Prince Edward Island.

• Position: Legislative Reports

The Legislative Assembly opened for the Second Session of the Sixty-second General Assembly on November 18, 2004. It adjourned to the call of the Speaker on December 16, 2004, after 17 sitting days, and was recalled on April 6, 2005.

Significant Legislation

Two of the more significant pieces of legislation considered during the Session were:

An Act to Amend the Tobacco Sales to Minors Act prohibits the sale of tobacco in designated places, which would include health care facilities, government buildings, schools, and recreational facilities. The Act also prohibits tobacco from being sold in vending machines or in any sort of self-service display. A further section, which will come into effect June 1, 2005, provides for the designation of pharmacies and certain retail stores as places where tobacco products may not be sold.

The Renewable Energy Act requires a public utility to obtain a prescribed amount of its electric energy from renewable energy sources each year. This provision will have effect in 2010, when a minimum of 15% of a utility's electric energy must be obtained from renewable or "green" sources. The legislation also sets out requirements for public utilities to complete demand side management plans, with the goal of reducing the intensity of the peak demand for electric energy. Finally, the Act allows small capacity renewable energy generators to enter into net-metering system agreements with public utilities.

Resignation of Information and Privacy Commissioner

Karen Rose, the province's first Information and Privacy Commissioner, resigned from her position in April 2005, citing personal reasons. In making the announcement, Speaker Greg Deighan congratulated her for a job well done and thanked her for her professionalism in carrying out her duties. Ms. Rose had held the position since November 2002, and was responsible for administering the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act. A replacement for Ms. Rose will be appointed in the near future. The Standing Committee on Legislative Management has responsibility for recommending to the Legislative Assembly a person for appointment as Information and Privacy Commissioner, which must be supported by at least two-thirds of the Members voting before being confirmed.

Retirement of Chief Electoral Officer

The province's Chief Electoral Officer, Merrill Wigginton, retired on April 30, 2005. He had served in the post for the past 19 years. Many would agree that his finest...