Province Législature Session Type de discours Date du discours Locuteur Fonction du locuteur Parti politique Nouvelle-Écosse 50e 4e Discours du Trône 25 Janvier 1973 Victor de B. Oland Lieutenant-gouverneur LIB Nova Scotia: Speech from the Throne, Fourth Session of the 50th General Assembly, January 25th, 1973 I am pleased to welcome you to this the Fourth Session of the 50th General Assembly of the Province of Nova Scotia. I extend my very best wishes to each of you. I am certain that all Members of the House share my pleasure at the excellent restoration which has taken place during the past year in this historic building. The work which has been done, particularly in the Red Room, has restored the beauty and dignity which so rightfully belongs to such an historic chamber. All Nova Scotians are proud of their heritage and are pleased to see these efforts being made to preserve our historic past. It is fitting that we should note, at this time, that 1973 marks the 100th Anniversary of the death of one of my predecessors and one of the greatest Nova Scotians ever to sit as a Member of this historic legislature. It was on June 1, 1873, that the Honourable Joseph Howe passed away leaving Nova Scotia and Canada a priceless legacy. It was through the efforts of Joseph Howe that responsible government was first established in the British Empire overseas. It was Joseph Howe who, in this very building, fought the legal battle that established freedom of the press in Nova Scotia and Canada. In order to give proper recognition to the achievements of this great Nova Scotian, my Government is planning to participate in celebrations commemorating this event. My Government is concerned not only with preserving our rich heritage but also with developing social and economic policies which will enable all Nova Scotians to enjoy a reasonable standard of living in a clean, unpolluted environment. To achieve these goals, my Government realizes that policies must be followed which will capitalize on our natural resources and maximize our geographic assets. In particular, these policies must attack the fundamental problem of unemployment. The cost of unemployment in social as well as economic terms is prohibitive. For this reason, my Government has devoted a major part of its efforts during the past year to the creation of new job opportunities for Nova Scotians. I am pleased to report that in the two years since my Government has been in office, Industrial Estates Limited has assisted Nova Scotian industries in the direct creation of nearly 3,000 jobs, for an average of 1,500 jobs per year. Moreover for each job directly created by I.E.L. an additional 2.5 jobs are indirectly created in related industries and in the service industry sector of the economy, thus bringing to 10,500 the number of jobs created in Nova Scotia through the activities of I.E.L. during the last two years. Also, projects already approved by I.E.L. but not yet in operation are expected to create another 3,000 jobs. In addition, during the first six months of fiscal 1972, 850 jobs were created or maintained through the activity of the Nova Scotia Resources Development Board. In addition, the new Department of Development has been involved in the attraction of other industries not requiring direct Government funding. It is significant that none of the industries which have been assisted by the Department of Development or I.E.L. have received grants from my Government. My Government is now implementing a winter works program which will create much employment during the current winter. The projects being undertaken in this program will provide many useful benefits to all Nova Scotians. Further increases in employment opportunities, particularly in the Halifax-Dartmouth area, are expected to result from the $20 million agreement to establish Metropolitan Area Growth Investments Limited which my Government recently signed with the Federal Department of Regional Economic Expansion. This corporation is expected to generate significant economic activity in the metropolitan area. Economic growth in Nova Scotia during the past year is partially reflected by the load growth within the electric utility industry. During the past year, the overall increase in demand from customers of the Nova Scotia Power Commission and its subsidiaries was in excess of 8%. This trend is expected to continue during the coming year. In order to keep abreast of the accelerated economic activities and industrial expansion within the Province, the Nova Scotia Power Commission continued to increase its generating capacity. Construction on the 150-megawatt addition to the Point Tupper plant is on schedule and the unit is expected to be on line in late 1973. My government notes with pleasure the progress which has been made in the modernization of the Sydney Steel Mill. The completion of the modernization program will greatly increase the efficiency and competitive position of the Sydney Steel Corporation and enhance the security and viability of this industry which provides employment for thousands of people living in industrial Cape Breton. My Government notes efforts being made by the Sydney Steel Corporation to achieve environmental cleanup at its plant. My Government anticipates continuing improvements in industrial relations being made at the Sydney Steel Corporation. During the late 1960's, labour-management disputes threatened to destroy the potential for industrial development in Nova Scotia. However, shortly after assuming office, my Government introduced amendments to the Trade Union Act to provide for speedy settlement of disputes in the construction industry during the life of a collective agreement. These amendments have proved to be extremely effective. This is illustrated by the fact that in 20 months following January 1, 1971, only 1,576 man- days were lost due to illegal strikes. This is more than a 98% decrease in the number of man days lost due to illegal strikes during the 18 month period preceding the enactment of the legislation. My government is particularly pleased at indications that Nova Scotia will continue to enjoy a prolonged period of industrial peace. My government is most encouraged by the three-year agreements between the Cape Breton Contractors Association and the construction trade which