Government concludes aggressive and comprehensive legislative sitting

Intergovernmental Affairs Minister and Government House Leader Tom Lush said that government, under the leadership of Premier Roger Grimes, has just concluded an aggressive and comprehensive session of the provincial legislature. 

In total, 38 pieces of legislation, many of them groundbreaking, were passed during the fall sitting of the House of Assembly. Further, since Premier Grimes took office in February, 58 pieces of legislation have been approved. 

"Newfoundlanders and Labradorians have witnessed the most open and transparent administration on record," said Minister Lush. "We have undertaken a diligent approach to our legislative agenda to achieve positive changes for the people of the province. With these pieces of legislation, and other government initiatives introduced throughout the year, this administration has taken firm and definitive action for the benefit of all Newfoundlanders and Labradorians."

One significant action taken by government in the fall sitting was the appointment of Fraser March as Citizens' Representative, an independent officer of the House of Assembly with the mandate to hear public concerns regarding the administration of programs and services. The appointment of a Citizens' Representative is a key component of Premier Grimes' openness and accountability agenda and follows legislation passed in the spring.

In the fall 2001 sitting, the House of Assembly passed a number of pieces of legislation, including:

• Endangered Species Act, further implementing measures protecting wildlife in the province;
  
• Class Actions Act, to allow a representative to pursue legal action against an entity on behalf of a group in similar circumstances;
  
• Economic Diversification and Growth Enterprises (EDGE) Act changes, to further stimulate growth and diversification of the province's economy;
  
• Electronic Commerce Act, which increases accessibility to government by electronic means; 
  
• Newfoundland and Labrador Act, to effect changes in the Canadian constitution recognizing Labrador as a partner in the province;
  
• Child and Youth Advocate Act, which will enhance child and youth representation within government;
  
• changes to the Labour Standards Act, which increase the minimum wage, set Remembrance Day as a statutory holiday and improve labour relations in the province; and,
  
• changes to the Petroleum and Natural Gas Act, to ensure the provincial regulations governing oil and gas development are consistent and fair to the province and to industry.

Minister Lush said that while a number of the priorities of Newfoundlanders and Labradorians have been acted upon, government is already looking forward to further implementing its economic, social and accountability agendas.

"We have a clear, consistent plan for the people of this province. This administration will continue to invest strongly in health care, education and economic growth. And we will continue to do so in the most open and accountable manner in the history of the province. The people of the province can be assured that, while government has accomplished a great deal, we will continue to act in the best interests of all Newfoundlanders and Labradorians." 

Further information on all legislation can be found at: /hoa/business/.

Media contact: Tansy Mundon, Communications, (709) 729-1341.

2001 12 14                          12:15 p.m.