Province Législature Session Type de discours Date du discours Locuteur Fonction du locuteur Parti politique Nouvelle-Écosse 52e 2e Discours du Trône 28 Février 1980 John E. Shaffner Lieutenant-gouverneur PC Nova Scotia: Speech from the Throne, Second Session of the 52nd General Assembly, February 28th, 1980 I welcome you in our Sovereign's name to the Opening which is the Second Session of the Fifty- Second General Assembly of the Province of Nova Scotia. Mr. Speaker and Members of the Legislative Assembly, this is the First Session of a new decade, I think it is well that you be ever mindful of the very serious duties and responsibilities which are bestowed on you to discharge for the benefit of all Nova Scotians. As you deliberate you will be making decisions which will affect not only the property and interests which have been entrusted to you as trustees, but most importantly the quality of life of all Nova Scotians. The Government and the people of Nova Scotia were honoured during the past year with the visit to our province of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother. We noted with pride that she retains the grace, the charm and the beauty evidenced on her first visit to Nova Scotia in 1939. My Government reaffirms its loyalty to the Crown and supports the retention of the Monarchy when and if constitutional amendments or changes occur. We were again honoured in Nova Scotia this past year when Their Excellencies The Right Honourable Edward Schreyer, Governor General of Canada, and Mrs. Schreyer, made their first official visit to our province. We look forward to further visits by these charming people and we wish His Excellency a speedy recovery from his recent illness. My Government is pleased that a well-known and highly respected Nova Scotian, Mr. Donald M. Smith is serving this Province as our Agent General in London, England. My Government was saddened just a few short days ago by the untimely death of the Honourable Member from Richmond. He was a highly respected Member of the Nova Scotia House of Assembly, a man of quiet effectiveness whom none of us shall ever forget. Our sympathies are extended to his widow and to all members of his family. The International Gathering of the Clans, the first such gathering held outside Scotland, was held this past year in our province and was highly successful. This cultural event gave Nova Scotians an opportunity to strengthen their links with Scotland and as well, it did much to enhance the tourist industry and promotion of our Province. I am pleased to advise that my Government will exert every effort to have the lnternational Gathering, of the Clans held in our province in 1983. This year Nova Scotia is commemorating the 375th anniversary of the settlement of the Acadians at Port Royal. My Government recognizes the significant and continuing contribution of the Acadians to our culture and heritage. We look forward to the events which have been planned to celebrate this anniversary. This year also marks the 70th anniversary of the Institution of the Naval Service of Canada. My Government plans special events in connection with this anniversary. The service in war and peace of the Canadian Navy is recognized everywhere in the world and the Navy continues to make a significant contribution to the history of this Province and to all of Canada. Although the challenges of this decade are many, the challenges of Canadian Federation will require that all Canadians give the utmost of their skills and abilities to broaden national dialogue and cement the ties of nationhood. We must be ever mindful of the goal of a united Canada and my Government is convinced that Nova Scotia must play its part in the attainment of this most important goal. My Government has set as its top priority investment in Nova Scotia's natural resources and development of those resources through the 1980's to ensure that our Province becomes self-reliant. The decade now opening will be the most significant for Nova Scotia, primarily in terms of energy, which is the greatest challenge facing this Province. The 1980's will be exciting in terms of energy development and my Government is determined to invest substantially in energy projects. The thrust of the 1980's will be toward energy self sufficiency for Nova Scotia, based on our own indigenous resources. My Government is determined that the energy resources of Nova Scotia will be developed so that the people of our province will obtain maximum benefits in terms of employment and economic return. My Government also will take necessary steps to ensure that Nova Scotians will always be given priority for employment in the development and production of our energy resources. Investment by my Government in the resources of this Province will pay handsome dividends throughout this decade and be instrumental in ensuring that young Nova Scotians will obtain long-terrn viable employment within the Province. My Government has commenced the implementation of an energy strategy announced in October, 1979, and the focal point of that strategy is an absolute determination to reduce Nova Scotia's dependency on foreign oil for electrical generation. That energy strategy i3 on schedule and the initiatives which have been taken to date are as follows: - Work on a new Donkin mine has commenced. In full production it will create more than four thousand direct and indirect jobs. By 1986, two million tons of coal will be produced and the total development investment will generate approximately 183 million dollars