Province Législature Session Type de discours Date du discours Locuteur Fonction du locuteur Parti politique Nouvelle-Écosse 55e 1re Discours du Trône 23 Février 1989 Lloyd R. Crouse Lieutenant-gouverneur PC Nova Scotia: Speech from the Throne, First Session of the 55th General, February 23th, 1989 I welcome you in our Sovereign's name to this Opening of the First Session of the Fifty-fifth General Assembly of the Province of Nova Scotia. My Government pays tribute to my distinguished predecessor, Their Honours, The Honourable Alan R. Abraham and Mrs. Rose Marie Abraham, as Her Majesty's representatives in Nova Scotia. Since we last met, my Government was saddened by the death of a number of distinguished citizens who served Nova Scotians in public office: - The Honourable E. Chester Plow, a distinguished predecessor as The Queen's representative from 1958 to 1963; - The Honourable Gordon S. Cowan, former Member of this House and Chief Justice of the Nova Scotia Supreme Court, Trial Division; - Edward A. Manson, former Member of this House for Cape Breton West and a Member of the Executive Council; - George H. Wilson, former Member for Hants West; - Maurice L. Zinck, who represented the constituency of Lunenburg East; - Robert F. McLellan, former Member for Colchester and Judge of the County Court; - Raymond M. Smith, former Member for Cumberland Centre; - Ralph S. Morton, the former Editor of Hansard and a distinguished Nova Scotian journalist. My Government extends congratulations to the seven Nova Scotian communities who are celebrating their centennial in 1989: - Amherst - Antigonish - Parrsboro Port Hawkesbury Springhill Stellarton Sydney Mines. My Government recognizes all the Nova Sotians who ably represented their Province in the most recent Olympics, in particular Ray Downey and Jamie Bone. My Government salutes all the volunteer coaches in Nova Scotia, in this, the Year of the Coach. New mandate: New directions Preparing for the 21st Century is our first priority. Nova Scotians must be prepared to take advantage of the global opportunities. The strategic goal of my Government during its current mandate will be to lead Nova Scotia on a course that will best prepare our people to build an internationally competitive economy in a rapidly changing world, where information, science, technology and environmental protection are predominant. Managing for results: Greater value for money My Government believes the management of government must be done more efficiently and effectively to achieve better results in accordance with our ability to pay. The requirement of excellent service to Nova Scotians shall be a key ingredient of all programs of my Government. Therefore, a new program of managing for results will be introduced across the government system. My Government believes that through this new program of greater value for money, service standards to the public can be maximized more efficiently and effectively. My Government's policies are designed to achieve progress without risking what we have already achieved, and to do so in the context of compassion, caring and fairness. In preparing Nova Scotians for the 21st Century, my Government is committed to the following guiding principles which will direct our Province in a thoughtful and meaningful manner a we progress towards the next century. My Government's new policies and programs will encourage those who are able to assume their own responsibilities through individual initiative, self reliance and self-sufficiency; My Government will target public funds for those in genuine need; My Government's new policies will recognize the paramount importance of the family as the basic unit of our society and the diversity of our family structures; My Government's new policies will enable individuals, families and communities to build on our strong tradition of volunteerism, and to take increasing responsibility for caring for themselves and for those in need of help and support; My Government's new policies and programs will involve, to every extent possible, communities and community agencies in the development, delivery and evaluation of services to all Nova Scotians; My Government's policies and programs will support and complement private business, industry and community agencies, and will provide an environment in which the private sector can work cooperatively in consultation with Government in meeting the needs of Nova Scotians; My Government's policies will continue to be adaptable and responsive to the changing needs of Nova Scotians and seek to anticipate emerging trends as we prepare for the 21st Century; My Government's policies will focus on the development of new strategies that address the causes of changing social and health problems and ways of preventing their occurrence; My Government will actively involve Nova Scotians in the development of new policies and programs, in identifying issues, and in considering the alternatives available. My Government believes that Nova Scotians must be properly informed about the programs and services available to them as tax payers. These guiding principles will provide the framework for defining the role of my Government in fulfilling our responsibilities to the people of Nova Scotia during our new mandate as we prepare for the 21st Century. The role of my Government over the term of its new mandate in preparing the Province for