All three parties in our provincial legislature advocate policies that they believe are in the best interests of Nova Scotians. But, since political parties have different values and points of view, they don't always agree. In fact, very often, they disagree.

The debate surrounding my government's proposed amendment to the Trade Union Act vividly illustrates this point. I know that all Members of the Legislature want high quality health care to be available to Nova Scotians when and where they need it.

My government believes that our health care system will be improved by avoiding the unnecessary interruptions in service that are the result of a strike or the threat of a strike. And we think this can be achieved by preserving the collective bargaining rights of our valued health care professionals.

The other parties in the Legislature disagree.

As Premier, I cannot let disagreements like this one stand in the way of making the process work on other issues where there is common ground among the parties. MLAs should not let partisan differences bring the legislative process to a halt. Each of us has a responsibility to cooperate and to get the work of the people done.

In the last week, the spirit of compromise at Province House made it possible to advance several important pieces of legislation. More than 20 government bills passed through first and second reading and through to the Law Amendment Committee this week.

Among those government bills moving forward is a recommendation of the Nunn Commission that would ensure electronic court documents are admissible in court and legislation that will see collective bargaining rights extended to seasonal and casual workers in the Nova Scotia Civil Service.

Because of support from all three parties, Nova Scotians can look forward to more choice and better access to preventative oral health. The Dental Hygienists Act will allow Nova Scotia's dental hygienists to perform a greater range of duties and to practice in independent settings.

Progressive Conservative MLAs supported Liberal legislation that will further protect the rights of workers by removing the uncertainty surrounding shopping on statutory holidays.

We voted in favour of the Liberal bill that protects children riding in vehicles from the dangers of second hand smoke and legislation that seeks to eliminate fees and provide quality supervision for all students, regardless of income or proximity to their school.

Government MLAs supported the New Democratic bill that will regulate the expiry date on retail gift cards and legislation that will enhance the ability of the Director of Maintenance Enforcement to execute orders.

I want our minority legislature to work. And that means all MLAs must judge each piece of legislation on its merits, not on the basis of which party first proposed it. That's just common sense.

While we don't always agree, MLAs are working hard during the fall session of the legislature and producing legislation that will benefit all Nova Scotians. That's democracy at its best.