Lt.-Gov. John Crosbie read the speech from the throne at the house of assembly on Monday. (CBC)Lt.-Gov. John Crosbie read the speech from the throne at the house of assembly on Monday. (CBC) (CBC)

Newfoundland and Labrador's house of assembly is back in session and improving the lives of children was the focus of Monday's throne speech.

Lt.-Gov. John Crosbie delivered the speech saying the government has already had some success fighting child poverty.

"Our province has moved from having one of the highest poverty rates in the country to the third lowest," said Crosbie. "We are well along in the journey to becoming the province with the lowest poverty rates in the country. National anti-poverty leaders have applauded my government's leadership and have described our poverty reduction strategy as a model for the entire country."

The speech also promised a new legislation will improve the Child, Youth and Family Services department.