Address the homelessness crisis and prevent lives from being lost

SUSAN LEBLANC « » : Late last year, in the span of just five weeks, three people living in tent encampments died. Three lives lost - three people with families, with stories, with hopes. Nobody should die because they have nowhere safe to sleep. This government must take meaningful action before more lives are lost. My question for the Minister of Opportunities and Social Development is: When will this government address the crisis and ensure no more Nova Scotians die in tent encampments?

HON. SCOTT ARMSTRONG: Good news, Speaker: We have taken action, and that's why we increased the budget by 1,300 per cent. That's why we have new units going up all over the province. That's why homeless encampments are going down. We are providing spaces for people to go. I can happily report that on a cold night in this Winter, we had a spot for every single homeless person - a safe spot, a warm spot, and a spot with wraparound services to support them.

SUSAN LEBLANC « » : We appreciate that some work is being done, but that doesn't change the fact that lives are being lost. Those spots that the minister is talking about - not every person who lives in a tent is able to go into those spots, for a variety of reasons. It doesn't change the fact that during the Spring session, this government has refused to protect renters and lift Nova Scotians out of poverty while more than 1,000 people in this province still don't have a safe place to live. We have an excellent example of what is needed and is working in The Overlook in Dartmouth North. Will the government ensure, like at The Overlook, that every Nova Scotian has an appropriate place to live with wraparound supports they need to survive and thrive and make sure no one else dies outside?

SCOTT ARMSTRONG: We have a range of supports for people who are experiencing homelessness or being challenged with a safe place to live, from emergency shelters, permanent shelters, and transitional housing to supportive housing. I'd like to point out The Rose. I've pointed it out many times in this sitting. There is a unit with 18 families who have been moved out of places like hotels. They provide a good place to live with bathrooms and a kitchen. There's a playground. There's a gym facility. We're going to continue to invest and support Nova Scotians who struggle. I've said it before: The most important social program is a job. We're connecting people who struggle with employment in this province. That's our goal: to have fewer people needing supports. We're getting the job done.

Why did this government abandon the residential tenancies enforcement unit?

SUSAN LEBLANC « » : This government paid $300,000 for instructions on how to set up a residential tenancies enforcement unit. The enforcement unit would have improved tenant rights, and the government got pretty deep into the process of making this happen. The responsible department was even exploring different options for hiring enforcement officers. I can table that information. Can the minister tell us why the residential tenancies enforcement unit was abandoned when it was so close to becoming a reality?

HON. JILL BALSER « » : Our focus is to make sure we have a Residential Tenancies Program that works for tenants and landlords. As I said in the previous question asked around residential enforcement, we want to make sure that is a positive relationship. We encourage everyone who has any questions, of course, to reach out. When we did have that report commissioned, as we spoke on the floor of the Legislature in the last session, the outcomes of that wouldn't have made the improvements that some Nova Scotians would have been looking for. We know that in other jurisdictions, they're not meeting the timelines that Nova Scotia is. I stand proudly to say that we have made changes to our Residential Tenancies Program to make sure when there is a dispute between a landlord and a tenant, they have a resolution in a quick timeline.

SUSAN LEBLANC « » : A resolution is not enforcement of the resolution. We're talking about the enforcement of the decisions that are made at the Residential Tenancies Program, which, according to the minister, worked well. The government keeps saying the system is working and no enforcement unit is needed, but this wasn't always the case. In January 2024, department staff defended the creation of an enforcement unit because "There would be a balance in charges laid against a landlord or tenant." What or who changed this government's position on a residential tenancies enforcement unit?

JILL BALSER « » : Again, I want to highlight the fact that we do have a very good Residential Tenancies Program. Having the opportunity to meet with the teams and knowing there are members located at Access Nova Scotia centres across Nova Scotia - they are there to do the good work to support tenants and landlords. It's been said before: If you have a program that has that ability to be able to find a positive resolution in a quick timeline, we make sure that, in the changes that were made, we're meeting and seeing hearings completed within three weeks. We know that in other jurisdictions it's taking months. In jurisdictions that have tenant compliance enforcement units, it's taking months. We have to make sure that when there are disputes, there is a positive resolution in a timely manner.

Why is support for the music industry not a priority for this government?

SUSAN LEBLANC « » : NSCC's Music Business Program attracts top talent. Grammy-winning artist Dyson Knight of the Baha Men recently said he was excited to enroll in this program so his "music can step up a bit." That's a quote, and I will table it. We're hearing that this program is being cut because it doesn't fall within any of the government's priority areas. My question to the minister is: Why is support for the music industry not a priority for this government?

