The House met at 2:00 p.m.

MR. SPEAKER (Dicks): Order, please!

SERGEANT-AT-ARMS: Mr. Speaker, His Honour, the Lieutenant-Governor has arrived.

MR. SPEAKER: Admit His Honour, the Lieutenant-Governor.

Mr. Speaker leaves the Chair.

His Honour, the Lieutenant-Governor takes the Chair.

SERGEANT-AT-ARMS: Ladies and Gentlemen, it is the wish of His Honour the Lieutenant-Governor that all present be seated.

The Second Session of the 42nd General Assembly of this Honourable House of Assembly is about to be prorogued, but before releasing you from your duties, I wish to thank you for the careful and sympathetic attention given to the important matters brought before you by My Ministers.

Fifty-four pieces of legislation were enacted during this Session of the Honourable House of Assembly. In particular, legislative initiatives were taken in Finance, Employment and Labour Relations, Development, Energy, Health and the Environment during 1994.

As stated in my address opening this Session, it has been the goal of My Ministers during this administration to attract business investment as a means of creating employment opportunities in the Province. To accomplish this goal, this House passed an act to promote economic diversification and growth enterprises. As well, the Income Tax Act was amended to reduce the general tax rate on corporations from 16 per cent to 14 per cent, and on manufacturing and processing income from 7.5 per cent to 5 per cent. My Ministers also introduced legislation to privatize Newfoundland and Labrador Computer Services Limited.

Ever mindful of the environmental concerns of our citizens, My Ministers introduced the Grand Concourse Authority Act, the purpose of which will be to foster, promote, and enable the design, development and operation of an integrated network of walkways in the St. John's region. As well, The Waste Material Disposal Act was amended to tighten the offence provisions of that act.

MR. SPEAKER AND MEMBERS OF THE HON. HOUSE OF ASSEMBLY:

A new Electrical Power Control Act was enacted to revise and extend the existing law by providing for the planning, allocation and re-allocation of electrical power and power emergencies in the Province. The Mining And Mineral Rights Tax Act was substantially revised to clarify and streamline the existing law. A Literacy Development Council Act was created to assess and respond to the literacy needs of our citizens. A revised Pharmaceutical Association Act was also enacted.

After listening to the views of our citizens, My Ministers introduced further amendments to the Workers' Compensation Act. Among the amendments enacted, was the repeal of the Appeal Tribunal and its substitution by a review division consisting of Review Commissionaires who will individually have the power to review decisions of the Workers' Compensation Commission. My Ministers feel that this new structure will offer our citizens a more equitable appeal mechanism under the act.

MR. SPEAKER AND MEMBERS OF THE HON. HOUSE OF ASSEMBLY:

My Ministers remain firm in their conviction that there are bright spots in the Fishery, in particular, Aquaculture. In order to encourage this industry, this House passed significant amendments to the Aquaculture Act. Many other significant Legislature measures were also enacted during this session.

I thank you for the large measure of supply you have granted. I assure you that the appropriations that you have granted have been and will be expended by My Ministers with care and efficiency.

MR. SPEAKER AND MEMBERS OF THE HON. HOUSE OF ASSEMBLY:

It is my pleasure that the Second Session of this 42nd General Assembly now be prorogued, and it is prorogued accordingly.

Thank you.

MR. SPEAKER: Order, please!

In accordance with the Speech of His Honour, the Lieutenant-Governor, the House is now prorogued.