Speech from the Throne March 19, 2002
Following is the text of the Speech from the Throne delivered at the
Opening of The Fourth Session of The Forty-Fourth General Assembly of the
Province of Newfoundland and Labrador on Tuesday, March 19, 2002 by His
Honour The Honourable A.M. House, C.M., M.D., LL.D., FRCPC,
Lieutenant-Governor:
Mr. Speaker and Members of the House of Assembly:
Welcome to the Fourth Session of this, the Forty-Fourth General
Assembly. It is my pleasure to welcome all those citizens of the province
who are observing these proceedings both here and, for the first time, in
their own homes.
Queen�s Jubilee
As members of this Honourable House will recall, February 6, 2002
marked the 50th anniversary of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth�s
accession to the Throne. My Government, on behalf of the citizens of the
province, conveys our best wishes to Her Majesty. At the same time, My
Government conveys the sympathy of our citizens to Her Majesty on the recent
death of her only sister, Her Royal Highness The Princess Margaret, Countess
of Snowdon.
First Assembly of Newfoundland and Labrador
We meet in this Chamber at an important point in our history, as
this is the first Speech from the Throne to be delivered in the Assembly of
the Province of Newfoundland and Labrador. Changing the name of the
province is a symbolic yet important recognition of Labrador�s status as a
full partner in the province. It will encourage all citizens to work
together to meet the challenges and seize the tremendous opportunities that
lie ahead.
The name change, while very real for the people of Labrador, is also
symbolic of the changes our province will face in the coming years. It
reflects the change My Government has sought to make in how we determine and
meet our commitments. It represents My Government�s commitment to foster
and manage real change for the benefit of our people.
My Government believes that the next few years will belong to Labrador. A
significant part of My Government�s agenda will be focused on pursuing
opportunities for development in Labrador - development that will be in
keeping with the views and aspirations of the people of Labrador. My
Government�s commitment to develop a Labrador Economic Action Plan, to
sign land claims and self-government agreements with Aboriginal groups, to
complete all phases of the Trans-Labrador Highway and invest in other
strategic infrastructure priorities, and to continue to negotiate a Voisey�s
Bay deal and pursue the Lower Churchill development are indicative of the
tremendous promise and real potential that the Big Land holds.
Commending our People
For many, 2001 will be remembered as a year scarred by the tragedy
of September 11th. The events of that day have changed us all. A
profound impact was made on people well beyond those who experienced the
horror in New York, Pennsylvania and Washington. It is said that from
tragedy comes hope, and how we respond to such events reflects our spirit
and confidence.
The people of Newfoundland and Labrador responded to the tragedy as we
have responded so many times to crises within our own communities - with
compassion and hospitality. Our pride as a people and our tradition of
caring shone brightly and I am sure it left an indelible mark on the
thousands of unexpected visitors who spent time here. Perhaps John and Marie
Unkle of Fairfax, Virginia said it best: "The wonderful people of
Gander and the surrounding community made us feel very welcome and restored
our faith in the basic goodness of humanity...You opened your homes and
hearts to us. We will never forget the people... for their generosity and
compassion to total strangers."
Building on our long tradition of giving and helpfulness, it was only
fitting that the hard work and commitment to volunteerism in this province
be recognized. 2001 was the International Year of the Volunteer, and we were
privileged to honour 96 volunteers in this province by presenting them with
the Newfoundland and Labrador Volunteer Medal. The Volunteer Medal was an
opportunity to recognize people for their generosity, sense of caring and
community spirit.
Pride of Place
This was the year that our writers, our film makers and our actors
brought our world to millions of people. A world with a richness in culture
and heritage that is unparalleled. How could we ever forget the image
created by Bernice Morgan of Mary Bundle, a determined, hard-working,
weathered woman, as the entire nation became entranced by the sometimes
cruel but binding life of the people of Cape Random. Or the creative,
eccentric Phonse, played by our own Andy Jones, in the comedy hit Rare
Birds. Or the witty, insightful reporter in The Shipping News as played by
our beloved Gordon Pinsent.
