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TERMS OF REFERENCE

Royal Commission
Renewing and strengthening our place in Canada

WHEREAS 53 years ago the people of Newfoundland and Labrador merged their destiny with the people of Canada, a decision they took after vigorous debate and with firm faith in the future;

AND WHEREAS the people of Newfoundland and Labrador have a fierce determination to improve their province and all who live in it by striving to achieve prosperity and maintaining the spirit of self-reliance and belief in themselves which have sustained them for hundreds of years;

AND WHEREAS the Province of Newfoundland and Labrador has an ideal geographic location between two of the world's leading trading blocks, and the ability through natural resources, technology, reduced borders and other factors to seek opportunities in a more globalized world;

AND WHEREAS the people of Newfoundland and Labrador are determined to do so by developing all of their resources, human and natural, and by renewing and strengthening their place within the Canadian Confederation;

AND WHEREAS it is timely for the people of the province to develop a broad consensus on a vision for the future and identify ways for Newfoundland and Labrador to achieve prosperity and self-reliance, and renew and strengthen our place in Canada.

NOW THEREFORE by Commission under the Great Seal and under the authority of the Public Inquiries Act, the Lieutenant Governor-in-Council appoints as Commissioners: Mr. Victor Young (chairperson), Sister Elizabeth Davis, and Judge James Igloliorte.

AND BE IT ORDERED that the commissioners undertake a critical analysis of our strengths and weaknesses and make recommendations as to how best to achieve prosperity and self reliance.

AND IT IS FURTHER ORDERED, that in the process of making recommendations and without limiting the generality of the foregoing, the commissioners specifically examine and report on:

1. the expectations of the people of Newfoundland and Labrador prior to joining Canada, and how Newfoundland and Labrador has changed since Confederation, with a review of how the prosperity and self-reliance of our people has been affected over time;

2. how Newfoundland and Labrador is viewed in Canada, in particular by the federal government and its institutions, and to recommend ways in which Canadians may obtain a better understanding of our province;

3. the effect on the province of the Terms of Union as embodied in the Constitution of Canada and the evolution of these arrangements since 1949;

4. the special and unique contributions Newfoundland and Labrador has brought to Canada;

5. any arrangements with Canada which have or may hamper or detract from the ability of the people of Newfoundland and Labrador to attain prosperity and self reliance including, but not limited to, federal jurisdiction over natural resources; federal/provincial fiscal arrangements; and the application of federal government policies as they pertain to Newfoundland and Labrador;

6. demographic changes and the impact of these trends as they relate to challenges and opportunities for our youth and the future of the province; and

7. the means by which Newfoundland and Labrador can take maximum advantage of its strategic location between the North American and European trading blocks and the challenges which must be met and the opportunities which can be seized by Newfoundland and Labrador in a global economy.

AND THAT, the commissioners undertake their mandate in three phases:

1. a research phase, to be guided by public input, during which the commissioners may enter into research contracts with qualified, objective groups and individuals and thus provide an information base for further discussion and a stimulus to that debate;

2. a roundtable consultation phase, during which the commissioners shall consult with pertinent constituencies on relevant matters; and

3. a formal public consultation phase, during which the commissioners will use the necessary means and methods to ensure that meaningful consultation occurs with citizens of the province.

AND THAT the commission shall consider whether a Newfoundland and Labrador Conference should be held prior to the submission of a final report.

AND THAT the commissioners, are vested with the powers and authority set out in the Public Inquiries Act;

AND BE IT FURTHER ORDERED THAT, the commission may provide interim or specific issue reports as appropriate and shall submit its final report with recommendations to the Lieutenant Governor-in-Council on or before June 30, 2003.

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