Province
Législature
Session
Type de discours
Date du discours
Locuteur
Fonction du locuteur
Parti politique
Nouvelle-Écosse
52e
3e
Discours du Trône
19 Février 1981
John E. Shaffner
Lieutenant-gouverneur
PC
Nova Scotia: Speech from the Throne, Third Session of the 52nd General Assembly, February
19th, 1981
I welcome you in our Sovereign's name to this opening of the Third Session of the Fifty-second
General Assembly of the Province of Nova Scotia.
On your behalf I welcome the new Member for Cape Breton East who is seated in the Legislature for
the first time today and wish him well.
I need not remind any of you of the serious responsibilities you have been given by your constituents
and, collectively by the People of Nova Scotia.
I am confident that in the performance of your duties each of you will exercise your best efforts to
achieve those goals which are to the lasting benefit of present and future generations of Nova Scotians.
Since I last spoke to you, we were saddened by the death of the Right Honourable Jules Leger, the
former Governor General of Canada. In spite of his serious illness, he carried out the duties of that
Office with distinction, showing compassion, wisdom and understanding.
During the past year, the death of the Honourable Harold Connolly, Senator and former Premier of
Nova Scotia, saddened each of us. The Honourable Harold Connolly was a renowned orator whose
contributions to this Legislature will long be remembered. His wisdom and counsel will be missed by
all those who knew him.
My Government is deeply concerned with the poor economic performance of Canada, and the negative
effect this is having on the economy of Nova Scotia. The major problems in Canada continue to be
unacceptable levels of inflation and unemployment, the fear of further loss of jobs, high interest rates,
and no growth in real terms in the gross national product. The energy issues of supply, pricing and
jurisdiction remain unresolved. These real problems facing Canadians unfortunately are being obscured
by the constitutional debate.
My Government continues to be gravely concerned over the Constitutional deadlock. My Government
has urged that patriation of our Constitution proceed with an amending formula, and that subsequent
amendments be legislated in Canada. My Government will continue its efforts to bring all
Governments back to the conference table.
Despite the difficulties confronting the Nation, my Government firmly believes Canada is the most
fortunate of Nations and moving into the decade ahead, should face only the challenge of opportunity.
My Government accepts that challenge.
My Government continues to recognize the necessity of effectively delivering required services to our
citizens. To this end, since my Government has taken office, a program of consolidation and
reorganization of Government functions has been undertaken.
My Government believes this program is producing significant and lasting benefits in the overall
operation of Government.
My Government has instituted policies and programs which have had a positive effect on the economic
and social fabric of our Province. My Government, while not satisfied with the rate of growth of the
Nova Scotia economy, is pleased to note the Conference Board in Canada has reported that Nova
Scotia did very well economically in 1980, as compared generally with Canada, and specifically with
the other Atlantic Provinces. The provincial economy has established a secure base from which further
expansion can occur.
The suggestions emanating from the Federal Government that it intends unilaterally to reduce the
amounts of money made available to the Provinces in respect of cost-shared programs is alarming. It is
my Government's view that to reduce federal cost-sharing without the transfer of equivalent tax room
to the Provinces, is nothing more than an attempt to transfer the Federal Deficit to the Provinces - and
my Government intends to resist these efforts by the Federal Government.
While continuing to urge the Federal Government to discharge its responsibilities in matters within its
jurisdiction, my Government has decided that the times call for continued dynamic action in areas in
which the Province has jurisdiction and capacity.
The unbounded affection of our people for our Province, their assured confidence in its prospects, and
the hopes and responsibilities we have for its future generations must be honoured now by imaginative
and innovative action.
Where the Province has jurisdiction and capacity, my Government recognizes and accepts its
responsibilities. However, the growing problems caused by the slowdown in the world economy, the
debate over world oil pricing and the tension between Federal and Provincial Governments in Canada
are not within Nova Scotia's capacity to resolve. Nevertheless, it is our duty to set out our broad
economic and social goals and to implement the policies which will lead us toward those goals.
Goals are by nature achievements for which to strive; their attainment is never easy. Properly
articulated goals, however, serve to focus our attention upon the aspirations of our Province and people.
