NLIS 4
November 6, 2001
(Executive Council)

 

Premier Grimes officially opens House of Assembly to cameras

Premier Roger Grimes today opened the House of Assembly to cameras which will broadcast the legislature to people across Newfoundland and Labrador. The premier participated in a news conference with Lloyd Snow, Speaker of the House of Assembly, representatives from Rogers Cable, who will televise the legislature, and leaders of the province�s other political parties.

"This administration is committed to being the most open and accountable government in the province�s history," said Premier Roger Grimes. "When I became premier, one of my commitments was to implement concrete measures allowing the people of Newfoundland and Labrador to have confidence that government was forthcoming and accessible."

Premier Grimes noted that this initiative is particularly important for rural Newfoundlanders and Labradorians. Previously, anyone who wished to see House of Assembly proceedings had to visit the legislature in St. John�s in person. With the legislature poised for television, people from across the province will be able to watch their representatives discuss the issues of the day from their homes. The premier said that the government�s policy of openness would not be complete without this significantly increased level of accessibility for rural Newfoundlanders and Labradorians.

"The opening of the legislature to cameras is part of a larger package of government accountability initiatives," said the premier. "My openness and accountability agenda includes practicing a �report in-report out� style of government, establishing a Citizen�s Representative and introducing in this fall sitting new legislation to replace the Freedom of Information Act after the comprehensive review which was completed in July. Televising the legislature is yet another pillar of this administration�s commitment to accessible and accountable government."

Media contact: Carl Cooper, Office of the Premier, (709) 729-3960.

2001 11 06                        12:30 p.m.


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