that they can afford on a long-term basis, this government is shamefully working to make it easier for landlords to evict their tenants.

Here's a big solution, Speaker. I'm going off-script here for a second, so hold on. If the rent cap was a real rent cap, i.e., we had an actual system of rent control in this province that was tied to a unit and not a person, we would not be having this debate right now. It would fix the fixed-term lease loophole. Fixed-term leases could be used when they are appropriate but for people who want stable, long-term housing that they can afford, rent control tied to a unit would disincentivize landlords to evict in order to raise the rent. It would take the question out of the conversation.

[Page 1628]

I do not understand why we will not look at this option. It's better for everyone, including the landlords. Tenants deserve a government that will stand up for them. People in my community and in communities all across this province, they literally cannot afford to wait any longer. We need to act now.

I implore my colleagues to support this bill and end the misuse of fixed-term leases. Thank you very much.

THE SPEAKER « » : The honourable member for Timberlea-Prospect.

HON. IAIN RANKIN « » : I am pleased to say a few words on this bill. I would agree that there are times that fixed-term leases are abused by landlords. For that reason, I think we could support this bill because it's not outright banning fixed-term leases, but it is intending to end the abuse of that from happening.

The member referenced the example in British Columbia, which I think is a good model. I don't believe there are other provinces that have some kind of rent control but are silent on the issue of fixed-term leases. I believe Nova Scotia stands out. We would support this bill because it would allow better protection for tenants and close that loophole that the member speaks to.

We know that sometimes fixed-term leases are appropriate and useful in such cases as students or temporary workers, but they can be abused, especially with people who are in vulnerable positions. If we're maintaining a rent cap, then I do think we need to allow fixed-term leases to persist in some degree but try to close this loophole. I would disagree with the - I call it - dogmatic approach that the NDP has on housing, which is permanent rent control in perpetuity. I think while we continue to have supply challenges, ideally, we will get to a place in Nova Scotia where we have a healthier supply and demand mix that includes private housing and includes non-market housing availability with permanent low rent for people.

The member speaks to the need to have permanent rent control. I don't think that's appropriate. We as a caucus want to come through the middle on this issue. Yes, it was our party that put in a rent cap when we had barely any supply available, but you want to be in an ideal position where renters have options. When renters don't have options, that's when you see tenants being taken advantage of by landlords because they can jack up rents to unreasonable levels, just like any other market issue.

[Page 1629]

If we can get to a certain percentage of what is a healthy vacancy rate, then market forces do allow for better rent pricing for tenants, not dissimilar to the housing market and purchasing prices. I think that's just one distinction. Nova Scotians are struggling to find a place that's affordable to live. Currently, they still are. We see some supply coming on the market, so I'm not advocating for the removal of the rent cap right now. Certainly not. We've brought bills forward in the past that looked at data-driven policy, which I think is missing in this conversation. It's not an all-or-nothing. We needed to move to ensure that people were protected, particularly during the pandemic. I think that policy was good for the time.

We need to start making sure we have a better supply in the marketplace so that the market can help with tenants. I wouldn't support permanent rent control, but on this particular bill on closing the loophole for fixed-term leases to protect tenants, I certainly speak in support of that.

THE SPEAKER « » : The honourable MLA for Waverley-Fall River-Beaver Bank.

HON. BRIAN WONG « » : I do appreciate the opportunity to speak for a little bit on this bill. I do want to say to the members opposite that I do agree with my Liberal counterpart on some of the points that were made; however, I do believe that all parties come from the same place and want the same things. We want renters to be able to have an affordable and safe place to live. At the same time, we want our landlords to have a reasonable return on their investments. Fixed-term leases have been part of the Residential Tenancies Act for a long time. They do work and they can work. Are there one-offs where they're not working for people? Absolutely. There's no doubt that the member for Dartmouth North has certainly brought some of that out.

It really does come down to a difference in philosophy. We propose that the solution is building more housing, which both parties opposite have had a chance at over the last 12 years and have not done so. We have a housing plan; the opposite parties did not. That is why our government has absolutely made historic investments right across the housing spectrum. I've had a lot of conversations with landlords, I've had conversations with tenants, and each one of them do produce different opportunities and different challenges.

Each conversation also reiterates the importance of the message we deliver often: to be sure every decision we make balances and protects the rights of both landlords and tenants. We want tenants to live in homes that are safe. We want them to be affordable. As I said, we need to have landlords who are able to get reasonable returns on their investments so they can continue to provide homes for people to rent in the first place. It is a delicate balance.

Fixed-term leases can be a good option for both tenants and landlords, and they have proven to be throughout the years. They do have a purpose. For example, a university student only needs a place to stay for perhaps eight or nine months per year. It's a set period of time. They don't need a full year because they don't go to school for a full year. Often, they'll choose to go back home for several months to work in their home community.

[Page 1630]

Fixed-term leases have been part of the Residential Tenancies Act, as I have mentioned, for decades. When the rent cap was introduced in 2021, some Nova Scotian landlords unfortunately started to use fixed-term leases more frequently because there were these unintended consequences. Landlords need to ensure they're making enough money to make the fixes they need from time to time - the general maintenance they need from time to time. There are unexpected damages that happen to a property as well.

Some landlords use fixed-term leases so it's easier to evict a tenant for bad behaviour. This was a concern for us, so in response, we introduced new legislation in Fall 2024 to clarify, based on behaviour, what can result in a tenancy being ended early.

I want to pause here for a moment. It's important to remind the member opposite of the key principle we follow when making any changes to the Residential Tenancies Act program, and this is to balance the rights and needs of tenants and landlords.

We understand the member opposite's concerns about fixed-term leases. However, they have played a role in our housing system for many years. Removing or changing fixed-term leases from the Act could have unintended consequences that could have a negative impact on the housing market.

We do believe in economics and the whole concept of the invisible hand. That means the market really controls the supply of housing, which controls price - also the demand of how many renters we have out there looking to rent. We went through an unprecedented population growth, which, of course, drove up the cost of housing, but as of late, we've seen a reduction. We don't have as many people from other countries coming in. We see more vacancies available on the market right now. We do see prices stabilizing.

I have a personal story. My sister-in-law moved here from Calgary as a health care worker and had a difficult time finding reasonable rent. She has a nice apartment, but the apartment she rented two years ago - for that same place now - she could probably rent for $200 less. We do see movement in the market.

[3:15 p.m.]

When we talk about fixed-term leases - or any type of lease, for that matter - it comes down to what's available at that time. Some of the abuses that maybe the member opposite was talking about - since we have more availability right now, we do see prices stabilizing, and we will probably see a reduction in a lot of the use of fixed-term leases as we see landlords being able to make a reasonable profit on their rental properties.

[Page 1631]

I encourage all members, when working with constituents who are tenants and landlords, to remind them how important it is to know and understand their rights in accordance with the Act. When I was a teacher, one of the things I taught as part of the curriculum was the Residential Tenancies Act. It was important for students, especially those in Grade 12 who were going to go on to post-secondary or going into the workforce, to understand the Act.

One of the things all parties should understand is that we do need to educate people. We need to educate them on what the Residential Tenancies Act is. We need to make sure they understand before they sign something. They need to understand that when they go in, even to inspect a property, they should have a check-off list that they sign, so they make sure when they move out that they don't have to pay excessive damages in case that happens. It does happen. Part of this process is also education.

Staff from the Residential Tenancies Program meet with tenants and landlords to hear their concerns and to look at what could be done to address them. They're constantly listening and constantly updating ways to make it better for both tenants and landlords. The groups they meet with include Dal Legal Aid, Rental Housing Providers Nova Scotia, and ACORN.

We know and appreciate that the current rental environment can be challenging for many Nova Scotians. I can assure all members here tonight that this government is always looking for ways to strengthen the program. Over the past several years, legislative amendments have been introduced to enhance protections for tenants, including prohibiting different rental amounts for different rental terms; strengthening protections against evictions and renovations; making it easier to get security deposits back after a tenancy has ended; and extending the temporary 5 per cent rent cap to 2027.

We have also increased funding for the province's rent supplement program in this year's budget to provide 8,900 rent supplements to Nova Scotians - an increase of 400 supplements over the last year. There are also 14 community-based programs throughout Nova Scotia that offer diversion funding, including help with rent, which are funded by the Province.

Creating more housing so Nova Scotians have more choice is critical to the Residential Tenancies work we are managing. We need more places for Nova Scotians to call home. I assure you that addressing the housing crisis is one of our government's top priorities. Once the supply improves - and we're seeing that now - people have more choice. Once they have more choice, they'll have more options.

Last year, we released our Action for Housing plan - the only action for housing plan that's been submitted. It sets out how we'll work with partners to create the conditions to add an additional 41,200 units over the next five years and improve affordability for Nova Scotians in housing need. This includes advancing new initiatives and investments, such as creating 515 new public housing units to serve approximately 1,200 Nova Scotians, marking the first major public housing investment in over 30 years.

[Page 1632]

In fact, last month Minister LeBlanc shared an update on how we're doing with our plan - and we're doing pretty darn well. We've heard Minister LeBlanc mention that several times throughout this sitting. The Province's five-year housing plan is meeting or exceeding all targets. It's getting more people in housing faster.

In fact, we have surpassed our five-year goal in the first year. With the Province's five-year housing plan, housing starts are up 38 per cent, and the path has been cleared for the creation of an additional 51,352 housing units - 125 per cent of the 2028 goal. Affordability has been improved. For 16,200 households, the five-year goal is 17,250 households.

Development fees have been frozen in HRM, and the provincial portion of the HST has been cut for new rentals. Housing conditions have been improved - 38,844 households. The five-year goal is 47,900 households. Six hundred sixty-three first-time homebuyers were supported through the Down Payment Assistance Program, and 335 publicly owned affordable housing units have been upgraded. The goal is to upgrade 900 units by 2028.

The path has been cleared for 3,517 affordable and supportive housing units. More than 300 secondary backyard suite units are in the works, creating affordable housing for hundreds of people. Seven new Nova Scotia Community College student residences will allow 620 more students to access on-campus homes, and 200 of those are set to open in September, following the 100 that we opened at Akerley Campus last year.

Investments in the community housing sector have increased tenfold, with more than $120 million invested in the last two years. This has increased the number of households supported by 175 per cent.

The program is working. The program is working across the spectrum. The program is working for students. Not only has the Province invested in 620 new units for NSCC students and others, but the Department of Advanced Education has asked each university to ensure that they have a 15 per cent bed-provisioning rate. That means that every university has to have accessible beds on their properties to be able to accommodate 15 per cent of their students in their own housing.

We saw Dalhousie University react to that very quickly. They advanced 200 beds right off the bat by taking advantage of some of the rooms that they had made into single rooms during the COVID crisis. We've seen other universities put proposals in to increase their housing. We see Cape Breton University working on the Tartan Downs project, which hopefully will get that advanced. That's a partnership between community organizations, government and Cape Breton University.

[Page 1633]

I can't not mention the creativity - the things we've been doing as a government. We're okay to try new things. We're okay to try new things that may have an opportunity to work.

I would be remiss not to mention Happipad. We have tens of thousands of vacant rooms right across this province - vacant rooms that are sitting in houses that are available for people to go on a website. It's home sharing. It doesn't have to be Happipad. Home sharing isn't just for students. Home sharing could be for seniors. It could be for temporary workers. It could be for anybody who needs a temporary house. I always think of a senior who has a home with a couple of extra rooms who could use additional income. Not only could a senior use the additional income, but they could probably use the additional help around the house, maybe with doing lawn care or shovelling snow. There are advantages to home-sharing programs right across the spectrum. By using home-sharing programs, we also make sure that there are other units available, which increases the market supply, which also decreases housing.

We are seeing a lot of things that have happened for students right through to seniors housing, and to public housing that have absolutely changed lives - and are going to change the lives - of thousands of Nova Scotians.

THE SPEAKER « » : The honourable member for Halifax Needham.

SUZY HANSEN « » : I am so happy to stand here today to speak to Bill No. 109, Ending Abuses of Fixed-term Leases Act.

I like to emphasize certain words because I think people forget what's being said: ending the abuses. When it's an abuse, it means that it's not supposed to be happening. We stand in this Legislature, and we talk about how people shouldn't be abused and things shouldn't be happening to folks. Well, we want to end the abuses of fixed-term leases.

As was said by my colleague, fixed-term leases - there is a purpose for them. We agree on that - students needing a shorter time frame for a lease. That makes so much sense.

We're talking about folks who are actually living in homes where year to year they have no idea what to expect when their lease is up or when they have to renew. We're saying, Let's end that. I know that folks in this House know this. Now it is absolutely impossible to sign a lease that isn't a fixed-term lease. If anybody can tell me differently, I would be happy to hear it, because what we're hearing from Nova Scotians is that this is a problem.

We all know that Nova Scotians are struggling to keep up with soaring rents. The rent prices are going berserk. That's why this government put a cap on how much a landlord can increase the cost of rent each year - for good reason. But Nova Scotians who rent will surely tell you that the cap is not working. We see numbers. We've talked about numbers. They've been tabled here multiple times - about how, year after year, those numbers are not 5 per cent. When it's a fixed-term lease and that lease is up, the landlord can choose to charge whatever they want on that unit after that person is out. The rent is not staying stable. That cap is not working.

[Page 1634]

At 5 per cent, the rent cap we have in place is the highest in the country, and it's full of loopholes. The fixed-term lease is one of those loopholes that landlords eagerly use. We are all in agreement here today that this is being abused. It has been talked about by all three members and me as well. There are some bad characters who are misusing the purpose of what a fixed-term lease is supposed to be for.

Last year, new tenants, on average, saw rent increases of 28 per cent. How does that compute when the rent cap is supposed to be only 5 per cent? Twenty-eight per cent is way higher than 5 per cent. It's not like a 6 per cent increase or an 8 per cent increase - it's 28 per cent. Imagine that. Imagine someone who is on a fixed income, whom we see and talk to all the time, telling us they are getting a new lease, and that lease is going to charge them 5 per cent more than what they have as a fixed income. They are not even going to be able to pay for their medicine. They are going to have to skimp on their food. They are going to have to utilize the food banks. They are going to have to go out and ask their friends and family for money to eat. Don't have a family and have that same situation happen.

Let me break down that math for you. The average rental increase for new tenants last year was 23 per cent - higher than this government's already-too-high rent cap. We're seeing this in part because landlords are using fixed-term leases to continuously cycle new tenants through their units.

I know that each and every one of us in here have heard from folks who have been through this problem. We're seeing this in part because landlords are using fixed-term leases to continuously cycle new tenants through their units, while increasing the rent price beyond the 5 per cent each time a new tenant enters the unit.

The bill in front of us would stop this from happening. It would help us to keep housing affordable for Nova Scotians. We were just talking about that. I think that's one of the things that the member opposite said. We want renters to have an affordable and safe place to live. That is something we can all agree upon. This bill in front of us would stop this from happening. It would allow us to continue to have affordable housing for folks who need it the most. It would keep housing affordable for Nova Scotians.

