Newfoundland and Labrador House of Assembly, Wednesday 20 November 2024
Question Period focused heavily on health care system failures and access issues, including calls for a public inquiry into alleged abuse by Tony Humby and Bruce Escott, delays in cancer treatment and stroke rehabilitation, family physician shortages, and internationally recruited nurses unable to secure employment despite hundreds of vacancies. Additional topics included supports for the deaf community, child poverty thresholds, and infrastructure commitments in Corner Brook. The House dealt with several procedural and legislative matters outside of Question Period. Two Members offered apologies for heated exchanges from the previous day. The House passed Bill 98 (Arts Council Act amendments) through all stages, streamlining governance and allowing artists to serve on the board while receiving grants. Bill 87 (consolidating nursing regulators) also passed second reading, Committee, and awaits third reading. Several bills received third reading and Royal Assent. Members delivered statements recognizing community achievements, including athletes, photographers, musicians, volunteers, and an Ocean Ranger memorial resolution.
Members' Statements
Recognition of Nunatsiavut volleyball athletes
L. Evans
Recognized Ian Dicker of Nain and Jacob Dyson of Makkovik for their volleyball achievements, including making TeamNL and competing at high levels despite coming from small North Coast schools.
Recognition of photographer Mark Gray
C. Pardy
Recognized Mark Gray of Bonavista, an educator and photographer whose work will appear in Canadian Geographic and who promotes the district through his artistic photography.
Recognition of Rocky Isle Singers
J. Wall
Recognized the Rocky Isle Singers, a community ensemble that has become a cultural cornerstone (statement appears truncated in transcript).
Routine Proceedings
Motion to extend sitting hours
J. Hogan
Government House Leader moved that the House not adjourn at 5 p.m. on November 20, 2024, but continue sitting until midnight if necessary. Motion carried.
Question Period
Public inquiry into alleged abuse by Tony Humby and Bruce Escott
Asked by T. Wakeham · Answered by B. Davis (Minister of Justice and Public Safety)
The minister stated that a public inquiry is an option for the future but cannot proceed now because ongoing criminal investigations must not be jeopardized. The minister did not rule out an inquiry once legal matters are resolved.
Child and Youth Advocate review excluding police involvement
Asked by T. Wakeham · Answered by P. Pike (Minister of Children, Seniors and Social Development)
The minister emphasized that the Child and Youth Advocate has legislative authority and subpoena powers to conduct a full review, though the minister did not directly address the exclusion of police review from the Advocate's mandate.
Cancer patient denied chemotherapy due to payment determination delays
Asked by T. Wakeham · Answered by J. Hogan (Minister of Health and Community Services)
The minister stated this was the first he had heard of the case and committed to investigating immediately once details are provided, affirming that anyone needing life-saving cancer treatment should receive it.
Missed appointment for cancer patient promised by Premier's office
Asked by T. Wakeham · Answered by S. Coady (Deputy Premier)
The Deputy Premier acknowledged the importance of the issue and reiterated that the Minister of Health would investigate and ensure health care is available to all citizens.
Stroke patient Mrs. Smith denied intensive rehabilitation
Asked by T. Wakeham · Answered by K. Howell (Minister of Education)
The minister stated that clinical decisions must be made by clinicians without political interference, but committed to ensuring a reassessment of Mrs. Smith is conducted in a timely fashion.
Family doctor Dr. Melissa O'Brien closing practice due to burnout
Asked by T. Wakeham · Answered by J. Hogan
The minister acknowledged discussions with the physician and emphasized the government's flexibility in supporting various health care delivery models (fee for service, blended capitation, Family Care Teams) to ensure physicians can deliver quality care.
Internationally recruited nurses from India unable to secure RN positions despite 741 vacancies
Asked by B. Petten · Answered by S. Stoodley (Minister of Immigration, Population Growth and Skills) and J. Hogan
Ministers clarified that 110 RNs came with job offers and are working, while some LPNs and PCAs who came through Priority Skills have upskilled to RN status. The Health Minister stated he has asked NLHS to make every effort to match qualified RNs with vacant positions.
Licensed practical nurses ineligible for signing bonuses if internal employees
Asked by B. Petten · Answered by J. Hogan
The minister stated the government is working with all health care professionals on recruitment and retention and is open to discussions about how they want to deliver care, but did not commit to changing the bonus policy.
