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Nova Scotia

HOUSE OF ASSEMBLY ..

DEBATES AND PROCEEDINGS

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Speaker: Hoaourable Paul Maclwu

Publlahed b)' Order of the Lqialatun

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Available throucb Nova Scotia Oovenunent Book lton ·

P.O. Box 6S7, Halifax, N.S. BSJ 2TS, at UTI.OO Annual Subecriptlon or •uo per lllue

Sec:oad Sesaloa

FRIDAY, JUNE 10, 199 ..

TABLE OF CONTENTS

TABLING REPORTS, REGULATIONS AND OTHER PAPERS: Government By Action 365 Days in Office, Report Tabled,

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The Premier I • I • • I I I • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • ·• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • · • • • • • • • 2593 Human Res. - Fair Hiring Policy: Nat. Res. Min. -

Accuracy (Question p.23S8) Answer, Hon. E. Norrie . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2S93 House Order No. 11, Return Tabled, Hon. J. Barkhouse . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2S93

STATEMENTS BY MINISTERS: Nat. Res.: Energy Performance Contracting- Demonstration Project,

Hon. D. Downe .............................. I • • • • • • • • • • • • 2594 INTRODUCTION OF BILLS:

No. 97, Davis (Miners' Memorial) Day Act, Mr. R. Chisholm . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2S9S NOTICES OF MOTION:

Res. 609, Gov't. (N.S.): Election Commitments - Results, Mr. T. Donahoe .................................... ~ . . . . . . . . . . . 2S9S

Res. 610, Gov't. (N.S.): Election Platform- Adopt, Ms. A. McDonough . . • . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . • . . . . . . . . 2596

Res. 611, Sysco - Fire (25/0S/94): Health Min. - Explain, Mr. J. Leefe ...... · .........•.•.•.•....................... 2596

. Res. 612, Transport. - Hwys. Safety: Atlantic Prov. Trucking Assoc. -Efforts Acknowledge, Mr. B. Taylor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2597

Vote - Affirmative . . . . . . . . . . . • . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2S91 Res. 613, Econ. Dev. -Job Creation: Plans - Reveal, Mr. B. Taylor ......... 2S91 Res. 614, Exco- Travel Expenses: Disclosure - Policy Outline,

Mr. T. Donahoe . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . • . . . . . . . . 2598

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Res. 615, Educ. - Quality: Improvement - Concern, Mr. J. Holm . . . . . . . . . . 2598 Res. 616, Gov't. (N.S.)- Policy: Design- Clarify, Mr. R. Russell ........... 2599 Res. 617, Sysco - Fire (25/05/94): Environ./Health Mins. - Meeting,

Mr. J. Leefe ............................................. 2599 Res. 618, Gov't. (N.S.) - Political Spectrum: Position - Move,

Mr. R. Chisholm . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2600 Res. 619, Exco: Changes - Implement, Mr. R. Russell ................... 2600 Res. 620, Leader of Opposition - Fair Hiring Policy: Information -

Accuracy, Mr. R. White . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2601 Res. 621, Exco: Travel Expenses - Accounting, Mr. G. Archibald . . . . . . . . . . 260 I Res. 622, Nat. Res. (Min.) - Dictatorial Legislation Condemned:

Courage - Applaud, Ms. A. McDonough . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2602 Tabled with Bill Nos. deleted . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . 2602

Res. 623, Gov't. (N.S.) - Consultation: Double Standard- Regret, Mr. R. Chisholm .......................................... 2602

Res. 624, Lbr. - Miners' Memorial Day (June lith): Silence- Observe, Hon. J. Abbass .......................................... .

Vote - Affirmative .................................. . Res. 625, Econ. Dev. - TD Bank: Loan Prog. -Evaluate, Dr. J. Hamm

TABLING REPORTS, REGULATIONS AND OTHER PAPERS: Ani. Rept., Dept. of the Fire Marshal, Mar. 31, 1993,

Hon. J. Abbass .......................................... . GOVERNMENT BUSINESS:

GOVERNMENT MOTIONS: HOUSE RESOLVED INTO CWH ON BILLS AT 9:28 A.M. . ................. . HOUSE RECONVENED AT 1:40 P.M .................................. .