This bill would do this by requiring the landlord to offer a month-to-month lease to the tenant one month before the set end of the fixed-term lease. We urgently need to take this step so that Nova Scotians can feel a sense of security where they are living.

[Page 1635]

We just said that we want them to feel safe where they live. We want them to feel secure. We want to make sure they have an affordable place to live. These are the government's words - and we agree. We don't agree that what we have in place right now is working. It is proven through the numbers, through the accounts of constituents across the province, and now here as we talk about this.

We urgently need to take this step so that Nova Scotians can feel a sense of security where they're living. Many renters are living paycheque to paycheque and are unable to absorb the high rental increases that come along with fixed-term leases.

I just told you a story about someone who is on a fixed income. We have a ton of those in our ridings. Every year that comes up, just before somebody's lease is up, we get emails or phone calls about what they are going to do. How are they going to afford this? The rent is going up again and we haven't seen any legislation across this floor to show otherwise. We're trying to protect those folks who are experiencing this uncertainty.

Fixed-term leases, in some cases, are even leading to homelessness. It's not in some cases - we're seeing it. It's happening in front of our eyes every single day. Every single day, in one way or another, there is someone we know, someone in our community, someone who calls us and tells us that they are at risk of homelessness.

A survey among unhoused folks in Halifax found that 22.5 per cent said they had lost their home due to a renoviction or a fixed-term lease. Those are statistics. Those are facts. Renters in the province have tried to push back against their landlords, but their efforts are being blocked. ACORN Nova Scotia's report on fixed-term leases shows that when tenants are asking their landlords to switch their fixed-term lease to a periodic lease, they are being told no.

Where are the protections for them? Why aren't they able to do that? What is Residential Tenancies doing for that? I mean, that's what we are telling them - to go to Residential Tenancies, and yet we are hearing time and time again that this is what they have to protect them from being evicted or being let out of their lease.

[3:30 p.m.]

One survey respondent quoted in this report explained: "My landlord only uses fixed term leases" - oh wow, I didn't think that was being abused. This is why we are here. We are hearing this and it is abuse.

My landlord only uses fixed term leases, so I have had to sign one-year leases for years at a time. I have asked for year-to-year leases, as I have proved to be a long-term responsible tenant, but the landlords refuse. The rent has gone up more than the rent cap every year but we are still staying, because where else can we go?

[Page 1636]

What are our options?

I am grateful we can afford not to leave, but these leases are exploitative. Rent caps should be tied to the property, not the tenant.

This is from someone who is saying, you know what, they can afford it, but how much longer can they afford it? How much longer can folks continue to have an increase after an increase after an increase? I've been here for four years, and from Day 1, this has been the conversation. I have yet to see anything come across the housing file that speaks to folks who are experiencing these abuses - yet - and I waited. We talked about this from the beginning: there has to be a balance. One hundred per cent there has to be a balance, but when the imbalance is happening, what is the government doing? Crickets.

Another person responding in ACORN, Nova Scotia's fixed-term lease survey explained, "How is it nearly impossible to fight back against a landlord who wants to renew a fixed-term lease at a price above the rent cap?" They stated:

When we started renting here in 2021 the rent was under $2000, now the landlord is saying we have to accept an increase to over $3000 otherwise they will refuse to give us a new lease and find tenants who are willing to pay. We called the Tenancy Board and they said we have no legal recourse.

That's a day-to-day conversation in my office. The Minister responsible for the Residential Tenancies Act has continually said that there is a balance between landlords and tenants with the Residential Tenancies Program. With fixed-term leases, there are no balances.

I await to see what new information comes forward, what new legislation comes forward. Anything that will help tenants through this process, because we're seeing the abuse in real time. The landlords have all the power. Tenants are only permitted to stay so long as they can afford to pay what the landlords demand.

We have a duty - each and every one of us in this House - to listen to Nova Scotians and take action on the problems that they bring to us. That's our responsibility as legislators. Right now, we need to take action to protect Nova Scotians from the abuse of fixed-term leases. We need to do this to ensure folks can afford their homes and to restore some semblance of balance between landlords and tenants, and this bill provides that action.

[Page 1637]

Through these changes, tenants will be able to stay in their apartments year after year while only incurring, at most, a 5 per cent rental increase under the current rent cap, as this government intended.

I hope my colleagues across the floor and throughout this House will support this bill. With that, I adjourn debate.

THE SPEAKER « » : There is a motion to adjourn debate.

All in favour? Contrary minded? Thank you.

The motion is carried.

Before I move on, the Minister of Environment and Climate Change would like to be recognized to just do a quick introduction.

The honourable Minister of Environment and Climate Change.

HON. TIMOTHY HALMAN « » : Speaker, in the gallery we have two outstanding climate leaders. We have with us here today, from the beautiful province of Ontario, Alexandra Gair, senior advisor of External Affairs for the Canadian Climate Institute; and

Sachi Gibson, the senior research director. The MLA for Timberlea-Prospect and I know Sachi well. Sachi is a former staffer at the Department of Environment and Climate Change. I want to thank these two for the incredible leadership they show all the provinces and the entire country of Canada on climate change policy. Please stand and receive the warm welcome of the Nova Scotia House of Assembly. (Applause)

THE SPEAKER « » : Welcome to the House. We hope you enjoy your time here.

The honourable Opposition House Leader.

LISA LACHANCE « » : Speaker, would you please call Bill No. 58.

Bill No. 58 - 2SLGBTQIA+ Bill of Rights.

THE SPEAKER « » : The honourable Leader of the Official Opposition.

CLAUDIA CHENDER: I move that Bill No. 58, an Act to Establish a 2SLGBTQIA+ Bill of Rights, do now be read a second time.

I'm pleased for the opportunity to rise and speak to this bill today, which was moved by my colleague, the member for Halifax Citadel-Sable Island, and which I believe represents a very important step forward in the work of this Assembly. This bill, just to give people a sense of what it is, a reminder, would establish an equity directorate that would report to and advise the minister on issues facing the 2SLGBTQIA+ community.

[Page 1638]

We know that this is important. We know that these issues exist. I think we're past the point where we have to debate whether these issues exist. We also understand that this is a really important way forward. We have many ministerial advisory bodies in this province. The Minister for Environment and Climate Change just stood, and certainly his department is one where he has lots of experts advising him on the ways forward. We believe that this also should be established. We understand the importance of this to the well-being of many Nova Scotians.

Since the late 1960s, this community has seen steady gains in rights - hard-fought, but steady. While discrimination against 2SLGBTQIA+ people persists in many places, there have also been major strides toward mainstream social acceptance and formal, legal equality in recent decades. I do want to take a moment and note that I'm glad that this bill can be brought forward in this House in a climate of listening and respect. That is not the same in every Legislature across this country. It is not the same in our federal House of Commons. What we aim to do with this bill is to continue that climate of listening and respect, to make sure that our eyes and ears are open to the experiences of our fellow Nova Scotians and that we are doing our very best to serve everyone.

There is work to do, friends. Nova Scotia has a higher proportion of queer and transgender residents than any other province in Canada. That's really worth noting. Yet we continue to ignore the challenges that we know are facing this community. When we know better, we do better. I'm going to outline a few of those. In the 2023-2024 Student Success Survey, an average of 24 per cent of students reported feeling unsafe, but 44 per cent of 2SLGBTQIA+ students reported feeling unsafe - 44 per cent. They reported the highest level of unsafety in hallways, in washrooms, and 49 per cent experienced homophobia and transphobia; 28 per cent of 2SLGBTQIA+ students experienced discrimination; 70 per cent witnessed homophobia and transphobia; 75 per cent reported that transphobia and homophobia affected their mental health; 30 per cent - the highest proportion - reported that they did not want to attend school. They did not want to attend school because of their experience there.

We've heard a lot from the government, when we bring these issues forward, that we're fearmongering or we're not accurately representing the situation. I hope we can all agree that in this situation, we are failing a proportion of our kids.

I want to pause for a minute and say these are our kids. If they're not your kids, take a minute and think about if they were. Think about if you had a child who didn't want to go to school because of discrimination they faced. Think about if you had a child who felt like there was nowhere to go, who didn't believe that teachers or administrators had their back because they didn't have the appropriate tools to deal with the challenges that they're facing. We can do better. We believe that this bill is a step towards doing better.

[Page 1639]

Another area I want to talk about is gender-based violence: 2SLGBTQIA+ folks are on the front lines of gender-based violence. Statistics Canada reported that they were more likely to report being violently victimized in their lifetime and to have experienced inappropriate behaviours in public and online than any other group of Canadians.

Now is the time. We need to stand up in our province in these increasingly divisive times and say that we stand for belonging and inclusion and safety, and that we do not stand for hate. These are not partisan issues. In fact, just today, we've heard statements from multiple ministers to this effect, which we were glad to hear, but we need more than statements. We need action.

Speaker, 2SLGBTQIA+ young people and their rights are being tossed around right now by people seeking to spread hate and create social turmoil. There are messages of hate showing up in our communities - in Bridgewater, here in Halifax, with businesses being defaced. My colleague spoke earlier today about a situation where a local business couldn't host an event because of threats - and even along 100-Series Highways. The community itself gathers information. They support each other. They bring it to us, and we bring it here because we know that it is time for action.

We know that we can do this work. This work provides a framework for government to ensure that these Nova Scotians have the same rights as everyone else and can enjoy those rights. A secretariat would provide a home for the implementation of a 2SLGBTQIA+ action plan. They would need to release consultation results so we could learn. We know that we have a plan that we are waiting to see the results of. We can respectfully engage stakeholders. We can do all the things that government is positioned to do in various departments.

We can make a difference in the things that Nova Scotians care about but which this community has disproportionate difficulty with: housing, health care, affordability. These are things we all care about. These are things that this government has said that they are prioritizing. We need to make sure they're prioritized for everyone and that includes the 2SLGBTQIA+ community.

We are a caring and welcoming province, but we have work to do. Today my colleague invited the Premier to join us in flag raisings that are coming up. This is another invitation. This is an invitation to the members of this government to make your words mean something, to make it happen, and to help us establish a 2SLGBTQIA+ bill of rights.

[3:45 p.m.]

THE SPEAKER « » : The honourable member for Timberlea-Prospect.

[Page 1640]

HON. IAIN RANKIN « » : I rise today to speak in support of Bill No. 58, which creates the 2SLGBTQIA+ Bill of Rights. This is exactly the kind of work I think that the Office of Equity and Anti-Racism Initiatives should be working on. I want to thank my colleague the member for Halifax Citadel-Sable Island for their advocacy for the community. Obviously, they have been working on these issues assiduously over the time that they have been elected as a member in the House. I've witnessed that.

This bill particularly aligns with the values that we hold dear in this province. The values of fairness, respect, and dignity for all people, regardless of their background or identity. As legislators, it's our responsibility to ensure that every Nova Scotian, regardless of who they are, whom they love, or where they come from, feels that they are not only included in our society but also truly valued.

This bill is a vital tool to ensure the equity-deserving groups are represented and supported in our laws and policies. I think many of us know of circumstances where people from the communities in this bill that it speaks to don't always feel welcomed and that they've experienced challenges in workplaces, in businesses, and with government interactions themselves.

We know that there are still too many people in our province that experience discrimination, marginalization, and a lack of opportunity simply because of who they are. This bill is an important step forward, addressing those inequities and ensuring that our human rights framework evolves to reflect the diversity of experience in our workplace. It's not just about addressing past wrongs; it's about making sure that moving forward, every Nova Scotian feels that they're a valued part of the fabric of our province.

We must create spaces where everyone has equal access to justice, equal protection under the law, and equal opportunity to thrive. By supporting this bill, we send a message that we believe in equality, that we believe in opportunity, and that we believe in the inherent value of every person in our community. Let's continue to make Nova Scotia a place where all people feel included and empowered to live with dignity and respect.

THE SPEAKER « » : The honourable Minister of Health and Wellness.

HON. MICHELLE THOMPSON « » : As I stand in my place to speak about Bill No. 58, I want to begin by saying that I fundamentally believe that at our core, each of us wants to know that we are seen and we belong. I want people to know, as I stand on behalf of government, as Premier Houston has said, that no matter whom you love, or how you identify, you matter, and you belong in Nova Scotia.

I fundamentally believe that all members in this House also believe this, and so today, I stand first to reaffirm our commitment as government to moving forward, to advancing equity, and to assure Nova Scotians that we are not interested in going back.

[Page 1641]

What I'm going to talk about today is what has happened, and as a government, how we're moving equity forward. I think that's the part that's up for debate. I don't think it's how we feel individually about people who belong to the 2SLGBTQIA+ community, how important they are to the fabric of our province, but I think perhaps there is some debate on how we can move forward.

I want to acknowledge that initial steps began under the Premiership of the member for Timberlea-Prospect, standing up the Office of Equity and Anti-Racism in 2021, I believe. I want to acknowledge that work. The Office of Equity and Anti-Racism exists to work across government to identify and address systemic racism and inequity in government policy, legislation, programs and services.

Additionally, the office works in community with people with lived experience from diverse populations to inform the office's work, but also to help us work towards improving social and economic well-being in Nova Scotia. I'd like to highlight some of the work that is specific to the 2SLGBTQIA+ community at a higher level. I'm fortunate to stand as the Minister of Health and Wellness, but I do appreciate that this department is under another minister. This is not an exhaustive list, and I hope I will adequately describe some of the things that have been under way.

I also want to acknowledge that we recognize the fear and anxiety and frustration many 2SLGBTQIA+ individuals and communities are feeling right now. In the Equity and Anti-Racism Strategy, government made a public commitment to develop an action plan, and we remain firmly committed to seeing that work through.

The Office of Equity and Anti-Racism is leading the development of the plan and continues to coordinate work across departments, engaging with community and advancing policy and program changes.

I'm going to refer to it as the Office - for the Office of Equity and Anti-Racism. It's a bit of a mouthful sometimes. The Office is also tasked with representing the 2SLGBTQIA+ community within government, ensuring voices from the community are reflected in policy discussions, decision-making, and service delivery. Government understands that real change must be shaped by those with lived experience. That's why we're working closely with 2SLGBTQIA+ community individuals, advocates, and organizations to ensure voices help guide the development of the action plan. Staff supporting the development of the action plan are also members of the community.

In a past year, the Office of Equity and Anti-Racism led extensive engagement efforts, including partnering with a number of community-based organizations that serve and represent the Pride community. They have also recently provided community network grants to several organizations that serve the 2SLGBTQIA+ community, including the Health Equity Alliance of Nova Scotia, the Health Equity Alliance, and the Rainbow Refugee Association of Nova Scotia. This funding will support important projects to improve health care and supports in community.

[Page 1642]

The Office is leading government, actively taking steps to address the barriers and concerns raised by the community, and will continue working in partnership to include access to inclusive and affirming services.

