Province Législature Session Type de discours Date du discours Locuteur Fonction du locuteur Parti politique Nouvelle-Écosse 56e 1re Discours du Trône 13 Septembre 1993 Lloyd R. Crouse Lieutenant-gouverneur LIB Nova Scotia: Speech from the Throne, First Session of the 56th General Assembly, September 13th, 1993 I welcome you in Our Sovereign's name to this Opening of the First Session of the Fifty-Sixth General Assembly of the Province of Nova Scotia. In the last year, my Government was saddened by the death of several prominent Nova Scotians including broadcasting pioneer Danny Gallivan, Mary Teresa-King Myers (the first women elected to a Municipal Council in Canada), well known Labour leader Winston Ruck, and a young women who touched every Nova Scotian with her courage in the face of adversity - Ms. Carmen Young. Metro residents were saddened at the recent death of Eileen Stubbs, the first women elected Mayor of Dartmouth. My Government is pleased to recognize that 1993 is the United Nations year of Indigenous Peoples. We are working to replace the tensions which traditionally plague relations with our Aboriginal people. I congratulate all returning and new members in this the 175th year of operation of Province House and responsible government in Nova Scotia. My Government is particularly pleased to welcome the first Member of the Legislature from Nova Scotia's Black Community, and the largest number of women, five, ever elected to this Assembly. It is with regret to note that both achievements have taken one hundred and seventy-four years. My Government also wishes to extend congratulations to the Community of Clare, which this year celebrates its 225th Anniversary. My Government also extends its best wishes to the Town of Wolfville, which this year celebrates the Centennial of its incorporation. My Government wishes to thank Nova Scotians for their patience and support over the past months. It is my Government's most sincere with to reward this tolerance with a reform agenda. INTRODUCTION Today marks the beginning of a great challenge for every Nova Scotian. We are challenged to reform the State so that all its citizens have an equal chance under both custom and the law to security, economic opportunity, and the support necessary for the pursuit of personal community progress. And we are challenged to do this while our choices for action are increasingly limited. Our unemployment in July was 14.6%. Nova Scotia has suffered from negative economic growth, given us one of the worst performing economies in the country over the past two years. Almost 19 cents of every dollar the government spends services a worsening public debt--now almost $7 billion dollars. That 19 cents meant $804 million in debt charges in fiscal year 1992-93. At a time when Nova Scotians need our help most, our revenues from direct taxation and Federal Transfer payments continue to decline. Last year, our major revenue sources declined $240 million less than estimates. Our economy, long dependent on the resources and manufacturing sectors, continues to be weakened by resource depletion, private sector restructuring, and declining support from the Federal Government. My Government acknowledges that the path to prosperity will be a long and difficult one. The road to recovery will require sacrifices from all Nova Scotians. The state of the Province's finances makes real the possibility that Nova Scotia could lose the capacity to govern its own affairs. Clearly, Nova Scotians must re-examine their-respective expectations of what government can and cannot do. My Government has a vision and a plan for change. Our vision is as a Province: - That is self-reliant and adaptable to the constant challenge of a changing and increasingly technological society; - A Province with a well trained and educated workforce, a logical efficient client centred government; and - A Province that provides opportunity, for both economic and social progress without compromising our environment and cultural identities. The first and most important goal of my government is to provide Nova Scotians with the opportunity to get back to work in a strong, expanding economy based on community and entrepreneurial success. But before we can do this, we must put our own house in order. We can not effect needed change until we have the capacity to do so. This requires: - Structural and administrative change; and - Establishing demonstrable accountability, openness and fairness in government. STRUCTURAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE CHANGE We are challenged to find new and creative ways to maintain and improve service to our customers-- the people of Nova Scotia-while spending less money and making the public service more acceptable, accountable and client centred. Independent Analysis We must focus on both wise investment of public resources and the restraints imposed by significant expenditure control measures. This means systematic and independent analysis of Government departments, programs, services and personnel. The focus of all public spending must be on results received for public monies invested. Accordingly my Government has ordered management audits of: - The Department of Transportation and Communications - The Department of Economic Development - The Civil Service Commission - The Departments of Finance and Management Board - The Department of Community Services - The Department of