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 5 Discours du Trône/Speech from the Throne 26-02-1970 Hon. John G.B. MacKay Lieutenant-governor Liberal P.E.I: Speech from the Throne, Fifth Session of the Fifty First General Assembly, February 26th, 1970 In the name of Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II, it is my privilege to welcome you to this the fifth session of the fifty first General Assembly of the Province of Prince Edward Island. I wish to take this opportunity, personally, and on behalf of all our citizens to pay tribute to my predecessor, Lieutenant Colonel W. J. MacDonald, who, as Her Majesty's representative, so diligently and conscientiously carried out the duties of this office during the past six years. PROGRAMS FOR PEOPLE During the past year, the 1973 Centennial Committee was activated to make provision for the celebration of Prince Edward Island's entry into Confederation. In this connection, my Government has suggested that the special interest of our citizens in fostering cultural traditions and preserving historical resources receive appropriate attention. For this purpose, a measure to establish THE PRINCE EDWARD ISLAND HERITAGE FOUNDATION will be introduced. Education, Youth and Manpower development continues to take first place in my Ministers' proposals. Public Education, in all of its phases, recorded substantial progress during 1969. The University of Prince Edward Island and Holland College have been successfully launched into their first year of operation. Negotiations for the purchase of the campus of St. Dunstan's University have been concluded. The Occupational Training Centre for handicapped adults was officially opened at Charlottetown and a second school established at Summerside. The Commission on Post Secondary Education is providing valuable assistance in the implementation of programs of higher education and the Planning Unit within the Department of Education has commenced its very important work. The following initiatives are to be undertaken this year: (a) The terms of reference for the five REGIONAL PLANNING BOARDS will be announced and a training program provided for the administrators of these units. (b) The program of school construction will be expanded this Year, and additional mobile classrooms acquired. (c) A STUDENT BURSARY PROGRAM will be implemented to assist students in financing their education. University and college students, as well as those pursuing a program of nurses' training will be eligible under this program. (d) THE LEADERSHIP INSTITUTE FOR CONTINUING EDUCATION will be officially opened this year. Thus far 1406 citizens representing some 40 organizations have participated in this new program. (e) Proposals for extended summer school programs for student teachers and in service training for teachers will be outlined by my Ministers. My Government is encouraged by the large number of citizens of this Province who are availing themselves of the many programs for basic training, re training and upgrading being jointly provided by the Department of Education and the Federal Department of Manpower and Immigration. For the first time, courses in farm machinery preventative maintenance, general seamanship, nets and gear and heavy duty mechanics are being offered and are providing many people with extremely useful skills. 480 fishermen have registered for these navigation and fisheries extension courses. This program will be substantially enlarged in the ensuing year. In recognition of the urgent need and demand for improved housing within the province, the Prince Edward Island Housing Authority, through its Minister, announced that C.M.H.C. has committed loan funds of four million dollars for home construction on Prince Edward Island this year. Six experimental "SHELL HOUSING UNITS" will also be constructed. In addition, you will be asked to make provision for the implementation of my Government's proposals for HOME IMPROVEMENT GRANTS and a SECOND MORTGAGE PROGRAM for new home construction. To assure lower costs for home construction, proposals for MUNICIPAL LAND ASSEMBLY PROJECTS will be outlined to this Assembly. The inauguration of the first PROVINCIAL WINTER GAMES has been a most worthy and commendable initiative, and warrants the enthusiastic participation and support of our citizens. Legislation will be submitted to afford greater protection to the consumer public by providing a "cooling off" period on contracts signed with door to door salesmen. Having regard to public concern, occasioned by the increasing costs of motor vehicular insurance, as well as with the extent of land purchases by non resident corporations, you will be asked to appoint Special Committees of the Legislature to inquire into these matters during the current Session. My Ministers are pleased to inform me of the implementation of their newly established program for the treatment of alcoholics. The useful insight and experience gained from the operation of Half Way House during these past four years, together with the recommendations of the Premier's Task Force on Alcoholism, has led my Ministers to conclude an agreement with the General Hospitals and the P.E.I. Alcoholism Foundation for the implementation of this vital and desirable new program. Arrangements for this program will be outlined to this Assembly. Legislation will be presented to facilitate this province's entry into the National Program for MEDICAL CARE. My Ministers are now concluding necessary arrangements for this program to come into operation this year. This program will be financed, without premiums, from general revenue. A program to