Province                                            Législature/Legislature Session  Type de discours/Type of speech          Date du discours/Date Locuteur/Speaker             Fonction du locuteur/Function Parti politique/Political party
Ile du Prince Edward Island – Prince Edward Island  51                      4        Discours du Trône/Speech from the Throne 11-03-1969            Hon.  Willibald J. MacDonald Lieutenant-governor           Liberal



P.E.I: Speech from the Throne, Fourth Session of the Fifty-First General Assembly 
MARCH 11, 1969

In the name of Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II, it is my privilege to welcome you to this 
the fourth session of the fifty-first General Assembly of the Province of Prince Edward 
Island.

For the period of the last two years, my Government has been engaged in negotiations, 
important to this province, with the Government of Canada. It pleases me to confirm the 
successful conclusion of these negotiations on March 7, 1969, with the signing of a 
COMPREHENSIVE DEVELOPMENT PLAN for Prince Edward Island. As Members of 
this Legislative Assembly, you will be asked to consider the provisions of the Agreement 
and to give effect to its programs for social adjustments and economic development.

OPPORTUNITIES FOR SOCIAL BETTERMENT

Essential to the strengthening of the economy of the province, is a willingness to adapt 
ourselves, our attitudes and our institutions to the rapidly changing social and economic 
environment in which we live and work. My Government therefore proposes for your 
approval the following measures which have been designed to encourage and assist all 
citizens of the province to take full advantage of the CHALLENGE OF OPPORTUNITY 
emerging around us:

(a) My Government will continue its program to reorganize the departments of 
government to make more effective the response of each department to the growing 
needs of our society.

(b) To encourage more effective administration of the public school system, legislation 
will be introduced to establish FIVE REGIONAL ADMINISTRATIVE BOARDS within 
the province. Within these five regions my Government will co-operate with and assist 
the Boards to proceed towards completion of the ELEMENTARY SCHOOL 
CONSOLIDATION program, COMBINED REGIONAL HIGH SCHOOL AND 
VOCATIONAL TRAINING COMPLEXES, the introduction of province-wide programs 
of ADULT EDUCATION and KINDERGARTENS.

(c) Encourage continuous participation of interested and informed members of the 
community in the initiation of improved educational programs through the media of such 
groups as the MINISTER'S CONSULTATIVE COMMITTEE, the UNIVERSITY 
PLANNING COMMITTEE, and the COLLEGE PLANNING COMMITTEE.

(d) The Division of Youth will be provided with additional professional staff and this 
Division shall play a more active role in assisting youth programs in alcohol studies and 
physical fitness. This year, the Division will inaugurate a YOUTH DEVELOPMENT 
PROGRAM.

(e) Following from my Government's white paper on Post secondary Education, and the 
recommendations of the University Planning Committee, my Government proposes to 
introduce legislation to establish a new UNIVERSITY OF PRINCE EDWARD ISLAND. 
A President-designate has been appointed to assume the responsibilities of the office of 
the President of this new institution.

(f) Legislation will also be introduced to establish the COLLEGE OF APPLIED ARTS 
AND TECHNOLOGY. A new President has been appointed and he is now actively 
working with the College Planning Committee in the creation and design of this 
institution.

(g) My Minister of Education reports the successful conclusion of teacher salary 
negotiations which provide a three year salary contract. These improved salary schedules 
will be helpful in attracting more highly qualified persons to the teaching profession. To 
enable teachers to obtain improved teaching qualifications, my Government will co-
operate with the Government of Nova Scotia in jointly sponsoring a program of 
SPECIALIZED COURSES TRAINING FOR TEACHERS. The first TEACHER 
RECRUITMENT PROGRAM has been successfully initiated and IN-SERVICE 
WORKSHOPS FOR TEACHERS AND ADMINISTRATORS have been 
enthusiastically received by our teachers, and will be continued this year.

(h) My Government will, in response to the representations of provincial organizations, 
announce a new and very COMPREHENSIVE HIGH SCHOOL PROGRAM IN 
AGRICULTURE for Grades XI and XII as part of the school curriculum.

(i) To give effect to the recommendations of the B & B Report, my Government has 
initiated a special course of studies to effect a truly BILINGUAL EDUCATIONAL 
PROGRAM at Abrams Village. Further initiatives to expand and broaden such programs 
will be announced during this session.

(j ) Education at the Post-Secondary level is essential to the successful future of most of 
our students. Accordingly my Government will initiate a STUDENT AID PROGRAM of 
Scholarships and bursaries consistent with the priorities for spending recommended by 
the University of Prince Edward Island.

(k) My Government will pursue its studies with provincial organizations in support of the 
vital need for the establishment of a FAMILY COURT within the province.