have recently been negotiated on a multi-trade basis. This augurs well for stability in labour-management relations during the coming period of increased economic activity in Cape Breton. Further progress in the labour relations field is indicated by the fact that the Labour Standards Code, enacted at the last session of the Legislative Assembly, has been proclaimed to come into force on February first. After representations from interested parties were heard by the Minister of Labour, regulations were made and approved by the Governor-in-Council to become effective on the same date. A Labour Standards tribunal to enforce the legislation will be appointed in the near future. While encouraging industrial firms to locate in Nova Scotia, my Government believes that its greatest economic development efforts should be aimed at those industries and segments of our economy which can make use of Nova Scotia's abundant natural resources. To this end, my Government announced during the past year the establishment of a $223 million refinery on the Mulgrave side of the Strait of Canso. This refinery is to be located in Nova Scotia primarily because it will have access to the very valuable natural resource offered by the deep-water port at the Strait of Canso. In order to ensure that all Nova Scotians benefit from this resource, a Provincial Crown Corporation will be established to own and operate a multi-user dock at the Strait of Canso. In addition to serving the new refinery, it is anticipated that this dock will be a prime factor in attracting other industries to the Strait area. In order to ensure that a comprehensive approach is taken to the development of the Strait of Canso area, my Government has appointed an Area Development Coordinator. This Coordinator will work closely with the Strait of Canso Steering Committee, and its task forces, to ensure the best possible combination of local and Provincial Government efforts for development of the Strait of Canso area. In addition to the Province benefiting from the use of super tankers, other developments in ocean shipping have also led to increased economic activity in Nova Scotia. The Halifax container facility, Halterm, in which the Province has a significant interest, through the participation of Halicon, has handled a record number of containers in 1972. The rate of development of container traffic through the Port of Halifax has made consideration of a new container facility essential. My Government is currently coordinating the varied interests in the port and believes a decision on expanded container facilities can be reached in the near future. Just as ocean shipping has undergone major changes in recent years, so has another of Nova Scotia's ocean based industries, the fishing industry. While it is highly regrettable that a decreasing source of supply has created serious problems for some parts of the industry, the markets for fishery products remain strong and it is likely that once again the value of fish landed during the year will exceed all previous annual totals. It is sobering to realize, however, that these successively higher values have been achieved against a background of growing scarcities of marketable fish available to our inshore and offshore fishing fleets. Consequently, my Government will press for national and international action to reduce the heavy fishing by foreign fleets off our shores. In particular, my Government will ask the Government of Canada to press at the forthcoming international conference on the Law of the Sea for an international agreement giving nations increased jurisdiction over the sea out to the edge of their adjacent Continental Shelves. At the same time, recognizing that the trends of prices and supplies are acting to improve the economics of aquaculture and inshore fishing, my Government will take steps to ensure that opportunities in these segments of the industry will not be neglected. To this end, my Government will be developing policies which will ensure the continued growth and prosperity not only of our major fishing fleets, but of our inshore fishery as well. You will be asked to consider a measure which will establish a Fisheries Advisory Council. This Council will consist of representatives of all segments of the fishing industry, including both large and small fish plant operators, and fishermen who work both on trawlers and in the inshore fishery. The advice of those people who are directly involved in this, our most labour intensive industry, will be sought by my Government as it develops policies for the continued prosperity of the fishing industry. Other ocean based industries which have seen substantial growth during the past year are industries related to the exploration for oil and natural gas on Sable Island and the Scotian Shelf- While commercial production has not yet been started, considerable economic benefits have already been derived from this exploration activity. During the past year, a new contract worth $25 million was awarded to the Halifax Shipyards for the construction of an offshore oil-drilling rig. This brings to five the total number of rigs built, under construction, or on order at the Halifax Shipyards at a total cost of nearly $100 million. Further jobs have been created through the economic activity required to supply drilling rigs and their crews with various types of supplies and equipment. Increased development in this sphere is expected during the coming year, as the oil industry has indicated that during 1973 it will spend approximately $50 million in exploration off the Nova Scotian coast. Direct and indirect employment brought about by this exploration activity has generated over 3,600 jobs. During the past year my Government has played an active role in working with the other Eastern Provinces of Canada in seeking to negotiate with the Federal Government details of jurisdiction relating to the development of oil and gas off the Canadian east coast. In order to be acceptable to my Government any settlement will have to ensure that Nova Scotia achieves maximum economic benefits from the production of commercial quantities of oil and gas on Sable Island and the Scotian Shelf. My Government is encouraged by the investment by private industry of more than $1 million in a petroleum-drilling program