April 12, 2016
HOUSE OF ASSEMBLY PROCEEDINGS
Vol. XLVIII No. 11
The
House met at 1:30 p.m.
MR. SPEAKER (Osborne):
Order, please!
Admit strangers.
Before we start today's proceedings, I'd like to welcome to the Speaker's
gallery a former Member of the House of Assembly, Mr. Ross Wiseman.
SOME HON. MEMBERS:
Hear, hear!
Statements by
Members
MR. SPEAKER:
Members' statements today
are from the Member for the District of Conception Bay South, St. George's –
Humber, St. John's Centre, Baie Verte – Green Bay, Lewisporte – Twillingate
and Fogo Island – Cape Freels.
The
hon. the Member for the District of Conception Bay South.
SOME HON. MEMBERS:
Hear, hear!
MR. PETTEN:
Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
I
rise today to honour a Royal Air Force Veteran, Mr. Harold (Jack) Gillingham
from Kelligrews who passed away December 30 at the age of 95.
In
1939, Mr. Gillingham joined the Royal Air Force serving as a wireless
operator with the 149 Squadron. On March 1, 1943, during a raid against
Berlin, his bomber was attacked by a night fighter as it headed home. The
Skipper decided the fuel was too low and gave the order to bail out over
Dieppe, France.
Jack
became a prisoner of war and was sent off to Lamsdorf, Poland. He survived
the infamous long march from January 1945 until liberation on Good Friday,
March 30.
In
1965, Jack became an electrical inspector with Newfoundland Power and worked
with the rural electrification program and the development of the provincial
power grid.
Jack
was active in the Royal Canadian Legion, Wesley United Church and the Air
Force Association of Canada. He was a modest man who learned by hard
experience the value of life's simple pleasures.
Jack
is survived by his wife and eight children.
I
ask all Members of this House to join me in honouring an extraordinary
Newfoundlander and Labradorian, Mr. Jack Gillingham.
Thank you.
SOME HON. MEMBERS:
Hear, hear!
MR. SPEAKER:
The hon. the Member for
the District of St. George's – Humber.
MR. REID:
Mr. Speaker, this past
weekend I had the opportunity to attend one of a series of community
gatherings around Bay St. George this month called Sharing the Memories.
These community gatherings are designed to provide an opportunity to share
information and stories by St. George's Mi'kmaq soldiers. In this
commemorative project, photos, stories and other documents are being
gathered and shared in various ways, such as public meetings, as well as
through the Facebook page: Bay St. George Mi'kmaq in World Wars.
The
upcoming meetings will be held at the following locations from 2-4 in the
afternoon: the Seniors' Club in Barachois Brook on Saturday, April 16; the
Royal Canadian Legion in St. Georges on Sunday, April 17; the Royal Canadian
Legion in Stephenville on Saturday, April 23; the Twilight Seniors' Club in
Port au Port on Sunday, April 24; and the 50 Plus Club in Stephenville
Crossing on Saturday, April 30. A meeting will also be held at the Bay St.
George Culture Circle in St. Georges on April 29 from 7-9 in the evening.
I
thank the individuals and groups involved in this project and encourage
people to participate in this commemorative project.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
SOME HON. MEMBERS:
Hear, hear!
MR. SPEAKER:
The hon. the Member for
St. John's Centre.
MS. ROGERS:
Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Something is bubbling in St. John's Centre. I am thrilled to announce the
rebirth of A Woman's Almanac: Voices
from Newfoundland and Labrador.
The
Women's Almanac, started in 1987 by feminist writer and activist Marian
Frances White, each year celebrated the lives of 12 women from across the
province who were changing our world. Many of us used the Almanac year after
year, each month reading stories of incredible Newfoundland and Labrador
women. After 10 successful years, Marian put the Almanac to bed.
With
Marian's blessing, the St. John's Status of Women Council, in partnership
with award-winning Breakwater Books, is relaunching this great gift to the
history of women's activism. With an intro by Marian, the first edition
features prominent feminist activists writing about women who have inspired
them. Writers include Zita Cobb writing about midwives of Fogo Island; Lisa
Moore on performer Anahareo Doelle; Elizabeth Penashue on her sister Rose
Gregoire; Kaberi Sarma on activist Yamuna Kutty; Amelia Curran on champion
of the arts Edith Goodridge; and Mary Shortall on labour activist Nancy
Riche. What a fantastic feminist revival!
Honourable Members can pre-order copies now at Breakwater. A fall launch is
to come. Stay tuned. Bravo, Jenny Wright and team!
Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
SOME HON. MEMBERS:
Hear, hear!
MR. SPEAKER:
The hon. the Member for
Baie Verte – Green Bay.
MR. WARR:
I rise today to recognize
a true Newfoundland and Labrador hero: Tommy Ricketts. A native of Middle
Arm, White Bay, Tommy travelled to St. John's in 1916 to enlist. He claimed
to be 18 years old when he, in fact, he was only 15.
On
October 14, 1918, in the final weeks of the war, as the Allied forces were
advancing in Ledegem, Belgium, Private Ricketts voluntarily doubled back
under enemy fire to retrieve ammunition. On his return, he used his Lewis
gun and his terrifically accurate aim to drive the Germans to abandon their
heavy weapons and race to a nearby farmhouse.
Ricketts's actions that day saved the lives of many and advanced his
platoon's position. They also resulted in the capture of four field guns,
four machine guns and eight prisoners. Private Ricketts was just 17.
For
his valour and devotion to duty, he received the Victoria Cross, Britain's
highest award for bravery. A century later, Tommy Ricketts remains a
household name in Newfoundland and Labrador.
As
we celebrate the 100th anniversary of Beaumont-Hamel this year, I ask all
Members in his hon. House to join me in commemorating a true hero of our
province.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
SOME HON. MEMBERS:
Hear, hear!
MR. SPEAKER:
The hon. the Member for
Lewisporte – Twillingate.
MR. D. BENNETT:
Mr. Speaker, I rise
in this hon. House today to recognize two minor hockey associations in my
district: the Twillingate/New World Island Combines and the Lewisporte area
Seahawks. During the Easter break, both associations participated in hockey
tournaments throughout the province and were host to tournaments in their
respective communities.
All
teams played well, with most winning medals in their division. The
Lewisporte Seahawks Atoms won gold; Pee Wee, bronze; Bantam, gold, and
Midgets, silver. While the Twillingate/New World Island Combines Atom
division also won gold; Pee Wee, gold; and Midget, bronze. The 12 and under
and 20 and under female teams each won bronze at their provincial
tournaments.
I
would also like to recognize four young ladies who represented our province
at the Bantam Female Atlantic Championships: Morgan Ball and Jayden Oake of
Lewisporte, and Brianna Blake and Olivia Rogers of Twillingate.
Hockey is not all about winning. It's about being physically active,
demonstrating sportsmanship, respect, discipline, having fun and making new
friends. I am proud to say that these teams demonstrated this and
represented their communities with pride.
Mr.
Speaker, I ask all hon. Members to join me in congratulating the
Twillingate/New World Island and the Lewisporte Minor Hockey Associations
for their success throughout the year.
Thank you.
SOME HON. MEMBERS:
Hear, hear!
MR. SPEAKER:
The hon. the Member for
Fogo Island – Cape Freels.
MR. BRAGG:
Mr. Speaker, it gives me
great pleasure to rise in this hon. House and inform Members of the efforts
made by the residents of Change Islands. With a population of just over 250
people, they have organized an emergency response team. The team's volunteer
mission is to provide medical assistance to people on Change Islands.
Susan Porter, Wendy Ledrew, Marion Adams and Denise Hoffe are trained in
advanced first aid. Together and sometimes aided by the Volunteer Fire
Department, they respond to the emergency medical needs of the residents.
Being a small isolated community, each time they respond, it's usually a
family member or friend. These fabulous four ladies have from time to time
endangered their own lives to help others.
The
emergency response team ride in the back of the ambulance, helping and
offering comfort while waiting for the ferry to transport their patients to
the mainland.
I
encourage them to keep up their efforts and I ask all Members of this hon.
House to join me and show our gratitude to them for their heroic community
pride and effort.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
SOME HON. MEMBERS:
Hear, hear!
The Commemoration
of the First World War and the Battle of Beaumont-Hamel
MR. SPEAKER:
Today for Honour 100, we
have the Member for the District of Conception Bay East – Bell Island.
MR. BRAZIL:
I will now read into the
record the following 43 names of those who lost their lives in the First
World War in the Royal Newfoundland Regiment, the Royal Newfoundland Naval
Reserve, the Newfoundland Mercantile Marine, or the Royal Flying Corps. They
will be followed by a moment of silence.
Lest
we forget: Henry Dunn, Edmond Lawrence Dunphy, John Dunphy, John Joseph
Dunphy, John Joseph Dunphy, Thomas P. Dunphy, William Dunphy, Fred Roy
Durnford, John Thomas Dwyer, Martin Dwyer, William Dyer, William Gerrard
Dyer, Gilbert Dyke, John Walter Dyke, Patrick Eagan, George Earle, William
Eason, Alfred Eavis, Morgan Eavis, Thomas Eavis, John Ebbs, Frederick Ernest
Ebsary, Hubert Edgar Ebsary, Samuel Joseph Ebsary, Alonzo Eddy, John Francis
Edens, Leonard A. Edens, Albert Edgar, Charles LeGallais Edgar, Edwin
Edgar, Edward Francis Edgecombe, Silas Edgecombe, Samuel R. Edney, Alphonsus
J. Edwards, Hubert Frank Edwards, John Charles Edwards, George Elliott, John
Elliott, William Elliott, William Skeffington Elliott,
Ambrose Ellis, John Joseph Ellis and James Ellsworth.
(Moment of silence.)
MR. SPEAKER:
Please be seated.
Statements by Ministers.
Statements by Ministers
MR. SPEAKER:
The hon. the Minister of Natural Resources.
MS. COADY: I
rise in this hon. House today to speak on the interim report by EY, received
April 8 and released online today with the Muskrat Falls Oversight
Committee's report to the end of December 2015, received April 11.
We said in December we would open the books on the
Muskrat Falls Project and we are fulfilling that commitment. As shareholders
and as taxpayers, we are entitled to up-to-date and accurate information.
The interim report is being made available to ensure transparency on the
project.
The interim report informs government about the current
material risks and issues that are not reflected in the September 2015
forecast, and provides recommendations to improve project governance. The
overall conclusion of the EY review is that the September 2015 forecast in
not reasonable.
We take EY's recommendations seriously and it is our
full intention to action them all including strengthening project governance
and expanding oversight which we expect to have completed by the end of May.
Schedule pressures and expected cost increases on the
Muskrat Falls Project concern us all. The project is now being reforecast
for cost and schedule.
We expect that the schedule and cost reforecast for the
Labrador Island Transmission Link and the Labrador Transmission Asset will
be completed by the end of May.
One component, the powerhouse and intake as part of the
Muskrat Falls Generation, is significantly behind schedule. Nalcor is in
discussions with Astaldi, the contractor. We will not have the final cost
and schedule reforecast until these discussions have concluded.
EY will assess the reasonableness
of the revised forecast and will then present us with a final report
following their review.
We
certainly recognize and appreciate the hard work of the Newfoundland and
Labrador residents and companies working on the project. We will be diligent
in our actions and we will make the right decisions on behalf of the people
of this province. We will ensure the project is managed effectively within
budget from here on.
Thank you.
SOME HON. MEMBERS:
Hear, hear!
MR. SPEAKER:
The hon. the Opposition
House Leader.
SOME HON. MEMBERS:
Hear, hear!
MR. HUTCHINGS:
Thank you, Mr.
Speaker.
I
thank the minister for the advance copy of her statement. Our caucus looks
forward to the interim work completed by the million dollar report from
Ernest Young, along with the December 2015 oversight reports released today.
I
also note that the first quarter of 2016, that report is also due. I guess
we will expect to see that in the very near future.
I'm
a little confused and concerned in regard to comments by the minister in the
last couple of days when she indicated that she wasn't sure when the
oversight report for the quarter in December would be done. That was only
yesterday she was quoted. Today we are here in the House releasing that
report.
In
addition, she indicated on the Ernest and Young million dollar report that
it would be a few weeks away. So I'm not sure what dialogue is going on
between the minister and officials, the oversight committee and the clerk.
Obviously, we need to have an intergraded approach here as we have done in
the past to provide that oversight and to be fully engaged in what's
happening with this project.
I
give her advice to stay engaged, get up to date in what's happening with the
reports.
SOME HON. MEMBERS:
Hear, hear!
MR. SPEAKER:
The hon. the Member for
St. John's East – Quidi Vidi.
MS. MICHAEL:
Thank you very much, Mr.
Speaker.
I
thank the minister for the advance copy of her statement. Here we are coming
up to two days' time to a deficit budget that will be a direct result of
paying billions of dollars into the Muskrat Falls Project which is now
behind schedule and over budget. Now we will not know the new forecast of
cost and time frame for this project until the end of May, long after the
budget is released.
If
government had done what was suggested in the beginning, and this government
can now do it, and had an external body doing the oversight of Muskrat Falls
we probably would have had our information in a much more timely manner than
is now the case.
Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker.
SOME HON. MEMBERS:
Hear, hear!
MR. SPEAKER:
Further statements by
ministers?
The
hon. the Minister of Advanced Education and Skills.
MR. BYRNE:
Mr. Speaker, I rise to
announce to the House today that nominations for the Council of the
Federation Literacy Award are now open. This award recognizes outstanding
achievement, innovative practice and excellence in literacy by individuals
and by stakeholder groups.
Since 2005, the Council of the Federation Literacy Award has been awarded in
provinces and territories right across the entire country. Created by
Canada's premiers, the award recognizes the valuable contributions of
Canadians in the field of literacy.
Any
person or group can nominate an individual for this award. Nominees must be
a resident of Newfoundland and Labrador for our own award, be 18 years of
age or older, and have participated in an adult literacy, workplace literacy
or Adult Basic Education program for at least six months. The deadline for
the nomination of an individual is May 30.
Mr.
Speaker, the provincial government remains committed to adult literacy in
Newfoundland and Labrador, and that is why I am very happy to say that our
government is committed to the development of an Adult Literacy Strategy to
guide our future investments in literacy promotion.
SOME HON. MEMBERS:
Hear, hear!
MR. SPEAKER:
The hon. the Member for
Conception Bay East – Bell Island.
MR. BRAZIL:
Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
I
would like to thank the minister for an advance copy of his statement. Mr.
Speaker, we are all aware literacy skills are the essential building block
for the development of a vibrant society and economy.
Mr.
Speaker, in my previous life I had the honour of representing this province
on the national board for the Movement for Canadian Literacy and we were
very proud when the Canadian federation was established in 2003. The 13
premiers had identified a number of key initiatives of importance to
Canadians, one of which was literacy.
Mr.
Speaker, we should absolutely acknowledge our province's great strides in
improving literacy rates. However, we must be mindful of the many challenges
that still exist and continue to work towards constant improvements. The
Council of the Federation Literacy Award does just that.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
SOME HON. MEMBERS:
Hear, hear!
MR. SPEAKER:
The hon. the Member for
St. John's East – Quidi Vidi.
MS. MICHAEL:
Thank you very much, Mr.
Speaker.
I,
too, thank the minister for the advance copy of his statement. This award is
a wonderful way to honour one recipient each year who has overcome the odds
and worked hard to achieve his or her literacy and education goals. The odds
against people are great in a province where more than half of adults still
have low literacy scores according to international surveys.
I
urge the minister to keep government's promise for an Adult Literacy
Strategy that we're still waiting for, as well as to bring ABE back to the
public colleges for maximum access and support.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
MR. SPEAKER:
Further statements by
ministers?
The
hon. the Minister of Transportation and Works.
MR. HAWKINS:
Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Mr.
Speaker, while March 20 marked the first day of spring throughout
Newfoundland and Labrador, recent weather conditions indicate that safe
driving practices must remain top of mind.
The
winter maintenance season for the Department of Transportation and Works
runs until mid-April or early May each year, depending on conditions.
The
men and women of the department are dedicated to making the province's roads
safe when challenging conditions like snow, ice and water exist. Safe
driving is everyone's responsibility, and government, along with police
agencies, the insurance industry, municipalities and media continue to raise
awareness and promote safe driving practices.
My
hon. colleagues and residents of the province are also no doubt aware that
at this time of year, due to repeated freezing and thawing, potholes are
prevalent. While crews are working hard to address potholes as quickly as
possible we should all adjust our driving habits, regardless of the season,
to road and weather conditions.
It
is extremely important that motorists make informed travel decisions,
because conditions can change or deteriorate quickly. Research conditions
before you drive and if you decide to travel, reduce speeds and be aware of
your surroundings.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
SOME HON. MEMBERS:
Hear, hear!
MR. SPEAKER:
The hon. the Member for
Conception Bay South.
MR. PETTEN:
Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
I
want to thank the minister for an advance copy of his statement. I commend
the work of staff within TW. They work very diligently on trying to keep
ahead of this. As we know, our climate is what it is. Potholes are occurring
on a daily basis so I want to commend the work they do to keep our roads in
decent condition, Mr. Speaker.
One
note though, this is more like a driver beware statement to be quite honest,
because I read it and I was like, okay, very good. Fair enough. I do hope
that in the evidence-based decision making potholes are given top priority.
I
encourage people to drive safely and drive to the conditions. I do hope that
our roads are kept in a reasonable condition. On a final point, Mr. Speaker,
I want to mention to the minister, there's a really bad pothole under the
Fowler's Road overpass in CBS, so heads-up.
Thank you very much.
SOME HON. MEMBERS:
Hear, hear!
MR. SPEAKER:
The hon. the Member for
St. John's East – Quidi Vidi.
MS. MICHAEL:
Thank you very much, Mr.
Speaker.
I
thank the minister for the advance copy of his statement. Safe driving
practices must always be top priority with the motoring public. What about
those drivers who depend on the Conche Road currently rated Atlantic
Canada's worst?
The
minister says it's important that motorists make informed travel decisions.
For those who live and work in Conche, there is no choice.
So I
ask the minister: What is his recommendation for Conche school bus drivers
if the NL English-speaking district closes the school and forces children
over that road twice a day.
Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker.
SOME HON. MEMBERS:
Hear, hear!
MR. SPEAKER:
Oral Questions.
Oral Questions
MR. SPEAKER:
The hon. the Leader of
the Opposition.
SOME HON. MEMBERS:
Hear, hear!
MR. P. DAVIS:
Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Today we're seeing news reports that may explain why the federal government
is stalling on their promise to reactivate the Maritime Rescue Sub-Centre.
Today, we're hearing that the federal government is considering privatizing
critical search and rescue services that are important to the people of
Newfoundland and Labrador, especially those who earn a living on our waters.
I
ask the Premier: Is he aware of this? Does he support the concept of the
federal government privatizing search and rescue?
MR. SPEAKER:
The hon. the Premier.
PREMIER BALL:
Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
To
the Member opposite, what we've seen in the discussions we've had with our
federal colleagues is that fact they have a commitment to improving services
in Newfoundland and Labrador. As part of that commitment, there will be an
ongoing dialogue which will include Members on this side of the House.
As
our federal colleagues have said many times, their primary objective here in
all of this is to improve the services in Newfoundland and Labrador. That's
a commitment they've made and that's a commitment of the discussion we will
continue to have with our federal colleagues.
SOME HON. MEMBERS:
Hear, hear!
MR. SPEAKER:
The hon. the Leader of
the Opposition.
SOME HON. MEMBERS:
Hear, hear!
MR. P. DAVIS:
Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
It
sounds to me like the Premier was aware the federal government was
considering privatizing search and rescue – very important search and rescue
services for Newfoundlanders and Labradorians.
I
ask the Premier: If you were aware of it, when did you first become aware of
this? What is your position on this? Do you support the concept and the
federal government considering privatizing search and rescue services?
SOME HON. MEMBERS:
Hear, hear!
MR. SPEAKER:
The hon. the Premier.
PREMIER BALL:
Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
As
with any discussion and any decision you have to make, what you do is you
look at whatever options you have available to you. With the evidence you
have, you make the best decision you can.
Right now, with the federal government, I'm sure they are considering a
number of options. What they have said to me in the discussions we had –
their objective is to improve search and rescue services to Newfoundlanders
and Labradorians. That's the commitment they've made. That's the commitment
we will base our discussions on as we continue the discussion and the
communication we are having with our federal colleagues.
SOME HON. MEMBERS:
Hear, hear!
MR. SPEAKER:
The hon. the Leader of
the Opposition.
MR. P. DAVIS:
Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
I
ask the Premier again: Can you tell us when you became aware they were
considering privatizing search and rescue?
