March 15, 2022
HOUSE OF ASSEMBLY PROCEEDINGS
Vol. L No. 36
The
House met 1:30 p.m.
SPEAKER (Bennett):
Order, please!
Admit
strangers.
Statements by
Members
SPEAKER:
Today we will hear statements
by the hon. Members for the Districts of Mount Pearl North, Grand Falls-Windsor
- Buchans, Lake Melville, Conception Bay East - Bell Island and Cape St.
Francis.
The hon.
the Member for Mount Pearl North.
MS. STOYLES:
Thank you, Speaker.
I rise
in this House to recognize one of the finest organizations in my district, the
Kinette Club of Mount Pearl. This group started its first meeting over 50 years
ago. The Mount Pearl Kinettes is one of the largest Kinette groups in
Newfoundland today and is part of a national organization.
The
Kinette motto is “Serving the Community's Greatest Needs,” and that's just what
they do. All funds raised stay in the community to support local charities. Some
of the projects they do, include: a turkey drive, collecting over 160 turkeys
for the local food bank; the Hearts for Hope campaign, raising money for local
charities like the seniors, single parents and Kirby House; and the sunflower
project, spreading joy by placing sunflowers on people's lawns.
Speaker,
I ask all Members to join me in saying thank you to the Kinette Club of Mount
Pearl.
SOME HON. MEMBERS:
Hear, hear!
SPEAKER:
The hon. the Member for Grand Falls-Windsor - Buchans.
MR. TIBBS:
Thank you, Speaker.
I rise
in this House today to recognize a lifetime of hard work and sacrifice by a
woman who has done so much for so many: Diane Murdoch.
Diane
got her first certificate in counselling from a college before going on to
McGill University where she completed her Bachelor of Social Work. During the
time in Montreal, she worked with so many groups such as Ville Marie Social
Services, Jewish social services and Project Pal with psychiatric patients.
In 1993,
Diane moved to Grand Falls-Windsor to work with Child Welfare, a position that
would last 5 years and eventually led to her work with Youth Corrections. From
there she would move on to Community Supports where she remained for the
duration of her long career. It was in this role that Diane did her greatest
work as she helped the vulnerable, seniors and people with disabilities.
Diane
Murdoch fought with her heart and soul to ensure people had the services and
programs that they truly needed. After a lengthy career of hard work and
sacrifice, Diane Murdoch retired this year.
I want
you all to please join me in saying thank you and best wishes to Diane in her
coming years.
Thank
you.
SOME HON. MEMBERS:
Hear, hear!
SPEAKER:
The hon. the Member for Lake Melville.
P. TRIMPER:
Speaker, on the theme of
International Women's Day, the Legislature will recall 19-year-old Zara
Rutherford from Belgium, who was attempting to become the youngest woman to fly
solo around the earth.
Goose
Bay hosted Zara in her ultralight aircraft for two days in the fall, before she
continued her record-setting adventure. She left us inspired and motivated to
encourage other women to pursue careers in aviation.
After
five months, five continents, 41 countries and several challenges including
volcanoes, storms, visa issues and conflict zones, I am pleased to announce that
Zara accomplished her amazing feat and has inspired a generation.
Creating
excitement wherever she went, Zara landed back in Kortrijk, Belgium, on January
20. She was greeted by family, throngs of fans and media, in person and online,
who followed her along those lonely 52,000 kilometres.
The New York Times
reported that Zara's good luck charm was the wings on her flight suit, a gift
from another female pilot, Captain Erin Pratt with 444 squadron at 5 Wing Goose
Bay, something we are all very proud to see.
Please
join me in congratulating Zara Rutherford and thank her for encouraging young
women in Labrador, and around the world, to pursue their dreams.
SOME HON. MEMBERS:
Hear, hear!
SPEAKER:
The hon. the Member for
Conception Bay East - Bell Island.
D. BRAZIL:
Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
I stand
today to recognize the passing of a great legal mind, a volunteer, loving family
man and proud Newfoundlander and Labradorian. I speak of the late Judge Robert
Smith.
I had
the privilege of working with Robert and got to see his commitment, not only to
our legal system but more importantly his commitment to his fellow citizens.
Judge
Smith served for nearly four decades in the legal profession, serving as a
Provincial Court judge in Stephenville, Port aux Basques and St. John's, while
being one of the province's top volunteers with a number of local, provincial
and national organizations.
The
evidence of how Robert's actions as a volunteer had such a positive influence on
the people he served is seen in the number of awards he received as a volunteer.
Robert has been recognized as citizen of the year; top volunteer at the
university level; and acknowledged for his contributions to such organizations
as Big Brothers Big Sisters, Rotary, the John Howard Society, Knights of
Columbus and many more. Robert also had a real passion for theatre, sports and
radio, which he had an extensive background in.
Please
join me in passing on our condolences to his wife Ella, his family and all his
friends.
Rest in
peace my friend.
Thank
you, Mr. Speaker.
SOME HON. MEMBERS:
Hear, hear!
SPEAKER:
The hon. the Member for Cape
St. Francis.
J. WALL:
Thank you, Speaker.
Today I
recognize a performing arts group in the Town of Logy Bay-Middle Cove-Outer Cove
known as The Concert Crowd.
The
original group staged its first production in 1968 in the old schoolhouse in
Outer Cove, as the local parish was raising funds to offset the cost of opening
a new school. Asking this presented no real challenge to the people of the town
since singing in the kitchen, dancing on Savage's bridge and penning stories was
simply a way of life for them.
These
concerts were performed regularly, helping to preserve the songs, stories and
dances learned. It also provided a space for new performers to showcase their
creativity.
The
first concerts had a cast and crew of approximately 15, but in the early 1990s,
the group boasted a crew of 40. In 2018, The Concert Crowd celebrated their 50th
anniversary, which was marked by a $10,000 award to Memorial University, now an
annual award to the School of Music and the faculty of arts.
Speaker,
I ask all hon. Members to join me in congratulating The Concert Crowd on their
successes, and we certainly look forward to their upcoming performances in 2022.
Thank
you.
SOME HON. MEMBERS:
Hear, hear!
SPEAKER:
Statements by Ministers.
Statements by
Ministers
SPEAKER:
The hon. the Minister of
Immigration, Population Growth and Skills.
G. BYRNE:
Speaker, an illegal, immoral
and horrific war is raging within Europe. Without any pretense of legitimacy or
justification, the Russian Federation, under its authoritarian leader, has
ordered an occupying army into Ukraine. In its wake, mass civilian casualties,
along with the wanton destruction of cities and villages including the
hospitals, schools, daycares and basic services contained within is causing
human tragedy beyond understanding. Residential neighborhoods have been targeted
and steps towards war crimes proceedings have begun.
But the
people of Ukraine are far from defeated. Unanticipated by their invaders, the
people of Ukraine and their government, led by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy,
have challenged Russia's invading force with courage and unwavering resolve.
Speaker, Ukraine remains standing.
And we,
too, must stand strong and stand with Ukraine.
The
people of Newfoundland and Labrador as well as Canadians from coast to coast to
coast have given voice to our collective resolve to support the people of
Ukraine as we condemn this illegal and unjustified war imposed by Russia.
The
Government of Newfoundland and Labrador stands with Ukraine. We recognize that a
humanitarian crisis is evolving both inside and outside of Ukraine. With Russian
combatants deliberately targeting cities and civilians, nearly three million
Ukrainians, including children and their caregivers, have fled to neighboring
European countries.
Speaker,
it is our duty of conscience and our duty as global citizens, it is our duty as
Canadians to extend an open welcome to Ukrainian refugees, and Newfoundland and
Labrador will be there. Our province is already showing the type of leadership
that is required. Recognizing that an estimated 1,400 of our friends and
neighbours in this province identify with Ukrainian roots, we have created a
Ukrainian Family Support Desk within the Office of Immigration and
Multiculturalism to provide support for efforts within our province.
Speaker,
I have already had several meetings with Minister Fraser, Minister of
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada, pronouncing Newfoundland and
Labrador's support, advising him on coordinating an expedited Canadian response
and informing him that Newfoundland and Labrador will be actively welcoming
Ukrainian refugees to our homes, when it can occur.
Speaker,
Newfoundland and Labrador will stand tall. Newfoundland and Labrador will stand
with Ukraine.
SOME HON. MEMBERS:
Hear, hear!
SPEAKER:
The hon. the Member for Grand
Falls-Windsor - Buchans.
C. TIBBS:
Thank you, Mr. Speaker, and I
thank the hon. minister for providing us with an advance copy of his statement.
The
horrendous actions of Vladimir Putin are almost beyond words. We have seen his
ruthless military action attack, not only military targets but hospitals,
schools and civilians. Mr. Speaker, blood is on his hands.
I am
proud to be in a country that is united in denouncing this barbaric action in
Ukraine, driven by the vanity of just one man. This time he has met his match in
President Zelenskyy, the embodiment of hope for peace in Ukraine and a peaceful
world. The courage of the Ukrainian people is nothing short of incredible, and
this Legislature is 100 per cent united in supporting all of them.
Mr.
Speaker, as the minister rightfully points out, there are an estimated 1,400 of
our friends and neighbours in this province that identify with Ukrainian roots
and we are here to support them. We are also here to support any and all
refugees from Ukraine en route to Canada and then on to Newfoundland and
Labrador.
Mr.
Speaker, any and all assistance that the Official Opposition can offer
government in supporting the people of Ukraine is something we would be honoured
to provide.
I thank
the minister and his government for taking the concrete steps to supporting the
people of Ukraine. Newfoundland and Labrador has the reputation of opening our
homes and our hearts to those in need; we always have. Let's do everything we
can to live up to this reputation.
Slava
Ukraini! Glory to Ukraine!
Thank
you, Mr. Speaker.
SOME HON. MEMBERS:
Hear, hear!
SPEAKER:
The hon. the Leader of the
Third Party.
J. DINN:
Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
I, too,
thank the minister for an advance copy of his statement. The Third Party caucus
stands with the brave people of Ukraine. We must pull together and do everything
possible as a province for those displaced by war. We hope that in doing so, the
government has learned from its experience with Afghan refugees last fall and is
better prepared to welcome Ukrainian refugees with adequate resources for
housing, education and language supports.
Thank
you, Mr. Speaker.
SOME HON. MEMBERS:
Hear, hear!
SPEAKER:
Further statements by
ministers?
Oral
Questions.
Oral Questions
SPEAKER:
The hon. the Leader of the
Official Opposition.
D. BRAZIL:
Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Speaker,
just moments ago the Liberal government tried but failed to address the rising
cost of living in our province. While increases in the Income Supplement and the
Seniors' Benefit will help some of our most vulnerable, there is no relief at
the pumps, grocery stores, rent or all bills for the average Newfoundlander and
Labradorian. This is a case of too little too late. We've been calling for
decisive action since November.
I ask:
Did the minister forget to make changes to the gasoline tax and the home heating
fuel tax?
SPEAKER:
The hon. the Minister of
Finance and President of Treasury Board.
SOME HON. MEMBERS:
Hear, hear!
S. COADY:
Thank you very much, Speaker.
I'm glad
to rise in this House and discuss this very serious issue. The people of the
province have been under a pandemic, and now with the challenges of the Ukraine
there have been the rising costs of living and the rising costs of food, which
is a very serious challenge.
Today,
we did announce a program to help those most vulnerable. We're providing a 10
per cent increase in Income Supplement, a 10 per cent increase in the Seniors'
Benefit and a special one-time $400 for a family of four, for example, on income
support. These are significant benefits to help the people of the province.
We also
spoke today, Mr. Speaker, about helping people to transition from oil to
electricity in their homes by giving them a $5,000 rebate.
SOME HON. MEMBERS:
Hear, hear!
SPEAKER:
The hon. the Leader of the
Official Opposition.
D. BRAZIL:
Thank you, Speaker.
These
are welcome announcements for a small part of our society who are very
vulnerable, but the other hundreds of thousands of Newfoundlanders and
Labradorians who are feeling the crunch here with the increased cost of living
are getting no relief at the pumps or in the grocery store –
SOME HON. MEMBERS:
Hear, hear!
D. BRAZIL:
– and any other service that
they need right now, because of this government.
It's
clear this announcement was made today only because the Liberals started to feel
the pressure from the citizens of this province and were afraid to face this
House without coming up with some solution that would benefit the people of this
province.
Speaker,
the Liberal government stated again and again how they could not make any
changes to taxes, yet other provinces have taken decisive action to reduce the
cost at the pumps and grocery stores.
Will the
minister admit her announcement does nothing to lower the skyrocketing costs of
living for the Newfoundlanders and Labradorians who are faced with this
stressful situation?
SPEAKER:
The hon. the Minister of
Finance and President of Treasury Board.
S. COADY:
Thank you, Speaker.
I'd say
it's disingenuous for the PCs to lecture this government on financial
responsibility.
SOME HON. MEMBERS:
Hear, hear!
S. COADY:
I will say, Mr. Speaker, if
we had access to the $500 million a year that we have to pay because of their
mistake of Muskrat Falls, Mr. Speaker, if we were able to not have to use that
amount of money –
SOME HON. MEMBERS:
Oh, oh!
SPEAKER:
Order, please!
S. COADY:
– to offset the doubling of
the costs of electricity, if we're able to provide that money for the other
programs –
SOME HON. MEMBERS:
Oh, oh!
SPEAKER:
Order, please!
The hon.
the Minister of Finance.
S. COADY:
– we would certainly do so.
Regarding the price of gas, Mr. Speaker, we've seen a lot of volatility; we've
seen a rise in the price of oil to almost $130, down to today it's trading under
a hundred. This volatility, of course, is having an impact on gas taxes. The
Public Utilities Board has already done an intervention. Perhaps they'll do
more.
SOME HON. MEMBERS:
Hear, hear!
SPEAKER:
The hon. the Leader of the
Official Opposition.
D. BRAZIL:
Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
I think
it's disingenuous to ignore the needs of the hundreds of thousands of
Newfoundlanders and Labradorians –
SOME HON. MEMBERS:
Hear, hear!
D. BRAZIL:
– who won't be able to
(inaudible) right here in Newfoundland and Labrador as we speak, Mr. Speaker.
Speaker,
people are having trouble affording to live here and the federal Liberal
government is making it worse by working to cancel our offshore oil and gas
industry. The federal Liberals seem bent on cancelling the Bay du Nord Project,
while the Premier sits back and lets Ottawa decide Newfoundland and Labrador's
future.
We need
to know: Whose side are you on, the prime minister or the people of Newfoundland
and Labrador?
SOME HON. MEMBERS:
Hear, hear!
SPEAKER:
The hon. the Minister of
Finance and President of Treasury Board.
S. COADY:
Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
I will
say to the Member opposite that we have announced a program worth almost $20
million to help the people of the province, especially the most vulnerable.
SOME HON. MEMBERS:
Hear, hear!
S. COADY:
I will say, Mr. Speaker, this
government stands behind the Bay du Nord Project, as we always have. We're the
ones that made an arrangement, made a deal with Equinor to bring that project
forward. We support it strongly. It has very low carbon per barrel; it has been
through a stringent process with the independent assessment agency.
We've
been working to ensure that it gets passed. What that Opposition has been doing
has been very, very precious little. We've been working hard day in, day out to
get that project approved by the Government of Canada and we're looking forward
to ensuring that project progresses.
SOME HON. MEMBERS:
Hear, hear!
SPEAKER:
The hon. the Leader of the
Official Opposition.
D. BRAZIL:
Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
The
amount of money that was just announced is a small pittance of what's needed in
this province to address the cost of living for our citizens here, Mr. Speaker.
I do want to reassure the minister that this side of the House has been
proactive in ensuring that the Bay du Nord Project went forward.
We've
written the prime minister, we've written Cabinet, we've publicly acknowledged
that we would collaborate. I offered to the Premier to go to Ottawa and sit and
plead our case, but we haven't been taken up on that. We collaboratively need to
work, that we would bring the House back to solve any of the issues around our
oil and gas industry.
We would
work with the minister. We support what needs to be done here, Mr. Speaker. So I
want to make that clear to the minister that we support this project and the
people in that industry.
Speaker,
Minister O'Regan last week refused to publicly endorse the Bay du Nord Project,
while the rest of the silent six Newfoundland Liberal MPs are missing in action.
Meanwhile, the federal Fisheries minister wants us to leave the fish in the
water and plant seagrass to help the environment.
I ask
the Premier: Are you content to sit back and allow Ottawa to dictate the future
of Newfoundland and Labrador?
SPEAKER:
The hon. the Minister of
Industry, Energy and Technology.
A. PARSONS:
Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
I'm
happy to be back in this House today and to answer questions on the issues that
face all Newfoundlanders and Labradorians as we move forward. The issue raised
by the Member is certainly one that's of extreme importance to us today and will
be tomorrow.
I
appreciate his efforts and his promise to co-operate because the reality is this
project is necessary. It is one that we support. It is one that we think is not just for Newfoundland and Labrador,
it will be good for the country. We do think that it will help with the
transition.
I will
point out that as it related to the debate mentioned earlier, I don't think that
this House would have been unanimous in support for this project, but I do know
that the Official Opposition has expressed their support and that is support
that we are glad to hear.
The
reality is that we have done everything in our ability to advocate for this. In
front of closed doors, behind closed doors, publicly, you name it, we will
continue to do so and I remain optimistic about this project.
Thank
you.
SOME HON. MEMBERS:
Hear, hear!
SPEAKER:
The hon. the Leader of the
Official Opposition.
D. BRAZIL:
Thank you, Speaker.
I do
acknowledge the minister's statement and I do hope that we make this project go
forward and will, again, reiterate the Official Opposition will do everything
possible to support government in making this project move forward. It is too
important to the people of Newfoundland and Labrador.
SOME HON. MEMBERS:
Hear, hear!
D. BRAZIL:
The Labrador Inn, a hotel
that has been acting as a for-profit shelter in Happy Valley-Goose Bay,
residents there have complex mental health needs, addictions and
inter-generational trauma which has been unaddressed. The staff at The Labrador
Inn are doing their best but do not have any formal training and are left
unsupported. Residents are left unsupported; staff are left unsupported. The
minister's reaction was to hire two security guards.
I ask
the minister: Why did he allow this department to ignore the situation and let
it get to this point?
SPEAKER:
The hon. the Minister of
Children, Seniors and Social Development.
J. ABBOTT:
Speaker, thank you for the
opportunity to respond.
I was up
in Happy Valley-Goose Bay recently and met with the manager of The Labrador Inn.
We talked about the issues that he and his staff are facing. We are working with
him and his staff to make sure they have the supports in place to address some
of the issues that the Member mentioned.
At the
same time, the residents who are at the inn are also supported by the Housing
Hub, which is run by the Nunatsiavut Government. So we have a lot of supports in
place on the ground, working as well with Labrador-Grenfell Health to make sure
those residents are supported where they are and as they need their support.
SOME HON. MEMBERS:
Hear, hear!
SPEAKER:
The hon. the Member for Terra
Nova.
L. PARROTT:
Thank you, Speaker.
The
price of gas is skyrocketing because the world oil supply cannot keep up with
demand. The world needs clean and ethical oil; we have both. Bay du Nord will be
the most environmentally responsible project in the world.
I thank
the minister for talking about his lobby efforts but I ask him if he will table
all documents of his lobbying to his friends in Ottawa.
SPEAKER:
The hon. the Minister of
Industry, Energy and Technology.
A. PARSONS:
Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Again,
when this process is over, I will be happy to discuss publicly all the different
things that we have done. It is not just with the federal government; it was
with a number of people. In fact, I have remained in close contact with Equinor
throughout this entire process. We have had a number of conversations about
their presence here and the fact that they have committed to Newfoundland and
Labrador, and we want to ensure that that continues.
I've
spoke to Noia on a regular basis and thanked them for their advocacy and for the
advocacy of their members to talk about this project and its necessity for
Newfoundland and Labrador. I've spoken to all of the MPs. I've spoken to
senators in Ottawa – senators from Newfoundland and Labrador. We are all, I
think, in agreement that we want this project to proceed. We do know that it
sits in the environmental assessment stage at the federal level, but I think we
can all say here – and I believe this in my heart and my head – that this
project, it's the right one and it should be approved.
Thank
you.
SOME HON. MEMBERS:
Hear, hear!
SPEAKER:
The hon. the Member for Terra
Nova.
L. PARROTT:
Sadly, while Equinor tries to
fast-track it, the Liberals are trying to stall it. The future of Newfoundland
and Labrador is being decided by anti-oil Liberal MPs from British Columbia and
Quebec, while the Premier and the minister are silent on the issue. Our own
Cabinet minister in Ottawa wouldn't even publicly support saying: “The work that
I do as Newfoundland and Labrador's cabinet minister is very much within the
cabinet room.”
If the
federal minister has backed away from his support, what assurances can the
minister give that this project will be approved?
SPEAKER:
The hon. the Minister of
Industry, Energy and Technology.
A. PARSONS:
Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
I think
he's referring to federal ministers. Certainly the ministers on this side have
absolutely been very public and vocal in our –
SOME HON. MEMBERS:
Hear, hear!
