Newfoundland and Labrador House of Assembly, Monday 18 November 2024
Question Period focused heavily on the government's handling of the Kenmount Crossing land acquisition for the new St. Clare's hospital, with the Opposition alleging misleading statements about acreage and costs. Additional scrutiny centered on improper leases for agency nurses, delays in Labour Relations Board certification votes, and the government's failure to implement speed camera legislation. The Premier and ministers defended their actions, citing compliance with processes and ongoing reviews. The House of Assembly conducted routine business including Members' Statements recognizing acts of bravery and community service, ministerial statements on gender-based violence prevention, and petitions on infrastructure and services. The main legislative business was second reading, Committee, and third reading preparation of Bill 33 (amalgamating Nalcor Energy into NL Hydro), which passed without amendment. First readings were given to Bill 97 (Family Violence Protection Act amendments) and Bill 98 (Arts Council Act amendments), and second reading debate began on Bill 86 (Opioid Damages and Health Care Costs Recovery Act amendments).
Members' Statements
David Coffey awarded Governor General's Medal of Bravery
S. Gambin-Walsh
Recognized David Coffey for rescuing a man from a submerged vehicle in a pond near Point Verde in November 2021, for which he received the Governor General's Medal of Bravery in October 2024.
Quilts of Valour Sew Day in Marystown
J. Dwyer
Honored the Little Bay Heritage Centre Quilters and Quilts of Valour Canada for a September event where quilts were made and presented to veterans John Strang, Iris Ducey, and Richard Richie.
Allison Jones at Miss Canada Earth pageant
L. Stoyles
Congratulated Allison Jones for being the first NL delegate to compete in Miss Canada Earth, placing second runner-up and advocating for stray animal adoption and 2SLGBTQ1A+ support.
Purple Ribbon Campaign and 16 Days of Activism
P. Parsons (Minister)
Announced the launch of the Purple Ribbon Campaign on November 25 to end gender-based violence, highlighting a $13.6 million federal-provincial agreement and the formation of the Provincial Indigenous Women's Reconciliation Council.
Routine Proceedings
Private Member's Motion on Ocean Ranger artifacts
P. Trimper
Gave notice of a motion calling on government to work with Canada to repatriate Ocean Ranger artifacts and records from Ottawa for a permanent exhibit in St. John's; scheduled for debate Wednesday, November 20.
Extended sitting hours notice
J. Hogan
Gave notice that the House will not adjourn at 5:30 p.m. on Tuesday, November 19, 2024.
Petition on Route 20 repairs (Flatrock to Pouch Cove)
J. Wall
Petitioned for immediate repair and repaving of Route 20 from Flatrock to Pouch Cove, citing severe potholes, rutting, and shoulder washout affecting daily commuters and vehicle damage.
Petition on Trepassey breakwater repairs
L. O'Driscoll
Petitioned for urgent repair of the lower coast breakwater in Trepassey, which protects the only access road; noted recent storm damage requiring town cleanup and a 90-year-old resident needing a Side By Side to travel.
Petition on cellphone service deterioration
H. Conway Ottenheimer
Petitioned for improved cellphone service in Harbour Main district, citing dropped calls and unreliable service; referenced Auditor General report identifying NL as having the worst rural cellular connectivity in Canada.
Petition on anti-scab legislation
J. Brown
Petitioned for legislation banning temporary replacement workers during strikes or lockouts, citing federal precedent and examples from Quebec and BC.
Petition on pothole repairs in Bonavista
C. Pardy
Petitioned for all potholes in Bonavista district to be filled with hot asphalt within six weeks and before end of June, citing destructive road conditions affecting residents, school buses, and tourism.
Petition on Northern Labrador program inclusion
L. Evans
Petitioned for Northern Labrador residents to be included in provincial incentive programs like Oil to Electric and residential construction rebates, noting exclusion due to diesel-generated electricity and lack of eligible contractors.
Question Period
Kenmount Crossing land acquisition and initial contact with developer
Asked by T. Wakeham · Answered by A. Furey
The Premier stated that to his knowledge, no one in his office spoke directly to the developer and that the government has been compliant with all legislative processes consistent with past practice.
Knowledge of additional land requirements for St. Clare's hospital site
Asked by T. Wakeham · Answered by A. Furey
The Premier confirmed that a campus-style hospital requiring more than 10 acres was announced, with acknowledgment that additional land beyond the donated parcel would be needed.
RFP for sport and well-being dome at Kenmount Crossing and land ownership
Asked by T. Wakeham · Answered by F. Hutton
The minister confirmed the government does not yet own the land specified in the RFP but stated it will be purchased as part of the larger parcel for the acute-care facility development.
Accuracy of website traffic claims related to Barrow jersey sponsorship
Asked by T. Wakeham · Answered by S. Stoodley
The minister acknowledged the information provided by the agency was incorrect and expressed disappointment, but highlighted that the initiative generated over 900 serious immigration leads and 100 one-on-one interviews.
