Was the Nova Scotia Plebiscite on Sunday shopping binding?

Was the Nova Scotia Plebiscite on Sunday shopping binding?

Plus an email response from Honorable Charlie Parker, Speaker of the Nova Scotia House of Assembly regarding the court decision.
In 2004 as many of you are well aware, we had a vote on Sunday shopping. So many people were confused as the media did not broadcast whether it was binding or not. On this web site it's clearly quoted " In 2004, Nova Scotia held a non-binding plebiscite on whether to allow Sunday shopping. The result was a slight victory for the No side although the government went ahead and legalized Sunday Shopping the following year after a court decision overturned the law."
Since there was so much confusion about the decision, I decided to send an email to Honourable Charlie Parker, Speaker of the Nova Scotia House of Assembly.


Charlie Parkers response,
The following is a response to your e-mail of April 9, 2010 by the Honorable Charlie Parker, Speaker of the Nova Scotia House of Assembly:
April 14, 2010
Dear Tony,
Thank you for your e-mail of April 9, 2010 regarding Sunday shopping. Your query was whether the October 2004 plebiscite was a binding one. It was at the time. Fully open Sunday shopping was rejected except for a pre-Christmas period. I might point out, however, that the legislation which controlled Sunday shopping at that time - the Retail Uniform Closing Day Act, had by memory, over 25 exemptions allowing certain types or sizes of businesses to be open on Sundays.
Sunday shopping restrictions were opposed by certain businesses in 2006. As the result of a court case wherein the judge sided with the arguments advanced on behalf of the businesses, Sunday shopping restrictions were effectively rendered a nulllity in Nova Scotia.
The Legislature passed a new Act entitled The Retail Business Designated Closing Day Act in 2007 which, along with the Remembrance Day Act, protects certain holidays (and thus restricts business opening on those days) but does not restrict Sunday store opening.
Thank you again for getting in touch.
Sincerely,
Charlie ParkerSpeaker


Charlie Parker was correct in telling us that the Sunday shopping plebiscite was binding and it's clearly noted on the Nova Scotia government web site. However Charlie Parker is not being truthful by making claims that the courts struck down Sunday shopping. Maureen MacDonald, our current health minister, while in opposition made these comments regarding the Plebiscite.
http://www.gov.ns.ca/legislature/hansard/han60-1/house_06nov01.htm#I[Page%20918]
MS. MAUREEN MACDONALD spoke at the Legislature on WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 1, 2006 "Mr. Speaker, but certainly their position added to the confusion and perpetuated the idea that somehow the courts had struck down Sunday shopping in our province. That simply did not occur."
Mark Parent has also confirmed to us that the courts never struck down Sunday shopping.
On the courts web site it clearly states, "Well, what this application is about is not about social or political considerations. It’s not about the appropriateness of Sunday shopping, nor is it about the power of the legislature to pass an Act dealing with Sunday shopping. This case, this application is about one fact and it is about the scope of the Cabinet’s power to pass Regulations pursuant to the Act."
All this information was sent to Charlie Parker and he hasn't responded to our email. So our next question is "Did the government act illegally"?
Yes, in my opinion, all parties in our legislature let us all down and broke the law. A binding plebiscite means that the government must abide by the results. No where did the Judge open the doors to Sunday shopping. How sad it is that all parties ignored a democratic vote!!! But what can we expect from them considering the spending scandal and the amounts of money that was stolen from the taxpayer. Seriously, to continue to remain silent about a democratic vote that was binding isn't the right thing to do. As taxpayers and citizens of this province, we have to hold these people accountable. Think about it! What's next? What will we have a public vote on that will be ignored if the governing party doesn't like it? The Pandora box is open and the good people of this province have allowed this to happen.
Did you know our MLA's get to enjoy all their week-ends off and all of the holidays? But retail workers are made to feel guilty because other people work on Sundays. However, our politicians don't and they make a lot more money than those minimum wage earners do.
To make a major difference we all must continue to be vocal. So why not take that first step and contact our local MLAs and the premier and tell them to reinstate the Sunday shopping ban. After all, the Sunday shopping ban was not struck down and the government acted illegally.
The Nova Scotia government should set up a program to support our families and business through out the province. Encourage a balance between work and family time. Why not praise employers who offer their staff a balance in life? Giving them that time to be together. Seven day week shopping is ruining the province. The UK is headed on the right track - Top Employers for Working Families.
I'm very disappointed with Charlie Parker and every member in the legislature. Our families should be at the top of their list not at the bottom of it.

