Tuesday, April 18, 1967

Honourable George J. Ferguson: And I could only think when he stated this that he must miss having his picture in the press.

Some Member: Good looking fellow.

Honourable George J. Ferguson: Mr. Speaker, before reporting on the Depart- ment of Public Works and Highways, I would like to take a few moments to speak on the Speech from the Throne, a document which I think has much in it for the benefit of the people of this province. The Leader of the Opposition in his address was critical of this document at times, although he stated that 90% of the items in it were pro- grams which his government had instituted. I will say this if he wishes to think that way, fine. However, I do realize that there are many paragraphs in this document which the people of this province have been waiting for for a good number of years. Many are things that the former administration could have carried out if they wished to do so. I intend to enumerate a few of those. For instance, Mr. Speaker, free school books. A system of free school books for students from Grade I to VIII has taken place, and this program will be extended this year to include Grade IX and X. Now, Mr. S aker, isn’t this a new program? One which the people in this province, es- pecial y those with large families, have been waiting for for many years. (Applause) The policy of seasonal licenses for trucks will be implemented by this government this year. This is something that the farmers and others as well throughout the province have desired for a long time. This gives them an opportunity to buy a license for a period of three months without having to go to the high cost of registering their trucks for a full year. Another one. “You will 'be asked to approve legislation to provide more advantageous borrowing facilities for the province's municipalities and school dis- tricts.” Imagine what a tremendous benefit this will be to our municipalities. This is another thing that I am sure the people will be happy to hear. “A rogram of assist- ance for rural fire-fighting in order to improve this service in all rural areas and fishing ports. My Government will provide legislation for the incorporation of rural fire fighting brigades, and for the incorporation of companies for other areas or municipal development urposes.” This program as well will be of terrific benefit to the various centres t roughout the province.

“A centre for the treatment and rehabiliation of victims of alcoholism has been established in the Province.” I am sure we will all agree that this is a disease and this is something that has been needed for ma , many years. “The establishment of a school at the Provincial Sanatorium for chil ren and young adults that are vict- ims of cerebal palsey. Special drugs essential to needy individuals." I could go on, Mr. Speaker, but these are just a few.

Mr. Speaker, the Leader of the Opposition in his address made reference to the Federal-Provincial Conference which had been held in Ottawa a few months ago. He was very critical of the treatment that we received. I cannot understand what in the world the Honourable Leader of the Opposition was thinking about when he would make such a statement. Here is a comparison which I have and which I would like to enumerate on Federal payments to Prince Edward Island. Statutory subsidies, $657,000.00. This was for the year ending 1964-65, which is continued through to the year ending March of 1968. Tax sharing for the year endin 1964 and 1965. This government received $1,729,000.00. For the year ending 1965- 966, $2,163,000.00; 1966- 1967, $2,639,000.00. The estimate for 1967-1968, $4,274,000.00.

Honourable Robert E. Campbell: Isn’t that wonderful! (Applause)

Honourable George J. Ferguson: Equaliziation 1964-1965, $4,808,000.00; 1965- 1966, $5,905,000.00; 1966-1967, $7,071,(X)0.00 and the estimate for 1967-1968 is $10,- 600,000.00. The Atlantic Provinces Adjustment Grants for the year 1964-1965, 1966- 1967 is $3,500,000.00. For the year endin March 31 1968. it is now called the addi- tional Prince Edward Island Grant, $3,5 ,000.00. When you compare these totals we find that for last year we received from Ottawa $13,867,000.00. The estimate for the year ending March 31, 1968, is $19,031,000.00.

L. George Dewar: Wonderful! Honourable George J. Ferguson: Not double, but almost $7,000,000.00 more. Some Member: Does Mr. Shaw agree with that?

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