Newfoundland and Labrador House of Assembly, Tuesday 4 April 2023
Question Period focused heavily on health care workforce retention, federal-provincial tensions over the carbon tax and Atlantic Loop, and social policy gaps affecting vulnerable populations. The Opposition challenged the government on nurse recruitment amid interprovincial competition, the exclusion of Newfoundland and Labrador from federal Atlantic Loop budget language, and inadequate supports for seniors, newcomers, and students with disabilities. Ministers defended their investments, blamed federal jurisdiction for the carbon tax, and insisted the province remains central to Atlantic Loop negotiations. The sitting focused heavily on health care and community issues. Members' Statements honored community leaders and organizations, including Terry Goodyear's engineering legacy, Roncalli Central High School students, Legionnaire George Cake's Meritorious Service Medal, Cain's Quest racers, and the Mount Pearl Seniors Independence Group's 25th anniversary. The Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure delivered a statement on Labrador infrastructure investments, including a new K-12 school in Cartwright and completion of Trans-Labrador Highway paving. Routine proceedings included notice of bills amending tax legislation and multiple petitions addressing school busing policy, housing grants, road conditions, hospital support worker retention bonuses, cellphone service, emergency room closures, and other local concerns. Budget debate (Motion 1) dominated Orders of the Day, with opposition and third-party members critiquing the budget's approach to poverty, health care planning, seniors' issues, housing, and regional investment—particularly in Labrador West.
Members' Statements
Tribute to Terry Goodyear
C. Tibbs
Honored the late Terry Goodyear, a civil engineer who contributed to road construction, the Bay d'Espoir power project, founded Newfoundland Underwater Diving & Engineering Limited, and served in numerous community roles including deputy mayor of Grand Falls-Windsor and past director of NL Hydro.
Visit to Roncalli Central High School
H. Conway Ottenheimer
Described a two-day visit to Roncalli Central High in Avondale, praising students' engagement in discussions about politics and civic participation, and thanked Principal Eddie Russell and teachers for the opportunity.
Legionnaire George Cake receives Meritorious Service Medal
E. Joyce
Recognized George Cake of Corner Brook for receiving the Royal Canadian Legion's highest award, the Meritorious Service Medal, for decades of service including parade commander, service officer, and support for veterans and Remembrance Day activities.
Cain's Quest snowmobile race 2023
J. Brown
Congratulated all teams who participated in Cain's Quest despite the race being cancelled due to weather, and thanked support crews, volunteers, and search and rescue personnel for ensuring racers' safe return.
Mount Pearl Seniors Independence Group 25th anniversary
L. Stoyles
Celebrated the Mount Pearl Seniors Independence Group's 25th anniversary, noting it has grown from 50 to over 500 members and is the largest seniors group in Newfoundland and Labrador and Atlantic Canada, offering year-round programs for physical and social activity.
Routine Proceedings
Ministerial Statement on Labrador infrastructure investments
E. Loveless
Announced over $1.1 billion in Budget 2023 infrastructure spending, highlighting $20 million for a new K-to-12 school in Cartwright, $5.7 million for Labrador Correctional Centre expansion, completion of Trans-Labrador Highway paving, and ongoing prefeasibility study for a road to Northern Labrador.
Opposition response to infrastructure statement
L. O'Driscoll
Acknowledged infrastructure improvements but criticized lack of supports for homeless in Goose Bay, insufficient seniors housing in Labrador West, delays on Northern road prefeasibility study, and unclear school construction plans.
Third Party response to infrastructure statement
J. Brown
Emphasized that Trans-Labrador Highway will not be complete until it reaches Northern Labrador communities, criticized repeated re-announcements of funding without physical roadwork, and urged action to end economic marginalization of Indigenous groups as called for by Truth and Reconciliation Commission.
Notice of Bill 38
S. Coady
Gave notice of intention to introduce Bill 38, An Act to Amend the Revenue Administration Act and An Act to Amend the Income Tax Act, 2000.
Petition on 1.6-kilometre school busing policy
P. Dinn
Presented petition calling for elimination of 1.6-kilometre school busing exclusion zone, arguing that uniform application across diverse school zones creates safety issues, particularly where students must walk on main roads without sidewalks or shoulders.