the next century is: - Encouraging a social, economic, and cultural environment in which all Nova Scotians are able to participate fully in our society; - Promoting a dignified and humane society in which Nova Scotians are assured of the highest standards of education, health, personal safety and security, and the protection of their fundamental freedoms; - Developing individual self-reliance and providing positive opportunities for individuals to achieve their personal goals, to take responsibility for their actions, and to be contributing and caring members of our unique Nova Scotian society; - Ensuring that Nova Scotians have access to quality programs and services in essential areas of government responsibility, such as education, health care, the environment and justice; - Providing special programs and support to those who, for a variety of reasons, may need either temporary or permanent assistance to become productive contributors to the building of our Province; - Encouraging the growth and enrichment of Nova Scotia's cultural heritage in an environment which supports the development of the artistic and cultural talents of Nova Scotians; - Protecting the environment of Nova Scotia and ensuring that government policies are directed toward enhancing its natural beauty, quality and the health of our people; - Working cooperatively with the Government of Canada, other provinces and municipal governments in areas of shared responsibility in order to ensure that the needs of Nova Scotians are addressed and that our people receive their fair share of benefits and support. In accordance with these principles, my Government will place before you a new approach. This new approach will deal in a comprehensive way with the major policies placed before the people of Nova Scotia during the 1988 election campaign. These policies chart a new direction by which my Government intends to deal with the challenging issues Nova Scotia faces as we move towards the year 2000. These new policy directions and objectives form, to a great extent, my Government's mandate as endorsed by the people of Nova Scotia. My Government is committed to achieving these new strategies and objectives during its current mandate through new legislation, new budgetary priorities, new policy directions, and new and innovative initiatives to build new opportunities for Nova Scotians. The ability to implement this strategic approach during the current term of my Government will depend upon prudent use of the financial resources available to government. Managing for results necessitates the setting of priorities based on sound fiscal management. This is a time for Members of this House to cooperate - to work together with all Nova Scotians to serve our Province and build a better Nova Scotia. Protecting our environment My Government is deeply concerned about the condition of our global environment. The protection, enhancement and restoration of our environment is an important key to the social and economic development of Nova Scotia. Nova Scotia must be a leader in environmental protection. The commitment of my Government is to leadership that ensures protection of our land, air and water. Last year, my Government implemented a major Environmental Enhancement Program. This program is a major building block in my Government's environmental strategy. The Environmental Enhancement Program provides for: - Stronger penalties for environmental offenders; - Greater emphasis on environmental considerations in development planning; - Better management and disposal of hazardous wastes; - Water and sewage projects for our communities; - A coordinated inter-governmental and inter-departmental approach to preventing environmental problems; - Establishment of the Clean Nova Scotia Foundation. My Government will build on that strong base throughout this term of office. Acid rain My Government is deeply concerned with the threat to our global environment posed by acid rain and the "Greenhouse Effect". My Government believes that Nova Scotians want to meet their international environmental obligations. The people of our Province wish to be part of the solution in protecting and making our environment cleaner and healthier than we found it. The Sulphur Emission Reduction Program of the Nova Scotia Power Corporation, when fully implemented, will exceed the standards of the Federal-Provincial Acid Rain Agreement by 60%. Nevertheless, my Government is determined that more should be done. My Government therefore is directing the Nova Scotia Power Corporation to immediately begin an orderly program of retro-fitting its existing coal-fired thermal generating system with (scrubbers or other anti-pollution devices to accelerate the reduction of sulphur emissions. My Government believes that, in order to maximize the expenditure of public funds and to obtain value for those funds, new and emerging technologies must be also explored, that could reduce harmful emissions at less cost. Accordingly, my Government is directing Nova Scotia Power to undertake a program of evaluation of emerging technologies for the reduction of emissions. Chloroflurocarbons My Government in partnership with other Canadian jurisdictions is committed to the protection of the ozone layer, the depletion of which is seriously harming our environment. It is essential that all governments take steps to control the destruction of