My Government's ultimate goal is to ensure that all Nova Scotians will have the opportunity to enjoy a
better quality of life. It is against this criterion that the policies of my Government are measured.
The attainment of a better quality of life for Nova Scotians necessitates in these times an emphasis in
Government actions on:
- Job stability and employment creation
- Manpower training
- Management of energy and mineral resources
- Programs for people and communities
JOB STABILITY AND EMPLOYMENT CREATION
The goal of my Government in the area of job stability and employment creation is to promote and
encourage by every suitable means an increase in the number of jobs available to Nova Scotians.
My Government reaffirms its belief that individual Nova Scotians are the most important and vital
resource of our Province.
My Government is pleased to note that a recent independent analysis concluded that Nova Scotia's
labour force is one of the most stable in Canada in terms of man-days lost through industrial disputes;
convincing proof that labour and management cooperate in Nova Scotia.
My Government's major emphasis is on employment growth; consequently, my Government will:
- continue and expand the development of our coal resources
- accelerate our program to reduce dependency on oil
- support the basic resource industries of farming, fishing, foresty and mining
- assist in the expansion of our tourist industry
- encourage the creation of a locally-owned off-shore service industry
- promote development of small business and markets for Nova Scotian goods and services
- create and expand housing programs
- attract high technology industry and foster research and development in Nova Scotia
- aid the construction industry by an accelerated public works program
- seek agreement on Sysco's future all, so that Nova Scotians may benefit from employment in a more
expanding job market.
Mr. Speaker and Members of the Legislative Assembly, to achieve its goal of job security and
employment creation, my Government will expand and consolidate existing programs while at the
same time creating new and innovative programs.
COAL AND PROGRAMS TO REDUCE DEPENDENCE ON OIL
International events and the actions of O.P.E.C. since 1973 have focused the world's attention on
energy. The realization that the world's supply of hydrocarbons, and of hydrocarbon energy is finite has
resulted in a re-appraisal of the value of all natural resources, and of the appropriateness of existing
resource management methodology.
In response to this re-appraisal, my Government has determined that Nova Scotia must do everything it
can to develop on a timely basis its energy resource potential in:
- Coal
- Tidal
- Offshore gas and oil
- Hydro
- Alternate energy resources
The initiatives which my Government has taken are steps to the attainment of Nova Scotia's energy
goals as set out in the October 1979 Energy Strategy for Nova Scotia issued by my Government.
Among these initiatives the following are of particular note.
The coal reserves of our Province are owned by the people of Nova Scotia and my Government is
determined that these reserves will be developed in accordance with a program which will protect the
interests of Nova Scotians. It is imperative that the Province's coal plan proceed quickly to ensure
maximum production to meet developing market requirements.
My Government, in accordance with the Provincial Energy Plan of October 1979, officially requested
the Federal Government to invest in the Donkin Mine on Cape Breton Island to assure provincial
access to long-term thermal coal supplies.
Indeed, my Government on its own initiative financed and carried out the third offshore drilling
program in 1979, to ensure the early commencement of the Donkin Mine. As a result, the development
of the mine was advanced by at least a year.
My Government consequently is pleased that Cape Breton Development Corporation, in which Nova
Scotia is a partner, is proceeding with development of the new Donkin Mine and the Prince Mine.
Novaco, a Provincial Crown Corporation, opened a 200,000 ton per year surface mine at Point Aconi,
Cape Breton in 1980. A site for a second surface mine has been identified in the Gardiner area. The
mine design is being delineated by a drilling program now underway for a 100,000 ton per year
underground mine in the Springhill area.
My Government has under construction a new 150 Megawatt Coal-fired Thermal Generating Unit at
the Lingan site on Cape Breton Island and will commence construction of a second 150 Megawatt unit
in late 1981. These units together will generate 300 Megawatts and will consume 800,000 tons of Nova
Scotia coal per year for a saving of more than 3.2 million barrels of imported oil. Moreover, during the
construction phase, approximately 3,900 man-years of employment will be created. In full operation,
the new units will support 1,700 man-years of employment, particularly in coal mining.
Work will be completed in 1981 on two Hydro Projects at Gisborne and Fourth Lake. Other similar
projects will be commenced as they become economically feasible. My Government has more than
fifteen other potential sites under constant review.
