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 61			   3	   Discours du Trône/Speech from the Throne 15-11-2001		  Hon. J. Leonce Bernard Lieutenant-governor		Progressive Conservative


P.E.I: Speech from the Throne, Third Session of the Sixty -First General Assembly, 
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 15, 2001

Madame la Présidente et membres de l’Assemblée législative, I am pleased to welcome 
you to the Third Session of the Sixty-First General Assembly of Prince Edward Island. It is 
indeed an honour to deliver, on behalf of My Government, my first Speech from the 
Throne since becoming Her Majesty's representative six months ago. 
Since this Assembly last convened, our world has been forever altered in many respects. 
The tragic events of September 11 have precipitated much reflection. Freedom and 
democracy, ideals of this very Chamber, have been ruthlessly challenged. As our sons and 
daughters are deployed to a far off land in defence of those ideals, we honour their bravery, 
and await their safe return. 
We pay tribute to the many heroes - to the firefighters and police officers, soldiers, 
emergency workers and volunteers, and to the countless Islanders who opened their hearts 
during the recent state of crisis. 
We are reminded of the selfless commitment of our own Prince Edward Island heros, 
particularly our volunteer firefighters - those individuals who risk so much in the name of 
safe and secure communities. My Government re-commits itself to ensuring that their 
needs are continually addressed and their service is honoured.  

Cette année étant l'Année internationale des volontaires, mon gouvernement souhaite 
reconnaître tous ceux et celles qui se dévouent pour les autres. Ainsi, nous désirons 
remercier les personnes qui portent assistance à nos citoyennes et citoyens âgés, celles qui 
éclairent nos jeunes, celles qui défendent les intérêts des plus vulnérables, celles qui 
apportent leur aide aux invalides et celles qui contribuent à faire de leur collectivité un 
endroit où il fait bon vivre. 

A Collective Approach 
In 1996, Islanders opted for a new direction by placing confidence in My Premier and 
Government. Since that time, much progress has been made in an effort to make all 
Islanders fully aware that My Government serves in the best interests of Prince Edward 
Island and Islanders. 
My Government continues to be steadfast in supporting measures which it initiated to 
ensure that the approach to governing is open, transparent and accountable. My 
Government renews its commitment to: 

? two sittings of the Legislative Assembly annually so that the business of government is 
directed from this Chamber; 
? weekly office hours for Honourable Members to meet directly with Islanders; 
? regular town hall meetings so that community concerns can be voiced and considered; 
? frequent meetings of the Cabinet outside of Charlottetown so that community leaders are 
afforded an opportunity to express priorities and discuss issues of mutual interest; 
? television cameras in this Assembly so that all Islanders can observe their 
representatives in this important forum; 
? relevant pre-budget consultations; 
? the establishment of legislation which gives all Islanders increased access to records and 
information held by My Government; and 
? direct service delivery to Islanders in their own communities via expansion of the 
Access PEI concept. 

Measured Progress 
My Government is intensely optimistic about Prince Edward Island's future because of its 
many achievements in a very short time. My Government is doing what it said it would do, 
and its plan is working. 
We are proud of the fact that more Islanders were employed this year than ever before. 
We know that our economy continues to diversify so that over-dependence on traditional 
sectors is less of a challenge. 
Islanders have conveyed their support for My Government's increased investments in 
health care and education. 
Our communities are stronger and more empowered to take advantage of opportunity and 
independence. 
Prince Edward Island is better equipped to deal with financial uncertainty because of My 
Government's balanced and prudent approach to fiscal management and tax relief. 

An Immediate Challenge 
The global economy has recently displayed man y real signs of stagnation. For the most 
part, Canadians are exercising increased consumer caution, resulting in a reduced 
projection for economic growth. 
Despite this international trend, Prince Edward Island is clearly demonstrating that our 
own economy continues to perform well. Retail sales remain strong, housing starts and 
purchases continue to be solid, labour market participation is robust and sound fiscal 
management continues to attract investment. Nevertheless, Prince Edward Islands 
economic health is still largely dependent on the relative performance of our fellow 
Canadians. 
Last month, My Provincial Treasurer received word from her federal colleagues that 
funding under the Equalization Program will be significantly less than originally forecast 
at budget preparation. This reduction in funding is due in large part to the relatively poor 
performance of the provincial economies in central and western Canada. 
In approaching this short-term challenge, however, My Premier and Government are 
cognizant of the priorities of Islanders. My Government will respect the progress made 
over the past five years in the areas of collective bargaining, community hospitals and 
small schools. It is also fully aware that Prince Edward Island is better positioned than 
most to weather the impending fiscal uncertainty. 

