Province Législature/Legislature Session Type de discours/Type of speech Date du discours/Date Locuteur/Speaker Fonction du locuteur/Function Partipolitique/Political party Ile du Prince Edward Island – Prince Edward Island 52 5 Discours du Trône/Speech from the Throne 07-03-1974 Hon. John G.B. MacKay Lieutenant-governor Liberal P.E.I: Speech from the Throne, Fifth Session of the Fifty-Second General Assembly, MARCH 7th, 1974 In the name of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, it is my privilege to welcome you to the Fifth Session of the Fifty-Second General Assembly of the Province of Prince Edward Island. Centennial year was an active and eventful one for all Prince Edward Islanders. Our people successfully celebrated the 100th anniversary of our Province's entry into the Canadian Federation, as well as the 200th anniversary of the first meeting in General Assembly of the elected representatives of this Province. 1973 also proved to be a time of reflection and consideration about ourselves and our Province, our past and our future. As never before in recent years, our citizens have actively, sometimes fervently, discussed and debated the role of Prince Edward Island with Confederation as well as the kind of place the people of Prince Edward Island want their Province to be. In some respects it has been a year of awakening. Our citizens have taken a fresh look at themselves and at their Province and at the direction in which the Province is to take in the years ahead. The people of Prince Edward Island have discussed, debated, contemplated and analyzed, and through this process have begun to more fully understand and appreciate the relationship of Prince Edward Island to the rest of the nation; the significance of our history; and the importance of our quality of life. During the process, citizens of this Province have begun to identify more clearly those aspects of our Province which give Prince Edward Island a special quality and at the same time consider measures which must be taken for the preservation and protection of that special quality. Concurrently, the need for adjustment and improvement in a number of areas has been recognized if all citizens are to be provided with an opportunity to participate fully in the economic and social well-being of Prince Edward Island. My Government is anxious to continue this process of self-examination with the people of the Province: A process to develop, in consort with our citizens, appropriate policies and programs which will permit not only a definition of Prince Edward Island priorities for the seventies, but also appropriate steps to assure that the defined goals are attained. Accordingly, my Government will continue to promote and support citizen involvement in the ongoing activities and affairs of the Province, as well as in the formulative stages of policy development. In general, my Government has been pleased with the social and economic advancement of Prince Edward Island and her citizens. This advancement has been particularly strong in the agriculture industry which saw unprecedented returns to our farmers. New initiatives will be proposed by my Government to ensure that the general improvement is sustained and improved upon in all fields of endeavour. My Government recognizes that there are particular areas of concern to the people of Prince Edward Island. Such areas have received special attention in the past, and will continue to receive attention in the forthcoming year. The area of Provincial concern which most seriously affects each and every individual in the Province is the cost of living. The inflationary spiral is world-wide in nature; all nations are struggling with this difficult problem with varying degrees of success. My Government has pledged its full support to all useful initiatives which may be taken by the Canadian Government. While realizing that the degree of Provincial influence on the problem is extremely limited, my Government has and will continue to take action in those areas where constitutionally possible to assist the citizens of the Province. Accordingly my Government has undertaken, and will initiate, the following measures: In co-operation with the Federal Government, my Government has significantly increased the Family Allowance level in order to provide financial relief to our hard- pressed families; Recommendations from the Employment Standards Board to raise the minimum wage have received full endorsement from my Government. The Employment Standards Board has been asked to continually review minimum wage levels in order to keep abreast of the increasing costs of living. On July 1, 1974, the Provincial Minimum Wage will be raised to $1.75 per hour. As a means of providing leadership in the matter of wages, my Government, as of April 1, 1974, will ensure that no Provincial Government employee will receive less than $2.00 per hour. In addition, as of January 1, 1974, the minimum wage applies equally to men and women; My Government has reviewed levels of workmen's compensation awards to widows, dependent children and orphans. Amendments will be proposed to this Assembly to provide for an upgrading of compensation for those who have suffered a loss; In recognition of rising costs, my Government reviewed available benefits under General Welfare Assistance and as a result made adjustments to the Provincial rates in order to provide sufficient support to widows, the aged, the permanently and temporarily disabled, those with insufficient income and those temporarily unemployed; In further recognition of increasing costs, my Government, last year suspended the collection