These are the characters we know intimately and instinctively. The people
we belong to, the people we have come from. The same people that we see
every day in corner stores, in post offices, on the community wharf and
across the fence. This is indeed a world built on a sense of place and
intense pride.
Order of Newfoundland and Labrador
Recognizing outstanding individuals for their talent, vision, unique
skills and noteworthy contributions is something My Government wishes to
continue to do. To this end, we will advance the establishment of the Order
of Newfoundland and Labrador in the coming months. As the first Chancellor
of the Order, I will be meeting in the next few weeks with the members of
the Advisory Council leading to the nomination process and eventual
selection of the first citizens to receive the Order.
Mr. Speaker and Members of the House of Assembly:
An Open Government
One year ago My Government set out a bold and ambitious work plan to
affirm public confidence as it completes the mandate given in the general
election of 1999.
My Government is committed to opening this Government to the people of
the province. All Newfoundlanders and Labradorians deserve to know what
their government stands for, what it intends to do and how it will do it.
The initiatives which My Government has pursued with intent and focus have
had a positive impact on the people of the province. In the past year, My
Government has demonstrated that it is willing to be innovative and bold by
making, and delivering on, commitments that challenge the status quo.
Accountability through Change and Openness
Building from recommendations developed by an independent review
panel, a new Access to Information and Protection of Privacy Act was
passed. The new Act replaces legislation that was over 20 years old. It
ensures clarity and relevance in this new age of information, and is part of
My Government�s commitment to a greater level of openness and
accountability. The priority My Government has placed on this Bill reflects
the hallmark of this administration. That hallmark is real accountability.
Ensuring real accountability to the people of this province is the
foundation from which My Government intends to act in all areas.
My Government believes that the people of this province have the right to
view reports and studies commissioned by Government, and to form their own
views on Government action on the basis of the advice it receives. To this
end, My Government has adopted a policy of openness, of publicly releasing
reports and studies once they are received. My Government believes that,
given access to the same information, the majority of fair-minded people
would reach the same conclusions as the government. In the last sitting of
the House, My Government amended the House of Assembly Act to ensure
that all reports required to be tabled in the House of Assembly, including
the Report of the Auditor General, are released as soon as they are
received, whether or not this House is in session.
A further, important change towards real accountability was made with My
Government�s decision to create a Citizens� Representative for the
province. The Citizens� Representative, Mr. Fraser March, was appointed in
December past and began work on February first of this year. We now have in
this province an individual, empowered by the people�s House of Assembly,
whose mandate is to address issues relating to government accessibility and
personal privacy.
My Government has also established legislation on a new Child and Youth
Advocate to advance issues on behalf of children and youth in this province.
The new Advocate will be in place in the near future. My Government believes
that this legislation will position Newfoundland and Labrador as one of the
leaders in child and youth advocacy in Canada.
Another important change My Government has made to ensure real
accountability was to televise the activities of this House of Assembly.
People in over 126,000 households in every part of this province are able to
watch and listen to this speech in the comfort of their own homes.
Televising the House has been a critical measure in ensuring that the people
of this province can witness, first hand, the deliberations which take place
in this chamber and democracy in action.
Overall, these initiatives represent tangible and significant change in
how the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador is more open and accountable
to the people of the province.
Mr. Speaker and Members of the House of Assembly:
Other Legislative Achievements
In the past year, My Government has demonstrated its action-oriented
focus through its sound legislative agenda. In the past year, 60 pieces of
legislation have been approved by this House, many of them groundbreaking.
In addition to bringing legislative life to its accountability agenda, My
Government has put forward several other pieces of legislation which have
been passed by the House of Assembly, including a new Endangered Species
Act which will help further protect wildlife in the province; changes to
the Economic Diversification and Growth Enterprises Act, to further
stimulate growth in the province�s economy; changes to the Labour
Standards Act, which will increase the minimum wage and improve labour
relations in the province; and changes to the Petroleum and Natural Gas
Act, to ensure that provincial regulations governing oil and gas
development are consistent and fair to the province and to industry.
