Published by Order of the Legislature by Hansard Reporting Services and printed by the Queen's Printer.

Available on INTERNET at http://www.gov.ns.ca/legislature/HOUSE_BUSINESS/hansard.html

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HALIFAX, TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 1, 2005

Fifty-ninth General Assembly

First Session

1:00 P.M.

SPEAKER

Hon. Murray Scott

DEPUTY SPEAKERS

Mr. James DeWolfe, Mr. Charles Parker, Ms. Diana Whalen

MR. SPEAKER: Order, please. Before we begin the daily routine the subject of this evening's late debate was submitted by the honourable member for Halifax Fairview:

Therefore be it resolved that on this day of the Gomery Commission's first report, Nova Scotia should seize the opportunity to finally do away with all questionable Liberal trust funds.

This will be debated this evening at 6:00 p.m.

PRESENTING AND READING PETITIONS

PRESENTING REPORTS OF COMMITTEES

MR. SPEAKER: The honourable Minister of Education.

HON. JAMES MUIR: Mr Speaker, in advance of tabling this report, with your permission, I would like to make an introduction.

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I would turn the attention of members to the east gallery where we are joined by the recently-appointed President of the Nova Scotia Community College, Dr. Joan McArthur-Blair. Dr. McArthur-Blair joins us from British Columbia, where she was Vice-President of Education at Vancouver Community College. She is a strong leader and educator with extensive experience in the post-secondary field, and she shares this government's belief that the role of the community college is critical in meeting the future economic and social needs of Nova Scotia. We look forward to working with her to continue to build the Nova Scotia Community College across our province. I would ask the members to join with me in welcoming Dr. McArthur-Blair to Nova Scotia and to this House. (Standing Ovation)

MR. SPEAKER: We certainly welcome our special guest to the gallery today.

TABLING REPORTS, REGULATIONS AND OTHER PAPERS

MR. SPEAKER: The honourable Minister of Education.

HON. JAMES MUIR: Mr. Speaker, I beg leave to table the Annual Report of the Nova Scotia Community College for 2004-05 entitled, "this is nova scotia's college."

MR. SPEAKER: The report is tabled.

The honourable Minister of Environment and Labour.

MR. KERRY MORASH: Mr. Speaker, I beg leave to table a report entitled, Nova Scotia Utility and Review Board, Activity Report, April 1, 2003 to March 31, 2005.

MR. SPEAKER: The report is tabled.

STATEMENTS BY MINISTERS

GOVERNMENT NOTICES OF MOTION

MR. SPEAKER: The honourable Minister of Community Services.

RESOLUTION NO. 5065

HON. DAVID MORSE: Mr. Speaker, I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:

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Whereas adoption can mean love, support and a permanent, nurturing home for so many young people in permanent care and custody; and

Whereas November is Adoption Month, and during this month all Nova Scotians - families and individuals - are encouraged to consider adopting one of Nova Scotia's waiting children; and

Whereas recent changes to legislation will assist more of these young people to be adopted into a family of their own for the rest of their lives while maintaining previous relationships that are important to them;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House encourage Nova Scotians to consider adopting a young person in permanent care into their families, hearts and homes.

Mr. Speaker, I request waiver of notice.

MR. SPEAKER: There has been a request for waiver.

Is it agreed?

It is agreed.

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

The motion is carried.

The honourable Minister of Energy.

RESOLUTION NO. 5066

HON. CECIL CLARKE: Mr. Speaker, I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:

Whereas the Nova Scotia Home Builders' Association in partnership with the Department of Natural Resources and the Department of Energy created the EnerGuide for New Houses program; and

Whereas this program will help new homeowners review their plans to save money on energy costs and make energy-efficient choices at the building stage of their house; and

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Whereas the Department of Energy is pleased to support this program that helps Nova Scotians make smart energy choices when planning a new home;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House congratulate the Nova Scotia Home Builders' Association and partners for helping Nova Scotians make energy-efficient decisions and helping to reduce greenhouse gas emission in the province.

Mr. Speaker, I request waiver of notice.

MR. SPEAKER: There has been a request for waiver.

Is it agreed?

It is agreed.

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

The motion is carried.

INTRODUCTION OF BILLS

Bill No. 275 - Entitled an Act to Amend Chapter 323 of the Revised Statutes of 1989. The Off-highway Vehicles Act. (Hon. Richard Hurlburt)

MR. SPEAKER: Ordered that this bill be read a second time on a future day.

NOTICES OF MOTION

MR. SPEAKER: The honourable Leader of the Opposition.

MR. DARRELL DEXTER: Mr. Speaker, I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:

Whereas on October 31, 2005, firefighters gained new rights to compensation for occupational illness under Manitoba's groundbreaking law; and

Whereas Manitoba expanded the list of presumptive injuries for firefighters to include primary-site colorectal and ureter cancers, lung cancer for non-smokers, and heart attacks within 24 hours of attendance at an emergency response; and

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Whereas Nova Scotia firefighters deserve no less;

Therefore be it resolved that this House urge early action to provide compensation for full-time and voluntary firefighters from the unavoidable illnesses that are associated with their work and community service.

Mr. Speaker, I request waiver of notice.

MR. SPEAKER: There has been a request for waiver.

Is it agreed?

I hear a No.

The notice is tabled.

The honourable member for Victoria-The Lakes.

MR. GERALD SAMPSON: Mr. Speaker, I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:

Whereas the community policing office in Boularderie Elementary School is approaching its five-year anniversary; and

Whereas this community policing office is operated at no cost to the RCMP, the Cape Breton-Victoria School Board, or the taxpayers; and

Whereas the community policing office presence is a true educational tool, not only in the teaching of the DARE Program, but in bridging relationships between police, community and especially students;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House congratulate the RCMP, Cape Breton-Victoria Regional School Board, the community and students and especially the volunteers who man this facility for the betterment of all.

[1:15 p.m.]

Mr. Speaker, I request waiver of notice.

MR. SPEAKER: There has been a request for waiver.

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Is it agreed?

It is agreed.

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

The motion is carried.

