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HALIFAX, TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 2026

Sixty-fifth General Assembly

First Session

1:06 P.M.

SPEAKER

Hon. Danielle Barkhouse

DEPUTY SPEAKERS

Marco MacLeod, Tom Taggart, Julie Vanexan

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

PRESENTING AND READING PETITIONS

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

SUSAN LEBLANC « » : Speaker, I beg leave to table a petition, the operative clause

of which reads as follows:

Whereas the Peoples Place Library is for many the beating heart of our community, serving as a vital hub for education, information access, and social connection for people of all ages and backgrounds; and

Whereas demand for library services has increased significantly while funding for libraries in Nova Scotia has been frozen for six years, creating the prospect of program and staff cuts in the near future; and

Whereas the funding received by public libraries from the province has not kept pace with inflation, library costs or minimum wage increases, yet in Antigonish and Pictou Counties amounts to just $21.62 per resident, per year;

We the undersigned call on the Nova Scotia Legislature to pass legislation that provides sustainable ongoing funding for public libraries, ensuring that they are adequately resourced to meet current & future community needs.

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Speaker, there are 648 signatures on this petition, and I have affixed my own as per the Rules of the House.

THE SPEAKER « » : The petition is tabled.

The honourable member for Lunenburg West.

HON. BECKY DRUHAN « » : Speaker, I beg leave to table a petition to the Minister of Public Works, which reads as follows:

Whereas Green Bay, Lunenburg County, Nova Scotia, once a popular summer vacation spot for families, is now a mix of full-time residences (15), cottage rentals (22), seasonally owned cottages (47), and a privately owned campground for large RV trailers (30+), Green Bay is a bustling community, especially from May to October (numbers are approximate);

Whereas there is currently only one access point at the beginning of Green Bay. If this access point becomes impassable (as it did after Hurricane Lee in 2023) emergency vehicles cannot reach residents in the community. Residents could become trapped should a serious fire occur;

Whereas the deterioration of the road has created unsafe conditions for both drivers and pedestrians, cyclists, skateboarders, and others enjoying the area, especially due to the increasingly narrow width of the road, the overuse of heavy vehicles on the wooden bridge at the start of the community, potholes on either side of the bridge, and the current speed limit of 50kph;

Therefore we, the undersigned, Residents, Tenants, and Visitors of Green Bay, Nova Scotia call upon the Minister of Public Works to:

Improve and reopen the section of Richardson Road connecting Drew's Hill Road to the community of Green Bay to provide a second access point. Impose gated access on this section of Richardson Road so that it is only accessible by emergency vehicles if required;

Widen the Green Bay Road to provide two-lane access;

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Repair the damage to the road on each side of the bridge;

Reduce the speed limit from 50kph to 30kph;

Build a number of "pull over areas" on Richardson Road with a culvert over ditches to allow vehicles to pull off the road to allow vehicles to pass by safely.

Speaker, there are approximately 240 signatures of Nova Scotians on this petition, and I have affixed my name in accordance with the Rules of the House.

THE SPEAKER « » : The petition is tabled.

The honourable member for Halifax Citadel-Sable Island.

LISA LACHANCE « » : Speaker, I beg leave to introduce a petition that reads:

Whereas our government has committed in law to protecting 20 percent of Nova Scotia's land and waters by 2030 but is continuing to permit logging of old forest of high conservation value on Crown land;

Therefore we, the undersigned residents of Nova Scotia, call upon the Premier to pause all harvesting and roadbuilding activities in forests over 80 years old on Crown land in Digby County until such time as 20 percent of Nova Scotia's lands have been permanently protected.

I have affixed my own signature as per the rules. There are 342 signatures from Digby County on this petition.

THE SPEAKER « » : The petition is tabled.

The honourable Deputy Premier.

HON. BARBARA ADAMS » : Speaker, I beg leave to make an introduction.

THE SPEAKER « » : Please do.

BARBARA ADAMS « » : I'd like to draw everyone's attention to the East Gallery. A lovely young gentleman there named Sergeant John Lavoie is getting ready to head over to Latvia for a four-month deployment. He is leaving behind his beautiful partner, Sarah, and my beautiful three-month-old grandson, Jack. I want to ask all members of the Legislature to join me in wishing him a safe journey and safe travels and to thank him for his service. (Standing ovation)

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THE SPEAKER « » : Welcome to the House. We hope you enjoy your time here. We wish you all the best in your tour. That is a very beautiful baby you have there.

PRESENTING REPORTS OF COMMITTEES

THE SPEAKER « » : The honourable Premier.

HON. TIM HOUSTON (The Premier) « » : I beg leave . . . (interruption)

THE SPEAKER « » : Okay, looks good. Seeing none, I will move on.

TABLING REPORTS, REGULATIONS AND OTHER PAPERS

THE SPEAKER « » : The honourable Premier.

THE PREMIER « » : Speaker, I beg leave to table a report entitled Final Report of the 2025 Nova Scotia Electoral Boundaries Commission.

THE SPEAKER « » : The report is tabled.

The honourable Minister of Finance and Treasury Board.

HON. JOHN LOHR « » : Speaker, I beg leave to table, pursuant to Section 27(5) of the Finance Act, the Order in Council 2026-62, dated February 23, 2026, detailing the additional appropriations included in the final forecast for the fiscal year 2025-26.

THE SPEAKER « » : The report is 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: 2025 Financial Report and Action for Health: Key Performance Indicators, January 2026.

Pursuant to Subsection 24(1) of the Ombudsman Act and Section 28 of the Public Interest Disclosure of Wrongdoing Act, I am tabling the Office of the Ombudsman Annual Report 2024-2025.

Pursuant to Section 163 of the Elections Act, I am tabling Elections That Work for You: Annual Report of the Chief Electoral Officer.

The reports are tabled.

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The Attorney General and Minister of Justice.

HON. SCOTT ARMSTRONG « » : Speaker, I am tabling several amendments to the Civil Procedure Rules of Nova Scotia.

THE SPEAKER « » : The document is tabled.

[1:15 p.m.]

STATEMENTS BY MINISTERS

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

HON. JOHN LOHR « » : Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Neil Robert Ferguson, K.C., the former Chief Clerk of this Legislature, who died too soon and unexpectedly in January. Because of his vast knowledge of procedure and parliamentary law, Neil became known across the country as a fierce defender of democratic institutions. His family said that his passion for democracy shone brightest during his years as Chief Clerk of the Legislative Assembly of Nova Scotia.

Neil served this Legislature as a Clerk for a decade, guiding and advising members and staff with firm professionalism and good humour, even when it wasn't deserved. He was a fair arbitrator who strengthened this institution. It was probably not a coincidence that, as a connoisseur of Scotch, Neil introduced the tradition of the Speaker's whisky into the Nova Scotia Legislature - a tradition that endures.

His significant contributions to the Nova Scotia Legislature are only part of Neil's impressive legacy. He was a fan and expert of 1980s New Wave music, a foodie who loved to cook, an enthusiastic poker player, and a collector of poker chips. At his celebration of life, Neil's family distributed these poker chips marking his life. I will now table it in hopes that it finds a place of honour in this Legislature.

Neil Ferguson was a good man, a fine lawyer, a loving husband to Elizabeth, and a devoted father to Jonathan and Hillary. He will be missed by many, including many of us here today.

I request that we honour Neil's life with a moment of silence.

THE SPEAKER « » : Please rise.

[A moment of silence was observed.]

THE SPEAKER « » : You may be seated.

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The honourable Leader of the Official Opposition.

CLAUDIA CHENDER « » : It's an honour to say a couple of words about our former Chief Clerk Neil Ferguson. I think I'm among a handful of people in this House who took my place here and was sworn in and signed the rolls with the former Chief Clerk.

He was a formidable legal mind. He knew the procedure of this House in and out. He did like Scotch (laughs), but he liked the Rules more. You could talk to Neil for hours, as I did as House Leader, about the Rules and about the ways in which the Rules of this House keep democracy functioning, keep us going, and hold us to account for Nova Scotians, and how lucky we were to be a part of this tradition that has been going on for hundreds of years.

It was with some surprise and sadness that we heard the news of his passing. He had a huge legacy on our province. He leaves behind a tight group of friends and a cohort of parliamentarians, including myself, who are in his debt for showing us the ropes.

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

HON. IAIN RANKIN « » : Speaker, as I said yesterday, Neil will be missed by many. I can remember sitting on that side of the House and every time there was something said that was unparliamentary, or it got a little heated, you could see Neil just perk up right away and run over to talk to the Speaker, who at the time was Speaker Kevin Murphy for a long time. Fond memories of Neil and just how much he valued this institution and how much he was respected - a mentor to many, including our Chief Clerk now. When we had the ceremony here, there were past Clerks who attended, and people from all parties and staff at the Legislature who really respected the man.

He really deserves to be recognized wholeheartedly, so I just want to add my voice to that once again.

GOVERNMENT NOTICES OF MOTION

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

HON. TIMOTHY HALMAN « » : Speaker, permission to make an introduction?

THE SPEAKER « » : Please do.

TIMOTHY HALMAN « » : An innovative economy requires an innovative government, and an innovative government requires innovative regulators. In your gallery, Speaker, we have two of those regulators. It's an honour for me to acknowledge the presence of my colleagues from the Department of Environment and Climate Change. These are members of LIFT - the Large Industrial File Team. They play a vital role in regulatory oversight of resource development projects. Joining us today are acting executive director Paul Keats, and the LIFT mining engineer Christine Hynes. I ask my colleagues to please stand and receive the warm welcome of the House of Assembly. (Applause)

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THE SPEAKER « » : Welcome to the People's House. We hope you enjoy your time here and thank you for all the work you do.

The honourable Minister of Environment and Climate Change.

RESOLUTION NO. 356

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

Whereas Nova Scotia is safely and responsibility unlocking the full potential of our natural resources for the benefit of the people of our province, thereby creating jobs, strengthening our economy, and fighting climate change by reducing our emissions through the adoption of clean energy; and

Whereas to support this transition, we have created a Large Industrial File Team, or LIFT, at the department - these are staff with experience and expertise in environmental regulatory oversight of mining projects, and they are now managing all mining approval applications; and

Whereas this specialized team, led by Adrian Fuller, Paul Keats, and Malcolm MacNeil, is managing complex industrial files to ensure consistent and timely decisions with strong environmental oversight in place;

Therefore be it resolved that Nova Scotians join me in recognizing LIFT, whose work is making Nova Scotia a more responsive regulator while also ensuring our environment is protected and all Nova Scotians benefit from a prosperous and sustainable future.

I ask for 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.

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The motion is carried.

The honourable Minister of Natural Resources.

RESOLUTION NO. 357

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

Whereas during the Long Lake wildfire, forestry professionals were heavily involved in cutting trees to create firebreaks that helped stop the fire from spreading, and now inside the wildfire area, many trees are dead or dying because they have burned roots; and

Whereas a lot of this wood has market value, and there's also a safety risk of trees falling on people or wildlife or the material becoming fuel for wildfire in the future; and

Whereas we supported WestFor to start a salvage operation in the fall to remove good fibre and bring it to sawmills, which removes safety risks, makes sure this material doesn't go to waste, and keeps money in our rural economy;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House recognize the tremendous contribution of our forestry professionals in helping fight wildfires and their work to turn a devastating situation into jobs and economic activity in our rural communities.

I ask for 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.

INTRODUCTION OF BILLS

Bill No. 193 - An Act Respecting Energy. (Hon. Tim Houston)

Bill No. 194 - An Act to Establish a Financial Accountability Office. (Hon. Iain Rankin)

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Bill No. 195 - An Act to Amend Chapter 2 of the Acts of 2010, the Finance Act. (Hon. Derek Mombourquette)

Bill No. 196 - An Act to Amend Chapter 4 of the Acts of 1995-96, the Community Colleges Act. (Hon. Nolan Young)

Bill No. 197 - An Act to Create a Comprehensive Economic Strategy. (Hon. Iain Rankin)

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

NOTICES OF MOTION

STATEMENTS BY MEMBERS

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

TIM OUTHIT « » : Speaker, I beg leave to make an introduction from your gallery, the Speaker's Gallery.

THE SPEAKER « » : Please do.

TIM OUTHIT « » : I introduce Mr. Milan Jan from Quesada Burritos & Tacos in Sunnyside Mall. Welcome. (Applause)

THE SPEAKER « » : Welcome to the House. We hope you enjoy your time here. I have had your burritos; they are delicious. I don't know if I'm allowed to say that, but I'm doing it anyway.

The honourable member for Bedford Basin.

QUESADA BURRITOS & TACOS: LOCAL RESTAURANT - RECOG.

TIM OUTHIT « » : I rise today to congratulate Milan Jan on the opening of Quesada Burritos & Tacos in Sunnyside Mall in Bedford. The location is directly across from the constituency office, so I expect to be a frequent visitor. You should have come in and said hello.

Quesada Burritos & Tacos is a 100 percent Canadian-grown Mexican fast-food chain. Since its founding in 2004 by Steve Gill, the brand has expanded to more than 170 locations across Canada. In 2023, it was taken over by Foodtastic, a franchisor with more than 900 restaurants in Canada.

All their restaurants serve burritos, tacos, and more, with house-made fresh salsa and guacamole every day. Quesada also has signature hot sauces made with all natural ingredients and without added sugar or salt.

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I ask that members of the House to join me in congratulating him on the opening of Quesada Burritos & Tacos in Sunnyside Mall.

[1:30 p.m.]

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

SAVE OUR OLD FORESTS ASSOC.: NATURE ADVOCACY - THANKS

LISA LACHANCE « » : Speaker, I rise today to acknowledge the important work of the Save Our Old Forests Association, or SOOF, a grassroots non-profit that has done incredible community organizing. This organization is dedicated to protecting Nova Scotia's most vital yet increasingly threatened natural resources: old forests.

Old forests shelter diverse species, sequester carbon, improve water quality, slow flooding, and are places of cultural and spiritual importance. Through public engagement, community events, and citizen science initiatives that document ecological diversity, SOOF works to raise awareness about the ecological and social value of old forests, and to encourage thoughtful science-based decision-making. These forests are an important part of our beautiful province and deserve to be protected for generations to come.

Please join me in recognizing the Save Our Old Forests Association for its passionate advocacy and meaningful contributions towards conserving Nova Scotia's natural history for future generations.

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

MASTER SAILOR ASSUNCAO: RETIREMENT - CONGRATS.

HON. IAIN RANKIN « » : Speaker, I want to send my heartfelt congratulations to Master Sailor Assuncao on his retirement following 11 years of outstanding service with the Royal Canadian Navy as an electrician aboard His Majesty's Canadian submarines.