Building a Partnership for Growth 
Each and every Islander is entitled to the chance to earn a wage and to be a productive 
contributor to our society. My Government takes this assumption seriously, and continues 
to develop initiatives to provide Islanders with opportunity in the small business, industry 
and tourism sectors. 
Several initiatives have been, and will continue to be, undertaken to create a spirit of 
entrepreneurship in Prince Edward Island. My Government firmly believes that the key to 
a prosperous future is in the capacity of small business to create jobs and opportunity for 
our province. 
The strength of our economy continues to be the growth and development of small 
business. This past year, the Small Business Employee Support Program created 224 new 
jobs by partnering with small business. Support for the small business sector will continue 
to be a high priority for My Government. 
Our craft and giftware sector continues to be a major area of focus for growth and business 
development. Several initiatives, such as the Studio Tour and the Craft Bursary Program, 
are efforts to strengthen this important sector. My Government will support a Buyers 
Market that will take place in January 2002 to enhance wholesale purchases of Island 
products by retailers. 
My Government continues to emphasize the development of export markets. Exports from 
this province increased by 95 percent since 1996. Our export growth has been among the 
highest in Canada. 
One component of our export development plan includes the planning and execution of 
trade missions. The primary benefits of these initiatives are the development of business 
partnerships and the accumulation of market intelligence. However, sales are a more 
tangible means of evaluating success. Actual and projected sales from mission activities 
over the last 12 months approaches $16.5 million. 
The tourism industry continues to make a significant contribution to the provincial 
economy. Preliminary results for the 2001 season indicate both an increase in overall 
visitation and an increase in tourism spending. Although tourism was generally down 
across the region and throughout Canada this year, our province was able to outperform its 
primary competitors. Clearly, our province's tourism strategy is working. 
This past year we saw the development of major new tourism attractions on the Island, 
including Founders Hall on the historic Charlottetown waterfront, the new Rodd Crowbush 
Golf and Beach Resort in Lakeside and the new Visitor Information Centre in Mount 
Pleasant. 
On October 13, My Minister of Tourism released the Report of the Signage Review 
Committee. This report sets out a plan to remain at the forefront of signage policy in this 
country. Over the next several weeks, the recommendations contained in this report will be 
studied, and My Government will formulate an action plan in partnership with industry and 
interested Islanders. 
En outre, un deuxième rapport compilé récemment recommande un plan de revitalisation 
des routes pittoresques partout dans la province. En effet, l'Étude des routes touristiques 
dresse un programme qui permettra aux visiteurs de jouir de la beauté naturelle de l'Î.-P.-É. 
et de découvrir les charmes de ses nombreuses collectivités rurales. 
An equally important initiative that was carried out this past year was a review of our 
Provincial Parks system. Our parks are one of our greatest treasures and it has been many 
years since they were given the attention they deserve. The recommendations to improve 
our parks system will be examined closely by My Government. 

