The Speaker of the House of Assembly advises that the House will meet on Tuesday, May 5 at 1:30 p.m. in order to deal with urgent business. As a result of consultation and agreement between Government and Opposition, and based on the latest public health guidance, the following measures will be put in place:
- A minimum number of Members for the House to exercise its powers in accordance with the Standing Orders will be present. Members in attendance will be decided collaboratively between Government and Opposition.
- It is understood that Members will consent to waiving Routine Business, except for Oral Questions. Following Oral Questions, business will proceed immediately to Orders of the Day.
- Revised seating plan will be implemented to ensure physical distancing between Members, and House officials in the Chamber will be consistent with established protocols.
- Live video of proceedings, including closed captioning, will be available via the regular channels (House of Assembly broadcast channel and House of Assembly website at assembly.nl.ca).
- Hansard will be made available at the earliest opportunity.
- Press Gallery will be open provided that media attending in person follow public health guidance regarding physical distancing.
- Public Gallery and Speaker’s Gallery will be closed to the public and employees.
In accordance with the resolution adopted on March 12, the Speaker has consulted with the Opposition and confirmed their agreement with the approach outlined.
The House of Assembly is closely monitoring developments regarding COVID-19, and it may be necessary to implement additional and/or modified protocols. The approach outlined above is consistent with measures taken in other jurisdictions regarding the resumption of parliamentary business to deal with urgent matters.
-30-
Media contact
Bobbi Russell
Policy and Communications Officer
House of Assembly
709-693-9434
bobbirussell@gov.nl.ca