Second Session

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HALIFAX, MONDAY, DECEMBER 10, 2007

Sixtieth General Assembly

Second Session

7:00 P.M.

SPEAKER

Hon. Alfie MacLeod

DEPUTY SPEAKER

Mr. Wayne Gaudet

MR. SPEAKER:  Order, please. We will begin the daily routine.

PRESENTING AND READING PETITIONS

PRESENTING REPORTS OF COMMITTEES

MR. SPEAKER: The honourable Minister of Justice.

HON. CECIL CLARKE: Mr. Speaker, as Chairman of the Committee on Law Amendments, I am directed to report that the committee has met and considered the following bill:

Bill No. 45 - Companies Act.

and the committee recommends this bill to the favourable consideration of the House, with certain amendments.

MR. SPEAKER: Ordered that this bill be referred to the Committee of the Whole House on Bills.

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The honourable Minister of Justice.

HON. CECIL CLARKE: Mr. Speaker, as Chairman of the Committee on Law Amendments, I am directed to report that the committee has met and considered the following bills:

Bill No. 24 - Dental Hygienists Act.

Bill No. 31 - Medical Act.

and the committee recommends these bills to the favourable consideration of the House, without amendments.

MR. SPEAKER: Ordered that these bills be referred to the Committee of the Whole House on Bills.

TABLING REPORTS, REGULATIONS AND OTHER PAPERS

STATEMENTS BY MINISTERS

GOVERNMENT NOTICES OF MOTION

MR. SPEAKER: The honourable Premier.

RESOLUTION NO. 1006

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

Whereas to remember the true reason for this special season, we need to look no further than a teenager right in our own capital; and

Whereas instead of spending all his spare time playing video games or focusing on what was coming his way for Christmas, Matt Burke spent the last several months collecting footwear to donate to a homeless shelter to keep the feet of those less fortunate warm this winter; and

Whereas this past weekend he delivered 250 pairs of shoes to the Metro Turning Point shelter, with the assistance of many generous donors in his community and beyond;

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Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House salute the selfless efforts of this outstanding Nova Scotian who has shown that he carries the true spirit of Christmas in his heart all year round.

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 Premier.

RESOLUTION NO. 1007

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

Whereas Pengrowth will soon celebrate a quarter century in business; and

Whereas the company has played a significant role in the development of our offshore as well as our onshore, and our people and communities; and

Whereas special thanks go to CEO Jim Kinnear for taking such personal interest in the success of our energy sector development and investing in Nova Scotians through initiatives like the Pengrowth-Nova Scotia Energy Scholarship Program;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House congratulate Pengrowth as it celebrates such a significant milestone and thank its team for their investments in Nova Scotia.

Mr. Speaker, I request waiver of notice.

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

Is it agreed?

It is agreed.

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

The motion is carried.

The honourable Minister of Community Services.

RESOLUTION NO. 1008

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

Whereas this government is committed to supporting Nova Scotian families and we have developed a 10-year early learning and child care plan in consultation with various stakeholders, from parents to child care workers, to help us keep that promise; and

Whereas part of that commitment is not only helping to provide quality child care, but to also ensure awareness and information about child care options for parents; and

Whereas parents of daycare-age children can now more easily identify licensed child care centres around the province, with the help of a new government-developed symbol;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House applaud the highly skilled and appreciated work that child care centre staff provide every day for Nova Scotia children and encourage families to look for this new symbol for licensed child care centres, which reinforces the quality of the daycare and provides assurances of regular inspections to uphold that quality.

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 Justice.

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HON. CECIL CLARKE: Mr. Speaker, before I begin, I just want to thank my honourable colleague, the member for Halifax Atlantic, who joined the event that I will speak of today.

The honourable Minister of Justice.

RESOLUTION NO. 1009

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

Whereas on December 10, 1948, members of the United Nations adopted the Universal Declaration of Human Rights to ensure that the inherent dignity of every person is valued and protected, and proclaimed December 10^th International Human Rights Day, which is celebrated across the province and the world every year; and

Whereas the Nova Scotia Human Rights Commission and Partners for Human Rights continue to hold an annual International Human Rights Day celebration to remind Nova Scotians of the importance of human rights for everyone; and

Whereas the Nova Scotia Human Rights Commission has recognized Janice Smith, co-chair of the Uniacke Square Tenants Association and the Cole Harbour Boys and Girls Club with Human Rights Awards for their contributions to countering racism and discrimination in our communities;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly recognize today as International Human Rights Day and encourage all Nova Scotians to promote and protect human rights in their communities, and congratulate the Nova Scotia Human Rights Commission and Partners for Human Rights on another successful event.

