Prince Edward Island.

• Author: Johnston, Marian
• Position: ASSEMBLEE NATIONAL

The Third Session of the Sixty-fourth General Assembly resumed on March 26, 2013, and adjourned to the call of the Speaker on May 8, 2013.

Budget 2013

Wes Sheridan, Minister of Finance and Municipal Affairs, introduced his budget on March 27, 2013, which contained expenditures of $1.44 billion. Health continued to account for the largest share of provincial expenditure at just over $578 million, an increase of $16 million, or 2.9 percent, from the previous year. The Minister indicated that the 2013-2014 deficit is expected to be at $58.9 million, dropping to $34.5 million in 2014-2015, with a small surplus to be achieved in 2015-2016.

Harmonized Sales Tax

On April 1, 2013, the Harmonized Sales Tax (HST) was implemented in Prince Edward Island. The Provincial Sales Tax, which was at 10 percent, has been replaced with a value-added tax of 9 percent. Combined with the Goods and Services Tax, this resulted in a 14 percent HST. The province provides specific point-of-sale rebates of the provincial portion of the HST for books, heating oil, children's footwear and children's clothing, as well as a new Prince Edward Island Sales Tax Credit to low and modest income individuals and families to assist in the transition to the new tax system.

Significant Legislation

A total of twenty-six public bills received Royal Assent on May 8, 2013. Among them were:

* An Act to Amend the Collections Agencies Act (Bill No. 34) adds a set of prohibitions to protect debtors from certain debt repayment business practices. These include limiting the amount of money that an agency or agent may collect for acting for a debtor; restricting the provision of false information respecting a debtor, including his or her credit history; and banning the collection of a fee from a debtor before the debtor and the agency have entered into the required written agreement.

* French Language Services Act/ Lot sur les services en francais (Bill No. 43) builds on existing legislation and lays the foundation for the designation of French language services. It requires government institutions to provide designated services to any member of the public in the person's choice of French or English. The Act also requires government institutions to respond to correspondence received in French, in writing and in French; and ensures that where public consultations are conducted in writing or electronically, members of the public are provided with an opportunity to participate in French and...