Construction of the first Tidal Power Plant in North America, at Annapolis Royal, was commenced by
my Government in 1980 and this plant will be in operation in two years.
The development of a major tidal power project in the Bay of Fundy is a long-term goal of my
Government. Work has begun on an update of the economic, financial, engineering and environmental
aspects of this project and will be completed later this year. Negotiations are continuing with the Power
Authority of the State of New York and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts regarding the
development of a major tidal project in Cobequid Bay and associated works. My Government is
encouraged by the positive response of the Power Authority of the State of New York in recent
negotiations.
My Government is optimistic that there will be a commercial gas field off Sable Island, and exploration
activity will escalate. My Government has been advised that by the third quarter of 1981, a second
jack-up rig will be drilling in the area. A Petroleum Information Centre has been established by my
Government to assist Nova Scotians in obtaining information on, and to participate in, the development
of their offshore resources.
Alternate energy sources are continually being monitored by my Government. An Underground Gas
Recovery Project is well underway in Pictou County. Work is progressing on a Fluidized Bed Coal
Project and my Government is exploring the potential of coal liquefaction. The Department of Mines
and Energy has completed the first year of a three-year program to accurately identify and analyze the
peat resources in Nova Scotia. A number of projects are underway throughout Nova Scotia to
demonstrate new energy technologies for using our local bio-mass, solar and wind energy resources.
My Government recognizes that conservation can contribute significantly to its off-oil program;
consequently, a study is being conducted to identify the opportunities for energy conservation at the
municipal level, and a phased program to reduce consumption in provincially-owned public buildings
has been initiated.
My Government has vigorously supported the extension of the natural gas transmission pipeline to
Nova Scotia. My Government was pleased that the Federal Government in its recent National Energy
Policy stated that the pipeline would be built, and that it would be constructed in such a way as to
enable commercial finds on the Scotian Shelf to be exported from the Province. When the hearings
commence before the National Energy Board on this matter, my Government will once again appear in
support.
To meet and take advantage of the transmission pipeline, distribution pipelines will have to be installed
throughout Nova Scotia. Many new jobs will be required in construction, operation and maintenance
and in the conversion and servicing of household, commercial and industrial equipment.
BASIC RESOURCE INDUSTRIES
The major contribution of the basic resource industries is recognized by my Government and it is my
Government's intention to strengthen the ability of these industries which have traditionally sustained
our economic growth.
MINING
The mining industry in the Province of Nova Scotia is in a period of major expansion which will have
tremendous economic and social impact, and my Government has initiated several additional activities
to facilitate and encourage this expansion.
Mineral exploration activity increased in 1980 and promising properties are under evaluation at various
sites from Yarmouth County to Cape Breton Island.
My Government has issued exploration licences in the search for, and development of, gold deposits
throughout the Province. Departmental crews have undertaken mineral drilling programs on
prospective ore bodies throughout the Province, thereby providing needed information to the industry.
The reorganization of the Department of Mines and Energy has enhanced the Department's ability to
respond to the needs of the industry.
FISHERIES
The fishing industry of Nova Scotia continues to be a major direct and indirect employer. My
Government has for the first time in the Province's long history released a comprehensive policy
statement proposing a balanced development of the inshore and offshore aspects of the industry. That
policy statement is now the subject of a consultative process to obtain the views of people in the
business, and to assist in this process, my Government is establishing a Fisheries Advisory Council,
representative of all those concerned in the industry.
My Government expects to receive by early April and will promptly consider the results of a review by
officials of alternative ways of Government to support the concept that fishermen associate for their
own advancement.
My Government will introduce for your consideration a Bill concerning Aquaculture, an industry of
significant potential benefit for Nova Scotians. My Government will also present amendments to the
Fisheries Development Act.
AGRICULTURE
Nova Scotia's agriculture is a cornerstone industry. The extensive programs for agriculture already in
operation will continue and to further promote this significant segment of our economy, my
Government will:
- Implement a market promotion program to assist Nova Scotia Agricultural Producers and Processors
to obtain a larger share of the local market for locally produced farm products;
- Implement a beef research program with particular emphasis on developing the most efficient
methods of beef Production.
