VII.

Government

From 1855 to 1934 Newfoundland was a British colony governed by a locally elected legislature. In 1934, amid the great hardship wrought by the global economic depression, the British government suspended Newfoundland’s local self-government to take administrative and financial responsibility for the colony. Until 1949 the colony was governed by a commission headed by a British governor. Self-government was restored in 1949 when Newfoundland and Labrador joined the Canadian federation as a province.

A.

National Representation

Newfoundland and Labrador is represented in the Canadian Parliament by seven elected representatives in the House of Commons and five senators appointed by the federal government to the Senate. By tradition, at least one member of Parliament from the province is appointed to the national cabinet.

B.

Executive

The lieutenant governor, appointed by the federal government, is the nominal head of the provincial government. However, real power rests with the premier and cabinet. The premier is the leader of the majority party or coalition in the provincial legislature. Members of the cabinet are appointed by the premier from among the members of the legislature to oversee the various government departments.

C.

Legislative

The unicameral provincial legislature of 48 members is called the House of Assembly. Elections must be held every five years but may be called sooner. The assembly holds one session a year, beginning in spring and ending in fall, with a break for summer.

D.

Judicial

The judiciary consists of a Supreme Court, which is split between a Trial Division and an Appeals Division, seven district courts, 18 provincial courts, a family court, a juvenile court, and a traffic court. The Supreme Court hears appeals from lower courts, and it may decide to hear any civil or criminal case. Minor offenses are handled by magistrates located in small communities. The Trial Division of the Supreme Court goes on circuit during the summer months.