Newfoundland and Labrador House of Assembly, Tuesday 5 March 2024
Question Period focused heavily on two major controversies: the ongoing fishery dispute involving harvesters unable to sell their catch and a proposed 20% holdback, and the Canadian Health Labs (CHL) agency nursing contracts, with the Opposition alleging government cover-up and demanding RCMP and Auditor General investigations. Additional topics included MRI wait times (up to two years), emergency room closures in Central Newfoundland, ambulance service restructuring, and the government's stance on housing as a human right and pay equity legislation. The House dealt with procedural matters including a lengthy point of privilege from the Member for Humber - Bay of Islands concerning alleged interference and mistreatment by the Commissioner for Legislative Standards and other officials. Three bills received first reading (Revenue Administration Act amendment, Memorial University Act amendment, and repeal of the Economic Diversification and Growth Enterprises Act). The House then moved into Committee of the Whole to debate Interim Supply Bill 63, which seeks $3.3 billion to fund government operations until the full budget is passed. Members used the debate to highlight district priorities including fire services, road conditions, health care access, poverty, housing, and cost-of-living pressures.
Members' Statements
Special Olympics Athletes
C. Tibbs
The Member for Grand Falls-Windsor - Buchans congratulated Special Olympics athletes from Central Newfoundland and Labrador who won medals at the Special Olympic Canada Winter Games in Calgary, including a silver in curling and gold in bowling.
First Female Fire Chief in Holyrood
H. Conway Ottenheimer
The Member for Harbour Main recognized Leslie Kenny, who became the first female fire chief hired by the Town of Holyrood, noting that 11 of 29 firefighters in the department are female.
Better Tomorrow Foundation
E. Joyce
The Member for Humber - Bay of Islands recognized a youth-led non-profit organization founded by Abby Welshman that has raised funds for various community causes including women's shelters and mental health associations.
Future of Lab West Summit
J. Brown
The Member for Labrador West thanked the Labrador West Chamber of Commerce for hosting a summit focused on labour, energy, travel, mining, housing, and health care, with special thanks to executive director Lydia Rickards.
Mount Pearl Frosty Festival
P. Lane
The Member for Mount Pearl - Southlands recognized the success of the 42nd Annual Mount Pearl Frosty Festival, thanking the City, board of directors, community groups, sponsors, and volunteers.
Routine Proceedings
Minister's Statement - John Howard Society Week
J. Hogan
The Minister of Justice and Public Safety recognized John Howard Society Week, commending the organization's 70 years of advocacy for people in the criminal justice system and highlighting programs like the New Day Program, Seeking Safety, and Anger Solutions.
Tabling of Documents
The Speaker
The Speaker tabled minutes of Management Commission meetings held on August 23, October 15, November 1, November 30, 2023, and January 10, 2024. The Leader of the Official Opposition also tabled two documents referenced during Question Period.
Petitions - Limitations Act Amendment for Child Abuse Claims
E. Joyce
The Member for Humber - Bay of Islands presented a petition calling for amendments to the Limitations Act to remove limitation periods for civil child abuse claims and to address situations where defendants willfully conceal or mislead claimants.
Petition - Canning Bridge Replacement
J. Dwyer
The Member for Placentia West - Bellevue presented a petition calling for immediate replacement of the Canning Bridge in Marystown, noting its devastating impact on residents, emergency services, and the local economy. He asked about the status of a Bailey Bridge as a short-term solution.
Petition - Northern Labrador Health Care Access
L. Evans
The Member for Torngat Mountains presented a petition highlighting barriers to timely and adequate health care in Northern Labrador, including insufficient medical flight seats, long delays, lack of timely clinic appointments, and inadequate medevac services.
Petition - Indexing Provision for Seniors' Benefits
C. Pardy
The Member for Bonavista presented a petition calling for an indexing provision in the provincial online calculator to prevent clawbacks of federal increases to CPP and OAS, noting the calculator's base amount has not changed since 2016.
Petition - Rental Increase Limitations
J. Dinn
The Leader of the Third Party presented a petition calling for amendments to the Residential Tenancies Act to limit annual rent increases, arguing that corporate landlords are profiteering and that the private sector has failed to deliver affordable housing.
Question Period
Fish harvesters unable to sell product and 20% holdback proposal
Asked by T. Wakeham · Answered by S. Coady / E. Loveless
The Deputy Premier and Minister of Fisheries acknowledged meetings with harvesters, FFAW, and ASP, emphasizing the need for resolution. The Minister stated talks are continuing but pressed for action, not just discussions, recognizing harvesters want to be on the water.
Ministerial approval for Canadian Health Labs contracts
Asked by T. Wakeham · Answered by T. Osborne
The Minister confirmed the health authority sought and received ministerial approval in 2022 to exceed budgeted amounts for agency nursing under the Financial Administration Act, but insisted ministers do not direct or sign specific contracts with agencies—that is an operational matter for the health authority.
Decision note and Premier's office communications with Canadian Health Labs
Asked by T. Wakeham · Answered by T. Osborne
The Minister tabled a letter showing approval for Western Health to spend beyond budget for agency nursing (41 LPN positions) to avoid service cuts, but stated no specific agency was named or directed. He denied any ministerial interference in operational contracting and said he learned of the $1.6 million discrepancy from The Globe and Mail.
