New Brunswick.

AuthorDavies, Shayne
PositionLegislative Reports

The second session of the 58th Legislative Assembly opened on December 1, 2015, and adjourned on July 8, 2016, sitting a total of 39 days. The reduced number of sitting days, compared to previous sessions, was the result of bills and estimates being referred to separate standing committees, which would meet during weeks the House was adjourned. During the session, the Standing Committee on Economic Policy, chaired by MLA Gilles LePage, met 16 days to consider various government bills, while the Standing Committee on Estimates and Fiscal Policy, chaired by MLA Bernard LeBlanc, met 15 days to consider departmental estimates.

Legislation

During the session, 36 bills received Royal Assent. Bills introduced near the end of the session that were of particular interest included:

Bill 41, New Brunswick Women's Council Act, introduced by Premier Brian Gallant, established an independent body to represent New Brunswick women, to provide advice to government on matters of importance to women and their substantive equality, and to include and engage women of diverse identities, experiences and communities.

Bill 43, An Act to Amend the Post-Secondary Student Financial Assistance Act, introduced by Minister Francine Landry, created the tuition access bursary to provide upfront financial assistance to qualifying students from families with an annual income of $60,000 or less and who are enrolled full-time in an undergraduate degree, diploma or certificate program at a publicly funded university or college in New Brunswick. The provincial government will pay the difference between the federal low-income or middle-income grant provided to an eligible student and the amount owing for that student's tuition.

Prior to the House adjourning for the summer, the Official Opposition introduced 19 bills, including separate bills, introduced by MLA Stewart Fairgrieve, for each of the eight legislative officers that would require the establishment of a selection committee not fewer than 90 days before the end of the term of an officer or within 30 days if an office becomes vacant more than a year before the end of the term of an officer.

Cabinet Shuffle

Significant changes to Cabinet were announced on June 6, including the appointment of Cathy Rogers as New Brunswick's first female Finance Minister. Ms. Rogers had been serving as Minister of Social Development. In addition, two MLAs were added to Cabinet: Lisa Harris as Minister responsible for Seniors and Long-Term...

To continue reading

Request your trial

VLEX uses login cookies to provide you with a better browsing experience. If you click on 'Accept' or continue browsing this site we consider that you accept our cookie policy. ACCEPT