Newfoundland and Labrador House of Assembly, Wednesday 24 May 2023
Question Period focused heavily on the 2021 cyberattack on the health care system, with the Opposition challenging the government's disclosure practices and notification of affected individuals. Other major topics included the $700,000 spent fighting Carter Churchill's education rights, concerns about Frank Roberts Junior High School's safety, the rollout of speed cameras, and various health care issues including ambulance usage, IVF clinic delays, and the Corner Brook radiation unit. The House debated Bill 38 (amendments to the Revenue Administration Act and Income Tax Act, 2000) in Committee of the Whole, focusing heavily on the repeal of the provincial carbon tax and the federal backstop coming into effect July 1. The Supply Act (Bill 26) for fiscal year 2023-24 was passed through all stages, authorizing $8.7 billion in government spending. Members' Statements recognized local achievements in academics, sports, and community service.
Members' Statements
Recognition of Jacey Matthews — Research Inspired Student Enrichment Award recipient
E. Joyce
Jacey Matthews of Corner Brook was recognized for receiving a 2023 Research Inspired Student Enrichment Award at Memorial University, demonstrating academic excellence and research engagement.
Recognition of Jaida Lee — Labrador West Atom AA Female Hockey League championship
J. Brown
Jaida Lee was congratulated for her team's victory in the Labrador West Atom AA Female Hockey League championship, highlighting her dedication and sportsmanship.
Recognition of Jabez Seymour — community volunteer and Special Olympics athlete
B. Warr
Jabez Seymour of Baie Verte was recognized for his extensive volunteer work with minor hockey, softball, and soccer, as well as his participation in Special Olympics basketball, floor hockey, and bowling.
Recognition of Harbour Main Fire Department volunteers
H. Conway Ottenheimer
Members of the Harbour Main Fire Department were recognized for their 2022 Emergency Services Award from the Insurance Bureau of Canada, honoring their response to a major house fire that saved lives.
Recognition of Conne River Search and Rescue
E. Joyce
Conne River Search and Rescue was congratulated for receiving the Lieutenant Governor's Award for Bravery, recognizing their life-saving efforts during a marine emergency in Conne River Bay.
Recognition of Gander Academy Robotics Team
J. Haggie
The Gander Academy Robotics Team was recognized for winning the Judges' Award at the FIRST Robotics Competition in Montreal, advancing to the World Championship in Houston, Texas.
Recognition of Renee Sharpe — Juno Award nominee
S. Stoodley
Renee Sharpe, a Mount Pearl resident and member of Fortunate Ones, was congratulated for her Juno Award nomination in the Traditional Roots Album category for the album 'Hold Fast.'
Question Period
2021 cyberattack disclosure and public notification
Asked by D. Brazil · Answered by A. Furey / J. Hogan
The Premier and Minister of Justice defended the government's response, stating they made broad public disclosures immediately, offered credit monitoring to all at-risk residents, and took reasonable steps as concluded by the Privacy Commissioner's report. They cited the complexity of the breach and consultation with national security agencies.
Carter Churchill education case - $700,000 legal costs
Asked by D. Brazil / B. Petten · Answered by A. Furey
The Premier stated the incident occurred before his tenure under a different administration, apologized for the family's suffering, and committed to improving education opportunities for all students, while noting it was an English School District matter.
Frank Roberts Junior High School safety concerns and town hall request
Asked by B. Petten · Answered by J. Haggie
The Minister of Education insisted he took concerns seriously, commissioned independent reports from Occupational Health and Safety and health inspectors that found the school safe, and worked with the district to remedy identified issues. He refused to commit to a town hall, defending the credibility of the independent reports.
Speed camera pilot program excluding St. John's
Asked by J. Wall · Answered by S. Stoodley
The Minister explained the pilot with Paradise and Mount Pearl was designed to gather data for a province-wide system and moved quickly with municipalities already in informal discussions. She stated a broader program is being developed.
Increased ambulance trips and access to primary care
Asked by P. Dinn · Answered by T. Osborne
The Minister acknowledged a shortage of primary care providers across Canada and stated the government is integrating ambulance services to provide better service and working conditions.
IVF clinic promise and timeline
Asked by P. Dinn · Answered by T. Osborne
The Minister stated an RFP is under review to determine the best fertility services for the province and committed to working with stakeholders, but provided no specific timeline.
Continuous glucose monitoring program age restrictions
Asked by P. Dinn · Answered by T. Osborne
The Minister defended the pilot project for those under 18, stating it will provide information to expand the program, and suggested further good news would follow.
Air service diversification and provincial air access strategy
Asked by J. Dwyer · Answered by S. Crocker
The Minister stated the government has an air access strategy and is working with airport authorities and airlines, while criticizing the Opposition for voting against $1.5 million in airline industry support.
Water bomber staffing levels - conflicting statements
Asked by P. Forsey · Answered by E. Loveless
The Minister clarified that three water bombers are fully staffed (correcting an earlier statement of four), with four assets ready, and noted reciprocal agreements with other provinces for mutual support.
Roads Plan budget execution and carryover
Asked by L. O'Driscoll · Answered by E. Loveless
The Minister defended the $1.4 billion roads investment and criticized the Opposition for supporting the budget while questioning its execution.
Labrador West air quality and mine dust enforcement
Asked by J. Brown · Answered by B. Davis
The Minister stated the government is working with mining companies who have started dust suppression programs earlier than usual, and committed to holding them accountable when air quality standards are exceeded.
Frank Roberts vs. Portugal Cove-St. Philip's school infrastructure decisions
Asked by J. Dinn · Answered by J. Haggie
The Minister clarified that reports tabled were responses to Frank Roberts concerns and offered to table additional remediation measures, but did not address the Portugal Cove-St. Philip's school justification.
Corner Brook acute care hospital radiation unit recruitment and timeline
Asked by E. Joyce · Answered by T. Osborne
The Minister confirmed construction is on schedule with keys to be received in October, stated recruitment is ongoing, and indicated the radiation unit should be operational late this year or early next year.
Orders of the Day
Bill 38 — Committee of the Whole debate on Revenue Administration Act and Income Tax Act amendments
Multiple
Extended debate on Bill 38 centered on the repeal of the provincial carbon tax (due to federal backstop imposition) and increases to the Physical Activity Tax Credit and Health and Post Secondary Education Tax exemption threshold. Opposition members criticized the carbon tax as regressive and harmful to low-income residents and seniors, while government defended the repeal as necessary to avoid double taxation and noted past exemptions negotiated for home heating fuel. Members across party lines expressed concern about affordability impacts on vulnerable populations, particularly seniors and rural residents.
Bill 26 — Supply Act, 2023 (all stages)
S. Coady
The Minister of Finance introduced and moved Bill 26 through all readings without amendment. The bill authorizes $8,746,723,900 in government expenditures for fiscal year 2023-24. The minister thanked public employees and House members for their work on the budget process. The bill passed with a division vote on the budgetary policy motion (21 ayes, 15 nays) and proceeded through Committee of Supply, three readings, and royal assent in a single sitting.
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.