Decision of Chairman of CWH on Bills Sustained ..................... . HOUSE RESOLVED INTO CWH ON BILLS AT 1:44 P.M ................... . HOUSE RECONVENED AT 3:36 P.M. . ................................ . CWH REPORTS .................................................. . HOUSE RESOLVED INTO CWH ON SUPPLY AT 3:37P.M ................. . HOUSE RECONVENED AT 3:39P.M .................................. . INTRODUCTION OF BILLS:

No. 98, Appropriations Act, 1994, Hon. B. Boudreau .................. . PUBLIC BILLS FOR SECOND READING:

No. 98, Appropriations Act, 1994, Hon. B. Boudreau .................. . PUBLIC BILLS FOR THIRD READING:

No. 98, Appropriations Act, 1994, Hon. B. Boudreau .................. . INTRODUCTION OF BILLS:

No. 99, Emergency "911" Act, Hon. R. Harrison ...................... . HOUSE RESOLVED INTO CWH ON BILLS AT 3:44P.M ................... . HOUSE RECONVENED AT 4:00P.M .................................. . CWH REPORTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .................... I •••••••••••••

TABLING REPORTS, REGULATIONS AND OTHER PAPERS: House Order No. 46, Return Tabled, Hon. R. Mann ................... .

ADJOURNMENT, House rose to meet again on Mon., June 13th at 2:00p.m. NOTICE OF MOTION UNDER RULE 32(3):

H.O. 77, Premier: Government By Action 365 Days in Office -Report, Mr. T. Donahoe ................................... .

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House of Assembly Nova Scotia

HALIFAX, FRIDAY, JUNE 10, 1994

Fifty-sixth General Assembly

Second Session

9:00A.M.

SPEAKER

Hon. Paul MacEwan

DEPUTY SPEAKER

Mr. Gerald O'Malley

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

PRESENTING AND READING PETITIONS

PRESENTING REPORTS OF COMMITTEES

TABLING REPORTS, REGULATIONS AND OTHER PAPERS

MR. SPEAKER: The honourable Premier.

HON. JOHN SAVAGE (The Premier): Mr. Speaker, it gives me pleasure to present and table a report, Government By Action 365 Days in Office. (Applause)

MR. SPEAKER: The report is tabled.

The honourable Minister of Human Resources.

HON. ELEANOR NORRIE: Mr. Speaker, I wish to table a response to a question that was raised in the Legislature on June 2nd by the honourable Leader of the Opposition, with respect to the fair hiring policy .

MR. SPEAKER: The response is tabled.

The honourable Minister of Fisheries.

HON. JAMES BARKHOUSE: Mr. Speaker, I am honoured to table a return to House Order No. 11, dated April 14th, in response to the trip to South America.

2593

2594 ASSEMBLY DEBATES FRI .. JUNE 10. 1994

MR. SPEAKER: The return is tabled.

STATEMENTS BY MINISTERS

MR. SPEAKER: The honourable Minister of Natural Resources.

HON. DONALD DOWNE: Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to announce that a demonstration project in energy performance contracting will be undertaken during the current fiscal year at three major complexes owned by the province. The facilities chosen for this project are: the Nova Scotia Hospital in Dartmouth; the Public Archives of Nova Scotia and the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic, both in Halifax.

Energy performance contracting is an innovative approach to improving energy efficiency and reducing energy costs. It is a partnership between the owners of the building, in this case the province and the energy service company. Under energy performance contracts, private sector companies design, finance and install retrofits or other efficiency measures and then take their costs and profits from the savings that result. The client benefits from an upgraded energy system, but continues to pay pre-contract energy costs for the life of the contract. When a contract expires, energy savings then occur to the owner of the building or facility.