Throughout his career, Master Sailor Assuncao has played a vital role in maintaining the operational integrity of our subs. As a skilled electrician, he has ensured the complex electrical systems remain reliable and secure, enabling our vessels to perform at the highest standards, both at home and abroad.

Master Sailor Assuncao's steadfast professionalism and unwavering commitment to duty have set a shining example for peers and junior sailors alike. His attention to detail, technical expertise, and readiness to respond to challenges have greatly contributed to the safety and success of every mission.

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I ask the House to join me in wishing our sincere appreciation for his dedication and service and for upholding the proud traditions of our Maritime forces and in serving to Canada with distinction. May fair winds and following seas accompany you in all your future endeavours. Enjoy your well-deserved retirement.

THE SPEAKER « » : The honourable member for Preston.

HON. TWILA GROSSE « » : Speaker, before I read my statement, I beg to make an introduction.

THE SPEAKER « » : Please do.

TWILA GROSSE « » : In the gallery, I am honoured to introduce Keonté Beals of KBeals Entertainment, along with Amanda Beals and Rose Smith. Keonté, Amanda, and Rose, I would like you all to please stand and accept a gracious welcome from everyone here in the Legislature. (Applause)

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

The honourable member for Preston.

BEALS, KEONTÉ: DISTINGUISHED CAREER - RECOG.

TWILA GROSSE « » : I rise today to recognize Keonté Beals. Keonté Beals is a legacy leadership motivational speaker, multi-award-winning singer, bestselling author, and entrepreneur from North Preston. He is the founder of KBeals Entertainment Inc., and the creator of the I Am Experience, a live music and storytelling program designed to help young people build self-love, self-worth, and confidence.

In corporate settings, Keonté brings powerful storytelling, leadership insight, and a message of passing the torch to workplaces and conferences. His work inspires leaders to lead with purpose, build a legacy, and create lasting impact. Through inclusive books, tours, and workshops, he ensures audiences feel seen, heard, and represented, including individuals with visible and invisible disabilities. Keonté also partners with Make-A-Wish Canada, donating a portion of every book sale to help grant wishes for children.

I ask all members of this Legislature to join me in recognizing Keonté Beals and congratulating him on his outstanding contributions to our province.

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

PAUL WOZNEY « » : Speaker, I beg leave to make some introductions.

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THE SPEAKER « » : Please do.

PAUL WOZNEY « » : We are honoured today to have Chief Executive Officer Mel Roberts, Shelter Coordinator Joe Deagle, and volunteers Don Bruschett and Alvina Baker, all of Beacon House here from Lower Sackville. You will see them in the West Gallery. I invite them to stand and receive the warm welcome of the House. (Applause)

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

The honourable member for Lower Sackville-Cobequid.

BEACON HOUSE: COMM. SUPPORT - THANKS

PAUL WOZNEY « » : Speaker, the rising cost of living and a dearth of affordable housing in Nova Scotia has left many unhoused, hungry, and hopeless in Lower Sackville. I am proud to stand today in recognition of a Sackville institution that provides housing, food, hope, and much more to residents every day.

Beacon House is an organization that operates a shelter, a food bank, and a thrift store under the guiding principle that neighbours need to help neighbours to make a community strong. Last year, they secured housing for 78 people, served over 5,500 clients at their food bank, and across their sites put a volunteer force of over 200 to good work.

Where policy fails, community shines, and I am ever grateful that our community includes such tireless and thoughtful folks as those at Beacon House.

I ask that all present join me in thanking Beacon House for their selfless work that allows our community to move beyond survival and thrive.

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

N.S. OLYMPIANS: WINTER OLYMPIC ACHIEVEMENTS - CONGRATS.

HON. DEREK MOMBOURQUETTE « » : Speaker, I rise in my place. We've all celebrated, here in the House, the wonderful participants - the athletes - men and women who participated in Winter Olympics.

There are a number of athletes, as we know, and there are also a number of support staff and some referees. I want to recognize them, of course. For hockey, Sidney Crosby, Nathan MacKinnon, Brad Marchand, and Blayre Turnbull. Liam Moffatt for snowboarding. Coaches Kori Cheverie and Troy Ryan. Support staff Danielle McNally and Dylan Dauphinee. Hockey referees Gord Dwyer, Matt MacPherson, and Shauna Neary.

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It's always exciting when the Olympics happen. We are so proud of Nova Scotians who either participate or show up for the athletes, and I rise in my place to congratulate everyone on a wonderful Olympics. We are all so proud of you, and you represent our province with love and hope.

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

DAMIAN STOILOV « » : Speaker, I beg leave to make an introduction.

THE SPEAKER « » : Please do.

DAMIAN STOILOV « » : Please let me introduce to this Legislature Becky Mason, who is up in the gallery. Would you mind standing? Becky runs and operates the Nova Scotia Resettlement Society. (Applause)

THE SPEAKER « » : Welcome.

I know that lovely face, Becky. Welcome to the House. We hope you enjoy your time here.

The honourable member for Bedford South.

N.S. RESETTLEMENT SOC.: NEWCOMER SUPPORT - THANKS

DAMIAN STOILOV « » : Speaker, I rise today to recognize Becky Mason and the team at the Nova Scotia Resettlement Society for their compassionate, tireless work supporting newcomers who have been displaced by war and conflict: folks from Ukraine and many other countries.

Many of these families arriving in Nova Scotia have fled unimaginable circumstances, often arriving with little more than hope for safety and a fresh, new start. The Nova Scotia Resettlement Society plays a critical role in helping them rebuild their lives by providing free furniture, household items, and integration support. From ensuring families have beds to sleep in and tables to gather around to helping navigate schools, health care, employment, and community life, their work restores dignity and stability during this incredibly vulnerable time.

Under Becky Mason's leadership, the organization works alongside volunteers, donors, and community partners to ensure newcomers are not only welcomed but are supported in being active, thriving people in our community of Nova Scotia.

I ask all members of this House to help me welcome and thank Becky and the Nova Scotia Resettlement Society for their generosity, leadership, and unwavering commitment to helping newcomers build a safe and hopeful future right here in Nova Scotia.

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THE SPEAKER « » : Before we move on, I just want to remind members to keep it under that minute. We are going to have a free-for-all today, but going forward, I will start watching it.

The honourable member for Lunenburg West.

VANDERTOORNE, JILL/MASSEY, HEATHER:

HATS FROM THE HEART - RECOG.

HON. BECKY DRUHAN « » : Speaker, I rise today to recognize two remarkable educators from Newcombville Elementary School - literacy support teacher and school counsellor Jill Vandertoorn and teaching assistant Heather Massey - for their creative and generous Hats from the Heart.

These kind, endearing women secretly hand knitted personalized toques for each of the school's 176 students, bringing to life designs that the children had drawn themselves. Though Jill had never knitted before, with Heather's guidance, she and Heather completed this incredible project in five months.

In the school assembly last February, every student received their one-of-a-kind hat, a symbol of creativity, care and belonging. Principal Jennifer Lemire said it reminded students of how valued they are.

Hats from the Heart reflects not only kindness, but also the school's commitment to literacy, well-being and community. Please join me in celebrating Jill and Heather for stitching warmth, pride and love into every hat.

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

SOLUTIONS LEARNING CENTRE: 45 YRS. IN BUS. - THANKS

CLAUDIA CHENDER « » : I rise today to recognize Solutions Learning Centre, a pillar of our Dartmouth South community. For 45 years, they have provided free programs for adults facing employment barriers, changing lives in the process.

Attending their graduations for the last nine years has been a true highlight of my work. I've been struck not only by the skills students gain, but by the confidence they build and the genuine care shown by staff who truly see and believe in every person who walks through that door. I've witnessed students grow, graduate and move on to meaningful employment. Their success has strengthened families, our local workforce and the community as a whole.

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Today this recognition is bittersweet, due to the loss of funding Solutions Learning Centre can no longer offer this life-changing programming. This is a significant loss for Dartmouth South and for our province. I thank the dedicated staff and volunteers for their decades of commitment and for the lasting legacy they leave behind and the lives they transformed.

Solutions Learning Centre leaves behind a power legacy, one measured in confidence restored, barriers overcome and lives transformed.

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

WHITING, VIOLET: HEALTH CARE ACCESS RESEARCH - RECOG.

HON. IAIN RANKIN « » : I rise to recognize Violet Whiting, a Grade 11 student at Halifax West High School, for her outstanding research into health care access across Nova Scotia. Violet's work sheds light on the stark disparities within our publicly funded health care system, illustrating that while universal access is the goal, many Nova Scotians still face significant barriers to care.

Her findings reveal that geographic location plays a pivotal role. Urban residents in Halifax benefit from more accessible services while those in rural areas contend with longer travel times and fewer facilities.

The province's shortage of family doctors, with a long list of people needing a physician, further compounds the issue, causing increased reliance on emergency rooms. Her research not only presents a challenge to be faced today, but also inspires meaningful discussion on how we can strengthen health care in our province.

Violet's initiative exemplifies the critical thinking and civic engagement we hope to foster in all young Nova Scotians.

I ask the House of Assembly to join me in commending Violet for her dedication to highlighting critical issues and for her commitment to advocating for a fair, more accessible health care system in Nova Scotia.

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

TURNBULL, BLAYRE/CHEVERIE, KORI:

OLYMPIC WOMEN'S HOCKEY TEAM - CONGRATS.

DANNY MACGILLIVRAY « » : Pictou County has two reasons to be extra proud after the Canadian Women's Hockey Silver Medal Game in the 2026 Olympics. Those reasons are Blayre Turnbull and Kori Cheverie. Stellarton's Blayre, the captain of the Toronto Sceptres in the professional Women's Hockey League, scored one goal and had one assist for Team Canada, which helped lead them to the final game. This Silver adds to Blayre's Olympic medal count, which includes a Gold in 2022 and a Silver in 2018. She has also captured six medals at the IIHF Women's World Championship.

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Joining Blayre on Team Canada was Assistant Coach Kori Cheverie, from New Glasgow. She's the Head Coach of the Montreal Victoire, where she was named PWHL Coach of the Year in 2025. Kori, a former award-winning hockey player herself, was named to the coaching staff in the Canadian Women's National Team in January 2021.

A Silver Medal in Milan is not the ending Blayre, Kori and their teammates were hoping for, but watching Team Canada compete on the world stage with heart, grit and determination, made all of Pictou County proud.

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

MARTIN, SIOBHAN: N.S. MUSIC WEEK AWARD - CONGRATS.

SUSAN LEBLANC « » : Speaker, last fall Music Nova Scotia presented Nova Scotia Music Week, from October 23^rd to 26^th, in Yarmouth. The four-day festival included performances by artists from across the province and hosted a number of international and domestic delegates taking part in multiple conference sessions. The celebrations were capped off with the presentation of several music and industry awards, including Musician of the Year, which was taken home to Dartmouth North by Siobhan Martin.

Siobhan has been an integral part of the Halifax music scene for years, performing with groups such as The Brood, Owen Meany's Batting Stance, The Wharf Rats, The Retrospect and a multitude of solo artists. Siobhan is also an accomplished composer, having written music for the films Compulsus and Lakeview.

[1:45 p.m.]

Siobhan is just one of many very accomplished musicians living in Nova Scotia, musicians we should be celebrating and appreciating in tangible ways. I ask the House to join me in congratulating Siobhan Martin on being named Music Nova Scotia's 2025 Musician of the Year.

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

BLIZZARD HOCKEY ORG.: WOMEN'S HOCKEY SUPPORT - RECOG.

HON. DEREK MOMBOURQUETTE « » : I rise in my place because an 11-year-old girl decided that she wanted to pick up a hockey stick and try hockey this year. It has absolutely changed her life. I rise in my place to recognize the Blizzard organization at home.

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The Blizzard organization is a wonderful organization that has been formed to support women's hockey across our community. The home rink is at CBU, as the government would know. It's a beautiful facility, but it's been such a positive experience for Emilie and all the girls on her team.

I rise in my place to congratulate Emilie on trying something new and falling in love with something, but most importantly, the Blizzard organization has become such a positive force for good for women who want to play hockey in our community.

THE SPEAKER « » : The honourable member for Richmond.

DR. KINGSTON COMM. HEALTH CTR.: STAFF - RECOG.

HON. TREVOR BOUDREAU « » : I rise today to commend the staff of the Dr. Kingston Memorial Community Health Centre in Richmond.

This health centre is a vital organization in our community. It is a collaborative centre, a collaborative clinic, and it regularly hosts workshops that help area residents with everything from tax-related issues to car repair know-how, empowering attendees with the necessary knowledge to deal with a variety of issues.

They are also affiliated with the Richmond River Roots program and the Adult Drop-In program. As well, they regularly co-host events with local organizations. One of their most popular programs is the Memory Café, assisting patients with dementia and their caregivers, providing a safe space to socialize and learn more about the disease.

Please join me in thanking the dedicated staff of Dr. Kingston Memorial Community Health Centre for their dedication to the residents of Richmond County.

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

AFRICAN HERITAGE MO.: COMM. SUPPORT - RECOG.

KENDRA COOMBES « » : The month of February marks African Heritage Month. The CBRM community really knows how to celebrate African heritage.

Just 10 short years ago, the proclamation was traditionally held in the CBRM's Council Chambers. Over the past number of years, the community has outgrown that space. Now it seems we are outgrowing the main concourse at Centre 200. The fact that more and more community members are taking part in this celebration every year is an amazing expression of community.

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On Friday, January 30^th, I was joined by the member for Halifax Needham as the CBRM proclaimed African Heritage Month. We were entertained by youth drummers, grounded by the libation, and fed by Ms. Debbie Green and all her volunteers. On Saturday, I was joined by my rambunctious NSNDP caucus as we celebrated African heritage at the African Heritage Gala, where Charles Sheppard received the Tom Miller Human Rights Award.

A huge thank you to all the organizers who keep hitting it out of the park time and time again. Happy African Heritage Month, everybody.

THE SPEAKER « » : The honourable member for Annapolis.

MACHATTIE, DR. DAVE: MIDDLETON ANIMAL HOSPITAL - RECOG.

DAVID BOWLBY « » : I rise today to recognize the work and commitment of Dr. Dave MacHattie. Dave saw a need for an animal hospital in the Middleton area, so he founded the Middleton Animal Hospital in 1989. He still runs it, alongside his daughter Nicole, who is also a veterinarian.

