With the opening of the Legislature this week, Prince Edward Island became the first jurisdiction in Canada and one of the first in North America to provide live audio coverage of the Legislature Proceedings. It is now possible for Islanders throughout the Province and Internet users from around the world to listen to the proceedings.
In order to access the site, computer users require an Internet account, a computer with a sound card, speakers, a modem (14.4 speed) and a free software package to play the audio which can be down loaded from the Internet. With this equipment, Internet users throughout the world can use their computers to listen to the proceedings live as they happen in the Legislature. For Internet users without a sound card, the written proceedings are available to read the following day, with the exception of Hansard which is available three days later.
"We pride ourselves on having an innovative web site for the Province of PEI. We want to use the site to promote PEI as a place to do business, a place to visit and as a means to provide information to Islanders and Internet users alike about Government and our activities. This initiative reflects our commitment to providing information to Islanders, as well as Internet users," said Wes MacAleer, Minister of Economic Development and Tourism.
"We are pleased to be working with our partner Island Tel in providing this service for this sitting of the House. Our Government is committed to opening up the Legislative process to the people," Minister MacAleer concluded.