in income for Nova Scotians. - Engineering and planning have been commenced by the Nova Scotia Power Corporation for two thermal generating stations fulled by coal, producing 600 megawatts. - A contract will shortly be awarded for a new surface mine in the Point-Aconi area, which will produce upwards of 200 thousand tons per year for five years. - Further proposals are now being prepared for additional surface mines in Cape Breton. - Coal testing facilities will be established at a projected cost of $600,000 shared with the Government of Canada and to be administered by the College of Cape Breton and the Nova Scotia Department of Mines and Energy. - A study is to be carried out of the feasibility of a 50-megawatt fluidized bed combustion project. - Establishment of a comprehensive training program for personnel involved in the coal industry will be undertaken. - Reclamation of coal from waste dumps has commenced. - Evaluation of the feasibility of producing energy from municipal solid waste is continuing. - Hydro projects at Gisborn having a capital cost of $2.7 million, and at Fourth Lake having a capital cost of $4.5 million and other hydro projects will be commenced as they become economically feasible. - The Continent's first tidal power project will be constructed in the Annapolis Basin. Upon completion of these projects our dependence on foreign oil for generating electricity will be reduced to zero. My Government has set this as its goal and it will be accomplished. My Government, in its determination to develop fully all energy resources within the province, has agreed in principle to formalize an agreement with Algas and Petro-Canada for the extraction of fifty billion cubic feet of natural gas from the coal seams of Pictou County and Cumberland County. This is a major energy breakthrough and will be followed up by other natural gas extraction projects in the coalfields of Nova Scotia where feasible. These projects, in addition to producing economic benefits, displacing high-priced foreign oil and creating employment, also will make mining of coal less hazardous. My Government is cautiously optimistic about the commercial potential of natural gas resources in the Sable Island area. We have been advised that drilling activity will be escalated in the summer of 1980 with a jack-up rig drilling in the venture structure and a semi-submersible rig drilling to the east of that structure, together with seismic activity in the overall Sable area. The offshore is our frontier - it is the heritage of our people. Control and jurisdiction over these resources belong to the Province and the people of Nova Scotia. My Government will immediately commence negotiations and discussions with the Government of Canada in order that an agreement will be satisfactorily concluded ensuring that control of this Nova Scotia resource and the benefits which are obtained there from accrue to the people of Nova Scotia obtaining a satisfactory settlement of offshore jurisdiction. The present law relating to natural gas and oil is outdated and obsolete in terms of today's energy developments and trend in Government participation in energy activities. My Government, in its determination to ensure full participation for the people of Nova Scotia and commercial and industrial enterprises within our Province, shall lay before you a new Petroleum and Natural Gas Act. This Act will be a comprehensive manifestation of our intention to extract for Nova Scotia maximum social and economic benefits from our own natural energy resources both onshore and offshore. Young Nova Scotians must have the opportunity of obtaining gainful employment in all of the energy- related activities now underway and which will be beginning in this decade. My Government will be developing training programs in cooperation with industry. My Government will introduce amendments to the various Acts which govern the exploration and extraction of minerals to make them more amenable to the activities which are and will be taking place for coal and other mining activities throughout the province. My Government has presented a comprehensive brief to the National Energy Board in connection with the transport of natural gas by pipeline to Nova Scotia and the subsequent transport of natural gas from our own indigenous resources. To this end, my Government, anticipating a positive response from the National Energy Board, will be introducing appropriate legislation which will govern the construction and operation of natural gas pipelines throughout Nova Scotia. My Government is vigorously promoting the exploration and development of other mineral resources throughout Nova Scotia and we are encouraged by the results which have been obtained thus far through the efforts of mining companies exploring for tin and potash. Employment of Nova Scotians in productive occupations continues to be a priority and my Government is concerned that all citizens develop, to their maximum, their individual talents and skills so that they can contribute in a positive manner to real economic growth in this decade. The provincial role in the field of manpower will be enhanced with a more dominant position to be played by the Nova Scotia Department of Labour. The Department will seek to improve the coordination and delivery of programs and policies which have direct effects on the provincial labour market. Manpower policies which are comprehensive and effective are seen as a vital tool in future manpower strategies. To this end, you will be asked to consider