Newfoundland and Labrador House of Assembly, Thursday 13 October 2022
Question Period focused heavily on health care staffing shortages (including paramedic overtime and recruitment failures), the SmartFind substitute teacher system, the Future Fund's transparency, and the carbon tax. Opposition members pressed the government on long-term care incidents in Baie Verte, systemic racism in policing, housing loopholes, the mackerel fishery moratorium, and the fluorspar mine layoffs. Ministers defended their records on climate policy, fiscal responsibility, and recruitment efforts, while deflecting or promising to investigate specific allegations. The House of Assembly considered Bill 1, An Act to Amend the Medical Act, 2011, which creates new pathways for physician registration to address doctor shortages. The bill introduces associate and clinical assistant registration categories, establishes an advisory committee to guide the minister, and expands authority for electronic prescribing. All parties supported the bill, which passed second reading and Committee of the Whole, though Members raised concerns about recruitment, retention, and broader health system pressures.
Members' Statements
100th birthday of Sarah Johanna (Josie) Hillier
S. Gambin-Walsh
Recognized Josie Hillier of Green's Harbour, who celebrated her 100th birthday on October 2. Josie served in the Royal Canadian Air Force during WWII and has eight children, 22 grandchildren, and 32 great-grandchildren.
Isabella Nolan's powerlifting achievements
S. Reid
Congratulated Isabella Nolan of Stephenville Crossing, who won gold and set provincial and national records in powerlifting, and placed 9th at the International Powerlifting Federation world competition in Turkey.
Tribute to Dennis Drover
J. Brown
Paid tribute to Dennis Drover of Labrador, who recently passed away. Dennis was a dedicated coach, family man, and Montreal Canadiens super fan who contributed greatly to the community spirit.
Sandra Mouland's sea glass gifts
C. Pardy
Highlighted Sandra Mouland of Bonavista, who collects sea glass from local beaches and freely distributes it to tourists and visitors through a small house in front of her home. She has given out over 1,000 bags this past summer.
Recognition of Barbara Barrett
J. Dwyer
Recognized Barbara Barrett of Arnold's Cove for her decades of service as a teacher, town councillor, and volunteer administrator of the Golden Years Manor retirement home. She has received Golden and Diamond Queen Jubilee Medals and a Heart of Gold Award.
Routine Proceedings
Statement on Professional Municipal Administrators Fall Forum
K. Howell
The Minister of Municipal and Provincial Affairs recognized the Professional Municipal Administrators 2022 Fall Forum and thanked municipal administrators for their dedication, especially during crises like forest fires and Hurricane Fiona. Over $120,000 has been approved to assist communities with Fiona-related costs.
Response to ministerial statement on municipal administrators
J. Wall
The Member for Cape St. Francis thanked municipal administrators for their work and urged government to ensure prompt approval of funding for communities recovering from Hurricane Fiona.
Response to ministerial statement on municipal administrators
J. Brown
The Member for Labrador West thanked administrators and called on government to support municipalities proactively, not just during disasters, including funding for climate preparedness and clean drinking water systems.
Tabling of annual reports
S. Stoodley
The Minister of Digital Government and Service NL tabled 2021 annual reports for the Chartered Professional Accountants of NL, the Embalmers and Funeral Directors Board, and Professional Engineers and Geoscientists NL.
Notice of motion regarding sitting hours
L. Dempster
The Deputy Government House Leader gave notice that the House will not adjourn at 5:30 p.m. on Monday, October 17, 2022.
Notice of Bill 18
L. Dempster
The Deputy Government House Leader gave notice of Bill 18, An Act Respecting the Health and Safety of Workers and the Compensation of Workers for Injuries in the Course of their Employment.
Petition on child care in Bonavista
C. Pardy
Petitioned for a regulated child care facility in Bonavista to serve health care professionals and support physician recruitment. The area has over 6,000 residents but lacks regulated child care, causing work absences among health care workers.
Petition on ambulance service in Trepassey
L. O'Driscoll
Petitioned for the return of a second ambulance to Trepassey, which is over two hours from the nearest hospital. One ambulance was repositioned to Cape Broyle, leaving the region in red alert when the remaining ambulance is in use.
Petition on home care hours for seniors
P. Forsey
Petitioned to increase home care hours for seniors and reduce their contribution rates, which were cut in 2016. Keeping seniors in their homes longer would ease pressure on the health care system.
Petition to cancel sugar-sweetened beverage tax
T. Wakeham
Petitioned to cancel the 20-cent-per-litre sugar tax, citing implementation problems, confusion over which products are taxed, and the burden on families during a cost-of-living crisis.
Petition on seniors housing and home care in Labrador West
J. Brown
Petitioned for affordable seniors housing and assisted living facilities in Labrador West. Seniors face mobility issues and lack of care options, forcing many to leave the region. A Labrador-specific solution is needed.
Question Period
Baie Verte long-term care incidents and investigation
Asked by B. Petten · Answered by T. Osborne
The minister called the incidents shocking and unacceptable, confirmed Central Health is investigating, and stated no further comment would be made until the investigation is complete.