A. PARSONS:
– support for the project,
and I would think that if anybody had any questions, they could easily call Noia
or Equinor and they will reiterate and repeat those things. They have no issue
there.
The
reality, though, is that this project is in the federal stages. We've done
everything we can, provided all the information we can and we await that
decision.
So
again, it's not a decision I can make. If the decision was up to me or to this
team right here, the decision would be made in favour, but we will await that
process. It has to go through its due diligence. We understand that; it's
frustrating. But the reality is we still think that this is the right project
and we continue to do our job.
Thank
you.
SOME HON. MEMBERS:
Hear, hear!
SPEAKER:
The hon. the Member for Terra
Nova.
L. PARROTT:
I wouldn't agree that
everything has been done; they refused an emergency debate.
A
statement released by Equinor reads: “The Impact Assessment Agency of Canada
assessment concluded that 'the Bay du Nord Development Project is not likely to
cause significant adverse environmental effects, taking into account the
implementation of mitigation measures.'”
Has the
provincial minister spoken to the federal minister since he decided to give
himself a 40-day extension?
SPEAKER:
The hon. the Minister of
Industry, Energy and Technology.
A. PARSONS:
Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
So a
couple of things I'd point out. Number one, I don't believe an emergency debate
in this House would've solved anything, because the reality is there are Members
in this House that are against that project. So it would've been a lot of talk,
would've been a lot of attention, but certainly I don't think it would've
changed any of the outcomes that we face right now.
What I
can say to the Member opposite is that I do find it interesting. I wrote a
letter to DFO and to the federal government a couple of years back when we were
at our worst when it came to the oil industry advocating that we needed to
ensure the science that was explicit, that it was followed. I was told by the PC
Member, the Opposition critic, that I should be kicked out of Cabinet for
interfering with science
I say to
the Members opposite – and, again, no, not the Member for Terra Nova, the Member
for Bonavista said I should be kicked out of Cabinet for interfering with
science.
SPEAKER:
The minister's time has
expired.
A. PARSONS:
So, again, I think we should
look amongst ourselves to see do we all really want (inaudible).
SOME HON. MEMBERS:
Hear, hear!
SPEAKER:
The hon. the Member for Terra
Nova.
L. PARROTT:
When we heard that Bay du
Nord could be cancelled by the Ottawa Liberals, it was noted that Ottawa may
approve Bay du Nord in exchange for early decommissioning of other platforms
such as Hibernia, Hebron, Terra Nova or White Rose.
Can the
minister tell the people of this province exactly what is being negotiated?
SPEAKER:
The hon. the Member for
Industry, Energy and Technology.
A. PARSONS:
Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
I can
absolutely assure the Member opposite and this House that is a conversation I've
literally never had on any single one occasion with absolutely anybody. There
will be no concessions given for this.
This is
a project that should be approved after it goes through the due diligence
process and the environmental process. It'll get approved because it's right; it
will not get approved because we've given anything up.
I can
tell everybody in this House and anybody who's watching, we will not give up
what is right for Newfoundland and Labrador for Ottawa or for anybody.
Thank
you.
SOME HON. MEMBERS:
Hear, hear!
SPEAKER:
The hon. the Member for Terra
Nova.
L. PARROTT:
Two of the Premier's hand-picked advisors signed a letter from the Sierra Club
calling for the federal government to reject Bay du Nord and transition away
from fossil fuels.
I ask
the Premier: Does he agree with his hand-picked advisors, yes or no?
SPEAKER:
The hon. the Minister of
Industry, Energy and Technology.
A. PARSONS:
Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
The
reality is this is a newsflash to everybody here, but there are a lot of people
out there in this world that are against the development of oil projects. Some
of them sit in this House; they've expressed that. There are Members who are on
environmental committees who speak against this.
But a
couple of things I would say: number one, the Premier has made clear on every
single occasion – every single occasion – that he is supportive of this project
and he wants this project to go ahead.
SOME HON. MEMBERS:
Hear, hear!
A. PARSONS:
I can say that I have spoken
and my colleagues have all spoken in favour of this project, we think it's the
right one. In fact, to the point where when I did write a letter to the federal
government expressing my concern with their science, again I would point out
that the Member for Bonavista said I shouldn't interfere with science, I
shouldn't interfere with these deliberations.
Again, I
will advocate for Newfoundland and Labrador every single time I get a chance.
Thank
you.
SOME HON. MEMBERS:
Hear, hear!
SPEAKER:
The hon. the Member for
Harbour Main.
H. CONWAY OTTENHEIMER:
Women in this province
are reporting increased stress and anxiety because of the increased cost of
living. Many women, especially single moms, are trying to provide healthy food
for their children and gas for their cars. It is a fact that the pandemic has
disproportionately negatively impacted women.
Does the
minister agree that it is unacceptable that women make 76 cents for every dollar
made by a man?
SPEAKER:
The hon. the Minister
Responsible for Women and Gender Equality.
P. PARSONS:
Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
It sure
is great to be back in this House of Assembly. It always is; back for the spring
session. I thank the hon. Member, my colleague, of course, for always raising
these important issues we all know.
We can
all appreciate all the challenges that have been faced since COVID, the cost of
living, as we know, but I can assure you, Mr. Speaker, this government is
committed to doing everything that we possibly can, not just the department of
Women and Gender Equality but across government, with regard to the gender wage
gap and all issues that have faced women and gender-diverse people in this
province.
Thank
you, Mr. Speaker.
SOME HON. MEMBERS:
Hear, hear!
SPEAKER:
The hon. the Member for
Harbour Main.
H. CONWAY OTTENHEIMER:
Mr. Speaker, we need to have answers with substance and we're not getting them.
Newfoundland and Labrador is the only province in Atlantic Canada without pay
equity legislation, despite the House introducing it five years ago in 2017. In
June, when I raised the issue, the minister said it's certainly not a new issue.
Well,
it's been five years. Will the minister, once and for all, commit to bringing
pay equity legislation to this House during this sitting?
SPEAKER:
The hon. the Minister
Responsible for Women and Gender Equality.
P. PARSONS:
Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Again, I
thank the hon. Member for always raising these important issues, but I would
like to remind the hon. Member it's not just several years, it's been multiple,
multiple years and multiple premiers.
What I
will say, Mr. Speaker, believe you me, there has been an interdepartmental
Committee struck; we voted unanimously as a House on a PMR that this is
certainly an important issue.
But I
will say this, Mr. Speaker, the half a billion dollars that we need, that we get
from Ottawa every year to just mitigate our rate hikes would go a long way to
help with issues such as pay equity, Mr. Speaker.
SOME HON. MEMBERS:
Hear, hear!
P. PARSONS:
But we are committed to doing
everything that we can. When there's an update, believe you me, Mr. Speaker, I
will be providing that update to this hon. House.
Thank
you Mr. Speaker.
SOME HON. MEMBERS:
Hear, hear!
SPEAKER:
The hon. the Member for
Harbour Main.
H. CONWAY OTTENHEIMER:
Mr. Speaker, let's stop
with the rhetoric; let's get this moving.
SOME HON. MEMBERS:
Hear, hear!
H. CONWAY OTTENHEIMER:
Let's debate the
legislation once and for all.
The
minister, in the past, has suggested that she doesn't even have the authority to
bring pay equity legislation to this House.
I ask
the Premier, will he make pay equity legislation a priority and direct his
minister to table the new legislation so women are no longer left behind?
SPEAKER:
The hon. the Minister
Responsible for Women and Gender Equality.
P. PARSONS:
Again, thank you, Mr.
Speaker.
Again,
I'll thank my hon. colleague, we can all agree that these are all very important
issues, but what I can say is that we're certainly committed to doing everything
that we can. We have a fiscal reality to live in. We all know that. The Members
on the opposite side know that the most, Mr. Speaker, but rest assured we're
doing everything that we can.
This
Premier has also –
SOME HON. MEMBERS:
Oh, oh!
SPEAKER:
Order, please!
P. PARSONS:
This Premier has also
extended the mandate – removing it from a standalone department to also include
gender-diverse individuals across Newfoundland and Labrador, and that's a first.
Make no mistake; we are committed to doing everything that we can.
I also
welcome the hon. Member – my door is always open. Come on over; let's get to
work. We're all stakeholders here in this province and the onus is on every one
of us to do everything that we can to support the people who live in
Newfoundland and Labrador, Mr. Speaker.
SOME HON. MEMBERS:
Hear, hear!
SPEAKER:
The hon. the Member for
Conception Bay South.
B. PETTEN:
Thank you, Speaker.
Mr.
Speaker, as most COVID-19 restrictions across the country drop, teachers and
students are facing unprecedented challenges in our schools. Our caucus
continues to hear with 50 per cent of students not present and classrooms with
no teachers due to critical shortage of substitutes.
Speaker,
with no online option, how is the government ensuring students receive quality
education in these circumstances?
SPEAKER:
The hon. the Minister of
Education.
T. OSBORNE:
Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Mr.
Speaker, if the Member opposite has a list of schools that have closed due to
teacher shortages, I'd like to see it because my understanding from the NLESD
and the CSFP is that there are no schools closed due to that. There are no
classrooms closed due to shortage of teachers.
Yes, the
pandemic and isolation rules, Mr. Speaker, has put a strain on the availability
of substitutes, but we've taken extraordinary measures, including working with
the faculty of education and retired educators, to fill those gaps.
SOME HON. MEMBERS:
Hear, hear!
SPEAKER:
The hon. the Member for
Conception Bay South.
B. PETTEN:
Thank you.
Speaker,
having teachers trying to teach two different classrooms at the same time is not
the best practice, or even sensible for either the teacher or their students.
Speaker, we had a shortage of substitutes before COVID-19 and now the situation
has gotten much worse as MUN students will be writing exams soon and then going
home for the summer.
How is
the minister going to ensure continuity of education for children of the
province?
SPEAKER:
The hon. the Minister of
Education.
T. OSBORNE:
Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Mr.
Speaker, we've had far less learning loss in this province than most
jurisdictions, probably any jurisdiction across the country. We've had more
in-class instruction and when we didn't have in-class instruction, we've had
online instruction in this province. Mr. Speaker, I'd put our record up against
that of any province in this country for the delivery of education to our
students in Newfoundland and Labrador.
SOME HON. MEMBERS:
Hear, hear!
SPEAKER:
The hon. the Member for
Conception Bay South.
B. PETTEN:
Sometimes facts don't matter,
Mr. Speaker.
I'll
give him credit, though, he hasn't mentioned Muskrat Falls once. He's doing
well.
SOME HON. MEMBERS:
Oh, oh!
B. PETTEN:
That is three times.
Speaker,
the critical shortage of substitute teachers has also impacted extracurricular
school activities and sports, as teachers are not able to get leave to accompany
students to events. Teachers are actually being forced into taking their sick
leave.
Speaker,
as we begin to emerge from COVID-19, a return to some level of normalcy in our
schools, how is the minister going to ensure children can enjoy all aspects of
an education?
SPEAKER:
The hon. the Minister of
Education.
T. OSBORNE:
Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
That is
an important question; I'll give the Member that. Ensuring that school sports
continue is important. We've had discussions with the NLESD regarding this
particular topic. I've had discussions with the School Sports association
regarding this particular topic.
We will,
on a case-by-case basis, Mr. Speaker, if a teacher is not available make sure
that there is somebody available so that school sports can continue.
SOME HON. MEMBERS:
Hear, hear!
SPEAKER:
The hon. the Member for
Placentia West - Bellevue.
J. DWYER:
Thank you, Speaker.
This
province is now entering into the third year of a pandemic, the cost of living
is out of control and the Seniors' Advocate position has still been vacant for
more than nine months.
Minister, when will this position be filled?
SPEAKER:
The hon. the Minister of
Children, Seniors and Social Development.
J. ABBOTT:
Speaker, thank you again for
the opportunity to answer the question. As I think all of us know, the Seniors'
Advocate is an important Officer of this House. We look forward to having that
position addressed in the very near future.
But what
I want to add is that, as a government, we are supportive for all the seniors
throughout this province, all the seniors' organizations. In the meantime, while
the office is vacant, we are working with that office, as well as all the
seniors' groups, to make sure their issues are addressed as expeditious as
possible.
SOME HON. MEMBERS:
Hear, hear!
SPEAKER:
The hon. the Member for
Placentia West - Bellevue.
J. DWYER:
Speaker, seniors in our
province are facing more issues than just the outrageous increases to the cost
of living. Backlogs for surgeries, housing, long-term care beds, mental health
supports: Speaker, the list continues to grow at an alarming rate. The Seniors'
Advocate is supposed to be in place to provide an expert voice to these issues.
I ask
the minister: Why has this position been vacant for so long?
SPEAKER:
The hon. the Minister of
Children, Seniors and Social Development.
J. ABBOTT:
Speaker, again, thank you for
the opportunity to respond.
One of
the things that I've done recently is met with our Provincial Advisory Council
on Aging and Seniors to make sure that the issues of seniors are brought to the
attention of both me, as minister, and to the government. We will continue to
make sure that council works in the interest of seniors for this province while
we're waiting for the Seniors' Advocate position to be filled.
SOME HON. MEMBERS:
Hear, hear!
SPEAKER:
The hon. the Member for
Conception Bay South.
B. PETTEN:
Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
I wanted
to point out to the minister I never said anything about schools being closed. I
also want to point out that the minister only answered half my question the last
time around, so it's two mistakes.
Minister, I asked you about extracurricular school activities, not just sports.
There's a critical shortage of substitute teachers. It's more than sports
involved; it is extracurricular activities as well.
What are
you going to do to address that issue?
SPEAKER:
The hon. the Minister of
Education.
T. OSBORNE:
Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
The
issue hasn't been brought to my attention at this particular stage; I have been
made aware of school sports and so on. But if there are issues, Mr. Speaker, I
would be happy to work on any and every issue to ensure that our students have a
well-rounded education.
SOME HON. MEMBERS:
Hear, hear!
SPEAKER:
The hon. the Member for
Labrador West.
J. BROWN:
Thank you, Speaker.
A
combined Grade 5 and 6 class at JRS Middle School has joined in to advocate for
the seniors of Labrador West by submitting their ideas directly to the Minister
of Finance and budget consultations.
It is
jarring to learn that the minds of these young children in my district are not
wondering what their friends are going to do this weekend but if their
grandparents will have somewhere close to Labrador West to live.
I ask
the minister: Will this government finally commit the resources needed for the
seniors of Labrador West?
SPEAKER:
The hon. the Minister of
Children, Seniors and Social Development.
J. ABBOTT:
Speaker, thank you again for
the opportunity to respond.
I was in
Labrador West recently and met with the Grade 5 and 6 class who eloquently and,
I would say, professionally presented their views on seniors' issues,
particularly housing issues for Labrador West. I committed to make sure that we
brought back their ideas, their suggestions, their proposal to discuss here with
my colleagues.
I wanted
to congratulate the J. R. Smallwood class for the tenacity of sticking with an
issue that I know is very important to the people of Labrador West.
Thank
you.
SOME HON. MEMBERS:
Hear, hear!
SPEAKER:
The hon. the Member for
Torngat Mountains.
L. EVANS:
Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
I have a
letter here from the chief of the Mushuau Innu First Nation. In spring of 2020,
Simeon Poker, a resident of Natuashish, needed a kidney transplant and he got
his brother approved as a donor and was told that the surgery would follow in
three to six weeks.
This
summer, a year later, I alerted Labrador-Grenfell Health and Eastern Health that
there was vital information not being properly communicated to this patient.
Language barriers are a reality in my district, Mr. Speaker. Chief Nui's letter
stresses this gap still has not been resolved and I believe it is preventing Mr.
Poker from being approved for transplant surgery. The physical and mental toll
is too much, Mr. Speaker. I am now getting pictures of blackened toes and
fingers from diabetes damage.
I am
asking the Minister of Health: Will he reach out to the health authority to
review Mr. Poker's case? I quote Chief Nui –
SPEAKER:
Move on to your question,
please.
L. EVANS:
Please consider seriously our
appeal, as it is a matter of life and death – Chief Nui's words exactly.
SPEAKER:
The hon. the Minister of
Health and Community Services.
J. HAGGIE:
Thank you very much, Speaker.
Obviously, I can't comment on the specifics of clinical cases. Transplants are
not done in this province. We have a very active transplant coordination program
and they liaise with either Halifax or Toronto. If there are specifics of this
case the Member opposite wants addressed, I would be happy to do that.
We are,
however, in terms of waits, at the mercy of Halifax. Under normal circumstances,
this has not been an issue but we are aware that COVID has slowed things down
and last year they had a shortage of a nephrologist. I'm happy to look into a
specific problem if the Member opposite would like to provide details.
Thank
you.
SOME HON. MEMBERS:
Hear, hear!
SPEAKER:
The hon. the Member for Mount
Pearl - Southlands.
P. LANE:
Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Mr.
Speaker, just the other day I received a call from a family, a couple who are 73
years married. After 73 years of marriage, one of the spouse's health has
declined and now they're going to separate that couple. He's going to have to go
to long-term care in a different facility away from his spouse. This represents
cruel and unusual punishment as far as I'm concerned.
This is
not a new thing. It's been happening. I've had other calls, Mr. Speaker, over
the last number of years on similar situations like this. I understand Nova
Scotia has put in a policy recently, I was told, that couples cannot be
separated.
I would
ask the Minister of Health and Community Services: Is the government considering
some similar policy to prevent this cruel and unusual punishment on our seniors?
SPEAKER:
The hon. the Minister of
Health and Community Services.
J. HAGGIE:
Thank you very much for the
question, Speaker.
These
are always very difficult situations. When you have a senior whose level of care
exceeds the ability of the facility to provide it, our first aim must be to look
after their well-being. Certainly, in this province, long-term care facilities
are challenged to meet the demand for those people who require that level of
care. The regional health authorities work very closely with the family to make
sure that spouses who do not need that level of care can spend as much time
together as possible.
Nova
Scotia simply guarantees to put the individual in the same complex. They do not
share rooms. They are at the other end of a different building in many
occasions. These are difficult situations and, as we increase our long-term care
capacity, hopefully we can look at what potential solutions exist.
Thank
you.
SOME HON. MEMBERS:
Hear, hear!
SPEAKER:
The hon. the Member for Mount
Pearl - Southlands.
P. LANE:
I thank the minister for that
answer. While Nova Scotia may not keep them together in the same room, as you
said, they are in the same facility so they are at least able to see each other
every day.
Mr.
Speaker, in a similar vein, I've also had similar complaints from families where
it wasn't a couple, per se, but let's say you may have had a father or
grandparent or whatever the case might be that need to go to long-term care and
they're living in one community – so one example would be they were living in
St. John's and under the first available bed policy, that person had to go to, I
think, Placentia. Now the family are not able to visit their loved one; again,
cruel and unusual punishment.
I would
ask the minister: Are there any plans to address that issue as well?
SPEAKER:
The hon. the Minister of
Health and Community Services.
J. HAGGIE:
Thank you very much, Speaker.
Two
issues rolled into one there. The first available bed policy is to deal with the
urgent and pressing issue around care and providing the appropriate care. These
individuals remain on the wait-list for their facility of choice in the
community of choice, assuming that community actually has the facility capable
of managing their clinical care needs.
With
reference to visitation of couples separated by different care needs: the RHAs
actually provide the ability to enable visitation on at least a daily basis, if
at all possible.
I take
the Member opposite's concerns. We are working within the limits of our system
to address them.
Thank
you.
SOME HON. MEMBERS:
Hear, hear!
SPEAKER:
The time for Question Period
has expired.
Presenting Reports by Standing and Select Committees.
Presenting Reports
by Standing and Select Committees
SPEAKER:
The hon. the Minister of
Justice and Public Safety.
J. HOGAN:
Thank you, Speaker.
I am
pleased to present the first report of the Standing Orders Committee in the 50th
General Assembly.
I do
want to take the time to thank the Members of the Committee for their diligence
and hard work and I recommend this report to the House of Assembly.
SOME HON. MEMBERS:
Hear, hear!
SPEAKER:
Tabling of Documents.
Notices
of Motion.
Notices of Motion
SPEAKER:
The hon. the Minister of
Finance and President of Treasury Board.
S. COADY:
Thank you, Speaker.
I give
notice that I will move that the House resolve itself into a Committee of the
Whole on Supply to consider a resolution for the granting of Interim Supply to
Her Majesty, Bill 45.
SPEAKER:
Further notices of motion?
The hon.
the Minister of Finance and President of Treasury Board.
S. COADY:
Thank you, Speaker.
I give
notice that I will move that the House resolve itself into a Committee of the
Whole to consider a resolution relating to the advancing or guaranteeing of
certain loans made under The Loan and
Guarantee Act, 1957, Bill 46.
SPEAKER:
The hon. the Minister of
Finance and President of Treasury Board.
S. COADY:
Thank you, Speaker.
I give
notice that I will move that the House resolve itself into a Committee of the
Whole to consider a resolution relating to the raising of loans by the province,
Bill 47.
