Prince Edward Island.

• Author: Johnston, Marian
• Position: Legislative Reports - Report

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The Second Session of the Sixty-third General Assembly opened on April 4, 2008, with the Speech from the Throne delivered by Barbara A. Hagerman, Lieutenant Governor of Prince Edward Island. The speech, with its theme of "One Island Community--One Island Future," outlined a number of initiatives to be undertaken over the next months and years: the relocation of two government departments outside of the capital city by 2010, the provision of high speed internet services to all areas of the province, the establishment of the George Coles Bursary, valued at up to $2000, available to every first-year Island student entering a provincially-funded post-secondary educational institution, the unveiling of a "Buy PEI" campaign, the appointment of a Commissioner on Land and Local Governance, and the declaration of a new public holiday on the second Monday in February of each year as "Islander Day," among other measures.

Budget

Wes Sheridan, Provincial Treasurer, introduced his second budget on April 23, 2008, which contained expenditures of $1.387 billion. Health continued to account for the largest share of provincial expenditure at just over $398 million, followed by Education and Early Childhood Development at $294 million, and Social Services and Seniors at $119 million. A deficit of $34.9 million is projected for the current year.

There was only one tax measure announced in the budget speech which was to raise the tax on tobacco by five dollars per carton.

Smoke Free Places Act Consultations

Proposed amendments to the Smoke Free Places Act were tabled by Doug Currie, Minister of Health on April 9, 2008, as a consultation document.

The amendments include changes to the existing legislation that will prohibit smoking in motor vehicles when minors are present. Government is also proposing amendments to the Act that will prohibit smoking on hospital grounds and will eliminate indoor smoking areas in long term care facilities. The amendments proposed to the regulations made under the Act will also limit outdoor smoking areas in certain public places where smoking is currently allowed, such as provincial parks and patios and decks of eating establishments and licensed premises.

"Consultations will take place to discuss how the legislation will be implemented," said Minister Currie. "Any changes to the current legislation that impact business owners will be phased in to give them time to comply with amendments to the Act."

Significant Legislation

A number of pieces of significant legislation were considered during the Second Session of the Sixty-third General Assembly. Among them:

* An Act to Amend the Election Act (Bill No. 7) which changes the date of general elections...