The reason I want to highlight the work of the Office is because it's important that the Office oversees the work around equity and diversity because, while there are specific issues and concerns that are raised from different diverse populations, we have to consider intersectionality and where we have individuals who experience double or triple jeopardy as a result of identifying with several communities.

We want to make sure the work that happens promotes and raises individuals across the province. I reflect on some education I took a long time ago, when I was working at the school board. We had a facilitator in by the name of Nolan Pike. Nolan was doing some work - talking about how we can create trans-friendly environments in school. I'm appreciative of his insight.

I remember something he said. It was foundational; it was a big shift for me. He said that when we create environments that are safe for trans individuals, we create environments that are inherently safer for everybody. To me, that was one of the moments when I could fully sit and understand the issues around intersectionality, and when we're intentional in the ways in which we lean in, understand policy, and understand barriers, how safety for one group of individuals can improve safety for others. I have to admit that has stayed with me over the years. I don't know how many years ago it was - it feels like a long time.

The work that's happening is across multiple populations. Some things are specific interventions, and others are broader. In the bill, there was also a reference to health care. I want to acknowledge the Health Equity Framework. The consultation that went into the framework was extensive. There were a number of not only individuals but groups that represent the 2SLGBTQIA+ community that were able to come in and weigh in on their experiences and the needs they have in health care.

The Health Equity Framework is part of Solution Six. I shouldn't have favourites, but Solution Six really is my favourite solution because it's where we talk about how we create health in our province. Often, I will say I'm the Minister of Health Care, and all my Cabinet colleagues are the Ministers of Health because each of the ministries represents a determinant of health.

We are committed to a community-led approach with the Health Equity Framework. We're focusing on the patient experience, Health and Human Resources, health care workers' experiences, and health system policies and practices.

[Page 1643]

We've taken several steps to improve care in the health care system specifically. I do appreciate that it's imperfect and there is more to do. We've taken several steps to improve access to gender-affirming care: improving and streamlining the application process; supporting education not only for health care students but also for health care providers to make sure there is a basic and fundamental knowledge of how to support individuals seeking gender-affirming care or who have recently received gender-affirming care; and how individuals can care for folks from really intentional and safe conversations, to post-surgical intervention care.

I think some folks maybe are intimidated at times around hormone therapy, as an example, so we're creating a network where we can support clinicians across not only urban environments but rural environments to ensure that they have the information that they need. For primary care providers, we've included a billing code, which I think is really important. A billing code for gender-affirming care allows a couple of things. It allows clinicians time, so they don't feel under that pressure. That gender-affirming care billing code allows us to see that health care providers are actually given more opportunity to spend time with patients versus other billing codes, which may be more of a transactional approach, and also ensuring that those individuals who use the billing code actually have done the education and the work that's required to make sure that they are knowledgeable and safe in terms of the care that they deliver.

Examining the system includes policies and processes for patients, providing education to staff, which I think is really key. Certainly, there's been work that's happened in prideHealth, a partnership between the Nova Scotia Health Authority and the IWK Health Centre that works to improve access to safe, coordinated, comprehensive primary health care. Also, in addition, prideHealth provides education and resources to the Nova Scotia Health Authority and IWK staff.

I think what's really important is as employers, every single person - it's incumbent on them to understand how to create a safer and more inclusive environment. I think about when I worked at the R.K. MacDonald Nursing Home - we were just pre-pandemic - starting to have conversations about: How we would welcome the first transgender resident to the nursing home? How would we support staff? How would we make sure that staff had the skills and the knowledge and the attitudes that were essential in order to welcome a transgender individual into a really communal living environment? How could we make sure that it was safe?

Those conversations were beginning. We had reached out to Fudger House in Toronto, which was really the leader at the time in terms of providing the Pride community with long-term care and seen as the beacon. We had their toolkit. Those types of things were so important for us. I think it's incumbent on leaders throughout the system to really understand how best to support.

[Page 1644]

I also think it's important that each of us takes time to do really important work and critically understand our own values and beliefs; that we understand where our unconscious bias is. I think it's important that we have opportunities in our life to seek out those opportunities, but as a government, as employers, across business communities, I think it's important that we encourage people to do that critical self-reflection and understand exactly how best we create an environment in our workplaces that is safe and inclusive. I really do feel that the work that's happening under the Office of Equity and Anti-Racism, that work can be disseminated, that we can have consistency throughout government, and then use the learnings that we have to look at folks like our operators at Nova Scotia Health, as well as IWK, in order to support environments that are safe and supportive.

I appreciate that there's surely more to do, and we'll continue to do that work. Policies, rules, and restrictions in other provinces have rightly made people feel more afraid. We don't need to look very far to see very terrifying examples of discrimination and hatred in our own country and certainly south of the border. In some ways, it might feel to people like progress is being lost. I want to be very clear: No matter who you are, who you love, or how you identify, Nova Scotians deserve to live without fear and intimidation. We will continue to move forward and make progress. Make no mistake, our government is committed to equity, committed to inclusion.

We fully support the 2SLGBTQIA+ community and growing safe and inclusive communities across our province. Let's also be clear that legislation is not the only tool that will improve or fix things. It's really important that we recognize that people are. Each of us, people working throughout government, people working in our communities. We will continue to work together to support the 2SLGBTQIA+ community, think about our biases, how we approach things and see things, and then challenge them. That's how we make progress, and that's how we make a difference.

THE SPEAKER « » : The honourable member for Halifax Citadel-Sable Island.

LISA LACHANCE « » : Thank you to the members who have participated in this discussion. I think I would like to start reflecting on where the member just ended in terms of talking about the work that we need to do all the time - to work from a position of learning and curiosity, to recognize that all of us have grown up in contexts that actually do contain a lot of heterosexism, a lot of homophobia, a lot of transphobia, racism, ableism, and lots of other things too. I'll try to keep my remarks focused.

We constantly need to be thinking about where our growth points are and where our pain points are, and if we don't understand something, to seek it out and not to allow that social conditioning to take over. I also fundamentally believe that's important, but there's also a real need to be accountable and to hold government to account.

[Page 1645]

[4:00 p.m.]

I think this is particularly important now in a time of growing hate and misinformation. I have tabled in this House before information about, for instance, Twitter accounts that dominate the transphobic space and sphere on that social media platform. They're actually run out of one or two places, one or two organizations, and earn billions of dollars for their sponsors.

It is a frightening time. I know there has been some accusation from folks in here about fearmongering and that sort of thing. Please don't accuse young queer and trans people of fearmongering when they ask you for reassurance. Please don't assume that what I'm saying is not reflective of the letters I have received and the phone calls I have had.

It is time for us to stand up and be counted. When I entered this House when I was elected, I was actually incredibly surprised at how silent, in fact, this House had become on issues of equity for 2SLGBTQIA+ Nova Scotians. A number of the structures that had been built, that I had helped build, in the public service had actually been eliminated by the Liberals. I was very disappointed to see that, because I knew that if we didn't have capacity, if we didn't have people whose professional job it was to be responsible for understanding context, issues, possibilities for action and programs - it can't be everybody's job because it has to be somebody's job. It has to become very practical and tangible, especially when we think about government.

When I was first elected, I started something called the Queer Forum. Anybody's invited. It meets monthly. I had folks from lots of different departments come and become part of that. It's an online group that gathers together - folks from across the province and organizations. Really, I wanted it to be as non-partisan as possible - a way for queer and trans Nova Scotians and the people who work with them to have an ability to connect with what's happening in the provincial government. We have had folks from Vital Statistics. We definitely had a few visits from folks at the Department of Health and Wellness, and other parts of government. It has been a really important place for me, too, to understand where the temperature is at and what people are experiencing in their communities.

I had three goals that my lovely caucus has supported me in over the past number of years. One is to have a minister responsible for 2SLGBTQIA+ issues. I have definitely felt support from a number of ministers from the previous session and this session on these issues - 100 per cent. I do think that having one minister who is responsible and accountable for action would be appropriate. We also have a ton of ministerial assistants. Surely someone could have stepped forward. If that minister is to be the Minister of Justice with the Office of Equity, I really think it should be named. This needs to be an accountable position.

I'm also looking at the national landscape advocate for the 2SLGBTQIA+ Action Plan. That is under way. I am going to open up broad parentheses and say there has been community consultation, but the feedback to the community is long overdue.

[Page 1646]

I have had the chance to talk with the Minister of Justice. I know this is committed to, but the time is now. Public consultation ended last Summer, I believe, and there has been the development of the What We Heard document. But the What We Heard document has not been what we've seen. We haven't seen it yet.

Again, this is an important time for people to think about accountability, transparency, and the boring functions of government, which are to do good public engagement, develop good policy, go back to people, and then implement it.

A secretary - again, perhaps under that minister - is a way to bring it all together because this is complex. It is intersectional. It goes across functions of government and levels of government. We need the action plan to be released. We need funding to go along with it, because if it doesn't get funded, it doesn't get done. We need support in the public service, and amongst us all, the professionalization of skills around that. It's not only asking people to represent their community in a professional role - that's one part of that - but being able to have that professional approach, like whether that's someone who works in other areas of equity as well.

I do strongly feel that we still need to do better. I do appreciate when people say "love whom you love," "be who you are," except that honestly, we all figured that out. We're good on that. We don't need the affirmation of people to tell us we can love whom we love, and we can be whom we can be. We got that.

It's not what we're asking for these days in terms of programs, services, and rights. This government knows that because they've asked people. They've asked people in the development of the guidelines to support trans and gender-diverse students. This government has asked people in development of the action plan. The Department of Health and Wellness has, from time to time, connected with various advocates, individuals, and organizations that could also talk about this.

We're not asking for the right to be who we are or the right to love whom we love because we've got that one figured out. What we want is for people to be accountable for what we've told you. We need the action plan. The minister has committed to it but not a timeline. I would encourage this government to be clear on the timelines for the action plan.

I remain disappointed in what I see as a lack of accountability around the engagement that's happened, and around the guidelines to support trans and gender-diverse students. I have suggested ways in which the government could start being more accountable to young people about what's happened.

[Page 1647]

I feel like the minister does take offense to that, but I'm trying to relay what I've seen over years of this discussion about the guidelines. When young people have said to me, Is it going to happen? Is it going to be like New Brunswick? Is it going to be like Saskatchewan? Honestly, until I found out that the guidelines weren't coming out, I would say, I don't think so.

I think this government has indicated a great willingness to work on a range of issues, but honestly, it's now time to demonstrate. You've told us. Stop telling us. Show us. That means an action plan, a minister, a ministerial assistant, and frankly, an explanation as to what's happening with the guidelines.

I also asked the minister this session to simply confirm that Nova Scotia students will be able to use their names and pronouns in schools. That's something the previous minister was more than willing to confirm on regular occasion. I've asked the Premier to condemn homophobia and transphobia. Honestly, the first time I asked the Premier that, I wanted you to know that wasn't a "gotcha" moment. Do you know what it was? It was like a little softball. I knew, because of the amount of hate being faced by my communities around this country and internationally, that having the political leader of this province stand up and say, "Yes, I condemn transphobia and homophobia" would make a difference. That is what people are looking for.

Now, because when I'm asking about pronouns and names, when I'm asking about condemning transphobia in public, honestly, it feels like I'm putting communities at risk. I'm opening up the vulnerability of communities by asking for what I would consider the absolute bare minimum - frankly, our rights guaranteed in the Charter of Rights and Freedoms - and people aren't stepping up to do it. It is deeply disappointing.

We can do better. We have to do better. We need an accountable relationship with the queer and trans community. We have amazing people and organizations across the province. Some of you gathered with the Wabanaki Two-Spirit Alliance last week, and that is a great example of a community organization that should be engaged on a regular basis. I know that what we've seen has often been a very random, opportunistic approach to engagement of the queer and trans community. Then, where there has been more structure - as with the guidelines or the action plan - we're not hearing anything back. Like I said, it's time to show us, not tell us.

One of my early goals was around improving access to gender-affirming care. There has been a revised process. There is more research in place. That is all true. However, since September 2022, we've been talking about the Standards of Care, Version 8 from the World Professional Association for Transgender Health. I understand they're still in discussion, but I just think that for a government that is working faster on health care, this really shouldn't be that hard.

First of all, we look to international guidelines. We look to things like evidence-based practice because we don't have to reinvent the wheel. We rely on the expertise that people gather across Canada and around the world in lots of different areas of health. I just think that it's been three and a half years, and today the minister talked about estimating the costs. I am sure that, based on the last three and a half years, the minister could, in fact, accurately estimate the costs based on what's been requested. I don't think, to this government's budget, that it will be a great drain.

[Page 1648]

You know what it means when people say that there's this thing that's going to make me healthier, stronger, better able to be a great Nova Scotian, and you have a system that says no. It is devastating. I think this practice has ended, which is great, but what we've seen on the Standards of Care, Version 8 is that people have applied and been denied, and those people who can then afford legal counsel have been able to appeal.

Some people who have the money, the energy, and the ability to go and seek legal counsel have actually gotten these services that aren't provided for otherwise, and other people haven't. People who have gotten the services have been asked to sign NDAs. This is completely shameful. I think it's stopped, but the message to the community - because people talk, honestly - is: Unless you can get yourself a lawyer, don't bother asking for the full extension of your rights.

We've talked a lot about the investments made in health care - the priceless investments that have been made in health care. This is a pretty easy one that would not break the bank, and I think it's really important. I've met with people time and time again from sexual health organizations, researchers, pharmacists, service providers, and service users around access to PrEP in this province, and it is still a barrier. Again, this would be an easy one. It is a barrier. When people move from Ontario, they're like, Wow, I really can't get this. Access to the medication is too expensive. We can make a huge difference.

Then also thinking about gender-based violence. Again, there's lots of information about the experiences of queer and trans people around gender because the questioning of gender is threatening. What that looks like is harassment in the streets. We've talked time and time again about the stats in schools. We're asking Nova Scotia students and they're telling us, and we need to listen. We're not fearmongering.

We need to show the 2SLGBTQIA+ community that we are a government that acts. We need to show them - let's go beyond "love is love" and "be yourself" and ensure equity and justice. If you're asking us what we want, we've told you what we want. That needs to be respected.

[4:15 p.m.]

I move to adjourn debate.

THE SPEAKER « » : There's a motion to adjourn debate.

[Page 1649]

All those in favour? Contrary minded? Thank you.

The motion is carried.

The honourable Official Opposition House Leader.

LISA LACHANCE « » : Speaker, would you please call Bill No. 116.

Bill No. 116 - Emergency Department Accountability and Transparency Act.

THE SPEAKER « » : The honourable member for Halifax Chebucto.

KRISTA GALLAGHER « » : I'm happy to rise and speak today about the Emergency Department Accountability and Transparency Act. Today, I stand here not just as MLA but also . . . (interruption).

I move debate. Now I can go into it. Sorry, that note was late.

