Newfoundland and Labrador House of Assembly, Thursday 21 November 2024
Question Period focused heavily on child welfare concerns, with the Opposition citing lawyer Lynn Moore's allegations that children in care are being sexually assaulted and the system is failing. The government defended its child protection measures and legislative reforms. Additional topics included seniors' affordability (with the Deputy Premier announcing the province will match a federal HST cut), international nurse recruitment and hiring delays, rural health care shortages (particularly internal medicine in Clarenville), and the sale of damaged NLHC housing units in St. John's. The House considered two bills focused on streamlining government processes. Bill 96 repeals the inactive Financial Services Appeal Board and transfers appeal functions to the deputy minister of Digital Government and Service NL. Bill 95 amends the Public Safety Act to introduce a licensing regime for elevator and amusement ride inspectors—allowing private contractors to conduct inspections—and similarly abolishes the Public Safety Appeal Board in favour of deputy minister appeals. Both bills aim to reduce red tape and address inspection backlogs, though concerns were raised about privatization, compensation for government inspectors, and potential conflicts of interest.
Members' Statements
Confederation 75th medal recipients in Conception Bay South
B. Petten
Petten recognized 17 individuals in Conception Bay South who received Confederation 75th medals on November 15 for their volunteer work with organizations such as Special Olympics, Girl Guides, fire departments, and food banks, calling them 'unsung heroes.'
Success of Cran-Pac Foods Ltd.
J. McKenna
McKenna highlighted Cran-Pac Foods Ltd. in Centreville-Wareham-Trinity, a seasonal berry processing plant that has grown from harvesting 700,000 pounds in 2019 to 3 million pounds in 2024, employing 20 people and creating much-needed local work.
Drs. Genille and Justin French's charitable work in Uganda
E. Joyce
Joyce praised Drs. Genille and Justin French for founding the It's Nice To Be Nice! foundation, raising $750,000 to build the Genille and Justin French Kawaaga Health Care Centre in Uganda, providing health services, clean water, and food support to 40,000 residents.
109th birthday of Hersilia Moores
H. Conway Ottenheimer
Conway Ottenheimer recognized Hersilia Moores, the oldest person in Newfoundland and Labrador, who will celebrate her 109th birthday. Moores has knitted thousands of finger puppets for the Janeway hospital and resides in Clarke's Beach.
Katarina Roxon's Paralympic achievements
T. Wakeham
Wakeham celebrated Paralympic swimmer Katarina Roxon, who competed at five Paralympic Games, served as flag bearer for Canada in Paris 2024, and has won multiple medals. Route 490 is named Katarina Roxon Way in her honour.
Routine Proceedings
Ministerial statement on climate change action
L. Dempster
The Minister of Environment and Climate Change announced that all 45 recommendations from the 2019–2024 Climate Change Action Plan have been implemented. Two new plans for 2025–2030 are under development: a Mitigation Plan targeting net-zero emissions by 2050 and the province's first stand-alone Adaptation Plan. Greenhouse gas emissions in 2022 were the lowest since 1996.
Responses to climate change statement
Multiple
L. Evans (Torngat Mountains) and J. Brown (Labrador West) acknowledged progress but stressed the need for stronger action, collaboration with Indigenous and rural communities, and ensuring workers and communities benefit from the transition. Brown called the government's approach inadequate and urged a stronger commitment to climate mitigation.
Correction on affordability measures
S. Coady
The Deputy Premier corrected her earlier statement in Question Period, clarifying that affordability measures total over $700 million, not $500 million.
Notices of motion for extended sitting hours
J. Hogan
The Government House Leader gave notice of motions to extend sitting hours on December 2, 3, and 4, 2024, to conduct government business.
Notices of bills
Multiple
Ministers gave notice of four bills to be introduced: Bill 100 (Revenue Administration Act amendment), Bill 99 (United Church of Canada Act amendment), Bill 101 (Labour Standards Act amendment), and Bill 102 (Law Enforcement Oversight Commission Act).
Petition for in vitro fertilization clinic
H. Conway Ottenheimer
Conway Ottenheimer presented a petition calling for the establishment of an IVF clinic in the province and interim financial assistance for out-of-province treatments. She noted the $5,000 travel subsidy is insufficient given the high costs of IVF, travel, and accommodations, and called for the release of a report commissioned in October 2023.
Response to IVF petition
J. Hogan
The Minister of Health acknowledged the importance of IVF access and stated that a commissioned report will be released shortly and made public. The government is committed to delivering IVF treatments in the province.
Petition for Long Run Road repairs
L. O'Driscoll
O'Driscoll presented a petition calling for repairs to Long Run Road in Petty Harbour-Maddox Cove, a main access road in deplorable condition with large potholes causing vehicle damage. The road serves residents and tourists visiting a popular fishing area.
Response to Long Run Road petition
F. Hutton
The Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure acknowledged the petition and thanked depot workers who maintain 9,700 lane kilometres of roads and 1,300 bridges. The minister committed to working with Members to ensure roads are as safe as possible within budget constraints.
