Newfoundland and Labrador House of Assembly, Tuesday 8 November 2022
Question Period focused heavily on health care system challenges, including long shifts for nurses, emergency department closures, and patient wait times. The Opposition also pressed the Premier on potential conflicts of interest related to a former Nalcor chair's wind energy project and a fishing trip with billionaire John Risley. Additional topics included diesel fuel taxes amid rising costs, student assistant shortages for children with exceptionalities, and insurance issues following Hurricane Fiona. The sitting began with the Speaker recognizing the Member for Waterford Valley as the longest-serving MHA post-Confederation. Members then delivered statements honouring veterans, local artists, community health programs, and a pastor who served in Ukraine. The House proceeded to third reading of Bill 18 (workplace health and safety), which passed, and then moved into Committee of the Whole to debate Bill 20 (Provincial Health Authority). Opposition members raised concerns about lack of consultation—particularly with the Privacy Commissioner and the Newfoundland and Labrador Medical Association—and called for the bill to be sent to Committee for further review. Government introduced notices of motion including Interim Supply and amendments to various acts.
Members' Statements
Honouring veterans in Eastport
L. Parrott
The Member for Terra Nova recognized students from Holy Cross in Eastport who placed 43 memorial crosses honouring veterans and participated in the 'No Stone Left Alone' program.
Gavin Baggs invited to Team Canada para hockey camp
P. Dinn
The Member for Topsail - Paradise congratulated Gavin Baggs, Easter Seals Ambassador and sledge hockey player, on being invited to Canada's National Para Hockey selection camp.
Deantha Edmunds, Canada's first Inuk classical singer
L. Evans
The Member for Torngat Mountains celebrated Deantha Edmunds, an award-winning Inuk classical singer who released her first solo album and performed at numerous prestigious events including the welcoming ceremony for King Charles.
Life Unlimited for Older Adults in Springdale
B. Warr
The Member for Baie Verte - Green Bay recognized Life Unlimited for Older Adults in Springdale, which offers health clinics, fitness programs, educational services, and social programs for seniors.
Pastor William Lorne Goudie's service in Ukraine
C. Tibbs
The Member for Grand Falls-Windsor - Buchans welcomed home Pastor William Lorne Goudie, a retired Canadian Armed Forces captain who spent seven months in Ukraine providing tactical training, humanitarian aid, and spiritual counselling.
Routine Proceedings
World Town Planning Day
K. Howell
The Minister of Municipal and Provincial Affairs recognized World Town Planning Day and the important role planners play in creating livable communities and addressing climate change impacts.
Private Member's resolution on volunteer firefighters
H. Conway Ottenheimer
The Member for Harbour Main gave notice of a private Member's resolution urging government to explore innovative solutions to support volunteer firefighters, reduce their costs, improve training and equipment, and attract new recruits.
Notice of motion for Interim Supply
S. Coady
The Minister of Finance gave notice of a motion to resolve into Committee of the Whole on Supply to consider Interim Supply.
Notice of bills
Multiple
The Minister of Justice gave notice of Bill 23 (amending various acts respecting alternate witnessing of documents by lawyers) and the Government House Leader gave notice of Bill 21 (amending the Management of Information Act and House of Assembly accountability acts).
Notice of extended sitting
S. Crocker
The Government House Leader gave notice that the House will not adjourn at 5:30 p.m. on Monday, March 13, 2023 (correcting an earlier erroneous date of November 9, 2022).
Question Period
Nurse working conditions and 16-hour shifts
Asked by D. Brazil · Answered by A. Furey
The Premier acknowledged health care challenges and cited ongoing conversations with stakeholders, the Health Accord, and various incentives for nurses including retention bonuses, signing bonuses, mental health supports, and bursaries.
Ending 24-hour shifts for nurses
Asked by D. Brazil · Answered by A. Furey
The Premier listed multiple initiatives including the Nurses' Union Think Tank, retention and signing bonuses, double overtime rates, licensing fee reimbursements, mental health supports, child care options, and direct recruitment visits to nursing schools.
Emergency department closures across the province
Asked by D. Brazil · Answered by T. Osborne
The Minister noted that emergency department closures are a national issue, acknowledged significant work remains, and stated that a robust recruitment campaign and incentives have led to a reduction in closures, though the problem is not yet resolved.
Government support for health care workers
Asked by D. Brazil · Answered by A. Furey
The Premier reiterated gratitude for health care workers, acknowledged the heavy workload over the past two years, and emphasized efforts through the Nurses' Think Tank, NLMA communications, and the Health Accord to improve both patient care and working conditions.
Former Nalcor chair's access to insider wind energy information
Asked by B. Petten · Answered by A. Parsons
The Minister stated that Newfoundland and Labrador Hydro was part of the wind site selection process, that information about wind resources has been known for 10-15 years, and that many people including former Nalcor employees had access to this information.
Potential conflict of interest regarding former Nalcor chair's wind project
Asked by B. Petten · Answered by A. Parsons
The Minister noted the former chair had been on leave since September 2021, that the Bay St. George area is globally recognized for wind resources, and that 31 groups have expressed interest in various locations. He emphasized the Renewable Energy Plan was announced nearly a year ago.
Premier's luxury fishing trip with John Risley
Asked by B. Petten · Answered by A. Parsons
The Minister refused to provide details, stating the trip did not affect the process involving taxpayer dollars, that the renewable energy plan was announced a year ago, and that no land allocations or awards have been made yet.