the ozone layer by Chlorofluorocarbons (CFC's), and halons. My Government will introduce legislation to complement world-wide efforts to protect the ozone layer. Through this legislation, ozone depleting substances will be phased out of use and circulation in Nova Scotia in the years ahead. My Government will work in partnership with other governments and the private sector in the development of a safe and efficient method to destroy CFC's. Environmental enhancement agency My Government will establish the Environmental Enhancement Agency of Nova Scotia. The Environmental Enhancement Agency will have a mandate to conduct environmental needs assessments throughout the province, and in consultation with our communities, priorize and manage environmental enhancement projects. The Nova Scotia environmental enhancement industry is a vigorous contributor to the Nova Scotian economy. There are approximately 4,000 people employed in approximately 400 businesses involved in Nova Scotian environmental enhancement activity. Waste management: Recycling My Government is committed to the principle of recycling. You will be presented with legislation establishing a recycling program for Nova Scotia. Recycling is environmentally prudent, economically sound, and is a source of new employment opportunities. Waste management: liter abatement My Government believes that litter is everybody's business. My Government plans stronger penalties for littering and will be introducing appropriate litter abatement legislation. Halifax harbour Last year my Government and the Government of Canada completed plans for an inter-governmental partnership to clean up Halifax Harbour. The Halifax Harbour cleanup is essential if we are to ensure a clean environment for future generations of Nova Scotians. My Government looks forward to completing the agreement with our municipalities. Concerned communities and citizens groups will be consulted as part of the process to clean up Halifax Harbour. Environmental awareness My Government will develop a cable television program, "It's Your Environment," in partnership with environmentalists, community and business leaders concerned about our environment. Youth conservation corps Legislation will be introduced to establish a Nova Scotia Youth Conservation Corps, which will provide unique environmental employment opportunities to young Nova Scotians. Conference on the environment In conjunction with Nova Scotia Voluntary Planning, my Government will sponsor a Nova Scotia Conference on the Environment in October of this year. This conference will provide ideas and advice to government and industry as we shift rapidly from a throw-away society to a conservers' society. This advice should result in a Nova Scotia conservation strategy. Clean water The Nova Scotia Environmental Control Council will be instructed to lead the development of a comprehensive clean water policy for Nova Scotia. Environmental assessment In the last Session of the House of Assembly, the new Environmental Assessment Act was passed. Government is currently developing the regulations for that Act in consultation with communities, businesses and concerned Nova Scotians. At the conclusion of this process, this Act will be proclaimed. Environmental protection act You will be asked to strengthen the Environmental Protection Act to enable my Government to act immediately in situations of danger to human life or health, or of causing irreparable damage to the environment. New forest environmental, management guidelines The new Forest Environmental management guidelines and standards will be introduced to protect wildlife, its habitat and our eco-system. Medical waste My Government will call for private sector proposals to develop and implement a strategy for the collection and safe disposal of medical wastes, including waste from hospitals and other medical institutions, clinics, laboratories, funeral homes, medical and dental office. Environmental industries E.R.D.A My Government will negotiate with the Government of Canada for a new Environmental Industries' Agreement. My Government will encourage development of a new program of support services for environmental industries, and will assist in underwriting trade missions focusing on Nova Scotia's ability to deliver quality environmental goods and services. Environmental protection is our duty. It is not without cost. Nova Scotians must share the burden fairly. My Government believes that one of the responsibilities of a good corporate citizen is concern for a clean environment. Nova scotians: our competitive edge for the 21st century As Nova Scotia advances towards the 21st Century, the most important element for success is education. Our work force must not only be proficient in the basic skills, but know how to better communicate and to manage information. Our youth is our foundation for the future. Responses to their needs and aspirations must be a joint responsibility shared by families, teachers, and local communities. My Government is committed to preparing young Nova Scotians for the 21st Century. My Government will be guided by the following principles in meeting the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead: My Government's new policies and programs will be aimed at improving the quality of educational programs while at the same time, seeking greater value for limited financial resources: My