Wednesday, March 15, 1967

Mr. Speaker, potatoes are our greatest cash crop and this province is possibly the best place in North America, with the best soil —- most suitable for heavy pro- duction — of both seed and tablestock potatoes. Our seed is in demand in every province in Canada, and a great many States in the U.S.A. Many shiploads are ex- ported annually to other countries who repeat their orders year after year. Our tablestock is second to none and demands a premium in the Toronto market over and above the regular prices, the regular market prices. Fourth Prince, the district that I have the honour to represent, has the reputation of growing the most acres 3 with more farmers specializing in potato production than any other district in the province. But regardless of where you live it requires large capital expenditures for land, equipment and storage facilities. Much has been done to clean up “ring-rot”

but more is needed if we are going to continue our high standard of seed and hold our markets.

Mr. Speaker, the Speech from the Throne has outlined legislation to deal with many problems in changing situations and it has proven assistance in the way of loans for the development of new industry with more and more opportunity for our people to be gainfully employed.

The tourist industry is growing with leaps and bounds and each year we realize the importance of this valuable industry to the economy of our province. We have the stellar climate, ideal beaches, good accommodations, “A-l” entertainment, and friendly people whose influence brings tourists here year after year from all parts of Canada and the U.S.A. With the crossing coming we shall have to expect even greater summer migration to this “Garden of the Gulf” and to meet the de- mands we will have to move swiftly to provide the main facilities such as a Prince County National Park. All Islanders are very interested in the Northumberland Causeway, but this great project is of special interest and concern to my district and especially the Town of Borden.

We are pleased that the Government, with the help and co-operation from the Atlantic Development Board and Central Mortgage and Housing Corporation, is un- dertaking a very detailed study of the effects of the Causeway at the Borden area, not only during the building period but after the Causeway is completed as well. This study will provide a plan for Borden and the area which, we hope, will be of great assistance to planning the best way to develop the area. I am very much con- cerned about the effects of the Causeway on the Town of Borden and the people who live there most of whom depend entirely on the operation of the carferry for their livelihood. I would ask the Government to give this matter continuous and serious attention, and to work closely with Borden to ensure that the town will continue to prosper after the causeway is completed.

I congratulate the Government, and especially the Minister of Education for his work in the field of education, especially in providing free school books to students from Grade I to VIII, and next year to include Grade II and Grade I as well. This is certame one of the best ways to help parents, especially those with large families.

We are all pleased to note that the government will establish a Division of Youth Affairs to work closely with our young people in important activities. With one half of our population under twenty-five years of age the Government is acting verv wisely when it gives special importance and attention to youth and education. The future of our province depends on our youth and in today’s world a good sound education is absolutely necessary if a young person is to play his role and con- tribute to the province and country.

The government has indicated that it intends to continue the program of con- solidation of elementary schools. This is good and necessary, but I hope the govern- ment will study the whole situation and develop a sound plan which will give people direction and indicate the best location, size and design of schools. This will provide better schools and save the taxpayers many dollars.

We are all concerned about the very high debt of the province, especially the reported debt of the past few years. While it is always a problem to balance any buhet, it is still a sound and important principle of financing, whether for a farmer

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