A Year of Accomplishments
My Government�s record of accomplishments in the past year sets
the pace for another year of aggressive action. On the economic front, My
Government released the final report on the Renewal Strategy for Jobs and
Growth, attracted new call centres to St. John�s, Corner Brook,
Carbonear and Grand Falls-Windsor, signed a 130 megawatt recall contract
with Hydro-Quebec, increased the tax-free threshold on payroll tax to
$500,000 and was recognized with two prestigious international awards for
tourism marketing. On the social side of the ledger, My Government reduced
tuition at Memorial University by 10 per cent, increased salaries for home
support workers, renewed its emphasis on literacy, made provision for
support trusts for adult disabled persons to be established by their
families and created a provincial Youth Advisory Committee. These are just
some of the significant achievements from the past year.
Petroleum Products Pricing Commissioner
My Government also delivered on its commitment to regulate petroleum
prices by creating the Office of the Petroleum Products Pricing
Commissioner, and by hiring Mr. George Saunders to fulfil this role. Through
this Office, My Government has ensured that petroleum prices are set in a
rational and fair manner, bringing stability in pricing to consumers.
Mr. Speaker and Members of the House of Assembly:
Strategic Action Plan
In the past year, My Government has seen a change in leadership, a
change towards action and a change in delivering results to the people of
Newfoundland and Labrador. Leadership carries with it the challenge of
managing change. My Government believes that in this day and age our people
demand a government that is an agent of change, a government that is
adaptable, flexible and responsive, a government that listens and is quick
to respond and take action.
My Government believes that actions speak louder than words. While we
have accomplished a great deal in the past year, there is much more to be
done. The right choices must be made if Newfoundland and Labrador is to
prosper. My Government, working with and for the people of this great
province, will continue to set a bold agenda and attack it with vigour, with
confidence and with determination. My Government has a firm plan of action
for the future.
Openness and Accountability
First and foremost, My Government is, and will remain, open and
accountable to the people. We shall continue to consult widely on priority
matters and will debate issues openly to inspire creative thinking and new
approaches, not only from Members of this Honourable House, but from among
our broad population.
Annual Reports
My Government has a formalized planning process in place which
requires departments to develop strategic plans which clarify their
mandates, establish their mission, set goals and identify strategic
priorities. For Crown boards, agencies and commissions, two documents have
been issued: Achieving Excellence 2000 - A Guidebook for Improved
Accountability of Public Bodies and Achieving Excellence 2000 - A
Handbook for Improved Governance of Public Bodies. These public body
accountability framework documents are another important step in My
Government�s efforts to implement effective and up to date accountability
measures throughout the public sector.
Building on these measures, and on the broad range of actions My
Government has already undertaken to ensure real openness and
accountability, all Departments and Agencies will be required to publish
annual reports in 2003. Through these reports, people may judge the
effectiveness of My Government in delivering programs and services that meet
the needs of the people.
Strategic Social Plan and Social Audit
My Government has outlined a vision for Newfoundland and Labrador
through its Strategic Social Plan. It is a vision that encourages
government, regions and communities to work in partnership to improve
long-term opportunities for people and identify regional solutions to
regional issues. Today, across the province, regional committees are working
together to make a difference. They are supporting partnerships that, for
example, bring early childhood development opportunities such as family
resource programs to rural areas, build community leadership through
volunteer development, identify and promote career opportunities for youth
in their local regions and promote recreation as a way to build stronger
communities. There is an excitement and a vibrance as this Plan makes a real
difference in the lives of our people.
My Government is moving forward with its social progress and audit
report. The report will begin to measure our social progress, and reflects
My Government�s commitment to openness and accountability. Newfoundland
and Labrador has been recognized both in Canada and abroad for the ingenuity
of its Strategic Social Plan. My Government�s willingness to work in a
different way positions Newfoundland and Labrador as a leader in social
development.
Sustaining Rural Newfoundland and Labrador
The strength of rural Newfoundland and Labrador is critical to our
growth, sustainability and lifestyle. My Government understands that some
regions of the province have not shared equally in our growth and
prosperity. My Government will continue to support economic development in
rural Newfoundland and Labrador through the 20 Regional Economic Development
Boards and other community economic development organizations throughout the
province. My Government recognizes that the opportunities and challenges
facing one region of the province, such as the Northern Peninsula, are
different from those in other regions, such as the South Coast or Labrador.
