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NLIS 3
December 15, 2000
(Executive Council)

 

Fall House of Assembly session productive

Government House Leader Tom Lush commented today that the Fall sitting of the House of Assembly was very productive, with key pieces of legislation passing, including the Tobacco Control Act, the Royal Newfoundland Constabulary Act and the Liquor Control Act.

"While there were unique circumstances surrounding this sitting of the House of Assembly, it is still very clear that this government has taken steps to move forward with the its social and economic agendas for the province," said Mr. Lush. "With 20 bills being introduced in this session and 19 passing, including some major pieces of legislation, the fall sitting was a productive one for government and the people of Newfoundland and Labrador. The efficiency and quality of this House session is comparable to any other session in recent memory."

The Tobacco Health Care Costs Recovery Act, the only bill not passed in this session of the House, would be a significant step forward in the province�s efforts to sue tobacco companies for the money spent treating smoking-related diseases within the health care system, Mr. Lush said.

"It is unfortunate that the Tobacco Health Care Costs Recovery Act was not made into law; however, we are confident that we will be able to move forward with this legislation in the future to pursue a lawsuit on behalf of the people in this province who pay for the unhealthy results of tobacco use. "

Highlights of the fall session included the introduction of new bills, as well as a number of other amendments to current laws and regulations.

  • Continuing with its agenda to reduce tobacco related illness, government amended the Tobacco Control Act and the Smoke-Free Environment Act. These bills placed stricter regulations on the sale of tobacco and its use in public places frequented by children.

  • Amendments to the Royal Newfoundland Constabulary Act provided for binding arbitration in contract disputes, and more funding for equipment was announced for the local police force.

  • An amendment to the Liquor Control Act provided councils in certain Labrador communities with the authority to regulate liquor sales. This act was amended as a part of government�s efforts to assist communities in Labrador deal with issues of substance abuse.

  • The Labour Standards Act was amended to give parents the option of staying home for up to a year to care for their newborns and adopted children and have employment protection.

  • The Family Law Act was amended to extend the benefits and responsibilities of spousal relationships to same-sex couples.

  • The Income Tax Act was introduced to determine provincial income tax in a different manner - tax on income - with the effect of income tax reductions for three years. This will save residents of Newfoundland and Labrador $42 million in 2000 and, when combined with a similar federal initiative, a total of $400 million over the span of the initiative.

For more information about the fall session of the House of Assembly, including a complete list of acts addressed and their status, visit the House site which is accessible from the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador Web site at www.gov.nl.ca.

Media contact: Craig Ennis, Communications, (709) 729-4023

2000 12 15                    3:45 p.m.


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