Dave's focus is primarily on helping farm animals, as he is one of only a few farm vets in the Annapolis Valley. Dave and his family's work is invaluable to our large farming community. Dave's wife, Dr. Teresa Speelman, also founded the Greenwood Animal Hospital.

I ask the members of this Legislature to please join me in thanking Dr. Dave for his dedication and service to the health of pets and farm animals in the Annapolis Valley. We appreciate you, doctor.

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

DICKENS, JAMES NATHAN CHARLES: DEATH OF - TRIBUTE

HON. BECKY DRUHAN « » : I rise today to recognize the life and legacy of James Nelson Charles Dickens. James was a remarkable leader, coach, teammate, and friend who has profound influence on football in Nova Scotia.

As president and head coach of the Seahawks Minor Football Club and through his work with the Park View Education Centre Panthers and the Halifax Xplosion Women's Tackle Football team, James built programs, strengthened teams, and shaped countless young athletes. His commitment extended further through his service as the inaugural commissioner of the Coastal East 6 Aside Football League and his proud support of the Nova Scotia Buccaneers.

[Page 2358]

For James, football was never just sport; it was family. Even after receiving a diagnosis of cancer and while undergoing treatment over years, he continued to show up every day for his football kids, and he never let them down.

Beyond sport, James's life was defined by service, leadership, and deep commitment to community and his family. James was a 22-year military veteran and 18-year volunteer firefighter, a medical first responder, and so importantly, a loving husband of Samantha and father to Michaela, Christian, and Mackenzie.

Speaker, I ask members to join me today in honouring James Dickens's life with gratitude and thanks.

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

CARVERY, EDDIE: DEATH OF - TRIBUTE

SUZY HANSEN « » : Speaker, our community mourns the loss of Mr. Eddie Carvery, elder, historian, activist, family, and friend. Mr. Carvery witnessed the destruction of his community with his own eyes, and it shook his soul. It was so traumatizing to see his community destroyed, so he came out to the grounds in the summer of 1970 and said, "Somebody has to do something."

Eddie lived in a trailer on the grounds of Africville Park for more than 50 years, in protest of the destruction of his community. Whenever I visited, I would look for Mr. Carvery because he was the anchor of memory, a reminder that Africville has not gone away. He would tell me things about the history that I never learned in books. He was a bright light that I felt when the history of Africville was spoken.

Mr. Carvery truly embodied the spirit of Africville. He reminded me that Africville lives within each and every one of us, and that it will never die or fade away. Mr. Carvery was on a mission. Nothing could deter him from the path that he was on - and yes, there was a lot of suffering, but he somehow found a way to keep pushing forward, and that was through the love of his community.

Speaker, I want to honour his memory today. I want him to know, and his family to know, that his memory will live on, and we will keep his legacy alive. The fight will continue. Rest in power, Mr. Carvery.

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

ALFIE MACLEOD COMMITTEE: SCHOLARSHIP INIT. - RECOG.

[Page 2359]

HON. BRIAN COMER « » : Speaker, I want to take a moment today to congratulate the Alfie MacLeod Scholarship committee on the tremendous work they've done to establish the Honourable Alfie MacLeod Memorial Scholarship. This is no small undertaking, and their dedication speaks volumes about the respect and affection our community continues to hold for Alfie.

I'd also like to sincerely thank Cape Breton University for partnering with this important initiative. By supporting students connected to the Cape Breton Medical Campus, this scholarship will help strengthen health care in rural Nova Scotia - something Alfie cared deeply about.

Alfie was a tireless advocate, a proud Cape Bretoner, and above all, a true community man. This scholarship ensures that his commitment to service, education, and community well-being will continue to inspire future generations for years to come. It is a fitting and lasting legacy for someone who gave so much to the people he served.

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

SON, YOUSSEF - HELLO

LINA HAMID « » : Speaker, I rise today to say "hello" to my beautiful family watching from home: my husband, Moamen, who is working from home to stay with our smart and energetic baby boy, Youssef. Watching his personality blossom over the years has been such a privilege.

Youssef was tuning in yesterday and didn't like that I didn't say "hi" back to him, so here I am saying, "Hi, baby. I love you, and I'll hopefully see you tonight."

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

RICHARD, LUCIE: COMM. IMPACTS - THANKS

HON. TIMOTHY HALMAN « » : Speaker, I rise today to recognize an extraordinary individual who plays a vital role in both our community and my constituency office, Lucie Richard.

Lucie has called Dartmouth East home for more than 15 years and is proudly raising her family in Dartmouth East. As a proud Acadian, she brings with her the values of resilience, generosity, and a deep sense of community - qualities that shine through in everything that she does.

Whether it's in the office or out in the community, Lucie consistently goes above and beyond. She volunteers her time with Square Roots, working to support food security and ensure no one in our community is left behind.

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Lucie's calm leadership, patience, and problem-solving skills make her an invaluable part of our team. Her compassion and commitment leave a lasting impact on everyone she meets.

I ask all members of the House to join me in thanking Lucie for her outstanding service, her kindness, and the meaningful difference she makes every single day.

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

SAMPSON, BETTY: 100^TH BIRTHDAY - BEST WISHES

ROD WILSON « » : I rise today to recognize Betty Sampson who turns 100 years old today. This time last year, on her 99th birthday, Betty fell and broke her hip and was admitted to hospital. Speaking to her determination, she has surpassed everyone's expectations, healed from hip surgery, and returned home to still live independently on Bayers Road.

Betty raised 10 children with her beloved husband, in Halifax West End, Halifax Armdale. A devoted mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, Betty is receiving best wishes from near and far as she marks this milestone. I ask all members of this House to join me in wishing Betty a very happy 100^th birthday.

I'd also like to bring to the House's attention that as of today, there are six women over the age of 100 in Halifax Armdale.

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

OLD SCHOOL PIZZA: LOCAL RESTAURANT - RECOG.

HON. BRAD JOHNS « » : I rise today to welcome Old School Pizza to the Middle Sackville area. Opened in October, the restaurant is a wonderful addition to our community. The owner, Wayne Misener, has had more than 30 years of experience in the restaurant business. The original pizza shop opened in Hubbards, until Wayne decided that he wanted to give back to his community and move the business to Middle Sackville.

His main objectives are quality and customer service, and Wayne believes in real ingredients. Everything is homemade right there in the store, including his chicken fingers. Speaker, I have to tell you, honestly it's probably some of the best pizza I've had, including the pizza I had in New York. Residents agree with me. They tell me every day how good the food is there. I really want to congratulate and welcome Old School Pizza and Wayne to Middle Sackville, and wish them all the best in the years to come.

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

OBLADEE WINE BAR: LOCAL RESTAURANT - RECOG.

LISA LACHANCE « » : I rise to recognize Obladee Wine Bar, which is located very near to here on Barrington Street. For more than a decade, Obladee Wine Bar has been a beloved gathering place for downtown Halifax. A vision brought to life by siblings Heather and Christian Rankin, after being inspired by a trip to Rome.

Since opening its doors in 2010, Obladee has become known for its hand-selected, ever-changing wine list, locally inspired food menu, and community-focused events like wine tastings, dinners and live music nights. The bar's commitment to hospitality has made it a cherished spot for both wine lovers and casual visitors alike.

Obladee has long been more than a wine bar. It is a community hub based on passion, resilience and connection. We remain hopeful that its vision of good wine and good community will continue to thrive in Halifax for years to come. Right now they have a great Dine Around menu until the end of February if you need an excuse to go this week.

I ask all members of the House to join me in thanking Obladee for its years of service.

THE SPEAKER « » : The honourable member for Argyle.

ATKINSON, OWEN DAVID: DEATH OF - TRIBUTE

HON. COLTON LEBLANC « » : Today I rise to pay tribute to the life and legacy of Owen David Atkinson, who passed away on January 8^th, 11 days shy of his 103^rd birthday.

Owen was a Second World War Royal Canadian Engineer veteran and a proud lifetime member, and founding member, of the Wedgeport Canadian Legion. Owen was no stranger to hard work. After losing his mother at 11 years old, he was taken out of school the following year to fish with his father to help support the family.

After the war, having paid 25 cents for a lobster licence, and owning nothing more than a skiff, Owen went on to be a successful and well-respected lobster fisherman, despite his humble beginnings.

On behalf of this House of Assembly, I wish to extend my sincere condolences to Owen's family and friends. May you rest in peace, Owen.

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

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HON. TIMOTHY HALMAN « » : Permission to make an introduction?

THE SPEAKER « » : Please do. Make it quick.

TIMOTHY HALMAN « » : We have in this gallery here, my good buddy Baden Mercer from Dartmouth East. I'd ask everyone to welcome Baden Mercer. (Applause)

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

THE SPEAKER « » : Order. The time allotted for Statements by Members has elapsed.

[2:00 p.m.]

ORDERS OF THE DAY

ORAL QUESTIONS PUT BY MEMBERS TO MINISTERS

THE SPEAKER « » : The time is now 2:00 p.m. We will finish at 2:50 p.m.

The honourable Leader of the Official Opposition.

PREM.: N.S. TOURISM CUTS - EXPLAIN

CLAUDIA CHENDER « » : The Premier recently dropped into the visitor information centre at the Halifax Stanfield International Airport. He told the staff there to keep up the good work and he got a nice picture with them. A few days later, he slashed their jobs. Tourism is the backbone of our economy, and it is the workers who keep that sector running. They deserve better than to be used for a photo op one day and to be laid off the next.

My question to the Premier is: When did he know that the people he was taking the picture with were going to lose their jobs?

THE PREMIER « » : We know what this budget is. It's a difficult time for this budget for sure. There's no question about that. I think we've shown over our time in government that when we took over office, it was tough. Crisis in health care, crisis in housing, crisis in affordability, all because of under-investment of a decade before us. We've acted on that. When we could do more, we've done more. We've invested in Nova Scotians, but this is a tough time.

Spending is still up overall in this budget across the board, but it's been a tough time. We've had to make some difficult decisions that have a direct impact on people. I feel that personally as Premier, but we have to make some decisions.

[Page 2363]

CLAUDIA CHENDER « » : The folks at the visitor information centres and the others receiving layoff notices today due to government cuts, they manage their budgets. They pay for their families, and now they're paying for this government's mistakes. People across this province are receiving layoff notices.

This government inherited a balanced budget. Five years later, after spending more money than any government in history, Nova Scotians are not feeling the results. Power bills are expensive. Rents are increasing. There is still almost no path to home ownership for young families. Parents don't have the child care they were promised. Seniors are being priced out of their homes.

Can the Premier honestly say he's been responsible with Nova Scotians' hard-earned money?

THE PREMIER « » : The budget we inherited may have been balanced on paper and the numbers, but we all know how it got balanced: cuts to health care; cuts to education; failure to invest in infrastructure. We have invested in Nova Scotians, and we will continue to invest in Nova Scotians. When we can invest in Nova Scotians, we do. We act quickly. The Opposition complains about that, saying maybe we acted too fast. Some days they say that. We respect every Nova Scotian. We try to lead with the values we were raised with: respect, thoughtfulness, and compassion.

Government leadership also means knowing when to shift gears. This is such a time in light of the Trump tariff wars and the global uncertainty we have. We have to shift gears, so that's what we'll have to do.

CLAUDIA CHENDER « » : What about transparency? That was a value I was raised with. Let's talk about the help this government is offering, the investments. They have repackaged existing HST cuts with the Your Energy Rebate Program that's been in place for over 15 years and have told Nova Scotians that's money back in their pockets. Meanwhile, Nova Scotians have seen their costs soar under this government.

They're being told a different story. The story they're being told is about protection from Trump, et cetera. Is this why so many ministerial and communications budgets have gone up in this budget while Nova Scotians across this province are losing their jobs and organizations are facing cuts?

THE PREMIER « » : The Trump tariff, the global uncertainty are not something we're making up. Look at what's happening across the country. Look at B.C., the NDP government there - massive deficit, twice as big as ours. Raising taxes - that's what the NDP do. The member would remember that from the days in Nova Scotia when we had an NDP government.

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What I would say is, imagine being the person who for four years says, "Spend more, spend more, spend more." Then wakes up one day and says, "Oh boy, that's not working. Maybe we should say they spent too much" and tries that. We're not those people. We will invest in Nova Scotians. We respect Nova Scotians. We love this province. We put people above politics, and we'll keep moving forward.

THE SPEAKER « » : Get it out now.

The honourable Leader of the Liberal Party.

PREM.: BALANCED BOOKS BY 2027 PROMISE - REAFFIRM

HON. IAIN RANKIN « » : Back in 2021, the Premier told Nova Scotians that he would balance the books by 2027. Instead, deficits keep growing, and any extra revenue that was coming in was spent right away.

This year, we're facing the largest deficit in the province's history, and we haven't seen spending like this since the 1980s. The cover of this budget says, "Defending Nova Scotia." From what? From his spending. We need to defend future generations from this government's intent to double the province's debt under their watch.

My question to the member is simple: With a track record of never sticking to a budget and fiscal discipline mentioned for the first time in this budget, will the Premier commit that, for the first time, his government will live within the budget?

THE PREMIER « » : Speaker, I remember some words of the former premier, as well. I remember that, at one time, he said healthy people drive economies. I actually believe that.

Under his government, they cut health care. They decimated what was happening in the health care system. Under our government, we are supporting Nova Scotians. We respect healthy people. That's why, under the spending that they call - we call investments in Nova Scotia, but guess what? It's working - the highest attachment to primary care in the country. That's what Nova Scotians asked us to do, and that's what we're doing. Every time we get a dollar we can invest in Nova Scotians, we will do it, and we will do it proudly.

IAIN RANKIN « » : In every single budget in the past government, health care spending grew - the same with education. His own finance official said that last time. It didn't just grow by 6 percent. Now it has grown by 10 or 14 percent, a level that's unsustainable, especially when debt servicing costs are now eclipsing a billion. They've grown 62 percent - debt servicing costs - in the budget since they've taken over. Now community groups are feeling the pain. Those are community groups that can deliver services more effectively, at times, than government.

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Yesterday, the Premier was asked if these cuts are a result of his government's fiscal mismanagement, and he refused to take any accountability.

My question to the Premier is: Can he explain why, despite these record deficits, families and communities are being asked to absorb the costs while Nova Scotia's economy continues to lag across the whole . . .

THE SPEAKER « » : Order.

The honourable Premier.

THE PREMIER « » : Speaker, I remind the member that spending in this budget is up over last year, too. We are continuing to invest in Nova Scotians.

We're doing what we can. We always wish we could do more. That's why we're in these positions, to do as much as we can for Nova Scotians as fast as we can.

