Newfoundland and Labrador House of Assembly, Monday 27 May 2024
Question Period focused heavily on the government's three-year contract for a transitional supportive living facility at 106 Airport Road, with the Opposition pressing for details on capacity, costs, security, and admission criteria. Additional topics included small business grant clawbacks, highway safety near Grand Falls-Windsor, educational supports for children with autism and learning disabilities, municipal tax reform, off-road vehicle training regulations, delays in nurses' long-service premiums, conditions at Her Majesty's Penitentiary, and the absence of addictions treatment facilities in Labrador. The House of Assembly conducted routine business including welcoming distinguished guests (Royal Canadian Legion representatives and Korean education officials), hearing ministerial statements on education partnerships with Korea, and debating Bill 79 to enable speed cameras and electronic ticketing. The Premier and Members delivered speeches commemorating the repatriation of an Unknown Soldier from World War I, which will be interred at the National War Memorial on July 1, 2025.
Members' Statements
Recognition of Darrell Chipp, Stephenville athlete and community builder
T. Wakeham
Recognized Darrell Chipp for his athletic achievements in multiple sports and his instrumental role in establishing a world-class disc golf course in Stephenville, promoting inclusivity in sport.
Celebration of long-standing businesses in Harbour Main district
H. Conway Ottenheimer
Acknowledged businesses operating 50-plus years in Conception Bay South, including The S.S. Meigle Lounge, Smith's Furniture, Parsons and Sons Transportation, Seal Cove Grocery, and Hickey's Timber Mart.
Opening of new Western Memorial Regional Hospital
E. Joyce
Announced the June 2 opening of the new hospital in Corner Brook and thanked the West Coast Health Care Action Committee for their advocacy in securing improved health services, including a radiation unit and PET scanner.
Tribute to Ellen Adams, Rigolet educator and Inuktitut language champion
L. Evans
Honoured the late Ellen Adams, a teacher at Northern Lights Academy for 28 years, who led efforts to revive the Rigolet Inuktitut dialect and mentored students in cultural preservation.
Congratulations to Eric G. Lambert School graduates and retiring principal
P. Trimper
Congratulated the 2024 graduating class of eight students from Churchill Falls and recognized Principal Sandra Lane for 22 years of service in education in Labrador.
Recognition of Ed Dunne, Virginia Park community advocate
B. Davis
Paid tribute to the late Ed Dunne, a long-serving board member of the Virginia Park Community Centre and dedicated community advocate.
Routine Proceedings
Ministerial statement on education partnership with Republic of Korea
K. Howell
The Minister of Education welcomed a Korean delegation and discussed potential partnerships in early learning, child care, and post-secondary education following her October 2023 visit to Korea.
Private Member's resolution notice on Crown Lands and squatters' rights
P. Forsey
Gave notice of a resolution urging government to expedite legislative amendments for fair reconciliation of land title claims for people who have occupied land in good faith for generations.
Correction to Question Period answer
J. Haggie
The Minister of Municipal and Provincial Affairs corrected the number of Local Service Districts from an earlier answer to 175.
Answer on Transitional Supportive Living spending
F. Hutton
The Minister of Housing provided that $1.8 million was spent on Transitional Supportive Living arrangements between December 1, 2023, and January 9, 2024, and clarified training requirements for security staff at 106 Airport Road.
Petitions on veterans' beds, seniors' care, marine freight service, and municipal incorporation
Multiple
Members presented petitions calling for restoration of Veterans Pavilion beds, improved long-term care resources, return of marine freight service to Northern Labrador, and improved pathways for Local Service Districts to become municipalities.
Question Period
Capacity and timeline for the Airport Road hotel facility
Asked by T. Wakeham · Answered by F. Hutton
The minister confirmed the facility will house approximately 100 residents (out of 140 rooms), with the remainder used for counseling, offices, and family meeting rooms. A phased-in approach is underway, with more residents expected within the next few weeks through the Coordinated Access table.
Total estimated cost of the Airport Road facility over three years
Asked by T. Wakeham · Answered by F. Hutton
The minister stated that $13 million is budgeted for this year at full capacity, covering rental, staffing, security, three meals daily, and NL Health Services costs. He did not provide a three-year total but indicated the phased approach may result in lower initial costs.
Spending on other temporary accommodations (January–March) and number of people housed
Asked by T. Wakeham · Answered by F. Hutton
The minister did not have the exact figures but committed to providing them as quickly as possible, noting that staff work daily to provide safe accommodation across the province.
Provincial access to the Airport Road facility and cost coverage
Asked by T. Wakeham · Answered by F. Hutton
The minister confirmed that people from across the province can access the facility if they have case workers connected to the Coordinated Access table and End Homelessness St. John's.
Possible extension or purchase of the Airport Road facility
Asked by T. Wakeham · Answered by F. Hutton
The minister stated the government is not currently negotiating an extension or purchase, but is working with community partners on other affordable housing initiatives, including 100 new units announced in the budget.
Security measures at the Airport Road facility
Asked by T. Wakeham · Answered by F. Hutton
The minister assured that a security company has been hired to maintain a registry of all people entering and exiting, and that security costs are included in the $13 million budget.
Housing for homeless individuals who do not meet admission criteria
Asked by T. Wakeham · Answered by F. Hutton
The minister rejected the characterization of criteria as restrictive, stating they are appropriate for residents transitioning to stable housing. He emphasized that lease terms are open-ended and based on individual treatment needs.