(l) My Government recognizes the need for public involvement in the implementation of 
social and economic development programs. For this purpose, such organizations as the 
Rural

Development Council, agricultural organizations, fisheries organizations, and Four-H 
Clubs have an important role to play in our development. You will be asked to approve 
funds to assist worthy public organizations to engage the services of RESOURCE 
DEVELOPMENT OFFICERS, fieldmen and such other personnel as may be required to 
enable such organizations to inaugurate dynamic new programs of public participation, 
rural development, community counselling and social adjustment.

(m) My Government has continued its MEDICAL CARE PROGRAM for all citizens and 
their dependents receiving social assistance. Arrangements have been concluded to 
continue the DIABETIC ASSISTANCE PROGRAM, and to include, for the first time, 
CYSTIC FIBROTIC CHILDREN within the Department's drug program.

(n) The need of the citizens of the province for improved and more flexible housing 
programs is clearly demonstrated. My Government will submit legislation to provide for 
a single PROVINCIAL HOUSING AUTHORITY, and you will be asked to provide 
funds to expand the application of present programs to include rural housing, and to 
inaugurate a new PRINCE EDWARD ISLAND HOME IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM, 
as well as a LAND ASSEMBLY PROGRAM for housing developments in our rural and 
urban centres.

(o) Health and social services within the province are highly centralized and there is a 
demonstrated need for effective extension of these services throughout the rural areas of 
the province. Five HEALTH AND SOCIAL SERVICES CENTRES will be established 
for this purpose through which health, counselling and home care services will be co-
ordinated.

(p) Throughout the past year, my Government has been studying the need for special 
services and facilities for psychiatric care and the treatment of alcoholics. The report of 
the HILLSBOROUGH HOSPITAL ADVISORY COMMITTEE and the preliminary 
report of THE PREMIER'S TASK FOR~E on alcoholism have been received. These 
reports and their recommendations will play an important role in final decisions. My 
Government has accepted the concept of the incorporation of programs for the active 
treatment of psychiatric patients and the detoxification of alcoholic patients into the 
General Hospitals. Negotiations towards the implementation of this policy are being 
undertaken with the General Hospitals.

(q) My Government has actively supported improved communications in employer-
employee relationships, and notes with satisfaction that no legal work stoppages occurred 
since this Assembly last met. The first general MINIMUM WAGE ORDER FOR 
FEMALE WORKERS was approved and became effective on the 1st day of July, 1968.

(r) My Minister of Labour is presently directing work towards the drafting of a 
COMPREHENSIVE LABOUR CODE which will be presented to this Assembly next 
year.

(s) DESIGNATED TRADES will come into effect in 1970, and the registration of 
qualified tradesmen is now being carried out.

(t) The provisions of the Prince Edward Island Development Plan are extended to the 
members of the Lennox Island Band. My Government will co-operate with the 
Government of Canada to assure these citizens the full application of public programs for 
their benefit.

(u) You will be asked to provide additional funds for salary increases for nurses and 
public servants. My Government has recognized that special attention must be given to 
those employees in lower salary ranges.

OPPORTUNITIES FOR RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT

The Province of Prince Edward Island possesses potential for dynamic development of its 
natural resources. Excellent land, its potential for fisheries, and recreational development, 
present great challenge for those prepared to seize upon the opportunities that presently 
exist. My Government has concluded a detailed examination of these resources, and 
proposes, now, to initiate the following programs which are designed to encourage and 
assist the citizens of this province to realize the benefits of a more productive use of these 
resources:

(a) In co-operation with the Government of Canada, the Province has established a 
LAND USE PLANNING PROGRAM, and a SURVEYS AND MAPPING SERVICE, 
which have been successfully undertaken in the western section of the province. My 
Government proposes to extend these useful programs to other regions of the province 
where effective demand has been demonstrated for them.

(b) My Government will this year respond to the great need for technological services by 
expanding the extension division of the Department of Agriculture. FARM RECORDS 
AND FARM MANAGEMENT PROGRAMS will be provided and agricultural education 
and research projects will be undertaken. A new FARM DEMONSTRATION 
PROGRAM will be outlined to this Assembly, and under this program
my Minister of Agriculture will proceed with a number of projects this year.

(c) Resource development requires adequate and flexible credit arrangements. For this 
purpose, my Government proposes to establish by legislation the PRINCE EDWARD 
ISLAND LENDING AUTHORITY and the LAND DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION. 
These new agencies will be authorized to initiate useful programs of credits granting for 
short, medium and long term credit requirements for agricultural, fisheries and 
recreational development.

(d) As a prerequisite to sound and orderly development of our many watersheds, streams, 
beaches and other recreational facilities, my Government proposes to establish 
developmental programs consistent with the provisions of new legislation which you will 
be asked to approve under the titles, RECREATION DEVELOPMENT ACT and THE 
PLANNING ACT. Projects will be initiated this year for the establishment of a new golf 
course, several tourist recreational complexes and sports fishing and wildlife projects.

