The newest politicians elected to Newfoundland and Labrador's legislature will soon be sworn in, but they will not be seen or heard in the house until next spring.

In a two-paragraph statement issued late Thursday afternoon, Deputy Premier Tom Rideout said the next session of the house of assembly will open next spring.

NDP Leader Lorraine Michael says keeping the legislature closed until next spring is a 'smack in the face' to opposition parties.
(CBC)

New Democratic Party Leader Lorraine Michael lashed out at the decision, which she said will limit accountability in government.

"I think what [Premier Danny Williams is] acting like now is that he has all power because he has 43 of the seats in the house of assembly," Michael said, referring to the Tories' landslide win on Oct. 9.

"I think it's a smack in the face of those of us who are in opposition … and to say that he does not need to have the house open until then is really unacceptable."

Government sources said there is no pressing legislation that needs to be presented this fall.

Michael said that a whistleblower-protection bill that Williams has promised ought to be introduced as soon as possible.

Yvonne Jones, one of three Liberals re-elected this month, was not as upset as Michael by the delayed opening of the house, but said she would welcome a winter opening.

"In light of the fact that there's going to be a delayed opening in the fall, it might be reasonable as well for government to consider opening early and moving into a winter session," Jones told CBC News.

"There are always issues out there in the public that have to be dealt with."

The Progressive Conservatives made a similar move after winning the October 2003 election.

Swearing-in ceremonies for those elected in this month's election will be held Nov. 1.