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NLIS 4
May 20, 2005
(House of Assembly)
Spring session of the
House of Assembly brings forth positive legislation
Government House Leader Ed Byrne said the spring 2005 sitting of the
House of Assembly was another successful session that led to the passing
of some key pieces of legislation in support of this government�s
agenda.
"First and foremost, we debated and passed one of the greatest budgets
this province has seen in years,� said Mr. Byrne. �We have made
tremendous strides in turning the province�s fiscal situation around in
a very short period of time. The result is that we are able to invest
money in the priority areas of health care, education and economic
development. Budget 2005 invested significant monies into strategic
areas such as culture, economic diversification, and this government is
extremely proud of how this budget lives up to our commitments to the
people of the province.�
Mr. Byrne said the spring sitting of the legislature also saw the
passing of several priority bills aimed at bettering the lives of
Newfoundlanders and Labradorians. Among the priority bills that received
Royal assent in the House of Assembly were: Automobile Insurance Act;
Smoke Free Environment Act; and an Act Respecting the Practice of
Medicine in the Province.
�For over a decade people of this province have been calling on
government for meaningful insurance reform,� said Mr. Byrne. �This
government committed to addressing the rising costs of insurance and we
have delivered with the Automobile Insurance Act. This act
provides all consumers, regardless of their age, with adequate coverage
at reasonable rates without compromising their right to compensation.�
�New legislation banning smoking in all indoor public places including
bars and bingo halls will give Newfoundlanders and Labradorians greater
protection from the devastating health effects of second-hand smoke,�
added the minister. �The health of our citizens is of utmost concern to
government and the new Smoke-Free Environment Act furthers our
commitment to build a healthier future for the people of our province.�
Through the Act Respecting the Practice of Medicine in the Province,
Mr. Byrne stated government has ensured that adequate safeguards are in
place to protect the public interest in the regulation of the province�s
medical practitioners and that there is a disciplinary process in place
that instills confidence and is fair and accountable to patients,
physicians, the board and general public.
�These are just some of the significant pieces of legislation that were
passed this session. It was productive and at times lively, however, we
accomplished many good pieces of legislation for betterment of
Newfoundland and Labrador.�
Further details on the legislation can be found at:
www.gov.nl.ca/hoa/business/
Media contact: Billy Hickey, Communications, (709) 729-0898, 685-7037
2005 05 20 2:40 p.m.
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