Province Législature Session Type de discours Date du discours Locuteur Fonction du locuteur Parti politique Nouveau-Brunswick 46e 1re Discoursdu trône 27 février1968 M. Wallace Samuel Bird Lieutenant-Gouverneur PL For the first time in my capacity as Her Majesty's representative it is my pleasure and privilege to extend to each of you a most cordial welcome to this first session of the Forty-Sixth Legislative Assembly of the Province of New Brunswick. I am deeply grateful for the opportunity that has been accorded me to render service to Her Majesty and to our beloved province of New Brunswick. In the discharge of my responsibilities I will draw great inspiration from the work of my distinguished predecessor in this office. I know that we are united in our prayers for him, for his gracious wife and for the members of his family. Changes in the judiciary were effected recently. Completing periods of distinguished judicial service, the Hon. William J. West and the Hon. W. A. I. Anglin retired from the Supreme Court of New Brunswick. Judge C. J. A. Hughes has been elevated from the County Court to the appeal division of the Supreme Court. Mr. Justice Louis McCoskery Ritchie has been named as district judge in admiralty while continuing his responsibilities as a judge of the Supreme Court of New Brunswick. This occasion reminds us forcibly of the precious heritage of law and liberty that has emerged from our parliamentary system under the Crown. It is most fitting, therefore, that at this time and in this place we reaffirm our allegiance to Her Most Gracious Majesty Elizabeth II Queen of Canada and head of the Commonwealth. It is also appropriate and important that we here reaffirm confidence in our Canadian Confederation. We ought to testify both to the solid accomplishments of our past and to the enormous possibilities that summon us in the future. Canada is a most successful venture in building a united nation through the use of federal forms. My government is in complete agreement with the view that and I quote: "in a world such as this, it is not possible that the destiny of Canadians will be better realized by weakening our federation any more than it is possible that our promise will be fulfilled by diminishing the diversity which is so much a part of ... (Canada) ... Canada's promise lies in the growth of the elements of which it is composed; and in the growth of a Canada which is greater than the sum of its parts. Only a narrow or static view of our country and of the world would lead one to believe that Canada can develop by the process of subtraction: that one linguistic community, or region, can grow by reducing the capacity of Canada: or that Canada can grow by reducing the capacity of one or more of its communities or regions." My government, therefore, has been an active and concerned participant in the several meetings and conferences called to take stock of our federalism and to determine those policies and responses that are required of Canadians and their governments today to ensure the continued unity and progress of Canada in the years ahead. In company with other provincial governments of this region my government has made strong representations for a revitalized Canadian federalism that will accelerate social and economic development in the Atlantic region. At the same time, those representations have insisted that the nation can survive and realize its potential only if Canada maintains the forces of national cohesion through strong central government. A second aspect of our national stocktaking has been greatly aided by the publication of Volume One of the Final Report of the Royal Commission on Bilingualism and Biculturalism. That document called on New Brunswick to share in a national program to revitalize the Canadian spirit and Canadian unity. Many of the steps requested of New Brunswick by the Royal Commission had already been undertaken previously by my government. For many years, French and English have been used in this House of Assembly. During this session a new simultaneous translation service will come into operation. It is a technical means to achieve a greater equality of status for the two languages. New translation services have been developed for government departments and agencies. Major programs have been developed to provide sound educational and professional training services to both English-speaking and French-speaking citizens of New Brunswick. Steps have been taken to achieve equality of language rights in the courts. However, a highly-charged and fateful moment in our national history clearly requires new dimensions of provincial response. Thus it is the view of my government that this province must now accept a special role within a new Canada-wide effort to deepen national unity in this country of two basic cultures. You will be asked therefore, to support measures by which New Brunswick will become officially and practically a province of two official languages--English and French -- within the context of a new national regime in this regard. My government will propose a resolution adopting such a proposal in principle. Appropriate legislation will then be presented, designed to give effect to such a policy. My government is aware that full implementation of such a program will not be achieved simply or immediately, but it is confident that such a program corresponds to a deep desire in our people to contribute to the unity and strength of our nation and to achieve full cultural and linguistic equality for the citizens of this province. In addition to full cultural and linguistic