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HALIFAX, WEDNESDAY, APRIL 1, 2026

Sixty-fifth General Assembly

First Session

12:03 P.M.

SPEAKER

Hon. Danielle Barkhouse

DEPUTY SPEAKERS

Marco MacLeod, Tom Taggart, Julie Vanexan

THE SPEAKER « » : Please rise, if able, for the singing and playing of "O Canada."

[The national anthem was played.]

THE SPEAKER « » : Order. We'll begin the Daily Routine.

PRESENTING AND READING PETITIONS

PRESENTING REPORTS OF COMMITTEES

TABLING REPORTS, REGULATIONS AND OTHER PAPERS

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

HON. BECKY DRUHAN « » : Speaker, I beg leave to table a letter from the residents of Justin Drive seeking improvements to their road, and along with it the signatures of 18 of the residents.

THE SPEAKER « » : The paper is tabled.

The honourable member for Cumberland North.

ELIZABETH SMITH-MCCROSSIN « » : Speaker, I would like to table two documents, both pertaining to my two member statements. One is a letter from a resident of Cumberland County concerned about the cuts to family supports, and the other is a news article with a comment from our Premier about the proposed New Brunswick toll.

THE SPEAKER « » : The papers are tabled.

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The honourable member for Halifax Needham.

SUZY HANSEN « » : Speaker, I beg leave to table a number of documents that are love letters from my constituents about this particular budget that is at hand.

THE SPEAKER « » : The papers are tabled.

As Speaker of the House of Assembly and pursuant to Section 18(4) of the Auditor General Act, I am tabling the following reports of the Auditor General to the Nova Scotia House of Assembly: Alternative Procurement and Management of Selected Health Contracts, March 2026, and Follow-up of 2021, 2022, and 2023 Performance Audit Recommendations, March 2026.

The reports are tabled.

STATEMENTS BY MINISTERS

GOVERNMENT NOTICES OF MOTION

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

RESOLUTION NO. 473

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

Whereas more than 32,000 autistic individuals call Nova Scotia home, bringing unique skills, talents, and perspectives to their communities; and

Whereas autistic people, families, educators, researchers, service providers, and community organizations work tirelessly to build more accessible, inclusive, and supportive communities; and

Whereas April is recognized as Autism Acceptance Month, providing an opportunity to celebrate autistic individuals and promote greater understanding, acceptance, and inclusion throughout our province;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of the House join me in recognizing April as Autism Acceptance Month and applaud the Nova Scotians who are working together to build greater social, economic, and community inclusion for autistic people across the province. This includes the many partners who deliver vital services and support this work every day: Autism Nova Scotia, the IWK Health Centre, the Nova Scotia Health Authority, Hearing & Speech Nova Scotia, and many, many others. Your contributions are seen, valued, and appreciated.

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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 member for Halifax Citadel-Sable Island.

LISA LACHANCE « » : Passover is a major Jewish holiday, commemorating the biblical story of Exodus and celebrating the liberation from 400 years of slavery.

THE SPEAKER « » : Order. (Interruptions)

AN HON. MEMBER: We're in Government Motions.

LISA LACHANCE « » : I'm really tired. (Laughter) I'm going to sit back down, and then when it's time, I'm going to get back up again. (Laughter)

THE SPEAKER « » : We all make mistakes. (Laughs) (Interruptions)

INTRODUCTION OF BILLS

NOTICES OF MOTION

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

RESOLUTION NO. 474

ELIZABETH SMITH-MCCROSSIN « » : Whereas the Auditor General reported that the Nova Scotia Health Authority has awarded over $3.7 billion in contracts through alternative procurement since 2020 and identified repeated failures in justification, oversight, and procurement discipline; and

Whereas multiple recent Auditor General reports across departments have consistently identified concerns related to insufficient evidence to support decisions, weak oversight and monitoring, and established processes not being followed; and

Whereas the Standing Committee on Public Accounts is mandated to review the public accounts, the annual reports or other reports of the Auditor General, and other financial matters respecting the public funds of the Province;

Therefore be it resolved that when the Standing Committee on Public Accounts reviews the March 2026 report of the Auditor General on Alternative Procurement and Management of Selected Health Contracts, the committee shall include in its review an examination of the following matters and that the committee shall invite the Nova Scotia Health Authority, the Department of Health and Wellness, and the Department of Service Nova Scotia to appear regarding procurement practices, oversight, and implementation of the Auditor General's recommendations; and

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Be it further resolved that the committee, in its reviews, examine matters including but not limited to: the Department of Health and Wellness's awareness of the scale of the Nova Scotia Health Authority's reliance on alternative procurement; the extent to which alternative procurement was treated as an exceptional process in policy but became a recurring practice in operation; instances in which Service Nova Scotia procurement did not support the rationale for alternative procurement, and the Nova Scotia Health Authority still proceeded; whether proper procurement controls were followed or whether the regular procurement process was sufficiently responsive to operational demands; circumstances in which work began or payments were made prior to procurement approvals being completed; and the status and timelines for implementation of the Auditor General's 13 recommendations.

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 Cole Harbour-Dartmouth.

DAFFODIL MO.: CANCER AWARENESS - RECOG.

BRAD MCGOWAN « » : I rise today to celebrate Daffodil Month. The theme, Help Hope Bloom, epitomizes the work being done by the Canadian Cancer Society in support of Nova Scotians who are diagnosed with cancer. This annual campaign raises money to help fund research and assist Canadians who are battling this disease to live longer, healthier, and more fulfilling lives.

The daffodil stands as a powerful symbol of renewal, optimism, and hope, being among the first flowers to break through frozen earth each spring. It blooms boldly despite harsh conditions and lingering cold. This remarkable resilience mirrors the bravery of those fighting cancer, making the daffodil a fitting emblem of courage, determination, and the promise of brighter days ahead.

As we wear our yellow daffodil pins this month, we create visible reminders of our solidarity and encouragement for patients and families navigating the challenges of cancer. Each daffodil represents our commitment to supporting those on their journey toward healing and recovery. (Standing ovation)

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

PASSOVER: HAPPY AND SAFE HOLIDAY - BEST WISHES

LISA LACHANCE « » : Passover is a major Jewish holiday commemorating the biblical story of Exodus, celebrating liberation from 400 years of slavery in Egypt. It signifies divine protection, freedom, and the transition from bondage to service, observed through the seder meal, eating matza, and retelling the story, highlighting the enduring themes of faith and redemption.

Jewish communities across Canada are facing rising rates of serious acts of antisemitism. In the past year in Halifax, all three synagogues were defaced while people were gathered inside. In February, two Toronto synagogues were attacked by gunfire, and before that, another synagogue was hit by about 20 gunshots on the Jewish holiday of Purim.

Passover begins tonight. I wish all those marking the celebration a happy and safe Passover. Chag Pesach Sameach.

I also call on all members to speak and act against all forms of hate, including antisemitism.

[12:15 p.m.]

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

LOCKYER, ROSALEE PEPPARD: REMEMBERING SS ATLANTIC TRAGEDY - RECOG.

HON. IAIN RANKIN « » : I rise to acknowledge Ms. Rosalee Peppard Lockyer, commissioned by Margaret Sagar of the SS Atlantic Heritage Park Society to write a "Song Portrait," a moving women's perspective retelling the tragedy of SS Atlantic. Today is the anniversary, April 1, 1873.

I thank Mr. Chris DeVanney for a creative decision to tell the story through three voices: local heroine Sarah Jane (Clancy) O'Reilly, SS Atlantic sailor Bill (Maggie) Armstrong, and passenger Rosa Bateman. I also acknowledge Mr. Bob Chaulk, SS Atlantic historian and author, and Ms. Lynette Richards, author of Call Me Bill, for supporting research and production.

With community guidance, oral histories, period costuming, and the tradition of Celtic keening, the song is shaped by an ancient form of musical mourning, sometimes called the ullaloo. That was part of the Irish life at the time of the wreck and remains deeply connected to the heritage of the Prospect Bay area.

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The spoken introduction quotes Sarah Jane, printed in the Herald in April 1906. Her words also frame the first and last verses in tribute to the rescuers from Lower Prospect, Upper Prospect, and Terence Bay who acted immediately and risked their lives. The song then turns to Bill Armstrong's account, including a courageous journey of gender identity, and to Rosa Batemen, remembered as the last woman to survive, lashed high on the mizzen-mast in her white chemise and flannel petticoat.

I ask the members of the House to join me in congratulating Rosalee Peppard Lockyer for helping preserve the rich culture and heritage that is the cornerstone of Prospect.

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

PORTER, KELLY: DEATH OF - TRIBUTE

HON. KENT SMITH « » : Madame la Présidente, je me lève aujourd'hui avec tristesse pour commémorer la vie de M^me Kelly Porter, qui est malheureusement décédée le 18 mars, à l'âge de 53 ans. M^me Kelly était une éducatrice passionnée de la petite enfance qui a marqué la vie de plusieurs enfants en tant que leur toute première enseignante. Kelly a été un pilier de l'École des Beaux-Marais et a laissé une empreinte importante sur sa communauté scolaire. Elle avait à c?ur d'aider les enfants à vivre en français et à mieux connaître leur héritage francophone. Présente depuis l'ouverture de l'école, elle a accompagné des centaines d'enfants dans leurs premiers pas à l'école et occupé une place très spéciale au sein de la communauté. Elle était aussi très enthousiaste à propos de la construction de la nouvelle école. Grâce à son dévouement et son impact, elle a reçu le prix de reconnaissance de l'École des Beaux-Marais en 2016, et le prix de la Semaine de l'éducation du ministre de l'Éducation et du Développement de la petite enfance pour l'inclusion en 2019.

Madame la Présidente, je demande à tous les députés de se joindre à moi pour offrir nos sympathies à son mari, Jerry; ainsi qu'à ses enfants, Colin, Olivier et Nicola.

Speaker, I rise today with sadness to commemorate the life of Madame Kelly Porter, who sadly passed away on March 18^th at the age of 53.

Madame Kelly was a passionate early childhood educator who touched the lives of countless children as their very first teacher. Kelly was a pillar of the École des Beaux-Marais and left a significant mark on her school community. She was deeply committed to helping children live in French and better understand their francophone heritage. Present since the opening of the school, she guided hundreds of children through their first steps at school and held a special place within the community. She was also enthusiastic about the construction of the new school.

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In honour of her dedication and impact, she received the École des Beaux-Marais school Recognition Award in 2016 and the Minister of Education and Early Childhood Development's Education Week Award for Inclusion in 2019.

Speaker, I ask all members of the House to join me in offering our sympathies to her husband, Jerry, and to her children, Colin, Oliver, and Nicola.

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

KENT SMITH « » : A moment of silence would be appreciated.

THE SPEAKER « » : Please rise.

[A moment of silence was observed.]

THE SPEAKER « » : You may be seated.

The honourable member for Lunenburg West.

LEGISLATURE (N.S.): DAY 23 OF SPRING SITTING - ENCOURAGE 

HON. BECKY DRUHAN « » : Today marks Day 23 of the spring sitting of the Nova Scotia Legislature, the longest sitting we have had to date under this government. This is a milestone that I'm celebrating, but it shouldn't be remarkable because this Chamber is the birthplace of representative democracy in Canada, where not too many years ago, members sat for sittings that ran months at a time, in both spring and fall. Across the country, other Legislatures still sit for months at a time. They follow structured calendars, provide predictability, and allow fulsome, organized debate, because these Chambers exist to do the work of democracy.

So reaching Day 23 should not be exceptional. It should be expected. The work is not meant to be easy. It takes effort, it takes time, it takes patience. And it is at odds with compressed timelines, extended hours, and the pressure to move complex legislation quickly. The work we do here deserves time. Nova Scotians deserve transparency, and democracy works best when it is not rushed. As long as we are here, we in Opposition will keep doing the work, asking questions, debating legislation, and making sure Nova Scotians are heard.

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

DISCNS: LOCAL ORG. - RECOG.

KRISTA GALLAGHER « » : Today I rise to acknowledge DiscNS, an organization that promotes disc sports, a rapidly growing pastime in Nova Scotia. The goal of DiscNS is to foster participation in disc sports throughout Nova Scotia, through education and resources, as well as to provide a unified voice for all members of the disc sport community.

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As a proud member of Ultimate Canada, DiscNS works to grow the sport at every level, from youth programs in schools, to competitive leagues and provincial events. They champion spirit of the game, promote inclusivity and sportsmanship, and ensure teams have the resources they need to play safely.

Whether you're picking up a disc for the first time, or competing at a high level, DiscNS is there to support, connect, and inspire the growing disc sport community across Nova Scotia. Please join me in recognizing DiscNS's dedication to fostering community and providing opportunities for all.

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

COBEQUID TOLLS: DEBT PAID - REMOVE 

ELIZABETH SMITH-MCCROSSIN « » : Speaker, there were tolls placed on the Cobequid highway back in 1996, and the legislation regarding those tolls, called the Highway 104 Western Alignment Act, clearly states that once the debt is paid, the tolls are to be removed. There was financing taken out over a span of 30 years.

Thankfully that debt has been paid, yet the tolls remain. Now we are faced with a situation that the New Brunswick government are proposing a toll in Aulac. Their justification from the New Brunswick Finance Minister is that the New Brunswick people have to pay a toll when they go through Nova Scotia, so it's only fair that Nova Scotians should have to pay a toll going through New Brunswick.

Speaker, I urge the Premier to remove the tolls in Nova Scotia, as per legislation and law in this province, and ensure that there are no tolls in New Brunswick.

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

GOV'T. (CAN.): $3.8 BILLION INVESTMENT IN NATURE - SUPPORT

HON. IAIN RANKIN « » : I rise to celebrate the announcement of $3.8 billion from the federal Carney government to go towards nature and protecting land throughout the country. I think it's particularly significant, given the progress that the federal government continues to make to protect 30 percent of land by 2030. We have a goal here of 20 percent.

Unfortunately, the last nature agreement, there are still millions of dollars on the table because this province had not protected 15 percent by the time that they were supposed to, which was March of 2026. We just passed that date. I want to encourage the government to work with the federal government and actually take the funding to protect more of our nature here in Nova Scotia.

I also want to acknowledge the work around Blue Mountain-Birch Cove Lakes Wilderness Area. We have a huge opportunity here in Halifax to create one of the first national urban parks in the country. This announcement and the dollars behind it will go a long way.

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

CLAYTON, CYRIL ALBERT: DEATH OF - TRIBUTE

HON. BRENDAN MAGUIRE « » : I ask for a little bit of leniency on the length of this member statement, and a moment of silence afterwards, please.

It's with sadness that I stand here today to announce the passing of Cyril Albert Clayton, Chief Warrant Officer. Born in Halifax, Nova Scotia, June 24,^, 1941, he is survived by his wife, Nancy, his daughters, his grandchildren, and many family members who loved him.

Cyril served his country in the Canadian Armed Forces from the age of 15, to compulsory retirement at 55. A dedicated service member, he was first posted at the Canadian Guards Depot at Camp Petawawa, and his career included time with the storied Black Watch Royal Highland Regiment of Canada, the Royal Canadian Regiment, the Canadian Forces Officer Candidate School at Canadian Forces Base Chilliwack, and the Princess Louise Fusiliers.

In recognition of his breadth of knowledge and expertise, he served internationally with the ACE Mobile Force in Norway, a United Nations Tour of Deputy Secretary-General in Cyprus, and was appointed the Regimental Sergeant-Major of the Canadian Contingent United Nations Middle East on the Golan Heights in Israel.

Throughout his career, Cyril was recognized for his professionalism, leadership, and steadfast commitment to duty. He was the first African-Canadian to be a Base Regimental Sergeant-Major of a major Armed Forces base. He proudly served as an executive member of the Maritimes Committee for Blacks in the Canadian Armed Forces out of the Maritimes Museum at Canadian Forces Base Halifax.

After retirement, Cyril continued serving by working with the Army Cadet Corps (Halifax Rifles), and as a member of the Board of Directors of the Army Museum at Citadel Hill. Most recently, Cyril was recognized with King Charles III's Coronation Medal and by The Royal Canadian Regiment Association which renamed its branch to the CWO Cyril Clayton Branch. He is known as a soldier's soldier, and he leaves behind a distinguished legacy.

Mr. Clayton, as I knew him, was a man of integrity, a role model for all, a friend to me and many others. Rest in peace to truly one of the greatest people this world has ever seen. A true trailblazer. Rest in peace, Cyril. Lots of love.

Speaker, may I have a moment of silence please?

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THE SPEAKER « » : Please rise for one moment of silence.

[A moment of silence was observed.]

THE SPEAKER « » : You may be seated.

The honourable member for Lunenburg West.

CONSTITUENCY TEAM: EFFORTS AND SUPPORT - THANKS

HON. BECKY DRUHAN « » : Speaker, I rise to recognize and express my deep gratitude for the incredible support of my constituency team. Public service doesn't just happen in this Chamber. It happens every day in our offices, helping people navigate challenges, finances, and feel heard.

I want to congratulate and thank Sandy Mair Dodman, who retired just before the sitting began, after many years of dedicated service to the people of Lunenburg West, working alongside both myself and the prior MLA.

I also want to recognize Madeleine Kendall, our constituency coordinator. She brings kindness, empathy, and a deep commitment to every person who reaches out to our office. She meets people where they are, often in difficult moments, and makes sure they are treated with dignity and care.

Stephen Cusick, who joined the team when I became an Independent to support legislative work and stepped quickly into the pace and pressure of this provincial work we do. He has met it with loyalty and hard work, and through the long days and late nights of the sitting, he has been here behind the scenes every step of the way.

Speaker, as an Independent, there is no caucus to lean on. It is the three of us working together to make sure the people of Lunenburg West are heard and supported. This work can feel like a marathon run at a sprint pace, and I could not do it without them. I am deeply grateful for all that they do for Lunenburg West.

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

BECKWITH-WIEDEMANN SYNDROME: WEARING YELLOW - RECOG.

KENDRA COOMBES « » : Speaker, I am wearing yellow today to acknowledge April 6^th as Beckwith-Weidemann Syndrome Awareness Day. Chantal and Adam Woods, along with their two children, are tireless advocates for BWS, a genetic disorder characterized by overgrowth.

The severity of BWS varies widely in children and is usually recognized at birth when a child presents with a larger birth weight and length, overgrowth of one side or part of the body, an enlarged tongue, and enlarged abdominal organs. Twenty percent of babies born with BWS will develop cancer, and children must be screened consistently for early detection.

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Chantal and Adam are incredible advocates and by following their journey with their children, I have learned about Beckwith-Weidemann Syndrome.

I ask the House to join me in recognizing April 6^th as Beckwith-Weidemann Syndrome Awareness Day.

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

DAFFODIL MO.: CANCER AWARENESS - RECOG. 

HON. DEREK MOMBOURQUETTE « » : Thank you, Speaker. April marks the beginning of Daffodil Month, a time when many of us pause to reflect, because cancer has touched nearly every family in this province in one way or another.

[12:30 p.m.]

In Nova Scotia, some of the most common cancers we see are lung, breast, colorectal, and prostate cancer. While those are statistics, behind each one is a person - a parent, a friend, a neighbour - and families doing everything they can to support their loved ones. That's why early detection is important. It gives people a better chance and it gives families more time. We've been calling for colorectal cancer screening to start at age 45. We are encouraged to see the Government of Prince Edward Island take that step just this week. It's the kind of change that saves lives, and it's one we should be making here in Nova Scotia as well.

The same goes for breast cancer screening to ensure women are able to catch that disease early. Expanding and improving screening isn't just good policy, it's essential care. Speaker, Daffodil Month is about hope but it's also a reminder that there is more that we can do - and we owe it to Nova Scotians to keep pushing for better.

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

NORTHERN N.S.:

CONCERNS RE PROGRAM AND GRANT CUTS - SUPPORT

ELIZABETH SMITH-MCCROSSIN « » : Speaker, on behalf of families in northern Nova Scotia, I've been urging the government not to cut funding to those most vulnerable in our communities. I'll read from one of the many letters that I received from back home.

I'm writing to you as a resident of Amherst in Cumberland County [?]. I wish to add my voice to the many already speaking out in support of the organizations that serve women, children, vulnerable youth, and families in our community, many of whom are now being directly affected by your government's funding cuts.

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Like many Nova Scotians, I am deeply troubled by the shift from a reported surplus to a deficit, and by the priorities that appear to have contributed to that outcome. It is especially concerning that we now find ourselves in a position where essential services, that are lifelines in our rural communities, are facing reductions to balance the budget.

Community organizations such as Autumn House have been affected and I urge this government to reverse their decisions.

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

PASSOVER: HISTORY AND TRADITIONS - RECOG.

DAMIAN STOILOV « » : Speaker, I rise to recognize the start of Passover, one of the most significant and cherished celebrations in the Jewish tradition observed by Jewish communities here in Nova Scotia and around the world. Passover commemorates the liberation of Jewish people from slavery in ancient Egypt. It is a time of reflection, gratitude, and togetherness marked by the seder meal, the retelling of the exodus story, and the passing of traditions from one generation to the next. In Nova Scotia, we are proud to stand alongside our Jewish neighbours as they gather with family and friends to observe this very meaningful holiday. Their traditions, their resilience, their contributions enrich the fabric of Nova Scotia. Please join me in wishing a meaningful and joyful Passover to the Jewish community across Nova Scotia and beyond.