My Government intends to complete negotiations and sign a new Agricultural Development Agreement
with the Federal Department of Regional Economic Expansion. This agreement will provide funding
for programs in this primary industry which plays such an important role in the Province's economy.
My Government has conferred degree-granting status on the Nova Scotia Agricultural College;
facilities there will be expanded to accommodate new programs.
FORESTRY
The key to the future strength and health or our forestry sector is an assured long-term supply of quality
wood fibre. This can be assured only through a comprehensive program of forest management,
harvesting and regeneration.
To assist in bringing more forest lands under active management, a new loan program to assist with the
purchase of additional forest land by farmers and woodlot owners will be introduced. This program will
serve to improve income prospects for those Nova Scotians at present earning a living from the land
and will enhance the longer term productivity of the forests. The program will be implemented jointly
by the Department of Lands and Forests and the Nova Scotia Farm Loan Board.
Our forest resources continue to suffer from a most destructive and persistent spruce budworm
infestation. My Government will continue its aerial spray program in 1981 with the B.T.K. bacterial
insecticide which has been used during the past two years with encouraging results and which is
environmentally acceptable.
My Ministers will work with Federal Officials to develop a new, second generation, forestry
development agreement with the goal of establishing an accelerated program of intensive forest
managements. This will sustain present and projected harvest yields. The present subsidiary forest
agreement will terminate on March 31, 1982 and federal cooperation is essential if we are to continue
to enjoy the very significant economic benefits to be realized from our most important renewable
resource.
THE TOURIST INDUSTRY
The departmental reorganization of the Department of Tourism to better meet the changing needs of the
tourism industry will be completed. The Planning and Development Division of the Department will
receive greater emphasis and will work with the industry in the completion of a Provincial Master Plan
for Tourism.
My Government will designate a member of the present staff of the Agent General in London to have
responsibilities for tourism including developing new overseas markets through Package tours.
My Government is pleased to announce that the Gathering of the Clans will be held here in 1983, and is
confident that the 1983 event will be as successful as the Gathering held here two years ago. Nova
Scotia will participate this year in the Gathering of the Clans in Scotland.
Nova Scotia will be promoted at home and abroad in 1981 using the theme "Seaside Spectacular" and
the annual Tattoo will be staged again this year. This promotional package and accompanying
advertising program and complementary tourist events will influence in a positive way the return of
visitors, visits by new people and more importantly, extend the length of time they visit with us.
Recreational opportunities for residents and visitors to our Province will be enhanced in 1981 with the
proclamation and implementation of the Trails Act.
In response to a long-standing need and in recognition of the growing importance of the Travel
Industry to the economy of my Province, my Government, in cooperation with the Tourist Industry, has
completed a proposal for a Nova Scotia Hospitality Institute. After consultation with the Industry a
program will be implemented to accomplish the goals of the proposal.
ENCOURAGE THE EXPLOITATION OF OFF-SHORE OPPORTUNITIES
As a result of the energy crisis, the massive capital program undertaken by the industry in North
America has resulted in the identification of commercial finds of hydrocarbons in the Arctic and off the
East Coast. Three areas of identifiable opportunity for Nova Scotia relating to offshore are:
- Land-based locations
- Transportation and production systems
- Service support
Nova Scotia, being Canada's most easterly mainland Province, with its many advantages including
natural ice-free harbours, in-place infrastructure, supply of skilled labour and identifiable technology
base has several locations ideally suited for a variety of land-based activities.
My Government is firmly convinced that the Strait of Canso is the only logical choice for the southern
terminus of the Arctic Pilot Project.
My Government intends to appear before the National Energy Board this summer when that body
considers the location of the L.N.G. Terminal.
My Government will undertake the planning for the development of a comprehensive site selection
strategy for land-based offshore activities. This strategy will establish guidelines for industry location
so that development may occur at strategic locations in different areas of the Province.
My Government is committed to the establishment of a nucleus of Ocean Manufacturing and Service
Companies in Nova Scotia, which will serve as a cornerstone to the long-term growth of Nova Scotia's
ocean sector. In addition, this strategy will help foster applied research and technology transfer,
enabling the Province to capitalize on our existing ocean scientific base to develop as the centre of
excellence in the ocean industry sector. To this end, my Government will establish a 200-acre industrial
park in Dartmouth to be dedicated exclusively to Ocean Industries under the Ocean Industry
Development Subsidiary Agreement. The park will include a 500-foot common user wharf with 30 feet
of depth at its face, a 9-unit incubator industrial mall and a 30,000 square foot multi-tenant building.