MR. SPEAKER:
The hon. the Premier.
PREMIER BALL:
Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
When
I became aware of a number of issues around providing services within
Newfoundland and Labrador, the discussions we would have with our federal
colleagues, it is not a discussion I have had on an individual basis with
the federal members about privatization of search and rescue.
The
discussion we've had is about improvements in services in Newfoundland and
Labrador. When they're prepared to take those discussions to a final forum,
it is then we would intervene and have our say into those discussions.
SOME HON. MEMBERS:
Hear, hear!
MR. SPEAKER:
The hon. the Leader of
the Opposition.
MR. P. DAVIS:
Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
I
appreciate the response from the Premier.
I
ask the Premier: Are you satisfied that privatizing search and rescue is a
way that can provide a safe and effective service for Newfoundlanders and
Labradorians?
SOME HON. MEMBERS:
Hear, hear!
MR. SPEAKER:
The hon. the Premier.
PREMIER BALL:
Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
One
of my colleagues just gave me this here. This comes from Municipal Affairs
on May 8, 2013. What I would see here, this would come from your provincial
government, I would say, Mr. Speaker. I am not going to read it in; I would
just provide this document that we have here as well as part of a pilot
project that the prior government had talked then about privatization of
services within Newfoundland and Labrador. This is obviously a concept that
they would have supported.
Right now, the main objective for me and this government is to make sure
that we bring improvements to search and rescue in Newfoundland and Labrador
because on their watch, what they saw is closure of those very offices.
SOME HON. MEMBERS:
Hear, hear!
MR. SPEAKER:
The hon. the Leader of
the Opposition.
MR. P. DAVIS:
Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
I
can tell you I was not intending to go down a history road today or a blame
game once again today. We've heard lots of that from Members opposite. If
you want to open the door for that, I will certainly do that. According to
this news article today, the federal government did consider in 2011
privatizing certain services, military-based services. But apparently,
according to the article, the idea didn't get very far because there was
public outcry over the concept of privatizing any of these services.
One
of the people who led that outcry was the current federal minister who's
responsible for military procurement who is the Newfoundland and Labrador
minister in the federal government, Minister Judy Foote, who was appalled.
She said she was appalled by the government's notice to companies and the
government that were exploring privatization of search and rescue.
The
question is very simple for the Member opposite: Do you support the concept
of privatizing search and rescue? Do you believe it can provide an effective
and safe service for Newfoundlanders and Labradorians? That is what I ask
the Premier; it is very simple.
MR. SPEAKER:
The hon. the Premier.
PREMIER BALL:
Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Well, if I was the Leader of the Opposition, as he stood here in his place
today, I would not want to talk about the history. I would not want to talk
about the blame because what they failed to do is accept the responsibility.
Any time we raised this, any time we raised the issue around their actions,
the work that they have done when they were in government, I would be
ashamed of that too. That is what got is in the position we are today.
What
I am focused on is improving search and rescue services for Newfoundlanders
and Labradorians. The federal colleagues have already said that they want to
do that. It is something that we will support. The concept around evidence
based, how they proceed with that, it is then when we get into making those
final decisions – I would ask the Members opposite if they were so concerned
about search and rescue in our province, what happened? What did they say
about the closure? Why did they stand and watch their federal colleagues
take away and close down those very services in our province?
SOME HON. MEMBERS:
Hear, hear!
MR. SPEAKER:
The hon. the Leader of
the Opposition.
MR. P. DAVIS:
Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
The
Member opposite, the Premier, is quite well aware they weren't our friends
in Ottawa in the last government, I can tell you that.
SOME HON. MEMBERS:
Hear, hear!
MR. P. DAVIS:
So, Mr. Speaker, they
weren't friends of Newfoundland and Labrador either. We quickly know, and
the people of the province quickly know that the government opposite is
quickly becoming known to not answer questions and play the blame game.
That's what they're going to do.
I
ask the Premier, the Liberal promise of a stronger tomorrow, one they touted
during the election campaign, we noticed quickly changed to a message of
blame and doom and gloom. The people have been waiting to hear the Liberal's
plan for quite some time; waiting to hear their vision for months.
Yesterday, the Premier stated that tough decisions will be made this
Thursday when they deliver the budget, but also there are some that require
further analysis that will be delivered in budget number two this fall. So
with constant negativity, you're single-handedly crushing business
confidence and instilling fear in the people of the province. I know the
Premier is going to find a way to blame us on this as well.
I
ask the Premier anyway: Why not deliver a 12-month budget plan on Thursday?
Why wait for budget number two in the fall and leave people with that
instilled fear that they have throughout Newfoundland and Labrador?
SOME HON. MEMBERS:
Hear, hear!
MR. SPEAKER:
The hon. the Premier.
PREMIER BALL:
Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Well, first of all, I want to address the first part of his comments there.
I was waiting for the question. As the group opposite sat on their hands
when people of this province were demanding an inquiry into search and
rescue services in Newfoundland and Labrador, what did this group do? They
had the option to call that inquiry, I say, Mr. Speaker, and they denied it
and they refused to do it.
Now,
back to the question about the budget on Thursday; I'm very interested in
knowing, and I'm pleased to hear that they are concerned and they are
looking forward to Thursday. I'm also interested in why they are so
interested in distancing themselves from the budget on Thursday of this week
when they had a five-year plan that has failed.
We
will improve the future for Newfoundlanders and Labradorians, and that will
start on Thursday.
SOME HON. MEMBERS:
Hear, hear!
PREMIER BALL:
It will start with some
of the tough decisions that we and the ministers have had to make as a
result of the actions they did not take in the past. What they're trying to
do is distance themselves from what they should be responsible for, and yes,
we do blame you.
SOME HON. MEMBERS:
Hear, hear!
MR. SPEAKER:
The hon. the Leader of
the Opposition.
MR. P. DAVIS:
So yesterday the Premier
said it was my first budget, now he's acknowledging it was a five-year plan.
SOME HON. MEMBERS:
Hear, hear!
MR. P. DAVIS:
A plan that was only in
effect for a few short months, and a plan in that few short months the bond
rating agencies supported. In just the matter of a few short weeks after
they took office the bond rating agencies reacted and showed the confidence
that they don't have in the current government.
So,
Mr. Speaker, I didn't intend to ask this question today but now that the
Premier has raised it, he's raised the fact that they had promised an
inquiry. As a matter of fact, they promised three inquiries.
Maybe the Premier can tell us: When are you going to start calling those
inquiries you promised that were so urgently needed?
MR. SPEAKER:
The hon. the Premier.
PREMIER BALL:
Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Well, as we said about the inquiries, they will be done. This is a
commitment that we stand by.
I am
very interested to see how the Leader of the Opposition stands by his
five-year plan. Is he still standing by doubling the debt of our province,
doubling the borrowing commitments? He can't be serious when he's saying it
was the bond agencies that stood by their five-year plan which would have
led to record borrowing, record debt, record unemployment in our province.
They did not plan. They poorly managed this province.
He
must be joking when he's thinking that the bond rating agencies weren't
looking seriously at their dismal plan. It was only because of the work of
the Minister of Finance, who we see here today, that we were actually able
to turn some of that around, and on Thursday, yes, it will be a difficult
budget, Mr. Speaker, I say. It is not one that we're proud of, but what we
inherited on November 30, I can tell you right now, it was not a five-year
plan or a plan for the future of this province.
SOME HON. MEMBERS:
Hear, hear!
MR. SPEAKER:
The hon. the Leader of
the Opposition.
MR. P. DAVIS:
Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Mr.
Speaker, it's easy for the Members opposite to play the blame game. We
expect them to do that and they're exactly living up to our expectations.
Mr.
Speaker, as the Premier and Members opposite are well aware, the people are
concerned about the cutting of programs and services. People are concerned
about their own jobs, their own ability to earn a living for their families.
AN HON. MEMBER:
(Inaudible).
MR. SPEAKER:
Order, please!
I
recognize the Leader of the Opposition.
MR. P. DAVIS:
Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
It
is becoming quite evident to the people of the province that the Liberals
have quickly lost touch with their promises and they've got very little
focus on the people. I can tell the Premier, it is no joke when we talk
about the people of Newfoundland and Labrador.
SOME HON. MEMBERS:
Hear, hear!
MR. P. DAVIS:
Mr. Speaker, the Minister
of Finance has said there could be cuts in this budget, and there are more
cuts to follow in budget number two in the fall.
Now
I know they're going to blame us. They're going to find a way to blame us,
but I ask: Why are you making the public and the business community, the
public servants live in fear and uncertainty for an extra six months? Why
won't you be open and transparent with them when you deliver their budget on
Thursday?
SOME HON. MEMBERS:
Hear, hear!
MR. SPEAKER:
The hon. the Premier.
PREMIER BALL:
Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Well, the Member opposite keeps talking about blaming them. It seems to me
as if he's the one that raises it all the time, so he really must be ashamed
of his own record, I would say, Mr. Speaker.
We
will continue to lay out the facts as we see them within our province. Some
of the impacts, as we said, they will be difficult decisions that we've had
to make, but they are the right and they are the necessary decisions that
will have to be made to get our province back on track.
Unfortunately, that is not the due diligence that the Members opposite –
that is not the track they had taken over the past number of years. But
making the right decisions so that we can protect the future of our public
sector employees, and we do value them, we are prepared to enter into a fair
negotiating process, as we said from day one. That commitment is intact.
Making the decisions now that we've seen in budget – on Thursday's budget,
most of the tough decisions that we were able to make will be included
there. Some more will require further work. That is called due diligence.
That is called working with evidence. That is called research so that we
can, indeed, make the right decisions for our future.
SOME HON. MEMBERS:
Hear, hear!
MR. SPEAKER:
The hon. the Leader of
the Opposition.
MR. P. DAVIS:
Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Members opposite, and the Premier is quite aware, rise in the House every
day and they always start – it must be a set pattern over there. They get up
and blame the previous administration before they get on.
I
remind them, they are the government, and yes, the people did elect them to
govern and to lead. It's time for them to start doing that.
SOME HON. MEMBERS:
Hear, hear!
MR. P. DAVIS:
Analysis paralysis
processes are paralyzing our province, Mr. Speaker. It's time for members
opposite to make decisions. Yes, the right decisions as well, but to get on
with the work of the day.
Mr.
Speaker, we understand that many temporary government employees have been
extended to September 30. They've been advised they're extended to September
30, just days before budget number two is expected to be received and to be
delivered by Members opposite.
Mr.
Speaker, I know again the Premier is going to blame us for this somehow, but
will he provide an update, or will the minister provide an update on how
many employees in the public sector have been given notice that their jobs
are safe only until September?
MR. SPEAKER:
The hon. the Minister of
Finance and President of Treasury Board.
MS. C. BENNETT:
Mr. Speaker, it's
been interesting to sit and hear the conversation here this afternoon about
the budget. I find it quite enlightening to hear the Member opposite who
brought in a budget that promised to save and implement actions to save $75
million through an initiative, and never bothered to sign the actual action
to do that until sometime in late August. They had no intention of taking
action on the budget that they brought in last year.
To
the Member's question, we made a decision that those valued employees that
work in a temporary capacity inside this government would be provided some
clarity and some ability to plan over the course of six months. We made the
decision to extend those temporary positions through to the next six months
so those individuals would have clarity, Mr. Speaker.
SOME HON. MEMBERS:
Hear, hear!
MR. SPEAKER:
The hon. the Leader of
the Opposition.
MR. P. DAVIS:
Just to clarify from the
minister, are you indicating that they've been extended until September and
the intention then is to terminate their employment at that point in time?
Or is it to renew or decisions will be made at that point in time?
The
question was: Can you tell me how many have been given that notice until
September?
MR. SPEAKER:
The hon. the Minister of
Finance and President of Treasury Board.
MS. C. BENNETT:
Thank you, Mr.
Speaker.
The
review of temporary employment occurs towards the end of each fiscal year,
as the Members opposite are quite aware of. These actions are part of their
regular process related to all temporary employment that discontinues on
March 31.
Government, as I said in my prior answer, we made the decisions, including
job-related decisions, as part of – we will make decisions as part of budget
2016. It was our intention to make sure that those individuals who had
temporary positions as of March 31 were extended through six months so we
could be open and transparent with those individuals.
We
understand that people are worried and that people are concerned. Our
commitment is to be as open and transparent when we have information that we
can share, and that's what we're doing, Mr. Speaker.
SOME HON. MEMBERS:
Hear, hear!
MR. SPEAKER:
The hon. the Leader of
the Opposition.
SOME HON. MEMBERS:
Hear, hear!
MR. P. DAVIS:
Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
The
question I was asking the minister was for the number. How many public
servants were advised that they would be extended until September? Maybe at
some point in time the minister might be able to provide that information to
us.
Mr.
Speaker, on December 22 the government announced immediate action to help
address the fiscal situation. As part of that directive, departments and
agencies and boards and commissions were directed to refrain from creating
or requesting new permanent, temporary, casual or contractual positions.
I
ask the minister: Can she provide an update on how many positions or new
hires have taken place in government since you've taken office?
MR. SPEAKER:
The hon. the Minister of
Finance and President of Treasury Board.
MS. C. BENNETT:
Mr. Speaker, we have
been undertaking a Government Renewal Initiative, as the Members opposite
and the public are aware. Part of that process is to take a look at the
recommendations from various departments, agencies, boards and commissions
that outline actions that we can take as part of our budget for 2016. The
workforce planning part of those discussions is ongoing.
It
is interesting that the Member opposite wants to ask questions about the
workforce when they implemented a plan of attrition. And as we talk to
officials inside government, many, many, many of the leaders inside
government said that that plan did not actually provide the depth of detail
on workforce planning that is required, and this something that we intend to
close the gap on.
SOME HON. MEMBERS:
Hear, hear!
MR. SPEAKER:
The hon. the Leader of
the Opposition.
MR. P. DAVIS:
Thank you very much, Mr.
Speaker.
Again, the information is not being provided. I appreciate if the minister
does not have it at her fingertips, but I'd ask her to make it available to
us or table it here in the House. I've asked for numbers of public servants
who been advised that –
AN HON. MEMBER:
(Inaudible).
MR. SPEAKER:
Order, please!
The
hon. the Leader of the Opposition.
MR. P. DAVIS:
Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
I've
asked, Mr. Speaker, for a list of those who – not a list, but a number of
how many public servants have been advised that their contracts would expire
in September. I've also asked now how many new hires. I ask the minister if
she would try and get that information for us.
I'm
sure that the minister must be aware that there have been a number of new
hires in departments, including Health and Nalcor. We know there have been
hires in the Department of Finance and OCIO as well.
In
an environment where the Premier has stated every dollar counts, and I agree
it does, and were layoffs are expected this week and also in budget number
two number fall, I ask the minister to be forthright and to advise if you
can provide an update on those new positions, on the change in positons and
hires and staff from the time you took office until today. How many people
have been hired on a permanent or contractual or temporary basis?
SOME HON. MEMBERS:
Hear, hear!
MR. SPEAKER:
The hon. the Minister of
Finance and President of Treasury Board.
MS. C. BENNETT:
Mr. Speaker, I'm
happy to have the Leader of the Opposition come meet with officials of the
Human Resource Secretariat to have a deep discussion about the workforce
realities that core government faces. If he wants to sit through
presentations from all of the agencies, boards and commissions, like our
Treasury Board ministers did, I welcome him to sit down and have those
conversations in his responsibility as Leader of the Opposition.
Quite frankly, the Member opposite should have had the experience to
understand the total number of people at any given time that are in
temporary positions, permanent positons or in a state of new hires is
influx.
If
he could pinpoint the exact date and moment that he would like to have that
information, I will certainly do my best to have officials provide that
information because, obviously, he is unable to remember the complications
of that last year when he was in the role of premier.
Thank you.
SOME HON. MEMBERS:
Hear, hear!
MR. SPEAKER:
The hon. the Member for
Mount Pearl North.
MR. KENT:
Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Our
administration made smart investments in areas like aquaculture, ocean
technology, Arctic opportunities, venture capital, rural broadband and the
list goes on. We made strategic investments to diversify the economy. The
people of our province are looking to the Liberal government to live up to
their many campaign promises and to deliver their economic plan, the
diversification plan, the magical LEAP plan they promised.
I
ask the Minister of Business, Tourism, Culture and Rural Development: Where
is the economic diversification plan you promised the people of this
province back in the fall?
SOME HON. MEMBERS:
Hear, hear!
MR. SPEAKER:
The hon. the Minister of
Business, Tourism, Culture and Rural Development.
MR. MITCHELMORE:
Thank you, Mr.
Speaker, for the opportunity to answer the question.
I've
been given a clear mandate by the Premier to look at the economic
diversification. Being the lead department in Business, Tourism, Culture and
Rural Development, we have a number of initiatives we will undertake when it
comes to agriculture and growing that sector, when it comes to
manufacturing. I've been meeting with the stakeholders in the innovation
sector.
There are a number of initiatives that are taking place and will continue to
do so in the Department of Business, Tourism, Culture and Rural Development.
We have a delegation here from Nunavut. Right now, we are talking about the
opportunities and the partnerships where we can recruit. We can share
knowledge and expertise and create new business opportunities.
I
just met with accelerators in Propel ICT before I came here. There are lots
of opportunities to look at how we can advance our economy in Newfoundland
and Labrador. I am very pleased to continue to do that.
SOME HON. MEMBERS:
Hear, hear!
MR. SPEAKER:
The hon. the Member for
Mount Pearl North.
MR. KENT:
Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
That
was an eloquent explanation of the fact that the Liberal government has no
plan to diversify the economy.
SOME HON. MEMBERS:
Hear, hear!
MR. KENT:
I thought they only met
with federal Liberals, but I guess they have other meetings as well. Other
than having meetings and carrying on with the previous government's
initiatives, what specific new actions has the minister taken to diversify
and grow the economy in the last five months? Other than having meetings,
what have you actually taken action on or done specifically related to
economic diversification?
SOME HON. MEMBERS:
Hear, hear!
MR. SPEAKER:
The hon. the Minister of
Business, Tourism, Culture and Rural Development.
MR. MITCHELMORE:
Thank you, Mr.
Speaker.
My
department has undertaken a number of initiatives where we have held
meetings with stakeholders because it is important to consult. It is very
important to have that dialogue. We've had meetings with the agricultural
community as well as forestry roundtable where I met with close to 40
participants, where we talked about the challenges and opportunities that
lie in the sector and how we can advance and move forward in Wooddale, in
Central Newfoundland and Labrador. We're taking initiatives and steps as to
how we can improve the forest sector.
I've
met with the arts community. I've met with innovation. I've been throughout
the province, actually, on the West Coast, in Central Newfoundland, in the
CBN area. I'll continue to have that dialogue as we look at opportunities to
move forward and make strategic investments so that we can grow the economy.
Our
government has a clear vision, our Premier has a clear vision and our
department has a lot of opportunities and knowledgeable staff that can
actually help advance the business community in Newfoundland and Labrador.
MR. SPEAKER:
Order, please!
SOME HON. MEMBERS:
Hear, hear!
MR. SPEAKER:
The hon. the Member for
Mount Pearl North.
MR. KENT:
Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
So
lots of consultation, meetings and touring, but no decisions, no action, no
taking a stand on anything and clearly no plan.
Mr.
Speaker, the blame game ramped up yesterday and it was in high gear with the
Premier's comments today. The go-to answer from the Liberals is: not our
fault. They aren't saying or doing much else.
Well, the Liberals stated that they would unveil a major economic
announcement that would create jobs and grow the economy, the Liberal
Economic Action Plan.
I
ask the Minister Responsible for the Office of Public Engagement: Because
she was one of the people leading the LEAP tour last summer, can she provide
the results of this plan and release the plan, because the Premier and the
minister responsible seem to be unwilling?
SOME HON. MEMBERS:
Hear, hear!
MR. SPEAKER:
The hon. the Minister
Responsible for the Office of Public Engagement.
MS. COADY:
Thank you very much for
the opportunity to address that question.
I
was a very proud Member of the Liberal action team for the LEAP. We
consulted with many, many people in this province. We developed a positive
action plan that the current Premier has had and reviewed, and I'm sure this
government is going to action, unlike the former government who didn't do
very much in terms of diversification, certainly over the last dozen years
when we look at some of the economic conditions that we have today.
Mr.
Speaker, we'll certainly get to that. I have every utmost faith in my
colleague the Minister of Business, Tourism, Culture and Rural Development.
He is exceptionally talented in this area, and I know he's meeting with the
people that we had lots of discussions on.
So
it's a very robust plan. I know he's getting to it, and I know he'll be
doing a good job.
