Province Législature Session Type de discours Date du discours Locuteur Fonction du locuteur Parti politique Terre-Neuve et Labrador 36e 3e Discours du Trône 30 janvier 1974 Ewart John Arlington Harnum Lieutenant Gouverneur PC I welcome you to the Third Session of the Thirty-Sixth General Assembly of the Province of Newfoundland. Less than two years ago when my Government first assumed office, the Speech from the Throne expressed deep concern with the very high level of unemployment then extant and the need for creation of thousands of new permanent jobs. The task of meeting the needs of our people was made all the more difficult by reason of inheritance by my Government of the highest per capita provincial debt in Canada. Nevertheless, my Ministers undauntedly assumed their responsibility and proceeded to discharge their undertaking to improve the welfare of my people by careful planning. Accordingly, my Government proceeded to restructure the administration of the Public Service to render it more amenable to the needs of our people; to commission Planning Task Forces to assure that the needs of our people are fully determined and effectively evaluated and assessed; and, generally, to foster, encourage and adopt measures beneficial to the economic and sociological well-being of our people. MR. SPEAKER AND MEMBERS OF THE HONOURABLE HOUSE OF ASSEMBLY: It is a source of deep and abiding satisfaction to my Government that these measures are bearing Bruit. While the past year was replete with grave difficulties in many parts of the world, our people can look back upon 1973 as the most prosperous year in the modern history of our Province. Last year witnessed a marked and significant increase in the numbers of jobs created. At the same time, the number of persons in receipt of short term assistance has been decreased by almost one half since my Government assumed office. The growth rate of the gross provincial product increased at a rate double that experienced by Canada as a whole. Furthermore, it is of considerable significance that during the administration of my Government more of our people have been returning to the Province than ever before. These are merely a few of the indications of the vibrant, virile economy which is being fostered and nurtured by careful and deliberate planning and direction of the economy of Newfoundland and Labrador. My Government stands resolute in its determination to continue to direct the affairs of our people in a careful and vigilant manner only after assessing all of the long term effects and regardless of extraneous pressures. MR. SPEAKER AND MEMBERS OF THE HONOURABLE HOUSE OF ASSEMBLY: While my Government feels justified in expressing confidence in its accomplishments in the first two years of its administration, this Honourable House can be assured that my Government intends to continue its vigorous efforts for the betterment of our people by adoption of appropriate measures only after careful and deliberate planning. In concert with this policy and at the very commencement of its administration, my Government commissioned studies by Task Forces comprised of the most knowledgeable persons available to make recommendations concerning various aspects of Government activity. Many of the Reports of these Task Forces have been received and are being thoroughly analysed by my Ministers to determine the feasibility of their implementation. Some of the measures recommended in these Reports are now being implemented and others will be brought before this Honourable House for consideration in this and ensuing Sessions. One of the major pieces of legislation to be placed before you early in this Session emanates in part from the Report of the Forestry Task Force. As is well known to our people, my Government has always placed great emphasis upon the fullest utilization of our natural resources. The vast forest resources of Newfoundland and Labrador seem to my Ministers to be incapable of optimum development without my Government having a degree of management control over the forests within our Province. Therefore, my Government intends to bring before this Honourable House legislation designed to ensure the ultimate utilization of all productive forest lands situate within Newfoundland and Labrador. My Ministers have given careful thought to this legislation and have drawn upon the best advice available, both within and outside the complement of the Forestry Task Force. Care has been taken to ensure that the vested rights of the two operators of the large pulp and paper mills at Corner Brook and Grand Falls are not, in any way, abrogated. My Government is fully cognizant and appreciative of the immense contributions made to our economy by Bowater’s Newfoundland Limited and Price (Nfld.) Pulp and Paper Limited and their predecessors at Corner Brook and Grand Falls respectively, and looks forward eagerly to the day when these valued corporate citizens are able to bring into full production their entire holdings in this Province. In the meantime, my Government feels it is essential to the welfare of our people that it be placed in the position of being capable of taking all possible measures to ensure the full production of this essential natural resource. My Government is confident that our people will agree that to allow vast areas of our forests to lie fallow because of under production or lack of any production, with my Government being power-less to encourage fuller utilization, would justifiably invite condemnation not only by this