Record-setting N.L. access filibuster ended

Theprotracted filibusterat the house of assembly protestingchanges to Newfoundland and Labrador's access-to-information laws ended very early Fridaymorningwith the passing of Bill 29.

For roughly 70 hours since Monday afternoon - MHAs debated amendments to theAccess to Information and Privacy Protection Act.

Government House Leader Jerome Kennedy said the previous filibuster record at the house was 23 hours.

The ATTIPA debate ended shortly after 1 a.m. whenthe Progressive Conservative government used its majority to passthe changes.

"Although there has been a lot of criticism of the Bill 29 and a lot of criticism of the procedure, I think this is a situation where democracy worked," saidKennedy.

He said heexpected Bill 29 will come into effect very soon.

BothNDP and Liberal MHAsagreed the filibuster was an effective way to raise public awareness about the access to information acts changes. Liberal leader Dwight Ball suggested its a tactic that might be employed again.

"Oh absolutely, when required we will use it. I fully expect it could happen soon," he said.