Newfoundland and Labrador House of Assembly, Thursday 18 April 2024
Question Period focused heavily on federal carbon tax and provincial HST collection, the sugar-sweetened beverage tax, and health system challenges including hospital cleanliness, ambulance response times, and primary care access. Opposition members pressed the government on tax policy, infrastructure delays, and recent school reconfiguration announcements. Ministers defended affordability measures, health system improvements, and population growth initiatives. The House of Assembly conducted routine business including Members' statements recognizing community organizations (Lions Clubs, Sketch Fest, volunteers), ministerial statements on electric vehicle rebates and Daffodil Month, and tabling of documents. The Orders of the Day focused on continued debate of the budget amendment (non-confidence motion), with Opposition members criticizing government priorities in housing, roads, child care, and support for vulnerable populations, while defending their records and questioning transparency in funding allocation.
Members' Statements
Dunville Lions Club 50th Anniversary
S. Gambin-Walsh
Recognized the Dunville Lions Club's 50th anniversary, highlighting their contributions including the Lions Manor Nursing Home, Christmas parades, fundraising for medical equipment, fire department support, and partnership on the Wellness Centre.
Lions Clubs Provincial Convention and Activities
S. Reid
Acknowledged Lions Clubs' continued good work across the province during National Volunteer Week, including speaking competitions, guide dog training, camp funding, community donations, and formation of new clubs reaching students.
Community Cafe in Stephenville
T. Wakeham
Celebrated Community Cafe as a gathering place providing nutritious meals and alleviating social isolation since 2011, operated by Zion Pentecostal Church, Lions Club, Knights of Columbus, and Royal Canadian Legion, with volunteers maintaining service through COVID.
NL Sketch Fest
J. Dinn
Congratulated organizers and participants of the inaugural NL Sketch Fest, which featured 20 shows over five nights with over 100 people involved, including a newfound sketch night for first-time performers, filling a gap in the province's sketch comedy scene.
Sarah Trowbridge Academic and Athletic Achievements
J. Dwyer
Recognized Sarah Trowbridge of Sunnyside for receiving a five-year volleyball scholarship, earning Bachelor of Commerce dean's list, Academic All-Canadian Award, and Memorial University Women's Volleyball MVP while coaching U15 volleyball.
Joseph Cecil Roberts - First Baby Born After Confederation
A. Parsons
Honored Joseph Cecil Roberts, born at 12:05 a.m. on April 1, 1949, as the first child born in Newfoundland and Labrador after Confederation, recognized by Premiers Smallwood and Tobin, wishing him a belated 75th birthday.
Routine Proceedings
Ministerial Statement - Electric Vehicle Rebate Program Update
B. Davis (Minister of Environment and Climate Change)
Announced 750 EV rebates approved in 2023-24 (458 battery electric, 292 plug-in hybrid), over 1,300 since program inception, with Budget 2024 including $875,000 for rebates and $1.1 million for infrastructure, averaging two new EVs daily.
Response to EV Statement
P. Forsey and J. Brown
Forsey noted slow uptake, income disparity concerns, and charging infrastructure issues. Brown emphasized need for charging infrastructure in rural areas and holistic approach including regional public transportation investment.
Ministerial Statement - Daffodil Month
T. Osborne (Minister of Health and Community Services)
Recognized April as Daffodil Month, the Canadian Cancer Society's fundraising campaign, acknowledging the society and Dr. H. Bliss Murphy Cancer Care Foundation's support services and government's commitment to improving cancer care access.
Response to Daffodil Month Statement
B. Petten and J. Dinn
Petten acknowledged Daffodil Month while noting excessive MRI wait-lists and delays with Western Memorial cancer treatment program. Dinn thanked organizations and noted the province's second-highest cancer diagnosis and mortality rates.
Tabling of Documents
B. Petten
Tabled photographs from Health Sciences Centre referenced during Question Period.
Notices of Motion - Extended Sitting Hours
J. Hogan (Government House Leader)
Gave notice of motions to extend House sitting hours: not adjourning at 5 p.m. on Wednesday, April 24 (continuing until midnight), and not adjourning at 5:30 p.m. on Thursday, April 25.
