Newfoundland and Labrador House of Assembly, Monday 17 October 2022
Question Period focused heavily on education system challenges—including teacher pay delays, the SmartFind substitute system, and class sizes—alongside health care workforce retention, housing shortages, and the introduction of pay equity legislation. The Opposition pressed ministers on operational failures and timelines for action, while government members emphasized ongoing reviews, collaborative processes, and incremental improvements. The House of Assembly introduced Bill 18 (WorkplaceNL health and safety legislation) and debated Bill 3 (Pay Equity and Pay Transparency Act) at second reading. The pay equity debate dominated the sitting, with government ministers defending the legislation as historic and progressive, while Opposition and Third Party members criticized it as rushed, incomplete, and limited to the public sector without adequate consultation.
Members' Statements
Recognition of Dr. Peter Cleary, cross-country skiing advocate
L. Parrott
Recognized Dr. Peter Cleary's volunteer work with the Clarenville Nordic Ski Club, developing trails and coaching skiers until his passing in November 2021.
MUN Tickle Swim for mental health awareness
P. Dinn
Congratulated his three daughters and other participants in the 10th anniversary Tickle Swim, a five-kilometre ocean swim raising awareness and funds for mental health.
Tribute to Muriel Andersen
L. Evans
Honored her grandmother Muriel Andersen, who passed at age 105, recognizing her resilience, kindness, and legacy as matriarch of a large family including several politicians.
Tribute to Reg Anstey
L. Stoyles
Paid tribute to neighbour Reg Anstey, a labour leader with FFAW and Newfoundland and Labrador Federation of Labour, who served on numerous public boards until his passing.
Janie Dooley's 100th birthday celebration
C. Pardy
Celebrated Janie Dooley of Sweet Bay on her 100th birthday, recognizing her as matriarch of a large family and her dedication, perseverance, and spiritual strength.
Routine Proceedings
Minister's statement on municipal code of conduct
K. Howell
Congratulated the Town of Pouch Cove and other municipalities for adopting municipal codes of conduct under the Municipal Conduct Act, aimed at reducing gender-based harassment and barriers in local government.
Opposition response to municipal code of conduct statement
J. Wall
Thanked the minister and recognized Pouch Cove for leading implementation of the code of conduct to create more fair and equitable municipal workplaces.
Third Party response to municipal code of conduct statement
J. Brown
Acknowledged the importance of legislation combating barriers for women and gender-diverse people, calling for bold and robust measures with stakeholder input.
Notice of motion to extend sitting hours
S. Crocker
Gave notice that the House will not adjourn at 5:30 p.m. on Tuesday, October 18, 2022.
Private Member's motion on fisheries management
C. Pardy
Gave notice of a motion opposing unilateral federal fisheries decisions and demanding establishment of a joint Canada-NL fisheries management board, to be debated Wednesday.
Correction to previous answer
J. Haggie
Corrected the record regarding substitute teachers and the SmartFind system, clarifying the source was NLESD, not NLTA.
Petition on World Energy GH2 wind project environmental review
E. Joyce
Presented petition calling for rejection of Phase 1 and comprehensive environmental impact study of all three phases of the World Energy GH2 wind project in Western Newfoundland.
Petition on Witless Bay Line highway upgrade
L. O'Driscoll
Presented petition urging government to upgrade the Witless Bay Line, noting the middle section remains in poor condition despite work on both ends.
Petition on name change legislation for sex offenders
C. Tibbs
Presented petition calling for tightened legislation to prevent registered sex offenders from legally changing their names, citing victim protection concerns.
Petition on senior housing and care in Labrador West
J. Brown
Presented petition calling for affordable senior housing and assisted living facilities in Labrador West, noting the region currently has no such services.
Petition on seal population management
C. Pardy
Presented petition urging government to address seal overpopulation through proactive measures including fulfilling provincial quota and enhancing seal product markets.
Question Period
Come By Chance Refinery explosion and worker death
Asked by B. Petten · Answered by A. Furey (The Premier)
The Premier expressed condolences and confirmed an active RCMP and Occupational Health and Safety investigation is underway; appropriate measures will follow once results are available.
