Newfoundland and Labrador House of Assembly, Wednesday 18 October 2023
Question Period focused heavily on cost-of-living pressures, poverty reduction, and the carbon tax. The Opposition pressed the government on the absence of a poverty reduction strategy, indexing the Seniors' Benefit to inflation, and rebating carbon tax revenue. Housing shortages, renovictions, and the treatment of homeless individuals also featured prominently, alongside concerns about the World Energy GH2 hydrogen project and the financial troubles of Tacora Resources in Labrador West. The House introduced Bill 56 (Access to Information and Protection of Privacy Act amendments) at first reading. Bill 47 (Insurance Companies Act amendments) passed second reading, Committee, and was ordered for third reading tomorrow; it prohibits Facility Association from including profit provisions in automobile insurance rates for high-risk drivers and taxis. Bill 48 (Workplace Health, Safety and Compensation Act amendments) also passed all stages and was ordered for third reading tomorrow; it provides bereavement counselling services for dependants of workers who die from work-related injuries on or after January 1, 2022. Members' Statements recognized volunteers, community milestones, and local achievements.
Members' Statements
Recognition of volunteers Rosie Keats and Dave Kane
T. Wakeham
The Member for Stephenville - Port au Port recognized Rosie Keats and Dave Kane for revitalizing the Cancer Care Garden of Hope at Sir Thomas Roddick Hospital in Stephenville, working long hours without funding to create a beautiful space for patients and visitors.
Conception Bay South 50th anniversary
B. Petten
The Member for Conception Bay South celebrated the town's 50th anniversary since its 1973 incorporation, noting it is now the province's second-largest municipality with over 27,000 residents and highlighting year-long celebrations including a concert on October 27.
Routine Proceedings
Introduction of Bill 56 (Access to Information and Protection of Privacy Act amendments)
J. Hogan
The Government House Leader introduced Bill 56, An Act to Amend the Access to Information and Protection of Privacy Act, 2015 No. 2, which was read a first time and ordered for second reading tomorrow.
Question Period
Poverty reduction strategy and indexing the Seniors' Benefit
Asked by T. Wakeham · Answered by A. Furey / S. Coady
The Premier stated that poverty reduction work is underway through the Health Accord and stakeholders, with something coming "very, very, very near future." The Finance Minister noted the Seniors' Benefit was recently increased by 15 per cent and highlighted other supports like the home heating supplement and free medical exams for seniors aged 75+, but did not commit to indexing the benefit to inflation.
Carbon tax revenue rebate
Asked by T. Wakeham · Answered by A. Furey / S. Coady
The Premier and Finance Minister repeatedly stated the carbon tax is a federal tax imposed by the Supreme Court ruling, not a provincial one. They argued the province has already returned the $35 million in carbon tax revenue by cutting the provincial gas tax by eight cents per litre and providing $500 million in total relief measures. The Premier emphasized ongoing opposition to the federal carbon tax but refused to provide an additional rebate.
Support for families living paycheque to paycheque
Asked by B. Petten · Answered by S. Coady
The Finance Minister listed multiple supports: eight-cent gas tax reduction, $10-a-day child care, 15 per cent increase in Income Supplement, pre-natal nutrition program, and funding for Kids Eat Smart and school lunch programs. She stated the government has put $500 million back into residents' pockets and will continue cost-of-living relief efforts.
Empty Newfoundland and Labrador Housing units
Asked by C. Pardy · Answered by P. Pike / S. Coady
The Minister of Children, Seniors and Social Development stated that 750 housing options were created in the past two years and 850 housing starts are underway this year. The Finance Minister emphasized a $140 million investment in housing. However, neither minister directly addressed why 143 units remain empty or provided a timeline for repairs.
Housing wait-list and investment in seniors housing
Asked by C. Pardy · Answered by P. Pike / S. Coady
The minister stated that 116 proposals have been received under a $70 million program, many for seniors housing, with the first approvals expected within a month. He suggested a "domino effect" as seniors move into new units, freeing up other housing. The Finance Minister reiterated the $140 million total housing investment and various programs to encourage new construction and renovations.