Transportation and production systems, of whatever kind, from pipelines to oceangoing tankers, oil rigs
to production platforms, are an integral part of energy development, and my Government is desirous
that Nova Scotia's shipyards and related manufacturing industries gain entry into this expanding
market. In this area, my Government will encourage and assist in the transfer of technology, the
establishment of joint ventures in offshore business activities between Nova Scotia and non-Nova
Scotian interests, and the creation of manufacturing consortia because of the high capital investment
required to establish world-class, competitive manufacturing facilities.
My Government is closely monitoring the offshore service support opportunities so that Nova Scotians
may participate in this expanding market. The variety of products needed by offshore operations will
provide new markets for many existing Nova Scotian products and will be a major factor in allowing
Nova Scotia to make significant gains in the production of value-added goods.
SMALL BUSINESS AND MARKET PROMOTION
My Government will continue the work of establishing the new small business development agency.
This innovative action by my Government was taken in recognition of the importance of small business
as a major job creator in the Nova Scotia economy. The creation of this agency means small business
will have access to a single source for Provincial Government financial assistance and advice.
My Government will assist Nova Scotia managers to fully develop their capabilities. A new
professional management subsidy program is to be established.
Increased use will be made of the talents of the Agent General's Office in London to promote overseas
markets for Nova Scotian goods and services. Plans are being made by the Agent General for major
trade shows and investment promotions in the coming months.
HOUSING
My Government is concerned at the slowdown in home construction during the past year. This
slowdown has severely affected jobs in the construction industry and has been caused by high interest
rates.
To help stimulate home repairs and construction, and to assist further with savings and living costs, my
Government will increase the Health Services Tax rebate on building materials for new home
construction to $750.00 and provide additional funds for the home insulation program.
The Senior Citizens' Assistance Program of the Nova Scotia Housing Commission will receive
additional support. This program provides assistance to senior citizens who wish to remain in their own
homes, but who cannot afford to carry out the repairs which would enable them to do so.
My Government has been negotiating with the Federal Government to amend the income and mortgage
limit of the lease-purchase program, and if these limits are amended, my Government is prepared to
make substantial further capital commitments to this program.
My Government proposes to broaden the income and mortgage limits and the amortization period
under the self-help housing program by providing an additional $20 million in mortgage funds as a
means of stimulating the housing industry and assisting low and medium income families to build their
own homes.
TECHNOLOGY, RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT
My Government recognizes the importance of industrially-oriented research and development, and has
provided capital funds for the expansion of laboratory facilities at the Nova Scotia Research
Foundation Corporation. The addition includes space for an expanded engineering physics division and
centre for ocean technology. The corporation thus has the physical facilities needed to fulfill its
ongoing role of using science and technology to support and stimulate industrial development in Nova
Scotia in the coming decade.
My Government intends to work with our large, diverse and world-class scientific community in the
development of a sound and comprehensive technological base for a competitive manufacturing
industry. My Government recognizes that innovative, high technology industries provide a major
stimulus for job creation. Research intensive industries generally out-perform other industries in rates
of growth, employment and productivity.
Nova Scotia's Research and Technological innovation task force, composed of scientists, business and
government representatives, will present a comprehensive report within the next several months. The
task force will be recommending the best use of our manpower resources, the necessary job-training,
the required contributions of the institutions involved, and the most effective role that government can
play to further develop our research and technological base.
My Government will explore opportunities for Nova Scotia in the important new field of bio-
technology. The potential impact of bio-technology is likely to affect almost every industrial sector.
CAPITAL WORKS PROGRAM
To help create both immediate jobs and lasting benefit to Nova Scotians, my Government will
participate in the largest capital construction program in the history of the Province. Five categories of
this program relate respectively to investments in the future by my Government in areas of:
- Energy development
- Health care
- Education
- Highways and bridges
- Public works
The energy program initiated by my Government aims to develop Nova Scotia energy sources and
related production and transportation facilities so as to reduce our Province's dependence on imported
oil as a source to produce electricity to 10 percent by 1986, 60 percent of our electrical needs will be
met by coal thermal plants. This, in turn, means thousands of new direct and indirect productive jobs
for Nova Scotians.