Government's new policies will recognize the paramount importance of the role of education in the economic growth and development of Nova Scotia; My Government's policies will recognize the necessity of adapting teacher education in order to serve changing trends and to meet future needs; My Government's policies will make the most of new technology in the delivery of educational programs within the school and in the administration of the school system: My Government will actively pursue increased federal support for educational programs, particularly French language, museum programs, institutional training programs, and post-secondary education. Excellence in teaching, excellence in curriculum, and excellence in standards must be enhanced for our children to excel and benefit from the kinds of new employment opportunities that are arising. New directions In preparing for the 21st Century, the challenges we will face in education will require change. We must never forget that it is not our future, but our children's future in the line. In order that the emphasis on standards of evaluation and achievement be increased to meet the new challenges, my Government will, in partnership with the educational community, establish new standards of achievement in oral and written language, and mathematics, and to provide for a uniform method of assessment across Nova Scotia. My Government looks forward to receiving the final report from the Advisory Committee on the Public School Program. The final report of this Committee will shortly bring forth recommendations. Government will respond appropriately. Distance education My Government will introduce legislation to establish Network Nova Scotia. Network Nova Scotia will, in cooperation with the private sector, develop and implement an organized program of distance education, through a new educational television channel and telecommunications system throughout Nova Scotia in our public schools, universities and community colleges. Computers in the classroom My Government believes that computer use in the classroom, particularly as it affects science education, is a vital new requirement in preparing for the 21st Century. My Government will invite proposals for the design and implementation of a program to enable all Nova Scotian students, grade five and up, to have access to hands-on computer education. Every child in our school system will have access to a computer. This program will be implemented during our mandate. Components of this proposal call will include: - Increasing student access to computers in classrooms; - Expanding the availability and use of computer applications, particularly in science and mathematics; - Providing data base subscriptions to give better access to science and technology information at a level appropriate for school science classes; - School library networking so as to enhance the library services across the Province; - Expanding regional computer networks for school administrations throughout the province. Student life skills My Government will develop and implement a New Life Skills Program in our public school system. The life skills program will be included in a new basic curriculum. Learning disabilities The problem of learning disabilities among our students calls for awareness and understanding on the part of all involved in the education system. My Government will therefore introduce legislation to establish an institute on learning disabilities, with responsibility to enhance the awareness and the ability of teachers to work with learning disabled children. Adopt-A-School Government will move to establish an Adope-A-School program - a business / professional cooperative partnership to include demonstrations and lectures, work experience for students and teachers and to encourage business financial support of our schools. New community college system My Government is aggressively accelerating the implementation process of the new community college system throughout Nova Scotia. The priority of my Government is the enrichment of curriculum programming and the enhancement of professional development for our teachers in our community college system. The Nova Scotia business community will become an active partner with our new community college system in providing instructors from business to serve in our college classrooms. Universities; critical for success in the 21st century My Government believes that there is an urgent need to develop improved linkages between universities, research and development institutions and industry to enhance industry utilization of Nova Scotia's extensive science and technology capability. In recognizing the important role of universities to our Province, my Government is committed to the following guiding principles: Nova Scotia's universities are vital instruments for the social and economic development of our people and our Province; There is need for a more pro-active and cooperative approach to be followed; one which respects universities' academic values and traditional university independence; Greater coordination of government and university priorities for programs and funding is needed; In implementing these guiding principles, my Government will introduce legislation that will broaden the role and mandate of the Nova Scotia Council on higher Education in the general areas of: planning, evaluation and coordination, and