Province Législature/Legislature Session Type de discours/Type of speech Date du discours/Date Locuteur/Speaker Fonction du locuteur/Function Parti politique/Political party Ile du Prince Edward Island – Prince Edward Island 53 2 Discours du Trône/Speech from the Throne 03-04-1975 Hon. Gordon L. Bennett Lieutenant-governor Liberal P.E.I: Speech from the Throne, Second Session of the Fifty-Third General Assembly, APRIL 3rd, 1975 In the name of Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth 11, it is my privilege to welcome you to this the Second Session of the Fifty-Third General Assembly of the Province of Prince Edward Island. In opening this Assembly, I should like to say how honoured I feel in having been appointed as Her Majesty's representative in this Province. The office which I have the honour to hold has a continuous history since 1770; thus I follow a long line of distinguished predecessors. As I said on the evening of my investiture, I am conscious of my duties and responsibilities to all the people of the Province, wherever they reside, and I look forward to meeting most of them during my term of office. Recent national and international developments have served to identify severe social and economic problems facing all nations. Prince Edward Island cannot escape, or isolate herself from these world-wide problems. Consequently, policies of my Government will be directed towards alleviating and resolving insofar as it is possible, within the jurisdiction of Prince Edward Island, the most serious questions of inflation, unemployment, the rising cost of living, the provision of adequate supplies of energy, land use and ownership, the environment and conservation. My Government will make its views known on many of these major issues at the impending National Conference which has been convened to consider energy and the economy. My Government recognizes that to be effective, policies dealing with these important questions must have the full support of Prince Edward Island citizens. To promote and create a fuller understanding of the issues before us, my Government will do everything in its power to bring Prince Edward Islanders into its full confidence. One such measure will be to hold in each of the five Regional Districts throughout the Province, public Executive Council meetings which will be fully open to the public and the media. At these meetings, matters requiring Cabinet decision will be openly discussed and debated in order to allow Prince Edward Island citizens an opportunity to better understand the major issues before Government. From such exposure it is anticipated an informed public will be able to enjoy a more meaningful dialogue with its Government In this Session of the Legislature you will be asked to consider and institute action upon the recommendations of the Select Standing Committee of the House on the subjects of Conflict of Interest, Redistribution, and Election Expenses. In addition to these measures, my Government will seek to have a Select Standing Committee explore the possibilities of opening the Legislative Assembly to coverage from television and radio. My Government believes that such an approach is worthy of investigation in an effort to assist in the fostering and strengthening of communication between the people of the Province and their elected representatives My Government has announced its intention to promote the establishment of the INSTITUTE OF MAN AND RESOURCES. My Government believes that a non-profit, privately operated organization such as The Institute of Man and Resources will perform an important function in assisting Prince Edward Islanders to meet challenges of the present and the future. The Institute will take up the task of mobilizing talent and resources for the analysis, invention, adaptation and application of appropriate energy, food and crop production and living and shelter systems which are socially desirable and ecologically sustainable. Accordingly, you will be asked to consider legislation establishing The Institute of Man and Resources. In addition to the establishment of programs and policies to meet the long term needs of Prince Edward Islanders, my Government believes immediate requirements must be met by bolstering and assisting the primary industrial activity in the Province so that present economic conditions may be responded to in full. My Government believes that top priority must be given to provide the means whereby the Province's economic endeavours can become self-supporting and profitable. The social and economic well-being of Prince Edward Island is heavily reliant on its primary industries which are based upon the Province's natural and renewable resources: the land and the sea. Recent events in the agricultural industry have clearly demonstrated the inherent instability of agricultural prices. If the future prosperity of the Province is to be assured, it is essential that our farmers should be without parallel in terms of productivity and that our products should be of the very highest quality. It is equally important that the confidence of Prince Edward Island farmers should be bolstered by the guarantee of a fair return on their labour and investment. This confidence is essential in order to attract young men and women into the industry. My Government proposes to join with our sister Maritime Provinces in making urgent representation to the Government of Canada for the adoption of effective commodity and farm income stabilization programs as they relate to our major commodities, most notably potatoes. It is also my Government's intent to take immediate steps, in consultation with representatives of the industry, to organize an effective marketing program for potatoes. This Province and our potato producers can no longer afford disorderly marketing mechanisms which erode our reputation for quality, reduce our competitive position, and disrupt our Provincial economy. My Government will also be seeking Federal assistance in the resolution of the Province's chronic transportation problems, so that our products may be taken to the major market places safely and promptly without damage to quality. The rapidly rising costs of essential agricultural inputs necessitate the achievement of high levels of efficiency in production