May 17, 2022
HOUSE OF ASSEMBLY PROCEEDINGS
Vol. L No. 55
The
House met at 3:10 p.m.
SPEAKER (Bennett):
Order, please!
Admit
strangers.
In the
public gallery, I would like to welcome Nicholas Codner. Nicholas is the subject
of a Member's statement this afternoon.
Welcome,
Nicholas.
SOME HON. MEMBERS:
Hear, hear!
Statements by
Members
SPEAKER:
Today we will hear statements
by the hon. Members for the Districts of Mount Pearl North, Baie Verte - Green
Bay, Grand Falls-Windsor - Buchans, Lake Melville and Cape St. Francis.
The hon.
the Member for Mount Pearl North.
L. STOYLES:
Speaker, I rise in this House
to acknowledge a young man in my district, Alex Taylor, who is a Grade 8 student
at Mount Pearl Intermediate. Alex is just 13 years old. Alex has a love for
music and can play various instruments; also, he has the gift in singing.
He has
used his talent to help out in various community events. He has also done
several fundraising events to raise much-needed money for local communities
groups, such as the local food bank, Make-A-Wish campaign for the Children's
Wish Foundation, mental health and so on.
April of
this year, he organized an event for the Red Cross efforts for Ukraine, raising
almost $2,500. Alex not only excels in the community, but he's also on the
principal's list with a very high, impressive grade average.
Alex is
very lucky to have the support of his family. I ask all Members to join me in
supporting Alex.
Thank
you, Speaker.
SOME HON. MEMBERS:
Hear, hear!
SPEAKER:
The hon. the Member for Baie
Verte - Green Bay.
B. WARR:
Mr. Speaker, I rise to
acknowledge two constituents: Eric Colbourne, author of
The Diary of a Fishing Master, written
with Skipper Keith Bath from the resettled community of Horse Islands, now
residing in LaScie. Author Eric Colbourne is from Lush's Bight, Beaumont.
Mr.
Colbourne gives the reader an accurate account by expressing the risks of life
at sea. For those who know Skipper Keith Bath, he has the ability to turn a
near-death experience of falling into the frigid North Atlantic Ocean into a
comedy.
Skipper
Keith Bath and Author Eric Colbourne captivate the reader with intrigue and
interest of those earning a living at sea. The book includes fascinating life
experiences of an accomplished skipper of more than 50 years in pursuit of a
well-earned and honest living. One such experience was coordinating the rescue
of Little Jack, a fishing boat disabled by high winds on the Grand Banks.
I ask
all hon. Members to join me in offering Skipper Keith Bath and Author Eric
Colbourne heartfelt thanks for capturing a clearer understanding of the life of
those who earn a living at the sea.
Thank
you, Mr. Speaker.
SOME HON. MEMBERS:
Hear, hear!
SPEAKER:
The hon. the Member for Grand
Falls-Windsor - Buchans.
C. TIBBS:
Thank you, Speaker.
I rise
today to honour the students and staff of Exploits Valley High on their most
recent production of the high school musical
Footloose.
This
past weekend, Grand Falls-Windsor had the pleasure of witnessing a spectacle of
dance and song that showcased some of the greatest talents in this province. The
Gordon Pinsent Centre for the Arts not only kept us entertained, but played a
larger role in bringing a community together. After more than two years of
living in a global pandemic, our beautiful town was brought together under one
roof, in a packed theatre, with no shortage of smiles.
Special
congratulations go to the production team of Jennifer Clarke, Sandra Goudie,
Dawn Oldford and Scott Simms for their amazing work and dedication. The
commitment these young people put into this show during the past school year
should be commended, and their hard work shone through with each 2½-hour
performance.
As MHA
for Grand Falls-Windsor - Buchans, I want to thank the cast and crew, not just
for their presentation but after two long years of
despair, you have brought hope and inspiration to so many, and for that we are a
stronger community.
Thank you, Speaker.
SOME HON. MEMBERS:
Hear, hear!
SPEAKER:
The
hon. the Member for Lake Melville.
P. TRIMPER:
Today, I pay tribute to a friend of mine, Marion
Broomfield, who died in February of this year.
Very much the heart and soul of the community of Mud Lake, Marion lived
there for over 85 years. She spent four years living in Happy Valley-Goose Bay
with her husband, Sam, before they moved back to the village where she was born.
In her pursuit of improved services for Mud Lake, Marion could be both
elegant and intimidating. Her particular focus was the beautiful United Church
and as the proceeds from the long-running Mud Lake Fair were dedicated to the
upkeep of this church, Marion was a dedicated promoter and lifelong contributor
to the annual fair. With the popular quilt auction, target shoot, canoe races
and plenty of good food, people would arrive by boat from all over Lake
Melville.
In 2012, Marion received Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal,
recognizing her contribution to Mud Lake. She will always be remembered for her
love of family – children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren; the warmth of
her kitchen; and her welcoming hospitality.
I would ask the 50th General Assembly to join me in thanking Marion
Broomfield for a life well lived in service to her community.
Thank you.
SOME HON. MEMBERS:
Hear, hear!
SPEAKER:
The hon. the Member for Cape St.
Francis.
J. WALL:
Thank you, Speaker.
I rise in this hon. House today to recognize the
outstanding accomplishment of two constituents who represented our province at
the 2022 Tim Hortons Brier in Lethbridge, Alberta, in March.
Skip Nathan Young and alternate Nicholas Codner, both
from the town of Torbay, competed against the country's top curlers in Canada's
national men's curling championship from March 4 to 13. Young, age 19 and gold
medalist in mixed doubles curling at the World Youth Olympics in 2020, and
Codner, age 15, the youngest player ever to compete at the Brier, were joined by
Sam Follett, Nathan Locke and Ben Stringer to round out Team Newfoundland and
Labrador.
Speaker, they may be a young team, all being under the
age of 20 years; however, Team Young has certainly proven that they deserve to
be at the big game. Support from family, friends and fans from across our
province has added to the excitement of their first of, I'm sure, many Brier
appearances.
Speaker,
I ask all hon. Members to join me in thanking and congratulating Nicholas Codner
and Nathan Young for representing our province at the 2022 Brier and wish them
every success in their curling careers.
SOME HON. MEMBERS:
Hear, hear!
SPEAKER:
Statements by Ministers.
Statements by
Ministers
SPEAKER:
The hon. the Minister of
Justice and Public Safety.
J. HOGAN:
Thank you, Speaker.
Speaker,
police in our province often face difficult and dangerous situations. Today, I
would like to acknowledge the important work of the Royal Newfoundland
Constabulary and Royal Canadian Mounted Police. Every day the dedicated members
of our police agencies show their professionalism and commitment as they work to
ensure the safety and security for the people of our province.
Police
Week 2022, being recognized from May 15 to 21, has a theme of 'Connected to Our
Communities.' Members of our police agencies, both uniformed and civilian, put
an emphasis on working with communities and community organizations to best
provide support to the people they serve.