of sales tax on clothing. You will be asked to confirm this suspension by amending the Act to provide for this exemption and, as well, approve measures eliminating sales tax on selective items which can be described as essential; During the last session of this Assembly, Provincial property tax was lowered by 10%. Rising values of property have made necessary a further reduction of the tax on property, and my Minister of Finance will be announcing remedial measures in his Budget Address; and Closely associated with the rising cost of living is the ability of our labor force to achieve fair wages and working conditions. One of the primary objectives of my Government since assuming office in 1966 has been to provide the necessary legislative tools and economic climate to assist the Province's labour force to work towards these desired ends. My Government will continue to work with labour and management to ensure that fair and equitable practices are followed. My Government waits with interest the report of the committee established in the previous session of the Legislature to examine the question of conflict of interest as it pertains to members of this Assembly. As a result of the committee's report, it is anticipated that the laws and practices of the Province of Prince Edward Island will be brought up to modern standards in order to meet present day requirements. Always a difficult question to resolve in fairness to all, my Government expects that legislative changes will be possible through which all members may feel free to practice their choice of occupation and at the same time act as responsible members of the Assembly. In a similar vein, my Government will propose the establishment of a Committee of the House to examine the broad question of election expenses and to make recommendations as to appropriate action which may be taken. The question of expenses and financing during the course of a Provincial election has become a serious one which deserves the scrutiny of this Assembly and eventual action by the government. Members will have tabled for their consideration the Report of the Provincial Advisory Committee on the Status of Women in the Province of Prince Edward Island. My Government considers this to be an excellent report, and will be proposing measures consistent with the recommendations of the Report. The year 1973 produced yet another serious transportation problem because of a national railway strike. Since 1966, my Government has endeavoured to work out corrective measures to this recurring problem. As a result of the 1973 strike, my Government has taken direct action on a number of fronts which my Ministers believe will result in finally resolving the problem of transportation to the mainland. These efforts will be pursued with vigour by my Government during the next several months. You will be asked to consider a proposal to refurbish and restore this historic building - a proposal which has been worked out by my Government with the Canadian Government. Such proposal will not entail any transfer of ownership of Province House from the Province. My Government represented the people of the Province and their interests at the National Energy Conference. The particular and, in some instances, unique problems of this Province were brought to the attention of the nation and the Federal Government. My Ministers continue their efforts to ensure that all Prince Edward Islanders will receive just and equitable treatment in all aspects of the provision and consumption of energy. The Province's brief submitted at the National Conference will be tabled for the consideration of all members. The German philosopher, Georg Wilhelm Hegel, once wrote, "What experience and history teach is this - that people and governments never have learned anything from history, or acted on principles deduced from it. There is, in this Province, a long, tempestuous and, sometimes, passionate history connected with our land and our people's relationship to the land. So strong are our people's feelings for the land, both in the past and in the present, that my Government believes, despite Hegel's view of history, the citizens of Prince Edward Island, individually and through their Government, are prepared to utilize the lessons of history and deal with the problems of land use and land ownership in a resolute and vigourous fashion. Contemporary history and experience elsewhere on the continent can assist our Province to better understand and deal with the present and future problems of land use and ownership, before the introduction of remedial action and positive programs have passed the point of usefulness. We are presently facing an "energy crisis" which virtually all nations have allowed to descend upon the peoples of the world without sufficient foresight and planning for the future. It is the view of my Government that the questions and issues surrounding land have a far greater potential for a "crisis" situation than that of energy. A full understanding of the complex issues involved and the potential ramifications if no action is taken, are essential ingredients to wise and foresighted decisions by individuals and by government. In August of 1972, my Government established a Royal Commission to investigate and report on matters dealing with Land Use and Land Ownership. The final report of that Commission will be tabled for the consideration of members of the Legislative Assembly. In order to initiate immediate steps to provide a framework for future action and further advance the Province's consideration of these questions, my Government will propose the following: 