Link to Keep Sundays special check it out

The PEI Guardian misleads people on Sunday shopping in Nova Scotia

I can not believe this article," Sunday shopping policy only keeps the debate alive ".
"So how has Ghiz government handled this hot potato? In spite of a legislative committee's recommendation that government get out of the business of regulating Sunday shopping, in spite of a Supreme Court of Nova Scotia ruling that struck down a ban on Sunday shopping in that province, the Ghiz government came up with a hybrid approach"

It's one thing to give an opinion and another to mislead people on what happened here in Nova Scotia. So many people are being mislead that the courts struck down Sunday shopping in Nova Scotia. According to Maureen MacDonald which is currently minister of Health in Nova Scotia, "Mr. Speaker, but certainly their position added to the confusion and perpetuated the idea that somehow the courts had struck down Sunday shopping in our province. That simply did not occur."

If that doesn't convince you the court decision should!
"Well, what this application is about is not about social or political considerations. It’s not about the appropriateness of Sunday shopping, nor is it about the power of the legislature to pass an Act dealing with Sunday shopping. This case, this application is about one fact and it is about the scope of the Cabinet’s power to pass Regulations pursuant to the Act."
If you need to be convinced check out Mark Parent former MLA environment and labour minister for the Rodney MacDonald government. He comes clean on Sunday shopping in four parts.
An excellent way of ending the debate in Prince Edward Island is to ban Sunday shopping all year around. With Regis and Kelly coming to visit Prince Edward Island, it would be a good selling point to offer Americans a place to go and get away from the rat race. Americans don't come to the Maritimes to shop. They come to see our scenery.
I love that comment "lets stop regulating Sunday shopping, but it's ok to regulate everything else". We regulate a minimum wage, Holiday pay , Holiday closures etc. Heaven forbid if we continue with this line of thinking. A province that is without laws. Can society function without laws? Think about it. If we continue to tag along with these so called 'do what we want, when we want', small income earners will continue to suffer. As I pointed out in a similar article," Why the Sunday shopping ban has to be reinstated in Nova Scotia" we are all different. We don't expect letter carriers to work on Sundays but we expect retail workers to. Why belittle people because they have different views? We don't do it with the blacks, We don't do it with the gays. Retail workers deserve to be treated better. Be leaders PEI, you have that chance for the world to see Prince Edward Island for a place to come and relax and get away from the rat race.

Ghiz says no to year-round Sunday shopping

Ghiz says no to year-round Sunday shopping

Recent news out of Prince Edward Island is a small victory for Mothers and Fathers of the province , Ghiz says no to year-round Sunday shopping . Can you imagine another premier refusing to tag along with the rest of the country? I would be so proud to call myself an Islander, to have a premier stick to his principals not to allow year around Sunday shopping in Prince Edward Island. It would be even better if he banned Sunday shopping all together.Comments from the Guardian web site in PEI " wonder if those people screaming for some stores to stay shuttered on Sunday would agree that fast food joints, family restaurants, the library, tourist areas, gas stations, video rental places etc also remain closed. Those are the places most people go to on Sundays - even those who want other stores closed. By the way even clergy work on Sunday. "

I have always loved these arguments and if you take notice these comments are never directed at the millions of people that are off on Sundays and that use these services on Sundays. Do letter carriers or our MLA's feel guilty because other people work on Sundays? Should bank employees work on Sundays because ministers do? Should we all be French because some people speak French? Should we all be gay because some people are gay? We are all different! Why should other people that do not work in retail decide whether stores open or not? Let's get real! How is this even considered a democracy when it's all one sided? Can we decide when letter carriers, bank employees, MLA's, Premier, Mayor's etc work on Sundays?? We have a long way to go in this society if we continue punishing retail workers for something they don't want and that's Sunday shopping. Congratulations Premier Ghiz for saying no. The next step is to ban Sunday shopping all together. Be leaders Premier Ghiz, don't punish people because they are different.

