Newfoundland and Labrador House of Assembly, Monday 4 November 2024
Question Period focused heavily on health care access and infrastructure challenges, with the Opposition pressing the Premier and Health Minister on physician shortages, wait times for diagnostic imaging, and staffing gaps in rural hospitals. Housing and homelessness issues were also raised, particularly regarding the eviction of tent encampments and the criminalization of homelessness. The government defended its recruitment efforts, citing increases in doctors and nurses, expansion of Family Care Teams, and investments in MRI capacity, while acknowledging ongoing work on housing and medical travel supports in Labrador. The House welcomed two new Members (Lin Paddock for Baie Verte - Green Bay and Jamie Korab for Waterford Valley) and paid tribute to former MHA Kevin Parsons, who passed away in August. The sitting included Members' Statements recognizing local athletes and veterans, a ministerial statement on the Order of Newfoundland and Labrador recipients, routine proceedings (tabling of documents and notices of motion for several bills), petitions on health care, infrastructure, and education, and the second reading and Committee stage passage of Bill 80 (amendments to the Medical Act and Psychologists Act regarding registration appeals).
Members' Statements
Recognition of Liam Hickey
J. Korab
The Member for Waterford Valley recognized Paralympic athlete Liam Hickey, a three-time Paralympian in wheelchair basketball and Para ice hockey, world champion, and recent recipient of the Order of Newfoundland and Labrador.
Remembering Sergeant Ernest Goudy
L. Paddock
The Member for Baie Verte - Green Bay honored World War I veteran Sergeant Ernest Goudy of Port Anson, who was awarded two military medals for bravery in 1917.
Recognition of David Gill
C. Pardy
The Member for Bonavista recognized David Gill of Burgoyne's Cove for his 38-plus years of service in the Canadian Forces Infantry, including peacekeeping tours and work with the Canadian Rangers.
Premier's Athletic Awards recipients
J. Wall
The Member for Cape St. Francis congratulated 13 young athletes from the district who received 2024 Premier's Athletic Awards for excellence in various sports.
Bright Business Awards
B. Petten
The Member for Conception Bay South congratulated winners of the 13th Annual Bright Business Awards, recognizing local entrepreneurs and businesses during Small Business Week.
Driftwood Inn fire and loss of life
A. Furey
The Premier recognized first responders and community members who assisted during the October 19 fire at the Driftwood Inn in Deer Lake, which claimed the life of Eugene Spoon, and extended condolences to his family.
Routine Proceedings
Ministerial statement on Order of Newfoundland and Labrador
A. Furey
The Premier recognized eight recipients of the Order of Newfoundland and Labrador: Bud Davidge, Clifford George, Liam Hickey, Saqamaw Mi'sel Joe, Andy Jones, Patrick O'Callaghan, Guy Poole, and Dr. Andrea Rose. Opposition leaders congratulated the recipients, with the NDP Leader noting the gender imbalance in this year's cohort.
Tabling of Orders-in-Council
S. Coady
The Minister of Finance tabled five Orders-in-Council relating to funding pre-commitments for fiscal years 2024–25 to 2033–34, pursuant to the Financial Administration Act.
Notices of motion for bills
Multiple
Ministers gave notice of intent to introduce several bills, including amendments to the Urban and Rural Planning Act, Administration Act, Labour Standards Act, Municipal Financing Corporation Act, Family Relief Act, Engineers and Geoscientists Act, Canada-Newfoundland Atlantic Accord Act, Medical Act, Registered Nurses Act, Provincial Health Authority Act, Opioid Damages Act, and a new act respecting licensed practical nurses and registered nurses.
Resolution on Information and Privacy Commissioner appointment
J. Hogan
The Minister of Health gave notice of a resolution to appoint Kerry Hatfield as Information and Privacy Commissioner, effective November 25, 2024.
Private Member's Resolution on 5 Wing Goose Bay
P. Trimper
The Member for Lake Melville gave notice of a resolution calling on the provincial government to urge the federal government to advance the roles of 5 Wing Goose Bay in National Defence, NATO, and NORAD, including primary search and rescue capabilities in Labrador. This will be debated on Wednesday, November 6.
Question Period
Family physician shortage and health human resources plan
Asked by T. Wakeham · Answered by A. Furey
The Premier stated that the province has the most robust recruitment package in Canada and has added 146 new doctors and 850 new nurses since April of last year, though acknowledged progress will take time.
Family Care Teams staffing levels
Asked by T. Wakeham · Answered by A. Furey
The Premier reported that over 62,000 Newfoundlanders and Labradorians are now attached to Family Care Teams, a new concept introduced after the Health Accord, and cited recent additions such as three new doctors in Grand Falls-Windsor.
Patients paying to see nurse practitioners
Asked by T. Wakeham · Answered by A. Furey
The Premier said the government is exploring creative solutions including virtual care and expanded scope of practice, and defended the government's record of hiring nurses and opening clinics rather than cutting them.
MRI and CT scan wait times and wait-list numbers
Asked by T. Wakeham · Answered by A. Furey and J. Hogan
The Premier announced expansion from five to eight MRIs in the province to improve access. The Health Minister added that machines are running longer hours and weekends, and noted that Patient Connect is down to 50,000 patients with access to Teladoc for those without a family physician.