Energy performance contracting is of particular interest to government because of its potential to reduce energy costs in provincially funded facilities. Current energy costs amount to more than $65 million per year. The Departments of Health, Education, and Supply and Services are also involved in this demonstration project. Ministers Adams, Stewart and MacEachern and staff of their respective departments have been very cooperative in putting this joint project together and I thank them for their enthusiasm and support. An interdepartmental steering committee has been established with the Department of Natural Resources as the lead agency for project planning and monitoring.

Selection of contractors for the demonstration will be handled through the Public Tendering Office, with the project to be implemented during the current fiscal year. This project is not expected to require a capital outlay by the province. Project costs borne by the contractor should be recovered from energy savings over the five to seven year contract. There is virtually no risk for the client, in this case the province. This project is consistent with our government's energy strategy as well as our goals to control and reduce government spending. Thank you.

MR. SPEAKER: In response, the honourable member for Colchester-Musquodoboit Valley.

MR. BROOKE TAYLOR: Mr. Speaker, I welcome this announcement by the Minister of Natural Resources. I do note with some interest and concern that the three facilities chosen for the project are in the metro area. I thought perhaps maybe one of the facilities could have been in a rural setting but, nonetheless, I still understand the project.

Mr. Speaker, energy performance contracting, as I understand it, is a new initiative by this government. I guess we will say, the proof will be in the pudding here. One question I have and I can't help but wonder is, what department and who will be responsible for monitoring this project?

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FRI .. JUNE 10. 1994 ASSEMBLY DEBATES 2595

I do also note with interest and concern that the private sector could possibly incur losses without any chance for recovery. So that is also of some concern. However, Mr. Speaker, I do welcome the announcement and it is a very interesting concept.

MR. SPEAKER: The honourable member for Halifax Atlantic.

MR. ROBERT CHISHOLM: Mr. Speaker, this appears to be an interesting idea, the energy performance contracting and I look forward to getting some more details on the actual nature of this deal.

As I look through it, through the statement and listened as the minister was delivering it, everything sounded quite interesting and exciting, Mr. Speaker, until we reach that fateful statement that said, "There is virtually no risk for the client ... in this case, the Province.". I must say, whenever I hear those kinds of veiled guarantees on behalf of the province I get somewhat nervous.

It sounds also like the "Project costs, borne by the contractor, should be recovered from energy savings over a five to seven year contract.". I am sure that any private sector interest that is getting involved in this is going to ensure that they will recover their investment and more, Mr. Speaker, from this deal.

So with that having been said, it certainly sounds like an interesting deal. I look forward to getting more details from the minister on exactly what it is about and let's hope that the positive statements that are made here, in fact, come to be, Mr. Speaker. Thank you.

GOVERNMENT NOTICES OF MOTION

INTRODUCTION OF BILLS

Bill No. 97- Entitled an Act Respecting a Day of Mourning for Miners Killed, Disabled or Injured in the Mines. (Mr. Robert Chisholm)

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.

RESOLUTION NO. 609

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

Whereas during the first six months of this Liberal Administration the question of the Opposition and the people of Nova Scotia was, Where are the jobs?; and

Whereas the answer from the Liberals was, We have a plan; and

Whereas the question a year later from the Opposition and the people of Nova Scotia is, Where is the plan?;

2596 ASSEMBLY DEBATES FRI.. JUNE 10. 1994

Therefore be it resolved that the Savage Government come to terms with its election commitments to the people of this province and start producing results and not more questions.

MR. SPEAKER: The notice is tabled.

The honourable Leader of the New Democratic Party.

RESOLUTION NO. 610

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

Whereas two months ago this session opened with a Throne Speech declaring that sustainability, quality of life, compassion and world-class were the pillars of the Liberal agenda; and

Whereas Nova Scotians have, instead, suffered two months of such reprehensible, unfair, tin-pot dictatorial behaviour that even Wall Street has noted the unrest unleashed by this Liberal mismanagement; and

Whereas at least 12 of the Throne Speech's few specific commitments are already broken or unfulfilled;

Therefore be it resolved that instead of dragging Nova Scotians further down the road this government chose with such disastrous results, the Liberals should drop their vicious agenda of hacking, slashing and labour-bashing and adopt, instead, the platform that won them power.