The honourable Premier.

RESOLUTION NO. 5069

HON. JOHN HAMM (The Premier): Mr. Speaker, I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:

Whereas while so many Nova Scotians gave so freely to assist our neighbours in the South following the devastation of Hurricane Katrina; and

Whereas included in those who came to assist so many in need were the students of the Stellarton campus of the Nova Scotia Community College, which started from the Human Services class, but soon spread campus-wide; and

Whereas the students raised a total of $1,055.60, with the Licensed Practical Nursing class taking in the largest individual amount;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this Legislature congratulate this ambitious campus for illustrating, once more, the very kind and giving nature intrinsic to our province, especially to assist those in need.

Mr. Speaker, I request waiver of notice.

MR. SPEAKER: There has been a request for waiver.

Is it agreed?

It is agreed.

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

The motion is carried.

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The honourable member for Halifax Needham.

RESOLUTION NO. 5070

MS. MAUREEN MACDONALD: Mr. Speaker, I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:

Whereas Bruce Hayre, a longtime supporter of the gay and lesbian community in Halifax, was a founding member of the Manna for Health Food Bank in 1997, and has been active with the Safe Harbour Metropolitan Community Church and the Aids Coalition of Nova Scotia; and

Whereas Bruce Hayre, for the third year in a row, raised the largest amount of money in all of Canada, for this year's Aids Walk, through which he provides about 90 per cent of the Manna for Health's operating budget; and

Whereas Bruce Hayre, appearing as his alter ego, Ms. Vicki, has organized and performed at many fundraising events for Manna for Health, in the Gay and Lesbian Youth Project, Feed Nova Scotia, and many other causes.

Therefore be it resolved that the Nova Scotia Legislature thank Bruce Hayre for his years of participation and support of the gay and lesbian community and indeed all Nova Scotians.

Mr. Speaker, I request waiver of notice.

MR. SPEAKER: There has been a request for waiver.

Is it agreed?

It is agreed.

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

The motion is carried.

The honourable member for Halifax Needham on an introduction.

MS. MAUREEN MACDONALD: Mr. Speaker, in your gallery today, Mr. Bruce Hayre is here and I would ask members of the Legislature to give him a warm welcome. (Applause)

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MR. SPEAKER: Thank you. We certainly welcome our guest to the gallery today.

The honourable member for Victoria-The Lakes.

RESOLUTION NO. 5071

MR. GERALD SAMPSON: Mr. Speaker, I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:

Whereas Adriana Sampson of Sydney Mines Junior High School is an honour student in Grade 9, a member of the basketball team and the school dance team; and

Whereas Adriana has been selected to attend Encounters with Canada in Ottawa, our country's largest youth forum, whose objective is to bring together young Canadians from different backgrounds and regions in order to give them an opportunity to learn about one another, to discover their country through each other and to gain a better understanding of Canadian institutions; and

Whereas Adriana is being sponsored by Cogan Fuels and the Maritime Drilling School;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House, especially the member for Victoria-The Lakes, congratulate Adriana Sampson, on her achievements.

Mr. Speaker, I request waiver of notice.

MR. SPEAKER: There has been a request for waiver.

Is it agreed?

It is agreed.

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

The motion is carried.

The honourable member for Shelburne.

RESOLUTION NO. 5072

MR. CECIL O'DONNELL: Mr. Speaker, I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:

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Whereas our government, following the release of information from Statistics Canada on the first Friday of every month, is pleased to inform Nova Scotians when the unemployment rate goes down; and

Whereas our government prides itself on positive economic news and enjoys, on occasion, sharing information on good employment numbers with all Nova Scotians; and

Whereas in August, 462,000 Nova Scotians were employed and the unemployment numbers for Nova Scotia have not been as low since Stats Canada started collecting data;

Therefore be it resolved that this House ask the Opposition Critic for Economic Development to explain why, if they want the government to issue a news release monthly on employment stats why they never, ever, ever issue a statement when our government is setting employment record levels, never before seen since statistics were first kept on the issue 30 years ago.

Mr. Speaker, I request waiver of notice.

MR. SPEAKER: There has been a request for waiver.

Is it agreed?

I hear a No.

The notice is tabled.

The honourable member for Cape Breton West.

RESOLUTION NO. 5073

MR. RUSSELL MACKINNON: Mr. Speaker, I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:

Whereas in the early hours of Saturday morning on April 9, 2005, St. Margaret's Parish Hall in Grand Mira, Cape Breton County, was totally destroyed by fire; and

Whereas the vibrancy, resolve and hard work by the citizens of this small community with the support of adjoining communities, local businesses, as well as that of the federal-provincial-municipal governments has resulted in the construction of a new community centre in Grand Mira; and

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Whereas building finance chairman, Francis Gillis and an exceptional team of volunteers are rightfully proud of the new St. Margaret's Community Hall being constructed at an estimated cost of $400,000;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of the House of Assembly congratulate the citizens of Grand Mira and supporting stakeholders for a job well done.

Mr. Speaker, I request waiver of notice.

MR. SPEAKER: There has been a request for waiver.

Is it agreed?

It is agreed.

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

The motion is carried.

The honourable member for Colchester-Musquodoboit Valley.

MR. BROOKE TAYLOR: Mr. Speaker, I would like to, through you, draw the attention of the House to three hard-working Nova Scotians who are entering the 13^th week of a strike at National Gypsum in Dutch Settlement-Milford-Carroll's Corner area of the province. I would ask that these hard-working Nova Scotians, who would sooner be back on the job to rise and receive a warm welcome from the House. (Applause) We have Sherry Wright from Shubenacadie standing in the middle and to Sherry's left is Don Dixon from Urbania, Hants County, and Allan O'Leary who is from Nine Mile River. I would like to welcome you to the Legislature and I would encourage management and the employees to get back to the table so these hard-working Nova Scotians and their colleagues can get back to work. Thank you. Congratulations.

MR. SPEAKER: I certainly welcome our guests to the gallery today.

The honourable member for Halifax Atlantic.