(e) Land consolidation and more extensive land use is of central importance to a more 
aggressive agricultural industry. To meet the increasing requirements of farmers for 
additional land, my Government will, through the Land Development Corporation, 
institute a new LAND CONSOLIDATION PROGRAM. Arrangements for land 
acquisition will include purchase, rental or pension benefits. The Land Development 
Corporation will allocate any land acquired to its best use for agricultural, forestry or 
recreational purposes.

(f) My Government will this year introduce the first phase of a new program to provide 
LANDING AND HOLDING FACILITIES for fishermen.

(g) In the past year my Government has assisted in the construction of an OYSTER 
HATCHERY and will promote the commercial activities of the hatchery for the benefit 
of those fishermen engaged in this important industry.

(h) My Minister of Fisheries will direct further research and exploratory projects to 
support further development of opportunities for our fishermen. These projects include 
multipurpose SMALL VESSEL DESIGN, TRAWLER CONVERSION WITH ICE-
BREAKING CAPACITY, HARVESTING EQUIPMENT FOR SHELL FISH, and the 
development of IMPROVED CRAB TRAP DESIGNS. Explorations
will be vastly expanded for deep-sea clams, scallops, crabs, mussels and sea plants.

(i) My Government will announce its policy of assistance to the off-shore fishing 
industry, its proposals for assisting processing plants, and, in particular, with the 
assistance of funds derived from the Comprehensive Development Plan, its proposals to 
resolve the problems associated with the Gulf Garden Foods plant at Georgetown.

(j) There is much potential for forest development in Prince Edward Island. My 
Government will, this year, expand and improve the REFORESTATION PROGRAM 
and inaugurate a WOODLOT MANAGEMENT PROGRAM.

(k) My Government has signed an agreement with the Provinces of Quebec, New 
Brunswick, Nova Scotia and Newfoundland and has worked with these provinces in an 
effort to achieve greater uniformity in legislation and regulations related to oil, natural 
gas and other minerals. A thorough revision of our legislation and regulations is now in 
progress.

OPPORTUNITIES FOR IMPROVED GOVERNMENT SERVICES

My Government announces its desire to improve the quality and the quantity of 
government services, and to determine effective means by which such services may be 
expanded, within the reasonable limit of the fiscal resources available to government. 
Two important studies have therefore been commissioned; the first to inquire into and 
report upon the TAXATION AND REVENUE SYSTEMS OF THE PROVINCE, ITS 
MUNICIPALITIES AND SCHOOL BOARDS. The Commission's report will be helpful 
to my Government in its plans to effect a more equitable distribution of the tax burden 
amongst the citizens of the province. The second study will make recommendations for 
the implementation of more efficient FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS within 
government. Consistent with these objectives, is the need for upgrading the capabilities of 
the public service. Accordingly, a major program of assistance for UPGRADING AND 
TRAINING GOVERNMENT PERSONNEL will be inaugurated this year. A new 
DEPARTMENT OF DEVELOPMENT will be established to assume the responsibility 
for the successful and co-ordinated implementation of the Prince Edward Island 
Comprehensive Development Plan. Within the departments of government will be 
established two PROGRAM AND PLANNING UNITS: one for natural resources 
departments and the other for social services departments.


OPPORTUNITIES FOR RESOURCE SERVICES

Of equal importance to the significant and impressive initiatives which my Government 
has promoted for the full development of our human and natural resources is the urgent 
need for co-ordinated implementation of resource supporting and commercial services. It 
pleases me to learn of the initiatives which my Government proposes in this related area.

(a) A schedule of capital construction projects for the educational programs of the 
Department of Education and for the University of Prince Edward Island is proposed.

(b) To meet the immediate requirements for adequate classroom accommodations, 
FORTY MOBILE CLASSROOMS will be acquired.

(c) Increased financial assistance has been arranged to meet the province's needs for 
INCREASED AND IMPROVED HOSPITAL SERVICES.

(d) A FIFTEEN YEAR ROAD CONSTRUCTION PROGRAM will be initiated this year 
which has been designed to more appropriately accommodate the province's requirements 
for trunk roads, collector roads and roads serving the growing needs of agriculture, 
fisheries, education and tourism.

(e) You will be asked to provide funds for the establishment of INDUSTRIAL PARKS at 
Borden and the Charlottetown area.

(f) My Government proposes to expand assistance to industry through a new POWER 
PROGRAM enabling conversion to three-phase power.

(g) To combat industrial pollution, my Government proposes to offer assistance to 
existing food processing plants with a new policy for installing facilities for the 
TREATMENT OF INDUSTRIAL WASTES, and to require new industry to make 
provision for pollution treatment in advance of construction.