budgeting. Youth My Government will introduce legislation to establish a Nova Scotia Youth Secretariat that will report to our new minister responsible for youth. The Nova Scotia Youth Secretariat will have a broad mandate to coordinate government youth programs; heighten awareness of youth needs and aspirations; and recommend new ways to respond to those needs and aspirations to ensure real opportunity for young people in our society. An early task of the Secretariat will be to provide an opportunity for youth to express their concerns to government through the first Nova Scotia Youth Conference. All interested Nova Scotians will be invited to participate and express their points of view regarding youth policy. The Youth Entrepreneurial Skills Program in the Department of Small Business Development will be strengthened. N.O.V.A. (the New Opportunities and Vocational Alternatives) program in the Department of Advanced Education and Job Training will be strengthened to better meet the needs of young Nova Scotians. A Junior Achievement Scholarship of $5,000 annually for attendance at a Nova Scotia community college or university will be established in consultation with the Nova Scotia Junior Achievement organizations. A comprehensive treatment and rehabilitation program for those under 18 years of age will be implemented by the Nova Scotia Commission on Drug Dependency. Managing the people’s affairs My Government calls for all Members of this House to work together in a nonpartisan spirit to further strengthen the system of government to ensure it meets the highest possible standards. My Government has already acted by: - Strengthening our Conflict of Interest Law for Members of this House; - Amendments to the Civil Service Act to guarantee political rights to members of the public service; - Strengthening the public tendering process to include rental space requirements; - Implementing new guidelines for appointments to boards, commissions and agencies. My Government will create the office of Director of Public Prosecutions and will incorporate appropriate recommendations as to the mandate of that office from the Marshall Commission. The Director of Public Prosecutions will report annually to this House. An appropriate Committee of this House will be asked to review senior government appointments. You will be asked to widen the role of the Committee on Internal Affairs to include responsibility to develop appropriate standard of conduct for all Members of this House. A Public Ethics Council will then be appointed to administer the standards developed by the committee. My Government will develop a process to ensure fair distribution of seats in this House as we move towards the 21st Century. Building our economy An economic overview: - Nova Scotia experienced a year of solid growth in 1988; - Real domestic product grew by 3.2%, up from 2.7% in 1987; - Unemployment was at a 7-year low; - Employment was up 4.6% over 1987. The Nova Scotia economic expansion of 1988 was broadly based, with growth sectors including: - Mining resources: up 12.8%; - Forestry resources: - Pulp and paper up 11.7%; - Lumber up 13.5%; - Energy generation: up 14.8%; - Non-residential construction: up 6.5%; - Retail sales: up 7.2%. Consumer confidence remains strong. Plant modernization has been wide-spread in Nova Scotia. With modernized plants, Nova Scotian industries will be better positioned to compete in the ever more competitive global marketplace. The expanded trade environment that will result from the implementation of the Free Trade Agreement can be expected to stimulate further plant modernization as we move towards the 21st Century. White Paper update Working with Voluntary Planning through a wide, extensive and consultative process, my Government developed the White Paper on Economic Development - "Building Competitiveness - which has been very important to the success of our emerging new industries and our traditional resource industries in the 1980's. Now, through the same consultative procedures, that White Paper is being updated as we plan for the new economy of the 21st century. My Government continues its commitment to federal-provincial economic regional development agreements in key Nova Scotian industry sectors. New agreements, negotiated and signed in the fiscal year 1988-89, include: The $60 million Agri-Food Management Agreement, providing new technology utilization, enhanced resource management and development for our agricultural industry; The $200 million Halifax Harbour Cleanup Agreement. Federal-provincial agreements being negotiated in other key sectors include: - Forestry: with a focus on forestry management and development; - Minerals: focusing on resource exploration and development; - Trade and marketing: an agreement to assist Nova Scotian business in gaining access to world markets; - Energy: an agreement to support the investigation and utilisation of alternate fuel sources for heating and power generation; - Fisheries: a principal focus on the management of the resource and new technology utilization in the fishery. My Government and the industry sectors involved value these federal-provincial agreements. They are important to the people who work in these industries because they add greater value to Nova Scotia's economy. My Government welcomes the positive participation in our economy of the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency