Official Site of Diana Whalen, MLA

"The cost of living is up by 3.8 per cent year-over-year," states Whalen. "The cost of gasoline and food is driving up the cost of living in our province."

Whalen says the Liberals offered real solutions for gas prices.

"We said the Dexter government should remove the tax-on-tax on gas," says Whalen. "That would lower the cost of gas by almost four cents per litre and provide some much needed relief to Nova Scotians."

Whalen argues that cost of living increases disproportionately affect low income Nova Scotians.

"People with low incomes are forced to stretch every dollar even further as the cost of essentials continues to increase," says Whalen. "As the cost of food rises, it will become harder to afford a healthy diet."

Whalen adds that increasing fuel costs are hurting businesses in the province.

"When we add the second highest CPI increase in the country to the highest taxes and sky-high power rates you are left with an uncompetitive economy," says Whalen. "That's bad for Nova Scotians and bad for business."[Back]

Steele: Deficit down, but budget at risk
Factors such as NewPage closure may affect figure

By DAVID JACKSON Provincial Reporter

Wed, Sep 14 - 4:54 AM

The Dexter government expects less red ink than first estimated this year, but the budget still faces numerous risks, including the shutdown of the NewPage pulp and paper mill.
Finance Minister Graham Steele reported Tuesday that this year's deficit is now estimated at $319 million, down a bit more than $70 million from the budget projection in April.
The numbers in the quarterly report don't include the potential impact of this month's NewPage shutdown, which will throw 1,000 people out of work.

Steele said it is too early to predict how long the shutdown will last and what impact that will have on the provincial economy.

"Yes, there would be an impact on the bottom line," Steele said at a Halifax news conference.
"Any time you have 1,000 people who were working that are no longer working, or you have a company that was producing that is no longer producing, there's going to be an impact."
Steele said the impact could be seen in a reduction in gross domestic product, but he added that it is difficult to link the shutdown to specific aspects of the bottom line.

Premier Darrell Dexter announced a $15-million plan last week to keep the mill's woodlands operations, which include about 400 of the 1,000 workers, going during the shutdown while a buyer is sought.

Steele said NewPage Port Hawkesbury, now under creditor protection, is big enough to have an identifiable part of the province's economic output. He said the 2006 shutdown, which lasted 10 months, led to a "distinguishable drop" in output, but he didn't have details.

Steele and his officials noted that risks to the budget forecast include NewPage, a stalling United States economy, the Harper government's fiscal restraint plan, the European debt crisis, currency appreciation and lower-than-anticipated economic growth in Canada.

Toronto-Dominion Bank said Tuesday that it predicts the Canadian economy will grow 2.2 per cent this year, down half a percentage point from its previous projection. On Monday, the Royal Bank of Canada trimmed its expected growth to 2.4 per cent, down 0.8 percentage points.

RBC projected growth in Nova Scotia of 1.3 per cent, down from 1.7 per cent.
Steele said the province hasn't changed its economic growth assumption, which is 1.9 per cent. He said the province usually looks for a consensus among banks as part of making its own projection, and not all banks have weighed in yet.

Steele said he will be better able to talk about whether economic assumptions need to be revised in his next quarterly update in December.

Liberal finance critic Diana Whalen said it all adds up to a somewhat rosier picture than is really there.

"There's great uncertainty hanging over the province," Whalen said. "Most notably, the NewPage situation, which perhaps will see 1,000 jobs lost in this province, and that's going to have a direct impact on personal income tax, HST, consumer spending, all kinds of areas."

The $15 million for NewPage's woodlands operations was added to the Natural Resources Department's budget. The increased expense was offset by savings elsewhere.
The largest saving was $36.9 million to Acadia and NSCAD universities, money that was budgeted for this year but was advanced in March. The Finance Department ended up recording the transaction in the 2010-11 books, on the advice of auditor general Jacques Lapointe

Departmental spending, in total, is projected to be down $24.8 million from the original budget estimate. Low interest rates are expected to cut debt-servicing costs by $28.4 million, helping push overall expenses $74.4 million lower.

Revenue dropped $11.1 million, but that includes the reclassification of asset swaps that had been recorded as a reduction in debt-servicing but are now listed as a revenue reduction.
Revenue would have been up otherwise. The change doesn't affect the province's bottom line. Personal income tax is expected to be up $30.2 million and corporate income tax up $17.6 million.

The revenue numbers include a projected drop in last year's personal income tax. That reduction is the main factor in a decrease in adjustments for prior years of $29.5 million. That comes after adjustments of $229 million to the good in the last fiscal year.

A drop in smoking is expected to reduce tobacco tax revenue by $6.5 million, to $206.6 million.

Tory Leader Jamie Baillie said the government needs to get back to the legislature and create a new budget that is balanced and a new electricity plan.

Baillie said removing last year's two percentage point hike in the HST, which he suggested should be done when the budget is balanced, would help kick-start job creation.
"It's clear that we have a government that believes why put off until tomorrow what you can put off until the day after tomorrow."[Back]

Dark clouds loom as N.S. issues rosy forecast

MICHAEL MACDONALD

Published: September 13, 2011 4:49 p.m.

HALIFAX - Despite the deteriorating global economy, Nova Scotia's financial picture is looking better than the government expected when it tabled its budget in April, Finance Minister Graham Steele said Tuesday.

The NDP government's projected deficit for 2011-12 now stands at $319 million, $70 million less than originally forecast, Steele announced as he released his updated budget forecast.

It's not the first time the government's budget update has turned out to be more positive than expected. In July, the province recorded the 2010-11 budget surplus at $569 million, after forecasting a $222 million deficit in the original budget projections last year.

The wild swings in the numbers have prompted opposition critics to conclude that the government's fiscal updates are worthless.

However, Steele insisted the latest numbers represent a more accurate picture of the province's finances, and he stressed that the government remains committed to balancing the budget in 2013-14.

"It's worth reminding folks as well that this year's forecast deficit is very close to where we expected to be at this point in our four-year plan," he said.

Steele said the province now expects to take in $8.9 billion in revenue, which is close to the original forecast despite increases expected from personal and corporate incomes taxes. The province has also benefited from lower debt services costs associated with historically low interest rates.

The minister said the government has also succeeded in keeping a tight rein on spending. Total expenses are forecast to be $9.2 billion, $81 million lower than in the budget.

However, Steele said the province's fortunes could turn in the months ahead if the global economic outlook continues to sour.

"There are disquieting signs of the national and international recovery going more slowly than anticipated," he told a news conference. "But there is, in my view, too much uncertainty to warrant revising Nova Scotia's economic outlook as part of this forecast update."

He said the province could be hurt by the sputtering U.S. economy, the looming European debt crisis and the fact that Canada's economy stalled in the most recent quarter.

As well, he said the closure of the NewPage paper mill in Cape Breton — at a cost of 1,000 jobs — won't help the province's bottom line.

"For all of these reasons, it's become more likely, though still not certain, that the Canadian economy, and therefore the Nova Scotia economy, will see more modest growth than previously anticipated."

Steele confirmed the latest projections did not take into account the indefinite shutdown of the mill in Point Tupper.

He said the government remains hopeful the mill will be sold and restarted.

But Steele admitted that a prolonged closure could have a major impact on the province's economic growth, noting that NewPage accounts for a big chunk of Nova Scotia's gross domestic product.

"The NewPage mill situation brings a new risk to the economic assumptions underlying the spring budget," he said.

Liberal finance critic Diana Whalen said Steele's projections still lack credibility.

"There's so many uncertainties still outstanding that have not been reflected in any of the numbers that we've seen," she said, citing the NewPage closure as one example.

She also criticized the government for being too timid about budget cutting, suggesting the NDP is postponing some hard decisions about spending.

"I just don't see it in the numbers that he gave us today," she said. "There's some incremental changes, but they're very small."

Conservative Leader Jamie Baillie said the government's latest projections are nothing to crow about.

He said the New Democrats' decision to raise the HST by two percentage points last July has hurt the economy, as has the government's failure to deal with expensive electricity rates.

"A new, job-creating budget and a new electricity plan are needed to replace the NDP's expensive plan," he said in a statement. "High taxes and power rates will claim many more jobs if the government doesn't take action."[Back]

News Release

www.nsliberalcaucus.ca

September 6, 2011

Stephen McNeil, MLA
Liberal Leader

MCNEIL: NEW CRITIC ROLES ANNOUNCED

(Halifax, NS) Liberal leader Stephen McNeil is pleased to announce newly assigned critic roles for Liberal MLAs.

"We have an extremely talented team of MLAs with unique backgrounds and specific constituency concerns," says McNeil. "These changes reflect their experience and the demands of their particular ridings."

McNeil pointed to moves made by Leo Glavine, MLA for Kings West, and Diana Whalen, MLA for Clayton Park.

"Leo Glavine and Diana Whalen traded places in this shuffle," said McNeil. "Diana's move to Finance critic makes sense given her expertise as a Certified Management Accountant. Leo's leadership in dealing with the prescription drug problem in the Valley and the Berwick clinic closure show he is passionate about issues relating to Health and Wellness."

McNeil said two of the newest additions to the Liberal caucus will see their roles change. Zach Churchill will become Advanced Education and Labour critic and Geoff MacLellan will take over responsibilities as Economic Development critic.

"Zach's past efforts in helping university students make him an ideal fit for the Advanced Education portfolio," said McNeil. "Coming from Cape Breton, Geoff is far too familiar with the economic failings of the Dexter government - Geoff's educational background and experience will serve him well in his new role."

McNeil added that recent news about the Dexter government's refusal to place a Cape Breton representative on the Fisheries Loan Board made Michel Samson, MLA for Richmond, an obvious choice for Fisheries portfolio.

McNeil has also placed Kelly Regan, the critic for the Status of Women, in the Community Service portfolio while Dartmouth East MLA Andrew Younger, the Liberal Energy and Environment critic, is now the Natural Resources critic as well.

"As we move forward into the next legislative session we are leveraging the skills and experiences of our members," said McNeil. "We are committed to representing the needs of Nova Scotians while holding the Dexter government to account and offering the only true alternative to the NDP."

For further information, contact:

Stephen Moore
(902) 476-6601
mooresk@gov.ns.ca [Back]

News Release

www.nsliberalcaucus.ca

September 1, 2011

Diana Whalen, MLA
Health Critic

TIME FOR LEADERSHIP ON BLOOD COLLECTION IN CDHA

(Halifax, NS) Liberal health critic Diana Whalen says it's time for the Minister of Health to show leadership when it comes to the issue of blood collection in the Capital District.

Recently, a new agreement signed between Capital Health and independent blood collectors in the district reduced delivery times of samples from three hours to ninety minutes. The change has resulted in reductions and cancellations of home based services, closures of collection sites and increased costs charged at clinics throughout Capital District. The reason cited for the change is to maintain specimen integrity.

"The reality is individuals who aren't able to use independent clinics as a result of these changes will simply arrive at hospital based clinics for service," said Whalen. "This does not make the system any more efficient and in fact, it makes the system worse."

Whalen believes options such as allowing independent blood collectors to perform more of the upfront work necessary to maintain specimen integrity will help lab management at Capital District to be more efficient and would reduce the number of abnormal samples.

"Why do specimens have to be re-labelled? Why aren't private labs which have the necessary equipment able to spin blood samples to ensure specimen integrity before they even arrive at CDHA labs?" asks Whalen.