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 Minister of Emergency Management.

RESOLUTION NO. 1010

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 the Royal Canadian Mounted Police have been a vital partner in the success of our province-wide 911 program; and

Whereas in July of this year, they celebrated the grand opening of their operational communications centre in Truro; and

Whereas it is within this facility that 911 call-takers handle more than 40 per cent of all 911 calls;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House acknowledge the partnership of the RCMP in providing this vital service to 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 Minister of Tourism, Culture and Heritage.

RESOLUTION NO. 1011

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

Whereas the American Bus Association's Top 100 Events in North America is an annual summary of the best events for group travel in the United States and Canada; and

Whereas winners are chosen from hundreds of celebrations, festivals, fairs and commemorative events; and

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Whereas the Royal Nova Scotia International Tattoo was named number one on the list announced by the ABA in September;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House recognize and congratulate the organizers, volunteers and participants of the Royal Nova Scotia International Tattoo for their incredible contribution to tourism in 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 Minister of Agriculture.

RESOLUTION NO. 1012

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

Whereas the Nova Scotia Cattle Producers Association represents the cattle industry in this province, and Ruth Kaiser has been the consistent and steady voice of this organization and its predecessors for 30 years; and

Whereas Ruth Kaiser has decided to join the wonderful world of retirement after many years of service to this organization as the office manager who ran the budget, responded to the inquiries and assisted the board chair and the president; and

Whereas Ruth Kaiser will be missed by all involved with the Nova Scotia Cattle Producers Association and the industry not only because of her depth of knowledge, but because of her sincere personality;

Therefore be it resolved that all MLAs congratulate Ruth Kaiser on her 30 years of service to Nova Scotia's cattle industry and offer her best wishes on a well-deserved retirement.

Mr. Speaker, I request waiver of notice.

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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 Health.

RESOLUTION NO. 1013

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

Whereas in May 2007 the College of Registered Nurses of Nova Scotia held their annual awards banquet in Dartmouth to present the Excellence in Nursing Administration Award, which recognizes recipients for promoting nursing practices by acting as a positive role model, demonstrating strong leadership and empowering other nurses to perform to the best of their abilities; and

Whereas Bertha Brannen, RN, administrator of Nakile Home for Special Care since 1989, is well-known throughout the nursing community for providing continuing education sessions to RNs as a college facilitator in the western region and for facilitating a community grief support group; and

Whereas Bertha Brannen was nominated for the award by the nurses of Nakile because they believed that Nakile has an exceptional reputation and is a healthy workplace due to her leadership and vision;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House join me in congratulating Bertha Brannen for her excellence in nursing and administration, for her dedication, diligence and guidance to the residents and staff of Nakile Home for Special Care, and encourage her to continue her work for many years to come.

Mr. Speaker, I request waiver of notice.

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

Is it agreed?

It is agreed.

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

The motion is carried.

The honourable Minister of Seniors.

[7:15 p.m.]

RESOLUTION NO. 1014

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 the Lieutenant Governor of Nova Scotia, the Honourable Mayann E. Francis, announced in her inaugural speech last year, her commitment to advancing two areas of interest - recognizing healthy communities and the wisdom of elders; and

Whereas an award, the Lieutenant Governor's Intergenerational Award, was created by the Department of Seniors to foster interaction and bonding between Nova Scotians of different ages by celebrating and promoting inspiring intergenerational programs existing in communities across the province; and

Whereas the Rotary Club of Halifax sponsors the Outstanding Volunteer Group Award;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of the House congratulate the Urban Farm Museum Society of Spryfield for promoting intergenerational events and activities within their community.

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 Minister of Agriculture.

RESOLUTION NO. 1015

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

Whereas the Landscape Nova Scotia Horticultural Trades Association recently held its Awards of Excellence Gala in Halifax; and

Whereas the ornamental sector is the single largest sector in horticulture and represents a farm gate value of $2.1billion annually and with value added, is worth around $12 billion annually and employs people from Yarmouth to Sydney; and

Whereas the landscape horticulture industry has a commitment to the preservation of a sustainable environment and is one of the fastest-growing sectors in agriculture;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this Legislature congratulate the Landscape Nova Scotia Horticultural Trades Association and all award winners, and wish them continued growth and success in the coming new year.