of the Government of Canada. My Government will continue to work in partnership with A.C.O.A. to provide assistance and advice for business in Nova Scotia. TECHNOLOGY FOR THE 21ST CENTURY Nova Scotia First Fund Nova Scotians are involved in many areas of advanced technology development, including: - Fibre optics - Advanced materials - Ocean industries - Micro electronics - Bio technology - Medical technology software Nova Scotians are achieving international prominence through scientific and engineering excellence. Nova Scotia has one of the higher ratios of scientists and engineers per capita in all of Canada, and we have a significant number of research institutions assisting in the research and development capabilities of Nova Scotia business. That is why my Government is establishing the Nova Scotia First Fund. Nova Scotia First Fund will be used to: - Support science and technology; - Encourage development of high-technology industries; - Adapt new technologies to existing industries; - Encourage innovation. During this term of office, my Government will establish a Technology Business Centre which will be a centre for technology institutes and an incubator for technology companies in the start-up phase. National science forum My Government recognizes the importance of science and technology to the future economic development of Nova Scotia. They are key ingredients in the changes being experienced by the global economy. We must take new initiatives to build our science culture, and we must do this in cooperation with other jurisdictions. The Premier will host the first ever National Forum of Federal and Provincial Science Councils of all provinces and the Government of Canada this year. This new initiative, proposed by Nova Scotia at the 1988 Provincial Premiers' Conference, will bring together Canada's leading science experts to help develop our Country's national technology policies and to advance coordination of federal and provincial efforts in this vital area. International trade round table It is essential that Nova Scotia build upon our traditional trading links and work together with other jurisdictions to strengthen these links and to develop new markets for our goods and services. In October of this year, Nova Scotia will host the Trade Round Table under the sponsorship of the New England Governors and Eastern Canadian Premiers Conference. This Round Table will focus on trade opportunities in the Atlantic Rim and business strategies to prepare for opportunities in Europe. Global trade – A new opportunity Slightly more than one in three Nova Scotians are dependent on trade. Therefore, it is essential that our export markets continue to grow. Economic prosperity and future job growth depend upon our Nova Scotian companies being competitive in the global markets. The Free Trade Agreement with the United States presents our Province with many opportunities and challenges, including more secure access to larger markets and greater certainty for businesses in their investment planning. The Free Trade Agreement presents us with a number of challenges. My Government, through its Free Trade Adjustment Plan, will assist Nova Scotia industry in maintaining and enhancing its competitiveness. My Government will continue its commitment to working with industry in a free trade age through a Business Futures Program of the Department of Industry, Trade and Technology. This program will provide market support for the development of trade opportunities, market planning and promotions, and new market expansion and development. My Government will implement a new trade liaison program in Canadian Embassies and Consulates around the world to promote Nova Scotian products and services. These initiatives are vitally important for Nova Scotia to become internationally competitive in the 21st Century. Small business; big business in Nova Scotia In November of 1987, my Government created the Nova Scotia Department of Small Business Development to work in partnership with small business to create jobs and expand profits. Since that time, more than 1,500 businesses have been assisted by the Department. My Government will take further steps to increase the rate of small business success. My Government, through the Small Business Development Corporation, will institute a Working Capital Loan Program to provide small business with greater access to working capital financing. This will be accomplished in partnership with our financial institutions. My Government recognizes the interest of our communities in community economic development programs. In 1989, my Government will work with communities throughout the Province to assist them in devising their community development strategy. My Government will further increase small business financing for women entrepreneurs. An Entrepreneurial Loan Program will be implemented to provide women with greater access to business financing. Building on the success of the 1988 conference for women entrepreneurs, the Department of Small Business Development will once again sponsor a women's entrepreneur conference. The Conference will encourage Nova Scotian women to invest in their potential as entrepreneurs and will recognize the success and contribution of women to business in Nova Scotia. During the current mandate of my Government, a Seniors Business Advisory Network will be created to