Why the Sunday shopping ban has to be reinstated in Nova Scotia?

It's been a few years since we had the Sunday shopping plebiscite in 2004. I sure wish I would have known what I know now about the issue and why the ban should be reinstated without any questions. I guess the best way to address this to the public is start from the beginning step by step.
I can remember before the plebiscite the premier at the time was John Hamm and he was under considerable pressure to open stores on Sundays. He was getting it from tourism and the Chamber of Commerce. Poll after poll was introduced to us on TV and in our newspapers and radio. Would you like to have Sunday shopping? Yes or No? Despite the polls and the claims by the media that the majority of Nova Scotians wanted Sunday shopping, we went to the polls in a plebiscite to decide whether or not to have Sunday shopping.

The majority of Nova Scotians voted No with 55% and 45% voting yes. In my view, the majority never wanted Sunday shopping and the plebiscite showed us this. Leading up to the plebiscite, the yes side lead a good campaign and they used several arguments to guilt people into supporting their position. One of their arguments was that other people work on Sundays such as hospitals, restaurants, call centers etc. Why are retail workers so special? This was hammered over and over to the public. Most of the public bought into that argument and they felt guilty that other occupations had to work so why not retail workers? Why are retail workers treated special?
I have to hand it to big business because a lot of people fell for that line. Has anyone ever wondered why the Chamber of Commerce never compared those who work Sundays to letter carriers for example? Letter carriers and millions of other people don't work on Sundays and they were never ever compared to those who work on Sundays. Aren't we all different ? Don't we have different views? It's sad that retail workers were pounded to death by this nonsense that family day can be any day and to down grade them for believing that Sundays are for families. In Quebec we have French speaking people and they are different. Are we going to get rid of the French because they speak a different language? Are we going to take away Gay rights because they have a different view?
The fact is, we are all different and to make retail workers feel guilty because they have a different opinion is pathetic. We don't make letter carriers feel guilty because they are off on Sundays, not to mention Saturdays as well, yet this was done to retail workers over and over.
Another fantastic argument being used was that we can not tell a business owner when they can open or close. Again the general public bought into the fact that business owners have the right to open when they want to. It's interesting that we all have laws to abide by but business owners should be able to do what they want at someone else's expense. Letter carriers have different views and they are off on Sundays (and Saturdays as well). It's not a terrible thing to be against Sunday shopping. It's not a terrible thing to have a different view.
Having said this, should we do away with the minimum wage? Should we do away with holiday pay and vacation pay? All these things are regulated by our government. They tell business owners how to spend their own money. If we can tell business owners how to spend their money, we can tell them when to close. Folks, there seriously isn't a hell of a difference here is it? Aren't we telling business owners what to do? Yet again we are pounded to death over and over and the guilt pours on and on with the media pounding this to death. Are we all that gullible that we honestly think business owners should have the freedom to do this and that when ever they want to?
Seriously we wouldn't have a law left in this county, if we all used the "Freedom excuse" and allowed business owners to what they wanted when they wanted to.
