Fall Session Delivers Better Health, Safety and Government Services

Legislation passed this fall will help improve the health and safety of Nova Scotians, as well as government services.

The House of Assembly concluded today, Oct. 18, after passing 17 government bills and six opposition bills into law, thanks to co-operative efforts from all parties.

"There are no guarantees with minority government, but cooperation from all sides helped ensure that positive new initiatives for Nova Scotians were approved by the legislature," said Premier John Hamm. "Last month, I said we would bring in 12 government bills. By working together with all members of the legislative assembly, our government exceeded that goal and delivered a higher number of new laws that will help the people of Nova Scotia. We also worked with all parties to pass good legislation that came forward from the opposition."

A new Prescription Monitoring Act was passed to allow the prescription monitoring program to share patient information with health-care providers and, when necessary, the police. It also enshrines a clear legislative mandate for the program for the first time in more than a decade. The act also provides government with the authority to establish a computerized information system to enhance the program's effectiveness.

"This bill gives Nova Scotia a prescription monitoring program for the 21st century, supporting the good work of countless health-care professionals," said the premier.

Legislation was also passed to strengthen the Motor Vehicle Act, to improve highway safety and promote public transit. Meanwhile, a new Police Act was approved to deliver safer streets and communities through better community governance and clarified roles and responsibilities. Amendments to the Maintenance Enforcement Act will provide more tools to help spouses and children who are owed support payments.

"When measures are identified to protect the public or help children and families, our government is prepared to act," added Premier Hamm.

For the first time in Nova Scotia history, a bill was passed to deliver French-language services at the provincial level.

"On the 400th anniversary of the founding of l’Acadie and after the very successful Congrès mondial acadien 2004, it was a pleasure to bring forward the French-language Services Act," the premier said. "This bill sets the stage for our Acadian and Francophone communities to have their needs addressed in government programs, policies and services."

The premier noted that he was equally proud to have legislation passed which formally establishes the Office of African Nova Scotian Affairs.

Among the other government bills passed into law this fall are:

• legislation setting the formula to determine the municipal taxation of natural gas distribution systems, based on revenues rather than property assessment;
• amendments to the Agriculture Administration Act to help reduce red tape and provide more flexibility for agriculture organizations;
• amendments to the Electricity Act to increase the availability of renewable energy sources;
• amendments to the House of Assembly Act to cancel this year's commission of inquiry into remuneration for members of the legislative assembly and, instead, order a salary increase for members on par with Nova Scotia's civil service.

The government also supported legislation from both opposition parties to establish new rules on child booster seats, discourage alcohol consumption during pregnancy, enhance safety measures at amusement parks and provide legislative committees with the power to subpoena federal officials as witnesses.

"Nova Scotians elected us to work together for a better province," said Premier Hamm. "It's clear that as long as we co-operate, we can deliver good government to the people of Nova Scotia. Three consecutive sittings of the legislature without an election being forced is a new, modern-day record and shows that minority government can work."

The premier also praised the service of interim Liberal leader Wayne Gaudet who has served as party leader for the second time until a permanent successor is chosen this weekend.

Note: The following is a complete list of government legislation passed in the Nova Scotia House of Assembly this fall.

Bill 87: Electricity Act Bill 90: Highway 104 Western Alignment Act (amended) Bill 92: Motor Vehicle Act (amended) Bill 93: Gas Distribution System Municipal Taxation Act Bill 95: Land Registration Act (amended) Bill 98: Municipal Government Act (amended) Bill 99: Vital Statistics Act (amended) Bill 101: Public Service Act (amended) [Office of African Nova Scotian Affairs] Bill 102: Maintenance Enforcement Act (amended) Bill 103: Regulations Act (amended) Bill 107: Prescription Monitoring Act Bill 111: French-language Services Act - Loi sur les services en français Bill 115: Maritime Provinces Higher Education Commission Act Bill 119: Agriculture Administration Amendment (2004) Act Bill 130: Legal Profession Act Bill 131: Police Act Bill 135: House of Assembly Act (amended)

The following is a complete list of opposition legislation passed in the Nova Scotia House of Assembly this fall.

Bill 84: Motor Vehicle Act (amended)
Bill 96: House of Assembly Act (amended)
Bill 110: Protection of Persons in Care Act
Bill 116: Liquor Control Act (amended)
Bill 121: Motor Vehicle Act (amended)
Bill 132: Amusement Safety Devices Act (amended)