Medical analysis supporting the Airport Road facility model
Asked by B. Petten · Answered by J. Haggie
The minister stated that support services are arranged on a case-by-case basis using a complex series of arrangements, and offered to provide further details if needed.
Exit strategy and transition plan for Airport Road residents
Asked by B. Petten · Answered by J. Haggie
The minister explained that case management teams assess residents' needs and capabilities throughout their stay. Leases are open-ended, and residents will transition to community-based programs when appropriate and safe.
Training of security guards for mental health and addictions crises
Asked by B. Petten · Answered by F. Hutton
The minister confirmed that security guards are receiving or have received training in mental health and addictions, and that trained staff (social workers, occupational therapists, counselors) are on site at all times to support residents.
Details of security guard training (location and duration)
Asked by B. Petten · Answered by F. Hutton
The minister committed to obtaining and reporting back the specific details of security guard training.
Small business grant clawback and support for wage increases
Asked by H. Conway Ottenheimer · Answered by A. Parsons / G. Byrne
The Minister of IET offered to discuss the specific case confidentially. The Minister of Immigration noted that the wage grant application suspension falls under Environment and Labour, and that minister would provide details when available.
Safety measures for Trans-Canada Highway near Grand Falls-Windsor
Asked by C. Tibbs · Answered by J. Abbott
The minister confirmed discussions with staff to address the issue and stated plans to twin the highway from Bishop's Falls to Grand Falls, which will eliminate such situations in the future.
Late diagnosis of learning disabilities and prevention measures
Asked by C. Tibbs · Answered by K. Howell
The minister could not speak to the specific case but stated the department is working to ensure timely assessments, adequate resources, and a stronger workforce to support diverse learners.
Supports for children with autism in schools
Asked by P. Forsey · Answered by K. Howell
The minister could not address the specific case but invited the family to contact the department. She noted that 104 student assistants were added this year and that the department is working to better match resources to individual student needs.
Needs-based resource allocation for children with autism
Asked by P. Forsey · Answered by K. Howell
The minister confirmed that work is ongoing to shift from number-based to needs-based allocations, as committed during the Teachers Think Tank. Budget 2024 allocated $3 million to continue student assistant supports.
Implementation timeline for real property tax under Bill 54
Asked by C. Pardy · Answered by J. Haggie
The minister confirmed that regulations were signed and gazetted three weeks ago, with implementation beginning January 1, 2025, and a three-year phase-in period as requested by stakeholders.
Incorporation of Local Service Districts into municipalities
Asked by C. Pardy · Answered by J. Haggie
The minister stated that LSDs are encouraged to incorporate or amalgamate, and that feasibility studies are now optional under new regulations. He welcomed any requests from LSDs wishing to incorporate.
Mandatory off-road vehicle training timeline
Asked by L. O'Driscoll · Answered by S. Stoodley
The minister clarified that the training course is now available in MyGovNL and will become mandatory in the fall for new drivers, first-time registrants, and supervisors of young drivers. Those completing it now will receive credit when it becomes mandatory.
Delays in registered nurses' long-service premiums
Asked by J. Dinn · Answered by J. Haggie
The minister acknowledged a communications issue between NL Health Services and the RNU, which has been resolved. Each zone now has a date for retro pay within the next three pay periods.
Replacement of Her Majesty's Penitentiary and current conditions
Asked by J. Dinn · Answered by J. Abbott
The minister stated that replacing the facility is a priority and that $15 million over two years has been allocated for immediate upgrades to ensure the safety of inmates and staff.
Addressing classroom size, composition, and educator support
Asked by J. Dinn · Answered by K. Howell
The minister referenced the Teachers Think Tank commitment to review allocation methods and move toward needs-based allocations, and highlighted additional supports such as student assistants and teaching and learning assistants.
Addictions treatment centre in Labrador
Asked by J. Brown · Answered by J. Haggie
The minister stated that the $100,000 review of mental health and addictions services will not slow current delivery and is designed to improve processes. He offered to discuss Labrador-specific improvements with the Member and the Minister of Labrador Affairs.
Orders of the Day
Motions to extend sitting hours
L. Dempster
The Deputy Government House Leader moved and the House adopted motions to extend sitting hours on May 28 and May 29, 2024.
Third reading of Bill 53, An Act Respecting King's Counsel and Order of Precedence in the Courts
Multiple
Bill 53 was read a third time and passed without debate.
Second reading and Committee debate of Bill 79, An Act to Amend the Highway Traffic Act and the Provincial Offences Act
Multiple
Minister Stoodley introduced amendments to enable speed cameras operated by third-party vendors, electronic ticketing, and gender-neutral language. The bill allows cameras to enforce speeding violations in high-volume areas, construction zones, school zones, and past school buses. The province plans to start with 10 cameras and expand thereafter. Members from all parties expressed support for the safety measures. The bill passed second reading and proceeded to Committee, where Members asked detailed questions about camera placement, appeals processes, ticket collection, licence plate issues, and municipal involvement.
Other business
Introduction of guests and repatriation of Unknown Soldier
Multiple
The Speaker welcomed Royal Canadian Legion representatives and Korean education officials. Premier Furey delivered a speech on the repatriation of an Unknown First World War soldier from Beaumont-Hamel, to be interred at the National War Memorial on July 1, 2025. Members L. Parrott (Terra Nova) and J. Dinn (Leader of Third Party) also spoke in support, honouring the sacrifice of Newfoundland and Labrador soldiers and the significance of remembrance.
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.