generation but by generations yet unborn. My Government intends to research possible markets for all species of timber, particularly the extensive stands of birch, in order to intensify further its policy of fullest utilization of our forest resources. Concurrent with its policy of assuming more complete control of these resources, my Government intends to assume full responsibility for forest protection throughout Newfoundland and Labrador. Intensive assessment of the new methods and equipment required to discharge this increased responsibility is now being conducted. A major factor in the upsurge in our economy has been the vastly accelerated access roads programme initiated by my Government. This programme has resulted in the opening of resources to both small and large mill operators and in the employment of hundreds of persons. My Government is determined to increase markedly this beneficial programme in the confident expectation that such measures will continue to contribute significantly to the revitalization of our economy. MR. SPEAKER AND MEMBERS OF THE HONOURABLE HOUSE OF ASSEMBLY: My Government fully recognizes that the main basic natural resource of this Province is the fishery. Under the direction of my Government, activities of the Fisheries Loan Board have been vastly increased. In the field of diversification and development, my Government anticipates an extremely active year. Emphasis will be placed upon the further training and upgrading of our fishermen's skills. My Government is greatly concerned about the future of our inshore fishery and will solicit the cooperation of the Government of Canada in providing a programme to ensure that its full potential will be realised. Research into the processing of our catches, as well as marketing and specialties, will continue in 1974, together with experimentation in the modernization of the means of harvesting and production. By these measures, my Government continues to discharge its promise to our people to develop, to the fullest extent possible, our oldest and greatest natural resource. Nevertheless, it is becoming increasingly apparent that the greatest problem today is conservation of our fishery stocks to protect the means of livelihood enjoyed by our people for generations. Under the Canadian Constitution, the Government of Canada is responsible for the preservation and conservation of offshore marine life. Our people look forward in anxious anticipation to the International Law of the Sea Conference to be held in Caracas, Venezuela, in June of this year. My Government has endeavoured to impress indelibly upon the Government of Canada the particularly vital importance of this Conference to our Province. Adoption of the principle of control of the marine life on the continental shelf by coastal states is of major importance to the future of our fisheries. It is a source of abiding satisfaction to my Government that representatives of the Government of Canada will be advocating proposals for such control at the Law of the Sea Conference because of the initiative of my Government in obtaining unanimous approval of this principle at the Conference of Premiers held in Charlottetown last summer. Since the important trawler programme previously announced by my Government is now being realized, and in keeping with its policy of careful and deliberate planning, intensive recruitment and training programmes are to be undertaken by the College of Fisheries to ensure that these vessels can be manned adequately and that there is full participation by this Province in the economic benefits of the programme. Planning is continuing and a committee comprised of knowledgeable persons designated by my Government has been established to arrange for implementation of the recommendations of the Planning Task Force on Fisheries. This Honourable House will be informed during this present Session of the projects to be undertaken after due consideration of these recommendations. It is a source of immense satisfaction that, during the past year, our fishermen and plant workers have shared in the strengthening economy which is developing throughout the Province. Prices paid to fishermen and wages for plant workers have reached an all-time high and my Ministers are continuing their efforts to improve the lot of the inshore fishermen by all available means. My Ministers feel that this is merely the first step towards the goal of increasing the standard of living of our fishermen and plant workers. It is proposed to establish Marine Service Centres at strategic locations throughout the Province to enable more fishermen to take advantage of the multi-purpose boat technology which my Government proposes to encourage more extensively. My Government will continue to seek to diversify the fisheries and feels confident that the future of the fisheries is brighter than at any time since the beginning of the present century. It looks forward with confidence to increased landings and additional processing from this basic resource which my Government regards as the mainstay of our economy. MR. SPEAKER AND MEMBERS OF THE HONOURABLE HOUSE OF ASSEMBLY: The importance of our offshore oil resources and our large undeveloped hydro power resources has been forcibly demonstrated in recent months by the energy crisis which is so drastically affecting the Western World. Our Province is blessed with extensive energy potential within its boundaries in the form of undeveloped hydro-electric resources and oil and gas resources within our continental