A Culture of Innovation 
Despite all that Prince Edward Island has been able to accomplish toward a stronger 
economic position, we can never allow ourselves to become complacent. In order for our 
province to succeed within the new economy, we must solidify those things which we do 
best and aggressively seize emerging opportunities. 
Given the uncertainty around the present global dynamic, there is a real need to take stock 
and plan for the future. Therefore, My Government will establish The Premiers Task 
Group on Economic Opportunity. This body of 12 of our province’s most creative and 
innovative individuals will report directly to My Premier on new means to create wealth 
and employ Islanders. 
Prince Edward Island has developed into a significant player in the Research and 
Development Sector of the Canadian economy. A network of over 200 Island scientists in 
private and public facilities are contributing to the growth and commercialization of 
research. To take advantage of those emerging opportunities, My Government will create 
and implement a Life Sciences Development Strategy for Prince Edward Island. 
New health research opportunities also create economic benefits for the province. My 
Government' s investments in Island health-research initiatives brought over $500,000 of 
national research funding to the province this year. A partnership with the National Cancer 
Institute of Canada brought another $200,000 to our province for cancer research. 
My Government will continue to provide financial support to the Prince Edward Island 
Health Research Institute this year. 
The Atlantic Technology Centre (A TC), scheduled for opening next year, has peaked 
great interest from the local and national technology industry. My Government has made, 
and will continue to make, announcements concerning ATC tenants who will provide 
employment opportunities for Islanders. 

A Healthy Populace 
With spending at well over $300 million a year, Health and Social Services is by far the 
largest expenditure My Government makes on behalf of, and in the best interests of, Prince 
Edward Islanders. Over the past five years, My Government has increased annual funding 
for health and social services by $55 million, an increase of 19 per cent. 
This investment has been made to meet immediate need s, to address critical issues facing 
the sustainability of the system, and to provide for critical funding in areas identified by the 
health community and all Islanders. 
Construction of a new hospital for East Prince continues ahead of schedule, and the 
establishment of additional long-term care beds in West Prince will proceed. 
A new MRI and enhanced cancer treatment services will be delivered by My Government. 
Installation of the new services and equipment will require the addition of a 15,000 
square-foot expansion to the Queen Elizabeth Hospital, as well as major renovations to the 
provincial cancer treatment centre and diagnostic imaging department. 
Human resources are the most important component in the delivery of quality health care. 
My Government recognizes that the access to quality services is largely dependent on the 
women and men who care for our citizens. 
To assist in human resource planning, a comprehensive Human Resource Supply and 
Demand Analysis is now being coordinated by My Government. This important analysis 
will identify supply, demand and training issues over the next five years and provide us 
with a plan for future human resource needs. 
My Government’s $9.5 million Nursing Recruitment and Retention Strategy continues to 
produce positive results. 
Fifteen new registered nursing positions will be created this year. This is in addition to 28 
permanent positions created in 2000-2001. 
The Bachelor Degree in Nursing Sponsorship Program will sponsor at least 24 third- and 
fourth-year students this academic year by providing nursing students with $2,400 per year 
for tuition and education expenses. 
My Government has approved a four-year plan to increase the number of students admitted 
to the UPEI School of Nursing. We have supported an additional 14 new seats at the 
school, bringing the total number of seats to 59, an increase of 31 percent. 
Although we are facing challenges in some areas, our physician recruitment strategy is 
meeting with considerable success, and strengthening our position in a very competitive 
physician recruitment market. During this past year, 17 full-time and three part-time 
physicians began practice in Prince Edward Island. 
An additional 34 locum physicians came to the Island on temporary assignments. 
Contracts have also been signed with five additional physicians who will begin practice in 
our province before the end of this year, and several more who are committed to joining us 
in coming years. 
The primary care system, namely family doctors, nurses and other health professionals 
working in family practice settings, is the first line of support to Islanders with health 
needs. Working with our health professionals, My Government will support and encourage 
primary care redesign initiatives which provide improved access to health services. 
My Government continues to implement a new provincial Disability Support Program to 
better meet the individual needs of persons with a disability. This is the first program in 
Canada to remove disability supports from income support programs. 
During the coming year, new regional outreach addiction services will be introduced. A 
provincial Addictions Advisory Committee will also be established to ensure a strong link 
between addiction services and the community. 
Since 1999, My Governments funding for subsidized residents in private nursing homes 
has been increased by $2.2 million, which represents an increase of 45 per cent. My 
Government will continue to assess and address needs within this important component of 
our health-care system. 
The subsidy to Community Care Facility residents was also increased from $35 per day to 
$45 per day effective April l, 2000, the second increase in two years. Since 1998, there has 
been a 55 per cent increase in the daily subsidy rate for residents of community-care 
facilities. 

