Newfoundland and Labrador House of Assembly, Wednesday 13 March 2024
Question Period focused heavily on structural issues in the fishing industry, with the Opposition pressing the Premier and Minister of Fisheries on timelines for addressing outside buyers, processing capacity, controlling agreements, and corporate concentration. The Opposition also challenged the government on health care recruitment spending, rising costs in Labrador, school overcrowding in Kenmount Terrace, fire department equipment needs, and medical travel for Northern Labrador residents. The government defended its consultation processes, recruitment efforts, and commitments to infrastructure and service improvements. The House introduced Bill 71 (An Act to Amend the Correctional Services Act) for first reading and passed two bills through all stages: Bill 44 (repealing the Atlantic Provinces Harness Racing Commission Act) and Bill 70 (repealing the Economic Diversification and Growth Enterprises Act). The government also constituted the Privileges and Elections Committee. Ministers made statements recognizing Canadian Agriculture Literacy Month and Nutrition Month, while Members' Statements honored local businesses, community organizations, and individuals. Private Members' Business featured a resolution urging the Premier and Fisheries Minister to take a hands-on role in resolving the current fisheries impasse.
Members' Statements
Harnum's Cakes & Pastries 40th Anniversary
S. Gambin-Walsh
Recognized Harnum's Cakes & Pastries of New Harbour, Trinity Bay, established in 1983 by George and Beverley Harnum, now operated by Robbin and Brenda Harnum for 11 years, continuing to produce traditional baked goods.
Royal Canadian Legion Branch 29
J. Dwyer
Honored Royal Canadian Legion Branch 29 serving Marystown and Burin area for their role in supporting veterans, hosting commemorative events, fundraising, and serving as a community hub.
Alice Maude Gosse's 101st Birthday
S. Reid
Celebrated Alice Maude Gosse of Red Brook, Port au Port Peninsula, who turned 101 on February 5, 2024, recognizing her life of courage overcoming poverty and discrimination, and her dedication to ensuring her nine children received education.
April Allen at New York Fashion Week
L. Evans
Recognized April Allen of Rigolet, Nunatsiavut, whose label 'Stitched by April' was showcased at New York Fashion Week in February with Indigenous models from Nunatsiavut, incorporating traditional furs, sealskin, and kamiks, with plans to show in Paris in September.
Caribou Curling Club 50th Anniversary
T. Wakeham
Celebrated the Caribou Curling Club of Stephenville's 50th anniversary, recognizing the 2013 first female Masters team to represent the province at Nationals, the 1976 hosting of the provincial Tankard won by Jack MacDuff's team (first Brier win for NL), and lifetime members Roy Bungay and Charlie Earle.
Routine Proceedings
Canadian Agriculture Literacy Month
E. Loveless
Minister recognized March as Canadian Agriculture Literacy Month, highlighting Agriculture in the Classroom NL's 13th year of activities including the Little Green Sprouts music video and Bee Creative Literacy Contest, funded by $330,000 from the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership.
Nutrition Month
T. Osborne
Minister recognized Nutrition Month with theme 'We Are Dietitians,' noting government investments of over $2 million annually to Kids Eat Smart Foundation and School Lunch Association serving 50,000 meals daily, $2.8 million to The Gathering Place, and dietitian services through Family Care Teams and 811 Healthline.
Tabling of 2023 Architects Licensing Board Annual Report
S. Stoodley
Minister tabled the 2023 Annual Report of the Architects Licensing Board of Newfoundland and Labrador in accordance with section 10 of the Architects Act, 2008.
Notice of Budget Motion
S. Coady
Minister of Finance gave notice that she will move tomorrow that the House approve in general the budgetary policy of the government and that the House resolve into Committee of the Whole on Supply to consider Bill 72.