Health and Fitness - The Department of Education The results of these audits will have a major impact on the future operations of my Government. My Government will order management audits of other government departments as deemed necessary by Cabinet. In addition, my Government will initiate a comprehensive and independent review of all Boards, Agencies and Commissions for the purpose of determining appropriate candidates for re- orientation, merging, elimination or privatization. Civil Service Restructuring To effect real change, a change in leadership is required. That is why my government took the unprecedented step of releasing several of government's senior managers and advisors. We will soon begin a search throughout Nova Scotia and nationwide for the best candidates for replacement. My Government wants public sector managers that have strong leadership skills and the professional and technical abilities that we need to deliver a significant reform agenda in all areas of public policy. Nova Scotians deserve nothing less. Over three-quarters of government's operational budget goes toward salary and benefits of public sector employment. In the past, government has sometimes acted unilaterally and without warning to lay-off employees or institute wage freezes. While it is clear that reform of the public service must result in a more effective government, my Government believes this will only be achieved in cooperation with all members of the public sector. My Government has begun discussions with public sector unions to come to an agreement on unpaid leave. It is estimated that every civil servant, starting with the Premier and Cabinet, can help save Nova Scotians $40 million dollars this year by agreeing to take five days unpaid leave. My Government will introduce legislation to create the Department of Human Resources. This department will include the Civil Service Commission, and those parts of the Management Board that deal with the public service. The Department of Human Resources will be responsible for all duties formerly associated with the Civil Service Commission. In addition, the new department will be responsible for coordination, implementation, and monitoring of my government's fair hiring policy. Client-Centred Government My Government will become more open, more client - and service - oriented, and less dependent on institutional structures. This means looking at - and organizing - the delivery of services through the eyes of those being served, rather than from the vantage point of those delivering service--the government and its bureaucracy. This means responsive, flexible and adaptive service delivery. My Government will establish regional service centres throughout the province. Using technology to link these centres with central government databases and systems. It will be possible to serve Nova Scotians more effectively in a variety of ways from these single service centres. Common administrative functions, regardless of the department responsible, can be combined to save money. Additionally, these regional service, or "one-stop shopping" centres, will change the way people apply for business assistance. My Government hopes to work with Federal and Municipal authorities to combine business assistance offices at these regional service centres to simplify the process of seeking information about, and obtaining assistance to start businesses. My Government will work with the Nova Scotia Council on Applied Science and Technology (C.A.S.T.) to come up with strategies to apply technology to make government service more accountable, effective, efficient, and less costly. My Government believes technology can be applied to restore the level of public service to rural communities and regional centres that have been lost as a result of government centralization. We believe greater accessibility through technology cannot only encourage all Nova Scotians to scrutinize and evaluate more critically evaluate the services their government provides, it will save money. My Government will soon begin the process of consulting the private sector on a draft telecommunications strategy. My Government will support the development of communications technology systems and structures. This will assist in improving access to government programs and services, as well as educational services, in support of economic development activities within the private sector and communities. My Government and the private sector will devise a strategy to ensure that decisions are supportive of the objectives of making telecommunications services accessible, and of providing network facilities and services access for private sector initiatives throughout the Province. ACCOUNTABILITY, OPENNESS AND FAIRNESS IN GOVERNMENT My Government understands that reform cannot be simply limited to structural re-organization. Not only must we re-invent the way government uses its institutions, and its programs, we must reform government practises that have cost Nova Scotians dearly for years. My Government's initiatives will be built on a foundation of honesty, openness, integrity and accountability. A government that bases its initiatives on these principles will be effective and more cost-efficient. Fair Hiring Strategies Our economy requires a competent and committed public service in which hiring and promotion are based on equal access and qualification. My Government has begun to