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 53 5 Discours du Trône/Speech from the Throne ??-03-1978 Hon. Gordon L. Bennett Lieutenant-governor Liberal P.E.I: Speech from the Throne, Fifth Session of the Fifty Third General Assembly, MARCH, 1978 In the name of Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II, I am pleased and honoured to welcome you to this Fifth Session of the Fifty Third General Assembly of the Province of Prince Edward Island. Members of the Assembly: We are presently living through a period of economic uncertainty and changing values. In many respects, society is at a cross-roads. On one hand, some who have rejected the materialism of north-American society urge us to follow a route more closely aligned to past traditions and make society less complex and more manageable. Conversely, there are others, who, convinced that such a return is neither possible nor desirable, feel solutions to present economic difficulties will be found by travelling, with greater urgency, a road that leads to more growth and continued expansion of the economy. My Government is not comfortable with either of these extremes. Neither of these ways has its origin in Prince Edward Island. The economic security we seek is not to be found by treading a path to the past. Islanders have never been a people to regress. But neither have they been willing to embrace a philosophy that perpetuates a goods oriented economy, characterized by more specialization, more centralization, more uniformity, and by ever increasing control over our provincial economy from forces and influences beyond our boundaries. Rather, the people of Prince Edward Island seek to make their own way over the rough ground in between. It is not an easy way, nor is it well charted. But it is a direction my Government deliberately chooses. Such a course builds upon and enhances the means of livelihood that are basic to the Island. Agriculture is one of the fundamental underpinnings of our economy. My Government foresees a healthy Island economy led by a strong Agricultural sector characterized by prosperous family farms throughout the Province. Such farms are the mainstay of a vibrant rural culture comprised of independent, resourceful people who build, and benefit from, strong communities. Opportunities in the Inshore Fishery will result in new prosperity to the picturesque villages situate along our shores. The nature of our Inshore Fishery makes it possible for fishermen to be within daily range of home and to contribute to the continuance of these rural communities. Initiatives that will be taken by my Government will make it easier for fishermen to land a high quality and more valuable product. Similar to Agriculture, the Fishing Industry is based upon a renewable resource, and with improved management practices, it will be capable of providing a livelihood for unlimited generations of Islanders. My Government also foresees opportunities for small towns and villages throughout the province to renew and refurbish themselves by attracting small industries that will enable them to generate enough wealth to provide good quality of services and maintain attractive surroundings for their residents. These industries will be based upon a human scale technology and the skills and entrepreneurial endeavours of Prince Edward Islanders. Care will be taken to ensure such industries will employ energy efficient methods and will respect the sensitive environment of our Province. Mr. Speaker: Foreseen is an Island filled with industrious, innovative people, earning their own way, consciously enhancing a beautiful landscape which visually demonstrates that Prince Edward Island is, indeed, a special place. The possibility of fully realizing such a society, a society that is prosperous, tolerant, and proud of its heritage, surely, is capable of inspiring Islanders of all ages with a sense of purpose that is as compelling as can be found anywhere. Sharing this vision of a decentralized, industrious society could set a pattern that is worthy of following by others across the nation. Mr. Speaker and Members of the Legislative Assembly: Although the goals before us are clear, the resources required to make necessary changes are limited. Nevertheless, my Government is pleased that by the comprehensive development plan much needed fixed capital has been provided throughout the Island from which citizens will benefit for many years to come. Although continuing to participate in valuable development plan programs, this year my Government will again face a situation of scarce resources and increasing costs. Success will depend upon our ability to do more with less. By prudently using the funds at hand my Government intends to implement a strategy that will move the Province ever closer to the realization of the goals I have just described. It is the intention of my Government, no matter what other endeavours it may undertake, to keep the primary industries in the forefront of its priorities. In the forthcoming year efforts will be intensified to strengthen farming and fishing throughout the Province. In Agriculture, my Government is pleased that over 2100 Island farm families have benefited from the over twenty million dollars committed through the Family Farm and New Farmer Programs since their inception. My Government intends to increase the funds available to farmers through these valuable programs. In addition, support to Agriculture will be given by: - enlarging off shore markets for seed and table potatoes. - intensifying efforts to eradicate potato diseases and to improve quality control. - implementing a strategy that will increase the Island's capability to produce and market both processed and fresh vegetables. - encouraging the replacement of imported food in the Region