I stand here today not just as an MLA but also as a parent, and a parent who, like so many others in this province, has spent countless hours sitting in a packed emergency room waiting for help. My five-year-old son is bright and he's clever. He's full of energy. He loves LEGO, and he loves trucks, and he loves his grandparents. But also, like many kids his age, he suffers from chronic and recurring ear infections that make it hard for him to sleep and eat and play. Like far too many people in Nova Scotia, Mac and I do not have a family doctor. When Mac has a flare-up, we try 811, and we try the clinics. We often find ourselves heading off to the IWK emergency room. I pack a bag, and I bundle him up. We sit there, and we wait.

In preparation for these remarks today, my son wanted me to remind everybody that he really likes the TV screens at the IWK.

They make it easier, but we wait and we wait and we wait. The health care staff is working so hard. They're trying to make everyone comfortable, and we see them running around and trying to help. We get popsicles, and we get colouring. They're doing their best. As I sit there, I'm doing something that probably a lot of guardians are also doing. I'm triaging my own kid. Is he sick enough to be here? Is he being exposed to things? Is he exposing other kids to things? We play the game "Should we stay or should we go?" I feel like I'm not helping by being there in that emergency room. Honestly, I'm feeling like a bad mom because I feel like I'm failing my son. He's sick, and he's struggling with pain and discomfort.

I understand that it's not me who is failing my son. It's our health care system. The system is just not working. While he and I wait, we see other families just like us: a mother cradling her toddler with a deep cough that just won't go away or another parent whose daughter has twisted their ankle at a soccer practice. Of course, we see more serious issues. We see children with broken arms or legs. We see children with deep cuts that need stitches.

[Page 1650]

I know that his ear infections are not an emergency, but without a family doctor, I have few other options. Families like mine and children like my son are forced into emergency systems because there's nowhere else to go. That means longer wait times for everybody, including children who need desperate and immediate care. This is the reality for thousands of families across Nova Scotia, families who sit for 8 or 10 hours in crowded emergency rooms because they have nowhere else to go.

I'm from rural Nova Scotia, actually, so when I'm sitting there in the IWK Health Centre, I'm thinking of folks who don't have access to a designated children's hospital - we're so lucky to have the IWK Heath Centre - families in rural areas who show up to their local emergency room and find that it's closed for the weekend, families who do everything right. They pay their taxes, they work hard, they love their kiddos, but they still can't get help when they really need it the most.

This isn't how health care should work. No family should be left scrambling to find an open emergency room in the middle of the night. And no child should have to wait in pain because their parents have nowhere to take them. This is why we need accountability in our emergency rooms. We need metrics. We need data.

THE SPEAKER « » : Order, please. I'm sorry to the person speaking. I want to remind members in this House that, when you enter and leave this Chamber, you are to bow to the person speaking and to the Chair. It's the one long-standing tradition we have to show respect. I know it gets testy in here at times, but that is one way we show respect to each other.

The honourable member for Halifax Chebucto.

KRISTA GALLAGHER « » : Thank you, Speaker. We need metrics, and we need data, and we most importantly need answers. We can do that with our legislation. The Emergency Department Accountability and Transparency Act. The government's decision to do away with the annual Emergency Department Accountability Act is a sad one.

This government claims that it's not helpful because the numbers are outdated. But instead of scrapping the accountability report altogether, I suggest we fix it. By requiring quarterly reports, our Act will finally give us the full picture of what's happening in our emergency rooms. This picture will be timely, and it could be accurate. It will tell us how many people are waiting and how long they are waiting for, and how many leave without ever being seen. Because I will say that I have left without ever being seen.

[Page 1651]

It will track closures so we know what hospitals need the most help. And it will force the Nova Scotia Health Authority to consult with affected communities. So that instead of just accepting these closures, we can start finding real solutions. Because every time an emergency department closes, it doesn't just impact hospitals, it impacts an entire community. It pushes more people into already overcrowded hospitals in other regions of our province.

It leaves rural families with nowhere to turn. It puts lives at risk. No parent should have to hold their child's hand and wonder if they'll be safe. I've done it. No child should ever have to suffer in pain while waiting in an overcrowded ER. And my son has done that. No family should be left without care because of lack of action. Nova Scotians deserve better. Parents deserve better - and most of all, our children deserve better.

The Emergency Department Accountability and Transparency Act is a step toward accountability, toward transparency, and toward real solutions. For the parents sitting in emergency rooms tonight, holding their sick and injured children, that help cannot come soon enough.

THE CHAIR: The honourable Leader of the Liberal Party.

HON. DEREK MOMBOURQUETTE « » : I'm happy to get up for a few minutes to talk about the bill and support the bill for my colleague. There are some key messages that I take from it, when it comes to the reporting. We've heard conversations about the minister and why they are changing it.

I always go to the history. You would be aware of some of the challenges in the Glace Bay Hospital's emergency department over the years. The challenges that were there and the challenges around the extensive wait times in the ER at the Cape Breton Regional Hospital, which are so far beyond the average of wait times that you're experiencing across the province. We all hear those stories.

I say that the more data we can give to people, the better. I've said this before: Being here for a few years, you get a good history lesson. You learn a lot. In defense of the minister, the minister wasn't here those years - many people weren't here those years - but the government today, every single day in the Legislature, for the people who were here, pounded and pounded and pounded away on guys like myself and others - and I was in Cape Breton - the protests at the office and the megaphones in the face.

People don't understand some of the protests that happened over the years by the Tories and the NDP who were involved - MLAs and candidates - against all the work and all the advocacy. Governments come forward - and I'm not saying this government hasn't invested in health care, they're making investments - but particularly on this, every day of my existence as an MLA for the first seven years was: "Look at this list at the regional hospital. It's terrible. Here's the data. The government's failing." The person who was raising that piece of paper is the current Premier of this province and others who were in the caucus those years. Candidates all over the province were waving the documents and saying: "Look at the despair in these numbers. The wait-lists and the ERs are out of control."

[Page 1652]

Then they would set up press conferences with doctors and they would set up press conferences with other medical professionals right at the entrance of the regional hospital. I remember - I walked right into it. There were Tories there - Tories everywhere, Speaker. Their message during these press conferences: "Look at these numbers. They're terrible. What are these Liberals doing to the health care system?" On numbers that were better than they are right now. That's right. Let's have some fun. It's the last day. Let's have some fun. (Laughter) Let's debate like Cape Bretoners, I say.

When I look at this bill, I remember those days. I know that the minister will respond, and I look forward to her response. It's the last day. Maybe she's not responding. Maybe she's had enough of me, Speaker. (Laughs)

I joke about it, but seriously, I remember those years, Speaker - you would remember those years. There are others who remember those years. To the point where we had police in our offices; there were that many people coming through the door over wait-lists for doctors and wait-lists at the ER. They were using the same information that they're now getting rid of. It got them to government - it was 1,000 per cent a huge foundation of how this government formed government.

There are people on all sides who were around for that history lesson. They were there. Some of them were actually with me during that history lesson. It was wild times, and you know what? They were effective in advocacy. They were, I give them that. So was the media. Everybody played a role. You know what the media used when they told their stories? The data that the government's getting rid of. That's it: This information has been used by this government so many times over the years, and now they don't want to use it.

Governments will make decisions. Not everybody will agree with everything we did, either; but on this this bill and why we support the bill, it's because I've just seen too much, heard too much, know too much. I don't know - there are major concerns within our ERs. The regional hospital wait time at the ER is off the charts. It is off the charts, and the government comes out and says, "Well, we're fixing health care and we're investing," but that, particularly at the Cape Breton Regional Hospital - talk to the people who are there.

God love the doctors and the nurses. They're doing their best. There are good people within our system, so I would never want to degrade the work that they do because they're overworked and they're stressed out. They're feeling this every day. The wait time numbers at the Cape Breton Regional Hospital are astronomical. Not even close to other spots. That's why I wanted to get on my feet.

[Page 1653]

[4:30 p.m.]

The government will come back, I suspect, and they'll defend their record. That's fine. We're here debating this issue and this bill, and I'm happy to stand with my colleagues, because it was the foundation of why they're sitting on that side of the House. It was absolutely everything they talked about. It was. Now we're seeing - to this bill, this is why we support it. The more information that you can give people, the better. I can tell you, there are many folks over on that side who haven't sat in Opposition yet, but there are some who have sat in Opposition and know exactly what I'm talking about, whether it's about this or anything else.

The Minister of Environment and Climate Change was a huge advocate for education when he was in Opposition, and transportation for kids and all of that stuff. It's a respectful thing. He was a huge advocate for it. I remember the member for Sackville. We got in fights about everything all the time, but he was an advocate in Opposition for certain things that matter around kids and everything else. I can tell a story about all of the folks who have been in here. There are certain passions that people have. I congratulate them for it. It's important.

The one thing everybody used in Opposition - there was this information that the government got rid of. Used it every day - every day, they used it. It was the first question that came out. Some of the questions to the Health ministers back then - some people are smiling - they were wild. You think the questions we're asking are tough? My God. Go back and watch clips. I'm not even saying that to be funny; some of them were way out of line. That's right. I'm pointing across the way. Not speaking through the Chair. Using words like "blood" and "death" and all of these things in their questions. I would never do that to a colleague in this place.

We can have a healthy debate. I'll put my case forward. I don't fundamentally believe they should be getting rid of this information. It's like the doctor wait-list. They used that wait-list every day. Look how many people need a doctor. Look at this list. It was the bible for an entire political campaign. We were reminded every day, every question. This place was 99 per cent health-related questions, for the folks who remember. I don't think people would disagree with me. Ninety-nine per cent were health care, and 90 per cent them were doctor wait-lists and ER wait times.

When the government comes out and says they're investing in health care, great. I know you are. If people are getting a doctor, great. We celebrate that. If these lists are organically going down and people are getting attached to a family doctor - which I said was the foundation of why they formed government - and these numbers are going down in our ERs, then great. I congratulate the government on this. We all want that. No matter where we sit in here, we want people to get the health care that they need, and we want people to get access to it. I can appreciate it, because I was on that side. I had to defend my record on a daily basis on health care. When we made the decisions to make all the closures in Cape Breton, both parties - I couldn't go to the grocery store for a month - seriously. My family couldn't. It was terrible. People thought we were dismantling health care, was what the Tories called it of the day.

[Page 1654]

Then the Tories cut the ribbon out in New Waterford two weeks ago on the project. I wasn't invited. I was heartbroken. I wasn't invited to the announcement. I probably won't be invited to the rest of them. Very happy for the catheterization unit at the Cape Breton Regional Hospital. I guess they didn't want any of that project. The Tories didn't want any of that project. They pounded and pounded away. Dismantling health care in Cape Breton, it was called. I can't believe it. Cut the ribbon. Let's go cut another ribbon. A new school? Let's cut a ribbon on that one too.

Anyway, to this bill - I know I'm getting off track, Speaker. I'm surprised you gave me that much runway. Hey, we're having a good debate. It's the last day - a little bit of forgiveness.

I do want to say this, and I'll end with this: There are good people in the health care system who are working in these ERs, and everything is coming at them. We all congratulate - we all support them. We want the best for folks who are working in our health care system. I want to thank them for the work they do.

This bill, which ultimately is aiming for more accountability and transparency - of course we're going to celebrate that. The government will debate why it should be gone. I'm really looking forward to his speaking on behalf of the Tories. He's going to give us a great history lesson as well, I hope.

I just wanted to rise in my place to support my colleagues and, as I said, there are 43 seats in this place right now - that's because of the carbon tax, but anyway, we can talk about that another day, which we never supported. (Laughter) We never did. I was never a carbon-tax guy - on the record multiple times.

I want to say this: The foundation of what this government is is on the information. It's on the information on the ERs, and it's on the information of the Need a Family Practice Registry. It was everything. They targeted constituency after constituency. Oh my god, Sydney has this many people on the list and that MLA is doing a terrible job. I'm still here to tell the story. But anyway, they tried.

That's what it was. It was the whole strategy around it. I remember the old candidate from Glace Bay, you had a lot to say - sitting in the Speaker's Chair now, congratulations - but we would debate back in the day, too, before we became colleagues. That's fine. That's democracy. That information is the foundation of what this government is, and they're doing their very best now to try to get rid of all of it. Thank you, Speaker. (Laughter)

THE SPEAKER « » : The honourable Minister of Education and Early Childhood Development.

[Page 1655]

HON. BRENDAN MAGUIRE: I wasn't going to get up, but then I heard the member say, Let's have some fun. So, I was like, Let's have some fun. I'm not going to be mean or anything like that.

I've known the member from the moment he unsuccessfully ran the first time until he ran and won again. He has done a great job of representing his community. He's very passionate on this topic of health care. Well, except when the health care workers were on strike, but then that was different. The passion wasn't there.

He knows, as well as I know, that large investments needed to be made; restructuring of the health care needed to be done. We are seeing all the positive things right now.

I understand we talk about the lists, Speaker, and how the list was much smaller then. The NDP should stand up and tell us what the list was when they were in, right? If we're just going on the size of the list, every government before could pat themselves on the back.

One thing I will say: I've been doing this long enough. I've watched the list grow and grow. Now, it's declining, declining. That's a positive thing, because it takes time for the investments. I heard the member talk about cutting ribbons. Well, you could say that about any government. The Liberal government was cutting ribbons on the NDP's decisions, too, when the NDP were in power for that first time.

I will say that - I'm not going to say who - a reporter said to me one time that that minister on this side, for sure, is the most prepared minister they know. It wasn't a Nova Scotian reporter. What I will say is that I've never seen a minister, Speaker, know their portfolio better than the Minister of Health and Wellness. You could ask that member when the walls at the IWK Health Centre were last painted in section whatever, and that minister would not have to look at her notes. The minister would know. The reason the minister knows is because the minister has lived health care her whole life and is very passionate about health care.

I will say this: I trust that minister 100 per cent with the health care system. We have a lot of good colleagues around. There's a lot of great people on that side of the House. There is literally no one that I think is more capable of guiding us and the health care system than that minister right there. I'll be asking her for things later.

I just wanted to get up and stand on that and talk about - we talk about lists. We talk about all kinds of different things. The truth is it's about results. It's about access to health care, and it's about making sure people get that health care when they need it.

[Page 1656]

I will say this: I've heard members opposite say disparaging things about the app that's out there, the app that's being used, saying that you can't replace health care, and it's just a Band-Aid solution. I'm going to give you my own personal example of how that app works.

I was in Walmart - this was before, months and months ago. I don't shop at Walmart anymore. Months and months ago, I was in Walmart, and I got a reminder that my prescription was up for renewal. Then I looked through the app and I realized that my prescription had expired. What I did was go on the app and I spoke to a trained health care professional. By the time I was done buying - I don't know what it was. Maybe it was one of the holidays. I was buying treats for the kids. By the time I was done picking out those treats, which was 15 minutes, it was ready at the pharmacy at that Walmart. That is health care.

Do you know what that did? That saved me from having to go to a walk-in clinic or go to see a family doctor or whatever other entries are into the health care system. It allowed me to do that while I was shopping and at the same time not taking a space somewhere else in the health care system for a more critical need.