The Hospital and Nursing Home Capital Program is a major step by my Government to provide the
best facilities for all those people who work with such dedication to deliver the excellent health
services which Nova Scotians enjoy.
The Education Facility Investment Program of my Government will ensure that present and future
generations of Nova Scotians will have the opportunity to respond to the technology of the 1980's and
beyond.
Further major improvements to our highway and bridge systems will be undertaken.
A wide range of public works will be undertaken or funded in whole or part by my Government at
locations throughout the entire Province.
SYSCO
In 1980, for the first time, an operating business plan was completed for Sysco. The Sysco business
plan was developed and agreed upon by officials of my Government, the Federal Government and
Sysco. This plan will guarantee the future success and viability of Sysco. My Government has
committed itself to the implementation of the plan which requires an investment of $180 million by the
Federal and Provincial Governments under established DREE formulae. My Government is awaiting
information from the Federal Government as to its financial commitment which is necessary for the
plan to go ahead.
Negotiations will be proceeding between my Government and the Federal Government with respect to
the restructuring of the long-term debt of the plant.
MANPOWER TRAINING
Nova Scotia's greatest resource for its economic future is its people who have the will and
determination to succeed. The goal of my Government is to train our people so that they possess the
basic skills to make the most of the opportunities which will be available in the Province.
My Government is cognizant of the need to maintain high standards of Vocational and Technical
Education in Nova Scotia, and will negotiate with the Federal Government new initiatives in training
designed to provide those skills required to enable Nova Scotians to benefit from developments in the
resource sectors, and in particular, from developments in offshore exploration and production. To
accomplish this goal, the initiatives will include:
- A review of course content for all relevant training programs in vocational schools, institutes of
technology and adult training centres for modification to the requirements of the resource and energy
industries.
- The development and introduction of a two-year Petroleum Technology Program at the Nova Scotia
Institute of Technology.
- The introduction of additional training programs for Marine Engineering, Marine Navigation, and
Oil-Spill containment.
- The introduction of a marine survey program at the Nova Scotia Land Survey Institute.
- The introduction of programs relating to the Coal Industry, including mining methods and technology.
- The establishment of training for drilling-rig personnel.
- The introduction of a number of new courses and expansion of existing courses designed to provide
training in related service industries.
My Government recognizes the importance of active and meaningful participation by the private sector
and labour in identifying and participating in training programs which will respond to the present and
future needs of Nova Scotia industry. My Government will be establishing mechanisms to provide for
these essential linkages.
My Government will be undertaking a phased capital expansion program of training facilities (both
buildings and equipment) to ensure their adequacy. The changing needs of Nova Scotians will be
monitored and training programs in other subjects and different geographical areas may be instituted as
the demand warrants.
My Government will continue its efforts to upgrade the caliber of training for ambulance attendants
and to this end, has undertaken a three-phase training program in conjunction with the Nova Scotia
Ambulance Association and St. John Ambulance.
ENERGY AND MINERAL RESOURCE MANAGEMENT
Mr. Speaker and Members of the Legislative Assembly, my Government believes most strongly that
any Government has a dual responsibility; an immediate responsibility to deal effectively with the
problems of the day, and an equally significant responsibility to anticipate and be prepared to deal with
events in the future. Nowhere is this second responsibility more sharply defined than in the need for
imaginative approaches to the question of the management of our resources.
Renewable natural resources must be managed so as to ensure their continued vitality and productivity.
Non-renewable resources must be managed in such a way as to ensure that the maximum possible
benefits to our Province and its people are realized.
This is my Government's goal in the resource management area.
My Government is determined to maximize benefits for Nova Scotians in exploration and development
of offshore gas and oil. Therefore in all negotiations with the Federal Government, my Government
continues to insist that Nova Scotians have a right to the same revenues and controls as if the resources
were onshore.
As the energy and mineral industries in the Province are expanding they have an increasing impact on
job creation, financial requirements, intergovernmental relationships, and industrial development.