legislation changing the Department of Labour to the Department of Labour and Manpower. This increased role of the Department will mean the consolidation of a number of manpower responsibilities at present within the jurisdiction of several departments and, as well, bring about better coordination and implementation of provincial/federal work programs to maximize benefits in relation to costs. Looking to the longer term, my Government has been preparing an economic development strategy for the 1980's. Working in close partnership with the Voluntary Planning Board to ensure full participation by the private sector, we have undertaken an in-depth exploration of the problems and potentials in the Nova Scotia economy. This initial work is nearing completion and will result in the issuance of a Green Paper outlining the approach to development which we propose to take. It should be stressed that hundreds of people across the Province have contributed to this project and my Government wishes to record its appreciation of their efforts. A major issue of concern is that of research and development in Nova Scotia. Poor commercial research and development performance in this Province over the past years has had a detrimental effect on our economic performance and will continue to do so unless measures can be taken to increase the amount of research and development taking place and, particularly, to ensure that much more research and development translates itself into economic activity. There is a clear need for a comprehensive policy dealing with research and development which is workable and which is supported by the business and research communities. Accordingly, a task force will be formed with representatives from both the academic and business communities with instructions to undertake a review of the situation and provide the Government with recommendations over the coming months which will form the basis for a science policy in Nova Scotia. The Green Paper "Toward Venture Capital in Nova Scotia" which was presented to the provincial business community in July 1979 was well received. The task force has completed its recommendations and legislation will be introduced to ensure that the need for new venture capital is better met by stimulating private sector investment. Subject to aggressive competition in today's market-place; Nova Scotia firms must adopt sophisticated outward-focussed marketing strategies. To this end, my Government is realigning responsibilities within the Department of Development so as to strengthen our marketing assistance. In this regard, a Market Development Center will be created to provide senices to the business community in such areas as market intelligence, market promotion, and the development of marketing strategies. My Government also recognizes the need for a continued and concerted effort to encourage and assist Nova Scotians choosing to develop new businesses. Accordingly, my Government intends to complement our other efforts by continuing to develop a long-term program to assist in small business development, including encouraging innovation in local enterprises and accelerating the introduction of high technology products and services into Nova Scotian industry. New programs to assist in the development and training of small business owners / managers will be introduced and greater emphasis will be placed on assisting small businesses with the formulation of business development plans. Further initiatives, emanating as a result of continued dialogue with the private sector, will also be implemented. My Government will ensure an appropriate and coordinated response to our small business community and implement our small business policies through the creation of a Comprehensive Small Business Agency, which will replace the existing small business divisions of the Department of Development and Industrial Estates Limited. My Government has signed agreements with the Federal Government totaling $125,374,000 for provincial cost-shared programs under which initiatives have been or will be taken affecting SYSCO, Halifax Shipyards, our forest industry, and energy generation, including the Annapolis Tidal Project. My Government has presented agreements totaling $97,700,000 to the Federal Government which will provide cost-sharing with the Provincial Government for projects relating to SYSCO, an ocean-related industry strategy and a program to establish small provincial shipyards. My Government is at present negotiating with the Federal Government two cost-shared agreements, one in the amount of $4,000,000 for an extension to the Strait of Canso Agreement and one for a $12,000,000 Mineral Development Agreement which provides for exploration and resource assessment over the next five years. Tourism has been recognized by my Government as a resource industry and current projections indicate that by the turn of the century it will be the number one dollar-generating industry in Canada. My Government informs me that Nova Scotia has every natural advantage to participate to the fullest in the projected unprecedented growth in this industry. Extensive promotional programs, such as this year's "Super Summer '80" will result in further increases in tourist spending in this Province and will mean new employment in the service industries. Hospitality Industry Training Programs will be reinstated to improve the professional competence of those who serve the public. Tourism is a sector of our economy which has potential for growth and recognizing the changing needs