Newfoundland and Labrador House of Assembly, Wednesday 15 May 2024
Question Period focused heavily on supports for persons with disabilities, including poverty rates, employment programs, hearing aids, cochlear implants, and the federal disability benefit. The Opposition pressed the government on funding for disability-related programs amid federal cuts, wait times for autism assessments, and the absence of a promised disability advocate. Additional topics included prosthetics coverage, MTAP eligibility for amputees, classroom supports for students with disabilities, wildfire preparedness in Labrador West, and disaster assistance for flood-damaged homes on the West Coast. The House convened to consider Bill 35, An Act to Amend the Income Tax Act, 2000, which reduces the small business tax rate from 3% to 2.5% retroactive to January 1, 2024, affecting approximately 6,200 businesses at a cost of $5 million. The bill passed Committee of the Whole without amendment and was ordered for third reading. Members' Statements recognized community contributions, including Sammy's Climb Higher Foundation, volunteer firefighters, and a community cleanup. The Minister of Digital Government announced MyGovNL surpassed one million online motor vehicle registration renewals. The House then debated a Private Member's Resolution on mental health and addictions, which was amended by government and passed in amended form after a recorded division.
Members' Statements
Sammy's Climb Higher Foundation and SAM'S JAM street hockey tournament
B. Petten
Recognized Sammy Porter, who died at age six in 2022, and his family's foundation supporting children in sports and recreation. The second annual SAM'S JAM Memorial Street Hockey Tournament will be held July 6-7 in Conception Bay South.
Recognition of Elsie Keats of Phillips Head
P. Forsey
Acknowledged Elsie Keats for her service on council since 2006, work with the Ladies Auxiliary, and efforts to secure funding for community projects including the gun battery enhancement.
Town of Renews-Cappahayden Earth Day cleanup
L. O'Driscoll
Recognized the town's community cleanup from April 22-27, 2024, which addressed roadside ditches, parks, beaches, and trails, and will become a regular event to raise awareness about littering.
First public event as MHA and Gander Bay volunteer firemen's ball
J. McKenna
Described attending the Gander Bay volunteer firemen's ball on May 4, 2024, meeting 20 firemen and 26 firettes, and presenting awards including the fire helmet of 31-year veteran Bernard Fancey to his family.
Tribute to son Declan Christian Tibbs
C. Tibbs
Recognized his son Declan, a dancer since age six who has won numerous awards and will attend Valencia College in Florida on June 17 to study dance.
Routine Proceedings
MyGovNL milestone announcement
S. Stoodley
Announced MyGovNL surpassed one million online motor vehicle registration renewals since 2019, with 350,000 registered users and over 195,000 driver's licence renewals, 84,000 driver exams, and 209,000 MCP card renewals completed online.
Notices of motion for three bills
Multiple
The Minister of Digital Government gave notice of Bill 77 (An Act to Amend the Vital Statistics Act, 2009) and Bill 78 (An Act to Amend the Credit Union Act, 2009 No. 2). The Minister of Fisheries gave notice of Bill 76 (An Act to Amend the Crop Insurance Act).
Petition on amending the Limitations Act for child abuse claims
E. Joyce
Presented a petition calling for amendments to remove limitation periods for civil child abuse claims and to prevent limitation periods from running when defendants willfully conceal or mislead claimants. Requested an update on progress and urged government to bring amendments this session.
Petition on long-term mental health care access
H. Conway Ottenheimer
Presented a petition calling for access to long-term mental health care with continuity of care. Cited alarming statistics including 51 fatal overdoses (143% increase since 2019), lack of data on non-fatal overdoses, and inadequate treatment for inmates with mental health and substance abuse issues.
Petition on long-term mental health care and psychiatric assessments
P. Dinn
Presented a petition urging government to provide access to long-term mental health care with continuity of care, beginning with more accessible psychiatric and neuropsychological assessments. Noted that 70% of mental illness develops in childhood/adolescence and that psychologists report the Stepped-Care approach has only minimally improved access.
Petition opposing federal gun buyback program
P. Lane
Presented a petition calling on the province not to participate in the federal gun buyback program imposed by Bill C-21, arguing it would not stop firearms violence and would penalize law-abiding firearms owners while not impacting criminals.
Question Period
Poverty rates among persons with disabilities and targeted basic income
Asked by T. Wakeham · Answered by A. Furey
The Premier acknowledged that people with disabilities suffer poverty at higher rates and stated the government is working toward a targeted basic income for those with disabilities, to be released in short order.
Funding for supported employment programs amid federal cuts
Asked by T. Wakeham · Answered by G. Byrne
The Minister stated the government has extended core funding to organizations for six months and is challenging the federal government alongside a coalition of provinces and territories to reverse the $17-million cut, refusing to accept defeat.
Coverage for hearing aids and cochlear implant maintenance
Asked by T. Wakeham · Answered by A. Furey
The Premier acknowledged the excessive cost of cochlear implants and committed that the government will work with patients to ensure they can recover those costs.
Clawback of provincial support due to federal disability benefit
Asked by T. Wakeham · Answered by P. Pike
The Minister of CSSD said the department is awaiting further details on the federal benefit (effective June 2025) and committed to maximizing financial benefits for all who qualify, with more information to come.
Number of sign language interpreters in the health care system
Asked by B. Petten · Answered by T. Osborne
The Minister of Health did not know the exact number but promised to provide it by end of day. He noted interpretation services are available and the health authority is looking at equipment to improve communication for deaf and hard-of-hearing patients.
Billing for nurse practitioners completing disability tax credit forms
Asked by B. Petten · Answered by T. Osborne
The Minister emphasized the Health Accord's team-based approach and focus on Family Care Teams with public-servant health care providers, but did not directly address billing for independent nurse practitioners.