SPEAKER:
The hon. the Minister of
Finance and President of Treasury Board.
S. COADY:
Apparently, I'm busy.
Thank
you, Speaker.
I give
notice that I will on tomorrow introduce a bill entitled, An Act To Amend The
Financial Administration Act, Bill 48.
SPEAKER:
The hon. the Minister of
Finance and President of Treasury Board.
S. COADY:
Thank you, Speaker.
I give
notice that the House approve in general the budgetary policy of the government.
SPEAKER:
The hon. the Minister of
Finance and President of Treasury Board.
S. COADY:
Thank you, Speaker.
I give
notice that I will move that the House resolve itself into a Committee of the
Whole on Supply to consider certain resolutions for the granting of supply to
Her Majesty, Bill 49.
Thank
you.
SPEAKER:
The hon. the Minister of
Digital Government and Service NL.
S. STOODLEY:
Thank you, Speaker.
I give
notice that I will on tomorrow introduce a bill entitled, An Act To Amend The
Petroleum Products Act, Bill 52.
SPEAKER:
The hon. the Minister of
Justice and Public Safety.
J. HOGAN:
Thank you, Speaker.
I give
notice that I will on tomorrow introduce a bill entitled, An Act Respecting
Access To Health And Education Services, Bill 51.
SPEAKER:
The hon. the Minister of
Tourism, Culture, Arts and Recreation.
S. CROCKER:
Thank you. Speaker.
I give
notice that I will on tomorrow introduce a bill entitled, An Act To Repeal The
Colonial Building Act, Bill 50.
SPEAKER:
Any further notices of
motion?
The hon.
the Minister of Justice and Public Safety.
J. HOGAN:
Thank you, Speaker.
I give
notice that I will move the following motion: That the House concur in the first
report of the Standing Orders Committee of the 50th General Assembly tabled
March 15, 2022.
SPEAKER:
Further notices of motion?
The hon.
the Minister of Tourism, Culture, Arts and Recreation.
S. CROCKER:
Speaker, I give notice that I
will on tomorrow move the following motion: That notwithstanding Standing Order
63, this House shall not proceed with Private Members' Day on Wednesday, March
16, 2022, but shall instead meet at 2 p.m. on that day for Routine Proceedings
and conduct government business; and that if not earlier adjourned, the Speaker
shall adjourn the House at midnight.
SPEAKER:
Further notices of motion?
Answers
to Questions for which Notice has been Given.
Petitions.
Petitions
SPEAKER:
The hon. the Member for Lake
Melville.
P. TRIMPER:
Thank you, Speaker.
In
response to questions arising from the construction of the Muskrat Falls
hydroelectric project, changing climatic conditions and the disastrous flood of
2017, the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador undertook a comprehensive
flood risk mapping and flood forecasting of the Churchill River (KGS Group
2020). This million-dollar study was described by government as state of the art
in the province and across the country.
KGS
Group 2020 concluded that under projected climate change and one-in-20-year open
water flood zone conditions, several homes adjacent to the Churchill River will
be subjected to a disaster similar or worse than what was experienced in 2017.
So my
petition is:
WHEREAS
elevation, adjacency and other topographic features in the KGS Group 2020
depicts certain homes to be particularly at risk; and
WHEREAS
there is mental and physical stress taking a severe toll on the residents of
these homes, particularly as each flood season arrives; and
WHEREAS
we are the owners of these homes;
THEREFORE we, the undersigned, call upon this House of Assembly to urge the
government to develop a plan to address the conclusions of your own work,
protect the citizens of this province and provide support to relocate us out of
harm's way.
Mr.
Speaker, I've spoken to this before. It remains an ongoing issue. We remain very
concerned that while this report has been done now for some two years, we have
yet to see meaningful progress in terms of reading the report and following it.
This winter has been particularly severe. We are facing extreme ice conditions.
I would suggest that here we go again, Speaker, with river roulette. Will we
again have a flood this year that could be as serious as what we faced in 2017?
The residents really have no option.
I know
there are other communities within flood zones in this province; however, each
and every other one of them, you can get in your vehicle and drive. The option
out of Mud Lake is to be helicoptered out by basket under a very stressful, very
tense and very dangerous condition. There is no option for Mud Lake. So we
really need support.
I
commend the citizens and residents that are most affected. They have stepped
forward and said we need this government to listen. I'm going to keep speaking
to it. Nothing has changed, Speaker. Mud Lake and adjacent communities remain
available and willing to sit down and talk to government about helping them get
out of harm's way.
Thank
you very much.
SPEAKER:
The hon. the Minister of
Environment and Climate Change.
B. DAVIS:
Thank you, Mr. Speaker, and I
thank the hon. Member for the petition.
I did
tour the area up there with the hon. Member last year, I think, it was. I did
see some of the impacts that were there. That's why we put in place a
world-class water monitoring system; that's why we've done that. Obviously,
there have been disaster mitigation funds that have already been dispensed in
some of these cases.
We have
to look at all options on the table. I know that's what we've done when we
visited those individuals before, and we're going to continue to provide that
first top-notch service of water monitoring and flood monitoring up there.
That's what we're going to continue to do as a government and committed to that.
SOME HON. MEMBERS:
Hear, hear!
SPEAKER:
The hon. the Member for
Placentia West - Bellevue.
J. DWYER:
Thank you, Speaker.
These
are the reasons for this petition:
The
rising cost of fuel is having a dramatic effect on our truck drivers here in our
province. The drivers are finding it increasingly difficult to pay their bills,
maintain their machines and pay for ever-increasing fuel costs. This means that,
for many, they must spend more time on the road, with smaller margins of
survival and, for those with families, more time away from their homes.
Therefore, we petition the hon. House of Assembly as follows: To urge the
Government of Newfoundland and Labrador to consider a fuel rebate for truckers
so that they can continue to supply those essential services to many
Newfoundlanders and Labradorians that depend on them each day.
These
are the very people that kept our economy going when everything else was shut
down and now they're being impacted the hardest. This is in no way, shape or
form affiliated with the convoy in Ottawa or anything like that, but I did want
to take a different approach in that I wanted to listen to the people and I
wanted to talk to them.
This is
signed by actual truck drivers. This is not going out and getting signatures
from three or four of your buddies or whatever type of thing. This is actual
real people that are really impacted by this. And, like I said, I think it's
incumbent on this government to recognize the people that kept our economy going
when nobody else could. They took risks. They took chances. Now we have to
support them. I think it's time that we give them some kind of rebate or some
kind of tax break on maintaining their trucks.
Thank
you, Speaker.
SOME HON. MEMBERS:
Hear, hear!
SPEAKER:
The hon. the Member for
Humber - Bay of Islands.
E. JOYCE:
Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
I
stand on a petition concerning cataract surgeries in Western Newfoundland.
The background to the petition is as follows:
WHEREAS
there are approximately 750 to 800 people – mainly seniors – who are on a
wait-list for cataract surgery in Western Newfoundland; and
WHEREAS
it will take almost 14 months for these seniors to have the procedure carried
out; and
WHEREAS
many of these seniors had their driver's licences suspended, they can't read the
instructions on their medication properly, they can't read a book or watch TV
due to cataract problems affecting their eyesight, which is having an impact on
their quality of life in their later years; and
WHEREAS
a one-time allotment of funds will eliminate the wait-list for cataract surgery
in Western Newfoundland and Labrador and give these seniors, and others awaiting
surgery, a better quality of life which they deserve;
THEREFORE we petition the House of Assembly as follows: We, the undersigned,
call upon the House of Assembly to urge the Government of Newfoundland and
Labrador to provide the necessary funding required to carry out these
life-changing surgeries in a timely manner.
Mr.
Speaker, I stand here today as I have been talking about this issue now the last
four, five or six months about the cataract surgery –
SOME HON. MEMBERS:
Oh, oh!
SPEAKER:
Order, please!
E. JOYCE:
Mr. Speaker, this goes right
from Southern Labrador, right out to Baie Verte area to Grand Falls. A lot of
Northern Peninsula still go to Corner Brook, a lot of the Bay of Islands and in
the Premier's own district.
Mr.
Speaker, I noticed today – and I'm not arguing about the funding that's been
announced today. I think it's great funding. Not enough, but it's good funding.
I'm not disputing it. But we can find $20 million today, we found $5 million to
do studies to see what assets and we can't find $1.3 million so we could take
care of 700 to 800 people – mainly seniors – in Western Newfoundland.
We heard
in the media the Newfoundland and Labrador Medical Association commenting about
the wait-list for surgeries. There are no times available, Mr. Speaker, to get
these surgeries done at the Corner Brook hospital. The Stephenville hospital is
not even operating for cataract surgery. There's no time available.
I urge
the Liberal government that I was a part of that we're supposed to take care of
the most vulnerable. There's no one more vulnerable than seniors who can't see.
I urge the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador, my former colleagues, help
out these seniors. For the money that's going to be spent, it will give a
quality of life. It will eliminate the backlog. It will eliminate the wait-list
one that's in Corner Brook and Western Newfoundland. I urge the Government of
Newfoundland and Labrador to do the seniors a favour and give them back their
eyesight.
Thank
you, Mr. Speaker.
SOME HON. MEMBERS:
Hear, hear!
SPEAKER:
The hon. the Member for
Ferryland.
L. O'DRISCOLL:
Thank you, Speaker.
The
background to this petition is as follows:
Eastern
Health has recently repositioned one of the ambulances from the Trepassey area
to the Cape Broyle area. This has left only one ambulance in the Trepassey area.
Residents of Trepassey and the surrounding area are at least two hours from the
nearest hospital.
Therefore, we petition the House of Assembly as follows: We, the undersigned,
call upon the House of Assembly to urge the Government of Newfoundland and
Labrador to ensure the residents of the Trepassey area have accessibility to an
ambulance in a time of emergency by repositioning a second ambulance back into
the Trepassey area to ensure the safety and well-being of local residents and
meet the national standard for response times.
Speaker,
I spoke on this a number of times in the last session. We are getting numerous
calls regarding ambulances in the district. Up in Trepassey area, they're two
hours to the nearest hospital. Once one ambulance is gone, they're in a red
alert stage at that time. It's not acceptable that we don't have a second
ambulance in there.
The
ambulance that did move to Cape Broyle has been down there probably four or five
months. A couple of incidents we've had in the last little while, the ambulance
down there have not even been manned. We have one ambulance gone and the
gentleman that has an issue, calling for an ambulance, and looking through his
window one minute away and can't get an ambulance. It is not acceptable, in this
day and age, that you can look at two ambulances and they're not being manned,
The
minister should step up and look at the owners of these ambulance services and
make them accountable to get this back in order the way it should be.
Thank
you, Mr. Speaker.
SOME HON. MEMBERS:
Hear, hear!
SPEAKER:
The hon. the Member for
Torngat Mountains.
L. EVANS:
Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
We, the
undersigned, are concerned citizens of Newfoundland and Labrador who urge our
leaders to ensure that the high school students of Labrador will not have to
continue to sacrifice their in-class lecture time in order to attend CDLI
courses online.
Our
Labrador students are burdened with the loss of Atlantic time slots, which is
our local Labrador time zone. A decision that was made to offer all CDLI online
courses in Newfoundland time slots only.
We feel
that this is unacceptable and this decision was made without ensuring Labrador
students would have to sacrifice their in-class lecture time in order to attend
these CDLI courses.
This is
unacceptable because Labrador students are forced to leave their in-class
lectures 30 minutes early to attend the CDLI online courses and arrive 30
minutes late for their next in-class lecture.
As our
students' reliance on distance education grows, we fear that having to juggle
two schedules and losing important class time will deter many Labrador students
from enrolling. Our Northern Labrador students are already burdened with slow
internet speeds averaging approximately 0.2 Mbps to 1.9 Mbps. We feel the
additional burden of sacrificing one hour of class time for each CDLI course is
not acceptable and must be addressed.
Mr.
Speaker, this is not the first time I read this petition, but what really
shocked me was why would our English school board for the province think it was
okay to make these changes, forcing our Labrador students to leave their
in-class courses 30 minutes before the course was done to attend CDLI courses.
Then, when they finish the CDLI online course, arrive for their next in-class 30
minutes late.
That is
a huge burden. As our reliance on online courses grows, it is going to actually
jeopardize our students' academic careers. When you look at what courses are
offered online, the CDLI courses, all the math, all the science courses, the
academic courses that people need to pursue university courses and programs in
their future is basically going to be eliminated.
Not only
that, what I fear on the North Coast of Labrador is students are actually going
to be forced not to take these courses and stick with their in class because
there is too much of a burden and I don't think that is right. I would like the
minister to actually address this petition.
Thank
you, Mr. Speaker.
SOME HON. MEMBERS:
Hear, hear!
SPEAKER:
Orders of the Day.
Orders of the Day
SPEAKER:
The hon. the Government House
Leader.
S. CROCKER:
Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Mr.
Speaker, I ask leave to start the debate on Interim Supply.
SPEAKER:
Is leave granted?
I hear
no opposition.
The hon.
the Minister of Finance and President of Treasury Board.
S. COADY:
Thank you, Speaker.
I wish
to inform the House that I have received a message from Her Honour, the
Lieutenant-Governor.
SPEAKER:
All rise.
As
Lieutenant-Governor for the Province of Newfoundland and Labrador, I transmit a
request to appropriate sums required for the Public Service of the province for
the year ending 31 March 2023, by way of Interim Supply, and in accordance with
the provisions of sections 54 and 90 of the
Constitution Act, 1867, I recommend
this request to the House of Assembly.
Sgd.:__________________________
Lieutenant-Governor
Please
be seated.
The hon.
the Minister of Finance and President of Treasury Board.
S. COADY:
Speaker, I move, seconded by
the Minister of Digital Government and Service NL, that the message, together
with a bill, be referred to a Committee of Supply.
SPEAKER:
It is moved and seconded that
I do now the leave the Chair for the House to resolve itself into a Committee of
Supply to consider the said bill.
Is it
the pleasure of the House to adopt the motion?
All
those in favour, 'aye.'
SOME HON. MEMBERS:
Aye.
SPEAKER:
All those against, 'nay.'
Carried.
On
motion, that the House resolve itself into a Committee of the Whole on Supply,
the Speaker left the Chair.
Committee of the
Whole
CHAIR (Warr):
Order, please!
We are
considering the related resolution and Bill 45, An Act Granting To Her Majesty
Certain Sums Of Money For Defraying Certain Expenses Of The Public Service For
The Financial Year Ending March 31, 2023 And For Other Purposes Relating To The
Public Service.
Resolution
“Be
it resolved by the House of Assembly in Legislative Session convened, as
follows:
“That it
is expedient to introduce a measure to provide for the granting to Her Majesty
for defraying certain expenses of the public service for the financial year
ending March 31, 2023 the sum of $2,754,562,200.”
CHAIR:
Shall the resolution carry?
The
Chair recognizes the hon. the Minister of Finance and President of Treasury
Board.
SOME HON. MEMBERS:
Hear, hear!
S. COADY:
Thank you, Speaker.
Today we
introduce the Interim Supply bill. The Interim Supply bill is required to be
passed by the House of Assembly to continue ongoing operations for the period
from April 1, 2022, to June 30, 2022, or while budget 2022 and the associated
main supply bill is being introduced, debated and approved by the Legislature.
The
total amount is $2,754,562,200 and this legislation will need to be passed by
the House of Assembly and receive Royal Assent by the Lieutenant-Governor by
March 22, 2022, in order to meet payroll, Income Support and other expenditures
effective April 1, 2022.
The
Interim Supply bill represents approximately 30 per cent of the 2021-2022
budgeted current and capital account gross expenditures and it is based on
allocations approved during Budget 2021,
which was approved by the House of Assembly in June of 2021.
Government operations include payroll, Income Support and other expenditure
obligations such as the calling and awarding of tenders, as well as annual
contractual obligations that must be encumbered, pursuant to the
Financial Administration Act.
Allow me
to give you some of the expenditures that this money will help fund. For
example, for Transportation and Infrastructure, this is to get an early start to
summer maintenance; snow and ice control; awarding of the sand and salt tenders;
purchase orders for winter contracts; to encumber funding for ferry operations;
leased accommodations; vehicles supplies; fuel expenditures; and to set up
contract agreements for a variety of contracted services.
For
Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture, it will be for the silviculture program,
for example, which is front-loaded at the beginning of the field season; for the
Office of the Chief Information Officer, to encumber portion of the maintenance
commitments; for Immigration, Population Growth and Skills, for a large portion
of the grant program and the Labour Market Development Agreement, employment
development program, workforce development program, youth and student services,
employment assistance programs. For example, in Children, Seniors and Social
Development, there's a substantial number of early grants that require payment
in the first quarter and expected monthly expenditures for child welfare
services.
Those
are some of the expenditures that this Interim Supply bill helps to fund. The
Interim Supply bill will have no incremental impact on government's financial
position in 2022-23 beyond what will be included in budget 2022. As mentioned
previously, the total allocation for the Interim Supply, April 1 to June 30, is
$2,754,562,200.
Why do
we need this amount? Well, it's based on the 2021 numbers. The Interim Supply
bill accounts for approximately, as I said, 30 per cent of the 2021-22 original
budget figures. The base amount of Interim Supply is calculated on funding for
seven pay periods or 25 per cent – three of the 12 months – of all other
expenditures. And not as simple as just dividing the dollar figure by the number
of months. Nothing is simple in finance. Departments make adjustments after the
original calculation to account for items that are required in the first
quarter.
Spending
requirements vary and are based on what part of the year we are working with and
the type of expenditure. For example, if a department enters into a contract to
spend funding, they must encumber or set aside the total value of that contract.
So they would need the total amount included in Interim Supply. Interim Supply
is required to provide funding for the additional three months so that normal
operations can occur while budget 2022-2023 is being debated in the House of
Assembly.
The
majority of funding for the Department of Transportation and Infrastructure
comes upfront because they need funding available to enter into infrastructure
agreements. Other departments need to encumber funds to allow for contractual
commitments as well. In this three-month period, the highest amounts can be
attributed to health care; it is always the highest level of expenditure, which
is quite normal; Transportation and Infrastructure, the highest percentage of
budget required in Interim Supply to enter into contracts, large-scale
infrastructure projects; and Education, the second highest level of expenditure
next to Health.
It
should be noted that Interim Supply does not have any incremental impacts;
again, I say this, on the province's financial position beyond what will be
included in budget 2022. It is simply an advance on funding for the upcoming
budget. It allows government to continue normal, day-to-day operations while we
rigorously debate the new budget. As has been said, the budget date is Thursday,
April 7, so a mere three weeks away.
When
budget 2022 is approved, whenever that date is that the budget is approved, the
amount allocated through Interim Supply will be deducted from that amount
required through the main Supply bill.
I think
that pretty much covers off what we're doing here this afternoon. I could answer
specific questions if you wish on some of the items that are included. The
breakdown that's included as I've said and indicated, the majority is for
Health; second, Education; third, Transportation and Infrastructure. These are
the largest expenditures and then you get into Municipal Affairs, for example.
In
conclusion, Interim Supply keeps our dedicated public service who deliver all of
government services paid and working, supporting their families and contributing
to the local communities. It allows us to continue operation as we have rigorous
and solid debate here on the budget for 2022-23, which is set to be released on
Thursday, April 7.
With
that, Chair, I conclude my remarks and take my place. I look forward to hearing
remarks from Members opposite and will certainly take the opportunity to speak
again, as necessary.
Thank
you.
SOME HON. MEMBERS:
Hear, hear!
CHAIR:
Thank you.
The hon.
the Member for Grand Fall-Windsor - Buchans.
C. TIBBS:
Thank you, Chair.
I'm
going to talk about how we can better service the Province of Newfoundland and
Labrador through this House of Assembly. I'm going to start out by saying, I
just watched my colleague from Placentia West - Bellevue give a petition and the
Minister of Finance, I'm sure she was busy for a moment, but afterwards she came
over and took that time to talk to him about it. That is great communication.
Kudos to the Minister of Finance for that, because it's much appreciated when
there's a petition put in there.
Chair,
one of the greatest books I have ever read in my life was
The Last Lecture. It follows a professor of Carnegie Mellon
University in Pittsburgh, Randy Pausch, that was given a terminal diagnosis, but
his perspective was absolutely inspirational.
One
portion of his beautiful journey was when he discussed his views on leadership,
which is very important in any sector. Randy was asked who he admired as a great
leader and his answer may surprise most of us here. He said Captain Kirk from
Star Trek. I'm going to explain why.
When he
was asked why, he went on to say Captain Kirk wasn't the smartest, he wasn't the
hardest working; couldn't give medical advice like Bones could, couldn't fix
anything like Scotty could, couldn't fly the Enterprise like Sulu and didn't
have the battle cry as Mr. Spock. This is important.
What did
he have? What he did have was humility and the honesty to realize his
weaknesses. More importantly, he knew how to use the people around him and the
attributes that they possess. The team, he realized he had access to and the
knowledge to use those people, along with available resources to get the job
done right, that's what made him a great leader.
Mr.