My Government is of the view that effective management of the energy and mineral wealth of our
Province demands a separation of the policy-making and regulatory responsibilities of Government
from the operating aspects of provincially-owned interests.
To ensure that management and development of Nova Scotia's energy and mineral resources proceed in
a manner most beneficial to Nova Scotians, my Government, on November 16, 1979, incorporated
Nova Scotia Resources Limited.
The process of carrying out the energy plan for Nova Scotia announced by my Government in October
of 1979 has now reached the point where it is appropriate to bring this Crown Corporation more fully
into operation.
The objectives and responsibilities of this Crown Corporation among others will be to:
- create new jobs for Nova Scotians in Nova Scotia.
- maximize the benefits from Nova Scotia energy and mineral resources for Nova Scotians.
- promote maximum processing in Nova Scotia.
- promote the development of a petrochemical industry.
- promote management expertise among Nova Scotians.
- maximize the benefits to secondary industries of growth in the energy sector.
- support the implementation of Government policies.
- ascertain the financial feasibility and economic impact of projects in which Government participation
is expected or requested.
- manage the Province's interests in all energy and mineral resource industries which among others may
include:
- gas and oil pipelines
- tidal power
- coal development
- coal liquefaction projects
- gas extraction projects
- gas and oil developments
- other energy and mineral developments
- so conduct its affairs as to stimulate the development and expansion of energy and mineral related
industries within the Province.
Effective operation of the Corporation will necessitate changes in the various aspects of Government
which are now dealing with development of industry. My Government has therefore commissioned a
study to define the future roles of the Department of Mines and Energy, the Department of
Development, Industrial Estates Limited, and the corporation in the development and implementation
of my Government's industrial strategy.
The thrust of reorganization will be to manage our resources through a development strategy which
will maximize the benefits for Nova Scotians.
PROGRAMS FOR PEOPLE AND COMMUNITIES
Mr. Speaker and Members of the Legislative Assembly, my Government is ever mindful that all that
will be done in the broad fields of employment, energy and resource management, manpower training
and economic development must be done for the benefit of all Nova Scotians. My Government exists
for the purpose of serving the best interests of our people, and will therefore also place before you
numerous programs for people and communities.
1981 has been declared to be the International Year of Disabled Persons; my Government reaffirms its
commitment to assist our disabled citizens to live full and productive lives; the courage disabled
persons demonstrate every day in overcoming adversity is an example to us all. All Members of the
Legislative Assembly and all Nova Scotians pay tribute to the indomitable spirit of Terry Fox, who has
been an inspiration to all Canadians.
As evidence of its commitment to the disabled, my Government will introduce a program to provide
prescription drugs to disabled persons receiving provincial family benefits. This program will benefit
some 12,000 persons.
Also within the past few months, an Advisory Committee to the Minister of Social Services has been
formed to advise the Minister on activities and projects to highlight the International Year of Disabled
Persons and my Government will cooperate in the establishment of a pilot project group home in Nova
Scotia for physically disabled persons. This facility will be the first of its kind in the Province.
My Governrnent has completed elevator installations in Province House and the Provincial Building in
Sydney, and will continue its program of making public buildings accessible to the disabled.
My Government has initiated the Access-a-Bus Program and other demonstration transit projects which
have been widely accepted by the handicapped community.
My Government is undertaking a program to make our Provincial Parks accessible to handicapped
Persons.
My Government will be extending its policy with respect to parking areas for vehicles operated by the
disabled.
The Medical Services Insurance Program will be extended to include the cost of prosthetic limbs.
Above all my Government will continue to investigate new ideas to benefit the disabled so that they
may take their rightful place in Nova Scotia society.
Ten percent of the people of Nova Scotia are 65 years of age or older; my Government is pleased to
have taken important steps to enrich the lives of these senior citizens.
Property Tax Rebate for qualified senior citizens will be paid this year for 1980 residential property
taxes. 21,100 senior citizens have already received the rebate of one half of their 1979 property taxes.
My Government will be introducing a program to help qualified senior citizens who rent rather than
own residential accommodation.
My Government is expanding its program for homes for special care. Three new homes have been
approved for construction in 1981 and additions have been approved for a number of existing homes.