Those are things that I look at along with our family doctors, along with our doctors. We know that, and I know - I'll give you another example.

When my family doctor, Dr. Marsh - rest his soul - passed away - he had thousands and thousands of patients. When he left, it took several doctors to take on his workload. The minister will tell you - and we all know - if you want to talk about numbers, more nurses are working in this province than ever before. More doctors are working in this province than ever before. More resources are going into health care to make sure that people have access to health care, including things like the menopause clinic, which is huge. It's the first one in Canada. Shingles vaccine: This is all part of the health care system and ensuring that people don't end up in our emergency room. They don't have to go to a family doctor for appointments. They're able to go to a pharmacy, to a clinic.

Another great example is the pharmacy clinic that opened up in Spryfield at Shoppers Drug Mart. It's amazing, fantastic. We should be out there, no matter your stripe, promoting these things to our constituents, to the people we love and care for, saying, "Use the app. Use the technology. Use our pharmacists."

I remember a story - one of the stories that always sticks in my head about pharmacists is from 2013 or 2014. We were at a PANS event, and a pharmacist walked up to me - a pharmacist I knew well. I grew up with him. He said, We're not even close to being used to the best of our ability. We can contribute so much more to the health care system than we are right now. We can relieve our doctors and our specialists. We can help take the load off them. Why are you not using us?

[Page 1657]

[4:45 p.m.]

When I hear people say that going to see a pharmacist or a pharmacist clinic is not a family doctor or health care, that's simply not true. It may not be a family doctor, but they are providing extremely valuable health care, and all of this is part of the solution. We know that health care is changing right across this world. There is no doctor tree where we can pluck doctors off the tree. If we could, we would.

Listen, I'm not trying to gain anything from that minister, but I truly mean it when I say that it's incredible. Question Period for me is incredible to watch because health care is such a huge, huge file. To watch somebody get up and be able to answer those questions with ease, knowing the history behind wait-lists, behind - that's all I have for health care - wait-lists, buildings, machines, doctors, and retention and recruitment. It's pretty incredible.

That minister will tell you that the reason she ran in the first place was because she saw the state of health care and she wanted to make a difference. I am very proud of the work the minister does. I am very proud of everybody in the Department of Health and Wellness. They work under some incredible pressure. A lot of times we, as politicians, have the easy part. We get to go cut the ribbons. We get to go make the announcements. We get to go smile in front of the cameras and talk to the media about all these great decisions. But it's really the individuals behind the scenes who are working hard to ensure that our health care system is the best possible system in the world. It is the doctors, the nurses, the technicians, the staff who clean the hospital and change the beds who are so integral and so important to our health care system.

That is why I was really glad to see fair and collective bargaining and agreements being able to reach with over 300 of our civil servants of our health care system. I have friends who are nurses and work in the health care system, and they feel appreciated. Is the health care system perfect? Absolutely not. There is a lot more to do. I would say that you'll know when the health care system is perfect and completely done: The minister will probably retire and go back to Antigonish.

There is more to do. I can tell you that that minister is a data-driven minister. I watch it all the time. She values the data, and decisions are not made willy-nilly. They are made based on resources, on data, on need, on geography. I have never heard that minister say that any decision is made because of politics. That's rare. She makes those decisions based on the needs of Nova Scotians, no matter where you live, who you love or who you are affiliated with because a Nova Scotian is a Nova Scotian.

THE SPEAKER « » : The honourable member for Cumberland North.

ELIZABETH SMITH-MCCROSSIN « » : Speaker, I rise to speak in support of Bill No. 116, the Emergency Department Accountability and Transparency Act. This legislation is about something incredibly important to Nova Scotians, especially to those living in rural communities, knowing that when they or a loved one is in crisis, help is available, and the doors are open at their local emergency department.

[Page 1658]

For those of us here in this Chamber who are from rural Nova Scotia, we know how vital our local emergency departments are. They aren't just health care facilities; they are lifelines. At a time when so many people don't have access to a family doctor, these emergency departments have become an important point of contact. Without them, we're leaving thousands of people with nowhere to turn.

In Cumberland County, we have seen this crisis unfold in real time. When I was first elected in 2017, we had four emergency departments, four collaborative emergency centres: Amherst - Nappan, actually - Parrsboro, Pugwash, and Springhill. Today, only Cumberland Regional - Amherst - maintains consistent open hours. Springhill Emergency is now limited to only virtual care, Parrsboro has been reduced to an urgent treatment centre, and Pugwash still operates as a CEC but does not have full-time physician coverage.

People in our communities are being forced to travel long distances to access basic emergency services. This is not just inconvenient; it is sometimes a matter of life and death. This bill doesn't necessarily fix all of that, but it's an important step forward as it acknowledges that people in Nova Scotia deserve to know when their emergency department is closing. They deserve to be consulted when there's an ongoing pattern of closure. They deserve transparency on wait times - accurate wait times, I might add, not what we're currently seeing online.

Closure data and outcomes of consultation: They deserve to see what actions are being taken in response. Listening to the former speakers on this bill, it's sobering for me, and maybe it's because I can't help but be a nurse. I hear every day from people who are suffering and completely stressed because either they themselves, a family member, or a loved one is medically ill and they're having trouble accessing the medical care they need. I find it hard to laugh at and not take seriously in this Chamber.

While the former speaker from the government talked about how great things are, I have one question for that member: Why are they removing the report that shows the data if things are so good? Why did they table a bill that removes accountability? Why are they hiding that information if it's so good?

The fact is that Nova Scotians know the difference. The fact is that Nova Scotians know their experience. I know for a fact that there are members in this Chamber right now - with government - who know the truth because they themselves are experiencing emergency department closures in their own communities, but they're muzzled, and they're not allowed to speak out or say a word about it. That is one of the weaknesses of our current partisan political system - when we allow Whips to silence people, and they can't even speak up for what their own people who elected them need.

[Page 1659]

We all know that the Need a Family Practice Registry list is higher now than when this government first began in 2021. We hear the former member who spoke talk about how we're watching the numbers go down - yes, after they went up exponentially. Nova Scotians know the truth. The fact is that we shouldn't be removing reports, and we should not be decreasing accountability. That's why I support this bill.

I have seen such a decline. I want to say - before I say what I was going to say next, I want to give credit to the current Minister of Health and Wellness. I do believe that she is doing her best, but I also believe it is important to acknowledge the truth and to humbly accept questions when we have them in this House. That has not been my experience. Whether it's in this Legislature or through constituency work, there is a culture of silencing people. I've seen it not just with myself but with other members and other people in the communities.

When I spoke to the last bill, I brought up the tragic passing of Allison Holthoff and how that was all handled. Allison's husband came to my office and shared with me the story of what happened. He shared with me minute-by-minute what happened from the time they got to the emergency department to that moment. He said: I want answers. I want an investigation.

My assistant called the Minister of Health and Wellness's office and asked for that for him and was told no. The next day I put it in writing. I was given a meeting with the Northern Zone director, but she was not able to give me assurance that there would be an investigation for the husband into her death.

Günter, that morning, met with Chronicle Herald reporter Aaron Beswick. That was the morning of Allison's funeral. He met with Aaron for three hours and shared the story of his experience in the emergency department with his wife writhing in pain on the floor, not being seen. Some of you may remember that Sunday evening is when the Chronicle Herald put that story online. It just spread like wildfire. Meanwhile, on Friday, the day of Allison's funeral, I got a lot of messages from people starting to get angry at me because they saw me as government. Why was I not doing anything about it? With Günter's permission, I put on Facebook the letter that I had sent to the minister asking for an investigation so that the public knew that I was doing my best to help this man suffering from this tragedy.

That was on Friday, and Friday night at midnight I got an email sent to me from someone in the Department of Justice threatening to take legal action against me because I posted that. Anyway, I sought legal advice from three different lawyers who all told me it was an intimidation tactic and to not remove it - so I did not. Later, I believe some of my other Opposition members, as well as my staff, did a FOIPOP to request the communication between the Premier's Office and the Department of Justice around this topic. We got back a document, and everything was redacted - page after page.

[Page 1660]

[5:00 p.m.]

I bring that up because I believe people deserve to be treated better. I don't think silencing people and not listening to people's concerns is helpful. Nova Scotians and people like Günter deserve better.

Recently, I got an email from a family from Pictou. The Premier is their MLA. They're really upset. I know they reached out to other Opposition members because no one from government will respond to them. Their daughter died tragically in the emergency department in Aberdeen, I believe, and they're not able to get any help.

It's not right. People deserve better than that. People deserve to be respected and to be listened to. Most people who reach out to me around this province who have concerns with our health care system do not have any intentions of taking legal action. They just want answers. They just want to be heard. They want answers and they want to know that people are trying to make things better.

I'll table the 16-point action plan that we created based on Günter and that experience. The emergency department at Cumberland Regional Health Care Centre is extremely overcrowded. The government does have a plan in place, for which we are very grateful, to expand that emergency department - double it in size. That is actually something that former Premier McNeil announced in December 2020.

We were anxiously waiting for that announcement. It did take four years, but we are grateful that that's going to happen. It is very much needed for the safety of patient care in our emergency department there.

When our rural community hospital emergency departments are closed or not staffed adequately, it has a ripple effect. When our rural emergency departments are not able to see patients, then it puts a further burden on our regional hospitals. It puts a further burden on our regional emergency departments.

I support this bill because I believe transparency and accurate reporting and calls for community consultation are important. Democracy calls for public engagement. I can only speak for the people that I represent in Cumberland North, but I do hear from a lot of people all throughout Nova Scotia that people want more information, people want to be listened to, and people want engagement from their government. They don't want just flashy announcements and slogans that don't save lives; they want access to consistent care, meaningful community engagement, and honest, data-driven planning.

Lastly - there's so much, I could talk for hours about health care - speaking to this bill in particular, I do appreciate the NDP bringing this forward today on their Opposition Day and for continuing to give people a voice on health care. It continues to be a major issue here for the people of Nova Scotia and it's important that we keep talking about it.

[Page 1661]

THE SPEAKER « » : The honourable Leader of the Official Opposition.

CLAUDIA CHENDER: It's my pleasure to rise and speak to the Emergency Department Accountability and Transparency Act. We've heard a fair bit and while the response from the government was certainly animated, at no point did I actually hear a discussion of the bill. I am hopeful that the government is paying attention to this piece of legislation because it's actually really simple and it does exactly what it says. It introduces accountability and transparency into understanding where we are with emergency care in our province.

I look around this Chamber and I see MLAs from every party who have the challenge of emergency departments that are closed as much as they are open in their constituency. I know they hear about it.

What we had until yesterday was at least an annual report that told us what kind of progress we were making around emergency care. This isn't about the expansion of the scope of practice for pharmacists or Maple or the app - this is around emergency departments. Unless we've gotten to the point where we no longer feel like we need emergency care, it's something that has to be dealt with. It's an area of health care in where, frankly, we are seeing a concerning trend. Rural emergency departments in particular are closed all the time.

I have more emails from the Nova Scotia Health Authority advising me of emergency room closures on a daily basis than any other government department, so it is concerning that in this sitting the government has decided to do away with the report that allows us to track progress. I understand that at any given moment, we can see some version of real-time data about emergency rooms and wait times and things of that nature, but the reality is, frankly, that there are questions about that data. I think generally it's accurate, but I think there are certain questions about how granular it is, and we can't measure it over time - and that's what we need to do. We need to measure it over time.

What we are proposing here is that we institute a quarterly report. This should be very simple for this government to do. We clearly have the back-end data, because this is what's going out all the time. Let's aggregate that quarterly and let Nova Scotians know how we're doing.

I think we heard in earlier debates the notion that the annual report was out of date, but we think that that excuse is out of date. If the report isn't current enough, let's update it. Let's work on it. Let's make it work for the people who rely on it. That's why we need quarterly reporting. We need a systematic way of understanding what's happening in emergency care.

[Page 1662]

This bill does more than just shine a light on the challenges in our emergency departments. It creates a process to actually address them. When an emergency department experiences repeated closures, the legislation forces the Nova Scotia Health Authority to consult directly with the communities served by those emergency departments. That means local residents will have a voice in finding solutions. These residents - our residents, our constituents - are the ones who feel the impacts of ER closures, and they deserve to be part of the solution. Whether it's recruitment efforts, alternative services, or new models of care, this process will put community needs at the forefront.

Our legislation would also require the Nova Scotia Health Authority to report every single closure to the minister along with their plan to address it. No more silent shutdowns. No more communities left in the dark. If an emergency room is closing, the people of this province will know why, and they will know what action is being taken to fix it.

The quarterly report will also provide crucial data to inform how we address the issues within our health care system. It will answer questions like "How many patients are leaving without being seen?" We know that the data there is bad, but we need to understand it in more detail and more regionally so that we can fix it. How long are people waiting? How many rely on virtual care? These things matter because they tell the real story about what's happening in our hospitals. When the data is made public, the government will have to respond to it.

Unfortunately, this government has spent most of our precious time in this place attempting to consolidate power, focusing on silencing critics, dividing Nova Scotians, undermining local decision-making, eroding job security, and threatening academic independence. This is a description of the work that has been done.

Meanwhile, communities across the province are going days at a time without access to their local emergency departments. This is what Nova Scotians went to the polls on: health care; housing; affordability. We're not talking about that here, Speaker, but we should be.

This government had the chance to deliver real results for Nova Scotians. They had the chance to sign on to a federal pharmacare deal - a deal that would have made life more affordable and health care more accessible to people in every corner of this province; a deal that would have made contraception free for Nova Scotians; a deal that would have eradicated the costly copays that so many diabetics have to pay in our province to access care. But instead, the government dragged their feet, and now that an election has been called, they may have missed that shot altogether.

This is a government that talks about accountability but is scrapping the tool meant to deliver it. This bill purports to put it back in a way that makes sense and that is responsive to Nova Scotians.

[Page 1663]

It's time for this government to take accountability and share with Nova Scotians information about the health care system that they promised to fix. We urge this government to consider this legislation and to commit to keeping Nova Scotians informed about the state of their emergency care.

With that, I move to adjourn debate.

THE SPEAKER « » : There has been a request to adjourn debate.

All those in favour? Contrary minded? Thank you.

The motion is carried.

The honourable House Leader for the Official Opposition.

LISA LACHANCE « » : That concludes Opposition business for today. I would like to turn it over to the Deputy Government House Leader.

THE SPEAKER « » : The honourable Deputy Government House Leader.

MELISSA SHEEHY-RICHARD » : Speaker, I would ask for unanimous consent to go into late debate.

THE SPEAKER « » : There has been a request to move into late debate.

All those in favour? Contrary minded? Thank you.

The motion is carried.