SOME HON. MEMBERS:
Hear, hear!
MR. SPEAKER:
The hon. the Member for
St. John's East – Quidi Vidi.
MS. MICHAEL:
Thank you very much, Mr.
Speaker.
The
Minister of Finance recently instructed departments, boards, commissions and
agencies to examine every single program through a so-called partnership
test. Proponents of public-private partnerships use questionable
calculations to inflate government procurement costs. The idea is to make
P3s appear more cost efficient. Auditors General across this country
continue to disagree with these calculations.
I
ask the Premier: What calculation formula is his minister using in her
attempt to make privatizing government services look cheaper than
conventional government procurement costs?
MR. SPEAKER:
The hon. the Premier.
PREMIER BALL:
Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Well, any time you enter into a decision that affects the province and the
investments that would have to be made – as an example, the long-term care
plan that the previous administration had entered into, when we really got
in and we reviewed that plan, it was too narrow in scope to make any final
analysis on what truly would be the economic outcome or the service outcome
to the people of the province. So as a result of that plan that the previous
administration put in place was cancelled.
When
you look at privatization or community partnerships, in some cases it's
partnerships with associations. In some cases it could be partnerships with
a community, as an example.
So,
anytime you have an opportunity where you can advance the services for
people of Newfoundland and Labrador and create partners – not just with
business, but in many cases with our communities – that we can improve the
outcomes for Newfoundlanders and Labradorians, that's the discussion we're
prepared to have.
SOME HON. MEMBERS:
Hear, hear!
MR. SPEAKER:
The hon. the Member for
St. John's East – Quidi Vidi.
MS. MICHAEL:
Thank you very much, Mr.
Speaker.
They
have started a process with their agencies, commissions and departments.
I
want to know: Will the minister table any analysis used in determining the
basis of comparison between proposed P3 and normal procurement cost, or else
how can they make that determination?
MR. SPEAKER:
The hon. the Minister of
Finance and President of Treasury Board.
MS. C. BENNETT:
Yes, we will table
any information we use in relation to any decisions we make on any possible
changes in service delivery for the people of the province.
SOME HON. MEMBERS:
Hear, hear!
MR. SPEAKER:
The hon. the Member for
St. John's Centre.
MS. ROGERS:
Mr. Speaker, recent
analysis shows that privatizing liquor stores in Alberta and BC resulted in
higher prices and lower revenues to government. Saskatchewan government
stands to lose $3.5 to $7.5 million in revenue annually by allowing only
four new private liquor stores to open in that province.
I
ask the Premier: Is government considering privatizing Newfoundland and
Labrador Liquor Corporation stores?
MR. SPEAKER:
The hon. the Minister of
Finance and President of Treasury Board.
MS. C. BENNETT:
Mr. Speaker, when we
come into the House on Thursday of this week and present the budget, we'll
be presenting a series of information about the actions that we're
undertaking as part of budget '16, which contrary to the Official Leader of
the Opposition's comments earlier, it is the budget for the full year. We
will be coming back in the fall with supplemental actions.
Those decisions that we would make will be revealed in those budgets. I
certainly look forward to providing that information to the people of the
province.
SOME HON. MEMBERS:
Hear, hear!
MR. SPEAKER:
The hon. the Member for
St. John's Centre.
MS. ROGERS:
Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
I
did not hear no from the minister. Since privatization, Alberta has foregone
nearly $1.5 billion in revenue.
Is
the Premier saying he is willing, at this time, to lose the revenue
generated by publicly owned liquor stores?
SOME HON. MEMBERS:
Hear, hear!
MR. SPEAKER:
The hon. the Minister of
Finance and President of Treasury Board.
MS. C. BENNETT:
Mr. Speaker, I can
assure the Member opposite that this government is going to do every single
thing it can do to close the multi-billion dollar deficit that the former
administration left and racked up for the people of the province. We will
make sure that we find every penny to be able to invest in critical services
for the people of the province.
We
want to ensure and we must ensure that the services people of the province
need are there when they need them. I can assure the Member opposite, that's
the work we're undertaking as part of the budget.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
SOME HON. MEMBERS:
Hear, hear!
MR. SPEAKER:
The hon. the Member for
St. John's Centre for a quick question.
MS. ROGERS:
Mr. Speaker, is the
Premier willing to lose over 500 full-time equivalent well-paying public
sector jobs across the province by privatizing the Newfoundland and Labrador
Liquor stores?
SOME HON. MEMBERS:
Hear, hear!
MR. SPEAKER:
The hon. the Minister of
Finance and President of Treasury Board.
MS. C. BENNETT:
Mr. Speaker, I can
assure the Member opposite that there isn't one Member on this House of
Assembly – and I would argue any Member in this hon. House – that takes
pleasure in the realization that there has to be some form of action that
corrects the fiscal situation we're in. It is not something that we take
pleasure in. It is a very difficult situation. We will continue to make
those decisions based on the right things for the people of the province.
Our
focus is to make sure we do everything we can to have as many people working
in this province because that's important for our economy, it's important
for people and their families and it's an important priority for this
government, Mr. Speaker.
SOME HON. MEMBERS:
Hear, hear!
MR. SPEAKER:
The time for Question
Period had expired.
Before we continue with the Order Paper, I've shown a great deal of leniency
with the timing of questions and answers. Today has gotten a little out of
hand. We've had both questions and answers from both sides that have
exceeded 60 seconds. I ask Members to try to contain your questions to
somewhere between 45 and 50 seconds and the answers to 45 to 50 seconds.
The
other thing that I've noticed today is today is the first Question Period
that has gotten boisterous. I promised order and decorum. I intend to keep
that promise for the people of the province. I showed some leniency today
because it is the first day that it's gotten as boisterous as it has, but we
will be containing the level of heckling especially during Question Period
in the future.
Presenting Reports by Standing and Select Committees.
Tabling of Documents.
Tabling of
Documents
MR. SPEAKER:
Pursuant to section 8 and section 10 of the
Public Tender Act I hereby table
reports of the Public Tender Act
Exceptions for September, October, November and December of 2015, and
January and February of 2016, as presented by the Chief Operating Officer of
the Government Purchasing Agency.
Further tabling of documents?
Notices of Motion.
Answers to Questions for which Notice has been Given – I'm sorry, Notices of
Motion.
Notices of Motion
MR. SPEAKER:
The hon. the Minister of
Municipal Affairs.
MR. JOYCE:
Mr. Speaker, I give
notice that I will ask leave to introduce a bill entitled, An Act To Amend
The Highway Traffic Act, Bill 12.
MR. SPEAKER:
Further notices of
motion?
Answers to Questions for which Notice has been Given.
Petitions.
Petitions
MR. SPEAKER:
The hon. the Member for
St. John's East – Quidi Vidi.
MS. MICHAEL:
Thank you very much, Mr.
Speaker.
To
the hon. House of Assembly of the Province of Newfoundland and Labrador in
Parliament assembled, the petition of the undersigned residents humbly
sheweth:
WHEREAS the Newfoundland and Labrador English School District trustees
propose to close Whitbourne Elementary effective June 2016 and bus them to a
distant school; and
WHEREAS Whitbourne Elementary is an important accessible and inclusive
neighbourhood school with programs, community partnerships and
extracurricular activities designed to meet the particular needs of the
children who attend it;
WHEREUPON the undersigned, your petitioners, humbly pray and call upon the
House of Assembly to urge government to ensure that Whitbourne Elementary
school remains open.
And
as in duty bound, your petitioners will ever pray.
I'm
very pleased, once again, Mr. Speaker, to stand on behalf of the residents
of Whitbourne and area, the parents of the children who go to school there
and the community leaders, in presenting this petition. Once again today
hundreds upon hundreds of signatures adding up over the past two days to
almost 2,000 signatures from people in the Trinity Bay South area, the whole
Whitbourne area, the Placentia – St. Mary's area; signatures from Conception
Bay South, Conception Bay North all the way to St. John's.
Almost 2,000 signatures now I've presented here in this House, of people who
recognize the responsibility of this government and the responsibility of
the Minister of Education and Early Childhood Development for making sure
the district school board of trustees do what they are mandated to do. They
have a responsibility for making sure that any changes, any closures of
schools that are happening are being done for the good of the children and
of the parents and guardians of those children. That is the minister's
responsibility. That is the government's responsibility.
They
have to answer to the parents who stood on April 2 in Whitbourne and poured
their guts out, Mr. Speaker, and apologized for having to do it. Apologized
for having to stand up and talk about the needs of their children who have
special needs that are taken care of in the Whitbourne Elementary school.
They apologized for talking about these personal, intimate details. They had
to, because the children in a fully accessible school with a community that
supports that accessibility are now going to be – if this school board makes
the decision that is on the table, if they make that decision, these
children's needs are not going to be met.
The
school they're going to is not even accessible, and that is a fact. It will
not be able to meet the needs of these children. Their parents are so
concerned that their education is going to be disturbed. They are not going
to have their needs met. They are going to miss school. There are times they
will not be able to go to school. Mr. Speaker, I humbly present this
petition on their behalf.
Thank you very much.
MR. SPEAKER:
The hon. the Member for
Mount Pearl North.
MR. KENT:
Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
I am
pleased to present this petition on behalf of residents in the Mount Pearl
area. To the hon. House of Assembly of the Province of Newfoundland and
Labrador in Parliament assembled, the petition of the undersigned residents
of Newfoundland and Labrador humbly sheweth:
WHEREAS an extension is urgently needed at St. Peter's Primary school in
Mount Pearl in order to accommodate full-day kindergarten and the growing
school population;
WHEREUPON the undersigned, your petitioners, humbly pray and call upon the
House of Assembly to urge government to clarify its position and plan so
that St. Peter's Primary and other schools in Newfoundland and Labrador can
properly accommodate students when full-day kindergarten commences in
September 2016.
And
is in duty bound, your petitioners will ever pray.
Mr.
Speaker, I've spoken to this issue in the past in this session of the House
of Assembly. I've also had an opportunity to correspond with the Minister of
Education and Early Childhood Development and I thank him for the response.
There is some more particular information that is needed by parents from the
school board to address some specific concerns that still have not been
addressed. Overcrowding is the fundamental issue at St. Peter's Primary.
It's not about staffing. There are great staff and a very engaged school
council. It's not about ratios. The issue is that there isn't sufficient
physical space for the programs that are proposed for September 2016.
The
fact that government and the school board have delayed the planned extension
that was budgeted for, it now won't be ready until at least 2018. That means
that we have a bad situation for at least two school years. This is an
extension that should be fast-tracked.
There is inadequate space for the play-based learning model and teen
teaching for full-day kindergarten. Soon there will be no outside play space
due to modular classrooms and the eventual construction. The parking issues
are atrocious and will only get worse. Students will be eating lunch at
their desks for the next two years. We're concerned about what supervision
will be in place over the lunch period for kindergarten classes,
particularly the ones with over 27 students in them and there will be at
least three of those.
Rezoning the school two years ago was an unfortunate decision that I spoke
against at the time. The move to K to 3 has made this situation worse. We
need the extension. We need accommodation for outside play space. The
parking issues need to be addressed. Some of the supervision issues that are
being raised need to be addressed as well.
This
is fundamentally about overcrowding. There is more that can be done, and I
hope that the school board will take the necessary action.
Thank you.
MR. SPEAKER:
Further petitions?
The
hon. the Member for St. John's Centre.
MS. ROGERS:
Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
To
the hon. House of Assembly of the Province of Newfoundland and Labrador in
Parliament assembled, the petition of the undersigned residents humbly
sheweth:
WHEREAS the English school board trustees propose to close down Holy Cross
Junior High school and send students to a distant school; and
WHEREAS the school board has arbitrarily and without consultation reduced
the Holy Cross Junior High catchment area and students will have to be bused
to a far more distant school; and
WHEREAS Holy Cross is an important neighbourhood school with programs,
community partnerships and extracurricular activities designed to meet the
particular needs of the inner-city students who attend it; and
WHEREAS the English school board trustees are an appointed body and no
longer accountable to the people who elected them;
WHEREUPON the undersigned, your petitioners, humbly pray and call upon the
House of Assembly to urge government to ensure that Holy Cross Junior High
school remains open and to immediately arrange for a democratically elected
English school board.
And
as in duty bound, your petitioners will ever pray.
Mr.
Speaker, I'm happy once again to stand in this House to speak on behalf of
the parents and guardians and the children of Holy Cross Junior High, and
the children of St. John's Centre who would hopefully be attending Holy
Cross Junior High.
I
was astounded yesterday in the House to hear the Minister of Education say
this is not within his responsibility. That the responsibility rests solely
with the school board. Mr. Speaker, I would like to point out again, as I
have before, some of the quotes by the Minister of Education while he was in
Opposition. He was speaking specifically about the English school district
and also specifically about the current board of trustees because, as we
know, there has not been a school board election since the year 2009.
That
is scandalous, Mr. Speaker, because we know – all of us in this House know
how important it is to have duly elected, accountable trustees on our school
board. That's the very foundation of our school board so that, in fact, the
school board is at arm's-length from government, but it is government who
makes sure that happens.
I
say, in fact, it is the responsibility of the Minister of Education to
ensure that the very foundation, the very integrity of our school board
system, with duly elected school board trustees, is in fact carried out. I'd
say, Mr. Speaker, in fact that he is abdicating his responsibility. It is
truly his responsibility to do that. Otherwise, what do we have? We have
complete anarchy because we do not have a duly elected school board.
I'd
say every Member in this House of Assembly, particularly those Members who
have children in schools –
MR. SPEAKER:
Order, please!
The
Member's time for speaking is expired.
MS. ROGERS:
– know exactly how
important that is.
Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker.
MR. SPEAKER:
The hon. the Member for
Conception Bay South.
MR. PETTEN:
Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
I
rise again today to present the petition I presented – this is probably the
third time now. As I said, I will continue to present it.
It
is: To the hon. House of Assembly of the Province of Newfoundland and
Labrador in Parliament assembled, the petition of the undersigned residents
of Newfoundland and Labrador humbly sheweth:
WHEREAS policing is vital to the protection and service of our province's
communities;
WHEREUPON the undersigned, your petitioners, humbly pray and call upon the
House of Assembly to urge government to increase the presence of law
enforcement in the Conception Bay South area.
And
as in duty bound, your petitioners will ever pray.
Mr.
Speaker, those petitions, I have a stack of them. Actually, they were
delivered to me right throughout the community. I said it yesterday and I'll
say it again today that it stretches from the MHA for Harbour Main right
from Seal Cove right down to my colleague for Topsail – Paradise District,
right at the beginning of Paradise. The entire district is calling on an
increased police presence. As I said yesterday, I made a commitment I would
advocate for the residents, and I'm continuing to do that.
Like
you say, it's fine to have a police vehicle – if you live 30 minutes outside
of Fort Townshend, you need a dedicated office that people can see, locate
it. There has to be something manned. It's fundamentally flawed in my mind
when you've got a town the size of CBS that is arguably the largest
municipality in the province outside the City of St. John's, and we've got
three cars that sometimes they're called away and you've got one vehicle on
– we only had two up until about two weeks ago.
We
don't have anywhere to go, there is no office space, and there is no
recognition the police force exists. There was a building there at one time
with a satellite office. That's no longer there. I've spoken to the town
that, I think, would be willing to have conversations with the RNC to
provide some sort of office space. It's an issue within the municipality,
it's an issue I discussed with our town council, and it's an issue I
continue to speak on. I have a lot more petitions to present, Mr. Speaker.
It's something I'm passionate about. Like I said yesterday, I got the
message loud and clear from the constituents, and I guess my role in the
House of Assembly is to stand and speak on their behalf, which is exactly
what I'm doing.
So I
once again call upon the government to give some consideration to having a
dedicated office with dedicated officers for the Town of CBS. Protection is
everything. As we know, armed robberies are happening on a daily basis, and
they are happening in CBC probably on a percentage-wise more than anywhere
else. Crime, accidents – we have a lot of drugs. It's a lot of things
happening in our society and people don't feel safe.
If
you don't feel safe, Mr. Speaker, that's a pretty sad statement. I think
increased police presence will give an increased sense of security, and no
doubt increasing police presence will give people more sense of security.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
MR. SPEAKER:
The hon. the Member for
the District of Fortune Bay – Cape La Hune.
MS. PERRY:
Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
It's
certainly an honour and a privilege for me to stand in the House and present
this petition today. To the hon. House of Assembly of the Province of
Newfoundland and Labrador in Parliament assembled, the petition of the
undersigned residents of Newfoundland and Labrador humbly sheweth:
WHEREAS our province's seniors deserve quality care and assistance when
residing in long-term care facilities; and
WHEREAS our province is currently experiencing an escalating shortage of
long-term care beds;
WHEREUPON the undersigned, your petitioners, humbly pray and call upon the
House of Assembly to urge government to explore all options, including
partnerships to create new long-term care beds in this province.
And
as in duty bound, your petitioners will ever pray.
Mr.
Speaker, we have an aging population in this province. I'm sure all Members
of this of this hon. House place great value on our seniors. Our seniors are
certainly the reason for being for all of us. They deserve the best of care
in their golden years. As a government, we have a responsibility to ensure
that we do what we can to ensure these years are as enjoyable as they
possibly can be. The government of the day certainly has a responsibility to
address this major issue.
I
was absolutely shocked, I have to say – I'm digressing a little bit from
what I had intended to talk about – when I heard today in the House no
denial for the privatization of Newfoundland and Labrador Liquor
Corporation, but no support whatsoever by government opposite for looking at
public-private partnership for seniors' home care. I find that very
disturbing, Mr. Speaker. It makes you wonder where the priorities are and
where the people versus profits really fit in the minds of the Members
opposite.
Long
wait times for long-term care and acute care services remain in our health
sector today, and left unchecked these wait times are going to continue to
grow, Mr. Speaker. Aggressive action needs to be taken and it needs to be
taken now. Our seniors deserve better, far better than what they are
receiving from the government of the day.
Newfoundland and Labrador is facing an increase in demand for long-term care
and community support services. With the population aging and prevalence of
chronic disease and disability increasing, the government must find a way to
meet the needs of seniors and their families.
Mr.
Speaker, I am at a loss to understand why the government will not consider
public-private partnerships because it is in other jurisdictions a very
successful model that works without cost to the government. I would venture
to say it would save government much more than what it will supposedly make
by privatization of many of our services in this province, such as the
Liquor Corporation and God knows what else we're going to hear about on
Thursday.
One
thing I do like is the commitment to provide a cost-benefit analysis on all
of that and we'll certainly be posing the question for the people of the
province –
MR. SPEAKER:
Order, please!
MS. PERRY:
– what's in the best
interest: partnerships for the people.
Thank you.
MR. SPEAKER:
Further petitions?
Orders of the Day.
Orders of the Day
MR. SPEAKER:
The hon. the Government
House Leader.
MR. A. PARSONS:
Mr. Speaker, I call
from the Order Paper, Order 4, third reading of Bill 4.
MR. SPEAKER:
The hon. the Minister of
Finance and President of Treasury Board
MS. C. BENNETT:
Thank you, Mr.
Speaker.
I
move, seconded by the Government House Leader, that Bill 4, An Act To Amend
The Financial Administration Act, be read a third time.
MR. SPEAKER:
It is moved and seconded
that Bill 4 be now read a third time.
CLERK:
A bill, An Act To Amend
The Financial Administration Act. (Bill 4)
MR. SPEAKER:
Bill 4, An Act To Amend
The Financial Administration Act, has now been read a third time.
Is
it the pleasure of the House that the bill be read the third time?
All
those in favour?
SOME HON. MEMBERS:
Aye.
MR. SPEAKER:
This bill is now read a
third time and it is ordered that the bill do pass and its title be as on
the Order Paper.
On
motion, a bill, “An Act To Amend The Financial Administration Act,” read a
third time, ordered passed and its title be as on the Order Paper. (Bill 4)
MR. SPEAKER:
The hon. the Government
House Leader.
MR. A. PARSONS:
Mr. Speaker, I call
from the Order Paper, Order 5, third reading of Bill 5.
MR. SPEAKER:
The hon. the Government
House Leader.
MR. A. PARSONS:
Mr. Speaker, I move,
seconded by the Minister of Municipal Affairs, that Bill 5, An Act To Amend
The Interprovincial Subpoena Act, be now read the third time.
MR. SPEAKER:
It is moved and seconded
that Bill 5 be now read a third time.
Is
it the pleasure of the House to adopt the motion?
SOME HON. MEMBERS:
Aye.
MR. SPEAKER:
Against?
Carried.
