Newfoundland and Labrador.

• Author: Murphy, Elizabeth
• Position: Legislative Reports

The First Session of the 48th General Assembly resumed on November 14th.

Former Clerk Passes Away

Friends and former colleagues were saddened to learn of the death of Elizabeth Duff who passed peacefully away on August 28, her 90th birthday, having spent the day celebrating with her family.

Ms. Duff, known to most as Bettie, had a long career with the civil service. She was private secretary to Premier Joseph Smallwood for 23 years, and later served as an executive assistant in government.

In 1977, Ms. Duff was appointed Clerk of the House during the tenure of Speaker Gerald Ottenheimer a position which she held until her retirement in 1991. Ms. Duff was well respected by all parties.

Ms. Duff was the first female Clerk of a legislature in Canada. During her tenure as Clerk she became well known in Commonwealth parliamentary circles and is fondly remembered for her graciousness and mentorship at all times.

Standing Orders Amendments

During this sitting the House adopted some changes to the Standing Orders.

The most significant were:

* the reduction of the number required for a quorum to 10 including the Speaker from 14 excluding Speaker;

* the introduction on a provisional basis for 2017 of a fixed calendar which includes constituency weeks;

* the addition on a provisional basis for 2017 of 2.5 hours sitting time on Wednesday mornings for the consideration of Government business;

* the introduction on a provisional basis for 2017 of a change to the adjournment provision such that the Speaker will adjourn the House at the end of the day and where a motion has passed to extend the day, except when closure has been invoked, the Speaker will adjourn at midnight.

Leader of the Official Opposition Paul Davis announced on October 11, 2016 that he would resign as Leader as soon as a leadership convention could be arranged. Mr. Davis will stay on as Member for Topsail-Paradise but did not say whether he would run in the next election.

During the Fall Sitting the House passed 26 bills including a new Public Procurement Act and a Seniors' Advocate Act which will create a new statutory office within the Legislature.

Statutory Officers Appointed

The Lieutenant Governor in Council on Resolution of the House appointed Bruce Chaulk as Chief Electoral Officer and Commissioner...