We all
have a role to play in keeping the people of the province safe and the RNC and
the RCMP are examples of how we can work together with communities to make
Newfoundland and Labrador the best place to live, work and raise a family.
Speaker,
as a government, we have put an emphasis on working with police and community
partners to ensure we are living and raising our families in one of the safest
provinces in Canada. That security and peace of mind is a direct result of the
hard work and dedication of the members of our police agencies.
While
policing is a very rewarding job, it comes with significant risks. The sense of
security and quality of life we enjoy is because of the risks they take every
day and their devotion and passion for helping others.
Our
government continues to support the provinces police agencies and announced in
Budget 2022 almost $21 million for a
new radio system that will enable the emergency responders to communicate in a
timely manner with each other.
Speaker,
I ask all hon. Members to join me in thanking members of the RNC and the RCMP
for their service and the important work they do to protect the people of
Newfoundland and Labrador.
Thank
you.
SOME HON. MEMBERS:
Hear, hear!
SPEAKER:
The hon. the Member for
Harbour Main.
H. CONWAY OTTENHEIMER:
I thank the minister for
an advance copy of his statement.
On
behalf of the Official Opposition, on the occasion of Police Week, I would like
to thank the brave, hard-working and committed Newfoundlanders and Labradorians
who attend work every day to keep our communities safe. However, I do want to
urge the government to provide the needed resources and equipment to our
province's police forces. With the ending of the RNC vehicle replacement
program, I am concerned that the fleet will deteriorate and officers will be
forced to drive ill-equipped, damaged, or poorly maintained vehicles. Going
forward, we must ensure that the workforce and the people they serve are as safe
as possible.
Thank
you, Mr. Speaker.
SPEAKER:
The hon. the Member for
Torngat Mountains.
L. EVANS:
I thank the minister for an
advance copy of his statement.
We thank
all police across our province for their work. While we recognize policing is a
thankless and dangerous job, many members of our society still have trust issues
when they deal with the police. To re-establish trust, we call for a more
community approach to policing and for the creation of a civilian oversight
authority to build greater transparency.
Thank
you, Speaker.
SPEAKER:
Are there any further
statements by ministers?
Oral
Questions.
Oral Questions
SPEAKER:
The hon. the Leader of the
Official Opposition.
D. BRAZIL:
Thank you, Speaker.
The
Prince of Wales asked the British parliament – and I quote his words – to find a
way to help ease the cost of living for families.
Will the
Premier take the advice of His Royal Highness?
SPEAKER:
The hon. the Minister of
Finance and President of Treasury Board.
S. COADY:
Thank you.
It is
wonderful indeed to have the Prince of Wales here visiting today, and his wife,
and I think we had a wonderful recognition and celebration at Confederation
Building, and certainly in the spirit of reconciliation, I think it was
particularly poignant that we were recognizing our Indigenous leaders.
I say to
the Member opposite that this government has made an investment of $142 million
to help with the cost of living. As I have said in this House, and will continue
to say, we are hopeful to do more to alleviate the concerns of the people of the
province; this is very difficult. But as the Prince of Wales has said to the
parliament of the United Kingdom, this is indeed a global issue and one which
all governments and all societies are dealing with.
Thank
you.
SOME HON. MEMBERS:
Hear, hear!
SPEAKER:
The hon. the Leader of the
Official Opposition.
D. BRAZIL:
Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
For the
last four weeks we've heard from the people of Newfoundland and Labrador that
what's being done by the Liberal administration is not enough. More needs to be
done to address the cost of living and the peril that it's having on people's
lives here in Newfoundland and Labrador.
The
Premier said that today is a historic day: Gas prices are historically high. Is
this the history the Premier wants the people of our province to remember on
this historic day?
Can you
outline a relief program for the people of Newfoundland and Labrador that will
do real justice to addressing the financial woes that they're facing right now?
SOME HON. MEMBERS:
Hear, hear!
SPEAKER:
The hon. the Minister of
Finance and President of Treasury Board.
S. COADY:
I say it is a historic day.
We spent this afternoon celebrating Newfoundland and Labrador history,
recognizing our Indigenous history, our Indigenous leaders, recognizing the role
of Newfoundland and Labrador in Canada, as well as our historic – being the
oldest colony for the British colonies. So it was a historic day, it is a
historic day.
I will say, regarding the price of fuel and the cost of
living, it is very, very difficult times for the people of the province. That's
why we were able to provide the most vulnerable with 10 per cent increases to
the Income Supplement, to the Seniors' Benefit, a cheque to those receiving
Income Support and lower cost fees and taxation for the people of this province.
SOME HON. MEMBERS:
Hear, hear!
SPEAKER:
The
minister's time has expired.
The hon. the Leader of the Official Opposition.
D.
BRAZIL:
Thank you, Speaker.
I would hope that it's a historically warm spring,
summer and winter for the people of Newfoundland and Labrador to be able to heat
their homes and be able to have some sense of stability in their lives.
Speaker, the prime minister only had half an hour to
listen to the needs of Newfoundland and Labrador this morning.
Did the prime minister offer support or was this yet
another photo op?
SPEAKER:
The
hon. the Minister of Finance and President of Treasury Board.
S.
COADY:
Speaker, the Premier speaks regularly with the prime minister. It was wonderful
to have the prime minister visit Newfoundland and Labrador today. They had an
opportunity to have a conversation around Canada Health Transfers, around the
cost of living, around immigration, reconciliation – there were a number of
topics that they did have the opportunity to speak about today.
I think it's important that Newfoundland and Labrador
is always represented to the prime minister. I think the Premier has a very
strong relationship and that is why we were able to get the $5.2 billion that
was required to help with Muskrat Falls and rate mitigation.
SOME HON. MEMBERS:
Hear, hear!
SPEAKER:
The
hon. the Leader of the Official Opposition.
D.
BRAZIL:
Thank you, Speaker.
Conversations are fine but we need tangible programs
and supports for the people of Newfoundland and Labrador.
SOME HON. MEMBERS:
Hear, hear!
D.
BRAZIL:
Speaker, the Bay du Nord Project faced many scrutinies, more than any other
offshore project in our province's history. The prime minister said that the
future projects will face even more stringent conditions.
I ask the Premier: Is this how the federal Liberals
will prevent future development in our offshore industry?
SPEAKER:
The
hon. the Minister of Industry, Energy and Technology
A.
PARSONS:
Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
I am always happy to have an opportunity to answer
questions on the oil and gas industry and, again, the efforts that we have made
to help it succeed, especially, during this time of transition – one that we all
recognize as happening, but we certainly realize there's also a future right now
for oil and gas.
What I can say is that, obviously, Bay du Nord has gone
through a stringent environmental process; one that took longer than we thought
it should take; one that we defended. Again, I would point out, I got some
questions from the other side about when I spoke up about the project, people
saying I was questioning the merits of the science on the project.