CLERK:
A bill, An Act To Amend
The Interprovincial Subpoena Act. (Bill 5)
MR. SPEAKER:
Bill 5, An Act To Amend
The Interprovincial Subpoena Act, has now been read a third time and it is
ordered that the bill do pass and its title be as on the Order Paper.
On
motion, a bill, “An Act To Amend The Interprovincial Subpoena Act,” read a
third time, ordered passed and its title be as on the Order Paper. (Bill 5)
MR. SPEAKER:
The hon. the Government
House Leader.
MR. A. PARSONS:
Mr. Speaker, I call
from the Order Paper, Order 7, second reading of Bill 7.
MR. SPEAKER:
The hon. the minister
responsible for Vital Statistics.
MR. JOYCE:
Mr. Speaker, I move,
seconded by the Government House Leader, that I now read Bill 7, An Act To
Amend The Vital Statistics Act, and be read a second time.
MR. SPEAKER:
It is moved and seconded
that Bill 7, An Act To Amend The Vital Statistics Act, be now read a second
time.
Motion, second reading of a bill, “An Act To Amend The Vital Statistics Act,
2009.” (Bill 7)
MR. SPEAKER:
The hon. the Minister of
Service NL.
MR. JOYCE:
Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Mr.
Speaker, I rise in this hon. House today to open debate on an amendment to
the Vital Statistics Act, 2009,
and making a consequential amendment to the
Change of Name Act, 2009.
The
Vital Statistics Act, 2009,
governs the registration of births, marriages, deaths and other vital events
or information, including gender designation. Under the current legislation,
individuals who wish to change their gender designation on their birth
registration or marriage registration must first undergo sex reassignment
surgery.
The
proposed amendments being presented here today will enable a person to
change the gender designation on a birth registration or marriage
registration without having to undergo surgery.
These amendments to the act respond to the changes that have been requested
by the LGBT community advocates, as well as a recent human rights ruling.
For advocates, this issue speaks to a person's right to self-expression,
safety and privacy.
Other jurisdictions have recognized similar concerns with the legislation,
and the amendments we are making today reflect changes that have already
been made in some other provinces. With the passing of this amendment,
Newfoundland and Labrador will join Ontario, British Columbia, Alberta,
Manitoba and Nova Scotia in allowing a change of gender designation on both
birth registrations and marriage registrations without the need for surgery.
Mr.
Speaker, at this time I would like to provide the hon. House with more
detail on the amendments we are seeking. Under the proposed amendments,
individuals age 16 and older will be able to apply to change their gender
marker on birth and marriage registrations without the need to undergo
surgery. Those under the age of 16 will require a parent or guardian to make
an application on their behalf.
These age limits are consistent with other provincial legislation that
allows individuals 16 and older to make significant decisions on their own.
For instance, a 16-year-old man can make an advance health care directive
under the Advance Health Care
Directives Act. In addition, they are no longer considered a child under
the Children and Youth Care and Protection Act, and may make certain
decisions about their own well-being independently. Allowing individuals 16
and older to apply on their own behalf is consistent with some of the other
jurisdictions which have removed the requirement of surgery.
As
part of the application process, a person requesting a change in gender
marker will have to provide a declaration stating they identify with and
intend to maintain his or her chosen gender identity. Applicants must also
provide a supporting statement from a registered medical practitioner,
psychologist, nurse practitioner, registered nurse, or a social worker that
confirms the gender designation being applied for is consistent with the
gender the individual identifies as.
Whether an individual lives in an urban or rural community, they should be
able to access at least one of these types of professionals to assist with
their application. In the case of an application for a child under the age
of 12, two supporting statements from separate professionals will be
required in order to ensure protection of the child's rights.
The
proposed approach is in keeping with the professional collaboration already
required for both registrations in general and designated to maintain the
integrity of the registries. Requiring professional confirmation is also
consistent with what has been done in other jurisdictions.
Mr.
Speaker, in order to ensure consistency with other legislation, we are also
proposing an amendment to the Change
of Name Act, 2009 with respect to age requirements.
Currently, a person must be 19 years or older in order to independently
apply for a change of name. To be consistent with the amendments to the
Vital Statistics Act we need now to amend the other legislations to
allow someone who is 16 or older to change their name, in addition to
changing gender. This is done simply by changing the definition of a child
under the Change of Name Act to a
person under the age of 16 years and by allowing a person 16 or older to
make an application to change their name.
Mr.
Speaker, I want to note, Newfoundlanders and Labradorians have been able to
apply for a change of gender designation on their birth or marriage
registration since December 2015. To date, more than 20 people have availed
of this opportunity since it became available in December.
Government policies were changed at that time in response to an order issued
by the board of inquiry that was established by the provincial Human Rights
Commission to address this issue. The order required that transgender
individuals would no longer have to undergo reassignment surgery in order to
have their gender marker changed on their birth certificate or marriage
registration. This effectively made the requirement to have the existing
Vital Statistics Act null and void.
Service NL responded to the order in a matter of days to accommodate those
who wanted to make changes to the gender marker on their birth or marriage
registrations. While the order from the Human Rights Commission was
effective in allowing the department to change its processes, it did not, in
and of itself, actually change the legislation. As such, amendments to the
legislation are necessary to reconcile the gap between our practices and the
legislative provisions.
Mr.
Speaker, we believe the proposed amendment will support inclusion in our
society and address some of the barriers that transgender people experience
in our society. This amendment is about ensuring the safety and the dignity
of transgender individuals, and as I have noted previously, this is
something that has been advocated by the LGBT community for some time.
Mr.
Speaker, as this amendment respects and protects the dignity of transgender
individuals, we hope to have the co-operation of the hon. Members in passing
it. When an individual identity and gender expression do not match their
identification documents, they can experience anxiety, an invasion of their
privacy and sense of security. These amendments will help transgender people
not to have to explain themselves to strangers. This may also help to avoid
possible discriminations or violence against trans individuals.
I'll
conclude now by expressing appreciation for the efforts of the advocates who
have expressed their point of view on this matter, including my hon.
colleagues opposite. I thank them for their courage and commitment to this
issue.
Mr.
Speaker, advancing the rights of Newfoundlanders and Labradorians is a top
priority of our government. By amending the
Vital Statistics Act, 2009 and the
Change of Name Act, 2009 to
support inclusion and protect the human rights of transgender individuals,
we will do just that.
Mr.
Speaker, I'd just like to thank all Members on both sides of the House. I'm
sure we're going to get unanimous consent and support on this. I just want
to thank the Official Opposition and the Member for St. John's Centre also
for their support on this bill.
Mr.
Speaker, this will ensure that the people of Newfoundland and Labrador,
transgender people are treated with dignity and respect. Hopefully, now they
will feel that this government is listening to their concerns and needs, and
that we treat everybody in Newfoundland and Labrador in one way, that is
with respect and dignity. This bill, hopefully, Mr. Speaker, will prove
that.
I
thank the government before for having the bill ready, Mr. Speaker, and the
Third Party also for their support in the last month or so on this. This is
a government effort, I know, Mr. Speaker, but this is with the support of
all people in the House of Assembly because I know all people in the House
of Assembly are looking forward to this and support this 100 per cent for
the transgender community. I thank everybody for that.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
SOME HON. MEMBERS:
Hear, hear!
MR. SPEAKER:
The hon. the Member for
Cape St. Francis.
SOME HON. MEMBERS:
Hear, hear!
MR. K. PARSONS:
Thank you, Mr.
Speaker.
I
got to say, this is a great bill today. I want to thank the minister and the
department for giving us a great briefing on this particular bill.
It's
a sign of the times. It's somewhere we should be. This bill is important to
a big part of our community out there. We have to make sure that people are
treated fairly and with the respect they deserve.
Mr.
Speaker, I'm going to give you a little overview. I know the minister just
went through a whole lot of it that time but I will just give you a brief
overview on the bill itself, where it came from and how we're here today. He
said his government. I'm sure the whole House will be supporting this bill
because it is the right thing to do. We need to do the right thing for this
community.
In
November 2015 the Human Rights Board of Inquiry heard a case of individuals
noted. Under regulation, proof of transsexual surgery was needed to be able
to do a change of name. That was done – the Human Rights heard this, like I
said, in November 2015. Immediately on their decision, the provincial
government stated its intent in July that the legislation, this amendment
under the Vital Statistics Act,
during the next sitting of the House of Assembly – where we are today – this
would be addressed.
The
Human Rights Commission found that the current legislation and this
requirement did discriminate on the basis of gender identification, and thus
ordered to make a requirement to remove it. That's what we're basically
doing here today, Mr. Speaker. The changes on this legislation will give
persons who identify themselves as another gender, but not who undergo
surgery, the ability to have their gender marker changed on their birth
certificate. Once they change it on the birth certificate that opens it up
to be able to change it on different certificates through government,
through the Department of Service NL.
Prior to these amendments, individuals who wished to have their birth
certificates changed, they had to show documentation that they underwent
sexual reassignment surgery. Mr. Speaker, there are many groups that have
advocated on this. I have to applaud one of the Members here in the House of
Assembly, the Member from the Third Party and my colleague for St. John's
Centre. She was a great advocate for this. I applaud her today because it's
a great thing here. I want to recognize that she did advocate a lot on this
particular bill. Without doing this bill we expose transgender people to the
potential of violence and discrimination, and the limited services that they
can provide in government.
Mr.
Speaker, the outcome of these amendments will be seen as positive step for
our province. Initial processing for both these amendments was by our
government. I'm not just taking credit for it because I'm sure all parties
in this House would have, but we brought this forward. As soon as the Human
Rights Board met we said this is the right thing to do. That's why we're
here today in the first sitting of the House to make sure that this is done
properly.
This
legislation is in line with other jurisdictions and is seen as human rights
– the LGBT community are applauding and all advocates are applauding that
we're doing this here today. These amendments change the age through which a
person may apply for gender marker change without the consent of a parent.
That's bringing it into line with everything else; 16-year-old is where most
legislation is to, not 19. Previously it was 19 years of age, but this
legislation brings it to 16 years of age.
Where children are less than 16 years of age and wish to have their gender
marker changed, this legislation lays out a process to do so. The process is
in line with that for an adult, but requires the consent of parents and two
statements from two individual professionals. These amendments are in line
with other jurisdictions and in line with the ages used in family court and
other regulatory institutions in our province.
The
legislation illustrates the entirety of this House's commitment to ensuring
Newfoundlanders and Labradorians have access to citizenship documents that
are accurately reflected on their personal information. It is important to
note that the process allows a birth certificate to be changed but once
that's changed, other documents can also be changed.
Mr.
Speaker, this is a very important part of this bill. These changes are
handled by Service NL with the most confidentiality as possible. They are
handled directly by the Registrar and the Deputy Registrar. They are not
handled by front-line workers. This is to ensure the safety and protection
and the privacy of those people applying. Changes on this will only take one
to two weeks once the application is filed to the province.
Our
society has progressed and so does our province need to. Laws that we govern
need to change. The hope is that these amendments will bring us closer to
having a more equal and just society.
Mr.
Speaker, I heard the minister speak and, again, I reiterate what he just
said. This is a great bill here today, great amendments that are made. It is
something that is long overdue. Any time that we can make our society better
and safer and more inclusive for everybody, it's a great thing to do. So we
will be supporting this bill 100 per cent.
Thank you very much.
SOME HON. MEMBERS:
Hear, hear!
MR. SPEAKER:
The hon. the Member for
Virginia Waters – Pleasantville.
MR. B. DAVIS:
Mr. Speaker, I'm very
pleased to rise in this hon. House today to continue debate on the proposed
amendments to the Vital Statistics
Act, 2009. This needs to be
changed for fairness and equality. I'm also pleased to see that the Members
across from all three parties are going to be unanimous on this issue.
As
my hon. colleague, the Minister of Service NL, mentioned in his opening
comments, the type of changes we are pursuing today have been in place in a
number of other jurisdictions across Canada. To fully understand the
significance of the proposed amendments, not only here in Newfoundland and
Labrador but throughout our country, I believe it is worthwhile to discuss
the national developments over the last few years. Doing so informs the
debate and creates a greater appreciation of how these amendments being
discussed today will bring our province in line with the country or where
the country is going with respect to this issue.
Currently, section 26 of the province's
Vital Statistics Act, 2009,
outlines the requirement for an application to change a person's designation
of gender on their birth or marriage registration. It is in this section of
the act that currently requires applicants to have sex reassignment surgery
prior to making the application.
Madam Speaker – Mr. Speaker. I'm not sure which one is in the Chair yet.
Madam Speaker, this requirement was consistent with requirements from all
other jurisdictions across Canada at the time the act came into force in
2009. However, since that time, a number of jurisdictions have re-examined
the requirements for sex reassignment surgery in light of human rights
complaints and challenges under the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms.
To
date, British Columbia, Manitoba, Alberta and Nova Scotia have already
amended the legislation to allow a person to change their sex designation on
their birth registration without having sex reassignment surgery. British
Columbia, Alberta and Nova Scotia amendments are in full force. Some of
Manitoba's amendments are in force, while others have not yet been
proclaimed to date. Ontario is proposing changes to its legislation to
remove the requirement for sex reassignment surgery. These changes are
expected to be introduced soon.
In
response to a court order, Ontario has already implemented a new process for
changing the gender designation on birth certificates without sex
reassignment surgery. As for other provinces, we are aware that Quebec and
New Brunswick are in the review process. For every province addressing the
issue, the overarching policy objective is the same, to remove the
requirement for sex reassignment surgery; however, there are differences in
the approach used to achieve this objective. I want to take a moment to
elaborate on our proposed approach.
In
places like British Columbia, Alberta, Nova Scotia and Ontario, applicants
are required to have a statement of confirmation from either a psychologist
or a doctor in support of their application. As part of the amendments we
are proposing, applicants will have the freedom to seek a statement of
support from a much broader group of professionals including a physician,
psychologist, nurse practitioner, registered nurse, social worker.
By
broadening the type of professionals who can provide supporting
documentation, we have made it easier for individuals located anywhere in
our province to seek out a professional they trust, which is very, very
important when completing their application for gender marker change.
We
felt it was very appropriate to expand the range of professionals beyond the
medical field to include social workers. Social workers have a unique
experience and perspective with respect to helping individuals enhance their
personal well-being.
Requiring individuals to provide supporting documentation is consistent with
practices in other jurisdictions across our country. Such measures ensure
the integrity of vital statistic registries and information.
Madam Speaker, Service NL put the new process in place last December to
facilitate the changes to gender markers on birth registrations and marriage
registrations. This was done in response to an order by the Board of Inquiry
established by the province's Human Rights Commission.
Given that approximately 30 people have already availed of this opportunity
to apply for a change in their gender marker on their birth and/or marriage
registration, we have a good indication that our new process is accessible
to those who want to take advantage of it.
Our
process evolved from significant research and review. This included a
cross-jurisdictional scan and consultation with officials from other
provinces to understand how the issues have evolved elsewhere and how they
responded in changing their legislation and practices. In my opinion,
looking at the best practices anywhere is always a key to success.
Collaboration also took place across departments to develop a full
appreciation of the legal, social, policy and personal health implications
associated with any legislative amendments.
We
listened to the feedback from the Human Rights Commission and advocates who
spoke on behalf of transgendered individuals. We acted quickly with the
Human Rights Commission to provide an opportunity to assist individuals in
the interim while waiting for legislative amendments to be presented in this
very House.
Today, we stand in this hon. House with an amendment that is tremendously
important to the transgendered individuals and the LGBTQ-plus community
throughout our province. Passing this amendment will complement other
efforts to promote greater inclusion in our society.
For
example, as noted in the Speech from the Throne, our government will develop
guidelines supporting equality and inclusion of all students including
lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgendered and gender non-conforming students.
This will complement the training provided to the district staff and the
implementation of teacher training across the province for the purpose of
building awareness for the LGBTQ inclusive practices.
Madam Speaker, our efforts in this regard are in keeping with the
government's commitment to support a safe and sustainable community. We put
the well-being of Newfoundlanders and Labradorians above all else. The
amendment we are debating today in this hon. House will have a positive
impact on the transgendered individuals who are waiting for this to become
law.
I
encourage Members opposite to stand with us – and I'm sure they will – and
bring their wait to an end so that Newfoundland and Labrador can join many
other provinces across Canada in taking the action to address this issue and
ensure we protect the rights of everyone in society.
Thank you, Madam Speaker.
SOME HON. MEMBERS:
Hear, hear!
MADAM SPEAKER (Dempster):
The hon. the
Member for Mount Pearl North.
MR. KENT:
Thank you, Madam Speaker.
It's
an honour to rise and speak briefly to Bill 7 today. This is an important
piece of legislation. It's one that we were certainly committed to. I'm
pleased to see the government is following through and taking action and
getting this unfinished piece of business taken care of.
I'm
only going to comment for a minute or so, Madam Speaker. I think Members who
have spoken so far have done a good job outlining the issues that are
addressed through this bill and why it's necessary and why it's important.
First and foremost, I simply want to say what we're talking about is a
safety issue. Trans people can find themselves in difficult situations
abroad, for instance, if their appearance doesn't match their identity on a
government issued identification card. So there is a legitimate, practical
safety concern and reality that needs to be addressed here. That can leave
trans people more vulnerable to harassment and abuse. It forces them to be
out as trans in what could be very unsafe situations. Trans people deserve
to feel comfortable in themselves and in their communities and live a normal
life without fear of being treated inappropriately.
Some
people can't have sex reassignment surgery due to medical reasons, and it is
important to acknowledge that as well. Wait lists for these surgeries are
between two to five years. People have to leave the province for these
surgeries which means taking leave from work as well. That could result in
loss of income, depending on the type of job they have.
This
type of legislation is progressive. It is nothing new. It has happened in
other provinces. It's the right thing to do and I'm pleased to stand in
support of Bill 7 today.
Thank you.
MADAM SPEAKER:
The hon. the Minister
of Child, Youth and Family Services.
SOME HON. MEMBERS:
Hear, hear!
MS. GAMBIN-WALSH:
Madam Speaker, I rise
in this hon. House today to continue debate on proposed amendments to the
Vital Statistics Act, 2009.
My
hon. colleague, the Minister of Service NL, has already spoken to the
specific details of the proposed amendment. Another hon. colleague spoke to
some of the history of the issue and developments in other jurisdictions
over time. This was done to help paint a picture of how change of gender
designation on vital statistics documents is being handled elsewhere and how
that compares to our proposed approach.
At
this time, I would like to speak about how today's proposed amendment is in
keeping with our government's five-point plan and provides a great
opportunity for collaboration among all hon. Members.
Madam Speaker, supporting safe and sustainable communities is one of the
five points of our government's approach to building a stronger tomorrow.
When we discuss this amendment in this hon. House we are discussing a human
rights issue. We are discussing an individual's right to self-expression and
the right to feel safe.
Up
to this point, transgender people have been required to undertake an
expensive, irreversible and hard to access surgery in order to get
documentation that reflects the gender identity they identify with. This has
created situations where transgender people have had to make a difficult
decision whenever they had to present identification. Many have been in a
position where they had to decide if they were willing to reveal themselves
as being transgender and have a discussion in public about why their gender
marker may not match their presentation. Sometimes they do not even have a
choice. It is a situation that has caused people stress and has caused many
to fear for their personal safety.
At a
time when we are focused on promoting healthy and safe communities, this
cannot continue. Concerns about this issue have been raised by
representatives from the province's Human Rights Commission and by advocates
for the province's LGBTQ community.
As
outlined previously, governments in British Columbia, Manitoba, Alberta,
Ontario, Nova Scotia, Quebec and New Brunswick also see this as an important
priority and are at varying stages of addressing the issue with changes.
Four of those jurisdictions, British Columbia, Manitoba, Alberta and Nova
Scotia have already amended their legislation to allow a person to change
their gender designation on their birth registration without having sex
reassignment surgery. This gave us a blueprint to work with in terms of
developing our approach.
Having consulted best practice, the provincial government proceeded to speak
with health and social work professionals to gain their expertise. Then,
based on all this information, a number of departments helped developed our
government's approach as outlined by the Minister of Service NL. As a
result, we are now ready to proceed with an important and comprehensive
amendment. As noted previously, our approach will also require a change to
the Change of Name Act, 2009.
Currently, a person must be 19 years or older in order to independently
apply for a change of name. To maintain consistency across provincial
legislation, we will need to amend the
Change of Name Act, 2009 to allow someone who is 16 or older to change
their name, in addition to changing their gender marker. This is done simply
by changing the definition of child under the
Change of Name Act to a person
under the age of 16 years, and by allowing a person 16 or older to make an
application to change of name.
I
truly hope we have the support of all hon. Members in advancing all
necessary amendments to address this serious issue.