Renovictions and tenant protections
Asked by P. Forsey · Answered by S. Stoodley
The Minister of Digital Government and Service NL stated that "renovictions" are not an official term in legislation and that landlords can provide three months' eviction notice without stating a reason. She emphasized the need to balance tenant and landlord rights, directed people to the residential tenancies handbook and dispute resolution services, but offered no new protections or policy changes.
Treatment of homeless individuals and tent removals
Asked by J. Dinn · Answered by J. Hogan
The Minister of Justice and Public Safety stated that collapsed tents were removed from a busy street corner for public safety reasons, not intimidation. He said government departments are working daily with individuals to find shelter and accused the Opposition of using the issue for political gain.
Support for small businesses affected by Tacora Resources CCAA filing
Asked by J. Brown · Answered by A. Parsons
The Minister of Industry, Energy and Technology acknowledged the difficulty for suppliers owed money but stated CCAA is a court process, not a government one. He noted workers remain employed and operations continue, and cited the Rambler CCAA case as an example of a positive outcome. The minister committed to monitoring the proceedings and working with the company and suppliers but made no specific commitment to compensate affected businesses.
Renewable energy and power connections for Northern Labrador communities
Asked by L. Evans · Answered by A. Parsons
The minister stated that renewable energy carries a higher cost that would be borne by taxpayers and noted three subsidies are already in place for parts of Labrador to keep rates low. He committed to continuing work toward renewable solutions but provided no timeline or specific plan for connecting Northern and Southern Labrador communities to the power grid.
World Energy GH2 hydrogen project environmental assessment and public consultation
Asked by P. Lane · Answered by B. Davis / A. Parsons
The Minister of Environment and Climate Change stated the environmental assessment process began in August 2022 and includes 50 days of public consultation plus 20 days for decision-making. He encouraged public submissions but refused to pause the process. The Minister of Industry, Energy and Technology addressed decommissioning concerns, stating that guidelines published in February 2023 require decommissioning plans before final project approval, similar to other natural resource projects.
Orders of the Day
Second reading debate on Bill 47 (Insurance Companies Act amendments)
Multiple
Minister S. Stoodley moved second reading of Bill 47 to prohibit Facility Association (insurer of last resort for high-risk drivers and taxis) from including profit provisions in rates. The bill clarifies that Facility, historically non-profit, cannot seek profit after the Public Utilities Board allowed a 6% profit provision in 2021-2022. Opposition members supported the bill but questioned why it was not retroactive to refund consumers who already paid higher premiums. The minister explained the bill clarifies unclear legislation going forward and noted average savings of $138 per private vehicle and $423 per taxi annually.
Committee of the Whole on Bill 47
Multiple
In Committee, members questioned why the bill is not retroactive and whether rebates would be issued. Minister Stoodley reiterated the bill clarifies legislation prospectively to avoid burdening insurers with retroactive refunds. Member C. Tibbs proposed an amendment to make the act retroactive to April 1, 2023, but the Chair ruled the amendment out of order after recess. The bill passed Committee without amendment.
Second reading debate on Bill 48 (Workplace Health, Safety and Compensation Act amendments)
Multiple
Minister B. Davis moved second reading of Bill 48 to provide bereavement counselling services for dependants (spouses, children, and other dependants) of workers who die from work-related injuries on or after January 1, 2022. The minister noted 30 workers died in 2022 and that eight other Canadian jurisdictions already provide this service. All speakers supported the bill, with some suggesting broader mental health supports for injured workers and coworkers affected by workplace fatalities.
Committee of the Whole on Bill 48
Multiple
In Committee, members asked why January 1, 2022, was chosen (aligned with when WorkplaceNL became aware of the need), how many counselling sessions would be provided (to be determined in regulations), and whether there is a family cap (no cap). The minister confirmed dependants include spouses, children, and others living with the deceased worker. The bill passed Committee without amendment.
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.