Unity Committee Extends Public Hearings

The province's Select Committee on National Unity has extended its schedule of public hearings after receiving an overflowing number of requests from Nova Scotians.

The committee has decided to add a hearing date -- Wednesday, Jan. 21, in Halifax -- to accommodate those who have asked to speak before committee members.

"When we began this process, we urged Nova Scotians to take the opportunity to speak up on this important issue -- and they have," said committee chair Eleanor Norrie. "The response from Nova Scotians has been tremendous. The members of the committee haven't been surprised, but we have found it very heartening.

"We've decided to hold an extra hearing to ensure that every person who wishes to make a presentation in person is given the time to do so."

The all-party committee is specifically interested in what Nova Scotians think of the Calgary Declaration and a subsequent framework for discussion presented by national aboriginal organizations. It wants to know whether the documents present a vision of Canada that, overall, Nova Scotians can support.

In the past month, committee members have listened to the views of Nova Scotians in Halifax, Sydney, Port Hawkesbury, Truro, Kentville, Church Point and Yarmouth. The meetings have drawn 50 to 100 people each evening.

To date, 74 presentations have been made at seven public hearings. Thirty-four are so far scheduled for the remaining three hearings, including Bridgewater tonight. As well, more than 125 submissions have been made on a toll-free phone line and by fax, e-mail and regular post.

"Presenters have voiced their determination to keep this country together," said Mrs. Norrie. "These opinions will be reflected in our report to the House of Assembly."

Mrs. Norrie is joined on the all-party committee by MLAs Bob Carruthers (committee vice-chair), Paul MacEwan, Ron Russell, Ernie Fage and John Holm. Lila O'Connor is an alternate member.

The remaining public hearings will now be in:

BRIDGEWATER -- Thursday, Jan. 15, Wandlyn Inn, 50 North St.

DARTMOUTH -- Tuesday, Jan. 20, Holiday Inn Harbourview, 99 Wyse Rd.

HALIFAX -- Wednesday, Jan. 21, Red Chamber, Province House

Hearings are scheduled for 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. Simultaneous translation will be available at all locations.

Those wishing to appear before the committee are asked to notify it in advance by e-mailing [email protected] or phoning 1-888-38-UNITY (1-888-388-6489). However, last-minute submissions likely can be accommodated the evening of a hearing.

Nova Scotians may also make submissions to the committee toll-free at 1-888-38-UNITY (1-888-388-6489). Comments phoned in will be summarized in writing for the committee.

In addition, views may be submitted:

• by fax: 1-902-424-0513
• by e-mail: [email protected]
• via the Internet: http://www.gov.ns.ca/legi/unite
• by post to:
  Select Committee on National Unity
  c/o Legislature Committees Office
  3rd Floor, Dennis Building
  1740 Granville St.
  P.O. Box 2530, Station M
  Halifax, N.S. B3J 3N5

Submissions should be filed by Friday, Jan. 23. The committee is to report to the House of Assembly by Monday, Feb. 16.

NOTE TO EDITORS: The text of the Calgary Declaration and the aboriginal framework is on the committee's Internet site, www.gov.ns.ca/legi/unite Copies are also available by e-mailing <[email protected].>