RESOLUTION NO. 5074

MS. MICHELE RAYMOND: Mr. Speaker, I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:

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Whereas Canada's oldest continuously operating community theatre is the Theatre Arts Guild, established in 1931; and

Whereas in 1966, the Guild purchased the old church hall of St. Augustine's beside Frog Pond and transformed it into the Pond Playhouse; and

Whereas the Pond Playhouse is a magnet for local thespians and audiences and is drawing an ever wider circle of play-goers to its five shows each year, especially the Christmas pantomimes;

Therefore be it resolved that this House congratulate the Theatre Arts Guild as it marks its 75^th season of performance and begins construction of the new lobby and prop storage area.

Mr. Speaker, I request waiver of notice.

MR. SPEAKER: There has been a request for waiver.

Is it agreed?

It is agreed.

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

The motion is carried.

The honourable member for Preston.

RESOLUTION NO. 5075

MR. KEITH COLWELL: Mr. Speaker, I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:

Whereas the Canada Summer Games were held in Regina in August; and

Whereas wrestler Ben Eaglestone from Lake Echo represented Nova Scotia; and

Whereas Ben competed with pride, skill, sportsmanship and performed very well in all his matches;

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Therefore be it resolved that members of this House of Assembly commend Ben for representing our community and province and congratulate him on his fine performance.

Mr. Speaker, I request waiver of notice.

MR. SPEAKER: There has been a request for waiver.

Is it agreed?

It is agreed.

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

The motion is carried.

The honourable member for Chester-St. Margaret's.

RESOLUTION NO. 5076

MS. JUDY STREATCH: Mr. Speaker, I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:

Whereas residents of the Blandford community celebrated two milestones in August; and

Whereas the Blandford Community Centre turned 20 this year and the Blandford Volunteer Fire Department celebrated its 40^th Anniversary; and

Whereas the Blandford Community Centre has always been a completely volunteer and community-run effort, it is the heart of the community and is home to the volunteer fire department;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House congratulate the Blandford Community Centre on 20 years and the Blandford Volunteer Fire Department on 40 years of service, and thank them for their commitment to the community and its residents.

Mr. Speaker, I request waiver of notice.

MR. SPEAKER: There has been a request for waiver.

Is it agreed?

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It is agreed.

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

The motion is carried.

The honourable member for Pictou West.

MR. CHARLES PARKER: Mr. Speaker, I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:

Whereas Shiretown Animal Hospital has recently opened in Pictou, and in fact held a successful grand opening on Saturday, October 29, 2005; and

Whereas Pictou's first full-service veterinary clinic offers X-rays, ECG monitoring, lab work, routine surgeries and 24-hour emergency services; and

Whereas the caring local staff consists of veterinarians Dr. Kathryn Finlayson, Dr. Brenda Spence-MacLeod, animal health technologist Wendy Crosby, animal care specialist Mark Anderson, and receptionist Lynn MacKay;

Therefore be it resolved that this Nova Scotia Legislature congratulate Shiretown Animal Hospital on their grand opening in Pictou, and wish them much success in the future.

Mr. Speaker, I request waiver of notice.

MR. SPEAKER: There has been a request for waiver.

Is it agreed?

It is agreed.

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

The motion is carried.

The honourable member for Digby-Annapolis.

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MR. HAROLD THERIAULT: Mr. Speaker, I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:

Whereas after World War II, government saw fit to pay for veterans' post-secondary education, becoming one of the best investments government ever made; and

Whereas they invested approximately $30,000 per veteran at that time, and these veterans in turn paid back the government nearly $1 million each in taxes from their jobs that the education created; and

Whereas those veterans were trained for jobs that existed where they originally lived, most being right here in Nova Scotia;

Therefore be it resolved that this government start looking into post-secondary investment for our children, and create a greener pasture here in Nova Scotia so they don't have to look for others.

Mr. Speaker, I request waiver of notice.

MR. SPEAKER: There has been a request for waiver.

Is it agreed?

I hear a No.

The notice is tabled.

The honourable member for Kings North.

MR. MARK PARENT: Mr. Speaker, I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:

Whereas the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nova Scotia has announced their 2005-06 president as Ms. Susan Payne; and

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Whereas the President and CEO of ACA Co-operative Limited, Susan Payne joined the Institute of Chartered Accountants in 1989, and has served on the council since 1998; and

Whereas as the Institute of Chartered Accountants President, Susan Payne, will work closely with the institute's executive officers and council members to represent more than 1,800 chartered accountants - 67 of them working in the Annapolis Valley - and many students throughout Nova Scotia;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House congratulate Susan Payne on her recent appointment as president of the Institute of Chartered Accountants, and wish her continued success as she strives to strengthen our regional economy.

Mr. Speaker, I request waiver of notice.

MR. SPEAKER: There has been a request for waiver.

Is it agreed?

It is agreed.

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

The motion is carried.

The honourable member for Dartmouth South-Portland Valley.

MS. MARILYN MORE: Mr. Speaker, I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:

Whereas Dawn MacNutt of Dartmouth received an honorary degree from Mount Saint Vincent University on October 23, 2005; and

Whereas the work of this internationally recognized sculptor and weaver, best known for her life-sized human forms woven in willow, seagrass and bronze, is displayed in collections throughout North America; and

Whereas this talented artist continues to serve her community by donating her time, energy and talent to numerous community groups and issues;

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Therefore be it resolved that the Nova Scotia House of Assembly congratulate Dawn MacNutt upon receiving an honorary degree from Mount Saint Vincent University during its 2005 Fall Convocation, and thank her for sharing her creative talents and community spirit with the citizens of Nova Scotia.

Mr. Speaker, I request waiver of notice.

MR. SPEAKER: There has been a request for waiver.

Is it agreed?

It is agreed.

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

The motion is carried.

The honourable member for Halifax Clayton Park.

MS. DIANA WHALEN: Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the member for Victoria-The Lakes, I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:

Whereas the role of the firefighter is a very important and prominent position within all of our communities; and

[1:30 p.m.]