Southwest Nova District Health Authority enables independent blood collection sites to maintain specimen integrity on-site - in these cases, the deadline for arrival time at hospital labs is 1:00pm.

"It's time the Minister of Health treated independent blood collectors as partners in the delivery of health care and not as adversaries," said Whalen. "With everyone working together, we could ensure a more efficient and streamlined system that benefits everyone."

For further information, contact:

Stephen Moore
(902) 476-6601
mooresk@gov.ns.ca [Back]

News Release
www.nsliberalcaucus.ca
August 11, 2011

Diana Whalen, MLA
Health Critic

WHALEN: MIDWIFERY REPORT SPEAKS TO URGENCY OF ACTION FROM NDP

(Halifax, NS) Liberal Health Critic Diana Whalen says if the Minister of Health and Wellness is willing to commit to midwifery, this commitment should be backed up by full acceptance of the report.

"The Minister of Health and Wellness says this issue is a priority yet she wants to further assess the recommendations," said Whalen. "If this was a priority for the minister, she would immediately accept all of the report's recommendations."

The external review of Midwifery focused on the lack of service currently available through the IWK and how to address some of these challenges.

"Clearly, service at the IWK has been severely disrupted since December 2010 with very limited access to midwives," added Whalen. "People wanting access to services now through the IWK must wait while the minister studies the report. The minister should simply accept the recommendations and start moving."

The external review also made some immediate recommendations around funding for new positions before the end of this current fiscal year including immediate funding for a midwifery practice specialist and a new FTE position for the South Shore. The report also calls for the expansion of midwifery to another district.

"All of the recommendations focus on strengthening and enhancing midwifery in our province," added Whalen. "The minister knows midwifery in our province has been struggling since last December and yet she is asking Nova Scotia women to wait yet again while she analyzes the recommendations. Clearly immediate action is required."

Stephen Moore
(902) 476-6601
mooresk@gov.ns.ca [Back]

News Release
www.nsliberalcaucus.ca
June 13, 2011

Diana Whalen, MLA
Health Critic

WHALEN: NDP HEALTH CUTS THREATEN TO INCREASE O.R. WAIT TIMES

(Halifax, NS) Liberal health critic Diana Whalen said that NDP cuts to health care could increase OR wait times in the Capital District.

"Capital Health's business plan outlines $10.2 million in cuts," said Whalen. "These cuts will hit those waiting for surgery the hardest."

The Capital District said that they've identified 15 beds for realignment. Whalen argued that means these beds will not be available for patients waiting for surgery.

"They are effectively removing beds available to those in need of surgery," said Whalen. "This will increase the time Nova Scotians will have to wait for surgery in the Capital District."

Whalen said that the Capital District needs just over $2 million to improve essential operating room lighting.

"The district's business plan says these improvements are necessary to avoid OR shut downs," said Whalen. "Fewer ORs would create a shortage and would increase the wait time faced by patients in the Capital District."

"Their health cuts will reduce the number of hospital beds and ORs available – this makes it impossible to deliver better care or to reduce wait times.""

Stephen Moore
(902) 476-6601
mooresk@gov.ns.ca [Back]

News Release
www.nsliberalcaucus.ca
June 9, 2011

Diana Whalen, MLA
Health Critic

WHALEN: NDP GOVERNMENT MUST EXPAND ACCESS TO LUCENTIS: LIBERALS

(Sydney, NS) Liberal health critic Diana Whalen says the NDP government is dragging its heels on its promises to provide Lucentis treatment in other areas of the province, including Cape Breton.

"The Minister herself pledged to roll out the Lucentis injection program across Nova Scotia – the program was announced in October 2010. How much more time does this government need?" asks Whalen. "This is a government that has a lot of trouble keeping its promises – we want to ensure Lucentis isn't added to that list."

Whalen says since the government was strong-armed into covering the vision-saving drug, the only area sufferers of wet macular degeneration can get the help they need is in Halifax. Forcing patients to travel for this particular treatment is unnecessary when the retinal specialists who administer the drug could travel to communities outside Metro.

"It's time for the Minister to implement a solution that would allow residents to receive Lucentis treatment closer to home," Whalen says. "In Cape Breton, for instance, the clinic is ready, the required equipment has been purchased and it's sitting idle. The only ingredient missing is the specialist to run the program and that requires leadership from the NDP."

Whalen believes the Minister and the NDP government has once again raised false hope – they promised a mobile program, they had the DHA purchase equipment and supplies, yet access to Lucentis is still being denied.

"The clinic is ready in Cape Breton – why doesn't the Minister have specialists from Halifax travel to the Island to inject patients in need?"

Kyley Harris
(902) 223-2387
harriskz@gov.ns.ca [Back]

News Release
www.nsliberalcaucus.ca
May 27, 2011

Diana Whalen, MLA
Health Critic

WHALEN: ER CHIEF RESIGNATION POINTS TO A HEALTH CARE SYSTEM NOT WORKING

(Halifax, NS) Liberal health critic Diana Whalen is demanding the Minister of Health tell Nova Scotians, despite all of her government's promises, why our emergency health system is crumbling within the Capital District.

"This minister continually boasts that the rapid assessment unit at the QEII is an example where real progress is being made, yet we see the Chief of the Emergency program resign, obviously in frustration," said Whalen.

Dr. Philip Yoon tendered his resignation at Capital District last week. He is the second Chief of Emergency for the Capital District to tender his resignation since this government assumed power two years ago,

"It's time this minister realizes that the challenge is much bigger than building units to accommodate faster assessment" added Whalen. "If we can't move emergency patients into hospital beds, the ER backs up and physicians get frustrated. If patients aren't being moved into more appropriate health care settings fast enough, the system comes to a halt.

The most recent Auditor General's Report released on May 18th indicated the Department of Health and Wellness has placed a moratorium on the construction of additional nursing home beds until a review of the Continuing Care Strategy is complete. There are more than 500 beds in the Continuing Care Strategy that have not been constructed.

"Patient flow challenges, frozen DHA budgets and alternate funding agreement negotiations with specialists that will make us uncompetitive across the country continue to challenge the health care system within the Capital District and throughout the province," added Whalen. "This Minister better start looking at the whole health care system, not just one segment at a time."

Kyley Harris
(902) 223-2387
harriskz@gov.ns.ca [Back]

News Release
www.nsliberalcaucus.ca
May 12, 2011

Diana Whalen, MLA
Health and Wellness Critic

WHALEN: HEALTH MINISTER SILENT ON ER PROTECTION FUND

(Halifax, NS) In question period on Wednesday, Liberal health critic Diana Whalen asked the Minister of Health and Wellness if she would provide an account of how the NDP government spent their $3 million emergency room protection fund.

"I asked the minister to provide a full accounting of this $3 million fund to show how the money was spent," said Whalen. "The minister refused to answer."

Whalen pointed out that the NDP originally promised to use this fund to hire doctors for hard-to-fill shifts. Its purpose changed and was allocated to implement initiatives arising from the Ross report.

"The NDP have already changed the purpose of this fund in the past," said Whalen. "I want to know if they invested in ERs or if they changed its purpose once again."

Whalen added that if the government wanted to be truly accountable to Nova Scotians they would disclose the use of these funds to the people of this province.

"They either used the $3 million to keep emergency rooms open or they returned these funds to the Minister of Finance," said Whalen. "Either way, this is another example of the lack of transparency shown by this government."

Kyley Harris
(902) 223-2387
harriskz@gov.ns.ca [Back]

News Release
www.nsliberalcaucus.ca
May 13, 2011

Diana Whalen, MLA
Health and Wellness Critic

WHALEN: LIBERAL MOTION AIDS PHARMACIES AND THEIR CUSTOMERS

(Halifax, NS) Today in the legislature, Diana Whalen, Liberal health and wellness critic, introduced a motion to set aside Bill 17 for three months so pharmacists can finalize their current round of tariff negotiations with the government.

"We are committed to bringing fairer drug prices to Nova Scotians," said Whalen. "However, the bill in its current form threatens to close community pharmacies across the province. The minister said she wanted to complete negotiations before this law is proclaimed - our motion would ensure that."

Whalen said the NDP has admitted their bill puts certain pharmacies at risk of closure and that they've identified those pharmacies in jeopardy.

"We asked for their list of pharmacies at risk of closure and we asked to see their plan to assist the pharmacies that will be negatively impacted," said Whalen. "The NDP government did not deliver the list and they did not show us their plan - at this point, it's hard to say whether either actually exist."

Whalen noted that many of Nova Scotia's community pharmacies are at risk of closing because of the manner in which the NDP are pushing their bill forward. If isolated rural pharmacies close, some seniors could face lengthy round trips to get their prescriptions filled.

"The long trips to fill prescriptions will put many seniors at risk and the increased travel costs will eliminate any potential savings on prescriptions," said Whalen. "That is not safe and that is not fair."

Whalen argued that with pharmacies in danger of closing, customers who rely on them will suffer. She said the Liberals want to set the bill aside for three months to ensure pharmacies can complete their current round of tariff negotiations with the government before the bill becomes law.

"Proceeding without our amendment will put community pharmacies and the Nova Scotians who depend on them at risk."

For further information, contact:

Kyley Harris
(902) 223-2387
harriskz@gov.ns.ca [Back]

News Release
www.nsliberalcaucus.ca
April 28, 2011

Diana Whalen, MLA
Halifax-Clayton Park

LIBERALS INTRODUCE BILL TO CREATE INTERN PROGRAM

(Halifax, NS) Today, Liberal MLA for Halifax-Clayton Park Diana Whalen introduced a bill that would create an internship program for the Nova Scotia Legislature.

"This bill gives us the opportunity to address youth involvement in the political process in a positive way," says Whalen. "Provinces with this program find their elected members compete for the privilege of having an intern. It is a win-win program for our legislature."

The program would result in the hiring of interns that would assist with the business of the province and give a number of young people the opportunity to gain valuable experience that will help them as they begin their careers.

Whalen noted that other provinces, for example, Manitoba and Ontario have similar programs that are very popular and very well respected.

"People in other provinces understand the value these programs have," said Whalen. "This will help us reach out to young people, re-engage them and help them develop skills that will serve them well throughout their life."

For further information, contact:

Kyley Harris
(902) 223-2387
harriskz@gov.ns.ca [Back]

From the Coast

GIVE US A BREAK
The Easter holiday is finally here, but MLA Diana Whalen is still working hard to get Nova Scotians a February long weekend.
by Kyle Shaw

Anyone else feeling it's been waaaaay too long since we've had a day off? This weekend's Easter break comes 111 days after the last statutory holiday, New Year's Day. That stretch of winter drudgery gets broken up in several provinces, but not in Nova Scotia. Here we've got the fewest holidays in the nation, making "Canada's Ocean Playground" a worker's hell.
There are five federal holidays all Canadians are entitled to: New Year's Day and Good Friday, plus Canada Day, Labour Day and Christmas Day. Every other province and territory adds to the five with provincial stat days---Newfoundland at the low end adding one, Saskatchewan adding another five to have the country's most. Nova Scotia has a half-day off for Remembrance Day, lots of businesses and organizations give Victoria Day and Easter Monday off, stores aren't allowed to open on Boxing Day or Thanksgiving, Halifax is one of the municipalities that observes Natal Day---but Nova Scotia does not have even one guaranteed provincial holiday.

