Spring sitting of P.E.I. Legislature delayed again by one day | CBC News
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The spring sitting of the P.E.I. Legislature will prorogue for a second time — but this time just by a day.
The delay is to accommodate MLAs who want to go to the funeral of former MLA and cabinet minister Mark McLane, who died this week after dealing with a serious medical issue.
A private funeral is being held Tuesday afternoon, followed by a public celebration of life at the Delta Prince Edward in Charlottetown beginning at 4 p.m.
Books of condolences are also be available to the public at the following locations:
- Legislative Assembly of Prince Edward Island (George Coles Building).
- Shaw Building (provincial administration building).
- Town of Cornwall — Town Hall.
- A digital book of condolences is also available here.
The legislature is now set to return to the George Coles Building on Wednesday, beginning with a speech from the throne.
This is the second time government has delayed the spring sitting.
Originally set for Feb. 24, Premier Rob Lantz announced it would be prorogued for 30 days due to government finalizing the operational budget. He noted the difficult fiscal position that provinces across the country are in and said P.E.I. is no different.
“We are developing a budget that’s responsible,” Lantz told CBC News last month. “This is not the time for fiscal shock therapy. This is not the time for extreme austerity. We need to power through these uncertain economic times, keep our economy strong.”
Government’s fall fiscal update shows the province is running a deficit of nearly $400 million.
MLAs already knew they would not be returning to Province House for the upcoming spring sitting.