My Government intends to take a flexible approach to building stronger
communities and stronger regions.
Last fall�s Rural EXPO 2001, the first of its kind, was designed to
showcase and promote economic opportunities and business and community
economic development accomplishments in rural Newfoundland and Labrador. My
Government took the opportunity at Rural EXPO 2001 to present the first
Community Economic Development Awards to individuals and groups in
recognition of the valuable role they play in economic development at the
community level.
Wilf Sutton and Tom Sutton were selected for the Outstanding Individual
Achievement award. These men were instrumental in developing a strategic
plan for their hometown of Trepassey. Michelle Snow, who won the Excellence
in Youth Leadership award, is an enthusiastic mentor and role model for
youth in the province. The Random North Development Association, winner of
the Innovation in Education award, has been a driving force in the field of
literacy, particularly in bridging the gap from education to employment for
individuals who need assistance in upgrading their literacy skills to
participate fully in the workforce. These and the other award winners have
reason to take pride in their accomplishments.
My Government will continue to support the Regional Economic Development
Boards as agents of economic progress and change. My Government is also
committed to establishing an agricultural land enhancement fund to further
expedite growth in the agriculture sector, particularly in the dairy
industry, and My Government will seek matching funds from the federal
government to supplement this initiative.
Mr. Speaker and Members of the House of Assembly:
Fostering Partnerships for Growth
Economic opportunity can best be built through the collective
commitment of all members of society. Alliances of the many faces which make
up our economic and social base are not only useful, but critical.
Strategic Partnership Initiative
That is why My Government recently established a Strategic
Partnership Initiative among government, business and labour to foster a new
collaborative, consensus-building approach to advancing the socio-economic
interests of our province. This partnership is important in advancing My
Government�s overall economic agenda as set out in the Renewal Strategy
for Jobs and Growth, and will help business, labour and government work
more effectively together to meet the province�s economic challenges and
capture opportunities at a strategic, province-wide level. There is real
power when people work together on common shared goals to advance a
collective agenda, rather than focusing on issues that divide them.
The core of this new initiative is a Strategic Partnership Forum held
among the three groups and chaired by the Premier. A highly successful first
session of the Forum was held on March 8, 2002 building on significant work
that has been ongoing for some time on this front. My Government will work
diligently with our labour and business partners to identify and address key
challenges and opportunities which will benefit from a collective tripartite
approach.
Partnership with Aboriginal Peoples
My Government is committed to working with the federal government to
resolve issues of concern to our Aboriginal peoples. The social pressures
and problems of substance abuse which plague many Aboriginal communities are
a tragedy that cannot be ignored. My Government pledges to work in
partnership with Aboriginal peoples, and in collaboration with the federal
government, to empower and assist them in overcoming their tremendous
challenges.
In the coming year, My Government will continue to negotiate with the
Labrador Inuit Association and the Innu Nation on their respective land
claims. My Government intends to sign the first self-government and land
claims agreement in this province, which will be a watershed event in our
history, because this is the right thing to do and will be good for all of
the province.
Improving Transportation Infrastructure
My Government has sought commitments from the federal government to
improve the province�s transportation infrastructure including a proposal
to the federal government for additional funding for the province�s
highways. Of particular significance, and in keeping with the aspirations of
the people of Labrador and commitments to the region, My Government will
ensure the completion of the Trans-Labrador Highway. My Government expects
the federal government to increase funding to address the poor condition of
its federal wharves and harbours in this province. My Government will also
be initiating a new vessel replacement and refurbishment program on a
cost-effective basis to address the needs of our ferry operations.
Air access is a nationally debated issue in which the province has great
interest. My Government has established a Cabinet Committee on Air Policy to
provide advice on commercial air presence and air access to and from various
parts of the province. My Government believes that decisive national action
is needed to improve the quality of air service and ensure reasonable rates.
My Government will demand action from the federal government to address air
access issues in this province.
