Newfoundland and Labrador House of Assembly, Monday 7 November 2022
Question Period focused heavily on allegations of conflict of interest surrounding the Premier's relationship with Brendan Paddick, a proponent of World GH2 and former Nalcor chair, particularly the timing of his resignation relative to a Cabinet meeting on wind energy. The Opposition pressed for transparency on Cabinet discussions and the lifting of the wind moratorium, but received no direct answers. Additional questioning addressed ongoing health care crises—emergency room closures, physician shortages, long wait times, and the impact of rising costs of food and heating on seniors and vulnerable populations. The House of Assembly conducted second and third readings of bills, including amendments to the Wild Life Act and a comprehensive replacement of the Workplace Health, Safety and Compensation Act. The latter bill, stemming from 2013 and 2019 statutory reviews, modernizes language, reduces red tape, and corrects internal inconsistencies in workers' compensation legislation that dates back to 1983. Members raised concerns about mental health coverage, appeals processes, and the need for timely implementation of statutory review recommendations.
Members' Statements
O'Neill Auto Group recognition
L. Stoyles
Recognized the O'Neill Auto Group in Mount Pearl - North, founded over 40 years ago and now Canada's largest Nissan dealership, employing over 130 people and winning the 2021 Best in Business Award.
Heart and Hand Loyal Orange Lodge heritage
S. Gambin-Walsh
Highlighted the Heart and Hand Loyal Orange Lodge in Green's Harbour, built 1895-1898, designated a heritage structure in 1995, and praised the Green's Harbour Heritage Society's restoration efforts.
Wallace Sceviour & Son Ltd. 60th anniversary
P. Forsey
Celebrated Wallace Sceviour & Son Ltd.'s 60 years in business in Botwood, including their expansion into building supplies, Sears partnership, H&R Block franchise, and insurance services, culminating in induction into the Exploits Chamber of Commerce Business Hall of Fame.
Royal Canadian Legion Youth Education Program
S. Reid
Commended the Royal Canadian Legion's Youth Education Program, particularly the Poster and Literary Contests that teach Canadian military history and foster remembrance among students.
L'Arche Avalon community inclusion work
J. Dinn
Recognized L'Arche Avalon's work creating homes and communities for people with intellectual disabilities, highlighting filmmaker Michael McDonald's short films celebrating the dignity and grace of members.
Kimberly Phillips teaching excellence award
S. Coady
Honored Kimberly Phillips, reading specialist at Cowan Heights Elementary, for receiving the 2022 Prime Minister's Award for Teaching Excellence Certificate of Achievement, noting a 40% increase in primary reading levels due to her efforts.
Routine Proceedings
Ministerial statement on Trail of the Caribou completion
A. Furey
The Premier announced completion of the Trail of the Caribou with dedication of the final monument at Gallipoli Peninsula, welcomed Turkish Ambassador Kerim Uras, and thanked partners for fulfilling Lieutenant-Colonel Thomas Nangle's vision to honor the Royal Newfoundland Regiment.
Correction on home dialysis history
L. Dempster
Clarified that the first home dialysis in Labrador occurred in L'Anse au Loup in June 2019, not recently in an isolated community as previously stated.
Student assistant supports petition
J. Dwyer
Presented petition calling for adequate student assistants for children with disabilities, arguing allocations should be made in June rather than September to allow proper planning.
Crown lands squatters' rights petition
C. Pardy
Presented petition seeking legislative amendment to resolve private land claims on Crown land and revisit 1976 abolition of squatters' rights, citing cases like the Diamonds in Catalina unable to sell property with clear historical title.
Cost of living emergency plan petition
H. Conway Ottenheimer
Presented petition calling for emergency plan for working poor struggling with rising costs, sharing constituent stories of families unable to afford food, medication, and heating despite working.
Northern Labrador freight boat service petition
L. Evans
Presented petition to reinstate marine freight service between the Island and Northern Labrador communities, arguing removal in 2019 caused exorbitant price increases affecting food security and quality of life.
