Legislature Delivers Consumer Protection, Choice on Sunday Shopping

PREMIER'S OFFICE--Legislature Delivers Consumer Protection, Choice on Sunday Shopping

Nova Scotia drivers and workers are the big winners from this fall's sitting of the legislature.

The House of Assembly concluded today, Oct. 30, having passed eight new bills into law, including legislation to lower car insurance premiums and hold a provincewide vote on Sunday shopping.

"After the election, we told Nova Scotians we would work with all members of the legislature to make minority government work for the people," said Premier John Hamm. "This fall, all parties have shown that, when we co-operate, we can make good things happen for the people of Nova Scotia."

The premier noted that new laws passed during the session follow through on several commitments made this past summer, including:

• lowering auto insurance rates by 20 per cent and establishing a new insurance watchdog to oversee companies;
• giving Nova Scotians the right to decide Sunday shopping with a provincewide plebiscite in October 2004, following a pre- Christmas 2003 trial period, in concert with strong provisions for worker and small business protection;
• providing eight weeks of leave to employees who wish to provide palliative care to a parent, child or spouse, without fear of losing their jobs;
• eliminating mandatory retirement within the Nova Scotia public service; and
• strengthening protection for volunteers against legal costs resulting from unsuccessful lawsuits.

Legislation was also introduced dealing with the Workers Compensation Act, the Occupational Health and Safety Act, the Health Protection Act and the Assessment Act. "It's important to gather more views from Nova Scotians on these proposed new laws before we move forward as a government," said Premier Hamm.

The premier added his praise for the extraordinary action taken by so many, under the leadership of the Emergency Measures Organization and its partners, during the aftermath of Hurricane Juan.

"The hurricane came at the onset of the House session and was a constant reminder to all members that the spirit of ordinary Nova Scotians is so strong that it allows us to accomplish extraordinary things in extraordinary circumstances," said Premier Hamm.

The premier also thanked all of those agencies and individuals who have looked after their Nova Scotia neighbours during the power outages and with the clean up of the hurricane. This fall, the Department of Community Services received an award from the Nova Scotia Community Advocates Network for its fast response to the needs of low-income Nova Scotians in the wake of the hurricane.

The following is a list of government bills passed this fall:

Bill 1 Automobile Insurance Reform Act Bill 2 Retail Business Uniform Closing Day Act (amended) and
Labour Standards Code Act (amended) Bill 6 Public Service Superannuation Act (amended) Bill 7 Labour Standards Code Act (amended) and Vital Statistics
Act (amended) Bill 8 Volunteer Protection Act (amended) Bill 10 Municipal Elections Act (amended) Bill 11 Collection Agencies Act (amended) Bill 15 Court Jurisdictions and Proceedings Transfer Act
(amended)