This situation might have been OK when Nova Scotia was the only province that banned Sunday shopping. Arguably we had 52 more holidays than the rest of Canada. But when the ban was lifted in 2006, workers lost all those days and gained nothing in return. And this year's crazy run from January 1 to Earth Day/Good Friday makes clear how much we could use a midwinter break. (For that matter, having the day off on Earth Day shows how fitting a holiday that would be. But let's deal with February first, since it's not good Earth Day spirit to be greedy.)

Diana Whalen, the member of the legislature representing Halifax Clayton Park, deserves credit for her indefatigable work on the February holiday issue. The idea came up when Whalen was talking with a constituent, not long after she was first elected in 2003. The constituent was back in Nova Scotia after living out west, and praised Alberta's third-Monday-in-February holiday, Family Day. Initially skeptical, Whalen did her research and became a believer.

There is considerable precedent for a break in February---America has had Presidents' Day since 1971, Alberta started Family Day in 1990---and the mounting evidence is that a day off makes people happier, healthier, more productive workers. Whalen's only hesitation about following Alberta's lead was the name. "Family Day too generic," she says. "It's not interesting. If we're going to have one Nova Scotian holiday, let's make it Nova Scotian." So in 2005 she proposed a bill in the legislature to create Joseph Howe Day.

In 2005, PC premier John Hamm passed on Joe Howe Day. Whalen tried again. And again. And again. Hamm's PC successor Rodney MacDonald didn't bite, and neither did his successor, Nova Scotia's first-ever NDP premier Darrell Dexter. Meanwhile, four other provinces have adopted a February holiday. This Thursday, April 21, Whalen is reintroducing her bill. She thinks this will be the sixth time---she's lost count, but hasn't lost hope for a February break. "I really believe it's the right thing to do. I'm offended for the people of Nova Scotia."

If you'd like a February holiday sometime in Nova Scotia, tell your MLA or Darrell Dexter (premier@gov.ns.ca) to pay attention to Whalen's latest bill. If you'd like a February holiday immediately, go work for the MacLeod Lorway Group.

The Nova Scotia insurance company closed its nine offices February 21, creating a holiday for its workers the same day Americans and most Canadians have theirs. The spark came from Diana Whalen, talking about the February holiday on TV. "Our CEO thought it was a brilliant idea," says Jennifer MacLeod, the MacLeod Lorway director of marketing and development. As MacLeod explains, there's a price to hiring new employees. To replace an entry-level job like a receptionist costs the company 50 percent of the job's salary. Replacing a middle manager costs 150 percent of their salary. And a new senior executive costs 400 percent on top of their pay. It costs money to give people the day off, says MacLeod, but because that day makes people happy they're working for the company, "we are maybe saving money."[Back]

WHALEN: NOVA SCOTIANS DESERVE A FEBRUARY HOLIDAY

News Release
www.nsliberalcaucus.ca
April 21, 2011

Diana Whalen, MLA
Halifax-Clayton Park

(Halifax, NS) Diana Whalen, Liberal MLA for Halifax-Clayton Park, introduced legislation today that would see the creation a statutory holiday on the third Monday in February.

"Good Friday marks the first holiday for Nova Scotians since New Year's Day - a stretch of 110 days," explains Whalen. "I've been pushing government for six years now to adopt a February holiday and I'll continue to do so - hard-working Nova Scotians ought to have a day to enjoy with their families."

Whalen first introduced the idea of a statutory holiday in 2005 - at that time, only Alberta celebrated a February holiday. Since then, four other provinces - Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Ontario and P.E.I. - have instituted statutory holidays in February. More than 50 per cent of Canadians have that day off; Nova Scotia, on the other hand, has the fewest number of holidays in the country.

Whalen argues that there is more to quality of life than how much money we make and she believes that having enough leisure and family time is a crucial factor in the overall competitiveness of the province.

"Joseph Howe Day is about improving the quality of life for people in Nova Scotia."

For further information, contact:

Kyley Harris
(902) 223-2387
harriskz@gov.ns.ca [Back]

LIBERALS INTRODUCE BILL TO FUND INSULIN PUMPS

Halifax, NS) Today in the House of Assembly, Liberals introduced legislation that would have government fund insulin pumps and then pressed the NDP to call the bill for debate.

"We are going to see a dramatic increase in the number of people with diabetes," said Diana Whalen, Liberal health and wellness critic. "When you look at the number of people in the province with diabetes, it makes sense for us to help them - short-term and long-term."

The Canadian Diabetes Association says that there are currently 87,000 Nova Scotians with diabetes. This number is expected to increase by 44 per cent to more than 125,000 in 10 years.

"Many of the people who need insulin pumps cannot afford them," said Whalen. "The government has a responsibility to step up and help Nova Scotians cope with their illness more effectively."

Funding insulin pumps will help make the lives of those with diabetes more manageable and it will also result in future savings in the ever-increasing health budget.

"The NDP supported the idea when they were in opposition and have failed to address the problem in government," said Whalen. "This is the moral and fiscally responsible thing to do."

Whalen said the Liberal caucus believes that the province should fund insulin pumps for all Nova Scotians who need one, but that they would be pleased if the NDP government starts by providing insulin pumps for those under the age of 18.

"We have to take action in this province to control diabetes - it's essential," said Whalen. "Funding insulin pumps is the right first step."

For further information, contact:

Kyley Harris
(902) 223-2387
harriskz@gov.ns.ca[Back]

GYM FEE HIKE A STRETCH FOR SENIORS

Membership at new Canada Games Centre costs twice as much as Northcliffe Centre does
By DAVENE JEFFREY Staff Reporter

Sat, Feb 26

Brenda MacPhee lives right across the street from Halifax's newest swimming pool but says she can't afford to take the plunge.

"I'm on a fixed income," the 67-year-old says. "They keep telling us to stay fit, so we're not a burden to the young people." Suffering from rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis, MacPhee says aquafitness classes keep her going but she can't pay the Canada Games Centre's fee.
A senior's membership to the facility in Clayton Park costs $375 a year, just about double what the nearby Northcliffe Centre's rate used to be. Northcliffe is slated to close this spring while the Canada Games Centre is opening to public use March 5.
MacPhee is one of about 150 seniors who have signed a petition protesting the membership cost at the Canada Games Centre. Many are regular users of the Northcliffe pool. Northcliffe offered members aquatic programs, while the Canada Games Centre membership includes access to the aquatics and fitness centres, the field house and indoor track.

"I think it's a very fair price for what we offer here at the centre," said facility general manager Gary Furlong. "(A membership) gives you access to everything within the walls, including aquafitness classes."

Diana Whalen, MLA for Halifax Clayton Park, has heard from several people concerned about the prices at the new fitness centre. She agrees that the price difference between the two centres will be hard on seniors. Whalen, however, was quick to praise the general membership rates at the Canada Games Centre. "They've hit a good mark for the price."

But the board that operates the complex should create a price for someone coming to the centre for one activity, Whalen said. "These people are not coming to play all day."
Many older Northcliffe pool users were regulars, Whalen said, and they will be losing out socially as well as on the fitness front if they are not able to afford to continue their exercise classes.

The Liberal MLA said she has written to the board but has not heard back.
Whalen said security may be one concern keeping operators from offering a single-activity price to the public.

"But what's the worst that could happen (if people sneak into other activities)? Some people would be getting more exercise?" In the meantime, MacPhee said she may go back to driving to Dalplex in south-end Halifax, where she was a member for years when she was working.
But "with the cost of gas, that's getting expensive too." [Back]

WHALEN CONTINUES TO URGE GOVERNMENT TO ADOPT A FEBRUARY HOLIDAY
News Release

February 18, 2011
Diana Whalen, MLA
MLA Halifax Clayton Park

(Halifax, NS) Halifax Clayton Park MLA Diana Whalen is continuing to champion Joseph Howe Day as a potential February holiday to give Nova Scotians a long weekend.
This year the stretch between New Years Day and Good Friday (April 22nd) is particularly long, with nearly four months without a long weekend.

When Whalen first introduced the idea of Joseph Howe Day in 2005, only one province, Alberta, celebrated a February holiday. Since then, that number has increased to five provinces (Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Ontario, and Prince Edward Island) while Nova Scotia continues to have the fewest statutory holidays of any province in Canada.

"Today, nearly 60% of Canadians are gearing up for a long weekend," says Whalen. "Nova Scotia is falling far behind other provinces on this issue and we are missing an opportunity to promote work-life balance which improves the health and wellbeing of employees. "

A recent study from St. Mary's University professor Dr. Kevin Kelloway and graduate student Patrick Horsman shows that three-day weekends allow workers to better recover from work stress. Their findings suggest that both employees and organizations would benefit from adding another long weekend.

This year for the first time, local insurance company the MacLeod Lorway Group will be giving their employees a long weekend by closing their nine offices throughout the province on Monday.

"The momentum for this holiday is increasing year by year and I have no doubt that it is coming to Nova Scotia," Whalen stated. "It is time for the NDP government to give Nova Scotians a February holiday."

For further information, contact
Jill Mader
(902) 471-9318
jillemader@gmail.com [Back]

WHALEN TO HEALTH MINISTER: EXPAND ACCESS TO LUCENTIS

News Release

www.nsliberalcaucus.ca

February 10, 2011

Diana Whalen, MLA
Health Critic

(Halifax, NS) Liberal health critic Diana Whalen says the NDP government should be allowing retinal specialists across the province to prescribe the vision-saving drug Lucentis.

“At the moment, a Nova Scotian suffering from wet AMD is only able to receive treatment at the Victoria General’s Eye Care Centre in Halifax,” explains Whalen, the MLA for Halifax-Clayton Park. “The fact is there are doctors in other parts of the province with the qualifications to prescribe and administer Lucentis.”

“Instead of forcing wet AMD sufferers to travel and incur those costs, the NDP should be empowering retinal specialists throughout Nova Scotia to deliver Lucentis closer to home.”

Whalen isn’t sure why the province has insisted on limiting the availability of the treatment to one region. When the funding of Lucentis was announced, the Minister of Health made it clear that the number of patients eligible to receive the treatment would not be capped.

“It doesn’t make sense to ration the drug in Halifax, unless the government is now trying to artificially restrict access.”

The Liberal health critic points to Cape Breton as one of the areas that could potentially begin delivering the drug to patients.

“We have people outside of Halifax who need Lucentis and we have retinal specialists outside of Halifax who can treat them - patients, many of whom are elderly, should not be forced to travel to the QEII for treatment when their needs can be met closer to home at less cost." [Back]

Disabled woman questions care worker wages

Posted by Michael Tutton, The Canadian Press

Feb 2, 2011

HALIFAX – A disabled Nova Scotia woman is questioning why provincial funding for the hourly wage of a home care worker is almost $8 lower when she directly hires the caregiver than when she receives help through an external agency.

Karen Larsen’s case came up Wednesday during a hearing before a legislature committee examining the funding of programs for persons with disabilities. Diana Whalen, the Liberal member who represents Larsen, said it’s illogical that the Community Services Department would provide an agency with $17.50 per hour for a person to assist her but only budgets for $9.65 per hour when she hires the worker herself.

“If you give somebody minimum wage to replace the person they used to have under a service provider, they don’t have the capacity to hire somebody with the qualifications because they don’t have the funding,” said Whalen. Whalen said the care from a service provider wasn’t meeting Larsen’s needs and argued it shows that the higher price tag doesn’t produce good results.