We've had to work fast. There's a lot of catching up to do. We had to do 12 years' worth of work - 12 years' worth of neglect in four years. Guess what? We caught up. We're leading the country in a number of categories, and we will continue to invest in Nova Scotians.

We are very proud of that, and we will continue to invest every chance we get. The future is very bright for this province.

IAIN RANKIN « » : More spending doesn't result in better outcomes. Never in our history have we seen such over-budget spending. Even in this year, the government has already spent over $600 million than what was budgeted in the past year, and we're not even in March Madness yet. Everybody knows what happens with this government that spends almost $1 billion - over $1 billion - every year over budget.

This government recently moved Nova Scotia's debt-to-GDP target from 30 percent up to 40 percent, and already they are downgraded before plans were revealed in this budget to blow through that guardrail.

My question to the Premier is: Why is the Premier's budget already expected to exceed even the new target next year, and how does that line up with this new talk of fiscal responsibility?

THE PREMIER « » : We see incredible up side for this province. We have so much opportunity in energy projects and defence spending. We're pushing forward so we can grow this province and we will continue to do that.

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Now I know in such a large caucus of two people message discipline can be difficult. We have one member over there saying we should be spending more. Now, we have the leader saying we should be spending less. We just put that all to the side and we just say what is best for Nova Scotians. That is our focus. That will always be our focus, and we will keep moving forward.

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

PREM.: MASSIVE BUDGET CUTS - EXPLAIN

CLAUDIA CHENDER « » : Speaker, this government has been spending outside their budget with no oversight despite repeated entreaties just to know how the money is being spent for years, $6.7 billion, and it is Nova Scotians who are paying the price and I am glad the Premier is here today to answer these questions, finally.

Jobs, services, and programs that help run our province are on the chopping block: cuts to municipalities, cuts to the scientific management of our natural resources, cuts to tourism, cuts to arts and culture, cuts to libraries, and cuts to social services. If this government expects hard-working Nova Scotians to stay within their budget especially once they have lost their jobs, why cannot they stay within theirs?

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

HON. JOHN LOHR « » : Speaker, I will remind the member that we follow the exact same process that the previous two governments including the previous NDP government followed. I had tabled additional appropriations today as is required by the Act of the Legislature. So, we are following that exact same process. We will make no apologies for continuing to invest. When we have the opportunity, we will invest in things like student loans and things like wildfire supports. When we have that opportunity, we will continue to support Nova Scotians. I will make no apologies for that. I am proud of our investments in Nova Scotia, and this budget continues that investment. In fact, a 7.7 percent increase in things that Nova Scotians need like affordability in . . .

THE SPEAKER « » : Order.

The honourable Leader of the Official Opposition.

CLAUDIA CHENDER « » : I wish that the Premier would be clear with Nova Scotians. Yes, that is the way the Legislature works. The Auditor General and every opposition party have tried to change that. The most money ever spent under appropriations before this government - COVID, $300 million - $1 billion per year, it is apples and oranges. Power bills are up by $400 per year for the average family. This budget does not have any money to help Nova Scotians with their bills or reverse the cruel cuts that kicked 46,000 people off the Heating Assistance Rebate Program.

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After five years of unprecedented spending with very few results for the average family, Nova Scotians have to wonder who this government is defending.

JOHN LOHR « » : Speaker, our students in schools are getting school lunches today. Do not tell me that there are no results for the average Nova Scotian.

Every family benefits from that with a child in school. So, I would ask the member why did her party . . .

THE SPEAKER « » : Order. Order, order, order, order. Sorry, I used my Mom voice. Please respect any individual who is speaking. I would expect the same for everybody in this room.

The honourable Minister of Finance and Treasury Board.

JOHN LOHR « » : I will ask the member which appropriation did they not agree with? We met the needs of Nova Scotians. We are investing in school lunch programs. We are investing in health care. Speaker, we are working hard to meet the needs of Nova Scotians. We are continuing to do that.

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

HOU: BUILD N.S. PROJECT CANCELLATION - ADDRESS

CLAUDIA CHENDER « » : Speaker, this question is for the Minister of Housing. Rent and housing costs continue to rise in our province, but they are dropping in other Canadian cities. While this government pats themselves on the back for a housing market that no one can afford or get into, Build Nova Scotia has quietly cancelled a large, nonprofit housing development in downtown Dartmouth on public land that has been in the works since they came into office.

Government announcements are not roofs over people's heads. As rents continue to increase and housing costs remain out of control, why would this government cancel the building of hundreds of affordable units on public land?

[2:15 p.m.]

HON. JOHN WHITE » : Speaker, before I answer the question, I just want to say what an honour it is to be called upon as a minister in this historic building. It is an absolute honour that I will cherish the rest of my life, and it's a file that's deeply personal to me. In a building with so many incredible people, I'm humbled to be considered a leader in this building.

[Page 2368]

This government has a five-year housing plan that is $1.7 billion. When we took government, we were looking at a less than a 1 percent vacancy rate. We were looking at people struggling all over the place. I'll have more in a couple seconds, I'm sure.

CLAUDIA CHENDER « » : This government has two prime lots in downtown Dartmouth - the other one on the waterfront. Despite repeated questioning, they have not committed to using either for affordable housing. The only announcement, in fact, has been the one this week that a derelict shed will be taken down on the site.

Hundreds of people - young people priced out of their homes, seniors struggling under incessant rent increases - could be living in apartments they can actually afford on these sites. I'd like to let the minister know that the vacancy rate for housing that the average Nova Scotia can afford is still 1 percent.

Will the Minister of Housing use this land to build housing that people can actually afford?

THE SPEAKER « » : Before I recognize you, I ask members to speak through me and not directly to ministers.

The honourable Minister of Housing.

JOHN WHITE « » : I hope I get housing questions all day long. There is so much to celebrate here. We have such an important and amazing department that is doing so much that I don't even know where to start. Talk about affordable housing? Three thousand units created with a $283 million budget - that is absolutely incredible.

I'll go right back to 2009. Do we want to talk about that, when capital spending was cut to death and we lost every 20- and 40-year-old we had in this province because the NDP cut everything? What we've been doing in this province has been second to none. What we've been doing with land for housing and everything else . . .

THE SPEAKER « » : Order.

The honourable member for Halifax Citadel-Sable Island.

FTB: MASSIVE PUBLIC SERVICE CUTS - EXPLAIN

LISA LACHANCE « » : This government inherited one of the best financial positions of any government in our history. After years of mismanagement, Nova Scotians face this budget - a budget of cuts - and people are losing their jobs. This 30 percent cut will affect all Nova Scotians, from tip to tip, in all communities.

[Page 2369]

Nova Scotians will have a hard time getting government services. I hope the Premier will take the opportunity to speak to this when I get to my question. Nova Scotians will have a hard time getting government services, and community-based organizations will struggle to respond and survive. Nova Scotians are already losing jobs in tourism, film, and environmental protection, and people are scared that they are next.

Why is this government taking good paying jobs away from Nova Scotians?

HON. JOHN LOHR « » : Let's be honest; we find this has been a very difficult process for us - the decision-making process. The reality is that the goal is to have these cuts over time, mainly through attrition. We hope that we can achieve that. That is the goal - and retirements.

We are also focused on management and admin. We are very focused on maintaining core frontline services. That's the reality. We are sympathetic to anyone. We're very aware of our responsibility to every Nova Scotian. We take that seriously.

LISA LACHANCE « » : At the same time that this government is cutting jobs and frontline services to save money, ministers' offices are getting major funding boosts. Budgets for these offices are increasing. The Premier's own Department of Energy ministerial budget is more than doubling.

Why are Nova Scotians being asked to make do with less, while the government is giving its ministers more?

JOHN LOHR « » : I believe I heard the member say yesterday that we should spend more. I think I just heard the Leader of the Opposition say that we should spend less.

I think that highlights the fact that these are difficult decisions. We will continue to work through this process. The reality is that we are investing in health care. We are investing in housing. We are investing in affordability. We believe in the future of this province. I am confident in the fiscal future of this province.

This province has the potential to be an energy powerhouse on many fronts. We will continue to invest in that.

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

FTB: N.S. CREDIT RATING DOWNGRADE - ADDRESS

HON. IAIN RANKIN « » : Speaker, Nova Scotians are asking to spend better. Nova Scotia's credit rating has been downgraded with a negative outlook, and that should concern every Nova Scotian, especially younger generations. A lower credit rating means it costs more to borrow, and that leaves less money for things like health care, roads and infrastructure.

[Page 2370]

With borrowing costs already over a billion dollars per year, that means significantly less to spend on Nova Scotians' priorities. At the same time, even Nova Scotia Health Authority officials have warned that the Province can't keep spending at the current pace.

Does the Premier accept that this downgrade is a clear warning sign and that it makes it harder for Nova Scotia to invest in services and the infrastructure that people depend on?

HON. JOHN LOHR « » : I want to acknowledge that these credit ratings are important, and we look at them very seriously. The budget itself projects a four-year path where we see the increase in revenue exceeding the increase in expenses. That's the important thing. We know that both revenue and expenses are increasing.

I do want to point out that despite last year's tax cuts, we see a significant increase in tax revenue from Nova Scotians this year. That, to me, indicates that when we put more money back in the pockets of Nova Scotians like we're doing this year, they respond and that grows our economy. There are many ways we can grow our economy. I'm very confident about the future of our province and our ability to meet all of our obligations.

IAIN RANKIN « » : We're talking about doubling the province's net debt in just five years, Speaker. They take no responsibility for the fiscal position. They're blaming it on Donald Trump and past governments over five years ago. But according to their budget, they're going to finish this second term in this position, and the government's already spending more on debt-servicing costs than on the Departments of Agriculture, Energy, Emergency Management, Housing, and Natural Resources combined - and it's only getting worse.

Can the Premier tell Nova Scotians how much this downgrade will add to borrowing costs and what investments will now be harder to make because of it?

JOHN LOHR « » : I'll remind the member that when we came into government in 2021, we had a debt that did not show up on the books but showed up in people's lives, in wait-lists, at hospitals, in waiting for family doctors, in deferred maintenance in health care. How many times, the member will remember, did our colleague the member for Northside-Westmount - for how many years did he ask about fixing the steps on the Northside General Hospital?

All of those things were just absolute deferred maintenance. We lived through all of that. That was another type of deficit in this province, and we've worked hard to address that deficit. No apologies.

[Page 2371]

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

CCTH: N.S. ARTS JOBS THREATENED - ADDRESS

SUSAN LEBLANC « » : Speaker, the budget this government presented yesterday threatens the livelihoods of Nova Scotians who work in arts and culture jobs. These people are not asking for much. They just want to build a life in our province and share their art - art that strengthens communities and is why people love to live here.

What does the minister have to say to Nova Scotians whose jobs in the arts are now under threat?

HON. DAVE RITCEY » : It's hard. It's definitely hard. It's harder on these organizations. Some of these organizations will see a change. But we're still committed to supporting arts and culture and building strong communities right across this province.

We had to make difficult decisions. That's what leadership does. I'd like to thank the member for the question.

SUSAN LEBLANC « » : It is hard. Governing is hard, but also a fundamental understanding of the economic impact of the one-dollar investment in arts is important for this government. It is very basic. The province is now facing devastating cuts to our film and television industry, to tourism, to arts grants, and more, thanks to this government and this budget. The Art Gallery of Nova Scotia will see one-third of its budget slashed.

The Premier loves to talk about the Bluenoser spirit, but that spirit comes from a shared appreciation of art and culture in our province. It's fundamental. Why does this government want to break the Bluenoser spirit and set the arts and culture back by years?

DAVE RITCEY « » : You know what? We need to focus on our resources. They make the biggest difference, and to be truly honest, last year we supported 117 film productions providing over $240 million to local communities, and so I want to correct the member on that.

Last year, tourism generated $3.7 billion in our province - up 8 percent year over year. The national average was 3 percent. We are investing and will continue to invest, and we will continue to work with the arts and culture organizations and community to build a better Nova Scotia.

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

EECD: AFFORDABLE DAYCARE DEADLINE MISSED - EXPLAIN

[Page 2372]

PAUL WOZNEY « » : This government, year after year, has promised Nova Scotian families that it will deliver a $10-a-day child care, but the minister now admits that this government will miss the deadline to make it happen. That means many parents continue to pay more than three times what they should just so they can go to work. How can this government break this promise to Nova Scotians when costs continue to rise out of control?

HON. BRENDAN MAGUIRE » : Speaker, the truth is that we are leading this country. We have cut child care fees in half. The average child care fee right now is just around $12. We are going to hit our 9,500 spots, and we did something that no other province or territory in this country did. We added pension and benefits and huge raises to the industry.

PAUL WOZNEY « » : We are not leading the provinces in the creation of affordable $10-a-day child care. The fact is that Prince Edward Island, Newfoundland and Labrador, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, and Quebec are all provinces that have delivered $10-a-day daycare to their families. Those provinces made it happen. Why is this government giving up on Nova Scotian families when other provinces with the same time frame made child care a true priority?

BRENDAN MAGUIRE « » : That is called a half story. I've met with them. I've met with the ministers; I've talked with every minister across this country. What's happening is that they are not meeting the spaces. Some are meeting $10 a day and not meeting the spaces, and some are meeting the spaces and not meeting the $10 a day.

Every single province and territory in this country is in the same boat. They are going to the feds. They are saying we need more co-operation, and we need more help. I heard the NDP say that we've invested in the wrong areas. They said that we invested in the wrong areas. Is that area the $12 a day, the 50 percent reduction, the 9,000 spaces, or is it the pension and benefits that we've invested in in our child care sector?

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

CCTH: PORT HASTINGS VISITOR INFO. CENTRE CUTS - EXPLAIN

KENDRA COOMBES « » : Speaker, Cape Breton depends on tourism, and Port Hastings is often the first place where visitors can get a human welcome and friendly, informative guidance on where to go. Now, with this government's cuts, they are taking it away.

Can the Minister of Community, Culture, Tourism and Heritage explain why this government is shutting the front door to Cape Breton and putting small businesses across the island at risk.

[Page 2373]

[2:30 p.m.]

DAVE RITCEY « » : I know this affects people and we definitely don't take it lightly, I can assure you of that. These are difficult decisions for employees and families and for us, as the government. These are tough decisions and to the member, we feel them.

We'll continue to support communities right across this province with our 40 community VICs.

KENDRA COOMBES « » : The people in Cape Breton are going to feel it. I'm sure the MLA for Cape Breton East is going to feel it because I know I'm going to feel it.