Petition on Road Conditions in Harbour Main District
H. Conway Ottenheimer
Member presented petition calling for immediate repair and repaving of Routes 60 and 70 in Harbour Main district, citing deplorable conditions including potholes, severe rutting, and washed-out areas affecting high-volume traffic from Holyrood to Upper Gullies.
Petition on Trepassey Breakwater Repairs
L. O'Driscoll
Member presented petition urging government to complete necessary repairs and install a more durable breakwater on the lower coast in Trepassey, noting the breakwater installed last year for nearly $1 million has been damaged again by erosion, leaving the only access road vulnerable.
Petition to Amend Residential Tenancies Act
J. Dinn
Leader of Third Party presented petition calling for amendments to the Residential Tenancies Act to include rental increase limitations, arguing that unlimited annual rent increases treat housing as a commodity rather than a fundamental human right and contribute to the housing crisis.
Question Period
Structural issues in the fishery (outside buyers, processing capacity, controlling agreements, corporate concentration)
Asked by T. Wakeham · Answered by A. Furey / E. Loveless
The Premier stated the government is committed to examining structural issues after the current fishery season starts, and welcomes a proposal from the FFAW. The Minister of Fisheries emphasized the need to get both sides to the table for price negotiations and said the government is responsible for the whole industry, including harvesters and plant workers.
Free enterprise in the fishing industry and processing licence applications
Asked by T. Wakeham · Answered by A. Furey / E. Loveless
The Premier asked for clarification on what the Opposition means by 'free enterprise' and did not directly answer. The Minister of Fisheries stated that capacity issues are on the table and the government is concerned for everyone in the industry, including fish plant workers.
Physician recruitment trip to Ireland and effectiveness of recruitment spending
Asked by B. Petten · Answered by T. Osborne
The Minister of Health stated that one physician was recruited from Ireland under the Come Home Incentive, plus four IMG positions. He defended the Come Home Incentive as highly successful, citing approximately 140 individuals recruited, including 80 physicians and over 450 registered nurses since April 1.
Nurse practitioner recruitment under the Come Home Incentive
Asked by B. Petten · Answered by T. Osborne
The Minister stated that some nurse practitioners were recruited under the Come Home Incentive and committed to providing updated numbers before the end of Question Period. He disputed the Opposition's claim that zero nurse practitioners were recruited.
North Atlantic fuel tax and food costs in Labrador
Asked by L. Parrott · Answered by A. Parsons
The Minister of Industry, Energy and Technology explained that the Public Utilities Board is a judicial body that the government does not direct, but that the government has made representations. He stated the fuel surcharge was necessary when Come By Chance refinery went down and fuel had to be imported.
Subsidizing air travel for Labrador residents
Asked by L. Parrott · Answered by S. Crocker
The Minister of Tourism stated that Quebec's subsidy program has ended. He noted that the Council of Atlantic Premiers has issued an RFP for domestic interprovincial travel that is 'bearing fruit' and will help with interprovincial travel.
School overcrowding in Kenmount Terrace area
Asked by P. Dinn · Answered by K. Howell
The Minister of Education emphasized the importance of consultation before building new schools and stated that the consultation for Kenmount Terrace includes the feeder system of schools. She noted that additional resources have been placed in schools dealing with increased enrollment and that the government will continue to work with them on a case-by-case basis.
Baine Harbour Volunteer Fire Department rescue vehicle replacement
Asked by J. Dwyer · Answered by J. Hogan
The Minister of Justice stated that the fire equipment budget was doubled to $3.8 million last year and that the fire commissioner is currently working on options for this specific community. He noted that fire trucks now cost $600,000 and take several years to arrive, and encouraged departments to consider used trucks or more specific rescue units.
Medical flights and medevac services for Torngat Mountains district
Asked by L. Evans · Answered by L. Dempster
The Minister of Labrador Affairs stated that contracts are in place with an airline providing multiple daily flights to North Coast communities, with wheels-up in 60 minutes for medevac. She noted that the government is implementing a fully integrated road and air ambulance approach based on Health Accord recommendations and consultations with Indigenous partners.