Petition for inclusive education resources
P. Dinn
Dinn presented a petition calling for increased funding, additional support staff, enhanced professional development for educators, equitable access to specialized services, and regular policy reviews to ensure inclusive education is effective. He noted that 104 student assistants have been added but more resources are needed.
Petition for inclusive education supports
J. Dinn
Dinn presented a detailed petition calling for hiring necessary human resources for students with exceptionalities before year-end, developing consistent communication plans with families, taking sole responsibility for inclusive education regardless of Jordan's Principle, creating safe spaces for staff to report gaps, implementing annual policy reviews, and establishing post-secondary options for students with exceptionalities.
Petition for municipal arrears sales without Crown land challenges
C. Pardy
Pardy presented a petition calling for municipalities to complete arrears sales without Crown land challenges. He cited examples from Trinity and Port Rexton where arrears sales generated significant economic development, but a 2020 memo from the Minister of Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture created uncertainty by requiring municipalities to satisfy themselves that the Crown has no interest in the land.
Petition for timely health care access in Northern Labrador
L. Evans
Evans presented a petition calling for timely and adequate health care access for Northern Labrador residents. She highlighted that patients are frequently prevented from attending medical appointments due to weather delays and lack of seats on medical flights, even when weather is good. This impacts patients' willingness to seek care and their mental health.
Question Period
Child welfare system failures and protection of children in care
Asked by T. Wakeham · Answered by P. Pike (Minister of CSSD) and L. Dempster (Minister of Labrador Affairs)
Ministers stated the government is committed to child safety, intervenes immediately when issues arise, uses group homes that are heavily regulated and licensed, and prioritizes keeping children with families when possible. They cited the new Children, Youth and Families Act, consultation with Indigenous groups, and fly-in/fly-out social workers for remote areas. They did not directly address the specific allegations of recent sexual assaults.
Minister's response to August complaint about St. John's group home
Asked by T. Wakeham · Answered by P. Pike
The minister stated the August email was not about child safety but rather a resident's objection to having a group home in their neighbourhood. He defended his 55-minute response directing the complainant to contact the operator directly and offered to table the email. He accused the Opposition of making political fodder out of children's issues.
Social worker vacancies (approximately 100) in CSSD
Asked by T. Wakeham · Answered by L. Dempster
The minister did not confirm the exact number of vacancies but highlighted measures taken including fly-in/fly-out rotational work for hard-to-fill positions in rural areas and embracing Child and Youth Advocate recommendations.
Seniors' Benefit increase insufficient relative to inflation (7% gap)
Asked by T. Wakeham · Answered by S. Coady (Deputy Premier)
The Deputy Premier noted 24 of 25 recommendations from one Seniors' Advocate report have been actioned, the Seniors' Benefit was raised 15% benefiting 50,000 seniors, and $10 million more was allocated in the budget. She also announced the province will match the federal government's two-month HST elimination on certain items.
Food bank delivery recommendation and free shingles vaccine for low-income seniors
Asked by T. Wakeham · Answered by S. Coady and J. Hogan (Minister of Health)
The Deputy Premier listed various affordability measures (gas tax reduction, elimination of home insurance tax, vehicle registration cuts, Income Supplement and Seniors' Benefit increases, $10/day child care, free medicals for 75+, and matching federal HST cut). The Health Minister stated vaccine decisions rely on Public Health expert advice, not political requests, and noted high-dose flu vaccines for seniors over 65 are now free.
Hiring of fully qualified international nurses from India
Asked by B. Petten · Answered by S. Stoodley (Minister of Immigration) and J. Hogan
Ministers explained that nurses who came with RN job offers are working as RNs (110 this year, 31 more coming). Those who came under different streams (as PCAs or LPNs) and later upskilled are being matched with positions by NL Health Services. The Health Minister stated he has directed NLHS to reach out to each upskilled nurse to fill vacant positions and that nursing vacancies have decreased from 750 (October 2022) to 600 and are continuing to decline.
Continued UK recruitment while nurses sit unemployed at home
Asked by B. Petten · Answered by S. Stoodley
The minister defended UK recruitment efforts, citing tens of thousands of health care workers in the UK who won't be able to stay due to changing immigration policies. The province has conducted 100 one-on-one interviews with health care workers and is using various marketing tactics to recruit in key demand sectors.
Fear of repercussions among 60 Indian nurses
Asked by B. Petten · Answered by S. Stoodley
The minister offered to work with any individuals through the Registered Nurses' Union to ensure they are on the right pathway with NL Health Services and reiterated that the Health Minister has directed NLHS to work with them.
Internal medicine shortage in Clarenville and impact on patient care
Asked by L. Parrott · Answered by J. Hogan
The minister acknowledged internal medicine is the hardest position to recruit nationally, noted an IM is available 9-to-5 in Clarenville, and stated NLHS is working to fill gaps. He mentioned an alternative payment plan for IMs is being developed, leveraging a plan implemented at St. Clare's, to help recruit IMs to rural areas. He expressed sympathy for families affected and emphasized the government is doing its best despite post-COVID challenges.