Whereas the Florence Community Centre Society has completed the first phase of Cape Breton's first museum dedicated to the history of firefighting on the Island; and

Whereas the Florence Community Centre Society will now be moving on with Phase II of the project;

Therefore be it resolved that members of the House of Assembly thank and congratulate the Florence Community Centre Society for all its hard work and dedication in seeing Phase I of this worthwhile and important project come to completion.

Mr. Speaker, I request waiver of notice.

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MR. SPEAKER: Order, please.

I would just like to point out that the Rules of the House are that a member can only introduce two resolutions in one day. I believe the honourable member for Victoria-The Lakes has done two. The honourable member for Halifax Clayton Park will have to accept that resolution, or ask the House to, on her behalf and not on behalf of the member for Victoria-The Lakes.

Is it agreed?

It is agreed.

Was there a request for waiver?

There was a request for waiver.

Is it agreed?

It is agreed.

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

The motion is carried.

The honourable Minister of Environment and Labour.

HON. KERRY MORASH: Mr. Speaker, I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:

Whereas Moyal Conrad of Greenfield was one of only two Canadians chosen to represent our country at an international lumberjack competition at a festival in France; and

Whereas Conrad's best event is the "hot saw" competition, in which he holds seven world records; and

Whereas Conrad placed second or third in most of the events, placing second overall at the international competition, just two points behind the first-place finisher;

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Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House acknowledge the exceptional work done by Moyal Conrad in representing Canada on the international stage.

Mr. Speaker, I request waiver of notice.

MR. SPEAKER: There has been a request for waiver.

Is it agreed?

It is agreed.

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

The motion is carried.

The honourable member for Dartmouth North.

MR. JERRY PYE: Mr. Speaker, I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:

Whereas the Dartmouth North Annual Community Carnival was held on September 10, 2005; and

Whereas the community carnival is held at alternating sites between the Dartmouth Boys & Girls Club and the Dartmouth North Community Centre, with many other community agencies and organizations participating; and

Whereas the community carnival offers a wide range of interests for citizens of all ages with games, entertainment, demonstrations and a great barbecue;

Therefore be it resolved that the Nova Scotia Legislative Assembly congratulate all the agencies, organizations, businesses and individuals for making the Dartmouth North 2005 Community Carnival a success.

Mr. Speaker, I request waiver of notice.

MR. SPEAKER: There has been a request for waiver.

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Is it agreed?

It is agreed.

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

The motion is carried.

The honourable member for Kings West.

MR. LEO GLAVINE: Mr. Speaker, I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:

Whereas in support of the Resource Recovery Fund Board initiative, Northridge Farms in Kings County was one of the first composting industries in Nova Scotia; and

Whereas the residents of Kings, Annapolis, Queens and other counties, send organic waste to Northridge Farms for compost, at taxpayers' expense; and

Whereas during the period when weight restrictions are imposed it takes four trips to transport the same amount of tonnage as it does for one trip when the weight restrictions are not in place;

Therefore be it resolved that members of the Legislature urge the Department of Transportation and Public Works to strengthen Victoria Road and Route 221 to reduce this cost to taxpayers.

Mr. Speaker, I request waiver of notice.

MR. SPEAKER: There has been a request for waiver.

Is it agreed?

I hear a No.

The notice is tabled.

The honourable Minister responsible for the Year of the Veteran.

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HON. CECIL CLARKE: Mr. Speaker, I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:

Whereas Joe Walsh of North Sydney joined the Royal Canadian Air Force on March 18, 1943, and served in the 433 Squadron while flying on the MK III as a wireless operator; and

Whereas Joe was stationed in Yorkshire, England, and was involved in many bomber commands in the Germany offensive, receiving such honours as the France/Germany Star, the Canadian Wartime Medal, the Bomber Command Medal, as well as the Liberation of Holland Medal; and

Whereas Joe witnessed the casualties of war, he also has fond memories of good times with friends and enjoying the English countryside;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House join me in thanking Joe, in this, the Year of the Veteran, for his commitment to our country, and congratulate him on the many honours he has received.

Mr. Speaker, I request waiver of notice.

MR. SPEAKER: There has been a request for waiver.

Is it agreed?

It is agreed.

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

The motion is carried.

The honourable member for Cape Breton Nova.

MR. GORDON GOSSE: Mr. Speaker, I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:

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Whereas on Wednesday, November 2^nd, Ron Caplan of Breton Books will launch his newest book from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at the McConnell Library in Sydney; and

Whereas the book, entitled Views from the Steel Plant: Voices and Photographs from 100 years of making steel in Cape Breton Island, chronicles and preserves an important part of Cape Breton's history; and

Whereas Ron Caplan's book will help ensure that future generations will not forget the hard work of steelworkers who helped lay the foundation for the Cape Breton we know today;

Therefore be it resolved that the members of this Legislative Assembly congratulate Ron Caplan on his new book, Views from the Steel Plant, and extend best wishes for the official launch.

Mr. Speaker, I request waiver of notice.

MR. SPEAKER: There has been a request for waiver.

Is it agreed?

It is agreed.

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

The motion is carried.

The honourable Leader in the House of the Liberal Party.

MR. MICHEL SAMSON: Mr. Speaker, I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:

Whereas the Order of Nova Scotia is presented to Nova Scotians who have demonstrated a firm commitment to improving their community; and

Whereas the 2005 Order of Nova Scotia was presented in a ceremony today to several deserving Nova Scotians; and

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Whereas Constance Glube, Rita MacNeil, Theresa McNeil, Cyril Reddy and Jackie Yazer have all been awarded this year's medal for the dedication they have shown and the contributions they have made to our province;

Therefore be it resolved that the members of this House congratulate the 2005 Order of Nova Scotia recipients.

Mr. Speaker, I request waiver of notice.

MR. SPEAKER: There has been a request for waiver.

Is it agreed?

It is agreed.

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

The motion is carried.

The honourable Minister of Community Services.

HON. DAVID MORSE: Mr. Speaker, before I read my resolution, could I please make an introduction?

MR. SPEAKER: Yes.