To
reiterate, Mr. Speaker, we have an important issue for members of the LGBTQ
community. We have received feedback, expertise and calls to action from
advocates and representatives of the provincial Human Rights Commission. We
have information from other jurisdictions. We have the analysis of officials
in multiple provincial government departments, and now hon. Members have our
first opportunity with this spring sitting of the House of Assembly to take
action to protect the rights and well-being of Newfoundlanders and
Labradorians.
Our
government pledged we would collaborate with other parties on a variety of
issues, and I believe this is one where we can agree we have a
well-researched approach, and the time to move forward is at hand. I urge
all my colleagues in this hon. House to vote in favour of the amendments we
have processed and enshrine into legislation a solution to an issue that has
negatively impacted transgender people throughout Canada.
Our
proposed amendments protect people's dignity, privacy, safety and ability to
freely and fully express themselves. I believe our proposed amendments could
serve as a valuable guide for other jurisdictions that may follow us in
pursuing changes to policies and procedures that have had negative impacts
on members of the LGBTQ community.
Let
us now join together to show people in the community, people working for
human rights and interested parties in other jurisdictions in Canada and
throughout the world, that the Members of this hon. House are able to work
together to bring forward legislation that promotes a stronger, safer and
more inclusive society. Let us show the Human Rights Commission, the
advocates and the LGBTQ community that their faith in us is well placed. Let
us vote in favour of this proposed amendment and permanently enshrine in
legislation a change that will bring a world of positive change for
transgender individuals.
Thank you, Madam Speaker.
SOME HON. MEMBERS:
Hear, hear!
MADAM SPEAKER:
Order, please!
The
hon. the Member for St. John's Centre.
MS. ROGERS:
Thank you, Madam Speaker.
Today I am very, very proud to stand in this House and to be able to speak
to Bill 7. This has been a long time coming. Although the bill was only just
recently introduced to our House and although I have been speaking about
this issue perhaps only in the last year and a half in this House, the
amount of work that has gone on to get us to this stage has been monumental.
Before going any further, Madam Speaker, I would like to thank all those who
have gone before us who have worked so hard to get us to this motion. How
many trans folks and their allies, human rights activists, LGBTQ activists
have worked sometimes with the potential of their own personal danger –
their work has been brilliant. It has been persistent. It has been
courageous, hard work and it's been done by those directly affected and our
allies as well. So today I would like to dedicate this session of the House
of Assembly to those people who have worked so hard to get us to this point.
Madam Speaker, only in the year 2012 I raised a question of the last
minister of the Justice with the previous administration about changing our
Human Rights Act to include gender
identity and gender expression. He said we couldn't do it; it was too
complicated. Here we are, only a few years later, and that legislation has
been amended.
I
would like to take a great sense of pride in having a hand in getting that
legislation changed because I was able to bring people from the trans
community to meet with the minister of Justice, to meet with officials in
the Justice Department, to talk about why it was so important to change our
Human Rights Act to include gender
identity and gender expression.
Once
we get beyond stereotypes, once we get beyond ignorance, once we get beyond
discrimination, once we stop and we listen to each other with the real
intention of hearing, we get it, because we are an evolving society. We know
that hate, discrimination and misunderstanding that it brings none of us any
further. We know that we can get beyond that.
That
is what's happening in our legislation now. We know that as we evolve as a
society, how important it is for our legislation, for our laws, for our
policies to keep up with our greater understanding, with our intolerance for
intolerance, with our intolerance for hatred. That is what we're looking at
here today.
I am
proud of the activists who have gone before us. I am proud of the work that
we have done in this House around the issue of gender identity and gender
expression. We did it – we did it!
Although in this House it was stated only a few years ago that it was too
complicated, but once we start listening to one another, once we start
exploring, we know that nothing is too complicated and that we have the
ability to evolve. We have the ability to do the right thing, and that is
what we are doing here today.
I'd
also like to thank and give a big shout out to Kyra Rees, a trans woman who
so bravely and courageously went to the Human Rights Commission looking for
the right to change her gender markers on her birth certificate without
having to first undergo sex reassignment surgery. It didn't pass with the
Human Rights Commission. So then there was a court case and she was
represented by Kyle Rees, a young, independent private lawyer, who did the
work pro bono on behalf of Kyra Rees.
I'd
like to thank them for their groundbreaking work. I'd like to thank them for
their dedication, for their passion and their compassion. I'd like to thank
all trans people who have pushed us, who have pulled us, who have educated
us, who have spent time with us, who never gave up, to bring us to this
point.
I'd
like to thank the staff of Vital Statistics for their very thorough
briefing. They did a lot of work on this legislation. I would like to thank
the minister of Vital Statistics, of Service NL. I'd like to thank him for
his persistence on this issue as well. Without all that work together, we
would not get to this point today.
I
would also like to thank the front-line workers at the department of Vital
Statistics. I can remember years ago when the legislation was changed to
allow same-sex marriage in Newfoundland and Labrador. I was the first
lesbian, the first member of the LGBTQ community, to be appointed as a
marriage commissioner. So I had to deal with the front-line workers there
and they were fantastic. They actually celebrated once the law was changed
to allow same-sex marriage.
We
can all remember the years of opposition to that movement. Yet, it hasn't
affected anybody else's marriage. The world has not fallen apart. As a
matter of fact, we can all feel better because we know that this is about
rights, it's about fairness, it's about justice and it's about dignity.
I
would like to thank the front-line workers at Vital Statistics who have
dealt with the new legislation in such a dignified and respectful manner to
anyone who comes to them seeking marriage licences. Their work has been
exemplary. As a marriage commissioner, I've had that same respect and
dignity afforded to me. It's just a win-win situation.
I
would like to thank the members of the Human Rights Commission and also the
chair of the Human Rights Commission, Remzi Cej, for the great work that
they have done being very proactive. Our Human Rights Commission, its role
is not to be just reactive, but it's to be proactive as well. With the small
budget they have, with the small number of staff they have and the huge job
before them, they have done an incredible job.
Rights are not given, they are hard won. We know that, so we need to respect
this process. Oftentimes as legislators, we are pulled kicking and screaming
into evolving our laws, our policies and our regulations to meet where
activists take us because they are teaching us to be tolerant, to have less
tolerance for hatred and discrimination, and our laws have to reflect that
and our policies must reflect that.
So
why is this particular bill important? Because all it is, is a little “m” or
a little “f” on your birth certificate. Why does this matter? It matters a
lot for reasons of dignity, for reasons of fairness and justice, but also
for personal safety.
The
birth certificate is a foundational document, and it's from the birth
certificate where every other document a person receives is based. If I'm
looking for a passport, my passport will reflect what my birth certificate
says. If I'm looking for a driver's licence, my driver's licence will
reflect my gender as identified on my birth certificate. So it's important
to be able to have all these documents aligned. But why is that important?
Imagine you are a 19-year-old transgendered woman. You pass as a woman, you
appear as a woman, you live your life as a woman. You go to a bar and you
are asked for your ID and your ID says that you are a man, yet you are very
clearly presenting as a woman. Imagine how difficult that must be. Imagine.
Imagine if you are travelling to other countries and you are presenting as a
woman, yet your passport says you are a man. In some countries, your very
life could be in danger. That's why this is important. Aside from what
appears to be the less urgent incidents of constantly coming out, it's also
in these very, very important and sometimes dangerous incidents in people's
lives. That's why this is so important. It doesn't diminish anything for
anyone. It's the right thing to do.
Now,
there were some issues I raised in the briefing with the staff from Service
NL about some of the concerns that were raised by other activists. They were
very, very good. We had a wonderful discussion and we talked about some
issues about how they will be addressed, because once we start looking at
issues of changing gender markers there's a domino effect on how it will
affect ways that we register people, ways that we document people in our
services.
So
the current act that we have now doesn't allow flexibility in terms of
changing the sex designation on the birth registration. Some people refer to
that as the gender markers, whether you're marked as male or female. This
legislation, in fact, will allow people to change their gender markers
without having sexual reassignment surgery. A lot of people will not have
sexual reassignment surgery. Some people may only have certain sexual
reassignment surgery and not complete. Again, this protects all trans
people.
Some
of the issues that people were concerned about were my birth certificate,
who will have access to my original birth certificate? Because what will
happen is that the original birth certificate will stay as it is, the gender
marker will be crossed out, and over that line the new gender will be added.
So what does that mean? Who has access to that original birth certificate?
We were assured that only the registrar and the deputy registrar have access
to that original birth certificate and it's the birth mother who has access
to that original birth certificate. So no one can go in and check to see
whether or not your gender marker has been changed.
The
other concern was: Do the police have access to it? Well, the police can
only have access to that original birth certificate if they apply to the
Registrar General and then the Registrar General will get a legal opinion as
to whether or not it's justified to allow the police to see that original
birth certificate.
My
concern as well was what will happen, for instance, if a child whose parent
has changed their gender marker, what will happen if you cannot change a
child's birth certificate – you cannot change the gender marker of a parent
on a child's birth certificate. So my concern was what would happen if Susie
was in grade one, she had a birth certificate and it said that her mother's
name was Martha, but in fact her mother had changed, was transgender and was
now a man, how difficult that would be for Susie.
Well, what we're assured is that, in fact, only the long-form birth
certificate is accessible, the original birth certificate is accessible to
the birth mother. In fact what happens in schools is that short-form birth
certificates are given. It doesn't list the gender of the parents; it only
lists the name and the gender of the person whose birth certificate it is.
So there have been a number of issues that we discussed to make sure that
there are protections in the rollout effects and the domino effects of any
gender marker changes.
We
will run into some particular difficulties. It's not entirely failsafe, but
I believe that the good folks at the Department of Service NL have done
their best and have used the most modern approach presently in the country
of Canada to address this bill.
They
have looked at other jurisdictions, in particular Alberta, BC, Manitoba and
Ontario. Also, our legislation now is closest to the legislation in Nova
Scotia. They've also expanded who can testify, who can assure that the
person who says that they are transgender, in fact, are transgender. They
have included beyond what other provinces have identified. They have also
included nurses and social workers. So we feel pretty assured that people
will be able to find somebody who can vouch for them so that they may be
able to change their gender markers.
Madam Speaker, I am happy that we have gotten to this point. I believe that
the legislative changes are thorough. I believe that they are well planned
out. I believe that for the most part the transgendered community and
transgendered activists and LGBTQ activists will be happy with this change.
I do
want to raise that we have not finished. The whole issue of health services
for trans people in Newfoundland and Labrador is woefully inadequate. That's
another issue that we are going to have to look at. It's another issue that
demands our attention. It also is an issue of basic human rights and rights
to equal treatment in our health care system.
I'm
going to be happy to be able to raise that another time in the House. I'm
going to be happy to push the Minister of Health and Community Services to
do the right thing, to amend policies and regulations, to ensure that the
trans community has access to full and equal health care in our province.
I
would like to say that we have come a long way. It has taken a lot of work.
It has taken petitions. It has taken letters. It has taken demonstrations.
It has taken one-to-one meetings. It has taken all of that to get us to this
point. We can be proud, and I'm looking forward to unanimous support for
this bill in the House.
Again, sometimes as legislators we just have to be dragged kicking and
screaming to do the right things but we have been. We are learning and this
has been – I'm very, very happy to support this and I am very proud of what
we are doing here today in our House of Assembly.
Thank you very much.
MADAM SPEAKER:
The hon. the Member
for Bonavista.
MR. KING:
Madam Speaker, it's an
honour for me to rise here today and speak to my first piece of legislation
here in the House of Assembly.
SOME HON. MEMBERS:
Hear, hear!
MR. KING:
This has been a lifelong
dream of mine to work on legislation that will positively change the lives
of many Newfoundlanders and Labradorians.
As a
member of the Government Services Committee, I feel it's important for me to
speak on Bill 7. I'd like to acknowledge the hard work put forward by the
Member for St. John's Centre, Gerry Rogers, in advocating for this change
which is long overdue.
To
amend a phrase coined by Prime Minister Trudeau, because it's 2016, these
amendments today formally catch up with a recent human rights ruling. We are
finally removing discrimination from gender identification. No longer will a
person have to undergo surgery in order to change their gender.
As
the Member opposite talked about, and I'm going to be much shorter than her
because I'm not an expert but I do feel that any sort of discrimination is
wrong. That we move forward and we pass this bill. This amendment goes a
long way to protect transgender Newfoundlanders and Labradorians from
harassment and discrimination.
As
the Minister of Child, Youth and Family Services mentioned, this will go a
long way in providing safe and sustainable communities. It allows people to
be who they are. It allows people to have a piece of identification that
actually states who they truly are without any fear of repercussions.
Advocates from the LGBTQ community should be applauded for their hard work
in putting this issue in the forefront and allowing Newfoundland and
Labrador to catch up with other jurisdictions, such as British Columbia,
Manitoba, Alberta and Nova Scotia.
Service NL staff should also be commended for their hard work in putting
this amendment together. They've undergone countless hours of research,
reviewing best practices from other jurisdictions and drafting the bill that
we have before us here today. They've consulted with the Opposition and
Third Party. They've consulted with other groups and they've done their hard
work. It's an honour to be here today to speak on this bill. Hopefully, I'm
sure we'll get it all passed here shortly.
As I
mentioned, we've taken the best practices from other jurisdictions.
Applicants can now be evaluated by one of five medical professionals, more
than any other province. This includes a medical practitioner, which include
doctors, a registered nurse, nurse practitioner, a psychologist registered
under the Psychologists Act, 2005
or a social worker.
I'm
honoured to be able to vote for this bill today and I'm sure Members here
will do that same. With that, I'm going to conclude my statement.
Thank you very much, Madam Speaker.
SOME HON. MEMBERS:
Hear, hear!
MADAM SPEAKER:
The hon. the Minister
of Municipal Affairs and Service NL.
MR. JOYCE:
Thank you, Madam Speaker.
I
just want to thank everybody for their comments here today in supporting the
bill. This is a bill that has been on the radar for a while for a lot of
people in Newfoundland and Labrador. The Member for St. John's Centre has
mentioned several times that it has been pushed in the House.
At
no time, I must say, did the people on this side – who were in Opposition at
the time – ever say this bill should never be brought in the House. We
always supported this being brought in the House. Madam Speaker, to show our
commitment on this bill, this is one of the first bills we're going to get
passed in the House of Assembly as we committed to when we were in
Opposition.
I
just want to thank everybody. I know the Member opposite, the critic, has
spoken very highly on the bill. Also, he is very supportive.
Madam Speaker, as I always said, you always give credit where credit is due.
The former government had the bill pretty well ready to go. So I have to say
the officials in the other government before the election had the bill
almost ready to go. This is a bill that I can say all parties supported,
that all parties wanted done and I'm happy today that this is not a Liberal
bill, not a PC bill, or NDP bill. This is bill for human rights in
Newfoundland and Labrador and I'm proud of this government for bringing it
in. I thank everybody for their support on this bill, Madam Speaker.
Thank you.
SOME HON. MEMBERS:
Hear, hear!
MADAM SPEAKER:
The hon. the minister
has spoken and closed debate.
Is
it the pleasure of the House that the said bill be now read the second time?
All
those in favour, 'aye.'
SOME HON. MEMBERS:
Aye.
MADAM SPEAKER:
All those against,
'nay.'
Carried.
CLERK:
A bill, An Act To Amend
The Vital Statistics Act, 2009.
(Bill 7)
MADAM SPEAKER:
The bill has now been
read the second time.
When
shall the bill be referred to a Committee of the Whole House?
MR. A. PARSONS:
Presently.
On
motion, a bill “An Act To Amend The Vital Statistics Act, 2009,” read a
second time, ordered referred to a Committee of the Whole House presently,
by leave. (Bill 7)
MADAM SPEAKER:
The hon. the
Government House Leader.
MR. A. PARSONS:
Thank you, Madam
Speaker.
Madam Speaker, I call from the Order Paper, Order 8, second reading of Bill
8.
MADAM SPEAKER:
The hon. the Minister
of Municipal Affairs and Service NL.
MR. JOYCE:
Madam Speaker, I move,
seconded by the Government House Leader, that Bill 8, An Act To Amend The
Change Of Name Act, 2009 now be read a second time.
MADAM SPEAKER:
It is moved and
seconded that Bill 8, An Act To Amend The Change Of Name Act, 2009, be now
read a second time.
Motion, second read of a bill, “An Act To Amend The Change Of Name Act,
2009.” (Bill 8)
MADAM SPEAKER:
The hon. the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Service NL.
MR. JOYCE:
Thank you, Madam Speaker.
This
is the amendment to the Name of Change
Act which goes with the Vital
Statistics Act, Bill 7. I'm not going to spend any time on this because
we all spoke on Bill 7 and this is just to conform with Bill 7 for Bill 8.
Madam Speaker, once again I'll just take the opportunity for their support
in the House for this – as we know, getting through a bill in the House of
Assembly all in one day is very difficult, but with the support of everybody
it can be done.
Again I will just sit down and let the Members opposite have their words and
I will have the Member for St. John's Centre have her words also. I just
want to thank everybody and thank all the speakers here on both sides that
have already spoke on the bill, Madam Speaker, because this is a bill that
we all want to get done and will be done today.
Thank you.
MADAM SPEAKER:
The hon. the Member
for Cape St. Francis.
SOME HON. MEMBERS:
Hear, hear!
MR. K. PARSONS:
Thank you very much,
Madam Speaker.
Again, it's a pleasure to get here today and be able to speak on this bill
also. As the minister just alluded to again, there is great support here in
the House. I think that is the reflection on the minister; he's that type of
a guy that gets everybody co-operative in the House. He is doing a good job.
We
just went through Bill 7 and in order to do what we wanted to do in that
bill, Bill 8 had to be introduced also. That is basically what we are doing
here now is changing the age from 19 to 16 and that's part of what needed to
be done to make sure this legislation and these amendments go through.
Very
shortly, we will be supporting it 100 per cent because it's the right thing
to do.
Thank you very much.
SOME HON. MEMBERS:
Hear, hear!
MADAM SPEAKER:
The hon. the Member
for Mount Pearl North.
MR. KENT:
Thank you, Madam Speaker.
I'm
just going to add a quick comment as I did on Bill 7 as well. I, too,
support the legislation. It's great to see all Members of the House coming
together and working together to advance this legislation. I appreciate the
fact that the minister acknowledged our caucus's role in the past in dealing
with this issue as well.
Changing one's name can be a very empowering experience for a trans person.
Reducing the age limit, which we're doing here through Bill 8, from 19 to 16
is definitely a step in the right direction to becoming a more inclusive
society. It recognizes that many trans people struggle with gender dysphoria
and changing their name brings them closer to how they choose to identify.
Studies have actually shown that young people are beginning to identify that
they are trans at an earlier age. This is the right thing to do, much like
Bill 7; it modernizes our legislation. We're not the first in the country to
do this. I'm glad to say I don't believe we're the last either. It's
progress. It's necessary progress, and it's great our caucus can join with
government in supporting this legislation today as well.
Thank you.
MADAM SPEAKER:
The hon. the Member
for St. John's Centre.
MS. ROGERS:
Thank you very much,
Madam Speaker.
I,
too, would like to totally support Bill 8, the Change of Name Act, and as my
colleague before me has stated, this is about modernizing our legislation.
It is very interesting to see how this will also harmonize in terms of the
age of consent. We do know that a number of children know who they are, and
they need to be able to do this in order to be able to live with dignity and
justice and fairness and equality.
I
also would like to refer back to Bill 7 in that I'm very impressed as well
with the protections of children that have been incorporated into that bill.
Protections in terms of allowing children to have that self-determination,
but also ensuring there is the support they need before they do take many
crucial steps.
So,
I very much support this legislation and am happy to do so.
Thank you, Madam Speaker.
MADAM SPEAKER:
If the hon. the
Minister of Municipal Affairs and Service NL speaks now, he will close
debate.
MR. JOYCE:
Thank you, Madam Speaker.
I
won't spend long on this. I just want to thank the Member for Cape St.
Francis for his comments; the Member for St. John's Centre; the Member for
Mount Pearl North; the Member for Bonavista who spoke on the bill; and the
Member for Placentia – St. Mary's also who spoke very well on the bill. I
thank all Members for that, and I can see a sense there is a concurrence in
this hon. House, Madam Speaker, we're all in favour in this bill and we're
going to get this bill done – a much needed bill.
I
just want to thank everybody on both sides of the House and the Member for
St. John's Centre for their support on this bill. It shows, Madam Speaker,
when it comes to something so serious all Members do come together for
something so important for the dignity of the people in this province.
Thank you.
SOME HON. MEMBERS:
Hear, hear!