1. The establishment of a Land Use Commission. This Commission will be made up of seven members to be drawn from the private sector broadly representing various concerned groups within the Province. The Commission will have at its disposal the technical and professional expertise within the Provincial Government. The Land Use Commission will have responsibility of establishing community planning and regional planning bodies when such are advanced by the communities and regions of the Province; the responsibility of approving community and regional land use plans when advanced by the structured planning bodies; the responsibility to propose programs which will allow for the identification of land for specific purposes when agreed to by land owners; and other responsibilities consistent with the Provincial interest in the question of land use and ownership. In addition, the Commission will have the responsibility of making detailed recommendations to the Provincial Government in such areas as land use questions affecting inland and coastal land; rural, urban and recreational subdivision policy; and highway access and strip development policies. 2. Identification of Land. Aware of the important contribution which Agriculture makes to the general economy and lifestyle of our Province, my Government is determined to encourage the fullest possible use of our land for agricultural production. To offset the growing competition for this land from other sources, my Government proposes a system of land use identification, under which any bona fide Island resident landowner who voluntarily commits his agricultural Class 2 or 3 land to agricultural use may claim land tax exemption with respect to such land so long as it remains in production. The land identification program would be the responsibility of the Land Use Commission. If at any time the landowner seeks to have the land use altered and alteration is agreed to, and the land withdrawn from agriculture, the owner would be required to reimburse the Crown the full amount of tax exemptions. Agricultural land tax exemptions would not include the residence and buildings of the owner and certain corporations would not be eligible for the program. 3. Public involvement on land use issues. Continuing, long term efforts will be made to permit the people of the Province, in association with their government, to participate in the development of a system of land use planning best suited to Island needs. Such efforts will include - support to Island organizations which may take on the responsibility of assisting the general public to a greater awareness of the issues surrounding land and a full understanding of the various alternatives open to the Province and her people in dealing with those issues; support, as well, to those organizations which will assist in the formation of community and regional planning bodies; and a system for continuing consultation with Island municipalities and other interested groups on the Royal Commission Report and the evolving system of land use planning; and an increased level of technical assistance to existing municipal bodies and Community Improvement Committees and to newly organized regional and community planning groups. Through these and other initiatives, my Government intends to provide the framework and foundation for an informed public to work with the Provincial Government in establishing provincial priorities and direction for the future of Prince Edward Island insofar as our single most important physical resource is concerned. To support and strengthen our social and economic fabric, my Government will advance for your consideration the following initiatives: - As a follow-up to the successful two-day Provincial - Municipal Seminar in December, 1973, my Government will continue the process of consultation between the Province and its incorporated municipalities and Community Improvement Committees throughout the next year. My Government believes that these consultations give to these organizations the opportunity to make a greater input into Provincial policy decisions. - My Government, recognizing the requirements of the incorporated municipalities for increased services and the increasing costs of providing these services, will increase the unconditional grants to municipalities by approximately 50% over the level of previous years; and a new grant system is being introduced to assist Community Improvement Committees in defraying the cost of certain desirable services such as fire protection. It is anticipated that this assistance will encourage the establishment of additional Community Improvement Committees so that citizens of the rural areas may have a greater voice in the affairs of their communities. - Assistance to fire brigades is being increased and the program of Sewage Treatment Grants to incorporated municipalities will be continued and adjusted to meet the Federal Government proposals as outlined in the recent Throne Speech. A Program to provide assistance to municipalities and groups of municipalities in the provision of adequate water supplies will be outlined by my Minister. A Program will be developed to accelerate the removal of derelict car bodies from the view of our highways and thus help to restore the scenic beauty of the Province. - The Urban Development Program for the Summerside area is moving towards completion, and the Charlottetown Program will commence as soon as the public and the elected municipal representatives have had an opportunity to make known their views on the Report of the Greater Charlottetown Area Opportunities Study. - A newly written