New Brunswick.

AuthorMcCleave, John-Patrick
PositionLegislative Reports

Throne Speech

Lieutenant-Governor Graydon Nicholas formally opened the Fourth Session of the Fifty-seventh Legislature on November 5, delivering the fourth Speech from the Throne of Premier David Alward's Progressive Conservative government.

The theme of the speech was strengthening the economy through resource development, strategic investments and responsible management for the future. Highlights included public pension reform, converting the current pension to a shared-risk model; the implementation of a prescription drug plan, ensuring residents have access to coverage for expensive medication as well as prescription drug coverage; and responsible resource development, such as the construction of a west-east pipeline and continued natural gas exploration.

Reply to Throne Speech

On November 7, Official Opposition Leader Brian Gallant gave his reply to the Speech from the Throne. Gallant confirmed the Liberals' support for the pipeline project, but urged that the necessary environmental measures be taken. Gallant asked the government to obtain support from affected communities and create a plan to ensure maximum benefit from the project. The Opposition called for a moratorium on hydro-fracking, raising concerns of the potential health and environmental issues. Gallant opposed many of the proposed changes to the pension plan, questioning the lack of transparency of the reform and the government's failure to properly consult with the civil servants and retirees on the issue.

Legislation

Twelve Bills received Royal Assent during the fall sitting. Legislation introduced by Government included:

--Bill 11, An Act Respecting Pensions under the Public Service Superannuation Act, introduced by Finance Minister Blaine Higgs, outlines changes required for public pension reform and the implementation of a shared-risk pension model. The pension legislation will put an end to special payments under the Public Service Superannuation Act, and provides the basis for converting the pension of Members of the Legislative Assembly to a shared-risk model;

--Bill 17, An Act to Amend the Provincial Court Act, introduced by Justice Minister Troy Lifford, creates efficiencies in the Provincial Court by reducing adjournment, encouraging early resolution of files, reducing administrative work performed by judges and decreasing delays;

--Bill 27, Prescription and Catastrophic...

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