Chair, I have seen some great leaders in my lifetime. I've served with them;
I've seen them. Often without title, just great work ethic, the ability to
listen and a moral compass. Though we have all earned the right to call
ourselves leaders, I don't represent all of Newfoundland and Labrador, the
leaders of the Opposition parties do not represent all of Newfoundland and
Labrador and I can assure you the Premier does not represent all of Newfoundland
and Labrador.
You see,
Chair, 40 of us collectively represent Newfoundland and Labrador. A great leader
will recognize this and then run with it. The first leader I see do this from
the eighth floor, by God I'd follow to the ends of the earth and back again to
help the people of my province. Unfortunately, we haven't seen it yet. I don't
believe we will any time soon and that's my opinion.
The
communication from the current Premier about issues that truly affect people is
close to non-existent and that is shameful from this side of the House. I want
to make it clear before I go any further, Chair, this stigma the current Premier
has established does not hold true for all ministers. I have worked very well
with ministers on the opposite side of this House.
The
Minister of Justice not too long ago took my call and called me back right away.
Fantastic to see. The Minister of Energy has always been there whenever I needed
him for anything and it is much appreciated. The Minister of Environment, same
thing. Yes, Chair, even my counterpart, the Minister of Immigration, not to blow
the head up too much, but I tell you what, for the past year that I have been
his counterpart, he has always been accessible. We have to tell you from this
side, we appreciate the ministers from that side helping us with our issues. It
is much appreciated.
This is
not to say that we all agree on everything, but when I reached out to these
ministers about issues important to me and my district, they were only too happy
to work with me because it is the right thing to do. They recognize that and it
needs to be recognized.
I am
very active in my district and my constituents ask the same question I ask: How
can the Premier of the province preach to us about fiscal restraint and
responsibility and then open an office in Grand Falls-Windsor that is
unnecessary which will give his buddy a very lucrative paycheque?
When the
current Premier was first elected I scheduled a meeting with him to discuss the
issues of my district and the province and to let him know that I am available
24 hours a day, seven days a week, here are the numbers you can reach me at any
time. The Premier has called me once in the year and a half that he's been in
his position. That's not good enough.
I wasn't
informed about the change of the name of Red Indian Lake until it was brought
here to the floor of the House of Assembly. A failure in communication.
I have
been asking about the long-term care centre in Grand Falls-Windsor and have been
ignored. By doing this, the Premier and the Minister of Transportation and
Infrastructure doesn't just disrespect me, you disrespect the seniors and their
families desperately seeking simple, simple answers.
This
prompted, after many inquiries, for me to write the following email to
government: As leader, I am pleading with you to please reach inside your
departments and deal with the failure of communication that continues to make
issues more difficult than they need to be. For weeks, I have gone to the
Department of Transportation and Infrastructure to get answers in regard to the
status and delayed opened of the long-term care centre in Grand Falls-Windsor. I
was told it would be open in the not-too-distant future. As of last week, after
my inquiry, I have not received any response. This is not good enough.
As an
MHA, I, too, deserve to be here and work on behalf of my constituents. I, too,
deserve the respect of proper communication from your minister's department. To
be ignored and pushed off is an insult to my position and an insult to the
constituents of Grand Falls-Windsor - Buchans.
I want
to be clear, this does not hold true for all ministers and departments, as I
know many work hard and have worked very well with me, but on this issue, it's
absolutely unacceptable.
There
are very worried families throughout my district who want answers as they make
long-term arrangements for their loved ones. There are 40 MHAs that represent
Newfoundland and Labrador; we all deserve the courtesy of clear communication.
Could anyone please give me an update on when this project will be complete and
ready for occupancy? Mr. Chair, do you know how many responses I got from that
email? Zero, goose egg, none.
A few
people have asked what my problem is with the Premier opening an office in Grand
Falls-Windsor. My response is this: I know the issues in my district and at any
time, the Premier and his team can reach out to me and work with me to address
these issues. Nobody has ever reached out to take full advantage of the
resources that exist in my office, and they are abundant, trust me.
I'm a
rotational oil and gas worker of 17 years that represents so many blue-collared
men and women, personally. Not once have I ever been asked: How can we keep
rotational workers right here at home?
The
biggest problem I have with this office and taxpayers' dollars paying for it is
priorities.
I have
seniors who have to stay in bed while they wait for their home care worker to
arrive so they can go to the washroom. Why? Because their home hours were cut,
fiscal responsibility. Everybody takes for granted you can get up at 3 o'clock
in the morning and go pee. These people can't because their home hours are cut.
Now we have to swallow another office at taxpayers' dollars being opened up for
no reason at all.
If we
are to open another office, might I recommend an office to support the mental
health pandemic that we see so another mother like Andrea Woodford doesn't have
to bury her young son after he took his life. It's raw but it's real. Perhaps a
person to deal with seniors, as Jean Stuckless heats up one room in her house
and wears a blanket through the other rooms to stay warm. It's raw and it's
real. Maybe hire on a veteran to talk to other veterans that we are so proud of,
and a veterans' affairs office, a small branch of government. There are enough
veterans out there and they've served our country well.
There
are so many more options that could have been chosen to actually help the people
of the province; far better options than setting up your buddy and ensuring he
has a paycheque.
If the
intention was admirable and truly to help the people of the province, a great
leader would set up a meeting to say here are the roles of the office and I want
everyone to work together to ensure the initiative doesn't get lost. Instead,
more division has now been created in a time where we should all be working
together.
I am
very disappointed and embarrassed to work with a Premier who believes this is
the path forward. When, in fact, it is the path to failure once again.
If we
are to be successful here in Newfoundland and Labrador, we must recognize there
are 40 leaders and we must work together. If you cannot see this then maybe you
shouldn't be sitting here today.
I have
faith that one day a leader will emerge that will know how to communicate and
utilize 40 personalities in this House. Then, and only then, will our beautiful
province see the light of a brighter future, a future full of pride and
prosperity and the fundamental shift in politics will be the change this
province has missed for so many years. When egos and arrogance are replaced with
humility and sacrifice, people will believe we are doing the right thing for the
province and not just ourselves nor our parties; something I will continue to
commit to.
Mr.
Chair, might I suggest, if we do receive Ukrainian refugees to Canada, and we
are lucky enough to have them right here in Newfoundland and Labrador, I would
suggest that all 40 Members be there when these Ukrainian refuges come. No
lights. No cameras. Not even a shirt and tie. Let's go down, roll up our sleeves
and help wherever we can. United as one. The way it should be in many occasions.
The
announcement today by government, hopefully, will help some people.
Unfortunately, it does not address those blue-collar workers, those moms and
dads that get up and work 40, 50 or 60 hours a week .They're not fighting and
working for a second vacation. They're fighting and working to put food on their
table. They're just making ends meet.
Somewhere along the line, there was a breakdown because if you work that hard
you should be comfortable. Unfortunately, they're not. They're just surviving
like everybody else. We can look back through the years and we can talk about so
many things that got us to this point, but what we need now is a unified
government that can push forward and help the people of the province; help those
hard-working men and women; give them some relief. If we do not find relief for
these people, they will leave. They will go to other provinces. They'll go to
other countries.
As the
pandemic starts to wind down, we see so many other countries opening their
doors, inviting people in, trying to find the incentives to get people to come
to their country. What are our incentives? Come here and there's a four to five
chance that you might get a doctor. That's not good enough. That's not gong to
bring anybody here to Newfoundland and Labrador.
We have,
on average, about 17,000 or 18,000 rotational workers here. What keeps them
here? We have to ask ourselves that question. I have the answer. What kept me
here? What kept me here was a province I was proud of; I knew that I could make
a living in. I enjoyed taking the money back from the West to Newfoundland and
Labrador and putting every cent back in this province, the way most rotational
workers like to do it.
I
enjoyed my time up there, but make no mistake: I could have saved an awful lot
of money by staying up there and I chose to stay home. We need to look at a plan
to keep people here, to keep these young families here. That is our tax base.
That is what is paying for our most vulnerable and our seniors, and that's the
way it should be. We are all going to be there one day. We should ensure that
there is going to be social programs for us, that there is going to be food on
the table and there is going to be heat in our house. Unfortunately, for so
many, it is not there right now, and that is unfortunate. It will turn people
away from this province.
Somebody
wrote me today about the sugar tax. This is their quote, and I have never agreed
with the sugar tax and I don't now. They said: I don't need the Liberal
government planning my nutrition and my grocery list. We don't need more taxes
here, and taxes are hard to get rid of. As we impose these taxes, it is going to
deter more and more people. As other provinces work hard to give their citizens
a relief, whether it be at the pump or in the grocery store, we have seen it in
many provinces throughout Canada over the past couple weeks here.
One
other thing before I sit and take my place: cabin owners. I have gentleman who
owns a cabin in my district right now; he's been there since 1981. The Crown is
asking him to move his cabin at a cost to himself. There has to be some other
way of doing this. A cabin that has been there for over 40 years, almost 45
years, he is being asked to move it on his own dime. What do you think that man
is going to do? Because he cannot get any common sense over policy.
Thank
you, Mr. Chair.
CHAIR:
Thank you.
The
Chair recognizes the Member for Labrador West.
J. BROWN:
Thank you, Mr. Chair.
It is
weird standing again, but it is all good.
We're
doing Interim Supply and we have a lot of issues in Labrador West. Our biggest
thing now that we see is that we have grown, but we have grown differently in
the last number of years. We have more and more seniors now staying in the
community. At one time when you go to Labrador West, you work your 30-plus
years, then you have your house back in the community that you originated from
and then you go and retire there. That is not a thing anymore; that is long gone
by the wayside.
We are
now into generation four in Labrador West. There are four generations of people
living in that community. One individual just turned 96. She's been there since
basically day one; 96 years old, still living in the community, still driving:
Mrs. Stamp. She has her kids still living there, her grandkids and her
great-grandkids and potentially great-great grandkids soon. This is the kind of
community we have now.
But if
Mrs. Stamp wants to go live in some sort of Level 2, Level 3 assisted living or
– we don't have that in Labrador West. If she chose to do something like that,
we don't have anything like that in Lab West, and that's very concerning because
we want to grow and continue to develop as a community. We're not a camp; we're
a permanent community. These are the things that seniors are looking for.
We have
a massive lack of (inaudible). What home care workers are typically paid in this
province doesn't match up to the massive cost of living in Labrador West. Right
now, the average price for a home in Labrador West is $240,000. These are 50-
and 60-year-old homes who are now going for more than some houses of the same
age in the City of St. John's.
Someone
working in home care or anything like that just can't afford it. Average rent
costs now are over $1,000 a month. Someone on minimum wage or even up to $80,000
a year just can't afford rent in Labrador West, and good luck finding a place to
rent right now because there's just nowhere to go. We are in a crunch in the
region.
I do
want to thank the Minister of CSSD and the Minister of Labrador Affairs who did
listen and did put the funds – they did say that they were going to do it, and
they did it. We are going to get some of the NL Housing units fixed. That's a
help, but we're still not right there where we need to be when it comes to
actual rentals in the private market.
A lot of
the market developers we do talk to are afraid to invest in Labrador West.
They're terrified to invest in Labrador West because they're afraid of the
resource bust. As much as we want to assure them that IOC has operated 365 days
a year since 1954 and has never stopped production, they're still scared to
invest in the region. I think that's something that the government needs to look
into is how do we reassure developers that this economy and this region is here
to stay. We've produced iron since 1954. We have the opportunity to do that.
So this
is where we're stuck between a rock and a hard place, or should I say a piece of
iron ore and a hard place. We need to reassure the market that building a house
in Labrador West or developing there or opening an apartment building is a
feasible thing to do, and this is where we need to step in and help with that.
I know
one community said if they were given the right access to appropriate funds that
they would build the street, they would build the sidewalks and they would put
the water and sewer in. All the developer would have to do is put up the houses.
And that's something that we really need a serious look at is kind of just to
give that bump in the housing market so that people who are in the private
business can actually build an apartment building, build some townhouses or
something like that. We're in such a rock and a hard place.
I spoke
with teachers in Labrador West recently too. They're having a hard time
recruiting into the region – a very hard time recruiting in the region. The
biggest thing is that they can't afford rent or can't find anywhere to rent. So
they're turning down jobs up there and it's putting a big burden on the schools
in Labrador West. We're missing IRTs. We're missing resource workers. We're
missing just regular workers, regular teachers.
They're
having a hard time getting a French Immersion teacher and they're also having a
hard time getting a math and physics teacher in the high school because anyone
who applied or wanted the job couldn't find anywhere to live. So this is
becoming a serious issue we have is just the recruitment and retention of
everyone that's not in the mining industry: nurses, doctors, auxiliary workers
in hospitals, teachers, IRTs. We just can't recruit and retain these people
because we just don't have anywhere for them to live.
This is
actually causing economic issues because now we have people considering leaving
the region from the mining industry because they just have no access to services
or they're missing teachers, they're missing nurses, lab techs. We're missing
all these people because they just can't find anywhere to live in the region.
And it's such a burden that they're facing because they're not making the same
wages as mineworkers. They just can't compete with it and they are just being
priced out of the market completely.
I had my
assessment on my house that I purchased. I live in a single level mini home.
When I bought it, it was $68,000. Now it's valued at over $200,000. My wife
would never agree that it was worth that much because I have a list of things
that need to be done but, at the same time, it's just an exorbitant cost because
I live on a postage stamp. I think my piece of land and my house is smaller than
this House of Assembly.
So, you
know, this is the thing that we're (inaudible). The market is so overheated
right now. It's pricing completely people out of the market and we just cant get
teachers, doctors, nurses, anyone there because they just have nowhere for them
to live. If we can't provide these services, it's just going to download onto
other issues and we're just going to be spiralling out. It's great, but we just
don't have any developers who are interested in building right now, we just
don't have any interest in that way and we need to do something to actually
bring in these groups so we can actually grow and expand. The newest census
right now, Labrador West grew by 4,000 people since the last census – 4,000 more
people live in Labrador West now. That's wonderful, that's fantastic, but most
of them have nowhere to live.
We could
have the potential to grow even bigger as the market continues to want
Labrador's high-grade iron ore. We're just stuck here that we can't grow, we
can't expand and we can't live up to our full potential. We should be living up
to our full potential. That includes our seniors, that includes newcomers and
that includes everybody that makes Labrador West the wonderful place that it is.
I want to see more people moving to Labrador West and I want to see the
community grow, but if I have nowhere to house them, it becomes a big issue. I
really hope we have a serious look at how we can improve housing, not just
social housing, but just housing in general in this region so that if Labrador
West prospers, the entire province prospers.
That's
the thing. It's a steady hand. We've been at it since 1954. We've been mining in
this region. We continue to have massive outcomes. We're looking 40, 50 years in
the future of iron ore reserves left. So we're not going anywhere. We're not a
camp; we're a community. We're a big community and we're very proud of our
community. That's why we have seniors who want to stay and we have our youth
that don't want to leave and want to continue to work in the industries there
because we've just built such a wonderful community that has a heart and a soul
and everything like that. But we just want some attention brought and something
done to help make sure that people could afford to live there, have a roof over
their head and a good-paying job and to make sure that they have the services
that everyone else gets, and we'd like to have them too.
Thank
you, Mr. Chair.
CHAIR:
Thank you.
The
Chair recognizes the hon. the Minister of Immigration, Population Growth and
Skills.
G. BYRNE:
Thank you very much, Mr.
Chair.
You
stand where you sit, but you sit where you stand. I want to say a thank you to
you and to Members of the House for this, the opening day of the spring session.
Wonderful to be here to debate and discuss Interim Supply.
Now,
Interim Supply, of course, as we understand, just affords the government the
latitude to be able to continue on that which it's already doing. It's not for
new initiatives; it's for the continuation of government.
So with
that said, I'm very pleased to highlight some of the things that the Department
of Immigration, Population Growth and Skills are doing to advance the
government's agenda to continue on with some of the great work, particularly as
it relates to population growth.
Mr.
Chair, population growth is intricately tied to immigration, but it's not
exclusively tied to immigration. Of course, the greatest challenge that our
province faces, the underlying cause of population decline has been, not only
out-migration but also, of course, comparison of birth rate versus fecundity;
fecundity in terms of birth rate versus death rate. We have far, far too many
people passing away compared to the number of young children, births, that are
occurring in our province. In fact, it's getting close to two to one.
Mr.
Chair, one of the things that I would say, if there is a path or course that the
government is taking that I'm sure the entire Chamber, the House of Assembly,
would echo it should continue to advance, it is the initiatives within
Immigration, Population Growth and Skills. We have really targeted resources
towards immigration, in particular, to take on the population decline, to
advance population growth and it is succeeding. In fact, Mr. Chair, as I've
announced earlier, for the last three consecutive quarters, the population of
Newfoundland and Labrador has, for the very first time in many, many years,
grown.
This is
quite an accomplishment, not just in and of itself but it's occurred over three
consecutive quarters. From a statistical analysis point of view, from a
demographer's point of view, having three consecutive quarters is enough of a
time series and a data pattern to be able to indicate a positive correlation, a
positive trend and that's what we have.
Mr.
Chair, one of the things that I would highlight to the Chamber in advancing this
Interim Supply, you will be advancing money for population growth for advancing
immigration. You'll be advancing resources to be able to continue on with the
work of the Office of Immigration and Multiculturalism. You'll be advancing
money to make sure that our work on supporting refugees and newcomers to our
province is supported. You'll also be advancing things, which are inherently
important to each and every one of us, which is the economic well-being of our
province.
It goes
without saying that immigration – well, it needs to be said, I began by saying
it goes without saying. The truth is that some may disagree but they would be, I
would argue, ill informed with their position. It goes without saying, it should
be said over and over again, that immigration supports economic growth.
Immigrants bring jobs. Immigrants help us maintain existing jobs. They support
businesses in our community that have already created jobs and will continue to
create jobs.
We have
seen through the labour market crunch many positions in the labour market that
have gone unfilled using local job market searches. They have been able to be
filled by newcomers. New skills have been brought into the province that would
otherwise go unfilled.
Mr.
Chair, it is important to recognize that we spend over $150 million a year
supporting the skilling up of the Newfoundland and Labrador workforce. We
provide over $150 million on skills development, on apprenticeship development
and on training opportunities. That is above and beyond – that $150 million
figure does not include the supports to Memorial University of Newfoundland or
the College of the North Atlantic. We really do a deliberate and intentional and
successful effort in skilling up the Newfoundland and Labrador workforce.
But, of
course, there are times when the labour market still does not provide all of the
resources and the skills that are required for each and every job. So that is
where immigration really plays a major role. We have had great successes in our
immigration. In fact, this past year, 2021, in the middle of a global pandemic,
our province realized the highest-ever permanent residency nominations in our
history as a province.
In fact,
the number of permanent residency applications we forwarded to Ottawa under our
Atlantic Immigration Pilot Program and our Provincial Nominee Program, the
number of nominations that we forwarded last year – well, to put it in a
comparative term, we did more nominations in one week last year than was
performed in the entire calendar year of 2007. So that really speaks to how much
we have embraced immigration, acted on immigration and we are succeeding in
immigration.
In fact,
we have a target of 5,100 newcomers to our province, per year, by 2026. We have
already exceeded our targets and expect that global target of 5,100 to not only
be met but, at this pace, we anticipate we may be justified in rearranging that
target and increasing it before the 2026 time frame.
So that
is encouraging news, but I also want to recognize that we have incredible
academic institutions, post-secondary training institutions and trades programs
in our province that we support on a regular basis. This is what we will be
voting for. This is what the House will be reconciling with Interim Supply. We
really encourage everyone to become fully aware of what is happening.
On the
critical issue of Ukraine, many have asked and done so with great heart: When
can we expect to see Ukrainians in Newfoundland and Labrador? Mr. Chair, the
situation in Ukraine or the refugee movement for Ukraine is very different from
what we've seen in other refugee designations or situations. For example, in the
Syrian or Afghan refugee designations and movement to Canada, this was a
situation that was designated by the United Nations Refugee Agency; it was
followed by Canada.
Canada
designated which refugees would come to our country. They provided the
transportation for the refugees to come to Canada. When landed in Canada, Canada
then parcelled out or positioned the refugees throughout all of Canada based on
who was willing and interested and able to take them, which provinces were able
to do so. Then, of course, Canada provided for many supports, whether it be
income, housing, resettlement, language training and other things, but, most
importantly, provided immediate permanent residency upon arrival in Canada.
With the
situation in Ukraine, it's different. At this point in time Canada has announced
that it's prepared to offer a special visa to Ukrainians, those holders of
Ukraine passports, to grant a special visa allowing them entry into Canada for
two years and with a two-year work permit attached. After that, of course, the
visa would expire. So there is no permanent residency that Canada is, at this
point in time, providing; nor are they providing a designation as a refugee; nor
are they providing the transport; nor are they providing the supports after they
arrive. That would be subject to the refugee and their family themselves to
provide their own basic supports.
