Newfoundland and Labrador.

• Author: Russell, Bobbi
• Position: Legislative Reports

The Fall 2022 sitting began on October 2 when Lieutenant Governor Judy M. Foote prorogued the First Session of the 50th General Assembly. On October 5, the Lieutenant Governor delivered the Speech from the Throne to officially open the Second Session.

Highlights--Fall 2022 Sitting

The Second Session of the 50th General Assembly included a special two-day sitting at Colonial Building, the seat of democracy in Newfoundland and Labrador from January 28,1850 to July 28,1959. The Speech from the Throne on October 5, as well as routine proceedings and Government business on October 6, took place in the former Assembly Chamber. Colonial Building, which was designated a provincial historic site in 1974, was closed in recent years as it underwent restoration, but re-opened to the public in September 2022.

Throughout the history of Colonial Building as our seat of democracy, several photographs of Members, presiding officers and table officers were taken on the building's iconic front steps. To commemorate the special House sitting in 2022, a photo was once again taken on the front steps to honour this tradition.

The House resumed sitting at its current location in Confederation Building Complex on October 11

The first three weeks of the Fall 2022 sitting were quite busy. Of the 20 bills for which notice was given up to the start of the constituency week break on October 24, one bill received royal assent, a further nine progressed past third reading and were awaiting royal assent, and 11 bills were in various other stages on the order paper. In accordance with the parliamentary calendar, the Fall 2022 sitting is scheduled to adjourn on November 10.

Changes in House Standings

The Member for Lake Melville was elected at the beginning of the 50th General Assembly as one of three unaffiliated Members at that time. On September 12, 2022, the Member for Lake Melville rejoined the Liberal caucus, having served as Member of that caucus in both the 48th and 49th General Assemblies. As a result of the change, the House standings are currently 23 Liberal, 12 Progressive Conservative, three New Democratic Party and two unaffiliated.

Report of the Commissioner for Legislative Standards

On October 12, 2022, the Speaker tabled a report of the Commissioner for Legislative Standards pursuant to subsection 44(1) of the House of Assembly Act regarding the Member for Grand Falls-Windsor--Buchans (The Tibbs Report). In accordance with statutory provisions, Members must...