margin. My Government has constantly stated its determination to develop the hydro resources of the Lower Churchill for utilization by the people of this Province. With this in mind, a detailed study has been commissioned to ascertain the feasibility of generating power on the Gull Island site and transporting this energy from the Lower Churchill to all parts of our Province. The results of this study should be known during this current Session and will be imparted to this Honourable House as soon as possible after receipt. In the meantime, my Ministers re-assert their resolve, in concert with the policy of utilizing to the fullest the natural resources of our Province, to realize the maximum conversion of power generated from the Lower Churchill or elsewhere within the confines of the Province for the benefit of all of our people. Active negotiations are continuing with the Government of Canada with regard to the ownership of the Province's offshore resources. My Ministers have diligently sought a solution to the dispute with Ottawa concerning jurisdiction over the mineral resources of the continental margin. It is self-evident that the case of Newfoundland is infinitely stronger than that of any other provincial jurisdiction and my Government is determined to see that these rights are enjoyed by our people to the fullest extent. Therefore, while my Government will continue to negotiate in the hope of arriving at an amicable agreement, the special case of this Province is being prepared and my Ministers will not hesitate to refer the issue for determination by an appropriate independent forum. The increased importance of energy in the lives of our people requires the most efficient management of energy consumed for domestic purposes. With this in mind, my Government has decided to change the status of the Newfoundland and Labrador Power Commission to that of a crown corporation and legislation to effect this change will be presented for your consideration. MR. SPEAKER AND MEMBERS OF THE HONOURABLE HOUSE OF ASSEMBLY: Assisted by the Report of the Planning Task Force on Mining, my Government is making giant strides towards the goal of achieving optimum benefits for our people from the mineral resources of Newfoundland and Labrador. While many of the recommendations of this important Task Force have been implemented, it is intended to undertake a greatly expanded programme of geoscientific activities in the Province, particularly geological mapping, which was a major recommendation of this group. Further benefits are anticipated from the Royal Commission on Mineral Revenue which was appointed in November last to study all aspects of mineral revenue and to make recommendations thereon. In this present Session, legislation will be presented to amend The Crown Lands (Mines and Quarries) Act to effect a combination claiming system and much modified concession system. Other measures will be taken from time to time to assure that our people derive maximum benefits from our mineral resources, the orderly development of which has been neglected for years. MR. SPEAKER AND MEMBERS OF THE HONOURABLE HOUSE OF ASSEMBLY: Throughout the term of the present administration, emphasis has been placed upon the development of our natural resources in the expectation of enhancing the economy of our Province. My Government commits itself to continue not only this policy of resource development but also its policy of general development in every part and sector of Newfoundland and Labrador. Unreasonable indeed must be adjudged the perception of those who advocate the exclusive pursuit of industrial development as opposed to rural development or the contrary. My Government will continue to promote both modes of development in the firm confidence that only through vigorous encouragement of all areas of our society can our people realize their destiny. While great strides have been made in the implementation of rational industrialization, my Government is infinitely proud of the steps initiated by it in the field of rural development. When my Ministers assumed office, many smaller communities in Newfoundland and Labrador had despaired of their very existence. My Government has, from time to time, affirmed its faith in the richness of the rural life of our Province and has demonstrated its confidence in the viability of smaller settlements by disbanding the former Department of Community and Social Development. This Department appeared to be dedicated to the relocation of many of our people from the place of their birth to larger urban areas and was seemingly oblivious of whether or not the persons concerned wished to relocate. In its stead, the Department of Rural Development has been established with the responsibility of fostering and developing our rural areas. The results of this programme clearly demonstrate its success and the benefits are obvious in every nook and cranny of our Province. In only one year since the establishment of the Rural Development Authority, approximately 660 small industries have received assistance at a cost of $4,508,533. A further sum of $69,000 has been approved for Rural Development Associations and other non-profit organizations engaged in agricultural projects, boat building and handicrafts. These measures have resulted in the creation or assisted in the creation of 2,285 jobs at a cost per job of $1,973. While the immediate material gains from the rural development measures can be readily seen, the sense of confidence and purpose infused in our