Prince Edward Island.

• Author: Reddin, Ryan
• Position: Legislative Reports

Third Session, Sixty-fifth General Assembly

The Third Session of the Sixty-fifth General Assembly resumed on November 13, 2018, and adjourned to the call of the Speaker on December 5, for a fall sitting totaling 14 days. The Third Session began in November, 2017, and now totals 75 sitting days.

Capital Budget

A $156 million Capital Budget was tabled in the Assembly on November 16, 2018. The largest areas of spending are directed toward highways, healthcare facilities, and school construction/renovation in the Departments of Transportation, Infrastructure and Energy; Health PEI; and Education, Early Learning and Culture, respectively. The 2019-2020 capital budget forms the highest single year of spending in the 2019-2024 five-year capital plan, which totals $610 million.

Bills Reviewed

Twenty-eight bills were passed during the fall sitting. Of these, 24 were Government bills, the majority of which amended existing legislation. Bill 41, Post-Secondary Institutions Sexual Violence Policies Act requires the University of Prince Edward Island, Holland College, College de l'Ile and any other postsecondary institution named in the regulations to establish a sexual violence policy addressing matters such as awareness, consent, prevention, reporting, student input and cultural sensitivity. Bill 50, Justice of the Peace Act, establishes a framework for the appointment, remuneration, jurisdiction, and function of justices of the peace, as well as a complaints process in regard to their conduct. Bill 57, An Act to Amend the Income Tax Act (No. 2), raised the basic personal income tax amount. Bill 62, Climate Leadership Act, implemented carbon pricing as part of the province's Climate Action Plan.

Several Private Members' bills were also introduced during the fall sitting by members of the Official Opposition, the Third Party, and the Independent member. Of these, three passed through all stages and received Royal Assent. Bill 110, Mandatory Sexual Assault Law Education Act, requires judges appointed to the Provincial Court to engage in continuing education in sexual assault law, including evidentiary prohibitions, principles of consent, the conduct of sexual assault proceedings, and myths and stereotypes associated with sexual assault complainants. Bill 123, An Act to Amend the Innovation PEI Act, adds creative and cultural industries, and clean technology, to the list of strategic economic sectors identified in the Act to ensure they receive...