After the pandemic more visitors are asking for in-person help, not less. Last year the number of visitors who used the information centres increased by 13 percent. Google and ChatGPT don't know about the island's hidden gems, but Cape Bretoners do.

My question to the minister is: Why is this government shutting down the Port Hastings visitor information centre when demand for in-person support is on the rise?

DAVE RITCEY « » : I can assure you that last year tourism generated $3.7 billion, up 8 percent in a single year. The national average was 3 percent. It is working. We are working hard with our tourism operators, our stakeholders.

I just happened to be at an event in Truro just a week ago with 70 stakeholders and I can't thank them enough for their efforts in this province in what they're doing. We're going to continue to support them.

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

DHW: HOSPITAL REDEVELOPMENT WORK - ADDRESS

HON. DEREK MOMBOURQUETTE « » : My question is to the Minister of Health and Wellness. As we've seen in the budget yesterday, the government again talked in the budget about the infrastructure work around Halifax and around the Cape Breton Regional Hospital redevelopment.

As everyone knows, this has been going on through multiple governments. A lot of good people on the ground, doctors and professionals, have been designing the infrastructure at the Cape Breton Regional Hospital. We see under construction at the Northside General Hospital, it is well under construction. We've seen some work in New Waterford under construction and Glace Bay is a question mark.

My first question to the minister is: Is the project at the Cape Breton Regional Hospital - the new Cancer Centre critical care unit ER - is that on time and on schedule?

[Page 2374]

HON. MICHELLE THOMPSON » : Certainly, the infrastructure file has been a significant file, and we know it has been subject to a number of cost overages. At the time the project was started in 2018, there were a number of issues around the way the contract was done, meaning that the contract would continue to ride the market and hopefully benefit from changes.

Unfortunately, with COVID and with some of the tariff agreements and things, costs have certainly gone up. We continue to work in Cape Breton. There was a recent announcement through Cabinet where there's more money being designated to Cape Breton Regional Hospital redevelopment. We'll continue to monitor that project. We are committed to improving health care services in Cape Breton and continuing on with that project.

DEREK MOMBOURQUETTE « » : It is important for a lot of folks at home. As I said, we see a lot of the infrastructure has been under construction since 2018. A lot of the people have been involved with that and there were some concerns. You start hearing on the ground that projects may be pushed out multiple years, based on a number of factors.

My next question is around the Glace Bay Hospital. We've seen work on the Northside General Hospital well under construction; of course the Cape Breton Regional Hospital is well under construction. You've seen work on the New Waterford Consolidated Hospital as well, but I have questions around the Glace Bay Hospital. We have seen all the other work taking place. My question to the minister is: Is the work going to happen at the Glace Bay Hospital?

MICHELLE THOMPSON « » : Speaker, as I said, we continue to monitor the project very closely. We continue to work in community with the teams at the Cape Breton Regional Hospital to understand where some of the issues are around cost pressures, where some of the long lead items are that are more difficult to source. Again, we continue to monitor that project very closely.

I recently visited several months ago to be able to walk all of those sites and so it really is a matter of just continuing to understand what is required, where we are going to be able to invest the money over time, where the overages continue. But we are committed to pay close attention to that project and continuing on.

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

DHW: CONTINUOUS CANSO ER CLOSURES - EXPLAIN

ROD WILSON « » : When this government introduced the budget a year ago, the ER in Canso was closed for the entire month of February. Fast forward to this budget, the ER in Canso was again closed for the entire month of February and it is not the only ER closed across the province.

[Page 2375]

For a year I have been asking when Nova Scotians can expect emergency rooms to be open and stay open, with no answer. I am now asking: Why are these emergency departments closed leaving Nova Scotians to frantically search for an ER when they need emergency care?

HON. MICHELLE THOMPSON « » : Emergency departments across the province, particularly Level 3 and Level 4 emergency rooms at times, can be difficult to remain open. The member would know that there are certain qualifications that are required to work in the emergency department, and we continue to look at recruitment and retention of physicians who are able to do that as well as a robust locum program. There is additional funding allocated in the budget for ER services across this province.

I also want to remind the member that EHS is part of our emergency system. It is an integrated emergency system, and we have very well-trained advanced care paramedics and primary care paramedics across this province. Care begins when you call dispatch and so there is a model of care that allows people to receive emergency care as soon as they phone 911 and often have to bypass local hospitals in order to get the care they need at regionals.

ROD WILSON « » : I would like to remind the minister that often EHS is not fully staffed. We have a shortage of paramedics.

On two occasions when I was in Canso, we could not transfer patients because they did not have an advanced care paramedic. So there are barriers to care that are real.

This government was elected in 2021. The ER in Canso was almost an entire year. Now, five years later, they are down to 10 days a month. I was happy to hear that the minister visits emergency departments or hospitals.

I ask today: Will the minister and the MLA for Guysborough-Tracadie meet with the people of Canso to explain why they have fewer ER services now than when this government was elected in 2021 and why there are not always advanced care paramedics in Canso?

MICHELLE THOMPSON « » : The member for Guysborough-Tracadie and I have met with folks throughout Guysborough County on a number of occasions to talk to them about the services they require - not only in Canso but in other areas as well. The member has his ear very close to the ground. He understands the challenges that we face.

We actually are doing very well with paramedic recruitment and we are down a significant number of vacancies. For the first time in my recent history, I know that that paramedic complement is very, very well staffed. We have seen good recruitment from other countries. We have also had the tuition program that has really built the work force. So people should feel confident not only in the paramedics but also in doc in a box and other people who are supporting through dispatch, and they should have no hesitancy to call 911 when they require care.

[Page 2376]

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

DHW: MATERNITY AND PRENATAL CARE CONCERNS - ADDRESS

LINA HAMID « » : Speaker, a woman in my riding is expecting a baby. This should be a happy time but she cannot get the care that she needs. She suffered three miscarriages in the past but despite her medical history, she has no prenatal care, no family doctor, and no midwife.

Can the Minister of Health and Wellness explain why high-risk pregnant people are being left to fend for themselves?

HON. MICHELLE THOMPSON « » : I'm certainly not familiar with the case the member is speaking about, but I'm happy to speak with the member following.

What I want individuals to know is that you can go online or register through 811. We do know that there are time-sensitive issues, like prenatal care requirements. When you go on, register, and fill out the form that talks about your health status, you may not be connected to a primary care provider right away, but in the case of pregnancy, you can be sent to prenatal care.

I'm not really clear about what's happened there. I'm happy to talk to the member and help her understand how she can help her constituent navigate. There are available options for that individual, and we certainly want to attach them as soon as possible.

LINA HAMID « » : I'd like to thank the minister for that, and I look forward to having that conversation. I would like to also add that I personally called clinics that are on the IWK's website with that constituent, and not one of them was able to take them on.

The story is not an exception. It reflects a bigger problem with women's health in this province. The IWK Foundation recently found that 70 percent of women in the region feel that they do not have the health care that they need.

When will this government guarantee access to care for high-risk pregnant people?

THE SPEAKER « » : Table that, please.

[Page 2377]

The honourable Minister of Health and Wellness.

MICHELLE THOMPSON « » : I want to be very respectful when I give this answer, but that actually isn't the right way to get somebody to care - calling around looking for care yourself. We have an established protocol that works. Individuals register through 811. They register online. There is a health questionnaire. We've just come through an extensive validation process. NSHA and the IWK have created pathways in order to catch these individuals, so it is essential that individuals go through that pathway so they can be caught through the system. Often, there are people who call different places to get care, but it's actually just a disaggregated way to look.

I look forward to being able to help the member opposite in order to attach that individual.

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

DOJ: PUBLIC PROSECUTION COMPETITION RECOMMENDATION - ADDRESS

HON. BECKY DRUHAN « » : Speaker, prosecutors carry one of the most serious responsibilities in our justice system. They decide whether or not a person is charged and prosecuted for a crime. Those decisions must be based on evidence and law, never politics. That's why Nova Scotia has an independent prosecution service.

The former Minister of Justice began two competitions for a permanent director but did not complete them. As minister, I initiated a new competition through an independent recruiter, and that competition closed shortly after I left office. When the recent permanent appointment of the director was announced, I saw no reference to that independent process or its recommendations.

My question is this: Did the Minister of Justice follow the recommendation of the independent recruiter, or was this appointment directed by the Premier's Office?

THE SPEAKER « » : The honourable Attorney General and Minister of Justice.

HON. SCOTT ARMSTRONG « » : We've appointed a person who has two-and-a-half years' experience, came up through the weeds in Nova Scotia, knows this system from top to bottom, and has shown and demonstrated the ability to build a prosecutorial system that stands up for victims in this province. I am fully confident in the ability and the performance of the new director of the Public Prosecution Service.

BECKY DRUHAN « » : In October 2025, before the competition for the director of Public Prosecution had closed, a letter was copied to several MLAs, including the minister, raising concerns that the Premier met directly with the then acting, now permanent, director of Public Prosecution.

[Page 2378]

Prosecutors must be free not only from political interference but from the appearance of it. Public confidence depends on that independence.

My question for the minister is this: Is he aware of direct communication between the Premier or anyone in the Premier's Office and the director of Public Prosecution, and what steps has he taken to ensure that any such communications do not compromise prosecutorial independence?

[2:45 p.m.]

SCOTT ARMSTRONG « » : I want to thank the member for her question. I am aware of no such communication. However, I am aware of the ability of the person that we've appointed: a true Nova Scotian who has come up through the system, understands the system, knows the people who are in the department, knows the people he is working with in terms of the justice system in this province, understands the public defenders in this province.

We have a very experienced, very well-educated and true Nova Scotian in charge. I am totally convinced that we are better off in Justice today. We have a strong Nova Scotia-born represented in that position.

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

SNS: OBLADEE RENOVICTION ORDER AND SMALL BUS. PROTECTIONS - ADDRESS

KRISTA GALLAGHER « » : A beloved downtown restaurant Obladee may have to close their doors because the landlord is forcing them out with a renoviction. They've put years of love and money into creating a unique space to make their dream a reality. Now they're wrapped up in a court case.

My question to the minister is: When will the government stand up for small businesses and protect them against renovictions?

HON. JILL BALSER » : I want to thank the member opposite for the important question. Yes, in the Province of Nova Scotia, Service Nova Scotia, as a department, and our residential tenancy director don't have the authority over commercial leases.

Knowing that, a lease between a business and the building owner would be a contract that would fall under contract law. If there is anything that needs to find a resolution through a dispute, it would have to go through Small Claims Court.

[Page 2379]

Speaker, I am also aware that there are only two jurisdictions that have a commercial tenancy program, and those would be Ontario and British Columbia. I know, if there are other supports or resources available to the business that the member is mentioning, I'd be happy to have that conversation with her.

Speaker, we know that small- and medium-size businesses are at the heart of our economic opportunities for the . . .

THE SPEAKER « » : Order.

The honourable member for Halifax Chebucto.

KRISTA GALLAGHER « » : I would love to see that program here in Nova Scotia. Support for commercial tenancy is exactly what we need. The commercial rents are rising faster here than in any other province in the country.

There's a residential rent cap for residents but not for small businesses that are facing massive rent hikes. That could mean the end of a business they've poured their heart and soul into. Quite honestly, that's a loss for our communities.

My question to the minister is: Will this government give small businesses a lifeline and put the brakes on commercial rent hikes?

JILL BALSER « » : Again, I thank the member for the important question. We recognize the importance of small- and medium-size businesses throughout this entire province. We want to be able to support them in the best possible way.

Knowing that Service Nova Scotia, as a department, does not have a commercial residential tenancy program at this point in time and there are two jurisdictions that do, when I say that small- and medium-size businesses are at the heart of our province, I think about the Nova Scotia Loyal program we invested in, making sure that businesses have tools and the awareness and the opportunity to showcase what they can offer.

Speaker, the Minister for Growth and Development next to me could go on about the program. We know how important small- and medium-size businesses are, and we'll continue to invest in them in the best possible way.

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

EECD: SJAM ELEM. SCH. DAYCARE DELAY - EXPLAIN

SUZY HANSEN « » : After years and years of delays, St. Joseph's-Alexander McKay Elementary school, aka SJAM, is finally open. Hats off to SJAM families for pushing to make it happen. But their fight isn't over yet: The community daycare that was promised still isn't open.

[Page 2380]

My question to the minister is: The minister knows that this is a problem for our community specifically, why is it taking so long?

HON. BRENDAN MAGUIRE « » : Speaker, I am so glad that the north end of Halifax has this beautiful school. It's the heartbeat of that community. I had the honour to tour that school with . . .

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

GOVERNMENT BUSINESS

THE SPEAKER « » : The honourable Government House Leader.

HON. BRENDAN MAGUIRE « » : Speaker, I just would like to take a moment. During Question Period, I said the term, I think it was "half story." Although I was informed that it didn't cross a line, I still would like to retract that statement.

THE SPEAKER « » : Thank you. The honourable Government House Leader.

HON. BRENDAN MAGUIRE « » : 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 the House resolve itself into the Committee of the Whole House on Supply.

THE SPEAKER « » : The motion is carried.

We will have a short recess - oh wait. Sorry. That's right. I forgot about this part.

The honourable member for Fairview-Clayton Park.

LINA HAMID « » : Thank you, Speaker. When times are hard, Nova Scotians look out for each other, and times are hard right now. The families in my constituency and all over Nova Scotia are not asking for much, just a fair shot to build a life here in Nova Scotia, but that's getting harder and harder to do. The spending of Nova Scotian taxpayers' hard-earned money with nothing that the average person can show for it is out of hand.

[Page 2381]

Power bills keep rising and there is almost no housing that people can afford. Despite the fact that yes, we have seen an increase in the vacancy rates around the province, the fact is it has not impacted the actual cost of housing. Housing is still unaffordable and inaccessible for many families around the province.

Power bills are rising and thousands of children are living in poverty. According to the most recent Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives report, there are about 40,000 children in Nova Scotia who are living in poverty. This is all happening under this government's watch, and now this government is running a record deficit while the average Nova Scotian is paying more and more and feeling less and less secure than they were before this government was elected in 2021.

Nova Scotia has the highest child poverty rates in Atlantic Canada and the third highest across the country. In a province rich in talent, drive, and opportunity, it is unacceptable that more than 40,000 children in this province live in poverty. This government is spending beyond its means and Nova Scotians have little to show for it. We have some of the highest housing costs in the country. In my constituency of Fairview-Clayton Park, a single mom has to pay up to $3,000 for a two-bedroom apartment, just to have a place where she and her children can go to sleep.