But do you know what? Those are the questions I'm going
to ask. Those are the questions I'm going to keep asking. At the end of the day,
we will do everything we can, whether it's with this province, the feds, you
name it, anybody. We feel this industry has a way to succeed.
Thank you.
SOME HON. MEMBERS:
Hear, hear!
SPEAKER:
The
hon. the Leader of the Official Opposition.
D.
BRAZIL:
Thank you, Speaker.
And we acknowledge the minister's work in pushing
forward, as it is on this side of the House and the thousands of Newfoundlanders
and Labradorians who work in the industry, to make sure this happens. Our
worrisome issues here are about the federal government having a hidden agenda to
end the oil and gas industry in Newfoundland and Labrador.
So we all collectively have to stand up to make sure that it doesn't happen
under anybody's watch in this province.
Speaker,
the Finance Minister has repeatedly used the federal government as an excuse to
not take action.
Did the
prime minister agree to provide immediate relief to motorists in the province by
lowering the carbon tax?
SPEAKER:
The hon. the Minister of
Finance and President of Treasury Board.
S. COADY:
I certainly haven't used the
federal government as an excuse; I have merely pointed out the rules around
which we have to operate in this province. As I have indicated, we have provided
back to the people of the province the entire amount of provincial gas tax that
we gain from the price of fuel in this province. I have also indicated that
we're prepared to do something further as we progress through this year.
These
are indeed very, very difficult times for the people of the province, but we
have addressed the most vulnerable. We have provided for all residents in this
province through lowering of the tax on their home, of lowering the fees on
motor vehicle registration – just to give an example. These are the types of
things that we're trying to do to put money back in the people's pockets.
SOME HON. MEMBERS:
Hear, hear!
SPEAKER:
The hon. the Leader of the
Official Opposition.
D. BRAZIL:
Thank you, Speaker.
It was
your prime minister who imposed the carbon tax on the people of Newfoundland and
Labrador.
SOME HON. MEMBERS:
Hear, hear!
D. BRAZIL:
It should be him who takes it
off and does something for the people in this province.
People
in this province are suffering because they cannot get access to health care.
The Health Accord has been released but we still have not seen the
implementation plan's outline. The Health Accord will need federal funding.
How much
funding did the Premier receive today from the prime minister to assist with the
implementation of the Health Accord?
SPEAKER:
The hon. the Member for
Finance and President of Treasury Board.
S. COADY:
As I indicated in an earlier
question, this was one of the most important things that the Premier has been
speaking to the federal government about, the Canada Health Transfer. Indeed,
all First Ministers, all premiers in this country are speaking about this in a
united voice. This is very, very serious and they need the support of the
federal government in order to have the strength that we need in our health care
system.
I would
also say to the Member opposite about carbon tax, it is the federal government's
policy to help address climate change. I'm sure the Member opposite would agree
that is a need within not only Canada but indeed the globe to address climate
change.
SOME HON. MEMBERS:
Hear, hear!
SPEAKER:
The hon. the Member for
Stephenville - Port au Port.
T. WAKEHAM:
Speaker, I can tell you that
the people of Newfoundland and Labrador are suffering now. They can't even
afford to drive their vehicles to their medical appointments and they certainly
can't afford to be paying to see a nurse practitioner.
I simply
ask the minister: What do you say to the people of Newfoundland and Labrador who
have seen another giant increase in the price of gasoline today?
SPEAKER:
The hon. the Minister of
Finance and President of Treasury Board.
S. COADY:
I say what I heard; I think
President Biden said yesterday, facing the same situation all across North
America and indeed the world. It is because we're emerging from the pandemic
and, of course, the war in the Ukraine. These are the situations that we're
facing.
We're
trying to manage as best we can in this province. As the Members opposite are
very well aware, as all of us should be aware, the money that we've already
provided to the people of the province, the $142 million, is borrowed from our
children and our grandchildren. We have to be responsible in the way we're doing
things, as we face this very difficult situation globally.
SOME HON. MEMBERS:
Hear, hear!
SPEAKER:
The hon. the Member for
Stephenville - Port au Port.
T. WAKEHAM:
Speaker, first it was the
federal government, now we're hearing it's the United States that's the problem
and were going to give us the answers. I would just suggest enough time has
passed us by. We're not asking for a deficit to be increased, we're suggesting
go back and take a look at the monies that you already have budgeted.
So I
simply say to the minister, the people of this province are calling out. They
need your help. They need you to step up now. You've admitted that your budget
was not enough.
I ask
once again: Will you acknowledge today and provide us with what exactly you will
do to help the people in Newfoundland and Labrador?
SPEAKER:
The hon. the Minister of
Finance and President of Treasury Board.
S. COADY:
Newfoundlanders and
Labradorians are intelligent enough to know that this is a global situation. I
merely pointed that out in my answer to the previous. I did not blame the United
States, Speaker; I merely pointed out as Biden had said yesterday this is a
global problem. I know that Newfoundlanders and Labradorians recognize same.
But in
the same voice I will say, Speaker –
SOME HON. MEMBERS:
Oh, oh!
S. COADY:
My goodness there's lots of
banter back and forth today. I will say that's why in the budget we provided
$142 million in relief that we borrowed to be able to provide the people of the
province.
I know
and understand, and our government understands, how difficult this is on the
people of the province. That's why we're going to continue to try and do
everything that we possibly can to help put money in their pockets.
SOME HON. MEMBERS:
Hear, hear!
SPEAKER:
The hon. the Member for
Bonavista.
C. PARDY:
Mr. Speaker, a little segue
into the next question would be from the Member for Baie Verte - Green Bay when
he mentioned Skipper Keith Bath, a sealing master. Of course, we just heard Rum
Ragged – Rum Ragged, what is it about fish that keeps us here, the question. The
team tasked with studying seals is reporting the largest concentration of seals
in the world, the largest seal population in the recorded history of our region
and fish stocks in jeopardy.
When
will the minister insist DFO take seal predation seriously and take efforts to
maximize our provincial quota?
SPEAKER:
The hon. the Minister of
Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture.
D. BRAGG:
Thank you very much, Speaker.
I guess
I should inform the hon. Member that last week or the week before, the federal
minister was in Corner Brook for an announcement on the seal science task force.
It was well received. It showed where it's going to be.
SOME HON. MEMBERS:
Oh, oh!
SPEAKER:
Order, please!
D. BRAGG:
She's taking a serious look
at the sealing.
SOME HON. MEMBERS:
Oh, oh!
SPEAKER:
Order, please!
The hon.
the Minister of Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture.
D. BRAGG:
Thank you, Speaker.
As I
tried to say, the federal minister was in the province last week. She's very
serious at looking at the science on the seals.
I look
forward to further conversations with her when I'm in Ottawa next week for the
summit on the seals.
SOME HON. MEMBERS:
Hear, hear!
SPEAKER:
The hon. the Member for
Bonavista.
C. PARDY:
I'm glad she does acknowledge
now that seals eat fish. I think that is a good start.
SOME HON. MEMBERS:
Hear, hear!
