Newfoundland and Labrador House of Assembly, Thursday 6 October 2022
Question Period focused heavily on health care access, with Opposition members pressing the Premier and Minister of Health on emergency room closures, physician shortages, and mental health wait-lists. The government defended its recruitment incentives and national context, while also facing questions on cost-of-living measures, pay equity legislation, workplace safety, infrastructure delays, and the controversial sugar tax. The session took place in the historic restored Chamber, with several members noting the significance of being the first to speak in various roles or from certain regions. The House sitting focused primarily on passing first readings for 15 government bills covering topics from pay equity to aquaculture, and debating a Supplementary Supply bill requesting $194 million to provide cost-of-living relief payments to residents. Members also paid tribute to victims of Hurricane Fiona, acknowledged community leaders, and raised concerns about road conditions, seniors' housing, and the sugar-sweetened beverage tax.
Members' Statements
Tribute to Brad Noel of Springdale
B. Warr
Acknowledged the late Brad Noel, a respected Springdale resident who passed in September 2022 at age 51, noting his generosity and impact on young people's lives.
Recognition of Nancy Miller, teacher and foster parent
C. Pardy
Celebrated Nancy Miller of Bishop White School in Port Rexton for her work as a foster parent to 14 children and her literacy initiatives including registering for Dolly Parton's Imagination Library.
Come Home Year 2022 success
P. Pike
Congratulated government and all Members on the success of Come Home Year 2022, highlighting well-attended events across Burin - Grand Bank featuring traditional meals, sports, and music.
NASA Satellite Tracking Station at Shoe Cove
J. Wall
Recognized constituent Garry Knight for his work at the NASA Satellite Tracking Station in Shoe Cove (1972-1984), which monitored satellites and supported Apollo missions.
Robert W. Cormier's Order of Newfoundland and Labrador
T. Wakeham
Acknowledged Robert Cormier of Cape St. George for his 30+ years promoting Francophone heritage and receiving the Order of Newfoundland and Labrador for his work preserving French language and culture.
Hurricane Fiona impact on Southwest Coast
A. Parsons
Spoke about the devastating impact of Hurricane Fiona on Burgeo - La Poile, particularly Port aux Basques, expressing condolences for the life lost and thanking first responders and volunteers.
Tribute to former MHA Tom Hedderson
H. Conway Ottenheimer
Paid tribute to Tom Hedderson, former MHA for Harbour Main (1999-2015) and Cabinet minister, who passed suddenly on August 8, 2022, remembering him as an educator and family man.
Routine Proceedings
Tabling of Auditor General report on Nalcor Energy
The Speaker
The Speaker tabled a report of the Auditor General entitled 'Nalcor Energy' under the Auditor General Act.
Notice of motion to appoint Child and Youth Advocate
S. Crocker
Government House Leader gave notice of a resolution to appoint Linda Clemens-Spurrell as Child and Youth Advocate effective October 25, 2022.
Notice of motion for extended sitting hours
S. Crocker
Government House Leader gave notice that the House will not adjourn at 5:30 p.m. on Tuesday, October 11, 2022.
Petition on World Energy GH2 environmental review
E. Joyce
Presented petition calling for government to reject Phase I of World Energy GH2 wind project and conduct environmental impact study on all three phases together to prevent project splitting.
Petition to reopen Bull Arm Fabrication Site
J. Dwyer
Presented petition urging government to expedite reopening of Bull Arm Fabrication Site with long-term viable plan, emphasizing potential for Bay du Nord project and economic benefits.
Petition to cancel sugar-sweetened beverage tax
T. Wakeham
Presented petition calling for cancellation of 20-cent per litre sugar tax, arguing it unfairly burdens families struggling with cost of living rather than promoting health through education.
Petition for seniors' housing in Labrador West
J. Brown
Presented petition requesting affordable seniors' housing and assisted living facilities in Labrador West to allow seniors to age in place rather than relocate.
Petition for road improvements on Routes 350, 351A and 352
P. Forsey
Presented petition calling for immediate upgrades to roads in Exploits District, citing safety issues and vehicle damages totaling thousands of dollars.
Petition to keep senior couples together in long-term care
J. Dinn
Presented petition with over 100 signatures urging government to pass legislation preventing separation of senior couples in long-term care due to differing care levels.
Question Period
Health care crisis and emergency room closures
Asked by B. Petten · Answered by A. Furey
The Premier acknowledged a national and local problem, citing financial incentives for physicians ($150,000 for new practices, two-year income guarantees, Come Home packages up to $100,000 for doctors, $50,000 for nurses and paramedics) and arguing that emergency diversions occur across Canada, including Kingston and Brampton.
Staffing for new mental health facility
Asked by B. Petten · Answered by T. Osborne
The Minister of Health stated they are working to recruit health care professionals and that the new Waterford Hospital replacement will offer an enhanced suite of services beyond the existing facility, with recruitment incentives in place.