Rents are rising unchecked because this government refuses to take action on fixed-term lease loopholes. This government could close this loophole tomorrow and it would cost nothing additional to the budget. This government knows that housing costs are a big challenge for Nova Scotians. They see the tents in our parks, and they see working families living out of cars, yet Nova Scotians are still waiting for relief.

The government can go on and on and brag about the 1.6 percent indexation of benefits - that's easy - but the average household cannot deal with the food price inflation of 5 percent. That's not easy. This government is willingly pushing more and more Nova Scotians into poverty. The income assistance standard household rate for a single person who is renting is $950, while the average rent for a studio apartment in Halifax is over $1,600. How is that person supposed to eat? How are they supposed to pay rent or buy clothes for a job interview? The simple and brutal truth is they cannot.

This government loves to talk about the 1 percent HST cut they made, but that's pennies on the dollar when you look at the rising costs facing families across the province. It does not help the senior on a fixed income when they have to choose between heating their home and buying life-saving medication. It does not help families feed and clothe their children when their rent takes up almost their entire paycheques.

The budget reflects a government's choices. It reflects their priorities and what is most important to them within the following year, and this government has made their priorities very clear. Those choices and priorities are just simply not benefitting the average Nova Scotian.

[Page 2382]

S&P Global just downgraded the Province's credit rating for the first time in over 30 years. So, it didn't happen under any other government. You know, we love to point fingers and talk about how other governments did this and other governments did that. The reality is we are in 2026; we are talking about right now, so let's focus on that. And, right now, the reality is, again, that the Province's credit rating has been downgraded for the first time in 30 years. Why? Because they see a government spending without a plan; borrowing without a ceiling; and driving Nova Scotia into a historic deficit, a deficit that our children will have to inherit.

This downgrade means that Nova Scotians will pay more in interest. Money that could have gone to schools, gone to housing, gone to clinics is going to be spent servicing this deficit. How does this spending reflect on the ground with real Nova Scotians? Well, it does not lift Nova Scotians out of poverty. It has not made it easier to rent or buy a home, and it has not helped anyone with their power bills.

Nova Scotians need a real plan to tackle the rising cost of living, a real plan that makes sure they can afford their homes, afford their power bills, a plan to create real financial stability. This government's record spending means nothing if families are falling behind, and the reality is that we can say "investment" all day long, but families continue to fall further and further behind under this government. And if this budget does not make life more affordable, it's failing the people it's meant to serve.

So, once again, the reality is that Nova Scotians are struggling more and more, and with record spending, there is nothing to show for it. It is time to actually defend Nova Scotia if that is the plan. Let's do it by making sure Nova Scotians can afford to survive in our beautiful province.

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

SUZY HANSEN « » : Today, I am going to talk a little bit about SJAM because St. Joseph's-Alexander McKay Elementary is near and dear to my heart. I want to begin by saying something simple but powerful. Thank you. Thank you to the parents, thank you to the students, thank you to the teachers and the staff, thank you to the neighbours, the advocates, the grandparents, the community members who refused to let this issue be forgotten.

Today, I want to talk about the long journey to rebuild St. Joseph's-Alexander McKay Elementary school and the struggle our community endured to get there. But more than that, I want this to be a story about resilience, about advocacy, about what happens when a community fights for its children, because that is what this has always been about - our kids.

[Page 2383]

[3:00 p.m.]

The beginning of this struggle was years and years when our families in the north end of Halifax knew that the old SJAM building was aging. It had structural concerns, it needed repairs, and it was no longer serving students the way they deserved. Nobody seemed to listen at the time, especially when I was on the school board. We brought this up multiple times. It was one of the reasons why I joined the school board.

By 2019 and 2020, the Province acknowledged that a replacement school was necessary. A new building was placed into the capital plan, and there was hope. Families were told that construction would begin soon and that students would move into a new school by 2023.

Hope is a powerful thing. Hope drives people. Hope can be amazing.

In 2022, the old building was demolished. Students were relocated to a temporary site in the South End, and families were told that this would be short-term just until the new school was completed.

That's when the timeline began to stretch, and stretch, and stretch again. This was the start of the delays. The original target opening date was 2023, as I mentioned, and that became winter 2024, then summer 2025, and eventually a date that no one knew. Ideally, it was February 2026. Folks had thought it was going to be March. Folks had thought it was going to be September. The communication wasn't that great. Eventually, it happened in February 2026.

Every delay meant more months and then years of children learning in temporary conditions. It meant more busing, more disruption, and more uncertainty. There were reasons given, like scope changes, additional floors added, added child care spaces, labour shortages, and supply chain challenges.

We understand that construction projects are complex. What made this particularly more difficult was not the delay itself; it was the lack of communication. Families often learned about setbacks after decisions had already been made. Updates came late or were non-existent, and timelines shifted without warning. Parents were left wondering: When will our children finally have their school? When communication falters, trust erodes.

I want to talk about the impact on our students. Let's remember this because that's who this truly effects. It affected kindergarteners who started their first day of school in a temporary building and are now several grades older, in the new school, who have never known their community or walked to and from their school - because we do have a walkable school community, which is absolutely amazing. They never got to know that. They never got to know the community members or even the small businesses in our community.

[Page 2384]

It affected families who planned their lives around projected timelines that kept changing. The disruptions of people's schedules and lives were absolutely frustrating. It affected children who deserved stability, a gym to play in - to play basketball in, to play volleyball in - and proper learning spaces. They deserved a building rooted in their own neighbourhood community.

For young students, schools are more than just walls and desks. They are where friendships are formed, where confidence grows, and where identity is shaped. For young students, schools are more than walls and desks. They are where their confidence grows. When we talk about delays, we're not talking about concrete and steel, walls and paint, and all the fun things that come with that. We're talking about a childhood.

Here's where the story changes because a community did not stay silent, which is why I love Halifax Needham and the folks who live in my community. Parents spoke up, advocated organized, community members wrote letters, questions were asked, meetings were attended, and voices were raised - respectfully, persistently, and passionately.

Parents demanded transparency, they demanded accountability, they demanded timelines, and they demanded better communication. Most importantly, above all this, they demanded that our children matter; that they matter to this government and that they are a priority to this government.

That advocacy made a difference. When projects stall, when communications break down, it's easy for momentum to really fade and fall back, but you did not allow that to happen. They kept the focus where it belonged: on the students.

What this fight represented, it wasn't about one building. It was about equity. It was about ensuring that children in the north end of Halifax receive the same quality of facilities, opportunities, and attention as any other community. It was about refusing to accept that delays and silence are just the way things are. It was about setting an example for our kids that when something is not right, you stand up for it. You showed them what civic engagement looks like, and you showed them that democracy is not passive. You showed them that community power is real.

The Province eventually completed the school. Construction challenges were addressed and the building is finally open to our students. That's very important, and it deserves recognition. I will say I'm very glad that the school is finally open and our kids are actually walking to school. It's a delight to be able to see our kids excited about wanting to be in their space of learning.

We also must acknowledge that that journey exposed weakness in communication and project transparency. The long gap between approval and completion placed stress on families and created unnecessary uncertainty. We can appreciate progress while also learning from the past. If anything positive comes from these delays, let it be this: future school projects must involve clearer timelines, better communication, and stronger accountability. Our children across this province deserve nothing less.

[Page 2385]

This afternoon, I want to return where I began. I want to say thank you. Thank you to the parents who kept showing up when updates were scarce. I want to say thank you to the teachers who created stability in temporary classrooms, who made the hard times happy times, family times, and community times. I want to thank the community leaders who kept this issue alive in conversations, in media, and in government offices. Thank you.

I want to thank the students, who demonstrated resilience beyond their years. They showed up. They had a rally out front of the office of Public Works. They were out there with their chalk and writing on the ground talking about: "We want our SJAM. We love our school." Thank you to these students, who are learning civic engagement early, knowing that their voice does matter.

Thank you to the North End community for fighting - fighting not in anger but in love. We might have thought that it might have been angry, but sometimes we can mistake our passion for anger. It was purely passionate and purely out of love; love for our children, love for the neighbourhood, love for the belief that our kids deserve the very best.

Now they have this beautiful school. The gym is amazing - it has a beautiful open concept. The library is state of the art. All of the classrooms have all of the microphones and everything that is there so that teachers can do their best work, and the students can learn in the best possible way. When our students walk into their new school, they may see fresh paint, bright classrooms, a gym, accessible spaces and modern facilities, but what we see is something deeper.

We see determination. We see advocacy. We see a community that refuses to settle. One day when those students are older, we can tell them that this school stands here because your community fought for you. That is a powerful legacy.

Moving forward, now that we have this building that's complete, the work shifts. We move from fighting for walls to building within them. We focus on learning, on community partnerships, rebuilding those community relationships, on making this school not just new but exceptional. We can carry forward the lesson that when we work together, we are stronger.

I just want to share a little story before I close. The first day of school was Wednesday - on the 18^th. The kids were outside, and they were just enamoured because they had never seen what the school looks like. They did not even get to see pictures or anything, but they had created multiple pieces to be added into the school. So, when they walked into that school - I'm telling you, there were kids who started at preschool or pre-Primary who had never seen what this school looked like before. Now, when they walked in, they saw a brand-new school, and all they could say was: "Is this for me? Thank you so much."

[Page 2386]

I think that's the value of being able to see the great works that have happened by construction and the work that has been happening through community. We can all do this together in the name of making sure that our kids have a better and a proper learning space.

The story of St. Joseph's-Alexander McKay is not just a story about delays; it's a story about perseverance. It's a story about accountability. It's a story about a community that stood up for its children and did not sit down.

Once again, this message is for my SJAM family. Thank you for your courage, thank you for your persistence, thank you for your unity, and most of all, thank you for fighting for our kids.

For those in this room who spoke up and did that work, thank you for doing that work for our community and our kids and being able to allow them to have a proper learning space with all the things that our kids deserve because they are worth every meeting. They were worth every letter, every difficult conversation, and every long year of waiting. They are worth it, and together, we have proved that when a community fights for its children, change can happen.

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

SUSAN LEBLANC « » : Speaker, I will also talk a bit about story in the remarks that I have coming up here.

The story that I want to tell is one of frustration, of an artist who was so disenchanted with the government at the time that she decided to leave her position as a theatre maker and a change maker in that role to come into this House and bring the voices of artists into this House. For years, I have continued to do that. Then, for a brief moment, I didn't have to, and now here we are again. It's a story of frustration and sometimes what feels like hopelessness, yet it is a story of perseverance and resilience.

I am going to start this speech by restating a couple of things I heard yesterday in the Budget Address.

I heard these words: Defending Nova Scotia today isn't just about borders or institutions. It's about economic resilience.

I heard this: When deciding which grants would continue, we focused on the grants that meet the strategic priorities of the Province. We are focused on growing our economy.

[Page 2387]

All those statements were from the Minister of Finance and Treasury Board's Budget Address. In these statements, there is fundamental evidence that highlights the thesis of what I want to talk about, and that I might have to keep talking about all week as information keeps coming in, and we're getting more and more information through the Budget Estimates process. This government, and most especially this Premier and the members of the Treasury Board, cannot be trusted to run the Province.

What does that have to do with arts? This government came into power in a very good financial position. Now we have a billion-dollar deficit to show for it, and there has been no thought to the smart investments and little acknowledgment that our surpluses were temporary.

If this budget is about economic resilience, then it wouldn't be making such large and sweeping cuts to the Department of Communities, Culture, Tourism and Heritage. If this budget was focused on growing our economy, it would be supporting those industries that do just that and growing the sectors that are already resilient and less susceptible to the unpredictability of the global markets that are present. This leads me to the conclusion that the Premier is just not very good at his job.

Speaking of jobs, the jobs in the culture sector are good jobs, money-wise, and beyond money, there are - or were - lots of them. An arts worker could work on a film or television production, just as the Premier did a couple of years ago; we'll all remember that, and I hope he is still paying his actor dues, by the way. They could be a gaffer or a colour correctionist or an actor or a caterer.

[3:15 p.m.]

The people who work in these jobs, like my neighbours, they are not getting super rich, but they are - or should I say they were - able to maybe buy a small house in the north end of Dartmouth, or a person could work in the live performing arts, someone like my friend, A., who helps run a local theatre venue. She's not getting super rich, but she manages to put a living together and she was able to buy an old farmhouse in Hants County to raise her little children there.

A person could be an author, or a musician, or a rug-hooker, and none of these jobs will make you super rich, but they can make you enough money that you are able to dare to dream of a life in Nova Scotia. Nothing fancy - don't want to get too ahead of ourselves here, but a good life. A good life where you can afford to put food on the table, maybe have some kids. Of course, with the promise of $10-a-day daycare, for a while it was almost possible to manage staying here forever, living a good life. Not an easy life necessarily, but a fulfilling life.

[Page 2388]

Here are some cold hard facts about the arts sector, and let me tell you, I really hate going into this part. Here we are talking about this again, and I'll remember that it is a story of frustration, but the funny part about these facts is that they are readily available. It did not take me very long to find these facts, which also makes me question what these government members on Treasury Board and the Premier were thinking when they decided to make the cuts that they did to the Department of Communities, Culture, Tourism and Heritage.

Last year's report, ArtWorks: The Economic and Social Dividends from Canada's Arts and Culture Sector, demonstrated very clearly that the arts and culture sector is one of the most important economic drivers in Canada. According to Statistics Canada's culture satellite account in 2022, culture accounts for more than 15,000 jobs in Nova Scotia, employing more people than farming, fishing, and forestry combined. According to a 2020-21 census, the arts and culture sector contributed a GDP of $2,538 per capita in Halifax, and $1,783 per capita nationally. Meanwhile, workers in culture-related occupations earned an average employment income of $47,500 in Halifax, and $55,200 in Canada.

In spite of everything I've said about people being able to put together a life here, we were already behind in the per capita investment in arts funding. Artists in Nova Scotia produce much more for less than the national average and punch well above their weight, and sadly they are left to imagine what Nova Scotia's arts sector could achieve with adequate investment, and even more sadly, we now have to deal with the fallout of these broad cuts.

I just have a couple of cold, hard statistics from HRM as well. Every year arts organizations in HRM generate more than $23 million collectively in revenue, the majority of which is spent on regional goods and services. They perform for more than 295,000 people of all ages per year, from all walks of life, and in communities throughout the region, and this number is expected to increase greatly as the industry continues to re-emerge from pandemic conditions.