The topic for late debate, submitted by the honourable member for Sydney-Membertou, is:

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

Whereas the Public Service are the backbone of this province, working tirelessly to deliver essential government programs and services that Nova Scotians rely on;

Whereas the proposed government changes take away long-standing protections for public servants by allowing their termination without cause, without any justification or clear explanation, leaving them vulnerable to arbitrary dismissal;

[Page 1664]

Whereas this change severely weakens public servants' rights, introduces unnecessary instability into the public sector, and fosters a fearful and uncertain environment in the workplace, making it hard for public servants to communicate frankly with the government;

Therefore, be it resolved that the House calls on the government to uphold the rights of public servants and protect their job security in the workplace.

ADJOURNMENT

MOTION UNDER RULE 5(5)

THE SPEAKER « » : The honourable member for Sydney-Membertou.

HON. DEREK MOMBOURQUETTE « » : I'm happy to get up in this debate for the next 10 minutes or so to talk about the civil service. The bill has now passed. This has been a big conversation amongst civil servants across the province, whom I and others have argued have not received a clear indication of why the government needed to do this.

We have asked this question multiple times during the sitting of the Legislature, when we first heard about this. We wanted the government to reconsider it. We saw the government reconsider a number of things when it came to their approach to trying to fire the Auditor General without cause, changes around FOIPOP, and some of the other amendments that they've had to make throughout this sitting because Nova Scotians stood up and said that we want to protect the independence of these offices and we want to protect our democratic institutions. The government made changes to them, but they wouldn't make changes to this.

For us, it was something that we had to keep asking because it was important for a number of reasons. We fundamentally believe in our civil service and the work that they do every day. We all see it first-hand in the departments that they support each and every day. We see it in some of the tough times, especially when there are challenges across our province. These employees are stepping up each and every day to support the work that needs to be done.

As I've said multiple times, these employees are feeling devalued. It's insulting. They don't understand why. They have yet to be given a clear indication of why this legislation was necessary. This represents thousands of employees who work for government. These employees have been looking for answers, and a lot of questions have been asked by them - they have reached out to many of us here in the Legislature to advocate on their behalf.

[Page 1665]

[5:15 p.m.]

As we've talked about, they're not protected under any collective agreement. They work directly each and every day for the government in many facets, whether it's in health care policy, whether it's supporting our first responders. In a lot of the work that happens around the function of government, these employees are critical.

This was my last chance to stand on my feet, really, and thank them for the work they do and to reiterate from our caucus our support for them and, again, our rejection of the fact that this legislation was necessary.

A big part for all of us, as I've said, is that the government has not given a clear indication of why this needed to be in place. We've heard messaging on the floor and we've heard messaging in the media about: We value our employees; we value their work; we're supportive of the civil service; we want them to be in a healthy work environment. We support them, we support them, we support them.

Then, all of a sudden, as I've said, it pivoted to: We will give fair compensation, more fair than normal; people will be looked after; we will make sure in any transition that people are compensated. This really raised the flags for the media, for the civil servants, and for us in our caucus to say: Okay, there are changes coming - something's coming, something's coming.

Then we've asked the question here, Speaker, to the minister at the time, who said: There is no reorganization coming, we support our employees, we value the civil service, we value the work they do. Again, asking the question to the Premier, asking the question to the minister, listening to the media scrums, we still never got a clear indication of why the government wanted to do this.

It was interesting because the media asked questions today, as we were leaving, to the leaders of the parties, particularly of the Opposition parties, and there was a lot of talk. The Leader of the NDP talked about what she, as the Leader, expects after the sitting is over. She talked about the economy, and she talked about mining, and she talked about what the government is going to do around that since the bans were lifted. I immediately went to the civil service. That was the one for me. That is the one thing that I will - development is going to come, Speaker, depending on if there's a market condition for it.

Yes, some bans were lifted, but the market ultimately is going to decide what happens. Consultation is going to be a big thing for this government, and they're going to run into some roadblocks. First and foremost for me, what I am going to be watching from this is what the government does now that they have the power to fire people without cause in the civil service.

[Page 1666]

I can tell the members of this House that in the conversations I've had with employees, they feel completely disrespected - completely, at all levels. I've made the argument multiple times about why someone would want to come and work in that environment, Speaker, when hanging over their heads they can be fired without cause. The government will try to defend: Oh no, that's not what we want to do.

I've argued to change the language if that's not what you want to do. The government didn't change the language. They now have the authority to use this at their discretion.

I said this in my last debate: that I would encourage the government to do a confidential survey with the civil service to see how they feel at work. I guarantee that levels of satisfaction would be in the basement right now because of what the government just passed.

The government just doesn't want to explain it at length. Why do they need it? Is there a certain department? Is there a certain plan? Is there something we're trying to accomplish for the future of this province? No, it's: We've got to be flexible; we'll support our civil service, but we'll offer good compensation in the event that we let people go.

I always use the example - I've been waiting to table a document all week. I use an example of - and it's part of the debate - I use the example of the folks who negotiated the child care deal. They're all civil servants. They worked very hard on this. I saw them work day and night to bring a $605 million deal to this province that reduced fees within the first year, that gave ECE workers raises, pensions, benefits, free tuition - all these things - as part of that deal. I congratulate them. I always use them as a great example.

What I wanted to table is probably about 30 pages of every announcement the government made celebrating the child care deal that they like to criticize so much. Communities all across the province - these were civil servants who worked on this deal that the government has continually bashed; that may be unparliamentary, so I'll retract - that the government has constantly criticized. Here's 30 pages of civil service work that the government announced - hundreds of new seats - child care spaces across the province, designed by the civil service. I'm happy to table that document for everyone to read. The Premier is in there multiple times celebrating the deal. There are 30 pages of it. I would encourage everyone to read all the announcements the government made that were designed by a civil service that you can now fire without cause.

Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal - or the new department - I don't know all the new department names. They've changed so much. A lot of letterhead changes in this mandate of government: big names, big titles, lots of letters, and lots of cost. Energy came back, so that letterhead came back. That's good. The point I'm making is that every department within government has dedicated civil servants who, as of a day ago, found out or knew - they said: The government did it. I can now be fired without cause.

[Page 1667]

I wrestle with why, in a supermajority scenario - the energy can get negative in here, as we all know. You're in a supermajority situation where you did not need to put this legislation in place. I've talked to many civil servants who are afraid of this. They're afraid they're going to lose their jobs. Morale in their offices and departments is in the basement. They feel disrespected by this government, and it was all - they can't get an explanation from anyone as to why the government needed it.

THE SPEAKER « » : The honourable member for Cape Breton Centre-Whitney Pier.

KENDRA COOMBES « » : I'm happy to rise and talk about labour rights in our province because that's what this is. This is a labour right in our province that has just been dismantled. Labour rights in Nova Scotia and across the country have been hard-fought and hard-won. This is why the Labour Standards Code is such an important law, and one that we need to respect and strengthen, not weaken.

I come from Cape Breton, and in Cape Breton, we have a long tradition of fighting for labour rights. We have a strong tradition of protest when those rights are under attack. We act up, and we fight back. Those labour rights were hard-won and hard-fought, and blood was spilled in many corners of this province for labour rights. To see a government start attacking those labour rights, to start looking at firing people without cause, to start threatening people who are under collective bargaining - who could either be problem stretchers or problem solvers - and threaten their jobs is highly inappropriate.

Twenty Nova Scotians died from workplace-related deaths last year. That's 20 lives lost by people who did nothing more than show up to work. That's 20 families who lost a loved one. Sadly, we are the home of the Westray Mine Disaster and the birthplace of the Westray Law, but yet there have been no prosecutions under it. The right of striking workers continues to be undermined, because this government refuses to ban the use of scab labour.

In 2025, we need to be strengthening worker protections, not dismantling them. That's why it is so disappointing that this government - this PC government - is advancing their surprise agenda and have given themselves the power to bypass the Labour Standards Code and fire public servants without cause.

We have yet to hear of one single reason for the government to do this - not one. It's been asked multiple times in this House. In fact, when asked by reporters, the Minister of the Public Service Commission couldn't even explain why they need to bypass the Labour Standards Code. I think that says it all there; if you can't find one single solitary reason to do this, one must know that it's wrong.

[Page 1668]

Public servants do hard work on behalf of Nova Scotians. They are the ones who help design and administer the programs our communities need, and sometimes they need to be able to tell government some hard truths. This government needs to hear hard truths. If they are to continue rushing forward with their surprise agenda, then they're going to need people who can provide them with good, thoughtful advice - not people who are scared that they will be fired if they say something that government doesn't want to hear.

I need to be clear: Nova Scotians don't want this. They didn't vote for this at the polls. Stripping job security from public servants does nothing to help the people of this province. It does more to harm them, because it means programs are not going to be designed when they need to be designed. They're not going to be administered when they need to be administered. Wait times for people on various programs, whether it's housing applications, whether it is programs to make life more affordable - all of those programs are administered by public servants.

What happens when you start firing them? Especially those who are not unionized, because those who are unionized under NSGEU - they have recourse. The public servants who are non-unionized don't. They're also the public servants who are administering the remedy. Many of them are non-unionized. What happens when you start firing them?

This government should be working on strengthening job protections, not weakening them. I'm going to continue to say that. We urge this government to do what they did with the Auditor General, to do what they did with the Freedom of Information, and walk this harmful policy back either by voting it down today or coming back in the next sitting and voting it down again, like they did their fixed election bill.

To the public servants, we thank you for your work. We respect you and we are very sorry that this government has put an axe over your head.

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

CHRIS PALMER: As the Government Whip, I've spent most of this sitting getting notes together for other members to speak and coordinating speakers. I felt a real urge to stand up and put a final touch on the debate here today. I rise to speak on this late debate with respect for the House for this debate we're having, and above all, for each single dedicated person who makes up our public service. I stand here as a proud husband of a public sector employee. My wife Heather is a dedicated health care professional - she's a medical radiation technologist. I stand here definitely not to demonize the public sector.

Let me begin by stating that we all agree on one thing: public servants are the true foundation of this Province. That is not a political phrase, it's a fact. From delivering frontline services to managing our schools, hospitals, natural resources, and social systems, public servants are essential to the well-being of Nova Scotians. That's right. I've had the privilege of working closely with many of them. They're dedicated. They're professional and deeply committed to their communities.

[Page 1669]

[5:30 p.m.]

If you're an educational assistant working at St. Mary's Elementary School in Aylesford; if you're a snowplow operator working out of the public work shed in Berwick, if you're an admin on the front desk at Western Kings Memorial Health Centre in Berwick, if you're a youth worker at the Waterville youth facility, if you're a disability support worker at the Kings Regional Rehabilitation Centre, I truly value you all. (Applause)

Let's move beyond applause lines. I hope to have a few more in this speech, but anyway. Today's discussion deserves clarity. It doesn't deserve fearmongering. The resolution before us suggests that the government is undermining the public service, weakening protections, fostering fear, and promoting instability - some Machiavellian scheme, Speaker. I must respond clearly: This is simply not the case.

Let me explain what is happening for all Nova Scotians. Our government is modernizing the public service. We are aligning workplace expectations with best practices already in place across many other Canadian jurisdictions. The changes we are proposing - they're not radical. They're measured, responsible, and informed by public administration standards used in places like Alberta and Ontario, where public service continues to thrive.

Let me be crystal clear: We are not introducing arbitrary dismissals. We are not removing due process. We are not targeting loyal public servants. Rather, we are aligning with principles of effective governance where managers have the tools to build high-performing teams where accountability and excellence go hand in hand with respect and fairness.

In fact, the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development - the OECD - has repeatedly highlighted the importance of flexible, responsive public service that is empowered to innovate and adapt to changing needs. That includes reviewing outdated employment frameworks. In its Public Employment and Management 2023 report, the organization emphasizes that it is crucial to enhance public service flexibility. It allows organizations to adapt to changing strategic priorities, ensuring responsiveness to emerging policy challenges and evolving user needs. The report also highlights the flexibility that allows for the transfer of specific competencies and skills to areas where they are most needed, particularly during emergencies like the COVID-19 pandemic. I'll table that.

The Public Employment and Management 2021 publication notes that the civil services must become flexible, agile, and responsive in their organization, reward systems, and employment practices. It points out that while change is a constant, the current pace necessitates continuous reassessment of civil services, knowledge, and learning processes. I'll table that.

[Page 1670]

The recent Global Trends in Government Innovation 2024 report identifies a trend where governments are co-designing solutions with users and stakeholders to anticipate future needs. Such collaboration results in public services that are flexible, responsive to change, and more resilient and sustainable in the long term. I will table that.

If we want a public service that is ready for the future, we need policies that reflect modern workforce realities. Let me take a moment to address what I believe is at the heart of this resolution: trust. Trust between public servants and government is sacred. It must be earned, nurtured, and protected. We agree with that. That is why we are investing in leadership training, employee wellness programs, and building a more inclusive, respectful work culture.

We are committed to a workplace where every public servant can bring forward concerns, contribute ideas, and grow in their role without fear. I'd like to take a second - I find it very disingenuous for the Liberal Party to put this late debate forward. A lot of us have been around for a little bit and we do remember the checkered past of the previous Liberal government with the public sector. There are teachers and health care workers across this province who, even to this day - I heard about it a lot on the doorsteps in the last election - they have a long memory and they know what the previous Liberal government did to the public sector. Our government has also settled almost 300 public sector contracts without any major labour disruption. The public service trusts this government.

Let's talk about facts. Nova Scotia has one of the highest rates of public sector employment per capita in Canada. Over the last decade, our public service has grown, not shrunk. It has increased wages, approved parental benefits, and made new investments in mental health support and professional development. I don't believe we need a larger public service, but I believe we need a more effective, flexible, more productive public sector that can help achieve the goals that this government has set out for Nova Scotia.

Our government has deepened our commitment to equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility across the public service. Through the Public Service Commission, employees at all levels have access to a wide range of training that helps foster respectful, inclusive, and equitable workplaces. This includes mandatory courses like diversity, inclusion, and employment equity; introduction to disability accessibility barriers; and solutions and diversity for leaders. Other learning opportunities such as African Nova Scotians: Historical and Contemporary Realities, Human Rights 101, Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity 101, Understanding the Treaty Relationship, and Acadie at a Glance invite reflection and growth across a wide spectrum of identities and lived experiences.

These courses are part of our leadership development program, helping to ensure that supervisors, managers, and executives are all equipped to lead with empathy and awareness. We continue to encourage participation for our learning centre because we believe that building an equitable workplace is a shared responsibility. It's a continuous journey.

[Page 1671]

The government appreciates the value of public service, not just in words but indeed in actions. We've navigated natural disasters together, responded to health care challenges together, and implemented bold climate policies together. Every step of the way, we have leaned on our public service and they have delivered. So when we're accused of fostering a fearful environment, we must ask: Whose fear is being stoked and to what end? Let's not confuse defending policy with defending the public service. The two are not the same.