Equalization Program Reform
My Government is a strong supporter of the principle of equalization
but is concerned about whether the present program will serve our province
well in the future. My Government believes that we must reject any vision of
Canada that accepts "have not" status for some provinces as the
natural order of things. My Government will fight to achieve Equalization
Program reform so that Newfoundlanders and Labradorians can receive their
fair share from Confederation, particularly on natural resource revenues.
Mr. Speaker and Members of the House of Assembly:
Health Care
Newfoundlanders and Labradorians place high value on their health
and well-being. This is why My Government is committed to ensuring that
people have timely access to quality health care services. It is about
making the right choices so that we have the right people, in the right
place, at the right time so that the health care system can respond
effectively to the needs of our citizens. Last fall My Government held a
series of regional health forums across the province. The input which people
provided will enable My Government to shape the principles which will guide
health care decision-making in the future.
Strategic Health Plan
In the coming months, My Government will release a new Strategic
Health Plan for Newfoundland and Labrador. This Plan will outline priorities
for action, strategic objectives and specific performance targets. The Plan
will be built around three goals which address: the health status of the
population; the quality, accessibility and sustainability of health and
community services; and the participation of individuals, families and
communities in their own health and well-being.
Wellness
My Government believes that we need to stop waiting until people get
sick and start focusing more on helping them to stay healthy in the first
place. My Government will continue to provide information to, and
opportunities for, citizens of the province to enable them to choose
healthier lifestyles, including increased physical activity, better
nutrition and reduced levels of smoking.
Teen Smoking
My Government has taken a proactive role in promoting non-smoking
behaviours. It has strengthened anti-tobacco legislation by restricting the
sale of tobacco products to minors. On January 1, 2002, Newfoundland and
Labrador became the first province in Canada to prohibit smoking in food
establishments and other public places frequented by children.
But more needs to be done to combat smoking by teens. And My Government
will do more to ensure that young people commit their lives to productive
and healthy endeavors rather than to smoking. My Government will continue to
support the Alliance for Control of Tobacco and work closely with its Teen
Tobacco Team to identify and act on the best approaches to getting the stop
smoking message to our youth. My Government is committed to making a
difference and to achieving results. After all, those who will hold our
future will need strong lungs for their voices to be heard.
Health Charter
My Government is making a commitment today to every citizen of the
province to develop a Health Charter. This Charter will provide clear
commitments to individuals on accessibility to quality health care. It will
also establish an understanding of the importance of a person�s own
responsibility in achieving optimal health. This Health Charter will be
developed by My Government with input from the public and from health sector
stakeholders.
Sustainability - A Continuing Priority
The cost of providing health care continues to place significant
pressure on public finances. My Government believes that health services
must be financially sustainable over the long term so that people can
continue to have access to quality health care. An ongoing commitment to
efficiency and innovation is necessary in the delivery of health services to
ensure that human and financial resources are always applied to the areas of
greatest need. My Government will work with health boards to ensure our
health system operates on a sustainable basis.
Need for Further Federal Funding
My Government will continue to press the federal government to live
up to its commitments in funding health care. My Government calls for
effective federal leadership in this area and a meaningful partnership among
all governments to ensure that Medicare remains a viable and cost-effective
program.
Mr. Speaker and Members of the House of Assembly:
Children and Youth
My Government believes in the value of investing in children. My
Government recognizes the importance of the early years and the valuable and
crucial role families and communities play in supporting children. My
Government also understands the importance of helping young people make a
successful transition to adulthood. It is indeed a fact that the children of
today will be the leaders of tomorrow.
Early Childhood Development
This past year, My Government announced a five-year Early Childhood
Development initiative. The province�s program, Stepping into the
Future, has been designed to specifically meet the needs of Newfoundland
and Labrador, and was developed in consultation with early childhood
development stakeholders.
As with other areas of public policy, My Government intends to be
accountable to the public for its investments in this area. Work has begun
on a framework for the development of comparable indicators. My Government
will report the results of its investments to the public on a regular basis.
Education
Education continues to be a major priority for My Government. An
integrated approach to improving literacy has been developed, including a
comprehensive testing program to identify and diagnose reading difficulties
and the allocation of reading specialists for every school board.
