Legislative Aasem_bly

Charlottetown, Summerside, Montague and Souris. The province is responsible for the training program; the Federal Manpower Department provides the money allow- ance, partly contributed by the province, to persons taking training courses which allow the individual to upgrade his skills and provide for his family. This program is of advantage to Prince Edward Island at this time because of the great labour force which will be required for the Northumberland Strait crossing. It is anticipated that 1200 workers will be required on the Prince Edward Island side of this $148,000,000.00 crossing. It is natural to expect, then. that housing units and schools will be required, and new industrial operations will develop.

The Minister of Industry, the Honourable Cecil Miller, as well as this govern- ment, are strong advocates of industrial expansion, but at the same time they are aware that sound judgment must be exercised to assure that industry is geared to the dollars invested. I believe that Industrial Enterprises Corporation, will play an important role in the establishment of new industry in our province, industries in which Islanders will be given priority in development and ownership.

Mr. Speaker, I am happy to note that the highway construction program in our province will not be curtailed. When my friend, the Honourable George Fer- guson. was given the portfolio of Minister of Highways, he was faced with large commitments of unfinished business and no dollars. Highway budgets were heavily overdrawn and supplementary amounts had to be provided. However, this most cap- able Minister has been able to overcome this difficulty. As the Speech indicates a full program of paving is planned for this year, including the Trans-Canada Highway, the “all-weather” roads, and roads serving the rural farm areas.

Our economy, gentlemen, is becoming more and more dependent on “all-weather" highways, and I welcome the opportune announcement that our government intends to take full advantage of federal assistance to build “all~weather" roads to serve this province. I trust that Highway No. 2 from Charlottetown to East Point will have priority in this program.

Sub-grading will also be continued as well as other inherited road programs.

A few short nights ago, I believe it was on February 22nd, the President of the Young Progressive Conservative Association paid our liberal government a great compliment. He referred to us as a “commission” government, and that we are. We have been commissioned by the people of this province to conduct their affairs for the next number of years, and we have taken them at their word. (Hear, Hear) (Applause). Immediately upon taking office, our most capable Minister of Education, the Honourable Gordon Bennett, performed the herculean task of procuring and distri- buting free school books to our children; a task performed during a C.N.R. strike, a task performed in a few days though forecast by some to take a few months. However, through working both day and night, this Honourable Minister, together with his staff, performed this unbelievable task. To them, not only as legislators but most of all as parents across the Island, we owe a debt of gratitude. I must not dwell too long on the specifics of the Department of Education and the systematic planning of its Minister; they will be dealt with in due course. He is surely a source of pride to us, and even if you don’t vote as he does, I am sure you have to admire him.

His plans for twenty-five new elementary schools must be classed as forward looking; his introduction and approval of low-rental housing projects in Charlottetown and Summerside, providing twenty-five and twelve units respectively to meet the de- mands of low income families and individuals, will open new doors. It will open up a way of life for people who have the right to expect this kind of treatment. As a matter of interest, the Federal Government provides 75% of the cost, on a loan basis; the Provincial Government and municipalities share equally in the remaining 25% cost of construction.

Speaking of municipalities, and having been closely associated with this de- partment at town level, I am happy that our provincial Minister of Municipal Affairs, the exceptionally capable minister, Honourable Keir Clark, has been able to negotiste much better arrangements that will allow municipalities and school districts to borrow funds for capital projects.

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