HON. BRENDAN MAGUIRE: I am confused, Speaker. You want us to not interfere with academic freedom on one hand, and then the next person gets up and says to interfere with academic freedom on the other. This government has supported the arts more than any other government. There is an announcement today around a sound stage for the arts. The film industry and the arts industry are flourishing in Nova Scotia. The government is not directing the NSCC on what programs to have and what not to have. They make decisions based on enrolment and what they see fit for their own institution.

SUSAN LEBLANC « » : This government is intent on aligning post-secondary institutions with their own agenda. We have heard it over and over again, and we have a bill in front of us saying that very thing. The loss of the Music Business Program shows that this government's agenda is having a really negative consequence on the lives of Nova Scotians. Speaking of film, many of the people who write and compose music for our film industry will have gone through this program that's being cut. Without this program, we will lose talented people, and the continued success of our music industry will be put at risk. Why is the government putting Nova Scotia's vibrant and valuable music industry at risk?

BRENDAN MAGUIRE: I don't know how many times I can repeat it before it sinks in. We are not going to tell schools what they can and cannot teach. What we're saying is that when you have positions that are not being filled - health care positions - we need them filled. We are asking them because they are seeing a shortage in funding because of the temporary student caps to align with the workforce, to work with the workforce. Guess what? NSCAD is just as valuable as Dal. The School of Theology is just as valuable as any school. We appreciate the arts. We will continue to support the arts. NSCC is an institution all to their own.

Why is this government refusing to close the fixed-term lease loophole?

SUSAN LEBLANC « » : We were shocked to find out recently that this government's temporary rent cap does not apply to university residences. Students living at the Atlantic School of Theology residence are now facing a 25 per cent increase to their rents. As one student explained: "It feels like they're taking advantage of a loophole to exploit students." I will table that. My question to the minister is: Why did this government leave a loophole for universities in the temporary rent cap?

HON. JILL BALSER « » : I thank the member for this important question. We know that it's a difficult time for students, of course, raising the question around the decision that was made by the university in terms of increasing the rent. I just want to make note that university dorms aren't covered under the Residential Tenancies program here in Nova Scotia, but that goes for every jurisdiction across Canada. Nova Scotia is not unique in that sense.

We also want to make sure that we're focusing on student needs, looking at the investments being made in housing, because that is what we've been saying all along: With the improvements in housing, we want to make sure that we're making the right investments and focusing on the needs of students. I appreciate the students asking this question. It's not included in the Residential Tenancies program.

SUSAN LEBLANC « » : The minister's answer just reminds me to ask where the student housing strategy is.

I will change topics slightly. This isn't the only loophole that was left in the rent cap. We also have the fixed-term lease loophole. Fixed-term leases allow landlords to evict tenants at the end of their lease without cause. Some landlords, as we have heard, have been misusing this type of lease to raise rents above the five per cent rent cap every single year. The effects are clear: The cost of housing and tenant evictions are both skyrocketing. I'll table that. Why is this government refusing to end the ability to misuse fixed-term leases in Nova Scotia?

JILL BALSER « » : I want to take the opportunity to remind Nova Scotians if they have any questions about a lease to speak to their landlord, if that's an option, but to come to the Residential Tenancies program with any questions they might have.

Again, our focus on increasing the housing supply is also creating more options for Nova Scotians. We want to make sure Nova Scotians have the ability to be able to move and to be able to choose a home that's important for them. We are also seeing changes in our vacancy rates. We know the investments we have been making are improving. Again, anybody who has a question, come to the Residential Tenancies program. Come to all of us at our constituency offices. We're making sure Nova Scotians have the right information they need.

Why not provide additional screening for women with category C and D dense breasts?

SUSAN LEBLANC « » : Speaker, up to 50 per cent of cancers present in the densest breasts - that is, categories C and D - may be missed with regular screening. We've known this for years, and we know what the consequences are. Why is this government not providing additional screening for women with category C and D dense breasts?

HON. MICHELLE THOMPSON « » : We've had a number of conversations over the last couple years in regard to this. Dense breasts are one risk factor, but it is not the only risk factor. It's made known to individuals whether they have dense breasts post-mammography. It's an important conversation they need to have with their clinician. There is a wraparound program. We work with the Nova Scotia Breast Screening Program to understand best practice. There is enhanced screening that can happen based on a conversation. Dense breasts is one risk factor, but it's not the only risk factor. I would encourage folks that we are following best practice. We are one of only two provinces that have the high-risk breast-screening program in the country. We'll continue to work with the experts to understand any emerging evidence.