Arts organizations in the HRM employ more than 1,300 full- and part-time people, drawn primarily from the HRM and the rest of the province - i.e., not from outside the province. The arts attract investments including more than $8.8 million from other levels of government, but lest I be accused of being city-centric in these remarks, I will remind everyone in this room that every member sitting here has artists in their communities. All of them will stand up and talk about a particular artist in the community, how great they are. Sometimes there's member statements done for artists in communities. Yet somehow this government is satisfied to watch these artists get their livelihoods cut and hacked apart.

What would happen, Speaker, to the Highland Arts Theatre if they can't get operational funding? What will happen, not what would happen. What's going to happen to the people of CBRM who want to go to the HAT to see something?

What happens to the Cabot Trail Writers Festival if it cannot retain the people to work at producing the festival or growing its reach? It ends and all of those writers that that festival gives exposure to, they have less exposure. All of the restauranteurs and all of the people selling beer at the festival, all of that goes away.

[Page 2389]

What happens to the restauranteurs in Parrsboro or Pictou when people stop going out to eat before a Ship's Company Theatre show or something at the deCoste Performing Arts Centre because those venues stop producing full seasons of work?

What happens to the people who run the B&Bs and the hotels - and the Airbnbs - in these places when people stop going to the communities because there's not anything to consume there?

These are not doom and gloom predictions. This is a fundamental understanding of the economic spinoffs that a vibrant and healthy arts community and arts and culture sector provide.

Let's talk for a minute about the social benefit of art, instead of just the economic benefits. The social benefits of art and culture are ones that we cannot even really evaluate. It's very difficult to put the numbers on things, but we know a few things.

We know that more and more physicians and health care workers are starting to do what's called social prescribing, especially for mental health issues or disorders. People are being prescribed arts and culture as a medication, as a therapy. An organization like the MacPhee Centre for Creative Learning does a ton of work on youth mental health and social inclusion.

The fact that the MacPhee Centre is doing that work means that a very expensive and highly educated therapist can focus their work on something else, on somebody else. These are cost-saving measures but also important for people and their well-being. Music therapy, art therapy, the beauty of just sitting in a cathedral and listening to a concert, Speaker. It's not hoity-toity or highfalutin to want to go into a church and listen to a beautiful singer or a choir . . . (Interruption) Like me, for instance. Exactly. Thank you very much, sir.

The benefits to the soul and to the person for taking a moment and thinking about something else or getting immersed in a piece of art - you cannot quantify that benefit.

Let's talk about Heated Rivalry for a second. The fact that Rachel Reid's books have been turned into a TV show that is taking the world by storm, as my colleague yesterday mentioned - they have changed the channel on taboo subjects like homosexuality in professional sport. It's incredible what a book series can do.

Let's talk for a minute about a show called Metu'na'q. Metu'na'q was produced twice by Zuppa, a theatre company that I'm very intricately involved with. It's the company that I spent 20 years with. Metu'na'q was a co-production between Zuppa and what's called the Sipu Tricksters. Metu'na'q explored the history of colonization and slavery that exists or that is present in Shakespeare's The Tempest. The Sipu Tricksters retold the story from their perspective as colonized people, people from the Sipekne'katik First Nation, which included performers, costume designers and builders, cultural carriers, a photographer, jewellers, visual artists, musicians, a graphic designer, and a makeup artist. Those members range in age from 18 to 60. They included a retired fisher, a current schoolteacher, solo parents, post-secondary students. They were amateur performers and their experiences covered a vast spectrum. It was an incredible performance to witness and to be part of.

[Page 2390]

The arts sector continues, Speaker, to be perceived as something nice to put money into, if we can afford it. It's a luxury item. In times like this when tough decisions have to be made, it is the first thing to go, even when its economic benefit to this province is well documented. This idea is that the arts and culture sector is something we can only appreciate or only have when times are good.

I'm done with this idea. For years I've been done with this idea. It is fundamentally wrong, it's bad fiscal management, and anyone who is paying attention knows that arts and culture are a fundamental asset to any community or city. They amplify the returns from the arts and to amplify the return from those arts we first need investment.

Instead of investment, which is what I would normally talk about in these budget speeches, we are seeing deep cuts, to professional arts, to community arts.

Speaker, I will have more to say about this. I look forward to asking the Minister of Communities, Culture, Tourism and Heritage about these cuts. I don't look forward to the answers but I will have more to say. I am deeply disappointed. The arts community is not outside physically but they are out and getting organized. I hope they will be connecting with each and every member of the Treasury Board. Thank you very much.

THE SPEAKER « » : Seeing no one stand up, the motion is carried.

[3:40 p.m. The House resolved in a CWH on Supply with Deputy Speaker Marco MacLeod in the Chair.]

[7:55 p.m. CWH on Supply rose and the House reconvened. The Speaker, Hon. Danielle Barkhouse, resumed the Chair.]

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

THE CLERK » : That the Committee of the Whole on Supply has met and made some progress and begs leave to sit again.

[Page 2391]

THE SPEAKER « » : Is it agreed?

It is agreed.

[GOVERNMENT BUSINESS]

THE SPEAKER « » : The honourable Government House Leader.

HON. BRENDAN MAGUIRE « » : Thank you for your patience, Speaker. Would you please call the order of business Public Bills for Second Reading.

PUBLIC BILLS FOR SECOND READING

THE SPEAKER « » : The honourable Government House Leader.

HON. BRENDAN MAGUIRE « » : Would you please call Bill No. 186.

Bill No. 186 - Support for Fire Protection Services Act.

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

HON. KIM MASLAND « » : I move that Bill No. 186 be now read a second time.

Speaker, we've introduced legislation that will strengthen fire services across Nova Scotia. Right now responsibility is spread out in ways that can be confusing and, frankly, inconsistent. This legislation provides provincial oversight for municipally-led fire services where they exist now and into the future, under the Department of Emergency Management so there is a clear home and a clear line of accountability.

Fire commissions and fire services that are not currently municipally led will be left as is. We heard loud and clear throughout our consultations with the fire services sector and municipalities that some areas do not want municipally-led fire services, for a number of reasons. We are listening.

The legislation also gives us the authority to set up province-wide standards for fire protection services themselves, for firefighter training and certification, for personal protective equipment, and for how municipalities plan, deliver, and report on fire protection services.

This didn't come out of nowhere. Over the past year we have done a lot of listening. We listened through the Nova Scotia Firefighters School Value-for-Money Audit. We listened to the 40 recommendations coming from the Fire Service Association of Nova Scotia's governance review and just in the past month we listened in person, meeting with over 700 fire chiefs, deputy chiefs, fire service coordinators, and municipal leaders right across our province.

[Page 2392]

This legislation is the next step in addressing what we have heard. It will allow us to create an office of the fire commissioner, to provide provincial oversight and support to municipalities and fire service providers. It sets clear training and firefighter competencies. It establishes consistent requirements for personal protective equipment and records management. It requires every municipality, whether they oversee fire services or not, to conduct a fire protection services review to ensure they are making evidence-based decisions about the fire services they provide to their communities and whether fire departments in their area have the gear, the equipment, and the training to meet the fire services required.

These changes are in addition to our continued commitment to strengthening and standardizing training for all firefighters, ensuring consistent training standards right across our province, and support procurement to get the best pricing for purchasing vehicles, equipment, and insurance, helping fire departments reduce costs.

[8:00 p.m.]

It also addresses other key recommendations from the FSANS report, such as health and wellness supports, including mental health, dispatch alignment, volunteer recruitment and retention, training, and interoperability and mutual aid. In the last year, we've established the Fire Training Advisory Committee and interim regional training plans. We've initiated provincial and municipal collaboration to create regional training centres. We've invested in mobile burn units and propane fuel training props. We've conducted a value-for-money audit on the Nova Scotia Firefighters School, and we have supported the FSANS governance review to have a better understanding of the state of fire service in the province.

I recognize that change isn't always easy. I understand that there are still questions from municipalities and the fire protection service sector. I understand that there are still details that we will work through. We will get it, and we will do it together. We're committed to working through all of this together and finding solutions that are practical and sustainable, but we have to be honest about where we are today. The complex and fragmented system of today has led to inconsistent levels of service across the province. We know all too well that the gaps in training standards and safety provisions have had dire consequences.

We can and we must do better, because behind every one of those issues are real people. Volunteers who leave their families at a moment's notice, career firefighters who run towards danger when others are running away, and communities place their trust in them every single day. This legislation is about honouring that trust. It's about making sure that no matter where someone lives in our province, rural or urban, coastal or inland, Sydney or Yarmouth, they can count on consistent, professional, and well-supported fire services when they need it most. It's about ensuring that every firefighter, whether volunteer or career, has the training, the equipment, and the protections they deserve so that they can come home safely after every call.

[Page 2393]

This legislation is about building stronger capacity, greater consistency, and safer systems for firefighters and the communities they serve. Firefighters spoke, we listened, and now we're moving forward. I'll take my seat and look forward to comments from the members across the floor.

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

KENDRA COOMBES « » : Firefighters in Nova Scotia run into harm's way every day to help their neighbours. They deserve a government that will have their backs. We appreciate that this bill seeks to fulfill some of the recommendations of the Fire Services Association of Nova Scotia's governance model, an implementation roadmap report released in September.

For instance, this bill follows through on recommendations to move all matters of fire service to the Department of Emergency Management to ensure a centralized approach to both training standards and procurement efforts aimed to facilitate bulk-buying across municipalities. We also acknowledge that Greg Jones, president of the Fire Services Association of Nova Scotia, has called this bill a good first step. We are hopeful that this bill will have benefits for the over 7,400 firefighters across this province.

Yet we have questions about this bill and how this bill will designate a fire commissioner tasked with overseeing reviews of fire service across the province. It is our understanding that all municipalities will be asked to complete this review for the Province to get a sense of what is needed and where, but there's a complete lack of details about what this will look like. Everything will be set out in regulations after the fact. It is also unclear what will happen if municipalities need more fire services than what they currently have.

I'm hoping that the minister can take some time in their ending remarks to provide some clarity and concise answers to these questions. Can the minister tell us who will be on the hook for paying for the added fire services that might be needed? Will it be the Province? The municipalities? Or will volunteer fire departments have to fundraise?

The Fire Service Association of Nova Scotia recommended a solution to this question: a clear, sustainable funding model. As far as I could tell from reading this bill, this bill does not do that. It does not cover this. Right now, 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 their communities safe.

[Page 2394]

We would appreciate if the minister would clarify if the Department of Emergency Management will have a funding model in place by the time the initial reviews are complete. The following is a list of questions I've compiled over the past less than 24 hours from various municipalities and councillors who have reached out. Bear with me here.

One of the questions from a municipality or councillor was: Why has the minister taken a shift in direction, i.e., allowing fire departments to remain as designated by the Fire Safety Act or to be registered with municipalities, rather than requiring them to be operated by municipalities? This was a core recommendation of the FSANS review and was part of the plan in the consultations as recently as a week ago. Is this completely off the table now, or will this be coming back in the future?

Who and what will be eligible for transitional support and funding, and for how long? The bill stated that there may be an advisory board created. Who would sit on that? Will different types of departments and regions be represented? When will there be concrete initiatives around recruitment and retention of volunteer firefighters? According to someone who reached out, the support needs to come first.

Firefighters and departments have raised concerns about inadequate consultation around the changes that are ahead. Will the minister commit to undertaking another round of consultation to ensure that (a) there is a better understanding of the transition and (b) the department understands the on-the-ground realities and needs for transitions?

During my conversation with a few, they brought me into a consultation process and said to me that after the presentation of sorts, there was only about 30 minutes for questions and answers. Many felt that a lot of their questions were not answered, and they had to keep coming back to say, "That question wasn't answered. We need an answer to this." Some feel like there wasn't enough here, there wasn't enough time for questions and answers for different entities - like municipalities, for instance - to get a clear picture.

I think it's very important that, if this government is to move forward with this, you have to bring people along. Bringing people along means you've got to properly inform them of what's happening and allow them to ask the questions that need to be asked and provide proper answers so that they feel comfortable that every question's been asked and every question's been answered and that they now feel comfortable moving forward. That was something that a few I spoke with really kept reiterating to me.

This is another question, again, from a compilation of organizations and people. Fire services have been raising issues of cell service for years. The review also recommends action on this front - Recommendation 15. Will this government prioritize adequate cell coverage across the province as part of its response to the review?

More detail is needed around municipalities and fire protection services determining level of fire protection services in Recommendation No. 7. Will the Province be developing tools for community risk assessments? Will there be grants for this purpose, as recommended in the FSANS review - Recommendation No. 34 - and what is the timeline?

[Page 2395]

There seems to be, from those I spoke with, really no timelines that they could see or that they were told, and they would like to know what the timelines are for things to be completed.

The other question that I received was: What is the department's plan for training infrastructure - Recommendation No. 17? Will the department be funding the creation of regional and mobile training facilities? How much money has been budgeted and what is the timeline for creating these facilities?

As you can tell, there are quite a few questions that organizations that are going to be either responsible to undergo these reviews or are responsible because their fire departments have still left unanswered. We would appreciate if the minister would clarify these answers. In addition to getting answers to our questions from the minister, we are looking forward to hearing from the volunteer fire departments. We are also looking forward to hearing hopefully from municipalities in the days to come and at Public Bills Committee.

With that, I will take my seat.

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

HON. DEREK MOMBOURQUETTE « » : Speaker, I'm honoured to get on my feet and say a few words about the bill, something that is very important, something that a lot of work went into. With these bills I always look forward to the Public Bills Committee portion of this because you have first responders who have been involved with this, who support their communities across the province.

I want to begin by acknowledging the firefighters, chiefs, and volunteers across Nova Scotia that protect our communities. They work hard, often with extremely limited resources, to keep Nova Scotians safe. This bill reflects in part the work undertaken by the Fire Services Association of Nova Scotia in its 2025 governance study, and I want to thank the association for their work. At a high level, this bill seems like a constructive step forward. It moves us toward a more coordinated and modern fire services framework.

While it does not implement all FSANS recommendations, the bill responds to a clear call to improve governance and coordination. In particular, it adopts the standardized definition of firefighter, which will help create clarity across jurisdictions. It requires municipalities to conduct fire protection service reviews aligning with the recommendations for more structured, evidence-based planning, and it provides a process for annual risk assessments which is a positive move towards continuous improvement.

[Page 2396]

These measures reflect a necessary shift towards consistency and accountability while maintaining municipal flexibility and service delivery. This is essential in a province like Nova Scotia where community needs vary significantly. A coastal community may require marine firefighting capacity, and rural areas may rely more heavily on volunteer departments. It is essential that we allow communities to do the firefighting work they need to do.