by developing programs to make consumers more aware of Island products. - continuing with efforts to improve transportation facilities to enable efficient movement of Island commodities to market. - increasing the limestone subsidy to ten dollars per ton. In the coming week Island grain producers will be asked to accept or reject the proposed operating plan of the Prince Edward Island Grain Commission. My Government awaits with interest the decision of producers as to whether or not the operating plan of the Grain Commission will be implemented. Consultation will be undertaken in order to examine Island participation in farm income stabilization programs. Productive use of our land resource involves the rejuvenation of our wood lots and forests. My Government has formulated plans that call for the reforestation of one third of the six hundred thousand acres of woodland in our Province within the next ten years. A variety of species will be planted including, among others, Red Spruce, Red Oak, Black Ash, Red Pine, Butternut and Yellow Birch. Such trees at one time flourished on the Island and the restoration of high quality forests will significantly increase the wealth of our Province. It will lay the basis for a renewal of wood manufacturing industries such as furniture making. At least one tenth of the first phase of this program will be accomplished by reforesting land owned by the Crown. Incentives will be given owners of private wood lots in the form of tax relief. You will be asked to consider measures to exempt from property tax lands that have been fully reforested. Further incentives will be given to land owners by providing, at nominal cost, high quality, fast growing seedlings and by providing, through the Agricultural Extension Service, wood lot management in formation. My Government will seek the use of unemployment insurance funds to provide employment opportunities in forestry projects. A subject of considerable discussion throughout the Province during the past year has been the use of farmland for purposes other than agriculture. It is the intention of my Government to review procedures so as to ensure that wherever possible, agriculture will take precedence over other possible uses of agricultural land. During the past year my Government instructed the Land Use Commission to provide suggestions on resolving incongruous uses of land. My Government will be pleased to present for your consideration proposals to resolve such conflicts based upon the Commission's report. Further, in recognizing that regulations on land are becoming an increasing source of frustration, my Government will propose for your examination means of abbreviating existing procedures. Fishing, our other major primary industry, is becoming increasingly important as a source of earnings for our Province. During the past year fish landings in Prince Edward Island were valued at over fifteen million dollars and forecasts indicate that because of new initiatives, together with the enforcement of the 200 mile limit, steady increases will be experienced in this sector. My Government will support the efforts of Island fishermen in the coming year by establishing a subsidy on new vessels constructed in Island boat yards for Island fishermen. This will be paid in addition to the existing federal subsidy. It is hoped that such a development incentive will place our fishermen in a more competitive position to harvest the fish resource. Island boat yards will also benefit from the industry associated with the renewal of the Prince Edward Island Fishing Fleet. In addition, My Government is now completing plans for a long range program that will assist near shore fishermen to develop, expand and diversify their fishing enterprises. Thus far, a program to enhance port facilities has resulted in the construction of approximately 390 bait sheds and has provided facilities for ice and wet fish storage, as well as weather shelters, unloading derricks and fish containers. In the coming year my Government, together with the Government of Canada, will continue this valuable program. My Government will also continue the Lobster Certificate Retirement Program on a voluntary basis. Aquaculture is an important and developing aspect of our fishery. This year my Government will expand the oyster fishery by increasing the collection of spat in order to provide seed for the development of new areas of managed oyster reserves in each of the three counties of our Province. Although our primary industries are the basis of our livelihood, my Government will continue to do its utmost to increase job and earning opportunities for Islanders by taking steps to strengthen and diversify the manufacturing base of the Provincial economy. During the past three years one hundred and ten Island enterprises have been assisted under my Government's small industry program. In addition, some thirty five new industries employing approximately 500 persons have been established in the Province. By vigorously pursuing this policy my Government is confident that during the next three to four years it will be possible to create at least an additional two thousand jobs in the small industry manufacturing sector alone with a good proportion of these being in communities outside of Charlottetown. These jobs will be in addition to new ones created in the major resource sectors of Agriculture, Forestry and Fishing, or the industries related to Tourism or Construction. In the coming year, my Government through its Department of industry will enhance its valuable programs related to small business by: - increasing the level of assistance of some of the financial incentive programs for new industries as well as expanding the eligibility of other incentive programs. - providing serviced industrial land