Petition - Route 60 and Route 70 Road Conditions
H. Conway Ottenheimer
Presented 14th petition since 2019 calling for repair and repaving of Routes 60 and 70 in Harbour Main district, citing deplorable conditions, high traffic volume, potholes, rutting, and safety concerns, expressing frustration at being excluded from Roads Plan despite meetings with four ministers.
Response to Route 60 Petition
J. Abbott (Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure)
Acknowledged hearing from Member about roads, noted Roaches Line paving planned, stated focus on improving Route 60 with municipal cooperation as some sections are local roads, and referenced meetings with mayors.
Petition - Routes 350, 351A, and 352 Road Conditions
P. Forsey
Called for roadwork to upgrade Routes 350, 351A, and 352 in Exploits District due to deplorable conditions and safety issues, noting conversations with multiple ministers and expressing disappointment at receiving only one culvert in Roads Plan.
Response to Exploits Roads Petition
J. Abbott
Declined to pre-announce future work, stated some work is being done in the district, and noted the five-year, $1.4 billion plan cannot be completed in year one.
Petition - Limitations Act Amendment for Child Abuse Claims
E. Joyce
Presented petition calling for amendments to remove limitation periods for civil child abuse claims, noting Mr. Whalen underwent discovery that day, criticizing government for allowing retraumatization when Legislature could change law by consent, and appealing to Liberal values.
Petition - Limitations Act for All Forms of Child Abuse
L. Evans
Urged amendment to eliminate limitation periods for all child abuse claims (not just sexual abuse), noting various forms co-occur, citing human rights standards and other provinces' approaches, and referencing assistant deputy minister's confirmation of preparatory work in Justice Estimates.
Petition - Trepassey Ambulance Service
L. O'Driscoll
Called for ensuring Trepassey residents have ambulance accessibility and meet national response times after Eastern Health repositioned one ambulance to Cape Broyle, leaving only one for region two hours from nearest hospital, criticizing 'red alert' situations and dynamic dispatching.
Question Period
HST collection on federal carbon tax
Asked by T. Wakeham · Answered by S. Coady
The Deputy Premier confirmed HST is collected on carbon tax under federal formula but emphasized the province reduced gas tax by 8 cents per litre (costing government ~$70 million) and has not raised taxes or fees in recent budgets, returning $500 million to residents.
Whether government requested federal exemption from HST on carbon tax
Asked by T. Wakeham · Answered by S. Coady
The minister did not directly confirm whether such a letter was sent, instead reiterating provincial tax relief measures and opposition to the carbon tax burden.
Ministers' past support for carbon pricing
Asked by T. Wakeham · Answered by S. Crocker / S. Coady
Minister Crocker clarified his previous support was made when there were no taxes on fishermen, farmers, or home heating fuel and gas was ~$1.20/litre; current conditions no longer warrant carbon tax. Deputy Premier deflected to budget measures rather than address ministerial statements.
HST revenue from sugar-sweetened beverage tax and calls to cancel it
Asked by T. Wakeham · Answered by S. Coady
The minister did not provide revenue figures but defended the tax as a health measure supported by medical organizations (Canadian Cancer Society, Diabetes, Paediatric Society, WHO), comparing it to cigarette taxes and stating it encourages healthier choices.
Filth and rodent infestation at Health Sciences Centre
Asked by B. Petten · Answered by T. Osborne
The minister acknowledged the conditions described (rat feces, garbage, holes in walls) are unacceptable and committed to raising the issue with the provincial health authority for improvements.
Investment in Health Sciences Centre repairs versus new St. Clare's
Asked by B. Petten · Answered by T. Osborne
The minister stated major renovations are ongoing at Health Sciences including emergency department overhaul and a new Cardiovascular and Stroke Institute, while also defending the need for a new St. Clare's hospital.
Availability of CEO David Diamond for Estimates Committee
Asked by B. Petten · Answered by T. Osborne
The minister stated he does not control Mr. Diamond's schedule but the deputy minister has reached out; a full complement of departmental staff will be available for Estimates regardless.