Another argument that was used on the public was about students wanting to work on Sundays and for those who want extra hours. It's rather amusing that this argument was used and directed at retail. What about those people who may want to deliver mail on Sundays? Again the comparison was never made to other occupations that are off on Sundays.
But what's real frustrating was a democratic vote that was held in 2004 and it was ignored by all political parties. Rodney MacDonald our former premier took it upon himself to blame the poor judge for opening the doors to Sunday shopping.
Link to court web site :http://www.saveoursundays.ca/modules.php?name=News&file=article&sid=65&mode=thread&order=0&thold=0
Fact is this wasn't the case and hence we have Sunday shopping. What was really troubling was to think that our media remained silent about it. You would think that this was major news and that as citizens of this province, we would be good enough to hear the truth. There was only one media source, that I was aware of that put it to print. I congratulate the former newspaper the "Daily News" for printing the truth about the issue.
I guess many of you are now aware of our MLA's spending tax payers money that could have been used for other essential things . At a time when we are expected to pay higher taxes, our politicians are filling their pockets. Most of the population in Nova Scotia remained silent about Sunday shopping and now we have MLA's spending our tax dollars. If we continue remaining silent about these kinds of issues our province will continue it's slippery slop. We have to get involved if we want changes to happen.
I really love this line that the media used on everyone and for the most part alot of people bought into it. " Once we have Sunday shopping we can never go back".
Last I checked we live in a democracy and if it is the will and the way of the people we can go back to the good old days of "No Sunday shopping". Are we that gullible to actually believe that we can't go back? Since when do we live in a communist country? I know there are skeptics who will point at the plebiscite and tell me that democracy in this case was ignored. Ok yes it was, but how many people protested the lies by our government and the cover up by the media? If we do not start holding our politicians accountable, they will continue to ignore public votes and rob us all blind.
Take for instance this article about healing yourself and comparing it to Sunday shopping.
http://www.naturalnews.com/028136_self_healing_crowd_psychology.html
I think we can learn a lesson in comparison to the Sunday shopping issue. Following the crowd is the way alot of people go even if it's not the right path to follow.
"Crowd psychology tells us that people tend to follow whatever the crowd is doing for no reason other than the fact the crowd is doing it. The human mind figures, "Well, if the crowd is doing that, there must be a good reason for it," and so people just go along with practically anything as long the crowd supports it."
That quote is from the above link and if you really think about it, this is the case with this issue.
You do not have to look any further when you hear them talk about saving the environment. I can see line ups of people that bought these environment friendly bags to save the environment while stores are open seven days and nights including Sundays. Hello?? How can we as a province buy into all this nonsense? These stores are open another day with their lights on, plus we are encouraging more traffic on our roads another day. Again the media remains silent because of those who advertise with them would get ticked off. It's a terrible circle and if we do not fight to stop the commercial ring we will lose it all. Holidays will be next on the chopping block.