Cataract surgery wait-lists on the West Coast
Asked by E. Joyce · Answered by T. Osborne
The Minister of Health confirmed that the wait-list in the Western region is now well under control due to increased out-of-hospital cataract surgeries. He stated the government is negotiating with the NLMA on behalf of ophthalmologists for a way forward and is hopeful for an agreement.
Housing shortage in Corner Brook and replacement of 32 units on Crestview Avenue
Asked by E. Joyce · Answered by F. Hutton
The Minister of Housing stated that over $2 million has been committed to restoration and renovation projects in Corner Brook in the last 18 months, and 47 new rental housing homes have been conditionally approved. She noted disappointment that federal partners did not fund the Crestview project last year, but indicated the Member for Corner Brook has been advocating for it and hinted at budget announcements to come.
Orders of the Day
Bill 71 First Reading - An Act to Amend the Correctional Services Act
J. Hogan
Government House Leader introduced Bill 71, An Act to Amend the Correctional Services Act, which was read a first time and ordered read a second time tomorrow.
Motion 3 - Privileges and Elections Committee Membership
J. Hogan
Government House Leader moved that the Privileges and Elections Committee comprise the Members for Virginia Waters-Pleasantville, Burin-Grand Bank, St. Barbe-L'Anse aux Meadows, St. John's Centre, and Terra Nova. Motion carried.
Bill 44 Second Reading, Committee, and Third Reading - Repeal of Atlantic Provinces Harness Racing Commission Act
Multiple
Minister of Finance moved second reading of Bill 44 to repeal the Atlantic Provinces Harness Racing Commission Act, explaining the province has paid $146,000 since 2015 to a Commission no longer needed as harness racing ended years ago in the Goulds. Members for Ferryland and Labrador West expressed support. Bill passed second reading, went through Committee of the Whole with questions about cost savings ($17,500-$18,200 annually) and services for local riders, and was ordered read a third time tomorrow.
Bill 70 Second Reading, Committee, and Third Reading - Repeal of Economic Diversification and Growth Enterprises Act
Multiple
Minister of Industry, Energy and Technology moved second reading of Bill 70 to repeal the EDGE Act (established 1994), noting only four applications since 2011 with one current company (Fonemed) remaining. The program has been replaced by the Job Accelerator and Growth (JAG) program launched summer 2023, requiring 20 jobs over three years at $50,000 average salary with 10% payroll rebate. Member for Terra Nova criticized the nine-year delay in replacing the program. In Committee, questions addressed JAG's $2 million annual budget, the 2033 expiration of Fonemed's EDGE status, three current JAG applications, and concerns about excluding small businesses unable to meet the 20-job threshold. Member for Mount Pearl-Southlands raised proactive disclosure of funding. Bill passed and was ordered read a third time tomorrow.
Private Members' Business
PMR on Fisheries Industry Impasse
Multiple
Leader of Opposition moved a resolution urging the Premier and Fisheries Minister to take a hands-on role at the negotiating table to resolve the current fisheries impasse and find long-term solutions. He emphasized the importance of freedom for harvesters to fish and sell their catch, the industry's 16,000 workers and over $1 billion in revenue, and the need for government leadership. Minister of Immigration responded that the collective bargaining system was created at fishermen's request in 1971, has been amended 22 times, and balances free market with regulation to protect all stakeholders including 6,000+ plant workers. Member for Bonavista suggested reinstating the Fisheries Loan Board, forming a joint federal-provincial management committee, and better analysis of federal science on fish stocks. Minister of Fisheries stated the department works for all stakeholders, attended the Boston seafood show, met with harvesters who want issues beyond the pricing formula addressed (outside buyers, capacity), and emphasized the fishery involves multiple species beyond crab. Debate continued with exchanges about government action, federal relationships, and the need to avoid repeating last year's shutdown.
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.