Municipalities Extension Act will be presented for your consideration. - A pilot program in solid waste treatment will be undertaken in order to examine the feasibility of establishing a Province-wide program of this nature. - Amendments to the Prince Edward Island Labour Act will be proposed in order to up- date the method of taking representation votes. - My Ministers are alarmed at the terrible toll of deaths and injuries from motor vehicle accidents. My Government believes that this is a social problem of growing concern which requires action. Counter-measures are being studied by NATO countries throughout the world and Canada and Prince Edward Island will be participating in these studies. - The Province, through the Department of Social Services, will participate with the Board of Directors of the Addiction Foundation of Prince Edward Island in a thorough examination of their program, policies and administration, and an evaluation of their performance over the past three years. This study will assist in establishing a policy framework for future government actions in this field, and determine priorities for spending on treatment and rehabilitation of addicts generally. - The Department of Social Services will begin a limited program of subsida-tion to patients who become indigent while in the care of private nursing homes. Up to 40% of the rated bed capacity of licensed nursing homes will be covered by this policy, which will provide relief for many people whose funds have been exhausted by paying for private nursing home care. - A 235-bed replacement for the obsolete buildings at Riverside Home for Special Care is currently being planned and construction will begin this year. - A major new thrust is being developed in the Province's social assistance program, with emphasis on rehabilitation, including training for employment, employment placement, and other services to assist people to return to the mainstream of community life. - A program to rehabilitate the housing of the very poor will be developed by the Department of Social Services in conjunction with the Housing Authority . - A "group homes" program will be developed as an alternative to institutional placement of dependent adults who are no longer able to be cared for in their own homes. - The Department of Social Services will be expanding its Visiting Homemaker Program, which is a service to those families struck by the illness, death, or desertion of the wife or mother, and which prevents family breakup, permits early discharge from hospitals, and generally stabilizes families at a time of crisis. - Services to some nine Day Care Centres in the Province will be expanded and the Province will continue funding community -sponsored, non-profit day care centres. - During the past year specialist by-monthly clinics for amputees and for the hard-of- hearing were established. These have provided services within the Province which were previously available only in Halifax or Montreal. This is a vastly improved service provided at minimal or no cost to residents of Prince Edward Island. The Occupational Training Centre has been reinforced as a training centre or training base for disabled persons. This program has had a favourable impact on the General Welfare Assistance caseload. - It is anticipated that planning leading up to the construction of a single modern and well equiped community hospital will be completed this year. This hospital will serve as the main referral centre for the Province and replace the two obselete hospitals in Charlottetown. - The Children's Dental Care Program will be expanded to include preventive and treatment services for all children between the ages of four and nine years. - The school construction program, begun in 1971, will be continued. In 1973 the Southern Kings Consolidated, the Elliott River Elementary, and the Stonepark Junior High Schools were opened. In addition, construction is either underway or planned for spring for the Southport Bunbury Elementary and the Eastern Kings Elementary Schools. My Minister of Education will outline the specific construction projects planned for the coming year. - The Resource Centre grant of $125,000 first approved in 1973 will be repeated in 1974. In 1973 this grant enabled the Department of Education, in consultation with Regional School Boards, to provide schools constructed prior to 1971 with the first instalment of a basic resource centre/library. 1974 will see the grant applied to provide further refinements and improvements to this program. - The library bookmobile service commenced in 1973 as a Centennial project will continue inasmuch as this much needed service has proved most successful. - The new Handicraft Training Centre being constructed on the Provincial Vocational Institute site will do much to foster and develop the handicraft training skills of Island craftsmen. It will also provide a central agency for materials, supply and distribution of finished product. - The Basic Job Readiness Training project initiated in the fall of 1973 will continue. The Continuing Education Branch of the Department of Education under the sponsorship of Canada Manpower launched this project in the Charlottetown area to instruct those people who find their needs are not adequately met by regular basic training for skill development or skill training projects. This new program is so structured to allow for many innovative and flexible teaching and counselling techniques to help meet the diversified needs of this special group. - My Government's free school book program will be expanded to include Grades XI and XII, commencing in September of