Government House Leader announces finalized plans for opening House of Assembly

Government House Leader Tom Lush today announced finalized plans for the opening of the House of Assembly for debate on and ratification of the Voisey�s Bay Statement of Principles.

"After consulting with the Opposition House Leader and the Leader of the NDP, it has been unanimously decided that the House will open Tuesday, June 18, for a three day, fully televised, sitting," said Minister Lush. "During this sitting, every effort will be made to maximize the time provided for discussion. Hence some of the routine procedures and rules of the House will be suspended for this three day session.

"For example the House will sit for eight hours a day beginning with a morning session from 10 a.m. to 12 noon, an afternoon session from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m and a three hour evening session from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m.. As well, it was decided that a daily, half hour, Question Period would be scheduled for 2 p.m. to allow for the open debate on the Statement of Principles. This Question Period will not only provide an opportunity to raise questions on specific issues, but will more importantly permit time to clarify any misconceptions that might arise during the debate.

"The time allocated for general debate and the inclusion of a daily Question Period should give sufficient time for full debate of the issues surrounding the Voisey�s Bay Statement of Principles. At the conclusion of the debate, there will be a free vote in which each and every MHA is free to vote as their conscience or their constituency dictates.

"We want all Newfoundlanders and Labradorians to have a clear understanding of this tentative agreement. There is no room for misconceptions, and we are happy to provide every opportunity to clear up anything that could cause concern or distress for the people of this province.

"The decision to open the House on Tuesday with the various agreements and changes in routine procedure represents a decision arrived at unanimously by all parties in the House of Assembly. I am sure that the coming week will provide for intense and interesting debate on this most historic document. It is also most appropriate that, for the first time in this history of the province, the constituents whose views will directly impact the outcome of this discussion, can watch the debate in their own homes. It is my hope they will see their views represented in an accurate, honest and democratic way."

Media contact: Janice Lockyer, Communications, (709) 729-1341.

2002 06 13                               4:25 p.m.