Bay Bulls-Bauline multiuse trail petition
L. O'Driscoll
Presented petition supporting a 4.1-kilometre multiuse trail linking Cape Pond Road to Horse Chops Road, noting successful trails from Cape Broyle to Fermeuse attracting 100+ users and economic benefits.
World Energy GH2 environmental study petition
E. Joyce
Presented petition calling for rejection of Phase I of World Energy GH2 wind project and complete environmental impact study of all three phases, seeking confirmation Lewis Hills-Serpentine Valley area excluded from wind development.
Paradise high school petition
P. Dinn
Presented petition urging government to plan for a high school in Paradise, noting 2,500 students in local schools, growing population, and overcrowding in nearby intermediate and high schools.
Question Period
Premier's relationship with Brendan Paddick and potential conflict of interest regarding wind moratorium
Asked by B. Petten · Answered by A. Furey and S. Crocker
The Premier acknowledged Paddick as one of his best friends and stated he established an ethical wall. The Government House Leader deflected, citing Cabinet confidence, the robust application process for 31 wind proponents, and noting the wind moratorium lift had been discussed publicly since December 2021. No confirmation was provided on whether the Premier recused himself from Cabinet discussions or whether Paddick received advance notice.
Seniors paying to see nurse practitioners and cost of medical exams for driver's licences
Asked by T. Wakeham · Answered by S. Crocker and T. Osborne
The Minister of Health stated the government is expanding the scope of nurse practitioners and reviewing the cost of medical exams for seniors' driver's licences, with a decision to be announced soon if changes are warranted.
High marginal income tax rates and impact on recruitment and cost of living
Asked by T. Wakeham · Answered by S. Coady
The Minister of Finance disputed the claim, providing comparative tax rates showing Newfoundland and Labrador's rates are competitive or lower than other Atlantic provinces and some western provinces, and highlighted tax credits and the gas tax reduction.
Emergency room closures in rural communities and MTAP program adjustments
Asked by P. Dinn · Answered by T. Osborne
The Minister of Health cited the new Medical Act, physician recruitment incentives, and a significant reduction in Category B emergency department closures. He confirmed the MTAP program is under review and stated the Whitbourne clinic is not closed for good.
Impact of high food costs on health outcomes and poverty reduction measures
Asked by C. Pardy · Answered by J. Abbott
The Minister of Children, Seniors and Social Development stated the government is monitoring food pricing and cost of living, has implemented financial supports, and is developing a social and economic well-being plan to address medium- and long-term issues, including health outcomes related to food insecurity.
12-month wait for collaborative care team appointment and access to health care for seniors
Asked by H. Conway Ottenheimer · Answered by T. Osborne
The Minister of Health requested details to investigate the specific case and suggested interim options including 811, emergency rooms, and Patient Connect for collaborative care clinic waitlists.
Rising cost of home heating oil for seniors on fixed incomes
Asked by P. Forsey · Answered by J. Abbott and S. Coady
Ministers highlighted $430 million in supports including a 10% increase in Seniors' Benefit and Income Supplement, $500 home heating rebate, and $500 cost-of-living payment, stating the government will continue to support seniors as means allow.
Wait times for hip and knee replacements and family doctor shortage in Arnold's Cove
Asked by J. Dwyer · Answered by T. Osborne
The Minister of Health stated same-day joint replacement surgery is starting this month and expanding to other areas, and that the Medical Act and virtual care RFP will address physician shortages and provide care to those without family doctors.
Long wait time for dye test and 12-hour ambulance wait outside Carbonear hospital
Asked by L. O'Driscoll and H. Conway Ottenheimer · Answered by T. Osborne
The Minister of Health requested details to investigate both cases and reiterated that such waits are unacceptable, which is why the government is recruiting physicians, implementing the Medical Act, and introducing virtual care.
Dialysis patient traveling three hours daily and St. Clare's hospital replacement announcement
Asked by J. Dinn · Answered by T. Osborne
The Minister of Health defended the St. Clare's replacement as necessary due to structural issues and cost of repairs exceeding new construction, stating the facility will be built in five to six years while recruitment efforts continue now.
