Please be advised that this is a PARTIALLY EDITED transcript of the House of Assembly sitting for Thursday, April 2, 2026, to the end of Question Period. The edited Hansard will be posted when it becomes available.

The entire audio/visual record of the House proceedings is available online within one hour of the House rising for the day. This can be accessed at:

https://www.assembly.nl.ca/HouseBusiness/Webcast/archive.aspx

The House met at 1:30 p.m.

SPEAKER (Lane): Order, please!

Admit visitors.

Before we begin normal proceedings, I’m now prepared to rule on a point of order raised by the Member for the District of Cartwright - L’Anse au Clair during debate on the private Member’s resolution on April 1, 2026.

The Government House Leader in responding to that point of order stated that a point of order must clearly indicate what the point of order is and suggested that it is not a point of order to ask that the Speaker go back and review an entire debate or speech to find an offensive comment.

The Member for Cartwright - L’Anse au Clair has indeed clearly indicated that her point of order is raised under Standing Order 49, which prohibits the use of offensive language, that she has specifically referenced a certain phrase – choke on it – used by the Member for the District of Lake Melville in debate.

In addition to considering the remarks brought to my attention by a Member, it is also within my role as Speaker to intervene where I feel questionable language has been used during debate. I have reviewed Hansard. The Member for Lake Melville did, on two occasions, use the phrases “choke on it” as referenced by the Member for Cartwright - L’Anse au Clair in her point of order. On one occasion, the Member for Lake Melville stated: “You just can’t come in and impose your will on a district as the minister and say: Here it is, choke on it.”

On another occasion, the Member for Lake Melville stated: “They said here. Here’s your mega-shelter. Choke on it.” In the same part of his speech, the Member for Lake Melville also stated: “They tried to ram it down Lake Melville’s mouth. They tried to ram it down and they said no.”

Standing Order 49 reflects a long-standing tradition of respect for the integrity of all Members and for this hon. House. The use of offensive, provocative or threatening language in the House is strictly forbidden. As noted in the House of Commons Procedure and Practice, Fourth Edition at paragraph 13.37: “In dealing with unparliamentary language, the Speaker takes into account the tone, manner and intention of the member speaking, the person to whom the words at issue were directed, the degree of provocation and, most important, whether or not the remarks created disorder in the chamber.”

There is no set list of words or phrases that are unparliamentary. It is the context which must be examined. While I appreciate all Members have the right to speak, criticize and debate passionately, we must be guided by the Rules of Order and Decorum. It is the duty of all hon. Members to uphold the dignity of this institution of Parliament.

With these considerations in mind, I do rule that the above statements made by the Member for Lake Melville are unparliamentary and would ask that he withdraw them.

Finally, the Member for Lake Melville did use another phrase during debate which he prefaced by saying, I hope this is not unparliamentary. I am sure the Member knows the phrase to which I am referring. I will not repeat it.

I rule that the use of the phrase in question is, as the Member has suspected himself, unparliamentary and I ask that he withdraw it, as well.

SPEAKER: The hon. the Member for Lake Melville.

K. RUSSELL: Mr. Speaker, thank you for the opportunity to rise in the House. I’m a passionate guy and I will say that I withdraw the remarks based on how upset I was at the utter devastation left by the former government in Lake Melville.

SPEAKER: The Speaker would ask that the Member withdraw the remarks unequivocably.

K. RUSSELL: Mr. Speaker, I withdraw the remarks unequivocably.

SPEAKER: Okay.

Today, I would like to welcome to the public gallery, her Worship Carol Molloy from the Town of Come By Chance who is the subject of a Member’s statement. She is accompanied by her family. Welcome your Worship.

SOME HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear!

SPEAKER: As well, I would also like to welcome to the public gallery, Nicholas Abrarb and Rania Amirouche who are part of a group of young Francophones who will be recognized in a Member’s statement and I understand they are accompanied by members of their family.

Welcome to our public gallery.

SOME HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear!

Statements by Members

SPEAKER: Today we’ll hear Member statements by the hon. Member for the Districts of Mount Scio, Placentia - St. Mary’s, Placentia West - Bellevue, St. George’s - Humber and St. John’s Centre.

The hon. the Member for Mount Scio.

SOME HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear!

S. STOODLEY: Monsieur le Président,

Aujourd’hui, je prends la parole pour souligner un groupe remarquable de jeunes francophones de Terre-Neuve-et-Labrador qui ont récemment participé au Parlement jeunesse pancanadien à Ottawa, du 7 au 11 janvier. Cette expérience a réuni 72 jeunes de partout au pays, leur offrant l’occasion d’endosser le rôle de parlementaires, de débattre d’idées et de mieux comprendre nos institutions démocratiques.

