HANSARD

and

Printed and Published by Nova Scotia Hansard Reporting Services

STANDING COMMITTEE ON HUMAN RESOURCES

Mr. David Wilson - Glace Bay (Chairman)

Hon. David Morse

Mr. Alfred MacLeod

Mr. Chuck Porter

Mr. Charles Parker

Ms. Joan Massey

Mr. Clarrie MacKinnon

Ms. Diana Whalen

Mr. Michel Samson

[ Mr. Alfred MacLeod was replaced by Mr. Keith Bain. ]

In Attendance:

Mrs. Darlene Henry

Legislative Committee Clerk

Mr. Gordon Hebb

Chief Legislative Counsel

HALIFAX, TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 25, 2007

STANDING COMMITTEE ON HUMAN RESOURCES

9:00 A.M.

CHAIRMAN

Mr. David Wilson (Glace Bay)

MR. CHAIRMAN: Okay, let's get started.

[The committee members introduced themselves]

MR. CHAIRMAN: We were notified previous to this by the NDP caucus that they would not have anybody present here today because of an out-of-town caucus that they are having in Digby.

Item number one, if we can - I think you've received a letter, which you have in front of you, from the Environment and Labour Minister, Mark Parent. We wrote to the minister regarding film classifiers and some questions that were raised during a previous meeting. This was the reply from the minister.

I guess it was somewhat of a mistake on my behalf to not include that letter with your booklets that arrived. Darlene asked me if I wanted the letter included and I thought well, you'll get it when you get here. In retrospect - which is always correct - I probably should have included that letter with your packages so that you could have had some time to review it. Yesterday, I did have a request from the NDP caucus office about that letter and it was faxed over to them by Darlene. So if you want some time to review that letter, fine, we can take it now or whatever the case may be.

Mr. Morse.

1

HON. DAVID MORSE: Mr. Chairman, in view of the fact that it was a member of the NDP that wanted to further scrutinize the applicants for the Film Classification Board - in view of their absence today, I would suggest that we stand this item for another month. I say that with some reluctance because as I pointed out last week, I believe this is probably creating a difficulty in getting work of the board done, by virtue of the fact that I think they're down to something like three film classifiers as a result of the delay, but I still think it would be appropriate to allow the NDP members the opportunity to comment before we further consider those candidates.

MR. CHAIRMAN: Mr. Samson.

MR. MICHEL SAMSON: Thank you, Mr. Chairman, with all due respect, obviously there is an issue here of how many people are applying for this position and the quality of the people who are applying. There still seems to be a question of diversity and age but that seems to come down to the problem of not having that in the applicants to start off with. So it is impossible for us to ask the minister to do things if the applications aren't there to allow him to achieve what we've asked.

I think there's a responsibility on all of us as elected members to encourage as many of our constituents to apply for these various agencies, boards and commissions, especially if they are people who do bring diversity to the appointment process, that we encourage that to take place. But having had a look at the applications, there still is a vast amount of retired people who are applying for these positions. They are applying so that's the reality that the minister is left with.

In light of this, if we had received correspondence from the NDP requesting a delay, I would be more inclined to entertain that, but the fact that we have received no indication that they want to further delay this or ask for any further clarification - I don't see the need to stand these appointments for any longer.

MR. MORSE: So basically the member for Richmond is speaking against my motion and I guess . . .

MR. CHAIRMAN: That's what it sounded like.

MR. MORSE: . . . it looks like it is going to come to a vote and as I look around the table, I think he's going to succeed in defeating my motion.

MR. SAMSON: I take it that you're withdrawing your motion?

MR. MORSE: No, I think we should vote on it, but I certainly will respect the democratic process.

MR. CHAIRMAN: Let me just put in my two cents here, if I can. There are 14 reappointments there and I understand that the film classifiers are down to three, as I understand it, you're correct. The indication I got was, that was not a problem for the month that we've delayed so far; that they would be able to handle the work load at that time. I don't know if they'd be able to handle the work load for another month, which is the next time we're going to meet to deal with agencies, boards and commissions. These are three-year reappointments we're making. What I'm saying is, I'm not sure what to do.

MR. SAMSON: Mr. Chairman, I thought I was being helpful to the government in my remarks but if it's the minister's position to still hold his motion, certainly I'm not going to force the government to do anything they're not prepared to do. So if it is the government suggesting that these positions be stood, then so be it. We won't vote down the motion from a government minister to not put forward appointments. So it is a bit of a new area for this committee in my experience, but so be it.

I will withdraw my comments and let the minister's motion stand to have these appointments delayed, apparently as per the request of government. So thank you, Mr. Chairman.

MR. CHAIRMAN: Mr. Samson, thank you. Is there any further comment? I suppose if we wanted to, we could defer it to a meeting that doesn't have to wait a month to be held. We could call a special meeting to deal with this.

MR. SAMSON: Mr. Chairman, I . . .

MR. CHAIRMAN: I didn't finish yet, Mr. Samson. I said we could do that, I didn't say we're going to do that.

