New Brunswick.

• Author: Davies, Shayne
• Position: Legislative Report

The Fourth Session of the 56th Legislative Assembly opened on November 17, 2009, and adjourned on December 18, after sitting a total of 20 days. The agenda of the House for the Fall sitting was devoted to debate on the Throne Speech, the budget, legislation and private members' resolutions. The topic that dominated most debates and Oral Question periods was the proposed sale of NB Power to Hydro-Quebec.

Throne Speech

The Throne Speech, delivered for the first time by Lieutenant-Governor Graydon Nicholas, focussed on the central themes of lowering energy rates, reducing poverty while empowering and creating jobs for people, enhancing health and senior care, promoting literacy, and positioning the province for significant economic growth in the future.

A main component of the Speech was the proposed energy agreement between Hydro-Quebec and NB Power for low and more predictable electricity rates. Under the agreement, Hydro-Quebec would acquire most of the assets of NB Power for an amount equivalent to NB Power's debt, $4.75 billion. In return residential rates would be frozen for five years, and industrial rates would be substantially lowered. Among the other initiatives: a new Early Learning and Child Care Act to help children get the best start in life; an Economic and Social Inclusion Act to facilitate community-based collaboration; an 80% increase to social assistance for individuals living on less than $300 per month; a new universally affordable prescription drug plan; a three year extension of health benefits for people leaving social assistance for work; increases to the minimum wage to .equal the Atlantic average by September 2011; a New Brunswick Community Colleges Act to create learning opportunities that are more responsive to community and labour market needs; two community college systems independent from government; pay equity adjustments for child care, home support, nursing home, and transition house workers; the first component of a one-patient, one-record health-care system; and a New Brunswick Shared Services Agency Act to provide common services essential to the functioning of government.

In responding to the Throne Speech, Official Opposition Leader David Alward focussed on the proposed energy agreement between Hydro-Quebec and NB Power. The Opposition Leader characterized the plan as "ill-conceived" and stated that if the deal is finalized, "the negative ramifications will haunt the citizens of our province for...