Long-term mental health care access and wait-lists
Asked by B. Petten · Answered by T. Osborne
The minister claimed wait times for mental health and addictions have been reduced significantly over the last two years due to measures introduced by the former minister (now Premier), though acknowledged more work remains.
Cost-of-living crisis response timing
Asked by B. Petten · Answered by A. Furey and S. Coady
The Premier defended the timing, saying government cannot control global inflation but has deployed nearly half a billion dollars in relief over six months—higher per capita than any other province—including seniors' supplements, home heat rebates, gas tax cuts, motor vehicle fee reductions, rate mitigation, and $10-a-day child care.
Pay equity legislation consultation
Asked by H. Conway Ottenheimer · Answered by P. Parsons
The Minister Responsible for Women and Gender Equality confirmed that Bill 3, the Pay Equity and Pay Transparency Act, will be debated in the fall, with consultation planned and a whole-of-government approach, contrasting this with inaction during the previous government's tenure.
Diabetic care without a family doctor
Asked by J. Wall · Answered by T. Osborne
The minister pointed to 811 for prescription access and an upcoming virtual care system (RFP under review) to support patients without family physicians and emergency departments facing staffing shortages.
Acceptability of people lining up for days to get on a doctor wait-list
Asked by L. Parrott · Answered by T. Osborne
The minister agreed it is not acceptable, noted additional nurse practitioners were added to 811 within the last two to three weeks to reduce wait times, and emphasized Collaborative Care Clinics will provide team-based care so patients are not left without support if one professional leaves.
Premier's direct outreach to out-of-province doctors
Asked by P. Dinn · Answered by T. Osborne
The minister did not provide specific numbers of calls or job offers, but stated health authorities and the Recruitment Office are recruiting daily and that over 200 physicians (including locums and full-time) have been recruited in the last three months.
Red tape preventing doctors from practising (Dr. Paul Hart case)
Asked by P. Dinn · Answered by A. Furey
The Premier declined to comment on individual cases, acknowledged red tape issues, and said government has met multiple times with the College of Physicians and Surgeons, NLMA, and Memorial University. He directed attention to Order 1 on the paper, which involves revising the Medical Act.
Worker safety at Come By Chance oil refinery
Asked by J. Dwyer · Answered by S. Stoodley
The Minister of Digital Government and Service NL confirmed Occupational Health and Safety placed a stop-work order, lifted last Friday after the employer satisfied all requirements for a safe return to work. An ongoing investigation involves multiple parties, but safe work environment is paramount.
Grand Falls-Windsor Highway safety improvements
Asked by C. Tibbs · Answered by E. Loveless
The Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure said discussions are ongoing (including that morning) on whether to reduce speed or change signs, with safety in mind, and promised a report sooner rather than later.
Trepassey breakwater repairs and ambulance service
Asked by L. O'Driscoll · Answered by E. Loveless
The minister rejected the characterization of ignoring Trepassey, noting the Premier and he had been in touch with the MHA and mayor (that day), and are examining a long-term solution, possibly in phases, similar to support provided to the southwest.
Sugar tax repeal
Asked by T. Wakeham · Answered by S. Coady and A. Furey
The Minister of Finance cited the Canadian Cancer Society's support for the tax to reduce sugar consumption, the single largest contributor to sugar in Canadian diets, and said any revenue will go to community programs like school lunch. The Premier noted the province leads the country in heart disease, diabetes, obesity, stroke, and diabetes-related amputations, and cited evidence in the British Medical Journal that such taxes work.
Lowering the cost of milk
Asked by P. Forsey · Answered by D. Bragg
The Minister of Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture stated that Newfoundland's milk prices are mid-range nationally, that government does not set the price (it is set by a marketing board and dairy farmers), and that farmers' costs (labour, feed) are rising.
Vision for growing the fishery
Asked by C. Pardy · Answered by D. Bragg
The minister said the department has initiated a Fisheries Advisory Council with all stakeholders (harvesters, producers) engaged over the last eight to ten months, with a report expected in the coming days or weeks.
Repairing vacant NLHC units to address housing crisis
Asked by J. Dinn · Answered by J. Abbott
The Minister of Children, Seniors and Social Development stated that sufficient funds have been allocated in the Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation budget to repair the 120 vacant units, and they will be available for families in very short order.
Ensuring domestic abuse survivors receive cost-of-living cheques, not abusers
Asked by J. Dinn · Answered by P. Parsons
The Minister Responsible for Women and Gender Equality acknowledged the importance of the issue, noted funding for non-profits and transition houses, a domestic helpline, and committed to working with the Minister of Children, Seniors and Social Development to address the concern.
