March 10,

HOUSE OF ASSEMBLY PROCEEDINGS

Vol. XLIII No. 58

The House met at 2:00 p.m.

MR. SPEAKER (Snow): Order, please!

SERGEANT-AT-ARMS: Mr. Speaker, His Honour the Lieutenant-Governor has

arrived.

MR. SPEAKER: Admit His Honour the Lieutenant Governor.

Mr. Speaker leaves the Chair.

His Honour, the Lieutenant-Governor takes the Chair.

SERGEANT-AT-ARMS: Ladies and Gentlemen, it is the wish of His Honour the

Lieutenant-Governor that all present be seated.

HIS HONOUR THE LIEUTENANT-GOVERNOR (Maxwell A. House, C.M., M.D., FRCPC):

MR. SPEAKER AND MEMBERS OF THE HONOURABLE HOUSE OF ASSEMBLY:

The First Session of the 43rd General Assembly of this Honourable House of

Assembly is about to be prorogued but, before releasing you from your duties, I

wish to thank you for the careful and sympathetic attention given to the

important matters brought before you by My Ministers. Your commitment to your

work and diligence in these difficult times deserve our appreciation and

acknowledgement.

Fifty pieces of legislation were enacted during this session of the

Honourable House of Assembly. In particular, legislative initiatives were taken

in Education, Municipal Affairs, Government Services, Justice, Fisheries and the

Environment during 1996.

MR. SPEAKER AND MEMBERS OF THE HONOURABLE HOUSE OF ASSEMBLY:

Ever mindful of the commitment of My Ministers to education reform, this

session saw passage of three important education-related bills. As a consequent

of the amendment of Term 17 of the Terms of Union of this Province with Canada,

a new Education Act was enacted. This Act established a new Denominational

Education Commission and a Schools Construction Board.

As well, My Ministers introduced

an Act To Revise The Law Respecting The

Operation Of Schools In The Province. This measure is the first substantive

revision to our Schools Legislation since 1969. A new College Act which

establishes one Provincial College in the Province was also enacted.

MR. SPEAKER AND MEMBERS OF THE HONOURABLE HOUSE OF ASSEMBLY:

A major reform of a law respecting enforcement of judgements of our courts

was enacted. As well, a revised Pension Benefits Act was introduced and passed

during this session. The Professional Fish Harvesters Act was enacted. This Act

provides for the certification of professional fish harvesters in our Province.

During the session, My ministers introduced amendments to the City of St. John's

Act, the City of Corner Brook Act, the City of Mount Pearl Act and the

Municipalities Act, the purpose of which was to change the date for holding

municipal elections from November to September in order to afford newly-elected

municipal councils more time to prepare their budgets. As well,

an Act to

provide fire-fighters with protection from personal liability was enacted.

MR. SPEAKER AND MEMBERS OF THE HONOURABLE HOUSE OF ASSEMBLY:

As part of My ministers' continuing commitment to the revision of our law,

this House passed

an Act to provide for the safety of the public with respect to

the use and operation of elevating devices, amusement rides, pressure and

electrical systems. In an effort to reduce the tax burden in this Province, My

Ministers introduced the bill to implement the comprehensive integrated tax

this Province. This legislation takes effect on April 1 of this year.

MR. SPEAKER AND MEMBERS OF THE HONOURABLE HOUSE OF ASSEMBLY:

Many of our citizens are concerned about the environmental effects of

packaging materials; therefore, in an effort to alleviate these environmental

concerns, My Ministers introduced amendments to the Packaging Materials Act in

order to establish the Multi-Materials Stewardship Board which will administer a

deposit/refund system and to provide a regulatory regime. As stated in the

address of my predecessor opening this session, and to recognize the service of

volunteers in our community,

an Act Respecting the Newfoundland and Labrador

Volunteer Services Medal was enacted. As a means of recognizing and protecting

our heritage animals and, in particular, the Newfoundland Pony, a bill was

enacted to provide for these matters. As well,

An Act To Establish The Memorial

University Foundation as a charitable foundation was enacted. Many other

significant legislative measures were also enacted during this session.

MR. SPEAKER AND MEMBERS OF THE HONOURABLE HOUSE OF ASSEMBLY:

I thank you for the large measure of supply you have granted. I assure you

that the appropriations that you have granted have been and will be expended by

my ministers with care and efficiency.

MR. SPEAKER, AND MEMBERS OF THE HONOURABLE HOUSE OF ASSEMBLY:

It is my pleasure that the First Session of the 43rd General Assembly now be

prorogued, and is prorogued accordingly.

His Honour the Lieutenant-Governor leaves the Chamber.

MR. SPEAKER: Order, please!

Pursuant to His Honour's speech, this House now stands prorogued.