equality, the well-being of our citizens clearly requires that we continue to fashion a better society, based on a stronger economy. My government is fully committed to those objectives. This past year has witnessed the continued growth of the economy of New Brunswick. This is particularly gratifying in view of adverse weather conditions that seriously affected agricultural harvests, and in view of equally formidable problems that confronted our fisheries industry due to weaker markets, poor catches of certain species, and storm damage. In spite of these problems and a general uneasiness in the continental and world economy, New Brunswick registered very encouraging growth rates. My government expects that our 1967 provincial growth rate will reflect a rate of increase almost 1% better than the growth increase for Canada as a whole. In the field of capital investment, the rate of increase in 1967 was substantially higher than the national rate. Our growth rate in retail trade and in manufacturing shipments was also well above that of the nation, and the rate of increase in our weekly wages and salaries kept pace with the national rate. The record of the New Brunswick Electric Power Commission is indicative of the strength and importance of our economic growth. Annual gross generation and purchases of power exceeded three billion kilowatt hours for the first time. The Commission's program of capital construction was the largest in its history. A 100,000-kilowatt thermal unit was commissioned at Courtenay Bay. Power from the first 100,000-kilowatt unit at Mactaquac joined the system for the first time just over one month ago. Two more units at Mactaquac will go into operation this year. The Commission also pressed ahead with its program of interconnections with other systems in this area of the continent, and undertook major work to improve and upgrade the transmission system. Other programs undertaken by my government contributed greatly to a year of economic and social advance. The year l967 was a record for the construction of highways and bridges: Contracts were awarded during the year for construction of the remaining section of the Trans- Canada Highway between Florenceville and Andover. Substantial progress was achieved in the construction of a major new arterial highway from St. Stephen to Sussex. The year's program of reconstructing and resurfacing rural roads was the largest in the history of the department. A major program for the construction of bridges culminated in the opening of the Miramichi Centennial Bridge and the start of construction of the Burton Bridge. My government negotiated a new agreement with the Atlantic Development Board for the construction of highways. This agreement provided for the expenditure of $10 million on the arterial highway system with a board contribution of $7 1/2 million. In addition to its regular projects, the Department of Agriculture cooperated with the Federal Price Stabilization Board to implement three programs to assist potato producers who had experienced very serious market problems. The starch diversion and potato feed programs were financed by the federal authorities, while the potato disposal program was financed jointly with the province. The total amount of assistance to the industry amounted to $1,900,000. My government also devoted major sums to programs of hospital construction and the development of educational facilities of all kinds. During the past year the Department of Municipal Affairs completed the organization of 12 regional offices charged with carrying out the assessment function and with administering several types of programs that are now the responsibility of the province. On January 1, 1967 the new city of Saint John came into existence with a large territory that will receive the benefits of streamlined services and a population in excess of 90,000 people. My government commends the former municipal councils for carrying out the amalgamation so effectively and harmoniously. During the year, 13 new villages were created, with boundary extensions in five others. The town of Tracadie enlarged its boundaries, and several new local service districts were established. The municipal and school board elections held on June 12 revealed great interest throughout New Brunswick in the programs and responsibilities of these institutions. The net warrants of cities, towns and villages totalled over $20.4 million in 1967. Under policies of my government, provincial grants of over $10.1 million were paid to the municipalities, representing almost half the sum required. My government continued to give a high priority to the development and improvement of programs for youth. A Youth Conference was held to discuss aspirations and needs of youth in New Brunswick. One hundred high school students participated, drawn from all areas of the province. The first New Brunswick Winter Games received strong support from my government. Over 400 young people participated in this splendid venture and plans are being made for a continuation of this program. During the past year, my government inaugurated a new scholarship and bursary plan. University entrance scholarships, each valued at $200, were awarded to 377 students who received honor standing in their departmental examinations. In addition, my government has provided just under $470,000 in bursary grants to students during the current academic year. More than 1,000 students have benefited from this program. The government of Canada also operates a student loan plan which has been of benefit to many students. Over 5,000 students