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

APRIL FOOLS' DAY: PROGRAM AND GRANT CUTS - PRANKED

SUZY HANSEN « » : Speaker, I rise today to recognize April Fools' Day. This day celebrates pranks, jokes, and hoaxes. Jokers often expose their actions by shouting April Fools! Nova Scotians across this province on this day are facing layoffs, program cuts, and closing of spaces and places that most communities call home. I wish that the cruel cuts were a prank and someone from the PC side would jump up and say: "April Fools!" Nova Scotian lives and livelihoods hang in this balance and Nova Scotians should not bear the brunt of this government's mismanagement of finances. We all have a voice in this House. Let us use it for good.

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

GRANDCHILDREN: BIRTHS - CONGRATS.

HON. BARBARA ADAMS « » : Speaker, I rise today to do the most important member statement of my political career. Today, I would like to enter into the official Nova Scotia Legislature record the birth of my first granddaughter. Born to my youngest son, Chris, and his wife, Elise Lavoie, of Toronto is Pippa Rae Lavoie. This beautiful angel was born on April 28, 2025, weighing 6 lbs., 1 oz., and measuring 19 inches. The other new love of my live is my first-born grandson, born to my older son, John Lavoie, and his partner, Sarah Young, of Elmsdale. Baby Jack Christopher Lavoie was born on November 21, 2025, weighing 7 lbs., 15 oz., and measuring 20 inches long. He was named after my father.

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Needless to say, Nana is my new favourite name and the rumour that I will be the grandparent who teaches them how to play poker, go on rollercoasters and waterslides may just be true. I ask all members of the Nova Scotia Legislature to join me in celebrating the birth of my two new grandchildren. (Standing ovation)

THE SPEAKER « » : I've only done this once before, and I think I have the leeway to do this again: On behalf of all the members, congratulations Nana.

AN HON. MEMBER: Senior!

THE SPEAKER « » : All right, intimidation, bullying - stop. (Laughter)

The honourable member for Fairview-Clayton Park.

DAFFODIL MO.: FIGHT CANCER - RECOG.

LINA HAMID « » : I rise today to recognize April as Daffodil Month, a time dedicated to raising awareness and funds for the fight against cancer. For many of us, the daffodil is more than just the first sign of spring in Nova Scotia, it is a symbol of resilience and a tribute to the many families across our province who have been touched by this disease.

This year, the campaign carries deeply personal weight. In August 2025, my own family said goodbye to my grandmother Sahab, who we lovingly called Hanini. Her passing came just six short weeks after her diagnosis of leukemia, a timeline that speaks to the sudden and devastating nature of this disease.

Hanini was the matriarch of my mom's side of the family and her loss is still felt every day. By wearing a daffodil, I honour her memory and the lives of all Nova Scotians we have lost. We also stand in solidarity with those currently in the fight and the health care professionals working tirelessly toward a cure.

I ask all members of this House to join me in recognizing Daffodil Month and recommitting ourselves to supporting cancer research and patient care in our province.

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

AUTISM ACCEPTANCE MO.: CALL TO ACTION - RECOG.

MARCO MACLEOD « » : April is Autism Acceptance Month, a time to celebrate and uplift the autistic individuals, families and advocates who enrich our communities here in Nova Scotia and across the country.

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Autism Acceptance Month is more than a time of awareness; it is a call to action and a reminder that acceptance is more than simply acknowledging differences. Here in Nova Scotia, autistic individuals contribute immeasurably to our workplaces, schools and our communities.

No two people are alike. No two autistic individuals share the same experience. The spectrum is as broad and varied as Nova Scotia itself. This diversity is not a challenge to be overcome but a strength to be celebrated.

This month, I encourage all Nova Scotians to listen to autistic voices, champion inclusive spaces, and reflect on how each of us can help build a province where everyone belongs.

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

GREENWOOD PARA POWERPLAY ASSOC.: LOCAL ORG. - RECOG.

CHRIS PALMER « » : Last month, I had the privilege of attending the inaugural game for the Greenwood Para PowerPlay Hockey Team against the South Shore I.C.E. Storm at the Greenwood Gardens Arena. The arena was packed as fans cheered on the amazing athletes taking part. Even though Greenwood came up short, 4 to 2, the enthusiasm in the building was incredible. If you've never seen a para hockey game, you are missing out. The action is fast and physical, and the skill displayed that night was remarkable.

I want to give a big shoutout to organizer Justin Gauthier and special guest and national para hockey advocate, Paul Rosen, for creating the opportunity for this wonderful sport in our community. It was my first time watching para hockey, and it was definitely exciting to watch.

Speaker, I'd like to ask all members of the House to congratulate Greenwood Para PowerPlay, the coaches, the volunteers and especially the amazing athletes. Here's to continued success. They are an inspiration.

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

MIKE'S AUTO DETAILING: LOCAL BUSINESS - RECOG.

SUSAN LEBLANC « » : Speaker, it is time for spring cleaning, so I rise today to recognize Mike's Auto Detailing located on Wyse Road, directly in front of my constituency office. Mike's Auto Detailing, better known as "Mike on Wyse," has been detailing vehicles at this location for 17 years. I look out my window, and I see Mike and his team daily working on cars, in all kinds of weather. It's very inspiring.

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Before opening his small business, Mike worked for local car dealerships for much of his career. With his in-depth knowledge of how to care for one's vehicle, he keeps his customers informed by regularly posting explanatory and diagnostic posts so that people know when it's time to visit Mike's on Wyse.

He offers many services, including interior and exterior car detailing, car washing, shampooing, auto protection, polishing paint, protection, scratch removal. Mike is known in the community for being friendly, knowledgeable and great at getting your ride to shine.

I ask that everyone in the House join me in thanking Mike for all his work, ensuring the cars of Dartmouth North and beyond are squeaky clean, and wishing his small business continued success for years to come.

THE SPEAKER « » : The honourable member for Richmond.

MARTELL, ALLISON: LOCAL VOLUNTEER - RECOG.

HON. TREVOR BOUDREAU « » : I would like to recognize Allison Martell who is a very active volunteer in our community. Allison is the commanding officer of the L'Ardoise Legion Army Cadet Corps, where she helps youth in her squadron gain valuable skills of leadership, citizenship, and community activism.

Allison volunteers regularly, assisting many local events including St. Peter's Pirate Days. She's a member of the St. Peter's Fire Department Ladies Auxiliary, a team member of the St. Peter's Mad Hatters Relay for Life team for the Canadian Cancer Society, and has been a past committee member of the Richie Mann Invitational Golf Tournament for breast cancer research. Allison is also a past recipient of the Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee Medal.

Please join me in honouring Allison Martell for her commitment and leadership to Richmond County.

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

CAPE BRETON: CUTS AFFECTING COMM. - DENOUNCE

KENDRA COOMBES « » : I rise on April 1^st to denounce more of the cuts that will have an impact on Cape Breton Centre-Whitney Pier and all of Nova Scotia. The Community Trail Leadership Fund was cut in full. Supported trail development was also cut. The Community Trails Grant designed to help community trail groups by funding regular maintenance and activities, ensuring trails remain safe and accessible for all users.

The Let's Get Moving and Active Communities Fund - which help communities encourage movement through policy and social initiatives in physical environments to support community members who are less active or have fewer opportunities for movement - have also been cut. Cut in full - the Student Advisory Council Innovation Fund, which supported innovative ideas to support student achievement and well-being and address real problems experienced by students in schools.

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April 1^st is a cruel day here in Nova Scotia as all these cuts come into effect.

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

LAPIERRE, OWEN BLAIR: 90^TH BIRTHDAY - BEST WISHES

HON. TIMOTHY HALMAN « » : I rise today to recognize a very special milestone. On April 12^th, Owen Blair LaPierre will celebrate his 90^th birthday. Ninety years is a remarkable achievement and a wonderful opportunity to celebrate a lifetime of memories, family, and friendships.

I ask all members of the House to join me in wishing Owen a very happy 90^th birthday and a wonderful celebration with those who mean the most to him.

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

EASTER: HOLY CELEBRATIONS - RECOG.

SUZY HANSEN « » : I rise today to celebrate the Easter season. It's our time to spend with our family breaking bread together, and it's also the time to celebrate the resurrection of Jesus.

I typically enjoy sunrise service with my family at church on Sunday. It's a ritual that I have done since I've been a little girl with my mom and my aunties. Let us take these few days with our family and friends to rest and recharge.

I'd like to wish all members of this House a happy Easter.

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

HALIFAX WEST HS: CANADIAN IMPROV. GAMES TEAM - CONGRATS.

ADEGOKE FADARE « » : I rise today to celebrate the Halifax West High School's improv team, Mission Incrossables, who won the 25^th anniversary of the Canadian Improv Games Regional Tournament here in Nova Scotia.

Out of 15 high school teams across the province, these 10 talented students rose to the top. This marks the eighth time Halifax West has earned this title, a true testament to their consistency, their creativity, and their teamwork.

They were guided by their coach and drama teacher, Ms. April Cross. They will represent Nova Scotia on the national stage in Ottawa later this month. They will carry not only their school in Clayton Park West, but all of Nova Scotia with them. Through improvisation, they show us the power of confidence, quick thinking, and collaboration, skills that go far beyond the stage.

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Please join me in wishing the Halifax West High School's Improv Team great success at the national competition, and let them know that we are proud of the entire team.

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

CRUICKSHANK, BILL: DEATH OF - TRIBUTE

TIM OUTHIT « » : I rise today to express my condolences to the family and friends of Bill Cruickshank, who passed away on March 23^rd at the far too young age of 64. Bill was Vice President, Eastern Canada with Nustadia Recreation. For the last 16 years, he was general manager of the RBC Centre 4 Pad in Dartmouth and the Greenfoot 4 Pad in Bedford. Bill also oversaw the operations of the Emera Oval, the LeBrun Arena, and all HRM all-weather fields. Prior to joining Nustadia Recreation Inc., Bill served as the executive director of the Recreation Facility Association of Nova Scotia for 18 years.

[12:45 p.m.]

Beyond his professional accomplishments, Bill was known for his integrity, warmth, wit, and genuine care for his colleagues and friends. He will be remembered not only for his contributions but for the kindness and respect he showed to all those around him every day.

Bill and I had many dealings over the years, the most recent only two weeks ago - just two weeks before his passing. He was, once again, very responsive and helpful. He cared deeply about his work and truly enjoyed helping others. I enjoyed speaking with Bill and enjoyed his humour. We would take turns bragging about our kids.

Bill was one of those men who was a true gentleman. He'll be sorely missed by all. My father used to use the expression "a prince of a guy." Well, that was Bill - a prince of a guy.

Speaker, I ask all members of the House to join me as we send condolences to the family, friends, and colleagues of Bill Cruickshank.

THE SPEAKER « » : The honourable member for Lunenburg.

CROUSE, ANDREW/GAVEY, ANNE: CHRISTMAS TREE SELECTIONS - THANKS

HON. SUSAN CORKUM-GREEK « » : Speaker, I rise today to recognize a dedicated and well-respected Lunenburg County Christmas tree grower, Andrew Crouse, and his wife, Anne Gavey, for an annual kindness paid to my team and me every holiday season. For five years, Andrew and Anne have personally selected a beyond-beautiful balsam fir tree for the Lunenburg constituency office for all our visitors to enjoy. This tradition has become one of our favourite days of the year. There is no beating the sight and smell in the weeks leading to Christmas.

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I have great appreciation for Andrew and the other hard-working members of the Lunenburg County Christmas Tree Producers Association, whom you, Speaker, and I joined last Saturday for their spring field day. They've taught me so much about the work and care that goes into growing the world's best Christmas trees.

Speaker, please join me in sharing my most sincere thanks to Andrew and Anne for their annual kindness and for helping us all feel the holiday spirit.

THE SPEAKER « » : I think you and I have a record. I think we've gone every year. It's absolutely fantastic to spend time with that group of people.

The honourable member for Hants East.

BURNS, DAWSON: LOCAL ENTREPRENEUR - RECOG.

HON. JOHN A. MACDONALD: Speaker, I rise today to recognize a remarkable young entrepreneur from East Hants who is proving that community spirit has no age limit. Nine-year-old Dawson Burns of Lantz is a student at Maple Ridge Elementary by day and by evenings and weekends, he's a dedicated skate sharpener serving his neighbours, often for just $5 a pair.

With help from his parents, Dawson has been running his business for several months, sharpening skates for local residents and teammates alike. What makes Dawson's story especially inspiring is not just his initiative but his purpose. He started his business to give back to our community, to help cover his own hockey expenses with the East Hants Penguins, and to donate to animal shelters - a cause close to his heart.

Dawson is learning responsibility, generosity, and entrepreneurship all at once, and he's showing other youth that it's possible to support your passions while helping others. I want to commend Dawson and thank his family and the East Hants community for supporting this young leader. Stories like this remind us that leadership often starts right at home.

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

PASSOVER: GATHERING IN RESILIENCE - BEST WISHES

SUSAN LEBLANC « » : Speaker, as we've heard today, tonight at sundown marks the beginning of Passover, an eight-day celebration that commemorates the biblical story of the Jewish exodus from slavery in Egypt. Jewish Nova Scotians will join Jewish communities around the world to mark Passover by gathering together at seder tables, retelling the Passover story of Moses and the Israelites' exodus and their journey to freedom and sharing its lessons of hope and renewal.

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I ask all here in this House to please join me in wishing a happy Passover to all who are observing. Chag Pesach Sameach.

THE SPEAKER « » : The honourable member for Cape Breton East.

ZIGGY'S PUB AND GRILL: LOCAL RESTAURANT - RECOG.

HON. BRIAN COMER « » : Speaker, I rise today to recognize an important milestone for a beloved local business in Sydney River: the transition of ownership of Ziggy's Pub and Grill. For more than 30 years, Gordon and David Huntington built Ziggy's into more than just a restaurant. It became a gathering place - somewhere friends met, families celebrated, and community connections were strengthened. Their success was rooted not only in hard work, but in a strong team of staff, loyal patrons, and supportive vendors.

While stepping away was not an easy decision, I know Gordon and David are proud to pass the torch to Kevin Hearn, whose extensive hospitality experience and passion for the industry positions Ziggy's well for the future. I also want to recognize his management team, Conrad and Nate, as they begin this new chapter.

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

PASSOVER: REFLECTION AND REMEMBERING - RECOG.

HON. DEREK MOMBOURQUETTE « » : I rise today to recognize the beginning of Passover, which begins this evening. Passover is a time of reflection, rooted in the story of resilience, freedom, and the enduring hope for a better future. It is a time when families and communities gather, share meals, and pass down traditions that have been carried forward for generations.

While it is deeply meaningful to those who observe it, the themes of Passover - freedom, justice, and compassion - are values that resonate far beyond any one community. They remind us of the importance of standing up for one another, and of working towards a society where everyone can live with dignity and respect.

As Passover begins tonight, I want to extend my warmest wishes to the Jewish communities here across Nova Scotia, and around the world. May this season bring peace, reflection, and time well spent with loved ones.

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

BADDECK BRONCOS BASKETBALL: BANNERS WON - CONGRATS.

DIANNE TIMMINS: I rise today to congratulate Baddeck Bronco boys and girls basketball teams on winning their regional banners and earning a spot at the provincial championship. The achievement reflects the dedication and leadership of their coaches, Jeff Garland for the boys, and Phil MacCormack and assistant Deborah Christiano for the girls, whose mentorship made this possible.

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Seeing both teams advance in the same season is extraordinary, and a proud moment for our rural schools and community. Their success shows hard work, teamwork and the support of families, volunteers, and their fans. These athletes are outstanding ambassadors for Baddeck, representing their school with pride and sportsmanship. Please join me in congratulating the Broncos and wishing them every success at the provincials. We are all cheering you on.

THE SPEAKER « » : the honourable member for Yarmouth.

BRIDGEO, KEITH: DEATH OF - TRIBUTE

NICK HILTON « » : Today I rise to celebrate the memory of Keith Bridgeo, and to recognize a true local legend in Yarmouth. Known affectionately as Mr. Baseball, Keith devoted a lifetime to sport and community, as a coach, umpire, organizer, and mentor.

Keith helped shape generations of young athletes, not only in Yarmouth, but across southwestern Nova Scotia. Keith passed away in December of 2024, but his legacy was celebrated this past October at Gateway Park, where his number 16 jersey was retired in his honour. He served as the past president of the Yarmouth Area Minor Baseball Association and contributed to sport in our community in countless ways throughout his life.

While he received many honours, including induction into both the Baseball Nova Scotia hall of fame, and the Yarmouth Town and County Sports Hall of Fame, it is his kindness, leadership, and dedication to others we will remember most. I ask all members to join me in honouring Keith's legacy and extending our thoughts to his family and friends.

THE SPEAKER « » : the honourable member for Hants West.

MILITARY CHILD MO.: APRIL - RECOG.

MELISSA SHEEHY-RICHARD « » : Speaker, with so many military families currently residing in Nova Scotia, and many more on the way, I am pleased to rise to recognize April as the Month of the Military Child. This is a perfect opportunity to honour the extraordinary young people who serve alongside their families. These youth navigate deployments, extended absences, and the uncertainties that come with a life of service. They move from place to place, leaving behind friends, familiar communities, yet face each new chapter with remarkable strength and resilience.

These youth are an inspiration to us all, and a testament to the strength of military families who stand behind them each and every day. As Chair of the Veterans Affairs Committee, I ask all members of the Legislature to join me in celebration of these incredible youth, and gratitude to the military families who sacrifice to serve this great country.

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THE SPEAKER « » : the honourable member for Clayton Park West.

DUALE, MUBARAK: DEATH OF - TRIBUTE

ADEGOKE FADARE « » : I rise today to honour Mubarak Duale. Mubarak, the 23-year-old son of Ali Duale, passed away on November 25, 2025. During his celebration of life, stories were shared of his strength, character, and faith, and how he touched so many hearts.

I was moved by the diversity of people who came to stand with the Duale family: young and old, people from every culture and every background, friends of all faiths, politicians of different stripes, all gathered under one roof to honour Mubarak's life. It was a powerful reminder of the impact he had in such a short time and the respect the community has for his family.

Speaker, I will ask all members of this House of Assembly to join me in offering our condolences to the family and friends of Mubarak and to offer a one-minute silence, if we can. Thank you.

THE SPEAKER « » : Please rise for a moment of silence.

[A moment of silence was observed.]

THE SPEAKER « » : You may be seated.

The honourable member for Colchester-Musquodoboit Valley.

VOL. FIRE DEPTS.: AWARD RECIPS. - CONGRATS.

HON. SCOTT ARMSTRONG « » : I rise today to pay tribute and thank the many volunteer firefighters and first responders who serve the communities of Colchester and the Musquodoboit Valley and indeed across the rest of the province.

This time of year many fire departments and brigades hold their annual awards banquets to celebrate the accomplishments of the previous year and to give awards to valuable members.

It is always an absolute pleasure to be invited and attend to meet with the members and their families, along with their other supporters. To see the fellowship and the bond that is created within this wonderful group is incredible.

The awards presented at these events serve a very special purpose. They are not only recognizing the individual recipients who receive the award, but they also reflect the many hours of dedication and commitment put forth to achieve such success. Most often these recipients are selected by their peers for their efforts, their leadership, and all other good attributes they've exemplified.

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All firefighters and first responders are winners. Each member is giving back to their community. Their service to citizens of our province will not go unnoticed. We are so fortunate to have strong, community-minded volunteers who are willing to step up and serve.

Speaker, I ask all members of the Legislature to join me in recognizing and once again thanking the many volunteer firefighters and first responders for their service to our communities.

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

INNER STRENGTH TAEKWONDO ACAD.: NATL. AWARDS - CONGRATS.

HON. BRIAN WONG « » : I rise today to recognize the incredible talent and determination of the athletes from Inner Strength Taekwondo following their outstanding performance at the Taekwondo Canada National Championships here in Halifax. I have always believed that lessons learned through sport: discipline, resilience, and the courage to step onto the mats, are incredibly important for any young person to acquire. Watching these young people from our community dedicate themselves to their craft and represent us on the national stage is a source of immense pride.

The results from this year's nationals were nothing short of spectacular, Speaker. I want to highlight the achievements of gold medalist Ronan Sinclair, who also secured an Olympic qualifier spot. We also saw silver medal performances from Channing Sinclair, Kayla Dyke, and Spiro Likourgiotis, as well as bronze medals for Raya Porter and Spiro.

To head coach, Helbert Porter and the entire Inner Strength family, thank you for fostering such a positive and competitive environment for our youth.

THE SPEAKER « » : The honourable member for Shelburne.

SHELBURNE COUNTY SPECIAL OLYMPICS: GALA AWARD RECIPS. - CONGRATS.

HON. NOLAN YOUNG « » : I rise today to congratulate members of the Shelburne County Special Olympics who were honoured in the 2025 Inspired Gala. Kim Arcon, who is the Shelburne County Special Olympics regional coordinator, received the 2024 Provincial Volunteer Award for her outstanding work, not only as coordinator but as coach of the national championship floor hockey group.