In both private nursing homes and government manors, a comfort allowance is provided to 
residents whose cost of care is subsidized. This year, My Government increased the 
monthly comfort allowance from $82 to $103 per month. This 20 per cent increase was the 
first since 1992. 

Additional resources will be committed by My Government to implement a provincial 
diabetes program which focuses on diabetes education and management to address the 
increasing number of Islanders diagnosed each year with Type 2 diabetes. 

A new Supported Adoptions Program will be implemented in 2002 to encourage the 
adoption of children with special needs who are in the permanent care of the province, and 
to provide adoptive parents equal access to services that support the developmental needs 
of adopted children. 

Mon gouvernement s'est engagé à investir dans les technologies des communications et de 
l'information afin d'améliorer la qualité des services de santé et des services sociaux et 
l'accès à ces services, ainsi qu'à fournir de l'information pour la planification, l'évaluation 
et la recherche. 

A Common Client Registry is now in the final stages of completion, linking hospital 
admitting and discharge systems, pharmacy information systems, billing systems, vital 
statistics and new case management systems which enable health professionals to develop, 
monitor and share client-centred care plans. 

A new radiology information system is now being established to automate and standardize 
radiology services. When fully operational next year, this system will provide the 
infrastructure to acquire and forward diagnostic images throughout PEI and the Atlantic 
provinces. 


Our Commitment to Lifelong Learning 

My Government is committed to ensuring that all Islanders, regardless of age, or what 
special needs they might have, are afforded lifelong learning opportunities. 

From kindergarten to Grade 12, and from Grade 12 to post-secondary and adult training, 
our society is heavily dependent upon the ability of our citizens to continually gain new 
skills and renew existing ones. 

My Government considers its kindergarten program to be an important initiative on behalf 
of Island children. Enrolment increased by 12 per cent during the first year of this publicly 
funded, community-based program. 

As part of our commitment to address the issue of wages for those Islanders who work in 
the early childhood development field, My Government increased funding to support those 
important educators. 

A cornerstone to My Government’s philosophy is a commitment to ensuring quality 
education for Island students in their own communities. Despite declining school 
enrolments, the number of approved teaching positions will be maintained for this school 
year and for the coming two years. Our estimates tell us this initiative will maintain at least 
54 teaching positions over the three-year period. 

My Minister of Education will be instructing his department, in collaboration with school 
boards, to develop a plan that will address the issue of class sizes in primary grades. We 
want to ensure that our youngest students within the public school system will receive the 
very best head start in their lifelong learning journey. 

This year we have continued our investment in public school infrastructure. Major capital 
construction projects are underway at Parkdale Elementary, Miscouche Consolidated and 
the new French school and community centre that will serve the Summerside / Miscouche 
region. This important program has recognized the needs of communities, and has 
solidified our educational infrastructure for years to come. 