SUSAN LEBLANC « » : Speaker, in 2019, Nova Scotia began to directly inform women of their breast-density category - A, B, C, or D - after their screening mammogram. This lets women know whether they are at risk of having missed a cancer diagnosis, but it doesn't create a pathway for these women to access the screening. What the minister has just mentioned does not happen as a matter of course for most women. We've heard that from them time and time again. Most women who have dense breasts do not get access to the screening they need to detect the cancer early. Why is the government blocking women's access to essential life-saving screening?

MICHELLE THOMPSON « » : I think that's a terrible thing to say - that we are blocking women's access to care.

THE SPEAKER « » : I agree. The honourable Minister of Health and Wellness.

MICHELLE THOMPSON « » : We have invested a significant amount of money. Nova Scotia's breast cancer detection rate meets or exceeds national targets in all age groups. Nova Scotia exceeds the national target of less than 70 per cent of breast cancers that have not spread. Density distribution in Nova Scotia for all ages being screened is 27 per cent. We are working so hard to improve women's health. We are not holding back a resource. We're working with the Nova Scotia Breast Screening Program. We are trying to understand emerging evidence. I understand it is very frightening for people when they have a diagnosis of dense breasts, but it is one of a number of risk factors.

In Praise of Special Interests

On March 5 I gave the following statement in the legislature:

I want to take this time to recognize all the rabble-rousers and professional protesters and people with special interests - like parents and senior citizens and teachers and doctors - who are outside today to let us know about the special interests that they have. People who are interested in democracy - I know this from the signs that I was reading - freedom of the press, affordable energy, public consultation, labour rights for workers, and climate justice. I just want to say that a couple of the signs that I read were very important, and I would like to quote from them. If I need to table the photograph of them, I will. "No consultation, no warning, no mandate. Now who's putting the no in Nova Scotia?" That was one - that's my favourite. Another one says, "My mom says we're all special," which is pretty great too. Speaker, people are showing up today to let this government know that they want transparency and they want democracy in this province. We are very grateful they're here.

Why Won't this Government Make Energy More Affordable for Nova Scotians?

SUSAN LEBLANC « » : Speaker, the Nova Scotia Energy Poverty Task Force, which included government representatives, delivered a four-step solution to address energy affordability last Spring, yet this government has refused to act on the report's recommendations. Why is this government refusing to make energy more affordable for Nova Scotians?

HON. TREVOR BOUDREAU: Absolutely, we understand that there are challenges with cost of living that Nova Scotians face. As a government, we've invested significantly in supporting Nova Scotians with respect to energy poverty. Over $250 million has been invested in energy efficiency programs. Just as an example, it's provided deep energy retrofits for 1,350 Mi'kmaw homes and over 2,800 public housing units. We'll continue to look at ways to support Nova Scotians. I'm very proud of the work that we've done and the work that was done by my predecessor. We'll continue to always look out for Nova Scotians.

SUSAN LEBLANC « » : Programs like HARP, the HEAT Fund, and the Seniors Care Grant are targeted programs that the government has talked about in this conversation before. They provide support to a few Nova Scotians who have to jump through hoops to get the support. What we need is a universal program that ensures that all Nova Scotians can afford to pay their energy bills, especially as we face the unknown times coming because of these tariffs. When will this government deliver real energy affordability for all Nova Scotians?

TREVOR BOUDREAU: As I've said before, and I'll say again, and I'll repeat it over and over again: We always are looking out for the best interest of Nova Scotians. As I've said, and I'll keep reiterating, we've invested a significant amount of money in efficiency programming and in other programming as well. Just to give Nova Scotians an idea of what these investments in efficiency programming have done: We've saved over $180 million a year for Nova Scotians on their energy bills. These are important investments. We'll continue to look at what we can do in the future to support Nova Scotians.

Federal money is on the table. Why not provide free birth control for Nova Scotians?

SUSAN LEBLANC « » : Manitoba has made history as the first province to sign the federal pharmacare agreement. Manitoba will now get $219 million over the next four years to cover medications like birth control. Providing free birth control would save Nova Scotians money. It would help address the gender-based violence epidemic. We have reminded this government about this opportunity countless times but we have yet to see any action. Why is Nova Scotia dragging its feet on signing this deal and giving Nova Scotians access to the medications they need?

