Service NL
December 24, 2014
Legislative Changes Promote the Health and Well-Being of Families and Communities in 2014
Enhancing Legislation Remains a Top Priority for Service NL
New and amended legislation brought forward during 2014 by Service NL continues to protect Newfoundlanders and Labradorians in many different aspects of their lives.
“In 2014, we brought forward a number of important pieces of legislation which will have a direct impact on the everyday lives of Newfoundlanders and Labradorians. I was particularly proud to bring forward amendments which will make bicycle helmet use mandatory for all ages. This is important legislation which will protect bicyclists from brain injury or worse should they have a fall or a collision.”
- The Honourable Tony Cornect, Minister of Service NL
Specifically, the amendment to the Highway Traffic Act is designed to protect people of all ages who use bicycles on the province’s roadways and to complement other ongoing injury prevention initiatives undertaken by the Provincial Government and its community partners.
Additional amendments to the Highway Traffic Act were also passed to clarify the rules of the road for drivers approaching, entering and exiting a roundabout. The amendments define drivers’ duties when using roundabouts and also provide police with the tools to enforce the safe use of roundabouts.
Service NL also brought forward the new Chartered Professional Accountants and Public Accountants Act which created a newly established organization known as the Chartered Professional Accountants of Newfoundland and Labrador (CPANL). This organization is a self-regulating organization responsible for licensing, education and disciplinary actions within the accounting industry. The new organization is a positive advancement for the accounting profession as it provides important services for businesses and citizens.
“Service NL has over 180 pieces of legislation which we are always monitoring and reviewing to determine what needs to be updated. In the last 10 years, this department alone has made over 100 legislative changes which support our commitment to protecting the health and well-being of citizens in their day-to-day lives, as well as their financial and legal interests.”
- Minister Cornect
Other legislative amendments in 2014 were made to the Vital Statistics Act, 2009, and the Buildings Accessibility Act.
QUICK FACTS
- Legislative changes in 2014 ensured continued protection for Newfoundlanders and Labradorians.
- Amendments to the Highway Traffic Act included introduction of mandatory bicycle helmet use for all ages and clarifying the rules or the road for drivers using roundabouts.
- The new Chartered Professional Accountants and Public Accountants Act establishes one self-regulating organization responsible for licensing, education and disciplinary actions within the accounting industry.
- Other legislative amendments in 2014 were made to the Vital Statistics Act, 2009, and the Buildings Accessibility Act.
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Media contact:
Vanessa Colman-Sadd
Director of Communications
Service NL
709-729-4860, 682-6593
vanessacolmansadd@gov.nl.ca
2014 12 24 10:15 p.m.