My Government has moved quickly to implement the recommendations of the
Ministerial Panel Report on Education Delivery in the Classroom. All of
the 86 recommendations have been, or are in the process of being,
implemented. My Government will complete the implementation of the Report�s
recommendations in the coming year, especially those that refer to
increasing instructional time for students to improve student achievement.
My Government will increase online learning opportunities available for
students, with special emphasis on students in rural and isolated parts of
the province. These opportunities, delivered through new Internet-based
technology, will provide students with the tools they need to succeed.
Student Aid
My Government recognizes the debt which students, particularly those
from rural areas, acquire through the financing of their post-secondary
education must be better managed through the combined efforts of government,
students and institutions. To this end, My Government will work with
students on making tuition more affordable and helping them obtain
meaningful work experience in career-related fields. My Government will also
work with Memorial University, the College of the North Atlantic and other
institutions to give students more recognition for prior learning and to
increase credit transfer options. My Government soon will be announcing a
new Student Loans Program which will improve existing debt reduction
measures, reduce loan defaults and help address student debt accumulation.
Violence Prevention Initiative
Through continuation of the Violence Prevention Initiative which
commenced in 2000, My Government reaffirms its commitment to improving
programs and policies for women, children, the elderly and other groups of
individuals vulnerable to violence. The partners in this Initiative include
the community, at the regional and provincial levels, and several government
departments and agencies.
Mr. Speaker and Members of the House of Assembly:
The Economy
Economic strength and quality of life are inextricably linked. Only
a strong economy can provide the means to support vital services such as
accessible health care and quality education. Only a strong economy supports
assistance for children, the elderly and the most vulnerable in our society.
As we move forward, it is clear that a new and changing Newfoundland and
Labrador is emerging. It is a Newfoundland and Labrador of enterprising,
educated and self-reliant people. It is a Newfoundland and Labrador that is
working together to create a competitive economy and a balanced social
agenda. It is a province made up of people confident in their future.
My Government�s Renewal Strategy for Jobs and Growth is working.
It is an action-oriented agenda with over 130 specific priorities for
action. And fully two-thirds of the priorities for action focus on the
challenges confronting rural Newfoundland and Labrador - making it a strong
rural agenda as well.
Our economy has been growing. It has become much more diversified.
Employment is the most important indicator of a healthy economy. Employment
is increasing and reached an all-time historic high of 211,300 in 2001.
Newfoundland and Labrador has led or has been among the leading provinces in
economic growth and new employment creation for the past four years. Of the
24,000 jobs created since 1996, two-thirds have been created outside the
North East Avalon region, showing continued strengthening of our rural
economy. The trend line for all major economic indicators is projected to
move in the right direction in the years ahead.
But more needs to be done and more will be done. We need to bring the
unemployment rate down even further. We need to ensure that all regions of
our province share in the ongoing economic recovery.
Investment Prospecting
In the Renewal Strategy for Jobs and Growth, My Government
committed to develop an enhanced and focused investment prospecting effort
to capture growing national and international investor interest in our
province. My Government will work in partnership with the private sector to
develop the right tools and incentives to be a truly competitive force in
the marketplace. My Government intends to outline a new and refocused
investment prospecting strategy to enhance our investment attraction efforts
for the province. My Government remains steadfast in its commitment to make
the right decisions to ensure that Newfoundland and Labrador continues to be
the right place for business.
Rediscovering Our Offshore
Petroleum developments will continue to drive our economy well into
the future. The hard work and investments of the past have yielded two
producing fields - Hibernia and Terra Nova - and a strong local industry.
White Rose has been given regulatory approval to proceed and now awaits a
decision by the project proponents. We must now focus on discovering new
resources to fuel the next generation of developments. New fields await
discovery in relatively unexplored areas of our offshore. The Jeanne d�Arc
Basin defines our industry today. New areas, such as the Flemish Pass and
South Whale Basin, will be our tomorrow. Already we are seeing industry move
in this direction.
We are now on the verge of opening up vast areas of our offshore to
exploration. In a matter of weeks, a federal tribunal will determine a line
to separate the offshore areas of Newfoundland and Labrador and Nova Scotia.