MADAM SPEAKER:
Is it the pleasure of
the House that the said bill be now read a second time?
All
those in favour, 'aye.'
SOME HON. MEMBERS:
Aye.
MADAM SPEAKER:
All those against,
'nay.'
Carried.
CLERK:
A bill, An Act To Amend
The Change Of Name Act, 2009. (Bill 8)
MADAM SPEAKER:
This bill has now
been read a second time. When shall the bill be referred to the Committee of
the Whole House?
MR. A. PARSONS:
Now.
On
motion, a bill, “An Act To Amend The Change Of Name Act, 2009,” read a
second time, ordered referred to a Committee of the Whole House presently,
by leave. (Bill 8)
MADAM SPEAKER:
The hon. the
Government House Leader.
MR. A. PARSONS:
Madam Speaker, I
move, seconded by the Minister of Service Newfoundland and Labrador, that
the House resolve itself into a Committee of the Whole to consider Bills 7
and 8.
MADAM SPEAKER:
It is the pleasure of
the House that the Committee resolve itself into the Committee of the Whole
to consider Bills 7 and 8.
Is
it the pleasure of the House that I do now leave the Chair?
SOME HON. MEMBERS:
Aye.
On
motion, that the House resolve itself into a Committee of the Whole, Madam
Speaker left the Chair.
Committee of the
Whole
CHAIR (Lane):
Order, please!
We
are now considering Bill 7, An Act To Amend The Vital Statistics Act.
A
bill, “An Act To Amend The Vital Statistics Act, 2009.” (Bill 7)
CLERK:
Clause 1.
CHAIR:
Shall clause 1 carry?
The
hon. the Member for Cape St. Francis.
MR. K. PARSONS:
Mr. Chair, I just
have a couple of questions that I'd like to ask. While we feel that
confidentiality is ensured in the safety and protection of the people that
are applying – and I know in the bill it said that the registrar and the
deputy registrar would be the ones who would be handling this – what happens
to applicants applying that live outside the area of where the registrar and
the deputy registrar are? How do they apply?
CHAIR:
The hon. the Minister of
Municipal Affairs and Service NL.
MR. JOYCE:
Thank you, Mr. Chair.
As
we all know, confidentiality is a big part for everybody in this House of
Assembly. It is a big part for anybody who makes this application.
Mr.
Chair, when the application comes in, they will go to the chair or deputy
chair – deputy registrar. When the application comes in it will be directed
to those individuals themselves. So this will not be put in – it will be
given to those two people with the priority of it. That is in place to
ensure that if an application from outside comes in, that it is directed to
the chair. On the envelope it will be personal and confidential to the chair
or deputy chair.
MR. K. PARSONS:
Okay.
CHAIR:
Seeing no further
speakers, shall clause 1 carry?
All
those in favour?
SOME HON. MEMBERS:
Aye.
CHAIR:
Carried.
On
motion, clause 1 carried.
CLERK:
Clause 2.
CHAIR:
Shall clause 2 carry?
The
hon. the Member for Cape St. Francis.
MR. K. PARSONS:
Mr. Chair, I know
minister has the answer for this.
Mr.
Minister, I think it's important, when we talk about the children less than
16 years old. We know there are a lot of children in the province under 16
years old who are not in the care of their parents. I'm wondering, whether
it's foster children or whatnot, how do they – because they need a
requirement for the parents to give their consent. Who else can give the
consent on this bill?
CHAIR:
The hon. the Minister of
Municipal Affairs and Service NL.
MR. JOYCE:
Thank you, Mr. Chair.
That
is a great question. Where possible, for someone under 16, is to have two
parents. If it is not possible to have two parents, whoever is making the
application – of course, this will be decided upon. If there is only one
person, one parent for some reason, if a second person has passed away or if
the second person has moved away and not in contact with the family, then
there is provision there to ensure there is one parent.
If
the person is in foster care – it is the same now in any legislation – the
guardian, who's the registered guardian of the person, can make the
application on behalf of the child. That is in place now for anybody under
16 years of age. If they want to make any application, the guardian, who is
put by the court, can make the application and that has to follow the
process through the guardian.
CHAIR:
The hon. the Member for
Cape St. Francis.
MR. K. PARSONS:
Just a little
follow-up there, Mr. Chair.
What
about children who are also in the care of Child, Youth and Family Services?
Can you explain what happens to those children in that circumstance?
CHAIR:
The hon. the Minister of
Municipal Affairs and Service NL.
MR. JOYCE:
Thank you, Mr. Chair.
Thank you, again, for the question. It has to be a permanent guardian. So
somebody in Child, Youth and Family Services may be adopted or may have been
there for a while, but it has to be a permanent guardian who is appointed
through the courts, whoever the guardian is. The guardian can't be, for
example, someone in Child, Youth and Family Services if you're there for a
week or two weeks. It has to be a permanent guardian.
MR. K. PARSONS:
Okay.
CHAIR:
Seeing no further
speakers – the Chair recognizes the hon. the Leader of the Official
Opposition.
MR. P. DAVIS:
Thank you, Mr. Chair.
Not
to belabour it, I'm just trying to understand it and some of the
circumstances. I'm not sure if the minister would know this or maybe we
might be able to get the information after. We don't want to hold the bill
up.
In
the case of foster care, are we right in thinking in a case like that then
it would be the director of child welfare who would be the permanent
guardian and the decision maker in this regard, or would the foster family
or foster parents have the decision-making authority, as they do in many
aspects of life of foster children?
CHAIR:
The hon. the Minister of
Municipal Affairs and Service Newfoundland and Labrador.
MR. JOYCE:
Under the legislation, it
would be whoever is designated by the courts as the permanent guardian. If
you're in foster care it would be the Director of Child, Youth and Family
Services, but if you're adopted and you went through the process, then that
person is the permanent guardian and it is by the court that you are – but
if not, it would be Child, Youth and Family Services. If, for example,
you're in foster care but you haven't got a permanent guardian, it would be
the Director of Child, Youth and Family Services.
CHAIR:
Seeing no further
speakers, shall clause 2 carry?
All
those in favour, 'aye.'
SOME HON. MEMBERS:
Aye.
CHAIR:
All those against, 'nay.'
Carried.
On
motion, clause 2 carried.
CLERK:
Be it enacted by the
Lieutenant Governor and House of Assembly in legislative session convened,
as follows.
CHAIR:
Shall the enacting clause
carry?
All
those in favour, 'aye.'
SOME HON. MEMBERS:
Aye.
CHAIR:
All those against, 'nay.'
Carried.
On
motion, enacting clause carried.
CLERK:
An Act To Amend The Vital
Statistics Act, 2009.
CHAIR:
Shall the title carry?
All
those in favour, 'aye.'
SOME HON. MEMBERS:
Aye.
CHAIR:
All those against, 'nay.'
Carried.
On
motion, title carried.
CHAIR:
Shall I report the bill
without amendment?
All
those in favour, 'aye.'
SOME HON. MEMBERS:
Aye.
CHAIR:
Carried.
Motion, that the Committee report having passed the bill without amendment,
carried.
CHAIR:
We will now consider Bill 8, An Act To Amend The Change Of Name Act, 2009.
A
bill, “An Act To Amend The Change Of Name Act, 2009.” (Bill 8)
CLERK:
Clause 1.
CHAIR:
Shall clause 1 carry?
All
those in favour, 'aye.'
SOME HON. MEMBERS:
Aye.
CHAIR:
All those against, 'nay.'
Carried.
On
motion, clause 1 carried.
CLERK:
Clause 2.
CHAIR:
Shall clause 2 carry?
All
those in favour, 'aye.'
SOME HON. MEMBERS:
Aye.
CHAIR:
Carried.
On
motion, clause 2 carried.
CLERK:
Be it enacted by the
Lieutenant Governor and House of Assembly in legislative session convened,
as follows.
CHAIR:
Shall the enacting clause
carry?
All
those in favour, 'aye.'
SOME HON. MEMBERS:
Aye.
CHAIR:
All those against, 'nay.'
Carried.
On
motion, enacting clause carried.
CLERK:
An Act To Amend The
Change Of Name Act, 2009.
CHAIR:
Shall the long title
carry?
All
those in favour, 'aye.'
SOME HON. MEMBERS:
Aye.
CHAIR:
Carried.
On
motion, title carried.
CHAIR:
Shall I report the bill
without amendment?
All
those in favour, 'aye.'
SOME HON. MEMBERS:
Aye.
CHAIR:
All those against, 'nay.'
Carried.
Motion, that the Committee report having passed the bill without amendment,
carried.
CHAIR:
The hon. the Government
House Leader.
MR. A. PARSONS:
I move, Mr. Chair,
that the Committee rise and report Bills 7 and 8.
CHAIR:
It has been moved that I
do leave this Chair and report Bills 7 and 8.
All
those in favour, 'aye.'
SOME HON. MEMBERS:
Aye.
CHAIR:
Against?
Carried.
On
motion, that the Committee rise, report progress and ask leave to sit again,
Mr. Speaker returned to the Chair.
MR. SPEAKER (Osborne):
The hon.
Deputy Chair of Committees.
MR. LANE:
Mr. Speaker, the
Committee of the Whole have considered the matters to them referred and have
directed me to report Bills 7 and 8 without amendment.
MR. SPEAKER:
The Chair of the
Committee of the Whole reports that the Committee have considered the
matters to them referred and have directed him to report Bill 7, An Act To
Amend The Vital Statistics Act, 2009 and Bill 8, An Act To Amend The Change
of Name Act, 2009 carried without amendment.
When
shall the report be received?
MR. A. PARSONS:
Now.
MR. SPEAKER:
Now.
When
shall the said bills be read a third time?
MR. A. PARSONS:
Tomorrow.
MR. SPEAKER:
Tomorrow.
On
motion, report received and adopted. Bills ordered read a third time on
tomorrow.
MR. SPEAKER:
The hon. the Government
House Leader.
MR. A. PARSONS:
Mr. Speaker, I call
from the Order Paper, Motion 1, Address in Reply.
MR. SPEAKER:
The hon. the Member for
the District of Labrador West.
SOME HON. MEMBERS:
Hear, hear!
MR. LETTO:
Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
It
is indeed an honour and a privilege to rise in this hon. House today
representing the great District of Labrador West. I first want to thank the
residents of Wabush and Labrador City for putting their trust in me and the
Liberal Party of Newfoundland and Labrador on November 30.
I
also want to acknowledge my hon. opponents Nick McGrath of the Progressive
Conservative Party and Ron Barron of the New Democratic Party for running
great and respectful campaigns. I also want to thank Nick for his past four
years of service to the District of Labrador West.
Winning a provincial election comes with a lot of hard work and dedication
from a large group of dedicated people. I am very thankful and proud of my
campaign team under the chairmanship of Toby Leon. Because of his leadership
and the great individuals we had on our team, we were successful on election
night. A campaign can only be successful through good organization and
strategic execution of a good plan. I can honestly say our team did a
fantastic job. I'm very grateful for the outcome.
Support of family and great friends is always paramount in politics. Thank
you to my wife Audrey for believing in me and supporting me on this great
journey. To my son Michael, daughter Michelle, their spouses and our five
grandchildren, thank you for your love and unwavering support. I am so very
proud of all of you.
Mr.
Speaker, today Labrador West is experiencing significant challenges, as are
all the other areas of the province, but challenges that can be overcome
with everyone working towards a common goal. Through co-operation and hard
work, challenges can be transformed into opportunities.
The
closing of Wabush Mines has had a significant impact on the residents of
Wabush and Labrador West in general. I want to first recognize the
tremendous impact the closure has had on retirees and the 2,400 pension plan
members of Wabush Mines. Not only those in Labrador West, but also those who
have chosen to move to other parts of the province, other parts of the
country, yes, and indeed, other parts of the world. They are present in all
our districts.
They
are people who, in many cases, dedicated their entire working career to a
company only to see their pensions now reduced by 21 per cent for the
unionized workers and 25 per cent for the non-unionized workforce; this by
the very same company that continues to operate and reap benefits and
profits in other countries. It really does indicate the company's
abandonment and lack of compassion for their employees.
It
is indeed a sad and unfortunate situation those people find themselves in
today. We are talking about pensioners and, in many cases, widows, who have
not only seen their pensions reduced, but have also witnessed the
cancellation of their health and retirement benefits.
I
can assure you and the people of Wabush and Labrador City that our
government is working to do what we can to see this injustice addressed. We
are supporting our federal counterparts in their efforts to amend federal
legislation so that workers are protected in those situations. The
Companies' Creditors Arrangement Act, better known as CCAA, must be
amended so that pensioners are a priority on a creditors list.
However, Mr. Speaker, we have seen booms and busts before. This is no
different and there is still reason for hope. The iron ore markets are
showing signs of recovery and will eventually rebound to a sustainable
level. I am confident that smoke, steam and yes, dust, will someday again
rise from the stacks of Wabush Mines.
Our
government is very supportive of the ongoing efforts in the potential sale
of Wabush Mines. My colleagues, the Premier, the Minister of Natural
Resources, the Minister of Environment and Conservation and the Minister of
Municipal Affairs and Service NL have all been deeply involved in this most
important issue and will continue to be until there is a resolution.
Mr.
Speaker, just a mere stone's throw away, at the Iron Ore Company of Canada,
operations are running at capacity with a lofty target of 23 million tonnes
of production for 2016. Productivity has improved tremendously and costs
have been significantly reduced to sustain the operation at a time when iron
ore prices are at their lowest in many, many years.
However, while productivity and costs are being optimized the operation is
not without its challenges. Labour relations between the steelworkers union
and the company are strained, but progress is being made on that front as
well. Again, our government has played a significant role through the input
of the Premier, the Minister Responsible for the Labour Relations Agency,
the Labour Relations Agency themselves and the efforts of all our Labrador
MHAs. In fact, just a few weeks ago the Premier met with both the president
of Local 5795 and the president and CEO of IOC to discuss labour relations
and other issues regarding the sustainability of the operation.
Negotiations have begun between the company and the union to address the
high number of outstanding grievances and arbitration cases. A sustainable
plan is being put in place to get all of the laid-off employees back to work
in the near future. To date, 19 of the 29 labourers and janitors who saw
their job class eliminated altogether have been recalled. We will continue
to support the union's efforts until all of them are back on the job site.
Mr.
Speaker, iron ore mining is the backbone of the economy of Labrador West.
Because of our mining wealth the region has historically been a significant
contributor to the province's economy. We have been mining the rich ore of
the Labrador trough since 1954.
Remember Joey's slogan: First ore in '54, with years and years of resources
still remaining to be tapped. Mining is our past, mining is our present and
mining will continue to be our future; however, it is in times like today
that we realize our reliance on mining alone can bring prosperity, but it
can also bring many challenges.
That
is why we cannot continue down the path of one-industry towns to ensure our
sustainability as a region. If there ever was a call to arms for economic
diversification – and we heard the Member for Mount Pearl North refer to it
today – well, this is it. Our government believes in Labrador West. We will
be a partner with all levels of government in its diversification plans.
As
an example, one thing Labrador is well known for is its long, cold winters.
Unfortunately, we have not sufficiently tapped into the opportunities that
may exist within that environment. It is a matter of using those conditions
to our advantage.
I am
pleased to report there is an industry that has finally taken advantage of
Labrador's climatic conditions: the data warehousing industry. Because of
the tremendous heat it produces, the cost of maintaining data storage sites
in warmer climates is becoming unsustainable. Well guess what? They are
moving north.
We
now have two developments, with the possibility of a third, that are moving
their operations to Labrador West where the climate and the cost of
electricity are much more receptive to their operations. Although they may
not generate large numbers of jobs yet, they do generate investment in our
communities and employment at a time when each and every job is important.
Mr. Speaker, that is the true definition of diversification.
SOME HON. MEMBERS:
Hear, hear!
MR. LETTO:
The opportunities around
winter tourism are endless. We have barely scratched the surface in reaching
its full potential. Labrador West has some of the best winter tourism
attractions in the world with its cross-country ski trails at Menihek,
downhill skiing at Smokey Mountain, our White Wolf snowmobile trails and the
many other outdoor infrastructures that we have in the region.
Just
this past weekend, Smokey held a reunion that saw many of our past residents
return for four days of festivities. Our diversification and economic plan
will concentrate heavily on developing more of those opportunities.
Speaking of tourism, Labrador West, and Labrador as a whole, has just
witnessed the most gruelling snowmobile race in the world, touching all
regions of the Big Land: Cain's Quest. A record breaking 37 teams signed up
to race with 14 of them crossing the finish line.
This
year being the 10th anniversary, saw the first-ever team from outside North
America, team Finland. I know the organizers are expanding efforts to
attract other international competitors. Hopefully team Finland is just the
first of many participants from around the world in future races.
I
want to commend the organizers and all the volunteers from across Labrador
who worked tirelessly in the past two years to make this event possible. The
publicity resulting from Cain's Quest has truly put Labrador on the world
stage. Fans from all over the world were watching the race on their screens
as well. From March 1 until the race was over, the cainsquest.com website
received hits from 77 different countries, had 76,513 unique visitors and
received 1.33 million page views, far surpassing the stats of 2014.
I
was in my district for the start and the finish of Cain's Quest. Mr.
Speaker, I saw first-hand the economic impact that a race like this can
bring to the region. Hotels were full, restaurants were full and the whole
town was just abuzz.
On
Saturday evening a banquet was held to honour all the participants with Team
Maine, team Alberta and team Saskatchewan placing first, second and third
respectively. Nevertheless, and I said it at the banquet, all 37 teams are
winners for having the courage to enter this gruelling race.
My
colleague, the Member for Torngat Mountains, has really summed it up best in
these few words to the racers: Labrador has once again made superstars out
of all of you. Your endurance, your attitude towards your fans, your
goodwill toward each other and your sportsmanship is something that will
leave a lasting impression on all of us. The quest may be over, but the
stories of comradery, sportsmanship, determination, hardship and celebration
will last forever.
Mr.
Speaker, municipal governments are very important to the sustainability of
any region. Nowhere is that more evident today than in Wabush and Labrador
City. As a result of the closure of Wabush Mines, the Town of Wabush saw a
significant reduction in revenue with the loss of their grant in lieu of
taxes. Our province has stepped up to the plate with a three-year funding
program to replace that loss. However, without a restart of Wabush Mines or
a new major source of revenue, the Town of Wabush will be challenged to meet
its future financial and municipal service obligations. I commend Mayor
Colin Vardy and his council for taking such a responsible and pragmatic
approach to its budgeting challenges, and commit my support to them in
meeting the challenges ahead.
This
past year, the Town of Labrador City also saw a 15 per cent reduction in its
grant in lieu from the Iron Ore Company of Canada, posing a significant
challenge to their 2016 budget. The Minister of Municipal Affairs granted an
extension to the Town of Labrador City that resulted in a revised budget
containing several cost-cutting measures. Mayor Karen Oldford and her
council are also to be commended for their fiscal approach to an unexpected
reduction in revenue.
Mr.
Speaker, I was born and raised in L'Anse au Clair in the Labrador Straits,
in the beautiful District of Cartwright – L'Anse au Clair. I moved to
Labrador West from the Labrador coast in 1973, working as a summer student
with Wabush Mines and proceeded on to a 30-year career with the Iron Ore
Company of Canada. It was there that I met my wife, Audrey. We raised a
family, and we are still very proud today to call Labrador West our home.
After a number of years of volunteering with the Kinsmen organization, I
became involved in municipal politics in Labrador City in 1989 and enjoyed
20 years on the Labrador City town council, eight of them as mayor. I also
had the privilege of serving on the provincial municipal body, then known as
Newfoundland and Labrador Federation of Municipalities, now Municipalities
Newfoundland and Labrador, serving as president from 2007 to 2009.
I'm
also very proud to have been recognized by my federal peers by being
inducted into the honour roll of the Federation of Canadian Municipalities.
It was through my involvement in municipal politics that I first met many of
my colleagues now sitting here in the House of Assembly. I've always
considered municipal government as the first level of government and the
government closest to the people. It is where many provincial and federal
politicians first got their training wheels removed.
Mr.
Speaker, many people have come and gone in Labrador West since the
incorporation of the town 56 years ago, but many still remain. I want to
recognize the pioneers and seniors who contributed to the growth of the
region and have chosen to make Labrador West their retirement home.
Labrador City celebrated its 50th anniversary of incorporation in 2011 and
Wabush will be doing the same in 2017. Their contributions cannot be
forgotten. As in many other communicates in Newfoundland and Labrador,
seniors are a very important part of any community profile. Labrador West is
no different. Seniors remain a very active group within the community and
continue to contribute to the social well-being of Labrador West. As a
government, we need to be respectful of their contributions to society and
recognize them for their dedication and service.
