Newfoundland and Labrador House of Assembly, Tuesday 9 May 2023
Question Period focused heavily on the ongoing crab fishery standoff, with the Opposition criticizing the Premier for insufficient personal involvement despite ministerial assurances of engagement. Additional topics included school infrastructure deficiencies (Frank Roberts Junior High), ferry service reviews, pay equity legislation, Public Service Commission leadership vacancies, automobile dealer regulations, mental health supports, healthcare wait times, and housing challenges related to Ukrainian newcomers. The House conducted routine business including tabling documents, answering questions, and hearing petitions. The main legislative work involved passing three bills through various stages: Bill 29 (Architects Act amendments) passed all stages and was reported without amendment; Bill 32 (Pharmaceutical Services Act amendments) passed second reading, Committee stage, and was reported without amendment; and Bill 30 (Mortgage Brokerages and Brokers Act) passed second reading and began Committee consideration. Two new bills (Bills 40 and 41) were introduced and read a first time.
Members' Statements
Abi Hanrahan Miller's seal kick record at Labrador Winter Games
P. Trimper
Recognized 17-year-old Abi Hanrahan Miller from Happy Valley-Goose Bay for setting a new 40-year games record in the seal kick competition at seven feet, two inches, and her achievements in powerlifting and future nursing career.
Royal Newfoundland Regiment Memorial High School Hockey Tournament
P. Lane
Thanked volunteers and congratulated O'Donel High Patriots on winning their third consecutive Beaumont-Hamel Cup at the province's largest high school hockey tournament held in Paradise.
John Atkins, CEO of JAC marketing agency
L. Stoyles
Congratulated Mount Pearl entrepreneur John Atkins on his international success, five-time Atlantic Canada Top 50 CEO recognition, 45 international awards, and 2020 Atlantic Business Magazine Hall of Fame induction.
Jeana Bowen of Riverhead, St. Mary's Bay
S. Gambin-Walsh
Honoured Jeana Bowen for overcoming obstacles including bilateral cataracts, vision loss, and epilepsy, and for her active participation in sports and community events with the motto to live life to the fullest.
Lesley Oake School of Dance
C. Tibbs
Recognized the Grand Falls-Windsor dance school's 60-member competition team for their achievements and upcoming performance in Times Square and Broadway in July 2024, with special mention of his son Declan's dedication.
East Coast Music Awards winners
S. Crocker
The Minister celebrated Newfoundland and Labrador artists winning 12 awards at the ECMAs in Halifax and announced 2024 as the Year of the Arts with special initiatives including development funding and work towards a new theatre in St. John's.
Emergency Preparedness Week
J. Hogan
The Minister highlighted Emergency Preparedness Week with the theme 'Be Prepared. Know Your Risks,' encouraging residents to maintain 72-hour emergency kits and thanking emergency responders for their work during forest fires and Hurricane Fiona.
Routine Proceedings
Tabling of automobile insurance report
S. Stoodley
The Minister tabled the Board of Commissioners of Public Utilities 2022-2023 automobile insurance report as required under the Automobile Insurance Act.
Correction regarding Dealers Web
S. Stoodley
The Minister corrected information about Dealers Web, noting that Bill 18 passed June 18, 2020, contained most required information, with changes to be in place by June 19 following consultation with the Dealers Association.
Petition on Newfoundland and Labrador Housing units in Nunatsiavut
L. Evans
Presented a petition calling for repair of seven vacant NL Housing units in Nain (some vacant for 10 years) to address the housing crisis, noting building lot costs have increased to $275,000-$310,000 and that occupied units also need repairs.
Petition to pave Wheeler's Road in Noels Pond
T. Wakeham
Presented a petition requesting paving of the 0.8-kilometre Wheeler's Road to address dust, mud, and safety concerns from increased ATV traffic connecting two popular trails, noting the road was last paved in 1976.
Petition to reinstate MUN tuition freeze
J. Dinn
Presented a petition with approximately 2,000 signatures calling for reinstatement of Memorial University's tuition freeze, elimination of differential fees, cancellation of provincial student debt, and sustainable funding for post-secondary education.
Question Period
Crab fishery standoff and Premier's involvement
Asked by D. Brazil · Answered by D. Bragg, S. Coady, B. Davis
Ministers stated the Premier and departments have been actively involved, with near-agreements reached on two Fridays. They emphasized ongoing dialogue facilitated by Labour officials and expressed optimism about a new FFAW proposal to ASP.