There are rumors circulating that if you do not work on Sunday, your hours will be cut. I'm hoping that this isn't the case, but having said that, this isn't the first time it was mentioned. This is another reason why this issue should be brought up again. It's not fair to have employee's living in fear because they do not want to work on Sundays. Can you imagine even though it is a law protecting employees from this, that they still live in fear? And this is the 21st century? As a province and a nation we have a long way to go. What bothers me most is the way retail staff were bullied into excepting something they never believed in. Those of us who care about our families have to start speaking up . Together we all can make a difference. Remaining silent will never help us.

Proposal to change Sunday shopping hours in Winnipeg

http://www.saveoursundays.ca/modules.php?name=News&file=article&sid=181

I can remember back in 2004 before the plebiscite on Sunday shopping ,we were told that we were the last province in Nova Scotia to have Sunday shopping. Needless to say, Prince Edward Island was also being fed that same exact line by the media, which promotes business. After all, who advertises with them? It's something we all should be thinking about.In Winnipeg, the Winnipeg Chamber of Commerce is pushing the government to loosen up the laws on Sunday shopping. The store hours are limited on Sunday and they are being told when they have to close?
Related story click here - http://Winnipeg.ctv.ca/servlet/an/local/CTVNews/20091201/wpg_shopping_091201/20091201/?hub=WinnipegHome
One has to wonder why is it any business of the Winnipeg Chamber of Commerce to decide when stores should open? Are they open on Sunday? Can retail staff decide when the Winnipeg Chamber of Commerce can have their family day? Most important to note is who is backing the Winnipeg Chamber of Commerce? Really think about it. Isn't it being pushed by big business?
All you hear is about the money that is being lost and the guilt trip being put on the general public to accept this nonsense. Millions have been spent by business using our media to convince you that Sunday shopping is the best thing to hit this nation. Deciding when one sector can open or close? How is this a democracy when you can decide when retail workers have their family day? Can they decide when yours is? Lets think about this ! NO would be the answer that comes to mind.
Let's not forget the environment, you only hear the media promote it for big business! We don't hear them promoting store closures on Sunday. Why not? Look at the cars that wouldn't be driving a extra day! Look at the lights that would be off in all these business' if stores were closed. Our media is not getting paid to promote the environment or they would be suggesting store closures on Sunday. You cannot believe everything you watch on TV. Take for instance the war over in Iraq. Remember the weapons of mass destruction? Where are the weapons of mass destruction? When money is involved you can bet one thing. Family life is not being promoted. Our environment is not being promoted. Come on Canada wake up , we are being lead down the drain. The love of money is the root of all evils. Since Sunday shopping was introduced or should I say forced down our throats, nothing has gotten any better in Nova Scotia or anywhere else in this country. Wake up Canada!!

German court enforces day of rest

http://www.saveoursundays.ca/modules.php?name=News&file=article&sid=180

Fantastic News, German Court Enforces Day of Rest. Isn't it about time? If we do not enforce a tax law no one would pay taxes. If we do not enforce holiday pay, business' would not pay out holiday pay. You have to have laws in a society to help those who cannot help themselves.In Germany, 16 states have already made some exceptions allowing stores to open a few Sundays a year, while ignoring the fact that Germany's constitution protects workers from working on Sundays and Holidays.
We applaud the Courts decision which will help those mothers and fathers who would be forced to work with stores open on Sundays. We can learn from the Germans who consider Sunday a day of rest.
Also for the most part, the media in Germany is supporting the recent courts decision to close stores on Sunday. Lets hope that other countries will follow Germany's lead. We have so much in society to offer. Let's offer a day of rest, to our own families and our own country.

Related links: http://abcnews.go.com/Travel/court-rules-shopping-sunday-germany/story?id=9236076

Berlin loses Xmas Sunday shopping
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mQ91pVdIIQ

All of our You tube video's will now be provided on this link

All of our You tube video's will now be provided on this link. If you would like to be interviewed against Sunday shopping please contact us.

http://www.saveoursundays.ca/modules.php?name=News&file=article&sid=178


Sunday shopping Nov 10 part 1 continued
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B1LKr4SnB6Q


Sunday shopping Nov 10 part 2 continued
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xhu4EvkQJ1Y

Sunday shopping Nov 10 part 3 continued
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v05LMWhTE-0

Sunday shopping Nov 10 part 4 continued
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Juslcs6ZpAQ


Sunday shopping Nov 10 part 5 continued
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MiBzRQLGtTk

Sunday shopping Nov 10 part 6 continued
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XE5RTrsk2K4



Sunday shopping Nov 10 part 7 continued
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HYLljiOS6Mw



Debate on Sunday shopping continues August 31, 2009
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2ST5jP7Woa0



Sunday shopping continues to spark debate
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=goc_snDLCHU



HS Sunday shopping Part 1
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OXMjGn8qKLo



HS Sunday shopping Part 2
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SHitaVKx60k



HS Sunday shopping Part 3
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-zu2dTqSaIc



HS Sunday shopping Part 4
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IpsycdPyAHI



New Government same message respect our vote on Sunday shopping http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8pXfVG0UeqQ

Rodney MacDonalds response to Save Our Sundays and our response.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h1u1mIOB65Q

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m82QfGkN5Do

Sunday shopping Nova Scotia Election 2009
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RpHBLbqPLzg
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LHhDLGJaBlM

Sunday shopping Nova Scotia Election continued
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eQftXALFxfs