Petition on NL Housing Corporation grant programs
C. Pardy
Presented petition requesting review of Housing Corporation grant regulations for emergency repairs and accessibility, noting grants have not been indexed for inflation and regulations (such as pressure-treated lumber requirements) make programs less accessible to low-income residents.
Minister's response to housing grant petition
J. Abbott
Acknowledged validity of concerns raised in petition and indicated government will review housing grant programs as part of housing and homelessness plan, though no new money will be allocated this year.
Petition on paving Wheeler's Road in Noels Pond
T. Wakeham
Presented petition requesting paving of 0.8-kilometre Wheeler's Road due to increased ATV traffic causing dust, mud, and safety concerns for residents and ATV users; road last paved in 1976 with only 0.3 kilometres completed.
Petition on retention bonuses for hospital support workers
J. Dinn
Presented petition calling for retention bonuses for hospital support staff (particularly clerical workers) who were excluded from January 2023 bonuses given to other classifications, despite being told they are essential and facing severe shortages.
Petition on cellphone service in Harbour Main District
H. Conway Ottenheimer
Presented petition (third time) requesting improved cellphone service in Harbour Main District, citing recent Auditor General report showing NL has worst rural cellphone coverage in Canada and noting service is deteriorating despite minister's previous commitment to round three of small cell projects.
Minister's response to cellphone petition
A. Parsons
Acknowledged deficiencies in cell coverage exist, noted $25 million in current budget and $136 million in total investments, emphasized need for federal government and providers to do more, and announced round three of small cell-community initiative will roll out in 2023.
Petition on Dr. William H. Newhook Community Health Centre emergency closures
J. Dwyer
Presented petition calling for plan to ensure Whitbourne health centre is fully staffed and able to provide emergency services, noting frequent closures over past year and requesting update from minister on improvements.
Question Period
Nurse retention and recruitment bonuses
Asked by D. Brazil · Answered by A. Furey
The Premier stated that multiple bonus structures are in place for nurses to join and stay in the system, and that the government continues to work with the Registered Nurses' Union to demonstrate their value.
Carbon tax and home heating costs
Asked by D. Brazil · Answered by A. Furey
The Premier emphasized that the carbon tax is a federal tax, not provincial, and that the government has made its opposition clear. He noted that the previous administration created the made-in-Newfoundland solution and that all Atlantic premiers agree the tax is wrong at this time given inflationary pressures.
Atlantic Loop and exclusion of Newfoundland and Labrador from federal budget
Asked by D. Brazil · Answered by A. Furey
The Premier insisted there is no Atlantic Loop without Newfoundland and Labrador, as the province is the source of generation. He stated the federal government understands this and that the province remains at the table in high-level discussions, rejecting any suggestion that the province has been cut out.
Regulatory changes for nurses and consultation with Registered Nurses' Union
Asked by P. Dinn · Answered by T. Osborne
The minister confirmed that department staff consulted with the Nurses' Union and that he personally spoke with union president Yvette Coffey prior to the announcement. He noted that nurses interested in prescribing medications will complete three modules over approximately one year while working, and that the government will collaborate with the union during collective bargaining.
Cancer patients sent to Toronto for radiation therapy
Asked by P. Dinn · Answered by T. Osborne
The minister explained that the government arranged flights and treatment in Toronto to ensure timely care when local capacity was unavailable. He acknowledged a global shortage of radiation therapists and stated that recruitment efforts continue, with additional compensation provided to therapists to address the shortfall.
Respiratory therapist shortages and resignations
Asked by P. Dinn · Answered by T. Osborne
The minister said market adjustments have been implemented for respiratory therapists to bring them to Atlantic parity. He noted that every province is competing in a globally competitive environment for health professionals and that some professionals from other provinces have moved to Newfoundland and Labrador.
Statute of limitations for childhood physical abuse versus sexual abuse
Asked by H. Conway Ottenheimer · Answered by J. Hogan
The minister declined to comment on specifics due to an ongoing court case but stated that the government reviews all legislation and will continue to examine the Limitations Act. He noted that the current outside limitation period for physical abuse is 30 years and that the Department of Justice ensures victims are fully compensated.
1.6-kilometre school busing rule affecting newcomers at St. Andrew's Elementary
Asked by B. Petten · Answered by J. Haggie
The minister stated that the 1.6-kilometre rule is applied uniformly and fairly across the province, and that families within this zone fall under family responsibility. He encouraged families to work with their local MHA and reach out to the Association for New Canadians for support, noting that courtesy seating on buses is available when space permits but is currently full.
