Newfoundland and Labrador House of Assembly, Tuesday 5 November 2024
Question Period focused heavily on seniors' care and health system pressures. The Premier reversed a controversial decision to convert single-occupancy long-term care rooms to double occupancy after criticism from the Seniors' Advocate. Opposition members pressed the government on emergency room overcrowding, the 'fit-to-sit' program moving ambulance patients to waiting room chairs, physician recruitment disparities between regions, delays in breast cancer screening expansion, and medical travel challenges for Labrador residents. The House introduced 11 government bills at first reading, covering health professions regulation, municipal finance, revenue administration, and energy sector governance. The main substantive business was second reading and Committee of the Whole debate on Bill 65, An Act to Amend the Animal Health and Protection Act, which passed with unanimous support after extensive discussion on definitions, enforcement powers, and protections for companion animals and livestock.
Members' Statements
Recognition of Melinda Sharpe for heroic efforts during Driftwood Inn fire
P. Forsey
Recognized Melinda Sharpe of Bishop's Falls for waking early and alerting students, teachers, and parents to evacuate during a devastating fire at the Driftwood Inn in Deer Lake on October 19, 2024, saving lives.
Recognition of Goulds Lions Club volunteers
L. O'Driscoll
Recognized the Goulds Lions Club for their community service since 1976, particularly their successful summer drive-in bingo fundraisers that support local groups and organizations.
Recognition of Lily Butler, Junior Miss Newfoundland & Labrador 2024
J. McKenna
Congratulated 14-year-old Lily Butler of Musgrave Harbour, the first contestant outside the Avalon to win the Junior Miss Newfoundland & Labrador title, and presented her with a Confederation 75th anniversary medal.
Tribute to Joe Roberts of Badger
C. Tibbs
Paid tribute to the late Joe Roberts, who raised over $100,000 for the Janeway through walks across the province, served 30 years with the Badger Volunteer Fire Department (12 as chief), and was a beloved community member who passed away September 26, 2024.
Recognition of Chris and Karen Ricketts' humanitarian work
C. Pardy
Recognized Chris and Karen Ricketts of Plate Cove West for their humanitarian efforts, including helping a 96-year-old veteran settle in the community and sponsoring two refugee families (Syrian and Turkish) by purchasing and renovating a home for them.
Routine Proceedings
Ministerial statement on Working Opportunities Program
S. Stoodley
The Minister of Immigration, Population Growth and Skills announced that 44 participants began the inaugural Working Opportunities Program in September, a $3.5-million skills development initiative providing funding for training, living allowances, and child care for unemployed or precariously employed individuals attending post-secondary programs.
Tabling of documents regarding Torngat Mountains health care barriers
L. Evans
Tabled a letter from the Minister of Health responding to concerns about continued barriers to health care for Torngat Mountains patients, and email correspondence with the provincial health authority regarding patients being bumped off flights.
Notice of private Member's motion on HST removal from home heating
J. Brown
Gave notice of a private Member's motion for November 13 calling on the House to support removal of the provincial portion of HST from home heating products, citing inflation and the gap between rising costs and wages.
Notice of motion on Public Accounts Committee membership
J. Hogan
Gave notice of a motion to establish the membership of the Public Accounts Committee, comprising six named Members from various districts.
Petition on Canning Bridge replacement
J. Dwyer
Presented a petition calling for immediate replacement of the Canning Bridge in Marystown, noting its poor condition documented in a 2020 inspection report and its impact on residents, emergency services, and the local economy.
Petition on fish for food banks
C. Pardy
Presented a petition urging the provincial government to advocate with the federal government to add food banks under the persons with disabilities process within the food recreational fishery, enabling fish to be available for vulnerable populations facing food insecurity.
Petition on inclusive education resources
E. Joyce
Presented a petition calling for improvements to inclusive education, including hiring necessary human resources before June 1, consistent communication plans, sole provincial responsibility for inclusive education, safe spaces for staff feedback, annual policy review, and post-secondary options for students with exceptionalities.
Petition on St. Shott's Road repairs
L. O'Driscoll
Presented a petition calling for upgrades to St. Shott's Road on the Southern Avalon, noting the 38-year-old pavement is in deplorable condition and poses safety issues for residents, visitors, and tourists traveling the Irish Loop.
Petition on inclusive education (continued)
P. Lane
Presented the same petition on inclusive education as the Member for Humber - Bay of Islands, highlighting insufficient support staff, inadequate classroom accommodations, and lack of transparency between schools and families, noting this is a province-wide issue affecting students across the spectrum of needs.
Petition on prohibiting holding fees under landlord tenancies act
J. Dinn
Presented a petition signed by 70 people calling for the Residential Tenancies Act to be updated to make holding fees illegal, noting they create financial burdens for prospective tenants and barriers to securing housing in a tight rental market.
Question Period
Conversion of single-occupancy long-term care rooms to double occupancy
Asked by T. Wakeham · Answered by A. Furey
The Premier announced the government would stop the conversion, stating the intent was only to provide an option for couples who wanted to share a room, not to force seniors into double occupancy.
Provincial long-term care legislation
Asked by T. Wakeham · Answered by A. Furey
The Premier indicated a report on long-term care is forthcoming from the Minister of Health but did not commit to legislation in the current sitting.
Number of seniors in acute-care beds awaiting long-term care placement
Asked by T. Wakeham · Answered by J. Hogan
The Minister of Health did not have the exact number but said the forthcoming report would be made public and include financial analysis to ensure proper care and living spaces for seniors.