Notre partenariat avec Patrimoine Canada garantit la qualité de l'éducation et l'offre de 
programmes culturels à la communauté acadienne et francophone de l'Île. Outre les écoles 
actuelles et les centres communautaires d'Abram-Village et de Charlottetown, ce 
partenariat nous permet d'offrir l'éducation en langue maternelle française dans les régions 
de Summerside, de Prince-Ouest et de Rustico. 
Our Island schools are the envy of many provinces. All of our schools are connected to the 
Internet and we are making great strides in the area of integrating technology into our 
school curriculum. Prince Edward Island was the first Canadian province to have every 
school and library connected to the Internet, and continues to pioneer new IT learning 
strategies. 
This coming fiscal year My Government will, once again, provide an additional $1 million 
to the operating budgets of Rolland College and the University of Prince Edward Island. 
This financial commitment represents the final installment of a three-year plan. 
My Government recognizes the financial challenges facing post-secondary students in 
Prince Edward Island. Last year, we created the Island Student A ward Program and the 
Community Service Bursary Program. 
The Island Student Award Program provides Island students attending their third and 
fourth years at the University of Prince Edward Island or their second year at Rolland 
College or Collège de l'Acadie with a $600 bursary to offset tuition and other academic 
costs. Since the program was introduced last year, 1,190 Island students have received 
awards under this program. 
The Community Service Bursary Program is also a tremendous success. It provides Island 
students an opportunity to gain valuable community volunteer experience, while earning 
up to $500 in tuition credits. As a result, non-profit organizations are afforded an 
opportunity to work with youth and increase the services offered to clients. 
In recognition of the important role of the student financial assistance program, My 
Government has negotiated a five-year lending agreement with the Credit Unions of Prince 
Edward Island. Island Credit Unions have a strong connection with Island communities 
and we look forward to a successful partnership in delivering this service to Island 
students. 
Many sectors and both levels of government have identified a number of current and future 
skills shortages within this province' s labour market. My Government is working with its 
federal colleagues in the development of a plan which will take measures to rectify skill 
shortages, particularly within the trades field. 
My Government recognizes the increasingly complex challenges in the area of special 
education in Island schools. Our new autism consultant is assisting with the development 
of a provincial autism policy. Our goal is to enhance existing capacity to more adequately 
address the needs of children with Autism Spectrum Disorders. 
A provincial Special Education Policy is being finalized that will provide for a continuum 
of support services so that students with special educational needs can achieve learning 
results. The policy reflects the philosophy of inclusion and will be implemented by My 
Government. 
Improving literacy levels for all Islanders is a significant priority. My Government has 
initiated a Literacy Awareness Campaign, as well as a highly successful Summer Tutoring 
Program for students in grades 1 to 6. The Summer Tutoring Program maintains and 
strengthens the literacy skills of young Islanders while providing meaningful summer 
employment for post-secondary students who are considering a teaching career. 

Our Traditional Industries-A Productive Partnership with the Environment 
Farming, the fishery and forestry are integral contributors to the social and economic fabric 
of all Island communities, and they will continue to be a strong underpinning of Prince 
Edward Island's economy in the future. 
Policies and programs which have the common goal of improving returns to these 
industries while protecting and enhancing soil and water resources for present and future 
generations continue to be advanced. 
My Government introduced the province's first Drinking Water Strategy because it 
understands that access to a clean and safe water supply is vital. This comprehensive plan 
includes well field protection programs, strengthened environmental regulations and 
working with municipalities toward better water and waste-water infrastructure protection. 
Existing environmental protection legislation will be strengthened and enforced so that 
future generations of Islanders can enjoy the natural environment with which Islanders of 
today have been blessed. 

Agriculture 
Significant progress is being achieved in the implementation of the Food Strategy for 
Prince Edward Island. In the past year, FOODTRUST of Prince Edward Island was 
incorporated to provide industry direction and leadership in the production, processing and 
marketing of safe, high-quality products from sustainable management systems. 
In order to support the brand standards which have been established, My Minister of 
Agriculture and Forestry is currently developing a new sustainable resource policy. 
Building on the success of the Agricultural and Environmental Resources Conservation 
Program, the new policy will incorporate a number of sustainable practices including crop 
rotations, integrated pest management, soil and water conservation and nutrient 
management planning. 
As markets continue to expand for organically produced food, My Government will 
continue to work with this sector of the industry to develop new strategies that will result in 
increased organic production. These important initiatives will be expanded and new 
partnerships created to ensure the sector can achieve its growing potential. 
This year, drought conditions resulted in significant concern within our agriculture 
industry. It is important that our agriculture safety net programs meet the needs of 
producers who are affected by circumstances beyond their control. That is why My 
Government will continue to work with the industry and with its federal and provincial 
counterparts to offer safety net programs which are effective, equitable and affordable. 

My Government will continue to partner with Island livestock producers products and 
markets. 

Adapting to new economic opportunities requires new approaches to managing and using 
information, to finding and connecting with market opportunities, and to building 
communities of interest. FarmNet is one initiative that My Government is pursuing to help 
our industries identify, develop and use the skills and tools they require for success in this 
changing economy. 
Les personnes et l'information forment la valeur principale de tout réseau. FarmNet 
fournira aux personnes des secteurs de l'agriculture et de l'agroalimentaire la plate-forme, 
les renseignements et les possibilités d'apprentissage dont elles ont besoin afin de s'adapter 
aux fluctuations de l'économie et créer la prochaine génération de compétences et d'outils 
nécessaires au succès de demain. 
Fruit production in this province continues to expand. My Government is excited about the 
possibilities these crops offer in an effort to further diversify our agriculture industry. 
We will continue to work with industry stakeholders so that emerging opportunities can be 
seized. 