Kim has been involved for 15 years with Special Olympics and is a really huge part of Shelburne's success. Of course, that national champion floor hockey group was named Team of the Year at the Inspired Gala. Twelve of the sixteen members of the team that won gold were from Shelburne and the four others were from Dartmouth. It was a wonderful opportunity to compete at the national level, make new friends, and make memories.

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Speaker, I wish all member to congratulate Kim Arcon and the Nova Scotia floor hockey team.

[1:00 p.m.]

THE SPEAKER « » : Order. Order, please. The time allotted for Statements by Members has expired.

ORDERS OF THE DAY

ORAL QUESTIONS PUT BY MEMBERS TO MINISTERS

THE SPEAKER « » : The time is 1:00 p.m. We will finish at 1:50 p.m.

The honourable Leader of the Official Opposition.

PREM.: LACK OF NSHA BOARD AND OVERSIGHT - EXPLAIN 

CLAUDIA CHENDER « » : One of the first things the Premier did after being sworn in in 2021 was to fire the CEO and the board of the Nova Scotia Health Authority. He then hand-picked his friend and former Tory chief of staff Karen Oldfield to be the interim CEO, a temporary position she's held for five years with no board. Yesterday, instead of restoring that independent, arm's-length board to manage the health authority's $3.3 billion budget, the Premier announced that Karen Oldfield will remain interim CEO.

Given the AG's serious concerns, why isn't the Premier putting an independent, arm's-length health board back in place?

HON. TIM HOUSTON (The Premier) » : The question answers itself. The results certainly speak for themselves - the progress we've made. Karen Oldfield is a lot of things, and yes, one of them is a former chief of staff. She is a lot of things. She's a very talented person, she's a great Nova Scotian, and she has given her heart and soul to improving health care in this province. I am extremely proud of the work she has done there and the progress that has been made. There's more to be done, and we have the team in place to keep getting it done for Nova Scotians.

CLAUDIA CHENDER « » : Last year, the Nova Scotia Health Authority awarded $3 billion in alternative procurement contracts. Those are contracts signed without going through a competitive process to ensure that Nova Scotians are getting the best deal for their dollar. Since being elected, this government has spent $6.7 billion outside of the budgeting process, more each year than any government ever before, all without any oversight. Nova Scotians' hard-earned money is being spent with little explanation and little care.

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What possible reason does the Premier have for refusing to be open with Nova Scotians about how he is spending their money?

THE PREMIER « » : I want to assure Nova Scotians that when we can do more, we do more. For the member to say there's no oversight - I guess the member hasn't met our media corps, who pay close attention to these things. I guess the member hasn't paid attention to the documents that the Minister of Finance and Treasury Board tables in this Legislature. I guess the member doesn't pay attention to the public statements we make. We are clear with Nova Scotians about the investments that we make that improve life for them and certainly improve access to health care.

Those investments - every single dollar of them - have improved health care in this province. As soon as we can invest more again, I want Nova Scotians to know we will do it, and we will do it quickly.

CLAUDIA CHENDER « » : This isn't that hard. Every other province in Canada has rules to ensure that government spending is open and transparent, rules that this government refuses to put in place. For four years in a row, this government has taken the extraordinary step of refusing to accept the Auditor General's recommendations on out-of-budget spending, and they show no interest in creating a legislative budget officer to act as a watchdog on spending decisions going forward. This is a government allergic to accountability.

If the Premier is so proud of his spending decisions, why does he insist on keeping so many of them behind closed doors?

THE PREMIER « » : I can assure you, we have no interest in keeping it behind closed doors. We want Nova Scotians to know - just this morning, I was out at the West Bedford West Bedford Transitional Health facility. What an incredible facility that is.

We have focused on progress. We have focused on Nova Scotians. I know that the members opposite want us to look at checklists, but we're looking at wait-lists. We are making sure that we are delivering for Nova Scotians. We are delivering for Nova Scotians, and the country is watching. They are coming to us, and they are saying, "Can you help us get our wait-list down so that less than 6 percent of our population is not attached?" That's an incredible result. They are coming to us saying . . .

THE SPEAKER « » : Order.

The honourable Leader of the Liberal Party.

PREM.: TAX ON ELECTRIC AND HYBRID VEHICLES - ADDRESS 

[Page 4389]

HON. IAIN RANKIN « » : As gas prices spike by over 40 cents per litre in the last month, and there's an interrupter clause coming in tonight - another 10 cents per litre - Nova Scotians are trying to make practical choices to save money. More and more are switching to electric vehicles and hybrid vehicles to avoid that volatility. Instead of supporting them, this Premier, who is also the Minister of Energy, is now hitting those same drivers with new taxes and fees. Meanwhile, the federal government, under Prime Minister Carney, is offering up to $5,000 in rebates to help Canadians make the switch.

Why is this Premier punishing Nova Scotians for trying to save money while others are making it easier?

THE PREMIER « » : We understand that the rising cost of living is having an impact on Nova Scotians. We understand that. That's why, in this budget, we have taken a number of steps to help where we can with affordability. Reducing tax rates broadly helps support Nova Scotians. Supporting the school lunch program helps support Nova Scotians.

We continue to take those steps, but the war on the other side of the world has found our shores. It found our shores in the price that Nova Scotians pay for things. In terms of the specific question about EVs, we all know our roads require significant upkeep. I hear a lot about potholes and road maintenance that's required. It's important to balance the cost of that across all road users.

IAIN RANKIN « » : Nova Scotians are always looking for ways that they can get ahead, like installing solar to bring down their power bills, but this government is scaling back solar rebates, cutting its clean energy division by 78 percent, and making it harder for families to take control of their energy costs. At a time when power bills keep rising, that means fewer options and higher costs for ratepayers.

Why is this Premier, who is also the Minister of Energy, closing the door on one of the few ways that families can invest and bring down their monthly power bill?

THE PREMIER « » : We're not closing doors. We're opening doors. We're making sure we can move the needle forward on making sure that Nova Scotians have a choice as to where their energy comes from. That's why I was so proud, in the last couple weeks, to be part of the announcement with the Mersey River Wind Project in Queens County, which in its first stage will offer power to 50,000 to 60,000 homes. That's a real choice for them. That is true competition for Nova Scotia Power. That is the answer.

We're not closing doors. We are opening doors, and we will open them as fast as we can. The only thing that is truer than that we will open doors fast is that the Opposition will stand up and beg us to close them, but we will not close them. We're opening doors in this government.

IAIN RANKIN « » : Folks who are using that power from Mersey River are still paying Nova Scotia Power through their tariff system. That also goes to the profit margin that he could have reduced, but his caucus voted against.

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Whether it's at the pump, at home, or on their power bills, Nova Scotians are being hit in every direction: gas prices soaring, EVs and hybrids being taxed, solar rebates cut, and Nova Scotia Power has just been approved for another increase. Even experts that this government has listened to, like Peter Nicholson, have said that the way to improve diversifying our energy is by enhancing solar and wind to ensure that we have majority future demand by renewable energy. Instead, the government is subsidizing, through debt dollars, development of natural gas.

Why is the Premier, who is also the Minister of Energy, making life more expensive for homeowners, commuters, and ratepayers?

THE PREMIER « » : I'm surprised to hear the member speak against natural gas. I guess the member is content that every bit of natural gas that is used in this province comes through the United States, from the other side of the country, and we pay almost five times - I'm not okay with that.

Yes, we are anxious to develop our natural resources and provide that opportunity to Nova Scotians. Yes, I am upset and angry with the energy board's decision. That is not a decision that I would support, but I also know that we can't overrule it, and the former interim Liberal leader knows the same thing. I'll table this. Interim leader Derek Mombourquette said, "interfering in what is supposed to be an independent process tends to have negative consequences . . ."

THE SPEAKER « » : Order. Order. We are not allowed to say members' names in the House.

It is a disagreement among members at this point, now.

The honourable Leader of the Official Opposition.

DHW: LACK OF PROPER HEALTH FOR WOMEN AND GENDER-DIVERSE PEOPLE - ADDRESS 

CLAUDIA CHENDER « » : Speaker, when challenged by the Auditor General that this government was inappropriately using alternative procurement and not following their own practices, the Premier doubled down, as he did today. But 70 percent of women and gender-diverse Nova Scotians say they don't feel they are getting the health care they need.

This government promised a Menopause Centre of Excellence over a year ago but has yet to follow through. They refuse to even consider a women's health strategy. When are the women of this province going to see the progress that this government likes to talk about?

HON. MICHELLE THOMPSON » : Speaker, there have been a number of investments across the health care system. The Menopause Centre of Excellence is gone out to RFP. We've been working with experts and I hear all the time - all I've heard for the last 23 days is we don't consult, we don't consult, we don't consult.

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We've spent intentional time with experts across this province, people with lived experience, trying to consult to make sure that we have the best Menopause Centre of Excellence, and yet that is wrong too.

I am not actually sure - spend money; don't spend money. Consult; don't consult. I really can't figure it out, but what I can assure you is that we are moving forward with women's health initiatives in this province.

CLAUDIA CHENDER « » : When my friend called yesterday to see if she was still on the Need a Family Practice Registry after four years because she was interested in talking about menopause therapy, the person at 811 said, "There's going to be a Menopause Centre of Excellence. You still are on the list. I know it's been four years." She said, "When is it going to open?" They said, "I don't know."

Speaking of promises, the government has campaigned twice on expanding the Cobequid Community Health Centre. The people of Sackville and the surrounding community are counting on an expanded ER and inpatient services that they need. This is one of the busiest ERs in our province. Last fall, one patient waited 70 hours to be transferred to get care. Two elections and five years in, people are waiting. When will this government keep its promise to the people in Sackville?

MICHELLE THOMPSON « » : As I've said before, we are undertaking extensive Central Zone planning. Again, back to the point of spend money; don't spend money - we are looking at how we spread and invest our very finite resources into an infinite number of requests.

We have learned so much in the last five years about health care we are undertaking, as we opened and toured the most beautiful facility that I've seen in a long time at West Bedford Transitional Health. That is part of our expansion. If an individual is at Cobequid for 70 hours, I know that they were cared for by the incredible staff who were there. If there was not a bed in another hospital, that facility was open and people were caring for individuals, and I trust the system to continue to do that.

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

PREM.: BUDGET IMPACTS ON NOVA SCOTIANS - LISTEN

CLAUDIA CHENDER « » : Cared for for 70 hours in a waiting room.

We continue to hear from countless Nova Scotians who want to see this budget paused, cuts reversed, and policies changed. Even as people are restricted from coming into this building, they are reaching out to share stories and make clear the impact that this government's choices are having.

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People are worried and they want to be able to trust that this government understands how their decisions are hurting Nova Scotians. Will the Premier finally listen to Nova Scotians?

THE PREMIER « » : Speaker, we've listened very carefully to Nova Scotians. It's because of Nova Scotians that we've made such incredible progress on the health care file. It is remarkable, the progress we've made. We know that there is some work to be done for sure, but the results are speaking and Nova Scotians are speaking about it as well.

The amount of Nova Scotians that the member could say they hear from, I could match that and double it with Nova Scotians I hear from now who are having a more positive experience in the health care system. We will continue to do that work. We will continue to make sure we are putting Nova Scotians first and foremost. That's what this government is all about, that's what we have been doing, and that's what we will keep doing.

[1:15 p.m.]

CLAUDIA CHENDER « » : The Premier hears from Nova Scotians, but is he listening? This morning, Lily Falk told us about how cuts to an arts program that brings artists into schools will mean fewer opportunities for students and lost jobs across the province, especially in rural Nova Scotia. This government's cruel cuts to culture and arts will mean fewer opportunities for kids to find a fiddle or paintbrushes or to perform in a play. It will weaken our province's ability to encourage and develop the next best-selling author, Juno recipient, or Oscar-winning artist. When there is so much at risk, why is the Premier pushing forward?

THE PREMIER « » : Speaker, this is a really important question. I would assure the member and assure all Nova Scotians that we are pushing forward. We're pushing forward with a $66-million investment in arts and culture. That is the second largest in the history of this province - the largest being just last year under our government. We have great respect for the sector and what they do. We'll continue to invest in them.

In terms of the question of art in schools, which is I think where the member started, we have great respect for our art teachers. There are many art teachers across this province who are delivering incredible programming to Nova Scotians. The member may not respect our art teachers, but our government certainly does.

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

DHW: AG RECOMMENDATIONS VS ALT. PROCUREMENT - ADDRESS

ELIZABETH SMITH-MCCROSSIN « » : My question is for the Minister of Health and Wellness. Yesterday, the minister said she accepts all 13 recommendations of the Auditor General, but she also said she makes no apologies for using alternative procurement and will continue to do so to deliver health care quickly. So is the minister admitting that the procurement process is not capable of meeting health care needs here in a timely fashion?

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HON. MICHELLE THOMPSON « » : Speaker, actually, both things can be true. I think alternative procurement is an important step in terms of being agile in the health care system. We were in a very deep hole. I'm surprised the member opposite doesn't remember that as a nurse. We really had some ground to cover because we had de-investment in our health care system for a number of years and we moved quickly. Part of the way we moved quickly was through ALTP. Now we have West Bedford, which has saved thousands and thousands of bed days. It has moved people through our hospital system in a more efficient way. Thousands of people are being seen through VirtualCareNS. YourHealthNS - we are democratizing health care and allowing people to have access and agency over their own care. These are important steps.

ELIZABETH SMITH-MCCROSSIN « » : The minister has just told this House that alternative procurement is necessary in order to move quickly. That means that the regular procurement process is not delivering timely results. So through you to the Minister of Health and Wellness, is she now admitting that after five years in government, the system overseen by the minister responsible for procurement is still not capable of delivering on time?

MICHELLE THOMPSON « » : I have every confidence in the ministers in this government. I have to tell you that there is not one that I would not go into battle with, and I do on a regular basis. This is an incredibly responsive and responsible government and I'm very proud to serve with all the individuals on this side of the House.

I think, as an example, when there's only one type of 3D imaging machine in all of North America, it seems a bit silly to me that we would go out to procurement in that case. But we would use an ALTP so that we could be the first jurisdiction in North America that can deliver cutting-edge therapy to Nova Scotians. We go through the regular procurement. Only 10 percent of contracts in health are done through an alternative procurement process. We have total faith in other procurement processes.

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

EECD: ARTISTS IN SCHOOLS PROG. CUT - REVERSE

SUSAN LEBLANC « » : Speaker, the Artists in Schools program was a major benefit to artists and to students across the province. In five years, this program has done over 1,200 school visits, reaching nearly 170,000 students across the province. That's two out of every three kids who connected with the arts - much of it in schools that don't have many resources to devote to arts education. It also meant work for over 400 artists. This government heard from the public and changed course on the easements. Will they listen and change course and reverse this cut?

[Page 4394]

HON. BRENDAN MAGUIRE « » : We continue to invest in art in school. That's why we employ dozens and dozens of art teachers in our schools. Over 8,000 hours a year is dedicated to art in our schools. It is a core part of our curriculum, and we will continue to invest and ensure that our children get access to art in schools across Nova Scotia.

SUSAN LEBLANC « » : It is a fact that I have iterated a couple of times now that arts education is not equitable in this province. We know that, and that is why there are so many people and schools from outside the HRM that use the Artists in Schools program. This is only year one of cuts. The arts sector is bracing for the future.

Two Planks and a Passion Theatre at Ross Creek Centre has managed to raise enough money from donors to save their season this summer. But Chris O'Neill told us they're worried about what comes next, saying: "This is not a long-term solution. Donors cannot fill the void. That well is going to run dry." Will the minister stand by while arts organizations fold under the pressure of this government's cruel cuts?

BRENDAN MAGUIRE « » : I want to assure all Nova Scotians that our arts and culture scene in Nova Scotia is not going to fold, despite what the Opposition is saying. We invest $1.8 billion a year into education. That includes over 8,000 hours of art in our schools. It is a core part of the curriculum. It's going to create the next generation of artists, despite what the Opposition say. There is a bright future for art in this province.

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

OSD: FOOD BANK VISITS INCREASING - ADDRESS

LINA HAMID « » : Speaker, food banks are seeing unprecedented need. The Parker Street Food and Furniture Bank says that they're getting thousands of extra visits this year. Feed Nova Scotia says food banks supported over 34,000 people in February alone. That's more than 1,200 every single day. Whatever this government is doing, it is not working. Why is this government letting tens of thousands of Nova Scotians go hungry?

HON. BARBARA ADAMS « » : We know that there are difficult times for Nova Scotians, and of course with the rising gas prices right now, it's adding additional pressure. That is why the overall budget for the Department of Opportunities and Social Development is now $1.8 billion. That provides support for 37,000 Nova Scotians who are on Employment Support and Income Assistance.

There are a number of supports for Nova Scotians looking to get back into the workforce, for income assistance, for housing support, for food supports, as well as things like a $20 million increase in the Pharmacare budget.

LINA HAMID « » : Yet 1,200 people every single day across the province are going to food banks for support. The minister's words don't help the single mom who can't afford groceries because she spent her paycheque on rent. Words don't help the senior on fixed income whose pension isn't keeping up with rising grocery prices. The fact is that food bank use is up by 66 percent since this government was elected.

[Page 4395]

Instead of helping, this government is cutting jobs, cutting income supports, cutting programs that provide fresh and affordable food to Nova Scotian families like the Mobile Food Market in Fairview. How many more Nova Scotians need to go hungry before the minister does something about it?

BARBARA ADAMS « » : It's always important to tell both sides of a story. The truth of the matter is that Nova Scotia is one of only three provinces where the reported poverty rate went down. That is reporting on 2023 data. That does not include all of the investments of 2024 and 2025, which included increased and indexed income assistance rates, $500 million in 2024-25, the new Income Assistance Disability supplement, the expanded school supply supplement, the increased earned income exemption.

We doubled the investment in employment support services and increased focus on youth programming. Just yesterday, the Minister of CCTH announced a $5.1 million total from the sale of U.S. alcohol to go to food banks and community groups across the province.

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

DOE: CONFLICT OF INTEREST IN EVERWIND PROJ. - ADDRESS

HON. BECKY DRUHAN « » : I've asked the Minister of Energy about safeguards to protect Nova Scotians' interest in the EverWind project given the scale of public investment, land, water, approvals, and hundreds of millions in funding, but no clear answers have been provided.

The minister has also refused to answer questions about his meetings with the founder of EverWind. This issue has surfaced in proceedings before the Supreme Court of the State of New York. A sworn affidavit reportedly filed with the New York County Clerk states that the Premier's chief of staff received text messages from EverWind's chief of staff, alleging business meetings between the Premier and EverWind's founder were an ethical violation.

Given the public resources at stake and the absence of clear safeguards, transparency matters. My question to the minister is: What was discussed in those meetings and what is the nature of those texts?

HON. TIM HOUSTON « » : First off, I want to clear up something. Yesterday, the member said that the government had given millions of dollars to EverWind. I want to be clear with the member that zero provincial money has gone to EverWind. I think the federal government has made some advancements.

What is clear about EverWind? EverWind is a private company that has invested over $200 million in Nova Scotia. They are a private company with ambitions to grow an industry in this province. You know what I like, Speaker? Private companies that want to invest in Nova Scotia. I encourage them all to come here and do that.

[Page 4396]

BECKY DRUHAN « » : Nova Scotians are entitled to know how decisions involving public resources are being made. We have significant public resources already committed, unanswered questions about ministerial communications, and no clear evidence of enforceable protections.

Yesterday the minister suggested that I should review the documents and better understand what's happening, as if I haven't reviewed what's publicly available.

Speaker, if there are other documents that actually demonstrate protections, the minister should table them.

I will ask again: What information is being withheld from Nova Scotians about these meetings and communications? Can he point to any protections whatsoever that are in place to ensure that our province is not left carrying the risk?

TIM HOUSTON « » : Obviously, the biggest protection is to not advance any funding to a company without a thorough business plan and opportunity. That's why we haven't. But we are interested in hydrogen as a business opportunity in this province. We do like private companies that are coming to Nova Scotia, setting up, employing Nova Scotians, and talking about a hopeful future.

A lot of times in this Chamber we talk about everything that's bad. But as my honourable colleague said, the sky is not falling for this province. There are incredible opportunities for this province, and they will be driven by private industries that come here and set up. I welcome every single one of then to come here to Nova Scotia and do it. I'll be happy to meet with them and talk about the opportunities they can pursue in Nova Scotia.

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

ECC: CONSERVATION FUNDING AND DEADLINES MISSED - EXPLAIN

LISA LACHANCE « » : Yesterday, the federal government announced the next phase of national conservation with A Force of Nature: Canada's Strategy to Protect Nature. This includes $3.8 billion in funding. But this government is cutting conservation programs and just missed its latest conservation target under the Canada-Nova Scotia Nature Agreement.

With the federal government investing billions to protect nature, why is this government letting Nova Scotia fall behind?

