Newfoundland and Labrador House of Assembly, Thursday 14 November 2024
Question Period focused heavily on the government's land deal for a new acute-care hospital near Kenmount Road, with the Opposition challenging the value-for-money of purchasing land previously sold by the province at a much lower price. Additional topics included allegations of health authority staff profiting from renting accommodations to agency nurses, the cost-efficiency of the airport inn for homelessness supports, and delays at the Labour Relations Board affecting union certification. Ministers defended the hospital site's strategic location, cited ongoing Auditor General reviews, and emphasized commitments to public health care and labour legislation balance. The House of Assembly conducted routine business including ministerial statements on Nurse Practitioner Week and Crown lands reform, followed by second reading and Committee of the Whole consideration of Bill 94, the Law Enforcement Identity Management Act. This legislation, modeled on Nova Scotia's response to the 2020 mass shooting, aims to restrict public access to police articles, uniforms, and vehicle markings to prevent impersonation and enhance public safety. The bill received support from all parties and passed through Committee stage with extensive questioning on implementation details.
Members' Statements
Tribute to retiring teacher Edgar Power
C. Tibbs
Recognized Edgar Power of Grand Falls-Windsor for 31 years of teaching service at Exploits Valley High, highlighting his business education contributions, student competition successes, and community volunteerism including minor hockey coaching and Army Cadets.
Condolences for musician Dave McHugh
E. Joyce
Paid tribute to Dave McHugh, a renowned musician who passed away, remembering his kindness, infectious smile, and dedication to encouraging young musicians, and extended condolences to his family.
65th anniversary of United Steelworkers Local 5795
J. Brown
Celebrated the 65th anniversary of USW Local 5795 in Labrador West, recognizing their representation of workers at Iron Ore Company of Canada and their extensive charitable work in the community since 1959.
Recognition of 444 Squadron rescue operation
P. Trimper
Thanked 444 Squadron for their July 2024 helicopter rescue of Sue McLean from Sealing Point during adverse weather conditions, praising the professionalism of the entire squadron team.
Achievements of Kaylee Mercer
H. Conway Ottenheimer
Congratulated 18-year-old Kaylee Mercer of Harbour Main on her outstanding school and community achievements, including earning the Lord Strathcona Medal as chief petty officer first class in Sea Cadets and receiving five scholarships to attend Memorial University.
Routine Proceedings
Ministerial statement on Nurse Practitioner Week
J. Hogan
Recognized November 10-16 as Nurse Practitioner Week, highlighting their essential role in health care, particularly in Family Care Teams that have connected over 60,000 residents, and outlined government support initiatives including signing bonuses and grants.
Ministerial statement on Crown lands reform
G. Byrne
Announced the Primary Residence Property Title Program, a major reform allowing qualifying applicants living full-time in homes on Crown lands to receive quitclaim deeds, with fees based on income percentage and no cost for GIS recipients, reversing 50 years of policy.
Tabling of documents
J. Hogan
Tabled four letters related to Question Period discussions, including correspondence between the former Health Minister, the Registered Nurses' Union president, and the Auditor General from March-April 2024.
Tabling of Citizens' Representative reports
The Speaker
Tabled the 2023-2024 performance report and annual report of the Office of the Citizens' Representative as required by statute.
Notice of motion for Bill 98
S. Crocker
Gave notice of intention to introduce An Act to Amend the Arts Council Act.
Notice of motion for Bill 97
B. Davis
Gave notice of intention to introduce An Act to Amend the Family Violence Protection Act.
Notice of extended sitting hours
J. Hogan
Gave notice that the House will not adjourn at 5:30 p.m. on Monday, November 18, 2024.
Petition on inclusive education
E. Joyce
Presented a petition on behalf of families of children with exceptionalities requesting improved human resources, communication plans, and policy reviews for inclusive education, and thanked the Minister of Education for her responsive approach to individual cases.
Petition on oil-to-electric grants for non-profits
C. Pardy
Presented a petition requesting extension of the Oil to Electric Rebate Program to non-profit organizations like fire departments and community centres, citing examples from Five Coves and Port Rexton where heating costs burden service delivery.
Petition on St. Shotts Road repairs
L. O'Driscoll
Presented a petition calling for upgrades to the 35-40 year old St. Shotts Road on the Southern Avalon, describing deplorable conditions that pose safety issues for residents and visitors to the UNESCO World Heritage site.
Petition on anti-scab legislation
J. Brown
Presented a petition calling for legislation banning temporary replacement workers during strikes or lockouts, noting that Quebec, British Columbia, and the federal government have enacted such laws.
Petition on fuel pricing in Northern Labrador
L. Evans
Presented a 2022 petition requesting PUB review of summer fuel price freezes in Zone 14 (Northern Labrador), highlighting lack of consultation and significant price differentials compared to other Labrador zones during critical hunting and gathering seasons.