people as a result of the affirmation of my Government's faith in rural Newfoundland and Labrador has produced a virtual social revolution in our Province. No longer apprehensive of being forced to leave their community and, indeed, imbued with a confidence in the permanency and stability of their surroundings, workers and entrepreneurs in rural towns and villages are responding to the challenge of development in their respective areas engendered by my Government and are taking full advantage of the grog: amines of the Rural Development; Authority. My Ministers feel that the beneficial effects of these rural development policies have reverberated throughout the entire economy. The resultant over-all permanency and stability have been major factors in enabling my Government to generate the prosperity experienced during the past year. My Government pledges itself to continue and intensify its efforts to foster arid encourage the development of rural Newfoundland and Labrador. MR. SPEAKER AND MEMBERS OF THE HONOURABLE HOUSE OF ASSEMBLY: Full general development of our human and physical resources is unattainable without concerted action by both Federal and Provincial Governments. Because of the wider taxation fields exercised by the Government of Canada, my Government must look to Ottawa for revenue to sustain its programmes. However, it is the Province which, within the context of Confederation, must determine the priorities of social goals and the quality of life of its people. Within this setting, my Ministers resolved, on assuming office, to obtain a much larger measure of participation in determining how and where Federal funds are to be expended. At the same time, my Government regarded with extreme disfavour the policy whereby grants made by the Department of Regional Economic Expansion of Canada are directed to special areas within our Province. It was, is and shall always be my Government's position that no portion of Newfoundland and Labrador is special but that all areas and persons are entitled to share in the promise of Confederation and must have equal opportunity to realize their full potential. My Government was not disposed to countenance the continuation of the Special Areas formula, which seemed to intensify the resettlement programme in force prior to assumption of office by the present administration, and which was directly opposed to the concept of rural development instituted by my Government. My Ministers have been successful in obtaining the agreement of the Government of Canada, through its Department of Regional Economic Expansion, that the sole criterion for eligibility for the programmes administered by that Department will be the existence of a development opportunity and that every area of our Province will be entitled to share in the benefits of these programmes. Furthermore, my Government will have a measure of input into the determination of the adequacy of development opportunity, thereby assuming more fully its rightful responsibility to direct the destiny of our people. My Ministers are now ready to conclude a General Development Agreement for Newfoundland and Labrador with the Department of Regional Economic Expansion. It is a source of satisfaction to my Government that the information and research gained primarily through the Planning Task Forces have enabled this Province to define, in a rational planned manner, the needs of our people and to be ready to incorporate these needs in subsidiary specific schedules to the proposed General Development Agreement. Indeed, this Province is amongst the first of the Provinces in Canada in a position to articulate to the Government of Canada its local needs and priorities. This preparedness will allow both Governments to address themselves more quickly and efficiently to the specific problems of our people. My Ministers are gratified by the increasing confidence exhibited by the Government of Canada in the planning and research which has been carried out by my Government. This confidence has been demonstrated throughout the negotiations which will ultimately lead to the new General Development Agreement. MR. SPEAKER AND MEMBERS OF THE HONOURABLE HOUSE OF ASSEMBLY: It is most fitting that we should be entering into a new era of Federal-Provincial relations when this Province is on the threshold of celebrating its Silver Anniversary of Union with Canada. It is my Government's firm desire that all residents of Newfoundland and Labrador join in the atmosphere of celebration which will be generated from midnight on March 31st of this year to commemorate this memorable event in our history. Many events befitting the occasion have already been announced and my Ministers are confident that organizations and individuals throughout the Province will supplement these celebrations in the manner which they feel the occasion deserves. MR. SPEAKER AND MEMBERS OF THE HONOURABLE HOUSE OF ASSEMBLY: Responsibility for tire complete development of our resources rests with local authorities as well as the Provincial and Federal Governments. The ensuing year may well be a crucial or for local government within our Province. My Government awaits the Report of the Royal Commission on Municipal Government which is expected shortly and which, together with the Report of the Planning Task Force on Community Service Standards, will produce a comprehensive over-view of all aspects of local government and community development. These studies constitute the first comprehensive overall scrutiny of local government within