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.
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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