Newfoundland and Labrador House of Assembly, Monday 31 October 2022
Question Period focused heavily on ethics and transparency concerns regarding the Premier's relationship with billionaire John Risley, particularly around fishing trips and wind energy permits. Health care dominated the remainder of the session, with opposition members pressing the government on emergency room closures, mental health service shortages, long-term care facility incidents, and staffing challenges. The government defended its recruitment efforts and infrastructure investments, while opposition parties criticized the lack of immediate action and transparency.
Question Period
Premier's fishing trip receipts and ethical walls with John Risley
Asked by B. Petten · Answered by A. Furey
The Premier stated he has always followed the rules and established an ethical wall months ago to ensure he has no decision-making role regarding Risley. He did not commit to tabling receipts or documents outlining the use of ethical walls.
Premier's recusal from Cabinet decision lifting wind moratorium
Asked by B. Petten · Answered by A. Parsons
The Minister of Industry, Energy and Technology clarified that permit applications go through the Department of Environment, not Cabinet, and therefore no Cabinet recusal was required. The Premier did not directly answer whether he recused himself from the order-in-council decision.
Health Accord recommendation for replacing St. Clare's hospital
Asked by B. Petten · Answered by A. Furey
The Premier explained that the metro region has grown 25% since 2000 without corresponding acute care bed capacity, necessitating parallel investment in both infrastructure and human resources.
Emergency room closures and health care staffing crisis
Asked by B. Petten · Answered by T. Osborne
The Minister of Health noted that while some emergency departments remain on diversion, the number has been significantly reduced. He cited upcoming recruitment initiatives and the recently introduced Medical Act as measures to attract health care professionals.
Inappropriate photos of seniors in long-term care facilities and disclosure of serious patient events
Asked by B. Petten · Answered by T. Osborne
The minister confirmed the Western Health incident was reported in late July and stated such incidents are absolutely unacceptable. He indicated that training standards are being reviewed across all health authorities.
Review of long-term care facilities as recommended by Seniors' Advocate
Asked by B. Petten · Answered by T. Osborne
The minister acknowledged the need for the review and confirmed he has written to the Seniors' Advocate twice recently, committing that an in-depth, comprehensive review will take place.
Janeway psychologist shortage and child development services
Asked by P. Dinn · Answered by T. Osborne
The minister acknowledged the shortage and stated that recruitment efforts are underway in a globally competitive environment for health care professionals, noting this is a challenge across all provinces.
Long-term mental health care supports and mass exodus of psychologists
Asked by P. Dinn · Answered by T. Osborne
The minister cited initiatives like Bridge the gapp, Doorways, and 811 services, stating mental health is a priority. He acknowledged more work needs to be done but defended the government's record on reducing wait times.
Staffing the new mental health and addictions facility opening in 2024
Asked by P. Dinn · Answered by T. Osborne
The minister reiterated that recruitment is challenging across all provinces and pointed to upcoming direct recruitment initiatives and incentives to attract health care professionals.
Mental health care gaps in Rabbittown and need for wraparound services
Asked by C. Pardy · Answered by T. Osborne
The minister defended existing programs like Bridge the gapp, Doorways, FACT teams, and ACTT teams, stating they have reduced or eliminated wait times in many cases. He acknowledged the complexity of issues involving multiple departments and agencies.
Premier's communication with Liberal MPs before carbon tax vote
Asked by T. Wakeham · Answered by A. Furey
The Premier stated he has made his opposition to the carbon tax public and has spoken to MPs about it over several months, though he did not confirm speaking to them immediately before the vote.
Revenue from carbon tax on home heating fuel and rebates to residents
Asked by T. Wakeham · Answered by A. Furey
The Premier indicated that if the federal government implements a backstop, it will be their money to distribute, not the province's, and what they do with it remains to be seen.
Transparency regarding cyberattack on health care system
Asked by L. O'Driscoll · Answered by S. Stoodley
The Minister of Digital Government discussed cybersecurity initiatives and encouraged all members to complete PSAccess training, but did not commit to a public inquiry or provide specific details about the attack.
Timeline for single-day outpatient hip replacement surgeries
Asked by H. Conway Ottenheimer · Answered by T. Osborne
The minister stated Eastern Health is still on target to start same-day joint replacements in November, with physicians already taking appointments. He also announced plans to expand the service to Carbonear and St. Anthony.
Aircraft maintenance vacancies and water bomber availability during forest fires
Asked by P. Forsey · Answered by D. Bragg
The Minister of Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture stated that the current four air tankers have better capacity than the previous six, and they were well-equipped during this summer's fires with assistance from Quebec. A debrief is planned to assess potential improvements.
Staffing plan for new St. Clare's hospital and other health care facilities
Asked by J. Dinn · Answered by A. Furey / T. Osborne
The Premier emphasized that infrastructure and human resources must be developed in parallel, not in tandem. The Minister of Health listed numerous physician recruitment incentives and programs, including bonuses, premiums, and support programs.
Cost of new hospital build using P3 model and potential profiteers
Asked by J. Dinn · Answered by T. Osborne
The minister explained that consultation with stakeholders will determine design, bed numbers, and services required, followed by an RFQ process to determine costing, which will then go through the budget process. No specific cost was provided.
Return of in-class teaching for Grade 12 students in Nain
Asked by L. Evans · Answered by J. Haggie
The Minister of Education stated that in-class education is the standard they want to return to and referenced the education action plan's focus on culturally appropriate education, with an Indigenous advisory group working with the department.
Two-year wait times for psychiatrist/psychologist services in Labrador West
Asked by J. Brown · Answered by T. Osborne
The minister acknowledged the wait time is not acceptable and stated the key is recruiting more psychologists, which the government is focused on doing.
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.