HON. TIMOTHY HALMAN « » : Despite the legion of doom and gloom rhetoric around this file, we are moving forward with the federal government. As a matter of fact, the federal minister, the honourable Julie Dabrusin, reached out to me yesterday. It was a great conversation. They are very excited about their new nature strategy, and that new nature strategy, the minister and I discussed that we'll work together to collaborate.

[Page 4397]

[1:30 p.m.]

We're very proud of our record in Nova Scotia of land and water conservation. This Premier, this government, we preserved Owls Head, we preserved Archibald Lake, we preserved Sackville Rivers. We have a lot to be proud of in Nova Scotia.

LISA LACHANCE « » : It comes back again to this question of pride. If the minister is so proud, why won't he be clear with Nova Scotians about what targets have been met, how they've been met, and whether any new land is actually being protected? Is it just creative accounting?

TIMOTHY HALMAN « » : We've preserved thousands of hectares in the last four-and-a-half years; significant achievements. We've moved the needle from 12.7 percent to about 14.5 percent. That's thousands of hectares. That is why a federal Minister of Environment, Climate Change and Nature reached out to the provincial Minister of Environment and Climate Change, because Nova Scotia is a leader on land and water conservation. We'll engage with our federal partners to preserve more land and water, to build up the economy, to protect the environment, and sustainable development.

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

ANSA: BUDGET CUTS AFFECTING COMM. - ADDRESS

SUZY HANSEN « » : African Nova Scotians are telling this government how budget cuts will hurt them and their communities. Whether they're speaking out at Public Bills Committee, on the streets, even in the People's House, back when people were allowed in the People's House. It's clear that many Black Nova Scotians have lost trust in this government. Stephanie Daye, a seventh-generation African Nova Scotian, says that this budget shows a continuing lack of Black equity. We need more investment in Black communities, not cuts.

My question is for the Minister of African Nova Scotian Affairs: How does cutting Black-led programs and initiatives improve equity in our community?

HON. TWILA GROSSE » : With regard to the question about cuts, as we've been saying over and over again, we recognize that a lot of the cuts were in fact restored. Also the fact is that from the perspective of our department, we're there to listen, to help, and to understand the impact of these cuts and help these organizations move forward. We are concerned, and we are working with regard to community.

SUZY HANSEN « » : The fact is the minister has provided no answers to our community about these cuts. She dodges my questions, she avoids community members, she filibustered during her appearance at Estimates. Angela Bowden, an African Nova Scotian author and artist, told the Public Bills Committee that we've heard a lot about which cuts have been rolled back but very little about the cuts that remain. African Nova Scotians like Angela and Stephanie are speaking out.

[Page 4398]

My question to the minister is: Why won't she listen?

TWILA GROSSE « » : It would be nice if they would come to me, to African Nova Scotian Affairs, to the minister, and speak with regard to their concerns. Instead, they're out there speaking around community. We are doing our best, and when folks come and talk about their concerns, we listen and we action and we support and we assist. We will continue to do so.

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

ACSW: BLACK WOMEN IN EXCELLENCE FUNDING CUT - EXPLAIN

HON. DEREK MOMBOURQUETTE « » : Yesterday on Facebook, Tia Upshaw, the CEO of Canadian Blk Women in Excellence Society, shared that her organization received a call from government informing that their funding was being cut. When she asked why, she was told staff didn't know. This is an organization that supports African Nova Scotian women entrepreneurs, helping them start businesses, build income, and contribute to our economy.

I ask the Minister responsible for the Advisory Council on the Status of Women: How can this government justify cutting support to an organization doing important work and not even equipping staff with the reason why?

HON. LEAH MARTIN » : Thank you, Speaker. I did see the Facebook post the member opposite is referencing and responded right away. When we deliver a follow-up call to deliver difficult news, and we do that with multiple staff members, we understand receiving that information can be difficult. We understand folks may need a couple of minutes to process that information and to receive it in multiple different ways. We deliver a direct, personal phone call and follow up with an email. I responded with Facebook correspondence and will always be there to support.

We've done great work with Tia in the past, we hope to do some more in the future, but right now we are working on intimate partner violence and gender-based violence intervention and early prevention, and we will continue to put our focus there for the upcoming year.

DEREK MOMBOURQUETTE « » : Not supporting women entrepreneurs. Speaker, in response to that post yesterday, the minister said the government is focused on organizations that offer domestic violence supports, but that explanation simply doesn't hold up.

[Page 4399]

Last week on CBC Mainstreet, Pamela Glode Desrochers spoke about her disappointment that funding was not restored to the Mi'kmaw Native Friendship Centre for the A Place to Belong program, which supports families and children experiencing domestic violence.

If the government's priority is truly to support those facing domestic violence, then why was the funding not restored to a program that does exactly that?

LEAH MARTIN « » : Thank you for the question. It is important that we keep the conversations going. It's an important conversation that we continue to have, and it is one that I've been having with the Mi'kmaw Native Friendship Centre about how we can continue to work together differently, and I will have more to say on that.

We found some ways we can work together in new alignments and ways to support that work. We support the Mi'kmaw Native Friendship Centre. Well over $5 million in support goes to the Mi'kmaw Native Friendship Centre every single year. We will look for new ways to keep doing that. We do look at various ways, from our prevention work with GuysWork, a nationally recognized program for men and boys that started here in Nova Scotia that is getting recognition all across our country.

There are various ways we will work differently in the future, but we are looking at all of them and we will continue to have those conversations.

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

DPW: STATE OF C.B. ROADS - FIX

KENDRA COOMBES « » : Speaker, Cape Bretoners are calling my office just about every day about how bad the roads are. They are telling us about the blown tires, the bent rims, the hundreds of dollars in repairs, just from trying to get to work or pick up their kids.

This year's Five-Year Highway Improvement Plan includes the lowest level of planned investment in roads and highways in the last five years.

Why is the Minister of Public Works letting Cape Bretoners pay the price with their wallets and their safety?

HON. FRED TILLEY » : Speaker, I don't think $2.5 billion dollars over five years is a low number. I think that is a significant number. Speaker, $465 million in the Highway Program Plan, $60 million for bridges . . .

AN HON. MEMBER: Don't look at her.

FRED TILLEY « » : I'm sorry. I don't want to look at you. But $60 million for bridges, gravel road programs, and what we are hearing from the tax party, and we have the Opposition, we have the tax party and the toll party, Speakers We are the party of action, and we're making big investments.

[Page 4400]

KENDRA COOMBES « » : Speaker, Cape Bretoners deserve a better answer than theatre. (Interruption)

Stats Canada reports that just a quarter of our roads are in good or very good condition. Cape Bretoners feel that every day our roads have been patched and patched and patched. They need to be repaved, but this government is under funding road repairs and cutting grants for partners like the Road Builders Association.

For God's sake, people, why is this government cutting back instead of investing in fixing our roads?

FRED TILLEY « » : I'm not going to bite on that. What I will bite on is the fact that this government on infrastructure has been second to no government in the past 20 years in the system. The work that had to be done to make up for the neglect on our infrastructure over the last 10 years - and all we hear from all of the Opposition in this Chamber is taxes and tolls. I call it the TNT Opposition. You know why? Because if they were in power, there'd be an explosion of unaffordability.

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

EECD: LACK OF SUPPORT IN PUBLIC SCHOOLS - ADDRESS

PAUL WOZNEY « » : Speaker, this government's sweeping cuts to the public sector put hundreds of public school jobs at risk. Students already aren't getting enough support. We hear from their parents all the time. Teachers and support staff are doing the very best that they can, but cuts to an already overburdened system make it even harder for them to do their job and give our kids the one-on-one support they deserve and need.

At a time when our schools need more support than ever, why is this government putting education jobs on the chopping block?

HON. BRENDAN MAGUIRE « » : Speaker, I don't know where the member is getting his information, but there are no cuts to teachers. There is no cut to the front line. We have more teachers working in our education than ever before.

The budget for the Department of Education and Early Childhood Development has actually gone up this year by over $100 million. That doesn't sound like cuts to me, Speaker. That sounds like a government that's serious about education and investing in education.

PAUL WOZNEY « » : When I look through the Estimates booklet and see $7 million cut from our education system, I'm thinking of the mother who asked my office for help after she pulled her disabled daughter out of school because she couldn't get enough one-on-one support. I'm thinking of the families who wrote to me about their kids struggling to succeed because teachers they know are doing everything humanly possible don't have the supports they need to help their students.

[Page 4401]

How can this government justify cutting jobs and services in education for the next four years when families need them to survive?

BRENDAN MAGUIRE « » : Let me educate the member. The budget has gone up over $100 million this year. The Department of Education and Early Childhood Development budget has steadily increased over the last five years, unlike when the NDP were in power where they decreased the budget.

Let me say this slowly: we will continue to invest in teachers, frontline supports, and the staff in our education system. Despite what that member wants you to believe, we are spending and increasing resources in the education system.

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

DHW: AG FINDINGS ON ALT. PROCUREMENT CONTRACTS - ADDRESS 

ELIZABETH SMITH-MCCROSSIN « » : Speaker, the Auditor General found that in five of the six contracts tested, alternative procurement was used inappropriately. Five of six. Nova Scotians are left wondering what a broader review what would have looked like and what it would have found, yet the Minister of Health and Wellness continues to defend her decisions, saying that getting health care delivered quickly mattered more.

The Auditor General was clear: the rationale used in these cases was weak. I ask the minister: Would she like the opportunity to reconsider her response?

HON. MICHELLE THOMPSON « » : No, I actually don't want to reconsider my answer, but I can share a bit more.

One of the things that we would say that we do wish the Auditor General considered in her report - and we've talked to her about that - is that she would include value for money, which unfortunately was missing. The audit also found no issues with the vendors selected or the projects that were pursued. There were no real or perceived conflicts of interest. All sampled payments were appropriately approved. Regular monitoring was done.

I think overall, when we look at the projects that were delivered through the ALTP - which is a very acceptable form of procurement - we delivered for Nova Scotians. We've created more care, faster. It's what we've said we've done. This is one tool in the toolbox and we're proud of what's been achieved to this date.

[1:45 p.m.]

ELIZABETH SMITH-MCCROSSIN « » : The minister can't have it both ways. Either her reliance on alternative procurement was unjustified as clearly the Auditor General has stated or, after five years in government, the Minister of Service Nova Scotia has failed to build a procurement process capable of delivering timely results for the Department of Health and Wellness. So, my question to the Minister of Health and Wellness is: Which is it?

[Page 4402]

MICHELLE THOMPSON « » : The Minister of Service Nova Scotia is amazing. Let's put that on the record. Okay, she's an incredible person. She knows her department. Alternative procurement is a legitimate part of the procurement process in the province of Nova Scotia and in the country. There are certain parameters for health. It's a very, very specialized sector in areas. Sometimes there's only one vendor. Why would we go out to any other type of procurement for that. Alternative procurement is only 10 percent of all of the procurement. You can imagine in an organization the size of the Nova Scotia Health Authority the thousands and thousands of contracts. There are times that we will continue to use ALTP. We deeply appreciate the Auditor General and the recommendations. They are going to make us stronger. They are going to make it more robust, and we will continue to use that.

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

DEM: VOL. FIRE DEPTS. FUNDING - ADDRESS

KENDRA COOMBES « » : Speaker, volunteer fire departments across the province rely on fundraising like bake sales, bingos, raffles, and 50-50 draws to support their budgets. It shouldn't be this hard for firefighters to get the money they need to keep the community safe.

The Fire Service Association of Nova Scotia has called on the government to put sustainable funding in place with municipalities. Will the Minister of Emergency Management tell fire departments how much longer they will have to wait for long-term, predictable funding?

HON. KIM MASLAND » : Speaker, I am extremely proud of the work the Department of Emergency Management has done working with our fire service providers. Actually, our Emergency Services Provider Fund was $5.8 million this year. That's money that's going out to fire departments to allow them to acquire breathing apparatuses, bunker gear, PPE, whatever they need to keep themselves safe. I'm very impressed and very happy with the amount that we have put into our Emergency Services Provider Fund.

KENDRA COOMBES « » : I didn't hear the minister say if the funding was predictable as is being asked by the Fire Service Association of Nova Scotia. Firefighters in Nova Scotia run into harm's way every day to help their neighbours. They deserve a government that will have their back, yet this government is failing to deliver what firefighters need to stay safe and healthy. When will firefighters have access to cancer screening, mental health resources, and enough protective gear to go around without having to fundraise?

KIM MASLAND « » : This is the reason why we're doing our fire services review; I am so glad that the member across the aisle will support third reading of that bill.

[Page 4403]

Significant investments in fire services: $2.1 million for two new more mobile burn units and $480,000 for four new multi-system propane props. We're investing in our fire departments. We're looking at ways that we can help them with training. We have an FTAC that's involved right now and how we can roll out training to our Level I's. Again, $5.8 million invested in our fire training. This legislation is going to look at better governance, safe training, and standardized services.

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

OPPOSITION MEMBERS' BUSINESS

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

LISA LACHANCE « » : Speaker, would you please call the order of business Motions Other Than Government Motions.

MOTIONS OTHER THAN GOVERNMENT MOTIONS

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

LISA LACHANCE « » : Speaker, would you please call Resolution No. 468 for Second Reading.

Res. 468, Public Accounts: Budget 2026-27 - Refer. - notice given Mar. 31, 2026. (L. Lachance)

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

LISA LACHANCE « » : I will read the Resolution quickly.

Whereas after years of financial mismanagement by this government, Nova Scotians are facing increasing debt, a worsening net debt-to-GDP ratio, ballooning debt-servicing costs, and no foreseen return to a balanced budget, as well as a fiscal stability plan with increasing amounts of budget cuts over the next four years; and

Whereas this government has shown that they are willing to force Nova Scotians to pay for this government's fiscal mismanagement through cruel cuts, with little to no forethought to the devastating consequences this will have to people; and

Whereas the people of Nova Scotia have lost their trust in this government's fiscal management and commitment to making decisions that serve the best interest of all Nova Scotians;

[Page 4404]

Therefore be it resolved that the House of Assembly refer this matter to the Public Accounts Committee to consider developing recommendations for how the budget process can be made more transparent, incorporate more citizen consultation, and include more data-driven analysis of the impacts that budget items will have on Nova Scotians.

Speaker, stewardship of public funds is a cornerstone of trust in our democratic institutions. It's part of how modern government works. It's what our citizens expect of us. It's supposed to be a fair deal between taxes paid and services rendered. Nova Scotians expect that government will apply stewardship principles or eventually risk losing its operating capacity, eventually risk losing its capacity to respond. That's exactly what we're seeing here in Nova Scotia; our finances have become unsustainable.

The current budget process has been pure chaos. It seems unclear and unstructured at best, but making the cuts seems targeted at worst. This seems completely divorced from the reality of services and programs, dumped on sectors and organizations without warning at the end of a fiscal year - for many cases, investments for the coming year have already been made or committed to - and without open communication. We are hearing from all over the place that government is abruptly telling organizations that provide essential services that they are no longer needed, without clear communication.

Family SOS is an example of how a cut was handled badly. This was a trusted service provider for government. They provide a program to support families to stay together, and 80 percent of their referrals - 80 percent of those families - were referrals from the Province. Apparently, there was an evaluation of all parent support programs. I invite the Minister of Opportunities and Social Development to table the framework that was used, so we can have a sense of what was used, but that wasn't provided to Family SOS. They found out about the entire cut to their parent support program through a phone call from CBC.

We talked earlier today about the situation with Tia Upshaw, who worked for years and years - I have a vast number of emails between Ms. Upshaw and the department that I will table - who worked collaboratively with the department and was supportive in responding to the needs of the department. Then, all of a sudden, as we've heard, she got a phone call and was told, "Actually, no. We're not doing that." There wasn't any reason why. The committee did not provide input as to why, and she wasn't provided with formal feedback on what had happened.

Tia deserves to be treated better than this. Entrepreneurs deserve to be treated better than this. Families who want, need, and are mandated to have parenting support deserve better than this. Nova Scotians deserve better than this.

[Page 4405]

Ministerial accountability is also a key tenet of how our government system works and how the parliamentary system works in Canada. That means that ministers should know what's going on in their department because they are legally responsible for that, but ministers haven't been able to explain the cuts. They didn't know what was happening. We have ministers undermining the current budget. The MLA for Queens is updating her community on social media that she continues to discuss Perkins House with the Department of Communities, Culture, Tourism and Heritage. Will some hurtful cuts be reversed because of political access?

Nova Scotians have a right to accountability and transparency. Every day, we hear from people losing their jobs without a clear rationale, without warning. Decision‑makers, bureaucrats, and Nova Scotians are confused and worried. This is only the start.

The budget provides a four-year fiscal stability plan that lays out further cuts, year over year. I think surely we can do better for Nova Scotians. This government must do better for Nova Scotians. I don't think anyone in this House, and I don't think any Nova Scotian, wants to see a year like this again.

The thing is it didn't have to be this way. I have tabled the full document before. I'm just going to table the cover so folks can refer to it if they want. Governments many times have to undertake the type of spending review or program review, looking at what's working, what's not working, and how they are paying for it. This is not an unusual situation, yet this government seems to have not actually done any kind of process. They certainly haven't been able to provide any clear approach.

I'll table this document, which is 50 years of fact, figures, and lessons from Canada's federal spending reviews. I have also seen this in action. In 2006, the then-new CPC government initiated a program review process. I can tell you what I saw and what I think worked about that process.

First of all, there was a clear purpose and clear directions given to all deputy heads. There was a need for data. People had to look at what - we knew about programs. We had to look at where else they were delivered and who else delivered them. There was integrated decision‑making. It wasn't a matter of the confusion that seemed to roll out between the Minister responsible for L'nu Affairs, Minister of African Nova Scotian Affairs, and the Minister of CCTH. No one really understood what was being affected within their responsibility. We have no proof or indication that people sat around the table and looked at the impacts of what was going to happen. For instance, if we cut all the parenting programs on April 1^st and try and move to a new model, what does that look like? What are we going to do? The 80 percent of folks who are being referred to Family SOS - what's happening today? It's April 1^st.

The review process needs to be transparent and accountable. It needs to be based on data.

Yes, I'm talking about process. I absolutely am, because I think it's really important. I think what we have seen happen this year is apparently progress; I would not call it that. I think thousands of Nova Scotians would not call it that. We need to make sure we're making the right decisions for Nova Scotians. This government is responsible for making the right decisions for Nova Scotians. I sure haven't heard many Nova Scotians who think that that has happened. It has been disrespectful. This government seems to operate without rules, just impunity, no regard for the rules around the actual way to do alternative procurement, the actual need for public procurement standards, out-of-budget spending. It is disrespectful to Nova Scotians, and Nova Scotians know it. They have lost trust in this government. We need a process that makes sure: we uphold our responsibility as legislators to all Nova Scotians; that we are taking care of the public purse the best way we can, in whatever circumstances that is; and that what we're doing is getting outcomes - it's achieving results.

[Page 4406]

Right now, this government isn't doing any of that.

Some of the key questions - and I would be happy to sit down with the Minister of Finance and Treasury Board to think about what next year looks like. We need to set out the goal for the current spending review, and we have to match it with the HR review processes. It's no good to have program grants and contributions being reduced at the same time that you're also talking about personnel reductions and not have the two meet in the middle and have a conversation.

The focus needs to be on increasing efficiency, effectiveness, core roles, and public priorities. Maybe this government would say all of that happened, it's true. No one seems to be able to back it up. No one has the substance behind that decision. You can say it all you want; that doesn't make it true.

[2:00 p.m.]

This government needs to show Nova Scotians they are doing their best job to make the best decisions for Nova Scotians. I don't think that is what happened. In fact, when we try to ask questions - another tenet of our democratic process is actually Question Period. You can look in all the parliamentary democracy books you would like, and yet when we ask questions in this House, it seems like a game - it seems a like a bit of a joke. We're not making up the stories of Nova Scotians that we bring forward.

We are being contacted by folks. We are being trusted with their stories. We are looking at the data and we are concerned. We need to be able to have a conversation to actually make it real.

There are other ways in which the government can think about looking at program reviews: Is it a statutory responsibility? Is it a responsibility of the province or does the federal government do some of it? Do municipalities do some of it? Is it co-delivered? Who else could deliver the program and service? How does it relate to existing goals and to what extent?

[Page 4407]

We actually don't have a lot of goals. The Environmental Goals and Climate Change Reduction Act is one of the few places where we have some time-bound goals that are being tracked for this government.

If we as a province made a commitment to reduce child poverty rates by half, just say, then how does the program or service contribute to that? I am talking about process. We actually have to think about these things. We actually have to put in place the things that we know work. We know they work because we've been collecting data, because we've been doing proper evaluations.

Other governments seem to have a really good handle on engaging their citizens, and making sure they are doing their homework when they are making their budgets, and looking at how they spend the money. Federally, of course, there is the Gender-Based Analysis Plus approach, which means that everything has to be looked at through a gender-based analysis.

New Brunswick is another province that does this. This is the 2026 Gender Impact Statement from the New Brunswick government that is tabled along with the budget. Things like our questions about the MOST program, which I didn't hear a lot about so I'm not sure how its going. We presented the data that showed that women enter the skilled trades at later ages and they would not likely, on average, be eligible for the MOST program. A gender impact statement would allow us to know that. It's a chance to do things better. It's a chance to do things better and actually get the results we want.