HON. MICHELLE THOMPSON « » : Again, I'll answer the question that we are in active negotiations with the federal government regarding the deal. We need to make sure that this is a financially sustainable approach. We appreciate the opportunity that is before us, but we also have economic realities here that we need to ensure that if that money sunsets - and we expect that after three to five years it will - that we are going to have the capacity to continue to provide the same amount of coverage. In order to do that, we need to look at how we look at the natural resources in this province, how we generate economic development, how we do all of these things; but the Opposition have had nothing good to say about it since we started. I am very committed to looking at this deal and negotiating, but we need to look at the economic opportunities in this province.

SUSAN LEBLANC « » : I know the minister knows this, but reproductive health is an economic opportunity for Nova Scotians. It's all connected. Manitoba didn't wait for the federal money to come in. The province started covering birth control in the Fall because it knew it was the right thing to do, and it was economically sound. We are telling the government that there is money for them on the table right now and every day they delay, Nova Scotians are forced to spend more of their own money to cover this medication. My question is: Will the government ensure that Nova Scotians will have access to the medications they need?

MICHELLE THOMPSON « » : Again, there are a number of ways that people can access birth control through this province. We've talked about them before. Certainly if there is a financial barrier, through the Department of Opportunities and Social Development people have access to birth control. We have the Nova Scotia Family Pharmacare Program. Some people have private insurance - all these different ways to support people who require birth control. We are actively negotiating with the federal government. We cannot rush this negotiation. We cannot get a bad deal for Nova Scotians. We've seen that in the past with other deals when they've been rushed. We need to take our time. We need to ensure that we're doing the right things, that there is economic stability moving forward when and if that money sunsets, which we expect it will.

Free access to birth control would reduce reproductive coercion

SUSAN LEBLANC « » : The Transition House Association of Nova Scotia recently released a research brief, Reproductive Coercion and Intimate Partner Violence, and I'll table it. This is a form of gender-based violence that involves controlling another person's reproductive rights. The document recommends implementing access to universal, no-cost coverage of prescription contraception. Knowing that having free access to birth control can reduce reproductive coercion in this province, why does this government refuse to provide free birth control to its citizens?

HON. MICHELLE THOMPSON « » : We currently have programs that are available to people who are seeking birth control. We have our Family Pharmacare Program, people who also have private insurance. There are also some individuals who require additional support and through the Department of Opportunities and Social Development there are opportunities for people to access birth control. We know it's an important issue. We'll continue to work throughout government to best understand how to serve Nova Scotians.

SUSAN LEBLANC « » : All of those things are true but there are lots of people who are still falling through the cracks. That is why there is a massive call across the province and across the country for barrier-free, complete access to free birth control, so that the people who don't have those opportunities are able to access birth control. There's federal funding on the table right now to provide free birth control for all Nova Scotians. This is an important and simple step for us to take to help reduce the impacts of reproductive coercion in this country. We have yet to hear a good reason as to why the government has not taken this step. I'll ask again: Why won't this government work with the feds to provide Nova Scotians with free birth control to help address the epidemic of gender-based violence?

MICHELLE THOMPSON « » : We really are currently in negotiations with the federal government. The two departments are speaking about how best to serve Nova Scotians, what the negotiations may look like. It's not a straightforward negotiation. We have to make sure that it is a program that is sustainable when the money sunsets. It's great to get the money upfront, but eventually that money will go away. We need to make sure that we make the appropriate choices. We need to make sure that it's financially sustainable moving forward when the money sunsets. We continue to be in active negotiations. I'm very hopeful that we'll have more information soon.

Address the root causes of gender-based violence

SUSAN LEBLANC: New Leaf is a program that addresses the root causes of gender-based violence. It provides group counselling and support for abusive men who want to stop hurting their loved ones. When we talk about gender-based violence prevention, these are the programs we need, but New Leaf is struggling to keep up with demand, and they need more funding to provide this vital service - and I can table an article about that. When will this government commit to providing stable core funding for groups like New Leaf to prevent gender-based violence?

HON. SCOTT ARMSTRONG: We know that any incident of intimate partner violence is one too many, and across government we are investing and making great strides in supporting groups across this province to intervene before incidents happen. New Leaf is a great example of that. Our department supports New Leaf. Over several years, our funding has been increased. They have a proposal in. We're reviewing that proposal, and there will be more to say on this later.

SUSAN LEBLANC: I am glad to hear that a proposal is under way, but what is needed is what was recommended by the Mass Casualty Commission - stable core funding for organizations that address and prevent gender-based violence. This type of funding would mean that groups like New Leaf don't have to keep putting proposals in. They don't have to keep wondering if they will be able to continue next year or the year after. Supporting groups like New Leaf - which focus on interventions for men - will help address the root causes of gender-based violence. My question is: Why won't this government commit to a funding model that will ensure important programs like New Leaf can continue year after year after year?