have availed themselves of loans granted under its provisions. Such programs are investments of great importance to both students and society. With the assistance of the Post-Secondary Education Commission, my government has now undertaken a review of student aid policies. My government is reviewing as well the priorities of support for all types of post-secondary institutions, including universities, and technical and vocational training centers. During the past year, the wide-ranging programs of government departments and agencies have contributed much to the social and economic advance of our province. My government is determined to continue and to accelerate the progress of our society and to improve thereby the opportunities available to our people. The many important measures to be placed before you during this session are pursuant to that vital objective. You will be asked to approve amendments to the Executive Council Act that will create new departments in government and regroup existing functions to better serve the needs of our province today. By means of the amendments, the interrelated and vital health and welfare services are to be linked together for more effective planning and programming. A separate Department of Youth is being designed to encourage the fullest possible development of the great potential of our youth. The department will administer programs of student aid, guidance and recreation, and, as well, will assist our communities through programs of cultural development and aid to the arts. A Department of Highways will be established to guide the planning and development of our provincial road system. In the years ahead, a critical restructuring of our Maritime transportation media will take place. The department is now preparing, in cooperation with other departments, a precise statement of the current and future needs of the province for highway transportation capabilities, and the development of a long-range plan to meet those requirements. The Department of Public Works as a result of the amendments proposed by my government will have responsibility for the construction and maintenance of provincial buildings, including regional offices, hospitals, schools and technical colleges, and correctional institutions and jails. A new Department of Economic Growth will result from these changes in government organization. My government regards the purposes and responsibilities of this new department as of critical importance. Long-term social and human development must be founded on a strong and dynamic economy. The desired acceleration of our social progress requires a like acceleration of our rate of economic growth. The Department of Economic Growth is charged with mobilizing the resources of the province and coordinating the programs of government departments and development agencies, so that we may build greater growth based on the very considerable economic accomplishments of recent years. The department will make every effort to achieve collaboration in planning and programs with federal authorities, other provincial governments in our region and the neighboring state of Maine. The Department of Economic Growth will also strengthen our capabilities in the field of transportation planning and policy. For many months, my government has been concerned to enlist the Maritime Provinces in a cooperative effort to study and resolve the transportation problems that are of such critical import to this region. My government is gratified that such a cooperative venture is under way and that better links with federal policy planning will be achieved. The Department of Economic Growth will give a new strength to our work in this field and will link the issues of transportation to the other issues affecting sound economic development. This approach recently proved its effectiveness when the province, the city of Saint John and other agencies joined together to save the important citrus fruit traffic for the Port of Saint John. You will also be asked to approve amendments to the Development Corporation Act, so that the capabilities of that agency may be enlarged and its effectiveness increased thereby. My government will continue programs to achieve a greater rationalization and consolidation of farm units, thereby improving the economic viability of farm operations. My government's development agencies will continue to work for the establishment of additional agriculture-based industries to afford greater economic stability to this important sector of our economy. My government has established a Fish Inspection and Marketing Branch which is directed to improve marketing opportunities ill the province and abroad, and to upgrade processing techniques so as to enhance the market position of our fisheries products. Sizeable exploratory fishing and research programs will be undertaken this year to develop new fishing and product possibilities. Despite difficulties resulting from reductions in federal subsidies, the Fishermen's Loan Board will make available some $3 1/2 millions in loans to fishermen and fish processing firms for the construction of modern vessels. Several projects to assist inshore fishermen will be undertaken by the department in the northeastern region of the province under terms of the federal-provincial regional agreements. My government is greatly concerned to meet the needs of the coal-mining region of New Brunswick. With the rapid decline of markets for coal, serious problems have confronted both the New Brunswick coal industry and the communities based on it. You will be asked to approve a