Prince Edward Island.

• Author: Johnston, Marian
• Position: Legislative Reports

The First Session of the Sixty-second General Assembly was prorogued on November 2, 2004, after 47 sitting days. The House had adjourned to the call of the Speaker on May 20, 2004. It is unusual for the Legislative Assembly of Prince Edward Island to be prorogued during an adjournment period.

A total of seven private members bills, 12 government motions, and 13 motions other than government died on the Order Paper.

The Second Session of the Sixty-second General Assembly will open at 3 pm on November 18, 2004, with the reading of the Speech from the Throne by the Lieutenant-Governor, the Honourable J. Leonce Bernard.

Re-organization of Government Departments

On October 4, 2004, Premier Pat Binns announced the re-organization of two government departments. The forestry portfolio became part of the new Department of Energy, Environment and Forestry. The change streamlined departmental management for the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Aquaculture, formerly the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries, Aquaculture and Forestry.

One further change was also announced. Mildred A. Dover, Minister of Education and former Speaker of the Legislative Assembly, has taken on the additional responsibilities of the Office of the Attorney General.

Committee Activity

The Standing Committee on Community Affairs and Economic Development, charged with undertaking a review of the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act, has completed the public consultation phase of its investigations into the legislation and has commenced consideration of its report to the Legislative Assembly.

A Special Committee on Climate Change was established by motion on May 20, 2004, to consult with Islanders and to develop recommendations on a climate change strategy for the province. The committee has solicited...