THE SPEAKER: The honourable Minister of Justice.

HON. BECKY DRUHAN: My colleagues and I are eagerly wanting to answer this question because we are working cross-department. I do want to say that we recognize the need for core funding, and we have, in fact, started increasing core funding. That took place last year with respect to the transition houses - the largest increase in core funding in decades - and that was a significant investment. We're continuing to assess that. I wanted to draw the member's attention to the work that we are doing around supporting men, because this is an incredibly important issue, and we heard from Tod Augusta Scott - who is a leader in this field - in an article from the Halifax Examiner, and he said: ". . . while more money is always welcome for programs, including those for men, Nova Scotia is a leader nationally on this issue."

Why isn't the government doing more to help Nova Scotians who are struggling to keep the lights on?

SUSAN LEBLANC « » : Nova Scotia Power customers are dealing with yet another power rate increase of 2.4 per cent. Across this province, Nova Scotians are finding it increasingly difficult to afford housing, food, and other essentials, and now they have to deal with yet another price increase. My question is for the Minister of Energy: Why isn't the government doing more to help Nova Scotians who are struggling to keep the lights on?

HON. TREVOR BOUDREAU: We know that when energy bills or power bills come in and Nova Scotians see a rise, they have concerns, and it's a challenge for people, and we recognize that, and as a government, we've taken some significant investments to make sure that we support Nova Scotians. There was a report last week that said there was a 2.4 per cent increase that happened through Nova Scotia Power, and I just want to read from that, and I'll table this, but we provided a bailout. We negotiated a $500 million loan guarantee from the federal government to support Nova Scotians, and without that bailout, the utility said it would have raised average rates 19.2 per cent this year, not 2.4.

SUSAN LEBLANC « » : Well, I'm glad the minister understands that it is a struggle for many, many Nova Scotians to pay their power bills. I have an idea. It's not mine, actually. The province is one of the provinces with the highest rate of energy poverty, but the Energy Poverty Task Force has laid out a plan to address the issue. We don't need to continually get bailouts. We have another idea: The plan includes an arrears forgiveness program and rate discounts for lower-income Nova Scotians, among other things. In case a reminder is needed, the department received this task force recommendation in April of last year. Why hasn't the government implemented the recommendations to help lift more Nova Scotians out of energy poverty?

TREVOR BOUDREAU: We've created a number of different programs to support Nova Scotians and ratepayers here in Nova Scotia to support them with their challenges with their energy bills. I can think of the HARP program, $600 a year to support Nova Scotians. I think of the HEAT Fund, again to support Nova Scotians who are struggling with energy poverty. I think of the Seniors Care Grant - $750 a year - and I think of the investments in this budget to reduce taxes, to put more money in people's pockets, to support Nova Scotians when these are challenging times that they face.

Why didn’t the Premier attend anti-gender based violence rally?

On February 21 ,2025 in the Nova Scotia Legislature I asked the government why the Premier, or any member of his 43 person Caucus, didn’t attend the rally to end gender-based violence, despite being invited.

Why is there no funding for birth control in the budget?

Yesterday I asked the Minister of Health why this year‘s budget didn’t include funding for free birth control. Below is our exchange:

SUSAN LEBLANC : Speaker, programs that offer free birth control have been shown to be revenue-positive, even in provinces that are funding these medications independently. The cost of providing free birth control is considerably lower than the costs associated with unintended pregnancy, and I can table that. Reproductive rights include access to birth control, and at a time when Nova Scotians are struggling financially, eliminating barriers to birth control is key to ensuring equal access and choice.

My question is for the Minister of Health and Wellness: Why is there no funding for birth control in the budget tabled yesterday?

HON. MICHELLE THOMPSON : Certainly, we currently have a number of programs in Nova Scotia. We offer support through the Family Pharmacare Program. Also, for those who have financial challenges, through the Department of Opportunities and Social Development, there is opportunity to cover birth control, as well as a variety of other ways. We appreciate the question. There has been a lot of advocacy done in regard to birth control. We continue to look at the program available through the federal government and negotiate our deals. Perhaps, there will be more to say in the future.

