Newfoundland and Labrador House of Assembly, Tuesday 4 March 2025
Question Period was dominated by two major themes: allegations of improper land deals by the Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure, and the government's response to U.S. tariffs. The Opposition pressed on discrepancies in appraisal dates and valuations for the Kenmount Crossing and Snow's Lane properties, while the Deputy Premier repeatedly pivoted to tariff countermeasures. Additional questions addressed mental health crisis response gaps, school violence, recidivism in the justice system, and cost-of-living relief amid tariff uncertainty.
Question Period
Kenmount Crossing land deal appraisal timing and completeness
Asked by T. Wakeham · Answered by S. Crocker (Minister of Tourism, Culture, Arts and Recreation, acting for Transportation and Infrastructure)
The minister stated he would get more information but believed the appraisal was done before purchase. He committed to asking the Auditor General to review the sale process, which began in August 2023 and concluded in late December 2024.
Snow's Lane land sale and development potential
Asked by T. Wakeham · Answered by S. Crocker
The minister acknowledged the appraisal noted conditional development potential but emphasized it was based on land with no access. He reiterated willingness to have the Auditor General review the transaction.
Boyd's Cove volunteer fire department artesian well damage
Asked by T. Wakeham · Answered by S. Crocker
The minister committed to look into the matter immediately and get back to the Member, without confirming full payment for repairs.
Mobile Crisis Response Team missed calls and availability
Asked by B. Petten · Answered by J. Haggie (Minister of Municipal and Provincial Affairs)
The minister did not have data on the 10 missed calls per month but committed to investigate. He noted the service has expanded to multiple sites, some 24-7, and cited alternative resources like 911 and the Mental Health Crisis Line.
Unfulfilled mobile mental health crisis teams for rural areas
Asked by B. Petten · Answered by J. Haggie
The minister explained that teams rely on law enforcement collaboration and acknowledged staffing challenges with JPS, RNC, and RCMP. He stated recruitment and retention efforts are yielding results but the province is not there yet.
Recidivism and accountability in the justice system
Asked by H. Conway Ottenheimer · Answered by B. Davis (Minister of Justice and Public Safety)
The minister cited investments of $20 million and $24 million in the justice system, including Crown attorneys, and emphasized a whole-of-government approach to address complex needs through therapy and programming in correctional facilities.
Educational psychologist vacancies and school violence
Asked by P. Dinn · Answered by K. Howell (Minister of Education)
The minister acknowledged a troubling trend of increased violence and stated the issue requires a multi-pronged approach involving all stakeholders. She highlighted a pilot program of student services teaching and learning assistants and recent School Safety Coalition discussions, but provided no specific timeline for psychologist recruitment.
Highway plow procurement discrepancy (64 promised vs. 7 delivered)
Asked by J. McKenna · Answered by S. Crocker
The minister defended the five-year equipment plan, citing procurement challenges, and emphasized that safety is important to all members. He stated equipment is being delivered as part of an unprecedented investment.
First-time homebuyer incentives and HST removal from home heating
Asked by J. Brown · Answered by S. Coady (Deputy Premier)
The Deputy Premier cited record housing investments and a five-point plan, and noted $750 million in supports including the lowest gas tax in Canada, 50% vehicle registration reduction, and elimination of home insurance tax. She committed to continue examining options in the budget process.
Electric vehicle rebate policy on Tesla and consultation with not-for-profits on tariff impacts
Asked by J. Brown · Answered by S. Coady
The Deputy Premier confirmed Tesla vehicles are ineligible for the provincial EV rebate because Tesla has no dealership in the province, though some used Tesla rebates are under review. She affirmed the government is consulting with communities, business, and union leaders, and noted $200 million in contingency funding to respond to tariff impacts.
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.