Province to televise House of Assembly

Premier Roger Grimes announced today that government will televise proceedings of the House of Assembly.

"This is something the people of the province have requested and we are glad to finally be in the position to do this," said Premier Grimes. "A lot must happen technically before this becomes reality, but we are aiming to have the House of Assembly televised for the fall 2001 sitting. Cable TV companies are being asked for their input on the initiative and there may be need for a phased-in approach to get the signal to all parts of the province served by cable."

This initiative will provide Newfoundlanders and Labradorians the opportunity to see the proceedings of the legislature, making government and elected officials more accountable.

"Traditionally, if someone wanted to see debate in the House of Assembly, they had to come to St. John�s and visit the Confederation Building in person," said the premier. "Being able to see, first hand, the dialogue that occurs in the legislature will make government more transparent and will bring people all over the province closer to government."

The estimated set up costs in the legislature are approximately $1.3 million.

Media contact: Carl Cooper, Communications, (709) 729-3564.

2001 03 22                         3:30 p.m.