Newfoundland and Labrador House of Assembly, Tuesday 23 April 2024
Question Period focused heavily on the 2021 cyberattack costs, the delayed PET scanner and cancer clinic at Western Memorial Hospital, travel nursing contract investigations, the Justice Minister's controversial statements on intimate partner violence, and the ongoing tent encampment crisis. The Opposition pressed for transparency on cyberattack spending and accountability for the Justice Minister, while government ministers defended their commitments and cited operational or security reasons for withholding details. The sitting focused on Members' Statements celebrating local achievements and commemorating community members, followed by a ministerial statement on highway infrastructure investment. Routine Proceedings included tabling of House Management Commission minutes and multiple notices of motion extending sitting hours. The bulk of the day was devoted to Orders of the Day, where debate continued on a budget motion, an amendment, and a newly introduced subamendment expressing non-confidence in the government across a wide range of policy areas including health care, mental health, housing, poverty reduction, and resource management.
Members' Statements
Royal Newfoundland Regiment Memorial High School Hockey Tournament
L. Parrott
Congratulated athletes from Terra Nova District, particularly the Discovery Collegiate Destroyers girls team and Glovertown Eagles, for their success in the province's largest high school hockey tournament.
Tribute to Cecil Jacque of Postville
L. Evans
Paid tribute to the late Cecil Jacque, a hard-working, caring community member who left a legacy of decency and love for his family and community.
Discovery Collegiate Destroyers female hockey team victory
C. Pardy
Celebrated the D.C. Destroyers from Bonavista winning the female division of the Royal Newfoundland Regiment Memorial tournament, defeating larger schools.
Retirement of Ella Humphries
P. Forsey
Recognized Mrs. Ella Humphries of Northern Arm for 38 years of service as town clerk, thanking her for dedication and commitment to the community.
Tyler Hynes' pull tab fundraising for Ronald McDonald House
P. Dinn
Congratulated 13-year-old cancer survivor Tyler Hynes for collecting over 1.1 million aluminum pull tabs to donate to Ronald McDonald House Charities.
Documentary 'The Forgotten Warriors'
E. Loveless
Commended filmmaker Noel Joe for his documentary about a 1983 hunger strike by Mi'kmaw activists in Miawpukek First Nation, highlighting reconciliation efforts.
Routine Proceedings
Ministerial statement on highway infrastructure investment
J. Abbott (Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure)
Announced $288 million in Budget 2024 for highway construction, highlighting tenders issued for road improvements across the province and a balanced approach to infrastructure development.
Opposition response to infrastructure statement
L. O'Driscoll and J. Brown
O'Driscoll noted many projects are re-announcements from 2022; Brown called for cancellation of Trans-Canada twinning as a P3 project and investment in regional transit.
Tabling of House Management Commission minutes
The Speaker
Tabled minutes of the House of Assembly Management Commission meeting held January 24, 2024, as required by statute.
Notices of motion extending sitting hours
J. Hogan (Minister of Justice)
Gave notice of motions to extend sitting hours on April 29, 30, May 2, and to cancel Private Members' Day on May 1, replacing it with Government Business until midnight.
Notice of bill on Limitations Act
J. Hogan
Gave notice to introduce Bill 74, An Act to Amend the Limitations Act.
Private Member's resolution on budget scrutiny of agencies
P. Lane
Gave notice of a resolution calling for an Estimates-style process to allow MLAs to review budgets and question senior staff of government agencies, boards, and commissions annually.
Question Period
Final cost of the 2021 cyberattack
Asked by T. Wakeham · Answered by T. Osborne
The minister provided figures for IT enhancements ($4M in 2022-23, $15M last year, $12M this year) but declined to disclose total payout amounts, citing advice from international and federal agencies that certain information should not be made public to prevent future attacks.
PET scanner commitment for Western Memorial Hospital
Asked by T. Wakeham · Answered by A. Furey / T. Osborne
The Premier and minister confirmed $2 million was transferred to the Western health foundation and space was built for a PET scanner, but stated the decision to install it is a clinical and operational one for the health authority and professionals to make when needed.
Opening of cancer care clinic at Western Memorial Hospital
Asked by T. Wakeham · Answered by T. Osborne / A. Furey
The minister said recruitment is ongoing and the clinic will offer modern cancer treatment services, but did not commit to a specific opening date or confirm whether advanced care beyond basic services (prostate, breast) will be available.
Legal advice on travel nursing contracts and Comptroller General findings
Asked by B. Petten · Answered by T. Osborne
The minister confirmed the health authority is seeking legal advice on contract compliance following discussions with the department. He stated the Comptroller General's initial review was passed to the Auditor General for a full 18-month investigation, and denied there were formal findings, though he acknowledged concerns were raised.
Resignation of the Justice Minister over intimate partner violence statements
Asked by H. Conway Ottenheimer · Answered by J. Hogan / A. Furey
The Justice Minister apologized for one incorrect statement but defended his record on addressing domestic violence. The Premier stated the minister made a mistake, apologized sincerely, and will continue working with stakeholders; he did not ask for the minister's resignation.
Cost and occupancy of the Airport Inn transitional housing facility
Asked by J. Wall · Answered by F. Hutton
The minister confirmed only 12-13 individuals currently reside at the facility. He explained that End Homelessness St. John's is hiring staff for wraparound supports (addictions counsellors, mental health advocates) and residents will be phased in once proper staffing is in place.
Timeline for the Seniors' Well-Being Plan
Asked by C. Pardy · Answered by P. Pike
The minister stated Budget 2024 provides $10 million for a comprehensive Seniors' Well-Being Plan prioritizing home repair modifications, caregiver supports, and income grants for low-income seniors, but did not provide a specific implementation date.
Access to mental health care in Torngat Mountains district
Asked by L. Evans · Answered by T. Osborne
The minister could not discuss individual cases but cited multiple entry points (Doorways, 811, Bridge the gapp, FACT teams) and investments in mental health and addictions services in Labrador. He acknowledged more work is needed and referenced the All-Party Committee on Towards Recovery recommendations.
Fire safety and electrical outlets at the Colonial Building tent encampment
Asked by J. Dinn · Answered by F. Hutton / J. Abbott
The Minister of Housing reiterated that living in tents with open flames is unsafe and the government offers alternatives (shelters, hotel rooms, transitional housing). The Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure confirmed cameras are for building security and stated the government will not bring services (such as electrical outlets) to the campsite.
Orders of the Day
First reading of Bill 35 (Income Tax Act amendment)
J. Hogan and The Speaker
Bill 35, An Act to Amend the Income Tax Act, 2000, was introduced and read a first time; second reading scheduled for the next sitting day.
Motions to extend sitting hours
J. Hogan and The Speaker
Motions 5 and 6 were adopted to extend sitting hours on April 24 until midnight and on April 25 past 5:30 p.m.
Debate on budget motion, amendment, and subamendment
Multiple
Extended debate on Motion 1 (budget). L. Parrott introduced a detailed subamendment listing numerous government failures across health care, mental health, housing, poverty reduction, taxation, resource management, and other areas. Speakers included L. Parrott, G. Byrne, E. Joyce, J. Dwyer, L. Evans, and L. O'Driscoll. Topics ranged from Muskrat Falls accountability, road conditions, firefighter equipment needs, mental health service gaps, Marine Atlantic ferry access, tourism infrastructure, Northern Labrador service inequities, and health care staffing. The Speaker ruled the subamendment in order after a recess.
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.