What I
can report to you, Mr. Chair, is that, as you can be assured, Newfoundland and
Labrador will be standing tall and providing whatever additional supports that
we can, as it's needed. We will be reaching out directly to Ukrainians to
support them in their time of need. Newfoundland and Labrador stands with
Ukraine.
Thank
you very much, Mr. Chair.
SOME HON. MEMBERS:
Hear, hear!
CHAIR:
Thank you.
The hon.
the Member for Cape St. Francis.
J. WALL:
Thank you, Mr. Chair.
It is
indeed good to be back in this hon. House and to see everybody again. Well, to
see most of you again, most of you for sure.
I have
to say to the Minister of Finance and President of Treasury Board as she gave
notice of motion to the bills earlier, you're going to be busy, Madam, and so
are your staff. I'm glad that we are here to discuss those bills and go forward.
Again, it's a pleasure to speak to Interim Supply.
Mr.
Chair, over the last number of months I can assure you that I've spoken to many
of my constituents, many people that I've known all my life, that I hold dear
and give great respect to those people, but I can tell you people of my district
are struggling. I know my district is not alone. We have 40 districts
represented in this hon. House and I know that everyone is feeling it over this
last number of days and number of months.
When you
look at the average blue-collar worker and those people, an important generation
that is here who are working, who are paying taxes, who are helping to keep our
province afloat; we need to be mindful of those people as well. I know the
announcement that came out today does help a certain portion of our population
but we can't forget about others. We're all struggling no doubt about it.
When I
get a phone call from a constituent who I've known for 40-plus years and those
people who I hold in high regard are crying on the phone, don't know what
they're going to do; a family of four, two parents working, have to park one of
their vehicles and take the insurance off that vehicle because they can't afford
to operate it. When they have to take their children out of their recreation and
extracurricular activities because they can't afford to pay for that at the end
of the month, then we have an issue.
We have
many people who are struggling no doubt about it. We need to keep that first and
foremost in our minds here in this hon. House as we make the decisions. As our
leader has said, collaboratively we can work together, no doubt about it. I'm
open for that. Of course, the people on the opposite side who know me know that
I'm here to do that as well.
We need
to keep in mind all the concerns that they have, the cost of living, rising fuel
costs, the choices that people have to make day to day.
My hon.
colleague from Grand Falls-Windsor - Buchans said earlier with respect to
heating one room in your house, that's been said to me many times. I'm finding
it difficult, Mr. Chair, to listen to these people over and over again, because
it hits right to the heart. These are people that we know and respect and you
don't think that they're in that predicament or in that situation. But I can
assure you that I'm hearing it from my constituents. I'm helping them whatever
way I can. Please God that we will all get through this.
When you
look at the many seniors in our districts, as was said earlier about the
pandemic, who've come this through this last two years, no doubt, they're
feeling the effects of it. But you also have to look at the seniors who are
trying to stay in their homes and not being able to afford to do so. They want
the independence of staying in their homes, but many people need an extra level
of care.
I know
one gentleman in my district, at 93 years of age, could not sustain the level of
home care that he needed because there weren't people available to do that work.
And that's been said here earlier with respect to the level of pay for home care
workers, which, as far as I'm concerned, needs to be addressed and the amount of
people that we have in this field. But we have many examples like this gentleman
who cannot get home care and the family, after five and six years of providing
care to the loved ones, they're stressed out and they're physically and
emotionally feeling those effects because we don't have the people to provide
the care to our seniors.
Then
what happens? You have a senior that's medically discharged from the hospital
and waiting for two and three weeks to get a placement into a seniors home. The
last days of their lives – and, my friends, we will all be there, some of us
earlier than others, I can tell you that, but we're all going to be there. It
hits home on a repeated basis, Mr. Chair, when we're looking at what cannot be
provided to the people of the province.
I know
this is not new. This has been a long-standing issue, just on this one alone.
But when we're looking at keeping seniors in their homes, doing what we can for
them, we need to be mindful of what has to be offered to our seniors and to our
loved ones.
I had
the opportunity of joining a seniors' group in Logy Bay-Middle Cove-Outer Cove
this past week and had wonderful conversations with the people that are there.
Many of them that I've known all my life. When you look at the conversations
that I had with Mrs. Boland or Mrs. Smart or Mrs. Rose and hearing their stories
while sat down having a cup of tea, no doubt causes me to struggle. When you
look at the choices that they are making in their lives, at this point in time,
it causes me to struggle, Mr. Chair.
I have
to say that I'm looking forward to the debate when it's budget time, for
discussion, and to see what's going to be in this budget going forward for
seniors and to provide some relief to them.
On the
opposite end of the spectrum, in part of my outreach to the schools in my
district, I was interviewed by two classes from Cape St. Francis Elementary.
I'll give a shout-out to the Capers in the Town of Pouch Cove.
They had
many questions for me with respect to my role as an MHA and a former municipal
leader, how can I make their lives better. These are children who are very in
tune, Mr. Chair, as to what's going on in their province. They had questions
like: Why can't we have a bigger class size? Why can't we have more teachers?
Why is my teacher in the next room right now? Because teachers are struggling,
as the hon. minister knows, with respect to substitutes and emergency supply, no
doubt about it. It's happening throughout, I'd say, most districts here in this
hon. House.
We all
have to be mindful of what's coming out in this budget. That's why, Madam
Minister, I'm looking forward to the budget coming down to see what is in this,
not only for my constituents, but for the constituents of the 40 districts of
this hon. House.
When we
go through the budget, I'd be remiss to say with respect to transportation and
infrastructure – I can't wait to see what's in there for transportation and
infrastructure because of the state of not only the roads, but the
infrastructure throughout the district. I will be sure to email the liaison and
the executive assistant when it comes to what needs to be done with respect to
transportation and infrastructure in the district.
Mr.
Chair, we have, no doubt, an important job here to do. With the number given by
Madam Minister of $2,754,562,200, that's going to take us up to June 30. That's
not chicken feed; that's major numbers that we're looking at to operate our
corner of the vineyard here in our country. It's something that concerns me. I
know that nothing comes easy, nothing is cheap anymore, and the amount to run
this province, no doubt, is astounding. But we will, I'm sure, look forward to
the debate on the budget.
I'm
looking forward to see what's in the budget for us to discuss it, how it's going
to benefit every Newfoundlander and Labradorian in our beautiful province. We
have to remember each and every demographic here. I'm thankful for what was
announced today; no doubt, it affects a portion of our province who needs help.
But we have to look at the men and women who work day to day and keep their
money here in our province.
My
colleague mentioned also rotational workers. Very proud of rotational workers in
my district. I have to say – I never thought I was going to say it – my son
Zacharey, at the age of 23, is now a rotational worker in Fort McMurray because
he couldn't find employment here. That hits home around the supper table, Mr.
Chair, I can tell you that. I am proud of him. I am proud of all rotational
workers throughout our province and what they do day to day to keep our province
running.
Again, I
thank you for the opportunity. I look forward to the discussion on the debate on
the budget that is coming up and I thank you for your time and your interest.
Thanks
so much.
SOME HON. MEMBERS:
Hear, hear!
CHAIR:
The Chair recognizes the hon.
the Minister of Digital Government and Service NL.
S. STOODLEY:
Thank you, Mr. Chair.
I am
happy to speak today to Interim Supply, a very important part of the budget
process. I am not envious of the Minister of Finance. She has had many, many
budgets and many, many pieces of legislation. Probably almost as many pieces as
legislation as we do in Digital Government and Service NL, but they are all kind
of at one time of the year. It is a very challenging department, so thank you,
Minister.
I also
think Interim Supply is especially important so that we can guarantee teachers
and health care workers and government employees the reassurance that they are
going to keep getting paid after the end of this month, because I know that is
when the budget year runs out and if, for example, we decided not to bring
forward Interim Supply without having the budget approved, that wouldn't happen.
Approving Interim Supply also gives us ample time to have a fulsome debate about
the budget and go through the Estimates process, which I know we'll do soon. I
think that is very important so that all of our hard-working government
employees know that they'll be getting paid during that time and we can spend
money on very important initiatives like were announced today for the lowest
income residents of the province, Mr. Chair.
I just
want to highlight some of the other initiatives from last year's budget that
were very close to me and the residents of Mount Scio and things that I advocate
for on an ongoing basis. One of them is the Mother Baby Nutrition Supplement. I
wouldn't be eligible but, last year, this government increased that amount of
funding from $60 to $100 a month for people who are pregnant and for kids under
one year of age. This is a significant help, I think, for those on low incomes.
Just to
give everyone an example of some of the costs of having a child, mine is over
one year of age at the moment, but a think of formula that would last a week
would be at least $40. So an increase from $60 to $100 certainly makes a
difference. Any support that we can give to new mothers and new families would
be very important, Mr. Chair.
Another
one that I thought was a great initiative in 2021 was the Physical Activity Tax
Credit. I did my taxes a few weeks ago, Mr. Chair, and I saved my physical
activity receipts and I had some for Alexander as well. We went to The Little
Gym, so we put those in. So I was very pleased with the Physical Activity Tax
Credit and I am getting a little refund from that, so I thank the government and
I think it does a good job.
SOME HON. MEMBERS:
Hear, hear!
S. STOODLEY:
It does a good job in
encouraging – it's just a little push. If you need that extra push to do more
physical activity or engage in a program or for your kids to get into a program,
I think it is a small help that will hopefully push someone to the edge. I know
it doesn't cover everything, but it's an additional tax credit to help show, I
guess, as a government that we hopefully want people to prioritize increased
physical activity.
I think
the Tourism and Hospitality Support Program has been incredibly important to
small businesses, hospitality and tourism industry. In Mount Scio, we have a lot
of hospitality and tourism, restaurants and tourism businesses. I think they
have benefited from these programs throughout the year. That's a very important
program, Mr. Chair.
Another
one from 2021 was the $13 million extra for guidance and administrative support
in schools. I think there was an extra support given – I can't remember the
exact number – for guidance and administration, just acknowledging the
challenging times that schools have had for COVID-19. That was the last two
years of the pandemic, which was, I think, pandemic-specific. I think that that
went a long way to helping residents of the province and schools and families
deal with the extra burden of COVID-19, Mr. Chair.
Another
one from the last year's budget, and I think the budget before that, which is
very important to me and my constituents, the low-income bus pass. As we know,
public transportation is a challenge. It's not ideal; I know that. But helping
people with low income with their transportation costs certainly, I think, helps
them take advantage of things, for example, on sale that they might have at one
grocery store or another and they don't have to worry about the cost of
transportation.
One of
the things that really brought it home to me, Mr. Chair, was during COVID, I had
a constituent who wanted to come see me. I was happy to go visit her or we could
chat on the phone anytime, but she wanted to come see me. At that point, I think
it was just after Snowmageddon when the bus was free. So I remember talking to
her on the phone and she said, I'm so excited to come see you and the bus is
free. She can come see me because she didn't have to pay.
I just
never realized the cost of the bus would be keeping someone from coming to see
their Member of the House of Assembly, if they really wanted to do that. That
was a realization for me of the barriers that I don't think about. I know it's a
barrier. So I am personally advocating for the low-income bus pass and
encouraging that we invest in helping transportation for low-income people, Mr.
Chair.
When
we're thinking about residents of the province, Mr. Chair, I do want to talk
about, just quickly, Muskrat Falls. There's $500 million a year that is going
towards Muskrat Falls that we could be putting towards programs for low-income
residents in the province. I think that is certainly a missed opportunity.
I do
want to recognize the rate mitigation efforts that the Premier has led, meaning
that our light bills will not double. I think people of the province would not
be able to afford that –
AN HON. MEMBER:
I can't hear (inaudible).
S. STOODLEY:
That's okay.
It is a
significant amount that –
SOME HON. MEMBERS:
Oh, oh!
CHAIR:
Order, please!
Thank
you.
S. STOODLEY:
– we're paying to Muskrat Falls to make sure that rates don't dramatically
increase. That's money that we could be building new schools, new hospitals and
implementing the health accord and all these amazing things that we need to do,
but we don't have the money for at the moment.
In terms
of Mount Scio, there are three areas in my district: Elizabeth Park in Paradise,
then we have Kenmount Terrace and the area around the university and the mall.
That's the way I picture it. I've been trying to advocate for different services
for my residents.
One
thing I just realized recently – I thought it would be interesting to share in
this House – is Kenmount Terrace has grown significantly in the last 20 years.
When I went to university not that long ago, Kenmount Terrace didn't exist. It's
just all, kind of, grown since then and now it's the size of Lewisporte. The
City of St. John's has just approved more houses to go in Kenmount Terrace. I
think given the metro and there's not that much extra space, Kenmount Terrace
has seen a significant increase in population. One thing that I do, Mr. Chair,
is advocate for more services for that growing area of the metro region.
I'm also
very excited that in Mount Scio we're very lucky to have the university, the new
adult mental health facility and we have the Health Sciences Centre. Sometimes
when all the health care spending is grouped by district, Mount Scio looks
inappropriately weighted, but it's just because we have the Health Sciences
Centre. We're fortunate to have that in Mount Scio. We're very fortunate that
services for people of Mount Scio are close to home and they don't have to
travel too far, Mr. Chair.
Just to
touch on some of the things in Digital Government and Service NL in terms of the
budget, I know MRD has been a topic of a lot of conversation during this sitting
and since I've been in the department. We're working very hard to make sure that
wait times are going to be improved this year.
One of
the changes that we're making is we're working on allowing people to submit a
photo online. While we're working on that, we've reduced the photo requirements
from 10 years to 15 years. That should alleviate most people who need to get a
photo retaken this coming year. That should alleviate a lot of appointments, Mr.
Chair. So we're hoping to have reduced activity. Of course, we need to
accommodate all the people who want to come in for a new licence plate for Come
Home Year licence plate, or if you have to have a peeling licence plate, you can
come in and get a Come Home Year licence plate at no charge and give us back
your peeling licence plate.
While
we're talking about our department, I'd like to thank the Queen's Printer staff
who will be busy shortly with the budget. I know they stay up all night, I
believe, printing and getting all the budget documents ready. I'll thank them
again. I just wanted to thank them in advance.
I
recently spent some time with some of our Occupational Health and Safety and
Highway Enforcement teams around the province, Mr. Chair. I just wanted to thank
them and all the public servants in our department for all the hard work that
they do. I've really enjoyed talking to the workers in the various fields. It's
a huge range in my department, Mr. Chair, but they've made us some excellent
suggestions that we're investigating. I'm going to continue to do that to
improve services for the people of the province.
Thank
you very much, Mr. Chair.
CHAIR:
Thank you.
SOME HON. MEMBERS:
Hear, hear!
CHAIR:
The hon. the Member for
Humber - Bay of Islands.
E. JOYCE:
Thank you, Mr. Chair.
I'm
going to stand and have a few words today on Interim Supply and a few issues
that have been brought to my attention.
First of
all, Mr. Chair, Ukraine is on all our minds here. The Minister of Immigration,
Population Growth and Skills gave a great Ministerial Statement on what we
should be doing as Newfoundlanders and Labradorians because we all feel the pain
of those people in Ukraine. I'm sure that we would all do whatever we can to
help out. I applaud the government for stepping up and doing what we can for the
people of Ukraine.
Mr.
Chair, I'm going to speak first on the cataract issues out in Corner Brook. I've
been speaking about this now for the last four, five or six months. It's an
issue that was brought to my attention by a few seniors. I started getting a lot
of information on it, calling different individuals and dealing with different
professionals in Western Health, getting information through access to
information and other things.
Mr.
Chair, I just can't understand why we don't put in the $1.3 million to $1.4
million to get rid of wait-list one, as they call it. I'll explain wait-list one
and wait-list two. Wait-list two are ones that they already had a consult with
the ophthalmologist, that's wait-list two. Wait-list one are the people who went
and seen an optometrist who are waiting to have the consult with the
ophthalmologist.
The
Department of Health and Community Services put $250,000 into a program where
they were to have in-house people. There are two people at the Apex building in
Corner Brook, paid for by the Department of Health, through Western Health, who
went through the whole wait-list for cataract surgeries, the whole wait-list,
paid for by the Department of Health.
Well,
those people on wait-list one, because they had never had a consult with the
ophthalmologist, are not on the national wait-list of 112 days. They have to
wait until the quota is up April 1, so they can start being seen. So they won't
even get a surgery for the next year and a half or two years. Won't even get a
surgery, won't get it. Yet, the government stands up and says, oh, the
wait-list, and their own department paid for it. It's cheaper to do it at the
Apex building – it's cheaper. Documentation that the Department of Health has
says it's actually cheaper, 23 per cent cheaper.
Again, I
just want it done. I wrote before to several people here. I won't discuss any
private conversations I had. I wrote and I said: Let's just get it done. We'll
come out and applaud it. Let's get it done.
There
are seniors right now who, during COVID, can't drive, are too scared to go out
of their house, can't look at TV, can't read their prescriptions. We see on a
regular basis that many people are saying that we need to get this done. Well,
why don't we just put up the money?
We heard
today the minister announcing – what is it, $20 million today, the deputy
premier, the minister. I'm not arguing about the money, I'm not going to argue
about the money. I'm not going to say it isn't a need because it is a need.
There's more that could be done, but I'm not saying that, the need is there, no
doubt.
I see
the $5 million to see what we own in the province, doing the assets; I'm not
going to argue any of that. I saw the Minister of Tourism announcing money for
Come Home Year. I'm not going to say a word about that, because we need to get
tourism up and running.
Why
can't we find $1.3 million? Why can't we do it? Then we hear, on numerous
occasions, well, we could do it in hospitals. There is no surgery in
Clarenville; there's no ophthalmologist in Clarenville. People from the Northern
Peninsula come to Corner Brook, people from L'Anse au Clair come to Corner Brook
and people from Southern Labrador come to Corner Brook.
There
are two days right now for surgeries. There used to be three, now there are two.
One is for retina and one is for glaucoma in the hospital in Corner Brook – two
days. There's not even a third day because there's an ENT doctor now who takes
up the third day in Corner Brook.
Here we
are, we have the Newfoundland and Labrador Medical Association talking about the
backlog of surgeries all across the Province of Newfoundland and Labrador,
including the West Coast. Here we have a private clinic that the Liberal
government – which I was a part of and I'm glad I did it, I was a part of it –
set up in Corner Brook so that we can get rid of all wait-list surgeries for
cataract surgeries in Western Newfoundland and we won't allow them to get rid of
the wait-list. It's inconceivable.
We
always hear this old saying: There are certain people who have to put a bit of
water in their wine. It has to happen. There are just too many people that are
suffering because of $1.3 million. Put a little water in their wine, people. For
God's sake, I see those people. I know them personally. I speak to them. I drop
down and see them. I got calls from all over. I got calls from Deer Lake, Corner
Brook, Bay of Islands and Humber Valley. I get the calls.
I get
calls from all over, Mr. Chair. For some reason, we can come up with $20 million
today – I'm not disputing the money and the need for it; I'm definitely not
doing that. We can come up with a $5 million-asset to see what we own. We can
come up with money for tourism. We can for up for all others, but we cannot come
up with $1.3 million to help out 750, 800 seniors. Where are our values? It's a
serious issue.
I know
the minister responsible for seniors – look, I have to tell you one thing:
You're doing a good job of it. Every time we've sent issues in to you to
respond, we get a response, I have to say.
SOME HON. MEMBERS:
Hear, hear!
E. JOYCE:
I have to give you credit, I
say to the minister. I really have to say that you take it serious. And this
case here alone, if we look at the whole process – and I'm not worried where the
money comes from. If it comes from the Department of Health, from seniors, it
doesn't matter. But when we see announcement after announcement after
announcement, yet we can't get money for seniors. We need to put a little water
in our wine to get this done.
We know
it's cheaper to do it. What I have here is another list of all the backlog of
surgeries. Stephenville, as we speak, and we heard people opposite speak – I'm
not going to point anybody out – well, we could do it in Stephenville.
Stephenville has not operated with cataract surgeries in eight months. They
don't even have the equipment right now, as we speak, to do surgeries.
The only
way to bet rid of that backlog is to admit there's a wait-list, one, which the
Department of Health is aware of. Western Health is aware of. Two intake workers
at the Apex building has it all compiled. They say, okay, what we're going to do
you can do it half this year, next year. Here's the money; you clear up that
wait-list. Mr. Chair, I'll guarantee you one thing, if that wait-list is not
gone after giving the money, I would stand in my chair and apologize. I would
say the Department of Health was correct. But I'm confident I won't have to do
that – I am confident.
There
are three professionals at the Apex building – three. Three right now, as we
speak, that if the money comes through, $1.3 million, they'll split it up and do
them among three of them. Find the time, work Fridays, work Saturdays, work
Sundays, work Friday nights, Saturday nights, Sunday nights and get rid of the
wait-list. We will make 780 to 800 people – give them back the gift of sight.
What is wrong with that?
I'll ask
one more question. What if someone stands up and says, well, Eddie Joyce, the
wait-list is still there? We still have 50 or 60 on the wait-list. What if it
was that? I know what I would say, Mr. Chair. What's the big deal? We just had
800 people, mostly seniors, given back their eyesight in the latter years of
their life. What's wrong with that? What is the problem with that?