institute fair hiring practises based on these principles. My Government has turned over hiring of personnel and equipment on Department of Transportation road maintenance to division engineers, who must provide a demonstrably open and non-partisan process for selection of workers and equipment. My Government has used the Federal Department of Employment and Immigration to handle selection of successful applicants for short-term work projects being sponsored by several departments. My Government's new Department of Human Resources will extend the new fair hiring policy, not only to full time employees of government, but to casual and non-civil service employees. The Department will also be responsible for developing, in consultation with other government departments, Government Agencies and Advocacy Groups, a contract compliance program which ensures that private sector companies wishing to do business with the Government follow generally acceptable policies on pay equity and minority employment opportunities. Next year, my Government will provide an objective computer selection process for applicants to the Provincial Employment Program for students. The program will remove the possibility of political influence in the selection of successful candidates. Departmental and Legislative Reform In addition, my Government will undertake a series of other reforms: - In Departmental practises and policies; - In Conflict of Interest Law; and - In Freedom of Information Law. Beginning in 1994, my Government will make public a three year secondary road maintenance plan with sufficient flexibility to provide for road work as needed, and determined by objective criteria. My Government is presently undertaking to establish a needs-based roads assessment matrix which determines road construction and maintenance plans based on technical criteria. My Government will develop a new public tendering regime and an independent and publicly available review of government purchasing by the Auditor General on an annual basis. My Government will amend the Members and Public Employees Disclosure Act to provide for a special commissioner for Conflict of Interest, the commissioner will be pro-active. The commissioner will be given the added authority to institute investigations, seek evidence from the government and the private sector and compel attendance and testimony from a member of the legislature or the public service. My Government will introduce a new and stronger Freedom of Information Act. The Act will provide public access to all information in the control or custody of government unless the information falls within carefully specified exceptions. Where in some instances, discretion whether to release the information is required, the Act will give greater direction in the exercise of that discretion. The Act will clearly state that the burden of proving that the information requested cannot or need not be provided will be on the public official who asserts that right. Reform and the establishment of greater accountability must also extend to the operation of the Legislature. That is why my Government will introduce legislation to require two sittings of the House each year. It is my government's intention to establish through custom that one session be used to deal primarily with the Budget and the Estimate Debates, and the other session to deal with the government's legislative agenda. Other strategies to improve accountability now in development include: - The empowerment of the opposition chaired Public Accounts Committee to review additional appropriations by government departments and agencies. In the past 10 years, approximately $800 million dollars has been approved without benefit of legislative or public review; and - Empowerment of the Auditor General to review my government revenue projections to determine their reasonableness. SPURRING THE ECONOMY AND JOB CREATION 30-60-90: Nova Scotians Become Part of the Planning Process On June 11, 1993, my Government was sworn into office. On July 9, 28 days after taking office, my Government convened the 1993 Round Table on the Economy. On August 7, 1993, 57 days after taking office, my Government sponsored 14 simultaneous community town hall meetings on the economy. Today, 94 days after taking office, this Legislature has been called into session, where we now begin the process of incorporating the good advice of a broad spectrum of Nova Scotians into our governing agenda. 30-60-90 is an indication of how my Government intends to do business. We will develop our strategic plans under stringent time lines, using the widest possible public consultation, and we will incorporate solid suggestions into our agenda without delay. From these consultations some consensus themes have emerged. Nova Scotians have given my Government a number of clear messages. - They want to be involved; - They want a more responsive government; - They want to work in partnership with their government; - They want government to create an environment where business can operate profitably; and - They want a government that promotes technological innovation. Individual themes also emerged from the four corners under discussion which included Community Economic Development, training for job, business climate, and technology. Under Community Economic Development, people indicated that they were disillusioned by the failure of top-down economic planning and