The honourable member for Queens.

RESOLUTION NO. 611

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

Whereas families in the area surrounding the Sydney steel plant have not been tested by the Department of Health for exposure to PCBs and other dangerous toxins and chemicals; and

Whereas at least three children have been ill since the fire on May 25th; and

Whereas the Minister of Health did nothing to protect the health of the citizens and families in the area or to ensure the safety of fire, rescue, and police officers from exposure to toxins;

Therefore be it resolved that the Minister of Health explain what went wrong at the scene of the Sysco fire and why, 16 days after the accident, no measures or procedures have been put in place to assess the extent of exposure to health risk.


FRI.. JUNE 10. 1994 ASSEMBLY DEBATES 2597

The honourable member for Colchester-Musquodoboit Valley.

RESOLUTION NO. 612

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

Whereas the Atlantic Provinces Trucking Association's Safety Council will hold the 39th annual professional truck driving championships in Masstown, Colchester County, tomorrow; and

Whereas drivers from the four Atlantic Provinces will be . competing in several categories, with the winner advancing to the Canadian Trucking Association's national championships in Vancouver in October; and

Whereas the purpose of the driving champiOllships is to give recognition to skillful drivers and to encourage interest in skill, safety and courtesy on public highways;

Therefore be it resolved that members of this Legislature acknowledge the efforts being put forth by the Atlantic Provinces Trucking Association's Safety Council this week to make highways in Nova Scotia a safer place to travel.

Mr. Speaker, I request waiver of notice.

MR. SPEAKER: There has been a request for waiver of notice which requires unanimous consent.

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.

RESOLUTION NO. 613

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

Whereas the present Liberal Government, no matter how hard they try to dance around the issue, stated during last spring's election campaign that they had the plans to put 63,000 Nova Scotians back to work, yet Nova Scotians are still looking for work; and

Whereas unemployment is blamed as the principal reason for an increase in violent crime across Nova Scotia and the rest of Canada; and

Whereas a recent nation-wide poll showed that 44 per cent of all Canadians have taken measures to protect themselves, while 46 per cent said they had improved locks or security systems for their homes;


Therefore be it resolved that this government. in addition to the short-term. government-funded infrastructure projects. immediately begin putting in place their grandiose job creation plans they boasted about long and hard during the election campaign last spring and. in turn. help alleviate the growing fears of violent crime among Nova Scotians.


The honourable Leader of the Opposition.

RESOLUTION NO. 614

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

Whereas the member for Cape Breton The Lakes said on November 4, I 989, "It is wrong to accept free travel and entertainment from firms that will likely be seeking future contracts ... This practice is not tolerated in other provinces and we should not have to tolerate it in . Nova Scotia."; and

Whereas Premier Savage and his Liberal team promised to demonstrate the highest standard of political conduct when they campaigned for office last spring and when they attended a one-day ethics seminar last summer; and

[9:15a.m.]

Whereas despite repeated questions by the Official Opposition details on out-ofprovince trips , gifts and benefits received from a foreign government and possibly from companies, neither Premier Savage nor some of his key ministers have publicly disclosed their expenses;

Therefore be it resolved that the Premier outline a policy to fully disclose all out-ofprovince travel expenses incurred by the taxpayers of Nova Scotia and all gifts and benefits received by members of the Cabinet and any backbenchers.


The honourable member for Sackville-Cobequid.

RESOLUTION NO. 615

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

Whereas there was no Liberal dissent when this Legislature finally agreed to fully elected school boards, thus ending provincial patronage appointments to these important boards; and

Whereas the Education Minister now seems to think that our education system suffers from too much democracy and local decision-making, especially when boards contradict him; and

FRI.. JUNE 10. 1994 ASSEMBLY DEBATES 2599

Whereas school board officials are confirming that classrooms will be seriously affected by this government's cutbacks, despite the minister's frequent claims to the contrary before the facts were known;

Therefore be it resolved that this House urges the Education Minister to be less concerned about eliminating any independent, community-based representatives who might challenge his views and more concerned about improving the quality of education in this province.