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 Tourism, Culture and Heritage.

RESOLUTION NO. 1016

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

Whereas the Tourism Industry Association of Canada hosted their National Awards for Tourism Excellence on November 5^th in Victoria, British Columbia; and

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Whereas the awards attract national attention within the tourism community for celebrating Canada's best tourism products, services and people; and

Whereas the Event of the Year Award was presented to Cape Breton's Celtic Colours International Festival;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House congratulate Celtic Colours International Festival for its achievement and for bringing national and international awareness to music and the culture 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.

INTRODUCTION OF BILLS

Bill No. 93 - Entitled an Act to Amend Chapter 293 of the Revised Statutes of 1989. The Motor Vehicle Act. (Mr. Darrell Dexter)

Bill No. 94 - Entitled an Act to Establish a Poverty Reduction Strategy Working Group in Nova Scotia. (Mr. Stephen McNeil)

Bill No. 95 - Entitled an Act to Require a Consultation Process Respecting the Accessibility of Mental Healthcare Services in Nova Scotia. (Ms. Joan Massey)

Bill No. 96 - Entitled an Act to Amend Chapter 300 of the Revised Statutes of 1989. The Municipal Elections Act, to Prohibit Provincial Plebiscites in Conjunction with Municipal Elections. (Ms. Diana Whalen)

Bill No. 97 - Entitled an Act to Amend Chapter 293 of the Revised Statutes of 1989. The Motor Vehicle Act. (Mr. Leonard Preyra)

Bill No. 98 - Entitled an Act to Amend Chapter 31 of the Acts of 1996. The Sales Tax Act. (Mr. Harold Theriault)

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Bill No. 99 - Entitled an Act to Amend Chapter 4 of the Acts of 1994-95. The Gaming Control Act. (Mr. Leo Glavine)

MR. SPEAKER: Ordered that these bills be read a second time on a future day.

NOTICES OF MOTION

MR. SPEAKER: The honourable Leader of the Opposition.

RESOLUTION NO. 1017

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 December 10^th Human Rights Day is observed across Canada and throughout the international community; and

Whereas thousands of people will participate in a letter-writing campaign, called Write for Rights, in support of Amnesty International and human rights around the world; and

Whereas Cole Harbour District High School student Jessica Comeau is organizing a massive one-day letter-writing campaign event at her school where students, teachers and many others will join together to produce about 1,300 letters to champion the issue of human rights;

Therefore be it resolved that this House of Assembly commend Jessica Comeau for leading the Write for Rights event at Cole Harbour District High School on December 10^th and extend congratulations to her for bringing together students, teachers and others to participate in the letter-writing campaign to focus on human rights issues around the globe.

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 South.

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RESOLUTION NO. 1018

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

Whereas it has been 50 years since a remarkable Canadian, Lester Bowles Pearson, was honoured with the 1957 Nobel Peace Prize for establishing an international police force to resolve the 1956 Suez Crisis; and

Whereas this in effect created the UN's first designated peacekeeping mission and the blueprint for the UN's now well-recognized role in peacekeeping; and

Whereas throughout his career and lifetime, Pearson was a strong advocate of the UN's role in peacekeeping, firmly believing that Canada had a responsibility in active participation in any international activity that would lessen the chances of war and end ongoing conflict;

Therefore be it resolved that the members of the House of Assembly recognize the significant role Lester B. Pearson played not only as one of Canada's greatest Prime Ministers, but also as an international statesman with a vision of peace.

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 Pictou Centre.

RESOLUTION NO. 1019

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

Whereas earlier this year Summer Street Industries, in New Glasgow, held its 13^th annual Summer Street Scramble; and

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Whereas the popular golf tournament raised an impressive $125,000 for the well- known charity that provides work and a supportive community for those living with intellectual challenges; and

Whereas for the 13^th consecutive year CIBC Wood Gundy entered a team and this year Howie Anderson, David Whittemore, Marc Comeau, John Forbes, and Manoj Vohra raised an outstanding $29,700 in donations;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House send their congratulations and thank you to the Summer Street Industries on yet another successful fundraising event, and to CIBC Wood Gundy for its continued support of this important Pictou County charity.

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 Hants East.