failed mega-projects. Nova Scotians said they want to take control of the economic future of their communities. They said they want to decide what will make their communities be more effective, more vibrant and more economically viable. Under the category of training for jobs, Nova Scotians said that the link between sound education and relevant training, and job opportunities is vital. We must improve education and training so that we can increase our global competitiveness and produce an economy in which more Nova Scotians are working. Under business climate, Nova Scotians indicated strongly that they believe the role of Government is to create an environment in which business can operate profitably. The focus should be on financial viability creating employment rather than on employment creating financial viability. Therefore, while the need for short-term job creation is recognized, it is acknowledged that government should not simply create jobs. Rather government should help to foster a strong and stable business environment. Under technology, Nova Scotians generally believed that the labour force must be prepared for the newer more technological economy. Appropriate job training and education are crucial if people and communities are to be able to adapt and take advantage of the economic growth and resulting job opportunities presented by the development and application of the emerging technologies of the new economy. On September 22, 1993, a full report on the public consultation process entitled Leadership Begins With Listening - Nova Scotians Speak Out On The Economv will be released. The report will include general themes and specific suggestions on strengthening the economy and job creation. My Government has undertaken to quickly assess and act on concrete suggestions and include them in the government's short and long-term agenda. My Government intends to act on this advice. 30-60-90 is just a beginning. What happens next establishes credibility for the process. As an example, my government has already begun to develop legislation for introduction in the spring session of the legislature dealing with regulatory reform of Credit Unions. My Government will for a 30-60-90 Secretariat to ensure that the comments and suggestions made by Nova Scotians in response to this initiative are directed to the appropriate department of government for follow-up, and that the matters so referred receive timely response or action. The Secretariat will report to the Planning and Priorities Committee of Cabinet and produce a publicly available Annual Report to the Legislature. In keeping with the recommendations, the Secretariat will be created by a reallocation of existing resources. Creating the Climate for Growth My Government is committed to creating jobs and the opportunities for Nova Scotians based in the following principles: - Key marketing assistance for industry; - Re-orientation of government's business development and assistance programs; - A commitment to proceed with vital transportation infra-structure projects; - Encouraging links between commercial and academic research; - Relevant and enriched job training and apprenticeship programs; - A community economic development support system; - Regional centres for one-stop shopping; and - Mechanisms for the creation of venture capital investment opportunities. We have begun to work toward establishing these commitments. My Government is presently studying options for the implementation of recommendations from the program review committee which produced two comprehensive studies in 1987 and 1993 on reform and rationalization of government economic program spending. My Government's Department of Transportation has made the completion of the Atlantic Expressway and improvements to rural highways its number one capital construction priority. Beginning in 1994, my Government will introduce an enriched apprenticeship training program for business and industry. Also in 1994, my Government will create initiative Nova Scotia to support efforts to make community economic development the driving force of a renewed Nova Scotia economy. Initiative Nova Scotia will be a panel of leaders from all sectors of the economy. The panel will have a five-year mandate to work with communities across the Province to provide advice and guidance for CED programs driven by local control. Beyond this important long-term strategic planning and public consultation process, my Government has recognized that there are also urgent short-term job creation needs. My Government has re-directed existing resources within the Departments of Municipal Affairs, Community Services, and Transportation to create over 1,000 short-term jobs for Nova Scotians in area of high employment. My Government will endeavour to continue to re-direct existing government resources to create short- term jobs in areas suffering from high unemployment. My Government will also continue its efforts of lobbying the Federal Government regarding the disposition of Canadian forces base Cornwallis. My government strongly supports the proposal to develop peace-keeping training centre. Intergovernmental Relations At the time when Canada is suffering from severe economic and fiscal pressures, it is imperative that all governments work together to promote and sustain job creation and social programs. From August 25th to 27th, my government hosted the Annual Premiers' Conference, held