Newfoundland and Labrador House of Assembly, Thursday 23 May 2024
Question Period was dominated by the Opposition's frustration over the delayed Crown Lands Act legislation, which the Minister of Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture said requires more time despite a prior commitment to bring it forward this session. The Opposition offered to extend the sitting to accommodate the delay, but received no firm commitment from government. Additional topics included the condition of Frank Roberts Junior High School, fisheries management (capelin and seals), illegal dump sites, RCMP vacancies in rural areas, and concerns about conditions at the new supportive housing facility (106 Airport Road). The House addressed several procedural and substantive matters outside of Question Period. The Speaker ruled on two points of privilege concerning bill briefings and debate preparation, referring the issues to the Standing Orders Committee. Members' Statements recognized local businesses, community volunteers, and individuals with distinguished service records. The House passed three bills at third reading (Crop Insurance Act, Vital Statistics Act, Credit Union Act amendments) and introduced a new bill amending the Proceedings Against the Crown Act. The major legislative focus was Bill 74, An Act to Amend the Limitations Act, which received second reading with unanimous support after extensive debate about removing time limits for civil actions relating to battery and abuse.
Members' Statements
Torbay Business Awards 2024
J. Wall
Recognized winners of the 2024 Torbay Business Awards held May 9, celebrating local businesses including The Post Taphouse (Business of the Year and Economic Impact Award), Elite Kitchens and Design, Torbay Choral Group, and others for their contributions to the community.
CBS Hot Shots Inclusive Squash Program
B. Petten
Highlighted the CBS Hot Shots inclusive squash program, spearheaded by Eric Hart, which offers squash programs for individuals with mobility, vision, and neurodevelopmental disabilities, including the world's first squash program for individuals with vision impairment.
Cyril Abbott's Military Service
C. Pardy
Celebrated Cyril Abbott of Bonavista, who may be the province's longest-serving member of the Canadian Armed Forces, having joined in 1963 and continuing to serve with the Canadian Rangers, approaching 60 years of service this September.
Goulds Lions Club Community Contributions
L. O'Driscoll
Recognized the Goulds Lions Club for their community work, particularly their weekly 50/50 draw in partnership with Bidgood's that has donated over $30,000 to 18 groups and organizations in the area since its inception.
Fogo Island Co-Operative
J. McKenna
Celebrated the Fogo Island Co-Operative Society Limited, formed in 1967 when residents refused resettlement, which now operates processing plants and generates millions of dollars annually for the provincial economy.
Evelyn Hunt's 100th Birthday
E. Loveless
Recognized Evelyn Hunt of Head of Bay d'Espoir, who will celebrate her 100th birthday on May 28, highlighting her life of hard work, community service, knitting for soldiers during the war, and her large family of six children, 15 grandchildren, 23 great-grandchildren, and four great-great-grandchildren.
50th Anniversary of Women in the RCMP
P. Parsons (Ministerial Statement)
The Minister Responsible for Women and Gender Equality recognized the 50th anniversary of Troop 17, the first group of 32 women to become regular RCMP members, including three from Newfoundland and Labrador, and encouraged women to explore RCMP careers.
Learning Disabilities Association Adult Literacy Programs
K. Howell (Ministerial Statement)
The Minister of Education highlighted the Learning Disabilities Association of Newfoundland and Labrador's enhanced adult literacy services, which have reached an all-time high of 62 active learners and delivered 3,429 one-on-one tutoring sessions since the project's inception.
Routine Proceedings
Tabling of Documents
Multiple
The Minister of Finance tabled a 2005 Auditor General report; the Minister of Industry, Energy and Technology tabled the 2023-24 annual report for the Economic Diversification and Growth Enterprises Board; and the Minister of Education tabled the public consultation report for the PWC school system reconfiguration.
Clarification on Off-Road Vehicle Legislation
S. Stoodley
The Minister of Digital Government and Service NL clarified that mandatory off-road vehicle legislation will go live on MyGovNL that evening, not immediately.
Petitions
Multiple
The Leader of the Third Party presented a petition to remove provincial HST from children's products (car seats, clothing, diapers, footwear). The Member for Bonavista presented a petition (third time) requesting reinstatement of walk-in lab services at Bonavista hospital. The Member for Exploits presented a petition on road conditions on Routes 350, 351A, and 352. The Member for Torngat Mountains presented a petition on mental health care access for Northern Labrador residents, also thanking the Minister of CSSD for recent assistance with youth supports.
Question Period
Crown Lands Act legislation delay
Asked by T. Wakeham · Answered by E. Loveless
The minister acknowledged needing more time to get the legislation right and invited the Opposition to bring forward ideas, but did not commit to extending the House sitting. He also stated that individual land cases raised by the Opposition should be brought to his office for potential resolution outside the legislative process.
Frank Roberts Junior High School replacement
Asked by B. Petten · Answered by K. Howell
The minister confirmed Frank Roberts is on the list for replacement and that she has visited the school, but stated there is a budget process that evaluates priorities annually. She did not provide a timeline or specific priority ranking, saying priorities change based on various factors and that no numbered list exists.
Air quality testing at Frank Roberts Junior High
Asked by B. Petten · Answered by K. Howell
The minister was not aware of the testing schedule but committed to obtaining that information and providing it to the Member.