Alleged pattern of misleading statements by government
Asked by T. Wakeham · Answered by A. Furey / S. Stoodley
The Premier defended the hospital development as meeting modern needs with necessary infrastructure benefits. The Immigration Minister emphasized the success of immigration efforts and that the Barrow sponsorship was less than 4% of the advertising budget.
Apology for disparaging remarks about nurse practitioners
Asked by T. Wakeham · Answered by E. Loveless
The minister stated he spoke with the union president before the House session and clarified he did not disparage nurse practitioners but was advocating for more NPs in the province. He did not apologize, asserting his comments were mischaracterized.
Ministerial approval of real property leases under Provincial Health Authority Act
Asked by B. Petten · Answered by J. Hogan
The Health Minister stated he never approved any leases with NLHS during his tenure and was only aware that leases had been terminated in August following allegations. He requested a detailed report from NLHS on their investigation.
Termination of 51 leases for conflict of interest violations and lack of disclosure
Asked by B. Petten · Answered by J. Hogan
The minister confirmed awareness of lease terminations and noted that NLHS, as a separate employer, took appropriate steps. He emphasized the Auditor General is conducting a review and that NLHS was careful not to interfere with that investigation.
Amount of money inappropriately spent under lease scheme
Asked by B. Petten · Answered by J. Hogan
The minister stated he wrote to NLHS requesting details of their investigation and findings for public transparency, noting his understanding that all leases were at market price.
Internationally recruited nurses offered housing instead of jobs
Asked by B. Petten · Answered by S. Stoodley
The Immigration Minister clarified that any nurse who came through economic immigration streams with a job offer to be a registered nurse is working as a registered nurse and can only work in that capacity.
Premier's office involvement in travel nursing fiasco
Asked by B. Petten · Answered by A. Furey
The Premier stated he did not sign off on leases and turned the question back on the Opposition House Leader, asking if he signed off on agency nurse leases when he was CEO of Lab-Grenfell Health.
Labour Relations Board not following five-day rule for union certification votes
Asked by L. Evans / J. Brown · Answered by L. Dempster
The Labour Minister stated she had not received a meeting request on this issue but would look into it. She emphasized the board is quasi-judicial and it would be inappropriate to interfere with operations, noting a recent review was conducted and recommendations are being implemented.
Delays in implementing speed camera legislation
Asked by L. O'Driscoll · Answered by E. Loveless
The minister acknowledged the previous minister's work on speed cameras, noting they are one tool for road safety, and emphasized individual driver responsibility. No specific timeline for implementation was provided.
Government's commitment to workers, anti-scab legislation, and card check certification
Asked by J. Dinn · Answered by L. Dempster
The Labour Minister stated the government is not prepared to move on anti-scab legislation at this time and is not contemplating changes to labour relations, but remains open to discussing concerns. She emphasized the need to balance workers' rights with employers' needs.
Orders of the Day
Bill 33 - Second Reading (Nalcor/Hydro amalgamation)
A. Parsons (Minister)
Moved second reading of Bill 33 to legally complete the merger of Nalcor Energy into NL Hydro, repealing both the Energy Corporation Act and Hydro Corporation Act 2007 and replacing them with the Hydro Corporation Act 2024. Key provisions include ministerial authority to request information, narrowed ATIPPA exemptions (only for oil and gas), and continuation of all assets, liabilities, and employment. Opposition members (L. Parrott, J. Brown, P. Lane) supported the bill with questions about ATIPPA processes, board structure, and executive compensation.
Bill 33 - Committee of the Whole
Multiple
Committee stage addressed questions on commercially sensitive information under ATIPPA, collective agreements, Cabinet approval requirements, ministerial information requests, and proclamation timing (by year-end 2024). Minister confirmed no embedded contractors, 50% reduction in executive positions, elimination of bonuses and vehicle allowances, and that hydroelectric information is now subject to ATIPPA (except oil and gas). Bill passed Committee without amendment.
Bill 97 - First Reading (Family Violence Protection Act amendments)
J. Hogan
First reading given to Bill 97, An Act to Amend the Family Violence Protection Act; ordered for second reading tomorrow.
Bill 98 - First Reading (Arts Council Act amendments)
J. Hogan
First reading given to Bill 98, An Act to Amend the Arts Council Act; ordered for second reading tomorrow.
Bill 86 - Second Reading debate begins (Opioid Damages Act)
B. Davis (Minister), C. Pardy, J. Dinn, E. Joyce
Minister introduced Bill 86 to amend the Opioid Damages and Health Care Costs Recovery Act (passed 2019, not yet proclaimed) to align with other provinces and strengthen the province's position in national class-action litigation against opioid manufacturers. Amendments include defining consultants, adding direct causes of action, changing limitation period from 2 to 15 years, and creating public nuisance cause of action. Opposition members supported the bill but raised questions about anticipated settlement amounts, how recovered funds would be used, pathways for addiction treatment, and whether funds would be dedicated to opioid education and treatment rather than general revenue.
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.