Speech from the Throne

  • Executive Council

June 10, 2019

The following are speaking notes delivered at the Opening of the First Session of the 49th General Assembly of the Province of Newfoundland and Labrador by Her Honour The Honourable Judy M. Foote, PC, ONL, Lieutenant Governor of Newfoundland and Labrador:

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Mr. Speaker and Members of the House of Assembly:

As the representative of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, I am pleased to welcome the newly elected members of the House of Assembly on the occasion of the opening of the First Session of the 49th General Assembly of the Province of Newfoundland and Labrador.

In opening this session, we respectfully acknowledge the province of Newfoundland and Labrador as the ancestral homelands of many diverse populations of Indigenous people who have contributed to 9,000 years of history including the Beothuk on the Island of Newfoundland. Today, this province is home to diverse populations of Indigenous and other people. We also acknowledge with respect the diverse histories and cultures of the Mi’kmaq, Innu, and Inuit.

The calling to serve the people of Newfoundland and Labrador is a special one, in which you put yourselves forward for the right to sit in this Honourable House to represent the people of your districts and to carry out the important work of the province. To serve in this Honourable House is a privilege earned by few.  Newfoundlanders and Labradorians expect that the Members they elected just over three weeks ago to serve in this House will work together and find common ground to strengthen the economic and social foundation of this province.

Just over three weeks ago, My Government received a mandate to rise above, to collaborate, and to do things differently.  My Government is clear in its resolve to fulfil this mandate and committed to cooperate with all colleagues in the House in the spirit of partnership, humility, and hard work. All Honourable members in this House today are united by a common objective: to make Newfoundland and Labrador a better place to live, to work, and to raise a family. We will work to ensure that youth can see limitless opportunities for their futures in Newfoundland and Labrador.

My Government is steadfast in its determination to return to surplus through sound fiscal management while creating more jobs, enhancing education, developing our resources in an environmentally sustainable manner, and improving access to preventive and supportive health care for all people in our society. Collectively, we will take action to remove barriers for all and to empower women and girls to thrive and to achieve their full potential, both socially and economically. These are fundamental areas where every member of this House of Assembly can work together.

Newfoundland and Labrador is rich with world class opportunities. Our vast natural resources, burgeoning sectors, hardworking people, and spirited resolve to overcome are qualities that have supported the people of this province, from the Big Land in Labrador to the Grand Banks of Newfoundland, throughout our long and storied existence.

Our Province will advance even further when members of this Honourable House set aside partisan politics with a solid resolve to work together for the good of our constituents, for the good of our Province. The people of Newfoundland and Labrador deserve no less.

My Government sees hope, progress, and opportunity, and looks forward to working together with all Honourable Members to expand and further grow sustainable and meaningful opportunities for every single person in Newfoundland and Labrador.

Mr. Speaker and Members of the House of Assembly:

Estimates of expenditure will be laid before you in due course and you will be asked to grant supply to Her Majesty.

I invoke God’s blessing upon you as you commence the work of the First Session of the 49th General Assembly.

May Divine Providence guide you in your deliberation.

2019 06 10 2:05 pm