I will
continue to bring up this issue because I know the people personally. There are
a lot of Members in the districts opposite also know the people I'm talking
about. What we need to do, Mr. Chair – and I see I only have 20 seconds left. I
ask the government opposite, the old saying is put a little water in your wine,
give a bit of water to other people's wine so we can come together and we can
get this resolved for the sake of the seniors in Western Newfoundland.
Thank
you, Mr. Chair.
SOME HON. MEMBERS:
Hear, hear!
CHAIR:
Thank you.
The
Chair recognizes the hon. the Minister of Education.
T. OSBORNE:
Thank you, Mr. Chair.
It's a
pleasure to be able to stand and speak to Interim Supply again this year. I
think this is my 27th time speaking to Interim Supply.
Mr.
Chair, some of the initiatives in our department as it relates to Interim Supply
this year and the important benefits to the people of Newfoundland and Labrador,
based on what we are doing and why we need Interim Supply for them, the obvious
are so that educators continue to be paid; we continue to provide funding to our
early learning centres throughout the province.
You look
at some of the things in particular. We announced just last week at the early
learning announcement a number of initiatives; pre-K being one of them. So,
September of this year, we will have a pre-K pilot program throughout the
province. We'll have a good mix of urban and rural areas throughout the
province. I know that standing here today and talking about it, I see that the
hon. Member for Ferryland, my phone is going to ring tonight and he's going to
say I want one of those in Ferryland. I can guarantee it, because he's paying
attention and he looks very interested. I know I'm going to receive a call from
the Member for Ferryland.
These
pilot programs for pre-K throughout the province, we anticipate a couple of
hundred spots for pre-K four-year-olds prior to entering the kindergarten system
throughout the province. The reason why we're going with the pilot this year –
we'll add more next year, considerably more, but we want to make sure that if
there are any wrinkles, any snags, so to speak, that we get those worked out in
the pilot before expanding it throughout the province.
It's a
phenomenal program. It will be a consistent, standardized program throughout the
province. Where we know that four-year-olds in St. John's are going to get the
same play-based program, based on navigating the early years, but the children
in St. John's will get the same program as children in St. Anthony, St. Mary's
or Goose Bay. It will be a very consistent, standardized program –
L. O'DRISCOLL:
Ferryland.
T. OSBORNE:
Ferryland, the Member for
Ferryland said.
It will
be a standardized, consistent program throughout the province. We anticipate, by
2025-26, having a full provincial program with at least 3,100 seats. We
anticipate the need will be about 3,100 four-year-old children in that program.
But that may be larger than that, depending on the uptake.
We
talked about, last week, a wage grid. For many years, we saw early childhood
educators leave the sector because their wages simply did not reflect the
valuable work that they do; did not reflect the important work they do. I
indicated last week, I know that traditionally this has been called early
learning and child care. But child care and daycare are misnomers. I'm going to
move away from calling it early learning and child care to calling it early
learning because these professional provide early learning to our children. I
think it's important to recognize that.
We use
the example, we anticipate – and I don't want to preclude what the wage grid is
going to determine. Right now, we have a wage supplement that the provincial
government sends a cheque directly to the ECEs on top of their wages. So a Level
2 receives about $15 an hour, give or take; the wage supplement is about $8 an
hour, so you're somewhere in the $22, $23 range.
We
anticipate when the wage grid is complete that those wages, including the wage
supplement – because we're going to roll that into the operating grant so that
ECEs will get one paycheque instead of getting pay from multiple sources. Part
of the reason we're doing that is because right now ECEs walk into a bank
looking for a mortgage; sometimes the bank doesn't count the wage supplement
because that program could be cancelled at any time. So instead of that concern
or the fear, we're going to roll that into the operating grant. It will be
permanent; it will be a permanent part of their wages. If they go in and apply
for a mortgage, they're more likely to get it.
Getting
back to the wage grid, including the wage supplement, we anticipate that wages
will be somewhere in the $25 or $26 range, so they will see a bump in pay.
That's a pretty decent pay rate. It's certainly an improvement and it is the
stability that ECEs have been looking for, for a number of years. I anticipate
that we will see the recruitment and retention of ECEs will be made much better
once those changes happen.
If you
look at pre-K, it's going to require a Level 3 or higher. We've already
established the wage for pre-K. It's going to be somewhere in the $27, $28 range
for pre-K, so that's Level 3. You see the laddering effect where an ECE can go
into the sector and can ladder up in terms of opportunity. There's opportunity
there for them. It's no longer no advancement, because there is an opportunity
for advancement. The wages will be commensurate with the level of education that
they have and the years of service.
We
anticipate, as I said, that will help with recruitment and retention of ECEs,
but we also have a databank of ECEs who have left the sector. The reason they
have left the sector is because for years their wages didn't reflect the
valuable work they do. So we're reaching out to that database of those who have
left the sector to try to get them back.
That's
one of the short-term measures to increase the number of ECEs, which will
therefore increase the number of spaces that we have throughout the province.
We've already had tremendous interest from former ECEs looking to get back into
the sector, because now they feel as though they will be respected and the wages
will reflect the important work that they do. We anticipate that that's a
short-term measure.
In terms
of long-term measures that we're putting in place, between the College of the
North Atlantic, Keyin Tech and Academy Canada, we have agreements with all these
post-secondary institutions where we are providing funding to expand the number
of seats that they have throughout the province. Between this year and next
year, about 700 seats will be available for ECEs to train.
It's
either one year or two year depending on the level, Level 1 or Level 2, in terms
of training. I know the private post-secondary institutions are looking at it as
well. We've asked the College of the North Atlantic to get creative. There are
others that they are working on, and we'll have some more news to talk about
when they do, but one of the ways is “earn while you learn.”
They've
started a program where ECEs can go in and they spend half their time in the
classroom and half the time in an early learning centre. They get wages right
away. They get hands-on experience right away. It gives them the advantage of
becoming more familiar – instead of just learning in the classroom, they're
actually learning on the jobsite as well. So half the time in the classroom and
half the time in an early learning centre. A centre could essentially hire two
individuals in the same program; one that's on one shift and one on the other
and, essentially, have a full-time staff. That program is starting in September.
That's
one of the innovative ways to try to impact the short term and help grow the
sector. We're also providing funding to family and child care connections to
expand the home-based operations throughout the province. They're going to be
expanding the number of home-based centres in the Avalon region and in the
Western region. They're not yet operating in Central or in Labrador. They will
be going to Central and Labrador as well, which will help grow the sector out
there as well and get more home-based operations in Central and in Labrador.
We're
providing funding to AECENL to continue with professional development,
professional learning. I see there's 15 seconds on the clock. There's so much
more good news, I will have to speak again.
Thank
you, Mr. Chair.
SOME HON. MEMBERS:
Hear, hear!
CHAIR:
The Chair recognizes the hon.
the Member for Placentia West - Bellevue.
J. DWYER:
Thank you, Chair.
It is
nice to be back in this hon. House debating the Interim Supply. Discussions that
we are having here certainly affect everyone in our province, either directly or
indirectly. I think this needs to be a very fulsome discussion, because we have
everybody in the province to look out for and many people have many different
needs.
To
allude to the Minister of Education's statement, some of the things that can be
done – before COVID or before any other budgets or anything like that, we had
issues with IRTs and teacher assistants and stuff like that. The recruitment and
retention program needs to be, probably, a little bit more robust to make sure
we have the right supports in the classrooms for the different needs of the many
students that present many different needs.
One of
the big things for me in my shadow ministry role in CSSD is the Seniors'
Advocate. It is something that is really bothering me for quite a few months
here now. My hon. colleagues, I do have their support, but I think they know
that I'm not going to let this one go very easily. These are specialized people
in these positions, Chair, that have a better ability to direct seniors' issues
to the right department or to get the right help that they need, but we need
that centralized office so that we can provide those services.
Just in
the last session of the House, we went through accessibility legislation for
people living with disabilities. We had to figure out how this is going to be
paid for because, obviously, it is going to affect a lot of our government
buildings and assets.
Another
big thing within CSSD are the housing issues, as we've heard here already today
about Western Labrador, but that exists throughout the whole province because,
currently, we have a lot of older residences. If people are in the position
where they have been living in these assets for a long time, it might be the
time to give them an opportunity to get some equity and buy those houses as
they've been up kept for many years and then take the money that we make from
selling those older assets to build new, but we need it now. It is not five
years down the road or a couple years down the road; it is now.
I do
agree with my colleague from out on the West Coast about the cataract surgery.
It seems like such a miniscule amount of money when we just talked about Interim
Supply is almost $3 billion, so I think we should be able to find $1.3 million
and I don't think there will be any rebuttal to getting rid of that wait-list.
The
other big one that hasn't been touched on, really, is how much glucose
monitoring would help the people in our province with diabetes, which tends to
cause other health issues. Like I said, if they had these glucose monitors and
they're getting their reports in real time, it would certainly cut back on some
other conditions that are presenting themselves in our society.
So one
of the biggest things that we could probably do for improving our economy or
anything like that is coming up more to date with the times. As we heard the
federal government come here and announce expansion of Wi-Fi and broadband and
cell service, then we need to realize that this is already antiquated
technology. There are many different towers we can take it from, but for our own
residents to be in 2022 and not have access to Wi-Fi or cell service or, if you
do, your signal is so weak that you have to go stand up in the living room
window to make sure you get a connection just to download a picture.
Like I
said, it's gone beyond the fact that it's a necessity. It's not a want anymore;
it's a necessity to go with the times. We are living in the 21st century; it's
time for us to catch up to that. As we see with many other departments, like
Tourism, if we want to attract people here, then the big thing now with that
accessibility with cell service is that they can get on FaceTime. If somebody
came here, let's say, from Portugal, they'd like to probably show their people
back in Portugal look what I'm doing today out on the Chance Cove trail or the
Skerwink or something like that, and it'll show off that beauty. So really, by
having cell service in our province being robust, it's actually free
advertising. So it's money that we'll save in the long run, but it's money that
we need to spend upfront to get going.
For
attracting business is another side of Wi-Fi and cell service. These are
technologies now that are a necessity. Everybody's doing electronic
communication and businesses are no different. Nobody wants to come here and go
down and assess the Bull Arm site or the West White Rose site or anything like
that and have to get on a payphone and call their office to tell them what's
going on.
Another
really big one actually – and I applaud the group that are doing the Health
Accord. Not only for their time but also for their interest in it and their
professionalism of what they bring to the table. One of the biggest things that
I find coming out of the Health Accord is that they're talking about virtual
care. We can't do virtual care if not everybody has the same access to Wi-Fi and
cell service. If the federal government were coming here to announce a plan,
then I would rather see it that we're getting everybody on first before we start
improving the signal that people that already have service would get. Like I
said, having some and having none are two majorly different things when it comes
to Wi-Fi and cell service.
One of
the biggest things for me when it comes to Wi-Fi and cell service is our fire
and emergency services. I think it's very incumbent on us to support them with
this technology for the simple fact that – like in my district, I have a
department that goes basically from the top of Mile Hill in Swift Current right
to Rushoon and Red Harbour. Like I said, that's a pretty vast area but, in the
meantime, they don't know who's on site. They can't communicate with each other
about who's heading to that site or what care is on the way or anything like
that and the communication amongst themselves once they're on site. Like I said,
fire and emergency services I think probably need the Wi-Fi and cell service
more robust than anybody.
With all
that being said, I find that right now in our economy in Newfoundland and
Labrador we're actually at a fork in the road. We can keep going down the same
path that we've always been going and keep the lights on and keep the bills
paid, as we're doing here with Interim Supply, but we need to think beyond that.
We need to start thinking about improving the economy versus cutting and
lowering services. If we improve the economy, that's how we'll have a better
doctor and nurse recruitment and retention program. We'd be able to afford them
to stay in line with what other jurisdictions are paying for their services.
But
cutting and lowering services and also raising taxes actually flies in the face
of each other. It's very contradictory. When we look at improving the economy, I
would like to say and be on record as saying it; I think I speak for a lot of
people here in Newfoundland and Labrador when I say that we don't want any more
giveaways. We don't want any more concessions for what we have in our natural
resources.
If we
have an asset like our oil and gas or anything like that, then let's utilize it
to our best potential. Yes, we know we're going to a green economy, but it's not
going to be a flick of a switch or anything like that. It's not going to be
pretty quick.
So with
30 seconds left, I would say that with this fork in the road, Bay du Nord is a
start and it's needed now. But being proactive would be developing more, not
less or stopping one project out of, what we're told, 650 Hibernias out there.
I thank
you for your time, Chair, and I think that the bottom line for me is that
improving the economy makes a lot more sense because we'll be able to afford all
the programs that we're looking for instead of selling off our assets.
Thank
you, Chair.
SOME HON. MEMBERS:
Hear, hear!
CHAIR:
Thank you.
The
Chair recognizes the hon. the Minister of Health and Community Services.
J. HAGGIE:
Thank you, Chair.
It's
great to be mask-free, even for a short period of time, and to stand in the
House. I've not done as many Interim Supply motions as my colleague from
Waterford Valley. He's a lot older than I am. So I'm pretty new at all this.
What
Interim Supply is, though, as the previous Member said, it's kind of keeping the
lights on and keeping the bills paid. What I've heard from commentary on the
other side is new directions in fiscal spending, and that really falls under the
next go-round on the budget, which is the presentation of the fiscal policies of
this government, followed by the debate in the way that the current Minister of
Finance is now actually presented three in the last 18 months.
From my
perspective, the important work around Interim Supply is simply the continuity
of those programs that we all debated and voted on over the course of last
budget that are starting now to show some fruit. The most recent in time terms,
really, was the package that I announced for recruitment and retention,
recognizing the challenges that COVID has really wrought on the health care
workforce.
We
announced a package, aimed initially at physicians, and we'll be announcing more
work to follow as we get our new secretariat up and running and those hiring
processes are underway, interviews for secretariat and for an assistant deputy
minister who would have as their portfolio, their mandate, recruitment and
retention of health care providers in general.
I'm
pleased to say that the other measures that were announced have generated
significant interest. We have, very recently through Eastern Health, appointed
six physicians to the first of the Collaborative Team Clinics that were
announced as part of that package. I'm pleased to announce to the House that
none of those physicians are being drawn away from existing primary care
locations. This is fresh blood into the workforce.
Again –
and I've said this before – this tranche of job postings, of which there are
nine in total, there are still some more to go, is the first one I can recall in
28 years of being involved in health care recruitment in this province where
we've actually had a competitive process with more applicants – significantly
more applicants – than there were vacant positions.
There
have been times in the past when, basically, a pulse and a licence were the two
basic requirements for recruitment in health care and that has generated
significant challenges all of its own. We have seen significant interest from
new graduating residents of the family medicine program and, in actual fact,
Newfoundlanders and Labradorians who are currently trained and working in other
jurisdictions to come back because of the forgivable loan that we have arranged,
in addition to our bursary programs. I'm aware of at least four physicians that
are interested in taking up that option.
For
those who are new to practice and somewhat hesitant, we have a minimum income
guarantee for the first two years of their practice. We actually don't think
that will cost us any money because they will make that without any difficulty,
but that option exists as a safety net for those, like myself, who, many years
ago, transitioned into a fee-for-service environment, uncertain of what that
would mean.
These
are all increasingly attractive measures, but I think the real piece that has
kind of sealed the deal from the physician end has really been around a
successful conclusion to the negotiations with the Newfoundland and Labrador
Medical Association; a significant majority of their membership ratified the
deal and we're simply dotting i's and crossing t's through the Minister of
Finance, Human Resource Secretariat's department about getting that signed off.
Then we can move on to really what is an ongoing negotiation around the
implementation of some of those.
There
are real highlights in there. We have an opportunity, which we need to get
right, to completely revitalize the way we compensate our primary care
physicians, for example, in a way that matches the needs of our aging
demographic with their skillset. Again, based around the collaborative team
clinics.
With
this being my first time standing in the House without the weight of a Public
Health state of emergency hanging over me, I'd be remiss if I didn't thank the
people of this province for the way they stepped up over the last 24 months.
SOME HON. MEMBERS:
Hear, hear!
J. HAGGIE:
I think what made the
difference in putting us, if you like, motor racing terms, in pole position
amongst the jurisdictions in Canada, was their willingness and their
receptiveness to taking Dr. Fitzgerald and Public Health team's advice. On the
flip side, we were well advised and continue to be well advised by not only
Public Health, but by a series of academic experts both based here and, with the
true Newfoundland connection, scattered across the Mainland as well.
The
other piece of the pandemic, which has really resonated in discourse out there,
is around the mental health strains and stresses it has placed on the people of
this province as we went through lockdown and opening and lockdown again. I
think the Minister of Education's comments about how schools, for example, have
managed to preserve face-to-face instructional time and educational time should
not be understated. Because whilst everyone remembers the lockdown, I think what
people have not done is lifted their eyes up and seen the challenges that other
jurisdictions have faced. With family in Ontario and BC, I can tell you that the
school system there was in a far worse situation than it is here and will
probably take longer to recover.
Certainly one of the pillars of our current expenditure and, therefore, entirely
relevant to the Interim Supply discussion are around our mental health programs.
I get regular updates from our mental health and addictions crowd. This is just
today's summary of the stuff that's been going on. From the 60-plus, nearly 70
Doorways clinics which were declared an essential service by the department back
in March of 2020 – which, even in the height of the lockdown, allowed
individuals the opportunity to get face-to-face, one-off counselling and was an
entry point for the mental health and addictions system, if they needed it, all
the way through to the newer technology around investments with the Strongest
Families Institute, for example, in Nova Scotia. What started off five or six
years ago as a program to deal with anxiety in elementary schoolchildren, we
have, with them, pioneered a country-leading program for 12- to 18-year-olds.
There was nothing like that with teens.
We
invested $170,000 back a couple of years ago, and this is available free to any
family in this province who needs it. It's available online. It's available by
phone. It's available by online Zoom consultations in a medium that supports the
family to support their child or student with anxiety. It is unrivaled. We lead
the country in the use of these kind of programs. Indeed, our e-mental health
services have won international awards.
Some
years ago, we sent our mental health and addictions team to New Zealand to see
how it was done. They're coming here now to see how we got it right. That's a
story that is not told and not out there enough. As we look forward to 2023 and
the opening of the new adult mental health facility, we still have work to do in
the interim.
I notice
I'm down to less than 46 seconds and I've not even touched on these notes at
all, but I would suggest very strongly to my colleagues opposite that they
support the motion to grant Interim Supply.
With
that, Mr. Chair, I'll take my seat.
Thank
you.
SOME HON. MEMBERS:
Hear, hear!
CHAIR:
Thank you.
The
Chair recognizes the Member for Mount Pearl - Southlands.
P. LANE:
Thank you, Mr. Chair.
It's
certainly a pleasure to stand in this hon. House and speak for the first of many
times that I intend to do during this session. I'm sure everybody is very
excited about that.
Mr.
Chair, there are so many things that I could speak about because I'm in constant
contact with my constituents on any number of issues. My intent was really to
talk about health care.
Before I
do, though, I just want to raise an issue – it's been raised already, I guess,
but to add my two cents worth on behalf of people I represent – about today's
announcement, the five-point plan as it's called. Again, as other Members have
said, I'm certainly appreciative on behalf of seniors that I know and people in
my district that would benefit from the announcement. It's nothing to sneeze at;
it's over $20 million. There's no doubt a lot of it is being directed towards
the most vulnerable amongst us. Certainly, if we're going to do anything at all,
I think that's where it really has to start. So I'm not knocking that at all.
But I do
want to say that once that five-point plan, that news release came out after the
press conference, I shared that. I cut and pasted the actual news release, I put
it right on my Facebook page to my constituents and so on just to say this is
what was contained in the announcement today, for your information in case it
benefits you. That was it; no more comment.
I will
say that the commentary I've gotten back on it has not been overly kind. So I
just want to put that out there to Members.
Why I
say it's not been overly kind, necessarily, is that certainly for the district
that I represent – and this is the exact same issue I had, by the way, in 2016,
the exact same issues that I raised with the Minister of Finance at the time in
2016 over the budget and so on and all the taxes and so on. The feedback I was
getting from my constituents at that time is: Paul, we are the group.
By and
large – now, I do have some – I don't think I have any Newfoundland and Labrador
Housing in my district, I don't believe I do. I have a lot of co-op housing. I
have some seniors in the older part of Mount Pearl, not all of them are on fixed
incomes, some are, but a lot of them are people who worked and have pensions and
so on. A lot of my district are, what I'll call, the middle class. They're
working people: the Southlands and the Westminster area, those areas, or even
Ashford Drive or whatever, Newtown and so on, it's the working-class people.
They're middle income, the lower middle-income to higher middle-income. It's not
the elite, the wealthy, per se, but it's that group in between. It's a group
that are keeping the wheels turning.