Communities are built on volunteers. This week being volunteer appreciation
week, I want to recognize all of the volunteers, both past and present, who
have made significant contributions to Wabush and Labrador City. Labrador
West has always been known for its tremendous volunteer base through service
clubs, sports groups and many other non-profit organizations. The
contributions made by these organizations could never be measured in dollars
and cents. In fact, Mr. Speaker, they are priceless.
The
recent boom in the mining industry resulted in a significant shift in
demographics in Labrador West. As a result of record employment
opportunities, we saw many young families move there and invest heavily in
their futures. Housing prices soared to record levels, only to see them fall
quickly with the sudden downturn, leaving many families in very challenging
situations.
The
boom also saw the arrival of many members of the Filipino community through
the temporary foreign worker program. Many of them have gained their
citizenship and have chosen to make Labrador West their permanent home. They
have integrated well into the community and have earned the respect of all
our residents.
Despite the recent downturn, the future remains bright for Labrador West. We
have experienced downturns in the past because of the cyclical nature of the
mining industry. The future is in our hands. By working together we will
weather the storm. We've been knocked down before, and we will pick
ourselves back up again.
I
look forward to working with my Labrador colleagues: the Member for Torngat
Mountains, Randy; the Member for Cartwright – L'Anse au Clair, Lisa
Dempster; the Member for Lake Melville, Minister Perry Trimper; the Premier,
as Minister of Labrador and Aboriginal Affairs; and the MP for Labrador, Ms.
Yvonne Jones, as we address the challenges that lay ahead. Together with our
Labrador and Aboriginal Affairs staff, we will be a stronger Labrador. As a
result, we will be a stronger province and we will have a stronger tomorrow.
In
closing, I want to thank once again the residents of Labrador West for
giving me this great opportunity to represent you in the House of Assembly,
together with my constituency assistant, who we often tend to forget,
Sabrina Hunt. We are here to help you in any way we can. I am very impressed
with her accomplishments in the past three months.
To
the residents of Labrador West, your issues are our issues. Together we will
find solutions.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
SOME HON. MEMBERS:
Hear, hear!
MR. SPEAKER:
Order, please!
Before I recognize our next speaker, I remind all Members that they should
refer to other Members of the House by district or title and not by name.
I
recognize the hon. the Member for Fogo Island – Cape Freels.
SOME HON. MEMBERS:
Hear, hear!
MR. BRAGG:
Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
It's
an honour and a privilege to rise here today in this hon. House and address
the Members of this caucus, Members opposite, Members of the Third Party and
all others watching. Although I've had the opportunity to stand before and
read a Member's statement, I find myself standing here today with a
whirlwind of emotions.
To
be one of 40 who will help shape this province for the coming years is not
to be underestimated. Mr. Speaker, looking back over the past 30 years until
now, I muse when I think of where one's life may lead them.
I
grew up in Greenspond, a small isolated community on the Northeast Coast. It
was once known as the capital of Bonavista North. Being the largest island,
we served the islands around the bay. Greenspond was founded in 1697 and
boasted over 2,000 people in the early 1900s. Back then we had a magistrate,
a courthouse, a jail, a doctor, a nurse, probably one of the first Banks of
Montreal, a customs office and a constable station.
In
the '70s when I grew up, things were different. Growing up on an isolated
island had its challenges. I added a little footnote there – not a lot of
girls. I don't know if I'm allowed to say that or not.
Greenspond had no running water in the winter months. Everyone used buckets
and a sled. There was not one of us who couldn't carry two five-gallon
buckets of water with a hoop at least 500 metres without putting it down. It
was usually a contest to bring water.
We
quickly learned to improvise. When you broke something, you soon figured out
you couldn't just buy a part anywhere. You had to go somewhere and make a
part. One time a half a dozen of us got together and built a car out of two
10-speed bikes, some old basic iron and a Ski-Doo motor. It all went well
until two boys decided to turn different ways. Little did I know these early
skills would come in handy later on.
After finishing high school – I should know it – I had a brief stint at MUN.
My brother Clyde and I spent a summer fishing, another summer in the fish
plant, and then off to trade school with hopes to be a power engineer. I
completed that and no crystal ball could have predicted me here today. I
went into the workforce at a time when the baby boomers were in their prime
and jobs were hard to find. There were no megaprojects in this province, and
Alberta then was a world away. Power engineering would have to wait.
Mr.
Speaker, a job came up at the town office, and at 21 years old I was offered
the job of town clerk managing the Town of Greenspond. My then girlfriend
was in nursing, so I decided to take the job until she finished, then I was
going to retire a kept man. But she said no and 29 years later I was still
there.
Mr.
Speaker, don't think that for 29 years I limited myself to Greenspond and
the then 500 people. I spent the first year or two advising the town council
trying to bring the then financially overburdened town out of the red. I
will never forget it, my first week on the job the town owed over $10,000
with not a cent in the bank. We had to get a grant from – as everybody
called it then – the government to pay the light bill, the phone bill and a
few others. My first cheque with the town bounced.
There was no water and sewer in Greenspond at the time, so I toiled on
working away with every day being another step forward. Believe it or not, I
loved my job, but we could not fully settle down until my girlfriend then,
and now wife, Beverley, found a job in nursing. She found a job at
Brookfield Hospital, so we built a family and a life in Greenspond. I loved
my job and I devoted my time to it.
Now
I should also note Greenspond had just been connected to the mainland by a
causeway. People were flocking to see this tiny community. Most would think
it's a good thing, but please remember the roads in Greenspond were little
more than footpaths. My brother and I spent more time directing traffic and
pulling people back on the road than anything else.
We
started water and sewer. To say Greenspond is a solid rock would not be an
understatement. Blasting with the vast majority of homes on wooden shores
led to many calls to the office and my home. You could say it thickened my
skin.
I
became an on-site inspector. I became almost a master of all the little
things at the time. The town purchased an old loader for snow clearing, so
my brother, Clyde, who was always by my side – I remember him calling me
early one morning. The fuel pump was broke and the snow was half a
storm. So we rigged up a
gas tank to the back of the loader. I sat up on the back squeezing the ball
while Clyde cleared the snow. Now you can see where my story of building the
bike paid off.
Thanks to my parents, Stuart and Mellie, they instilled in me the need to
volunteer. I had dabbled in volunteer committees for a couple of years, but
at 23 years old I jumped in full time. I became the fire chief and chair of
the Recreation Committee. It was a bit unnerving to chair a meeting with
everyone else much older than me watching on.
Then
I got onboard the Come Home Year Committee. We had just built a new regional
stadium. I became part of the centre loop and recreation committee.
Basically there I became the voice and face of the stadium, taking many of
the blows from running that.
I
somehow fitted in marriage and found time to raise a daughter. My wife
Beverley would always say: Derrick, please let somebody else do it this
time. Why can't you just sit back and enjoy yourself? I was always the one
to be into it up to my eyes, full-speed ahead.
Mr.
Speaker, I truly enjoyed my job and the people I met while I was clerk
manager of Greenspond. There were times when I put Greenspond on the map.
You may not believe this, but there was a time I was too shy to say my name
at a public gathering.
Then
I was encouraged to run for the central director of Professional Municipal
Administrators. They were in a dilemma at the time. From there I went on to
be the vice-president and finally president of PMA. Being president gave me
the opportunity to meet many administrators and councillors from across
Newfoundland and Labrador. I got to represent our municipal administrators
across Canada. I credit so much to PMA. It gave me the opportunity to listen
to the problems and successes of other communities across the province.
I
later learned our problems are consistent across Canada. I remember going to
my first interprovincial meeting. It was in Victoria, BC. I walked in
thinking what can I bring to the table here. I walked out a couple of hours
later with everybody wanting a copy of what we had accomplished here in this
province, a copy of our core program that we had developed for the
administrators. I can't lie; I had a smile on my face a mile long.
Somewhere in that time frame I joined the local Cape Freels Development
Association and assumed the position of director, vice-president and
president. Here we tackled many local issues from walking trails to signage,
to building repairs to child care centres, to the stadium repairs.
Through it all, I had the urge to get into politics. I mentioned it to my
family and friends many times and I'll be honest, most called me nuts.
Before my father and uncle passed away, I had many conversations with them.
My father would say: You're all right where you are to, my son. He was
always content with his lot in life. Now my uncle Mike, he was a political
junkie. He encouraged me but I'm going to be honest to the Members opposite,
he would rather I was probably sitting over there.
SOME HON. MEMBERS:
Oh, oh!
MR. BRAGG:
Our daughter Allison was
still in school and she was involved in every school sport and activity
known. We spent more time on the road than we did home and my political
thoughts were put on the backburner. Through it all, my desire to get into
politics got stronger; many people encouraged me. Beverley and I had several
discussions and with her support, we agreed to meet Scott Simms and discuss
for him to give me the insight into the world of politics. Scott gave me the
short version of it.
Another year passed and finally word was spreading about the upcoming
election. I was not sure how to proceed. Then one night my phone rang and
Vera Barbour was on the other end. Everybody I'm sure on this side would
know Vera Barbour and probably a lot of people on that side would know Vera
Barbour. Vera is probably the guru for the Liberal Party for sure. So she
gave me the extra push.
From
there Beverley, Allison and I worked night and day for me to secure the
nomination for Bonavista North. Many people came forward to help me for that
nomination and after winning the nomination race, we looked forward to the
anticipated election. I guess you know where this story goes; Bonavista
North sank into the larger District of Fogo Island – Cape Freels. Not only
was Bonavista North in the new district, it included Hare Bay-Dover to the
west along with Gander Bay North, Horwood, Port Albert, Stoneville, Change
Islands and Fogo Island to the north.
Once
more I faced the nomination race and, yes, I won that one too. Then it was
figuring out how to run a campaign. I had a note there that I'm sure
everybody could write a book on running a campaign because that was a
challenge. The area got so much bigger with so many new people but, at the
end of the day, it was all worth it. I can't thank enough the people who
came forward to help. People that I didn't even know going into it came
forward to help me.
People gave freely of their time. I will be forever grateful to these people
who helped me win. My campaign team were superb. Most people have one
campaign chair; I had three co-chairs.
Today I send special thanks to my wife Beverley and our daughter Allison for
their support. Without their support, none of this would have been possible.
To the people of Fogo Island – Cape Freels, thank you for your support
because without your faith in me, I would not be standing here today.
Before I clue up I would like to add, the name of our district Fogo Island –
Cape Freels is really not representative of the district it represents.
Depending on where you look at it, it either ends or begins in the scenic
area of Hare Bay, followed by the Dover Fault. Then it's through
Centreville-Wareham-Trinity, Indian Bay where you will find some of the best
fishing ponds on the Island; a side bar out to historic Greenspond; visit
the Barbour living village in New-Wes-Valley; walk the sandy beaches from
Cape Freels, Lumsden, Deadman's Bay down to Musgrave Harbour; a visit to
Aspen and Ladle Cove for a feed of lobsters. In Carmanville, Noggin Cove and
Frederickton you will find shipwrecks and boat launches. Then it's on to
Davidsville, Main Point, Gander Bay South and Gander Bay North for some of
the biggest salmon fishing grounds around. That is inshore, by the way.
In
Horwood, Stoneville and Port Albert you will find that logging was once a
way of life. In Farewell you will wait in line with the numerous visitors
from all over who can't wait to see Change Islands with its fishing stages.
Finally, or as I said depending on where you come from, beginning, you come
to Fogo Island where fishing is vibrant, punts are everywhere and they boast
of an exotic inn fit for the prime minister.
That
my fellow colleagues is how I got here and a little about the district I
plan to serve to the best of my ability. I can only hope this political life
can be as rewarding to me as my past experience with my job and volunteer
work.
A
lady once asked me: Derrick, will you change politics or will politics
change you? I'm guessing only time will tell. I'm anticipating a little of
each. I look forward to serving this province and the people of Fogo Island
– Cape Freels.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
SOME HON. MEMBERS:
Hear, hear!
MR. SPEAKER:
Order, please!
I
recognize the Member for the District of Exploits and challenge him to top
that.
SOME HON. MEMBERS:
Hear, hear!
MR. DEAN:
Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Mr.
Speaker, I find myself humbled and honoured to rise today in this the
people's House as the Member for the beautiful and historic District of
Exploits.
At
this time, I also would like to acknowledge the contributions of all former
MHAs in this hon. House and extend congratulations to the newly minted ones.
Mr.
Speaker, I wish to offer my heartfelt thanks to my wife, Beverley, and our
children, Jessica, Matthew and Emily. If I had been a sailor, they surely
would have been my lighthouse keepers. They were beacons of hope with their
unwavering support in charting the course of my political ambitions. They
guided my safe passage which culminated today with being here amongst our
ship's crew of 40.
To
my parents, siblings, extended family, friends, campaign team and to the
people of my district, please accept my sincere thanks. I wish to assure all
of my constituents of my pledge to provide fair and equal representation
while working tirelessly on your behalf.
Mr.
Speaker, I was born and raised in the seaport Town of Botwood, which is
perched on the southwestern shore of the Bay of Exploits. Botwood was once
known as Ship Cove, the same Ship Cove where the British brig
HMS Grasshopper anchored during the winter of 1819-1820.
The
Grasshopper was under the command
of Captain David Buchan. He was responsible for safeguarding and reuniting
Demasduit with her people. Regrettably, she passed away on January 8, 1820
aboard the Grasshopper. Today, the
remains of Demasduit and her husband, Nonosabusut, lie in a museum in
Scotland.
In
the Speech from the Throne, my government made a commitment to repatriate
Demasduit and Nonosabusut to their ancestral home, our home. I encourage all
Newfoundlanders and Labradorians to take ownership of this just cause to
ensure, without further delay, the repatriation of their remains.
Mr.
Speaker, my character and my convictions have been shaped over time by my
upbringing in a family of seven. I remain true to those convictions with Bev
and our three children. Since childhood, I have been an avid sports
enthusiast. My involvement in sports has ranged from playing to coaching to
administration and encompassed local, regional and provincial involvement.
In
addition to my love of sports, I have committed myself to the betterment of
my community. I was first elected as a councillor in Botwood in 1997. Then
in 2001, I was elected as mayor, a posting I proudly held until November 30,
2015.
My
years in council provided numerous opportunities for me to serve, as well as
chair, a vast array of boards and committees ranging in diversity from
social to economic. I worked for four employers previous to my being elected
last year. I spent nearly 30 of those years with Abitibi Consolidated and
its predecessors until several years ago when operations ceased.
I
know first-hand about job loss. I know first-hand about job loss when you
have not carried your family over the finish line. I know first-hand about
being mayor while having co-workers pour their hearts out to you.
Little did I know this odyssey would take me from a crane operator's chair
loading newsprint in the Port of Botwood to the mayor's chair, to finding
myself here today taking my chair in the House of Assembly.
Looking back, it seems like a long time ago I decided to seek the nomination
for Exploits. Forty seats looked daunting, and my supporters sensed my
apprehension and rallied behind me, assuring me this was my time and not to
find myself months or years out saying, what if?
So
here we are today, two party nominations and a general election later. These
are just some of the experiences that have shaped my character. I look
forward to the upcoming journey and the role that you, my new co-workers,
will play in the shaping of my character as an hon. Member of this House.
Mr.
Speaker, I look forward to our government and all House Members striving to
ensure that the people in our district and in our region have a fair and
equal opportunity to reap benefits from our bountiful resources.
In
communities such as Bishop's Falls, Botwood, Grand Falls-Windsor, Cottrell's
Cove, Fortune Harbour, Glover's Harbour, Leading Tickles, Moore's Cove,
Northern Arm, Norris Arm North, Norris Arm South, Peterview, Phillips Head,
Pleasantview, Point Leamington, Point of Bay, Sandy Point and Wooddale.
Whether it's our traditional assets such as forestry, fishing, mining,
agriculture and hydro, or manufacturing, tourism, aquaculture, offshore oil,
IT sector, service industry, along with health care, education and other
government services, the District of Exploits has and continues to be open
for business.
Mr.
Speaker, our district can, in full or in part, lay claim to being home to
significant historical events, places and firsts, as well as a testament to
God's handiwork: the mainstay and heartland of the native Beothuks; the
mighty Exploits River, home to the best salmon fishing in Eastern Canada;
the first pulp and paper newsprint operation and hence, the beginning of our
province's industrial revolution; the first non-stop commercial
transatlantic flight; the Grand Falls-Windsor Cataracts, owners and holders
of a record-setting 14 Herder championships; Alex Faulkner, the first
Newfoundlander and Labradorian to play in the NHL; and Bob Dean, the first
Newfoundlander and Labradorian to play on a Memorial Cup team. These are but
a few of the many accomplishments and historical events that make Exploits
what it is today. I urge all of you to visit with us and encounter the
Exploits experience.
Mr.
Speaker, in closing, I wish to extend heartfelt thanks to many, many
government staff here and throughout the province for being so cordial and
helpful to me during this transition period. To the Liberal Party of
Newfoundland and Labrador, conveyed to you are my many thanks for seeing me
as a credible candidate. To our district association in Exploits my many,
many thanks. I wish for Premier Ball, our caucus, our PC and NDP colleagues,
as well as our staffers to all know how very much I am looking forward to
serving with all of you.
The
goal of a politician should be to right wrongs, to make things better and to
be genuine in the hope that his or her successor raises the bar even higher
still. To the good people of the great District of Exploits thanks for your
vote of confidence.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
SOME HON. MEMBERS:
Hear, hear!
MR. SPEAKER (Lane):
Order, please!
The
Speaker recognizes the hon. the Minister of Environment and Conservation.
SOME HON. MEMBERS:
Hear, hear!
MR. TRIMPER:
Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
It
is indeed an honour to speak in this House and reflect on the circumstances,
experience and support that has me standing before you all today. In the
next few minutes – I guess in the next 18 minutes – I'd like to speak about
the strategy or perhaps just the fate, but certainly the lessons learned to
bring me to this point in my life.
I
might suggest my path to this House is not typical, but on the other hand
perhaps all 40 of us can say the same. We all have our own unique stories
that reflect on the diversity and the opportunity that exists within
Newfoundland and Labrador.
I
was born in Nova Scotia and I grew up in a small village called
Clementsport. I'm the sixth generation of a German Hessian soldier who was
also a forester, by the way, like myself. He settled in the area after the
American Revolution. By the way, he was actually captured in Trenton, New
Jersey by Washington and spent most of the war in prison, and then they
shipped him up to Nova Scotia. So there you go.
With
that upbringing of hunting, fishing and other outdoor pursuits, in
combination with some very good teachers, set me on a career path science.
In 1979, I headed to the University of New Brunswick in Fredericton to
obtain a degree in forestry and wildlife management. Following graduation, I
began a routine of working various research contracts throughout the
Maritimes, Quebec and Ontario. I did that for several years.
Then
in 1987, I heard about an opportunity in this great province. I secured this
opportunity in Labrador. It was around conducting research in association
with the environmental assessment of a proposed NATO base at Goose Bay. This
position was with a company called Jacques Whitford. It was supposed to be
temporary, but I was looking for northern adventure so I packed up all my
belongings in my Ford Ranger and headed to St. John's to report to work.
I'm
going to start sounding like the Member behind me here now in a second. I
arrived in Port aux Basques in June of 1987. I'm home. Thinking that all the
campers in the gravel pits were an indication that the provincial parks were
sold out, I spent my first night in a gravel pit as well. Thinking I had to
avail of this overflow option, not understanding the concept of gravel pit
camping. So within a few hours, I was introduced to the wonderful
hospitality that truly distinguishes this province.
The
next night, I arrived in St. John's and set up living arrangements. Where
else would a guy set up but in Pippy Park? It is an ironic twist of faith
that I find myself now as the minister responsible for this park and enjoy
every day a great view of this place that served as my first set of
accommodations for my office at environment and conservation.
Languages have always fascinated me. I found that my interest and abilities
in this regard have assisted me in the development of my career. Growing up
in Nova Scotia and surrounded by the Acadian culture, I was a supporter of
the move to enshrine French and English in our national identity. I pursued
studies in French throughout high school and later at the Université Laval
in Quebec City.
Par
exemple, j'étais en train de travailler au Québec quand j'ai reçu une offre
d'emploi associe avec un grand étude environnementale au sujet des vols
militaires a basses altitude. Il y avait une grande opportunité puis j'ai
commencé avec le grand aventure que c'est Terre Neuve et Labrador.
These additional language capabilities assisted me into securing work beyond
that first three-month position that was offered back in 1987.
