Legislative reports: New Brunswick.

• Author: Forestell, Donald

The Fourth Session of the 54th Legislative Assembly of New Brunswick opened on November 20, 2001. The Speech from the Throne was read by Lieutenant-Governor of New Brunswick, Marilyn Trenholme Counsell.

The Speech commemorated those who lost their lives as a result of the terrorist attacks on September 11, and recognized the generous actions of New Brunswickers who provided comfort and shelter to about 2,000 American, Canadian, and international travellers whose planes were diverted to the province.

On the first sitting day following the Speech from the Throne, Members unanimously passed a motion condemning the terrorist attacks, expressing solidarity with the citizens of the United States, and supporting the Canadian armed forces engaged in the international conflict against terrorism as well as humanitarian actions in Afghanistan.

The Speech from the Throne outlined over thirty initiatives to help secure New Brunswickers' future in key areas of public safety, finance and the economy, health care, environment and energy, education and the family. Initiatives included plans for making the health care system more sustainable and secure for tomorrow; continuing to improve access to primary health care services through better utilization of health care providers; enhancing the role of registered nurses and nursing assistants in providing front-line services and care to patients; legislative changes to permit the introduction of nurse practitioners; implementing a series of initiatives to protect the public safety of New Brunswickers; continuing to build on red tape reduction initiatives taken to date, including amendments to create a single Business Registry System for licences and permits; measures for ensuring the continued viability and good management of the natural resources sector; and an update on the future of NB Power and other issues affecting electricity competition in New Brunswick and North America.

Opposition Leader Bernard Richard (Shediac-Cap-Pele) provided the Official Opposition's response to the Speech from the Throne, outlining various proposals that the Opposition would be putting forth as alternatives to the government's plans. Proposals included keeping all of the province's emergency rooms open 24 hours a day; forgiving a portion of the student loan debt for doctors and nurse practitioners who set up practice in the province; maintaining NB Power as a publicly owned utility; and calling upon university officials to...