Teacher payroll problems and unpaid teachers
Asked by B. Petten · Answered by J. Haggie (Minister of Education)
The minister stated there are currently no outstanding claims for teacher payment and attributed initial delays to timing mismatches in the first weeks of hiring; he emphasized teachers deserve prompt payment and that the employer (NLESD) is responsible for timely paperwork.
SmartFind substitute teacher system issues
Asked by B. Petten · Answered by J. Haggie (Minister of Education)
The minister reported that three significant changes have been made to SmartFind following discussions between the NLTA and NLESD, addressing top concerns such as priority for part-time teachers, full-day allocations to one teacher, and offering consecutive-day blocks as single assignments.
Class sizes and Teacher Allocation Review Committee report
Asked by B. Petten · Answered by J. Haggie (Minister of Education)
The minister noted that 97% of classes are under cap and emphasized the report's finding that classroom composition—not just size—is key to student outcomes. He announced that the NLTA, NLESD, and department are meeting this week to begin collaborative work on the report's 90 recommendations.
Doctor and paramedic retention
Asked by P. Dinn · Answered by T. Osborne (Minister of Health and Community Services)
The minister acknowledged health care professionals are leaving but cited a global shortage and noted that legislation was passed last week to aid recruitment. He stated the government is working to address workplace issues and add to the pool of health care professionals.
Mammography review and equipment standards
Asked by P. Dinn · Answered by T. Osborne (Minister of Health and Community Services)
The minister confirmed all patient images have been reviewed and that government acted quickly to communicate with the public. A review into how and why the issue occurred is ongoing; all units are now five-megapixel for ongoing image reviews.
Breast Screening Clinic wait-lists and staffing shortages
Asked by P. Dinn and H. Conway Ottenheimer · Answered by T. Osborne (Minister of Health and Community Services)
The minister stated government is working hard to address wait-lists in all health disciplines, including mammographies, and emphasized the importance of timely access to health care.
Hip replacement surgery delays and single-day outpatient procedures
Asked by H. Conway Ottenheimer · Answered by A. Furey (The Premier)
The Premier acknowledged some hiccups in the new program and reported that government is looking at using additional facilities across the province, including Carbonear and St. Anthony, to provide timely access to arthroplasty.
Preventative education on intimate partner violence
Asked by H. Conway Ottenheimer · Answered by J. Haggie (Minister of Education)
The minister confirmed age-appropriate curriculum material on behaviour and intimate partner violence is in place K-to-12, and noted a pilot program in 30 schools is being expanded to roughly 60 schools this academic year.
Trauma-informed training for government employees
Asked by H. Conway Ottenheimer · Answered by P. Parsons (Minister Responsible for Women and Gender Equality)
The minister highlighted over $3.2 million in violence prevention funding, collaboration with community stakeholders, and recent policy improvements including a revised Harassment-Free Workplace Policy, updated occupational health and safety regulations, and amendments to the Family Violence Protection Act.
Legal name changes for registered sex offenders
Asked by C. Tibbs · Answered by S. Stoodley (Minister of Digital Government and Service NL)
The minister acknowledged the trauma caused to victims and confirmed the department is urgently reviewing the issue, noting two provinces have rules preventing sex offenders from changing names. She reassured that law enforcement tracks all aliases but committed to finding a solution to prevent additional victim trauma.
Sole-source auction contract for surplus equipment by NL Hydro
Asked by L. O'Driscoll · Answered by A. Parsons (Minister of Industry, Energy and Technology)
The minister explained that Nalcor/Hydro chose Ritchie Bros. for the Muskrat Falls surplus auction due to their national and international reach, which provided greater exposure for the equipment. He noted the company did not win several previous PPA bids.
Municipal road infrastructure funding and asphalt cost increases
Asked by J. Wall · Answered by E. Loveless (Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure)
The minister acknowledged the serious challenges municipalities face with rising costs and stated the department is in ongoing conversations with municipalities. He looks forward to the MNL conference to work toward resolving these issues.
Support for farmers facing high operational costs
Asked by P. Forsey · Answered by D. Bragg (Minister of Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture)
The minister defended government support for farmers, citing the CAP and PAAP programs, farm equipment loans, and subsidies for fertilizer and limestone. He invited any farmer needing assistance to contact him directly.