What we are doing is ensuring that Nova Scotia's public service remains respected, effective, and responsive. We're building a culture that values performance and compassion, that rewards initiative and safeguards fairness, that creates clarity and protects rights. Rights are not being dismantled. They are part of our continued commitment to fair and just employment practices. If you're in the public service in any of our departments, whether it's the Department of Mental Health and Addictions, the Department of Labour, Skills and Immigration, the Department of Education and Early Childhood Development, the Department of Public Works, the Department of Environment and Climate Change, the Department of Opportunities and Social Development, the Department of Energy - all across government, we value you.

Let me close by saying this: The best way to honour public servants is to give them the tools and workplace environment they need to thrive and survive. Speaker, that's what we're doing. That's what modern public service demands. Whether you're in the public service or even the private sector, this government has a bold, ambitious vision. We need you to help us together achieve the goals that our government is setting forward for this province. Nova Scotians are counting on us all to work together. We thank you and respect you and it is an honour to serve with all of you.

THE SPEAKER « » : The honourable member for Cumberland North, with three minutes.

ELIZABETH SMITH-MCCROSSIN « » : It's an honour to be able to stand and speak in support of our public servants here in Nova Scotia. I got so many notes from that speech. I'm assuming that the member who just spoke has never been an employer, because I was an employer for 20 years. You do not show respect and fairness to staff by putting in legislation that can allow them to be fired without just cause. It is actually the exact opposite of how you would show respect and fairness to staff.

One of the quotes was: "The changes are to allow them to make public service more effective." That's essentially saying that right now they're not. That's pretty disrespectful and insulting to them.

[Page 1672]

I think if the member really believes this, then I would encourage the member to actually talk to public servants. One told me last week it's very DOGE, very Trump-like. That's what the public servants are feeling. That's what they feel when legislation is passed that allows them to be fired without just cause.

Creating effective governance - how does allowing the government to fire civil servants without just cause create effective governance? I would love for the member to actually explain this. Maybe he doesn't understand what governance means.

Threatening the civil servants with being able to be fired without just cause is not how you build a stronger organization. It is not how you build respect. It is not how you build a stronger government. It is basically holding an axe over their heads, threatening them. They know at any moment in time - and I know a little bit about that. The government - I can't even remember when it was, a year ago or two years ago - put a notice of motion and kept it on the order paper that they could vote and remove me as an elected MLA for about a year and a half. That's exactly what this government is doing to every civil servant right now in the Province of Nova Scotia by passing legislation that they can be removed and fired without just cause, not even following our own Labour Standards Code that every other employer in this province has to follow.

THE SPEAKER « » : I wish to thank all members who participated in the adjournment debate this evening.

GOVERNMENT BUSINESS

THE SPEAKER « » : The honourable Government House Leader.

HON. BRENDAN MAGUIRE: Speaker, would you please call the order of business Bills for Third Reading.

PUBLIC BILLS FOR THIRD READING

THE SPEAKER « » : The honourable Government House Leader.

HON. BRENDAN MAGUIRE: Speaker, will you please call Bill No. 24.

Bill No. 24 - Temporary Access to Land Act and Joint Regional Transportation Agency Act (amended).

THE SPEAKER « » : The honourable Minister of Public Works.

[Page 1673]

HON. FRED TILLEY « » : Speaker, I move that Bill No. 24, the Temporary Access to Land Act and Joint Regional Transportation Agency Act (amended), be now read for a third time and do pass. I'll pass it over to my colleagues on the other side, and I'll have some comments at the end.

THE SPEAKER « » : The honourable member for Cape Breton Centre-Whitney Pier.

KENDRA COOMBES « » : I rise to speak to Bill No. 24 in third reading. During Committee of the Whole House on Bills, the government put forward about a page and a half of amendments. I think it bears reiterating: Those amendments would not have been necessary had the consultation on this bill occurred prior to tabling the bill.

[5:45 p.m.]

Yesterday, I said this to the minister, and I also said I hope the changes by the government would alleviate people's opposition to the bill. Today, in a CBC article entitled "Government softens language in transportation bill" - I'm just going to read it:

The original language in the proposed changes to the Joint Regional Transportation Agency Act suggested the province could unilaterally undertake projects to build or remove infrastructure, or "do anything necessary" to ensure the smooth movement of people and goods.

According to Bill No. 24, the provincial government could simply pass the cost of the work to the municipality once the project was completed. The Nova Scotia Federation of Municipalities, the organization that speaks to the province's municipal governments, called the original language tremendously concerning.

That was prior. Then the changes were made:

Pam Mood, president of the Nova Scotia Federation of Municipalities, said the thrust of the bill remains "a huge concern."

"What it said before is we are going to come in, we're going to tell you this is what needs to be done, we're going to tell you to do it and if you don't do it in a reasonable amount of time, we're going to come in and do it and bill you," said Mood, the mayor of Yarmouth.

But now it ? basically says apportioning costs of work in a manner agreed upon. We'll have to sit down and figure out how that [will] work."

[Page 1674]

The proposed legislation now says the municipal affairs minister will "make reasonable efforts" to consult the federation and municipalities "impacted by ministerial action taken pursuant to this Act."

Mood wasn't impressed with that change either.

"That doesn't equal doing so," she said. "When you say I'll make an effort to do something, you're saying if it happens, it happens, if it doesn't, it doesn't. That's simply not enough."

I'll table that.

NSFM president Pam Mood was clear. With the changes, there are still concerns about the bill. I want to take a moment to remind the government that many municipal infrastructure projects are dependent upon government funding. If government doesn't properly fund municipalities, or if approvals are not done in a timely manner - which, by the way, civil servants are responsible for - then the minister can say, You didn't do it in a timely manner, and now it's ours to do. Again, the Province doesn't properly fund municipalities to do those infrastructure projects.

In Law Amendments, Ben Hammer made this point. I'm going to read this briefly too:

The Provincial Active Transportation Strategy was supposed to support municipalities and clarify each provincial department's role in active transportation. The strategy is now two years late, and the latest update (last spring) informed stakeholders that the action items, monitoring and evaluating components will be "internal addendum documents" that will not see public release. We know the consultants have submitted their final draft . . .

There are over 400 active transportation infrastructure projects proposed in community plans outside the HRM; each awaiting $100-150k in consultation, design, and engineering work to become shovel-ready. That's at least a $50 million backlog. This includes over 1,200km of sidewalks, multi-use paths, and bike lanes across the province - which will cost $1.4-4 billion to construct at $1.2-3.6 million per km . . .

What Mr. Hammer was suggesting was that before the government puts a hammer down on municipalities, they should help municipalities properly fund these infrastructure projects; increase the funding to the various programs; and put in the cost-sharing dollars between the municipality, the provincial government, and the federal government to help fund these projects faster, as the government wants to do. This bill seems to be the government putting the hammer down without putting the funding forward.

[Page 1675]

In my remaining moments, what I'm going to say is this: The Nova Scotia Federation of Municipalities is continuing to say that this bill is problematic. They bring up the same point as Mr. Hammer, and that is that they want to do projects, but many municipalities are lacking the funding. So to blame them for lacking the funding and to tell them they're not working as fast as they need to is actually not a great argument when we're not funding them enough.

My suggestion to the government is that before they start using these types of tools, start funding the programs properly, increase the funding to those programs, be more willing to go into cost-sharing agreements of 30-30-30 so that municipalities can actually get some of this work done that they want to get done, that residents want to get done, and I'm sure that the government wants to get done.

With that, Speaker, I will take my seat.

THE SPEAKER « » : The honourable member for Sydney-Membertou.

HON. DEREK MOMBOURQUETTE « » : I'm going to just speak briefly to the bill, which we don't support. There has been a lot of conversation about this. We've heard conversation in the media, from the NSFM and their concerns around overreach. There were some amendments made, but they feel that there hasn't been enough.

The JRTA has actually been a very positive thing. There's been a lot of feedback we received. It was collaborative in its approach. With this bill, we're taking our lead from the folks it impacts the most, and that would be the municipalities across the province who are telling us that they weren't consulted, really, in the beginning of this. The government has made some amendments to it, but in their eyes, it's not enough.

I'll leave it at that for now, but I want to be on the record that as a caucus, we don't support the bill.

THE SPEAKER « » : The honourable member for Cumberland North.

ELIZABETH SMITH-MCCROSSIN « » : I stand in third reading of Bill No. 24. I am not able to support Bill No. 24, based on the feedback from the way municipalities are feeling across the province. Some of the key concerns are erosion of municipal autonomy; the restructuring of Link Nova Scotia places transportation planning under direct provincial control, bypassing local governance structures.

[Page 1676]

This shift diminishes the influence of elected municipal leaders in their decisions that directly affect their own constituents. Historically, municipalities have been responsible for public transit and active transportation on local highways and roads, ensuring the transportation initiatives align with community needs.

Another concern is the centralization of decision-making. We see this has been a common theme throughout a lot of this government's pieces of legislation. We see it in this bill. The transition from a board of directors to an advisory board for Link Nova Scotia centralizes decision-making power, reducing the capacity of municipal leaders to advocate for local transportation priorities. This centralization could lead to a one-size-fits-all approach, overlooking the unique needs of individual communities and diverse communities.

Another concern is the limited consultation with municipal stakeholders, which certainly does not build trust and respect with our municipal colleagues. The bill's provisions suggest that while the Minister of Municipal Affairs shall make reasonable efforts - it's very subjective - to consult the Nova Scotia Federation of Municipalities and municipalities impacted by ministerial action, there's actually no binding requirement for any comprehensive engagement.

This lack of mandatory consultation may result in decisions that do not fully consider the local issues or insights into priorities of local elected officials, so they are not feeling very respected with this bill.

Potential marginalization of municipal expertise: Elected municipal leaders and their teams do possess intimate knowledge of their communities, transportation challenges as well as opportunities. By reducing their role in regional planning processes, we do risk overlooking valuable local insights.

As the bill is currently structured, it does pose significant challenges to the involvement of elected municipal leaders, transportation planning, and land access decisions. This shift that this bill brings threatens to erode local governance and the tailored solutions that municipalities are best positioned to provide.

I urge my colleagues to reconsider the implications of this bill and consult more with municipal leaders before passing.

THE SPEAKER « » : The honourable member for Bedford Basin.

TIM OUTHIT « » : I rise today to speak strongly in favour of Bill No. 24 and its impact on the JRTA, soon to be known as Link Nova Scotia. I wasn't going to speak, but I saw that same article last night, and then I've heard some comments today that troubled me.

[Page 1677]

This is a good news story. I swear - my dad used to say this, and others used to say this - that if it started raining toonies, some people would report only the damage to car roofs. This is a good news story. In addition to being impressed by a positive attitude and a desire to change and fix things as expressed by this government and Premier, one of the main reasons I chose to run in this election and to represent Bedford Basin was my enthusiasm regarding the fledgling JRTA, and my desire to be involved with its emerging role. We need a regional and provincial response to our congestion challenges and to our transportation and public transportation planning. Therefore, I was pleased to be appointed as the ministerial assistant to the JRTA.

Traffic congestion is detrimental to the movement of our economy, to the environment, our productivity, and even our mental health. It restricts the growth of our population and economy, impacts the planning for our growth, and can make marketing our province and our municipalities to potential economic growth opportunities more challenging. This is even more critical at a time when we need to grow our economy in order to fund our desired and required services and infrastructure, but also to address the new challenges from the U.S.

During my time as a regional councillor, I helped to lead change, and I tried to bring back commuter rail and the dayliners to HRM and to Nova Scotia. We conducted several studies and worked diligently to try to form a partnership with CN Rail and VIA. We were not successful, but we did learn some things.

First of all, we could have used some help from the other orders of government. Secondly, there is incredible public support for new modes of public transportation in HRM and in Nova Scotia. This means all modes of transportation and rapid transit, including conventional bus service, LRT, BRT and ferries. Many transportation advocates, planners, politicians, and residents have been asking for a regional transportation authority for HRM and Nova Scotia for decades.

The ask became even louder during our time of unprecedented growth during the pandemic and afterwards. These folks realized that a regional approach to improving highways, interchanges, conventional transit, and hopefully someday rapid transit is required. The approach brings together all orders of government, plus major stakeholders such as the Halifax-Dartmouth Bridge Commission, CN Rail, the Port Authority, the Halifax International Airport Authority, and others.

A huge step was taken by government in 2021 when they passed Bill No. 61, the creation of the JRTA. Congratulations and thank you to all those involved. We are now moving towards the direction taken in B.C. and Ontario long ago. We're coordinating the planning, the operating, and the maintaining of integrated transportation systems and public transportation. Expanding the role of the JRTA to encompass all Nova Scotia and to assist 49 municipalities is logical and timely.

[Page 1678]

We all know the province is responsible for applying for many of the federal programs available to improve both road transportation and public transportation. We saw great recent examples of this with projects such as the Highway No. 107 connector, the Mill Cove Ferry, and the upcoming Windsor Street Exchange. We'll have to do the same when it comes to the replacement of the bridge.

[6:00 p.m.]

Opportunities and challenges do not stop at municipal borders. This is not about encroaching into the jurisdiction of another order of government; rather, it is about assisting them and collaborating with them. Many municipalities simply do not have the resources to undertake the planning task. Further, I suggest they don't have the financial resources to run the buses or the rail or the new interchanges or the new connectors between the municipalities or internally within the municipality. They will need planning assistance with the park-and-rides, with the shelters, with the access infrastructure, and with the road infrastructure. I can tell you that even the largest municipality, HRM, struggles to address the many challenges and opportunities brought forward by its growth.

Link Nova Scotia will have the authority to acquire corridors required to launch BRT and LRT between municipalities and within municipalities. LRT requires corridors. BRT requires dedicated lanes, and many of our 100-Series Highways and their interchanges are at capacity. We need to take steps now to plan for these changes. We need to move goods and people safely and efficiently. This is not a criticism. This is a recognition of fact.

I also believe that as we continue to grow, we will someday be able to support some very innovative solutions, but we need to plan for them now and we need to fund those plans. Plans without funding are useless.

The example I will use is the Integrated Mobility Plan passed by HRM in 2017, and then the Rapid Transit Strategy passed in 2019. These are great plans, but they are still far from implemented due to personnel resources and also financial challenges. Progress has been made on the Mill Cove ferry project because 82 per cent of the funding came from the Province and the federal government. The JRTA staff are actually assisting them with the design of this waterfront project.

Like all members of this House, I knocked on thousands of doors last Fall. The No. 1 issue in my district was health care, but the No. 2 issue at most doors was traffic and transit. My understanding is that my colleagues for Waverley-Fall River-Beaver Bank and Hammonds Plains-Lucasville, and other areas like West Bedford heard similar things.

Residents were pleased that we were taking a regional view to planning traffic and public transit. They were excited about announced improvements to Highway No. 102, an investigation into LRT, and support for the idea of BRT. We want to be known as a province with a can-do attitude and a growing population and a growing economy and improving health care and an educated workforce, not a province known for congestion and transit that is still not fast, frequent, or reliable.