Commercial capelin fishery closure
Asked by C. Pardy · Answered by E. Loveless
The minister stated government does not support shutting down the capelin fishery but emphasized the importance of numbers and ongoing communication with industry and FFAW regarding the resource.
Seal population management and markets
Asked by C. Pardy · Answered by E. Loveless
The minister noted that sealing is federal jurisdiction but said he is working with the new federal minister and hopes to meet with her and the fur industry next week. He emphasized finding markets is key and that culling is not the answer according to industry. He continues to advocate for joint management of marine resources.
Off-road vehicle operator safety training
Asked by L. O'Driscoll · Answered by S. Stoodley
The minister announced that online training for off-road vehicles is now available as of today through MyGovNL, addressing the Child Death Review Committee's concerns. Government is working with stakeholders to roll out requirements for new drivers and those registering vehicles for the first time.
Illegal dump site cleanup
Asked by P. Forsey · Answered by B. Davis
The minister encouraged reporting of illegal dump sites to the department and municipal authorities, and stated government is working on a process to mitigate these sites and prevent reuse. He committed to working with communities when a program or process is in place, but provided no specific timeline or funding commitment.
RCMP presence in Carmanville region
Asked by J. McKenna · Answered by J. Hogan
The minister cited a previous $17 million investment in the RCMP and reported meeting with federal RCMP Commissioner Mike Duheme on Friday, who committed to making Newfoundland and Labrador a priority for addressing vacancy rates. He also highlighted other policing initiatives including expanded RNC jurisdiction, joint operations, and a new drug enforcement group.
Visitor restrictions and support services at 106 Airport Road supportive housing
Asked by J. Dinn · Answered by F. Hutton
The minister could not speak to specific cases but offered to meet with the Member to discuss the individual's situation. He described the facility as providing private rooms with amenities, security, meals, and stated that End Homelessness St. John's is the partner operating the building with wraparound supports including harm reduction teams, physicians, nurse practitioners, social workers, and occupational therapists being phased in.
Anti-scab legislation
Asked by J. Brown · Answered by B. Davis
The minister stated this is a divisive issue requiring balance between labour and employer interests, and that discussions are ongoing at the federal table with colleagues across the country. He provided no commitment to table provincial legislation but encouraged the Member to continue raising the issue.
Orders of the Day
Third Reading: Bill 76 (Crop Insurance Act Amendment)
J. Hogan
Bill 76, An Act to Amend the Crop Insurance Act, was read a third time and passed without debate.
Third Reading: Bill 77 (Vital Statistics Act Amendment)
J. Hogan
Bill 77, An Act to Amend the Vital Statistics Act, 2009, was read a third time and passed without debate.
Third Reading: Bill 78 (Credit Union Act Amendment)
J. Hogan
Bill 78, An Act to Amend the Credit Union Act, 2009 No. 2, was read a third time and passed without debate.
First Reading: Bill 81 (Proceedings Against the Crown Act Amendment)
J. Hogan
Bill 81, An Act to Amend the Proceedings Against the Crown Act, was introduced and read a first time. This bill addresses limitation periods affecting survivors of abuse and was developed following discussions about Bill 74.
Motion to Extend Sitting Hours
J. Hogan
The House adopted a motion to not adjourn at 5:30 p.m. on Monday, May 27, allowing for extended sitting hours.
Committee of the Whole: Bill 53 (King's Counsel Act)
Multiple
Bill 53, An Act Respecting King's Counsel and Order of Precedence in the Courts, was considered in Committee. The bill modernizes language following the transition from Queen Elizabeth II to King Charles III, replacing references to Queen's Counsel with King's Counsel and incorporating gender-neutral language. Members asked about consultations (Law Society), costs (minimal), and whether future gender changes would require new legislation (yes). The bill passed Committee without amendment.
Second Reading: Bill 74 (Limitations Act Amendment)
Multiple
Bill 74, An Act to Amend the Limitations Act, received extensive second reading debate. The bill removes limitation periods for civil actions relating to battery causing bodily injury and expands removal of limitation periods for sexual misconduct to include intimate partner relationships. Members from all parties spoke in support, particularly highlighting the advocacy of Jack Whalen, a survivor of abuse at the Whitbourne boys' home, and his daughter Brittany Whalen. Speakers emphasized the importance of removing arbitrary time limits for trauma survivors to seek justice, noted that most other Canadian provinces have already made similar changes, and discussed concerns about ensuring the legislation covers psychological abuse and torture, not just physical battery. The minister indicated openness to amendments in Committee to address gaps. The bill passed second reading unanimously and will proceed to Committee of the Whole.
Other business
Speaker's Rulings on Points of Privilege and Order
The Speaker
The Speaker ruled on two points of privilege raised earlier in the week. The first, from the Member for Torngat Mountains, concerned timing of bill briefings and debate preparation; the Speaker found no prima facie breach but will write to the Standing Orders Committee requesting consideration of amendments to address Members' concerns. The second ruling addressed a point of order from the Opposition House Leader regarding amendments to a private member's resolution, clarifying that Speaker's rulings are not subject to appeal and reminding Members they may consult the Law Clerk on procedural matters.
Introduction of Guests
The Speaker
The Speaker welcomed representatives from the RCMP including retired members of Troop 17 (the first group of women to join the RCMP as regular members 50 years ago), current RCMP leadership, and Grade 11 students from Gonzaga High School.
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.