The honourable member for Hants West.

RESOLUTION NO. 616

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

Whereas there appears to be considerable confusion between members of Cabinet and members of government caucus as to whether the specific initiatives in the book, Government By Design, are just words on paper or firm plans to be taken by the government over the next four years; and

Whereas a third Cape Breton MLA has attempted to assure constituents that the concept of one super jail replacing current, inefficient correctional facilities contained in the book, Government By Design, is not government policy but only an attempt by senior bureaucrats within the Department of Justice to make it government policy; and

Whereas other commitments made in Government By D~sign include the creation and sustainability of a strong and positive development climate for business and industry in Nova Scotia;

Therefore be it resolved that Premier Savage make it abundantly clear to Nova Scotians today whether Government By Design is government policy or bureaucratic policy and whether Nova Scotians will have to continue to endure a lacklustre effort by his government towards building a strong investment climate for industry in Nova Scotia.


The honourable member for Queens.

RESOLUTION NO. 617

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

Whereas the Ministers of the Environment and Health are responsible to the citizens of industrial Cape Breton for clear and concise answers on PCB contamination as a result of the May 25th fire at Sysco; and


Whereas neither the Minister of the Environment nor the Minister of Health appears to have any desire to go to a public meeting in Sydney to alleviate the fears and concerns of those people affected as the result of the May 25th fire; and

Whereas the residents of industrial Cape Breton want and deserve answers on PCB contamination instead of a series of contradictory messages;

Therefore be it resolved that the Ministers of Health and the Environment immediately make a commitment in this Legislature to travel to Sydney and Whitney Pier and meet with citizens concerned about PCB contamination as a result of the May 25th fire at Sysco.


The honourable member for Halifax Atlantic.

RESOLUTION NO. 618

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

Whereas in repeatedly defeating any amendment that would preserve collective bargaining in the public sector, this Liberal Government has claimed it is no different from any other in Canada; and

Whereas even unions facing the rigid, hostile-to-labour, right-wing government of Clyde Wells in Newfoundland have negotiated collective agreements; and

Whereas this may not be the first time some observers concluded that a single-minded, dictatorial Dartmouth doctor isn't half the man that a single-minded, dictatorial Corner Brook lawyer is;

Therefore be it resolved that this government should move at least as far to the left as is necessary for them to occupy the same place on the political spectrum as the Wells Liberals and see if the momentum carries them closer to the 1993 Nova Scotia Liberal platform.


The honourable member for Hants West.

RESOLUTION NO. 619

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

Whereas the incompetence of the Environment Minister has triggered a call from the public for his resignation; and

Whereas the incompetence of the Justice Minister has aroused questions as to his judgment as this province's chief lawmaker and a call for his resignation; and

Whereas the Health Minister's misguided sense of reform and lack of answers to questions raised by Nova Scotians has aroused the concern that he, too, should resign;

FRI.. JUNE I 0. 1994 ASSEMBLY DEBATES 2601

Therefore be it resolved that Premier Savage, who has raised the ire of the public sector himself, rethink the choices he made for Cabinet one year ago and find suitable replacements for these ministers before any more damage is done to Nova Scotia.


The honourable member for Guysborough-Port Hawkesbury.

RESOLUTION NO. 620

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

Whereas the Leader of the Opposition provided incorrect information regarding the hiring practices at Salsman Park; and

Whereas Eldon Halloran, Supervisor for Guysborough District, has indicated that all hiring guidelines were followed; and

Whereas all successful candidates were interviewed by a team of three officials from Natural Resources, returning four out of five former.employees;

Therefore be it resolved that the Leader of the. Opposition realize that attempts to follow a fair hiring policy should not be criticized by inaccurate information which could mislead the public. (Applause)


The honourable member for Kings North.