Nurse retention, workplace conditions, and comprehensive human resource plan for health care
Asked by J. Brown · Answered by T. Osborne
The Minister of Health confirmed a human resource plan is being developed based on the Nursing Think Tank and discussions with the RNU, and that workplace issues including mandated overtime are being addressed through recruitment and the implementation of Think Tank recommendations. No specific timeline was provided.
Suicide prevention in Torngat Mountains and implementation of ITK priority areas
Asked by L. Evans · Answered by T. Osborne
The Minister of Health acknowledged the high suicide rate and stated the six action items from the plan released earlier this year are being worked on and are a priority for government.
Orders of the Day
Motion to extend sitting hours
S. Crocker
Government House Leader moved that the House not adjourn at 5:30 p.m. on November 7, 2022; motion carried.
Bill 10 third reading (Wild Life Act amendments)
S. Crocker
An Act to Amend the Wild Life Act passed third reading. Member E. Joyce briefly spoke about moose habitat protection in Area 6 and Lewis Hills-Serpentine Valley, seeking confirmation the area is excluded from windmill projects.
Bill 18 second reading (Workplace Health, Safety and Compensation Act)
G. Byrne
Minister introduced bill to repeal and replace the Workplace Health, Safety and Compensation Act, incorporating 2013 and 2019 statutory review recommendations, modernizing language, reducing red tape, and achieving internal consistency. Act dates to 1983 and requires comprehensive update.
Bill 18 debate - technical concerns
P. Forsey
Supported the bill's modernization efforts including gender-neutral language, red tape reduction, and 60-day timeline for review decisions, but questioned whether adequate resources exist to meet timelines and address review backlogs.
Bill 18 debate - retirement benefits issue
P. Lane
Supported the bill but highlighted a flaw in section 85 retirement benefits where workers on temporary earnings loss (not extended earnings loss) before age 65 receive minimal lump sum compensation, citing constituent who received only $120 after three years off work.
Bill 18 debate - consultation and support concerns
C. Pardy
Expressed concern about minimal substantive changes despite reviews, noted constituents find the system complicated and need navigators, and questioned adequacy of consultation with injured workers and their representatives.
Bill 18 debate - injured worker compassion
J. Brown
Emphasized need for compassion in the system, noting injured workers face trauma, financial hardship, and bureaucratic challenges, and stressed importance of user-friendly processes and adequate compensation.
Bill 18 debate - mental health coverage gap
P. Dinn
Argued the bill missed opportunity to explicitly include mental health injuries in definitions of 'injury' and 'occupational disease,' particularly for front-line responders experiencing trauma, and called for mental health supports for workers and families.
Bill 18 debate - stigma and prevention
J. Dinn
Discussed stigma attached to workplace injury, questioned why health care sector safety council and occupational health clinics weren't included, and emphasized need for prevention and fair treatment of injured workers.
Bill 18 debate - fund management and firefighter coverage
P. Trimper
Praised WorkplaceNL CEO Dennis Hogan and team, noted injury fund is well-funded at 110% target, discussed recent expansion of presumptive coverage for firefighters under Bill 12, and encouraged workers to register with WorkplaceNL.
Bill 18 debate - briefing concerns
L. Evans
Noted the 85-page bill received only a 10-minute briefing with insufficient detail on changes, making Opposition scrutiny difficult, and highlighted that 2019 recommendation to increase wage replacement from 85% to 90% was not included.
Bill 18 closing remarks
G. Byrne
Minister thanked members for consensus support, clarified the Statutory Review Committee (not government) drafted recommendations after extensive public consultation, noted mental health coverage exists including presumptive PTSD coverage since 2018 covering 95% of claims, and encouraged future participation in review processes.
Bill 18 Committee of the Whole
Multiple
House resolved into Committee of the Whole to consider Bill 18 clause by clause, with Member P. Forsey beginning questions on definitions of disability, injury, mental illness coverage, board appointments, CEO selection, injury fund solvency, and WorkplaceNL budget allocation.
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.