National Housing Strategy funding and new builds
Asked by J. Dinn · Answered by J. Abbott (Minister of Children, Seniors and Social Development)
The minister stated the province is a partner in the $345-million, seven-year National Housing Strategy and is focused on immediate action: building new units, expanding the Rent Supplement Program, and maintaining housing stock. He committed to freeing up funding if possible to accelerate affordable housing.
NLHC vacant units and winter readiness
Asked by J. Dinn · Answered by J. Abbott (Minister of Children, Seniors and Social Development)
The minister reported roughly 272 units are open or will be ready shortly, and approximately 34 units are under repair. Most will be ready by mid-next year, though not all by the end of December.
Pay equity legislation cost analysis and consultation
Asked by L. Evans · Answered by S. Coady (Minister of Finance) and P. Parsons (Minister Responsible for Women and Gender Equality)
Minister Coady noted Job Evaluation Systems have been in place since 2015 for 85% of the civil service and that some Hay system changes will be required. Minister Parsons emphasized this is a historic first step and committed to collaborating with stakeholders to refine the legislation.
MTAP discrimination and medical travel coverage for Labrador seniors
Asked by J. Brown · Answered by T. Osborne (Minister of Health and Community Services)
The minister stated the department is reviewing the MTAP program to ensure equity for all residents of Newfoundland and Labrador and acknowledged issues such as the one raised are being addressed.
Orders of the Day
First reading of Bill 18 (WorkplaceNL Act)
S. Crocker
Bill 18, An Act Respecting the Health and Safety of Workers and Compensation, was introduced and read a first time.
Motion to extend sitting hours for October 17
S. Crocker
Motion carried to extend the sitting beyond 5:30 p.m. on Monday, October 17, 2022.
Second reading of Bill 3 - Government opening remarks
P. Parsons
The Minister Responsible for Women and Gender Equality introduced Bill 3 (Pay Equity and Pay Transparency Act), describing it as historic legislation enshrining four criteria (skill, effort, responsibility, working conditions) for public sector pay equity, with pay transparency provisions for public and private sectors.
Second reading of Bill 3 - Opposition critique
H. Conway Ottenheimer
Criticized the legislation as falling short of the 2017 vision, arguing it merely enshrines existing public sector practices rather than being truly progressive or proactive, and lacks consultation with stakeholders and other jurisdictions.
Second reading of Bill 3 - Government defence (Labour)
B. Davis
The Minister of Environment and Climate Change defended the legislation, emphasizing pay transparency requirements and noting NL will be only the second province with such provisions, with consultation to follow on implementation.
Second reading of Bill 3 - Third Party critique
L. Evans
Strongly criticized the legislation as rushed and poorly planned, noting lack of consultation with key stakeholders including the NL Federation of Labour and St. John's Status of Women Council, and expressing disappointment that it excludes the private sector.
Second reading of Bill 3 - Government defence (Finance)
S. Coady
The Minister of Finance defended the legislation as enshrining the Job Evaluation System in law, noting 85% of core public service already uses the four pay equity criteria, with remaining 15% to be compliant by April 2023.
Second reading of Bill 3 - Opposition concerns on scope
P. Dinn
Expressed disappointment that the legislation doesn't address private sector or small businesses, raised concerns about complaint-driven processes, and emphasized need for education and support for smaller employers.
Second reading of Bill 3 - Independent Member support with reservations
P. Lane
Announced support for the bill as a small step forward while criticizing it as insufficient, calling for attention to home care and child care workers funded by government, and noting hypocrisy in government-contracted services.
Second reading of Bill 3 - Opposition call for stronger action
L. Parrott
Argued the legislation is not strong enough, calling for inclusion of persons with disabilities, consultation before legislation rather than after, and requirements for government contracts and special project orders.
Second reading of Bill 3 - Third Party Leader's critique
J. Dinn
Harshly criticized the legislation as 'lazy' and 'slapdash,' noting only six interdepartmental meetings since 2017, questioning the government's commitment given briefing notes showing cost concerns, and arguing it offers no protection to those who need it most in the private sector.
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.