C. PARDY:
One little note, one of the
17 conclusions – and I just want to share this one before the next question –
the total prey consumption of harp seals in 2J3KL during 2014 was estimated at
3.2-million metric tons. That was the same year our commercial landings totalled
256,000 tons. The report stated that scientific research is needed to establish
the magnitude of the impact of the out-of-control seal population.
With
this level of understanding of seals at the federal level, how does this
minister plan to restore the balance in our ocean ecosystem?
SPEAKER:
The hon. the Minister of
Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture.
D. BRAGG:
I guess that's a question
best asked to the federal minister, but I'm pleased that the federal minister is
taking our seal problem in this province very seriously. I am very pleased with
that.
I look
forward to continued conversations with the minister on how we can go into a
harvest of the seals. I know in our province alone we spent over $700,000 in the
last three years on marketing opportunities for seal products.
Thank
you very much, Speaker.
SOME HON. MEMBERS:
Hear, hear!
SPEAKER:
The hon. the Member for
Conception Bay South.
B. PETTEN:
Thank you, Speaker.
Speaker,
the minister's mandate letter says: To ensure that the province fully benefits
from government investments by prioritizing local hiring including women,
Indigenous peoples and apprentices.
Can the
minister provide an update on the implementation of a local benefits policy for
public infrastructure and resource projects in Newfoundland and Labrador?
SPEAKER:
The hon. the Minister of
Transportation and Infrastructure.
E. LOVELESS:
Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
It's an
important question because local employment is certainly first and foremost when
doing projects in this province, like the hospitals that we've built, and most
recently work on the mental health facility. I'm happy to report that in the
last three months we've been 100 per cent Newfoundlanders and Labradorians
employed there.
SOME HON. MEMBERS:
Hear, hear!
SPEAKER:
The hon. the Member for
Conception Bay South.
B. PETTEN:
Yes, Mr. Speaker, and also on
November 13, 2019, he stood and told the House the same thing: 100 per cent
support of a local benefits policy. Yet, three years since, the Liberals have
failed to take any meaningful action.
I ask
the minister: Why isn't he taking action to ensure local Newfoundland and
Labrador workers are given priority on hiring on public infrastructure and
resource projects?
SPEAKER:
The hon. the Minister of
Transportation and Infrastructure.
E. LOVELESS:
I'm not sure how much more I
can make it clearer, Mr. Speaker. We strive on all projects to get 100 per cent
employment; we have a good record of 90 per cent-plus.
Like I
said, in the last three months, we've done 100 per cent. How much better can you
do than 100 per cent?
SOME HON. MEMBERS:
Hear, hear!
SPEAKER:
The hon. the Member for Terra
Nova.
L. PARROTT:
I'd suggest the minister go
to Corner Brook and pay a visit to the plasterers from Quebec and ask them if
they have Newfoundland birth certificates.
Thousands of people are currently employed in Texas and Spain working on
Newfoundland resource projects, all the while our skilled workers are stranded
without a job to support their families.
When is
this government going to stand up for Newfoundlanders and Labradorians and stop
letting our jobs leave the province?
SPEAKER:
The hon. the Minister of
Industry, Energy and Technology.
A. PARSONS:
Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
I
presume that the Member opposite, who is my shadow critic, is asking about the
resource projects, is my assumption, so I'll take this question.
What I
can point out is that every agreement comes with a benefits agreement and,
again, the same as done by the previous government. The reality is we want to
have as many Newfoundlanders and Labradorians working as possible on these.
As it
relates to the offshore projects especially, we do have the C-NLOPB or soon to
be C-NLOEB that are looking at this that keep an eye on it.
If I
ever hear a complaint from somebody, I certainly pass it on to them to ensure
compliance with the agreement. But right now, I can tell you I get far less
emails from people looking for work than I did about two years ago.
Thank
you.
SOME HON. MEMBERS:
Hear, hear!
SPEAKER:
The hon. the Member for Terra
Nova.
L. PARROTT:
Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
The
minister understands the amount of work that went on in Corpus Christi certainly
with the West White Rose Project. Recently, we've seen Quebec MPs impeding the
approval of the Bay du Nord Project while hundreds of Quebecers are crossing the
border taking jobs in Labrador West and Voisey's Bay.
Why does
this government refuse to put Newfoundlanders and Labradorians first on these
projects?
SPEAKER:
The hon. the Minister of
Industry, Energy and Technology.
A. PARSONS:
Certainly, I don't want to
conflate the two issues. The political support for Bay du Nord on a federal
level is one thing; when it comes to our resource projects, that's another
thing.
What I
can tell you is that we've sat here in Estimates, and I believe the Member asked
questions on this before. The reality is that we have benefits agreements in
place, which are strictly monitored. We do everything we can to have
Newfoundlanders and Labradorians working.
I can
tell you, honest to God, I haven't had a Newfoundlander or Labradorian, as it
relates to those projects in Labrador, call me saying that they never got that
opportunity. But if one were to do so, I would certainly check into it to ensure
that we have as many Newfoundlanders and Labradorians working as possible.
Thank
you.
SOME HON. MEMBERS:
Hear, hear!
SPEAKER:
The hon. the Member for
Ferryland.
L. O'DRISCOLL:
Speaker, driving schools in
this province are reeling after being placed in the Facility Association for
vehicle insurance. These small businesses are now being forced to pay thousands
extra as they are forced into the insurer of last resort.
Speaker,
the minister has ignored their concerns and suggested they contact insurance
brokers.
Speaker,
why is the minister ignoring the legitimate concerns of this industry, which
your department regulates?
SPEAKER:
The hon. the Minister of
Digital Government and Service NL.
S. STOODLEY:
Thank you, Speaker.
So when
we think about auto insurance in Newfoundland and Labrador, the Public Utilities
Board regulates auto insurance for people and consumers. When we talk about
commercial auto insurance, that's not regulated by the Public Utilities Board.
Recently, in the last insurance review, we did make a change so that companies
such as taxi companies could access fleet policies by insurance companies and
not go through the Public Utilities Board.
So it's
unfortunate the taxi companies have been unable to secure insurance through the
brokers that are available, and Facility is always available to them. It's
certainly something that we're going to take away and look into the next auto
insurance review.
Thank
you, Speaker.
SOME HON. MEMBERS:
Hear, hear!
SPEAKER:
The hon. the Member for
Ferryland.
L. O'DRISCOLL:
Speaker, I'm referring to
driving schools, not taxis.
Speaker,
the media story states that these operators cannot even get the minister to
respond to the emails.
Why is
the minister telling operators to make representation at the next five-year
statutory review committee, when the minister's department still has not
implemented all the recommendations from the last review?
SPEAKER:
The hon. the Minister of
Digital Government and Service NL.
S. STOODLEY:
Thank you, Speaker.
I've
spoken to many owners and drivers in driving schools. I'm not aware of any that
we haven't responded to; I certainly apologize if we haven't.
