Newfoundland and Labrador House of Assembly, Thursday 16 November 2023
Question Period focused heavily on health care staffing shortages, mental health services, and the government's response to the Seniors' Advocate report. The Opposition pressed the Premier and ministers on wait times, emergency room closures, recruitment challenges, and the lack of consultation with statutory officers. Additional topics included poverty reduction, education, Crown lands legislation, school bus inspections, and anti-scab legislation. The House of Assembly concluded its fall sitting by passing several bills through Committee of the Whole and third reading, including legislation to repeal the Farm Products Corporation Act and amend the Pension Benefits Act. The session featured emotional farewell remarks for retiring MHA David Brazil (Conception Bay East - Bell Island), who served over a decade including as interim Leader of the Official Opposition. The Lieutenant Governor granted Royal Assent to 15 bills. Leaders from all parties thanked House staff, constituents, and families, and extended holiday wishes.
Members' Statements
Lorna Warford - Seniors of Distinction Award
E. Joyce
Recognized Lorna Warford of Irishtown-Summerside for receiving the Seniors of Distinction Award for decades of volunteer work with multiple community organizations and her dedication to helping seniors and neighbours.
Special Olympics Athletes - National Awards
T. Wakeham
Congratulated Samantha Walsh (Female Athlete of the Year) and Michael Budden (Male Athlete of the Year) from Stephenville for winning Special Olympics Canada's 2023 National Awards, including their bronze and gold medals respectively at the World Games in Berlin.
Northern Lights Academy Badminton Legacy
L. Evans
Celebrated Rigolet's Northern Lights Academy Eagles badminton team for their remarkable championship record from 2018-2023, winning multiple gold medals at regional and provincial levels, with five team members also medaling at the North American Indigenous Games.
Noah Hickey - CanSkate Athlete Award
L. Parrott
Recognized eight-year-old Noah Hickey from Random Island for receiving the Skate NL CanSkate Athlete Award for his enthusiasm, dedication, positive attitude, and perseverance in learning skating skills.
Young Community Champions - Octagon Pond Elementary
P. Dinn
Commended Grade 1 student Liam McGrath and Grade 2 students Abby Taylor and Evelyn Murphy for taking initiative on their own time to clean up garbage around their school grounds at Octagon Pond Elementary.
Roncalli Student Leaders
J. Hogan
Acknowledged the Roncalli Elementary Student Leaders, a group of Grade 5 and 6 students elected by peers for their leadership abilities, respect, responsibility, and strong work ethic in academics and extracurricular activities.
Routine Proceedings
Minister's Statement - World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims
S. Stoodley
The Minister of Digital Government and Service NL commemorated the World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims, highlighted government actions to strengthen traffic legislation, discussed the traffic camera pilot project, and urged safe driving practices especially during the holiday season.
Tabling of Documents - Privacy Commissioner Correspondence
J. Hogan
The Government House Leader tabled a November 2022 letter from the Department of Justice to Commissioner Michael Harvey regarding the Interpersonal Violence Disclosure Protocol Act, inviting consultation on operationalization, which led to a productive meeting in March 2023.
Tabling of Documents - Orders-in-Council
T. Osborne
The Minister of Health and Community Services tabled four Orders-in-Council related to funding precommitments for fiscal years 2023-24 to 2027-28 pursuant to the Financial Administration Act.
Notice of Motion - Bill 66 (Pharmacy Practice Act)
T. Osborne
The Minister of Health gave notice to introduce Bill 66, An Act Respecting the Practice of Pharmacy in the Province.
Notice of Motion - Bill 67 (75th Anniversary of Confederation)
J. Hogan
The Government House Leader gave notice to introduce Bill 67, An Act Respecting Recognition of the 75th Anniversary of Confederation.
Notice of Motion - Bill 68 (Lands Act Amendment)
J. Hogan
The Government House Leader gave notice to introduce Bill 68, An Act to Amend the Lands Act.