MR. MORSE: We have a friend of not only this Legislature, but indeed the entire province, who also happens to be a personal friend of mine and constituent, Sharon Oliver is in your gallery, Mr. Speaker. She also happens to be Chair of the Order of Nova Scotia Advisory Council. I would ask Sharon to please rise and accept the warm greetings from the House. (Applause)

MR. SPEAKER: We certainly welcome Dr. Oliver to the gallery today and hope she enjoys the proceedings.

The honourable Minister of Community Services.

HON. DAVID MORSE: Mr. Speaker, I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:

[Page 9465]

Whereas hockey fans from all regions across Canada were deeply saddened to learn of the horrific accident suffered by University of Moncton hockey player Sebastian Savage, in an AUHC hockey game on October 22^nd in Moncton between the Blue Eagles and Acadia Axemen; and

Whereas Canadians from coast to coast are wishing Mr. Savage progress in his convalescing from his serious neck and spinal injury; and

Whereas the good wishes were clearly evident this past Saturday evening at Acadia, when the Blue Eagles played their first game since the mishap, when Acadia fans greeted their visiting Moncton rivals with an instantaneous and sustained standing ovation in support of the Blue Eagles' Sebastian Savage;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly echo the tremendous support shown to Sebastian Savage and his University of Moncton teammates this past Saturday evening, which were so exemplified by Acadia fans, and indeed Canadians from coast to coast.

Mr. Speaker, I request waiver of notice.

MR. SPEAKER: There has been a request for waiver.

Is it agreed?

It is agreed.

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

The motion is carried.

The honourable member for Timberlea-Prospect.

MR. WILLIAM ESTABROOKS: Mr. Speaker, I'll be asking for approval of this in advance, considering who the son is who's involved here.

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

Whereas rugby in Cape Breton has enjoyed much success for over a century; and

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Whereas Cape Breton University has kept up that tradition by winning the Nova Scotia Division 2 Championship this past weekend; and

Whereas Cape Breton University defeated St. F.X. on Saturday by a score of 63-5, and in the championship game on Sunday CBU defeated Acadia University 61-27;

Therefore be it resolved that this House congratulate the Cape Breton University mens' rugby team and their coach, Steve Corbett, and wish them the best of luck this weekend on Prince Edward Island as they advance to the Maritime championship.

Mr. Speaker, I request waiver of notice.

MR. SPEAKER: There has been a request for waiver.

Is it agreed?

It is agreed.

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

The motion is carried.

The honourable member for Clare.

MR. WAYNE GAUDET: M. le Président, par la présente, j'avise que je proposerai à une date ultériere, l'adoption de la résolution suivante:

Attendu que l'Assemblée parlementaire de la Francophonie regroupe des parlementaires de plus de 66 parlements répartis sur 5continets; et

Attendu que l'Assemblée parlementaire de la Francophonie favorise la production, la diffusion et la conservation de l'information législative francophone; et

Attendu que l'un des membres de notre assemblée législative, Michel Samson a été élu chef de mission pour la région d'Amérique de l'Assemblée parlementaire de la Francophonie;

Qu'il soit résolu que nous les membres de cette assemblée offrons toutes nos félicitations à Michel Samson et plein succès dans son présent mandat.

[Page 9467]

M. le Président, je propose l'adoption de cette résolution sans préavis et sans débats.

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

Whereas l'Assemblée parlementaire de la Francophonie regroups French parliamentarians from 66 Parliaments spread over five continents; and

Whereas the assembly of parliamentarians produces, distributes and maintains legislative information written in the French language; and

Whereas one member of this Legislative Assembly, Michel Samson, has been elected leader for the North American region of this international assembly of French-speaking Parliamentarians;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly congratulate Michel Samson and wish him every success during present mandate.

Mr. Speaker, I request waiver of notice.

MR. SPEAKER: There has been a request for waiver.

Is it agreed?

It is agreed.

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

The motion is carried.

The honourable Minister of Economic Development.

RESOLUTION NO. 5091

HON. ERNEST FAGE: Mr. Speaker, I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:

Whereas the Town of Amherst has scored very high at the national level in the 2005 Communities in Bloom competition, receiving four out of the five bloom awards in their population categories; and

[Page 9468]

Whereas this is the first year Amherst entered nationally after winning the provincial competition in 2004. Scoring is based on tidiness, environmental awareness, community involvement, natural and cultural heritage conservation, tree/urban forest management, landscape areas, floral displays, and turf and groundcover; and

Whereas the judges spoke highly of the town's efforts to preserve the heritage as well as glowing remarks going to Grove Cottage, home of the Cumberland County Museum and Archives;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House join me in sending our congratulations to the Town of Amherst and its citizens for a great job of making their town a beautiful place, and wish them all the best in the 2006 growing season and competition.

Mr. Speaker, I request waiver of notice.

MR. SPEAKER: There has been a request for waiver.

Is it agreed?

It is agreed.

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

The motion is carried.

The honourable member for Preston.

RESOLUTION NO. 5092

MR. KEITH COLWELL: Mr. Speaker, I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:

Whereas the Canada Summer Games were held in Regina in August; and

Whereas paddler Anne Lombardi, and the Orenda Canoe Club in Lake Echo, represented Nova Scotia; and

Whereas Anne competed with pride, skill and sportsmanship, and performed very well in all her competitions;

[Page 9469]

Therefore be it resolved that members of this House commend Anne for representing our community and province, and congratulate her on her fine performance.

Mr. Speaker, I request waiver of notice.

MR. SPEAKER: There has been a request for waiver.

Is it agreed?

It is agreed.

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

The motion is carried.

The honourable Minister of Human Resources.

RESOLUTION NO. 5093

HON. CAROLYN BOLIVAR-GETSON: Mr. Speaker, I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:

Whereas businesses of all sizes and types are crucial to having a healthy economy; and

Whereas it is essential that we celebrate the business successes in our communities; and

Whereas the Bridgewater and Area Chamber of Commerce hosted the 2005 Lunenburg County Business Excellence Awards;

Therefore be it resolved that this House congratulate Glen and Nancy Hull, owners of Mainline Market in Bridgewater, for being the recipients of the Small Business Excellence Award.

