Hon. Gary Filmon (Premier): Madam Speaker, I move, seconded by the honourable government House leader (Mr. Praznik), that leave be given to introduce Bill 2, The Electoral Divisions Amendment Act; Loi modifiant la Loi sur les circonscriptions J lectorales, and that the same be now received and read a first time.

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Hon. Rosemary Vodrey (Minister of Culture, Heritage and Citizenship): Madam Speaker, I move, seconded by the honourable Minister of Agriculture (Mr. Enns), that leave be given to introduce Bill 14, The Amusements Amendment Act; Loi modifiant la Loi sur les divertissements, and that the same be now received and read a first time.

Hon. Vic Toews (Minister of Justice and Attorney General): I move, seconded by the Minister of Finance (Mr. Gilleshammer), that leave be given to introduce Bill 3, The Fatality Inquiries Amendment Act (Loi modifiant la Loi sur les enquL tes mJ dico-lJ gales), and that the same be now received and read a first time.

His Honour the Lieutenant Governor, having been advised of the contents of this bill, recommends it to the House, and I have here the message of the Lieutenant Governor.

Hon. Darren Praznik (Minister of Highways and Transportation): Madam Speaker, I would move, seconded by the honourable Minister of Education (Mr. McCrae), that leave be given to introduce Bill 5, The Highway Traffic Amendment, Off-Road Vehicles Amendment and Consequential Amendments Act; Loi modifiant le Code de la route et la Loi sur les vJ hicules B caractère non routier et modifications corrJ latives, and that the same be now received and read a first time.

His Honour the Lieutenant Governor, having been advised of the contents of this bill, recommends it to the House. At this time I would like to table a copy of His Honour’s message.

Hon. James McCrae (Minister of Education and Training): Madam Speaker, I move, seconded by the honourable Minister of Environment (Mrs. McIntosh), that leave be given to introduce Bill 7, The Public Schools Amendment Act (Loi modifiant la Loi sur les J coles publiques), and that the same be now received and read a first time.

Hon. Linda McIntosh (Minister of Environment): Madam Speaker, I move, seconded by the Minister of Education and Training (Mr. McCrae), that leave be given to introduce Bill 8, The Ozone Depleting Substances Amendment Act; Loi modifiant la Loi sur les substances appauvrissant la couche d’ozone, and that the same be now received and read a first time.

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Hon. Shirley Render (Minister of Consumer and Corporate Affairs): Madam Speaker, I move, seconded by the Minister of Industry, Trade and Tourism (Mr. Tweed), that leave be given to introduce Bill 9, The Securities Amendment and Commodity Futures and Consequential Amendments Amendment Act (Loi modifiant la Loi sur les valeurs mobilières et la Loi sur les contrats à terme de marchandises et apportant des modifications corrélatives).

His Honour the Lieutenant Governor, having been advised of the contents of this bill, recommends it to the House.

Madam Speaker: It has been moved by the honourable Minister of Consumer and Corporate Affairs, seconded by the honourable Minister of Industry, Trade and Tourism (Mr. Tweed), that leave be given to introduce Bill 9, The Securities Amendment and Commodity Futures and Consequential Amendments Amendment Act; Loi modifiant la Loi sur les valeurs mobilières et la Loi sur les contrats à terme de marchandises et apportant des modifications corrélatives, and that the same be now received and read a first time.

His Honour the Lieutenant Governor, having been advised of the contents of this bill, recommends it to the House. Agreed?

Some Honourable Members: Agreed.

Madam Speaker: Agreed and so ordered.

An Honourable Member: Put on the record that she tabled the message because she forgot to say that.

Madam Speaker: The honourable Minister of Consumer and Corporate Affairs did indeed table the message.

Hon. Shirley Render (Minister of Consumer and Corporate Affairs): Madam Speaker, I move, seconded by the Minister of Education (Mr. McCrae), that leave be given to introduce Bill 15, The Cemeteries Amendment Act (Loi modifiant la Loi sur les cimetières), and that the same be now received and read a first time.

Mr. Steve Ashton (Thompson): Madam Speaker, I move, seconded by the Leader of the Opposition (Mr. Doer), that leave be given to introduce Bill 200, The Legislative Assembly Amendment Act (Loi modifiant la Loi sur l'Assemblée législative), and that the same now be received and read a first time.

Mr. Ashton: In accordance with our rules, I would like to make a few brief remarks on the first reading of this particular bill. This bill would enact an elected Speaker for this House in this session. I want to indicate that we are pleased that the government finally, probably some years too late for some very important matters of deliberation, has agreed to the principle of elected Speaker.

We are somewhat disappointed there was no commitment in the throne speech to pass it this session. That is what throne speeches are for, to indicate what the legislative agenda is all about. It is not that we do not trust this government—well, then again, maybe it is that we do not trust this government. We feel if there is now agreement from all parties—and I know the Liberals have been onside on this, as we have for quite some time—let us make it an opportunity this session to bring in an elected Speaker and bring our Legislature up to date with eight out of ten Legislatures and the House of Commons by having an elected Speaker elected by all MLAs, not just appointed by the Premier.