Suspension of taxes on diesel fuel
Asked by T. Wakeham · Answered by S. Coady
The Minister stated Newfoundland and Labrador has one of the lowest fuel taxes in Canada (9.5 cents vs. Quebec's 20 cents), noted temporary tax reductions as part of a cost-of-living plan, and said further measures will be considered during the budget process.
Lack of student assistants at Sacred Heart Academy in Marystown
Asked by J. Dwyer · Answered by J. Haggie
The Minister acknowledged staffing challenges, stated the government is working with the NLTA on recruitment packages and incentives, and noted they are reviewing the teacher allocation review report to provide more supports within the fiscal envelope.
Student assistant allocation for children with exceptionalities
Asked by J. Dwyer · Answered by J. Haggie
The Minister clarified that student assistants are allocated based on individual student needs rather than ratios, that hours are determined by individual plans for students with exceptionalities, and that the government is working with NLESD to address next year's requirements earlier.
Radiation treatment unit backlog and staffing
Asked by L. Parrott · Answered by T. Osborne
The Minister stated that until recently the province met the 28-day benchmark for radiation therapy, but due to staffing shortages, an agreement with Princess Margaret Hospital in Toronto now allows patients to receive treatment there with all costs covered by the province.
Impact of diesel price increases on food costs
Asked by P. Forsey · Answered by J. Abbott / S. Coady
The Minister responsible for food security stated he could not answer the question. The Finance Minister defended the sugar-sweetened beverage tax, citing support from health organizations and noting it provides consumer choice.
83-year-old stroke patient waiting in ER hallway
Asked by P. Dinn · Answered by T. Osborne
The Minister called the situation unacceptable and stated the government is striving to ensure human resources, beds, and infrastructure are in place to provide services where and when needed.
Continuous glucose monitors for diabetes patients
Asked by P. Dinn · Answered by T. Osborne
The Minister stated the government is reviewing all Health Accord recommendations, acknowledged not all can be implemented immediately, and committed to working toward what is best for the people of Newfoundland and Labrador.
Insurance coverage for Hurricane Fiona damage
Asked by C. Tibbs · Answered by S. Stoodley / A. Parsons
The Minister of Digital Government stated they are working with insurers and the Insurance Bureau of Canada, and encouraged residents to contact insurance ombudsmen or the Superintendent of Insurance. The Minister for the affected area acknowledged the difficulty but stated the government cannot force banks or insurers to stop collections, and committed to ensuring no one is left behind.
Social determinants of health for patients unable to return home
Asked by J. Dinn · Answered by T. Osborne
The Minister offered to look into individual cases if provided with details and committed to ensuring patients receive appropriate care and decisions.
Minister's absence from federal health transfer payment meetings
Asked by J. Brown · Answered by T. Osborne
The Minister stated he remained in the province to debate an important bill in the House and confirmed the province is still lobbying the federal government for increased health transfer payments.
Furnace fuel rebate access for Torngat Mountains residents
Asked by L. Evans · Answered by S. Coady
The Minister offered to meet with the Member to resolve issues with constituents who lack proper receipts, noted over 3,000 cheques have been issued, and stated the department requires an auditable trail but is willing to work on special circumstances.
Orders of the Day
Third reading of Bill 18 (workplace health and safety)
S. Crocker
The Government House Leader moved third reading of Bill 18, An Act Respecting the Health and Safety of Workers and the Compensation of Workers for Injuries Suffered in the Course of their Employment. The bill passed third reading.
Committee of the Whole debate on Bill 20 (Provincial Health Authority)
Multiple
The House resolved into Committee of the Whole to debate Bill 20, An Act Respecting the Delivery of Health and Community Services and the Establishment of a Provincial Health Authority. Opposition members raised concerns about lack of consultation with the Privacy Commissioner and the Newfoundland and Labrador Medical Association, removal of social determinants of health from the bill, the quality council not being independent, and the need to send the bill to Committee for further review. Members cited letters from the Privacy Commissioner indicating meaningful consultation did not occur and that the bill was rushed. Debate continued at length with multiple speakers from the Opposition.
Private Members' Business
Petition for adequate health care in Postville
L. Evans
The Member for Torngat Mountains presented a petition calling for two clinical nurses in Postville, citing the community's isolation, lack of road access, and absence of RCMP support for the single nurse currently stationed there.
Petition for wildlife regulations to protect forestry workers
E. Joyce
The Member for Humber - Bay of Islands presented a petition from the Forestry Safety Association requesting that wildlife regulations be updated to prohibit hunting near any active workplace operation, not just commercial wood harvesting.
Petition for road repairs in Harbour Main district
H. Conway Ottenheimer
The Member for Harbour Main presented a petition calling for immediate repair and repaving of Routes 60 and 70, citing deplorable road conditions including potholes, rutting, and washed-out areas.
Petition for equity in education for deaf and hard of hearing
J. Dinn
The Member for St. John's Centre presented a petition urging government to implement recommendations from a 2011 report to ensure deaf and hard of hearing students receive equitable access to quality education and appropriate resources.
Petition to cancel sugar-sweetened beverage tax
T. Wakeham
The Member for Stephenville - Port au Port presented a petition calling for cancellation of the 20-cent-per-litre tax on sugar-sweetened beverages, arguing it takes money from struggling families at a time of rising costs.
Other business
Recognition of Member for Waterford Valley
The Speaker
The Speaker recognized the Member for Waterford Valley as the longest-serving MHA post-Confederation (26 years, seven months, one day) and congratulated him on this historic achievement.
Correction to the record
A. Parsons
The Minister of Industry, Energy and Technology corrected a statement from Question Period, clarifying that the former chair of Nalcor took a leave of absence in September 2020, not 2021.
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.