Mr. Speaker, I request waiver of notice.

MR. SPEAKER: There has been a request for waiver.

Is it agreed?

[Page 9470]

It is agreed.

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

The motion is carried.

The honourable Minister of Education.

RESOLUTION NO. 5094

HON. JAMES MUIR: Mr. Speaker, I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:

Whereas Brenda Whittle of Truro, has received the Me to We Award from Canadian Living Magazine for her charity work with cancer patients; and

Whereas Caring for Cancer Patients, the charity Brenda created, trains hairdressers and estheticians to help people who have cancer; and

Whereas Caring for Cancer Patients also provides counselling, transportation and financial help to cancer patients;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House congratulate Brenda Whittle on receiving the Canadian Living Me to We Award and extend thanks for her 12 years of time and devotion to cancer patients in the Truro area.

Mr. Speaker, I request waiver of notice.

MR. SPEAKER: There has been a request for waiver.

Is it agreed?

It is agreed.

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

The motion is carried.

The honourable Minister of Finance

[Page 9471]

[1:45 p.m.]

RESOLUTION NO. 5095

HON. PETER CHRISTIE: Mr. Speaker, I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:

Whereas members of the Sackville Rivers Association were joined by volunteers from Basinview Drive Community School and TD Canada Trust Bank employees for a September 24^th river cleanup in Bedford; and

Whereas volunteers picked up more than 20 bags worth of junk out of the Sackville River, where it runs between the Bedford Highway and the Bedford Place Mall; and

Whereas some of the debris pulled out of the river included 10 tires and several pots, leaving the river much more pleasant;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House join me in congratulating the Sackville Rivers Association, their school-aged helpers, and those from the TD Canada Trust Bank for being aware of their environment and endeavouring to make it a cleaner, safer place.

Mr. Speaker, I request waiver of notice.

MR. SPEAKER: There has been a request for waiver.

Is it agreed?

It is agreed.

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

The motion is carried.

ORDERS OF THE DAY

ORAL QUESTIONS PUT BY MEMBERS

MR. SPEAKER: Question Period will begin at 1:46 p.m. and end at 2:46.

The honourable Leader of the Opposition.

[Page 9472]

MR. DARRELL DEXTER: Mr. Speaker, my question is for the Premier. I will table a letter to the Minister of Health that came last Friday from the Canadian Cancer Society, outlining their concerns over excessive wait times. In their words, "We believe that surgical and medical oncology wait times have reached unacceptable levels, placing the psychological and physical health of cancer patients at risk." Cancer patients are waiting more than twice the accepted standard for treatment, which has direct implications on their chances of survival. I ask the Premier, why hasn't this government moved faster to address the high and rising wait times for cancer diagnosis and treatment in this province?

THE PREMIER: Mr. Speaker, the member opposite, the Leader of the Opposition, brings a good question to the House and to the government. I think that if you look back, this government has made significant progress. We now have a highly-efficient technologically-expert service available on Cape Breton Island. I had an opportunity to visit the Cape Breton Regional Hospital unit, and it's doing a good job. We are pressured by an aging population and increasing incidence of cancer, but we have made good progress in providing exemplary care across our province over the last six years.

MR. DEXTER: Mr. Speaker, the Premier is at odds with the statistical data, and it's at odds with what the Canadian Cancer Society says in their letter. I want to table the October 2005 Operational Indicators Report from Capital Health. It shows that the waiting list for urgent radiation therapy is growing, and the average wait time is drawing closer and closer to double the acceptable standards. According to the report's definition, urgent radiation therapy is for very dangerous cases, including hemorrhaging and severe uncontrolled pain; yet, in August, 53 patients were waiting an average of over 11 days for treatment. I ask the Premier, why hasn't his government moved faster on the alternate funding plan in Capital Health, which would help hire much-needed oncologists?

THE PREMIER: Mr. Speaker, it is a good question, and I refer it to the Minister of Health.

HON. ANGUS MACISAAC: Mr. Speaker, we have approved, as an initial step, two additional oncologists for Capital Health. They are actively recruiting those individuals now. We recognize that we will be taking additional steps, in addition to the two oncologists who have been approved. It is a priority item, both for Capital Health and the Department of Health.

MR. DEXTER: Mr. Speaker, I want you to imagine, cancer patients are given information that includes when the treatment should be received for their best chance at survival. Imagine knowing that you need to get a treatment in six to eight weeks in order to have your best chance of survival, only to sit and wait for 16 weeks to get that treatment. My final question to the Premier is this, how can he justify acting so slowly on cancer wait times,

[Page 9473]

knowing full well patients' health is at an increased risk because they are waiting too long for treatment.

THE PREMIER: Mr. Speaker, over the last six years the focus of this government has been on improving the health care delivery system. We have undertaken a number of initiatives that could only be interpreted as being steps in the right direction. We have, in a very dramatic fashion, increased the health care spending in this province. We have increased the human resources that are available to provide health care delivery in this province. The government is not prepared to debate the voracity of the numbers, but the government is quite prepared to say to the member opposite, we are working diligently. We do have shortages in oncology, we have taken the appropriate steps to fill those vacant positions. That will go a long way in providing what Nova Scotians have every right to expect, timely care.

MR. SPEAKER: The honourable member for Glace Bay.

MR. DAVID WILSON (Glace Bay): Mr. Speaker, my question is for the Minister of Natural Resources. Last week the Minister of Natural Resources was under fire because his government failed to take a stand and protect young Nova Scotians. The CEO of the IWK, Doctors Nova Scotia, the Voluntary Task Force on Off-highway Vehicles, a leadership candidate and yes, even the medical staff at the Yarmouth Regional Hospital chastised the minister because he failed to do the right thing and protect young people in our province. My question for the minister is, does the minister still stand by his statement that he has support from the medical staff of the Yarmouth Regional Hospital? If so, would he please table any documents he has to prove that what he said was actually the truth.