Other governments - I'll keep going with New Brunswick since I'm on them - do pre-budget consultation with New Brunswickers. I know that earlier there was some sort of, "We consult, we don't consult." Honestly this government has a terrible track record on citizen engagement. There have been a number of engagement processes for which there has been no feedback given to people who participated. The Food and Beverage Strategy is a great example, and a number of others.

So yes, actually, I do think citizen engagement is really important. I do think that goes a long way to building trust with citizens. If you would out and say, "What's important to you? What's working for you? What's in your community that's working? What could be changed?"

Nova Scotians know well, and they're organizing. That's the other thing - they're actually not waiting, right? That's what we're seeing right now. It's always been like that in Nova Scotia. I particularly noted an upswing in citizen engagement and mobilization after last spring's session when the uranium ban was lifted. Nova Scotians got organized to share information, to understand what's going on because they weren't getting it from government.

An actual, accountable budget consultation process would also go a long way for folks to understand the challenges of the day and to provide feedback on what they want in their community. I would also say that Manitoba also has a public engagement process that includes public town halls and telephone town halls for folks in more rural areas. There's a survey. Again, that's all tabled when the budget is tabled.

[Page 4408]

We can do better. We have to do better. This government has to better. Nova Scotians cannot have another year like this one. Talking to tourism operators - they have already made the investments, yet their budgets were cut by 20 percent or 30 percent. They can't find their partnerships with other tourism providers because they also experienced a cutback. Folks don't know what else is coming down the pipeline. This is happening across Nova Scotia.

We need a budget based on actual data, not the whims of ministers. We need respect for working Nova Scotians. Nova Scotians work hard. They take care of their budgets. Nova Scotians don't go spending year over year out of their own budget - a family or an individual - because they know what would happen to them. Yet this government seems to not think that they need to follow the same kinds of rules. This government feels that they can spend with impunity, that they don't need to come back to the Legislature, that they don't actually need to balance the budget.

The other thing I did, looking through budgets - and I will talk about this a little bit more later - is I looked through a number of the provincial budgets. I hope others have had a look. Most provincial budgets are going back to balance quite quickly. We are not the same. We are in a worse situation, and we need to do better next time.

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

HON. DEREK MOMBOURQUETTE « » : I'm happy to rise in my place and talk about this resolution for a few minutes. It's one that is very important. It's one that, obviously after what we've been going through in the last number of weeks through the budget process, is necessary to look at bringing this back to find ways that we can actually have a better process and a more transparent process with the budget process.

There are lots of examples I can give over the next 15 minutes or so, but as we've said and what we've talked about - and what Nova Scotians have said by the hundreds - is that we fundamentally believe the reason we have only really brought one amendment through the budget process is that the whole thing should be thrown out and sent back.

It's been a process where the government has come forward, presented a budget - a devastating one at that. As I said in comments last night, we are hearing from Nova Scotians now who work directly for government who have lost their jobs. We are hearing from organizations all over Nova Scotia now who are telling us they lost their funding, and in turn, the programs that they provide no longer will exist, and the people who were employed in those positions have lost their jobs.

It's been devastating right across the board. As I said, we are dealing with the largest deficit in the history of our province, which was single-handedly created by the government themselves. We are in a situation where this government has had more money than any government previous to it, more transfers than any government previous to it, record tax revenue over the years, and spent and spent and spent and, of course, spending on programs that support Nova Scotians, but with no fiscal oversight and no thought process into the future in how to sustain important programs that Nova Scotians use every day. That's why this resolution is so important.

[Page 4409]

You've seen the government come forward with information from the beginning stages of the budget, which then all of a sudden, because of the advocacy of Nova Scotians, and the government finally understanding that some of the cuts that they rolled back, that if they didn't, were going to impact some of the most vulnerable Nova Scotians we had, they kept providing information that was inaccurate. They had information coming back of programs that were restored that didn't match up with the actual numbers that they cut in the first place.

Again, to this resolution, why it's important to figure out a way that we can all come together to give Nova Scotians accurate information. I've said it in debates before that the media couldn't get accurate information. MLAs couldn't get accurate information. The general public couldn't get accurate information. People are still finding out now that their funding is cut, now that we're into April 1^st, and the government couldn't provide any of it.

That's one example of the lists that were provided - why this resolution is so important about bringing it back to public accounts. But again, even last night we were into it again in Committee of the Whole House on Bills where the government brings forward amendments to the Financial Measures (2026) Act, that had to make sure that everything lined up with April 1^st because the government was trying to rush out the door on a $19 billion budget, with hundreds of Nova Scotians coming forward to present.

This resolution is so timely because this has been a complete disaster from day one. I've said it myself, to a point where I talk about people not having information, whether it's the media, or the general public, or elected officials. Most importantly, what I've realized from this process, and why it should come back, is that the government MLAs should support this as well, because I believe the government MLAs never had the information either. I've said that on the floor of the House before - why the resolution is so important - so the government MLAs can be part of it.

I am sure that when the budget was tabled and they saw the cuts that were coming to day programs for adults and arts and culture - what every MLA on the government side is dealing with in every one of their communities, museums being cut, programs that support kids being cut - they probably didn't know that was all in the budget. For me, the idea of Resolution No. 468 - the big part of this is that the House of Assembly refers the matter back to the Public Accounts Committee to consider developing recommendations on how the budget process can be made more transparent, incorporate more citizen consultation, and include more data-driven analysis of the impacts the budget items will have on Nova Scotians. It's key at this point.

[Page 4410]

This process has been gruelling. First and foremost, it's been devastating for people. It's been devastating for their families. The government is celebrating a budget where they're making investments. But let's be clear, people lost their jobs. Period. Young families got letters that they were laid off. They're still getting those letters. They're going to ramp up now that we're into the new fiscal. I think the government wanted to be out by April 1^st so they could avoid what's essentially going to start in a big wave now.

As we've said, we're asking questions. My colleague was asking questions. I was asking questions today about an amazing organization that supports women entrepreneurs. They're just finding out that they lost their funding. Not only are they finding out, but they're finding out through a third party. They're asking for information, and they can't get it. These organizations deserve the respect of, first and foremost, not losing their funding, but if there are going to be changes, show some empathy and give them the information. None of them had the information. Now, all of a sudden, it's devastating.

A wonderful program lost; wonderful programs all over the province lost. This is all going to ramp up because it's April 1^st. It's terrible. This resolution being brought forward by the NDP caucus is one that we should all support. We should all sit down collectively. As we know, we're all sitting here for hours upon hours. We're going to do it again tonight. Then tomorrow, we're into it from 9:00 a.m. to 11:59 p.m., which for staff, that's extremely difficult. People are trying to plan here in the Legislature.

This whole system is broken. It's broken. That's the best way to describe it. The budget process has been broken. The way information has been provided on this budget, whether it be to the general public, the media, the government caucus, or the Opposition MLAs, to community organizations, to the people who are impacted by the budget - the whole thing is broken.

It's important that we sit down together collectively as MLAs to talk about how we can be more transparent about the budget and how the process can be more transparent and effective for Nova Scotians - because it's their budget - but also how this House operates. I think that is a healthy conversation to have across political stripes - to sit down to ask, "How can we make this place function better?"

That, to me, is just as important as the budget process that is here. That's something we're all responsible for. That is something that we all need to recognize. This budget, first and foremost, as I said, has been devastating, which we say to throw out, but there are a whole lot of other themes that have come out of this as we move forward. This resolution, to me, goes even further than what the NDP caucus is asking for.

[2:15 p.m.]

Of course the foundation of the resolution is around the chaos that this budget continues to be and has been from a communications perspective, from an information perspective, but how this whole system has really shown Nova Scotians how broken this place is. I think it's high time that we all sit down and really have a real conversation about what we can do that's in the best interests of Nova Scotians to provide them with information on what we're spending their money on, the programs that they use each day, the wonderful organizations that have it. A full, transparent open house here, where people can come, watch the debates, and see each and every day that we're here, the important work that we're doing.

[Page 4411]

I've only got a few minutes left, but I wanted to make that point, Speaker. I wanted to make that point beyond the resolution. I'm standing on the resolution, but I think it goes further. I think it goes further than just this experience. If this is the trajectory that the government - this is a four-year trajectory for this budget, which is devastating. We're going to see what's going to happen into the coming years.

Again I reiterate, we want this budget thrown out completely. That's why the only one amendment we brought forward, which we'll talk about later, is around our retired civil servants and the annual review of their pensions, which we'll talk about later. It's time to have a real, frank conversation about how this place is operating. We all need to have that conversation so that Nova Scotians can see that conversation and Nova Scotians know that they can come here, they can watch, and they can proceed. We all have a responsibility to have that conversation, regardless of what side of the floor we sit on.

These have been trying times in this province. The government, I'm sure, is hearing it firsthand. This budget process has impacted every community across this province. The wave of letters is coming. The stories of budget cuts are coming to organizations. They're going to keep coming. The communication continues to be awful.

We still have a couple of days in here that we're going to be talking about various bills as we get through Committee of the Whole House on Bills and third reading. I just implore that - as I said, everybody should be supporting this resolution. They should be supporting the resolution to sit down collectively and ask, "How can we be more transparent about the information that we provide?" Really have a real conversation about how broken this process has become and how we need to do whatever we can to ensure that Nova Scotians are getting the support that they deserve and that we do whatever we can to make sure that this House is as transparent and as open as possible.

With that, I will take my place. As I said, we're happy to support Resolution 468. I would implore that every MLA on the floor support it.

Our stance remains clear: This budget should be thrown out in its entirety. The FMA should be thrown out in its entirety. The government should be starting from scratch in our opinion, because this has been absolutely devastating and will continue to be, for Nova Scotians.

THE SPEAKER « » : The honourable member for Clare.

RYAN ROBICHEAU « » : Good afternoon, Speaker. I'd just like to start off by saying that this government is following the very same budget processes that have been in place for decades. You know what that means? It means that all parties, including the Official Opposition, have followed these same processes when they were in government.

[Page 4412]

I remember when the NDP were in government. I might have not even been a teenager back then but I do remember that HST went up, the Yarmouth ferry was taken away, and we even lost our constituency of Clare. But we're not going to get into that. I would need more than 15 minutes for that.

Speaker, it's easy to keep a budget balanced when you ignore the needs of Nova Scotians. We've seen that prior to 2021 - when you don't build new long-term care facilities and expect that our seniors will be able to live on their own forever and make do with some home care hours and help from the overstretched families and friends.

When you don't invest in schools for a growing population or affordable housing or rent supplements for the people who need it, and when you answer to the crisis in health care to people who have to go to the emergency room for strep throat and people with chronic diseases can't get the care they need - look at the bottom line instead. When our government took office in 2021, that's the scenario that we inherited, years of under investments had left Nova Scotians in a health care crisis, a housing crisis, and an affordability crisis.

I can't wait to have the Minister of Health and Wellness come for the grand opening of the expansion of the Clare Health Centre. I can't wait to have the Minister of Education and Early Childhood Development come and see our brand-new school in Saulnierville. I can't wait to have the Minister of Housing come see and talk to residents in Clare about rent subsidies and houses.

People who couldn't get primary health care appointments even for something as simple as strep throat or vaccinations, people leaving emergency rooms without being seen, people living in tents and parks and cars - even those who were working - because they couldn't find a safe and affordable place to live; Nova Scotians told us in no uncertain terms what our priorities should be. Better health care, homes, and long-term care for seniors who needed it that were living in hospital beds instead, safe affordable housing. We got to work without delay.

There's still more that we can do, that we need to do, and we understand that. But we are proud of the progress that we've made. Nova Scotians are seeing this progress for themselves. It was expensive. Of course it was. But ask the families of seniors who needed a long-term-care home if it was worth it. There's a brand new one in Clare, la Villa Acadienne, and we also renovated the old one, Villa d'la Baie. Ask someone who had strep throat or a UTI diagnosed and treated at the pharmacy quickly and efficiently.

When I went for Bring Your MLA to Work Day at the primary care clinic for the pharmacy, it was fantastic to see that the work they do there. Ask people who received care at the West Bedford Transitional Care Facility. Ask someone who has experienced gender-based violence or homelessness if funding for emergency shelters, supportive housing, public housing, or rent supplements is worth it. I think we all know the answer to those questions. Those investments are absolutely worth it and I'm sure every member of this House knows people in their constituencies who have benefited from that.

[Page 4413]

We are spending the money we need to spend to make Nova Scotians' lives better and more affordable. We are transparent about it. We have nothing to hide - in fact, we don't want to hide it. We're very proud of the results that we've achieved. The budget process, as I've said, is the same as it's always been. Budgets are the best estimate of the spending required for the coming fiscal year, but obviously, things change over the course of the fiscal year.

We have emergencies, additional pressures in health care that we can't predict and changes in the pace of some projects. If we can't be flexible to the changing needs of Nova Scotians, we aren't doing our jobs. But we know we need to be accountable for the taxpayers' money, so government does regular updates on how its spending compares to the Estimates contained in the budget. There are forecast updates in September and December, additional appropriations published with the budget and Public Accounts Committee, which must be published by March 31^st, which is the final accounting of our spending against the budget for the previous fiscal year.

Our staff does technical briefings for media so they can explain our spending to Nova Scotians. They brief Opposition members, they publish forecast updates and additional appropriations online for everyone to see. They answer questions. They go to Public Accounts Committee. They answer questions there and the Minister of Finance and Treasury Board answers questions in the Legislature on all aspects of government spending that media or Opposition MLAs care to ask. As the ministerial assistant for Finance and Treasury Board, I am very proud of the work the department does and the staff there.

At the Auditor General's request, our Orders in Council now contain more information, so that Nova Scotians can look at individual OICs and understand clearly what we are spending their money on. There is no doubt the financial statements we provide to the public are reliable. The Auditor General has provided a clean audit opinion for the past 25 years. That's something we are very proud of.

The Opposition has responded to the credit downgrade - the first in three decades - as an indication of fiscal mismanagement, and that simply is not true. Economists and academics review the Province's economic assumptions every year before the budget is finalized to ensure our revenue estimates are based on solid information, and while it is disappointing, the S&P Global downgrade was not surprising. Every province in Canada is running a deficit in 2026.

Ontario has nearly doubled to $13.8 billion; B.C. has a record $13.3 billion deficit; Alberta is $9.4 billion, more than double the previous year; Québec is $8.6 billion; New Brunswick is $1.39 billion. Other provinces are anticipating years of deficits and facing the very real possibility of credit downgrades. B.C., for example, was downgraded on March 19^th.

[Page 4414]

I will point out that Nova Scotia has years of strong fiscal management that rating agencies have repeatedly recognized. I also appreciated our decision to put a contingency into our budget for tariff-related impacts and emergencies into 2025-26. We've continued that in 2026-27.

It is also important to note that credit rating agencies are not governments. They don't need to worry about whether people can find a place to live or how long they've been waiting for hip surgery - but those are big concerns. Those are the concerns Nova Scotians elected us to address.

We don't want to see our spending increase while revenues decrease. We are concerned about the $1.24 billion deficit. That's why we have put into place a four-year fiscal plan that will see full-time equivalent positions in the civil service reduced by 5 percent every year for the next four years. Public service positions will decrease by 3 percent for the next four years.

Speaker, our goal is to focus these reductions on management and administration as much as possible, and to manage through attrition. We will ensure the reductions that are made are accompanied by administrative efficiencies so that our remaining staff can focus on serving the needs of Nova Scotians.

While we are not having a balanced budget in the next four years, this budget - this fiscal plan sets us on a path to decrease our spending while we work to increase our revenues, and we know this will happen. Defense spending in Nova Scotia is set to increase. The Mersey River Wind Project is already under way, and the Prime Minister has expressed support for Wind West, a project Hydro-Québec has expressed an interest in linking with its grid.

The Opposition has suggested the creation of a legislative budget committee; with respect, I am not sure what purpose that would serve. The Office of the Auditor General has 40 staff, mostly Chartered Professional Accountants who perform the same function. The Auditor General herself has more than three decades of experience and leads a smart and qualified team.

The government publishes updates on its spending - full, public transparent updates - three times a year. The Auditor General reviews Nova Scotia's spending regularly. Just yesterday her office released a report on the Nova Scotia Health Authority's use of alternative procurement. We may not always agree with her findings, but her office does thorough audits and presents them to government, the House, media, and the public, and they are discussed at great length at Public Accounts Committee.

[2:30 p.m.]

The staff at Finance and Treasury Board work hard to be transparent and accountable to the Legislature and to Nova Scotians. I already said it, but I'm very proud of the work they do. They provide their best advice to the government of the day, and at the end of the day, government makes spending decisions based on the priorities of Nova Scotians.

[Page 4415]

When I talk to the residents of Clare, and I talk of all the investments that we're making, one thing that I continually hear is, "It's about time." There are many years that there weren't investments in our communities. Nova Scotians have clearly told us that their priorities are health care, housing, and affordability. We made a great deal of progress in those areas by starting work in 2021. Other provinces are just starting to do the work that we've already done in the past five years.

There's still more to do. We will continue to work to create more housing, including the first new public housing units in over three decades. We will continue to reduce the wait times in health care, and we will open more long-term care facilities, including seven this year. At the same time we will invest in growing our economy. We will help make Nova Scotia an energy superpower, support the natural resources sector, and promote our small businesses.

As a former economic development officer, I can tell you I'm very proud of that as well. That way we can create good-paying jobs in Nova Scotia, increase our revenues and reduce our deficit, which will allow us to support those who need it the most.

THE SPEAKER « » : The honourable member for Argyle.

HON. COLTON LEBLANC « » : It's a pleasure to rise this afternoon in the Legislature to speak to Resolution No. 468, brought forward by our colleague in the NDP. I look at perhaps breaking this down a bit, and trying to understand why we are in the situation that we find ourselves in - a situation that frankly, many governments are finding themselves in, at all three levels of government in our great country, facing difficult decisions, facing very difficult financial decisions that have real impacts on our constituents, on Canadians, on Nova Scotians.

Focus as a provincial government - looking at, why are we in a situation where we are investing in Nova Scotians year over year, tabling deficit budgets, which I will remind members of this House, are investments in Nova Scotians. I need not remind many members of this House - if we were to rewind and go back in time five years ago - of the massive, massive hole that was left by the previous government and the previous government before that. This wasn't a hole looking for gold either. This was an historic deficit in investment, an historic deficit in investment in Nova Scotians. That's something that the members opposite should be ashamed of, frankly.

When we formed government, we were very concerned, of course, with the direction the province was going in: the big challenges in health care, in housing, in infrastructure, in affordability, compounded by the situations outside of our control, the geopolitical situations that we're seeing around the world. Conflicts arising, the trade and tariff disputes that are fueled around the world, and the need to do things differently - under the leadership of this Premier and our government. It takes not only leadership but vision and foresight. Sometimes using political capital to do things differently, to make those difficult decisions in looking at how we are best investing investments in Nova Scotians.

[Page 4416]

It was a bit interesting hearing the member of the NDP talk about tourism. I do not need to remind any member of this House, especially Nova Scotians in southwest Nova Scotia, what that member's party did to tourism across Nova Scotia - gutting tourism and eliminating a vital connection between Nova Scotia and the United States, an important tourism driver. I can say that that ferry has only sailed under a PC government. When a PC government has been in power, Speaker, that important link has continued. We will continue to make those investments in our rural economy and in those vital services that bring people to our province, a lot of people to visit other parts, including the United States.

I have not seen or heard any concrete evidence from the - to paraphrase the Minister of Public Works - the "T and T party." Again, I think Nova Scotians, if they were to look at the "T and T party," it's not just taxes and tolls . . .

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

LISA LACHANCE « » : On a point of order, we do have rules about how we address one another in this House.

THE SPEAKER « » : It is a disagreement among members, but I ask that all parties and members respect the Opposition or the government or any party.

The honourable member for Argyle.

COLTON LEBLANC « » : What I can say about "T and T" and beyond? It's . . . (Interruption)

THE SPEAKER « » : The honourable member is correct when he had stated that he is not referring to the party, but I'm going to say it again. I ask that everyone respect each other in this place. We're actually doing quite well today. Let's keep that up, please.

The honourable member for Argyle.

COLTON LEBLANC « » : I'll move on. It's important to understand of course why we are here today. I have addressed that in the first few minutes of my debate on this resolution. I guess it's also important to what we're doing today: investing, making historical investments; filling that big hole, that deficit hole, that was left by previous governments; and I would argue making progress.

We have heard today and the last few weeks in this Legislature, in this Chamber, a difference of opinions when it comes to the progress being made by this government. That progress is not the progress of our government; it's that shared progress and really a testament to the hard work of those in our departments, working for the public service and really delivering on solutions for Nova Scotians. I heard some criticism about the app. I know there have been some aspersions made, some casting of shade made by the members opposite when it comes to new ideas, whether it be the app, virtual care, how we're increasing access points to primary care for Nova Scotians - these are important investments.

[Page 4417]

I was speaking with a constituent who actually had a good news story about the app and shared that they were able to access their own appointment information time and be informed in a different way. It's important that, living and working in a digital era, we have those tools at our disposal.