to several new areas in the province. - providing appropriate technical support services to the Island's rapidly expanding metal working industry. - assisting firms to identify new opportunities by providing essential research and advisory services. Besides these measures, my Government will grant substantial tax credits in order to encourage firms to conduct research and development in our Province. My Government feels that by introducing and developing technology that is appropriate to the Island way of life, opportunities can be created that will increase the resilience and stability of our economy from which we all shall benefit. It is in this light that efforts will be intensified to attract new industry as well as to promote vigorously the concept of industrial decentralization at the national level. The travel industry is also a significant earner of new dollars for our economy. In the coming year my Government will promote the success of this industry by extending Tourist Joint Package Tours which will encourage more tourists to travel throughout the Province. To complement the removal of the tax on Campgrounds, you will be asked this session to approve, for the benefit of restaurateurs, a change in the Regulations in order to exempt from tax, meals having a value of less than five dollars. Through the Department of Tourism special efforts with local residents will continue in order to develop special incentives of a desirable scale. Also, a new beach access park adjacent to Souris will be completed and improvements will be made to other provincial parks and wayside facilities. My Government will further assist family farm tourist operators to expand their operations. Fundamental to all economic initiatives is energy. Over the past years my Government has taken many initiatives in conservation, in pursuing alternative sources, and in supporting cooperation in the region to develop strategies of mutual benefit. Yet we have merely begun. The issue is complicated and demanding. In the coming year, as well as in the years that will follow, it will be necessary for the Government to be continually conscious of the immediate costs and availability of energy for Islanders, as well as the importance of long term considerations that will have to be faced as the world's supply of fossil fuels is depleted. My Government is presently very active regarding both of these issues. In order to facilitate the purchase and operation of wood burning and other types of generators employing alternative technology as well as to make easier the concluding of agreements for the purchase of less expensive power from neighbouring provinces, my Government proposes to bring into being a Prince Edward Island Energy Corporation and you will be requested to consider the terms and conditions of its establishment. During the past year my Government has negotiated with our neighbouring province of New Brunswick the possible purchase of electrical power at a price related to the generating costs at the Point Lepreau Station. In the best judgement of my Government, this was a prudent course to follow since costs of operating oil fired generators are expected to escalate dramatically within the next twenty five years. However, since the Government of Canada, together with the Governments of the other Maritime Provinces, are actively considering, through the Maritime Energy Corporation, a cost and risk sharing agreement of major projects in the region, the governments of Prince Edward Island and New Brunswick have agreed to discontinue further discussions on a bilateral entitlement agreement. My Government does not now intend to conclude a bilateral entitlement agreement with the New Brunswick Power Commission. Besides actively considering ways to secure power at reasonable costs during the intermediate term, my Government will unrelentingly seek ways to reduce the Province's dependence upon foreign oil supplies and become, over the long run, more self sufficient in energy. Research, together with demonstration projects, will be undertaken in the coming year by the Institute of Man and Resources together with the Department of Public Works and others. Some of these are: - designing the province's first one megawatt wood gasifier electric generator for installation in the Educational Centre at Bloomfield. Building the wood burning and space heat facility at the new correctional centre. - participating in the design of the solar and wind units that will be installed at the New Charlottetown Airport. - examining the feasibility of district heating projects and the possibilities of using rubbish as fuel in such projects. You will also be asked to consider other measures that will enable my Government to pursue alternative energy developments. My Government will continue with Enersave and its other conservation programs. It intends to further reduce energy use in public buildings through reduced light and heat levels and a refinement of heating and ventilating systems. The Department of Public Works together with the Institute of Man and Resources will work together to improve the design of new buildings to ensure they are energy efficient. Energy costs are becoming an increasing burden to farmers. Throughout the next year my Government with other Governments and agencies will investigate ways of developing methods of agriculture that stress greater conservation of organic material and reduce dependence upon petroleum. Investigations will continue to wind generated electrical power, and the possibilities of Methane production. Also, the clearing of our woodlands of weed species is making fire wood available to many Islanders for space heating and the reforestation program will result in a supply being available for future generations. Mr. Speaker and Members