Newfoundland and Labrador.

• Author: Murphy, Elizabeth
• Position: Legislative Reports

On August 21 the then President of Treasury Board, Jerome Kennedy, announced the suspension with pay of the Child and Youth Advocate, Darlene Neville, citing serious concerns expressed to cabinet by the Speaker Roger Fitzgerald about the functioning of the office. Retired Provincial Court judge John Rorke has been appointed interim Advocate.

House Convenes for Two-day Sitting

The House sat on September 8th and 9th primarily to debate Bill 37 An Act To Amend The Energy Corporation of Newfoundland and Labrador Water Rights Act which clarifies the definition of the waters included in the legislation so that there is no overlap between the definitions of the Lower and Upper Churchill. The Churchill Falls (Labrador) Corporation requires this clarification in order to finalize a water management agreement with Nalcor Energy.

The House also passed a Resolution, in compliance with section 7 of the Child and Youth Advocate Act, to continue the suspension of the Advocate which was effected by the Lieutenant Governor in Council when the House was not in session.

Cabinet Changes, By-elections

Trevor Taylor, Minister of Transportation and Works, resigned from Cabinet on September 24th and from the House of Assembly on October 2nd citing personal reasons. Paul Oram, Minister of Health, resigned his seat on October 7th to return to private life.

On the same day, Jerome Kennedy, Minister of Finance, was appointed Minister of Health, and Tom Marshall, Minister of Justice, was appointed Minister of Finance and President of Treasury Board. Mr. Marshall was returning to a portfolio which he had occupied from December 29, 2006 to October 31st, 2008. Felix Collins, Member for Placentia-St. Mary's, Deputy Chair of Committees, was appointed Minister of Justice.

Dianne Whalen, Minister of Municipal Affairs was appointed acting Minister of Transportation and Works. However on October 26 Thomas Hedderson, Minister of Fisheries, was appointed acting Minister of Municipal Affairs as Ms Whelan is unable to carry out her ministerial duties due to illness. Thomas Marshall, Q.C. was appointed acting Minister of Transportation and Works. Both Ministers retain their current portfolios.

The by-election in the District of The Straits-White Bay North to fill the seat vacated by Mr. Taylor took place on October 27th. The Liberal...