HON. RICHARD HURLBURT: Mr. Speaker, in the District 2 Health Authority there are approximately 850 to 900 employees and they are all professionals. What I said was, I was visiting the Yarmouth Regional Hospital and some workers at the Yarmouth Regional Hospital told me that they felt we had a well-balanced approach to off-highway vehicles. I do not intend to stand today and give a name to get people on one side of the spectrum and people on the other side of the spectrum, at odds, at one hospital.

MR. DAVID WILSON (Glace Bay): Mr. Speaker, this lack of action on behalf of this minister, of this medical doctor, and this Premier and this entire government is an absolute disgrace. Injuries are occurring in this province that could be prevented and the lives of children in this province are ending far too soon because the Minister of Natural Resources has failed them. Last week in The Daily News, the Minister of Natural Resources stated that the medical staff at the Yarmouth Regional Hospital supported the plan. On Friday, October 28^th the same medical staff issued a release that contrary to comments attributed to the Natural Resources Minister, Yarmouth Regional Hospital doctors are not in favour of his

[Page 9474]

department's legislation regarding all-terrain vehicles. My question to the minister is, why did the minister state the medical staff supported his plan when clearly they do not?

MR. HURLBURT: Mr. Speaker, through you to all members of the House, this government has dealt with a very difficult file. We have been dealing with the off-highway vehicles, which no other government in this province had the backbone to stand up and do, and we have dealt with it.

MR. SPEAKER: Order, please. I just want to remind the House that I will allow general questions and answers but not specifically to a bill that is presently before the House.

MR. HURLBURT: Mr. Speaker, I stand firm on my first answer that I will not put people in my community or anybody's community at odds when they work in the same workplace. I'm sure out of 900 employees, there are people who have different views on both sides of the spectrum. I will not give any names unless those individuals want me to disclose their names.

MR. DAVID WILSON (Glace Bay): Mr. Speaker, if public safety is important, this minister has to show us the strength of his convictions by strong, decisive action. A failure to do so indicates we have a weak minister with no moral compass to guide him. No moral compass to guide him. (Interruptions)

MR. SPEAKER: Order, please. Order, please. I ask the honourable member to retract that. It's unparliamentary and I ask him to apologize to the House for that remark.

MR. DAVID WILSON (Glace Bay): Mr. Speaker, I . . .

MR. SPEAKER: Order, please. I ask the honourable member for Glace Bay to retract that please.

MR. DAVID WILSON (Glace Bay): Fine, Mr. Speaker. I retract the comment and I apologize to the House.

MR. SPEAKER: Thank you. Put the final supplementary please.

MR. DAVID WILSON (Glace Bay): Mr. Speaker, if I may, can I continue my . . .

MR. SPEAKER: Final supplementary, yes.

[Page 9475]

MR. DAVID WILSON (Glace Bay): Mr. Speaker, last week when I asked the minister whether he was losing sleep over this issue, the minister puffed up his chest and replied he was sleeping just fine. My final question to the minister is, in light of your decision to stay the course in recent weeks, Mr. Minister, how are you sleeping now?

MR. HURLBURT: Mr. Speaker, this minister is very proud to stand in his place today and introduce a bill on off-highway vehicles. We had tragedies in this province in the last few days and yes, my heart and my thoughts and prayers have gone out to the families of those victims.

MR. SPEAKER: The honourable Leader of the Opposition.

MR. DARRELL DEXTER: Mr. Speaker, my question is for the Minister of Education. The issue of affordability of post-secondary education in Nova Scotia has been much on the minds of students and their families although it continues not to register, apparently, as a concern for this government. Tuition fees in Nova Scotia are now a full $2,000 higher than the national average. The effect this will have on accessibility is unquestionable. This impact will only truly be measurable in the years to come when skill shortages increase and Nova Scotia's economy begins to suffer the effects. Not every government, however, is failing their students this way - five provinces have frozen and rolled back tuition fees. So my question for the minister is this, why is it this government continues to allow Nova Scotia to fall so far behind other provinces when it comes to higher education?

HON. JAMES MUIR: Mr. Speaker, there are about six questions there. I'll pick one or two, with your permission. First of all, in terms of freezes in the other provinces, as the honourable member will know, at least two of those provinces have indicated the freeze is going off because they can't afford it.

Secondly, the increase in tuition in Nova Scotian universities this year, excepting the provinces where there was a freeze, was the lowest in the country.

MR. DEXTER: Mr. Speaker, contrary to this minister's spin on post-secondary education in Nova Scotia, the situation could not be worse for some universities. Seven of the 11 universities in Nova Scotia saw enrolment decline this year. For example, at Dalhousie, enrolment declined by 2.3 per cent this year, leading to a $1.9 million shortfall in tuition revenue. The situation in Newfoundland, however, is much more rosy. In fact, so rosy that many Nova Scotian students are choosing to go there where tuition is an average of $2,600 - nearly $4,000 less than in Nova Scotia. So I want to ask the minister, why have you made it such a priority to help Newfoundland recruit our students instead of making sure they can afford to study here at home in this province?

[Page 9476]

MR. MUIR: Mr. Speaker, Nova Scotia leads the country in the percentage of our university population that comes from outside of Nova Scotia.

MR. DEXTER: Mr. Speaker, this government has put on the blinders. They just refuse to acknowledge that there's a problem. The enrolment challenges being faced in Nova Scotia represent a lost opportunity - one, I'm sad to say, that will never be regained. Students who could and should have benefited from a higher education here will be forced instead to try to find work in the growing service sector and likely will never be able to afford this ever-increasing post-secondary education cost. I'd like to ask the Premier, why does this government refuse to extend the students the same opportunities that most other provinces do, to attain an affordable higher education?

[2:00 p.m.]

THE PREMIER: I refer that to the Minister of Education.

MR. MUIR: Mr. Speaker, Nova Scotia has the highest percentage of its population with post-secondary certificates.

MR. SPEAKER: The honourable member for Kings West.

MR. LEO GLAVINE: Mr. Speaker, my question is for the Minister of Natural Resources. Upper Tantallon residents were quite upset on Monday when they discovered that the playing field at Tantallon Junior High School had once again been trashed by off-highway vehicles. The playing field was so severely damaged that it has been rendered useless for the remainder of the season. My question to the minister is, when will the minister address the issue of vandalism with ATVs?