and management. My Government will therefore continue to provide substantial assistance in terms of service, advice, incentives and grants to those farmers seeking to increase their productivity and improve their management capacity. The main vehicle for this assistance will be an expanded Family Farm Program which reflects my Government's fundamental support of the family-owned and operated farm. The central role of the agricultural industry, including that of our marketing agencies and food processing companies, is such that an awareness of its importance must be engendered in all elements of our society. Towards this end my Government is actively investigating ways and means whereby agricultural education becomes an important component in the elementary and high school curricula. My Ministers intend to continue to improve the quality of practical education for farmers and anticipate the adoption of an apprenticeship vocational training program for future farmers. My Government welcomes the proposed changes to the Farm Credit Corporation Act, particularly as they relate to new and part-time farmers who intend to make farming their full-time occupation. Nevertheless, my Ministers are concerned that the revisions to the Act do not go far enough in terms of lowering the very high cost of credit to existing and new farmers. It is the belief of my Government that there is an urgent need for the provision of substantial assistance to new farmers and to recognize the important contribution of Part-time farmers. My Government is concerned that the preeminent position of the agricultural industry should be clearly recognized and reflected in the priorities established for the allocation of resources. In this connection it is important that the land, forest and water resources of the Province should be preserved for posterity. This cannot be achieved by the arbitrary removal of the property rights of some individuals, but rather through the achievement of a consensus regarding the proper stewardship of the Province's resources. Untrammelled exploitation of Prince Edward Island's natural resources to the detriment of the public interest and well-being cannot be countenanced. In this respect, my Government looks forward to comments and recommendations from the Land Use Commission as to how the Province might best proceed with the use of our natural resources. For all too long Prince Edward Islanders have tended to take for granted the natural endowment represented by our forests and farm woodlots. Neglect over the years has led to a significant deterioration of the quality of our trees. My Government shall therefore take active measures to improve the quality of our trees, using genetically superior stock, and will provide assistance and incentives to woodlot owners to improve and intensify woodlot management. This will necessitate a major forestry extension effort utilizing the newly established elite seed farm and drawing on the best European and Canadian experience. The fisheries has also experienced extreme difficulties due to rising costs of operation and reduced value of landings. The one exception was in the sale of sea-plants which almost tripled in landed value. My Government, cognizant of the reduced net earrings of Prince Edward Island fisherman, initiated a Financial Loan Assistance Program which will assist fishermen in the financial management area and ensure that fishermen may remain in the industry. In order to strengthen the position of Prince Edward Island fishermen in the marketplace and generate a more stable income, my Government proposes a number of initiatives: Significant advances may be made in adding value to traditional fish catches. A variety of species, with improved hand-line, processing and marketing procedures, have encouraging potential to increase earnings for our fishermen; My Government is anxious to inaugurate a full-fledged investigation with our fishermen of opportunities in the area of aquaculture. Such testing and investigation will determine the various species of fish which can be successfully exploited. Preparatory to establishing commercial aquaculture operations, there will be located several salt water experimental rearing stations for species such as Rainbow and Speckled Trout and Atlantic Salmon. From such experimentation, environment, fish health and growth rates will be ascertained; Malpeque Oyster Culture, Inc. will be given an expanded role to include quahog and other shellfish development work and continue, as well, as a base for experimental programs for the benefit of Island oystermen; Fish handling to improve quality and income opportunities will require adequate facilities afloat and ashore. My Department of Fisheries will initiate a fish box pool and further encourage use of ice on board vessels. Unloading equipment and sun protected working areas will be provided. An offal collection system will be introduced; Finally, extension programs will be expanded with the introduction of fisheries representatives in the regional offices, so that information useful to the fishing community will be more readily available. Closely associated with Prince Edward Island's primary industries of agriculture and fisheries is industrial activity in connection with the processing and handling of raw and finished product and the related service industries. Strength and stability in these areas is essential for a strong and stable Provincial economy. The Department of Industry and Commerce in spearheading its drive for expanded Provincial enterprises will expand its Forgivable Performance Loan Program to include provision for financial assistance to eligible service industries This new program will be directed at the providing financial assistance to: 1. Those industries which are able to show direct contribution or complementary activity to the primary resources industries and to secondary manufacturers and processors; 2. Service industries which can be demonstrated to be replacing services presently being imported into Prince Edward Island; 3. The provision of essential services to resource and tourist industries when the existing level of services is deemed to constitute a barrier to stability in these areas; and 4. Those service industries that are engaged in off-Island sales. Loans