Reflecting back, I'm also old enough to remember the excitement and mystery
around the very famous 1972 hockey series between the Soviet Union and
Canada. I always had an interest in Russia and as Perestroika and Glasnost
became concepts of international thawing, I found myself beginning to work
in a variety of locations throughout the former Soviet Union starting in
1990. It certainly was an interesting time. With a language and cultural
understanding edge, I stood out amongst my peers and became the director for
Russian operations for the company.
(Speaks Russian.)
So I
enjoyed 14 years of adventure and professional experience working for CIDA,
the United Nations and the World Bank throughout that vast land.
SOME HON. MEMBERS:
Oh, oh!
MR. SPEAKER:
Order, please!
MR. TRIMPER:
A highlight was joining
the Premier and other business representatives from Newfoundland and
Labrador on the Team Canada mission to Russia in 2002. There we were, 30
years later at a grand banquet in the Luzhniki Stadium in Moscow having
lunch with famous hockey players like Tretiak, Cournoyer and so on, all from
that very famous Summit Series. It was indeed quite a meal. We were
certainly in a good mood as Newfoundland's own Iceberg Vodka company and
their representation had just secured a major distribution deal in a land
where vodka reigns supreme.
Another example of the kind of fate that I reflect on is how I came to meet
my wife Caroline. While working seasonally in Labrador and living in St.
John's in 1990 some friends invited me to a Taoist Tai Chi Club for some
exercise. I met her on that very first class and I always joked to
Caroline's parents that I always believed they thought she might find a nice
Chinese guy there. Well, that didn't work out according to their plan but it
did result in my life-long partner and my number one supporter.
So
my wife is Chinese. She was born in Hong Kong. Given – you might know the
operation – I'm the Hong's only son in law – this is over in Hong's Takeout
– I still retain the title of being number one in their eyes. Joking aside,
her parents Lan and Yan Quan William Hong operated Hong's Takeout on Torbay
Road for many years – I believe it was about 30 years. They proved that a
strong work ethic, attention to quality and care for your clients can secure
a successful position in society, even as immigrants to this country.
A
couple of years ago as I was pulling back on my career as a principle
scientist with Stantec Consulting, I found I still had plenty of energy to
give to a variety of important causes. I was involved in the Chamber
Commerce, the Great Labrador Canoe Race, a bunch of sporting, economic
development, and so on – still lots of energy. So it was actually the MP for
Labrador, Yvonne Jones, and others, that started me down a different path of
serving society. So in the spring of 2014 I started.
As
momentum built in the months leading up to the election, so now it was a new
feeling of being humbled by the volunteers. It is interesting, several of us
have noted this week that it is Volunteer Week. Well, as a guy who liked to
volunteer all of his life, I found it very humbling that people were now
volunteering to help me in this political direction. Volunteering is one of
the most important ways we can give back to society. Both my wife and I have
thoroughly enjoyed the response and appreciation that comes as a result of
the sense of giving.
I
was and remain amazed by the effort of so many people that just gave of
their time during the election campaign. This was very much a different
feeling. Some of them were busy. Frankly, some of them were ill, and some of
them were gravely ill. Others were just people I didn't know well. But they
all showed up, and they showed up every day and helped me at the doorstep. I
know that I will always remember this sense of indebtedness to them and the
residents of my district, certainly if I am going to ensure I do my best to
support them every single day.
It
was also a great honour to have my parents, June and Wendell, join me in
these last days of the election campaign. They have spent their lives
working on numerous provincial and federal campaigns. Their advice and
support was greatly appreciated. I do remember my father kissing Margaret
Trudeau once in the early '70s. I thought he was going to leave the family,
but anyway, he did stay, and that's good.
A
few names I'd like to mention, if I may, a couple of key people. My campaign
manager Henry Windeler; the barber across the street who was just a great
support, Henry White; Bridget Murphy; Michelle Baikie; Bernice Tracey; Max
Butler; Heber Keats; and very many others all showed up day after day. It
was a great team; it was a lot of fun.
There are two people in particular that I would like to mention, who are
both, unfortunately, no longer with us. One is uncle Max Winters, a
well-respected Inuit elder who provided sage advice in making sure that I
reached out to the people and learned to speak for the people. As he battled
cancer, he somehow found the energy to visit me regularly to discuss these
issues.
Uncle Max was a Habs fan and thoroughly enjoyed a visit from the then Leader
of the Opposition, now Premier, regaling the triumphs of Les Canadiens. I
decided not to tell on that afternoon – they were having so much fun – that
I was actually a Bruins fan.
The
other very important person who we've lost in the last little while who
helped me a lot is Dee Wells. She was my campaign coach. She just came to me
about a year ago, started exploring all matter of presence and communication
and how you can aspire to be an effective representative and the importance
of being grounded. She was tragically killed in an accident just a few days
before the election. Her wisdom will always live on with me.
So
here I am, a Member of the House of Assembly for the District of Lake
Melville, some 29 years after I first showed up with my Ford Ranger in this
wonderful province, and pursuing this career of adventure. The question is
now: How do I give back?
Over
the last few years I've been thinking about how decision making could be
much more effective if we could think about the implications of our
decisions over a much longer period.
Last
week, I spent a few days with Carolyn Bennett, the Minister for Indigenous
and Northern Affairs. She talked about how effective Aboriginal leadership
considers the implications of their decisions, seven generations out. In
many ways this analogy equates to the concept of sustainability – something
I've worked with all of my career.
My
proposal, in my district, is to develop a long-term plan. I'm referring to
the strategy as plan Labrador. I'm working with various organizations,
groups and individuals throughout Lake Melville to solicit answers to three
questions. Number one: Where do you want to be in 25 years? What does that
look like? How do we get there? Then working backwards the next question I'm
asking is: How should we accomplish, over the next four years, the mandate
of this government? How should we get there? What can we do? Then, finally
I'm asking: What are their immediate priorities?
This
information is coming in now. We're reaching out across Churchill Falls,
Northwest River, Sheshatshiu, Happy Valley-Goose Bay and the great old
community of Mud Lake. We're compiling the feedback. I'm proposing to
present the information in my first newsletter. Subsequent newsletters would
then serve as a report card for documenting and sharing progress toward the
answers of these three questions. I believe this structure could serve any
location in the province, thinking strategically and looking further out
than just a few years.
Infrastructure needs are great throughout Labrador. With its role as the
administrative, transportation and political hub of the region, Lake
Melville needs to have an organized approach to decision making. The
Trans-Labrador Highway, for example, is not just a connector road in the
region. It is actually the main artery through which this entire province
will be able to access goods and services from Central Canada. Until the
highway and the crossing of the Strait of Belle Isle are complete, this
artery will remain severed, or at least hampered with limited circulation.
The
resolution of outstanding land claims by the Innu Nation and the NunatuKavut
Community Council will bring stability to the region and a sense of purpose
for thousands of my constituents. The advancement of the Nunatsiavut
Government demonstrates how the Aboriginal people of the province can make a
positive contribution if they are supported and if they are given the
opportunity.
The
presence of these three Aboriginal groups, Newfoundlanders who made their
way North to work on the construction or operation of the Goose Bay air
base, or other construction, other Canadians and many European military
personnel who decided to stay after their tours of duty on the Wing, plus a
variety of other cultures, really give us a very diverse population.
Each
of the five communities I just mentioned is unique and adds further
diversity in terms of needs and desires. Access to facilities and services
remain a challenge for Lake Melville. Despite the central location, the cost
of travel, particularly by air, is prohibitive yet necessary, particularly
when seeking specialized health care.
There are many other important issues in Lake Melville, from the Muskrat
Falls hydroelectric development, finding a role for the Paddon Home,
creation of a wellness centre, stability and securement of an operational
requirement at 5 Wing Goose Bay, support for the underground mining
expansion at Voisey's Bay, support for the mining colleagues in Labrador
West and so on.
These, and so many other issues, in Lake Melville and throughout Labrador
will require close coordination. I am very pleased that the Premier has
formed a Labrador caucus in which the four MHAs that my colleague from Lab
West just referred to from the Big Land are all able to tackle important
regional issues together. Ultimately, if we are to succeed, I suggest that a
litmus test would be to ask our future generations whether they feel options
are available to them for the youth of Labrador or any other region of this
province.
If I
may, I would just like to comment about my three colleagues. I'm getting to
know everybody in the caucus. The Member for Torngat Mountains and I
actually used to spend a great deal of time in a helicopter doing waterfowl
surveys together. If you want to see a man who's very capable in the field,
it's that gentleman over in the corner.
My
other colleague from Lab West, we've had many competitions in debate, but
mostly around the golf course and speaking about different bets and so on.
We continue to have a lot of fun together.
Finally, my other colleague in Labrador, Cartwright – L'Anse au Clair; I was
telling her when she was helping me a lot on the campaign that she shouldn't
be afraid of dogs. She had this fear of them and I was helping her to
overcome that. Well, on the very last hour of the campaign – that Sunday
before the election, so the 29th – the last house, I'm going up to hang a
door knocker and there was a dog barking. It was a good Liberal supporter so
I thought I needed to get there. Everyone was concerned. Anyway, I still
approached the door and that dog bit me. It bit me twice. So it can happen.
On
the 13th of December, I was invited by the Premier to join him at the
Cabinet table. In my responsibility for Environment and Conservation,
Climate Change and Energy Efficiency, Labour Relations Agency, the
Multi-Material Stewardship Board and Francophone Affairs, I am proposing to
conduct myself in a manner consistent with my career to date; namely, that
decisions should be guided by principals, factual information and/or science
first. In other words, objectively driven, then implemented with the
appropriate energy and emotion.
I
believe this is another aspect of the transparency that our party campaigned
on and one that I am proud to contribute towards. Whether it be ensuring
wise decision making regarding resource development, the protection of
resources such as drinking water, wildlife resources or natural areas, or
joining the Premier and the prime minister in addressing climate change,
communication of the rationale for action will be important if we are to
seek the co-operation of the residents of Newfoundland and Labrador.
Finally, I want to thank the very good support of my constituency assistant,
Bonnie Learning, and my executive assistant, Ian Murphy. I also want to
thank the supporters, residents and, yes, even the critics in the District
of Lake Melville. They keep you very honest.
We
all want what is best for the area and for the province. Working together
will help us achieve our dreams. I look forward to the coming years.
Nakummek –
Thank you very much.
SOME HON. MEMBERS:
Hear, hear!
MR. SPEAKER:
Order, please!
The
Speaker recognizes the hon. the Minister of Natural Resources.
MS. COADY:
Thank you very much, Mr.
Speaker.
This
is the first opportunity I've had to thank the wonderful people of St.
John's West for giving me the opportunity to work on their behalf in the
House of Assembly. I want to thank them for the mandate they have given me
to represent them, to advocate on their behalf and to ensure their concerns
are represented within this House and within our government.
I
consider it a great honour to represent them and their interests and to
serve our province. I will work hard every day to ensure they are
well-represented. My commitment to the people of St. John's West is to
always work hard with integrity and openness, and always in their best
interests.
Mr.
Speaker, St. John's West has been represented by such notable people as
Joseph Smallwood, William Adams, John Crosbie, Rex Gibbons, to name but a
very few. They have all conducted themselves honourably in this House and I
will work to their ideals.
I
want to recognize the many volunteers, especially as this is Volunteer Week,
who worked so diligently to ensure a healthy democracy. Their efforts are
appreciated by all who sit in the Legislature and all those who offer
themselves for public service. After spending weeks on the campaign trail
and months in preparation, it is humbling to see democracy in action, and to
appreciate the ability of the people of the province to effect change.
I'd
also like to specifically thank the volunteers of my own campaign. They
spent many days and nights knocking on doors during the campaign. They spent
an incredible amount of time talking and speaking with the residents of St.
John's West. I want to especially thank the residents of St. John's West who
welcomed me so much into their homes for great conversations about how we
can improve this beautiful province of ours.
Mr.
Speaker, I had the privilege of representing the people of St. John's West
from 2008 to 2011 as the Member of Parliament for St. John's South – Mount
Pearl. Today, I have the honour of representing them again in this hon.
House.
St.
John's West is home to a diverse group of people and service groups. It's
home to the Cowan Heights neighbourhood watch association, the West Heights
Tenants Association, the Parkside Community Centre and the Shrine Club, to
name but a few.
I've
heard from the people of St. John's West on their concerns about health
care, education, affordable housing, infrastructure, safety and security,
and a range of other issues facing seniors and young families alike. What
the people of the province and the people of St. John's West want is a
stronger economy, more opportunities, the best education and improved health
care.
We
are joined together in this House in a common purpose, to improve the lives
of Newfoundlanders and Labradorians. Let us focus on ensuring that the
decisions we make reflect the needs of our citizens. We should remind
ourselves that we are here on behalf of the people. Let us always be
reminded of and always do what is right on behalf of the citizens of our
province.
By
way of introduction, I am a first generation Canadian, as I'm sure a lot of
people are in this room today, and an eighth generation Newfoundlander and
Labradorian. I am proud to have the opportunity to contribute to building
our great province.
Both
my mother and my father have instilled in me a sense of responsibility to
ensure that Newfoundland and Labrador develops along a successful path. They
also instilled in me a tremendous value in our community and how important
it is to contribute. As I was growing up I was always quoted Churchill, when
Winston Churchill said: “We make a living by what we get, but we make a life
by what we give.”
I
listened intently over the years to my father-in-law, Patrick Coady, who
sadly lost his life to the sea many years ago, about 20 years ago now. He
used to engage me in incredibly knowledgeable debates and discussions about
how we can be a better province. What we can do to improve the fishery. What
we can do to improve education. What we can do to improve the lives of the
people of this province. I'm so grateful for those experiences and the
information that has been passed down to me by my father-in-law, my
mother-in-law, my parents about the sense of responsibility to this place
and also to the sense of what can be achieved in Newfoundland and Labrador.
I'm
sure there are many people in this House who have been asked the questions,
why are we involved in politics? The start of my political interest was from
a very young age. I recall going to Ottawa as a 15-year-old as part of
Adventure and Citizenship Program that was through Rotary at the time. I was
able to sit in the House of Commons and listen to what it meant to be a
Member of the House, what a parliamentarian does. From that age of 15, I
decided that I would like to serve one day, working towards a better
province and a better country. I am honoured and proud to be here today to
do just that on behalf of the great citizens of St. John's West.
Through the course of my life I've been an entrepreneur and a business
person. I'm a past chair of the Canadian Chamber of Commerce, governor now
of the Canadian Chamber, past-president of the St. John's Board of Trade,
and sat on a number of boards, everything from the Board of Genome Canada,
the Public Policy Forum, the St. John's Airport Authority, to name a few.
I've always taken away from those experiences what it meant to the people of
this province, what those experiences could mean in terms of enriching and
developing activities for this province.
There was a time in my career when I was sitting on one side of the desk
asking the government to do something. I remember thinking to myself at the
time, if you really want to do something, if you really want to have an
impact, I should be sitting on the other side of the desk.
I
encourage many people to consider public life. If they really want to
achieve what they think is a better vision for their province, for their
country, for their communities, they should seek to sit in public office. I
remember thinking to myself then, that if I could achieve that goal I would
be able to fulfil some of the things that I was asking government to do.
I
have a great deal of respect for anyone who puts their name forward in
public service at any level of government. This past general election we had
about 29 per cent of candidates who put their names forward that were women.
I certainly think that we should have more female candidates and I'd
certainly like to see more females, more women represented in the House of
Assembly, in the House of Commons, in city council, in any aspect in our
life.
SOME HON. MEMBERS:
Hear, hear!
MS. COADY:
Thank you.
I
think, Mr. Speaker, it's incumbent upon all of us to encourage people to
enter political life, to show them how they can enter political life. In
particular, I think we should encourage women to do the same. I note how
many women – and my hon. colleague sitting to my right today was on
municipal council for many years serving as a mayor, and I think how many
women today are serving in municipal roles that we could encourage to become
Members of this House of Assembly.
I
know my colleague to the left has a very important role within our
government, and I'd like to encourage more and more women to seek public
office. I'd like to encourage more and more people to seek public office. I
think it's incumbent upon all of us to try and help them do so.
We
have to create the right environment for women to be involved in politics. I
think over the next number of years I'd like to see changes to the way we
operate the House to make it a little bit more family friendly so that we
can entice the next generation to join us here in the House of Assembly. I
think we have a great opportunity to make a better society when we open the
doors and try and encourage more people to be here.
During the general election and since forming government, I've heard many
concerns about the serious and difficult financial situation facing the
province – almost $2 billion in deficit this year, and growing. I've heard
countless times questions about how we ended up in this unprecedented
financial situation, especially when we've had a time of oil revenues in
this province.
We
are facing significant challenges that will require collective leadership
and vision and the engagement of the public. Together, our government hopes
to lead our province toward a more sustainable economic future. I think this
is going to be critical. It's going to be difficult, but it will be critical
to ensuring our future prosperity.
Now
I'm fortunate enough to have been assigned the task of Minister of Natural
Resources, as well as Responsible for the Office of Public Engagement. In
the office of Natural Resources I'm going to be focusing activities on
laying the foundation of a well-planned, well-managed resource development,
which I think is going to be incredibly important for the future of our
province – built on the principles of innovation, excellence, sound business
and regulatory practices.
In
this regard, one of our government's plans is to create an oil and gas
industry development council consisting of government officials, as well as
industry stakeholders. I see this council providing and determining a
long-term vision for the province's oil and gas industry. I think they will
provide input on creating a more sustainable and competitive industry, and
ensuring we move expeditiously from discovery to production. I think this is
going to be critically important as we move forward, Mr. Speaker, because we
want to have a strong, vibrant economy, and this is one way this project can
give us benefits under our agreements and ensure we have the goals aligned
to ensure that vibrant economy.
In
regard to offshore exploration and development, regulatory certainty and
maintaining an attractive and stable business environment for operators and
investors is critical to the long-term success of our province's oil and gas
industry. Our government is committed to streamlining the processes for
regulatory approvals and certification for establishing the royalty regimes
necessary for future developments and pursuing options for exploration
development.
We
have a vast energy resource providing a competitive advantage in attracting
industrial development and energy security. With our 2D seismic that has
been taking place over the last number of years we've identified 350
prospects in our offshore oil. That is tremendous opportunity. It really is
a frontier for the world.
Mr.
Speaker, our government is also committing to promoting growth in the mining
industry of the province. The mining industry remains a valuable contributor
to the provincial economy, with strong potential for recovery and growth in
the coming years. We may see, at this moment, a dip in our commodity prices,
challenges in the global markets, but I do believe, as we've seen in the
past, that will recover and we will continue to have a vibrant mining
industry.
We
will encourage the expansion of mining operations in the province and we'll
consult with industry to explore the possibility of venture capital
opportunities, and continue to fund prospector grants throughout the
province. In the months and years to come, we will fulfil our commitments of
building on the trust placed in us on November 30, 2015.
As I
conclude, Mr. Speaker, I want to take a moment to say a few words to my
family. I want to acknowledge my own family and the contributions they have
made. As many Members of this House know, public service impacts our
families in many ways. My family has always supported me. And this truly is
a family choice, a choice to give back.
For
example, my sister flew down from British Columbia to help me going door to
door. My brother contributed to my campaign and helped me. My other sister
has been here on an ongoing basis as well, and I want to thank them for
that. But most importantly, as I know that many people in this room today,
in this House today, I particularly want to thank my wonderful husband Pat –
who is in the galleries today, by the way – for his incredible support,
guidance and advice.
Mr.
Speaker, there is much to be done. As I stand in this historic House,
surrounded by Members here, I recognize that we have entrusted by the people
of this province to work to improve their lives. I started today by
reminding all hon. Members that our responsibility is to the individuals who
make up the mosaic of Newfoundland and Labrador. Let us never forget our
duty to them. Let us never forget our fiscal responsibility to them. Let us
never forget we are here because of them. I look forward to working with all
Members of this great House of Assembly on behalf of the people of this
province.
Thank you for the opportunity to do so.
SOME HON. MEMBERS:
Hear, hear!
MR. SPEAKER:
Order, please!
The
hon. the Government House Leader.
MR. A. PARSONS:
Thank you, Mr.
Speaker.
I
move, seconded by the Member for Torngat Mountains, that the House do now
adjourn.
MR. SPEAKER:
It has been moved and
seconded that the House do now adjourn.
All
those in favour, 'aye.'
SOME HON. MEMBERS:
Aye.
MR. SPEAKER:
Contra-minded?
Order, please!
Given that tomorrow is Private Members' Day, the House will resume at 2 p.m.
On
motion, the House at its rising adjourned until tomorrow, Wednesday, at 2
p.m.