Again, as I said, the answer from the minister and the letter, the explanation and the chart that was given which had everything from employment status to anything else on it, has been provided to the NDP caucus. It was provided yesterday, so I tend to lean in favour with what Mr. Samson is saying. If there was a request to delay this any further, I would have expected it to be made by now, but that has not come.

MR. SAMSON: The only request we have now is a delay by a Minister of the Crown, so if that is not withdrawn, then we'll leave it at that.

MR. CHAIRMAN: Mr. Morse.

MR. MORSE: I would point that while I may be a Minister of the Crown, when I sit on this committee I am the Minister of Natural Resources, not the Minister of Environment and Labour and I do not take any umbrage with the points that the member for Richmond has

made about the appointments. I would be quite gracefully accepting of the outcome if it was felt that we should vote on them today.

MR. CHAIRMAN: Well, let's make a decision. Mr. Morse, was that a motion you made, that the . . .

MR. MORSE: I made a motion that we delay this for another month, in view of the absence of the NDP which was the Party that objected to those candidates.

MR. CHAIRMAN: Is there any further discussion on the motion? Would all those in favour of the motion please say Aye. Contrary minded, Nay.

The motion is carried.

[9:15 a.m.]

We'll delay it for another 30 days. Hopefully the people of Nova Scotia won't miss any good films.

Next on the agenda are the rest of our appointments starting with the Department of Education, the Apprenticeship Board. Is there a motion? Mr. Morse.

MR. MORSE: Mr. Chairman, I would move the appointment of Derek Underwood as a board member of the Apprenticeship Board.

MR. CHAIRMAN: Is there any discussion? Would all those in favour of the motion please say Aye. Contrary minded, Nay.

The motion is carried.

The Library Board, Annapolis Valley. Mr. Bain.

MR. KEITH BAIN: Mr. Chairman, I move the appointment of Catherine Connors as a member of the Library Board.

MR. CHAIRMAN: Any discussion? Would all those in favour of the motion please say Aye. Contrary minded, Nay.

The motion is carried.

The Crane Operators Appeal Board, there is one person up for committee member. Mr. Morse.

MR. MORSE: I would move the appointment of Gordon P. Jeffrey as committee member of the Crane Operators Examination Committee.

MR. CHAIRMAN: Any discussion? Would all those in favour of the motion please say Aye. Contrary minded, Nay.

The motion is carried.

Under the Department of Finance, Credit Union Deposit Insurance Corporation of Nova Scotia, there are two appointments to the board there. Mr. Samson.

MR. SAMSON: Mr. Chairman, it's my pleasure to move the names of Réal Boudreau and Rod Munroe as board members of the Credit Union Deposit Insurance Corporation of Nova Scotia. I know Réal and his family, and he has been a distinguished attorney from the French shore of Nova Scotia. As well, Rod Munroe - who I am sure you, Mr. Chairman, know very well from Cape Breton - has been active with the credit union for many years and would certainly be an asset to this board. With that, I so move the names of Réal Boudreau and Rod Munroe.

MR. CHAIRMAN: Any further discussion? Would all those in favour of the motion please say Aye. Contrary minded, Nay.

The motion is carried.

Under the Department of Health, there are a number of appointments under each district health authority, but before we get to them - the Crosbie Memorial Addictions Trust Fund, there are three trustee appointments. Mr. Morse.

MR. MORSE: Mr. Chairman, as the member for Kings South where the Crosbie House program resides in New Minas, I am pleased to move the names of David Chisholm, George Libby and Ralph MacGowan as trustees for the Crosbie Memorial Addictions Trust Fund.

MR. CHAIRMAN: Any further discussion? Would all those in favour of the motion please say Aye. Contrary minded, Nay.

The motion is carried.

Health Authority No. 1, South Shore District there are three appointments. Mr. Bain.

MR. BAIN: Mr. Chairman, I so move Dr. Joy Calkin, Lyn Cash and John L. Murray be appointed as board members representing District Health Authority No. 1.

MR. CHAIRMAN: Any further discussion? Would all those in favour of the motion please say Aye. Contrary minded, Nay.

The motion is carried.

Health Authority No. 2, South West Nova District, there are three board member appointments. Do I have a motion? Mr. Morse.

MR. MORSE: Mr. Chairman, I so move Diann Langley, Barrie MacGregor and Craig Prouty be appointed as board members of District Health Authority No. 2.

MR. CHAIRMAN: Any further discussion? Would all those in favour of the motion please say Aye. Contrary minded, Nay.

The motion is carried.

Health Authority No. 3, Annapolis Valley District, there are five board member appointments. Mr. Morse.

MR. MORSE: Mr. Chairman, I so move that John Cochrane, Martha MacQuarrie, James Mosher, Jim Murphy and Eileen Wells be appointed board members of District Health Authority No. 3.

MR. CHAIRMAN: Any further discussion? Would all those in favour of the motion please say Aye. Contrary minded, Nay.

The motion is carried.

Health Authority No. 4, Colchester East Hants District, three appointments. Mr. Bain.

MR. BAIN: Mr. Chairman, I so move Marie Benedict, Jim Campbell and Graham Leggett be appointed as board members of District Health Authority No. 4.