in Cumberland County. My Government is pleased that the Cape Breton Development Corporation has opened a new mine at Lingan. This mine should ensure continuing employment for a large number of Cape Breton coal miners for years to come. During the past year, the agricultural industry continued to grow in importance to the Provincial economy. My Government believes that increased emphasis must be placed on this industry. Consequently, we will implement a small farms development program in cooperation with the Federal Government. You will be asked to provide funds for the promotion of the sheep industry by way of assistance for fencing. To assist beef and dairy breeders and farmers you will be asked to provide additional financial assistance to Nova Scotia Animal Breeders' Co-op to assist them to upgrade the quality of sires being used in artificial insemination. You will be asked to expand capital grants to provide assistance for grain storage and drying facilities for Nova Scotia farmers. My Government will initiate a study into the availability of suitable farm machinery, and service for parts and repairs throughout the Province. My Government will study the present forms of farm property taxation with a view to implementing changes which will ensure the continuing prosperity of this essential industry. The Department of Agriculture will expand its applied research program at the Nova Scotia Agricultural College and within the Department generally. Because my Government recognizes the very worthwhile work carried on throughout rural Nova Scotia by the Women's Institutes, in the Department of Agriculture's estimates for the next fiscal year, you will be asked to provide additional financial assistance to the Women's Institutes to enable them to expand their work. The use of our land has become a subject of major concern to many Nova Scotians. You will be asked to consider legislation which will require that before a non-resident can acquire land in Nova Scotia, the purchase of this land must be approved by a Land Review Board. This legislation will be designed as an interim measure to ensure that the Government of Nova Scotia has the opportunity to purchase prime recreational land. During the past two years, my Government has undertaken an active program of protecting beaches and purchasing prime recreational land. Since November 1970, my Government has designated 22 beaches, bringing the total number of protected beaches in the Province to 36. This program will be continued with even greater vigor in the coming year. My Government will undertake a program of improving Provincial beaches and the construction of changing rooms and other facilities. Measures will also be introduced to establish a Provincial non-resident land transfer tax to help support the operation and acquisition of recreational land by the Provincial Government. My Government noted with pleasure the recent announcement by the Government of Canada to accept the suggestion of the Government of Nova Scotia to convene a Federal-Provincial conference on the subject of non-resident land ownership in Canada. In order to develop permanent legislative proposals with regard to the problem of non-resident land ownership, you will be asked to strike a select committee of the House to consider the matter thoroughly and report back to the House as soon as possible. In addition to the measures being taken to restrict the ownership of prime recreational land by non- residents, my Government is developing a program for utilizing Crown lands for camp use by Nova Scotians. During 1972, Nova Scotia enjoyed a large increase in tourist traffic and further increases are anticipated for the current Year. On January I of this year, Nova Scotia's name went into millions of households throughout the world as, for the second year in a row, our float in the Rose Bowl Parade won a major award. This float is a very good investment of Government funds as it is an extremely effective advertising promotion at limited cost in comparison with other advertising alternatives available to the Department of Tourism. In the coming year, my Government intends to continue to promote the lucrative and labour intensive tourist industry. While my Government wants prime recreational land to be accessible to all Nova Scotians, it also recognizes that the rights of an individual owning land in Nova Scotia must be protected. Consequently, a new Expropriation Act, based on the concept that when a man's home is expropriated he is entitled to sufficient compensation to enable him to acquire a comparable home elsewhere, will be placed before you. Our environment is another basic natural resource which must be preserved for future generations. You will be asked to consider amendments to the Environmental Protection Act. The creation of the Department of the Environment will enable the Government to play a very active role in cleaning up our environment and eliminating future sources of pollution. Recognizing the importance of public involvement in the determination of environmental policy, you will be asked to approve the establishment of an Environmental Control Council which will advise the Government on environmental problems and recommend policies for alleviating these problems. During the past year, my Government took a significant step towards eliminating a major source of pollution by banning the use of herbicides by all Provincial Government departments, agencies and Crown Corporations. This action was taken with the simultaneous commitment to investigate the implications of the use of herbicides both with respect to the protection of the environment and the economic penalties or advantages of the use of herbicides. This study will be carried out by the Nova Scotia Research Foundation and will be completed by September of this year. My Government recognizes that changing employment patterns have resulted in our citizens having substantially more time available for leisure and recreation than has been the case in the past. In order to ensure that my Government plays an effective role in the establishment of leisure time programs and facilities, you will be asked to consider legislation establishing a Department of Recreation. The basic objective of the department will be to maximize the use of existing human, physical