Newfoundland and Labrador.

• Author: Murphy, Elizabeth
• Position: Legislative Reports

On November 25, 2010 Premier Danny Williams, announced his resignation effective December 3. Kathy Dunderdale, MHA for Virginia Waters, Minister of Natural Resources and Deputy Premier, was sworn as Premier on December 3, the first woman to hold the office in the history of the Province.

Yvonne Jones, MHA for Cartwright--L'Anse au Clair, Leader of the Official Opposition, who is on leave for medical reasons, appointed Kelvin Parsons, MHA for Burgeo--LaPoile and Government House Leader, acting Leader of the Opposition. Ms. Jones expects to return to her duties full time in the Spring.

The House of Assembly reconvened on December 6th having adjourned for the summer on June 24th. Twenty-nine Bills received Royal Assent on June 24th, the Interim and Main Supply Bills having been assented to in March and May respectively. The Third Session of the 46th General Assembly adjourned on December 16th having passed another sixteen Bills.

The House, by Resolution, recommended the re-appointment of Ed Ring as Information and Privacy Commissioner before adjourning for the summer. On December 16 by Resolution, it recommended the appointment of Carol Chafe as Child and Youth Advocate. Ms. Chafe had been acting in the position since late August.

Members were saddened at the loss of their colleague, Dianne Whelan, MHA for Conception Bay East--Bell Island, who died on October 3rd. Ms. Whelan was Minister of Municipal Affairs at the time of her death.

Cabinet Shuffles

In a Cabinet shuffle on October 13, 2010, Kevin O'Brien, MHA for Gander, formerly Minister of Government Services, was appointed Minister of Municipal Affairs while Harry Harding, MHA for Bonavista North, was appointed Minister of Government Services.

In a second Cabinet shuffle on December 6th, Shawn Skinner was appointed Minister of Natural Resources, with responsibility for the Forestry and Agrifoods Agency, the portfolio formerly held by Ms Dunderdale; Susan Sullivan was appointed Minister of Innovation, Trade and Rural Development with responsibility for the Rural Secretariat and the Status of Women, while retaining responsibility for Francophone Affairs; Joan Burke, Minister of Child, Youth and Family Services was appointed Acting Minister of Human Resources, Labour and Employment, Minister Responsible for the Status of Persons with Disabilities, the Labour Relations Agency, the Workplace Health, Safety and Compensation Commission and Youth Engagement.

A third Cabinet shuffle took place on...