They're
the people that are going to work everyday. They're the ones that when they get
their cheque and they look at their gross pay and then they look at their net
pay and say, wait now, this should be in reverse, because the net pay is
actually gross. It's not the gross pay, it's the net pay that's gross when I
look at it because it turns my stomach to look at all the money I paid in and
what I'm actually getting to take home after government gets their hands on all
my money. That's how they look at it. It is what it is.
So I
would just say that while I do appreciate what was done for the most vulnerable,
I'm just saying that there are a lot of people, including people in my district,
that are very disappointed because they feel like they're the group that are
working everyday, paying all the taxes, paying for everything, but they never
get a break. They don't qualify for any breaks. Anytime there is a break for
anything, they don't get it.
You look
at programs like the Home Repair Program, for example, or the Energy Efficiency
Program or the other one that they have – I forget the name of it now.
Basically, if you're a senior and you need grab bars in your house and a new
bathtub, there is one through Newfoundland and Labrador Housing to make it more
accessible. I think it's an accessibility grant and so on. A lot of these
people, they are paying into it but they don't qualify for any of it because you
say they are making too much money.
I get
that, but the fact of the matter is that even though they might make a decent
living, which by the way they work hard for. They went and got an education and
so on to be able to make a decent living or they are working hard at a job to
make a decent living. Well, just because more work is coming in, it doesn't mean
they are any more well off, because perhaps their bills and their lifestyle
reflects their income. So instead of a house that is a $200,000 house, most of
the houses in Southlands are $400,000 houses and a $400,000 house means a
$400,000 mortgage and so on.
So when
times are tight and when the expenses go up – and we can all argue people should
be living within their means and we all know that, but then there is reality. We
also know that most people – most – probably live paycheque to paycheque.
They're basing their lifestyle on the money that is coming in the door. So when
you get into a time where everything all of a sudden – where their taxes go up
or prices go up and so on – no, they're not going to starve to death but they
are still impacted and they feel that because they are paying into the system,
they should be getting a break on the other side.
A lot of
people who I've heard from today feel that there was no break in it for them. I
am just putting it out there to government. I'm sure you know what I'm talking
about because I'm sure that you have a lot of the same emails from people in
your district as well. But it is a point that has to be put out there. The
people who are paying in to the system all the time and paying the taxes, they
never seem to get a break: the working class.
For
some, yeah, absolutely, for some it means that they won't be able to go out to
The Keg on Saturday. And some people will say well boo-hoo on you, and I get
that. But for others on the lower-middle end of things, by the time they pay
their bills, there really is nothing left.
It is
important to note that everybody pays in. Arguably, everybody should be able to
benefit on the other side when we're able to do so.
Now,
with that said – and I'm starting to run down on time already – I did also want
to talk about health care. I wanted to talk about COVID-19.
First of
all, hats off to Dr. Fitzgerald, who all of Newfoundland and Labrador are very
familiar with and admire. She's actually a constituent of mine. I'm very proud
that she lives in my district for sure. Hats off to her and her team and the
great job they did in managing us through COVID-19, I absolutely agree.
Did I
agree with every decision she made? No, I didn't. Not every decision. There were
different decisions along the way where I thought things were inconsistent, I'll
say, on certain decisions at certain times. But, overall, I think they did a
stellar job.
One of
the impacts – and we're hearing it now from the NLMA – from COVID-19 was that as
we shut down all of our health care facilities and left it only for what was
classified as an absolute emergencies, in terms of surgeries and so on, now we
have this huge backlog.
My
colleague here for Humber - Bay of Islands was talking about cataract surgery.
That's very important. Imagine going around and not being able to see and now
being told you have to wait for another year and a half or two years half blind.
Can't drive, can't watch TV, can't do anything, especially when there's a quick
fix that it could be done.
Cataract
surgery is one thing, but we've heard from the NLMA – and people were raising
this during COVID. I've had people contact me and say how many people – by the
time they finally get their cancer diagnosis – are going to be told, I'm sorry,
it's stage IV. If we had to have done it two months ago or three months ago,
maybe it would have been stage III or stage II. I don't know how many people are
in that boat, but you do have to wonder how many people need cancer surgery.
AN HON. MEMBER:
One is too many.
P. LANE:
One is too many, absolutely.
How many people need cancer surgery or heart surgery or whatever the case might
be, that if they had it a month ago or two months or three months ago, or if
they could have it tomorrow, hopefully, they'd be okay. But if they have to wait
another three or four or five or six months, by the time they actually get the
surgery, the cancer has grown, it has spread, or they die of a heart attack
before they ever get on the table to get their heart surgery done.
These
are very valid questions. I know it's an ongoing thing, but it's been
exacerbated by COVID-19. So, certainly, the NLMA have brought it to our
attention. I want to certainly encourage the government and the minister to find
a way to try to expedite this. If you have to bring in other resources, if you
have to do surgeries on weekends or nights to try to get this list down, let's
get it done.
Thank
you, Mr. Chair.
CHAIR (Trimper):
For our next speaker, the
hon. the Member for Burin - Grand Bank.
P. PIKE:
Thank you, Mr. Chair.
I stand
today to talk about a tragic event in the Town of St. Lawrence that happened
recently. That event, of course, was the closure of Canada Fluorspar Inc.
Canada
Fluorspar Inc., as you know, was a specialty resource mine, which mined
fluorspar. The mine is located within the municipal boundaries of the Town of
St. Lawrence, a place where I grew up. We were always considered a mining town,
even though we started in the fishery, we realized quickly that we were a mining
town back in the 1930s when an American Walter Seibert came into town and wanted
to mine fluorspar.
At that
time, mining wasn't even thought about in the area. At that time, we had just
gotten over the tragic tidal wave that completely destroyed the fishery.
The mine
opened in the 30s. It was called, then, St. Lawrence Corporation. In the late
30s, the mine was sold to ALCAN and then became known as Newspar or Canada
Fluorspar. ALCAN operated the mine, I should say, until 1977 and then they
closed due to low market prices.
I
remember when ALCAN operated the mine; they operated in such a way that they
were a great supporter of the community in the area. I remember as a student
working in the mine; going to MUN, going home in May and working on the mine
site, in a lot of cases, for our summer holidays and we'd get enough money to go
back to university. It was great corporate citizen.
When it
closed down there was a period of time when a company called Burin Minerals out
of Great Britain came and took it over. They lasted six to seven years and they
folded and went their merry way as well.
The mine
closed then, and I remember being on council during this time. It was a rough
time for the community, very rough. Then, in 2009, Canada Fluorspar Inc. came on
and the mine was reopened in 2018. There was a lot of work that had to be done
in that period of time.
Now, we
are where we are today where we have Canada Fluorspar announcing on February 21
that they were going bankrupt. A very sad day for our community; a very sad day.
On that
day, a total of 261 employees, not only from St. Lawrence but from the Burin
Peninsula were laid off. There were actually 280 laid off but there were 261
that were considered active and 19 considered inactive. Again, a great blow to
the peninsula. In a lot of cases, you had people working there that were husband
and wife teams and so on. The community was booming. The region was booming.
There were a lot of great things happening. The mine, as well, was a great
corporate citizen.
I met
with some of the mayors of the municipalities affected last week and everybody's
town on the Burin Peninsula, pretty well, was hit because out of the 280 people
that were laid off, only about 60 of those were from St. Lawrence. The rest were
from the region.
Luckily
for us, on March 6, government reached a financing agreement with Bridging
Finance Inc. in an attempt to find a new buyer. This, indeed, was great for the
community and will buy us some time to get the mine on the market.
Fluorspar right now is trading at an all-time high. My understanding is, the
last time I checked, it was a little over $700 US per ton. So it's a great
investment for some company.
I spoke
to the mining manager there a while ago asking about the longevity of the mine,
if it was to go again. During their tenure in there, so far, every drilling
program that they had – and they had two or three per year – was successful. It
was something that there is lots of ore to carry that mine into the next 20
years.
Even if
they were to open in the next little while, they'd need about six months of
removing stone, because it an open-pit mine and they would reach veins that
would allow them to operate 24-7 for 6½ years. That's only one piece of where
they're working now. So we are very hopeful on the Burin Peninsula that this
will happen soon.
If you
look at the number of families that are affected, the number of individuals,
already I'm hearing of people that are leaving the area, going back to Alberta
and so on. It's so sad. It further erodes rural Newfoundland on the Burin
Peninsula for sure, a big shutdown like this.
The
impact it's having on local suppliers, the impact it's having on people who are
working there and the impact it's having on the contractors that have small
businesses but did work for the mine. I have a couple of neighbours that had all
of their equipment working at the mine site. It's just amazing.
The
impact on taxes of the town alone. The town had a really robust tax agreement
with the mine. That now has diminished and gone.
In their
layoff letter, the people of the town that were working there said they were
entitled to 12-weeks severance. When it went bankrupt, that 12-week severance is
gone. They were counting on that to get them through, hopefully, in the short
time for the town to get a buyer. But there is a federal program out there, and
I'll just mention it just in case is happens to any of you.
It's
called the federal Wage Earner Protection Program. It gives a certain amount of
money to people who are affected by layoffs when the companies do go bankrupt.
Our
provincial government has reached a financial agreement with Bridging Finance in
an attempt to find a new buyer for the mine.
SOME HON. MEMBERS:
Hear, hear!
P. PIKE:
I agree by the way. The
provincial government is contributing up to 50 per cent of the $3.25 million of
the required cash flow to keep the mine in a care and maintenance scenario for
approximately 20 weeks. This will allow us time to shop the mine around.
The
provincial government will offer support to those affected employees resulting
from the financial difficulties CFI is experiencing. You must remember the
fluorspar mine in St. Lawrence is the only one of its kind in North America. The
mine is a very significant employer in the region and an economic generator for
this great province.
The
mineral fluorspar is integral to items such as aluminium, lithium batteries,
solar panels and steel. Prior to receivership, CFI produced acid-grade fluorspar
and shipped the product to the US, Canada, Europe and Asia. Provincial officials
are ready to provide support to impacted fluorspar workers.
Thank
you so much.
SOME HON. MEMBERS:
Hear, hear!
CHAIR:
Thank you very much.
The
Chair recognizes the Member for Conception Bay South.
B. PETTEN:
Thank you very much, Mr.
Chair.
It's
always a pleasure to get up in this House and say a few words, especially on a
time in history in our province where we're facing a lot of financial
difficulties and I guess the world around us. It's been a very difficult two
years.
I've
said this many times and we're living it. We're here, we're elected officials
and we're all residents of this province and, really, of the country and the
world. I think you will look back at these last two years as a very dark time in
our history. There have been a lot of good stories, a lot of good things that
happened over the last couple of years; we're all lucky to be where we are now
with keeping our health. A lot of lives have been lost and a lot more are being
lost.
I guess
we look at Ukraine down there and we're watching it every day. It's appalling,
it's frightening and sometimes it's a lot of complaints and it's protests. A lot
of people are raising concerns and valid concerns to us. We hear it, we see them
on the streets sometimes, but we're very fortunate where we live in this
province and in this country. I think we should never forget that. All you have
to do is flick on your television and you can see a quite a different story. So
we're very fortunate and I think we all should remember that.
Mr.
Chair, when we look at Interim Supply – and right now, the Supply bill is just
to prolong until we get the budget for government to pay the bills. It's an
issue that I think we all hear about it, and we get lots of emails. I know I get
them in my district from constituents and abroad about the price of gas, the
price of home heating fuel.
I mean,
to go a step further, the price of groceries on the shelves. You walk in the
supermarket or any store now and the price of food is atrociously high. You see
some Facebook posts up there; someone goes in puts the picture of roast of beef
for $55 or $60, or chickens are $30. People are actually putting this stuff on
Facebook now. Just think about that. People with a family, how do you afford to
live? How are they actually, what I call, living properly, with the proper
nourishment when you're paying costs like that? Now, a lot of those costs are as
a result of the high price of gas, obviously, and diesel and what have you –
transportation.
With
that inflation, it all coincides and it's like one big snowball effect. It
effects everyone. It's effecting every single person in this province. The ones
that are being affected the most, of course, are our vulnerable people, our
seniors, our low-income families and our working poor.
There
was an announcement today – I'm not saying it was a bad announcement. There were
aspects of it that's good. We're all realistic. Our leader, earlier today, said
there are good things in everything. But it did stop short. We, as an Opposition
– and I was critic for several years in the Climate Change portfolio; carbon
pricing is fair enough. It's here and now; it's what we're dealing with. Climate
change is real; we're not denying that. We're not going to be the radical about
that.
But I've
always questioned; it has to be more measured. You're bringing in carbon prices.
Right now, in April we are going to be over 11 cents a litre based on just
carbon taxes alone. We're looking at almost $2 a litre for gasoline, then the
other provincial taxes. It was a made-in-Newfoundland approach and that portion
of money comes back to the province. We're told by the Minister of Finance and
the Premier there's nothing we can do. The numbers they give are 14 cents a
litre but when you add up all the other figures, it's much more than that.
People
question that. People come to us and they ask us that question. You trust the
numbers being given out, but then there are other people who questioned – there
are other portions of this that could be looked at. You had an announcement
today and none of that was addressed.
When
you're going to a gas station or you're getting your fuel filled up for your
furnace and you're paying pretty well double – double – what you paid early on
in this pandemic, that's too much for most. These measures today, they'll help
some. They're far, far, far from the solution. Then looking down the barrel now
and a budget coming that we don't know what's there.
Listening this morning on my drive in – I was listening to the radio – and it
was brought up about the Moya Greene report. That was the blueprint for the
future, that's what the Premier said, that was going to be the measuring stick.
That's our way forward. I remember we have had lots of way forwards in the last
number of years since 2015.
What
have you heard about the Moya Greene report since? There are a few measures that
were in that report that have come in. There has been very little about it.
Then we
got the Rothschild group, they're doing another report. I don't know what
happened to the Moya Greene report, but I'm not even going to say that's a bad
thing. But where are we going with this? We are spending millions and millions
of dollars on these reports but where are they going? What are they solving?
We still
have $2 a litre gas. We still have seniors that are struggling to feed
themselves, to stay warm. We have families out there working that can't afford
to keep the lights on in their house.
I was
talking to – it was about a week ago – and I like to put it in realistic terms
because this is the real world we're living in. I was talking to a lady who
worked with a home-heating company with fuels and we were talking about the
price of fuels. She says it has doubled; home heating oil has actually doubled
from what it was this time last year. She said I know seniors are making the
choice about turning down the heat in the house and eating less food.
You look
at seniors, again, one of the most vulnerable portions of our population, this
person is dealing with these people calling in every day; they're looking for
$50 worth of oil. As we all know, if you're paying $1.50 a litre, that's not
going to keep your house warm very long but that is all they can afford.
We come
out with these announcements today and there's lots of fanfare about it, and
it's right on the cusp of opening the House of Assembly for the spring session.
For the last month or two, my colleague, the critic and shadow minister for
Finance, the Member for Stephenville - Port au Port, he's been out on this. Our
Leader of the Opposition has been out on this. We have had lots of Members
speaking individually on this at various media shows and social media.
Everyone's district is feeling it and across the way, the same thing. It is not
just the Opposition; this is a provincial issue.
So when
you get these measures that come today, they are far, far short. But what is it?
Is it smoke and mirrors? I hate to say that sometimes but I feel that. I have a
crowd around me who can confirm some of my backroom comments and I'll keep them
in the backroom, but photo ops are not going to solve our problems. Nice words
are not going to solve our problems. Platitudes don't get us anywhere. You have
to take real meaningful action.
I know
Members opposite will get frustrated and they'll get offended sometimes when you
make those comments, and I tend to do that to a lot of Members sometimes when I
make some comments, but I'm doing it because I'm listening to the people that I
represent. I can do that because I'm listening to what people write me on
Facebook; I listen to the people in my district.
The
Government House Leader is well aware; we've had many good debates. I'm not
pulling punches. I could show you the emails, people's concerns. It's
frustration, Mr. Chair. It's their concerns, but they go into frustration,
people just throw their arms up. What are we going to do?
I got an
email this afternoon: What help did we get with gas today? Nothing. That's what
they're telling me. What can I tell them back? Oh yeah, no, it's nothing. That's
no measures. It's nice to say we're taking it serious. We feel it's very
serious. You hear the Premier say it's a serious issue; we're with you. Oh yeah,
we're with you people, we're always with you.
But when
it comes down to it, really what's happening? What's changing? It's a feel-good
moment, everyone feels great, but what's really changed? Nothing. Those seniors
are still hungry. They're still cold. They're still calling Ultramar looking for
$50 worth of oil and the lady is telling them this is not worth our time to come
but we're going to come. You're going to run out again by tonight or tomorrow.
It's
just not feasible. They're doing what they can. It's costing them money to
deliver oil to some people because in their own compassion they feel for these
people.
AN HON. MEMBER:
(Inaudible) conscience.
B. PETTEN:
They have a conscience,
right.
So I
call and talk to these people. I'm getting this from the companies that I've
talked to. I deal with Ultramar. The lady that I called up one day, this was her
story to me because she knew what I did, she knew what I worked at. She's
passing the message along to me on behalf of seniors to get it out there.
I'm not
government. I'm not the Minister of Finance. I'm not the Minister of Education.
I'm an Opposition Member, but I care. That's not a platitude, that's not just
talk, that's not rhetoric; that's a fact. I actually care. I think most Members
in this House care, on all sides. But you have to move aside from the foolish –
these commentaries and this everything is wonderful. What world are we living
in?
People
are watching, people are paying attention and what they're seeing they're not
liking, Mr. Chair. Words will not solve our problems. There has to be actions
and action is what we saw in the lunchtime news conference. If we're going to
get that coming forward now when the budget's release, unless you're going to do
meaningful actions to help those people that are vulnerable, we're failing them
now and it will continue to fail.
Thank
you very much.
SOME HON. MEMBERS:
Hear, hear!
CHAIR:
Thank you.
The hon.
the Minister Responsible for Women and Gender Equality.
P. PARSONS:
Thank you, Mr. Chair.
It's
always a great opportunity to speak here in this hon. House and it's always
great to practice democracy, as we're doing here. I'm happy to see that the
debate has remained somewhat civilized and respectful here today.
At this
time, too, I'd be remiss if I didn't give my thoughts and to send my prayers on
what's happening in Ukraine and what we're seeing. Our thoughts and prayers are
with those people and what they're going through and anything that we can do, as
a province, to show our solidarity in the unanimous call for peace, of course.
It's
always a great pleasure to speak on behalf of the District of Harbour Grace-Port
de Grave. I'm really proud of the district I represent. We have a lot of great
big towns and municipalities there that are certainly doing great things in
their communities. They're gearing up for our Come Home celebrations. So, please
God, all that rolls out well and we're able to get some people to come to our
beautiful province.
We've
got a lot of great things to celebrate here. We're a real jewel in the crown, if
I do say so. No matter where you go when you travel and you tell someone you're
from Newfoundland and Labrador, they really receive that well. The next question
is: Well, how many instruments do you play or whatever? So I'm looking forward
to the summer, of course, and the funding that we are certainly going to be
granting to these municipalities and organizations and whatnot.
Also,
we're just off of Violence Protection Month as well as International Women's Day
as we know. It's recognized on March 8. Of course, International Women's Day on
March 8 is a global day to recognize the achievements of women and
gender-diverse people and an opportunity to emphasize the necessary work that
continues to be critical around the promotion of gender equality around the
world and including our very own Newfoundland and Labrador.
Also, I
want to throw a bouquet to all communities that I work with in the department of
Women and Gender Equality in communities. The work that they do on the
frontlines to help victims and the people who need these services the most, my
heart goes out to them. This work gets very passionate in what they do. In a lot
of situations and in many ways they're saving lives. So I commend them and
anything I can do to support them and to be their voice at the government table,
I certainly do.
Just in
Budget 2021 – as we're talking about
Interim Supply and how important it is to support this so we can continue to pay
the people who are providing these very valuable services on our frontlines –
the Office of Women and Gender Equality provided $3.2 million in funding for
seven of the nine women's centres across the province; $142,625 each allocated
in Budget 2021; 10 violence prevention
organizations at $80,000 each, except Violence Prevention in Labrador, which
received a $100,000 allocation in Budget 2021. Again, I can't emphasize enough how important it is to
equip these groups and to do what we can to support them.
Also, I
had an opportunity to travel to Corner Brook, actually Steady Brook, in the fall
– in December, actually, just before the Christmas break – to meet at the
Gathering. My colleague, the Minister Responsible for Labrador and Indigenous
Affairs and Reconciliation also joined me, as well as officials from the
Department of Justice and Public Safety, and we had a great opportunity to meet
with and to listen to, ultimately, some very important issues as it pertains to
missing and murdered indigenous women and girls, as well as the many issues that
they are facing.
I have
to say, I was certainly honoured to be there and to be invited to be there and
to listen. It was two days. It was jammed packed with information, and how
important it was and how interesting it was to learn about the different
cultures, many different cultures; Indigenous cultures that we celebrate and
that we have here. Again, I thank them for all they do, because they are
certainly leaders in their communities and for the people that they represent. I
look forward to continuing this important work.
