Newfoundland and Labrador House of Assembly, Tuesday 31 October 2023
Question Period focused on three main themes: negotiations over the Upper Churchill hydroelectric contract with Quebec, the government's fiscal management (including increased borrowing and the Future Fund), and social issues including homelessness, seniors' poverty, and access to medical care for residential school survivors. The Opposition pressed for transparency commitments on the Churchill Falls deal and criticized the government's borrowing practices and handling of homelessness. Ministers defended their fiscal discipline, cited investments in seniors and housing, and announced progress on environmental and energy issues. The House passed three bills at third reading (Access to Information and Protection of Privacy Act amendments, Buildings Accessibility Act amendments, and Schools Act amendments) and gave second reading to two resource-sector bills: the Mineral Act amendments (Bill 59) and the new Quarry Resources Act (Bill 58). Bill 59 removes the 30-year cap on mineral licences and allows reinstatement in certain circumstances; Bill 58 repeals and replaces the 1998 Quarry Materials Act with modernized tenure, rehabilitation, and enforcement provisions. The House also adopted motions extending sitting hours, constituted the Public Accounts Committee, and gave first reading to a Pension Benefits Act amendment. Members' Statements recognized community fundraisers, entrepreneurs, animal shelters, health care innovators, and volunteers. The Minister of Municipal and Provincial Affairs congratulated municipal leaders on their recent conferences.
Members' Statements
Darian Hunt Memorial Fundraising
L. Parrott
Recognized the Hunt family for fundraising in memory of their son Darian, who passed away from cancer in 2019, supporting families facing childhood cancer through donations to Candlelighters, Ronald McDonald House, the Janeway oncology unit, and 600 pairs of pyjamas to hospitals.
Forsey Brothers' Crazy for Carrots Fundraiser
P. Dinn
Celebrated three young entrepreneurs (Zander, Beckham, and Lincoln Forsey) who have raised nearly $600 this year selling carrots from their family garden, donating proceeds to charities including The Gathering Place, Terry Fox Foundation, Hurricane Fiona relief, and the family of Lincoln Walsh.
Faith's Haven Animal Shelter
J. Brown
Acknowledged Faith's Haven Animal Shelter in Labrador West, a volunteer-run non-profit since 2010 now working to build a proper shelter, highlighting their care for homeless animals like Charlie the cat and Dory the pregnant dog.
Dr. Todd Young and Main Street Medical Clinic
B. Warr
Recognized Dr. Todd Young for innovative leadership at Main Street Medical Clinic, including virtual care services (Medicuro) predating COVID-19, addiction treatment programs, and satellite clinics across the Island improving rural health care access.
Gerald Thomas, Volunteer Extraordinaire
C. Pardy
Honored Gerald Thomas of Musgravetown, inducted into the NL Volunteer Hall of Fame in 2013, for 20 years as fire chief, 25 years as a first aid instructor, 35 years with search and rescue, and extensive service on councils and community organizations.
Chalker Place Neighbourhood Centre
J. Abbott
Acknowledged staff and volunteers at Chalker Place Neighbourhood Centre (Nikita Ryall, Margaret Connors, Michelle Hutchings) for enhancing lives of families in social housing through educational, social, and recreational programs, noting three youth recently received Fry Family Scholarships.
Municipal Conferences
J. Haggie (Minister)
Congratulated Municipalities Newfoundland and Labrador and Professional Municipal Administrators on successful annual conferences in St. John's and Gander, highlighting government support including $6 million in operating grants, $2 million in age-friendly grants, and $1 million in collaboration and accessibility grants.
Routine Proceedings
Notice of Motion - Liquor Control Act Amendment
S. Coady (Minister of Finance)
Gave notice of Bill 62, An Act to Amend the Liquor Control Act and the Liquor Corporation Act, to be introduced tomorrow.
Petitions - Limitations Act for Child Abuse Claims
E. Joyce
Petitioned to amend the Limitations Act to remove limitation periods for civil child abuse claims retroactively, arguing this is necessary for truth and reconciliation and to provide closure for survivors who experienced trauma as minors.
Petition - Cellphone Coverage in Bonavista
C. Pardy
Petitioned for improved cellphone coverage in the District of Bonavista, noting deteriorated service impacting tourist accommodation ratings and requiring residents to drive 20-30 minutes for reception.
Petition - Anti-Temporary Replacement Worker Legislation
J. Brown
Petitioned for legislation banning temporary replacement workers during strikes or lockouts, citing examples from Vale and D-J Composites and noting the federal government's commitment to introduce such legislation by end of 2023.