It's
certainly something that was raised at the last auto insurance review; we'll
certainly take a closer look at the next review.
Facility
is available to them and they are able to go and leverage any broker who's
available to sell insurance in Newfoundland and Labrador. We've provided driving
schools with a list of those brokers.
I really
feel for them that they've been unable to find a reasonable rate and they have
to go through Facility.
Thank
you, Speaker.
SOME HON. MEMBERS:
Hear, hear!
SPEAKER:
The hon. the Member for
Ferryland.
L. O'DRISCOLL:
Speaker, these are single
individuals that have driving schools and the cost of living for them is really
too high, so you really have to have a look at that and get to them.
Similarly, the minister did not meet the insurance industry prior to announcing
her Turo, blindsiding them.
Again,
why does the minister have a closed-door policy for driving schools who are
being forced out of business by her hands-off approach?
SPEAKER:
The hon. the Minister of
Digital Government and Service NL.
S. STOODLEY:
Thank you, Speaker.
So when
we think about Turo – and we're very excited by the announcement that there will
be another option for transportation this summer for Newfoundlanders and
Labradorians. When we have a new entrant, a company coming here and offering a
similar type of service, whether it's a pizza delivery company, or Turo, and
they have commercial insurance fleet policies that cover people when they're
driving, that's not something that we would go to all brokers and say: oh, by
the way, there's this new company and this new policy.
We've
been working with the Insurance Bureau of Canada and they are working with their
members just to make sure that those companies, who are interested, can
accommodate drivers who are interested with Turo.
Thank
you, Speaker.
SOME HON. MEMBERS:
Hear, hear!
SPEAKER:
The hon. the Member for Grand
Falls-Windsor - Buchans.
C. TIBBS:
I think many companies are
just asking for more communication, which is essential to running a good
business.
Speaker,
over the past 30 years, Newfoundland and Labrador established a world-class
workforce; however, the average age of a journeyperson is 55 years old, and our
apprenticeship numbers are cut in half. Stats Canada is projecting 4,600 trade
workers will retire within the next eight years.
Is the
minister concerned that the province will not have local workers for the
workforce to construct our own projects?
SPEAKER:
The hon. the Minister of
Immigration, Population Growth and Skills.
G. BYRNE:
Thank you very much, Mr.
Speaker.
This is
a very important question. It's one of the reasons why our government has
prioritized over $150 million per year to train Newfoundlanders and Labradorians
for the jobs and the skills of today and for tomorrow. It's also one of the
reasons why our province feels there is a strong necessity to recruit and
attract new talent from abroad, newcomers to come our province, to fill those
jobs.
The hon.
Member is quite right, by 2028 the average age of Newfoundlanders and
Labradorians, 50 per cent will be over the age of 55.
This is
a very significant event, which we have to plan for. That's why I'm very pleased
to receive the support from Members opposite for the plans and initiatives of
the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador.
SOME HON. MEMBERS:
Hear, hear!
SPEAKER:
The hon. the Member for Grand
Falls-Windsor - Buchans.
C. TIBBS:
Thank you, Minister.
My hope
is that we can keep these people here to get over that hump as well.
Without
Newfoundland and Labrador benefits agreement there's no provision for the
inclusion of new young apprentices to enter the workforce. The Liberals have a
responsibility for workforce development, but are failing to provide opportunity
on their own projects.
Can the
minister tell us how many young apprentices are given an opportunity to enter
the workforce and develop their skills on public projects in Newfoundland and
Labrador? How many are employed today?
SPEAKER:
The hon. the Minister of
Immigration, Population Growth and Skills.
G. BYRNE:
Thank you very much, Mr.
Speaker.
I really
appreciate the opportunity to address this question. In my own hometown of
Corner Brook, where a major construction project is under way, the number of
apprentices both male and female are quite significantly incorporated into that
particular project.
But what
the hon. Member speaks of is something which is of a higher order thought; it is
to change. The hon. Member supporting the notion of an industrial benefits plan
and incorporation of increased diversity within the workforce, he recognizes and
he endorses, as do we, that the workforce of Newfoundland and Labrador on the
jobsite must change, there must be more Indigenous people that are hired. There
must be more women. There must be more diversity.
Mr.
Speaker, coming from a community with a significant Indigenous population as
Corner Brook, I welcome that particular initiative.
SOME HON. MEMBERS:
Hear, hear!
SPEAKER:
The hon. the Member for
Exploits.
P. FORSEY:
Thank you, Speaker.
Having
safe and easy access to firewood is a major factor in offsetting Newfoundlanders
and Labradorians cost of living.
Why does
the minister continue to impede fair access to domestic cutting permits?
SPEAKER:
The hon. the Minister of
Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture.
D. BRAGG:
Thank you very much, Mr.
Speaker.
It is
very important that we have domestic cutting permits in this province because
many people do rely on the ability to go out into the great outdoors, boil the
kettle and cut a cord of wood or two. Most people cut, maybe, up to 10 for the
year. There is no shortage; there is no limit. You can have as many people as
you want on a permit to assist you. I think 10 or 15 is the number you can have
on a permit to help you cut a load of wood, Mr. Speaker.
It is a
great opportunity; we have ample wood in this province for firewood. We never
run short on the domestic permits and we continue to go down that road, Mr.
Speaker.
Thank
you.
SOME HON. MEMBERS:
Hear, hear!
SPEAKER:
The hon. the Leader of the
Third Party.
J. DINN:
Thank you, Speaker.
Speaker,
the Minister of Education's answer to my question about the replacement of
school electronic devices demonstrated a penchant for avoiding the question and
for stating the obvious.
Since
the minister acknowledged in his answer yesterday that electronic devices don't
last forever, what financial assistance is his department prepared to offer
schools to help them replace the devices that have been deemed insecure and a
security risk by the district?
SPEAKER:
The hon. the Minister of
Education.
T. OSBORNE:
Mr. Speaker, there were
schools, prior to government, providing about a $20-million investment to
provide a Chromebook to every single Grade 7 through 12 student in the province,
so there is no need to replace those. Those devices are still very new. The
school districts still have a good supply of devices for Grade 7 to 12 students.
Mr.
Speaker, I know that the school district is working with schools that have, many
years ago, bought devices – we're talking six, seven, eight, nine years ago and
these devices have aged out, but they are working with them to try and reformat
those devices to keep them viable.
SOME HON. MEMBERS:
Hear, hear!
SPEAKER:
The hon. the Leader of the
Third Party.
J. DINN:
Speaker, we're talking about
the primary grades, K to 6. Some schools are facing replacement costs, probably
in the tens of thousands or over $20,000 worth, and will not be able to replace
them without help from the government.
Considering that government controls the purse strings, not the NLESD, can our
students, teachers and parents count on government's financial help in replacing
these school electronic devices that can't be repurposed?
SPEAKER:
The hon. the Minister of
Education.