A Community Services official said the reason for the higher wages for caregivers hired through agencies is that they are required to meet specific standards. The department doesn’t apply the same standards for caregivers who are directly employed by disabled people.

“It’s various models we have and it’s not one size fits all,” said Lorna MacPherson, the director of services for persons with disabilities.

Whalen said she believes there should be consistency in caregiver standards and pay. Larsen, who has spastic cerebral palsy and is in a wheelchair, said she was not satisfied with the care she received at her Halifax home from an independent contractor. She wrote a complaint to the department and also complained directly to the provider. Larsen said some disabled people are frightened to speak out about the quality of their care, but MacPherson said the department is open to hearing complaints.

“Individuals are respected. Their voices are heard,” she said.

After the hearing, MacPherson said there are about 700 people on wait lists to receive assistance with care or placement in residential facilities funded by Community Services. She said the list includes 220 people who are not receiving any services from the department. She said she couldn’t estimate how long people are waiting for services. [Back]

Supporters of all ages gather for midwife rally

By Suzanne Hartman
suzie_claire@hotmail.com

January - 21 - 2011

Temperatures below freezing couldn’t keep more than 100 people from bundling up their little ones to take part in a rally for birth rights Thursday in Halifax. The rally outside Province House on Jan. 20 was a response to the IWK’s hospital-based midwifery program. There are currently no midwives practicing in Halifax. Men, women, and children of all ages gathered at the Hollis St. entrance to cheer as community supporters and members of legislature addressed them from a podium. One block had to be closed to traffic.

Many participants held babies, while others held signs of support such as “Midwives are needed now” and “I was born where I was made”. Even children and babies held signs. Anna Powell’s daughter Victoria showcased a shirt that read “My midwife helped me out.” Victoria was born at the IWK last year under the care of a midwife.

Powell said midwife care is the norm in Germany, where she is from. She took part in the rally to support changes to the program in Halifax, so her and other women can give birth as they choose.
The IWK midwife program originally employed four midwives. The program was put on hold when the one remaining midwife went on a leave of absence in December. IWK vice-president Jocelyn Vine released a statement on the day of the rally. Vine said the IWK is advertising nationally for new midwives. The rally proposed that midwifery be moved out of the IWK entirely so it can better function as a community-based program.

In her speech at the event, rally co-organizer Stephanie Kincade specifically requested that the program be based out of the North End Community Health Centre on Gottingen Street. If based at the centre, the midwife program would provide care all over Halifax Regional Municipality, Kincade said. She said the centre is open to the possibility of housing the program in the future. Prior to the rally, Kincade and the other organizers met with the minister of health Maureen MacDonald to discuss the requested changes. Kincade says MacDonald is not opposed to changing the location of the program, but the minister suggested that the midwife employment model stays the same. This would mean the midwives would still be directly employed by the hospital.

Kincade hopes that moving the program out of the IWK will improve the current state of midwifery, but says that if not, changes such as a new employment model would need to take place. She says her passion for the cause was echoed by the overwhelming emotion of people who attended the rally. “The main thing you take from the rally is how empowering (birth) is,” she says. “And childbirth should continue to be an empowering experience.”

Nancy Rector was at the rally to support changes to the current midwife program. She delivered both of her children under midwife care in Ontario, and says it should be an option for women in Halifax as well. Rector is the owner of Fiddlehead’s Kids Shop in Dartmouth. She brought a stack of letters signed by supporters of changing the midwife program. The letters were available at her store for anyone who couldn’t make it to the rally.Rally organizers Kincade and Jackie Hollohan say hundreds of letters to the minister of health had been gathered prior to the event to support their call for change.

MLA for Halifax Clayton Park Diana Whalen also spoke at the rally. Cheers broke out during Whalen’s speech when she said she wanted to see the midwife program moved out of the IWK. “The number of people who are here is a testament to how very important midwifery services are to women and families,” Whalen said. “It’s not just the women. It’s their support network, it’s their parents and their husbands and their partners that, together, value the tremendous care and support that midwives provide.”

(Story can be found at http://thecommoner.kingsjournalism.com/?p=5602 as well) [Back]

LIBERAL BILL CALLS ON GOVERNMENT TO TRACK MS LIBERATION PATIENTS
(Halifax, NS) Liberal health critic Diana Whalen introduced legislation today in the House of Assembly that would initiate an MS Liberation clinical trial in Nova Scotia and closely monitor those Nova Scotians who have received the Liberation treatment elsewhere.

“The MS Patients Support Act is another attempt by the Liberal caucus to convince the NDP government that funding clinical trials and showing leadership for those suffering from MS in this province is the right thing to do,” explains Whalen. “The Liberation treatment has offered hope to MS patients for an improved quality of life and the NDP has turned their back on them.”

Whalen believes the government has already missed opportunities for research by failing to track those 125 Nova Scotians who have already undergone the Liberation treatment.

“The reality is there are Nova Scotians who are taking it upon themselves to pursue this procedure - we should be monitoring their progress and tracking their results,” states Whalen, the MLA for Halifax-Clayton Park. “It’s the responsible thing to do and it’s the fair thing to do. It’s that simple.”

“Our province has the highest per capita rate of Multiple Sclerosis in Canada. We have the research capability and we have MS patients who desperately want to be part of a clinical trial,” Whalen says.

“The only thing we don’t have is a government willing to stand up for Nova Scotians suffering from this complex and unpredictable disease.”[Back]

LIBERALS: NEARLY 4000 NOVA SCOTIANS SEND MESSAGE TO FUND LUCENTIS
(Halifax, NS) Liberal health critic Diana Whalen and Canadian Council of the Blind provincial Vice President Louise Gillis presented a 3800-name petition this morning that they say sends a clear message from Nova Scotians to the NDP government - fund Lucentis.

“Canadians in every province except ours are covered for Lucentis - Nova Scotians, however, are still waiting for the NDP government to act,” says Whalen. “Someone living with wet macular degeneration in New Brunswick or Prince Edward Island can access a treatment that will save their sight. It’s simply not fair for those who need the treatment in this province.”

Whalen believes approximately 650 Nova Scotians would initially benefit from Lucentis - a number that will surely increase as the province’s aging population continues to grow. Lucentis has been shown to maintain and even improve vision for those affected by wet AMD, a condition affecting central vision in individuals typically aged 50 and older

Joining Whalen and Gillis at the press conference was Yvon La Croix, an Annapolis Valley resident with wet AMD who could benefit from Lucentis. La Croix is hopeful the NDP government gets the message and decides to fund Lucentis while there’s still time.

“This isn’t just an investment in the sight and quality of life of hundreds of Nova Scotians - it’s an investment in controlling the skyrocketing healthcare costs of this province,” explains Whalen. “This government stands to save $7 million due to the common drug Lipitor becoming available as a generic. That money should be redirected to fund Lucentis.”[Back]

WHALEN TO DEXTER: HOW WILL YOU RESPOND TO MANITOBA’S REQUEST FOR TRIALS ON MS LIBERATION TREATMENT?
(Halifax, NS) Liberal health critic Diana Whalen is urging Premier Darrell Dexter to tell Nova Scotia MS sufferers how his government will be responding to a letter sent by the Manitoba Minister of Health on the issue of establishing a national clinical trial for CCSVI.

“Two weeks ago, the Manitoba government shut the door on the idea of joining the province of Saskatchewan in providing a clinical trial for the MS Liberation treatment,” said Whalen. “If Manitoba can have a change of heart about participating in a clinical trial, why can’t Nova Scotia?”

On Monday August 16, 2010, the Honourable Theresa Oswald, Minister of Health in Manitoba, wrote a letter to the federal and provincial ministers of health requesting support for a pan-Canadian clinical trial which would involve patients from across the country.

“We have the capacity here in Nova Scotia to participate in a clinical trial, so it just makes sense to coordinate our efforts and allow Nova Scotians to benefit from treatment in their home province,” added Whalen.

“People who have had the treatment are passionate about its potential and are looking for answers - we believe they deserve those answers,” added Whalen.

“Premier Dexter and the Minister of Health here in Nova Scotia should tell MS sufferers and their families whether they plan to be part of a national clinical trial or whether they will simply allow another opportunity pass us by.”[Back]

Whalen: It’s about time for a holiday in February
By The Canadian Press
Mon. Feb 16 - 5:43 AM

A Nova Scotia politician is renewing her call for a provincial holiday in February.
Deputy Liberal leader Diana Whalen has been calling on the Conservative government to declare a new, annual holiday ever since she introduced a bill in 2005.
At the time, only one Canadian province celebrated a February holiday. Since then, the number has increased to five — Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Ontario, and Prince Edward Island.
Whalen says making the third Monday in February a day off would give Nova Scotians more time to spend with their families.
"Having a statutory holiday on the third Monday of the month would give people the opportunity to relax and maintain a balance in their lives," Whalen said in a statement released Sunday.
As well, the proposed holiday would fall in line with President’s Day in the United States, she said.
"Monday . . . will see the financial markets closed across North America. The momentum for a winter holiday is clear. Nova Scotia is falling out of step with other provinces, which flies in the face of our quality of life advertising."
So far, Conservative Premier Rodney MacDonald has shown no interest in the proposal.
Whalen said the new holiday could be named after Joseph Howe, the 18th century journalist and former premier credited with securing freedom of the press and responsible government in the former colony.
Nova Scotia has the fewest statutory holidays in the country, celebrating only five mandatory federal holidays — New Year’s Day, Good Friday, Canada Day, Labour Day and Christmas.
Most provinces offer between seven and nine holidays under provincial legislation.
Saskatchewan and the Northwest Territories have 10 statutory holidays — more than any province or territory in Canada.
Workers in industries gov-erned by federal jurisdiction, including Crown corporations, transportation and telecommunications firms, have their own list of nine holidays.[Back]

News Release

www.nsliberalcaucus.com

February 12, 2009

Diana Whalen, MLA
Status of Women Critic

Whalen questions whether domestic violence is a Macdonald government priority

(Halifax, NS) Deputy Liberal Leader Diana Whalen is criticizing the provincial government for failing to recognize the hard work of the many Nova Scotians who are devoted to eradicating family and domestic violence.

Family Violence Prevention Week has nearly passed us by and the MacDonald government has not seen fit to acknowledge the crisis facing so many Nova Scotians, charges Whalen. Unfortunately, this government has shown time and time again that family and domestic violence is not one of its priorities.

The government set up a domestic violence prevention committee in May 2008 after controversy in the Legislature. Since that time, Rodney MacDonalds government has been completely silent on the committee and its work.

The community members of the Domestic Violence Prevention Committee are working in good faith with government. The government on the other hand, has not provided the committee with a public platform to highlight the unacceptable level of domestic violence in our province, said Whalen. Ignoring domestic violence is not going to make it go away.

Whalen will be attending an event at the Military Family Resource Centre in Windsor Park on Friday. The event is hosted by the Metro Interagency Committee on Family Violence and New Brunswicks successful domestic violence court system will be discussed.

For further information, contact

Kyley Harris
(902) 223-2387
harriskz@gov.ns.ca [Back]

News Release

www.nsliberalcaucus.com

November 25, 2008

Diana Whalen, MLA
Clayton Park

Leo Glavine, MLA
Agriculture Critic [Back]

Liberals give animal protection laws some teeth

(Halifax, NS) Liberal MLAs Diana Whalen and Leo Glavine have long sought tougher animal protection laws and as the fall legislative session wraps today, their hard work has finally paid off.