this year in Baddeck. This meeting brought together the Premiers of the Provinces and Government Leaders of the Territories to consider joint responses to the challenges facing Canada. They agreed to call upon the Prime Minister to convene a First Minister's Conference on the economy as soon as possible after the current federal election. In preparation for this conference, my Government will convene a meeting of Provincial and Territorial Ministers responsible for economic development and finance in Halifax to develop job creation strategies to benefit all parts of Canada; A national infrastructure strategy; And a regional development strategy. As Chair of the Premiers' Conference, my government placed on the agenda the issue of relations with Canada's Aboriginal Peoples. Since the Referendum on the Charlottetown Accord, issues crucial to our Aboriginal People have not been a priority for governments. The Premiers and Government Leaders recognized the inherent right of self-government. My Government will begin bilateral negotiations with our Aboriginal People on October 1, 1993. If all parties bring a spirit of good faith and respect, we can be successful in achieving a resolution to all outstanding issues. SOCIAL PROGRAMS STRUCTURAL CHANGE Nova Scotians spend billions a year on such social programs as Health, Community Services and Education. Any serious attempt at reforming government must address concerns in each of these areas. REFORMING HEALTH CARE My Government intends to preserve our Health Care system by transferring resources now spent on institutionally based services into primary care in communities, new health promotion activities, and healthy communities programs. Local and regional decision-making fosters local ownership and control. My government will transfer governance of the health care system from the presently centralized model to a system directed by Regional Health Authorities. These authorities will assume planning and decision making responsibility for Regional Health Programs. The Department of Health will be re-organized to reflect this new reality. By December 1993, these authorities and their support staff will be in place. In 1994, my government will direct these Regional Health Authorities to construct within their respective regions, a network of Community Health Boards. These Boards will organize and deliver the full range of health services, will be driven and governed at the community level, and will be designed using the Community Development Model. These will replace existing local facilities and Hospital Boards, and will have representation on the Regional Health Authorities or its Committees. My Government intends to create a seamless health care system characterised by ready accessibility, woven throughout with the fabric of prevention, home care, acute intervention and long-term care. The system must be client oriented, reducing the number of doors upon which people must knock to access service. Nova Scotians will be encouraged to participate actively in health care decision-making for their regions. Home Care/Extramural Hospital In 1994, my Government will begin the transfer of in-hospital resources to a new extramural hospital program. Following the "Hospital In a Home" concept, the extra-mural hospital program will direct existing institutional and home care resources toward the provision of more primary health care at home. Atlantic Co-operation on Health Care Initiatives Health care has been targeted by my Government as an area where we can achieve significant savings through interprovincial co-operation. Just three weeks ago, the Conference of Atlantic Premiers reached significant agreements on common and more cost efficient provision of several medical services and programs. An emergency Air Ambulance system was announced jointly by Ministers of Health from New Brunswick and Nova Scotia. The bilingual emergency inter-hospital transport system will use a turbo- prop fixed wing aircraft leased exclusively for the program. The system, staffed with specially trained hospital personnel will be based in Halifax, with back-up emergency medical teams in Halifax, and New Brunswick. Central dispatch for the new Aeromedical Transport System will be locate in Moncton, and may be reached by calling a toll-free number. The new system should be operational by early 1994. My Government plans to proceed to negotiate with other Atlantic Provinces on the provision of other services and programs, including: - Common drug utilization and prescribing practices; - Regional co-operation agreements on tertiary care and expensive technology services; - A common list of insured health services; and - Common definitions and standards for health care planning. Emergency Medical Service System My Government will move to develop a first class emergency medical service system for Nova Scotia. The Minister of Health will immediately appoint a special advisor whose task will be to provide a blueprint for the new system. The special advisor will also be charged with developing vehicle and training standards for a province-wide emergency ambulance system. Tobacco Addiction Smoking is the leading cause of preventable disease in Nova Scotia, and Nova Scotians smoke more than other Canadians. My Government recognises that tobacco addiction is a serious health problem, draining the health care system of the province and blighting the