this year. - My Minister of Education will continue to explore with teachers, parents and school trustees the relationship between these groups and the Department of Education with the view to ensuring responsive and responsible educational structures. - In order to preserve the basic rights of consumers, my Government will introduce legislation directed towards more effective and accurate reporting on individuals in search of credit, insurance, employment and tenancy agreements. - My Minister of Justice, following an intensive study of the McKimmie Report on judicial reform, will introduce a number of new initiatives in the field of justice. - The construction of a new central correctional centre in association with an expanded tree nursery and forestry program will be commenced. - A Province wide study of law enforcement services will be undertaken during the summer months in preparation for the introduction of a new Police Act in 1975. - Legislation will be introduced to abolish the Court of Chancery in this Province and to integrate its judicial functions with the Supreme Court of Prince Edward Island. - A new Provincial Court Act will be introduced to replace the present Magistrates' Act. - The Parliament of Canada will be asked to amend the Criminal Code of Canada to abolish the use of the Grand Jury in this Province. - You will be asked to consider proposals for increasing jury and witness fees. - My Government has been examining with the Canadian Insurance Bureau a system of no fault automobile insurance, details of which shall be brought before you for your consideration. - The past year saw greatly increased activity in residential construction across Prince Edward Island. Building permits issued for the construction of new residential units indicate that nearly 1,250 housing starts were made during 1973. This represents an increase in residential construction of approximately 28% over the 1972 level. The equivalent figure for the whole of Canada was 7%. The value of this residential construction on Prince Edward Island during 1973 approached $30,000,000. The Prince Edward Island Housing Authority, through its Home Ownership Assistance Program, was directly involved in 384 or nearly 40% of the single family dwelling starts during 1973. - The year 1973 also saw a very active year in residential improvement efforts within the housing sector. The P.E.I. Housing Authority has, through its Home Improvement Assistance Program, participated with home owners in carrying out improvements on over 1,200 housing units in 1973. This improvement effort combined with the record number of housing starts has resulted in 1973 being the most prolific in the history of the housing industry in Prince Edward Island. - In 1973 twenty six units for senior citizens were completed and occupied. An additional 134 units have been placed under contract and will be completed between early spring to late fall of this year. A total of 123 cooperative units were completed in the past year. - Continuation and expansion of programs to increase the quantity and quality of all the housing requirements in the Province is a high priority of my Government. Programs to offset price increases in land, servicing and construction costs related to housing needs will be advanced by my Government. - My Government is anxious to initiate action under the Neighbourhood Improvement Program. To this end consultation with concerned municipalities and neighbourhood groups will be undertaken. - In 1972 my Government initiated an extensive program of assistance to the Province's farmers which was directed towards the preservation and strengthening of the family farm. My Ministers have been most gratified at the degree of participation of Island farmers and the extent of success this program has enjoyed in its early stages. - However, my Government is convinced that additional action is required particularly for our young farmers and new entrants into Agriculture. My Ministers were pleased that the Federal Government, in its Throne Speech of last February, directed special attention to Agriculture and pledged special assistance to young farmers by way of providing sufficient financial incentives to become established in farming. My Minister of Agriculture looks forward to working with his federal counterpart in the development of these new initiatives for agriculture in general and the young farmer in particular. In addition, specific Provincial initiatives in these program areas will be brought forward. - The Family Farm Program will be adjusted and altered to reflect changing requirements and meet emerging opportunities. Consistent with the objectives of the Family Farm Program, my Government will continue its support for marketing agencies established by our primary producers. - New initiatives in agriculture will be taken in this coming year in the following areas: (a) The introduction of The Milk Act under the terms of which a single Dairy Commission will be established. (b) The introduction of The Plant Disease Eradication Act through which a five year program designed to eliminate the disease Ring Rot will be launched. (c) Support for an updated system of marketing potatoes in domestic markets . (d) The commencement of a major reforestation program and the construction of a new nursery for this program. (e) The introduction of a Farm Vehicle Registration policy. (f) The construction of additional grain storage and drying facilities. (g) In consultation with the Government of Canada, the provision of appropriate manpower training, educational and recruiting programs for farmers and farm workers. (h) The