the Province and my Ministers look to them to provide a development plan for the future. It is expected that measures veil! be brought before you in this Session to give effect to some of the recommendations arising from these studies. An important investigation already completed is the St. John's Urban Region Study. The regional plan envisaged by this Study is being examined by local governments within the area concerned. My Government is providing for the holding of public hearings to give an opportunity to all persons living and working within the St. John's Urban Region to comment on the proposals set forth in the Study and to make recommendations concerning them. It is my Ministers' hope that citizens will take advantage of the opportunity to make their views known with regard to the subject of the hearings. MR. SPEAKER AND MEMBERS OF THE HONOURABLE HOUSE OF ASSEMBLY: Next to the inequities heretofore present in the Social Assistance Programme, my Government feels that tile greatest problem of the day is inadequate housing. It is fitting that the concern of my Ministers for this grave problem is shared by the Government of Canada which exercises coincidental jurisdiction in matters of housing. My Ministers are gratified that, in keeping with the general aura of prosperity which permeated our Province, 1973 witnessed a significant increase in the construction of dwelling units. Nevertheless, my Government is keenly aware that escalating costs continue to place home ownership beyond the means of a rising number of our people. My Ministers have been working diligently to alleviate this great social need and measures will be presented to this Honourable House to meet the problem of providing adequate: housing within the means of our people. MR. SPEAKER AND MEMBERS OF THE HONOURABLE HOUSE OF ASSEMBLY: My Government is constantly searching for ways to utilize fully the benefits available through vocational training institutions. It has been a source of constant concern to my Ministers during the past year that industry has experienced periods where, because of the healthy condition of the economy, more jobs were available in certain areas than there were qualified personnel to fill them. Consequently, my Government intends to introduce an extended teaching day in Vocational Training Schools throughout the Province which my Ministers estimate will result in an additional 1,000 students being accommodated in the vocational school system. Additional efforts are being made to maximize the use of facilities at the College of Trades and Technology and the College of Fisheries. My Government further intends to introduce an improved system for the allocation of teachers in elementary and secondary schools. My Ministers are very conscious of their commitment to improve the pupil-teacher ratio and to develop new programmes for an overall improvement in the quality of instruction. MR. SPEAKER AND MEMBERS OF THE HONOURABLE HOUSE OF ASSEMBLY: My Government is aware that material development alone will not achieve full realization of our people's God-given potential. Unless we strive also to develop their intellectual capacity, we shall remain underdeveloped. My Ministers fully appreciate that, in development of the intellectual capacity of our people, Memorial University must, of necessity, play a vital role. My Government commits itself to continue to support our University to the utmost of its ability. During the last Session of this Honourable House, legislation was passed restoring to the University the right to select its President. My Government would now like to express its congratulations to President Moses O. Morgan upon his appointment and to the Regents and Senate of the University for the wisdom shown by them in choosing this distinguished Newfoundlander as President. President Morgan has already made a significant contribution to the growth of the University and my Government wishes to assure him of its full support and encouragement in his task of strengthening the intellectual resources of the University, and of bringing them to bear upon the problems and policies of our beloved Province. MR. SPEAKER AND MEMBERS OF THE HONOURABLE HOUSE OF ASSEMBLY: The prosperous months through which my Government has directed the affairs of our Province must be obvious to even the most unobservant. My Government is firmly convinced that prosperity can only be generated in an atmosphere of fair competition and is constantly seeking to create a climate in which free enterprise can be transacted in a vigorous manner to the benefit of all. With this in mind, my Government has constantly adopted the procedure of calling public tenders for public works wherever feasible. My Ministers deem it necessary to formalize this practice and, consequently, legislation will be presented to you requiring, as a matter of law, the calling of public tenders for public works in accordance with similar practices carried on for many years by the Government of Canada and in most other provinces. MR. SPEAKER AND MEMBERS OF THE HONOURABLE HOUSE OF ASSEMBLY: Another measure adopted by my Government to assure a healthy economic and sociological climate has been the implementation of the new Social Assistance Programme which is revolutionary in nature and will be of inestimable value to our people. My Government has also been pleased to cause the minimum wage to be increased substantially with effect from January 1st of this year. The present minimum wage, as a result of the action of my Government, amounts