SUSAN LEBLANC: We need barrier-free access to birth control now. Another initiative that is good for women's health and good for our health care system is take-home HPV test kits. But again, there was no money in the budget for this. This is despite the fact that Nova Scotia Health Authority has said, "We are actively planning the introduction of HPV cell screening, but I understand that this program has not been funded yet by the government." I'll table that. My question for the minister is: Where is the funding for the take-home HPV test kits?

MICHELLE THOMPSON : Again, we are looking at a program for take-home HPV kits. We're working with clinicians to understand how best to roll out that program. There's nothing being held back. That program is not fully realized yet. We are working with the clinicians, who will look at that program and understand how it's best suited to the Nova Scotian environment.

When will this government help make home heating and power bills affordable for all Nova Scotians?

SUSAN LEBLANC « » : Speaker, my question is for the Minister of Energy. A recent study in Bridgewater found that 31 per cent of people were cutting back on groceries to pay for utilities, and 18 per cent of people were cutting back on utilities to pay for groceries. That is nearly 50 per cent of folks stuck in a heat or eat dilemma. My question to the minister is: Can the minister tell us what he expects people in Bridgewater and all of Nova Scotia to do? Should they heat or should they eat?

HON. TREVOR BOUDREAU: We recognize that the cost of living has certainly put an impact on Nova Scotians' ability to pay for things. That's why we've taken unprecedented steps as a government to make sure that Nova Scotians have the support they need. I think of a number of different programs we have with respect to supporting people with energy poverty. I think of the HEAT Fund and I think of the HARP. I also think of the Seniors Care Grant that provides $750 for Nova Scotia seniors who are struggling. We will continue to do what we can to support Nova Scotians. They know that and this government is here for them.

SUSAN LEBLANC « » : Perhaps in Estimates the minister and I can debate the definition of "unprecedented," because those programs that he just listed are (1) not unprecedented and (2) not enough money. No one should be forced to decide between heating their home and buying groceries. I said in the last question that that's what people are doing. Nova Scotians deserve a government that will step up and take the necessary actions to alleviate the stress that comes with tight budgets and increasing costs. My question to the minister is: When will this government take concrete steps to make home heating and power bills affordable for all Nova Scotians?

TREVOR BOUDREAU: This gives me an opportunity to talk about the unprecedented, extraordinary actions we've taken to support Nova Scotians with efficiency programming. Over $250 million has been allotted for efficiency programs in this province. Nova Scotians have been applying to those programs in droves. Nine times the number of people have been applying for those because of that program that we provided. Part of that program is providing heat pumps to Nova Scotians. Those heat pumps will help people get off oil and will save people up to $1,500 a year. We are here for Nova Scotians and will continue to be.

Why was the residential tenancies enforcement unit scrapped?

SUSAN LEBLANC « » : In January of last year, the Department of Service Nova Scotia responded to an inquiry from the Investment Property Owners Association of Nova Scotia about how a potential compliance and enforcement unit would impact landlords. This spurred internal communication, with one department representative recognizing that the unit would predominantly be landlord-based, meaning it would have predominantly protected tenants against such things as unlawful convictions. My question to the minister is: Why was the enforcement unit scrapped when it would have clearly met the needs of tenants?

HON. JILL BALSER « » : I know my predecessor in his time as minister did bring forward some changes to the Residential Tenancies Program. I know that a report was commissioned to look at what a compliance and enforcement unit could look like here in the province. At that time, the government made the decision not to move forward, knowing that we have a Residential Tenancies Program in place that provides equity, respect, and balance to the needs of both tenants and landlords. We want to make sure that all Nova Scotians know that that Residential Tenancies Program is there to help them in their time of need. We're going to continue to utilize that program and make positive changes to it as needed.

SUSAN LEBLANC « » : When it came down to the creation of a residential tenancies enforcement unit, the former Minister of Service Nova Scotia concluded that it would not meet the needs of tenants and landlords. My question to the current minister is: Can the minister explain which specific needs would not have been met by a compliance and enforcement unit? When will she table a new program that will meet the needs of both tenants and landlords?

JILL BALSER « » : I want to recognize that we do have a Residential Tenancies Program in place to support the needs of both tenants and landlords. We know that Nova Scotians need to be able to reach out to a program in their time of need and one that is efficient and is going to find a resolution in their time of need quickly. Recognizing that the report was commissioned to look at a compliance and enforcement unit, we made the decision not to move forward, knowing that there is an opportunity to improve the existing program, which we are doing. We want to make sure that Nova Scotians know that that program is there in their time of need. We want to make sure we are improving communication and tenants know they can use that program when they need it.