(h) New design concepts for more attractive low cost ACCOMMODATION UNITS will 
be provided the tourist industry and more generous CREDIT ARRANGEMENTS will be 
offered to stimulate the desired and much needed development. in this are~.

(i) A new TRAVEL BUREAU AND RECREATION COMPLEX has been proposed for 
Wood Islands. A TOURIST OFFICE will be established by the Department of Tourist 
Development at Caribou. These services will be designed to complement the 
facilities now under construction at Borden and
Cape Tormentine. A second TWO-WAY RADIO SYSTEM will be established within 
the province.

(j) Together with the Government of Canada, my Government has been pleased to co-
operate with and assist in the financing of the construction costs of the HANDICAPPED 
ADULT TRAINING CENTRE at Charlottetown. These fine new facilities will permit 
much needed programs to be undertaken this year.

(k) My Government, through the Department of Fisheries, will prepare, publish and 
distribute a FISHERMEN'S INFORMATION HANDBOOK, and establish TRAINING 
COURSES to meet the requirements of fishermen.

(1) An INFORMATION OFFICE will be established as a supporting service for public 
programs. These services will be designed to meet the needs of such agencies as the 
Department of Tourist Development, the Extension Division of the Department of 
Agriculture, the Department of Industry, and the P.E.I. Potato Marketing Board. The 
information office will also assist business and provincial organizations in such matters 
as market promotion and rural development.

(m) New offices have been provided the P.E.I. Workmen's Compensation Board and 
P.E.I. Newstart Incorporated. My Ministers will report on the activities of these agencies.

(n) CROP INSURANCE will be extended this year to include cole crop production of 
peas, broccoli, brussel sprouts and cauliflower.

(o) Assistance will be offered farmers in the procurement of pedigreed seed grain of 
recommended varieties.

(p) My Government has seized upon every opportunity to press for a favourable response 
from the Government of Canada for the construction of the Northumberland Strait 
crossing. In response to the most recent announcement of the Prime Minister of Canada 
that the project would not be proceeded with, my Government has asked for an 
immediate review of that decision, and has proposed that should the review be denied or 
be unfavourable, then the prospects of construction by private enterprise be fully 
examined by the province.

(q) In co-operation with the Government of Canada, my Government will expand the 
number and variety of TRAINING COURSES available to the citizen~ of the province.


OPPORTUNITIES FOR MARKET DEVELOPMENT

Prince Edward Island requires a new and dynamic approach to market development. My 
Government has placed great importance and urgency in its research and program 
preparation for marketing. My Government announces now, its proposals for a PRINCE 
EDWARD ISLAND MARKETING PROGRAM.

(a) The central responsibility for marketing shall be concentrated within the Department 
of Industry. Professional staff are being assigned to the Department to assist in all phases 
of the Marketing Program.

(b) My Government has participated with the Governments of New Brunswick, Nova 
Scotia and Newfoundland in the preparation of a JOINT TRANSPORTATION BRIEF to 
be presented to the Federal Government, with the objective of rationalizing regional 
transportation policies and extending Federal subsidies to all modes of transportation.

(c) My Government has made extensive analysis of new market potentials for primary 
and manufactured goods, and will establish a MARKET AND PRODUCT 
DEVELOPMENT CENTRE to assist primary producers and manufacturers to determine 
market potentials, and identify effective measures to meet market demands.

(d) My Government will support the efforts of primary producers to play a more 
prominent role in the marketing of their products, and will provide financial assistance to 
encourage more efficient PRODUCTION METHODS, CENTRAL PACKAGING AND 
WAREHOUSING FACILITIES. improved facilities for MARKET PREPARATION and 
TRANSPORTATION, and expanded PROCESSING FACILITIES.

(e) Under this program my Government will increase its participation and financial 
support for TRADE MISSIONS and INDUSTRIAL EXPOSITIONS.

In addition to the measures already specified, you will be asked to consider other 
legislative proposals.

You will be asked to appropriate the funds required for the services and payments 
required by this Assembly.

The public accounts and reports of the various departments of my Government, for the 
year ending March 31, 1968, will be tabled for your information. The Interim Report, 
forecasting estimated revenues and expenditures for the current fiscal year, ending March 
31, 1969, and estimates for the fiscal year, beginning April 1, 1969, will also be presented 
for your consideration.


MR. SPEAKER AND MEMBERS OF THE LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY

In summary, you will have placed before you an extensive legislative program to deal 
with the need for social and economic Development. Never before has our province faced 
so dramatically the need for change. Never before in the history of the Legislative 
Assembly has our province faced so clearly the challenge of opportunity. Never before 
has a throne speech proposed so heavy a burden of responsibility on the elected 
representatives. With these proposals my Government has challenged you to move 
forward to enhance and enrich the lives of all the residents of our beloved Province.

May Divine Providence guide your deliberations.


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