Newfoundland and Labrador House of Assembly, Monday 14 April 2025
Question Period focused heavily on public safety concerns amid rising gun violence and police vacancies, as well as ongoing debates over seniors' access to the shingles vaccine. Additional topics included procurement policies favouring local businesses, oversight failures in personal care homes highlighted by the Auditor General, court delays threatening criminal cases, physician retention at Carbonear General Hospital, and the controversial proposal to relocate women's gynecological services to the Janeway Children's Hospital. The House of Assembly conducted routine business including welcoming visitors, hearing Members' statements recognizing community volunteers and athletes, and receiving a ministerial statement on the opening of the new Mental Health and Addictions Centre. The government introduced four bills for first reading covering fisheries collective bargaining, revenue administration, renewable energy resources, and organ donation. The main focus was continuation of the budget debate, with Members raising concerns about health care access, infrastructure deficits, rural services, seniors' supports, and the cost of living.
Members' Statements
Recognition of Madonna Galway for 28 years leading Northeast Avalon Food Bank
J. Wall
Recognized Madonna Galway who stepped down as president of the Northeast Avalon Food Bank after 28 years of service helping reduce hunger in families through food hamper distribution and community support.
Easter and spring season reflections on community generosity
J. Korab
Reflected on Ramadan, Passover and Easter as times of renewal and togetherness, thanking local organizations and volunteers for food drives and Easter basket donations while encouraging support for local businesses.
50th anniversary of Springdale Silver Gliders Figure Skating Club
L. Paddock
Celebrated the Silver Gliders Figure Skating Club's golden anniversary, commending five decades of dedication by skaters, coaches and volunteers, and noting their recent ice show during the Year of Sport.
Provincial Karate NL team success at National Championships
J. Hogan
Recognized 10 junior and senior athletes who competed at the 2025 Karate Canada National Championships, with Jane Fancy and Emily Reglar earning bronze medals and securing places on Team Canada.
Harold Miller's acts of bravery and lifesaving
C. Pardy
Celebrated Harold Miller of Burgoyne's Cove who received the Medal of Bravery in 1989 for rescuing a crew member overboard and the Cross of Valour in 1981 for saving 12 crew members from a capsizing trawler.
Newbornlander social enterprise supporting immigrant women
J. Dinn
Recognized Constanza Safatle's Newbornlander, a social enterprise providing locally made children's clothing and meaningful employment for immigrant women through the Sewing Hope Program that teaches skills and builds community.
Opening of new Mental Health and Addictions Centre
S. Stoodley
Announced the opening of the province's new Mental Health and Addictions Centre with 102 in-patient beds replacing the 170-year-old Waterford Hospital, along with Budget 2025 funding for expanded services across all regions.
Routine Proceedings
Tabling of House of Assembly Management Commission minutes
The Speaker
Tabled minutes from House of Assembly Management Commission meetings held between July 2024 and February 2025 as required by statute.
Petition for improved Wi-Fi and cell service in Placentia West - Bellevue
J. Dwyer
Presented petition calling for improved Wi-Fi and cell service affecting fire and emergency services, tourism, business, medical services and personal use, arguing connectivity should be considered an essential service.
Petition for increased police enforcement in Exploits District
P. Forsey
Presented petition requesting increased RCMP enforcement due to rising crime and speeding, noting a 2019 review recommended two additional officers for Central Newfoundland and citing a 34% increase in rural crime severity.
Petition for anti-temporary replacement worker legislation
J. Brown
Presented petition calling for legislation banning temporary replacement workers during strikes or lockouts, citing examples from Quebec, BC and federal government, and referencing local strikes at Voisey's Bay and D-J Composites.
Petition for road upgrades between Bay Bulls and St. John's
L. O'Driscoll
Presented petition requesting upgrades to the Irish Loop road section between Bay Bulls and St. John's city limits, citing dangerous conditions with deep ruts affecting commuters, emergency response and tourism.
Question Period
Police staffing levels and gun violence
Asked by T. Wakeham · Answered by B. Davis
The minister cited $50 million in new funding, 10 new officers for the Northeast Avalon, 19 more through the Policing Transformation Working Group, and five new RCMP officers. He committed to providing exact staffing numbers after Question Period but did not specify current totals compared to previous years.
Shingles vaccine coverage for seniors aged 50 and older
Asked by T. Wakeham · Answered by S. Coady
The Deputy Premier did not directly endorse the former Health Minister's proposal to cover all seniors 50+. She emphasized the government's record of supporting seniors through budget measures and accused the Opposition of voting against those initiatives.
Aircraft procurement RFP and local supplier consideration
Asked by T. Wakeham · Answered by F. Hutton / G. Byrne
The Minister of Transportation stated the RFP is under review. The Minister of Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture emphasized that equipment specifications are guided by wildfire professionals and that the government will provide opportunities for local companies but insists on the best equipment for safety.
Legislation for preferential procurement for local businesses
Asked by T. Wakeham · Answered by G. Byrne
The minister indicated openness to maintaining strong supplier relationships and providing preference for local companies, noting ongoing discussions with suppliers and a refurbished supplier public procurement committee, but did not commit to legislation this session.