[Page 1679]

A new study pegged the economic and social impact of congestion in Ontario at more than $50 billion in 2024 - I have all these documents to table - adding that gridlock is causing a traffic crisis. Then a study conducted by the Canadian Centre for Economic Analysis on behalf of the Residential and Civil Construction Alliance of Ontario said that it would cost $10 billion a year in traffic and $47 billion a year when factoring in the social impacts of congestion and the effects on commuters' lives.

According to another report, there was $10 billion lost a year by people sitting in traffic in congestion in Ontario. The study defines the social cost as increased stress, lowered life satisfaction, and reduced well-being due to extended commute times. They infringed on the time that they could be spending on leisure, with family, or personal interests.

The C.D. Howe Institute, in 2015, said that $1.5 billion in economic growth in Vancouver was lost due to congestion. The Canadian Transportation Agency stated in 2023 that in Montreal it was $1.7 billion and in Vancouver, $1.4 billion. A TomTom Traffic Index report covered by CBC Nova Scotia reported that HRM's traffic congestion is now greater than it was pre-pandemic. Even if those numbers quoted were 5 per cent to 10 per cent of their impact here in Nova Scotia, what an incredible opportunity.

I love the name. I love the name becoming the Link. "Link" means to co-operate. It means linking municipalities. It means linking businesses and industries to their markets by better and safer roads and maybe rail, as the Leader of the Liberal Party has said as well. It links residents to their workplaces safely and efficiently. It links commuters to fast and frequent reliable transit. It links active transportation to these transportation hubs. It links municipalities to planners who can assist them. It links municipalities and provinces to federal funding, and it links us better to other provinces. Here we are wanting to knock down barriers between provinces when we have municipalities that can't even get along with us in the provincial government to build better transportation.

When I think of a "link," I think of a chain. As we all know, a chain is only as good as its weakest link, and a broken chain is useless. This bill is about creating and using a better chain for the public, regardless of where they live, which municipality they live in. To me, the link demonstrates collaboration. Our opportunities and our challenges do not stop at municipal borders. Many municipalities simply do not have the planning or operational resources to plan or to fund what we need to do.

I would argue that even HRM doesn't, and recently there was an article in The Coast where they quoted HRM's commissioner of operations, whom I know and have tremendous respect for. It said:

[Page 1680]

During Wednesday's meeting, chief operations officer Brad Anguish told council that the reason the city's been lagging so much on transportation planning is that our city does not have the resources to plan a transportation network in line with the IMP priorities. Most of the city's transportation resources go toward road maintenance.

Concerns were raised in a few emails and by a few residents who thought this was cutting into the power of the municipalities. Minister Tilley brought forward - sorry.

THE SPEAKER « » : Order. I recognize - maybe (laughter) - the honourable member for Bedford Basin.

TIM OUTHIT « » : The Minister of Public Works - and he has brought forward amendments that clarify his role, highlight the importance of addressing traffic throughout all municipalities and throughout the province, and better collaboration with the NSFM. I have nothing but respect and admiration and empathy for municipal governments. While I recognize and appreciate that they were all disappointed and concerned with what's going on in the U.S., our government - what we're trying to do here is fix the missing and broken links within our province between these municipalities. That is the objective.

It's a process that leads to collaboration, and it gives us a united approach to challenges that we need help with funding.

I could go on a lot longer, and I won't. I know you all want to go home. But I can tell you that this new name of "linking" could not be more appropriate as we link together our province, link together the municipalities, help municipalities with their plans. That is why I strongly support this bill.

THE SPEAKER « » : If I am to recognize the honourable minister, it will be to close third reading of this bill.

The honourable Minister of Public Works.

HON. FRED TILLEY « » : I want to say a couple things before we close the bill. Number one, I am so proud to be a member of this government. I am so proud of the work that has been put forward by this government to move Nova Scotia forward. This is another example. The leadership that has been shown during this particularly tough time with the tariffs, with the work that our Premier has done to be a leader in Nova Scotia, what we're doing with the JRTA is another way that this government has shown leadership.

The JRTA was put forward to fix traffic, fix congestion around HRM and the 100-kilometre radius around HRM. It's garnering lots of attention nationally. People are talking about JRTA and what we're doing here in Nova Scotia. They're going to be talking about it for years to come as we expand it out through Link Nova Scotia across this great province. I'm very proud of that.

[Page 1681]

I'm disappointed to hear that the Opposition parties aren't supporting this bill. This bill is about unlocking our potential, unlocking the potential of Nova Scotia by improving our transportation system, working with our partners and municipalities to ensure that we have the ability to move people and goods faster, more efficiently, and safer across this province.

With that, Speaker, I move to close third reading of Bill No. 24.

THE SPEAKER « » : The motion is for third reading of Bill No. 24.

All those in favour? Contrary minded? Thank you.

The motion is carried.

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

The honourable Government House Leader.

HON. BRENDAN MAGUIRE: Speaker, I would like to call Bill - no, I'm just joking.

We will take a short break while we wait for the Administrator to grace us with his presence.

THE SPEAKER « » : Motion carried.

[6:12 p.m. The House recessed.]

[6:26 p.m. The House reconvened.]

SERGEANT-AT-ARMS: His Honour the Administrator is without.

THE SPEAKER « » : Let His Honour the Administrator be admitted.

[The Speaker and the Clerks left the Chamber.

The Honourable Michael Wood, Administrator of Nova Scotia, preceded by David G. Fraser, Sergeant-at-Arms, bearing the Mace, entered the House of Assembly Chamber. The Administrator then took his seat on the Throne.

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The Sergeant-at-Arms then departed and re-entered the Chamber, followed by the Speaker, Hon. Danielle Barkhouse; the Chief Clerk of the House, James A. Charlton; and Assistant Clerk David Hastings.

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

SERGEANT-AT-ARMS: It is the wish of His Honour that everyone present be seated.

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

THE ASSISTANT CLERK » :

Bill No. 1 - An Act Respecting Government Organization and Administration.

Bill No. 6 - An Act Respecting Agriculture, Energy and Natural Resources.

Bill No. 11 - Administrative Efficiency and Accountability in Healthcare Act.

Bill No. 12 - An Act Respecting Advanced Education and Research.

Bill No. 21 - Justice Administration Amendment (2025) Act.

Bill No. 24 - Temporary Access to Land Act and Joint Regional Transportation Agency Act (amended).

Bill No. 30 - Windsor Curling Club Continuation Act.

Bill No. 36 - Free Trade and Mobility within Canada Act.

Bill No. 48 - An Act to incorporate the Trustees of the Third Cornwallis or Billtown Baptist Church, Kings County, (amended).

Bill No. 68 - Financial Measures (2025) Act.

THE ADMINISTRATOR: In His Majesty's name, I assent to these bills.

THE SPEAKER « » : Your Honour, having been graciously pleased to give your Assent to the Bills passed during the present sitting, it becomes my agreeable duty on behalf of His Majesty's dutiful and loyal subjects, his faithful Commons of Nova Scotia, to present to Your Honour a Bill for the Appropriation of Supply granted in the present Session for the support of the Public Service and to request Your Honour's Assent thereto.

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Bill No. 81 - Appropriations Act (2025).

THE ADMINISTRATOR: In His Majesty's name, I thank His loyal subjects, I accept their benevolence, and I Assent to this Bill.

[6:30 p.m.]

[The Speaker and Clerks left the Chamber.]

THE SPEAKER « » : Would the members please rise.

I would ask the members to please join me in the singing of the national anthem.

[The national anthem was sung by the members.]

THE SPEAKER « » : Thank you. Please be seated.

The honourable Premier.

THE PREMIER « » : Thank you, Speaker. Before I move to adjourn, I'd like to thank a number of people who are in the House and who made sure this sitting moved along as smoothly as it did.

On behalf of the members of the Legislature, I'd like to acknowledge and thank our Pages. I'd like to thank the whole team at Legislative TV, and the Clerks of our House, James and David; the team at the Legislative Counsel Office who draft the bills we debate every day; the folks at the Legislative Library; thank you to the Legislative Library team; House Operations staff and of course, our Sergeant-at-Arms and our Commissionaires; the team at Hansard - I'm going to say the team at Hansard must have some fun with you, Speaker, to be honest; of course, our constituency assistants back home who keep everything operating - where would we be without our constituency assistants?; the entire public service - the people in the public service are first class, first rate all the way - thank you to the public service; of course, our families and loved ones who support us and keep things going on the home front while we're here on behalf of the people. Thank you to our families. We love you. (Applause)

With that, Speaker, I move that this General Assembly be adjourned to meet again at the call of the Speaker.

THE SPEAKER « » : The motion is that the House now adjourn to meet again at the call of the Speaker.

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All those in favour? Contrary minded? Thank you.

The motion is carried.

The House now stands adjourned.

[The House rose at 6:36 p.m.]

NOTICES OF MOTION UNDER RULE 32(3)

RESOLUTION NO. 183

By: Hon. Kim Masland (Queens)

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

Whereas Anne Thomson has dedicated over 30 years to building and leading a successful business, Anne Thomson Realty, in Queens County, providing exceptional real estate services to the community; and

Whereas Anne Thomson, alongside her late husband, opened Anne Thomson Realty with vision and determination, and after his passing in 2003, continued to lead the business with resilience, strength, and unwavering commitment; and

Whereas for the entirety of her career, Anne Thomson has been a pioneering leader, consistently building and empowering an all-female team, offering mentorship and support to others in the field of real estate, and creating a lasting legacy of professional growth for women in the industry;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly join me in applauding Anne Thomson on her remarkable achievements, her unwavering dedication to her business and her family, and the profound impact that she has had on the lives of so many throughout her career.

RESOLUTION NO. 184

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By: Hon. Kim Masland (Queens)

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

Whereas congratulations are in order for Barb and Ron Campbell on their very recent and well-deserved retirement as the proprietors of the very popular Seascape Restaurant, Convenience Store, and NSLC Agency in Port Mouton, Queens County; and

Whereas the Campbells have implemented and adapted to many changes since opening the doors to their business in May of 1993; and

Whereas while they are stepping back, they have found folks to lease their building and business, and predict that it should be business as usual moving forward, including the operation of the pizza business that they started last year;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly join me in thanking the Campbells for their commitment to operating a small business in their community, and in wishing them a healthy and enjoyable retirement.

RESOLUTION NO. 185

By: Hon. Kim Masland (Queens)

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

Whereas "Bump to Baby Fitness" is an innovative new business in Queens County, founded by local mom Mackenzie Druzina; and

Whereas dedicated to supporting expecting and new mothers, classes offer a welcoming, safe, energetic, baby-friendly space and allow moms to move, breathe, and connect with others on the same journey; and

Whereas exercises are designed and tailored for each individual, great music is thoughtfully selected, and moms are positively impacted and empowered to prioritize their health while fostering a strong, supportive network;

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Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly join me in applauding Mackenzie for her commitment to wellness and for creating nurturing and meaningful connections within our community, I encourage all expecting and new mothers to take a class and advantage of this opportunity to become more active and healthier.

RESOLUTION NO. 186

By: Tim Outhit (Bedford Basin)

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

Whereas the Bedford Lions recently held their 2025 "Speak Out" competition which they have been holding for at least 35 years and is to provide Bedford high school students with an opportunity to think about important issues, to organize their thoughts and ideas, and to present them publicly as part of a regular Club meeting, helping them to build self-confidence and develop leadership skills; and

Whereas I have had the pleasure of being involved with the event for over 10 years and my daughter Liz was a winner a few years ago; and

Whereas all nine participants were evaluated in three categories: (i) delivery of speech; (ii) material of speech; and (iii) response to questions, with topics including: "The Irony of Failure"; "The Impact of AI"; "F1 and Barriers to Diversity Within FI"; "Ethical Use of AI for Students"; "Kindness Reimagined"; "The Theory of Happiness"; "Peer Pressure"; "The Rise of Anti-Intellectualism"; and "Cultural Identity in a Changing World";

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly join me in congratulating all those that participated and also congratulate Hania Ali, the 1^st place finisher, for winning the Zone competition held at the Sackville Lions Club on Monday, March 24^th and wish her luck in the next stage of the competition.

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RESOLUTION NO. 187

By: Tim Outhit (Bedford Basin)

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

Whereas the Bedford Horticultural Society is celebrating its 75^th anniversary this year; and

Whereas the Bedford Horticultural Society has been active in many community activities, including maintaining the carpet bed at the Cenotaph, promoting children's interest and involvement in gardening, holding a yearly plant sale at Scott Manor House, and more; and

Whereas Bedford is an even more beautiful community because of the Bedford Horticultural Society;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly congratulate the Bedford Horticultural Society on their 75^th anniversary and thank them for making Bedford a more beautiful place.

RESOLUTION NO. 188

By: Tim Outhit (Bedford Basin)

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

Whereas The Turkey Club was founded in 2004 by the late Jack Cruikshank, with a simple but powerful mission - to create a brighter Christmas for families in our community who are struggling; and

Whereas as a volunteer-driven organization, ensuring the majority of funds raised go straight to the cause, The Turkey Club provides Christmas turkey dinner hampers to those in need; and

Whereas each November and December, The Turkey Club "crew" works hard to sell memberships to local individuals for $100 and businesses for $250.

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Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly congratulates The Turkey Club for successfully raising $370,000 over the past eleven years, with more than $70,000 raised this past year alone, helping thousands of families in our community.

RESOLUTION NO. 189

By: Hon. Greg Morrow (Guysborough-Tracadie)

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

Whereas Hyclass Ocean Campground, established in 1985 and purchased by Dave and Valerie Austin in 2019, has always been a popular destination for a summer getaway with spots for all campers who like to pitch a tent, enjoy their RV or have a stay in a cottage;

Whereas being named among the best campgrounds in Canada is no small feat and reflects the outstanding quality of the facilities and the natural beauty of the surroundings that provide the backdrop for this ideal camping setting;

Whereas the team at Hyclass Ocean Campground has made tremendous effort to provide a welcoming, safe and unforgettable experience for all those who visit, putting tourism in the eastern end of Antigonish Co. on the map;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly congratulate the team at Hyclass Ocean Campground on their prestigious recognition of being one of the best in the country following their inclusion as one of the 2025 top campgrounds in Canada by Campspot.

RESOLUTION NO. 190

By: Hon. Greg Morrow (Guysborough-Tracadie)

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

Whereas Vernon Pitts served as councillor for District 6 in the Municipality of the District of Guysborough since 1994, served as deputy warden from 2008-2013, and warden from 2013 until after the 2024 municipal elections;

Whereas during Vernon's time he was part of many committees that were vital to the operation of the municipality, and saw the development of Sable Offshore Energy, the new landfill site and many other new projects that are under development now while maintaining a great working relationship with all levels of government;

Whereas Vernon's dedication to promoting Guysborough Co. as place to live, work and welcome new business was something that did not go unnoticed with his colleagues and residents of the municipality;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly congratulate Vernon Pitts on 30 years of public service as a councillor, deputy warden and warden of the Municipality of the District of Guysborough.

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