Newfoundland and Labrador House of Assembly, Tuesday 23 May 2023
Question Period focused heavily on the crab fishery dispute, with the Opposition criticizing the Premier for a delayed response that left harvesters and plant workers without income for six weeks. Other major topics included concerns over Frank Roberts Junior High School's condition, Crown Lands disputes in Bonavista, dose-splitting of eye medications, the delayed Team Gushue Highway project, and access to health care and medical flights in Labrador. The government defended its involvement in the crab dispute, the safety of the school, and its handling of various infrastructure and health matters. The House debated and passed Bill 34, which amends the Electrical Power Control Act and the Public Utilities Act. The amendments modernize the Public Utilities Board's structure, including changes to commissioner terms and appointments, and importantly allow the PUB to consider environmental responsibility alongside cost and reliability when evaluating power projects. The bill passed second reading and Committee stage with support from all parties, though Opposition members raised questions about how environmental factors would be weighed and the process for appointing temporary commissioners.
Members' Statements
Creston Collegiate graduation
J. Dwyer
Recognized the 2023 graduating class of Creston Collegiate in Blaketown, thanking families, teachers, and the community for their support.
Botwood Fire Department award
P. Forsey
Congratulated the Botwood Fire Department for receiving the 2023 NL Change Makers Award from Muscular Dystrophy Canada, having raised over $100,000 since 1985.
Belle Melvin pilgrimage award
L. O'Driscoll
Recognized Belle Melvin of Bay Bulls for being selected as provincial representative for Girl Guides to participate in the Trail of the Caribou pilgrimage to France and Belgium.
Melvin Hanhams Special Olympics
C. Tibbs
Congratulated Melvin Hanhams of Grand Falls-Windsor, who will represent Team Canada in golf at the World Special Olympic Games in Berlin, Germany.
Port Rexton firefighter rescue
C. Pardy
Celebrated the heroic life-saving efforts of Port Rexton Fire Department members who revived firefighter Steve Kew after he went into cardiac arrest during a fire call using CPR and an AED.
Victoria Compton's 106th birthday
The Speaker
Wished Victoria Compton of Lewisporte a happy 106th birthday on behalf of all Members.
Routine Proceedings
World Family Doctor Day ministerial statement
T. Osborne
The Minister of Health recognized World Family Doctor Day and thanked family physicians for their dedication, highlighting government initiatives including blended capitation remuneration and Family Care Teams.
Response to family doctor statement
P. Dinn
The PC critic acknowledged family doctors' hard work but criticized the government for the estimated 136,000 people without a family doctor in the province.
Response to family doctor statement
L. Evans
The NDP critic emphasized the need to ensure doctors have proper supports and positive work-life balance, including addressing nursing and medical staff shortages.
Private Member's Resolution notice on Memorial University anthem
B. Petten
Gave notice of a PMR urging government to legislate that the 'Ode to Newfoundland' and 'Ode to Labrador' be sung at Memorial University convocation ceremonies, including draft legislation.
Canning Bridge petition
J. Dwyer
Presented a petition calling for immediate replacement of the Canning Bridge in Marystown, which has been closed for months, impacting residents, emergency services, and the local economy.
Frank Roberts Junior High petition
B. Petten
Presented multiple petitions calling for immediate improvements and a new school for Frank Roberts Junior High in Foxtrap, citing overcrowding, mould, and health issues.
French immersion at Stephenville Primary petition
T. Wakeham
Presented a petition urging reclassification of French immersion at Stephenville Primary from optional to core program, citing cultural and historical significance for French-Mi'kmaq families.
Active and public transportation petition
J. Dinn
Presented a petition calling for government funding for active and public transportation options, arguing that highway expansion alone is insufficient and many cannot afford vehicles.
Fish harvesters certification petition
P. Lane
Presented a petition calling for province-wide consultations on impediments to inshore enterprise ownership and a review of the Professional Fish Harvesters Act.
Northern Labrador marine shipping petition
L. Evans
Presented a renewed petition calling for reinstatement of direct marine shipping service between the Island and Northern Labrador communities, citing exorbitant food and supply prices in isolated communities.