Frank Roberts Junior High school conditions
Asked by B. Petten · Answered by J. Haggie
The minister acknowledged the school's age and noted past envelope refurbishments and a modular addition. He stated the school is safe, pest control measures are in place, and the department will continue working with the district on issues as they arise.
Ferry service market sounding and potential changes
Asked by L. O'Driscoll · Answered by E. Loveless
The minister confirmed ferry service is important and the market sounding process is ongoing to balance service provision with taxpayer responsibility. He stated they are addressing underutilized routes and will announce decisions in the near future.
Pay equity legislation amendments
Asked by H. Conway Ottenheimer · Answered by P. Parsons
The minister stated public consultations have concluded and emphasized the importance of hearing from all stakeholders, not just one group. She defended the government's progress on pay equity and pay transparency, noting previous administrations did nothing.
Public Service Commission CEO vacancy
Asked by J. Wall · Answered by S. Coady
The Deputy Premier stated the acting commissioner is doing exemplary work and the commission has been strengthened with additional responsibilities. She indicated changes to commissioner hiring will be made as the commission continues to evolve.
New automobile dealer registration requirements
Asked by C. Tibbs · Answered by S. Stoodley
The minister explained new dealer web regulations have been proclaimed to move to an online system, making processes more efficient. She stated dealers have until June 8 to register and she has not received concerns but is willing to discuss with dealers.
Mental health supports availability
Asked by P. Forsey · Answered by T. Osborne
The minister expressed condolences and noted an additional $5 million committed to mental health and addictions in the budget. He cited the Towards Recovery plan's 54 recommendations being implemented and various initiatives (FACT teams, ACTT, Doorways, Bridge the gapp) while acknowledging more work remains.
Healthcare appointment cancellation lists
Asked by P. Dinn · Answered by T. Osborne
The minister acknowledged wait-list issues for all health services and cited initiatives to reduce wait times (Heart Force One, same-day joint replacement). He promised an announcement in the very near future on further reducing wait times.
Housing planning for Ukrainian newcomers and public housing crisis
Asked by J. Dinn · Answered by G. Byrne
The minister stated the Ukraine crisis required immediate response without advance planning. He noted 1,600 Ukrainians are now in market housing (none in social housing) and defended the government's leadership role while stating employer support for employee housing is helpful and reasonable.
Definition of fair wage for newcomers
Asked by J. Dinn · Answered by G. Byrne
The minister pointed to the wages being earned by over 600 Ukrainians employed by 245 employers in the province as evidence of fair wages, defending their successful integration and economic contribution.
Orders of the Day
Bill 40 (Lands Act amendments) - First Reading
J. Hogan
The Minister of Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture introduced Bill 40, An Act to Amend the Lands Act, which passed first reading and was ordered for second reading tomorrow.
Bill 41 (Occupational Health and Safety Act amendments) - First Reading
J. Hogan
The Government House Leader introduced Bill 41, An Act to Amend the Occupational Health and Safety Act, which passed first reading and was ordered for second reading tomorrow.
Bill 29 (Architects Act amendments) - Second Reading and Committee
Multiple
The Minister explained amendments to allow architectural technologists with appropriate diplomas or five years' experience to use the term 'architectural' in their job titles, aligning with national standards. The bill passed second reading, Committee stage without amendment, and was ordered for third reading tomorrow. Questions addressed accreditation processes and consultation with stakeholders.
Bill 32 (Pharmaceutical Services Act amendments) - Second Reading and Committee
Multiple
The Minister presented amendments to modernize the Tamper Resistant Prescription Drug Pad Program, allowing verbal prescriptions and transfers between pharmacies in alignment with federal CDSA exemptions. The bill updates prescriber definitions to include pharmacists, midwives, and registered nurses. It passed second reading, Committee stage without amendment, and was ordered for third reading tomorrow. Extensive questions addressed stakeholder consultation, scope of practice, fraud prevention, and the 2026 exemption expiry.
Bill 30 (Mortgage Brokerages and Brokers Act) - Second Reading and Committee (partial)
Multiple
The Minister introduced comprehensive new legislation to replace the 1976 Mortgage Brokers Act, transitioning from a registration to a licensing regime with enhanced consumer protection. Key features include educational requirements, a code of conduct, disclosure requirements, errors and omissions insurance, trust account requirements, and administrative penalties. The bill passed second reading and Committee consideration began with questions about regulations, code of conduct development, education requirements, and definitions.
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.