The annual special social assistance payment to senior citizens will again be indexed to take account of
inflation.
My Government will be undertaking demonstration projects in comprehensive home care for senior
citizens in Pictou and Lunenburg Counties.
Further, my Government is expanding its homemaker programs and is developing other concepts to
enable more senior citizens to live where they want to live, in their own homes.
My Government will appoint a Royal Commission on the Status of Pensions, to undertake a wide-
ranging and comprehensive study of the pension needs of Nova Scotians and to make recommendations
to Government on necessary or desirable changes in law and practice.
In the field of Education, my Government intends to take appropriate action to ensure the best possible
educational opportunities for all our young people and for adults. My Government will introduce
legislation further to protect the Acadian language and culture in the Acadian districts of Nova Scotia.
My Government is pleased to begin implementation of a policy concerning children who have learning
disabilities. My Government will henceforth expect preservice training of all teachers to include a
course designed to develop awareness of children in need of special education and to identify and
obtain special assistance for them.
The Commission on Drug Dependency will commence a new program relating to student drug
dependency problems applicable to all public schools.
You will be asked to consider legislation to establish a Nova Scotia Municipal Board. The Board will
replace the Provincial Planning Appeal Board and will assume certain other areas of jurisdiction from
the Board of Commissioners of Public Utilities and other agencies.
My Government will appoint a Commission to report on provisions concerning conflict of interest
appropriate for Members of the House of Assembly.
My Government will introduce a Bill concerning Freedom of Information.
In 1981 a policy paper relating to sport will be developed by the Department of Culture, Recreation and
Fitness as a follow-up to the discussion paper on amateur sport already released by my Government.
The Program of Heritage Preservation will be continued and my Government will establish a Provincial
Registry of Heritage Properties.
To further strengthen our urban communities, and to create employment, my Government will expand
the highly successful Main Street Programs.
Coastal shoreline erosion in many parts of Nova Scotia has been of increasing concern to my
Government, and in an effort to formulate protective programs my Government intends to initiate a
pilot project in a selected area of Nova Scotia.
As a result of an experiment carried out this year by the Department of Transportation, the paved
shoulders of all trunk highways will be white-lined in the interests of safety; similarly, speed zones will
be designated for gravel roads in the Province where required.
My Government, in an effort to facilitate the movement of products of the sea to the various markets
throughout the year, is currently negotiating the takeover, construction and maintenance of roadways
leading to public wharves used by fishermen.
In addition, my Government will be granting authority to permit bona fide fishermen to register their
commercial vehicles used in that industry at the same fee as that in effect for farmers.
My Government is proceeding in the construction of several commuter parking lots at several
convenient locations throughout the Province in an effort to encourage the use, where possible, of car-
pooling and public transit.
My Government will be updating current legislation to reflect the realities and development prospects
of the telecommunications sector in the 1980's. Modern, efficient communications systems and services
are an essential ingredient in our development plan for the 1980's and beyond.
The telecommunications legislation anticipates the successful conclusion of ongoing Federal-Provincial
negotiations respecting the exercising by the Province of regulatory authority over cable television
systems. It is my Government's belief that our objective of extending cable television services
throughout rural Nova Scotia will be realized through the expansion of the Provincial role in this
respect.
My Government wishes to ensure that Nova Scotian industry, business and residential consumers have
available to them a broad range of communication and information services taking advantage of the
most recent developments in electronic and computer technology.
Recognizing the great importance of good dental care to our people, my Government will initiate a
comprehensive review of the delivery of Dental Services in our Province.
My Government has commenced construction of a new cancer treatment facility at the Victoria General
Hospital.
My Government will take steps to improve the administration of justice in Nova Scotia, and will
introduce amendments to both the Judicature Act and the Mechanic's Lien Act. My Government will
also commence work on the establishment of a central registry for chattel mortgages.
The Public Accounts for the year ending March 31, 1980 will be presented for your consideration as
will Estimates for the fiscal year beginning April 1, 1981.
To these, and all other matters which may come before you, I ask your most careful attention, praying
that sound judgment and Divine Providence may guide you in all your deliberations and decisions.
God Save the Queen;
God Bless Nova Scotia;
God Bless Canada.