Also,
the report actually was completed and submitted now. We have received a response
actually from the Women's Gathering as it pertains to the 231 Calls for Justice
that we saw from the national inquiry. It's a very important priority for my
department, as well as the Department of Justice and Public Safety, as well as
Indigenous Affairs and to our government overall. It's always wonderful when we
can do the good work that needs to be done to service the people.
I'll
talk a little bit about my district, as well, Harbour Grace - Port de Grave. As
we know, we were awarded the Summer Games. I think it was originally supposed to
happen in 2021 or 2020, I can't even remember now. COVID actually changed the
gears on that. But we are scheduled to host again the 2024 Summer Games, the
Newfoundland and Labrador games.
We had a
number of ministers out at that time, too, to make these announcements and the
significant funding that has been granted to the Town of Bay Roberts to get
their infrastructure in place as well as surrounding communities. Other
facilities will be utilized such as Upper Island Cove for their baseball
facility, as well even in the neighbouring District of Carbonear - Trinity - Bay
de Verde with golf, Pitcher's Pond comes to mind as well.
We're
certainly looking forward to that. As we're coming off the pandemic, which is
now what many people are calling an endemic, we're looking forward to life
getting back to somewhat normal. With that said, I think we'll forever be living
with COVID and coping to live with COVID.
I also
want to throw a bouquet to the people of the province. I mean, they've stepped
up. We're a leader; we are actually a leader in the country with regard to our
vaccines and the protocols and the safety measures that the people took upon
themselves to carry out. I couldn't be more proud. Again, it's tough times. It's
an unprecedented past two years that we've lived through but I'm certainly
looking forward to getting back to those community events in person.
Again, I
can't emphasize enough about the Summer Games. I know there are a lot of
volunteers that are gearing up, ready to go. With the Town of Bay Roberts and
the surrounding communities in Conception Bay North, it's going to be a proud
moment.
I also
want to thank my colleague, the Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure,
for the recent meetings and the future meetings that we'll be having to make
sure that we do have the infrastructure to where it needs to be. We realize, of
course, that demand is far and wide, across all 40 districts. I appreciate the
efforts and the dedication that's made there.
Again, I
also always want to talk about the volunteer firefighters in my district because
they go above and beyond, as we all know. When everybody is running to seek
safety and to seek shelter, it is those men and women who run into the danger,
ultimately, to risk their lives and to put their lives on the line, ultimately,
to support us all. We all sleep easier at night knowing that they are there to
answer the call.
I was
happy to also announce a vehicle for Spaniard's Bay, Tilton, the municipality
there, through the second-hand vehicle program that they received recently.
Again, I can't thank them enough for the work that they do. All the departments,
Upper Island Cove as well as Harbour Grace and, of course, Bay Roberts,
Spaniard's Bay, Tilton and all firefighters across Newfoundland and Labrador.
It is
great, too, that we are able to work with them and support them and to bring in
legislation, such as presumptive cancer coverage legislation that supports them.
They don't have to be a career firefighter; volunteers can also avail of those
supports and benefits, if needed. Hopefully, they don't need them but it's good
to know that they are there to support the volunteers who do this work.
It is
always great to be back in the House of Assembly. I look forward to when the
budget comes down. It's something that we're all anticipating, people across
Newfoundland and Labrador.
The
Member across the way said how he listens to his constituents. Well, I certainly
listen to my constituents 24-7, seven days a week. No matter if it's a Saturday,
no matter if it's a Sunday, not matter if it's a morning I could be on vacation,
I'm taking the time to speak to my constituents and to hear them. I hope that
they know, anybody watching, I am certainly here to do everything I can to
support them as their MHA. I'm grateful for the support they've shown me and I'm
certainly doing everything I can within my power to work with them.
I love
our district, Harbour Grace - Port de Grave. It used to be the former Port de
Grave District but now it's Harbour Grace - Port de Grave. We are a powerhouse,
if you will, for Conception Bay North.
With
that said, Mr. Chair, I will take my seat. I am sitting, I realize, because of
the COVID protocols but I certainly will take my seat. I look forward to
speaking again on the great initiatives that will be happening in Harbour Grace
- Port de Grave as well as the Office of Women and Gender Equality.
Thank
you, Mr. Chair.
CHAIR:
Thank you very much.
The
Chair recognizes the hon. Member for Exploits.
P. FORSEY:
Thank you, Chair.
Mr.
Chair, it's great to be back in this House of Assembly and debate the Interim
Supply and the upcoming budget. It is always nice to be here to represent the
District of Exploits. It's something that I'm very proud of and I was elected to
do, to serve the District of Exploits and I'll continue to do so. I'll bring
their issues here to the House of Assembly whenever I get a chance.
Mr.
Chair, yes, Interim Supply is important. We need Interim Supply right now to
keep our public service paid, to keep them going, because they do a great deal
of work for us. I know every time I call them, they get back to me. They give me
answers that I'm looking for and it's great to be able to do that. It's good to
be able to speak on Interim Supply and keep those public service workers
attached and working for us and working for the Province of Newfoundland and
Labrador.
But, Mr.
Chair, having said that, in my district I'm still hearing – of course, I've
heard it mentioned lots of times here – the cost of living, oil, fuel, meats,
whatever, all the cost of living is affecting all of us. It's detrimental to a
lot of people. Low-income earners, Mr. Chair, it's hurting a lot of those people
in a bad, bad way.
People
on minimum wage trying to get to work, it's impossible. I'm hearing it every
day; they're driving probably 40 or 50 kilometres to get to work. All they're
doing is getting to work; they can't afford to do anything else. To see that the
government is not acknowledging that is disheartening, Mr. Chair, because when
they can come up with pockets of money to give to their Liberal friends to
support an office in Central Newfoundland, when people can't even get back and
forth to work, that's unreal. It's unbelievable that this government can do
that.
There's
a lot more they can do. There's a home heat rebate program they could have come
up with. Actually, we had the home heat rebate program in Grand Falls-Windsor.
In 2016, it was taken out by the Liberals, 26 jobs gone. What did we get? We
gets two extra Liberal friends' jobs, that's what we get out of it.
SOME HON. MEMBERS:
Hear, hear!
P. FORSEY:
That's what we got out of it.
So 26
jobs gone from a home heat rebate that's causing those seniors and low incomes
to be cold and can't afford the price of food. Yet, you can give us –
SOME HON. MEMBERS:
Oh, oh!
P. FORSEY:
Where's yours?
CHAIR:
A little order, please. Let's
let the Member finish his time.
SOME HON. MEMBERS:
Oh, oh!
CHAIR:
Order, please!
It's
getting a little late in the day.
P. FORSEY:
Yet, you can give us two
Liberal friends to put an office there. That probably cost quarter of a million
dollars just to set that up. Yet, you can, over there –
AN HON. MEMBER:
(Inaudible.)
P. FORSEY:
That's a joke, is it? It's
not a joke to the people in Central Newfoundland, I tell you that right now.
SOME HON. MEMBERS:
Hear, hear!
P. FORSEY:
I hear it every day. It's no
joke to them when they can't afford to get to work, but you can give it to your
Liberal buddies.
They
tell us, sure, we elected two MHAs from the district. That's who they want
representing us. But no, we'll pay somebody else. We don't want them. We'll pay
somebody else to put it there so we can take something else from you, probably.
Who knows?
We also
lost the 24-hour emergency service in Botwood. They lost that in 2016. They took
that. In 2018, lab services – lab testing hub into Gander, a Liberal district.
Now, what happens again? Again, we lost the Home Heat Rebate. What did we get
back? Two Liberal friends being paid. That's what we got out of it.
AN HON. MEMBER:
And they got a handsome
salary.
P. FORSEY:
And a handsome salary on top
of that.
So, Mr.
Chair, it's disheartening to see that we're not putting more money into the
pockets of Newfoundlanders and Labradorians.
Home
care is another thing that I hear in there. Seniors can't get extra hours. The
Member from Grand Falls-Windsor - Buchans, we see it. We're only just divided
there. He gets the same calls as I get. They can't get home care hours. That's
another thing you did. Boy, wonderful, you were cutting home care hours back in
2016. Now they have to pay more subsidies to have home care hours with less
hours. Boy, you're doing wonderful stuff. You're doing great things.
AN HON. MEMBER:
Pat him on the back.
P. FORSEY:
Pat him on the back. Can we
get another Liberal buddy in Central?
AN HON. MEMBER:
(Inaudible.)
P. FORSEY:
Yes, let's get it going.
So here
you are doing things like that and they cut their home care hours. They can't
get enough hours. Not only can't they afford to live in their own homes, they
can't even get help to live in their own homes. Like, it's ridiculous. This is
totally ridiculous. Listen, this is true. I'm hearing this every day. I'm
hearing from every person in my district. Hearing it every day. I'm sure you
fellows got to be hearing it in yours. You've got to be.
Anyway,
housing, another big story in my district, like community housing, community
sectors. You got people on the street, basically. I was trying to get housing
for a person in November, living in a shed, and I battled with the system over
and over and we finally got him in somewhere, but the treatment he had to go
through to come home: Go to the hospital, put him in the hospital and send him
out, b'ys. We have nowhere; we can't do anything with him. He's good enough to
go home, but he has no home to go to. He lived in a shed for four months during
the winter. That's where he lived.
AN HON. MEMBER:
(Inaudible.)
P. FORSEY:
He lived in a shed for four
months in the cold until we finally got him in somewhere. Yet, you can take your
dollars, you can take your money and give it to two Liberal friends to set up a
quarter million dollars in the Central area. It's ridiculous.
AN HON. MEMBER:
(Inaudible.)
P. FORSEY:
They're over there and they
can laugh at that. You can laugh at it. I see three Members right there; you're
laughing at it. It's ridiculous.
AN HON. MEMBER:
I was laughing at you
laughing.
P. FORSEY:
Hey, at least you admitted
you were laughing. It's not laughing, anyway.
To see
stuff like that happening, it's really disheartening to see that you can come
out with an announcement today – which is good. I mean, you do help the seniors
a little bit there. You help –
S. COADY:
(Inaudible) help those on low
income.
P. FORSEY:
Help those on the low
incomes. Low income is a broad range. Anybody going to work on minimum wage,
that is a low income. By the time you take out the gas when they have to work,
take out all their taxes, take out their food that they have to buy for their
youngsters, yeah, that is a low, low income, no doubt about. I'm sure their
incomes don't match the incomes that they're getting paid by the Premier's
office in Central, no doubt about it.
Anyway,
like I say, it's good to talk about Interim Supply but when you see those things
happening in your district, you get disheartened with it. There are other words
I could use, but I don't think I'm allowed to use them here.
Other
than that, Mr. Chair, there is a lot more that we can discuss. Yes, I will be in
favour of the Interim Supply, no doubt about it, but I do want to see more good
announcements, especially now that we have the Premier's office in Central
Newfoundland. I'm expecting to hear more good announcements for Central
Newfoundland. Not to be striping anything, but there to be more announcements.
Anyway,
Mr. Chair, with that, I'll take my seat and we'll continue on another day.
Thank
you.
SOME HON. MEMBERS:
Hear, hear!
CHAIR:
Thank you.
I thank
the Member for Ferryland for picking up the afternoon. Thank you, Sir.
The hon.
the Member for Virginia Waters - Pleasantville.
B. DAVIS:
Thank you, Mr. Chair.
I'd like
to take the opportunity to speak to Interim Supply. I always enjoy this
opportunity to do that, especially after I had the opportunity to listen to a
couple of my colleagues from across the other side of the House.
First of
all, I think it's an important piece of legislation for continuity of the
government and the services that government provides to the people that we all
represent. I think that's important. But I'd like to delve into a couple of the
statements from the previous people on the other side, the hon. Member for CBS
and the hon. Member for Exploits.
I know
the hon. Member for CBS was here when we were in 2015 and seen what kind of mess
we were left; $2.7 billion in the hole. Not only did we have no dishes in the
cupboards, your PC administration took the cupboards off the wall on us. The
revisionist style of history that we're trying to depict here today is wrong.
Facts matter. Facts really do matter.
SOME HON. MEMBERS:
Hear, hear!
B. DAVIS:
So facts do matter. Let me
tell you about a fact. I'm going to give you –
SOME HON. MEMBERS:
Oh, oh!
CHAIR:
Order, please!
Let's
try to get through it.
B. DAVIS: –
one number right now:
$961.53. You're going to look at me with the blank faces because you're not
going to know what that number means. I didn't know what it was until I took the
number that the PC administration put us in debt $500 million a year per man,
woman and child in this province is $961.53 that we've had to come to the table
with each and every year to ensure the electricity rates don't double.
SOME HON. MEMBERS:
Hear, hear!
B. DAVIS:
Each and every year. So
that's a fact, and that matters.
When
we're discussing –
SOME HON. MEMBERS:
Oh, oh!
CHAIR:
Order, please!
One at a
time.
SOME HON. MEMBERS:
Oh, oh!
CHAIR:
Order, please!
Order,
please!
Let's
let him finish. Let the hon. Member finish.
B. DAVIS:
I will say the hon. Member
for Terra Nova understands very well in military terms what marking time means,
right? He understands very well. So do I from the cadet program; nowhere near as
much experience as he would have, but he understands what marking time is, which
is essentially what that $500 million is doing.
We're
actually just marking time, not able to invest in many of the programs that – I
agree with each and every one of you on the other side that we should be
investing in every one of them, but there's not enough money to go around to do
what the Member for Exploits wants done and the Member for Terra Nova wants
done, which we all agree with on this side, for the most part, we want to try to
do. We can't do it because of the albatross that has been left around our neck
by the previous administration.
I'm okay
with that, because I didn't want to go down that road until two Members previous
to us went down that road. I'm only simply going to go down that road and stop
there at this point for that benefit.
AN HON. MEMBER:
(Inaudible.)
B. DAVIS:
Sorry?
AN HON. MEMBER:
(Inaudible.)
B. DAVIS:
Five-hundred million dollars
for an ill-conceived project that will remain nameless.
SOME HON. MEMBERS:
Oh, oh!
CHAIR:
Order, please!
B. DAVIS:
Ill-conceived and misguided
project.
Now, I
do want to take some opportunity because I do have a few minutes left, I do want
to take some opportunity to talk about some of the things that I think are an
opportunity for us as a government to look at.
Climate
change is real. I'm very happy that the Member for CBS had said that in his
statements, that climate change is real. It is. It's something that we all have
to face. Not just that we have to face, our children face and our children's
children will have to face. Each and every action we take as a government, as a
people and as a global community is going to matter.
We've
had a Climate Change Action Plan that we put in place with 45 actions. Of those
45 actions, 67 per cent of those are complete, which leaves 33 per cent,
obviously, that's not complete or in process of being completed across 11
different departments. That's what this Interim Supply helps to alleviate, to
ensure that work continues.
We have
the Low-Carbon Economy Leadership Fund, which some $90 million has been invested
in changing over heating systems within municipalities, community organizations,
government buildings; operations that are going to save greenhouse gas emissions
in this province to help us hit our targets, which we need to be firm on to make
sure we do hit. It's working. We've exceeded our greenhouse gas reductions to
the tune of 116,000 tons per year, based on just what's been approved so far.
Adaptation work: some people in this House have talked about some of the work
that needs to be done with flood-risk mapping and what our shorelines are going
to look like as we transfer through what's going through with climate change and
what we're facing as a province. So all of those things are very, very
important. Funding required for those things like flood-risk mapping provides a
significant amount of opportunity for, not just government here, but
municipalities or people that want to build cabins in a particular areas or
houses in particular areas, for zoning and planning within municipalities across
our province. It's an important piece.
We've
established a net-zero advisory Committee that's going to provide us with
insight into things that are happening right across the global community, not
just here in Canada, but the globe, and things that we can implement that will
be beneficial and help us hit those targets. We can always talk about things
that are going wrong – that's a case in point for some people. I like to look at
things in positive terms.
We've
moved a long way over a very difficult period of time; there's a lot more to do.
We're going to continue to work on this side of the House and, hopefully, with
my colleagues on the other side, too, to implement many of the things that are
going to be beneficial to all of us.
We've
talked about a couple of things like the EV Rebate Program today. We had an
announcement today that's going to help transition people to make that decision.
It's not going to be easy for everyone to make that decision, but, at the end of
the day, when your vehicle is past its end of life, or getting close to its end
of life, or your lease is up, you'd like to take that opportunity, we're trying
to take down the barriers that would exist in between the cost of an internal
combustion engine and an EV. That's what we're trying to do. It's a barrier that
exists for some people.
Some
people are going to make that decision regardless of what we do; some people are
not. We're going to try to take down every barrier we possibly can to make that
move in that direction.
The
announcement today is about $2,500 for individuals to transition to an EV. Also,
in addition to that, this year over last year, what we've done is we've put in
place another million dollars for infrastructure upgrades to make sure we have
the infrastructure there to meet the needs of what the electric vehicles that
are coming on are going to need to face.
In
addition to that, we also offered $1,500 to purchase a plug-in hybrid vehicle,
which we realize is a transition vehicle for people that may not be feeling that
they can go full EV at this point, and we understand that. That's why we've put
something in place for that.
I think
as my time gets a little nearer to the end, I also want to highlight the oil to
electric program, which is an important program. I know we're talking about cost
of living in everything we talk about. My constituents, just like your
constituents, are facing the exact same things. They tell us about those things
as well. This is one of the things that we can help some 48,000 households in
this province that are on oil to transition to electric, which will add
consistency, take away the peaks and valleys of being a fossil fuel burning
household. Putting $2 million into that and doubling the rebate to $5,000 is
going to help transition people, and a very costly thing to do, to make that
move.
There
are also partnerships where we can lobby with the federal government to get
additional resources put in place. You're investing here and trying to double
down on it with the federal government, which is an important piece as well.
Some
other things that we can talk about, I know in Minister Abbott's shop, our
department works –
CHAIR:
Order, please!
B. DAVIS:
Sorry, the Member for St.
John's East - Quidi Vidi's shop, we work very closely with the Home Energy
Savings Program, the HESP program, which allows homeowners in low income areas
$5,000 to retrofit their homes or allow them to tighten up the energy
consumption on their homes to reduce the cost to them, which in turn not only is
it good for the environment, it's good their pocketbooks, it's good for them
long term, it's transitioning them that way. So any role we can play to reduce
the reliance on fossil fuels in this province is good to help people mitigate
those processes.
The last
thing I'd like to touch on is one of the adaptation things that I touched on a
little earlier, which was flood-risk mapping. It's very important as we see
climate change coming and precipitation rates and patterns increasing, we
understand that things are changing. So we have to continue to make sure the
models are strong and put in place. That's why we have solid staff working on
that.
As
rainfall increases and the 100-year flood becomes the one in 50-year flood,
those things need to be noted in the communities that we all represent. That
information is very important to help planning and determining where
municipalities can build infrastructure, where they can regulate where
residential developments can go and it's going to help with compensation for the
federal and provincial disaster financing assistance programs and emergency
responses. All of those things are important.
I'd be
remiss if I didn't say thank you to the teachers and staff at our schools that
are in my district for going through a very challenging time.
Thank
you very much to my hon. colleagues for the indulgence of five seconds.
SOME HON. MEMBERS:
Hear, hear!
CHAIR:
Thank you very much to the
Member.
The hon.
the Government House Leader.
S. CROCKER:
Thank you, Mr. Chair.
Mr.
Chair, I move the Committee rise, report progress and ask leave to sit again.
CHAIR:
The motion is that the
Committee rise, report progress and ask leave to sit again.
Is it
the pleasure of the Committee to adopt the motion?
All
those in favour, 'aye.'
SOME HON. MEMBERS:
Aye.
CHAIR:
All those against, 'nay.'
The
motion is carried.
On
motion, that the Committee rise, report progress and ask leave to sit again, the
Speaker returned to the Chair.
SPEAKER (Bennett):
Order, please!
The hon.
the Member for Lake Melville and Deputy Chair of Committees.
P. TRIMPER:
Speaker, the Committee of
Supply have considered the matters to them referred and have directed me to
report progress and ask leave to sit again.
SPEAKER:
The Deputy Chair of Committee
of Supply reports that the Committee have considered the matters to them
referred and directed him to report progress and ask leave to sit again.
When
shall this be received?
S. CROCKER:
Now.
SPEAKER:
Now.
When
shall the Committee sit again?
S. CROCKER:
Tomorrow.
SPEAKER:
Tomorrow.
On
motion, report received and adopted. Committee ordered to sit again on tomorrow.
SPEAKER:
The hon. the Government House
Leader.
S. CROCKER:
Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
I move,
seconded by the Deputy Government House Leader, that this House do now adjourn.
SPEAKER:
It is moved and seconded that this House do now adjourn.
Is it
the pleasure of the House to adopt the motion?
All
those in favour, 'aye.
SOME HON. MEMBERS:
Aye.
SPEAKER:
All those against, 'nay.'
Motion
carried.
This
House do stand adjourned until 10 a.m. tomorrow, Wednesday.
On
motion, the House at its rising adjourned until tomorrow, Wednesday, at 10 a.m.