We've heard a lot of criticism about other investments made by our government, some of which are called additional appropriations, saying that they're not transparent. I fundamentally disagree with that. The Minister of Finance and Treasury Board has tabled those in the Legislature. I disagree that they're not transparent because they're announced publicly, through press conferences and media releases, and posted online, so members can shrug and eyeroll, can do whatever they wish; the fact of the matter is that those additional appropriations are very public.

I challenge the members opposite: If they were in a position where Nova Scotians were facing the aftermath of wildfires, floods, natural disasters, or additional investment required for larger than expected winters, would they want to recall the Legislature and debate for two or three weeks on time that we need more salt on the roads? I can tell you, as a rural MLA, my constituents wouldn't be too happy if we were debating in the Legislature yes or no if we need more salt on the roads. The fact is that we'll continue to make those investments. It is a tool available to government.

As we go through the budget process, I encourage every member in this Chamber to pause and reflect where they are right now. It's 2:41 p.m. on April 1^st. Let's remind ourselves in a year's time of how much the world has changed. Who knows what conflicts have arisen? Who knows what the price of gas will be? Who knows what fiscal position the province may be in?

I'm optimistic for the future of this province. As a government, looking at not only where we are today but also having the foresight to perhaps look beyond, a budget is a snapshot of where we are today, with information that we have. It could be perceived as quite naïve to insinuate or believe that any government of any political stripe has a crystal ball to understand or perhaps have that clear picture of what may arise in the next 12 months.

What is clear by the actions of this Premier - the determination and drive of this government and this Premier - is having the vision and is having the foresight to grow this economy. I don't think anybody in this Chamber should be satisfied being 59^th out of 60 when it comes to GDP per capita. That is something we must move the needle on. That is why we are focused more than ever.

[Page 4418]

Now, the member for Cape Breton Centre-Whitney Pier may not want to hear that and the importance about growing the economy. I'd give the opportunity to any member of the NDP who align themselves more than ever with The Leap Manifesto and their federal cousins - The Leap Manifesto, the document that is more than ever calling for decreased defence investment - something that we celebrated in this province just last week - and calling for a complete elimination of all natural resource projects.

That's quite shameful that we have a party that is not willing to stand in their place to say, "Yes, we increased defence spending. Yes, we believe in natural resources and growing our economy sustainably and responsibly." I'd ask the MLAs from Cape Breton: Do they not want the Canadian Coast Guard expansion facility in that part of the province? I'd ask the rural MLAs in Opposition: Do they not want in-service support for submarines here in the HRM? Do they not want the increased investments in defence spending that are going to help grow our province?

I know this is a sensitive topic for the MLAs opposite because I'm hearing some chirping so, hopefully, they'll have that opportunity to stand on their feet and clearly articulate for Nova Scotians that they believe in supporting our men and women in the Canadian Armed Forces and rebuilding and modernizing our Canadian Armed Forces.

[2:45 p.m.]

That is something that as Canadians we should be proud of. I think it's a significant move for the federal government to finally meet its NATO commitment on defense spending and continue on that path forward to actually go on and beyond that to 5 percent from here to 2035. Nova Scotia is uniquely positioned to have a disproportionate positive impact on that. That is one element of economic growth in this province.

I could go on about AI and the digital economy, our natural resources, energy, housing construction, seafood and agrifood. At a time when we're talking about global disruption and volatility because of trade disruptions, and the importance of growing our economy - I could probably count on one hand how many times the members of the NDP have talked about the importance of sustainably and responsibly growing our economy, tapping into our natural resources, and creating good jobs, strong communities, and long-term prosperity for Nova Scotians. I hope this afternoon that we'll have the time to do that.

I'll wrap up with the last 30 seconds. Nova Scotians remember the time that the NDP were in power. A test-and-try period. TNT. Higher taxes, gutting government services. I can assure you that's something that's not on this government's agenda. We'll continue to move this province forward with the bold, strong, and ambitious leadership of this Premier.

THE SPEAKER « » : The honourable Minister of Finance and Treasury Board.

HON. JOHN LOHR « » : I'm very happy to say a few words on the resolution. First of all, I do want to address some of the comments from the member for Sydney-Membertou. It's amazing how short memory is. I can remember in my first four years in the Legislature how often we met on budget debate starting at 12:01 a.m., and doing the Question Period at 2:00 a.m. to 3:00 a.m.; 2:01 a.m. because we started at 12:01 a.m. So 2:01 a.m. to 2:49 a.m., 2:51 a.m., Question Period, and then debate on the bill at 3:00 a.m., 4:00 a.m., 5:00 a.m.

[Page 4419]

The member for Sydney-Membertou must have forgotten all of that. He must have forgotten that that's what they did multiple times on multiple budgets - budgets that included cuts to the film industry, budgets that included cuts to teachers, cuts to nurses. We had thousands of people walking around the Legislature. The member forgets those moments.

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

LISA LACHANCE « » : I would welcome the member to speak directly to the resolution, which is actually quite forward-looking, instead of recalling a previous government's record.

THE SPEAKER « » : I think so far, I've heard a response to comments that were made within this debate. I think that's a fair assessment. While I have the mic, I do want to apologize. I missed when the member stood up. I will get you next time, I guarantee.

The honourable Minister of Finance and Treasury Board.

JOHN LOHR « » : I know that the member for Sydney-Membertou, in context of this debate, in context of budget, had a very short memory of the actual circumstances when talking about the hours of the debate. We're here in the middle of the day, not the middle of the night right now, debating this budget. We've been debating this budget for a lot longer than I can remember any budget debates then. What would happen was that there would be 20 hours of Committee of the Whole House, and those 20 hours happened on a Thursday, starting at 12:01 a.m. and finishing before the end of the day. That was a tactic used by that government in relation to budget debates. The member for Sydney-Membertou seems to have forgotten that. I'm happy to remind him.

In terms of this resolution, the reality is that the system we are using for our budgetary process has been in place for decades. It was used by all three previous governments. In fact, the previous NDP government brought this system in. It is what we have done with spending. We have spent on the needs of Nova Scotians. We have been spending on health care. We inherited a deficit in health care, and we inherited a deficit in seniors and long-term care - not a deficit of numbers but a deficit of care, a deficit where Nova Scotians needed to have their basic health care needs met.

We had to do a heavy lift since 2021 - thank you to the Minister of Health and Wellness and the Minister of Seniors and Long-term Care. We hadn't had new schools built. We hadn't had new seniors and long-term care. It had been a long time since all those things had been done.

[Page 4420]

We were working to meet those needs. We were facing a crisis of increasing numbers of people who did not have a family practitioner, and it has been a big lift to do it. We have done what we can do, when we could do it. We have worked hard to meet the needs of Nova Scotians. We will not apologize for that.

In terms of the member referring to the process, this is the process instituted by a previous NDP government. This is a process that has resulted in over 20 years of unqualified audits by the Auditor General, including all the years of our government.

I know that when somebody hears the word "unqualified" - and I'm not an accountant. I'm a farmer who had my hand in a number of businesses. I served on the board of a federally regulated insurance company, so I saw lots of statements through the insurance industry. I served nine years on the board of an insurance company. I was a partner in a business that had - trying to remember the right term - we had a joint venture with the Republic of Cuba, so we had audited statements from that joint venture with the Republic of Cuba. I was a partner in a company that had nine farmers working together to market our own product. We had audited statements.

I have looked at many audited statements my whole life. What I can tell people is that a clean audit is like saying you've got a gold star. That's like saying you're on the all-star team. That's like saying you did well. It's not simply saying you did okay; that's saying you did good. The Auditor General - that clean audit doesn't come from a casual inspection of the statement. That comes from hundreds, if not thousands, of hours of work by the Auditor General's staff into various aspects. There are actually thousands of hours of work; it's not hundreds of hours of work.

I think about the number of staff the Auditor General has and the amount of effort that goes into a clean audited statement. We have had over 20 years of clean audited statements. That's not a random fact. That is a real thing, and it doesn't come without a lot of work. It doesn't come without us doing our best to meet all of the Auditor General's recommendations. In fact, the Auditor General has recently recommended that we change how we account for seniors and long-term care, and it's added about 3 percent to our debt-to-GDP.

We are now in the unusual situation of amortizing long-term care facilities that we don't own, treating them as if we did own them on our books. This led to about $500 million in additional appropriations last year. The Auditor General herself triggered $500 million in additional appropriations last year in requiring an audit change for us. We are working hard to meet the requirements of the Auditor General.

I know the member referenced a downgrade. I know there's a certain amount of - the member opposite has referenced the debt. In fact, from the Opposition, I've heard both messages: spend more, do more, do more in health care. We recognize that there are ongoing needs. We know there are needs at the Cobequid Community Health Centre. We know that. That will cause additional appropriations that will cause additional spending; it will cause additional debt when we move to meet that.

[Page 4421]

We're doing a massive lift in health care right now. In the Halifax Infirmary, we're doing a generational build. We're doing the largest capital program in the history of Nova Scotia, primarily in health care - not entirely, but primarily in health care. That is in a massive build. You only have to drive down Robie Street. If you're going to look up, look up when you're at a red light, and you'll see three big cranes working from early in the morning to late at night, building that massive facility. We're pretty proud of that. We're doing a massive lift in health care in One Patient One Record. Not an easy lift. A very difficult lift. We're doing a massive lift across the province. Is there more to do? Absolutely.

Half of the questions from the Opposition are health care questions. I respect that. When I was a member in Opposition we asked health care questions too. That just indicates that as much as we've done, there is more to do. So when we are spending money, we are addressing the needs of Nova Scotians, and we will do it when we can. I know my colleague mentioned, salt on roads.

Additional appropriations are things like - mostly they're in health care, to be honest. One of the biggest ones was what I just mentioned - an Auditor General request to do an accounting change that resulted in $500 million in additional appropriations on the books for us last year. But they're also in things like additional appropriations in meeting the needs of Nova Scotians in wildfires, and in floods, and in disaster, and in Hurricane Fiona - all of those things.

We'll meet the needs of Nova Scotians when we can meet them - and we will do that. We take pride in the fact that we will respond, we will listen. We will not defer maintenance. We had a government, and I sat in Opposition for eight years when, I would say, they did nothing. We are a government in a hurry to get things done. We know Nova Scotians have big needs. We are going to meet those needs.

As far as the debt, I want Opposition members to know, and I want the public to know, that I am confident that as Nova Scotians, we have faced adversity in the past. We're facing global adversity - there's war, there's uncertainty. Our number one trading partner wants to do tariffs. We are facing uncertainty on a global scale. That's affecting the provinces right across our country, bringing in deficits, trying to grapple with increased costs.

I want Nova Scotians to know that we have faced adversity as a province before and triumphed. We will face adversity again and triumph. We are a government that will not say no. We will ask: How can we do that? Previous governments banned mining, banned uranium mining, banned natural gas exploration. We will not say no, we will do the hard work of going through the process of doing those things. We will work on Wind West. We will work on green hydrogen. We will work on tidal power. We will work on onshore wind and offshore wind. Not knowing which one of those will pay dividends, but knowing that anything that might work, we are going to try to make that work.

[Page 4422]

We don't want to be reliant on U.S. natural gas. We don't want to be reliant on other provinces for transfer payments. We do not want to be a have-not province. We want to be a have province. We want to be a province where our citizens who have gone west to work in resource industries can find those same jobs here - those good paying jobs.

My friends whose grandchildren are living in Fort McMurray, or living in Calgary, or living in Edmonton, can come home and see their grandchildren move here, live here, and have a life here. That's why we're working hard to open up the resource industries. We're doing it for good paying jobs in rural Nova Scotia. We know that when we can lift the boat of rural Nova Scotia, we'll lift the boat of the whole province.

We know that the number one indicator of determinants of health is economic. It is wages. It is good paying jobs. We'll work hard to bring them here. We know that we've got a long way to go to be doing the wealth, but we believe that we have in our hand, in our possibility, elements that can bring true wealth to this province. That is our goal as a government. We'll do the hard work. We'll go through the environmental process. We'll go through the review.

I am optimistic about the future of this province, even as the member opposite mentions debt and long-term debt. Yes, those things are real. Those concern us. And that's why we are doing the hard work to make this province grow. We know Nova Scotians have faced adversity in the past. We've faced war. We've faced explosions. We've faced mining disasters. We will continue to work hard as a province to see all of these things go forward so that we have true prosperity here so that our children have work here, our grandchildren can come home so that we can do what we need to do as a province to see things through.

[3:00 p.m.]

While we recognize that we are in a time of uncertainty across our nation and across the globe, and it has caused us to have bigger deficits, when we realize that we have such profound needs in health care, such profound needs in education, such profound needs in many things. We have members opposite referring to poverty. While I know we are doing better than most of the provinces, we still want to do better than that. We want to bring true wealth to our whole population. We don't want to see anybody in poverty. We want to fix that.

The goal is not simply to do better than other provinces, even though we are. We have been doing slightly better on poverty. As the Minister of Opportunities and Social Development referenced earlier, we know that while we are doing better; we want to do a lot better. We want to bring true wealth here. That wealth will pay for the health care we need. We inherited a deficit of infrastructure. We inherited a deficit of investment in housing. We only have to look at tremendous housing needs. All of those additional appropriations that we did, the spending that we did - that's what I would say to the members opposite, the Opposition - which project did you not want us to do? Which school did you not want built? Which piece of public housing did you not want built? Maybe the member can tell me which one it was. I look forward to hearing it.

[Page 4423]

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

PAUL WOZNEY « » : Well, we have completely left behind Resolution No. 468. The last half an hour, a meandering walk by the minister responsible for the Premier's personal popularity. I don't even know what that was. It has nothing to do with the resolution.

I will say that I found the minister responsible for apologetic affairs, the Minister of Finance and Treasury Board - it's interesting to discover his . . . (Interruption)

Speaker, there has been some leeway here for the government side. Let's have the same here.

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

HON. COLTON LEBLANC « » : The Speaker previously ruled on commentary that I made respecting titles of political parties. I brought my comments back to meet the Speaker's ruling. The member for Sackville-Cobequid is frankly insulting the character of the Minister of Finance and Treasury Board and others by referring to their fictitious - perhaps made in his own mind - titles that he strongly believes in. I ask for you to rule, and I ask the member for Sackville-Cobequid to refer to members in this Chamber and ministers by their respective titles.

THE SPEAKER « » : I dismiss the point of order.

The honourable member for Sackville-Cobequid.

PAUL WOZNEY « » : I found it fascinating to hear the Minister of Finance and Treasury Board disclose his roots of collaborating with the economic interests of communists in Cuba. That was fascinating . . .

THE SPEAKER « » : I'm going to call a point of order here. (Interruption) I don't know if I'm allowed to call point of order. The point I want to make here is that you are wandering probably more than the Minister of Finance and Treasury Board did. This resolution speaks to financial mismanagement. That's what the Minister of Finance and Treasury Board spoke about. I don't recall, and I might have missed something about a communist regime or something like that, so I'd appreciate it if you would stick to the topic as well.

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

PAUL WOZNEY « » : Before I turn my attention to the resolution, I do want to clarify that the NDP has always stood behind and remains firmly behind those who have served our country in the past and serve our country at present. The NDP takes great pride in being the party that brought the Ships Start Here campaign to Nova Scotia. That initiative has translated to an $85 billion economic driver in our province, arguably the single most transformative economic growth measure that's happened in our province's history in the last 20 years.

[Page 4424]

There's a distinguished record of advocacy for active-duty service people and veterans on the part of NDP members of parliament: Peter Stoffer's record is well known; Dave Wilson, a former member of the NDP provincially - no apologies whatsoever for our long-standing record of allyship and support for those serving in active duty and those who served our country as veterans. I draw to the attention of the member from Argyle that the member for Cape Breton Centre-Whitney Pier has, out of respect for her long service and collaboration with legions in her community, been honoured for that service in partnership with veterans and active service members as an honorary chair of two branches of the Royal Canadian Legion in her constituency.

For the record, whatever comments have been made, the NDP remains firmly behind those who serve our country and have served it in the past, and we will proudly continue to remain in that place.

The resolution at hand calls for the House of Assembly to refer the budgeting process to the Public Accounts Committee to consider developing recommendations for how the budget process can be made more transparent, incorporate more citizen consultation, and include more data-driven analysis of the impacts that budget items will have on Nova Scotians.

We've heard previous comments that this budget is a snapshot of where we are in the moment - that is a component of what a budget is - but it would be reductive to leave consideration of a budget's significance in the life of a province and in this House to that. A budget isn't merely a snapshot; it's not merely a bunch of numbers contained in tables. A budget tells a story of what a government's priorities are. It reflects a plan for the people of a province that a government serves, and it is a promise to Nova Scotians about how they can count on their hard-earned taxes being used to support them.

Frankly, right now that promise is being broken. We have a budget that is the result of a process that has been chaotic, unclear, and deeply concerning. To be clear, this is not hyperbole generated by the Official Opposition. Even the Premier and the Deputy Premier have acknowledged on the floor of this House that the budget process has been chaotic. Those are their words, not mine. Both the Premier and the Deputy Premier have acknowledged that the chaotic budget process that has been followed to arrive at this point has resulted in harm for Nova Scotians. That's not invented commentary or criticism. Those are the words of our Premier and our Deputy Premier.

This resolution is about process. We heard government-side folks yesterday sneer at the notion of process, that all that matters is progress, but it would be a shame if we dismissed the significance and the impact of process. We have a budget that has been compiled and presented in a way that is chaotic. That chaos in that process is translated into impact for Nova Scotians.

[Page 4425]

It remains unclear to the people of Nova Scotia which cuts have been restored and which remain. We have a situation where the government had, midstream in the budget debate process, changed its Estimates, without any ability of the Opposition to ask questions about those Estimate updates.

We have information that's provided to this House that's already outdated. Key decisions about how Nova Scotians' money is being spent are being put through this House without any clear explanation or the analysis undertaken to determine how these changes were made.

This resolution refers the entire budgeting process to the Public Accounts Committee because the process of how we arrive at a budget is very much in question for Nova Scotians.

We've seen minister after minister in Question Period unable to answer questions in any meaningful way about how cuts across a number of government departments - what is the business case for these cuts? What analysis was undertaken before deciding that these cuts were warranted and in the best interests of the province.

Minister after minister stands in this House and is silent on that question. There's no analysis of how cuts will lead to job losses, how cuts will economically impact Nova Scotians. There's no analysis of how these cuts will affect rural communities and other communities of interest that have been historically disadvantaged by government spending and programs.

It's unclear that this government understands exactly how sectors like tourism, arts, and culture will be impacted by major funding reductions. I have yet to see a government as excited about the number 66 since Emperor Palpatine ordered that 66 be executed in Star Wars: Episode III - Revenge of the Sith. We've heard it so many times, it's a punchline at this point, yet $100 million in grant funding that impacts culture, tourism, and heritage is gone from the budget, the sector which we know generates remarkable economic return for every dollar invested.

We have cuts on the table, Speaker, that are being made without any publicly available analysis of the consequences. This isn't just irresponsible, it's unacceptable. It is a fact, according to the government's own documentation, that over the last five years it has created the province's largest deficit in history. It has spent $6.7 billion outside of the budget process. While it may have tabled documents after the fact about additional appropriations, it certainly did not bring those appropriations to this House for debate before those appropriations were made. All we got was a list of money that it spent, without disclosing that that money was going to be spent in the House. No business case for additional appropriations was tabled here or was made clear to the people of Nova Scotia.

Nova Scotians are taking notice; it is unprecedented in my lifetime for Nova Scotians to have taken notice of a budget the way they have in 2026, in this sitting. Nova Scotians are paying attention and asking questions about things like deed transfer taxes for casinos, cuts to sectors like arts and culture that offer us an incredible rate of return at a time that we're starved for revenue and looking for immediate opportunities for economic growth. Giving up on revenue sources that could have prevented or stemmed cuts in the budget, and the cutting of upstream programs, like the ones offered by Family SOS, that multiple government systems rely on to mitigate future costs.

[Page 4426]

Nova Scotians turned out in buckets at the Public Bills Committee to speak about how decisions in this budget, and the FMA will directly affect them. They've talked about how the loss of funding for arts and culture will harm them in their communities, loss of supports for vulnerable populations, services that communities depend on. They've asked for answers. They are asking for transparency. They are asking for their voices to matter in process. But instead of clarity, ministers continue to stand and talk about greatest hits from the last four years, but can't and won't explain why cuts are being made regardless.

[3:15 p.m.]

Justifications have been tabled in this House that simply don't add up. We've seen decisions reversed after public pressure backed this government into a corner without any explanation about how those decisions were even taken on the way to the podium. This is not careful budgeting. This is not evidence-based decision-making. At best, it's a poor lack of planning, and at worst, it is a fundamental lack of accountability.

This government is proposing more than $250 million in cuts this year alone, with plans to increase those cuts to nearly $1 billion three years from now in 2029, and yet we don't have a full accounting or a full picture of what's being cut. Large portions of these reductions remain unexplained. Entire categories of spending reductions remain a mystery. This is governance in the dark, and when governments operate in the dark, people lose trust.