Call for RCMP and Auditor General investigation into CHL contracts
Asked by T. Wakeham / B. Petten · Answered by T. Osborne
The Minister stated the Comptroller General has been asked to review whether contracts were followed properly, and if anything untoward is found, it will be referred to the Auditor General, as was done previously with the NLC. He refused to call in the RCMP at this stage.
Two-year MRI wait times for patients with serious conditions
Asked by B. Petten · Answered by T. Osborne
The Minister acknowledged MRI wait times are unacceptable and said the health authority is increasing machine hours, a sixth machine is coming to Corner Brook (20% capacity increase), and he has asked for a centralized intake system and recommendations on adding another machine. He stated a wait time task force was established months ago to address the issue.
Change Islands ferry service reduction and lack of nurse practitioner
Asked by B. Petten · Answered by J. Abbott
The Minister of Transportation explained that a replacement vessel reduced weekly ferry runs from 28 to 26 for a couple of months. The health care staffing issue was not directly addressed by this minister.
Cancer care clinic supports in Grand Falls-Windsor - Buchans
Asked by C. Tibbs · Answered by T. Osborne
The Minister stated he responded to the Member's letter the same day (February 22), spoke to the individual by phone, and guaranteed that required resources will be put in place. He disputed the Member's claim that the issue was ignored for 14-15 months.
ER diversions and virtual care in Central Newfoundland
Asked by P. Forsey · Answered by T. Osborne
The Minister said ER diversions have been significantly reduced over the past 12-14 months and that recruitment is the best solution. He defended virtual care as a stopgap (capped at 40 patients/day/doctor) that saved lives but does not replace in-person care.
Ambulance service integration and concerns about rural service erosion
Asked by L. Parrott · Answered by T. Osborne
The Minister stated ambulance integration aims to provide better service through central command, replacing a fragmented system. He acknowledged there may be speedbumps but promised a much better system at the end of the process.
Housing as a human right and enshrinement in provincial legislation
Asked by J. Dinn · Answered by J. Hogan / F. Hutton
The Minister of Justice cited UN standards on adequate housing and societal supports. The Minister of Housing emphasized that safe and affordable housing is fundamental and referenced the Health Accord, record spending with federal partners, and complex issues requiring multi-departmental action. Neither committed to enshrining housing as a right in legislation.
Pay equity legislation regulations and alleged obstruction
Asked by L. Evans · Answered by P. Parsons
The Minister Responsible for Women and Gender Equality defended the government's historic passage of pay equity legislation, stated regulations are being developed across multiple departments, and emphasized the importance of getting it right rather than rushing. She criticized the Opposition for not supporting the legislation's progression.
Orders of the Day
Motion to Extend Sitting Hours
J. Hogan
The Government House Leader moved that the House not adjourn at 5:30 p.m. on Tuesday, March 5, 2024. The motion was adopted.
First Reading - Bill 36 (Revenue Administration Act Amendment)
J. Hogan
The Government House Leader introduced Bill 36, An Act to Amend the Revenue Administration Act No. 4. The bill was read a first time and ordered read a second time tomorrow.
First Reading - Bill 69 (Memorial University Act Amendment)
J. Hogan
The Government House Leader introduced Bill 69, An Act to Amend the Memorial University Act No. 2. The bill was read a first time and ordered read a second time tomorrow.
First Reading - Bill 70 (Repeal of Economic Diversification Act)
J. Hogan
The Government House Leader introduced Bill 70, An Act to Repeal the Economic Diversification and Growth Enterprises Act. The bill was read a first time and ordered read a second time tomorrow.
Committee of the Whole - Interim Supply Bill 63 Debate
Multiple
The House resolved into Committee of the Whole to debate Bill 63 (Interim Supply), which seeks $3.3 billion (33% of the total budget) to fund government operations until the full budget is passed. Members debated district priorities including fire services equipment needs, road conditions, health care access, poverty reduction measures, housing, cost of living, child care, mental health services, IVF treatments, diabetes monitoring devices, tourism recovery, and infrastructure challenges. The Minister of Children, Seniors and Social Development highlighted the Poverty Reduction Plan, expanded nutrition supplements, increased Child Benefit, and accessibility initiatives. The Minister of Tourism discussed tourism recovery with occupancy rates up 12%, room revenue up 39%, and air capacity increases of 25-30% over 2019 levels.
Other business
Point of Privilege - Member for Humber - Bay of Islands
E. Joyce
The Member raised a detailed point of privilege alleging that the Commissioner for Legislative Standards, the Speaker's office, and the Minister of Justice failed to follow proper procedures in handling court costs he owed, causing his reputation to be tarnished. He claimed the Commissioner conducted an improper investigation, withheld information, and engaged in bullying. He requested the matter be referred to the Citizens' Representative. The Speaker took the matter under advisement.
Support for Point of Privilege
P. Lane
The Member for Mount Pearl - Southlands spoke in support of the point of privilege, sharing his own concerns about the Commissioner for Legislative Standards threatening to investigate him without a complaint. He argued that Members should be protected from political interference and abuse of authority by Officers of the House.
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.