Question Period
Land purchase for new acute-care hospital
Asked by T. Wakeham · Answered by F. Hutton / S. Coady
The minister confirmed the province sold land in 2016 for $84,000/acre and is now buying a portion back at $365,000/acre, attributing the increase to time, servicing (water/sewer), and location. He defended the deal as good value given the site's accessibility to major municipalities and highways, and stated the government negotiated below asking price. The Finance Minister added that the land purchase is consistent with decades of provincial policy.
Independent appraisal and alternative land options
Asked by T. Wakeham · Answered by F. Hutton
The minister did not table an independent appraisal. He argued that expropriating adjacent Crown land would not be free—fair market value would still be required—and that negotiating with willing vendors yielded a lower price. He emphasized the site's location and access from both Kenmount Road and the Outer Ring Road.
Water tower requirement and cost
Asked by T. Wakeham · Answered by F. Hutton / S. Stoodley
The minister confirmed a water tower costing $15–20 million will be needed for the hospital and future development in the area. The Minister of Immigration added that the Town of Paradise has been requesting a water storage tank since at least 2019, and the new tower will serve residents of Paradise and the Avalon Peninsula.
Health authority staff renting to agency nurses
Asked by B. Petten · Answered by J. Hogan
The minister stated that the Nurses' Union raised the issue in March 2024, prompting the former minister to write to the health authority, its chair, and the Auditor General. An investigation found violations of the Public Procurement Act and Conflict of Interest Act, and leases were terminated by August 2024. The minister did not confirm disciplinary action or recovery of funds, citing an ongoing Auditor General performance audit. He declined to disclose the total amount paid or specific sections violated, saying those were decisions by NLHS.
Fee-for-service for nurse practitioners
Asked by B. Petten · Answered by J. Hogan
The minister stated he does not support fee-for-service for nurse practitioners because the Health Accord calls for team-based care, not fee-for-service models, and the Nurses' Union told him they do not support it. He accused the Opposition of wanting private health care, which the government will never support.
Cost-efficiency of airport inn for homelessness
Asked by J. Wall · Answered by J. Abbott
The minister defended the $13 million annual cost for 54 guests ($240,000 per person per year) by explaining the facility provides wraparound services—security, housing supports, medical care, and counselling—for individuals transitioning from long-term homelessness. He clarified that this program is separate from the NLHC rental housing wait-list and serves a different client group.
Public perception of land deal and ethical concerns
Asked by J. Dinn · Answered by F. Hutton / S. Coady
The minister reiterated respect for the people of the province and defended the hospital site as meeting increased health care needs due to aging population and infrastructure. The Deputy Premier emphasized the government's cost-of-living supports, the Health Accord, and infrastructure investments (hospitals, schools) as evidence of effective leadership.
Labour Relations Board delays and card check
Asked by J. Brown · Answered by B. Davis / L. Dempster
The Minister of Justice acknowledged room for improvement at the Labour Relations Board and noted the board is returning to full complement. The Minister Responsible for Labour stated the government is committed to keeping labour legislation relevant and is listening to the Federation of Labour, but is not contemplating reintroducing card check at this time, citing the need to balance workers' and employers' rights.
Orders of the Day
Maiden speech by Member for Conception Bay East - Bell Island
F. Hutton
Delivered his maiden speech thanking constituents, reflecting on his 30+ year journalism career at NTV and VOCM, his family's Newfoundland roots including great-grandfather Charles Hutton (MHA 1894), and pledging to work respectfully to advance the province during his time in the House.
Second reading of Bill 94 - Law Enforcement Identity Management Act
B. Davis
Introduced Bill 94 to restrict public access to law enforcement articles, uniforms, and vehicle markings in response to the 2020 Nova Scotia mass shooting. The act prohibits display of "police" by non-police, requires asset management policies for law enforcement agencies, includes exemptions for collectors (if items rendered unserviceable), film industry, and retired officers' ceremonial uniforms, and provides enforcement tools including search and seizure powers.
Opposition response to Bill 94
Multiple
H. Conway Ottenheimer (PC) supported the bill, noting it addresses public safety and trust in law enforcement while balancing collectors' interests, with questions about exemptions and implementation. J. Brown (NDP) supported the bill and emphasized addressing intimate partner violence issues also raised by the Nova Scotia inquiry. P. Lane (Independent) supported the bill as common sense, raising practical questions about Halloween costumes, adult parties, uniform control, and vehicle disposal.
Committee of the Whole on Bill 94
Multiple
Extensive clause-by-clause consideration with questions from H. Conway Ottenheimer, J. Wall, L. Paddock, J. Brown, and P. Lane covering: expansion beyond police to other law enforcement agencies through regulation; consultation processes with municipalities and stakeholders; dramatic works exemptions; online marketplace monitoring; retired officer uniform controls; asset management requirements; vehicle decommissioning standards; Halloween and costume exemptions; and penalties up to $25,000 for businesses. Minister Davis confirmed regulations will address implementation details and that this makes Newfoundland and Labrador the second province after Nova Scotia to enact such legislation.
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.