Lack of ASL interpreter services for deaf community, especially seniors
Asked by H. Conway Ottenheimer · Answered by P. Pike
The minister committed to helping more people obtain ASL interpreter training and certification, stating services are already in place and will be increased, though no specific timeline or concrete actions were provided.
Income thresholds for child benefit excluding struggling middle-class families
Asked by J. Dinn · Answered by S. Coady
The Deputy Premier stated the government is reviewing thresholds and highlighted other supports for middle-class families including $10-a-day child care, reduced electricity costs, gasoline tax reductions, and elimination of home insurance tax.
Removing provincial HST from children's goods to help middle-class families
Asked by J. Dinn · Answered by P. Pike
The minister did not address the HST removal request but highlighted the 300% increase in child benefit and the School Food Program as measures to help children and families.
Emergency room crisis in Corner Brook due to lack of family physicians and acute-care beds
Asked by E. Joyce · Answered by J. Hogan
The minister outlined concrete actions including an RFP for a new ALC centre, a community care coordinator, a DischargeHUB pilot project launched in November, and realignment of ER operations to create a second triage space.
PET scanner commitment for Corner Brook hospital
Asked by E. Joyce · Answered by J. Hogan
The minister acknowledged the commitment and stated that Corner Brook will receive an update on the PET scanner provincial program very soon.
Orders of the Day
Bill 98 - Arts Council Act amendments (Second Reading)
S. Crocker
Minister introduced amendments to modernize the 40-year-old Arts Council Act, allowing artists to serve on the board while receiving grants (with conflict-of-interest safeguards), changing board composition to 9-11 members (at least 7 artists), and incorporating Indigenous perspectives. The bill received support from all parties.
Bill 98 - Arts Council Act amendments (Opposition response)
J. Dwyer and J. Brown
J. Dwyer supported the bill, emphasizing the importance of arts funding and regional representation on the board. J. Brown also supported it, noting the precarious nature of arts funding and suggesting government explore models like Ireland's basic income pilot for artists.
Bill 98 - Committee of the Whole
Multiple
Members questioned the minister about board composition (9-11 members to ensure odd numbers), consultation process (83 anonymous responses plus targeted outreach), removal of geographic requirements, term limits, and expense reimbursement guidelines. The bill passed Committee without amendment.
Bill 87 - Nurses Act (Second Reading)
J. Hogan
Minister introduced legislation to consolidate two nursing regulators (College of Licensed Practical Nurses and College of Registered Nurses) into a single Newfoundland and Labrador College of Nurses, regulating LPNs, RNs, registered psychiatric nurses, and nurse practitioners. The consolidation aims to improve efficiency and public protection, with implementation set for April 15, 2026.
Bill 87 - Opposition response and debate
B. Petten, J. Brown, and E. Joyce
B. Petten credited the minister for acting quickly on the colleges' request and supported the bill. J. Brown supported the consolidation of over 10,000 members into one regulatory body. E. Joyce used the debate to advocate for allowing nurse practitioners to bill the government, citing the health care crisis in Corner Brook's emergency department and seniors unable to afford private nurse practitioner fees.
Bill 87 - Committee of the Whole
Multiple
J. Brown asked about cross-jurisdictional research, consultation processes, board composition rules, notice provisions, and confidentiality of patient records. The minister confirmed the move aligns with national trends toward fewer regulators, that unions were consulted and supportive, and that the regulator remains self-funded through member fees. Bill passed Committee without amendment.
Third readings of multiple bills
J. Hogan
The House gave third reading and passed Bill 33 (Hydro-Nalcor amalgamation), Bill 83 (Medical Act amendments), Bill 86 (Opioid Damages Act amendments), Bill 92 (Engineers and Geoscientists Act amendments), and Bill 94 (Law Enforcement Articles management).
Other business
Points of order regarding offensive language
J. Dinn and P. Trimper
J. Dinn raised a point of order about the Minister of Education calling someone a 'jerk' during debate, requesting retraction. P. Trimper raised a point about J. Dinn's metaphor suggesting the minister was 'drowning students.' Both points were taken under advisement by the Speaker, and later both Members withdrew their remarks with apologies.
Apologies for previous day's conduct
L. Parrott and K. Howell
L. Parrott offered a sincere apology to the Minister of Immigration for comments made the previous day. K. Howell clarified and withdrew her comment made in haste, stating she was not referencing children, staff, or teachers.
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.