New Brunswick.

• Author: Armstrong, Shannon

Pandemic Restrictions Lifted

The 1st Session of the 60th Legislature resumed its spring sitting on May 10, 2022. This marked the end of all COVID-19 pandemic restrictions that had been in effect at the Legislative Assembly in various forms for more than two years. As of May 6, 2022, Members and staff were no longer required to wear a mask in the Legislative Assembly Building, its main Chamber, and Committee Rooms. While still recommended, masks became optional. As well, the main Legislative Assembly Building, including the Gallery, was opened to the public for the first time since March 2020.

Legislation

A total of 19 bills were introduced following the House's resumption in May. These, along with 15 bills introduced by the Government at the end of March, were considered in the House and committee. In total, 34 bills received Royal Assent on June 10 before the House rose for the summer. Certain bills of note considered later in the spring sitting included:

Bill 113--An Act to Amend the Motor Vehicle Act, introduced by Public Safety Minister Bill Hogan, allows for the development of regulations devoted exclusively to bicycle safety. The amendments also provide the flexibility to address changing practices and new technologies like power-assisted bicycles.

Bill 114--Child and Youth Well-Being Act, introduced by Social Development Minister Bruce Fitch, aims to promote the interests, protection, participation and well-being of children and youth along with the health and well-being of families. It is stand-alone legislation intended to modernize portions of the Family Services Act. The bill's approach is child-centred, rather than parent-centred. Among other things, the bill expands on provisions to include circumstances under which a child or youth may be at substantial risk of harm, which would permit the Minister to intervene before harm has occurred.

Bill 117--An Act Respecting Heavy Industrial Property, introduced by Finance and Treasury Board Minister Ernie Steeves, establishes a new heavy industrial classification of property and permits local governments and rural districts to levy a corresponding local property tax rate.

Bill 118--Fair Registration Practices in Regulated Professions Act, introduced by Post-Secondary Education, Training and Labour Minister Trevor Holder, aims to help internationally educated people practice their professions in New Brunswick sooner. The legislation requires that professional regulatory bodies in the...