MR. CHAIRMAN: Any further discussion? Would all those in favour of the motion please say Aye. Contrary minded, Nay.

The motion is carried.

Health Authority No. 5, Cumberland, two board appointments. Mr. Bain.

MR. BAIN: Mr. Chairman, I so move that Mary Ellen Clark and Creighton McCarthy be appointed as board members of District Health Authority No. 5.

MR. CHAIRMAN: Any further discussion? Would all those in favour of the motion please say Aye. Contrary minded, Nay.

The motion is carried.

Health Authority No. 6, Pictou County District, two appointments. Mr. Morse.

MR. MORSE: Mr. Chairman, I so move Philip James Brown and Bonnie Linkletter be appointed as board members of District Health Authority No. 6.

MR. CHAIRMAN: Any further discussion? Would all those in favour of the motion please say Aye. Contrary minded, Nay.

The motion is carried.

Health Authority No. 7, Guysborough Antigonish-Strait District, there are five appointments. Mr. Morse.

MR. MORSE: Mr. Chairman, I so move that Robert Anderson, Almon Chisholm, Maureen J. Coady, Allison J. England and Loyola MacDonald be appointed as board members of District Health Authority No. 7.

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

The motion is carried.

Health Authority No. 8, Cape Breton District, four appointments. Mr. Bain.

MR. BAIN: Mr. Chairman, I so move that Mildred Evans, Terry Ivey, Frank Macdonald and Ronald Williams be appointed as board members of District Health Authority No. 8.

MR. CHAIRMAN: Any further discussion? Would all those in favour of the motion please say Aye. Contrary minded, Nay.

The motion is carried.

Health Authority No. 9, Capital District, three appointments. Mr. Samson.

MR. SAMSON: Mr. Chairman, I so move that Robert Fougere, Alan Harvey and Ed Kinley be appointed to the Capital District Health Authority. Robert Fougere, ironically, is a former administrator of the Strait Richmond Hospital and has been heavily involved in

health care for many years. I'm sure Ed Kinley would be no stranger to anyone around this table with his distinguished career as a doctor in Nova Scotia, as a former member of the Legislature and someone who, I'm sure, would be an asset on the Capital District Health Authority.

MR. CHAIRMAN: Any further discussion? Would all those in favour of the motion please say Aye. Contrary minded, Nay.

The motion is carried.

Nurses College, Licensed Practical Nurses, there are two appointments. Mr. Morse.

MR. MORSE: Mr. Chairman, I so move that Lucy Reid and Lloyd Tattrie be appointed as board members to the Nurses College, Licensed Practical Nurses.

MR. CHAIRMAN: Any further discussion? Would all those in favour of the motion please say Aye. Contrary minded, Nay.

The motion is carried.

Nurses College, Registered Nurses, two appointments. Mr. Bain.

MR. BAIN: Mr. Chairman, I so move that Reid Harrison and John McNeil be appointed as board members of the Nurses College, Registered Nurses.

MR. CHAIRMAN: Any further discussion? Would all those in favour of the motion please say Aye. Contrary minded, Nay.

The motion is carried.

The Board of the College of Occupational Therapists of Nova Scotia, one appointment. Mr. Morse.

MR. MORSE: Mr. Chairman, I so move that Victoria Apold be appointed as board member of the Board of the College of Occupational Therapists of Nova Scotia.

MR. CHAIRMAN: Any further discussion? Would all those in favour of the motion please say Aye. Contrary minded, Nay.

The motion is carried.

The Council of the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Nova Scotia, three appointments. Mr. Bain.

MR. BAIN: Mr. Chairman, I so move that Harold Bezanson, Mary Hamblin and Douglas Lloy be appointed board members of the Council of the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Nova Scotia.

MR. CHAIRMAN: Any further discussion? Would all those in favour of the motion please say Aye. Contrary minded, Nay.

The motion is carried.

The Queen Elizabeth II Health Sciences Centre, three appointments. Mr. Morse.

MR. MORSE: Mr. Chairman, I so move that Robert Fougere, Alan Harvey and Ed Kinley be appointed board members of the Queen Elizabeth II Health Sciences Centre.

MR. CHAIRMAN: Any further discussion? Would all those in favour of the motion please say Aye. Contrary minded, Nay.

The motion is carried.

The Department of Justice, Municipal Board of Police Commissioners, one appointment. Mr. Bain.

MR. BAIN: Mr. Chairman, I so move that James Paul Hood be appointed a member of the Municipal Board of Police Commissioners.

MR. CHAIRMAN: Any further discussion? Would all those in favour of the motion please say Aye. Contrary minded, Nay.

The motion is carried.

The next item on the agenda is our next meeting, which will occur on October 30, 2007, from 9:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. We have our regular Agency, Board and Commission Appointments, but we also have the subject of Tuition Support Funding. Is that correct?

MRS. DARLENE HENRY: Yes.

MR. CHAIRMAN: There are parent representatives who will be appearing at that time. Is there any further discussion? If not, we will call for a motion to adjourn.

MR. SAMSON: So moved.

MR. CHAIRMAN: The meeting is now adjourned. Thank you very much.

[The committee adjourned at 9:26 a.m.]