under this Program will be based on a percentage of eligible capital costs and on allowance for job creation. The maximum forgivable performance loan is 50% of approved capital cost. Small enterprises have always played a vital role in the economy of Prince Edward Island. To encourage the strengthening of small industries and the establishment of additional manufacturing activities in the Province, serviced land and facilities will be provided for small manufacturing companies in the coming year. Tourism in Prince Edward Island has experienced rapid growth in recent years. This growth has now reached the point where careful scrutiny of the industry must be made in order to determine the extent and type of tourism activity most desirable for the Province, and to best reflect the ambitions and expectations of all residents of Prince Edward Island. In addition, Government activity and promotion in the recreation area must fully meet the recreational needs of year-round residents. As a consequence, my government has commissioned an extensive study of tourism to evaluate the benefits and costs, to identify the problem areas, and to examine the extent of desirable growth, all consistent with maintaining the quality of environment Prince Edward Islanders have a right to expect. It is anticipated that the results of this thorough study will allow my Ministers, in consultation with the industry and all other Prince Edward Islanders, to develop policies and programs for the future of the industry. The Prince Edward Island National Park provides essential recreation facilities for all residents of the Province and for a large proportion of visitors to the Province. My Ministers are determined that every effort be made to ensure that National Park policies and programs respect the traditional rights of Prince Edward Islanders to enjoy free access to the Park's beaches. My Minister of Tourism, Parks and Conservation will outline to Members of the Assembly a number of program initiatives, among them being: The elimination of highway advertising; The promotion of the "Taste of Prince Edward Island" project; The expansion of the Family Farm Vacation Program; The further encouragement of the Provincial Handcraft Industry; The establishment of a Natural Areas Advisory Committee; The design of parks and recreation programs for the use and enjoyment of both residents and visitors MEMBERS OF THE LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY: In addition to the programs and policies just outlined, my Government will advance for your consideration a variety of initiatives designed to strengthen and stabilize the position of Prince Edward Island and her people. - You will be asked to approve the creation of the Highway Safety Division within the Department of the Provincial Secretary; and my Minister will outline a number of important initiatives, planned for the coming year, which are designed to reduce the awesome tragedies witnessed on our highways through the unsafe operation of motor vehicles. - More vigourous efforts by My Government to reinforce and assist Prince Edward Islanders in maintaining Canada's most attractive environment will be outlined to the Assembly. - In addition, the Unsightly Premises Act will be replaced with more effective legislative provisions to prevent the accumulation of derelict car bodies and other litter within the Province. - A Provincial Building Code Act will be introduced for your consideration, which will conform to the draft uniform Act proposed by the Council of Maritime Premiers. This Act will provide consumer protection; ensure that construction meets minimal standards; and provide means for enforcement of the Act. - Amendments will be proposed to the Human Rights Act which will allow for the establishment of a Human Rights Commission. A further amendment will extend the Act to include the prohibition of discrimination on the grounds of sex - You will be asked to consider legislation to establish a crown corporation to deal with problems of addiction. - An Act respecting a new General Hospital in the Province of Prince Edward Island will be introduced for your consideration. My Government will proceed with construction of the new General Hospital this Year. - Legislation to unify our court system will be introduced. Under these legislative proposals, the Court of Chancery will be abolished and its jurisdiction transferred to the Supreme Court. The County Courts will be fused with the Supreme Court, which will be enlarged to seven numbers, and a Family Court Division will be created in the Supreme Court. - A new Police Act will be introduced. - You will be asked to consider legislation which will enable the Prince Edward Island Housing Authority to make fuller use of national programs for housing and land assembly. - To assure security of electric power supply at regional rates, my Government proposes to commence the laying of a Submarine Power Cable in this present year linking the Province's power distribution system into the Maritime Power Grid The United Nations have proclaimed 1975 as International Women's Year. Its objective is to promote equality between men and women. My Government supports women's rights to equal opportunity, and is prepared to provide a number of measures to ensure these rights. To assist my Government in attaining these goals, an Advisory Council on the Status of Women in Prince Edward Island has been established comprising individuals and representatives of a number of groups and organizations in the Province. 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, 1974, will be tabled for your information. The interim report, forecasting estimated revenues and expenditures for the fiscal year ending March 31, 1975, and estimates for the fiscal year beginning April, 1975, will be also presented for your consideration MR. SPEAKER AND MEMBERS OF THE LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY: As national and international events unfold it will become more and more essential for Prince Edward Island to reach a position of self-sufficiency in virtually all activities in which our citizens are involved. My Government is anxious to work with the people of Prince Edward Island in the attainment of this goal. May Divine Providence guide your deliberations. ??