Newfoundland and Labrador House of Assembly, Wednesday 10 May 2023
Question Period focused heavily on the 35-day crab fishery standoff, with the Opposition pressing the Premier to intervene directly while the government maintained that mediators and mechanisms are in place. Other major topics included Memorial University's decision not to sing the 'Ode to Newfoundland' at convocations (which drew rare cross-party agreement and spontaneous singing in the House), concerns over rat infestations at Frank Roberts Junior High, nursing vacancies, pay equity legislation, food security and medical access in Labrador, and calls for independent reviews of blind trust procedures and the establishment of an ethics commissioner. The House of Assembly conducted routine business including passing three motions to extend sitting hours, then resolved into Committee of the Whole to consider a resolution and Bill 37 (Loan Act, 2023), which authorizes borrowing up to $1.5 billion for fiscal year 2023-2024. Members debated the government's fiscal management, infrastructure investments, and priorities. The House also gave second reading and Committee consideration to Bill 40, An Act to Amend the Lands Act, which allows the minister to charge fees for Crown land reservations (primarily for wind energy projects).
Members' Statements
2023 Codroy Valley Folk Festival
S. Reid
The Member announced the 41st annual Codroy Valley Folk Festival will take place July 29-30, 2023, in Upper Ferry, celebrating the area's unique Scottish heritage with music, bagpipes, and dancing.
St. Joseph's All Grade School Graduation
J. Dwyer
The Member congratulated five graduates from St. Joseph's All Grade in Terrenceville and thanked families, teachers, and the community for their support.
Tribute to Gus Etchegary
C. Pardy
The Member paid tribute to the late Gus Etchegary, a fisheries advocate who fought for the 200-mile limit and resource protection, and extended condolences to his family.
The Vera Perlin Society
J. Dinn
The Member highlighted the work of The Vera Perlin Society, founded in 1954, which supports individuals with developmental disabilities through employment programs, the Button Shop, and the Perlin Players, and promoted their June 3 fundraising walk.
The Salt Beef Junkies
P. Dinn
The Member recognized three young musicians (ages 11, 14, and 16) from Topsail-Paradise who perform traditional Irish-Newfoundland music at local venues and festivals, including an appearance on HGTV.
Routine Proceedings
Ministerial Statement on Accessibility
J. Abbott
The Minister announced Budget 2023 includes $725,000 for disability community grants and highlighted the Accessibility Act, the new Accessibility Standards Advisory Board developing customer service and communications standards, and cross-departmental work on building accessibility.
Ministerial Statement on Motorcycle Awareness and Road Safety
S. Stoodley
The Minister recognized May as Motorcycle Awareness Month and May 16-22 as Canada Road Safety Week, reminding drivers to share the road safely and noting increased penalties for speeding, racing, stunting, and impaired driving.
Tabling of Orders-in-Council
S. Coady
The Minister of Finance tabled four orders-in-council relating to funding precommitments for fiscal years 2024-2025 to 2032-2033 pursuant to the Financial Administration Act.
Answer to Question on FFAW-ASP Negotiations
D. Bragg
The Minister of Fisheries clarified that FFAW has walked away from negotiations with ASP three times and invited suggestions from the Opposition.
Petition on Moose Licence Quotas
L. Parrott
The Member petitioned against cuts to resident moose licence quotas in areas 27 and 42 (50 licences each) while non-resident quotas remained unchanged, arguing residents depend on moose meat and the science is flawed; he requested the cuts be reversed for one year pending further study.
Petition on Route 230A Maintenance
C. Pardy
The Member presented a petition with over 100 signatures calling for improved maintenance and operational planning for Route 230A through George's Brook-Milton, noting vehicle damage from potholes and no repairs in 2022 despite daily TI traffic.
Petition on Doctor Shortage in Trepassey-Ferryland Area
L. O'Driscoll
The Member presented a petition urging government to accommodate a physician willing to practice full-time in the Trepassey-Ferryland region, which is two hours from a hospital and served only by nurse practitioners two days per week, and read letters from Grade 7-9 students expressing concern.
Petition on Keeping Couples Together in Long-Term Care
P. Dinn
The Member petitioned for legislation allowing aging couples to stay together in long-term care facilities, citing Health Accord action items on frail elderly programs and noting the Seniors' Advocate has repeatedly called for such measures.
Petition on Marine Shipping Service to Northern Labrador
L. Evans
The Member petitioned to reinstate direct marine freight service between the Island and Northern Labrador communities, removed in 2019, which has caused exorbitant price increases for food and essentials (e.g., jam $8.99, cooking oil $21.49) and chronic hunger in isolated communities.
Question Period
Crab fishery standoff and economic impacts
Asked by D. Brazil · Answered by D. Bragg
The minister acknowledged the unfortunate dispute and stated both parties (ASP and FFAW) are talking, with mediators and mechanisms in place. He emphasized the government is involved (including the Premier and Minister Davis) and wants the industry reopened, but placed responsibility on the two parties to resolve the issue.
