Premier Pat Binns today highlighted several measures from the Speech from the Throne intended to advance the quality of life for Islanders.
“Government has a clear agenda for the future. The new measures introduced in the Speech from the Throne today will build upon the progress already made that is moving Prince Edward Island forward with renewed confidence and self-reliance,” said Premier Binns.
Among the highlights in the Speech from the Throne are:
• Continuing efforts to alleviate medical wait times;
• Plans for a new, state-of-the-art hospital in West Prince to stabilize health care delivery in the region;
• Expanded health recruitment and retention measures with a focus on rural Prince Edward Island, including a new Medical Residency Program and an enhanced package of tuition and tax incentives for Island medical students and practitioners who can meet needs in under-serviced areas;
• A new Young Child Tax Credit to offset provincial tax on the Universal Child Care Benefit;
• A new multi-year program to address capital requirements for the Island’s system of manors;
• Improvements to the affordability of long-term care for Island Seniors through assessment changes from assets to income and government absorbing the medical costs of nursing care;
• A lowered contribution rate from thirty percent to twenty-five percent for Seniors housing;
• A Youth Addictions Strategy will be developed;
• Continued implementation of the recommendations of the Premier’s Task Force on Student Achievement;
• Development of a new Provincial Literacy and Learning Strategy;
• A bold target of producing 30% of the province’s total energy needs from local, renewable resources by 2016, including electricity, transportation and home heating fuels;
• An examination of future options surrounding crown ownership of golf courses;
• Amendments to the Retail Business Holidays Act to allow expansion of Sunday shopping;
• Actions to improve road safety including a toughened Graduated License Program, new rules for ATV safety, and consideration of increased penalties for impaired driving;
• An updated Capital Budget will be introduced.