encourage greater links between senior citizens and the business community. The new network will be designed to complement existing services by taking advantage of the wealth of experience and expertise of retired people who can provide their knowledge to help with new business entrepreneurs. OUR TRADITIONAL RESOURCE INDUSTRIES The traditional resource industries are the foundation of the Nova Scotian economy - Agriculture - Fishery - Forestry - Mining - Tourism Our traditional resource industries generate $3.5 billion in goods and services annually. As the 21st Century approaches, our natural resource industries must be prepared to take advantage of new opportunities. New technologies, marketing strategies and other contemporary economic tools must be identified and used by our traditional resource industries. Traditional resource industries, as well as emerging new industries, must ensure the preservation and enhancement of our environment. We must continue to emphasize our natural resource sector as an economic development priority to provide immediate and long-term opportunities for our people. My Government will expand the joint government, industry, university cooperative approach to areas of new market development, quality enhancement and marketing and resource-based industries. My Government will increase efforts to build increased public awareness and understanding of our natural resource industries and their contribution to our economy. Fisheries During this term of office, my Government will expand the marketing division of the Nova Scotia Department of Fisheries. In this expansion, increased emphasis will be placed on new products and the sale of Nova Scotia seafood in international markets. My Government will continue to encourage efforts to enhance the quality control in fish handling and will encourage efforts to add greater value to our processed fish products. Forestry Forestry in Nova Scotia employs 30,000 Nova Scotians and contributes $750 million annually to our economy. 1988 was a year of exceptional growth in our forestry sector. Our lumber industry grew by 13.5%, while the value of pulp and paper increased 11.7% last year. Growth in our forestry sector in the last decade is indeed significant. The lumber industry has grown by 40% since 1978, while our pulp and paper industry has grown by 135%. My Government will continue to assist in the development of new products and new markets for wood products, including the expanded use of forest biomass and harvesting technology. Agriculture The Nova Scotia agricultural industry contributes $284 million to our economy. In 1988, our agricultural sector maintained its strong performance. Farm cash receipts for 1988 are estimated at $295 million - an 89% increase in the last decade. The signing of the Agri-Food Management Agreement will ensure steps are taken to encourage new crops and crop processing technologies; to adapt technologies found elsewhere to Nova Scotian conditions; to develop additional domestic and export market opportunities for the Province's agri-food industry. Mining The mineral sector of our economy was one of the strongest growth areas in 1988 - up 13% over the previous year. The value of mineral production in Nova Scotia has grown by 108% since 1978. 1988 saw record high production values of industrial minerals such as limestone, gypsum and salt. Over 6,500 Nova Scotians are directly employed in the mining sector. My Government, during the current term of office, will strengthen coal research and development by encouraging new coal technologies that will produce a cleaner and more efficient coal product. My Government will provide marketing, productivity, financial and technology incentives for Nova Scotian mineral producers. Tourism and culture Tourism is another extraordinary growth industry in Nova Scotia, contributing approximately $800 million to the Nova Scotian economy - double the figure of 1978. Tourism is responsible for 27,000 jobs in Nova Scotia. To further enhance our tourism industry, the Annual Marketing Fund will be focused on new cooperative marketing programs encouraging the private sector role in tourism. My Government will encourage the development of regional tourism marketing strategies in the different regions of the province. My Government will encourage improved jet service between New York and Halifax, and improved air service from other strategic points in the United States and overseas. Our cultural heritage The richness and diversity of our culture is represented in Nova Scotia's music, literature, history and way of life. My Government will continue to work in consultation with artists, volunteers, cultural, craft, and community organizations to ensure an environment to support continued and expanded growth of cultural and artistic activities. A Nova Scotia Office of Family History will be established as a joint venture between the Government and the various agencies involved in genealogical research. During this mandate, my Government, working in partnership with the cultural community, will develop a new market development program for cultural industries to assist this industry in marketing. Our ethnic mosaic My Government will introduce legislation to establish a Nova Scotia Multi-Culturalism Advisory Council. The role of this Council will be to provide advice to Government with regard to the concerns and needs of the