T. OSBORNE:
Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
As I
mentioned in my previous answer, Mr. Speaker, I know the school district are
working with schools that have devices that have aged out to see if they can be
reformatted, at which point there won't be a need to replace those devices. It
is an important issue, Mr. Speaker, but if they can be reformatted, they will
be, and the school district is working
with them to try and assist.
SOME HON. MEMBERS:
Hear, hear!
SPEAKER:
The
hon. the Member for Torngat Mountains.
L.
EVANS:
Thank you, Speaker.
I ask the Minister of Health: What are the wait times
for mental health and addiction services in Labrador-Grenfell Health for
residents who are looking for treatment?
SPEAKER:
The
hon. the Minister of Health and Community Services.
J.
HAGGIE:
Thank you very much, Speaker.
I don't have an up-to-date answer but the last time I
inquired, which was in the last couple of months, we were aware of minimal or no
wait times for counselling. Addiction services are delivered on a walk-in basis.
There is no appointment necessary. Doorways provide those, as well as local
mental health and addictions hub.
In addition, Mr. Speaker, in the near future, we will
be announcing an alcohol action plan for the province, which is part of
Recommendation 47 from Towards Recovery.
This has been crafted with significant input from Labrador and the Indigenous
groups because we acknowledge that we, as a province, have a significant
challenge there. I look forward to being able to present more about that in the
near future.
Thank you.
SOME HON. MEMBERS:
Hear, hear!
SPEAKER:
The
hon. the Member for Lake Melville.
P.
TRIMPER:
Speaker, originally intended as a temporary solution, the Labrador Inn is now
the largest shelter in Labrador, supporting up to 38 vulnerable people on any
night.
Given the business plan of the Labrador Inn is to
provide Level 1 and Level 2 assisted care, with over 33 apartments scheduled to
open by the end of this year, will government have an alternate, hopefully
permanent, solution in place and in time for the winter?
SPEAKER:
The
hon. the Minister of Children, Seniors and Social Development.
J.
ABBOTT:
Thank you, Speaker, for the opportunity to respond to the question.
Right now I am happy to report that we are working with
the Action Team in Happy Valley-Goose Bay on a long-term solution. We are
securing land. We have design in progress and we will be looking to finalize
funding during the course of this year.
I want to thank the Labrador Inn, the manager and the
staff there, for supporting the guests at the Labrador Inn while we are going
through this period of looking for a long-term solution.
Thank you.
SOME HON. MEMBERS:
Hear, hear!
SPEAKER:
The
hon. the Member for Lake Melville.
P.
TRIMPER:
Speaker, again, residents in Mud Lake and vicinity are anxiously watching
Mishta-shipu start to flood and crossing their fingers that this will not be the
disaster year the government has predicted will occur in the next 15 years.
Will government finally meet with these residents and
provide the support to move them out of harm's way?
SPEAKER:
The
hon. the Minister of Environment and Climate Change.
B.
DAVIS:
Thank you, Speaker.
As the hon. Member would know, we have made great
strides with the residents of Mud Lake, preparing for a potential high water
levels, to ensure residents have a stringent monitoring system. He has worked
very closely in the past and currently with that process. As the Churchill River
increases, based on that, we are going to monitor that situation. I understand
this weekend the levels began to fall again.
To answer your question, Member, we're definitely going to sit down and
willing to sit down with the residents of Mud Lake to discuss the options that
may lay in front of them.
SOME HON. MEMBERS:
Hear, hear!
SPEAKER:
The hon. the Member for Lake
Melville, quick question, no preamble, please.
P. TRIMPER:
Minister, will the relevant
government departments arrange to meet together with the concerned residents
soon to make a plan and offer their support for this relocation?
SPEAKER:
The hon. the Minister of
Environment and Climate Change.
B. DAVIS:
Thank you, Speaker, and thank
you for the question.
Of
course, as I said previously, we'll be willing to sit down and bring the
departments together that need to be together to sit down and talk to the
residents about this very important issue. We established this flood risk area
as well. I know the hon. Member was involved quite heavily in that, and I thank
him for his involvement in that and look forward to sitting down with the
residents.
SOME HON. MEMBERS:
Hear, hear!
SPEAKER:
Time for Question Period has
expired.
Presenting Reports by Standing and Select Committees.
Presenting Reports
by Standing and Select Committees
SPEAKER:
The hon. the Member for
Stephenville - Port au Port.
T. WAKEHAM:
Speaker, I am pleased to
present the first report of the Public Accounts Committee for the 50th General
Assembly. I thank Members of the Committee for their diligence, as the Committee
carried out important work in the fulfilment of its mandate.
Thank
you.
SOME HON. MEMBERS:
Hear, hear!
SPEAKER:
Any further presenting
reports by Standing and Select Committees?
Tabling
of Documents.
Notices
of Motion.
Answers
to Questions for which Notice has been Given.
Petitions.
Petitions
SPEAKER:
The hon. the Member for
Ferryland.
SOME HON. MEMBERS:
Hear, hear!
L. O'DRISCOLL:
Thank you, Speaker.
The
background to this petition is as follows:
Route 10
on the Southern Avalon forms a large section of the Irish Loop. This is a
significant piece of infrastructure and is the main highway along the Irish
Loop. This highway plays a major role in residential and commercial growth of
our region.
Therefore, we petition the House of Assembly as follows: We, the undersigned,
call upon the House of Assembly to urge the Government of Newfoundland and
Labrador that immediate brush cutting is required on Route 10 of the Southern
Shore Highway, as large sections of brush along this highway are a significant
safety hazard for the high volume of travelling motorists who travel this
highway daily. This work is essential in the prevention of moose accidents along
Route 10.
Speaker,
I've presented this before on a couple of occasions. It's something that
hopefully the minister can get figured out, how to get some brush cutting done
in the area. I went through Trepassey last week – I had to go up to a meeting –
and the alders are actually growing out through the guardrail, and there are no
leaves on it yet. And that's just in one section. Along some of the sides of the
roads, especially in the areas where there are moose, it is pretty evident that
they're popping out on the road and you haven't got any time to react.
So it's
something that we certainly should be looking at. I'm sure the minister is
hopefully looking at that and will be able to take care of it and look at it in
the region. Whatever we have to do, hopefully we can get it done.
Thank
you.
SPEAKER:
The hon. the Minister of
Transportation and Infrastructure for a response.
E. LOVELESS:
Just a quick response. It is
beyond important, the safety of all of our roads and the Member has brought that
to my attention a few times. Certainly, it will be a part of the discussion as
we plan for brush cutting for this year.
SPEAKER:
The hon. the Member for
Harbour Main.
H. CONWAY OTTENHEIMER:
Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
The
background to this petition is as follows:
WHEREAS
individual residents and municipal leaders have spoken to the deplorable road
conditions in the District of Harbour Main; and
WHEREAS
the district is made up of many smaller communities and towns: like Holyrood,
Upper Gullies, Seal Cove, Cupids, Colliers, South River, North River, Roaches
Line and Makinsons, who have roads in desperate need of repair and paving; and
WHEREAS
these roads see high-volume traffic flows every day and drivers can expect
potholes, severe rutting, limited shoulders and many washed-out areas along the
way;
THEREFORE we petition the hon. House of Assembly as follows: We, the
undersigned, call upon the House of Assembly to urge the Government of
Newfoundland and Labrador to immediately take the necessary steps to repair and
repave these important roadways to ensure the safety of the driving public who
use them on a regular basis.
