Newfoundland and Labrador House of Assembly, Monday 3 November 2025
The 51st General Assembly of Newfoundland and Labrador convened for its opening sitting. Paul Lane, MHA for Mount Pearl - Southlands, was acclaimed as Speaker and formally approved by the Lieutenant Governor. Her Honour addressed the Assembly, emphasizing the responsibilities of elected office and commemorating the 100th anniversary of women's right to vote and hold public office in the province.
Other business
Opening of the 51st General Assembly and proclamation
Clerk (Hawley George)
The Lieutenant Governor's proclamation was read, summoning the 51st General Assembly following the October 14, 2025 general election and directing Members to elect a Speaker.
Election and declaration of Speaker
Clerk (Hawley George)
Paul Lane, MHA for Mount Pearl - Southlands, was declared Speaker as the sole nominee, following the close of nominations on October 31, 2025.
Speaker's acceptance remarks
P. Lane
Speaker Lane thanked his family and supporters, reflected on his political journey and mentor Harvey Hodder (a former Speaker), and emphasized the honour of serving in the Assembly. He called on all Members to conduct themselves with respect and professionalism, pledging to be fair and unbiased in his role.
Presentation and approval of Speaker
Premier Wakeham
The Premier presented Paul Lane to the Lieutenant Governor for approval as Speaker, which Her Honour granted on behalf of His Majesty.
Speaker's claim of parliamentary privileges
P. Lane
Speaker Lane formally claimed the Assembly's traditional rights and privileges, including freedom of speech, freedom from arrest during session, and the Speaker's access to the Lieutenant Governor, which were confirmed by Her Honour.
Lieutenant Governor's address to the Assembly
Her Honour The Lieutenant Governor (Joan Marie J. Aylward)
Her Honour congratulated Members on their election, emphasized their responsibility to act for the greater good, and commemorated the 100th anniversary of women's right to vote and hold office in Newfoundland and Labrador (granted in 1925). She encouraged Members to model open-mindedness, collaboration, empathy, and respect.
Adjournment motion
L. Parrott
The Government House Leader moved adjournment to the call of the Chair, which was carried, concluding the sitting.
This is Tabled's summary of the sitting, written from the official record; Hansard is only ever quoted at the link above. Search Newfoundland and Labrador Hansard for the words themselves, or read this sitting in the archive.