Nova Scotians understand something very clearly: These decisions affect their lives. They affect whether communities will continue to have services, whether sectors survive, and whether families can make ends meet. Those decisions should never be made without clear evidence, public explanation, and meaningful consultation.

Fixing it isn't hard. It means involving Nova Scotians. It means listening to workers, families, and community organizations - something that hasn't happened in this cycle.

Speaker, I speak in support of this notice of motion. I move to close debate on second reading of Resolution No. 468.

THE SPEAKER « » : Order. You can't close debate. Only the person who introduced it can.

The honourable member for Halifax Atlantic.

[Page 4427]

HON. BRENDAN MAGUIRE « » : Thank you, Speaker. I just want to get up for a few moments and answer or talk about a few things that were mentioned.

I am glad the member talked about Ships Start Here. It was a great program that started under the NDP and the federal government, but what I would say to those members is that you can't have it both ways. You can't stand on your feet and take credit for Ships Start Here and not take credit for raising the taxes, for cutting education funds, for building no public housing, for forcing paramedics back to work, for the boondoggle that was the South Korean windmill investment in Trenton.

You can't have it both ways. You can't say, "We'll take credit for the good stuff, but not the bad stuff."

The member stood on his feet and talked about all the good things that the NDP government had done in their budgets, and yet the former president of the Nova Scotia Teachers Union is part of a party that cut education. Make that make sense.

Yes, democracy is chaotic, but it is also beautiful. It's also responsive, and that is what this government did. During this budget, we heard from people.

I've been in this House a while, and one of the biggest complaints I've heard from Opposition, whether it was when this government was in Opposition or the NDP was in government, is that government doesn't listen when they go to Public Bills. But when you listen to the people in Public Bills, they criticize you. The Opposition criticizes you. They say, "You don't know what you're doing" - which is also a bit of an insult to the bureaucracy, because they're the ones who helped build this budget, and they've done an incredible job. The truth is that things move and we respond to that.

The other thing that the member talked about was the additional appropriations, and that we should come to the House every single time. Maybe he should tell that to the people in Hammonds Plains who experienced wildfire. Wait a second - the member for Sackville-Cobequid said we have to come to the House to debate for three weeks on whether we should give you money to help deal with the wildfires, or the people of Cape Breton, when there was flooding and snow. Wait a second, we should wait. Everybody sit there for three weeks to a month while we debate if the member for Sackville-Cobequid thinks it's appropriate that we should help you with wildfires. That's what additional appropriations are for.

We have to be responsive. We have to be able to invest in health care. I'm not saying it because I'm on this side of the House. I have not seen more investment, more results, and a better minister in health care my entire time in politics. That is evident in Question Period every time they ask that minister a question.

I say again, going through this budget process, they won't answer. They talk about us not answering. I stood up and answered. When they asked me how decisions are made, I answered in the media, I answered in the scrums, and I answered here. There's a difference between answering and someone answering and you listening. When we asked them about what they won't fund - crickets.

[Page 4428]

There's a lot of money that went into the Opposition's constituencies, their communities. A lot. Are they willing to tell the people they represent that that money should not be there, that it was money ill spent? There are a lot of people in their communities who are now attached to health care and have a family doctor. A lot. Are they willing to stand in their community and say, "You don't deserve a doctor; that money is not well spent"?

I've heard criticism about the virtual app. The amount of money, funds, and resources that that is saving our health care system is incredible. When you have other jurisdictions - whether it's virtual care or the YourHealthNS app - coming to Nova Scotia and saying, "Guess what? We like that. How do we get that? What can you do?" Nova Scotia - of one million people, brilliant people - is being asked, "How did you do that?" by provinces that are 10 times larger than us. That, to me, is money well spent.

Money not well spent is building windmills for a Korean market for a South Korean company in Trenton, Nova Scotia, and then shipping it back to South Korea. Not one single windmill was built.

I will say money was well spent with Ships Start Here. Credit where credit is due.

You can't have it both ways. You can't stand here and take the good and close your eyes to the bad. The members talk about the tax decrease. They say, "Only wealthy people feel the tax decrease." That's simply not true. Maybe those members haven't been middle class or working class for a long time. They pay taxes too. Low-income people pay taxes, too, when they purchase things, and $20 or $100 here and there may not seem like much to people in here who are privileged, but it means a lot to Nova Scotians.

It's an insult when we have an Opposition that stands there and says that life is too expensive, yet they voted against tax decreases. They can say whatever they want, but they voted against indexing income assistance. The fact of the matter is, if you look at the numbers when the NDP were in power, it equated to about 0.2 percent a year that they increased income assistance because they increased it once. They increased it once because they felt pressure because what they were doing was cruel.

You don't have to worry about that anymore. You don't have to worry about future governments saying, "We're not going to include that in our budget." You don't have to worry about a future government looking at low-income Nova Scotians and trying to figure out if we should support them or people on income assistance, unless they want to stand - if they're ever in government - and get rid of that. Those are the things they voted against. No matter what they say, they voted against the School Lunch Program. They voted against the breakfast program.

I have three kids in school. I'm privileged - we're able to support and help our kids and give them lunches every day, but not every Nova Scotian is fortunate enough. To say, "We voted against it because we vote against the government because we're Opposition" - I'm pretty sure the Third Party voted for some of our budgets, and so did one of the Independent members. It's not unprecedented for Opposition and Third Party to vote for things. When I was in Opposition, I voted for a few bills on this side that I agreed with.

[Page 4429]

I hate to break it to the members, but there's never been a perfect budget. Ever. There's always more you can do. If the member is looking for a perfect budget, he's in the wrong place, because the NDP has never given a perfect budget, the Liberals have never given a perfect budget. The only one that's come close is this government.

We talk about the additional appropriations, which is a big thing. I see it online from the members across - oh my goodness, it's this big conspiracy; the sky is falling; everybody put on their tinfoil hats; all of this money is being spent - but they won't admit - they won't even go and visit Bedford South. Is it Bedford South? West Bedford. They won't even go visit it.

Speaker, I was critical of that in Opposition, and then I visited it, and I said, "What the --- am I thinking?" Thousands and thousands and thousands of health care bed hours are being saved. People have a bed and they have decency and they have help around them, and yet they're critical of it.

Sometimes you're wrong. We've heard the Premier and this government - if we get it wrong, we have the humility to say, "We were wrong. Let's fix it." But they see that as a weakness - how dare you be wrong? Imagine teaching your children that. Imagine teaching classes that you can never be wrong. That's how we get into bad governments - when you refuse to admit that you made a mistake, or maybe you didn't see it. You didn't see unintended consequences. You should have the humility and the leadership to go back and say, "You know what? Didn't get this one right. Gonna fix it."

I'm proud of this government for doing that. Would we like to do everything for everyone? Of course. Sometimes the Opposition likes to paint us as heartless or mean-spirited, but none of this is heartless or mean-spirited. There's only so much money to go around. If anyone's actually really listening - last night I got to leave a little early, and I'll tell you, folks, nobody's listening. There were 28 people online when the members were standing up and debating, and I think half of them were our family members trying to figure out when we were coming home.

We've got to be able to react to opportunities. We've got to be able to react to emergencies. You heard the minister say that if you take the amount of spending that the Department of Health and Wellness and NSHA have done, 100 percent - you're taking a percentage - 10 percent of it was additional appropriations. In fact, if you actually read the entire report, there were a ton of guardrails. Everything was followed, from a safety standpoint - from guardrails, from inspections - and the outcomes. Can we just stand here today and say that health care is so much better? Just the virtual care alone makes a massive difference.

[Page 4430]

[3:30 p.m.]

Is there more work to do? Of course, but that's why we have the member for Antigonish. Is there more work to do in whatever his department's called? (Laughs) That's why we have that member. That's why we have ministers. That's why we're here in this House. I'm just bugging him.

We've got to be able to tell the truth. We've got to be able to have real, honest conversations about this. The fact of the matter is that we have people in this House that are saying, "While Nova Scotia was burning, you should have stood in this House for weeks on end and debated that." Because that's an additional appropriation. You can't have it both ways. You can't say that you have to bring every single additional appropriation to this House for debate, and then say, "Well, not that one. Because that one, if we did that, would be bad for us politically."

I'm proud of this budget. I will stand 10 toes down on it. Are there more things we would like to do? Absolutely. Second largest investment in arts. Massive increase into the Department of Education and Early Childhood Development, the Department of Health and Wellness, the Department of Public Works. This is not an austerity budget. I have seen austerity budgets. This is not one of them. I want to thank everyone for the debate, and with that I'd like to adjourn debate on Resolution No. 468.

THE SPEAKER « » : The motion is to adjourn debate on Resolution No. 468.

All those in favour? Contrary minded? Thank you.

The motion is carried.

The honourable House Leader for the Official Opposition.

LISA LACHANCE « » : Thank you, Speaker. I do move Second Reading of Resolution No. 467.

Res. 467, Legislative Budget Officer: Create Position - Refer - notice given Mar. 30, 2026. (L. Lachance)

THE SPEAKER « » : Just want to get the right one.

Whereas this government's fiscal mismanagement has created the largest deficit in Nova Scotia's history, with no path to returning to balance, resulting in the first credit rating downgrade this province has received in three decades; and

Whereas this government has demonstrated an inability to stick to their budgets and regularly spend enormous sums with little accountability for non-emergency items, resulting in $6.7 billion in out-of-budget spending since this government has taken office; and

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Whereas other Legislatures have created independent financial analysis institutions that deliver more budget accountability to the public and strengthen the ability of policymakers to scrutinize spending, including Canada's Parliamentary Budget Office, Ontario's Financial Accountability Office, the U.K.'s Office for Budget Responsibility, and the U.S. Congressional Budget Office;

Therefore be it resolved that this matter be referred to the Standing Committee of Internal Affairs to consider the establishment of a non-partisan, independent Legislative Budget Office, in collaboration with the House of Assembly Management Commission.

The honourable member for Halifax Citadel-Sable Island.

LISA LACHANCE « » : Our proposal here is to create a Legislative Budget Officer modelled after what happens in other jurisdictions. We've had a chance to speak to this before, and as we've explained, we do have the Auditor General doing amazing audit work. That's an important piece of work that's backwards-facing.

A Legislative Budget Office would actually allow us to do the type of planning that we brought forward in the previous discussion. I guess I am surprised, actually, by the reaction. We're often told we don't bring forward ideas. I've been part of initiatives like strategic reviews, and I know that they can be done well, and they can be done in ways that respect Nova Scotians and achieve government aims. We want to support that kind of work. The Legislative Budget Officer is one of those examples.

Some of the questions I always ask about the analysis: What are the unintended consequences? What analysis has been done? We really don't hear often, on the floor of this House, a presentation of the type of policy work I think is needed to make sure we are making the right decisions for government.

The Legislative Budget Office can also cost election platform commitments, which I also think is really important. This is about making sure Nova Scotians have the best information available about how the public purse is planning to be spent so it is not backwards looking. What will happen? Have we taken into account all the potential consequences and benefits? I think this would be really important.

I think that Nova Scotians have lost trust. I think this process has not been healthy for this province. Governments really should be working to implement things that promote social cohesion, like the examples I tabled in an earlier discussion of budget engagement processes that respectfully engage citizens of those provinces in what is happening with the public purse. It's their money.

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This is also part of just making sure that we have the information that we need, because with all due respect, that hasn't been presented here on the floor of the House, especially in this budget period. We have not been able to hear clearly from ministers about different expenditures and cuts and plans. We respectfully asked for information.

I also think it is really important - I do a lot of this research myself. I am happy to, but the other thing is to understand actually how we are in relation to other provinces, and it is actually not true that we are in the same state as other provinces, so I just have a bit of information to share with folks.

For instance, New Brunswick, our neighbour - their net debt-to-GDP ratio is actually forecasted to remain at 30.8 percent at the end of this fiscal period. It is 27.9 percent for the coming year, and if you look at what S&P Global had to say about their 2026 budget - again, this information is publicly available. I would encourage folks to seek it out, but if we had a Legislative Budget Office we would be able to request and have this information before all of us in a non-partisan way.

Speaker, perhaps you don't believe me when I read these things, but they exist. I'll table them, and you can look them up online yourself.

The Province of New Brunswick's outlook is stable instead of negative. Ours is negative, theirs is stable, and they face some of the same challenges. They face some of the challenges around slower population growth, economic uncertainty, but the stable outlook reflects their expectation that New Brunswick will take the steps necessary to stabilize its fiscal position so its budgetary performance does not deteriorate significantly beyond the current two years.

What they are looking for is rigour and accountability in the budget process. They are looking for us to make sure that our checks and balances are in place for Nova Scotians. Why is this important? I just want to clear up a couple of misconceptions. I am happy to table documents. I did table, in previous sittings, all of the many dozens of times that I asked the former Minister of Economic Development about economic development plans, about rural economic development.

We have been looking for this type of information. We have tabled or we talked about several initiatives to support small businesses in the private sector to flourish in this province. We are, actually, quite concerned about economic development, and as I said, we are often criticized for complaining, but actually, if you look at some of those ideas that we have brought forward in a formal way to this House about supporting small business owners, they are good ideas and we'd love the chance to debate them.

I've looked at other provinces. I think we can learn a lot from other jurisdictions. P.E.I., also our neighbour, having a lot of economic growth, so a bit of a different case study, their net debt-to-GDP ratio, they have a guardrail of 40 percent like we did. We're going to blow past that in this fiscal framework. They remained at 32.9 percent, Manitoba 37.9 percent. Basically, every other province including Newfoundland and Labrador - I know perhaps not everyone finds this so scintillating. I was surprised to learn that Newfoundland and Labrador has the worst net debt-to-GDP ratio in the country - I knew that - at 45 percent. However, they actually are going to be back to balance next year - that's their plan. I was surprised at that.

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These are the types of things that people have a look at. I'm happy to table all of this information. Like I said, I encourage folks to think about what's happening in other provinces and how other provinces are handling the current uncertainty - I don't think this is going to end. I think this is the new reality. I would also say that there's other provinces - I know we call ours a contingency; others call it a rainy-day fund, precisely so that the ability to respond to unforeseen emergencies is there.

I really feel the need to make a couple of clear statements on where we stand about out-of-budget spending. Here's how we feel about it, just to be clear. We have said it before, but if anybody wants to listen, it'll be recorded in Hansard if you want to go back to it. Government absolutely needs to be able to respond in an hour, overnight, to any emergency that happens in this province, 100 percent. We're not proposing that you come to the Legislature before you make the expenditures needed to save lives, save homes, save property. That's not at all what we're saying. We never said that, actually. But I am concerned that we don't bring the other out-of-budget spending to the floor of the Legislature.

I have asked, once in Estimates, once here on the floor, and I'll ask it again. From the February 2026 additional appropriations, there was an allocation through the Department of Natural Resources to digitize geo-science. This sounds like a good initiative. I think we talked about that before we brought forward ideas about collecting the information necessary to inform our decisions.

I understand it's part of an agreement with Canada. It's a federal-provincial agreement. I don't understand why that would have to be an additional appropriation in February before a budget is tabled in February. This is the type of thing that needs to be caught up in departmental planning. I have invited the minister to explain why the expenditure happened in that particular time period and what the rationale was for it. It seems it's a matter of mobilizing additional resources from the federal government to achieve our economic development outcomes. It sounds like a good news story, and I don't know why we don't hear more about it.

I also just want to talk a bit about the finance Act. The member for Clare might have been in high school. I was across the street at the Department of Finance and Treasury Board actually looking at the revision of the finance Act in 2010. It was the best available evidence. It was the best available evidence. What we have been consistently saying since 2021 is that now we have learned better. We don't put policies and bills in places - we want to make sure we have the best framework that we can have across any policy area. What we have been saying is since 2010, other jurisdictions are doing it differently, that we are being called out by the Auditor General on the way in which we are using that function, and that we could do better.

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We could do better for Nova Scotians. Nova Scotians want to trust us. You're right, Nova Scotians don't always want to be involved in the intricacies of government budgeting. They are actually really engaged this time around because they're not sure what's happening. They appreciate that we have a very negative fiscal four-year plan. They know that there are a whole bunch of cuts that the ministers weren't able to explain, that they're from one end of the province to the other. Nova Scotians are engaged. They have a right to be. This is the public purse. This legislative budget officer would be one way in which all of us could have access to non-partisan, forward-thinking analysis and review information that we're not currently receiving. Nova Scotians are not currently receiving that.

[3:45 p.m.]

What I want for Nova Scotians is the best possible future. When we're sitting around with credit rating downgrades, increased net debt - why is this important? Everyone's listening when we have a Premier who says, "Fiscal restraint? Never heard of it. I'm going to keep using additional appropriations. I'm going to keep overspending the budget." No one in a business would do this. I also am a business owner. I couldn't, year over year - because I thought something was a good idea, or even if I thought something was necessary or vital - if I didn't have the revenue, I didn't make the expense. Timing only makes sense.

Aside from emergencies, we do need to be careful. We have a Premier who's brushing off the Auditor General's recommendations: "We're going to do it the way we did it." We want economic development. We do. However, it's not just Nova Scotians listening to this and being concerned; it's also investors. It's also credit rating agencies. If I were someone who was interested in the mining space, I'd probably want to go somewhere the government had functional relationships with the leadership of the First Nations. I would want to go somewhere I knew that the Premier understood how a budget worked and wasn't going to continue to make financial decisions that continue to further imperil the financial situation. I would want to go somewhere more stable.

I would like to have the information from a legislative budget officer who would be able to provide that. It would be an amazing - if we did this, what an amazing sign to folks across the country and around the world that we're taking this situation seriously and that we are determined to better understand our financial process, their impacts, their results, and what Nova Scotians get out of it. This would be an amazing step for us going forward, as it would be an amazing step to be able to say to Nova Scotians and to investors, "You're right. This budget process was a little chaotic. We're going to do better next time. We can do better next time."

I know that government can do better the next time. I know that - from having worked in the Department of Finance and Treasury Board and having worked with departments across the province - we can do better. We can provide the information that we need to make decisions, we can have better information available, and we can protect the public purse.

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With that, I will take my seat.

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

HON. IAIN RANKIN « » : I'm pleased to rise to support Resolution No. 467. It's similar to a bill that we debated in the House earlier. We, of course, as a caucus presented the same idea to (inaudible) legislative budget officer. It's important in the context that is set out here with the growth of government itself over the last five years, going from roughly $13 billion - that's the size of government - to $19 billion. That's close to $6 billion in the growth of government. What are we getting as a return on that investment?

When you're spending the magnitude of that much money, obviously some of those funds will go to good places, and you're going to improve certain programs - the lunch program. The government is good at spelling out some of those good things. The question, though, is: Is there a return on investment in all of those? Is it scrutinized appropriately?

What a budget officer can do that the Auditor General cannot do is look forward to what the impacts will be. The Auditor General can look back and look at value for money and process around it. We talked about process a lot.

It's really important when you look at the size of government. The size of government has increased by more than any other place in Canada over the last number of years. We are first in government spending, relative to our economy, in Canada. We are also first in the proportion of government debt. The public service debt includes all orders of government together, municipal and, of course, the percentage of federal debt.

We have as big a government, it's fair to say, as anywhere else in Canada. Where is our economy relative to that big size of government that this government proudly talks about? Well, the Minister of Growth and Development just said it again, we're 59^th out of 60 in North America. That's after five years of this government being in power. That is owned by this government where we sit in economic growth.

It's not just that metric. Last year I responded to the budget and went through and basically forecasted where we were going to be this year. We were last - I don't have my speech in front of me - but productivity, we were last in start-up growth. If you go across the board as in any Economics 101 class you take and you look at the key metrics, we were last, but first in spending in government. This is structural operating costs. I do have an issue with labelling all this spending as investing. Investing is when you have projects, good capital projects. I'll speak to some of them that are before us and the opportunities that are in front of us as a nation and how they actually will help Nova Scotia more disproportionately than other places.

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When you spend more on the day to day, as Prime Minister Carney says, you're not investing. The federal government is actually going in the opposite direction of this government. The federal government is investing more in capital by spending less on the day to day, essentially the operating budget.

We are spending money that we don't have. It is a core principle of this government, regardless of what's coming in for revenue, to spend what they don't have and they see a virtue in it, "we will do more when we can do more." They are actually doing more when they can't do more with the current revenues. They're taking future revenues, contingent on what I can only tell as an economic strategy. Here's the economic strategy from when you hear government members speak, especially to the Government Notices of Motion: (1) Carney's monumental spend on defence; (2) Carney supporting the rocket ship in Canso; and (3) Carney potentially putting money in infrastructure to make offshore wind viable. Three ways that this party and this government see as their economic strategy, completely contingent on the federal Liberal government.

Where's the vision for anything else that are comparative advantages here in our province? Where's the vision for the arts and culture sector? I think we've seen loud and clear that there is none in this budget. Where's the vision for attracting venture capital investment in our province? Where is the vision for driving our start-up economy here? Where's the vision for our scaling-up companies so that we're not relying on a handful of large employers like Michelin? Where's the vision for export growth and market diversification?