Fisheries and Aquaculture 
The fishing and aquaculture sectors are extremely important to our Island economy. Last 
year alone, landings were in excess of 156 million pounds with a landed value of $145 
million. These industries employ more than 9,000 Islanders and, together with the service 
sector, contribute approximately $300 million in overall economic impact. 
While, for the most part, Fisheries resources are bountiful, care must be taken and attention 
must be given to ensure their long-term maintenance and sustainability. 
My Government will continue to support the industry in seeking a fair and equitable share 
of fisheries resources for Prince Edward Island. As well, support will be sought from the 
federal government to provide a higher level of protection for the Island’s fishery. 

Scientific research and development will continue to be priorities of My Government. The 
Lobster Strategy will be proceeded into its third year and comprehensive data will be 
collected to assist in the management of this fundamental resource. 
My Government believes in the value of the aquaculture sector. Therefore, it will work 
closely with industry and its federal colleagues to research methods to reduce the impact of 
unwanted species such as green crab, clubbed tunicate and Codium. 
Partnerships have been developed to help prepare the aquaculture industry for a review of 
mussel and oyster sites in the context of navigation and environmental assessment. This 
partnership is essential to ensure the shellfish industry continues to provide economic 
benefits to the citizens of this province. 

Forestry 
My Government's commitment to sustainable management applies to our forest resources 
as well. In the coming year, we will complete an extensive corporate land-use inventory. 
This inventory will provide current land-use information which can be applied to planning 
in agriculture, forestry, tourism, the environment and to community and urban 
development. 
The State of the Forest report will be issued in 2002. This important report will provide an 
accurate and comprehensive picture of the province's entire forest resource, including its 
makeup, age and health. The report will be an invaluable tool in guiding the sustainable 
management of the forest resource, and in the development of new strategic directions. 
Increasing wealth-creating opportunities from the forest resource is a priority of My 
Government. A Public Forest Council, with participation from the private sector, will be 
established to work with local communities to identify non-timber, value-added 
opportunities. 
My Government will focus in earnest on the economic and employment potential of all 
provincially owned land. Additionally, the establishment of a program to provide financial 
and technical assistance for landowners to improve the sustainability, productivity and 
economic potential of their woodlot will be implemented by My Government.

Communities-A Cornerstone of Prosperity 
Since 1996, a new partnership has been cultivated between Island communities and My 
Government because the benefit s, both social and economic, of strong and vibrant 
communities are immeasurable. 
During this the International Year of Volunteers, it is appropriate that we acknowledge the 
contribution made to our communities by individual Islanders. It should be noted that over 
the past three years, Prince Edward Island is the only jurisdiction in Canada where the 
volunteer rate has increased. 
In recognition of the tremendous devotion of Islanders to the volunteer sector, My 
Government will establish a new program called SAVE - Students Assisting Voluntary 
Endeavours. Every year, for the next three years, three charitable organizations will be 
provided with the services of a University of Prince Edward Island student. These nine 
students will work on marketing plans, fundraising, or any other project that will both be 
educational to the student and assist the volunteer agency. 
Mon gouvernement s'engage à respecter le calendrier de mise en œuvre de la Loi sur les 
services en français et est heureux de constater la reconnaissance des efforts déployés 
jusqu'à maintenant, reconnaissance exprimée par la commissaire aux langues officielles 
dans son plus récent rapport. 
Over the course of the past year, 34 new, community-based projects, with a total value of 
$810,000 have been supported. Through its Community Development Fund, My 
Government will continue to partner in the development of projects which reflect an 
enhanced position for Island communities. 