health and future of thousands of Nova Scotians. Accordingly my Government will: - Make illegal the sale of tobacco to youths under the age of 19; - Ban the sale of tobacco products from vending machines; - Require clearly posted health warnings in all establishments selling tobacco or permitting smoking it its premises; - Institute a system of more severe penalties for violation of sale to minors regulations; and - Institute a system of licensing for all tobacco vendors. COMMUNITY SERVICES-BEGINNING THE REFORM PROCESS Nova Scotia is one of the few remaining Provinces with a two-tiered welfare system. Administered by both the Municipal and Provincial Government, Nova Scotia's system is not working because: - Of wide variation in levels of assistance; - Because of inconsistent application of regulations; and - Because there are no incentives for recipients to pursue independence. The present system contains many inequalities, fails in some cases to adequately address basic needs, and is unnecessarily complex. The delivery system's structure inhibits its ability to deliver services to a standard we consider satisfactory. Establishing a single entry system for delivery of social services remains a priority for my Government. In 1994, my government will begin the process of establishing a one tiered assistance system. Accordingly, my government will: - Begin a public consultation on the future of social services delivery; - Continue negotiations with Federal and Municipal Governments on establishing active social supports and incentives for those wishing to leave social assistance; - Develop a one tiered delivery structure and protocols from the current system; - Prepare new legislation governing delivery of assistance; and - Develop a new regulatory regime and qualifying criteria. My Government recognizes that reorganization of the delivery of Social Assistance is a key component to the Municipal Reform process, and therefore must be done in equal partnership with all Municipal units. Despite severe fiscal restraint, my Government has maintained payments to its clients and Municipal units. My Government has made a special effort to dedicate more resources to family benefits. As a result, my government will implement a two phased 2 per cent increase in family benefits rates. Additionally, despite significant budgeting pressures, my Government will sponsor the creation of an additional 50 new daycare spaces. My Government also plans to introduce the Social Workers Act, which sets out a new regulatory framework for the practise of social work. My Government will introduce the Maintenance Enforcement Act which will regulate and more effectively enforce maintenance agreements between spouses. EDUCATION-MAKING NOVA SCOTIA A CENTRE OF EXCELLENCE My Government's commitment to education is rooted in the key principle of the Legislature's Select Committee on Education; to protect the right of every person to receive an education appropriate to their circumstances, with an accountable education system that exists to serve the students and society. My government wants to make Nova Scotia a centre of excellence in education. Our goal is to create a society in which the opportunity for lifelong learning is available to all. My Government's commitment to inclusive strategic planning will be illustrated by sponsorship of the 1993 Educational Stakeholders Conference. All those who consume, direct, manage, and pay for education services shall be presented at the Stakeholder Conference in October. The results of this Stakeholders Conference will drive education program planning for the next five years. Public Schools My Government has begun: - To institute school-based management, which gives greater autonomy in making educational decisions to individual schools; - To consider a common curriculum for the Maritime Provinces. Coordinated through the Maritime Provinces Education Foundation several subjects, including science, math, and english have been identified as areas where a common curriculum will promote higher quality public school programs. A feasibility study is presently underway to determine if this initiative can be extended to other subject areas; - To develop outcomes based education programming, defined in terms of learning outcomes describing what students know and should be able to do; - To prepare the introduction during this school year of alternative education programming to address the needs of students having difficulty with regular school programs; - To develop, in co-operation with the Department of Economic Development and the Atlantic Canada opportunities Agency, entrepreneurial education in all areas of the public school curriculum; and - To develop a policy and strategic plan for the introduction of race relations policies. Several task forces are being established this fall to address the needs of Black, Mi'Kmaq, racially visible and english as a second language students. Community Colleges My Government will make progress making our community college system more relevant and accessible. New programming will be introduced to better reflect present and future labour market opportunities replacing programs that have become less relevant over time. My Government is expanding the Distance Education French Community College through the College de l'Acadie to provide more programs in six Acadian regions of the Province. My Government will also ensure that