When will Nova Scotians get support to be able to afford their energy bills?

gling to pay their energy bills, the highest proportion in Canada. I will table that. The Nova Scotia Energy Poverty Task Force, which includes government representatives, delivered a four-step solution to address this problem last Spring. I will table that. My question to the Minister of Energy is: Can the minister please explain why we have seen no action to make the changes that Nova Scotians need to be able to afford their energy bills?

HON. TREVOR BOUDREAU: Speaker, our government has taken extraordinary measures to avoid increases in power rates. I can think of a number of different initiatives. I can think of Bill No. 212, which limited the ability of the NSUARB to allow for increases by Nova Scotia Power. I can think of the $117 million investment that our government made to pay off the fuel adjustment mechanism for making sure that Nova Scotians didn't have a 7 per cent increase in power rates.

We also negotiated a $500 million agreement with the federal government to make sure that Nova Scotians didn't have a 19 per cent increase in power rates. We're doing what we can, and we'll continue to do what we can.

SUSAN LEBLANC « » : This government's commitment to keep future increases within the national average will not help Nova Scotians who are already struggling with the current rates. Any increase will simply add to their financial stress. What is really needed is the four-step solution previously put forward that includes bill affordability, arrears management, crisis intervention, and support to make homes more energy-efficient. When will this government deliver the solutions that Nova Scotians deserve?

TREVOR BOUDREAU: Nova Scotians already have access to programs within those four realms that the member is speaking about. But just as an aside, this government has invested in a number of different ways to support Nova Scotians with the cost of living. In particular, with respect to energy, I think of the Heating Assistance Rebate Program - $600. I think of the HEAT Fund program that is distributed by the Salvation Army that we work on very hard, as well as diversion funding through the Department of Opportunities and Social Development for people on income assistance. We know that Nova Scotians need support, and we'll be that government to be there for them.

Introducing the Steve Estey Act

A picture of An Act to Amend Chapter 5 of the Acts of 2011, the Elections Act, Respecting Expenses Incurred in Relation to Disability.

On September I was happy to introduce a bill that will make it easier for people with disabilities to run in elections; the Steve Estey Act. It was inspired by Steve’s experience of being a person with a hearing impairment running in a provincial election. I was also very happy to welcome Steve’s family: wife Ann McRae, mother Dee Estey, and sister Jane Estey to the legislature to witness its tabling.

The Need for Real Rent Control

On September 20 - the last day of the Fall 2024 legislative session - I said the following about the Houston government’s legislation that: failed to implement real rent control, made it easier for landlords to evict renters, left the fixed-term lease loophole, and extended a rent cap higher than any other in Canada, and more than double the rate of inflation. Here is what I said:

The situation for renters in Dartmouth North, in HRM, and across the province is getting more and more dire. Rents are incredibly high. We're hearing about studio apartments going for $1,700, and one-bedrooms are over $2,000. These are not luxury apartments.

The fact is that most incomes are nowhere near adequate to pay these prices, and it results in people being evicted for non-payment, defaulting on their power bills or other loans, not taking the medications they need, not eating enough and getting sick, or experiencing crippling anxiety and fear about all or any of the above.

People contact me every single day for help with housing. They can't afford where they're living. They're living with an abuser, and there's nowhere to escape to. Their landlord is moving into their unit, and they have to get out. Their power has been cut off. The list goes on and on.

Let me be clear: These are not calls that I get once a month, every couple of weeks, or even every couple of days. These calls come in every day, and most days there are more than one. People need help, and they need it now.

Yes, supply will help a little, but supply is coming in years and not days or months, and there is no guarantee of what the rents of all these buildings will be. People need housing that is adequate and that they can afford. There are some solutions to this that the government is at best ignoring and at worst working against.

We need a system of rent control where the rent is tied to the unit and not the tenant. This Bill does not do this. We need a system where there is no financial incentive for the use of fixed-term leases so they would be used for the intended purpose instead of for landlords to skirt the rent cap, as we heard about in Law Amendments Committee. This Bill does not have that.

Instead, it provides a pathway to homelessness, which, by the way, quadrupled in HRM since this government came to office. We need a system where there would be no financial incentive to make buildings pet-free when they were always pet-friendly; no need to charge for storage lockers when they always had been included in the rent; and no need to renovict tenants when there is nothing more than a cosmetic improvement needed to do to a unit or building. This Bill does not have this.

If not fair or affordable, the rent cap will give some predictability to renters for the next couple of years, but what happens then? This government is determined to return our rental market to a scenario where there is no control at all. We need this Bill to legislate permanent rental control tied to the unit and not the tenant.