Speaker,
the people of Harbour Main District and myself included are beyond disappointed.
Yesterday the Provincial Roads Plan outlined the construction projects and there
will be no paving at all for any of the District of Harbour Main.
I can't
even say how upset I'm already hearing that people are about this. How is this
possible? The first question I ask: Is it because politics is out of paving? No,
I suspect not. I believe politics is still in paving and I am surprised that the
minister here, he got up in debate last week and said that he was listening to
the Member for Harbour Main when I was speaking. Well, he was not listening. He
came out to the District of Harbour Main and went from one end of the district
to the other, with me, to see the condition of the roads out there. He is well
aware of how deplorable these roads are.
These
are safety issues that we're talking about now, Speaker, yet it is being
ignored. The concerns of the people have been ignored; they have been overlooked
once again. I don't understand how this government, who is supposed to be
concerned about the safety of the people that it represents and governs, is
overlooking the serious condition of the roads. When we look at from Holyrood to
Upper Gullies, it is deplorable. Look at the road down in South River; it is
deplorable. Down in North River, in Colliers – Speaker, this is beyond
acceptable. We are so upset that this has been ignored once again, despite our
advocacy and lobbying for this minister to listen.
We have
to be concerned about the condition of
the roads for the safety of the people who
travel over them and there are many important thoroughfares that we are
referring to. As well, Roaches Line – nothing.
So, Mr. Speaker, we are very disappointed and it's just
a very sad situation,
Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
SOME HON. MEMBERS:
Hear, hear!
SPEAKER:
The
hon. the Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure for a response.
E.
LOVELESS:
I
understand that you can be disappointed but if the Member can find me that money
tree, then I would be happy to accept that money tree to invest in the roads.
It is a challenging situation, no doubt, but I
challenge the Member to travel across the province and have a look at the road
system. I did a lot of that last – and I reference this man's district as well.
Not because it is a Liberal district because ambulance travels over his roads,
students and buses go over his roads as well, absolutely. It is a difficult task
in trying to plan, but I still have to live within the financial means.
I travelled your district and I travelled other parts
of the district. There is a lot of demands and –
AN
HON. MEMBER:
(Inaudible.)
E.
LOVELESS:
Yeah, no problem. I did take the time to visit your district. I am listening,
but because there is no answer that I am giving you, what you want, it doesn't
mean that I am not listening.
So bring me your money tree that you are talking about.
SOME HON. MEMBERS:
Hear, hear!
SPEAKER:
The
hon. the Member for Bonavista.
C.
PARDY:
Thank you, Speaker.
Before I start my petition, I want to acknowledge Mrs.
Rita Durdle from Bonavista who is 88 years young today, as a history and
generations of family being involved within the fishery and, thus, the petition.
SOME HON. MEMBERS:
Hear, hear!
C.
PARDY:
With the release of the Atlantic Seal Science Task Team report and the
significance of the commercial harvest to the fishers and plant workers in the
District of Bonavista, we feel that the seal population is far greater than the
ecosystem can sustain and, as a result, the large population is certainly
preventing the rebuilding of our valuable groundfish stock and the very
significant landed value of our commercial harvest.
We, the undersigned, call upon the House of Assembly to
urge the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador to immediately address the seal
predation by taking proactive measures on fulfilling our current provincial
quota of seals and enhancing the markets of seal products within our province
and other jurisdictions. And the petition ends with: Action is long overdue.
Part of the report mentions a seal summit. I know that
a lot of fishers in my district are saying, just what we need, another summit or
another report or another study. This has been studied for years. I quoted John
Efford back in his time; Tom Rideout, back in his time.
They were stating the same thing as what we're stating now: We don't need
another summit. Summits are always good where people can converse and discuss
the issue, but we certainly don't need that as our first priority action – that,
the fall, we're going to have a summit to sit down and we'll talk about the seal
population.
The
report states: “… that the high population abundance of grey seals and harp
seals, which are at or approaching historic levels, are having a serious impact
on the ocean ecosystem in Atlantic Canada.” For most people listening now you'll
find that harp seals, in 2019, they determined they were at about 7.6 million.
They spend about six months in our waters. Imagine what they eat in the six
months. The growing population of grey seals back in 2016 were reported to be
close to half a million. All I'm saying is they're year-round in our waters. If
we don't soon start to take action, we're going to have no stock that we can
commercially harvest.
Thank
you, Mr. Speaker.
SOME HON. MEMBERS:
Hear, hear!
SPEAKER:
The hon. the Member for
Torngat Mountains.
L. EVANS:
Thank you, Speaker.
We, the
undersigned, are concerned citizens of Newfoundland and Labrador who urge our
leaders to return the marine shipping service between the Island portion of our
province and our Northern Labrador communities of Rigolet, Makkovik, Postville,
Hopedale and Natuashish and Nain.
This
marine service was removed in the spring of 2019, resulting in freight services
having to be trucked to the port of Happy Valley-Goose Bay then shipped to our
Northern Labrador communities. Since then, additional shipping has directly
impacted the prices of food, building materials, vehicles, including trucks and
off-road vehicles, household goods and many essential services for our
communities.
Our
Northern Labrador communities are totally isolated with no road access and
marine transportation services are limited to five months out of the year, on
average. With the cancellation of the direct marine freight service from the
Island portion of our province to our communities, residents are witnessing
exorbitant price increases and basic needs impacting overall quality of life.
Mr.
Speaker, this is an important petition for my communities, because it's
impacted, basically, the cost of living in the district. It was taken off in
2019, and we've seen the prices of food, building materials, machinery,
equipment, infrastructure, even the cost of houses have gone up. Today, while
the Minister of Finance was answering questions, and while the Minister of CSSD
was speaking in this House of Assembly, I heard the words – and it's important
words, and I really would like to acknowledge the fact that they spoke about it
– they talked about Indigenous leaders. They talked about reconciliation when
answering questions.
Do you
want know something? Reconciliation is about past harms done because of
government policies in residential schools. Actually taking the Innu and Inuit
of Northern Labrador and putting them into residential schools, removing them
from their parent's influences, from their culture and from their language. I've
got to say, Minister, in my district, many of the people, the Inuit that were
harmed, have died before it was ever acknowledged the harm done to them.
I'd like
to say now we hear in this House of Assembly talking about the prices of gas,
but right now once the price freeze comes off in Northern Labrador, because the
ship can't get into the ports yet, the price of gas will probably go up to about
$2.57 a litre.
The
caribou has been decimated, through no fault of the Innu and Inuit of Northern
Labrador – the main staple of food. Now, people are struggling to actually feed
themselves, to heat their homes, to actually have a roof over their head,
Minister.
