The Legislature has been called back into session on September 25th, and I will continue to be in session until December 6th. During that time there will be a full legislative agenda. The session will open with the Estimates process – the line by line analysis of the Budgets of each Government department and it’s expected that this process will conclude within 3 weeks. Following Estimates, a total of 22 Government pieces of Legislation will be analyzed. This Legislation was carried over from the Spring sitting of the Legislature and did not get passed at that time, because the provincial election interrupted debate and passage. On November 20th the Government will introduce a new Throne Speech and following the introduction, the Throne Speech will be debated until December 6th when we break for Christmas. All in all it will be a very busy session.

My Critic responsibilities were changed within the last couple of weeks, as were the Critic responsibilities of most of my colleagues. I was appointed the Critic for Justice, given my legal background, as well as the lead Critic for the Crocus Investment Fund scandal. On top of those portfolios, I was appointed “House Leader”, which carries with it the responsibility of all that happens in the Legislative Chamber, including Question Period, debate on legislation, the Budget and Speech from the Throne, debate in Committees and of course, ensuring that the rules in the Chamber are being followed. This means I provide all of the Points of Order, Matters of Privilege and Matters of Urgent Public Importance. I look forward to those duties and to that responsibility.