Seniors living in deplorable housing conditions
Asked by J. Dwyer · Answered by J. Abbott
The minister highlighted the budget commitment of $70 million to invest in 850 affordable housing units with a focus on seniors, as well as continued investment in home repair programs. He stated that the government is addressing seniors' housing needs as quickly as possible and invited the Member to bring forward specific cases.
Poverty reduction and absence of the word 'poverty' in the Budget Speech
Asked by C. Pardy · Answered by S. Coady
The minister defended the budget's measures to address the cost of living, including the 8-cent-per-litre gas tax reduction, $500 home heating supplements, and increases to the Seniors' Benefit and Income Supplement. She expressed shock that the Opposition was not supporting these measures.
Gaps in deaf education services identified in 2011 and 2018 reports
Asked by J. Dinn · Answered by J. Haggie
The minister referenced the human rights tribunal judgment, which found that the student in question was receiving needed education and services at the time of the hearing. He stated that disability services, including deaf and hard of hearing supports, will feature prominently in the revitalized Education Action Plan, and that an advisory group with stakeholder representatives is actively meeting to discuss the model.
Memorial University's handling of sexual assault case
Asked by L. Evans · Answered by J. Haggie
The minister stated that violence and sexual violence are unacceptable, and that Memorial University and CNA have policies on sexual harassment and violence as autonomous bodies. He noted that a panel of ministers is involved, that support is provided, and that the matter is now proceeding through law enforcement.
Medical travel delays and bumped flights in Torngat Mountains district
Asked by L. Evans · Answered by T. Osborne
The minister emphasized that ensuring access to medical care for all regions is important and part of the Health Accord. He highlighted the largest-ever health care budget investment and committed to a medical flight specialist team for Labrador as part of this year's budget.
Orders of the Day
Budget debate - NDP critique focusing on poverty and well-being
J. Dinn
Criticized budget for lacking holistic plan and failing to address poverty (noting one-in-four children in food-insecure homes), argued government's approach is reactive and piecemeal rather than strategic, called for well-being budget modeled on New Zealand that puts people's capabilities at centre rather than focusing solely on fiscal management and balanced budget legislation.
Budget debate - real-life examples from Bonavista District
C. Pardy
Shared constituent stories including stroke victim unable to access home support, senior without family doctor struggling to renew driver's licence, and person on income support living on $605/month; criticized inadequate 5% increase for income support recipients, lack of poverty plan, and minimal attention to fishery in budget despite its importance to provincial economy.
Budget debate - health care and housing concerns in Exploits District
P. Forsey
Raised concerns about doctor shortages in Grand Falls-Windsor, Bishop's Falls, and Botwood; housing crisis with 300 on waiting list and units needing upgrades; medical transportation issues with appointments cancelled due to lack of beds; and 25-30 unused long-term care beds in new facility while families cannot access placement.
Budget debate - Mount Pearl - Southlands perspective on health investments
P. Lane
Offered mixed assessment: supported child care spaces expansion, Future Fund contribution, roads investment, single ambulance service, Family Care Teams, and continuous glucose monitoring pilot; but raised concerns about ECE wage grid leaving existing workers with only $600/year increase, lack of overall health care plan making investments feel piecemeal, and need for clarity on home care funding increase.
Budget debate - PC critique on poverty strategy and taxation
T. Wakeham
Referenced Seniors' Advocate report showing 32% of seniors lack sufficient income; criticized absence of comprehensive poverty reduction strategy (noting province went from highest to lowest poverty by 2015 under previous PC strategy); condemned carbon tax support by Liberal ministers despite Premier's recent opposition; argued sugar tax is revenue measure not health measure given budget increase from $9M to $12M.
Budget debate - Labrador West investment and services
J. Brown
Argued that after 69 years of iron ore royalties (70th anniversary in July 2024) and 200 years of reserves remaining, Labrador West deserves investment in people and services; detailed shortages of doctors, teachers, child care workers, government employees, and affordable housing; criticized lack of seniors housing and long-term care forcing seniors to relocate; emphasized need for clear plan to sustain mining community that generates billions in provincial revenue.
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.