Seniors arriving by ambulance being placed in waiting room chairs ('fit-to-sit' program)
Asked by B. Petten · Answered by J. Hogan / A. Furey
The minister stated he had conversations with NLHS about making emergency rooms more accommodating and that triage decisions are made by professionals. The Premier highlighted new infrastructure projects to relieve emergency department pressure but did not commit to cancelling the fit-to-sit program.
Internist pay disparities between St. John's and Clarenville
Asked by L. Parrott · Answered by J. Hogan
The minister clarified that internists at St. Clare's in St. John's receive a sessional rate, which will allow the creation of an alternate payment plan for internists throughout the province, including Clarenville. He noted three internists are close to signing for the region and that rural physicians receive higher recruitment bonuses ($275,000 vs. $225,000).
Delays in implementing breast cancer screening for women aged 40-49
Asked by H. Conway Ottenheimer · Answered by J. Hogan
The minister stated that almost a million dollars has been approved for two new mammography machines (one for St. John's, one for Grand Falls) and that the expanded screening program will begin in January 2025 with no new staff required.
Medical travel issues for Labrador residents, including patients being bumped from flights
Asked by L. Evans · Answered by L. Dempster
The Minister of Labrador Affairs stated she had not received complaints directly and that NLHS operations indicated no formal complaints in five to six months. She explained the process requires patients to be on a list by 2 p.m. the day before travel and offered to work with the Member on specific cases.
Ending sick note requirements for short-term absences
Asked by J. Dinn · Answered by S. Coady
The Minister of Finance stated the issue is under active review and analysis and will be addressed soon.
Provincial participation in federal pharmacare program
Asked by J. Dinn · Answered by A. Furey
The Premier expressed interest but said the province must ensure the program does not encroach on constitutional jurisdiction and that long-term financing is secured beyond five-year increments.
Accommodations for Labrador residents at new ambulatory care hospital replacing St. Clare's
Asked by J. Brown · Answered by A. Furey
The Premier stated it is not the government's intention to force people into expensive hotels and that an updated, more modern hostel will be contemplated in future infrastructure plans.
Orders of the Day
First reading of Bill 82, An Act to Amend the Labour Standards Act
L. Dempster
Bill 82 was introduced and read a first time, ordered for second reading tomorrow.
First reading of Bill 83, An Act to Amend the Medical Act, 2011 No. 2
L. Dempster
Bill 83 was introduced and read a first time, ordered for second reading tomorrow.
First reading of Bill 84, An Act to Amend the Registered Nurses Act, 2008
L. Dempster
Bill 84 was introduced and read a first time, ordered for second reading tomorrow.
First reading of Bill 85, An Act to Amend the Provincial Health Authority Act and the Fatalities Investigations Act
L. Dempster
Bill 85 was introduced and read a first time, ordered for second reading tomorrow.
First reading of Bill 86, An Act to Amend the Opioid Damages and Health Care Costs Recovery Act
J. Hogan
Bill 86 was introduced and read a first time, ordered for second reading tomorrow.
First reading of Bill 87, An Act Respecting Licensed Practical Nurses, Registered Nurses, Registered Psychiatric Nurses and Nurse Practitioners
J. Hogan
Bill 87 was introduced and read a first time, ordered for second reading tomorrow.
First reading of Bill 88, An Act to Repeal the Municipal Financing Corporation Act
L. Dempster
Bill 88 was introduced and read a first time, ordered for second reading tomorrow.
First reading of Bill 89, An Act to Amend the Revenue Administration Act No. 5
L. Dempster
Bill 89 was introduced and read a first time, ordered for second reading tomorrow.
First reading of Bill 90, An Act to Amend the Canada-Newfoundland and Labrador Atlantic Accord Implementation Newfoundland and Labrador Act
L. Dempster
Bill 90 was introduced and read a first time, ordered for second reading tomorrow.
First reading of Bill 91, An Act to Amend the Family Relief Act
L. Dempster
Bill 91 was introduced and read a first time, ordered for second reading tomorrow.
First reading of Bill 92, An Act to Amend the Engineers and Geoscientists Act, 2008
L. Dempster
Bill 92 was introduced and read a first time, ordered for second reading tomorrow.
First reading of Bill 93, An Act to Amend the Urban and Rural Planning Act, 2000 and the City of St. John's Municipal Taxation Act
L. Dempster
Bill 93 was introduced and read a first time, ordered for second reading tomorrow.
Second reading debate on Bill 65, An Act to Amend the Animal Health and Protection Act
Multiple
The Minister of Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture introduced amendments strengthening animal protection through clearer definitions of abandonment, distress, and owner; introducing compliance orders; prohibiting cat declawing except when medically necessary; requiring safe confinement of dogs; regulating livestock pasturing; and increasing penalties to $75,000 and 12 months jail for second offences. Opposition Members supported the bill while raising questions about enforcement capacity, consultation with animal welfare groups, breeding regulations, feral cat management, and exotic pets. The bill passed second reading unanimously.
Committee of the Whole on Bill 65
Multiple
Members questioned the Minister on definitions of 'reasonable steps,' 'distress,' and 'owner'; application to animals left in hot cars; standards for enforcement; declawing exceptions; safe confinement versus tethering; livestock pasturing; compliance orders; enforcement officer powers; consultation process; sentient beings designation; puppy mills; exotic pets; and feral cats. The Minister clarified that Resource Enforcement Division officers can seize animals, compliance orders provide a graduated enforcement approach, regulations will specify medical exceptions for declawing, legacy pastures will be permitted, and abandonment provisions cover exotic pets. The bill passed Committee stage.
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.