RESOLUTION NO. 621

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

Whereas the current Minister of the Economic Renewal Agency said on May 30, 1990, in relation to an earlier investment mission to Japan, that there should be a full accounting of who went on the trip, who paid the expenses and who bought the tickets; and

Whereas the current Minister of Finance said in relation to the same mission, It IS important the public's confidence be restored and that can only be done by the Premier, who must be forthcoming with all information on how the trip was put together; and

Whereas the Minister of Finance also said there are a number of questions that should be answered today, not months from now, such as what accounts were they charged to;

Therefore be it resolved that Premier Savage and his Cabinet take heed from the advice they offered while in Opposition and that all details of out-of -province trips be fully accounted for, as was promised during the provincial election and the subsequent ethics seminar.



The honourable Leader of the New Democratic Party.

RESOLUTION NO. 622

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

Whereas there is great speculation about the resolve of many Liberals to remove the Premier from their Party leadership; and

Whereas the Natural Resources Minister was a strong leadership challenger in 1992; and

Whereas the Natural Resources Minister said yesterday "to just turn around and make legislation without public consultation and involvement of the appropriate bodies would be inappropriate and would be seen and perceived as being dictatorial and maybe somewhat Draconian";

Therefore be it resolved that this House applauds the courage demonstrated by the member for Lunenburg West, if he was sincere in his unqualified condemnation of dictatorial legislation such as Bills No. 24, No. 52, and No. 95, which have been introduced without public consultation and the appropriate involvement of those affected.


It is rather borderline, attempting to debate bills in the form of a resolution. Possibly the numbers of those three bills could be deleted from the resolution in tabling it, just referring to bills in a generic sense.

The honourable member for Halifax Atlantic.

RESOLUTION NO. 623

MR. ROBERT CHISHOLM: Mr. Speaker, I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move the adoption of the followin~; resolution:

Whereas in reference to legislation curtailing Nova Scotia Power, promised by the Liberals since April, 1993, the Minister of Natural Resources said yesterday that "to just turn around and make legislation without public consultation and involvement of the appropriate bodies would be inappropriate and would be seen and perceived as being dictatorial and maybe somewhat Draconian"; and

Whereas such high standards were not applied to the Draconian anti-labour legislation before this House;

Therefore be it resolved that the House regrets the blatant and repugnant double standard demonstrated by endless consultation for favoured Liberal friends versus the harsh laws, relentless layoffs and cancellation of collective bargaining imposed without one minute of consultation with those who do the real work in this province.


The honourable Minister of Labour.

FRI .. JUNE I 0. 1994 ASSEMBLY DEBATES 2603

RESOLUTION NO. 624

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

Whereas Saturday, June II th is Davis Day, observed in remembrance of miners who have lost their lives in the mines of Nova Scotia; and

Whereas mine tragedies deeply affect this province, leaving a real void in families and communities; and

Whereas miners, symbolized by New Waterford's Bill Davis, have fought long and hard to achieve improvements in their industry;

Therefore be it resolved that the honourable members observe a moment of silent remembrance for the miners and families who have lost lives or loved ones in the mines of Nova Scotia.

Mr. Speaker, I ask for waiver of notice.

MR. SPEAKER: Is it agreed that that matter be dealt with now, unanimous consent?

It is agreed.

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


[A moment of silence was observed.]

MR. SPEAKER: The honourable member for Pictou Centre.

RESOLUTION NO. 625

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

Whereas the government has embarked on a one year pilot venture capital project with the TD Bank to provide venture capital for small businesses; and

Whereas while the concept of a partnership with a bank to provide venture capital for Nova Scotia businesses is sound, it is critical that the government negotiate the best possible interest rate for entrepreneurs and the least provincial exposure in the form of loan guarantees; and

Whereas a 16 per cent interest rate and 75 per cent exposure for the province is very high;

Therefore be it resolved that the minister commit to evaluate the venture capital loan project at the end of the pilot and to make publicly available the results of the evaluation.


