A veteran MHA says it will take time for those elected to the House of Assembly to get used to their new roles.

The make up of the House has changed dramatically since last fall’s election, with many brand new faces, and more seasoned legislators flipping from one side to the other.

Independent MHA Eddie Joyce is one of just two members – the other being NDP Leader Jim Dinn – whose roles haven’t changed in this iteration of the legislature.

Joyce was first elected as a Liberal in 1989, but famously stepped aside to allow Leader Clyde Wells to run successfully.

He’s been representing the district of Humber-Bay of Islands under the Liberal banner and as an Independent since 1999 – except for a three-year period after losing the election in 2007 to Terry Loder.

He says he’s surprised at how many members have come to him seeking advice.

“More on the PC side,” Joyce told VOCM Open Line. “A few Liberals that I speak to when they ask me questions, but more on the PC side that come and say ‘well, what do you think oft this?’ or ‘how do you handle this situation?'”

He admits it was a bit rough-going in the first week, but says Question Period has gone a lot smoother since Speaker Paul Lane issued a warning about chirping and boisterous behavior.