RESOLUTION NO. 1020

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

Whereas preparation to ward off or minimize disaster shows concern for loved ones, as well as a realization that disasters don't always just happen to others; and

Whereas Mr. Kenton Gilby of Enfield had the foresight to prepare an evacuation plan and rehearse it with his children in fear of a fire in their home; and

Whereas the morning of December 2^nd saw Mr. Gilby's son, Jacob, put that plan into action when he not only got himself and his cousins out of the basement where fire erupted, but additionally, upon exiting the home, put a ladder to his sister's window, waking her in order that she escape the home as well;

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Therefore be it resolved that this House of Assembly commend Kenton Gilby for his foresight in preparing his family for disaster, and applaud the bravery of Jacob Gilby whose efforts helped save members of his family.

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 Richmond.

RESOLUTION NO. 1021

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

Whereas Human Rights Day 2007 marks the start of a year-long commemoration of the 60^th Anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights; and

Whereas since its adoption in 1948 the declaration has been, and continues to be, a source of inspiration for national and international efforts to promote and protect human rights and fundamental freedoms; and

Whereas the theme for 2008, Dignity and Justice for All of Us, reinforces the vision of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights as a commitment to universal dignity and justice;

Therefore be it resolved that the members of this House recognize December 10^th as Human Rights Day and continue to support such important mandates declared by the United Nations.

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 Victoria-The Lakes.

MR. KEITH BAIN: Thank you, Mr. Speaker, and if I may be permitted to do an introduction prior to bringing forward my resolution.

MR. SPEAKER: Please do.

MR. BAIN: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. In the gallery this evening there is a constituent from Victoria-The Lakes, Ken Jardine. Ken is here to observe the workings of the House and I would ask that he please rise and receive the warm welcome of the House. (Applause)

MR. SPEAKER: The honourable member for Victoria-The Lakes.

RESOLUTION NO. 1022

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

Whereas Honour Roll, a book written about Nova Scotia's Highland Brigade, was unveiled this summer; and

Whereas Honour Roll was written by Baddeck's James MacDonald and is a compilation of names and details on the brigade soldiers who died while serving in the First World War; and

Whereas Mr. MacDonald attempted to name every soldier, noting that more than 700 individuals are named in the book with their date of birth, family origin, vocation along with enlistment details, and the date and location where they were killed in action, along with their final resting place;

Therefore be it resolved that MLAs in this House of Assembly, through this resolution, applaud Baddeck's James MacDonald for his penmanship and his two-year effort in compiling this integral component of Cape Breton history.

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.

[7:30 p.m.]

The motion is carried.

The honourable member for Pictou West.

RESOLUTION NO. 1023

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

Whereas the Pictou waterfront-based Lobster Stock Enhancement Research Project has been an outstanding success in its first year, raising 25,000 lobster larvae to stage four for release into the Northumberland Strait; and

Whereas the Northumberland Fisherman's Association was the driving force behind the hatchery in contributing $84,000 to cover construction and initial operating costs; and

Whereas other fishing groups have expressed an interest in their project, including most recently the 20,000 member Fish, Food and Allied Workers Union from Newfoundland and Labrador;

Therefore be it resolved that the House of Assembly congratulate the Northumberland Fisherman's Association on their new initiative and wish them, along with manager Keith Munsie and biologist Roy Parker, continued successes.

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.

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The motion is carried.

The honourable member for Preston.

RESOLUTION NO. 1024

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

Whereas November 4, 2007, marked the fifth year anniversary service for the Foundation United Baptist Church in Porters Lake; and

Whereas Reverend Earl MacDonald gave praise and thanks to all those who attended the service and for those who have contributed to the success of the new building; and

Whereas the church is still, and will continue to be, an important and stable symbol to the community;

Therefore be it resolved that members of this House congratulate the Foundation United Baptist Church on celebrating its 5^th Anniversary in its new building and wish them many more years of success to come.

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 Hants West.

RESOLUTION NO. 1025

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

Whereas Dill Road resident Dr. Howard Wightman, a practising cardiologist since 1991 in Kentville, and staff from the Valley Regional Hospital's Cardiology Department,

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provide an entertaining and informative educational session to students of local schools every year during Heart Health Month, which is February; and

Whereas Dr. Wightman attempts each and every time to provide younger students with a quick and easy understanding of what the heart actually is and how to keep it healthy; and

Whereas with November being CPR Awareness Month, it is important to recognize there are approximately 40,000 cardiac arrests each year in Canada and 80 per cent of them occur outside of hospitals, while claiming in excess of 50,000 lives annually;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly applaud Dr. Wightman and his staff for their ongoing efforts to promote heart health at an early age and at an early stage in life.