2604 ASSEMBLY DEBATES FRI .. JUNE 10. 1994

The honourable Government House Leader.

HON. RICHARD MANN: Mr. Speaker, would you please revert to the order of business, Tabling Reports, Regulations and Other Papers.


MR. SPEAKER: The honourable Minister of Labour.

HON. JAY ABBASS: Mr. Speaker, I beg leave to table an Annual Report for the fiscal year ended March 31, 1993, for the Department of the Fire Marshal.

MR. SPEAKER: The report is tabled.

GOVERNMENT BUSINESS /

MR. SPEAKER: The honourable Government House Leader.

HON. RICHARD MANN: Mr. Speaker, would you please call the order of business, Government Motions.

GOVERNMENT MOTIONS

HON. RICHARD MANN: Mr. Speaker, I move that you do now leave the Chair and the House resolve itself into a Committee of the Whole House on Bills.

MR. SPEAKER: The motion is carried.

[9:28 a.m. The House resolved itself into a CWH on Bills with Deputy Speaker Mr. Gerald O'Malley in the Chair.]

[1 :40 p.m. CWH on Bills rose and the House reconvened with Acting Deputy Speaker Mr. Russell MacKinnon in the Chair.]

MR. SPEAKER: The House will now reconvene to deal with the motion that was put forth by the Leader of the New Democratic Party to appeal the decision of the committee to uphold the decision of the chairman with regard to the amendment that was proposed by the New Democratic Party with regard to Clause 22(3) of the Public Sector Compensation Act.

The motion is to overrule ...

The honourable member for Hants East.

MR. ROBERT CARRUTHERS: Do we have this amendment that the ruling originally was made on?

MR. SPEAKER: Yes. On a point of order, we are not debating the amendment, we are debating as to whether to uphold the decision of the chairman or to support the motion by the Leader of the New Democratic Party to overturn the decision of the chairman, she appealed the decision of the chairman and that was to defeat or rule out of order the amendment as proposed by the New Democratic Party. That was appealed to the committee and the committee supported the chairman's decision and she (Interruption)

FRI.. JUNE I 0. 1994 ASSEMBLY DEBATES 2605

HON. PAUL MACEWAN (Speaker): Order, please. I believe that the most expeditious way of approaching this matter is to put to the House the question, shall the decision of the Chairman of the Committee of the Whole House on Bills be sustained? The answer will be yes or no.

Shall the decision of the Chairman of the Committee of the Whole House on Bills be sustained? Would all those in favour of the motion please say Aye. Contrary minded, Nay.

The decision of the chairman is sustained.

The House will now resolve itself into a Committee of the Whole ~o consider bills.

[I :44 p.m. The House resolved itself into a CWH on Bills with Acting Deputy Speaker Mr. Russell MacKinnon in the Chair.]

[3:36 p.m. CWH on Bills rose and the House reconvened. Mr. Speaker, Hon. Paul MacEwan, resumed the Chair.]

MR. SPEAKER: The Chairman of the Committee of the Whole House on Bills reports:

THE CLERK: That the committee has met and made some progress and asks leave to sit again.

MR. SPEAKER: Is it agreed that the committee shall sit again?

It is agreed.


HON. RICHARD MANN: Mr. Speaker, I move that you do now leave the Chair and the House resolve itself into a Committee of the Whole House on Supply unto Her Majesty.


[3:37 p.m. The House resolved itself into a CWH on Supply with Deputy Speaker Mr. Gerald O'Malley in the Chair.]

[3:39 p.m. CWH on Supply rose and the House reconvened. Mr. Speaker, Hon. Paul MacEwan, resumed the Chair.)

MR. SPEAKER: Order, please. The Committee of the Whole House on Supply unto Her Majesty reports:

THE CLERK: That the committee and the subcommittee have both met. All resolutions have been carried, being 79 in number, including votes on capital. Mr. Chairman has been instructed to recommend them to the favourable consideration of the House, each without amendment.

