Newfoundland and Labrador House of Assembly, Wednesday 12 October 2022
Question Period focused heavily on the federal carbon tax and its impact on home heating oil, with the Opposition accusing the provincial Liberals of reversing their support for the tax amid rising costs. Additional topics included the sugar tax, substitute teacher scheduling, Ukrainian newcomer supports, water bomber crew shortages, and a dispute over cataract surgery wait-lists in Western Newfoundland. The Premier and ministers defended their positions, emphasizing federal responsibility for the carbon tax, public health rationales for the sugar tax, and efforts to support Ukrainians and address health care capacity. The House debated Bill 5, An Act Respecting the Establishment of the Newfoundland and Labrador Future Fund, in Committee of the Whole. Opposition members supported the concept but raised concerns about transparency regarding asset sales, Cabinet authority to spend funds, and the lack of a fiscal update. The government defended the bill's structure, emphasizing financial discipline and accountability measures. The House also adopted a motion to cancel Private Members' Day on October 12, 2022, in favour of government business.
Members' Statements
70th wedding anniversary of Trevor and Mildred Bennett
E. Joyce
Recognized Trevor and Mildred Bennett of Irishtown on their 70th wedding anniversary, celebrating their long marriage, family of five children, 10 grandchildren, 10 great-grandchildren, and one great-great-grandchild.
Joe Goudie inducted into Order of Newfoundland and Labrador
P. Trimper
Congratulated former Labrador MHA Joe Goudie on his induction into the Order of Newfoundland and Labrador, recognizing his contributions to CBC Radio, provincial politics, canoe building, and Labrador heritage preservation.
Cancer survivor Joanne Tremblett
C. Pardy
Celebrated Joanne Tremblett's journey as a Hodgkin's disease survivor diagnosed at age 14, who became an RN at Bonavista Hospital and spoke at the Relay for Life event that raised over $55,000.
Late Mayor George Kelly of Burlington
B. Warr
Paid tribute to the late George Kelly, mayor and councillor of Burlington for 26 years, who revitalized the community during economic downturns and left a legacy of strong leadership.
Krista Stephens receives literacy award
J. Dinn
Recognized constituent Krista Stephens for receiving the 2022 Council of the Federation Literacy Award after completing her education at age 42 following a 26-year absence, overcoming significant personal challenges.
Question Period
Carbon tax on home heating oil
Asked by B. Petten · Answered by A. Furey
The Premier stated the carbon tax is a federal initiative, not provincial, and that he has written to the federal Environment Minister opposing the increase due to inflationary pressures. He committed to continuing advocacy but did not commit to axing the tax, as it is not within provincial control.
SmartFind substitute teacher system
Asked by B. Petten · Answered by J. Haggie
The Minister of Education defended the SmartFind system, saying it frees up principals' time and ensures a teacher is in the classroom. He noted software revisions are underway and that part-time teachers attached to schools will receive preferential calls.
Sugar tax
Asked by T. Wakeham · Answered by S. Coady
The Minister of Finance refused to cancel the sugar tax, citing support from the Canadian Pediatric Society, Canadian Cancer Society, and WHO. She argued the tax is intended to change behaviour and reduce chronic disease, not to generate revenue.
Cost of living and poverty reduction
Asked by C. Pardy · Answered by J. Abbott
The Minister of Children, Seniors and Social Development outlined measures such as income support increases, a $500 payment to tax filers, and a forthcoming economic and social well-being plan. He defended the government's record, stating the Poverty Reduction Strategy was not dismantled but evolved.
Ukrainian newcomer supports
Asked by J. Wall · Answered by G. Byrne
The Minister of Immigration stated that three-quarters of Ukrainians who arrived prior to the session have found employment, none are in social housing, and the average temporary accommodation stay is 28 days. He acknowledged ongoing work to support those still seeking housing and child care.
Water bomber crew availability
Asked by P. Forsey · Answered by D. Bragg
The Minister of Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture defended the water bomber fleet and crews, attributing some unavailability to COVID. He stated the province has four water bombers, more than neighbouring provinces, and declined to commit to an independent review.
Sale of public assets and the Future Fund
Asked by J. Dinn · Answered by S. Coady
The Minister of Finance confirmed that Rothschild has completed a review of provincial assets and that the Future Fund legislation contemplates directing proceeds from any asset sales to the fund rather than general revenue. She did not specify which assets, if any, would be sold.
Suicide rates and socio-economic marginalization in Northern Labrador
Asked by L. Evans · Answered by T. Osborne
The Minister of Health defended the government's partnership with Indigenous communities in Northern Labrador, stating an action plan has been developed and funded. He asked for time to allow the plan to show results.
Newfoundland and Labrador Housing repairs
Asked by J. Dinn · Answered by J. Abbott
The Minister stated that 272 units are vacant and ready or will be ready shortly, with 34 units on the Avalon being repaired in the next three to six months. He confirmed budget allocation but did not specify whether additional staff have been hired.
Cataract surgery wait-lists in Western Newfoundland
Asked by E. Joyce · Answered by T. Osborne
The Minister defended the reallocation of cataract surgeries, stating Eastern Health has a larger proportion of the population over 65 but had received a smaller share of surgeries. He argued the one-time increase for Eastern Health addresses an imbalance and that Western Health still receives a disproportionately large allocation.
Orders of the Day
Motion 1 to cancel Private Members' Day on October 12, 2022
L. Dempster
The Deputy Government House Leader moved Motion 1 to cancel Private Members' Day on October 12, 2022, and instead meet at 2 p.m. for Routine Proceedings and government business until midnight. The motion was adopted.
Bill 5 - Newfoundland and Labrador Future Fund Act - Committee of the Whole debate
Multiple
The House resolved into Committee of the Whole to debate Bill 5. Opposition members (T. Wakeham, B. Petten, H. Conway Ottenheimer, J. Dinn, E. Joyce, P. Dinn, L. Parrott, C. Pardy, P. Lane, L. O'Driscoll) supported the Future Fund concept but raised concerns about: lack of transparency regarding which provincial assets will be sold; the hidden Rothschild report; Cabinet's authority to determine extraordinary circumstances and strategic priorities for spending; absence of a fiscal update before the legislation; and insufficient House of Assembly oversight. Minister of Finance S. Coady defended the bill, emphasizing it captures non-renewable resource royalties on a sliding scale, requires Auditor General review and House appropriations for spending, uses existing sinking fund expertise to avoid costs, and provides financial discipline to pay down the province's debt. The Committee rose and reported progress.
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.