to $1.80 per hour. Further increases may be expected on July 1st of this year and on January 1st of next year resulting in a minimum wage in 1975 of $2.20 per hour. This will represent a total increase of 76 percent in the minimum wage since my Government first assumed office. These increases have obvious beneficial results since they vibrate throughout the entire economy and provide substantial increases for all workers. My Government notes, with great satisfaction, that the application of the minimum wage to fish plant workers, who had previously been exempted from the application of the Act, has been credited by many with having a major effect in enabling the wages of these workers to be increased dramatically during the past year. MR. SPEAKER AND MEMBERS OF THE HONOURABLE HOUSE OF ASSEMBLY: Legislation will be submitted to you to amend The Judicature Act as the first step towards the constitution of a Court of Appeal in the Province. My Government intends, to set up the machinery whereby this necessary branch of the judiciary can be established. My Government notes that all other provincial jurisdictions, with the exception of Prince Edward Island and this Province, have enjoyed the benefits of a Provincial Court of Appeal for many years. Legislation will be placed before you to implement the recommendations of the Royal Commission of Enquiry into the Magistracy, including recommendation for the constitution of a Provincial Court. MR. SPEAKER AND MEMBERS OF THE HONOURABLE HOUSE OF ASSEMBLY: In a Province where all residents are unable to travel by road to sister Provinces and, indeed, where the Island of Newfoundland is separated from the mainland portion of our Province, transportation must be a matter of grave and vital concern. After assuming office, my Government quickly abrogated the previous policy of refusing to allow the connection of Labrador with the Canadian road network. My Ministers have been instrumental in initiating negotiations with the Province of Quebec and the Government of Canada with the ultimate objective of establishing a first class highway running through Labrador and connecting with the Province of Quebec highway system. My Ministers are pleased to note the recent agreement of the Province of Quebec to cooperate and act in concert with my Government in pursuing this goal and are optimistic that a successful agreement for the construction. and financing of a Trans-Labrador Highway will be finalized. My Government is determined to continue its programme of upgrading and paving the remaining roads of our existing highway network during the ensuing year. Increases in statutory road grants will be provided to local governments and councils to assist them in meeting the increased costs of their own road programmes. In addition, legislation will be placed before this Honourable House to amend The Local Road Boards Act in order to meet the needs for local roads more effectively. During the coming year, my Ministers will commence the gradual introduction of a new programme for the examination of motor vehicle operators. This programme will involve the standardization of tests for driver's licences and, eventually, the visual acuity testing of applicants. Not only will these measures serve to increase safety on our highways but it is anticipated that they will lead to eventual reciprocal agreements with other provinces respecting the adequacy of licenses. My Ministers are confident that measures to be taken in the months and years ahead will adequately reflectorize the deep concern of my Government for highway safety. MR. SPEAKER AND MEMBERS OF THE HONOURABLE HOUSE OF ASSEMBLY: Since assuming office, my Government has been pleased to present legislation to you which has improved labour relations markedly throughout the Province. Extension of collective bargaining rights to all appropriate sectors of society and the adoption of other beneficial measures attest to my Government's conviction that a strong labour movement is essential to the prosperity and well-being of our people. My Government has been very sensitive to the views of the labour unions and has maintained open dialogue with the Newfoundland Federation of Labour and will continue to do so. One of the main recommendations of the Federation for many years has been the amount of our minimum wage. As already stated, my Government has not been heedless of this representation and has dramatically increased the minimum wage to the lasting benefit of our people. The bouyant economy in our Province during the past two years has resulted in our rising to fifth place among the provinces of Canada in the average industrial weekly wage paid to residents. This is yet another striking indication of the great progress which is being realized under the direction of my Government. My Ministers point to this significant statistic with a great deal of pride and in the firm expectation that steps will be taken in the months and years ahead which will project our Province even more into the mainstream of Canadian life. As in the case of all measures, my Government must proceed cautiously in implementing changes in our social structure and my Ministers are determined that action will be taken only after a full assessment has been made of the implications involved. My Government is making a careful study of the recommendations contained in the Royal Commission on Labour Legislation and the Royal Commission on Illegal Work Stoppages. After due consideration, legislation will be brought before you