Record-setting N.L. access filibuster ended
The protracted filibuster at the house of assembly protesting changes to Newfoundland and Labrador's access-to-information laws ended very early Friday morning with the passing of Bill 29.
For roughly 70 hours – since Monday afternoon - MHAs debated amendments to the Access to Information and Privacy Protection Act.
Government House Leader Jerome Kennedy said the previous filibuster record at the house was 23 hours.
The ATTIPA debate ended shortly after 1 a.m. when the Progressive Conservative government used its majority to pass the changes.
"Although there has been a lot of criticism of the Bill 29 and a lot of criticism of the procedure, I think this is a situation where democracy worked,” said Kennedy.
He said he expected Bill 29 will come into effect very soon.
Both NDP and Liberal MHAs agreed the filibuster was an effective way to raise public awareness about the access to information act’s changes. Liberal leader Dwight Ball suggested it’s a tactic that might be employed again.
"Oh absolutely, when required we will use it. I fully expect it could happen soon," he said.