and capital resources and introduce new recreational services which will enrich the lives of Nova Scotians of all ages. This department will not only be involved in administering my Government's ongoing policy of capital grants for the development of new recreational facilities, but will also institute leadership training programs for community recreation leaders. A main aim of the Department of Recreation will be to encourage a shift in emphasis from spectator sports to active participation in sports and recreational activities of all kinds for all age groups. The Department will cooperate with the Government of Canada in developments under the newly announced program of Byways and Special Places. The Department of Recreation will introduce a lifeguard program, in cooperation with the Nova Scotia Division of the Canadian Red Cross Society, to increase the safety of swimmers at beaches, both within Provincial parks and selected beaches elsewhere in the Province. This program reflects the increasing concern which my Government has for the safety of all Nova Scotians and tourists using the beaches in Canada's Ocean Playground. A measure will be placed before you to establish a Provincial Boxing Commission. This Commission will be charged with the supervision and control of amateur boxing in the Province, as well as supervising professional boxing. My Government believes that the views of all Nova Scotians should be considered when academic programs, particularly in the area of the humanities, are being planned for our elementary schools. Towards this end, the structure of several of the elementary curriculum committees of the Department of Education is being changed to include representatives of minority groups in Nova Scotia. Effective January 1 of this year it became mandatory for local school authorities to provide for the education of physically and mentally handicapped children. My Government will request the means to provide additional ancillary and consultative services to assist school boards to assume this responsibility. Departmental examinations at the Grade 12 level will no longer be offered. It continues to be advisable, however, to provide a means of determining to what degree educational goals are being realized by our students. A testing program has therefore been established for all students completing secondary school, designed to assess their total school experience in the humanities, natural sciences, mathematics and social sciences. My Government believes that the basic right of privacy of an individual must be protected. To this end, legislation to enact a Consumer Reporting Act will be placed before you to guarantee an individual the right to obtain a copy of any credit report made on him and the right to correct any false information contained in the report. My Government recognizes the importance of providing increased services to help all Nova Scotians enjoy a reasonable standard of living. To this end, during the past year the Nova Scotia Housing Commission began work on 2,150 housing units of which 724 are either completed or under construction. During the past two years, 1,218 units have been constructed by the Nova Scotia Housing Commission. This is an increase of over 250 per cent from the comparable figure of 489 during the two-year period 1969 and 1970. In addition to work in the public housing field, during the past year, the Nova Scotia Housing Commission serviced approximately 1,000 lots and approximately 800 co-op housing units were started. My Government believes that even greater efforts must be made to improve the quality of housing available to our citizens. Legislation will be placed before you to establish pilot rehabilitation program for residential units. My Government is pleased to report that the policy of rebating to the homeowner Provincial sales taxes paid on building materials used in the construction of a new home has been very successful. To date over 6,200 Nova Scotians have received rebates from the Government. Health care is also a matter of considerable concern to all Nova Scotians. During the coming year, the Department of Public Health, based on recommendations of the Nova Scotia Council of Health, will initiate the development of an integrated system for the delivery of health care in the Province. This action will include, on a pilot project basis, the development of a regional approach to the delivery of total health care. In addition, you will be asked to consider a measure to merge the Medical Care Insurance Commission and the Hospital Insurance Commission into a single health commission. Considerable efficiencies in health care delivery are expected to result from the creation of a single commission which deals with both hospitals and doctors. A dental care program will be placed before you for your consideration. My Government, with the approval of the House, proposes to institute this program in order to improve the dental health of our citizens. Measures to be placed before you include legislation related to dental auxiliaries, including denturists. My Government recognizes the increasing social problems being caused by the misuse of drugs. To combat these problems, my Government will continue its efforts in the field of drug dependency by expanding its program through the Commission on Drug Dependency to include demonstration pilot projects, special treatment and rehabilitation centres, as well as the development of a major program in public education. During the past year my Government was represented at a number of meetings of the Council of Maritime Premiers. As a result of meetings of the Council, significant steps have been taken to increase cooperation among the three Maritime Provinces. The most notable achievement of the Council to date has been the establishment of the Maritime Resource Management Service at Amherst. This establishment, financed jointly by the Provincial Governments of the three Maritime Provinces and the Government of Canada, will provide a very valuable service to the people of the Maritimes. My Government believes that further steps towards increased cooperation between the three Maritime Provinces can be achieved without, in any way, infringing on the independence and autonomy of this Province or the right of this legislature to determine