Petitions - Multiple Topics
Multiple
Members presented petitions on various issues including the Port au Port wind power project environmental review, mental health and addictions services reform, Labrador addictions treatment facility, Northern Labrador freight boat service reinstatement, Practice Ready Assessment seats for doctors, moose hunting regulations for persons with disabilities, cellphone coverage improvements, seniors' driver medical exam timelines, and funding for social work student placements.
Question Period
Mental health and addictions staffing and emergency room closures at Waterford Hospital
Asked by T. Wakeham · Answered by A. Furey and T. Osborne
The Premier committed to working with stakeholders to improve access. The Health Minister stated he was unaware of concerns about holiday closures but would check with Health Services and noted upcoming changes to the Health Sciences emergency department.
Implementation of Seniors' Advocate recommendations and indexing Seniors' Benefit
Asked by T. Wakeham · Answered by A. Furey and T. Osborne
The Premier said government is taking time to be informed by the Seniors' Advocate and stakeholders. The Health Minister defended interdepartmental committees already working on income-based programs and called the Opposition motion redundant, but did not commit to implementing all 12 recommendations.
Consultation with Seniors' Advocate on poverty reduction strategy
Asked by T. Wakeham · Answered by T. Osborne
The minister stated multiple committees are reviewing income-based programs and services, and government will consult the Seniors' Advocate when substantive information is ready, but did not confirm meaningful discussions have occurred.
Privacy Commissioner exclusion from reviewing legislation (Clare's Law)
Asked by T. Wakeham and B. Petten · Answered by J. Hogan
The Justice Minister insisted the Privacy Commissioner was consulted in November 2022 and March 2023, that his recommendations were incorporated, and denied providing inaccurate information to the House.
Pregnant woman forced to sleep on emergency room floor
Asked by B. Petten · Answered by T. Osborne
The minister acknowledged the situation was unacceptable, said he asked Health Services to review and ensure policies prevent recurrence, and noted work on recruitment, infrastructure, and urgent care models.
PEI health care recruitment event in St. John's
Asked by B. Petten · Answered by A. Furey and T. Osborne
The Premier said he reached out to Premier King to clarify intent, noting PEI medical students train at Memorial. The Health Minister said government is holding a competing event and will discuss PEI's intent.
Education's role in poverty reduction plan
Asked by C. Pardy · Answered by K. Howell
The Education Minister stated education is integral to all plans and highlighted the school lunch program as the primary education-related component of the poverty reduction strategy.
300-kilometre diversion from Carbonear to Burin due to lack of internal medicine doctors
Asked by H. Conway Ottenheimer · Answered by T. Osborne
The minister said diversions are not acceptable, cited recruitment successes (70 doctors, 300 nurses this fiscal year), and noted increased seats in medical and nursing programs.
Crown lands legislation timeline
Asked by P. Forsey · Answered by E. Loveless
The minister responded only with 'stay tuned,' providing no timeline.
Geriatric centre of excellence for Central Newfoundland
Asked by C. Tibbs · Answered by T. Osborne
The minister stated a centre of excellence for Central was announced, work is ongoing, and Family Care Teams will serve as spokes connected to centres in St. John's and Corner Brook.
Safety concerns with commercial vehicles no longer stopping at weigh stations
Asked by J. Wall · Answered by S. Stoodley
The minister defended electronic logging devices and efficiency measures used across Canada, stating highway enforcement officers retain discretion to stop vehicles and that safety remains paramount.
School bus inspection completion before school year
Asked by L. O'Driscoll · Answered by S. Stoodley
The minister confirmed 100 per cent of school buses are inspected in fall and spring, and all must pass official inspections before the school year starts.
Oil rebate program and heating assistance for Torngat Mountains residents
Asked by L. Evans · Answered by B. Davis
The Environment Minister said government is working to extend services province-wide and exploring options to help all regions, but provided no specific timeline or commitment.
Food insecurity and freight service for North Coast Labrador
Asked by L. Evans · Answered by J. Abbott
The Transportation Minister referenced recent visits to communities, discussions with leadership, and an agreed process to address freight delivery issues, emphasizing timely and safe delivery.