Over the past few years, instances of animal cruelty in this province have been escalating, explains Glavine. Nova Scotians have made it clear that this type of abuse will not be tolerated. Finally, with our amendments to the Animal Protection Act, the law reflects that.

Whalen insists that the animal protection legislation as presented by government wasnt satisfactory, so she and Glavine worked to strengthen the bill by amending it.

The act initially was not strong enough on the issue of pets and the standard of care required, says Whalen. We wanted to provide clarity to help address puppy mills and conditions in pet stores.

The amendments brought forward by the Liberals achieve that by including a stronger definition of what constitutes distress, unsafe living conditions and inadequate care for family pets. Maximum fines allowed under the act were also increased substantially.

Most breeders and pet stores are operated by ethical and humane individuals, states Whalen. These laws are aimed at those who disregard the welfare of the animals in their care.

Glavine says the new law will properly mandate the SPCA to deal with domestic cases of animal cruelty, while ensuring that the Department of Agriculture remains responsible for overseeing the farming industry.

For further information, contact
Kyley Harris
(902) 223-2387
harriskz@gov.ns.ca [Back]

News Release

www.nsliberalcaucus.com

November 20, 2008

Diana Whalen, MLA
Service Nova Scotia and Municipal Relations Critic

Liberals call for renters to receive fair treatment under property tax rules

(Halifax, NS) It is unfair and unacceptable to leave renters vulnerable to the costs of rising tax assessments, says Liberal Critic for Service Nova Scotia and Municipal Relations Diana Whalen.

For this reason, Whalen has introduced a bill in the legislature that would ensure renters in large multi-unit buildings receive the same protection from the cost of rising tax assessments as home owners do.

Whalen points out owners of single family homes and condominiums are protected by a cap on assessments. She notes, however, that large multi-unit buildings are not covered by the same assessment cap.

Whalen explains, Property tax is reflected in rents and renters incur these costs as a share of their buildings operating costs.

It is time this government acted to reflect the needs of all Nova Scotians whether they own or rent their home, claims Whalen. Especially in this economic climate, people need to be able to count on government for real solutions to their problems.

There are more than 45,000 Nova Scotian families living in rental units not currently covered by the property tax assessment cap.

Adding apartments to the property tax cap will help ensure that people who rent will be able to afford to stay in their home.

For further information, contact

Kyley Harris
(902) 223-2387
harriskz@gov.ns.ca [Back]

Over 100 newcomers to get their money back
Immigration minister says refunds 'right thing to do'
By DAVID JACKSON Provincial Reporter
Wed. Oct 22 - 5:13 AM

October has once again been kind to immigrant Jose Duenas.
The Filipino is one of more than 100 people who may now qualify for a refund of up to $80,000 in fees they paid for a troubled provincial immigration program. Immigration Minister Len Goucher announced the refunds Tuesday.
Mr. Duenas said the news is much better than the word he got last fall.
"October, as far as my immigration background is concerned, has always been filled (with) surprises," Mr. Duenas said after Mr. Goucher’s announcement at a Halifax news conference.
"I landed in October . . . 2005. I started my mentorship (in) October 2006. I got blindsided by this whole thing in October 2007, and now, we’re looking for a happy Christmas in October of 2008."
The "whole thing" Mr. Duenas, 58, referred to was last year’s announcement of refunds for people who hadn’t yet signed employment contracts under the economic stream of the province’s nominee program.
Under the program, people paid $130,500 in fees to be fast-tracked into Canada. That included a $100,000 "economic contribution" that would go to a Nova Scotia business where the immigrant would work for at least six months in a middle management position and be paid at least $20,000.
Stories of problems with immigrant-business matches emerged in 2006 and 2007, leading the province to offer $100,000 refunds to people who hadn’t signed a mentorship contract.
Mr. Duenas, who has a background in alternative fuels and information technology, said he had a good experience during his work placement at a Shubenacadie farm. He said helped computerize parts of the operation and developed ideas for planting canola as a source of biofuel.
But he said it didn’t seem fair that people who came through the same immigration program he did could get their money back, and he couldn’t.
"To me, it was not so much the money, as I mentioned. To us, the whole question here was the issue of fairness," Mr. Duenas said.
The available refund is the difference between what the immigrant earned at the work placement and $100,000. Mr. Duenas said he expects he’ll qualify for about $55,000, which he plans to use to build on the alternative fuel projects he discussed with the mentor farmer.
Mr. Goucher said he expects about 100 or 125 people to qualify for refunds, and the total payout should be about $8 million. Immigrants must have proof they’ve lived in the province on a regular basis for at least the last 12 months.
Mr. Goucher said the money will not come from taxpayers. Rather, it’s money paid by immigrants who haven’t met the program’s requirements and have forfeited their fees. In some cases, immigrants would have used the provincial program simply as a quick way to get into Canada and never intended to settle in Nova Scotia.
"This is the right thing to do," Mr. Goucher said. "We believe that nominees and their families who have proven their commitment to Nova Scotia and to building their futures here should be eligible."
Liberal immigration critic Diana Whalen said the new refunds are a good step, one her party called for months ago.
"I have to say the government has been embarrassed and, really, shamed into doing this. It’s taken them a year to come round to understand the position of immigrants," Ms. Whalen said.
Mr. Goucher said in June that more refunds would become available. He said Tuesday that he had been waiting for the auditor general to finish reporting on the program before putting the refunds in place. That final report came Oct. 1.
NDP immigration critic Leonard Preyra said the refunds should go even further. He cited the case of an Iranian psychiatrist who moved here with his wife (who’s also a doctor) and family, only to return home because of the slow process of having their medical credentials recognized.
"I think the program should be expanded to include those who came here in good faith, who tried to make a go of it, and to say to those people that we would like them to come back, and if they come back, we will make them eligible for an expanded refund," Mr. Preyra said.
He said he’s also concerned that some immigrants will end up paying part of their refund as a fee to Ken Friedman, a mostly retired consultant living in Halifax who acted as a spokesman for about 70 immigrants and lobbied government on their behalf.
Mr. Friedman said he took on the job after hearing moving stories from the immigrants last year. He said they paid him $12,000 and agreed to also pay 0.75 per cent of their refunds if the refund option came through.
He said he wasn’t sure how to respond to Mr. Preyra, but he spent hundreds of hours on the issue. Mr. Duenas said the fees are much lower than a lawyer would have charged.
Immigrants have until Jan. 5 to submit their refund applications. There were 206 people who signed employment contracts before October 2007, the cut-off for the expanded refund program.[Back]

Federal cash holding up details of $40.7-million rec centre
Halifax Mainland Common project ready to go but frustration mounts as feds drag heels on announcement
By AMY PUGSLEY FRASER City Hall Reporter
Wed. Jun 4 - 5:36 AM

A $40.7-million recreation centre is in the works for Halifax’s Mainland Common.

The site has been cleared, the plans are drawn up and the funding appears to be in place. It’s just that no one can announce it yet.

Last week, the city unveiled its brand new "community facility master plan." The 159-page book contains a tiny line item for the recreation centre under the "Capital program summary," outlining an outlay of $40.7 million.

Even faced with such proof that the centre exists, regional councillors are still keeping mum.

"I would love to go to the community and say, ‘Here’s the project we’re building for you,’ but I can’t say much about it," said Coun. Russell Walker (Fairview-Clayton Park).

The funding for the state-of-the-art centre is virtually equally divided among the city ($12 million), the province and the feds ($13.34 million apiece).

But the announcement of the rec centre, expected as long ago as last year, is still on hold, pending a nod from the federal government. And it doesn’t even appear to be on Ottawa’s radar.

On Tuesday, the news from the office of Peter MacKay, the minister responsible for ACOA, was that there’s "no news."

"At this time, we don’t have an announcement to provide to you, nor is there a date for any announcement," Jay Paxton, Mr. MacKay’s press secretary, said from Ottawa.

It’s not just the delay that has tongues wagging in Halifax.

The public process surrounding the design of the centre has prompted people to write blogs on the Internet and organize letter-writing campaigns to local newspapers. It also spurred Liberal MLA Diana Whalen to draft a private member’s bill.

In the last week of the legislature’s spring sitting, Ms. Whalen unsuccessfully introduced a bill calling for a mandatory public process in projects with provincial funding of over $250,000. The impetus, she said, was the process surrounding the Mainland Common Recreation Centre.

"The public demands and deserves no less than full accountability when their money is being spent," she wrote in a March op-ed piece in The Chronicle Herald.

"Recreation facilities are desperately needed in Nova Scotia, and the old-time attitude of ‘We know what’s best for you’ coming from the two levels of government is not appropriate or acceptable in 2008."

Susan Kirkland agrees. The president of Build it Right, a residents group fighting for a recreation centre that people want, said the ground has been cleared on the Mainland Common but the community still hasn’t been told what will be built there. The last big public meeting was almost three years ago, she said.

"It’s just not right that the community doesn’t know what’s going on in their own neighbourhood, with tax dollars that they pay for," Ms. Kirkland said.

"And you can be sure that the community is going to be asked to fundraise as well as pay taxes for what is going on."

Mr. Walker said public input was invited, and acted upon, during the design process.

"We had meetings with all the stakeholders to get their input on what they wanted in a facility," he said.

He acknowledged there’s been no public meeting recently but he said open houses that were held were sufficient in terms of planning.

"The big thing was that when we won the 2011 Canada Winter Games, the vision of what we needed to build for those Games was built into this facility," Mr. Walker said.

As a result, the rec centre has grown in scope from $8 million to $11 million to $24 million to $40 million, he said. And it’s clear that nothing will be built without federal money, he said.

A public meeting to announce plans for the new rec centre will be held soon, Mr. Walker promised — "as soon as this federal money is announced."

He said he has seen the plans and the finished rec centre will be "wonderful."

"I would be surprised if any community in Nova Scotia would turn down this rec centre. That’s how nice it is," Mr. Walker said.

The Sackville Sports Stadium, built in 1990, is the last full-service recreation centre built in metro Halifax. It includes hockey and curling rinks, two pools, a fitness centre, a daycare and activity rooms.

Two years earlier, Cole Harbour Place went up, with two arenas and pools, squash courts, fitness and community rooms, a library and a canteen.[Back]

Tories set up domestic violence committee after killing Grit bill
By AMY SMITH Provincial Reporter
Thu. May 29 - 5:08 AM

The head of a Halifax women’s shelter says she’s shocked that Justice Minister Cecil Clarke dumped a domestic violence bill because of politics.

On Tuesday night, Mr. Clarke did not bring forward Liberal MLA Diana Whalen’s bill, which would have established a committee to combat domestic violence, for a final vote in the House because she voted against his bill cracking down on copper thieves.

"I’ve always wondered what value government puts on women and children, and last night I got my answer — it’s less than scrap metal," Joanne Bernard, executive director of Alice Housing, said Wednesday.

"To me it’s offensive, and I was really surprised coming from this particular minister because my sense is that he does get a lot of the issues that face women and children in this province. So clearly this was a political and personal agenda."

Ms. Bernard noted that Mr. Clarke did support a bill by Liberal MLA Michel Samson, who also voted against the minister’s bill.