applicants to Nova Scotia Community Colleges who do not possess a Grade 12 diploma will be accommodated in transition programs or in skill programs where entrance requirements are flexible. Universities My Government will issue a discussion paper outlining a system wide plan for our universities. Greater co-ordination of research, graduate studies, and international activities will be outlined. My Government will also facilitate expansion of credit transfers between Nova Scotia Universities and other institutions in the region. This will facilitate greater mobility for students. Literacy My Government has recognized that literacy is the foundation of learning, and that a major commitment is necessary to upgrade literacy training across the province. My Government will sponsor a three year 1.6 million dollar literacy program. The program will create 20 community learning cooperatives across the Province to identify literacy needs and support the delivery of literacy instruction. My government will also expand workplace upgrading initiatives by building partnerships between education and economic development agencies. Technology As indicated in the 30-60-90 public consultation process on the economy, the link between relevant technology and education is vital to the future economic health of the province. My Government will sponsor technology innovation grants to school boards. A special capital grant of $50,000 will be made to each of Nova Scotia's 22 school boards in support of innovative technology projects. An additional $400,000 will be made available to a small number of boards initiating innovative technical projects in the area of Distance Education. My Government had identified public libraries as a key delivery point for our commitment to make information more accessible. The Nova Scotia Provincial Library has launched an on-line automatic information system to regional public library offices. It has also provided increased access to Internet through the NSTN network. This will provide more public libraries with greater access to information data bases. In partnership with Nova Knowledge, the Nova Scotia Teachers Union, the Nova Scotia Federation of Home and School Associations, and the Nova Scotia School Boards Association, my government will co-ordinate a technology re-cycling program, so that used, but still usable technology can be transferred from business and government to the education system. Legislation My Government also plans to introduce legislation: - Extending access to student aid; - Enhancing accountability of school boards by making salary and expense information publicly available; - Establishing minimum guidelines with respect to school closing; - Establishing, developing, and implementing school discipline policies; - Promoting the use of school by community groups; and - Providing for the examination of school boards stipends. RESOURCES-ADJUSTING TO CHANGE Nova Scotia's resource sector and the people who support it have been adjusting to painful change. Resource depletion and private sector restructuring continue to cause concern and real hardship for the fisheries and forestry sectors, and the many rural communities that depend on these industries. But government cannot change this difficult reality. It can only help people and communities adjust. Fisheries In response to the crisis facing fisheries workers, my Government has adjusted programs under its control: - Increasing funding and lowering the eligible age for the plant workers adjustment program; and - Re-scheduling boat loans under the control of the Fisheries Loan Board. In addition, my Government's Department of Education is now developing proposals to support retraining initiatives for displaced fishers. This is to provide upgrading opportunities, individual and community counselling, ongoing monitoring and evaluation of programs, and correspondence and Distance and Education Services. My Government will also discuss with federal authorities the concerns of Nova Scotia fisheries workers regarding a compensation package for the 6,000 people affected by the recently announced moratorium. My Government will support the efforts of Federal authorities to curtail fishing by foreign fleets off the Eastern Coast of Canada. Natural Resources My Government has formed the Nova Scotia coalition of forest interests, consisting of representatives from all major sectors of the forestry industry. The committee will provide a means for the various industry sectors to develop a joint approach to solving the problems facing the industry today. The Committee has already recommended, and the government has accepted, that the Department of Natural Resources should reorient its market services committee to provide more market identification and intelligence. The Department will also introduce legislation to establish the Natural Resources Advisory Council. The purpose of the Council is to facilitate more comprehensive and integrated Natural Resource Management and decision making. The new Council will replace three separate Councils under the present legislation. My Government will continue to promote the development and use of indigenous energy sources. Use of indigenous energy sources can help to provide both employment stability and market opportunities for Nova Scotia resource industries. My Government has been working diligently in co-operation with the Maritime Lumber Bureau on