Question Period
Crab fishery dispute and Premier's involvement
Asked by D. Brazil · Answered by A. Furey
The Premier stated he and the Minister of Fisheries were involved from day one and helped facilitate a deal to get boats back on the water. He committed to reviewing the final offer selection process with due consultation but did not specify what changes would be made.
Public disclosure of Churchill River/hydro generation agreements
Asked by D. Brazil · Answered by A. Furey
The Premier committed to full public debate in the House of Assembly once negotiations are complete, but refused to negotiate in public or release details beforehand, citing the need to protect the province's negotiating position.
Frank Roberts Junior High School conditions and independent assessment
Asked by B. Petten · Answered by J. Haggie
The minister refused to commit to an independent assessment, tabling occupational health and safety reports and health inspector reports stating the school is old but safe. He defended the inspectors' credibility and said necessary work is being done, including cafeteria improvements over the summer.
Crown Lands disputes in Bonavista district
Asked by C. Pardy · Answered by D. Bragg
The minister stated that Crown Lands has a process and that cases go to court when ownership is complex or disputed. He noted that people with proper documentation will have no issues and encouraged property owners to register their land properly.
Online landfills in Bonavista and waste management strategy
Asked by C. Pardy · Answered by B. Davis
The Minister of Environment stated the government is working with regional authorities on waste transportation solutions and wants people to dispose of waste in the safest manner for the environment.
Bonavista hospital emergency room operations without physicians
Asked by C. Pardy · Answered by T. Osborne
The minister stated the government is working on strategies to keep Category B facilities open when physicians are unavailable, including an RFP for physician oversight and training nurses in airway management and other procedures.
Dose splitting of eye medications
Asked by P. Dinn · Answered by T. Osborne
The minister stated there is no evidence of dose splitting happening in the province and that previous investigations found no proof. He said Health Canada regulates these practices and he has asked officials to conduct another review to be certain.
Team Gushue Highway project status and funding application
Asked by L. O'Driscoll · Answered by E. Loveless
The minister repeatedly stated the project will get done but did not clarify whether a federal funding application has been finalized or provide a timeline for completion.
Forest fire preparedness and crew availability
Asked by P. Forsey · Answered by D. Bragg and E. Loveless
The ministers stated the province has four water bombers, strategically located crews, and helicopters on standby. Three units are fully staffed and recruitment for specialized pilots is ongoing. They expressed confidence in readiness for the fire season.
Hurricane Fiona financial assistance payout delays
Asked by C. Tibbs · Answered by A. Parsons
The minister disputed the numbers cited, stating that over 90 per cent of the first round of 100 houses have been paid out as of last week.
School district amalgamation plan and transparency
Asked by J. Dinn · Answered by J. Haggie
The minister stated the amalgamation plan is a living document being developed with NLESD staff and that Cabinet will decide what is appropriate to release. He said the goal is to improve educational outcomes, particularly in critical thinking, by aligning curriculum development across departmental and district levels.
Medical flight access and bumped appointments in Torngat Mountains
Asked by L. Evans · Answered by T. Osborne and E. Loveless
The Minister of Health stated the medical flight tender for Labrador is under review and discussions are ongoing with the provider to ensure better service. The Minister of Transportation dismissed discussion of reinstating a freight boat to address food access issues.
Orders of the Day
Bill 34 second reading debate
Multiple
The House debated Bill 34 to amend the Electrical Power Control Act and Public Utilities Act. Key changes include allowing the PUB to consider environmental responsibility alongside cost and reliability, adjusting commissioner terms from 10 to 7 years with reappointments, creating temporary commissioner positions, and increasing capital project approval thresholds from $50,000 to $750,000.
Bill 34 Committee of the Whole
Multiple
Members questioned ministers about how environmental factors would be weighed against cost and reliability, the process for appointing temporary commissioners, and whether changes would facilitate wind energy integration. Ministers clarified that the PUB would balance factors case-by-case, that temporary commissioners would be appointed by the PUB chair in consultation with the Minister of Justice, and that environmental considerations were previously not permitted.
Bill 34 passage
Multiple
Bill 34 passed second reading unanimously and completed Committee stage with amendments, including changes to ensure LGIC can only direct the PUB to hold hearings (not prevent them) and clarifications on temporary commissioner appointments and terms.
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.