"Was it a gender thing? Absolutely," she said.

The Transition House Association of Nova Scotia issued a news release Wednesday saying the group was "gravely concerned and very disappointed" with the bill being shelved.

"We wonder how abused women in Nova Scotia will feel, being equated in importance to the theft of scrap metal," co-chairwoman Rhonda Fraser said in the release. "Scrap metal can be replaced. Lives lost to violence cannot."

Mr. Clarke told reporters Wednesday he stands by his decision not to bring forward Ms. Whalen’s bill.

"If there are any people that look at this in a negative light, I regret that, but at the same time you have to look at the MLA in question, and again I am not going to apologize for the politics around this," he said after cabinet.

The justice minister said Ms. Whalen should be the one to apologize.

He announced Wednesday the establishment of a committee on domestic violence prevention, the same kind of committee Ms. Whalen’s bill would have created. Two co-chairs, one from the Justice Department and one from the community, will be announced at the committee’s first meeting next month. The committee will begin consultations in the fall.

Ms. Bernard said the announcement of a committee shows common sense prevailed, and she hopes there will be legislation in the fall to back it up.

Premier Rodney MacDonald said the government didn’t need Ms. Whalen’s legislation to set up the committee, something he said has been discussed for months. He said he stands behind Mr. Clarke.

"He did a good job," the premier said. "He made minority government work."

Ms. Whalen said the Tories were doing "some really fast damage control" by announcing the committee.

She said she was unaware of any deal through which the justice minister would have supported her bill if she had backed his. She said she doesn’t owe anyone an apology.

She said she voted against Mr. Clarke’s bill because recyclers had told the law amendments committee they hadn’t been consulted and needed time to study the proposed legislation.

( asmith@herald.ca)

’I’ve always wondered what value government puts on women and children, and last night I got my answer — it’s less than scrap metal.’

JOANNE BERNARDWomen’s shelter director[Back]

WHALEN SLAMS PREMIER’S ‘PATERNALISTIC’ ATTITUDE
CLAYTON PARK MLA CALLS FOR FULL DISCLOSURE OF MAINLAND COMMON PLANS
May 27, 2008
JON TATTRIE
The Halifax West Clayton Park Weekly News

Fed up with the secrecy surrounding the Mainland Common plans, and fearing a rerun of the Commonwealth Games debacle, MLA Diana Whalen is calling on the Progressive Conservatives to pass a bill that would force governments to be open about major projects they are funding.

At a press conference at Province House last week, the Liberal Party's deputy leader slammed the "paternalistic" attitude Rodney MacDonald's government has taken over the Common project, pointing out that there hasn't been a public meeting on it since 2005.

"The trouble is the province and municipality think that this project is 100 per cent decided upon, but they have neglected the most important component - the public. The secrecy surrounding this project should not be tolerated," Whalen said.

"If public money is going into a project, then people have a right to know what is being planned."

Her private member's bill would compel public consultation on all community-facility projects that the provincial government is funding to the tune of $250,000 or more, either by itself or in partnership with other levels of government. That would include recreational centres, schools, libraries and medical centres.

"We know that a lot of work has happened on the site, but we don't know what any of the plans are - the building footprint, or the components of the recreation centre," she told The Weekly News in an interview. "We know it's going to have a field house as part of the Canada Games, but I think it's shameful that as a host city for the Canada Games, we don't know the details for the Games."

HRM is set to host the 2011 Canada Winter Games.

Whalen thinks the government wants to make one big announcement when the project is done, and not involve the community. "They'll just say, 'Here it is, you should be happy.'"

But she says a project the size of the Mainland Common - which will be within a 20-minute drive for 200,000 Nova Scotians - needs public participation.

"The community ... is getting frustrated with the deafening silence coming from HRM and the province."

Barry Barnet, the Tory minister for Service Nova Scotia and municipal relations, did not reply to an e-mail request for comment by press time. [Back]

NewsRelease
April 28, 2008

Diana Whalen, MLA
Finance Critic

LIBERALS TO INTRODUCE LEGISLATION TO PROVIDE TAX CREDITS

(Halifax, NS) Members of the Liberal caucus will today re-introduce legislation to provide tax credits to individuals who purchase fuel efficient vehicles or use public transportation. A third bill will require the government to choose fuel efficient vehicles when adding to or replacing provincially-owned vehicles.

“The premier has told Nova Scotians to buy fuel efficient vehicles or take the bus if they find fuel costs too high,” says Liberal Finance Critic Diana Whalen. “If he believes that is the best – and only – way to deal with high gas prices, then he should call these two bills for debate and passage on the floor of the legislature.”

However, because these two bills have been before the legislature in the past, Whalen is skeptical of the premier’s commitment to help Nova Scotians cope with gas prices.

Keith Colwell, the party’s environment critic, will also introduce legislation aimed at protecting the environment. The Fuel Efficient Fleet Management Act calls for the government to purchase or lease fuel efficient vehicles.

“This is a responsible bill with responsible outcomes,” says Colwell. “The premier is telling Nova Scotians to purchase fuel efficient vehicles but hasn’t made the same commitment to the environment on behalf of his government. It’s time for him to lead by example.”

To help Nova Scotians deal with high gas prices, the Liberal caucus is advocating a four cent per litre cut in the motive fuel tax and has called on the government for almost two years to scrap gas regulation.

“Nova Scotians need a break at the pumps,” says Whalen. “We have the highest per capita tax gases in the country and pay among the highest gas prices in Canada. Reducing the taxes and scrapping regulation would certainly reduce the sticker shock we experience at the pumps.” [Back]

March 22, 2008

When will HRM, province learn?
Public input vital part of public projects
By DIANA WHALEN

The last HRM public meeting on the Mainland Common Recreation Centre was held in December 2005. It’s no wonder, then, that people are asking what is happening with the project because for the past month, drivers along Lacewood Drive have been watching as trees have come down and trucks and diggers are at work beside the Keshen Goodman Library.

This is the site proposed for the Mainland Common Recreation Centre, but surprisingly there have been no fanfare announcements and the community is in the dark.

The site preparation work is costing $1.8 million and yet HRM has not told the public what is included in the planned facility.

Inquiries from members of the public to HRM and to the provincial Office of Health Promotion have been met with a decided lack of information. We are told that the province and HRM are working closely, but the details can’t be revealed to the public.

The powers-that-be intend to meet with federal representatives to make their request for funding. This hasn’t taken place yet, so they contend there can be no discussion or consultation with the community.

Closed-door meetings and a lack of public information: Does this sound familiar? It has been just over a year since the Commonwealth Games bid collapsed. It appears as though HRM and the province have learned nothing from their mistakes.

The public demands and deserves no less than full accountability when their money is being spent. Recreation facilities are desperately needed in Nova Scotia, and the old-time attitude of "We know what’s best for you" coming from the two levels of government is not appropriate or acceptable in 2008.

Throughout the province, there are pressing community needs and growing frustration. A year ago, the province and HRM were each willing to put forward $300 million to fund the Commonwealth Games. We were chasing the Games because we have a serious lack of recreational facilities, and this was seen as a way to address that. In the meantime, our government has abandoned this commitment to recreation and we are back to Square 1.

One only has to look at the recent meeting in Bedford to see that people are impatient with the lack of consultation and progress on recreation needs. A basic premise of any successful project is citizen engagement, yet this is being ignored.

At the Mainland Commons, there is a chance to build a first-class facility that will serve the 200,000 people who live within a 20-minute drive.

The HRM report on the site work says that "final design details of the facility and a funding strategy are currently being reviewed with the provincial and federal governments." Apparently, when a funding announcement is made, there will be an open house and the plans will be presented to the public. Consulting with the public after plans have been finalized behind closed doors is not good enough!

What meaningful level of input will the community have, once the funding is secured and the announcement is made? The father-knows-best attitude of both the municipal and provincial governments is patronizing and short-sighted.

Other municipalities have been open and accountable and won the support and commitment of their communities. Port Hawkesbury built an $18-million centre for its community and Bridgewater is working with the public to plan its $30-million centre; yet here in HRM, the people are not consulted.

A year after the collapse of the Commonwealth Games bid, we find the province and HRM still trying to manage public projects without public input.

Diana Whalen is the deputy leader of the Nova Scotia Liberal Party and the MLA for Halifax-Clayton Park. [Back]

News Release
March 19, 2008

Diana Whalen, MLA
Deputy Leader
Halifax Clayton Park

WHALEN CALLS ON GOVERNMENT TO ALLOW U-VINS

(Halifax, NS) Deputy Liberal Leader and Clayton Park MLA Diana Whalen is urging the government to allow u-vins to operate in the province and says Saskatchewan’s decision to allow the activity demonstrates the Nova Scotia government’s outdated attitude to on-site brewing.

“Its time for the government to recognize that prohibiting u-vins is out of touch with today’s consumers,” says Whalen. “The government should be changing this law to reflect modern practices and customer demands. Wine making is a popular hobby but some people don’t have the space, money or the expertise to make it at home.”

Last fall, after a wine supply store in her riding was charged for allowing wine to be brewed on site, Whalen introduced legislation that would allow for u-vins across the province. In addition to Saskatchewan, New Brunswick, Ontario and British Columbia allow u-vins.

Whalen says the government should see her legislation as a boost to small businesses by reducing unnecessary regulations and restrictions. “This should be seen as a business opportunity for Nova Scotia entrepreneurs,” says Whalen. "Nova Scotia talks about growth and support for small business, but in this instance they are showing no willingness to review outdated regulations and approaches."

Whalen says this is a public policy question that needs to be reviewed. "I think it’s unfortunate we are not displaying the kind of forward thinking that is needed to support our business community or our reputation as a progressive place to live." [Back]

News Release
February 14, 2008

Diana Whalen, MLA
Liberal Deputy Leader

WHALEN SEEKING JOE HOWE DAY LEGACY PROJECT FOR 250TH ANNIVERSARY OF DEMOCRACY IN NOVA SCOTIA

(Halifax) Deputy Liberal Leader Diana Whalen continues to champion a February holiday that will allow Nova Scotians to spend more time with their families.

Whalen is seeking the support of the Democracy 250 Committee for a new statutory holiday, Joseph Howe Day, to commemorate the 250th anniversary of democracy in Nova Scotia. She has asked the Honourable Russell MacLellan and the Honourable John Hamm, co-chairs of the Democracy 250 Committee, to lend their support to this initiative.

"“I can think of no better way than to recognize the contribution that Joseph Howe has made, not only to Nova Scotia, but to all of Canada,” said Whalen. “It supports the aims of Democracy 250 and upholds the memory of a great Nova Scotian.”"

"Whalen says it has been the tradition in Nova Scotia to celebrate the founding of democracy in Canada with a signature project. To mark the 150th anniversary of democracy, for example, the Dingle Tower was erected and the Bicentennial Highway was built fifty years later."

Whalen has re-introduced a private member’s bill in the legislature and if passed it would designate the third Monday in February as Joseph Howe Day in Nova Scotia. The day would be a statutory holiday and retail workers would be protected under the Act that ensures store closures on statutory holidays.