behalf of procedures to lift the ban imposed by European community on imports of green softwood lumber. This joint effort has resulted in the European commission agreeing to participate in an international scientific panel, which begins meetings today, to determine whether the pinewood nematode, a microscopic organism sometimes found in green lumber, is a real risk, or merely a perceived threat to European forests. Agriculture and Marketing My Government, working with farm organizations and Agriculture Canada, has developed a strategic action plan that will focus agricultural development for the next five years. The key elements of the plan include negotiating a new Federal-Provincial Agri-Food Agreement for 1994-1999. Our focus will be on developing marketing opportunities for Nova Scotia producers. Nova Scotia is already part of a national value added export based growth strategy. A new "Taste of Nova Scotia" - quality identification program will lead the way for this province. ENVIRONMENT-REGULATORY REFORM AND PLANNING FOR THE FUTURE This fall, my Government will begin public consultations on the new Nova Scotia Environment Act. The new legislation is a consolidation of 13 existing statutes. The purpose of the new act is: - To create a more rational, efficient and user friendly framework for environmental management in Nova Scotia; - To respond and to integrate outstanding regulatory reform commitments arising from a number of consultative processes including: the Task Force on Clean Air, the Task Force on Clean Water, a sustainable development strategy for Nova Scotia, the report of the Working Group Non Lender Liability, and the Department of Environment's discussion paper on Environmental Law Enforcement; and - To provide an opportunity for comprehensive consultation on the new Environment Act. My Government will release a comprehensive draft solid waste management strategy, the objectives of which are: - To meet provincial waste diversion goals of 10% by the end of 1993; 25% by the end of 1995 and 50% by the year 2000; - To minimize costs to municipalities through regionalization of waste reduction and disposal programs and innovative funding assistance; - To implement government waste reduction programs, including adoption of an Environmental Procurement Policy and a government wide re-cycling program; and - To maximize local community economic development opportunities associated with waste diversion and processing of re-cycled material. This strategy will also be made public this fall for consultation. My Government is in the final stages of preparation of a draft coastal zone management strategy for Nova Scotia. This initiative, which includes a framework for integrated coastal zone management and the goals and objectives for the sustainable economic development of Nova Scotia's coastal communities, will also be released this fall for public consultation. MUNICIPAL REFORM - A CHANGE IN DIRECTION My Government is committed to the principle of Municipal Reform. There are demonstrable savings to the taxpayer in terms of a more uniform and stable tax environment, lessening of unnecessary duplication of services, and more rational and representative political institutions. My Government believes that reform must not proceed in an atmosphere of confrontation. Both the provincial government and the province's municipal units all share the common goal of establishing a more relevant and cost effective government. That is why we have opened a successful dialogue with the Union of Nova Scotia Municipalities on the process of Municipal Reform. My government will work with Municipalities to establish a tight timetable for talks on merging of municipal services delivery. My Government, through the Department of Municipal Affairs has developed a land-related information technology initiative. The plan calls for: - The development of an integrated land information network; - The development of an information system for the sharing of land and water date between governments; - The transferral of the Registry of Deeds to the Department of Municipal Affairs; - The development of an automated system for personal property security; and - The development of land information technology to help facilitate "one-stop shopping" for land information. LAND AND WORKERS COMPENSATION My Government's Department of Labour will continue the reform process recommended in recent review of the department's management practices. Actions presently underway include: - Review and revision, by the Minister's Advisory Committee, of Occupational Health and Safety Laws and Regulations; - Adoption of recommendations modernizing management practices; and - Development of a Voluntary Corporate Certification Program based on extensive employee safety training and self-administered safety audits. My Government has also instructed the Workers Compensation Appeal Board to address, without delay, a significant appeal case backlog. CONCLUSION My Government affirms its commitment to establish a reform process that works in partnership with Nova Scotians. The changes my government proposes are significant. But democracy must spring from the consent of the governed. To these and other matters that come before you, I ask for your attention, praying that sound judgement and divine providence may guide you in all your deliberations and decisions. God save The Queen; God bless Nova Scotia; God bless Canada.