The Prince Edward Island Legislative Assembly convened this afternoon for the opening of the Third Session of the Sixty-First General Assembly. The Session was opened with the reading of the Speech from the Throne by His Honour, the Honourable J. Léonce Bernard, Lieutenant Governor.
This sitting represents a continuation of the Binns government's commitment to two annual sittings of the House. The Legislature rose last on May 16th.
The Throne Speech articulated the importance of continuing with an open and accountable approach; outlined in detail a number of new and ongoing initiatives of the Binns government; and paid particular attention to the current economic climate.
Despite a challenging fiscal situation, the Binns government recommitted itself to honouring the collective bargaining process; the preservation of small schools; and the maintenance of community hospitals. Highlights of the Speech included:
JOBS/ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT/TOURISM
- Small Business Employee Support Program;
- Support to the Craft and Giftware sector, via: Studio Tour, Craft Bursary and Buyers' Market;
- Continued export development;
- Report of the Signage Review Committee;
- Touring Routes Study;
- Review of Provincial Parks;
- Premier's Task Group on Economic Opportunity;
- Further development of life sciences sector;
- Continued support of health research;
- Atlantic Technology Centre (ATC).
HEALTH CARE
- Have increased funding by 19 percent (excluding East Prince Health Facility) since 1996;
- New hospital continues ahead of schedule;
- Additional long-term care beds for West Prince proceeding;
- An MRI and Linear Accelerator will be delivered;
- A comprehensive Human Resource Supply and Demand analysis;
- 15 new registered nursing positions;
- Increased enrollment at UPEI School of Nursing;
- Additional physicians continue to be added;
- Support for primary care redesign initiatives;
- Disability Support Program;
- New regional addictions services will be introduced;
- A Provincial Diabetes Program;
- A Supported Adoptions Program;
- A Common Client Registry;
- Automated radiologist services.
EDUCATION & TRAINING
- Have increased funding for Early Childhood Educators;
- Maintenance of 54 teaching positions;
- Focus on class sizes in primary grades;
- Capital construction program continues at Parkdale, Miscouche and French school;
- Focus on IT learning strategies;
- Update on Island Student Award Program & Community Student Bursary Program;
- Student loan agreement with Island Credit Unions;
- Focus on increased development of trades field;
- A provincial Special Education Policy;
- Renewed commitment to literacy initiatives.
PRIMARY INDUSTRIES/ENVIRONMENT
- Drinking Water Strategy;
- Enhancement and enforcement of existing environmental protection legislation;
- Incorporation of FOODTRUST;
- Initiatives for the advancement of the organic sector;
- Continued partnership with Island livestock producers;
- FarmNet;
- Expanded fruit production;
- Effective advocate to the federal government on behalf of fishery;
- Continued scientific research via the Lobster Strategy;
- Support for the fight against unwanted species such as clubbed tunicate;
- Land inventory;
- State of the Forest Report;
- Wealth creation through the Public Forest Council.
COMMUNITIES
- Introduction of the new SAVE Program;
- Continued support through the Community Development Fund;
- Support to 57 projects via the Infrastructure Program;
- Focus on increased road safety;
- Highway Naturalization and Enhancement Program;
- Designated Scenic Heritage Roads Strategy;
- A continued integrated approach to waste management;
- Veterans' Memorial Highway.
SAFETY AND SECURITY
- Review of response protocols;
- Community Forums on family violence prevention;
- A refocused family law initiative;
- Update to the Provincial Crime Prevention Strategy;
- Aboriginal Community Justice Program.
Premier Binns expects a busy and productive sitting. "We have always emphasized that the business of government be directed by this Legislature, and not by a select few. I look forward to much thoughtful discussion and debate over the next few weeks," said the Premier.