Anti-scab legislation
Asked by J. Brown · Answered by B. Davis
The Labour Minister stated the issue is complex, requiring balance between labour and employer needs, and that government is consulting with federal counterparts and stakeholders but made no commitment to introduce legislation.
Orders of the Day
First Reading - Bill 64 (Health Research Ethics Act)
J. Hogan
The Government House Leader introduced Bill 64, An Act Respecting Health Research Ethics, which received first reading and was ordered for second reading tomorrow.
First Reading - Bill 65 (Animal Health and Protection Act Amendment)
J. Hogan
The Government House Leader introduced Bill 65, An Act to Amend the Animal Health and Protection Act, which received first reading and was ordered for second reading tomorrow.
Third Reading - Bill 61 (Pension Benefits Act Amendment)
J. Hogan
Bill 61, An Act to Amend the Pension Benefits Act, 1997, was read a third time, passed, and ordered that its title be as on the Order Paper.
Committee of the Whole - Bill 42 (Farm Products Corporation Act Repeal)
Multiple
The House resolved into Committee of the Whole to consider Bill 42. Members asked questions about obligations, quotas, production impacts, processing location, and Crown lands. The Minister of Fisheries confirmed no liabilities, production would be enhanced, and Crown lands legislation is being developed. The bill passed Committee without amendment.
Third Reading - Bill 42 (Farm Products Corporation Act Repeal)
J. Hogan
Following Committee report, Bill 42, An Act to Repeal the Farm Products Corporation Act, was read a third time, passed, and ordered that its title be as on the Order Paper.
Royal Assent Ceremony
The Lieutenant Governor
Her Honour the Lieutenant Governor granted Royal Assent to 15 bills including legislation on aquaculture regulation, farm products, schools, insurance, workplace safety, accessibility, municipalities, quarry resources, minerals, and pensions. She thanked Members for their service and wished them well for the 75th anniversary of Confederation.
Farewell Remarks - David Brazil
D. Brazil
The retiring Member for Conception Bay East - Bell Island delivered emotional farewell remarks thanking his family, staff, constituents, caucus colleagues, and all Members. He reflected on his upbringing on Bell Island, his mother's values of honesty and equality, his diverse career, and his 12 years serving as MHA, minister, and interim Opposition Leader, emphasizing that all Members share a passion to improve lives.
Farewell Remarks - Leader of Official Opposition
T. Wakeham
The Leader of the Official Opposition thanked constituents, families, caucus staff, House staff, and all Members. He paid tribute to David Brazil, noting he is universally known by one name and praising his service. He emphasized that all Members share a passion to make a difference and urged that every policy decision be judged by whether it improves the lives of Newfoundlanders and Labradorians.
Farewell Remarks - Third Party Leader
J. Brown
The Member for Labrador West thanked families, colleagues, caucus staff, House staff, constituents, and all Members for their work. He offered special thanks to David Brazil for his service and wished him well in retirement. He extended holiday wishes to all and encouraged everyone to take time for themselves and their families.
Farewell Remarks - Premier
A. Furey
The Premier thanked all Members for their dedication, acknowledged the work of public servants and House staff, and paid special tribute to David Brazil. He recounted working with Brazil during COVID-19, praised his exemplary approach as an MHA who knew every constituent personally, and stated his legacy will be one of respect, effort, and decency.
Closing Remarks - Speaker
The Speaker
The Speaker thanked his district, family, all House staff including the new Clerk and Law Clerk, Table Officers, Pages, Commissionaires, Deputy Speaker, Deputy Chair, House Leaders, and all Members. He paid tribute to David Brazil's professionalism and service, wished everyone safe travels and happy holidays, and led the House in singing the Ode to Labrador and Ode to Newfoundland.
Other business
Recognition of Guests in Public Gallery
The Speaker
The Speaker welcomed multiple guests including Noah Hickey and family, Liam McGrath, Abby Taylor, Evelyn Murphy with families, Grade 5-6 students from Roncalli Elementary, mental health advocate Tina Olivero, and wished Page Blessing a happy birthday.
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.