Newfoundland and Labrador.

• Author: George, Kim Hawley
• Position: Legislative Reports

The 49th General Assembly of Newfoundland and Labrador was dissolved on January 15, 2021. Writs of the election were issued and polling day was set for February 13, 2021. However, due to a sudden spike in COVID-19 infections and a return to Alert Level 5 (most restrictive), the polling period was extended. Information about electoral process variations can be found here: https://www.assembly.nl.ca/business/ electronicdocuments/2021-CEO-Adaptation-Report.pdf

The results of the 2021 General Election were announced on March 27, 2021, and a Liberal majority government was returned. Current standings are 22 Liberal Members, 13 Progressive Conservative Members, two New Democratic Members, three Independent/Non-Affiliated Members. Thirty-nine membersofthe50thGeneralAssembly of Newfoundland and Labrador were sworn in on April 12, 2021. Derek Bennett, MHA for Lewisporte-Twillingate, was elected Speaker on that day. An application for a judicial recount was made for the district of St. John's East, Quidi Vidi, therefore no Member was sworn in for that district at that time. Justice Donald Burrage of the Supreme Court of Newfoundland and Labrador subsequently denied the application as he was "not satisfied that it had been 'made to appear by affidavit' that any of the prerequisites for a recount under section 165 of the Elections Act, 1991 had been shown to exist." The related decision can be found at https://canlii.ca/t/ jfvcl. John Abbott was subsequently sworn in as the MHA for St. John's East-Quidi Vidi on May 18, 2021.

Lieutenant Governor Judy Foote delivered the Speech from the Throne on Thursday, April 15, 2021. The House sat to consider Interim Supply and related matters in April and May. The Budget was delivered on May 31, 2021. The House debated the budget in June, and an amendment and sub-amendment were moved and defeated. The Budget was passed and the House adjourned to the call of the Chair on June 23, 2021.

COVID-19 Considerations

No changes were made to the parameters put in place for earlier sittings during the COVID-19 pandemic. The House met in person with physical distancing measures in place. Members continued to speak from a seated position and wore masks at all times except when speaking in debate. Tours are suspended and the galleries remain closed.

Privilege and the sub judice convention

Before the 49th General Assembly dissolved, the Member for Humber-Bay of Islands raised two points of privilege relating to a report of the...