Government completes aggressive legislative agenda

Government House Leader Tom Lush said today government is pleased that the House of Assembly was able to perform all of the required budget debate and pass 19 important pieces of legislation.

"The spring session is typically taken up with budget matters," noted Minister Lush. "However, we decided to also undertake a comprehensive legislative agenda that followed up on many of our commitments to the people of Newfoundland and Labrador."

The House of Assembly passed 19 pieces of legislation.

Citizens� Representative

This legislation will enable the establishment of a citizens� representative with the powers of the former ombudsman

Petroleum Products

An Act Respecting Petroleum Products will allow for the appointment of a commissioner and the implementation of fuel price regulation.

Workers� Compensation

This legislation acts upon core recommendations from the task force report. The government has made fundamental changes that places the workers� compensation system on a sound financial footing and ensures an effective, fair and sustainable system which is important to all workers and employers.

Labour Relations

The government has implemented the recommendations of the recent review of the labour issues in the offshore oil and gas industry. The legislative framework is intended to facilitate long term labour relations stability for major construction and oil and gas fabrication projects in the province.

Municipal Elections

The government has streamlined and modernized the municipal process to provide citizens with a better system of electing municipal representatives. This legislation also consolidates separate pieces of legislation that deal with municipal elections.

Recovery of Tobacco Related Cost

This legislation will permit the province to proceed with legal action against the tobacco companies to recover tobacco related health care cost to the province.

Order of Newfoundland and Labrador

The province will recognize individuals who have distinguished themselves by exceptional achievement and sacrifice, unique skills and talents, or noteworthy contributions to their communities and province.

Medical Act

The government has now allowed physicians to incorporate. This measure will help the province to recruit and retain physicians.

Schools Act

These changes increase public accountability of school boards for the expenditure of nearly half a billion dollars. These changes respond to recommendations from the auditor general and the Ministerial Panel on Education Delivery and ensure a collaborative approach to dealing with the provinces education resources.

"These are just a few of the important legislative matters that were addressed during this session of the 44^th General Assembly," said Minister Lush. "It is a clear demonstration that the Grimes� administration is moving forward with its work plan of action for the benefit of Newfoundlanders and Labradorians."

Contact: Tansy Mundon, Communications, (709) 729-1341

Appendix

Order Of Newfoundland and Labrador Act (New)

Supply Act 2001 (New)

Petroleum Products Act (New)

Prepaid Funeral Service Act (Amendment)

Income Tax Act, 2000 (Amendment)

Municipal Elections Act (New)

Schools Act, 1997 (Amendment)

Tobacco Related Health Care Recovery Act (New)

Citizens� Representative Act (New)

Chiropractors Act, Dieticians Act, Pharmaceutical Association Act, 1994 And Social Workers Association Act (Amendment)

Medical Act And The Medical Care Insurance Act, 1999 (Amendment)

Liquor Corporation Act (Amendment)

Provincial Court Act, 1991 (Amendment)

Aquaculture Act (Amendment)

Workplace Health, Safety and Compensation Act And The Occupational Health And Safety Act (Amendment)

Financial Administration Act (Amendment)

Labour Relations Act (Amendment)

Shops� Closing Act (Amendment)

Provincial Court Act, 1991 No. 2 (Amendment)

2001 05 24                                        5:15 p.m.