encouragement of Farm Demonstration Tours. (i) The introduction of a new Dog Act, and (j) Continuing support for the provision of national marketing and price stabilization programs. - The recognition by the Federal Government, in its recent Speech from the Throne, of the special problems and requirements of our fishermen and the fishing industry was favourable noted by my Government. - My Ministers have long supported the need for additional federal spending on harbours in Prince Edward Island. Stated intentions by the Federal Government to provide improvements in harbour facilities for fishing fleets, coupled with new Provincial initiatives for our fishermen, will bring welcome assistance to this important industry and those involved in it. Fishermen in 1973 experienced considerable growth and improvement in their industry. Fish landings were up in 1973 by approximately 30% over 1972, and landed value increased by approximately 23%. In recognition of the increasing needs of Island fishermen and the fishing industry, the Prince Edward Island Department of Fisheries will undertake a broad range of programs to strengthen this important sector of our economy. - The Department of Fisheries will undertake a co-ordinated approach with the Market Development Centre to identify and exploit markets for specific fisheries products. - A similar co operative undertaking with the Department of Industry and Commerce will encourage processing industry developments to add more value to our fish processing. - The Department of Fisheries will provide more specialized and expanded communication with the fishing industry in respect to advice and assistance from the Extension, Production, Research and Development Division. - The Department of Fisheries, with the assistance of the Fisheries and Marine School, will bring extension courses to the ports where fishermen indicate the need and their desire to participate. - My Government alone and in association with the Federal Government assisted over 1,000 fishermen who suffered severe trap losses due to storms in 1972 and 1973. In order to avoid recurrence of the problem of compensation for gear losses, the Department of Fisheries will work with the Federal Government and the fishermen in promoting a Federal indemnity Insurance Program through which traps and gear may be insured - The Aquaculture Division of the Department of Fisheries will be moving vigourously to - bring together the latest information on a species by species basis, aquaculture applications to all practical species; and - will investigate by pilot plant operation and other methods, the commercial application of aquaculture. - In industrial development, my Government has actively pursued a policy to assist in the development and strengthening of those industries indigenous to our Province. In 1973, twenty seven industries were either established or assisted to expand through the application of this policy. In total, fifty new jobs were created, the Province's job market was strengthened and less reliance was placed on the export of raw material as a means of producing income for our people. This policy will be continued and expanded in the coming year. Many more applications are in the processing stage which is clear evidence of a high degree of optimism in the private sector. - The Province's manufacturing industries continue to expand and play an important role in the economy of our Province. The agricultural processing industry has made significant gains and now accounts for seventy five per cent of the total value added for the entire manufacturing sector. Indeed, the past year witnessed the largest expansion of this industry in the history of our Province. The Island has the capability of supplying even more raw materials necessary to sustain a prosperous food processing industry to the mutual benefit of Island growers and processors. Selected food processing is sound and feasible on Prince Edward Island and the Government intends to give priority to the encouragement of still further processing of agricultural products within the Province. - My Government has entered into an agreement with the Government of Canada to support the operation of a container shipping service between Charlottetown, Cornerbrook and St. John's. The service will operate weekly between the three ports and will afford the Island shippers a means of delivering their products to Newfoundland markets in much better condition and at lower rates than those currently available for other modes. A roll on-roll off vessel with an ice strengthened hull will be used and containers will be provided for dry freight and perishable commodities. In addition, pickup and delivery service will be offered in Prince Edward Island at low rates. This is but one step in a continuing program to upgrade the Province's transportation system. - The Prince Edward Island Lending Authority has adopted a new program of resource credit whereby loans may be made to those industries which provide support services to the farming, fishing and tourist industries in the Province. - As a further assistance to our primary producers the Lending Authority intends to lengthen the maximum time of repayment on capital loans to farmers, fishermen and tourist operators from fifteen to twenty years. - The Market Development Centre has enjoyed an active and productive year. 1974 will see a number of new initiatives designed to assist our primary producers. Improved market assistance will be provided to the Potato Industry with a board range of programs including promotion, information test marketing, packaging, and potato missions. My Minister