Government House Leader Pleased with Productive Fall Session

Government House Leader, the Honourable Joan Burke, expressed her pleasure today with the work that was completed during the House of Assembly�s fall session.

�This session, 24 pieces of legislation were debated and passed, in addition to a resolution concerning the province�s Child and Youth Advocate,� said Minister Burke. �Much of this work involved modernizing legislation, including Bills 53 and 54 that were amended to further the recommendations of the Members� Compensation Review Commission.�

Bill 41 is of particular significance, affecting eight pieces of legislation and two pieces of subordinate legislation. The amendment of The Definition of Spouse Act incorporates a unified and consistent definition of the term spouse that now includes same gender spouses.

The House of Assembly reconvened for two days, September 8 and 9, 2009, to debate and amend Bill 37, The Energy Corporation of Newfoundland and Labrador Water Rights Act. This act provides a legislative framework for the issuance of water rights to the Energy Corporation (Nalcor Energy) for the purpose of developing the Lower Churchill Project. The amendment changed the definition of the Lower Churchill River to provide clarity as to what waters are included in the Energy Corporation of Newfoundland and Labrador Water Rights Act.

�I would like to thank all members for their participation and co-operation in all that was achieved,� said Minister Burke.

Details on the legislation can be found at: www.gov.nl.ca/hoa/business.

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Media contact:
Donna Ivey
Communications
House of Assembly
709-729-0898, 697-1424
donnaivey@gov.nl.ca 

2009 12 21                                                    4:40 p.m.