Long-term care facility bed capacity in Corner Brook
Asked by T. Wakeham · Answered by J. Hogan and A. Furey
The Health Minister stated the hospital was built with the correct number of acute care beds and that the ALC issue is being addressed. He clarified that residents will be given the option, not forced, to share rooms. The Premier said no definitive decision has been made on the old Western Memorial Hospital facility.
911 service outage at MCP building
Asked by T. Wakeham · Answered by B. Davis
The Justice Minister stated there was no service knockout, that alternate service measures were immediately activated, and no one was affected by the incident.
Nurse retention and recruitment strategy
Asked by B. Petten · Answered by J. Hogan
The Health Minister defended the strategy, citing 850 new nurses in two years, expanded nursing seats, and over 90 per cent of nursing graduates accepting positions in the province. He also noted that reliance on agency nurses has decreased since the March 2024 peak.
Permanent jobs for nursing graduates
Asked by B. Petten · Answered by J. Hogan
The Health Minister reiterated that over 90 per cent of nursing graduates were offered and accepted positions in Newfoundland and Labrador.
Loss of internal medicine doctors in Clarenville hospital
Asked by L. Parrott · Answered by J. Hogan
The Health Minister said NLHS is aware and working on the issue, including considering locums. He stated he would confirm whether internal medicine specialists are paid differently in St. John's versus rural areas, and emphasized a global health care approach that does not differentiate between rural and urban.
Medical travel cancellations and delays in Northern Labrador
Asked by L. Evans · Answered by L. Dempster
The Minister of Labrador Affairs said the Department of Health was not aware of patients being bumped off flights and offered to work with the Member to resolve specific cases. She explained that attending physicians determine priority for patient travel and invited the Member to provide details outside the House.
100 per cent coverage of medical travel costs for Labradorians
Asked by L. Evans · Answered by L. Dempster
The Minister noted that many have insured health benefits and that the Medical Transportation Assistance Program (MTAP) has been enhanced with an additional $1 million in Budget 2023 and $750,000 in the following budget, with ongoing reviews planned.
Eviction of tent encampment at Colonial Building and criminalization of homelessness
Asked by J. Dinn · Answered by J. Abbott
The Housing Minister rejected the characterization of criminalizing homelessness and outlined government investments in supportive housing, including Horizons at 106 Airport Road, a new facility in Gander, and partnerships with community agencies like End Homelessness St. John's and The Gathering Place.
Housing development support for municipalities in Labrador West
Asked by J. Brown · Answered by J. Abbott
The Housing Minister said conversations are ongoing with Labrador City mayor and council about affordable housing options, particularly for seniors, and expressed hope for a project to begin within one to two years. He noted discussions with the federal MP about cost-sharing and with the town about land availability.
Expansion of NLHC housing stock in Labrador West
Asked by J. Brown · Answered by J. Abbott
The Minister acknowledged four units are being refurbished (including two burned units being replaced) and two new units are being added, but noted 30 applicants remain on the wait-list. He said the corporation is considering building additional units for seniors and is exploring federal cost-sharing and serviced land from the town.
Orders of the Day
Petitions on various issues
Multiple
Members presented petitions on: reopening the Bull Arm Fabrication Site (J. Dwyer); restoring lab services at Bonavista hospital (C. Pardy); brush cutting on Route 10 (L. O'Driscoll); restoring 24-hour emergency service at Dr. Hugh Twomey Health Care Centre in Botwood (P. Forsey); resources for students with exceptionalities (E. Joyce and P. Lane); and improving intra-provincial air travel in Labrador (J. Brown). The Minister of Labrador Affairs responded to the air travel petition, noting ongoing advocacy with the federal government.
Address in Reply speeches
J. McKenna, L. Paddock, and J. Korab
Three new Members delivered maiden speeches. J. McKenna (Fogo Island - Cape Freels) outlined his family history, business background, and commitment to advocating for seniors and constituents. L. Paddock (Baie Verte - Green Bay) described his military career, the district's economic strengths in fishing, forestry, mining, and tourism, and priorities including health care, cost of living, and road safety. J. Korab (Waterford Valley) shared his background in curling and IT, thanked supporters, and highlighted district attractions including Bowring Park and the upcoming 2025 Canada Games.
Second reading and Committee stage of Bill 80
J. Hogan
The Minister of Health introduced Bill 80, amending the Medical Act and Psychologists Act to align with the Fair Registration Practices Act by mandating an internal review process before appeals to the Supreme Court. The bill also allows councils to delegate appeal hearings and incorporates gender-neutral language. Opposition Members (B. Petten and J. Brown) supported the bill with questions in Committee about appointments, consultations, appeal volumes, and capacity. The bill passed Committee without amendment and was ordered for third reading.
Other business
Seating of new Members
T. Wakeham and A. Furey
Lin Paddock (Baie Verte - Green Bay) and Jamie Korab (Waterford Valley) were formally presented and took their seats after affirming allegiance and signing the Members' Roll.
Tribute to Kevin Parsons
Multiple
Leaders from all parties paid tribute to former MHA Kevin Parsons (Cape St. Francis, 2008–2021), who passed away on August 15, 2024. Speakers praised his kindness, community service, and dedication to constituents, and extended condolences to his family present in the gallery. A moment of silence was observed.
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.