The fall sitting of the House of Assembly is concluding with notable progress on areas of importance to the local economy, towns and communities and residents of Newfoundland and Labrador.

Continuing progress from “Budget 2023: Your Health. Our Priority,” legislation passed in this session focused on supporting established and emerging industries; empowering towns and local service districts with new enabling legislation; enhancing accessibility of provincial buildings; adding protections for those at risk of violence; and continuing to move forward with the integration of the Newfoundland and Labrador English School District into the Provincial Government.

Key legislation this session will support:

• A provincial approach to ride sharing, providing a clear and simple set of rules to enable ride sharing services to operate safely in Newfoundland and Labrador;
• A new law, known as Clare’s Law, which increases the safety for individuals in intimate relationships who are at risk of violence from their partners by allowing them to obtain information from police about a partner’s documented history of violence;
• Greater autonomy and flexibility for towns and local service districts, empowering them to better address local issues;
• A stronger legal name change process that gives the Minister of Digital Government and Service NL discretion to prohibit name changes by sex offenders;
• Improved accessibility in public spaces to support the inclusion of persons with disabilities;
• The final stages of the integration of the Newfoundland and Labrador School District into the Provincial Government;
• Bereavement counselling for surviving dependents after a workplace fatality;
• Efficient, transparent and fair management of the development of provincial quarry resources; and
• Sustained mineral exploration through modern and comprehensive legislation that adopts best practices from other jurisdictions.

A full list of legislation debated in this session of the House of Assembly can be found on the House of Assembly website.

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“In this session of the House of Assembly we continued to advance legislation that will help this province realize the opportunities before it in current and emerging industries, while also addressing issues faced by residents including the most vulnerable among us. Our government will continue to bring forward a legislative agenda each session that prioritizes the health and well-being of Newfoundlanders and Labradorians.”
Honourable John Hogan, KC
Government House Leader

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