One of the most significant features of this bill is the creation of the Office of the Fire Commissioner, an office intended to coordinate fire prevention efforts across the province, encourage collaboration among municipalities and fire services, oversee training, and report to the minister on the state of the services in Nova Scotia.

This responds directly to the FSANS emphasis on stronger provincial leadership and coordination, and if implemented effectively, this office could become a central point for improving standards, sharing best practices, and addressing gaps. This bill also amends the Fire Safety Act to shift primary responsibility from Municipal Affairs to the Department of Emergency Management, and we believe that this change makes sense.

Fire services are increasingly integrated with broader Emergency Management systems and aligning those functions under one department should improve coherence and responsiveness. This was another area where the FSANS identified the need for a clearer structure. These reforms come at an important time. The result of last year's audit of the Nova Scotia Firefighters School underscored the need for stronger oversight for firefighter training, consistent training standards, and clear accountability.

The provisions in this bill, particularly around coordination and oversight will hopefully begin to address those challenges.

[8:15 p.m.]

While we will vote for this bill to advance the Public Bills, we also want to know if there is some more work to do. The bill does not consolidate all fire service legislation into a single Act, as FSANS recommended. Many elements of FSANS' implementation road map are not yet reflected here.

We've heard concerns from firefighters who were not consulted on these changes and are concerned about how this government's actions will affect the local fire services.

I encourage the government to continue consulting with firefighters and listening to their needs. Overall, this bill represents a measured and pragmatic step forward. It improves coordination, introduces clear standards, and strengthens provincial leadership. It does so while respecting the diversity of municipal needs, and there may be opportunities to strengthen them further at the committee stage, but this bill provides a solid foundation.

[Page 2397]

I look forward to calling firefighters I know, asking them their thoughts, and hearing from Nova Scotians at the Committee on Public Bills.

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

ROD WILSON « » : Thank you, minister, for introducing this bill. I have a lot of questions that I would like to leave with you for your consideration.

How did I get involved? I had an interest in cancer screening and prevention in firefighters even before I came into this new role and, over the course of the last 18 months, spoke to a number of firefighters about concerns around that and looked at the research. Along with those conversations came up a number of things that I wasn't aware of that I'm hoping this bill will look into or are part of the agenda.

One of the questions I have is: What do fire departments or teams of the future look like? We know that firefighters are aging. Like communities, the volunteers are aging. The majority of our firefighters are volunteers. They are aging. We also know the attrition is high. Recently, firefighters told me that new members were joining as volunteers and in less than three years leaving, as one said, the old guys to do the heavy lifting.

One of the things that also struck me was that in today's climate and economy, a lot of the younger firefighters, men and women, wanted to volunteer, but just felt like, "I need a second job; I can't really volunteer."

I guess one of the questions I have is: What do volunteer fire departments of the future look like, or what will future community fire departments be like? Will they be volunteer led? Should we rely on volunteers, or does there need to be some other type of model that helps entice young men and women and retain them?

Firefighters are often the first responders to many traumas, and that has its own nuances. Again, I'm thinking of firefighting teams: Will they continue to be the first responders, or will capacity come in other sectors so that firefighters won't be the first responders? So many times I have seen in my personal experience, firefighters are there and bringing patients even before EHS can get there. It's just the logistics of rural areas. Is that going to continue in the future? I don't have the answers, but I have the questions.

Occupational hazards are incredible, as the minister probably knows. Firefighters now are exposed to many different types of occupational exposures. It's not just the smoke; it could be asbestos, it could be chemicals, it could be in the insulation.

My nephew is a firefighter in Ottawa. He actually was a Red Seal electrician and was brought on for that skill set. What do the firefighting teams of the future look like, especially when we're relying on volunteers and we have such a large service to cover in Nova Scotia?

[Page 2398]

Probably the biggest thing - that my colleague has ready spoken to - is funding. We don't ask police departments to go out and raise money for their body armour or for their police cars. So how do we move away from asking volunteer firefighters or expecting volunteer firefighters, in addition to their service calls, to raise funding to either expand their fire hall or have the equipment they need?

That came up with both the union and a couple of chiefs. If anything comes out of this, I hope we can look at a model that's sustainable to fully fund firefighters with the best equipment so they can give up the bake sales and the barbeques to help protect us.

Again, I spoke to staffing. Having grown up in a small town, one of the things that comes to mind is that we all know fire departments can be highly political, perhaps even more than this Chamber. That has both good and challenging effects.

It does speak to the challenge of the minister in bringing all the folks together. It also makes me raise questions about the fire commissioner. What's going to be really important is that the fire commissioner, in order to have credibility and integrity, is someone who's very independent, like an Auditor General, independent of the minister or the deputy ministers. I leave the minister to think about that.

There are going to be lots of opinions. I'm sure the minister has already heard. There are going to be lots of differences. Change is hard. Communities are going to resist change. Some will want more than others. How does that change happen?

Outside of the consultation with the firefighters, is there room for consultation for the communities? Firefighters are like physicians. We speak for our community, but maybe we haven't asked our community what they really need and want. So I wonder if there's room for consultation with communities.

Those needs will change, I expect, as some communities age or, with immigration, communities become younger. What does that look like? How do we keep those conversations going so firefighting departments or teams are vibrant, nimble, and changing with, of course, stable, sustainable funding? What does the fire commissioner look like in terms of selection and independence?

How I got into this conversation is: Will this review or assessment - I really see this as needs assessment - look at not only the psychological supports that firefighters need now and often (inaudible). I think it's under-reported because so many firefighters are first responders, and so I do wonder if the psychological needs are under-reported and probably under-utilized.

[Page 2399]

The other thing that - whether it's this bill or another bill - I'll be looking for is this legislation amended to provide support for cancers caused by firefighting exposure. To me, prevention is protection. Protection only comes in terms of form of equipment. Will this bill or another bill in the future look at cancer screening for firefighters? The evidence is overwhelming; the occupational risk is based on exposure. Will the prevention aspect be part of this bill, in terms of the psychological supports that firefighters need? Also, will cancer screening be part of this and will it be funded?

I think that's really important because I know there are challenges. Last year, when I was here and sick, I went to emergency twice. I got the $750 investigation. If I was actually getting screened for a fire department, I would get the very same thing, but it's not covered by MSI. But if I went in with a cough and a fever, and I got the exact same screening text for a different reason. Our firefighters, in order to attract, retain, keep well, and keep healthy - could we look at, at some point, introducing cancer screening that will support firefighters?

I just want to say, before I close, a big thank you to our firefighters. Firefighting is tough. It's scary. I thank our colleagues in the fire department who do it - men and women. I know that wildfire is probably going to be a greater threat to our firefighters in the future than residential fires. Having lived through a wildfire in northern Ontario, they're absolutely terrifying. I know, from speaking in fire department, that requires a whole different level of equipment, training, and support. I expect the environmental changes are going to create a change in skill sets in a fire department.

I'd like to give two big shout-outs: one to the Greenfield Fire Department in the minister's constituency of Queens County, who have actually helped me on an unexpected grassfire; and also to Camp Courage, which is a camp provided by local firefighters who provide the skill set and support and attracts young women into the traditional male role of firefighting.

Lots of questions I hope we'll consider. However, probably the most important thing is timing. Could the minister address tonight before we leave - whenever that is - what's the timing we should expect on this, and the turnaround? Will it be a year? Will it be three years? Will this come in terms of forming recommendations, or will there be standards brought into a new piece of legislation that must occur in regulations? Most importantly, when should firefighters and Nova Scotians across the province expect to see something tangible that can be put into action?

THE SPEAKER « » : If I recognize the minister, it will be to close the debate.

The honourable Minister of Emergency Management.

HON. KIM MASLAND « » : I thank my colleagues across the aisle for their questions and comments. I thank the member for Sydney-Membertou for being positive about this legislation. What I'll say is: Fifty years, eight reports. Fire services in Nova Scotia have been asking for help for 50 years and eight reports, and nobody has done anything. Nothing. Absolutely nothing. The reports have sat on shelves.

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It's hard. Change is hard, but you know what? Our firefighters deserve this. When they are having bingos every Tuesday night after working all day to be able to afford breathing apparatuses to enter into your burning home, that's not right. When they are having fundraisers every Saturday morning, flipping eggs to keep the lights on in a fire department, that is not right. I have been very clear in my comments tonight. I've been very clear to Nova Scotians. I've been very clear to municipalities, to CAOs, to fire chiefs, to deputy chiefs, everybody I've met with.

We have had tons of questions. Of course we would. It's change, but we've answered all those questions. I think I'm a pretty accessible minister. If there are questions that you have, you should have brought them to me. We could have been talking about this a long time ago.

I believe in this legislation. I will be the first to say that not all the answers are here right now. They're not, but I've said that this is the beginning of the road map. This lays the groundwork. This is where rubber is finally hitting the road, where we can try to make sure that there is a stable fire service in Nova Scotia where our firefighters are safe and where people, when the firefighters pull up to a Nova Scotian's house to fight the fire, they know they're getting the same level of service right across the province. This is a good thing, and I certainly look forward to Public Bills.

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

KIM MASLAND « » : Sorry, I'm really passionate about fire services. Speaker, I rise to close debate on Bill No. 186.

THE SPEAKER « » : The motion is for second reading of Bill No. 186.

All those in favour? Contrary minded? Thank you.

The motion is carried.

Ordered that this bill be referred to the Standing Committee on Public Bills.

The honourable Government House Leader.

HON. BRENDAN MAGUIRE « » : Thank you to everyone involved tonight in the debate. Speaker, would you please call the order of business private member's Public Bills for Second Reading.

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PRIVATE MEMBERS' PUBLIC BILLS FOR SECOND READING

THE SPEAKER « » : The honourable Government House Leader.

HON. BRENDAN MAGUIRE « » : Speaker, would you please call Bill No. 187.

Bill No. 187 - Birthplace of Ice Hockey Act.

[8:30 p.m.]

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

MELISSA SHEEHY-RICHARD « » : Speaker, I rise today to give second reading to Bill No. 187 - An Act to Declare Windsor, Nova Scotia, to be the Birthplace of Ice Hockey.

Windsor is a small community that helped shape Nova Scotia's history in things like agriculture, forestry, and shipbuilding. It's also where a simple winter pleasure took hold. Long before there were arenas and rule books, people were playing what was originally known as "hurley on the ice" at Long Pond and Devil's Punch Bowl.

Those early games were played for the love of the game, and in time, it became a defining part of Canadian winters. In fact, when the finals of any major hockey championship are on, Canada almost comes to a standstill to watch, glued to our screens, packed in our arenas and local pubs, and lining our streets in our favourite jerseys. Today, that history mainly lives on because people cared enough to protect it.

I want to thank volunteers like the Windsor Hockey Heritage Society, local historians, and community champions who kept asking questions, doing the research, and telling the story - people like the late Howard Dill, his son, Danny Dill, and scholars like Dr. Garth Vaughan, who believed that Windsor's place in hockey history deserved to be known. Every winter, volunteers come together to bring the story back to life on the Long Pond Classic Hockey Heritage Tournament hosted on the Dill Family Farm. This annual tradition brings together neighbours, family and friends, NHL legends, and players stepping onto the ice, not just for trophies but for tradition.

This bill is about honouring the spirit and the people who never let Windsor's connection to hockey fade. With those few words, I will take my seat.

THE SPEAKER « » : Is the House ready for the question?

The motion is for second reading of Bill No. 187.

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All those in favour? Contrary minded? Thank you.

The motion is carried. (Applause)

Ordered that this bill be referred to the Standing Committee on Public Bills.

The honourable Government House Leader.

HON. BRENDAN MAGUIRE « » : Speaker, that concludes government business for today. I move that the House do now rise to meet again on February 25^th, between the hours of 11:00 a.m. and 11:59 p.m.

Following the Daily Routine, Question Period, and Opposition Business, we will have Government Motions Nos. 352 and 351; and Second Reading of Bill No. 193, the Powering the Economy Act, and Bill No. 196, the Community Colleges Act (amended).

I ask that you recognize the honourable House Leader to call Opposition Business for tomorrow.

THE SPEAKER « » : Honourable Government House Leader, just for clarity, you are calling it from 11:00 - okay, you said a.m. That's a short session.

The motion is that the House do now rise to meet again tomorrow, February . . .

The honourable member for Cape Breton Centre-Whitney Pier.

KENDRA COOMBES « » : Speaker, Opposition Business for tomorrow will be Bill No. 188, the Nova Scotia Power Review Act; Bill No. 191, the Legislative Budget Officer Act; and Resolution No. 353, HARP. With that, I turn it back over to you, Speaker.

THE SPEAKER « » : The motion is that the House do now rise to meet again tomorrow, February 25^th, between the hours of 11:00 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, February 25^th, at 11:00 a.m.

[The House rose at 8:35 p.m.]

NOTICES OF MOTION UNDER RULE 32(3)

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RESOLUTION NO. 358

By: Hon. Kim Masland (Queens)

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

Whereas the birth of a child is a momentous event and marks the beginning of a very satisfying journey down a long road, where the rewards far outnumber the challenges; and

Whereas a new baby is like the beginning of all things - wonder, hope, a dream and possibilities, author Eda J. Leshan wrote; and

Whereas on October 9, 2025, Owen and Natalie welcomed their son Russell Robert Vouri into the world;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly congratulate Owen and Natalie on this miraculous event in their lives and wish them many more happy years as parents.

RESOLUTION NO. 359

By: Hon. Kim Masland (Queens)

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

Whereas the birth of a child is a momentous event and marks the beginning of a very satisfying journey down a long road, where the rewards far outnumber the challenges; and

Whereas a new baby is like the beginning of all things - wonder, hope, a dream and possibilities, author Eda J. Leshan wrote; and

Whereas on October 7, 2025, Kyle and Mackenzie Druzina welcomed their daughter Scarlett Rose Druzina into the world;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly congratulate Kyle and Mackenzie on this miraculous event in their lives and wish them many more happy years as parents.

RESOLUTION NO. 360

By: Hon. Kim Masland (Queens)

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

Whereas the birth of a child is a momentous event and marks the beginning of a very satisfying journey down a long road, where the rewards far outnumber the challenges; and

Whereas a new baby is like the beginning of all things - wonder, hope, a dream and possibilities, author Eda J. Leshan wrote; and

Whereas on February 18, 2026, Jamie and Krystal Sawler welcomed their daughter Madilynn into the world;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly congratulate Jamie and Krystal on this miraculous event in their lives and wish them many more happy years as parents.

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