Newfoundland and Labrador House of Assembly, Thursday 25 May 2023
Question Period focused heavily on the 2021 cyberattack and the government's notification of affected individuals, with the Opposition pressing the Premier on why hundreds of thousands have not been individually informed. Other major themes included concerns over Frank Roberts Junior High School's condition, road infrastructure delays (Team Gushue Highway and Trans-Canada twinning), the sugar-sweetened beverage tax, student summer employment funding, emergency room closures, and medical travel issues in Labrador. The government defended its actions on cybersecurity, school safety, infrastructure spending, and immigration support for Ukrainians. The House of Assembly concluded its spring session with third readings of three bills, a Royal Assent ceremony for 13 bills, and farewell remarks from party leaders. The sitting included routine business such as notices of motion for upcoming bills, petitions on health care, education, and cost-of-living issues, and Members' Statements recognizing local achievements. The session ended with the traditional singing of the provincial anthems.
Members' Statements
Jenny Mallard, Mount Pearl musician
L. Stoyles
Recognized Jenny Mallard, a Mount Pearl singer-songwriter and community volunteer, for her musical achievements including acceptance into the Music NL mentorship program and release of her first album.
John J. Gibbons Limited 50th anniversary
S. Gambin-Walsh
Congratulated John J. Gibbons Limited in St. Mary's on 50 years in business, a five-generation family enterprise, and praised owner John Gibbons for his dedication and community spirit.
Burin Peninsula Health Care Foundation Radiothon
J. Dwyer
Promoted the upcoming Burin Peninsula Health Care Foundation Radiothon supporting waiting room upgrades, a cuddle bed, garden improvements, and patient comfort programs.
Humber Valley Seniors Club 40th anniversary
S. Reid
Celebrated the Humber Valley Seniors Club in Pasadena on its 40th anniversary, noting its 162 members, active programming, and community volunteer contributions.
Salvation Army Majors Tony and Beverly Brushett
J. Dinn
Honored Majors Tony and Beverly Brushett for their leadership at the New Hope Centre and Ches Penney Centre for Hope, serving over 1,000 meals and 200 food hampers weekly, as they prepare to relocate to Yellowknife.
Newfoundland dog and Labrador Retriever recognition
S. Coady (Deputy Premier)
Delivered a ministerial statement recognizing the Newfoundland dog and Labrador Retriever as originating in the province and as essential parts of Newfoundland and Labrador's historical and cultural heritage. Responses from D. Brazil and J. Dinn acknowledged the cultural significance and family importance of these breeds.
Routine Proceedings
Notices of motion for bills
Multiple
Ministers gave notice of six bills to be introduced: Bill 44 (repeal Atlantic Provinces Harness Racing Commission Act), Bill 46 (amend Water Resources Act), Bill 43 (amend Schools Act), Bill 42 (repeal Farm Products Corporation Act), and Bill 45 (amend Access to Information and Protection of Privacy Act). Government House Leader also gave notice of extended sitting hours for October 16, 2023.
Petitions
Multiple
Members presented petitions on: Frank Roberts Junior High conditions and need for replacement (B. Petten); 24-hour emergency service at Dr. William H. Newhook Community Health Centre in Whitbourne (J. Dwyer); fair electricity rates for Northern Labrador (L. Evans); repeal of sugar-sweetened beverage tax (T. Wakeham, with response from S. Coady defending the health benefits); legislation to keep couples together in long-term care (P. Dinn); restoration of 24-hour emergency service at Dr. Hugh Twomey Health Care Centre in Botwood (P. Forsey); financial support for youth with cochlear implants in post-secondary education (C. Pardy); and ambulance service in Trepassey region (L. O'Driscoll).
Question Period
Cyberattack victim notification
Asked by D. Brazil · Answered by A. Furey
The Premier stated that broad public disclosure was made early and that everyone was advised of potential threats, with credit protection offered. He defended the approach as recommended by national security and cybersecurity experts given the unprecedented scale of the attack.
Government accountability for health care and education
Asked by D. Brazil · Answered by A. Furey
The Premier acknowledged responsibility for implementing new policies for a sustainable province but refused to interfere in judicial processes, citing that such interference would be inappropriate.
Gladney's bus service contract cancellation
Asked by D. Brazil · Answered by J. Haggie
The Minister of Education stated that safety concerns led to the contract suspension and cancellation, alternative arrangements are in place until year-end, and investigations will determine whether retendering is needed.