of the Legislative Assembly: During the past year there have been numerous requests from groups in the Province for the Government to increase its social programs and welfare benefits. While my Government is conscious of the importance of maintaining excellent standards of social programs it also has a responsibility to ensure that expenditures of public funds are balanced for the long term benefit of Island society as a whole. Mr. Speaker: Social programs presently account for the vast majority of Government expenditures. During 1976 expenditures for Education were five times greater than for Agriculture, over three times greater for Health than for Highways, and over ten times greater for Social Services than for Fisheries. These examples, chosen randomly, illustrate the extent to which resources are allocated to provide necessary social benefits. In all cases, departments that are mandated to create wealth in the province receive less than those which deliver social programs. Therefore, Mr. Speaker, my Government is reluctant to increase further social programs at the expense of the other departments. Nor, in my Government's opinion is it desirable to request the taxpayers of the province to provide more through an increase in taxes. My Government pledges not to increase taxes. Therefore, possibilities of improving social programs lie with reviewing priorities within our departments and adhering to the principle stated beforehand; we must do more with less. Given these constraints, my Government will, nevertheless, strive to improve its social programs. In the field of Social Services there will be more emphasis placed upon providing day care services. Also, the Department of Social Services, in cooperation with other departments, will investigate the possibilities of developing increased job and residential options for the Disabled. In the field of Health, my Government pledges continued support to the Rural Community Hospitals. Acute Care Facilities will be maintained in these hospitals. Mental Health Services will also be strengthened and improved. The consumption of alcohol is becoming a subject of increasing concern throughout our Province, therefore, my Government will intensify its efforts to discourage the abuses of alcohol. Further changes in Health will be contemplated on the basis of the recently held public discussions on the department's Green Paper. In the field of Justice you will be asked to consider legislation to provide for the reform of Family Law. In order to reduce highway accidents, steps will be taken to establish a Highway Safety Council that will have a presence in each of the five Regional Services Centres. In the coming year a new Law Courts Building will be constructed. Also, a new Correctional Centre will be completed and in association with this new facility a Citizen's Advisory Committee will be established. During the forthcoming year my Government, through the Department of Education, will introduce new vocational courses in order to equip students with skills related to farming, fishing and small business. A new Junior High School in Unit 3 will be constructed and high school facilities in Montague will be extended. This year will also witness the completion of the extension of the Evangeline School as well as the beginning of construction of the Education Centre in Unit I. In the coming year increased attention will be given to the maintenance and improvement of Island highways. It is the intention of my Government to continue the resurfacing of the Trans Canada Highway. In cooperation with the federation of municipalities, my Government will, over the coming year, develop a new grants structure for municipalities. In addition, my Government will undertake a series of studies on municipal transportation requirements using the fund commited for this purpose by the Government of Canada. Delivery of Government Services to the people of Eastern Prince will be improved by a new Regional Services Centre in Summerside. Care will be taken to ensure that this new facility will be designed and located in a manner that will complement the Phase 1I development of Downtown Summerside. In an effort to increase its understanding and improve communication with Acadian communities throughout the Province, my Government has established "Comité Acadien" through which it will continue to work diligently in the coming year. In cases of financial hardship, my Government will inaugurate in the coming fiscal year, a system of property tax deferment for senior citizens. Since registered Status Indians are not provided with many of the regular social benefits from the Province, you will be asked to approve legislation that will exempt them from the payment of sales tax under the Revenue Tax Act. My Government will continue to maintain close and cooperative arrangements with our sister provinces who are associated with us in the Council of Maritime Premiers. Specifically, you will be asked to approve legislation to make more uniform Land Registration Transactions in the Region: and my Government will continue to support regional efforts to improve economic development in the Region by supporting the efforts of the voluntary economic advisors that were appointed during the past year. During the forthcoming year my Government anticipates considerable discussion with other provincial governments as well as with the Federal Government in regard to reviewing the constitution and my Government will do its utmost to contribute positively to this process. In addition to the measures already specified, you will be asked to consider other legislative proposals including an act to allow Access to Public Information. You will be asked to appropriate the funds required for the services and payments required by this Assembly. ??