10-16-2006, 04:09 PM
16 October 2006
Ladies & Gentlemen:
I am pleased to say that my power has been restored (no pun intended) and I am therefore able to resume my duties.
Although the King's declaration of a State of Emergency stipulated that Parliament should be postponed until next Monday, I have consulted with His Majesty on the matter and He has determined that the State Opening of Parliament will occur this Friday, October 20th.
Once again: Parliament will be opened this Friday, October the 20th.
This will give all of us more time to prepare without pushing the opening into next week. An Order in Council will be presented amending the King's proclamation declaring that Parliament shall open the 16th of October (today).
Between now and then, however, the Palace of Huntington and the Floor of Parliament are open for non-legislative business. General housekeeping business may commence at once, the first order of business being the administration of the Affirmation of Loyalty to all members.
All peers and MPs should, therefore, report to the floor to take the Affirmation as soon as it is posted. Additionally, any may feel free to ask questions of the Chair at this point, or to make comments or suggestions.
Again, between now and Friday we will be conducting housekeeping business only. Do not propose Bills or Resolutions of the House until the Chair opens the floor for such, which will not be until after the Throne Speech, the Address in Reply &c. Please make any preparations for the State Opening which your office requires of you. Invitations should be sent to ambassadors to attend, to foreign governments to observe. Ceremonial officers should determine their roles, if any, and consult with me.
I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate Their Majesties on the occasion of the announcement of the expectancy of the Queen. I am sure I join with the whole of the nation in rejoicing over this very happy news. May God bless our Royal Family, particularly Her Majesty the Queen at this significant moment in the history of the kingdom.
I thank all of you for your patience and cooperation.