SmartFind substitute teacher system and teacher recruitment
Asked by B. Petten and J. Dinn · Answered by J. Haggie
The minister defended SmartFind as a solution under development, said it is being tweaked based on NLTA feedback, and emphasized recent productive meetings with the NLTA to co-create a recruitment and retention strategy by December.
Carbon tax administration and repeal
Asked by B. Petten · Answered by A. Furey
The Premier stated the government believes the carbon tax is not the right instrument at this time and has asked for a pause, but indicated the federal government will ultimately decide whether to implement it, declining to commit to repealing provincial legislation.
Future Fund transparency and asset sales
Asked by T. Wakeham · Answered by S. Coady and J. Hogan
The Finance Minister insisted the Future Fund is transparent under the Financial Administration Act and Transparency and Accountability Act, requiring House approval for appropriations and audited statements. The Justice Minister defended Cabinet decision-making authority under the Constitution.
First Voice report and RNC chief meeting on systemic racism
Asked by H. Conway Ottenheimer · Answered by J. Hogan
The minister stated he met with First Voice when he became minister, received their report, and is committed to working with them on police oversight, but did not directly address whether the RNC chief should meet with the group.
Fluorspar mine layoffs and sale process
Asked by J. Dwyer · Answered by A. Parsons
The minister explained the government invested $3.5 million to keep the mine in warm idle and is providing funding for winterization and security while Grant Thornton seeks a buyer, with the process extended to February.
Ambulance service red alerts and paramedic overtime
Asked by P. Dinn · Answered by T. Osborne
The minister did not have red alert numbers at hand but promised to provide them, acknowledged any red alert is too many, and said the government is recruiting ACPs and PCPs through Come Home Year incentives to reduce overtime.
Residential Tenancies Act loophole on evictions and rent increases
Asked by C. Tibbs · Answered by S. Stoodley
The minister said she was not aware of the specific issue, offered to look into it, noted mediation services are available, and announced three full-time adjudicators are in place with a fourth being advertised.
Mackerel fishery moratorium and DFO biomass assessment
Asked by C. Pardy · Answered by D. Bragg
The minister stated the federal government sets quotas based on science, said he has spoken with Minister Murray and will meet at the seal summit, and challenged the Opposition to provide science supporting higher biomass estimates.
Paramedic signing bonuses in Labrador
Asked by J. Brown · Answered by T. Osborne
The minister said he first heard of the issue that morning, is looking into it, and stated that if a bonus was promised it should be delivered.
Orders of the Day
Second reading of Bill 1, An Act to Amend the Medical Act, 2011
T. Osborne
The Minister introduced Bill 1, which creates two new registration categories (associate and clinical assistant) to expand the pool of eligible physicians, establishes an advisory committee to advise the minister on qualifications, and expands authority for electronic prescribing. The bill aims to address physician shortages while maintaining high standards.
Debate on Bill 1
P. Dinn
The Member for Topsail - Paradise supported the bill, calling it a step in the right direction but noting it has taken too long. He emphasized the need for proactive recruitment, retention efforts, and amendments to the Pharmacy Act and Nurses Act to address the health care crisis.
Debate on Bill 1
J. Dinn
The Member for St. John's Centre supported the bill and the Health Accord process. He stressed the importance of clear communication with applicants, suggested including the NLMA on the advisory committee, and called for immediate action on virtual ERs, Collaborative Team Clinics, and a robust ambulance service.
Debate on Bill 1
E. Joyce
The Member for Humber - Bay of Islands supported the bill and praised Western Health's improved recruitment efforts. He raised concerns about nursing shortages, emergency room overcrowding, and cataract surgery wait-lists in Western Newfoundland, urging the minister to investigate.
Debate on Bill 1
P. Forsey
The Member for Exploits supported the bill, noting the severe health care crisis in Central Newfoundland with frequent emergency room closures and diversions. He emphasized the need for swift implementation and attention to all health care professionals, not just doctors.
Debate on Bill 1
P. Lane
The Member for Mount Pearl - Southlands supported the bill and commended the minister's efforts. He shared constituent concerns about emergency wait times, lack of family doctors, and walk-in clinic lineups. He stressed the need for proactive recruitment and retention, citing an example of a MUN medical graduate who left for Nova Scotia after receiving no response from local health authorities.
Debate on Bill 1
L. Evans
The Member for Torngat Mountains supported the bill, noting it will help address barriers for internationally trained doctors. She raised concerns about the exclusion of the NLMA from consultations and questioned whether the advisory committee has sufficient autonomy from the minister.
Closing remarks on Bill 1
T. Osborne
The Minister thanked Members for their contributions and noted he will look into suggestions and concerns raised. He looked forward to point-by-point discussion in Committee.
Committee of the Whole on Bill 1
Multiple
The House resolved into Committee of the Whole to consider Bill 1 clause by clause. The Member for Topsail - Paradise asked whether doctors like Dr. Hart (who volunteered on Fogo Island) would now be eligible, whether virtual care would be credited, and how many previously denied physicians might now qualify. The Minister explained the bill expedites the process for graduates of recognized schools but still requires competency checks, and that a navigator has been hired to guide applicants through the process.
Other business
Introduction of guests in public gallery
The Speaker
The Speaker welcomed Julianna Mills, a third-year social work student at MUN representing Lake Melville in the upcoming Future of the Vote.
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.