of tourism, my Government has undertaken a complete re-organization of the Department to make it more responsive to the needs of the industry. The Departments of Tourism and Transportation will develop a new program of highway signs which will highlight points of historic interest, recreation areas and natural attractions throughout our Province. To ensure that tourists will be afforded better facilities and will stay longer in Nova Scotia, several projects have been initiated including those at Annapolis Royal, Pictou, Louisbourg, and the Caribou Ferry terminal. During the past year, the total yield from the fishery resources has reached record levels, and my Government has increased the fisheries development fund from 25 to 100 million dollars. The vast majority of the loans approved have been to inshore fishermen. A White Paper on fishery policy has been developed in draft form and is now being discussed with fishermen around our Province. My Government feels that the most serious problem facing the fishery during the next few years will be one of markets. In order to obtain new markets to match the increased volume of fish being caught, we must emphasize product quality. My Government will initiate new programs to improve product quality and improve marketing capability. The establishment by my Government of an Ocean-Industries Park in Dartmouth and a Fisheries Industrial Park in Mulgrave will have beneficial effects on the industry. Nova Scotians can take pride and satisfaction from the fact that the agricultural sector has in the past year supplied a record percentage of Nova Scotia's food demands. The loan limits of the Nova Scotia Farm Loan Board have been increased from $125,000 to $200,000. To further enhance the contribution of this sector to the economy, you will be asked to support the following: - Negotiations with the Federal Government leading to a new agricultural development agreement. - Establishment of a Farm Workers Apprenticeship Program to train workers and thus improve the quality and supply of the agricultural labour force. - Agricultural research in Nova Scotia will be expanded to evaluate and test new farm production systems. - A program will be commenced to begin new soil conservation techniques with particular emphasis on soil erosion. - Increased emphasis will be placed on developing export markets for Nova Scotia agricultural products with special emphasis on blueberries, apples, dairy cattle and swine breeding stock, and the initiation of pilot projects on energy conservation to discover new sources of energy for agricultural production, thereby reducing reliance upon oil. Recognizing the increasing value of technology, research and farm training, the Policy Board of my Government has approved that degree-granting status be given to the Nova Scotia Agricultural College. The Maritime Provinces Higher Education Commission has been requested by my Government to recommend the necessary steps appropriate to enable the implementation of this policy. The forests of Nova Scotia are a valuable resource and one which must be harvested for the economic benefit of Nova Scotians. We must take every precaution to protect the forests of our province. My Government has recently signed a Forestry Subsidiary Agreement with the Federal Government providing for a total expenditure of $29,174,000 of which the Federal Government will pay 50 percent. This agreement will provide for an expanded Silvi-Culture Program. As a result of the tragic spruce budworm infestation, a Wood Salvage and Storage Program will be undertaken. Work is progressing satisfactorily on the expansion of new greenhouse facilities at Debert and Strathlorne. It is the objective of my Government to be planting in excess of 20 million seedlings each year. Our forests represent one of our most important renewable resource areas and every effort will be made to encourage the expansion of this resource. I am assured that the creation of the Department of Transportation has brought a greater degree of efficiency in developing and implementing policies relating to Transportation and Communications. The benefits from the Highway Safety Program begun in 1979 are substantial and this program will be monitored and expanded. The Capital and Maintenance Program for the highway system in the year ahead places major emphasis on improvements of secondary roads. In the interests of the Atlantic Region, my Government will press for maintaining, and where required, constructing adequate rail systems and modern harbour and related facilities while at the same time urging that freight rates and wharfage charges be used as tools of economic development. Recognizing the value of local self-govemment, my Government will continue to work closely with the municipal units and the Union of Nova Scotia Municipalities. For the first time my Government will invite a representative from the Union of Nova Scotia Municipalities to attend the Federal/Provincial Conferences. I am pleased to be informed that among the initiatives taken by the Department of Municipal Affairs, the Municipal Finance Corporation has been created. A new system of Operating and Capital Grants has been implemented. Urban transit has been expanded and a sewer and water assistance program has been approved. You will be asked to consider amendments to the Municipal Elections Act and the Assessment Act. New legislation will be introduced to provide for the new system of unconditional operating and capital grants to the municipalities. The medical care