A marathon session is in store for today’s House of Assembly, with the final report of the Spending and Government Efficiency (SAGE) Commission coming up for discussion.

And today marks the last opportunity this year for Bermuda Ombudsman Arlene Brock’s controversial investigation into the governance of the City of Hamilton to go before MPs.

The same issue that prompted Ms Brock’s investigation — the Corporation of Hamilton’s lease of the Hamilton waterfront — will also go before the House for approval.

National Security Minister Michael Dunkley will table both the ground lease, and the Corporation’s agreement with Allied Development Partners, for the development of the Hamilton waterfront.

Previous leases put before Parliament in Wednesday’s sitting of the House elicited little debate, since Opposition MPs abstained from voting for or against.

Under section 14 of the Municipalities Amendment Act, both Cabinet and the legislature have to validate agreements going over 21 years made by either Corporation on or after January 1, 2012.

However, the Opposition objected to the dealings of the municipalities being brought before Parliament — plus the provision for retroactive approval.

A continued Opposition abstention means the waterfront lease is likely to be approved today with little discussion.

Shadow Home Affairs Minister Walter Roban indicated that the Progressive Labour Party’s position remained the same for today’s lease.

“We’re likely to abstain, but we will reserve our vote until we hear what Government has to say,” he added.

And today’s Gaming Referendum Act faces a battle from the Progressive Labour Party, according to Shadow Tourism Minister Wayne Furbert.

The referendum question “Do you favour the introduction of regulated casino gaming for the purposes of creating new jobs for Bermudians and encouraging hotel development?” will be contested by the Opposition — in favour of a neutrally worded question.

Mr Furbert told The Royal Gazette he was prepared to argue the issue “until the cows come home”.

Meanwhile, the Pharmacy and Poisons Amendment Bill 2013 will beef up administration and oversight of the pharmacy industry, and update the Minister’s power to restrict the importation and sale of medicinal drugs.

The Bill strikes out the references to “poisons” from the 1979 Act — but gives the Minister power to prohibit the importation of drug products which the Chief Medical Officer considers unsafe.

The Pharmacy Council will acquire protection from personal liability under the Act, and the Minister will take charge of the appointment of a Registrar.

A code of conduct for registered pharmacists is authorised, along with a Pharmacy Profession Complains Committee, and the powers of pharmaceutical inspectors are broadened.

Additionally, two “Sunday shopping” bills will come up for approval: the Liquor Licence Amendment Act, skipped over during Wednesday’s session, will open the way for stores to sell liquor on Sundays.

And the Public Holidays Amendment Act will approve Sunday shopping in the final run-up to Christmas.

A motion by Shadow Health Minister Zane DeSilva, to debate escalating healthcare costs and universal health coverage, is to be deferred until Parliament reconvenes in January.