Grand Lake Development Act which will provide legislative authority to establish a development region and program for the coal field area of our province. My government believes that it is of the utmost importance to meet the uncertainties and problems of the region with a sound and coordinated program of industry rationalization and economic development. You will be asked to approve a National Parks Act which will provide authority for the establishment of a second national park in New Brunswick The year 1967 saw accelerated action In the field of pollution abatement and control. Fifteen approvals were granted by the Water Authority for the construction of pollution control and treatment centers, the largest number approved in any one year since the formation of the Authority. My government is gratified that formal agreements will be signed within the next few weeks to inaugurate action programs to control and remove pollution on the St. John River. The forest industry continues to play a key role in the economy of this province. In 1968 my government's reforestation program will carry out the planting of 1,250,000 trees. This program will be stepped up annually to a planting total of 5,000,000 trees by 1972. Despite the competition of Expo the tourist season in New Brunswick as in general a good one last year, and my government is confident that we can expect an increased traffic this year. In this regard, my government will continue to develop tourist attraction s and recreation areas to further stimulate and strengthen the industry. My government has decided that permissive legislation recently enacted will be used to apply the principles of zoning in order to reduce hunting pressure on the deer population. It is the view the government that conservation principles must be followed in this as in all other resource fields in our province. You will be asked to approve amendments to the New Brunswick Housing Act that will improve and extend provincial housing programs. In the current year, the New Brunswick Housing Corporation will press forward its planning activities. Programs of land assembly and public housing will be undertaken at various centers throughout the province. You will also be asked to approve a Condominium Property Act so that this instrument of property development and ownership may be available to our citizens. An amendment to the Senior Citizens Housing Act will be placed before you, providing for increases in grants to approved senior citizens housing projects. You will be asked to approve amendments to the Assessment Act to provide, among other things, for an improved system of "women's exemptions". Amendments to the Municipalities Act will be proposed to improve municipal election procedures. My government will propose amendments to the Unsightly Premises and Automobile Junk Yards Act so that municipalities may use the provisions of these Acts by adopting an appropriate bylaw. You will be asked to approve amendments to the Schools Act that will provide for the division of school districts into wards. My government will place before this assembly a Medical Services Act. This very important measure of social legislation will provide the statutory warrant for a medicare program in New Brunswick. When in force, the Act will make provision for the payment of services on behalf of eligible residents and will meet the requirements of complementary federal legislation for purposes of cost sharing. It is the intention of my government to conduct the business of this session during the course of the coming weeks and during a fall term of this assembly... During the fall term, among other matters, important legislation will be proposed concerning labour relations and general rights of collective bargaining. My government will seek approval for a Public Services Labour Relations Act that will govern collective bargaining and related procedures for those persons who are in the public service, who are employees of boards or agencies supported from the Consolidated Revenue Fund of the province, or who are employees of Crown corporations. My government will also propose major revisions to the general labour legislation of New Brunswick. Numerous other measures for reform of the law and improvement of the public services will be placed before you. These will include an Archives Act which will set forth the important functions and services of the Provincial Archives, including records management and microfilming services. You will be asked to approve a new Loans Act. Measures will be submitted to you relating to fatal accidents and inquiries into fatalities. My government will propose an amendment to the Ombudsman Act to ensure that this office is not hindered in its work on behalf of the citizen. You will be asked to approve amendments to the Companies Act the Post-Secondary Education Commission Act, the Highway Act, the Auxiliary Classes Act, the Motor Vehicle Act and the Financial Administration Act. You will also be asked to approve a measure to amend the Income Tax Act to bring its provisions into conformity with the federal statute. The Public Accounts for the fiscal period ending the 31st day of March 1967, a statement of the estimated revenues and expenditures for the current fiscal year, and the estimates for the coming fiscal year will also be placed before you. In leaving you now to your responsibilities, I do so in the confidence that you are resolved to take such counsel together as will advance the progress of New Brunswick and the welfare of all our people. May Divine Providence guide you in your deliberations.