Frank Roberts Junior High School conditions and town hall request
Asked by B. Petten · Answered by J. Haggie / A. Furey
The Minister insisted the school is safe according to Occupational Health and Safety and health inspectors, noted ongoing work on cafeteria issues, and stated he visited the school and engaged with staff and students. The Premier questioned why the MHA did not raise concerns earlier, though the MHA cited a March 2022 letter to the department.
Road infrastructure delays (Team Gushue Highway and Trans-Canada twinning)
Asked by L. O'Driscoll · Answered by E. Loveless / A. Furey
The Minister of Transportation defended the $1.4 billion infrastructure budget and stated that projects take time and cannot be completed overnight. The Premier confirmed budget allocations and commitments for both the Gushue Highway and Trans-Canada twinning, promising completion.
Sugar-sweetened beverage tax and WHO non-sugar sweetener guidelines
Asked by C. Pardy · Answered by A. Furey / S. Coady
The Premier defended the tax as encouraging healthy choices and generating conversation, with proceeds invested in healthy options. The Deputy Premier clarified that bulk water is not taxed under the harmonized sales tax and noted support for the sugar tax from health organizations.
Safe drinking water in rural communities (Newman's Cove)
Asked by C. Pardy · Answered by S. Coady
The Deputy Premier addressed the tax question but did not provide a specific answer on Newman's Cove drinking water.
Student Summer Employment Program funding
Asked by J. Wall · Answered by G. Byrne
The Minister stated that the overall budget increased from $2.808 million to $2.9 million, and that switching between post-secondary and high school streams was allowed to address student availability issues. He noted that organizations not receiving federal grants were supported provincially.
Emergency room closures
Asked by P. Dinn · Answered by T. Osborne
The Minister of Health stated that closures in Category B emergency departments have been stabilized, recruitment initiatives are underway, and a virtual RFP has been awarded to help keep emergency departments open.
Government response to expert warnings (deaf education, cybersecurity)
Asked by J. Dinn · Answered by J. Haggie
The Minister of Education stated that integration of school districts into the department provides an opportunity for a holistic review of inclusion and disability services, with an extensive review underway.
Medical travel flight bumping in Labrador
Asked by L. Evans · Answered by T. Osborne
The Minister of Health stated that issues raised by the MHA will be addressed in the upcoming contract renewal with the medical travel provider.
Housing and income crisis / Ukrainian newcomer support
Asked by J. Dinn · Answered by G. Byrne
The Minister of Immigration praised the Ukrainian Family Support Initiative and the support from Newfoundlanders and Labradorians, but did not directly address the broader housing and income crisis question.
Orders of the Day
Third reading of Bill 23
J. Hogan (Government House Leader)
Bill 23, An Act to Amend Various Acts of the Province Respecting the Alternate Witnessing of Documents by Lawyers, was read a third time and passed.
Third reading of Bill 34
J. Hogan (Government House Leader)
Bill 34, An Act to Amend the Electrical Power Control Act, 1994 and the Public Utilities Act, was read a third time and passed.
Third reading of Bill 38
J. Hogan (Government House Leader)
Bill 38, An Act to Amend the Revenue Administration Act and An Act to Amend the Income Tax Act, 2000, was read a third time and passed.
Royal Assent ceremony
Her Honour the Lieutenant-Governor (Judy May Foote)
The Lieutenant-Governor granted Royal Assent to 13 bills including the Appropriation Act (Bill 26) and various amending acts. She thanked Members for their work, praised the Youth Parliament participants, and encouraged Members to prioritize family time and well-being over the summer.
End-of-session remarks
Multiple
Leaders delivered closing remarks. J. Dinn (Third Party Leader) thanked House staff, caucus colleagues, constituents, and families, emphasizing the importance of family sacrifice. D. Brazil (Opposition Leader) defended his advocacy for schools in his district, thanked staff and colleagues, announced his departure as Leader, and emphasized the need for collaboration on key issues. A. Furey (Premier) highlighted Budget 2023 achievements in health care, infrastructure, and cost-of-living relief, thanked all Members and staff, and paid tribute to D. Brazil's courage and character. The Speaker thanked all Members, staff, and Table Officers, and the session concluded with the singing of the Ode to Labrador and Ode to Newfoundland led by Table Officer Bobbi Russell.
Other business
Introductions of guests
The Speaker
The Speaker welcomed Grade 10 students from Holy Spirit High, champion Newfoundland dogs GoFetch Beaumont Hamel and Homeport Night Watchman with their owners, and other guests to the public and Speaker's galleries.
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.