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 Citadel.

RESOLUTION NO. 1026

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

Whereas Southwest Properties is a Halifax based development company that owns and operates a wide variety of properties throughout Atlantic Canada; and

Whereas Southwest Properties has been a finalist for the past two years for the Better Business Bureau of the Maritime Provinces, Maritime Business Ethics Award; and

Whereas Southwest Properties founder and CEO, Jim Spatz, was recently inducted into the Nova Scotia Business Hall of Fame, along with his late father, Simon Spatz;

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Therefore be it resolved that this House of Assembly congratulate Jim Spatz and Southwest Properties on their business and community successes and applaud them for being a model of ethical business practices and corporate social responsibility.

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 Glace Bay.

RESOLUTION NO. 1027

MR. DAVID WILSON (Glace Bay): Mr. Speaker, I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:

Whereas Linda Hanrahan, a resident of Glace Bay and a volunteer with the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation, organized an auction in Glace Bay on May 25^th, 2007; and

Whereas Linda has one sister who is a breast cancer survivor and lost another to the disease, which prompted her to become personally involved with the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation; and

Whereas with the help of her husband, Roger, Linda travelled to many businesses and locations in Cape Breton to obtain donations;

Therefore be it resolved that the members of the House of Assembly congratulate Linda Hanrahan for her many years of tireless fundraising efforts as well as her dedication to the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation.

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 Pictou Centre.

RESOLUTION NO. 1028

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

Whereas the Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture's Environmental Monitoring Program team has done an incredible amount of work over the past three years, implementing the first comprehensive program for more than 330 marine agriculture sites throughout Nova Scotia; and

Whereas recently the team was singled out for its work ensuring that aquaculture is environmentally sustainable in Nova Scotia at the Premier's Award of Excellence dinner and ceremony held in Halifax earlier this year; and

Whereas Pictou County native, Alan J. MacNeill was one of the nine-person team recognized for its innovative and effective program that is not only a first for the province, but a first for the industry;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House congratulate Alan J. MacNeill and his eight teammates for their important work in aquaculture. The team's work has attracted interest from across Canada and as far away as Chile and Norway.

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 Sackville-Cobequid.

RESOLUTION NO. 1029

MR. DAVID WILSON (Sackville-Cobequid) : Mr. Speaker, I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the following resolution:

Whereas its important that we express our gratitude to health care professionals around the province; and

Whereas the dedicated health care team at the Inverness Consolidated Memorial Hospital provides day surgery services to residents of the surrounding area; and

Whereas the ability to get day surgery services as close to home as possible is a benefit to all communities;

Therefore be it resolved that this House of Assembly extend our appreciation to the health care team by providing day surgery at the Inverness Consolidated Memorial Hospital and for keeping quality care in their community.

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.

RESOLUTION NO. 1030

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

Whereas on September 20^th,the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation held its 8^th Annual CIBC Run for the Cure in Church Point in West Pubnico; and

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Whereas Belliveau Motors co-sponsored the annual Run for the Cure again this year; and

Whereas this year's run raised $16,288 for breast cancer research education programs and treatments;

Therefore be it resolved that members of this House of Assembly extend our gratitude and best wishes to Belliveau Motors for their active role, as well as the countless volunteers and participants who make the national campaign against breast cancer possible each year.

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 Victoria-The Lakes.

RESOLUTION NO. 1031

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

Whereas the North Victoria Support Services Society is celebrating their 25^th Anniversary in 2007; and

Whereas the North Victoria Support Services Society offers an array of support to individuals wanting to stay and establish business connections in the local area; and

Whereas Service Canada's manager in North Sydney, Bernadette Theriault, believes strongly that the North Victoria Support Services Society brings services closer to the people;

Therefore be it resolved that the former Director of the North Victoria Support Services Society, Mabel Best, present Chairman of the Board of Directors, Jody Stockley, along with all society directors, be applauded by all MLAs in the House today for their outstanding work ethic and wanting to make life better for individuals coming to see them about opportunities.