So I ask
if the freight boat, the Lewisporte ferry as we call it, could be returned so
that we could actually have some reasonable relief from the price of food and
the prices of all the materials that we need in our communities.
SPEAKER:
Order, please!
The hon.
Member's time is expired.
L. EVANS:
Thank you.
SPEAKER:
The hon. the Member for
Labrador West.
J. BROWN:
Thank you, Speaker.
The
reason for the petition:
The need
for senior accessible housing and home care services in Labrador West is
steadily increasing. Lifelong residents of the region are facing the possibility
of needing to leave their homes in order to afford to live and receive adequate
care. Additional housing options including assisted living care facilities like
those found throughout the rest of the province for seniors have become a
requirement for Labrador West. This requirement is currently not being met.
WHEREAS
the seniors of our province are entitled to peace and comfort in their homes
where they have spent a lifetime contributing to its prosperity and growth; and
WHEREAS
the means of an increasing number of seniors in Labrador West to happily age in
place are not currently available in the region;
WHEREUPON we the undersigned, your petitioners, call upon the House of Assembly
to urge the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador to allow seniors in Labrador
West to age in place by providing affordable housing options for seniors and
assisted living care facilities for those requiring care.
Again,
thank you, Speaker.
I bring
this petition again on behalf of the residents of Labrador West and the
residents of Labrador, actually. This one has a lot of residents from Happy
Valley-Goose Bay signed it, actually, because they also understand the needs of
Labradorians.
I know I
did speak to the minister and there is some movement, but I do bring it again
because it is a very important topic for the people of Labrador West. They just
want to age in place happily just like everybody else. They want the same
services that everyone else in this province gets to enjoy. They shouldn't be
forced to leave their community to retire and live in peace. They should be able
to retire around their friends and family. I know I want to retire around my
friends and family when that time comes and age in place with everyone that I
hold dear. So the people of Labrador West deserve the same.
Once
again, Speaker, I do want to bring this petition forward. I think this is very
important. As a population, we should actually take our seniors into
consideration when we do make decisions. One of them that is important is
finding the resources and the services so people who've spent their entire lives
building something can enjoy it in their golden years.
Thanks
again, Speaker.
SPEAKER:
The hon. the Minister of
Children, Seniors and Social Development for a response.
J. ABBOTT:
Speaker, thank you for the
opportunity to respond.
As I
mentioned to the Member earlier this week, I had a meeting with a committee from
Labrador West to look at affordable housing options. It was a very positive,
constructive meeting. I think we are trying as hard as we can, through the
provincial government, working with our federal partners and the community that
we will find the path forward in short order to start addressing the affordable
housing issues in Lab West.
SPEAKER:
Orders of the Day.
Orders of the Day
SPEAKER:
The hon. the Government House
Leader.
S. CROCKER:
Thank you very much, Speaker.
Speaker,
I move, seconded by the Minister of Finance, for leave to introduce a bill
entitled, An Act To Amend The Revenue Administration Act No. 5, Bill 63, and I
further move that the said bill be now read a first time.
SPEAKER:
It is moved and seconded that
the hon. the Government House Leader shall have leave to introduce Bill 63, and
that the said bill now be read a first time.
Is it
the pleasure of the House to adopt this motion?
All
those in favour, 'aye.'
SOME HON. MEMBERS:
Aye.
SPEAKER:
All those against, 'nay.'
Motion
carried.
Motion, the hon. the
Minister for Finance and
President of Treasury Board
to introduce a bill, “An Act To Amend The Revenue Administration Act No. 5,”
carried. (Bill 63)
CLERK (Barnes):
A bill, An Act To Amend The
Revenue Administration Act No. 5. (Bill 63)
SPEAKER:
This bill has now been read a
first time.
When
shall the bill be read a second time?
S. CROCKER:
Tomorrow.
SPEAKER:
Tomorrow.
On
motion, Bill 63 read a first time, ordered read a second time on tomorrow.
SPEAKER:
The hon. the Government House
Leader.
S. CROCKER:
Speaker, I move, seconded by
the Minister of Health and Community Services, for leave to introduce a bill
entitled, An Act To Amend The Forestry Act, Bill 61, and I further move the said
bill be now read a first time.
SPEAKER:
It is moved and seconded that the hon. the Government House Leader have leave to
introduce a bill entitled,
An Act To Amend The Forestry Act, Bill 61,
and that the said bill now be read a first time.
Is it
the pleasure of the House to adopt this motion?
All
those in favour, 'aye.'
SOME HON. MEMBERS:
Aye.
SPEAKER:
All those against, 'nay.'
Motion
carried.
Motion, the hon. the
Minister of Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture to introduce a bill, “An
Act To Amend The Forestry Act,”
carried. (Bill 61)
CLERK:
A bill, An Act To Amend The
Forestry Act. (Bill 61)
SPEAKER:
The bill has now been read a
first time.
When
shall the said bill be read a second time?
S. CROCKER:
Tomorrow.
SPEAKER:
Tomorrow.
On motion, Bill 61 read a first time, ordered read a
second time on tomorrow.
SPEAKER:
The hon. the Government House
Leader.
S. CROCKER:
Speaker, I move, seconded by
the Minister of Children, Seniors and Social Development, for leave to introduce
a bill entitled, An Act To Amend The Child And Youth Advocate Act, Bill 62, and
I further move the said bill be now read a first time.
SPEAKER:
It is moved and seconded that
the hon. Government House Leader shall have leave to introduce a bill entitled,
An Act To Amend The Child And Youth Advocate Act, Bill 62, and the said bill be
now read a first time.
Is it
the pleasure of the House to adopt the motion?
All
those in favour, 'aye.'
SOME HON. MEMBERS:
Aye.
SPEAKER:
All those against, 'nay.'
Motion
carried.
Motion,
that the Government House Leader to introduce a bill, “An Act To Amend The Child
And Youth Advocate Act,” carried. (Bill 62)
CLERK:
A bill, An Act To Amend The
Child And Youth Advocate Act. (Bill 62)
SPEAKER:
This bill has now been read a
first time.
When
shall the said bill be read a second time?
S. CROCKER:
Tomorrow.
SPEAKER:
Tomorrow.
On
motion, Bill 62 read a first time, ordered read a second time on tomorrow.
SPEAKER:
The hon. the Government House
Leader.
S. CROCKER:
Thank you very much, Speaker.
I move,
seconded by the Member for CBS, that this House do now adjourn.
SPEAKER:
It is moved and seconded that
this House do now adjourn.
Is it
the pleasure of the House to adopt the motion?
All
those in favour, 'aye.'
SOME HON. MEMBERS:
Aye.
SPEAKER:
All those against, 'nay.'
Motion
carried.
This
House do stand adjourned until 10 a.m. tomorrow.
On
motion, the House at its rising adjourned until tomorrow, Wednesday, at 10 a.m.