system in Nova Scotia is providing a high quality of service to Nova Scotians and the principles underlying the system are recognized to be the soundest and most equitable in Canada. To remain a leader in this field, however, my Government recognizes that the program must be continuously monitored with a view to effecting improvement wherever and whenever possible, consistent with prudent financial management. My Government has established a Pulmonary Unit at the Glace Bay Community Hospital which will significantly enhance the availability of these services to residents of that area of the Province where there is a particular need. The new Ophthalmology Unit at the Halifax Infirmary has opened in the past year and this will provide Nova Scotians with one of the most up-to-date teaching, diagnostic and treatment centers in our nation for diseases of the eye. The City of Sydney Hospital has come under provincial ownership. You will be asked to consider legislation for the establishment of a Nova Scotia Cancer Treatment and Research Foundation. The new Foundation will provide Nova Scotians with one of the most modern facilities in Canada for the development of programs for the diagnosis and treatment of cancer. My Government will continue to take steps to improve the high quality of health care which Nova Scotians enjoy and some of these are: - 50 beds will be added to the Dartmouth Hospital. - Plans are continuing for the construction of a new Halifax Hospital Complex on the Camp Hill site. - The Cobequid Multi-Service Center will be opened this summer. Funds have been allocated for a three phase functional planning program for a new Glace Bay Hospital. As a result of the complete review, by the Department of Health, of requirements respecting on-site sewage disposal systems, my Government will introduce amendments to the Public Health Act giving Boards of Health discretionary powers in the public interest to make efficient use of available land for housing without creating potential health problems for our citizens. My Government is grateful for the work of the Senior Citizens Advisory Board and looks forward to its continuing valuable leadership and advice. For the second consecutive year, my Government has indexed the senior citizen supplement to increases in the consumer price index. There will be increased grants to senior citizens' groups to further enable these groups to expand their activities. Increased assistance for home care will be provided. In addition, there will be increases in the Comfort Allowance. Greater emphasis will be placed on geriatric care and the number of available extended care beds will be expanded. My Government has as an objective the priority of enabling as many senior citizens as possible to remain in their own homes. My Government is developing a program for those senior citizens who qualify which will provide a rent supplement for rental accommodations and a property tax rebate for those owning their own homes. My Government will provide for the establishment of a full-time Senior Citizens' Secretariat with the responsibility of ensuring that this important segment of our population is given every opportunity to live in comfort and dignity. My Government realizes the social value of a responsive housing program and the positive direct and indirect contribution it makes to the economy. To this end, you will be asked to consider a long-range housing strategy identifying the goals and objectives needed in specific programs which will be formed to respond to requirements of various segments of the population. Specifically, our Self-Help Lease Purchase Program will assist eligible young Nova Scotians in purchasing their first home and will apply not only to new construction but has been expanded to include the purchase of qualified existing housing requiring extensive renovations. The moratorium on family public housing will be lifted and additional funds will be immediately provided to finance new housing accommodation. These and other provisions will be developed and implemented to meet the housing needs of the people of Nova Scotia. My Government will introduce legislation exempting handicapped drivers from payment of the 8 percent Hospital Tax on the purchase of Motor Vehicles. My Government will introduce legislation amending the Human Rights Act to include disabled persons. A Senior Civil Servant will be designated an opportunity coordinator to coordinate government services and programs as they relate to the physically and mentally-handicapped citizens of the province. Progressive social needs programs have and will be undertaken for the provision of more adequate services including: - Increased payments under the family benefits program - Revision of family benefits regulations which pertain to the Diabetic Assistance Program. - Establishment of a small residential care facility in the Metro area for the care and treatment of emotionally-disturbed children, 5-15 years of age. - Increasing the availability of Homemaker Services for the aged, and disabled. The Department of Culture, Recreation and Fitness is charged with the responsibility of providing and improving the quality of life for every Nova Scotian. Public Fitness Programs will be developed in co-operation with private industry and municipal organizations so that increasing numbers of Nova Scotians will be afforded the opportunity to improve their Personal fitness. Realizing that two of our greatest resources are our heritage and our cultural institutions, you will be asked to