Newfoundland and Labrador House of Assembly, Wednesday 1 November 2023
Question Period focused heavily on cost-of-living pressures, housing shortages, and infrastructure delays. The Opposition pressed the government on carbon tax rebates, rising rental costs, and the failure to build sufficient housing units, while also raising concerns about fuel supply, the delayed penitentiary replacement, and road safety. The government defended its fiscal record, citing investments in housing, cost-of-living relief measures, and economic indicators, while acknowledging ongoing challenges in housing supply and infrastructure timelines. The House introduced Bill 62 (Liquor Control Act amendments) for first reading and passed two bills at third reading: Bill 59 (Mineral Act amendments) and Bill 58 (Quarry Resources). The main business was second reading debate on Bill 54, An Act Respecting Towns and Local Service Districts, which would repeal and replace the Municipalities Act, 1999. Opposition members raised significant concerns about receiving the 146-page, 350-section bill only 24 hours before debate, arguing they had insufficient time to consult constituents in towns and LSDs. Members' Statements recognized community achievements including the Kidney Foundation's fundraising, a war memorial restoration, a young hockey player, and a community volunteer.
Members' Statements
Kidney Foundation Walk Recognition
J. Dwyer
The Member for Placentia West - Bellevue recognized the Kidney Foundation's annual Kidney Walk held September 17 at Marystown YMCA, which raised $4,056, contributing to the Foundation's 2023 total of over $2 million in donations.
Shoal Harbour War Memorial Restoration
L. Parrott
The Member for Terra Nova described the successful relocation and restoration of the Shoal Harbour War Memorial monument, which had been damaged by road salt, through community fundraising involving the Town of Clarenville, Legion, and local businesses.
Young Hockey Player Recognition
P. Forsey
The Member for Exploits recognized Alex Ryan, a 16-year-old hockey player from Grand Falls-Windsor who was selected to play for the Newfoundland Growlers organization, praising his dedication and achievement.
Community Volunteer Recognition
L. O'Driscoll
The Member for Ferryland recognized a community volunteer (details not fully captured in transcript) for their contributions to the district.
Take Our Kids to Work Day
The Speaker
The Speaker welcomed Grade 9 students participating in the national Take Our Kids to Work Day, along with Alex Ryan and his family who were in the public gallery.
Question Period
Carbon tax rebate and cost-of-living relief
Asked by T. Wakeham · Answered by S. Coady
The Deputy Premier stated that first-quarter carbon tax revenues were rebated to residents and highlighted over half a billion dollars in cost-of-living measures, including gas tax reductions, increased Seniors' Benefit, and vehicle registration cuts. She defended the government's fiscal approach, including the Future Fund, and emphasized strong employment and economic indicators.
Housing starts and housing plan implementation
Asked by T. Wakeham · Answered by S. Coady
The Deputy Premier noted that housing starts are down 34 per cent but pointed to $140 million in housing investments, including $70 million for 850 affordable homes and $25 million for homelessness supports. She criticized the Opposition for not voting in favour of these measures.
Newfoundland and Labrador Housing eligibility and a father forced to choose between housing and his son
Asked by J. Wall · Answered by P. Pike / S. Coady
The Minister of Children, Seniors and Social Development expressed empathy and said the Housing Corporation works closely with individuals and prioritizes women and children. The Deputy Premier added that the individual will be prioritized and highlighted broader supports like increased Income Supplement and Seniors' Benefit.
Fuel supply concerns (gasoline and propane)
Asked by L. Parrott · Answered by A. Parsons
The Minister of Industry, Energy and Technology said the government maintains close contact with suppliers and has not received recent concerns, but invited specific issues to be raised. He noted supply challenges inherent to an isolated province and highlighted investments in Come By Chance refurbishment and Terra Nova.
Delay and cost overruns for the new penitentiary
Asked by L. O'Driscoll · Answered by J. Abbott
The Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure confirmed the penitentiary replacement is a priority and acknowledged costs have risen from $200 million to over $550 million due to inflation. He said the government is working through financing and design details and will announce plans shortly, emphasizing the need to spend taxpayer money effectively.
Snow crab price panel and mackerel fishery moratorium
Asked by C. Pardy · Answered by B. Davis / E. Loveless
The Minister Responsible for Labour said the price panel review is complete and will be made public once reviewed by staff. The Minister of Fisheries stated the government has made repeated representations to the federal government on the mackerel moratorium and will continue to press the issue.
Seal fishery markets and initiatives
Asked by C. Pardy · Answered by E. Loveless
The Minister acknowledged disappointment with the seal industry's decline and said the government is working with small businesses and the federal government to expand markets and restore the industry's economic contribution.
Investigation into the Come By Chance Refinery explosion
Asked by J. Dwyer · Answered by S. Stoodley
The Minister of Digital Government and Service NL said the Occupational Health and Safety investigation is ongoing, operates independently, and is the division's top priority. The investigation has a two-year legislative timeline to complete and lay charges.
Low housing construction and homelessness
Asked by J. Brown · Answered by S. Coady
The Deputy Premier acknowledged housing starts are down nationally and provincially but defended the government's $140 million housing investment, including $70 million for 850 new affordable homes and a five-point affordability plan.
Vacant Newfoundland and Labrador Housing units in Torngat Mountains
Asked by L. Evans · Answered by P. Pike
The Minister committed to a maintenance plan for vacant and occupied units, noting difficulty securing contractors in Northern communities. He said units under tender are being addressed and repairs will be prioritized as units become vacant.
Road safety and maintenance on Route 450
Asked by E. Joyce · Answered by J. Abbott
The Minister said approximately $2 million is committed this year for roads in the district and that the specific section is constantly monitored and repaired. He defended the government's $1.4 billion infrastructure investment and rejected claims that roads are being kept unsafe.
Orders of the Day
Bill 62 (Liquor Control Act amendments) - First Reading
J. Hogan
The Government House Leader introduced Bill 62, An Act to Amend the Liquor Control Act and the Liquor Corporation Act, which received first reading and was ordered for second reading tomorrow.
Bill 59 (Mineral Act amendments) - Third Reading
J. Hogan
The Government House Leader moved third reading of Bill 59, An Act to Amend the Mineral Act, which passed and was ordered to have its title as on the Order Paper.
Bill 58 (Quarry Resources) - Third Reading
J. Hogan
The Government House Leader moved third reading of Bill 58, An Act Respecting Quarry Resources in the Province, which passed and was ordered to have its title as on the Order Paper.
Bill 54 (Towns and Local Service Districts Act) - Second Reading Debate
Multiple
Minister J. Haggie introduced Bill 54 to repeal and replace the Municipalities Act, 1999, describing it as enabling rather than prescriptive legislation with 350 sections modernizing governance for towns and LSDs. Opposition members (C. Tibbs, J. Brown, C. Pardy, P. Lane, L. O'Driscoll, H. Conway Ottenheimer, P. Forsey) criticized receiving the 146-page bill only 24 hours before debate, arguing they lacked time to consult municipalities and LSDs in their districts. Key concerns raised included: mandatory property tax replacing poll tax for LSDs, potential downloading of road maintenance costs to small communities, adequacy of Municipal Operating Grants, and whether LSDs were properly consulted. Members acknowledged some positive provisions (enabling bylaws, tourism accommodation tax, enforcement powers) but expressed serious reservations about implementation without adequate resources for small communities. Debate was adjourned.
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.