concerning these matters. My Government is planning to consolidate labour standards legislation into a labour standards code and it is hoped to bring such measures before you in this Session. MR. SPEAKER AND MEMBERS OF THE HONOURABLE HOUSE OF ASSEMBLY: My Ministers are concerned over the rate of escalation in the costs of health care in our Province and are considering methods whereby these costs, together with such vital ancillary health costs as the price of drugs, can be reduced. In this regard, my Government is studying the Report of the Planning Task Force on Health which contains many valuable recommendations. My Government intends, after giving due consideration to these recommendations, to implement the measures which are capable of practical application, and is confident that these steps will result in extensive improvements to curative and preventative health care and services. MR. SPEAKER AND MEMBERS OF THE HONOURABLE HOUSE OF ASSEMBLY: A matter of special concern to my Government in the coming year is the conservation and management of our wildlife resources. It is a matter of increasing concern that stocks of wildlife are being seriously depleted. My Ministers intend to address themselves to this problem by the adoption of stricter measures for the protection of this vital resource. The Wild Life Division of the Department of Tourism will be enlarged, wardens will be more adequately trained and equipped and a review of penalties for infringement of Wild Life Regulations will be instituted. In addition, the mechanism for issuing hunting licences will be reviewed and the control and management of all wildlife species will be intensified. MR. SPEAKER AND MEMBERS OF THE HONOURABLE HOUSE OF ASSEMBLY: My Government will continue to promote, foster and encourage the development of recreational facilities throughout our Province so far as it is capable of supplying the necessary fiscal support. While there are many needs in our Province, my Government is fully sensitive to and aware of the lasting benefits that adequate recreational facilities will bring to our people and will do all in its power to expand its recreational programmes. MR. SPEAKER AND MEMBERS OF THE HONOURABLE HOUSE OF ASSEMBLY: My Government intends to increase its efforts to strengthen the Landlord-Tenant Division of the Department of Provincial Affairs and Environment in order more effectively to promote relationships between landlords and tenants. My Government remains alert and vigilant to the incursions of pollutants upon our surroundings and proposes to intensify its efforts to control the defilement of our natural environment. MR. SPEAKER AND MEMBERS OF THE HONOURABLE HOUSE OF ASSEMBLY: My Government is aware of the necessity of articulating, for the first time in our history, a land use policy directed to assuring the best possible use of land. My Government will endeavour to have legislation presented to this Honourable House to facilitate the introduction of more effective means of land control in Newfoundland and Labrador. My Government will continue its agricultural programmes to ensure that our Province becomes self sufficient in as many agricultural products as possible. To achieve this aim, my Ministers intend to foster and encourage the best possible use of our limited agricultural land to realize the optimum potential not only in broiler, hog and sheep production but, also, in basic root crops. MR. SPEAKER AND MEMBERS OF THE HONOURABLE HOUSE OF ASSEMBLY: You will be asked early in this Session to consider measures to amend and alter the Rules of this Honourable House in order to make this forum more relevant to the people of our Province. Two Sessions have now elapsed since the commencement of this Assembly and my Government feels that the experience gained by all Members, as a result of these Sessions, makes the time opportune for this Honourable House to consider changes in its mode of operation. The Report of the Electoral Boundaries Commission will be laid before you and you will be asked to consider its recommendations with a view to adopting a reasonably equitable distribution of electoral boundaries throughout the Province. MR. SPEAKER AND MEMBERS OF THE HONOURABLE HOUSE OF ASSEMBLY: My Government looks forward with increasing confidence to the months and years ahead. The past years have been exemplified by the development and prosperity of our people. My Government fully anticipates that this Province will be blessed in the ensuing year with continuing prosperity generated under its firm control and direction. The task has not been an easy one and my Government is appreciative of the sensitivity of our people to its difficulty which was particularly aggravated by the yoke of the gigantic public indebtedness which had to be assumed upon taking office. My Ministers frequently reflect on the many beneficial measures which might have been adopted and implemented had the exigencies of the public debt not rested so heavily on their shoulders. Nevertheless, my Government is pledged to continue to pursue its course of planned development and careful deliberate implementation of measures regardless of expediency and pressures to revert to the practices of past years. MR. SPEAKER AND MEMBERS OF THE HONOURABLE HOUSE OF ASSEMBLY: You will be asked to grant supply unto Her Majesty. I invoke God's Blessing on your labours as you give careful consideration to those matters which have been carefully formulated for presentation to you by my Government for the welfare of our people.