“This year, 56 per cent of Canadians will be celebrating a long weekend in February. It's time for our province to follow suit. I’m asking the co-chairs of Democracy 250 to add their voices to the thousands of Nova Scotians who are in support of honouring Joseph Howe - and their families - with a statutory holiday. [Back]

News Release
January 18, 2008

Diana Whalen, MLA
Deputy Liberal Leader

TIME FOR GOVERNMENT TO ALLOW ON-LINE PETITIONS, SAYS WHALEN

(Halifax, NS) Deputy Liberal Leader Diana Whalen is calling on the government to allow Nova Scotians to submit on-line petitions to the House of Assembly. Whalen has raised this issue in the legislature on three occasions only to have the Conservative government vote the resolutions down each time.

Whalen says technology has evolved to allow groups and individuals to establish on-line petitions and collect names electronically in support of their respective causes. She believes it is a convenient and cost-effective way to raise awareness and engage Nova Scotians on the issues.

"People are routinely using on-line petitions. It’s time for the government to acknowledge this trend and adapt our practices accordingly."

Whalen points out that last summer, Premier MacDonald called on Nova Scotians to sign an on-line petition in support of the failed Atlantic Accord, yet his government is refusing to accept these petitions in the legislature. "Nova Scotians are looking for a government that is consistent and willing to lead on the issues. It’s time for this province to start embracing change."

Given declining participation rates in recent elections, Whalen argues that the government must provide Nova Scotians with every opportunity to participate in political matters.

"All Nova Scotians have a right to have their voice heard. Government should be doing everything in its power to reach out and make it easy for citizens to participate."

This week HRM became the first municipality in Canada to accept on-line petitions. "On this issue, the Conservatives continue to cling to the status quo. This is a call for them to take a leadership role, as the municipality as has done, and recognize on-line petitions." [Back]

News Release
December 12, 2007

Diana Whalen, MLA
Deputy Liberal Leader and Service Nova Scotia and Municipal Relations Critic

WHALEN WANTS GOVERNMENT ACTION TO PROTECT CONDOMINIUM OWNERS

(Halifax, NS) Deputy Liberal Leader Diana Whalen today asked the Minister of Service Nova Scotia to commit to protecting condominium owners in Nova Scotia.

Whalen pointed out that there has been an alarming increase in complaints in recent years about poor workmanship in condominium buildings across the province. The situation has become so widespread and serious that a new organization called CONS (Condominium Owners of Nova Scotia) has been formed. Among the changes they are demanding are amendments to the Condominium Act, improvements to the Atlantic Home Warranty Program and professional licensing of builders and contractors.

Whalen says the Atlantic Home Building and Renovation Sector Council has been calling on government for mandatory licensing of residential builders yet the government has not responded.

"These changes would go a long way to ensuring that condos are well built." says Whalen. "Condo owners deserve help now and the government has chosen to delay action which would make builders more responsible for their work."

Whalen also called for an extension to the warranty period from the current one year period. "Houses are covered for five years under the Atlantic Home Warranty Plan for major structural problems, yet condos are currently only covered for one year. That's simply unacceptable." [Back]

News Release
December 13, 2007

Diana Whalen, MLA
Deputy Liberal Leader

WHALEN PROPOSES CHANGES TO RESIDENTIAL TENANCIES ACT

(Halifax, NS) Deputy Liberal Leader Diana Whalen today introduced a bill in the legislature that would modernize two sections of the Residential Tenancies Act. The bill would grant security of tenure to renters after one year and would allow landlords to give a notice of eviction fifteen days after rent was overdue.

“I see the two changes in this bill as the start of what should be a complete review of the Residential Tenancies Act. I do not believe the current Act is meeting the needs of modern day renters and owners.”]

Currently, renters are granted security of tenure after having lived in the same apartment for five years. Security of tenure gives greater certainty to a tenant since they can only be evicted by an order of the Residential Tenancies Board. This change would harmonize the rights of tenants with those living in mobile homes.

At present, the process of evicting a tenant for non-payment of rent cannot begin until 30 days have passed. Whalen’s amendment would shorten this time frame to 15 days. In many cases it can take up to six months to exhaust all avenues of appeal. [Back]

News Release
December 13, 2007

Diana Whalen, MLA
Deputy Liberal Leader

WHALEN WANTS TO GIVE NOVA SCOTIANS A WINTER HOLIDAY

(Halifax, NS) Deputy Liberal Leader Diana Whalen continues to champion a February holiday for Nova Scotians that will allow people to spend more time with their families.

Whalen has introduced legislation three times to make the third Monday in February, Joseph Howe Day, a statutory holiday in Nova Scotia. When this was first introduced in 2005, the province of Alberta was the only one to enjoy a winter holiday. Since that time, the province of Saskatchewan adopted Family Day in 2007 and both Manitoba and Ontario will begin to celebrate a winter holiday in February 2008.

“The time has come for Nova Scotia to recognize the need for this holiday. The people of Nova Scotia work hard and they deserve a day to relax and spend with family.” says Whalen.

She notes that Nova Scotia has less statutory holidays than any other province in Canada.

“There are also economic costs associated with not taking time out from work, such as days lost because of illness – particularly during the winter months.”

A recent study by Health Canada has suggested that Canadians are spending on average 45 minutes less per workday with their families than they did two decades ago. As well, Nova Scotians are working longer hours and more unpaid overtime than the national average.

“I will continue to fight for this holiday in the legislature and at every opportunity I have. I believe Nova Scotians deserve it and our economy will be stronger as a result of it,” added Whalen. [Back]

News Release
December 11, 2007

Diana Whalen, MLA
Clayton Park

LIBERALS WANT TO EASE REGULATIONS TO ALLOW U-VINTS

(Halifax, NS) Liberal MLA for Halifax Clayton Park Diana Whalen today introduced a bill in the legislature to reduce unnecessary regulations and allow for the operation of u-vints and u-brews with proper licensing.

Whalen wants government to keep up with the times and reduce unnecessary regulations and restrictions that limit business. In Clayton Park, charges have been laid against Wine Kitz, a wine making store that is allowing wine to be brewed on their premises. This is a practice that is widespread in other provinces and provides convenience and service to customers.

Whalen says the response to this situation points once again to a government that is unwilling to adopt change and to keep pace with the times. "The practice of brewing on site provides choice for customers and helps the small business meet customer demand", said Whalen. "I find it incredible the government would stifle this small business innovation and choose to defend the status quo."

Whalen recognizes that wine making is a big hobby for many people and is urging the government to re-examine our liquor laws in light of changing circumstances.

"Allowing people to ‘brew on site’ would help older and disabled customers who have difficulty in handling the product," said Whalen. "This would also be a great benefit to many people who live in apartments and condos, allowing them to enjoy wine making."

Nova Scotia talks about growth and support for small business but in this instance they are showing nowillingness to review outdated regulations and approaches.

News Release
December 11, 2007

Diana Whalen, MLA
Immigration Critic

LIBERALS WANT TO ENSURE IMMIGRANTS HAVE ACCESS TO PROFESSIONS

(Halifax, NS) Liberal Immigration Critic Diana Whalen today re-introduced legislation that will assist professional and trained immigrants to gain faster entry into their chosen careers in Nova Scotia.

The Access to Regulated Profession Act will allow for the appointment of a commissioner to help ensure that regulated professions and individuals applying for registration in regulated professions are governed by rules that are transparent, objective, impartial and fair.

The role of this commissioner would be to assess the registration practices of these professions and independently advise the House of Assembly on the need for legislation, policies and practices to ensure the fair processing of all applicants.

“Currently we have too many well-trained professionals who can’t work in their chosen vocation because their credentials have not been recognized in Nova Scotia,” says Whalen. “In many cases, it takes years to gain the necessary credentials to be able to work in a career in which they may have many years of experience in their home country.”

Whalen believes if trained professionals could gain access to their vocations more immigrants would chose Nova Scotia as their new Canadian home. “We know Nova Scotia is not a leader in attracting immigrants to our province. In some cases there is no need for the accreditation process to take as long as it does in Nova Scotia. If we are going to have a strong skilled workforce in the future we need to do a better job attracting and retaining immigrants to our province. This bill is a good place to start.”

Whalen says in light of the failed business mentorship program the government must now focus on regaining the trust and respect of newcomers and would-be immigrants to the province. “Easing immigrants’ entry into our workforce is an important element of a successful immigration strategy.” [Back]

News Release
December 6, 2007

Diana Whalen, MLA
Deputy Liberal Leader

LIBERALS INTRODUCE BILL TO ELIMINATE DOMESTIC VIOLENCE

(Halifax, NS) Today, Halifax-Clayton Park MLA Diana Whalen re-introduced a bill to establish a Domestic Violence Prevention Committee in Nova Scotia.

“Our Liberal bill is an important first step towards tackling a problem that is a reality in the pubic and private lives of many women, children and countless families throughout Nova Scotia,” says Whalen.

The Liberal bill provides for the creation of a multi-departmental, community-representative committee to establish a process to eliminate domestic violence in Nova Scotia.

“Working together, we can raise awareness, change attitudes and protect Nova Scotians against all forms of abuse. Government must commit to supporting all victims of domestic violence and those who are working on a daily basis to address this serious issue.”

“Under this approach, government officials and relevant community organizations are working together to create a process to define, measure and eliminate domestic violence in this province.”

Whalen says the committee will be tasked with reviewing programs and services within the province and examining best practices within other jurisdictions. Upon review, the committee is to make recommendations to government on the implementation or expansion of programs to address prevention, public education, victim support services, treatment programs for abusers and legislative frameworks.

“Domestic violence is not just a personal tragedy. It is a serious crime that affects everyone in our society.”

This session, the Liberals also introduced legislation to create a Domestic Violence Court Program to provide fair and appropriate court proceedings for those involved with domestic abuse. [Back]

News Release
October 31, 2007

Diana Whalen, MLA
Immigration Critic

AUDITOR GENERAL ACCEPTS WHALEN’S REQUEST FOR AUDIT OF NOMINEE PROGRAM

(Halifax, NS) Liberal Immigration Critic Diana Whalen says the fact that the Auditor General has agreed to conduct an audit of the Provincial Nominee Program is proof that the province failed to provide the necessary checks and balances to ensure the credibility of the program and protect the reputation of the province.

Whalen requested the audit last Friday after observing a two hour news conference where provincial immigration officials explained the history of the program. She received confirmation this afternoon that the Auditor General will audit the controversial program and report his findings to the legislature.

"I am pleased that Mr. Lapointe has agreed to investigate this program," says Whalen. "Nova Scotians deserve to know how and why this program failed our newcomers."

Whalen says it’s important to get to the bottom of this program so that the same mistakes are not repeated with the government’s replacement program, which is due this fall.

"Many questions remain unanswered, and hopefully the Auditor General can shed some light with his audit" said Whalen. "Nova Scotians, and the individuals who paid to take part in this program, deserve answers."

Whalen has requested that Lapointe pay particular attention to a trust fund containing the fees from immigrants who took part in the program. Immigration staff say $75 million is sitting in the fund. [Back]

News Release
October 29, 2007

Diana Whalen, MLA
Deputy Liberal Leader

WHALEN HOPES WILDERNESS WILL BE PROTECTED

(Halifax, NS) Diana Whalen, MLA for Halifax Clayton Park and Deputy Liberal Leader, is hopeful that an announcement tomorrow will protect the Crown Land in the Blue Mountain – Birch Cove Lakes area. A government press release on Oct. 25 publicized a major announcement from Mark Parent, Minister of Environment and Labour, and David Morse, Minister of Natural Resources concerning the protection of certain Crown lands in HRM.

