Legislative Assembly

brought us to the verge of this great day for our province. We have few industries as we all too well realize and I am sure that through co—operation and promotion and foresight we can project into the future an industry that will be a joy to the tourist and status for our Island.

Under the direction of the Honourable Doctor Bonnell great improvements have taken place along our roadsides this winter. His “cleanup campaign”, in con- junction with Winter Works, has made a decided improvement as we prepare for our centennial tourists.

- As Minister of Welfare, this Honourable Minister, through his energetic ef- forts and planning, has not only improved our welfare services but also negotiated substantial saving to the province by taking full advantage of federal cost-sharing programs, notably The Canada Assistance Plan as it applies to the field of institu- tional care and general welfare.

Mr. Speaker, our Government recognizes more and more the important part which the youth of our country and province are playing in a wide range of activi- ties. The decision to establish a Division of Youth, and to lower the voting age to eighteen years is a recognition of the confidence which our Liberal Government has in the youth of our provnice. We are looking more and more to them for the guide- lines of the future.

It is recognized that the economy of our province is largely based on my col- league's Department of Agriculture. I am pleased that this Government is giving this Vital industry the recognition it needs and deserves. Under the direction of my colleague, the Honourable Daniel J. MacDonald, a comprehensive plan is being de- veloped and prepared which will place great emphasis on agriculture and will em- brace many programs designed to expand our agricutural production. At the same time it will provide our farmers with a fair cash return for their farm products. The Honourable Minister’s portfolio embraces such a wide range of programs that we must leave the details of enligbtment from the Minister himself.

Mr. Speaker, many words have been read in the S eech from the Throne; how- ever, words are inanimate things until we give them the reath of action. That action will be inaugurated by our Government, inaugurated under the watchful eye of the Honourable T. Earle Hickey, our Provincial Treasurer. This Minister is well aware of the importance and necessity of sound financing. This province is very fortunate indeed at this time to find such a Minister with such a responsible approach to gov- ernment. Read about our federal grants in the “Guardian” of March 11, just the other day. This man is aware of the necessity of keeping our expenditures in line with our ability to pay.

I would like at this time to congratulate the Honourable Member from First Prince on his appointment to the Cabinet. We are all happy to see him back after his hospitalization and operation.

Due to the heavy work load of government which has increased many times since the nine-man Cabinet was inaugurated, it is justifiable that a tenth Member be added. Many provinces have many more Cabinet appointments than our province has, yet the work of government administration and decision is heavy regardless of whe- ther the province is large or small. Mr. Campbell's appointment is a recognition by this government of the area he represents. I can assure the people of that area of the province that they could find no more dedicated or energetic Minister to look after their affairs than the Honourable Robert E. Campbell. (Applause).

From the remarks made so far, you will have noted that we have a competent and energetic Cabinet in its entirety. However, I know that it is well recognized by all, not just in this Legislature, but throughout the Island that great credit must be given to our Premier, who, although he has served a relatively short time, has proven capabilities recognized outside of our province. He is a dynamic force with whom the Opposition, unfortunately for their part, must contend.

Finally, then, as Canada celebrates the Centennial, Mr. Speaker, may we ever be mindful of the fact that one hundred and three years ago, in this very building, men sat down and first discussed the idea of Canada. This vision of 1864 was not

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