provide DENTAL CARE SERVICES for our youth will be undertaken this year. My Government has declared war on pollution. This menace threatens to destroy the natural cleanliness and beauty of our Province. Having studied very carefully the reports and recommendations available to them, my Ministers have concluded that, with sufficient public endorsement, pollution can be brought under control by 1975, and cleaned up by the end of this decade. My Government has advanced proposals to combat harbour pollution at Summerside, Charlottetown, Montague and Souris this year. Efforts to abate industrial pollution this year are proposed at Bedeque, New Annan, Montague and Souris. My Ministers are pleased to inform me of the excellent industrial relations experienced in Prince Edward Island in the year 1969 and pay tribute to the mature and responsible attitude displayed by both labour and management. Noteworthy achievements since the last Session have been the introduction of certified trades of plumbing and motor vehicle repair. Three schedules were established under the Industrial Standards Act to include plumbers, electricians and carpenters. Minimum wages for men were increased to $1.25 with food processing employees included at $1.10. Legislation will be presented to provide for a COMPREHENSIVE LABOUR CODE, and my Ministers will propose the setting up of an INSTITUTE OF INDUSTRIAL RELATIONS to foster and encourage labour management consultation and greater productivity. Legislation to provide for the creation of a FAMILY COURT within the province will be introduced. Under the provisions of the Canada Assistance Plan, my Ministers will promote work activity projects for handicapped individuals. The new wing of The Home for Special Care at Summerside is nearing completion. Extensions of facilities at Montague and Alberton and a new Home for Special Care at Souris will be proposed. My Government has embarked upon a number of programs to improve upon and extend health services to our citizens throughout the province. My Ministers are desirous of decentralizing government services to the most practicable levels possible. In the area of health services, the following measures will be undertaken this year: (a) The designation of regional HEALTH AND SOCIAL SERVICE CENTRES will take place. (b) The TUBERCULOSIS DETECTION PROGRAM will be extended to the consolidated schools in the province. (c) A HOME NURSING CARE PROGRAM to provide nursing services in the home under the supervision of the attending physician has been designed, and training of personnel for this program will be carried out this Year. (d) The new wing of the O'Leary General Hospital has now been completed. Provision will be made for a new fifty bed hospital at Montague. (e) The chemistry laboratory of the Department of Health will be expanded, and vaccines for German Measles and Mumps will be included under the immunization schedules at all regional clinics. My Government has commenced work in the preparation of a new Municipal Act for Prince Edward Island. This task will be supported by a Special Committee of the Federation of Mayors and Municipalities. The rising costs of public and municipal services have dictated a need for urban and rural land use planning. My Government will endeavour to respond to the needs which communities may have for local planning and development. Special projects for the preparation of development plans for Borden, Wood Islands, Brudenell Park and the Metropolitan areas of Charlottetown and Summerside will be undertaken. The services of volunteer fire brigades throughout the province have answered a great need for fire protection. My Ministers inform me that a VOLUNTEER FIREMEN'S LIFE INSURANCE PROGRAM has been implemented. You will be asked to provide funds to allow for the construction of training facilities and for training aids for volunteer firemen. My Minister of Agriculture is now seeking staff members for the five AGRICULTURAL DISTRICT OFFICES at O'Leary, Summerside, Charlottetown, Montague and Souris. The basic staff includes an Agricultural Representative, Home Economist and Farm Management Specialist, and will be supported by the extension services of the Department of Agriculture. Space for the Provincial Agricultural Extension Services is to be provided in a new AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH BUILDING being erected by the Government of Canada on the Agricultural Research Station at Charlottetown, and will provide for improved research facilities directed towards Provincial needs. My Ministers will outline measures designed to enhance the LIVESTOCK IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM, expand the Forestry Services and establish a POTATO QUALITY IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM. My Government will, this year, undertake with the Canada Department of Agriculture a Soil Survey of the Province. The soil-testing laboratory will be expanded to meet the growing soil analysis requirements of farmers. Approval will be sought for additional financial assistance to 4H Clubs and for farm youth engaging in training in Agriculture, Home Economics and Veterinary Medicine. My Ministers will report upon the programs of the Land Development Corporation, the P.E.I. Lending Authority and the Natural Products Marketing Board. The Natural Products Marketing Research Centre has been established. Required facilities for food testing and new product development will be acquired. The Marketing Centre will provide MARKET CONSULTING SERVICES as well as PRODUCT PROMOTION AND RESEARCH into market potentials in both domestic and export