Fall session of the Legislative Assembly to open with Speech from the Throne
A new session of the Legislative Assembly will open on November 14 with a Speech from the Throne.
“Working together with Islanders, we will continue to grow our economy to create jobs, support our communities, and provide better access to frontline services such as healthcare and supports for families,” said Premier Wade MacLauchlan. “We will build on the priorities of Islanders as we work to provide opportunities now and in the future.”
The 2016 Speech from the Throne included a number of significant initiatives to advance the province, including:
- growing the provincial economy, with Prince Edward Island leading the region and country in many key indicators;
- new job opportunities for youth and all Islanders;
- a Population Action Plan to grow our province and strengthen our communities;
- elimination of parking fees at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital;
- creation of the new Women’s Wellness Centre;
- a new Energy Strategy to increase the use of renewable and to keep energy prices affordable;
- modernization of government, including a new Municipal Government Act and a new Education Act; and
- measures to increase transparency and accountability, including engaging Islanders on priorities such as health care and economic development.
Since the 2015 election, 113 pieces of legislation have been passed. Approximately 20 bills will be tabled during the upcoming sitting of the Legislative Assembly, including:
- the Water Act;
- the Lobbyist Registration Act;
- the Public Interest Disclosure and Whistleblower Protection Act;
- an Act to Amend the Maintenance Enforcement Act; and
- an Act to Amend the Rental of Residential Property Act
A Capital Budget will outline priorities to strengthen communities and grow the economy by investing in strategic infrastructure throughout the province.
“Prince Edward Island is succeeding and Islanders are benefitting," said the premier. "Our government will continue to build on these successes and work together to engage Islanders, grow our population and communities, and provide services where they are most needed."
Visitors to the public gallery can watch the proceedings on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 2 to 5 p.m. and 7 p.m. to 9 p.m; Wednesdays from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m., and Fridays from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Full proceedings are broadcast live on the internet at www.assembly.pe.ca and on Eastlink television.
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