many different cultural communities in our Province. Transportation: Lifeline to the marketplace My Government is developing a strategy to ensure we have the transportation infrastructure to best meet our transportation requirements for inter-modal movement of goods and services. My Government believes that railway service is essential to Nova Scotia's economic success, and will fight to maintain existing rail links in Nova Scotia, and between our Province and other points. My Government will aggressively pursue with the Government of Canada an agreement for the four- laneing of the Trans-Canada Highway system in Nova Scotia. OPPORTUNITY FOR FAMILIES Nova Scotia home ownership savings plan My Government will introduce legislation to establish the Nova Scotia Home Ownership Savings Program, for low and middle income Nova Scotians to save for the purchase of their first home. My Government looks forward to renewed negotiations with the Government of Canada with regard to a National Coordinated Child Care Program, a proposed federal program which was not passed prior to the 1988 federal election. My Government is implementing a Pay Equity Program - an important step towards equality for Nova Scotian women. The Advisory Council on the Status of Women has been strengthened and the Women's Directorate has been established within the public service. My Government will work to strengthen the network of women's centres in the Province. The Nova Scotia Commission on Drug Dependency will continue its Women's Clinical Resource Program to provide active, specialized drug rehabilitation treatment for women. During the mandate of my Government, these specialized drug dependency services for women will be expanded throughout the Province. Opportunities for seniors The Nova Scotia Senior Citizens' Secretariat is completing its report on ageing and the community, entitled "Ageing: Independent Living." This important strategic document for seniors' policies for the 21st Century has been developed through consultation with seniors' organizations, municipalities and volunteers throughout the Province. My Government, in cooperation and consultation with seniors' organizations, communities and volunteers, will continue to develop the Home Care Program. Our communities and their dedicated volunteers will ensure the scope and delivery of the Home Care Program. A 21st century strategy for volunteers My Government believes volunteers must have a growing role in ensuring an improved lifestyle for our people as we move towards the 21st Century. We must prepare a new strategy for volunteers and for the volunteer movement as we approach the year 2000. Volunteers 2000 : My Government will be convening an important province-wide conference on volunteerism, entitled "Volunteer 2000". Volunteer 2000 Conference will bring together people from all fields of volunteer activity, business people and government to devise a realistic, strategic action plan for the future of Nova Scotia's volunteer movement. Health and fitness wellness My Government continues its commitment to ensure that our health delivery system, one of the best in Canada, is protected. The delivery of quality health service is costly to all citizens of our Province. In 1978-79, $355 million was spent on health care for Nova Scotians. In 1989-90, that figure will be in excess of $1 billion. The cost of health care is increasing dramatically. To ensure the integrity of the health care system, value for money in health care, my Government appointed the Royal Commission on Health Costs. The Royal Commission will report to Government later this year with its recommendations. My Government will listen to the recommendations and respond appropriately. Fitness All Nova Scotians must take steps in their own lives to reduce the cost of health care. Quite simply, healthier people need lesser amounts of care and treatment through our health system. My Government believes it is essential that Nova Scotians improve their lifestyles in order to live healthy, meaningful lives. Canada and Nova Scotia Nova Scotia will continue to work in partnership with the Government of Canada and the governments of the other provinces in building a stronger country. As one of the four founding provinces of Canada, Nova Scotia is dedicated to preserving and building upon Canadian nationhood. To ensure Canadian success in the years ahead, it is essential that all partners in the Canadian federation participate fully and equitably in the development of our Country. My Government is supporting the Meech Lake Accord because it ensures fair treatment to all provinces and regions of Canada, a condition necessary for Canadian success heading into the 21st Century. Conclusion In conclusion, our Government reaffirms its dedication to working with Nova Scotians to ensure a better, more prosperous, cleaner Nova Scotia as we move towards the 21st Century. Important and innovative legislative measures will be placed before you for your consideration. The public accounts for the year ended 1988 will be presented for your consideration as will the estimates for the fiscal year to begin April 1, 1989. To these and all other matters that come before you, I ask your most careful attention, praying that sound judgement and Divine Providence may guide you in all your deliberations and decisions. God Save The Queen; God Bless Nova Scotia; God Bless Canada.