The opportunity to bring this Bill forward could have done so much good, but it actually does the opposite. It will not help the housing and homelessness crisis, and in fact, it will probably make it worse for all these reasons I have laid out. For the tens of thousands of renters I represent in Dartmouth North, I cannot support this Bill.

Why won’t the Health Minister help Jennifer Brady get the care she needs?

On September 19th I asked the Minister of Health if she would end the government’s legal battle against Jennifer Brady and allow Ms. Brady to receive the care she needs. Jennifer Brady has a debilitating lymphedema, and there is no treatment currently available in Nova Scotia. The department of health is saying it won’t cover out of province expenses without a specialist referral made in the province, but no specialist exists here. Jennifer has applied for medically assisted death earlier this year. We must not allow Jennifer Brady to die or live in pain when treatment is available. Below is our full exchange:

SUSAN LEBLANC : Speaker, my question is for the Minister of Health and Wellness. The minister's department has been fighting Jennifer Brady in court for two years over a procedure that is covered by MSI. My question is: Why? Ms. Brady has debilitating lymphedema and there is no treatment currently available in Nova Scotia. The department is saying it won't cover out-of-province expenses without a specialist's referral made in the province, but no specialist exists here. Will the minister end this legal battle and allow Jennifer Brady to receive the care she needs?

HON. MICHELLE THOMPSON: I certainly know that this is a very difficult situation for Ms. Brady. This matter is before the courts, and I will not comment.

SUSAN LEBLANC: The matter is in the courts; it's also on national news as Ms. Brady has shared her story with the CBC. Without access to the care she needs, Ms. Brady applied for MAID earlier this year. The head clinician who reviewed her application found that it met all criteria except that the condition cannot be treated. There is treatment available. As the clinician told the minister's department in his letter: Your office can make that happen. We know it is within the minister's ability to help Ms. Brady and many others like her. Will she do that?

MICHELLE THOMPSON: Again, I appreciate that this is a very difficult situation. Ms. Brady is free to share her personal health information. I, however, am not, and so I will not be able to comment any further on this situation.

The Government Must Address Energy Poverty

On September 17 I asked the Minister of Natural Resources and Renewables what the Houston government’s plan is to address energy poverty. Below is our exchange:

SUSAN LEBLANC: My question is for the Minister of Natural Resources and Renewables. Nova Scotia has one of the highest rates of energy poverty in the country, with about 43 per cent of households paying more on energy than they can afford. Earlier this year, this department was involved in the development of a report that called for and designed a program to ensure people can afford the electricity they need. I will table that report. Does the minister support the findings of this report? What is the minister's plan to address energy poverty?

HON. TORY RUSHTON: I'm not sure what report got tabled, so I'll have a look at that because there have been a few reports on this. Some were government reports, some were independent reports. I will have a look at the report. What I can say is the Clean Electricity Solutions Task Force did make a recommendation - Recommendation No. 12 - to look at what Ontario is doing for affordability. We have looked at what Ontario is doing. We started that process - task force Recommendation No. 12. We're comparing what's going on in that jurisdiction to what we're doing in our jurisdiction. We're still looking at that.

What I can say is that $250 million has been invested since we've taken government on energy affordability and different forms of energy. We'll continue that. We'll also look at other alternatives. We have found out from working with other jurisdictions that we're doing a lot that other jurisdictions aren't.

SUSAN LEBLANC: I'll just reiterate the fact that we have one of the highest rates of energy poverty. Whatever we're doing, we're not doing enough: 43 per cent of households are living in energy poverty.

Thank you to the minister for bringing up Recommendation No. 12. This was actually the second report. The report that I just tabled was the second report from last year that called for decisive action on energy affordability. The final report from the Nova Scotia Clean Electricity Solutions Task Force, which I'm sure the minister is familiar with, also directed this government to "determine the best way to deliver a 'Made in Nova Scotia' suite of programs" - Recommendation No. 12 - "to help with residential electricity costs."

Has the government accepted this recommendation? When will Nova Scotians see programs to lower their energy bills in place?

TORY RUSHTON: I just had a look at that report. That’s actually an independent report. That wasn’t a government report. That was an independent body report. What I can say is looking back over the last couple of decades, the highest rates actually increased under the NDP government. What we have done is $250 million investment of this province’s money for affordability. We also looked at the fuel adjustment mechanism that was going to be put into place to add nearly a double-digit increase for all ratepayers. Since October, we’ve been negotiating with the federal government. Yesterday they helped us out: $500 million so the rates in Nova Scotia won’t go up this year.