HON. RICHARD HURLBURT: Mr. Speaker, on October 12^th I released the action plan of this government and, today, I tabled a bill in this House.

MR. GLAVINE: Mr. Speaker, this is not the first occurrence of this type of vandalism and destruction. Private landowners, agricultural operators who I've heard from recently, many of them, and now schools are looking to this government to put a stop to this once and for all. My question to the minister is, what steps will you take to put an end to the destruction of private and public lands once and for all?

MR. HURLBURT: Mr. Speaker, I guess what I'm hearing from the member opposite is I have the support of that caucus for my bill that I introduced today.

[Page 9477]

MR. SPEAKER: Order. Order, please.

MR. GLAVINE: Mr. Speaker, I am very pleased that the minister did bring forth part of our bill, that was a first step. The children in community groups who use this field are not left without some help here. Once again the minister had blinders on to the OHV task force report. To address this now, will this government pay for the damages to the field to allow these children in this community to continue their physical activities?

MR. HURLBURT: Mr. Speaker, I'm sure that my enforcement officers are investigating this incident. As soon as I have the information, I will be dealing with it.

MR. SPEAKER: The honourable member for Halifax Chebucto.

MR. HOWARD EPSTEIN: Mr. Speaker, my question will be for the Minister of Economic Development. People in the Town of Pugwash are reeling today over the loss of 30 more manufacturing jobs at Seagull Pewter. Many members of this House will of course be familiar with the tumultuous situation surrounding this company over the last number of years. From a workforce of 110 people, when they were taken over by Royal Salinger three years ago, they have declined to just 19 members of the Steelworkers Union working in the manufacturing facility today. This company, now based in Malaysia, appears to be increasingly sending these long-time Nova Scotia jobs offshore. What action has the minister taken to protect these employees and stop these Nova Scotia jobs being sent offshore?

HON. ERNEST FAGE: Mr. Speaker, through you to the honourable member, it is indeed unfortunate that layoff notices were issued to 30 employees of Seagull Pewter. One of the things I can say is staff is in discussions and communications with the company. I have to point out that it is a private company under no work arrangements or agreements with the province. We are trying, at this moment, to ascertain their intentions in regard to future employment at the facility.

MR. EPSTEIN: Mr. Speaker, for a minister who comes from Cumberland County, he appears not to be doing a great job of maintaining the local workforce. In the past few years, the county has seen the loss of General Homes, Amherst Fabricators, Venture Lighting and Gordon's Greenhouses and now it appears as if Seagull Pewter may be headed the same way. What we fear is complete closure if Royal Salinger is not interested in protecting the jobs of these remaining workers. Will the minister tell this House, what assurances, if any, he is prepared to give to these people that their jobs will not be transplanted to southeast Asia?

[Page 9478]

MR. FAGE: Mr. Speaker, as all members of the House know, it is a very competitive climate in the global economy we are part of. That being said, I think it's important to point out to the member opposite that companies such as C-Vision, Weston Foods, TeleTech, as well as operations like Oxford Frozen Foods and many small businesses have located or expanded, increasing the number of jobs in Cumberland County in the several thousand, over the last three years as well.

MR. EPSTEIN: Mr. Speaker, Royal Salinger, claims in its publications that their Kuala Lumpur factory makes the world's finest pewter and based on the trend at the Seagull Pewter factory here, it may be making the only pewter sold by this company. There is speculation that these final remaining workers may be laid off by year end. That would mark the disappearance of yet another home-grown company. I wonder if the minister is prepared to stand by while it appears as though the only remnants of Seagull Pewter will be their displays in the Kuala Lumpur visiting centre of Royal Salinger?

MR. FAGE: Mr. Speaker, we will work with the company to ascertain their future plans and do everything we can working with the local union, as well as other people, non-unionized employees who do work at Seagull Pewter, to find the best future we can for them.

MR. SPEAKER: The honourable member for Halifax Needham.

MS. MAUREEN MACDONALD: Mr. Speaker, my question through you is to the Minister of Community Services. Sabrina Hum is a lone parent with two children, who has been trying hard to upgrade and get the education she needs to get off social assistance. When she was accepted into the two-year Early Childhood Education Program at St. Joseph's College, she couldn't believe her fortune, that is until she got a letter from the minister's department telling her that her benefits had been terminated.

Mr. Speaker, she hasn't been able to attend school as a result. So my question for the minister, through you is, what is the justification for preventing Sabrina from the training she needs to get off social assistance?

HON. DAVID MORSE: Mr. Speaker, I thank the member opposite for her question. I am not able to speak specifically about that case, but I can say that through Employment Support Services and working with HRSD, we do partner to allow clients of Employment Support and Income Assistance to go for a two-year course to the community college, but she would clearly have to work through her employment support worker in order to make those arrangements and also be accepted by HRSD, for the federal government's contribution toward her tuition.

[Page 9479]

MS. MAUREEN MACDONALD: Mr. Speaker, this government likes to portray itself and its social assistance policy as fair. They like to have the public believe that their policies to prevent people from getting education only applies to three- or four-year university degrees, but now it appears that the policy, in fact, extends to two-year programs. St. Joseph's is a two-year program. Last year, 100 per cent of its graduates were employed within four months. So I want to ask the minister, through you, why is your government refusing to assist students who want to enter two-year diploma programs?

MR. MORSE: Thank you very much for asking the question, honourable member, and basically the program is there. Clearly there is an application process. I would encourage anybody on Employment Support and Income Assistance who wants to pursue a two-year course at the community college to work through their employment support worker. I'm not able to comment on that specific case, but I know that we stand up very well compared to other provinces and territories across the country.

MS. MAUREEN MACDONALD: Mr. Speaker, Sabrina went through the process and her reward has been two months with no assistance, no student loan, no education and no program.

Mr. Speaker, I want to ask the minister, through you, when will he admit that his welfare-to-work program isn'