Quebec.

• Position: Legislative Reports

On February 3, Premier Jean Charest, shuffled his Cabinet, making certain changes in the responsibilities of the ministerial team and appointing three new Ministers: Alain Paquet, Minister for Finance, Geoffrey Kelley, Minister responsible for Aboriginal Affairs, and Pierre Moreau, Minister

responsible for Canadian Intergovernmental Affairs and the Canadian Francophonie and Minister responsible for the Reform of Democratic Institutions and Access to Information.

Lucie Charlebois was named Chief Government Whip replacing Mr. Moreau.

Parliamentary Proceedings

In compliance with the parliamentary calendar, the National Assembly resumed its proceedings on February 8, 2011. This sessional period ends on June 10, at which time the Assembly is scheduled to adjourn for the summer holidays.

The Assembly held an extraordinary sitting on February 21 to introduce and examine Bill 135, An Act to ensure the continuity of the provision of legal services within the Government and certain public bodies, according to the exceptional procedure provided for in Standing Orders 182 and following. This bill, introduced by the Minister responsible for Government Administration and Chair of the Conseil du tresor, aimed the return to work of Crown prosecutors and Government lawyers, who had been on strike since February 8. It was passed on February 22 by the following vote: 61 in favour and 50 against.

Prorogation and Opening of the 2nd Session of the 39th Legislature

On February 22, 2011, at 10 o'clock a.m., the Lieutenant-Governor prorogued the Assembly, ending the First Session of the 39th Legislature, and summoned the Assembly to meet on February 23, 2011, at 2.00 o'clock p.m. for the opening of a new session.

The first sitting of the 2nd Session of the 39th Legislature of the Assembly opened with the Lieutenant-Governor's address, followed by the Opening Speech of the Session delivered by the Premier Charest. At the end of his speech, the Premier moved, "That this Assembly approves the general policy of the Government." The Assembly carried this motion on April 6, upon concluding the 25 hours of debate set aside for this business.

The Minister of Finance delivered his Budget Speech on March 17. The Assembly approved the budgetary policy of the Government on April 6, after 25 hours of debate set aside for this matter.

Request to Rise on a Matter of Breach of Privilege or Contempt

On March 29, Stephane Bedard, Official Opposition House Leader, submitted a request...