Respite care based on need, not family income
Asked by B. Petten · Answered by T. Osborne
The Minister said departments are breaking down silos and a new child health care model (CAYAC) will provide additional services and address concerns raised by the Citizens' Representative.
Wait times for autism assessments (children and adults)
Asked by H. Conway Ottenheimer · Answered by T. Osborne
The Minister acknowledged 18–24 month wait times for children and over five years for adults. He stated the new child care model will improve wait and assessment times, and he met with the Autism Society to discuss improvements.
Establishment of an advocate for persons with disabilities
Asked by H. Conway Ottenheimer · Answered by J. Hogan
The Minister of Justice said the government is reviewing a report on statutory officers and looking at synergies among advocate offices, but provided no timeline. He noted all MHAs are advocates and offered to advocate on behalf of anyone in the province.
Coverage for prosthetics for amputees
Asked by L. Parrott · Answered by A. Furey
The Premier stated the government is looking at covering prosthetics, as patients should not have to incur that expense, and there should be no financial barrier to resuming normal life.
MTAP coverage for rural amputees travelling to the Miller Centre
Asked by L. Parrott · Answered by L. Dempster
The Minister Responsible for Labrador Affairs explained that MTAP requires a referral to a specialist and noted there is a separate program in Health that may provide support for Miller Centre rehabilitation.
Classroom supports for students with disabilities
Asked by J. Dwyer · Answered by K. Howell
The Minister of Education highlighted $3 million in Budget 2024 for 104 student assistants and noted other resources (itinerant teachers, teaching and learning assistants, specialized training) are available to meet student needs.
Water bomber relocation from Wabush and wildfire preparedness in Labrador West
Asked by J. Brown · Answered by E. Loveless
The Minister of Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture stated the water bomber is currently in Happy Valley-Goose Bay and will be moved based on risk assessment. He assured that Labrador has the necessary focus and resources for fire response.
Disaster Financial Assistance for flood-damaged homes on the West Coast
Asked by E. Joyce · Answered by J. Hogan
The Minister of Justice explained that DFAA is a federal program with criteria excluding insurable property and requiring a minimum threshold. He noted the home in question was uninsured (not uninsurable) and committed to providing details to the Member.
Rehabilitation services in the Corner Brook area
Asked by E. Joyce · Answered by T. Osborne
The Minister of Health noted existing rehab, restorative care, and physio/occupational therapy services in the Western region and stated the Health Accord's wellness platform will guide continuous improvement of services provincewide.
Orders of the Day
Committee of the Whole consideration of Bill 35, An Act to Amend the Income Tax Act, 2000
Multiple
The House resolved into Committee of the Whole to consider Bill 35, which reduces the small business tax rate from 3% to 2.5% retroactive to January 1, 2024. T. Wakeham confirmed the bill affects businesses with over $500,000 in business income and approximately 6,200 companies, with an estimated cost of $5 million ($800 average per business). J. Brown asked about single-director companies and job creation analysis. S. Coady explained the bill is part of a broader effort to lower taxes and cited other tax credits introduced. The bill passed all clauses without amendment.
Third reading of Bill 35 ordered for tomorrow
J. Hogan
Following Committee of the Whole, the Government House Leader moved that Bill 35 be read a third time tomorrow. The motion was adopted.
Private Members' Business
Private Member's Resolution on mental health and addictions
Multiple
B. Petten moved a resolution calling on government to expedite the work of the All-Party Committee on Mental Health, Substance Use and Addictions and fully include people with lived experience and various stakeholders so everyone in need has somewhere to turn right away. He cited long wait-lists, increasing fatal overdose rates (over 50 deaths), drug-related crime, and lack of treatment options. H. Conway Ottenheimer highlighted that 87% of HMP inmates suffer from mental health or substance abuse issues without proper treatment, and that the criminal justice system is punishing sick people. T. Osborne defended progress since Towards Recovery (85 Doorways locations, 811, Bridge the gapp, FACT teams) but acknowledged more work is needed. He proposed amendments to soften language and remove references to the Committee meeting seldom and people with lived experience not being properly included, arguing no stakeholder names were submitted by opposition members. The amendments were ruled out of order. J. Haggie proposed similar amendments which were ruled in order, removing phrases like 'too few,' 'seldom met,' and 'so everyone in need has somewhere to turn right away,' and replacing 'include' with 'engage.' P. Dinn objected to removing the timeline element. J. Dinn criticized the removal of 'right away' as watering down the motion and cited an email from NL Health Services deferring new consultation requests for children with ADHD, learning disabilities, anxiety, depression, and autism. L. Evans spoke about social determinants of health in Torngat Mountains, including lack of freight service, housing issues, and children in care without wraparound services. T. Wakeham emphasized the key words 'expedite,' 'include,' and 'right away' and thanked health care professionals. B. Petten closed by rejecting accusations of politicizing the issue, describing personal family experiences with addiction and mental health, and criticizing government for buying time with committees rather than taking action. The amended motion passed 17-15 on a recorded division.
Other business
Points of order on use of personal names and procedural matters
Multiple
J. Dwyer raised a point of order claiming the minister gave a false statement about supports for students with disabilities. G. Byrne raised a point of order about B. Petten using a Member's surname during Question Period, a repeat of yesterday's violation. B. Petten defended using 'Furey' as the party name. The Speaker reminded Members not to use personal names and said he would report back on the points of order.
House recessed until 2 p.m. and resumed
The Speaker
The House recessed following Committee of the Whole and resumed at 2 p.m. for Members' Statements.
Recesses to review proposed amendments to PMR
The Speaker
The House recessed twice to review proposed amendments to the Private Member's Resolution. The first set of amendments by T. Osborne was ruled out of order. The second set by J. Haggie was ruled in order.
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.