Absence of full-time nurse on Change Islands
Asked by J. McKenna · Answered by J. Hogan
The minister stated NLHS is working to provide primary care access on a rotational basis and has met with a casual nurse who visited Change Islands yesterday and may take the position.
Reversal on HST cut policy (from targeted measures to blanket cut)
Asked by J. Brown · Answered by S. Coady
The Deputy Premier explained she was previously mirroring NDP language about targeted measures versus carte blanche cuts. She stated the HST is under federal-provincial jurisdiction and can only be changed by the federal government. Now that the federal government has made changes, the province will mirror them, benefiting Newfoundlanders and Labradorians.
Sale of damaged NLHC units on Livingstone Street instead of rebuilding
Asked by J. Dinn · Answered by J. Abbott (Minister of Housing)
The minister stated that replacing the fire-damaged units at that location with current universal design standards was not appropriate, so the property was made available to the market through a real estate agent. He emphasized the government is expanding NLHC units across the province and continuing to invest in social housing.
Community centre for Livingstone Street/Tessier Park area
Asked by J. Dinn · Answered by J. Abbott
The minister, who grew up on Livingstone Street, committed to investing in a community centre to support residents and children in the area, acting on the $70,000 consultation report that recommended it.
Orders of the Day
Motion to extend sitting hours on November 21, 2024
J. Hogan
The Government House Leader moved that the House not adjourn at 5:30 p.m. on November 21, 2024. The motion was adopted.
Second reading debate on Bill 96 (Financial Services Appeal Board repeal)
Multiple
Bill 96 repeals the Financial Services Appeal Board Act and transfers appeal responsibilities to the deputy minister of Digital Government and Service NL. The board has not received appeals since 2015. The bill updates language, reduces timelines from 90 to 30 days, and maintains the right to appeal to Supreme Court. Members supported the bill as a red tape reduction measure. L. O'Driscoll (Ferryland) and P. Lane (Mount Pearl - Southlands) supported it; J. Brown (Labrador West) raised concerns about moving appeals into government and potential conflicts.
Committee of the Whole on Bill 96
Multiple
In Committee, L. O'Driscoll asked about the appeals process, avenues after deputy minister decisions, consultation with industry, and board member remuneration. E. Loveless confirmed the process mirrors the previous board, appeals go to court if unsatisfied, Nova Scotia has a similar model, and board members were paid per diem only when meeting (zero cost in recent years as no appeals occurred). J. Brown asked about internal review processes and other jurisdictions; P. Lane clarified that only the appeal body changed, not the overall process. Bill 96 was carried without amendment.
Second reading debate on Bill 95 (Public Safety Act amendments)
Multiple
Bill 95 introduces a licensing regime for mechanics and contractors who install, test, maintain, and repair elevating devices and amusement rides, and authorizes the chief inspector to allow licensed persons to conduct inspections on behalf of the province. The bill also abolishes the Public Safety Appeal Board and transfers appeals to the deputy minister. E. Loveless explained that three government inspectors oversee 1,878 devices provincewide, recruitment is difficult due to low pay compared to private sector, and there is a backlog of approximately 500 overdue inspections. The licensing regime aligns NL with other provinces (only Manitoba does not license industry). L. O'Driscoll (Ferryland) expressed grave concern about the 500-inspection backlog and questioned the inspection process, timelines, and whether contractors would inspect their own work. J. Brown (Labrador West) raised concerns about privatization and self-inspection. J. Dinn (Third Party Leader) argued the problem is government's own making due to inadequate compensation and warned of costs similar to agency nurses. L. Parrott (Terra Nova) emphasized pay issues are systemic, noted apprentices are needed, and expressed concern about contractors inspecting their own work and the risk of full privatization.
Committee of the Whole on Bill 95
Multiple
In Committee, L. O'Driscoll asked how long it will take to clear the 500-inspection backlog, whether oldest inspections are prioritized, plans to hire more inspectors, the number of annual inspections required, inspection timelines, pay scales ($72,000 high end), whether one company can install and inspect (clarified: cannot inspect own work), cost of contracted inspections (clarified: device owners pay licensed contractors who submit reports to government at no cost to government), number of vendors (six contractors with 30–40 mechanics), and examples from other provinces (similar models, Manitoba only jurisdiction with government-only inspectors). E. Loveless stated three full-time inspectors (including one apprentice) average three inspections per day, a market adjustment is coming, hospitals/long-term care/schools are prioritized, and the goal is to reduce the backlog with the new licensing regime. The session was incomplete at transcript end.
Other business
Announcements and recognitions
The Speaker
The Speaker welcomed guests in the gallery, including Katarina Roxon and Hersilia Moores, subjects of Members' statements. The Speaker also announced the Confederation 75 Teachers Institute on Parliamentary Democracy, a professional development event for 25 educators taking place November 25–26 in the Chamber and Colonial Building.
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.