The far-reaching plan to improve Island-wide access to government services and programs continues in the 2009 Speech from the Throne, says Premier Robert Ghiz.
“Since the 2007 provincial election, we have worked very hard to ensure that government’s presence is more equitably spread across Prince Edward Island. That effort will continue,” the Premier said.
Specific examples include:
∙ Three Regional Business Centres will be established in rural areas of the Island – to provide businesses and individuals with one-stop access to programs and services.
∙ With the support of Government, Holland College will initiate a new Regional Training Centre in West Prince – which will complement the work currently being done in Kings County.
∙ Legislation to more fully integrate the health care system will be introduced – which will help to ensure that services are equitably provided across the Island.
∙ Significant resources will be provided to the education system to ensure the smooth transition of kindergarten into public schools by 2010 – the largest single improvement to our education system in many decades.
“All of this work is a continuation of the plan we initiated two years ago,” Premier Ghiz said. “By early 2010, the Department of Fisheries, Aquaculture and Rural Development will be up and running in Montague, and work is well underway to move the Department of Education and Early Childhood Development to Summerside.”
In addition, several other examples of Government’s plan for 2009-10 include:
∙ Legislation to prevent the use of handheld communications devices while driving;
∙ Legislation to dramatically reduce the use of lawn pesticides;
∙ A new Tobacco Health Care Costs Recovery Act which will permit the province to pursue possible action to recover damages from large tobacco companies.
“Based on the plans outlined in the Speech from the Throne, and the legislative package proposed by Government, I expect a productive debate over the coming weeks,” the Premier said. “The plan to ensure that all Islanders have equitable access to services and programs will continue – and I am confident our province will continue to grow in strength and prosperity in the years to come.”
Speech from the Throne Highlights – 2009