No matter where that line may fall, it will be good news for both provinces.
Jurisdictional certainty will lead to exploration, discovery and
development.
My Government is committed to working with industry to encourage
increased and aggressive exploration of our offshore. That means taking
steps to improve our competitive position world-wide, increasing regulatory
efficiency and heightening promotional efforts. My Government will work hard
to secure the future growth of this industry and our province.
Forum on the Offshore
My Government is committed to a strategic focus in developing the
offshore industry, particularly with respect to the natural gas industry. My
Government will hold a Forum on the Offshore involving government, industry
and labour, and other important stakeholders. The Forum will provide
guidance to My Government on the potential to expedite natural gas
development for the benefit of the people of the province.
Major Projects
Major projects such as Voisey�s Bay and the Lower Churchill
development can generate significant employment and economic activity for
Labrador as well as other parts of the province. My Government will continue
to pursue major projects that maximize economic benefits and opportunities
in Newfoundland and Labrador. That is My Government�s mandate from the
people of the province.
Small Business
My Government also recognizes that a balance needs to be struck
between larger scale development projects and the need to foster the growth
of small enterprises in all areas of the province. My Government committed
in its Renewal Strategy for Jobs and Growth to give greater priority
and emphasis to small business development and has implemented a number of
new initiatives in recent years to stimulate this important part of our
economy. A Small Business Advisory Council will be established to accelerate
this effort and provide ongoing advice and support to My Government in this
area.
Coordinated Approach to Address Foreign Overfishing
The fishery has been the backbone of our economy for centuries and
it will be a central part of our future. Although the fishing industry has
undergone significant structural change in the last decade, some communities
have yet to recover from the collapse of groundfish resources. One of the
key challenges the industry is now facing is the return of foreign
overfishing on the Grand Banks, which will compromise the recovery of
several key groundfish stocks. My Government will work with the industry and
the union to develop a coordinated approach to ensure that the Government of
Canada acts decisively, and is successful, in convincing foreign countries
to adhere to strict conservation practices.
Mr. Speaker and Members of the House of Assembly:
The Environment
My Government recognizes the links between the quality of our
environment, the strength of our economy and the health of our people.
Natural Heritage Stewardship
The rugged beauty and wildlife diversity of our province have
sustained our unique culture for centuries, fostering in our people an
intense love for and interest in the outdoors. To this day, our people rely
heavily on the wildlife on our land, and the fish in our waters, and new
generations stand ready to pursue these traditions of their ancestors.
Demonstrating and facilitating leadership in this area is of paramount
importance to My Government.
We must not take our natural heritage, nor our vibrant traditions that
are centered upon it, for granted. We must act prudently, but decisively, in
striking a balance between development and environmental protection. In this
regard, My Government is determined to act to ensure that the province�s
natural heritage wealth is not squandered, but managed for generations to
come.
In keeping with this approach, My Government has established a
Ministerial Council on the Use of Outdoor Resources and, in the coming year,
My Government intends to dedicate substantive resources towards improved
wildlife science. My Government will establish at Memorial University a new
Institute for Biodiversity and Ecosystem Science, an innovative partnering
arrangement that will coordinate opportunities and activities associated
with natural science, research and development. My Government will also
continue to press the federal government to live up to its responsibility
for inland fisheries management and enhancement.
Safe Drinking Water
My Government will continue to implement its action plan to improve
drinking water quality. It will increase the number of inspectors. It will
increase the frequency of water testing. It will continue to provide funding
to municipalities to install or upgrade chlorination equipment and provide
appropriate training for municipal operators. And My Government will keep
the public informed of the results of its testing program, consistent with
its openness and accountability agenda.
Solid Waste Management
In last year�s Throne Speech, My Government articulated its
intention to develop a long-term strategy to address waste management and to
seek the views of individuals, communities and other interested parties on
that strategy. Extensive consultations occurred last summer and fall and a
final report, A Call to Action on Environmental Protection, which
provided recommendations for Government on how to proceed with modern waste
management, was publicly released.