Paramedic shortages and workplace conditions in Labrador
Asked by J. Brown · Answered by T. Osborne
The minister acknowledged shortages in Central Labrador (two full-time and one as-needed ambulance), noted a working group with NAPE, the Health Department, and others, cited Come Home Year incentives for ACPs and PCPs introduced this week, and said Island paramedics are being deployed to Labrador for shifts.
Teacher shortages and inadequate Internet for online learning in Nain
Asked by L. Evans · Answered by J. Haggie
The new Minister of Education acknowledged he cannot address broadband issues (outside his portfolio) but noted colleagues are working on rural broadband strategies with significant funding. He confirmed a meeting with the NLTA on teacher recruitment and retention and promised an update to the House.
Orders of the Day
First reading of Bill 3 (Pay Equity and Pay Transparency Act)
S. Crocker
Government House Leader introduced Bill 3, the Pay Equity and Pay Transparency Act, which received first reading and will be read a second time tomorrow.
First reading of Bill 4 (Balanced Budget Act)
S. Crocker
Government House Leader introduced Bill 4, the Balanced Budget Act, which received first reading and will be read a second time tomorrow.
First reading of Bill 5 (Future Fund Act)
S. Crocker
Government House Leader introduced Bill 5, the Future Fund Act, which received first reading and will be read a second time tomorrow.
First reading of Bill 6 (An Act to Amend the Revenue Administration Act)
S. Crocker
Government House Leader introduced Bill 6 to amend the Revenue Administration Act, which received first reading and will be read a second time tomorrow.
First reading of Bill 7 (An Act to Amend the Schools Act, 1997)
S. Crocker
Government House Leader introduced Bill 7 to amend the Schools Act, 1997, which received first reading and will be read a second time tomorrow.
First reading of Bill 8 (An Act to Amend the Credit Union Act, 2009)
S. Crocker
Government House Leader introduced Bill 8 to amend the Credit Union Act, 2009, which received first reading and will be read a second time tomorrow.
First reading of Bill 9 (An Act to Amend the Highway Traffic Act)
S. Crocker
Government House Leader introduced Bill 9 to amend the Highway Traffic Act, which received first reading and will be read a second time tomorrow.
First reading of Bill 10 (An Act to Amend the Wild Life Act)
S. Crocker
Government House Leader introduced Bill 10 to amend the Wild Life Act, which received first reading and will be read a second time tomorrow.
First reading of Bill 11 (Winding Up of Judgment Recovery (NFLD) Ltd. Act)
S. Crocker
Government House Leader introduced Bill 11, the Winding Up of Judgment Recovery (NFLD) Ltd. Act, which received first reading and will be read a second time tomorrow.
First reading of Bill 12 (An Act to Amend the Workplace Health, Safety and Compensation Act)
S. Crocker
Government House Leader introduced Bill 12 to amend the Workplace Health, Safety and Compensation Act, which received first reading and will be read a second time tomorrow.
First reading of Bill 13 (An Act to Amend the Consumer Protection and Business Practices Act)
S. Crocker
Government House Leader introduced Bill 13 to amend the Consumer Protection and Business Practices Act, which received first reading and will be read a second time tomorrow.
First reading of Bill 14 (An Act to Amend the Real Estate Trading Act, 2019)
S. Crocker
Government House Leader introduced Bill 14 to amend the Real Estate Trading Act, 2019, which received first reading and will be read a second time tomorrow.
First reading of Bill 15 (Fair Registration Practices Act)
S. Crocker
Government House Leader introduced Bill 15, the Fair Registration Practices Act, which received first reading and will be read a second time tomorrow.
First reading of Bill 16 (An Act to Amend the Revenue Administration Act No. 2)
S. Crocker
Government House Leader introduced Bill 16 to amend the Revenue Administration Act No. 2, which received first reading and will be read a second time tomorrow.
First reading of Bill 17 (Aquaculture Act, 2022)
S. Crocker
Government House Leader introduced Bill 17, the Aquaculture Act, 2022, which received first reading and will be read a second time tomorrow.
Motion to extend sitting hours for October 6, 2022
S. Crocker
Government House Leader moved that the House not adjourn at 5:30 p.m. on Thursday, October 6, 2022; motion carried.
Debate on Bill 2 (Supplementary Supply for $194 million)
Multiple
Committee of the Whole debated Bill 2 requesting $194 million in supplementary supply for cost-of-living relief payments ($500 for those earning under $100,000, scaled down to $250 for those earning $100,000-$125,000). Minister Coady defended it as responsible use of surplus oil revenues. Opposition Members supported the measure but criticized lack of consultation, temporary nature of relief, concerns about equity (single parents vs. dual-income households), delivery challenges, and called for long-term structural solutions including elimination of sugar tax.
This is Tabled's summary of the sitting, written from the official record; Hansard is only ever quoted at the link above. Search Newfoundland and Labrador Hansard for the words themselves, or read this sitting in the archive.