MR. SPEAKER: A motion of concurrence will now be presented.



HON. RICHARD MANN: I so move, Mr. Speaker.

MR. SPEAKER: The motion is concurrence with the Report of the Committee of the Whole House on Supply. Would all those in favour of the motion please say Aye. Contrary minded, Nay.



HON. RICHARD MANN: Mr. Speaker, would you please call the order of business, Introduction of Bills.


Bill No. 98 - Entitled an Act to Provide for Defraying Certain Charges and Expenses of the Public Senice of the Province. (Hon. Bernard Boudreau)

PUBLIC BILLS FOR SECOND READING

MR. SPEAKER: The honourable Minister of Justice.

HON. WILLIAM GILLIS: Mr. Speaker, I move second reading of Bill No. 98, the Appropriations Act, 1994.

MR. SPEAKER: The motion is for second reading of the Appropriations Act, 1994. Would all those all those in favour of the motion please say Aye. Contrary minded, Nay.


When shall this bill be read a third time?

SOME HON. MEMBERS: Now.

PUBLIC BILLS FOR THIRD READING

MR. SPEAKER: The honourable Minister of Finance.

HON. BERNARD BOUDREAU: Thank you, Mr. Speaker, and I thank the honourable Minister of Justice for acting in my stead momentarily. I move third reading of Bill No. 98, the Appropriations Act, 1994.

MR. SPEAKER: The motion is for third reading of Bill No. 98. Would all those in favour of the motion please say Aye. Contrary minded, Nay.


Ordered that the bill do pass. Ordered that the title be as read by the Clerk. Ordered that the bill be engrossed. Ordered that the bill be reported to His Honour the Lieutenant Governor by such members as are of the Executive Council.


FRI., JUNE 10. 1994 ASSEMBLY DEBATES 2607

Bill No. 99- Entitled an Act to Amend Chapter 4 of the Acts of 1992. The Emergency "911" Act. (Hon. Robert l:larrlson)

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


HON. RICHARD MANN: Mr. Speaker, I move that you do now leave the Chair and the House resolve itself into a Committee of the Whole House on Bills.


[3:44 p.m. The House resolved itself into a CWH on Bills with Deputy Speaker Mr. Gerald O'Malley in the Chair.)

[4:00 p.m. CWH on Bills rose and the House reconvened with Deputy Speaker Mr. Gerald O'Malley in the Chair.]

MR. SPEAKER: The Chairman of the Committee of the Whole House on Bills reports:

THE CLERK: That the committee has met again, made some progress and begs leave to sit again.


HON. RICHARD MANN: Mr. Speaker, would you please call the order of business, Tabling Reports, Regulations and Other Papers.



HON. RICHARD MANN: Mr. Speaker, I beg leave to table a return to House Order No. 46.

MR. SPEAKER: The return is tabled.


HON. RICHARD MANN: Mr. Speaker, I would advise members of the House that we will be sitting from the hours of 2:00p.m. until 10:00 p.m. on Monday. The order of business will be the Committee of the Whole House on Bills. Following the completion of Bill No. 52 if, in fact, we do complete it, we will be doing Public Bills for Second Reading.

I move that we adjourn until 2:00p.m. on Monday.


The House will now rise to sit again at 2:00 p.m. on Monday hence.

[The House rose at 4:0 I p.m.]


NOTICE OF MOTION UNDER RULE 32(3)

HOUSE ORDER NO. 77

By: Mr. Terence Donahoe (Halifax Citadel)

I hereby give notice that on a future day I shall move that an order of this House do issue for a return showing, with respect to the Office of the Premier:

(1) The costs associated with Government By Action- 365 Days in Office- 365 Steps Forward;

(2) Where the document was published and printed;

(3) Total number of copies printed;

(4) The mailing list for the publication;

(5) The cost of the mailing;

(6) Was a private public relations or communications firm retained to assist in the production, preparation and creation of the publication; and

(7) If so, was the job tendered.

HANSARD ,· . ,~~42 ·. ,. - Nova...

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