The people of the province have told us that we must improve our waste
management practices. Citizens have also told us that waste management is
the collective responsibility of individuals, communities, businesses,
industries, and government. My Government will be outlining a multi-year,
province-wide waste management strategy with the overall objective being to
divert 50 per cent of the materials currently going to disposal by 2010, and
to phase out the use of existing incinerators with the implementation of
modern waste management systems.
Mr. Speaker and Members of the House of Assembly:
Looking to the Future
In the past decade, My Government has had to face many challenges.
In the early 1990s, our people understood hardship first-hand as the
groundfishery collapsed and governments reined in spending. My Government
met those challenges head-on, and with its new leadership will emerge from
the lingering doubts these challenges created.
This province is at a point where its people are able to reach out to the
future and touch opportunity with their collective fingertips. Through its
action agenda, My Government will support the people of the province in
extending their reach and grasping future opportunities, many of which are
based in Labrador, in a manner which is unparalleled.
With this decade serving as a fresh beginning, we are able to stand
proudly with a bright future ahead of us. My Government will commit its
energies to help each Newfoundlander and Labradorian boldly step forward
with a confidence that demonstrates our true capacity for excellence around
the world. The people of the province can look forward to the next decade,
knowing that it will belong to Newfoundland and Labrador.
Securing our Place for the Future
My Government has built its record to date on positive change, and
it will continue to provide concrete results in the future. Today, My
Government has set out its agenda for the coming year. It is bold. It is
ambitious. It is also one against which the people of the province can judge
us. Today is also an appropriate time to reflect on how our province has
changed in the five decades since Confederation.
Newfoundland and Labrador�s entry into Canada in 1949 was an
extraordinary event. Few would disagree that much has changed in the
province since Confederation. We are a more educated people. Our demographic
profile has changed dramatically. The fishery today bears no similarity to
the fishery of 50 years ago. We have become more diverse and, because of our
willingness to embrace advances in information technology, we are no longer
constrained by geography. Our youth are global in their thinking and their
views. For them, the Internet has all but eliminated borders and cultural
differences.
The international achievements of the College of the North Atlantic, and
indeed the reference to "the North Atlantic", demonstrates how we
see ourselves in a globalized world. The 10-year, $500 million contract
which the College signed with the State of Qatar illustrates the types of
opportunities available to Newfoundland and Labrador in the global economy.
For the past 10 years, My Government has laid the groundwork for
government to move forward with its people. Education reform, sound fiscal
management and social and economic planning initiatives have prepared
government to manage for the future. It is timely for us to reflect, and to
look at ourselves and the goals we share for our society.
Royal Commission
To this end, My Government will establish a Royal Commission on
Renewing and Strengthening Our Place in Canada.
The Commission�s mandate will be to involve the people of the province
in seeking a broad consensus on a vision to position ourselves in the global
community, to renew our relationship with Canada, to complete a critical
analysis of our strengths and weaknesses and to provide direction for the
decade to come. It will address, among other things, who we were when we
joined Canada in 1949, how we have changed over the past five decades, our
relationship with other governments, our contribution as a society and where
we see ourselves in the future. The Commission will have a broad mandate to
undertake necessary research and conduct public consultations in the
province. Further details regarding the Royal Commission and its Terms of
Reference will be announced in the near future.
We are at a crossroads. A review of where we have come from and our
present circumstances will help us create the future that we as a people
want and deserve.
Mr. Speaker and Members of the House of Assembly:
Our future is bright and full of promise. We can take pride in our
accomplishments but we shall not rest on them. Newfoundlanders and
Labradorians know where My Government is heading. They know its priorities.
They know that it has made, and will continue to make, the right choices.
There is no doubt that Newfoundland and Labrador�s best days lie ahead.
My Government will remain focused in order to meet the high expectations we
have of ourselves, and our people have of their government.
Mr. Speaker and Members of the House of Assembly:
Estimates of Expenditures will be laid before you in due course and you
will be asked to grant supply to Her Majesty. I invoke God�s blessing upon
you as you commence your labours in this Fourth Session of the Forty-Fourth
General Assembly. May Divine Providence guide you in your deliberations.
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