This is a good example where you'll see a mishmash of strategies and packaging it. You know what? Exports went up to the Netherlands or to a couple of other countries. Good, we're finally making some missions out there, finally someone is going to China after many years of ignoring that market to the detriment of our fisheries.

Exports to the countries that aren't listed in the PR social media campaign are all going down. Exports to China, our second biggest trading market, have gone down by 30 percent, but Carney to the rescue again. He came, he made a deal, and he actually went to China. I encourage the Premier to go to China and work on those relationships that were formed - official relationships - with provinces in China so that we get a better price and the United States is not dictating the price at the wharf, which we had when we came into government.

However, the Minister of Finance and Treasury Board likes to say nothing happened during the eight years. That's literally what he said: That government did nothing. Yet I'm sure he and others drive Highway No. 103 from time to time, drive Highway No. 104 from time to time, and see the significant capital investment without tolls. Private-public partnership with Nova Scotian companies that won the tender on merit - they competed. That was what we always asked for with large contracts.

Speaking, I guess, from the "toll party" - which we were labelled today - that large infrastructure project had no tolls. These members know that those projects save lives, which is important. We also leveraged federal funds because we were able to make the case that it was a major market corridor to move goods and services. That doesn't sound like nothing to me. It doesn't sound like there was a whole bunch of deferred maintenance when billions went into highways and billions went into infrastructure.

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Throughout my whole time in government, I don't remember being criticized for not spending enough in capital. It was pushing - we had to take some real caution when we looked at the debt-to-GDP and trying to reach the Ivany goal of 30 percent because the capital pressure was there, especially with the QEII redevelopment and future costs associated with that.

The day-to-day costs had to be looked at. That was needed, but at least there was an economic vision around trying to target things like tourism growth. This government is closing the VICs. This government is restricting GDP impacts to vital sectors that depend on tourism, like the music industry and Celtic Colours International Festival. They're worried about future years. They're worried about a plan that this government has to not value those sectors that drive the economy.

That's where a budget officer can assess spending and can assess where we're going when public debt is going to be doubled. That's a big increase - doubling the net debt in this province, increasing the size of government. If we don't have a look at where all this spending is going, if we continue to allow the overspend and literally no discipline on departments, we're going to be in deeper trouble.

We've been saying that in our caucus at committees. We've said that there's a spending problem. It's not just health care. One time we looked at the budget - Keith Irving and I - and almost every single department, except for one or two that did not, went over their allocated amount.

I worry what's going to happen. I worry what's going to happen with the windfall revenue - if the war continues in the Middle East the way it is, with gas going up - with the HST windfall revenue that's going to come in to the Province. I do worry that this government will say, "We can do more, and we're going to do more." As soon as that revenue comes in, it's going to go out as fast as they can, after the Legislature's done, with no scrutiny - maybe some projects here and there that some people value, but it's the totality of all those choices that were made that result in a large government that this current population can't afford banking on super-projects conditional on the federal government's vision.

There are no goals that this government's looking at to grow the economy. There's no real measurement of market attachment ensuring that we have labour that meets the needs of future job growth. There's no looking at the knowledge-based economy like the previous government did - that did nothing, apparently - that found a way to invest in our post-secondary institution that grew computer science programs across all the universities that offered the program, because we knew that companies like IBM - these companies that were looking for places to go weren't just looking for a competitive tax environment. They were looking for labour - trained, skilled labour for long-term careers.

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[4:00 p.m.]

Those are the kinds of strategic investments that are required - leveraging what's happening at what is a big cost to government through post-secondary; leveraging the research that was happening at Dalhousie to the Tesla agreement, spinning off in an incredible company for battery research.

It's a clear juxtaposition. Now we have a government coming in and cutting research opportunities, not valuing it. I don't know if they ever quantified GD impact to anything besides natural resources.

You can support natural resource growth and you can support the other things that make Nova Scotia what it is today. You can leverage our comparative advantages with the ocean, with the blue economy, with COVE - the different things that the government does mention from time to time. They've mentioned COVE. They've mentioned different initiatives that started under the previous government - that did nothing, apparently - but they could take full credit for where we are today.

This government has a spending problem. They're running out of money and they're still at last place in the economy in the country after five years of governing with no vision. Their vision is to accept money from Ottawa for defence, to accept money from Ottawa for offshore wind, and to accept money from Ottawa for a spaceship in Canso. Those are their talking points - federal funds are going to save the day.

That's why they can't project any more GDP growth in the budget. They are still projecting to be last in the country because they know there's uncertainty, and they're not interested in looking at what previous governments actually had some traction on and growing different parts of the economy.

It takes both. It takes discipline and being able to say no from time to time. They are at a point now where they've said yes to everybody and now they're drastically hacking away at vital programs, at non-profit organizations, at arts and culture, at Artists in Schools - things that really provide a lot of value.

Apparently, that's what came out of their thorough analysis over many, many, many months, said the Minister of Opportunities and Social Development. Imagine that minister at Treasury Board, being part of hacking away at these vital organizations. Why? Because they couldn't control the growth of departments. They had no discipline. We're in a much worse position fiscally and economically than we've ever been.

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

PAUL WOZNEY « » : Speaker, I rise today to speak in strong support of the motion to establish a legislative budget officer for Nova Scotia. My support is founded on a simple principle: In a democracy government must be accountable for how it spends public money - not after the fact, not when problems arise, but every single day.

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Right now, that accountability is sorely lacking in Nova Scotia. This government is sending at historic levels while transparency is going in the opposite direction. Since taking office, this government has spent $6.7 billion outside of the budget approved by this Legislature - $6.7 billion. That is money not fully scrutinized, not fully debated, and definitely not approved through the normal legislative process.

I believe that should concern every member of this House. The power of the Legislature - our ability to represent Nova Scotians - depends on our shared ability to scrutinize spending. When spending happens outside of the budget process, that power is weakened.

We've also seen a troubling pattern when it comes to how this government presents its finances. Year after year, revenue projections have been significantly underestimated by: $1.3 billion in 2022; $1.95 billion in 2023; $1.04 billion in 2024; and $1.38 billion in 2025.

Now in fairness, these are not rounding errors. This is a pattern and it raises a very real question: When Nova Scotians look at the budget, can they trust the numbers that are being presented? Because when revenues are underestimated, it creates and feeds a narrative that says, "there isn't enough money" - a narrative that is then used to justify decisions about programs, about services, about priorities, and now about cuts.

At the same time, this government is running the largest deficit in the province's history. For the first time since 1993, and that's 33 years ago, our province has received a credit rating downgrade. Despite protestations from the Minister of Finance and Treasury Board that it's not really that big a deal, it matters because it affects borrowing costs in the present and down the road. It affects long-term fiscal sustainability. It affects how much the people of Nova Scotia pay to service the money that we have borrowed in deficit, and it affects the confidence people have in how this province is being managed.

I propose that that is exactly why we need a legislative budget officer, because right now members of this House are being asked to make decisions without independent, forward-looking financial analysis. We are relying on information that, over the past four years, has consistently been wrong, provided by a government that we are supposed to hold to account. This is a system out of balance.

This is not a novel idea. We've heard this government point to good ideas implemented in plenty of other provinces, and so we too point out that other jurisdictions have recognized this principle and this problem. They have created independent fiscal watchdogs. The Government of Canada now has a Parliamentary Budget Officer.

The Premier's best friend, Doug Ford, has instituted a Financial Accountability Office in Ontario. Similar institutions in the United Kingdom and the United States, and across geography, all of these offices provide something incredibly important - and that is independent analysis. It allows legislators, regardless of party, to ask, regardless of what government is in power: What will this policy cost? What are the long-term budget implications that all legislators should be aware of in voting on this measure? Are the numbers provided by government to justify this program, this policy, this initiative, this priority? Are these numbers fair and realistic and reliable?

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In every case where we have a legislative budget officer, legislators, regardless of what party is asking these questions, actually get answers. Not answers that are partisan, that are designed as a shield and a protection for the government-of-the-day, but from an independent, non-partisan, arm's length officer whose job is fair, truthful, accurate analysis.

Speaker, I want to be clear about something. The legislative budget officer, in no way, shape, or form, replaces the work or supplants the role of the Auditor General. The Auditor General's job is to look backward at spending that has already occurred. The Auditor General's role is to examine and analyze whether public funds were spent in an appropriate way. Given this scope and this mandate, the Auditor General is effective in identifying problems after they occur. But they don't look forward into time.

The legislative budget officer would look forward. So despite the objections of some on the government side, that this is a duplication - a function that already exists - I simply submit that perhaps the understanding of the roles is confused, and in fact, both of these independent arms-length bodies of government function apart from one another, and in complement to one another.

The legislative budget officer would assess risks before decisions are made. They would analyze the sustainability of budgets. Future governments evaluating the decision to run a deficit budget would have analysis available to it to suggest whether or not the size of the deficit proposed represents a dire risk to the long-term debt to GDP ratio of the province, or whether there's an acceptable level of risk in what's proposed. The legislative budget officer would help prevent problems before they rear their heads. Between the Auditor General and the legislative budget officer, these two roles acting in complement, would strengthen accountability, rather than duplicate it.

The legislative budget officer is important for another reason, and that's because of the erosion of legislative oversight. We hear the Minister of Finance and various other government ministers defending the fiscal record of this government. They say, "Well, hey, we bring all this all this stuff to the House, and we've got lots of time to talk about it." But the fact is that the Nova Scotia House of Assembly sits the fewest number of days per year, of any provincial or territorial legislature in the entire country. In 2025, this Legislature sat for a total of 30 days, between two sessions. 30 days.

The fact is that few sitting days means fewer opportunities to ask questions. It means fewer opportunities for government to table analysis and answers that justify spending. It means fewer opportunities for Opposition to hold government to account, and to provide input and perspective that might offer a better way forward. And because Nova Scotia has the least present Legislature in the country, this is another reason why we need an independent officer. While the government sits the fewest number of days in the country, the legislative budget officer would work year round - not only when the House sits.

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The consequences of this kind of lack of oversight are very real. Child poverty has doubled in our province. Homelessness has doubled in the last year. Rent has increased by more than $5,700 per year since this government took office. Emergency room wait times are rising across the province. People are struggling to access primary care. At the same time, government spending has increased by 50 percent.

So again, the question becomes: Where is this record spending going? This government, after five years, has become the government of no apologies, and progress at any cost, process be damned. We see examples of spending that raise serious concerns: millions of dollars spent on consultants; contracts awarded indiscriminately, without competition; corporate subsidies given to companies that are already profitable; and programs that fail to deliver results.

[4:15 p.m.]

Despite this government's loud and pronounced dismissal of the significance of process in this House and to the people of Nova Scotia, process matters very much in Nova Scotia. When process is flawed or flouted, it means that we get poor value for our dollar, and that poor value for our dollar means we spend more than we should to achieve a goal. When we spend more than we should to achieve a goal, it means that we no longer have resources to spend on other priorities.

There are compelling examples of that. Overspending on Hogan Court by hundreds of millions of dollars is eating away at the fiscal resources of this government to follow through on promises to make improvements at the Cobequid Community Health Centre and address emergency wait rooms in Nova Scotia.

There is a real cost when process is flawed. People pay when process is flawed or flouted or we allow problematic processes to persist.

A legislative budget officer would change that. In a forward-looking way, it would provide independent cost estimates, analyze government assumptions, confirm that they're accurate or correct them where they're errant, and assess long-term fiscal sustainability. It would even cost election platform commitments by all parties. That last point matters because Nova Scotians deserve to know before casting their ballots what the promises of every party would actually cost, not after.

This resolution is about strengthening democracy. It's about ensuring that legislators have the tools they need, that Nova Scotians have the transparency they deserve, and that governments are meaningfully accountable for their decisions. Right now in this province, too many decisions are made without scrutiny or without any scrutiny, for that matter. Too much money is being spent in the dark. Right now hundreds of Nova Scotians at Public Bills Committee and thousands more at home are left asking, "Can we trust what we're being told about the money that's being spent on our behalf?"

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This resolution provides part of the answer to those questions. It says, "Let's bring independent analysis into the process, strengthen oversight, and restore confidence in how public money is managed." For those reasons, I strongly support this motion and encourage others to vote in favour. I move to adjourn debate on this resolution.

THE SPEAKER « » : The motion is to adjourn debate on Resolution No. 467.

All those in favour? Contrary minded? Thank you.

The motion is carried.

The honourable Deputy House Leader for the Official Opposition.

LISA LACHANCE « » : Speaker, would you please call Resolution No. 469.

Res. 469, Gov't. (N.S.): Independent Health Board - Re-establish - notice given Mar. 30, 2026. (R. Wilson)

THE SPEAKER « » : Resolution No. 469 - moved by the member for Halifax Armdale:

Whereas the Nova Scotia Health Authority's budget has increased by more than 70 percent since this government scrapped the oversight structure yet Nova Scotians aren't seeing the results; and

Whereas the Nova Scotia Health Authority has procured hundreds of millions of dollars' worth of goods and services without a competitive process to ensure Nova Scotians are getting the most out of their tax dollars; and

Whereas Nova Scotians gave this government the benefit of the doubt, but after five years they don't trust that this government is delivering on their promise to fix health care;

Therefore be it resolved that this government immediately act to re-establish an independent board to oversee the Nova Scotia Health Authority to ensure that spending meets the health care needs of Nova Scotians.

The honourable member for Halifax Armdale.

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ROD WILSON « » : I move to debate Resolution No. 469.

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

SUSAN LEBLANC « » : I'm happy to rise to speak to Resolution No. 469, and I want to focus on one very simple question. Are Nova Scotians getting value for their money? Because that is what this debate should be about: not slogans, or announcements, not spin, but actual value for money.

This government has increased health care spending by more than 70 percent, billions of dollars. And yet, Nova Scotians are not seeing the results. They are not seeing shorter wait times. They are not seeing easier access to care. They are not seeing a system that is working better than it did five years ago. So I ask, where is the money going?

The Auditor General has now given us part of that answer, and it should concern every member of this House. Because what we are seeing is not careful spending; it's not disciplined investment; it is not value for money. It is a system where billions of dollars are being handed out, without competition, without transparency, and without proper oversight. And these aren't my assessments, or the assessment of our party. This is from the Auditor General herself.

Since this government took office, the Nova Scotia Health Authority has awarded more than $3.6 billion through alternative procurement. In the most recent year that we have data for, 99 percent of procurement spending was not competitive - 99 percent. Let's be clear what that means. It means that in almost every case, 99 times out of 100, there was no open call, no competing bids, and no way to ensure the best price or the best service.

When we need to replace our roof, or put on a new deck, we don't just go through the phone book and pick out the first company that pops up. We get quotes. We have people come and take a look. We compare bids, we compare services for the money. There's all kinds of thinking we do because we want the best value for money, for ourselves, in our homes. I am sure that everybody who owns a home, or even owns a car, has done that kind of comparison when they're doing improvements or work on their homes.

Yet this government, when we're talking about billions of dollars, doesn't think it's necessary to do that. Competition is not a bureaucratic hurdle, it's how we protect taxpayers. It's how we protect Nova Scotians. It's how we ensure fairness. It's how we make sure that public dollars are spent wisely. And it's literally our job in this Legislature to make sure of those things. When you remove competition, you remove accountability.

When you remove accountability, you've created a system where contracts can be handed out to hand-picked companies. And that's exactly what we're seeing. We have contracts going to companies like Think Research Corporation, a company whose registered lobbyist had ties with the Conservative Party of Canada. We have tens of millions of dollars flowing to consulting firms like Ernst & Young, again and again. And so, I have to ask. Why are the same companies being chosen over and over? Were they the best option? Maybe they were. But maybe they weren't. Or were they simply the easiest option. Or was there something more nefarious going on.

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This is not about optics. This is about ethics. Because under alternative procurement, there is no requirement for conflict-of-interest declarations. Think about that: billions of dollars, no competition, no conflict-of-interest requirements. That is not a safeguard. That is a loophole. We must ask what happens when we operate in that kind of a system. You get exactly what the Auditor General found: contracts signed after work has already begun; vendors working without contracts at all; missing documentation. This is not value for money; it's a system out of control.

I will just say right now, as the Chair of the Public Accounts Committee, we do a lot of looking at these types of things. I've been on the Public Accounts Committee when this government was in Opposition and when this government is in government now. Let me tell you, if this kind of stuff came to the Public Accounts Committee when this government was in Opposition, they would be holding the government of the day to account. They would be losing their minds about how poor the organization was and about how the system was out of control, yet when they're in government - when this government is here now - it's somehow okay.

We are seeing spending out of procurement processes - in alternative procurements - out of control. It gets worse because even when contracts are awarded, they don't stay the same. They grow and they grow. The Auditor General highlighted contracts that expanded from $1.2 million to $37 million and $300,000 to $63 million. That is not careful budgeting. That is not responsible planning. That is what happens when there's no competitive pressure and no meaningful oversight.

Let's look at what that looks like in real terms. That's $50 million, almost, spent on a digital health app and a contract that was terminated and replaced after just 13 months. Nova Scotians paid for that great app - helpful and useful, but they paid for it, and then they paid for it again. It's not innovation; it's duplication. It's wasteful.

We've seen hundreds of millions of dollars committed to systems that doctors later said were inefficient and prone to errors. We've seen long-term agreements worth billions entered into with limited transparency, and all of this while Nova Scotians are still waiting for care. This is what's at the heart of this issue. This government is spending more but delivering less, and that is why Nova Scotians are losing trust in this government. They can see it. They can feel it.

If we were getting results in health care, women with endometriosis would not be waiting years to get into the Endometriosis and Chronic Pelvic Pain Clinic. We would not be waiting three years to see a gynecologist. Nova Scotians can feel it, and this government is saying, "Look at the investment." Nova Scotians are saying, "Where are the results?"

We cannot separate this from the decision this government made early on to eliminate the independent board of the Nova Scotia Health Authority because a board would have had some oversight, a board would have asked some questions, a board would have challenged decisions, and a board would have insisted on accountability. Instead, we have a system where one individual is performing the role of an entire board.

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May I remind folks that this was the first thing the Premier did when he got into office, setting the tone. The result of that continued to chip away at the trust that Nova Scotians have in their government. We have less transparency, we have less oversight, we have less accountability, and billions of dollars are flowing out the door without proper checks.

This is not how you fix health care. This is how you lose control of it, and Nova Scotians are paying the price. They're paying with their tax dollars, they're paying with their time, and in too many cases, they are paying with their health.

This resolution is about restoring something basic: confidence that public money is being spent properly. It's about ensuring that contracts are awarded fairly, conflicts of interest are addressed, spending is transparent, and results match the investment. Right now, that connection is broken.

I ask: Why resist? Why resist a board that would provide transparency? Why resist accountability that would build trust?

Nova Scotians deserve better. They deserve a health care system that works and a government that respects every dollar it contributes to it because it is not government's money. It is Nova Scotians' money, and we deserve better value than what we are getting.

It's time to restore oversight, it's time to restore accountability, and it's time to ensure that every dollar spent in health care is delivering results because throwing money away at a problem without a plan isn't a solution.

With that, I urge all of my colleagues to support Resolution No. 469. I expect they will.

I will take my seat and look forward to the debate.

[4:30 p.m.]

THE SPEAKER « » : Order. There's five seconds left. Order.

The time allotted for Opposition Business has elapsed. Pursuant to Rule 21(2), the debate is deemed to be adjourned. I want to thank everyone who took part.

GOVERNMENT BUSINESS

THE SPEAKER « » : The honourable Government House Leader.

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HON. BRENDAN MAGUIRE « » : They didn't leave us any time to vote. Speaker, would you please call the order of business Government Motions.

GOVERNMENT MOTIONS

THE SPEAKER « » : The honourable Government House Leader.

BRENDAN MAGUIRE « » : Speaker, I move that you do now leave the Chair and that the House resolve itself into the Committee of the Whole House on Bills.

THE SPEAKER « » : The motion is carried.

We will have a short recess while the committee sets up.

[4:43 p.m. The House resolved itself into the Committee of the Whole House on Bills with Deputy Speaker Marco MacLeod in the Chair.]

[10:13 p.m. The CWH on Bills rose and the House reconvened. The Speaker, Hon. Danielle Barkhouse, resumed the Chair.]

THE SPEAKER « » : Order. The Committee of the Whole House on Bills reports:

THE CLERK » : That the committee has met and considered the following bill:

Bill No. 198 - Financial Measures (2026) Act.

with certain amendments. The Chair has been instructed to recommend this bill to the favourable consideration of the House.

[10:15 p.m.]

THE SPEAKER « » : Ordered that this bill be read a third time on a future day.

The honourable Government House Leader.

HON. BRENDAN MAGUIRE « » : Speaker, that concludes government business for today. I move that the House now rise to meet again on April 2^nd between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 11:59 p.m.

Following the Daily Routine, government business will include Committee of the Whole House on Bills and Third Reading.

Drive safe, everyone.

THE SPEAKER « » : The motion is that the House do now rise to meet again tomorrow, April 2^nd, between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 11:59 p.m.

All those in favour? Contrary minded? Thank you.

The motion is carried.

The House stands adjourned until tomorrow, April 2^nd, at 9:00 a.m.

[The House rose at 10:16 p.m.]

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