how funds collected from Nova Scotia taxpayers are spent. My Government recognizes the importance of adequate higher educational opportunities being available to our young people to prepare them for the challenging careers of the future. My Government also recognizes that these educational opportunities must be made available at reasonable cost to the taxpayers of this Province. Consequently, you will be asked to consider legislation providing for the establishment of the Maritime Provinces Higher Education Commission. In order to further help young Nova Scotians prepare for the future, my Government will be undertaking an inquiry which will develop a detailed forecast of Nova Scotia's manpower skill requirements for the 1980's. We wish to ensure that during the next decade the Province will develop a labour force with the skills that will be required to support Nova Scotian industry in the last quarter of this century. Increased service must be provided to those who use the Province's system of trunk highways and secondary roads. Moreover an adequate highway system is essential for the economic growth and stability of this Province. Consequently, major improvements have been made during the past year to the arterial highway network in the Province, with particular emphasis on Highways 101, 102, 103 and 118. My Government plans to continue this improvement program in 1973. Of particular significance is the fact that the first section of four-lane divided highway was opened late last year along Highway 10 between Lake Thomas and Enfield. Increased emphasis will be placed on highway construction in Western Nova Scotia. My Government also believes that greater emphasis must be placed on secondary roads. During the coming year, this increase in emphasis will be reflected in a substantial program to improve many of these highways. You will be asked to consider amendments to the Motor Vehicle Act. My Government has been informed that the Royal Commission on Automobile Insurance has nearly completed its work and that a report will be forthcoming shortly. A measure will be placed before you to establish a Nova Scotia Police Commission. The aim of this measure is to improve the quality of police services throughout the Province by establishing standards for individuals serving as policemen in Nova Scotia. During the past year, the Department of Public Works undertook a significant number of projects. Of particular note is that planning and property acquisition has commenced for new Provincial Government office facilities in Halifax. In addition, new Provincial Government office facilities will be constructed in Yarmouth. Planning is underway for new and larger facilities for the Nova Scotia Land Survey Institute. During 1973 construction will commence on a new Adult Training Centre in Sydney. National exhibit centres will be constructed in Sherbrooke and at the McCulloch House in Pictou as joint projects with the Federal Government. My Government will introduce legislation to change the name of the Department of Public Welfare to the Department of Social Services. It is felt that the Department's proposed name will more adequately reflect the scope of the Department's work. A number of amendments will be proposed to the Department's legislation to increase the efficiency and adequacy of the services provided. We also propose to increase the efficiency of the Provincial Social Assistance Program by strengthening administrative procedures in order to prevent abuses. This will ensure that benefits will be made available to those most in need. My Government recognizes that families where the breadwinner is dead, disabled, or absent from the home and persons who are disabled should be provided with a more adequate Assistance Program. My government proposes, therefore, to increase Provincial Social Assistance benefits to such persons. A facility for teenage boys with behaviour and adjustment problems will begin operation at New Waterford in 1973. In addition, the program started last year to provide new dormitory facilities for mentally retarded children at the Nova Scotia Youth Training Centre will be continued. My Government acknowledges achievements of Government Departments. However, my Government believes that other efficiencies can be introduced which will improve Government productivity without increasing the cost of Government operations. In order to determine what steps should be taken to streamline Provincial Government operations, a study on management and productivity in Government will be established. A group composed of senior Civil Servants and leading Nova Scotians, will inquire into all matters pertaining to the management of the Government of Nova Scotia and will recommend to the Executive Council measures for improving the efficiency and effectiveness of the Provincial Government. The 1972 annual report of the Voluntary Planning Board will be placed before you. The 1972 annual report of the Ombudsman will be placed before you. Legislation will be introduced to amend the Provincial Finance Act so as to clearly define the duties and responsibilities of the Treasury Board. You will also be asked to consider a measure giving the Auditor General the right to audit Crown Corporations as well as Provincial Government departments. A measure will be introduced aimed at improving staff relations and bargaining procedures for Provincial Public Servants. Regulations will be tabled giving further relief to citizens on Provincial taxes paid on the purchase of children's clothing. A measure will be placed before you to assist senior citizens with limited incomes. This measure will be designed to alleviate hardship caused by the increasing cost of living, particularly the increase due to higher rents and property taxes. The public accounts of the Province for the fiscal year ended March 31, 1972, will be presented for your consideration. An interim statement of the revenues and expenditures for the current fiscal year as now estimated will be placed before you. Estimates for the next fiscal year to begin on April 1, 1973, will be presented to you for your consideration. To these and all of the matters which may come before you, I ask your most careful attention, praying that Divine providence may guide you in all your deliberations and decisions.