Driver medical exams for seniors without family doctors
Asked by L. Parrott · Answered by T. Osborne
The minister acknowledged the nurse practitioner refund program ended August 25 and committed to reviewing whether coverage can be provided for seniors without access to primary care, ensuring no discrimination.
91-minute ambulance response time in Pouch Cove
Asked by J. Wall · Answered by T. Osborne
The minister called the wait time unacceptable and stated ambulance integration with central dispatch and better resource coordination will improve service province-wide; committed to investigating the specific incident with the health authority.
Recycled road announcements and delays on Team Gushue Highway
Asked by L. O'Driscoll · Answered by J. Abbott
The minister stated design is being finalized on Team Gushue Highway with tender to be called and construction starting this year; noted $288 million budget for road improvements and commitment to paving roads like Witless Bay Line that haven't seen pavement in years.
Airport Inn contract and lack of staffing plan
Asked by J. Wall · Answered by F. Hutton
The minister explained the new operator (End Homelessness St. John's) is experienced with complex needs populations and will provide on-site social workers, nurses, and addictions counsellors; currently ~13 people housed there with more to come once fully operational.
Vision screening downloaded to school counsellors
Asked by J. Dinn · Answered by K. Howell
The minister stated teachers can identify student needs and provide supports immediately through responsive teaching processes while waiting for specialized assessments, without relying solely on external providers.
Late-notice school reconfiguration announcement
Asked by J. Dinn · Answered by K. Howell / G. Byrne
The Education Minister attributed reconfiguration to growing student populations from immigration success, requiring immediate action for safety and space. The Immigration Minister defended welcoming refugees and asylum seekers, noting school populations are increasing for the first time in decades.
School system disruption from integration
Asked by J. Dinn · Answered by K. Howell
The minister highlighted $3 million in new student supports (student assistants) in the budget and stated integration has created operational efficiencies by bringing the school district into government to work toward common goals.
Orders of the Day
Budget Amendment Debate - Roads Funding and Transparency
E. Joyce
Criticized lack of transparency in roads funding allocation, stating Cabinet now makes decisions rather than departmental rankings, unable to obtain priority rankings through ATIPP, cited $30 million in Premier's district versus limited funding elsewhere, and called for safety-based priorities over political decisions.
Budget Amendment Debate - Housing and Seniors
J. Wall
Discussed housing crisis affecting seniors forced to move from homes due to cost of living, called for Poverty Reduction Plan for seniors and persons with disabilities, raised early childhood educator retention and space availability issues despite $10-a-day daycare, and noted increased food bank usage.
Budget Amendment Debate - Volunteer Sector Support
P. Forsey
Emphasized volunteer sector as backbone of communities, highlighting fire departments as first responders lacking timely equipment approvals, Lions Clubs' eyeglass collection program (450,000 pairs since 2018), BGC clubs, and medical transportation support, calling for increased government support for volunteer organizations.
Budget Amendment Debate - Roads Allocation Process
H. Conway Ottenheimer
Questioned roads funding allocation process as arbitrary and lacking transparency, asked if decisions are based on partisan politics ('pork-barrel politics'), cited constituent concerns about evaluation criteria, referenced Fogo Island-Cape Freels voter turnout as sign of public frustration, and suggested protests may be necessary.
Budget Amendment Debate - Homelessness and Housing Crisis
J. Dinn
Detailed worsening homelessness crisis since 2019, criticized government's delayed response to Tent City, questioned Minister of Housing's refusal to affirm housing as fundamental human right, cited ATIPP showing emergency shelter costs ($719,000 to two landlords), and advocated for Grace General Hospital site as community land trust for non-market housing.
Budget Amendment Debate - Health Care Cuts and District Infrastructure
T. Wakeham
Called for roads plan for Port au Port Peninsula ahead of wind energy project, requested help for homeowners with flood damage from recent rainfall, and began detailing 2016-2017 Liberal government cuts totaling $250 million across departments including health care, Advanced Education ($50.6M), and CYFS ($10.8M).
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.