Shingles vaccine policy discrepancy between government and Member for Windsor Lake
Asked by B. Petten / C. Pardy · Answered by J. Haggie / P. Pike
The Acting Minister of Health defended the phased approach, covering seniors 65–70 and immunocompromised individuals first, with plans to evaluate and expand. The Minister of Children, Seniors and Social Development stated he supports both the current program and the expanded proposal.
Action taken following Auditor General's report on personal care homes
Asked by B. Petten · Answered by J. Haggie
The minister stated that NL Health Services is responsible for oversight, acknowledged documentation failures identified by the Auditor General, and committed to an action plan within weeks. He added that 17 FTEs have been added for supervision and oversight.
Jordan's Principle applications and criminal court delays
Asked by H. Conway Ottenheimer · Answered by B. Davis
The minister confirmed five Jordan's applications are filed and expressed concern over any case dismissed due to delays. He highlighted significant investments in Crown attorneys over the next three years to reduce such applications.
Physician resignations and retention at Carbonear General Hospital
Asked by H. Conway Ottenheimer · Answered by J. Haggie
The minister cited recruitment of 140 doctors in the past 12–18 months and efforts to stabilize the internal medicine residency program. He noted exit interviews are conducted to understand challenges and emphasized the province's generous recruitment and retention package.
Relocation of women's gynecological services to the Janeway without consultation
Asked by J. Dinn · Answered by J. Haggie
The minister stated there is no intent to diminish children's services at the Janeway and suggested consultation may be at an early stage. He defended the need to address bed occupancy imbalances between the Health Sciences Centre and the Janeway.
Signing on to the federal pharmacare program
Asked by J. Brown · Answered by J. Haggie
The minister explained that negotiations were nearly complete but stalled due to federal funding running out and the federal election. He committed to resuming negotiations once a new federal government is in place.
Orders of the Day
Motion to cancel Private Members' Day on April 16
L. Dempster
Government House Leader moved and the House adopted a motion to cancel Private Members' Day on Wednesday, April 16, and instead meet for Routine Proceedings and Government Business.
Motion to adjourn House until May 12 after April 16
L. Dempster
Government House Leader moved and the House adopted a motion that the House adjourn to Monday, May 12, 2025, following proceedings on Wednesday, April 16.
First reading of Bill 111 - Fishing Industry Collective Bargaining Act amendments
L. Dempster
Government House Leader introduced Bill 111, An Act to Amend the Fishing Industry Collective Bargaining Act No. 3, which received first reading and was ordered for second reading tomorrow.
First reading of Bill 112 - Revenue Administration Act amendments
L. Dempster
Government House Leader introduced Bill 112, An Act to Amend the Revenue Administration Act No. 9, which received first reading and was ordered for second reading tomorrow.
First reading of Bill 113 - Renewable Energy Resources Act
L. Dempster
Government House Leader introduced Bill 113, An Act Respecting Renewable Energy Resources in the Province, which received first reading and was ordered for second reading tomorrow.
First reading of Bill 114 - Human Organ and Tissue Donation Act
L. Dempster
Government House Leader introduced Bill 114, An Act Respecting Human Organ and Tissue Donation, which received first reading and was ordered for second reading tomorrow.
Budget debate - disability advocate and home repair program
J. Dwyer
Criticized the budget for not including a disability advocate despite five years of requests, noting 30% of the population has disabilities. Also called for expanding the Provincial Home Repair Program thresholds to help more seniors afford essential home repairs.
Budget debate - housing, education and health care concerns
J. Dinn
Argued the stay-the-course budget fails those at the margins, criticizing $90 million for offshore oil exploration while housing and MUN infrastructure needs remain unmet. Raised concerns about school violence, inadequate MUN funding, and the decision to move women's services to the Janeway without consulting pediatricians.
Budget debate - 24-hour emergency services and roads in Exploits
P. Forsey
Called for reinstating 24-hour emergency services at Dr. Hugh Twomey Health Centre in Botwood, closed since 2016 despite election promises. Also raised concerns about deteriorating road conditions on Route 350 and inadequate paving allocations compared to neighbouring districts.
Budget debate - ferry service and infrastructure in Fogo Island - Cape Freels
J. McKenna
Described the budget as urban-focused rather than rural, criticizing deteriorating roads, inadequate ferry service with only one offloading ramp at Farewell, and lack of support for small businesses, farmers and the fishery. Called for more investment in rural infrastructure.
Budget debate - fiscal sustainability and federal responsibilities
P. Lane
Acknowledged legitimate constituent concerns raised by colleagues but emphasized the province's $19 billion net debt and $1.2 billion annual debt servicing costs. Argued the federal government should bear more responsibility for seniors' supports and called for strings attached to MUN infrastructure funding.
Budget debate - health care wait times and personal care homes
J. Wall
Noted the same issues from Budget 2023 remain unresolved in 2025, including ER wait times (citing a constituent who waited 16 hours), lack of family doctors, and cost of living pressures. Called for shingles vaccine coverage and a poverty reduction strategy, while commending North Pond personal care home staff.
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.