areas for Prince Edward Island commodities. With capital funds provided by the Atlantic Development Board, my Government will proceed with the construction of a building to house the programs of Land Survey, Land Mapping, Land Use and Land Registry System. An extensive program of highway development will be reported upon and expenditures will be proposed for additional construction of trunk highways and resource roads. Significant improvement in world prices for ground fish has resulted in the strengthening of our offshore fishing and processing industry. Expansions and additional training services are anticipated this year. Preparations are now well advanced for off shore drilling operations. You will be asked to consider a new OIL, NATURAL GAS AND MINERALS ACT. The Royal Commission Report on the operations of Gulf Garden Foods Ltd. and Bathurst Marine Ltd. will be tabled for your consideration. Arising from the need for modern facilities and public services for our inshore fishermen, and their families, my Government has recognized thirteen primary ports for development. My Ministers will outline proposals for the establishment of a FISHERIES RESOURCES ADVISORY COUNCIL through which fishermen engaged in this important industry may contribute to the planning and development of ports, research and related programs. The OYSTER HATCHERY will have substantial quantities of small oysters for sale and distribution to fishermen this year. The extension staff of the Department of Fisheries will be enlarged to better serve the needs which our fishermen have for technical services, information and marketing. My Government is supporting the inauguration of container shipping service between Souris and the Magdalen Islands, and will increase its activities in promoting trade with Newfoundland and the North Shore market. Ever mindful of the importance efficient transportation services bear to our economic development, my Government has continued its efforts with other Governments to achieve an acceptable Atlantic Provinces transportation policy. Welcomed are the improvements in C.N.R. operations between Port Borden and Cape Tormentine. This service is to be augmented by two additional ferries now under construction. Passenger air services to central Canadian points has vastly improved. The new Wood Islands Travel Bureau has been officially opened. A new Travel Bureau at Caribou and extensions at Aulac and the Air Terminal at Charlottetown will be completed this year. Further stimulus to the tourist industry will be offered through the following measures: (a) Increased promotion through television, brochures, billboards, group and Package tours. (b) The inauguration of a TUNA TOURNAMENT and provision of facilities at North Lake. (c) Construction of a CONVENTION AND SEMINAR CENTRE at Brudenell. (d) Completion of a golf course at the Mill River Complex. (e) Development of "Loop Drives" throughout the province capitalizing upon our scenic, historic and natural resources (f) Improvements in the HANDICRAFT SCHOOL at North Rustico. (g) Inauguration of a provincial "BEACH ACCESS PARKS" system under which twenty five beaches are to be designated for development, assuring public access and use of such areas. (h) A recreational park will be established at Summerside and general improvements are scheduled for the provincial parks system. The report of the inquiry into the TAXATION AND REVENUE SYSTEMS OF THE PROVINCE, IT'S MUNICIPALITIES AND SCHOOL BOARDS has been released and will be tabled at this Session for your consideration. You will be asked to give effect to proposals for the reclassification of positions within the Public Service. My Ministers are pleased to express their satisfaction with the decision of the Government of Canada to continue the operations of Canadian Forces Base at Summerside. In addition to the measures already specified, you will be asked to consider other legislative proposals, among them being: An Act to Provide for the Revision and Consolidation of the Statues of Prince Edward Island. An Act to Provide for a Law Reform Commission. An Act to Establish a new Land Titles System. The Elevators and Lifts Inspection Act. The P.E.I. Water Authority Act (amendment) The Agrologist Act (amendment) The Veterinary Medical Association Act (amendment) The Land Development Act (amendment) The Women's Institute Act (amendment) The Milk Protection Act (amendment) The Milk Products Act (amendment) An Act to Establish Young Farmers in Agriculture (amendment) 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, 1969, will be tabled for your information. The Interim Report, forecasting estimated revenues and expenditures for the current fiscal year, ending March 31, 1970, and estimates for the fiscal year beginning April 1, 1970 will also be presented for your consideration. MR. SPEAKER AND MEMBERS OF THE LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY: The programs, policies and proposed legislation of my Government, which I have outlined, reflect upon the improving financial position of our Province which enables investment in programs for our citizens and in the development of our resources. These proposals reflect the determined efforts which my Ministers have initiated with the Government of Canada to erase disparities and strive for dynamic development and growth in our economy. At the same time, my Government has indicated its desire to fully co-operate with the Governments of our neighbouring Atlantic Provinces in those endeavours found helpful and desirable in strengthening the economic position of the region. May Divine Providence guide your deliberations. ??