Newfoundland and Labrador.

• Author: Murphy, Elizabeth
• Position: Legislative Reports

The Third Session of the Forty-Fifth General Assembly resumed on March 22nd.

Four recently elected Members took their seats for the first time: Keith Hutchings (Ferryland), Tony Cornect (Port au Port), Dwight Ball (Humber Valley) and John Dinn (Kilbride).

The new Member for Labrador West, Jim Baker elected on March 13th, took his seat on April 24th.

Chuck Furey, Chief Electoral Officer and Commissioner of Members' Interests resigned on March 28. Premier Danny Williams announced on April 23rd that the House would be asked to confirm Paul Reynolds as Mr. Furey's successor. The Resolution confirming the appointment of Mr. Reynolds was passed under Closure on June 5th.

The Fourth Session of the Forty-Fifth General Assembly opened on April 24th and the Budget was introduced two days later.

Report of Commission

On June 7th the "Green Report" was released publicly having been submitted to the Premier on the 4th. The Report entitled Rebuilding Confidence--Report of the Review Commission on Constituency Allowances and Related Matters had been awaited with great anticipation as the House of Assembly and the administration were anxious to get started on the implementation of the expected recommendations.

The Commissioner made 80 recommendations designed to clarify the rules which apply to Members in respect of the way in which they conduct their affairs, to restructure the administrative operations of the Assembly establishment, to enhance financial controls and to create a regime of public accountability. It is hoped that the recommendations when implemented will help ensure that the difficulties which led to the striking of the Commission do not recur.

On the last day of the sitting the House passed unanimously the legislation recommended by the Commissioner: An Act Respecting the Effective Administration of the House of Assembly, The Standards of Conduct of Elected Members, and Their Ethical and Accountable Behaviour.

There is much work to be done to ensure that the recommendations are in effect by October 9th, 2007 the date of the next General Election in the Province.

On August 29 the new House of Assembly Management Commission (formerly the Commission of Internal Economy) held their first meeting under the requirements of the House of Assembly Integrity, Accountability and Administration Act. The meeting was open to the public and was telecast live.

Apart from the House of Assembly Accountability, Integrity and Administration Act the most...