Premier Robert Ghiz announced today that the First Session of the Sixty-third General Assembly will be prorogued by Executive Council and that the Second Session of the Sixty-third Assembly will be officially opened on Friday, April 4 at 3 p.m.
The Lieutenant Governor, the Honourable Barbara A. Hagerman, will be in attendance at the opening of the session to deliver Government’s first Speech from the Throne.
“We are working hard as a team as we prepare for the upcoming session when we will present Government’s vision for the long-term future of our Province,” the Premier said.
“A new session is always an exciting time, and I believe that all elected members are looking forward to the opportunity to fully debate Government’s direction and priorities.”
Premier Ghiz said he is announcing the opening of the House well in advance of the actual opening day.
“The early announcement of the opening allows the public, public servants, the Opposition, all Members and Government time to adequately prepare for the important work that lies ahead,” the Premier said. “This follows with our commitment to increase the level of Government’s accountability and transparency.”
Although the Legislative Assembly Act requires that Government give at least ten days’ notice of the opening of a new session, Premier Ghiz said he has consistently felt this was inadequate.
“I don’t believe that such a short time-frame is appropriate because it does not allow all those concerned to prepare sufficiently.
“The best use of House time is achieved when all Members – including the Opposition – are well prepared and ready for the conduct of House business. That is why I am giving almost two months’ advance notice of when the House will be resuming business.”
In addition, Premier Ghiz announced his desire to establish, for the first time in the history of the Island Assembly, a parliamentary calendar of dates when House sittings will begin.
“A parliamentary calendar will improve the accountability and transparency of House business and will enable all who are involved in the operation of parliament, whether they are the general public, the Opposition, public servants or the Government to be well prepared and organized,” Premier Ghiz said.
After opening day on April 4, it is expected that the House will adjourn until Tuesday, April 8, at which time regular sitting hours will begin. Regular sitting hours of the House are on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 2 p.m. - 5 p.m. and 7 p.m. - 9 p.m., on Wednesdays from 2 p.m. - 5 p.m. and on Fridays from 10 a.m. - 1 p.m.
As always, the public is welcome to attend the proceedings of the House and view the debates from the Public Gallery. The House is carried live on the Assembly’s website at www.assembly.pe.ca. After the House has concluded consideration of the Speech from the Throne, Government will introduce a budget for the 2008/2009 Fiscal year.