During this fiscal year, My Government is proud to support, via the Canada-Prince Edward 
Island Infrastructure Program, 57 initiatives to enhance environmental, cultural, 
recreational and affordable housing infrastructure in communities across the province. 
This program reflects a continued effort by the three levels of government in this province 
to work in partnership toward enhancements in community infrastructure.
Building effective community partnerships on public safety issues is a valuable tool. In the 
past year My Government has partnered with a number of community groups on projects 
to advance issues such as bike helmet safety, drinking and driving, seat-belt awareness and 
proper child-seat safety procedures. This effort will be continued in the coming year as My 
Government further engages communities on issues such as driver distraction and 
increased road safety. 
In an effort to enhance the natural environment around Island roads, My Government 
initiated a Highway Naturalization and Enhancement Program which had two successful 
pilot projects in the Charlottetown and Évangéline areas. Building upon this success, My 
Government will expand this resourceful program to interested communities across the 
province. 
Our Designated Scenic Heritage Roads provide a window upon the history of our 
transportation network in rural communities. My Government has developed a Designated 
Scenic Heritage Roads Strategy to partner with communities in preservation of these roads 
through best practices in construction, environmental protection and public education. 
Through the Island Waste Management Corporation, My Government is implementing its 
Integrated Waste Management Strategy. This strategy will guide the development of a 
state-of-the-art indoor compost facility, closure of community landfills across the province 
and adoption of the Waste Watch Program in every household in the province. This will be 
of tremendous environmental benefit to present and future generations of Islanders. 
Recent tragic events in the United States have placed renewed focus upon the importance 
of preserving and protecting our hard-fought freedoms. Islanders have served with honour 
and distinction around the globe both in peacetime and in war. As a small form of 
recognition and gratitude for this ongoing service, My Government will designate a section 
of the provincial road network as a Veterans' Memorial Highway to serve as a permanent 
reminder of the courage and commitment of our Island veterans.  


Ensuring a Safe and Just Prince Edward Island 
My Government is deeply concerned about the tragic impact of family violence on our 
Island families and communities. That is why My Premier has directed the Premier's 
Action Committee on Family Violence Prevention to review existing response protocols 
and determine strategies for improvement. The committee will bring their 
recommendations back to the Premier directly. 
My Government has established a working group, including representation from the 
Premier's Office, the Office of the Attorney General and the Department of Health and 
Social Services, which is working closely with the Premier's Action Committee in 
conducting public consultations across the province. This process will be used to update 
the Islands family violence prevention strategy and renew the mandate of the Premier's 
Action Committee on Family Violence Prevention. 
My Government is committed to providing families with proper information and services 
especially when faced with legal issues. With that in mind, My Government, through the 
Office of the Attorney General, will create a refocused family law initiative. Using existing 
resources, a new family law section will be created within the department to provide 
programs and services to families in a coordinated manner. 
Through implementation of a Provincial Strategy on Impaired Driving, My Government 
will continue to support efforts including a focus on youth-related initiatives, such as 
Students Against Driving Drunk. At the same time, other measures, such as increased 
enforcement, public education, legislative changes and program options, will continue to 
be assessed and examined. 
Mon gouvernement mettra à jour sa Stratégie de prévention du crime annoncée pour la 
première fois en 1995, ce qui établira un cadre de travail en matière de prévention du crime 
et contribuera à réduire la crainte et la probabilité de représailles. 
Together with Aboriginal organizations in the province, and with the support of the federal 
government, My Government will work to implement an Aboriginal 

Community Justice Program. Emphasis will include increased participation by Aboriginal 
people and organizations, pro active strategies, as well as cultural awareness training for 
justice and other government officials. 

Conclusion 
During this Session of the General Assembly, My Premier and ministers will be advancing 
a number of important legislative proposals which reflect the collective priorities of 
Islanders and My Government. 
My Government's objectives are the objectives of every Islander. A strong and prosperous 
economy. Better employment opportunities for all. Access to high-quality social services, 
including health care and education. A bright future for our children. 
Honourable Members, Islanders are a justifiably proud and innovative people. I am 
confident that the agenda which I have articulated today will contribute in earnest to a 
proud and innovative Prince Edward Island. 
I leave you now to the business of the session, with full confidence that you will favourably 
discharge your responsibilities. 
May Divine Providence guide this Legislative Assembly in all its deliberations. 
God Bless Prince Edward Island, and God Bless the Queen.