The Session starts with the Speech from the Throne which sets out in broad terms the program of the government. Debate takes place on a motion by a Member of the Government Party who makes an address in answer to the Speech thanking the Lieutenant Governor. The mover and seconder of the Motion usually take the opportunity to express personal views. The other Party Leaders debate the Speech from the Throne and move amendments to the main motion.
Debate then ensues with the participation of many Members.
The time of the Budget Address may vary greatly from year to year. The Minister of Finance tables the Estimates and then delivers the Budget Speech. One Member speaking on behalf of the Official Opposition and one Member speaking on behalf of each recognized party respond to the Budget Speech. The Estimates are then referred to either the Committee of the Whole House on Supply or to the Subcommittee on Supply. The Committee of the Whole House on Supply considers the Estimates of five departments selected by the House Leader of the Official Opposition, for a maximum of forty hours and the Subcommittee on Supply considers the other estimates referred to it by the Committee of the Whole for a maximum of forty hours.