“The importance of these lands was brought to my attention by a Rockingham resident in the 2003 election,” said Whalen. “One of my first acts after being elected was to hike into Susies Lake to see the beauty firsthand."

Whalen has been calling on the government to protect these lands since being elected in 2003. She put forward a Private Member’s Bill on October 8, 2004, asking the government to protect the Blue Mountain - Birch Cove Lakes Wilderness Area under the Wilderness Areas Protection Act. The act has since been reintroduced on two subsequent occasions by Whalen.

After exploring the lands, Whalen spearheaded more than a dozen public walks into the Blue Mountain – Birch Cove Lakes. To raise awareness of the issue, she also hosted a town hall meeting in 2005, spoke at schools, churches and service clubs and collected signatures for a petition. “Public interest in protecting these lands has risen dramatically in the last four years,” notes Whalen.

A variety of community groups, including the Birch Cove Lakes Wilderness Society, the Halifax North West Trails Association, the Ecology Action Centre and Canoe Nova Scotia have joined together on this issue and have called upon the government to adopt Whalen’s bill.

“I hope tomorrow’s announcement will fulfill the vision of the residents of Clayton Park and beyond to have a protected wilderness area within easy reach of so many residents,” said Whalen.

The Blue Mountain – Birch Cove Lakes is approximately 1,750 hectares (4,300 acres) and lies about 10 km west of downtown Halifax, behind the Bayers Lake Industrial Park. It is bounded roughly by Highway 102, Route 3, and the Kingswood subdivision. If protected, this will create the largest protected urban wilderness area in Canada. [Back]

News Release
October 26, 2007

Diana Whalen, MLA
Immigration Critic

WHALEN WANTS AUDITOR GENERAL TO INVESTIGATE NOMINEE PROGRAM

(Halifax, NS) Liberal Immigration Critic Diana Whalen has sent a letter to the Auditor General requesting he immediately audit the economic stream of the Provincial Nominee Program, with particular emphasis on a trust fund containing $75 million of nominee program fees.

Whalen is making the request after taking part in a two-hour news conference where senior staff and the minister responsible for the Office of Immigration answered questions on the controversial program. At its conclusion, she called on the government to apologize to current and former nominees of the program.

"After meeting with new comers who have taken part in this program earlier this week and listening to the officials today, it is clear that a lot of questions remain unanswered," said Whalen. "Nova Scotians, and the individuals who paid to take part in this program, deserve answers."

Whalen wants the Auditor General to pay particular attention to the fund, filled with $130,500 in individual fees from immigrants wanting to earn valuable job experience in the province.

"Many nominees have expressed their deep disappointment with the program and should be entitled to some form of compensation," she said. "The government should ensure that any money from the fund not allocated to other sources be returned to immigrants who don’t qualify for the nominee program. In many cases, they were not provided with what was promised - appropriate work experience." [Back]

News Release
September 6, 2007

Diana Whalen, MLA
HalifaxClayton Park

REPORT LIGHT ON RECOMMENDATIONS TO IMPROVE CROSSWALK SAFETY

(Halifax, NS) Liberal MLA Diana Whalen says she is disappointed with the government’s Road Safety Advisory Committee’s report and its failure to provide suggestions to improve crosswalk safety.

"After reviewing the report, I’m concerned the government is more worried about clarifying existing legislation, rather than taking action on improving crosswalk safety," says Whalen. "The Conservative government has delayed the process with committees and reports, but the public expects concrete improvements. Nova Scotians are looking for action, not definitions."

The interim report was released today after calls from the Liberal Caucus on the status of the document, completed in July. The report emphasizes the need to review legislation, which it calls "unclear" and "not compatible with current traffic issues challenging pedestrian safety."

"I’m wondering what changes the government will be making based on the contents of this report," says Whalen. "The minister says to expect legislative changes, but the report only addresses the need to improve definitions."

Whalen says once again the provincial government is failing to act while municipal units are showing leadership.

"HRM has prepared an information booklet on crosswalk safety that will be sent to all households in HRM," she says. "Once again, the municipality has taken leadership on an issue of provincial concern while the government continues to bury its head."

Since 2000, there have been more than 660 injuries due to driver - pedestrian collisions at crosswalks. Whalen believes that number is much higher as many people do not report minor injuries or even near misses on the road. [Back]

News Release
September 5, 2007

Diana Whalen, MLA
Halifax Clayton Park

WHALEN WANTS SIGNAGE TO WARN OF NEW SPEEDING FINES

(Halifax, NS) Halifax Clayton Park MLA Diana Whalen is pleased the government has finally responded to her calls to double the fine for speeding in school and playground zones, but is calling on the government to post signs notifying drivers of the increase.

"What’s the point of increasing the fines if motorists aren’t made aware of it," said Whalen. "The point of doubling the fines is to encourage drivers to slow down in areas where there are many children. Getting a fine after an accident has occurred misses the point. It’s about safety and protection."

Whalen introduced a private member’s bill in 2005 to double the fines for motorists caught speeding in a school zone, playground zone or failing to yield to a pedestrian on a crosswalk in these designated zones. The government followed Whalen’s lead and introduced legislation to combat speeding in school zones that has been in effect since January 1of this year.

"I introduced this bill in 2005 as a deterrent to drivers who speed through school and playground zones. This legislation is about protecting our streets for pedestrians and creating a safe environment for students and young children."

Whalen is concerned that the government has failed to inform drivers of this new law. "Without proper signage to let drivers know about the fines the law does not deter speeding."

Drivers who speed in school and playground zones now face a minimum fine of $330. [Back]

News Release
June 7, 2007

Diana Whalen, MLA
Member, Public Accounts Committee

WHALEN WANTS MAINTENANCE ENFORCEMENT OFFICIALS BEFORE PUBLIC ACCOUNTS

(Halifax, NS) In light of the Auditor General’s report that recommends major changes to the way spousal and child support are managed within the Department of Justice, Liberal Public Accounts committee member Diana Whalen is asking department officials to appear before the committee.

Whalen has sent the request to the chair of the committee.

The Auditor General discovered that almost 12,000 cases totaling $106 million are in arrears. He referenced several problems including inadequate enforcement of maintenance orders, unreliable data and a lack of follow-up on cases. He has made 18 recommendations for improvements.

"Children and single parents are going without some of the most essential necessities," says Whalen. "Ninety-five percent of these cases involve children and this money is not reaching them."

Whalen says it is important to hear from department officials to explain the poor performance of the program and also to get a commitment to improve outcomes.

"These statistics are not acceptable," says Whalen. "As an elected representative I want to know mothers and their children in my riding, and across the province, are getting the support they are entitled and gain a better understanding of why this program is failing them so miserably." [Back]

News Release
March 28, 2007

Diana Whalen, MLA
Finance Critic

LIBERALS WANT GREEN ENERGY EQUIPMENT TO BE TAX-FREE

(Halifax, NS) Liberal Finance Critic Diana Whalen will today introduce legislation to exempt renewable energy producers from paying municipal taxes on facilities used in the production of green energy.
The bill is designed to encourage more clean energy production in Nova Scotia.

"Nova Scotia has fallen behind other Atlantic Canadian provinces in the creation and use of renewable energy," she says. "The legislation will help encourage this new industry and create an environment that supports environmentally sustainable energy production."

Whalen says if the government is serious about becoming environmentally responsible, passing this bill should be a priority.

"The government has said it wants almost 20 per cent of energy produced in the province to come from renewable sources by 2013. Providing an incentive is a great way for the government to achieve or surpass its goal." [Back]

News Release
March 8, 2007

Diana Whalen, MLA
Status of Women Critic

INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY CELEBRATES 30TH ANNIVERSARY

(Halifax, NS) Diana Whalen, MLA for Halifax Clayton Park is today recognizing the 30th anniversary of International Women’s Day in Nova Scotia by celebrating the accomplishments of women.

Today, March 8th is a day of global celebration for the economic, political, and social achievements of women. As we celebrate International Woman’s Day here in Nova Scotia, we acknowledge the achievement of women as community members, leaders, and makers of history.

Whalen notes that while there has been much progress for women in the boardroom, greater equality in legislative rights, and increasing successful female role models there is still much work to be done.

"The unfortunate fact is that equality is still needed in the work world. Women earn 71 cents for each dollar earned by a man and this pay disparity keeps more women and their families living in poverty," said Whalen. "Women take the resonsibility for most family care-giving and that has left many with less pension benefits and security in their senior years. Today many women find themselves looking after both aging parents and a young family at the same time.

Whalen says the struggle continues for women to have access to reliable, affordable day-care which is key to entry into the workforce. “Under our current system there are not enough day-care spaces and the cost is prohibitive. As we approach a looming shortage of workers, it is ever more important to help women to be active participants in all sectors of the work force,” noted Whalen.

Half of all single mothers live in poverty. The Liberal caucus has introduced a bill calling on the Tories to develop a “Poverty Reduction Strategy”. This strategy would identify concrete steps that could be taken to help men and women get the support needed to overcome poverty. Other provinces have taken this step while the government of Nova Scotia has been dragging its heels.

Today we observe International Women’s Day by celebrating the accomplishments women have made over the past century. We remember the countless women who were not given, and are still not given, equal opportunities simply because of their gender. All sectors of society, including government and business, individual women and men, must continue to work together to bring about positive change. [Back]

News Release
February 26, 2006

Diana Whalen, MLA
Halifax Clayton Park

CONSUMERS PAY THE PRICE FOR GAS REGULATION

(Halifax, NS) Once again the government is forcing consumers to pay much higher prices in Nova Scotia at the pumps, said Liberal MLA, Diana Whalen.

Gas prices in Nova Scotia have shot up by 7.4 cents per litre. The price per litre, for maximum self serve in Halifax, is now 103.7 cents up from 96.3 cents. Across Nova Scotia, today’s gas prices are between 102 in Halifax and 105.7 in Cape Breton.

“It’s clear gas regulation is not working for Nova Scotians,” said Whalen. “These prices are not reflective of the global or even Maritime market. Nova Scotians are paying among some of the highest gas prices in the country.”

In New Brunswick gas is now roughly 9 cents cheaper than in Nova Scotia. The maximum for regular unleaded in New Brunswick is 94.7 cents per litre as opposed to 103.7 cents in Nova Scotia. In the past the price difference has been much smaller.

Gas regulation is making retailers less competitive in relation to their New Brunswick counterparts and this is hurting business along the New Brunswick – Nova Scotia border.

“The government has implemented a bad system that consumers and the majority of retailers do not want,” said Whalen. “The government should admit they made a mistake and stop interfering with the marketplace.”

The Liberals have been repeatedly calling on the government to remove gas price regulation since its introduction last summer. [Back]

News Release
December 13, 2007

Diana Whalen, MLA
Deputy Liberal Leader

WHALEN WANTS TO GIVE NOVA SCOTIANS A WINTER HOLIDAY

(Halifax, NS) Deputy Liberal Leader Diana Whalen continues to champion a February holiday for Nova Scotians that will allow people to spend more time with their families.

“The time has come for Nova Scotia to recognize the need for this holiday. The people of Nova Scotia work hard and they deserve a day to relax and spend with family.” says Whalen.

She notes that Nova Scotia has less statutory holidays than any other province in Canada.

“There are also economic costs associated with not taking time out from work, such as days lost because of illness – particularly during the winter months.”