Legislative reports: Prince Edward Island.

• Author: Johnston, Marian

The Third Session of the 61st General Assembly of Prince Edward Island opened on November 15, 2001, with the reading of the Speech from the Throne delivered by Lieutenant Governor J. Leonce Bernard. This occasion marked his inaugural Speech from Throne; he was appointed on May 28, 2001.

The session adjourned on December 19, 2001, after 19 sitting days. During the fall sitting 20 Government Bills were introduced, all of which received Royal Assent. Three of the more significant pieces of legislation considered by the House were:

An Act to Amend the Maintenance Enforcement Act (Bill No. 3) which adds new definitions and amends some existing definitions, gives the Director the discretion whether to enforce maintenance orders in certain circumstances and increases both the sources of information that may be contacted and the types of information that may be obtained to aid in the searches for payors and attachable sources of money.

Companion Animal Protection Act (Bill No. 4) which provides a legislative foundation for the proper treatment of companion animals, protecting them from abuse and neglect, and requiring the licensing of premises and businesses that sell, display or provide services to companion animals. The Act fills gaps in existing legislation that address animal control or protect livestock, poultry and some wildlife in captivity.

An Act to Amend the Workers Compensation Act (Bill No. 15) which provides for spousal benefits to be paid to a survivor without regard to marriage, set the amounts and maximum wage loss benefits, and matters the Workers Compensation Board must consider when determining benefits. The legislation also deals with income from employment and includes a discretion for the Board to determine a fairer calculation on what an injured worker might be expected to earn. This legislation has been under review several years, and continues to be the subject of intense public interest.

A total of 282 written questions were submitted by the Leader of the Opposition.

Committee Activity

The Standing Committee on Legislative Management adopted heightened security measures prior to the opening of the Third Session of the 61st General Assembly. These included designating an area within the grounds for long-term protests, and enforcing a strict "no parking" zone directly in front of the building. The Committee was careful to balance the issues of safety and security while protecting the civil liberties and freedoms of...