[Page 1274]

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. 1032

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

Whereas Mrs. Lee Goreham-Smith and her Grade 5/6 students participated in a celebration concert April 14, 2007, at the Woods Harbour Calvary Baptist Church; and

Whereas a total of $11,640 has been donated to the IWK Grace Health Centre over the past four years through school and community fundraising events; and

Whereas each year, the students are invited to attend the telethon day to present their donation on live television;

Therefore be it resolved that this House of Assembly congratulate Mrs. Lee Goreham-Smith and her Grade 5/6 students for all their hard work and dedication to raising donations on behalf of the IWK Children's Hospital - a truly inspiring act of children helping children.

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.

[Page 1275]

The honourable member for Digby-Annapolis.

RESOLUTION NO. 1033

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

Whereas the fishing industry has been the backbone of the Nova Scotia economy for nearly 400 years, and hopefully will continue to be; and

Whereas Nova Scotia's groundfish fishery is not recovering from its present downward cycle, at no fault of the fishing industry; and

Whereas at a recent world science fisheries forum, held in Halifax, it was stated that if the growing number of seals in Nova Scotia's coastal waters were not dealt with soon, we will see the complete collapse of our 400-year-old groundfish fishery;

Therefore be it resolved that this government take immediate necessary action to correct this problem before we see the end of our 400-year-old fishery and become an even bigger have-not province.

Mr. Speaker, I request waiver of notice.

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

Is it agreed?

I hear several Noes.

The notice is tabled.

Order, please. Order. The noise level is creeping up and it's very hard to hear the speakers.

The honourable member for Hants West.

RESOLUTION NO. 1034

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

Whereas Dr. Abbey Kirumira is the President and CEO of Biomedica Diagnostics in Windsor; and

[Page 1276]

Whereas Dr. Kirumira was presented with a prestigious award on October 17^th in London, England, at the London Science Museum as the 2007 The Economist magazine's Innovation Award recipient in the bioscience category; and

Whereas Dr. Kirumira was chosen as the magazine's innovation award recipient for his outstanding work and research with regard to the development of rapid diagnostic HIV testing;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House of Assembly recognize the significant innovative discovery accomplishments of Dr. Abbey Kirumira, and wish him continued success as one of Nova Scotia's leading scientists.

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 Cole Harbour-Eastern Passage.

RESOLUTION NO. 1035

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

Whereas the Red Hat Society is a network of women dedicated to showing the world that there is fun after 50, with its formal mission to work towards higher visibility for women and to reshape the way they are viewed by today's culture; and

Whereas the Red Hatters Club offers fun, laughter and friendship to senior women in our community; and

Whereas the Ram"bling" Rosie's Chapter of the Red Hatters is active in the communities of Eastern Passage and Cow Bay;

Therefore be it resolved that this House of Assembly acknowledge and encourage the endeavours of the Ram"bling" Rosie's Chapter of the Red Hatters of Eastern Passage and Cow Bay.

[Page 1277]

Mr. Speaker, I request waiver of notice.

[7:45 p.m.]

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 Kings West.

RESOLUTION NO. 1036

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

Whereas during the coming year the farm community in Nova Scotia, under the leadership of the Nova Scotia Federation of Agriculture executive, will be challenging policy-makers with a number of ideas and concepts directed at achieving a competitive and sustainable agricultural economy in Nova Scotia; and

Whereas at their 112^th Annual General Meeting, farmers elected William (Willy) Versteeg as their new president and spokesperson for the coming year; and

Whereas Mr. Versteeg owns and operates Barneybrook Farms, a dairy and raspberry operation located at Milford Station, and looks forward to a positive year of change and transition for Nova Scotia farmers;

Therefore be it resolved that members of the House of Assembly congratulate Willy Versteeg as the new president of the Nova Scotia Federation of Agriculture, and work with industry officials to ensure that our primary industries are a priority.

Mr. Speaker, I request waiver of notice.

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

Is it agreed?

[Page 1278]

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. 1037

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

Whereas Antigonish resident Alice Hoskins received an honorary degree from St. F.X. - the degree Doctor of Laws honoris causa was conferred upon Alice Hoskins during Fall convocation ceremonies this past weekend; and

Whereas Ms. Hoskins was honoured as an artist, author, teacher, and philanthropist from Antigonish who has made significant contributions to her community and beyond; and

Whereas Alice Hoskins has inspired countless people with her dedication and passion as a lifelong learner, educator, and philanthropist;

Therefore be it resolved that all members of this House join me in congratulating Dr. Alice on receiving her honorary degree.

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.<