consider Heritage Legislation which will be an important step to protect and preserve our rich past. You will be asked to consider measures to improve the Administration of Justice in the Province. Amendments to the Evidence Act, the Judicature Act, and the Mechanics Lien Act will be introduced. You will be asked to consider legislation establishing Small Claims Courts. My Government has been responsible for numerous initiatives over the past year resulting in new approaches to the delivery of government services in an efficient and cost-effective manner. In this area, I am pleased to report that the implementation of the proposals of the Committee of the Executive Council on Government Effectiveness is proceeding as planned. To further improve government services and employer-employee relations, you will be asked to consider amendments to the Civil Service Collective Bargaining Act and the Civil Service Act. - During the past year 267 new beds in homes for special care have come on stream and additional beds are planned for this year. - Four additional community residences for the mentally-retarded will be established in cooperation with local associations for the mentally-retarded. - Maintenance payments to foster parents have been increased. My Government gives the assurance that the quality of education in Nova Scotia will keep pace with the developments and technology of this decade. To accomplish this goal, my Government will be taking positive initiatives which will include: - The Policy Board of my Government has approved that degree-granting status be given to the Nova Scotia Teachers' College. The Maritime Provinces Higher Education Commission has been requested to recommend the necessary steps appropriate to enable the implementation of this policy. - Development of programs in our vocational schools and technical institutes to provide skills in the oil and gas industry, related industries and our basic natural resource industries. - The involvement of private industry in cooperative training programs with our schools. - The integration of the efforts of the Department of Education with those of the Department of Development, the proposed new Department of Labour and Manpower, and other resource departments of Government. - The introduction of amendments to the Libraries Act will permit the Provincial Library Council to undertake studies and make recommendations to improve library service. The cost of education has become an increasing concern to my Government and the municipalities and accordingly a study of public school financing will be undertaken. My Government has identified children without any apparent handicaps who have extreme difficulty in learning as being an area in which new policies and initiatives will have a lasting beneficial effect on those individuals and on society generally. Accordingly, more teachers will be trained in detection and treatment of those who suffer from this problem and further policy initiatives will be developed to address this problem. As a result of its recent reorganization, my Government feels that the Department of Public Works, now carrying increased responsibilities, should be more appropriately named the Government Services Department and legislation to that effect will be introduced. My Government, being mindful of accessability problems for the handicapped, has initiated a program of evaluating accessability to various public buildings, including Uniacke House, Haliburton House and other museums in this province. I might add that today marks the first time in the history of this Province that this Assembly is accessible to the handicapped with the installation of an elevator. During this year, a much needed elevator will also be installed at the Provincial Building in Sydney. Planned public works projects were accelerated during the past year, most notably in construction works undertaken by the Housing Commission and by the Department of Public Works. Short-term employment in the resource sectors resulted from summer programs in agricultural land clearing, forest silvi-culture, environmental protection, and the provision of tourist attractions. Jobs have also been provided in secondary industry through one of our task force programs. In addition, and of considerable significance, $14.3 million has been committed in municipal programs through Task Force Main Street and Task Force Municipalities. It is my Government's intention to continue to seek to alleviate short- term hardships through programs of this sort. My Government has assured me of its appreciation of the continuing dedication and efficiency of the members of the Public Service in all levels of Government. Legislation will be introduced with respect to Matrimonial and Property Rights. My Government is determined to remove excessive government regulations so that people can be more effectively served. The work of the Volunteer Task Force on Deregulation appointed just one year ago, is proceeding satisfactorily. A commission will be established to consider the matter of the two remaining dual constituencies in Nova Scotia and to recommend appropriate changes. The Public Accounts for the year ending March 31, 1979 will be presented for your consideration as will Estimates for the fiscal year beginning April 1, 1980. To these and to all other matters which may come before you, I ask your most careful attention, praying that sound judgment and divine providence may guide you in all your deliberations and decisions. God Save the Queen, and God Bless Canada.