Premier's absence during fishery crisis
Asked by D. Brazil · Answered by S. Coady
The Deputy Premier defended the Premier's engagement, stating he was heavily involved last week and continues to be engaged while attending the World Hydrogen Summit in Europe to diversify the economy. She asserted the Premier has shown strong leadership on the fishery issue.
Terra Nova oil platform production delays
Asked by D. Brazil · Answered by S. Coady
The Deputy Premier noted 742 people are working on the Terra Nova project as of December 2022, the project has been extended by 10 years, and there will be minimal fiscal impact this year as little was budgeted. She defended the government's investment during COVID that saved the project.
Memorial University not singing 'Ode to Newfoundland' at convocations
Asked by B. Petten · Answered by S. Crocker
The minister expressed profound disappointment and stated he spoke to the university president's office to convey displeasure with the lack of respect for the House's unanimous resolution. He committed to continuing to press for reversal of the decision and noted he may stand and sing at his child's convocation.
Rat infestation at Frank Roberts Junior High
Asked by B. Petten · Answered by J. Haggie
The minister stated the government is working with the school district on pest control measures and ensuring sufficient resources. He confirmed no mould is present, acknowledged the rodent issue in the old building, and committed to meeting with the NLTA president to discuss concerns.
Fifth provincial water bomber status and forest fire preparedness
Asked by L. O'Driscoll · Answered by E. Loveless
The minister defended doing due diligence on the valuable fifth asset, noting they paused plans to sell it after forest fires. He confirmed four water bombers are staffed and ready, with agreements to share resources with other provinces. The Forestry minister added that 48 fires this year were mostly grass fires caused by human neglect.
Nursing vacancies and workforce issues
Asked by P. Dinn · Answered by T. Osborne
The minister cited 200 RN graduates signing on and nurses expected from India as successes. He stated the number of working nurses has remained steady over five years, with casualization being the changed factor. He noted the Health Authority will conduct exit surveys in high-demand areas and the government is working with the college on licensure improvements.
Pay equity legislation inadequacies
Asked by H. Conway Ottenheimer · Answered by P. Parsons
The minister defended the legislation as a first for the province and stated consultations have concluded to inform regulations. She emphasized pay equity is one tool among many concrete initiatives to close the gender wage gap, including leadership opportunities, tech sector investments, and child care access.
Food security and medical access in Torngat Mountains district
Asked by L. Evans · Answered by E. Loveless / T. Osborne
The Transportation minister stated clearly he is having no discussions about returning the freight boat to Lewisporte. The Health minister noted the Health Accord includes initiatives for Labrador and that the medical transportation contract is under review in the department.
Shelter funding and expansion in Labrador West
Asked by J. Brown · Answered by J. Abbott
The minister confirmed commitment to expanding shelter services in Labrador West and stated funding will be allocated once details are finalized, hopefully soon.
Blind trust management and ethics commissioner
Asked by P. Lane · Answered by J. Hogan
The minister noted oversight is by the Commissioner for Legislative Standards and encouraged the Member to make submissions to Judge Fowler's ongoing review of statutory offices, which will address these concerns. He stated the government looks forward to receiving the report in due course.
Orders of the Day
Motion 6 - Extended Sitting Hours (May 24)
J. Hogan
The Government House Leader moved that the House not adjourn at 5 p.m. on Wednesday, May 24, 2023, but continue until midnight if necessary. Motion carried.
Motion 7 - Extended Sitting Hours (May 23)
J. Hogan
The Government House Leader moved that the House not adjourn at 5:30 p.m. on Tuesday, May 23, 2023. Motion carried.
Motion 8 - Extended Sitting Hours (May 25)
J. Hogan
The Government House Leader moved that the House not adjourn at 5:30 p.m. on Thursday, May 25, 2023. Motion carried.
Motion 3 and Bill 37 (Loan Act, 2023) - Committee of the Whole
Multiple
The House resolved into Committee of the Whole to consider a resolution and Bill 37 authorizing borrowing up to $1.5 billion for 2023-2024. The Minister of Finance explained $900 million is for capital spending (hospitals, schools, infrastructure) and $600 million for debt repayment, noting borrowing is down from $2.7 billion authorized last year. Opposition Members raised concerns about fiscal planning transparency, cost of living impacts, health care recruitment, infrastructure deficits, and the need for an ethics commissioner. The Committee reported progress and asked leave to sit again.
Bill 40 (An Act to Amend the Lands Act) - Second Reading and Committee
Multiple
The Minister of Fisheries introduced Bill 40 to allow the minister to charge fees for Crown land reservations (3.5% of market value annually during reservation, 7% during lease) and incorporate gender-neutral language, primarily for wind energy projects. Opposition Members asked about cleanup responsibilities, decommissioning safeguards, infrastructure removal, and whether fees could apply to other industries. The minister confirmed lessees must clean up sites and that environmental assessments will prevent past mistakes. The bill passed second reading and all clauses in Committee.
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.