will outline to members of this Assembly details of these programs in addition to details of programs designed to provide a comprehensive range of marketing assistance to Commodity Boards in areas of promotion, research and development, packaging, testing, trade missions, information and market conditions. - In the summer of 1974 an innovative pilot program of highway directional signs will be introduced in the southern Kings County area. It is expected that this new system of providing highway directional signs to commercial establishments will eliminate the need for roadside advertising and allow for the eventual removal of private off premises advertising signs bordering our highways. This new approach is one achieved through the cooperative efforts of the Departments of Tourism, Highways, Community Services, and the P.E.I. Tourist Association. - The Dial the Island Accommodations Reservation System will be continued in 1974. This service has gained a reputation for efficiently assisting visitors in finding accommodations and the overall effect of the reservation system will be to make our tourism accommodation facilities more profitable by increasing the occupancy levels. - In 1974 new Tourist Information Centres will be started and improvements to existing centres will be provided. In key locations, Information Centres will be open earlier and longer in the day and earlier and later in the tourist season. - The Scenic Drive program is directed towards diversifying the tourist industry to the eastern and western parts of the Province and increasing the length of tourist stay. In 1973, highway signs for the Kings Byway, Lady Slipper Drive, and the Blue Heron Drive were erected. In 1974, it is expected to star t construction of interpretive centres in Kings County and Prince County, which will provide the visitor with advance information that will allow him to more adequately plan his vacation in these counties - The use of Provincial Parks continues to grow at a substantial rate not only by tourists but also by Prince Edward Islanders. In the operating season, May to October, 1973, over 800,000 people visited the twenty four Provincial Parks and three Provincial Resorts. Approximately 65% of the total were Prince Edward Islanders. - In keeping with the overall objectives of the Provincial Parks and Outdoor Recreational Programme, a long range plan relating to the provision of a variety of recreational opportunities and the preservation of the natural and cultural amenities of the Province is being prepared. - The scope of new park and recreation development in 1974 can be outlined as a five point program: (A) A comprehensive plan for beach access development. (B) Major new park development at Cabot Provincial Park and Lord Selkirk Provincial Park. (C) Initiation of work on Phase II of the Historic Development at Green Park. (D) An expanded program for year round interpretation, outdoor education and year round use of certain Provincial Park facilities. (E) The development of policies and programs relating to such activities as snowmobiling, cross country skiing, hiking and the use of all-terrain vehicles in the Province. - Following extensive discussions with the residents of Eastern Kings County, my Government has agreed with their recommendation that a second National Park not be established in that area of the Province. Further discussions with representative groups from that area will be initiated immediately to determine the kind and quality of development residents of East Kings desire. - In the area of Public Works, my Minister will continue to co ordinate the planning and building construction requirements of all sectors of government with particular emphasis on the provision of educational facilities. - In the area of Highways, the Department will continue its long range program to complete reconstruction of our collector road system under federal financing. High priority will also be placed on the hard surfacing of agriculture and fisheries resource roads and, in the interest of highway safety, on the improvement of dangerous intersections and points of limited visibility. - Work will continue in the area of improved roadside development and erosion control, by the placement of topsoil and the use of established re seeding methods. - Recognizing the extreme difficulties our rural residents on clay roads have during spring and fall breakup, a pilot program of single lane secondary road hard surfacing will be initiated to determine the feasibility of this kind of road construction. In addition to the measures already specified, you will be asked to consider other legislative proposals. You will be asked to appropriate the funds required for the services and payments required by this Assembly. The public accounts and reports of the various departments of my Government, for the year ending March 31, 1973 will be tabled for your information. The interim report, forecasting estimated revenues and expenditures for the current fiscal year ending March 31, 1974, and estimates for the fiscal year beginning April, 1974, will also be presented for your consideration. MR. SPEAKER AND MEMBERS OF THE LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY: You have had placed before you a variety of programs and policies designed to provide a full opportunity to our people to prosper and develop while at the same time to foster and strengthen our special quality of life. The direction Prince Edward Island takes in the last half of this decade will have lasting effects upon the kind of future our Province will have. May Divine Providence guide your deliberations. ??