MR. SPEAKER (Hodder): Order, please!

Before we proceed with routine proceedings this morning, I would like to observe an ancient parliamentary tradition. I have the pleasant task of formally welcoming a new member who has been duly elected in a by-election held on March 13, 2007. The new member is Mr. James Baker, for the District of Labrador West.

I have been advised by the Clerk of the House that this member has taken the Oath of Allegiance to the Crown, as required by the Constitution, and has signed the Members' Roll.

The hon. the Premier.

[The new member, escorted by the Premier, enters the Chamber and approaches the Chair.]

PREMIER WILLIAMS: Mr. Speaker, I have the honour to present to you Mr. James Baker, the Member for Labrador West, who requests the right to take his seat.

MR. SPEAKER: Congratulations, Mr. Baker.

Let the member take his seat.

SOME HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear!

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

MR. SPEAKER: Admit His Honour the Lieutenant Governor.

SERGEANT-AT-ARMS: All rise.

Mr. Speaker leaves the Chair.

His Honour The Lieutenant Governor takes the Chair.

SERGEANT-AT-ARMS: It is the wish of His Honour the Lieutenant Governor that all present please be seated.

Good morning.

The Third Session of the Forty-Fifth 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. Your commitment to your work and your diligence deserve our appreciation and acknowledgment.

Sixty-eight pieces of legislation were enacted during this Session of the House. In particular, legislative initiatives were taken in the areas of natural resources, health, education, the fishing industry, justice, government services, municipal affairs and the environment.

As noted in My Speech opening the Session, My Government introduced and this House approved the Act To Amend The Hydro Corporation Act And The Electrical Power Control Act, 1994 which was Bill 1 of this session. This Act enables Newfoundland and Labrador Hydro Corporation to expand into new areas of opportunity as a diversified energy corporation, while maintaining a low cost power rate to citizens. This House also approved An Act Respecting Mental Health Care And Treatment, which modernized an outdated Act, and confirmed the rights of individuals under the Act. During the Spring Sitting of the Honourable House, An Act To Establish The Council On Higher Education was passed, which will ensure greater collaboration between the College of the North Atlantic and Memorial University.

One of the key achievements of this Session was the enactment of the Act To Amend The Human Rights Code, which presented the most comprehensive series of amendments since the Code was adopted in 1988. These amendments will protect the rights of seniors, single parents and social assistance recipients as age, family status and source of income are now prohibited grounds of discrimination. My Government is proud to have modernized the Code to protect these citizens. My Government is also pleased that this House passed An Act Respecting The Enforcement of Support Orders. This Act provides additional enforcement mechanisms to benefit children and families.

My Government also brought forward amendments to the Fish Inspection Act to enhance the enforcement of that Act and this Honourable House passed amendments to the Fishing Industry Collective Bargaining Act to assist in settling disputes.

My Government also brought forward amendments to the House of Assembly Act to give effect to the recommendations of the Electoral Boundaries Commission prior to the October 2007 General Election. Among the other legislative measures enacted during this Session were: An Act To Amend The Buildings Accessibility Act; An Act To Amend The Occupational Health And Safety Act; An Act Respecting The Delivery Of Health And Community Services And The Establishment Of Regional Health Authorities; An Act To Amend The Child, Youth And Family Services Act; An Act Respecting The Practice Of Physiotherapy; An Act To Establish A Health Research Ethics Authority For The Province; An Act To Amend The Public Utilities Act; An Act To Amend The Labrador Inuit Land Claims Agreement Act; An Act Respecting The Sale Of Certain Items At A Flea Market; An Act To Revise The Law Respecting The Conduct Of Public Inquiries; An Act To Amend The Taxation Of Utilities And Cable Television Companies Act; An Act Respecting Pharmaceutical Services; An Act Respecting The Assessment Of Real Property For The Purpose Of The Imposition Of Real Property Taxes; and, An Act Respecting Municipal Taxation In The City Of St. John's.

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

It is my pleasure that the Third Session of the Forty-Fifth General Assembly now be prorogued, and it is prorogued accordingly.

We shall see you this afternoon.

Thank you.

His Honour the Lieutenant Governor leaves the Chamber.

Mr. Speaker returns to the Chair.

MR. SPEAKER (Hodder): Order, please!

In accordance with the Speech read by his Honour the Lieutenant Governor, this House now stands prorogued and we will meet this afternoon at 2:00 of the clock for the Speech from the Throne.

This House is now prorogued.