Petition - Robert E. Howlett Highway Extension
L. O'Driscoll
Petitioned to reinstate the approved 9.6-kilometre extension of the Robert E. Howlett Highway to improve safety for Southern Avalon traffic, noting increased flows due to offshore bases in Bay Bulls and proposed Fermeuse facility.
Petition - Canning Bridge Replacement
J. Dwyer
Petitioned for immediate replacement of the Canning Bridge in Marystown, noting a concerned citizens' group of over 600 people has formed and requesting the minister meet with them to discuss the closure's impact and Bailey Bridge options.
Petition - Northern Labrador Inclusion in Rebate Programs
L. Evans
Petitioned for Northern Labrador communities to be included in the Oil to Electric Incentive Program and residential rebate programs, noting all six Torngat Mountains communities are excluded due to diesel electricity generation while facing extreme heating costs of $1,000-$2,000 monthly.
Question Period
Upper Churchill contract negotiations - commitment to House debate
Asked by T. Wakeham · Answered by S. Coady / A. Parsons
The Deputy Premier noted productive discussions with Quebec and a strong negotiating position. The Minister of Industry, Energy and Technology indicated that while negotiations should remain confidential, there will be an opportunity for Newfoundlanders and Labradorians to understand any deal when the time comes, but stopped short of a full commitment to pre-ratification debate.
Upper Churchill deal - full disclosure and independent expert review
Asked by T. Wakeham · Answered by A. Parsons
The minister declined to commit to Justice LeBlanc's recommendation for an independent expert panel review, stating negotiations are ongoing and it would not be in the province's interest to negotiate publicly. He expressed confidence in the negotiating team but provided no specific commitment on transparency measures.
Increased borrowing of $700 million
Asked by T. Wakeham · Answered by S. Coady
The Deputy Premier explained the increased borrowing (from $1.5B to $2.2B) is necessary for responsible liquidity management as recommended by bond rating agencies and to accommodate changes in accounting standards. She defended this as prudent debt management.
Future Fund contributions and borrowing to fund it
Asked by T. Wakeham · Answered by S. Coady
The minister confirmed approximately $300 million will be in the Future Fund by year-end, with $129 million being added. She acknowledged that $130 million of the new borrowing will go to the Future Fund, defending this as fiscally responsible debt management similar to a sinking fund, noting the fund has already earned $4 million in interest.
Carbon tax and sugar tax - request to cancel inflationary taxes
Asked by T. Wakeham · Answered by S. Coady
The Deputy Premier defended the government's fiscal approach, citing over $500 million given back to residents and reductions in provincial gas tax by over 8 cents. She did not commit to canceling the taxes but emphasized investments in people while maintaining fiscal discipline.
Homelessness and shelter conditions
Asked by L. Parrott · Answered by S. Coady / J. Hogan / P. Pike
The Minister of Justice stated he and other ministers have visited tent encampments multiple times, and CSSD staff work daily with individuals to provide housing with wraparound supports. The number of tents has decreased as people are housed. The Minister of Children, Seniors and Social Development emphasized the continuum of care approach leading to permanent supportive housing. Ministers defended shelter conditions while acknowledging ongoing work.
Housing crisis and minister's performance
Asked by L. Parrott · Answered by G. Byrne
The Minister of Immigration referenced visiting Dunfield Park in Corner Brook with the Housing Corporation CEO, noting some units have been vacant since 2007 and questioned why decay occurred during the previous government's tenure. He did not directly address the Opposition's criticism of the housing minister's statements.
English School District integration costs and savings
Asked by P. Dinn · Answered by K. Howell
The Minister of Education stated the integration is ongoing to identify efficiencies and streamline services, with any cost savings to be reinvested in schools. She confirmed no costs have been identified to date for rebranding (buses, uniforms, buildings, logos), stating these will be addressed within current envelopes as items need replacement and will not impact front-line services or teachers.
Seniors' poverty and access to basic necessities
Asked by H. Conway Ottenheimer · Answered by T. Osborne / S. Coady
Ministers cited multiple initiatives: free drivers' medicals, increased Income Supplement, reduced motor vehicle registration costs, reduced insurance taxes, increased funding for self-managed and community care, and the Health Accord's seniors' care framework. The Deputy Premier acknowledged wanting to do more while defending the government's record of investments in seniors.
Snow crab fishery pricing panel status
Asked by C. Pardy · Answered by E. Loveless
The Minister of Fisheries stated the Premier established a panel to address last year's late season start and is awaiting recommendations to ensure the 2024 season is not similarly delayed, but provided no specific status update on the panel's deliberations.
Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) certification for cod
Asked by C. Pardy · Answered by E. Loveless
The minister acknowledged the importance of quality certification and stated the government will discuss MSC certification with the federal government and through the Fisheries Advisory Council, recognizing it as an important topic for adding value to the province's cod fishery.
Medical care access for residential school survivors
Asked by L. Evans · Answered by L. Dempster
The Minister of Labrador Affairs focused on the upcoming residential school apologies (six total, including three days in Torngat Mountains and one in Goose Bay), led by community governments. She acknowledged the gut-wrenching legacy of residential schools but did not directly commit to specific measures for improving medical care access for survivors and their families.
Labrador power needs in Quebec energy negotiations
Asked by J. Brown · Answered by A. Parsons
The minister assured that Newfoundland and Labrador's needs come first, noting ongoing conversations with industrial customers seeking power in Labrador. He expressed confidence in the negotiating teams (2041 team, IET, NL Hydro) and stated the government will prioritize the province's needs before others.
Labrador West Green Depot closure
Asked by J. Brown · Answered by B. Davis
The Minister of Environment announced that a permanent location for the Labrador West Green Depot has been secured as of yesterday, with the new location planned to open December 1, resolving the recycling issue that began in August.
Orders of the Day
Extended Sitting Hours Motions
J. Hogan (Government House Leader)
Moved and carried motions to extend sitting hours: the House will not adjourn at 5 p.m. on November 1 but continue until midnight, and will not adjourn at 5:30 p.m. on November 2.
Public Accounts Committee Composition
J. Hogan
Moved and carried a motion establishing the Public Accounts Committee membership: Members for Exploits, Placentia - St. Mary's, Baie Verte - Green Bay, Labrador West, St. George's - Humber, Lake Melville, and Cape St. Francis.
Bill 61 - Pension Benefits Act Amendment (First Reading)
J. Hogan
Introduced and gave first reading to Bill 61, An Act to Amend the Pension Benefits Act, 1997, ordered for second reading tomorrow.
Bill 56 - Access to Information Act Amendment (Third Reading)
J. Hogan
Moved and passed Bill 56, An Act to Amend the Access to Information and Protection of Privacy Act, 2015 No. 2, at third reading.
Bill 52 - Buildings Accessibility Act Amendment (Third Reading)
J. Hogan
Moved and passed Bill 52, An Act to Amend the Buildings Accessibility Act, at third reading.
Bill 43 - Schools Act Amendment (Third Reading)
J. Hogan
Moved and passed Bill 43, An Act to Amend the Schools Act, 1997 No. 2, at third reading.
Bill 59 - Mineral Act Amendment (Second Reading and Committee)
A. Parsons (Minister of IET)
Introduced Bill 59 to remove the 30-year cap on mineral licences (allowing unlimited one-year renewals after 20 years) and permit reinstatement of expired/cancelled licences within 30 days. The bill addresses concerns from Vale and other companies with licences approaching expiration, aligns with other Canadian jurisdictions, and includes a $100-per-claim reinstatement fee (waived if department error). Debate featured support from Opposition members (L. Parrott, J. Brown, P. Lane, C. Tibbs) noting the importance of mining ($5.2 billion in shipments, $189 million in tax revenue, 8% of GDP). The bill passed second reading and Committee stage without amendment.
Bill 58 - Quarry Resources Act (Second Reading)
A. Parsons (Minister of IET)
Introduced Bill 58, a comprehensive repeal-and-replace of the 1998 Quarry Materials Act. Key changes include: redefining quarry resources to add dimension stone and gemstone while removing peat (now regulated under Crown Lands/FFA); creating a two-year non-renewable wayside permit and two classes of leases; requiring site rehabilitation; enhancing compliance and enforcement; establishing resource management areas; and eliminating subordinate quarry permits (replaced by permission from permit/leaseholder). The quarry industry represents $30 million annually and 550 person-years of employment. Debate featured support from Opposition members (L. Parrott, who held six quarry permits personally; J. Brown, whose father-in-law works in a Lab West quarry; P. Forsey, welcoming peat's removal due to cost concerns for exporters like Hi-Point Industries). Members raised questions about abandoned quarries, sand shortages, glacial till, municipal consultation delays, and Department of Transportation quarry access. The minister noted 1,300 permits renewed last year, 200 new applications, and 100 requiring leases, and committed to better notification processes for applicants.
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.