Parmi les participants figuraient Nicolas Abrard, Rania Amirouche et Maya Marmouche de Saint-Jean, ainsi que Meaghan Lee de Labrador City. Ces élèves incarnent le talent, la curiosité et l’engagement civique présents dans la communauté francophone de notre province.

Grâce à cette expérience, ils ont développé des compétences en prise de parole, en pensée critique, en collaboration et en leadership. Ils ont également tissé des liens avec d’autres jeunes francophones d’un océan à l’autre, renforçant ainsi la vitalité du français au Canada.

Des initiatives comme le Parlement jeunesse pancanadien jouent un rôle essentiel pour encourager l’engagement des jeunes dans la vie publique et pour renforcer notre démocratie.

Merci et felicitations!

SOME HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear!

SPEAKER: The hon. the Member for Placentia - St. Mary’s.

S. GAMBIN-WALSH: Speaker, 19 years ago, a young soldier from our province answered the call to serve his country. Today his image looks out with quiet strength and dignity over all who visit the Private Kevin Kennedy Memorial Garden in St. Vincent's.

This garden stands not only as a tribute to Private Kennedy, but as a sacred place of reflection, remembrance and peace. It honours those with ties to the communities of St. Vincent’s-St. Stephen’s-Peter’s River who served in uniform.

Established through the dedication and vision of the Fisherman's Museum Committee, the memorial garden is home to a plaque bearing the names of 38 soldiers, and memorial benches dedicated to loved ones.

Private Kennedy was just 20 years old when he was killed by a roadside bomb on Easter Sunday, 2007, in Afghanistan, alongside five fellow soldiers. He made the ultimate sacrifice in the pursuit of peace and in the hope of building a better world for others.

His legacy lives on in the hearts of his family, his community and this province. I encourage all who visit St. Vincent’s to take the opportunity to walk through the Pte. Kevin Kennedy Memorial Garden, to reflect and to remember.

Thank you, Speaker.

SOME HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear!

SPEAKER: The hon. the Member for Placentia West - Bellevue.

J. DWYER: Thank you, Speaker.

In this historic year and the final day marking the 100th anniversary of women achieving the right to vote and hold public office in Newfoundland and Labrador, it is especially fitting to recognize the remarkable achievements of her Worship Ms. Carol Molloy.

In November of 2025, Ms. Molloy was notified by Atlantic Canada Magazine that she had been nominated for its Most Powerful Women in Business recognition. From 249 nominations, she was selected as one of the top 25 Most Powerful Women in Business. On March 25, 2026, she travelled to Halifax to attend the gala where she proudly accepted this distinguished honor for devoting more than 20 years to health, safety, environment and quality through her own company.

On this historic anniversary Ms. Molloy is serving her second term as the mayor of Come By Chance located in the beautiful District of Placentia West-Bellevue and is an active member with the local fire department.

Her leadership and dedication continues to inspire and pave the way for future generations of women leaders.

I ask all Members to join me in congratulating Mayor Carol Molloy on being named one of the Top 25 Most Powerful Women in Business and for showing true leadership in uncertain times.

Thank you, Speaker.

SOME HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear!

SPEAKER: The hon. the Member for St. George's - Humber.

H. CORMIER: Thank you, Speaker.

I rise today to recognize the dedicated members of the St. George’s Fire Department.

In a close-knit community like St. George’s, our volunteer firefighters are more than just first responders, they are neighbours, friends and family members who step forward when others need help most. Whether responding to structure fires, motor vehicle accidents, medical emergencies or assisting neighbouring communities, they serve with courage, professionalism and heart. They give countless hours to training, fundraising and community events, all while balancing full-time jobs and family responsibilities. Their pager may go off at any hour, without hesitation, they answer the call.

Because of their dedication, residents in St. George’s and surrounding areas rest a little easier.

On behalf of the people of St. George’s - Humber, I offer sincere thanks to every member of the department for their service, sacrifice and unwavering commitment to keeping our community safe.

Thank you, Speaker.

SOME HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear!

SPEAKER: The hon. the Member for St. John’s Centre.

J. DINN: Thank you, Speaker.

Maggie Helwig, author of Encampment, said that we are sent into this world to plant life in the wasteland. Stephen Lewis planted life in the wasteland. He advocated tirelessly and passionately for social justice, inspiring millions worldwide. Hearing him speak made you want to join him in building a better world.

Stephen served as a New Democrat MPP in Ontario as provincial NDP Leader and Official Opposition Leader. He championed the struggles of working people that led to rent control and the Occupational Health and Safety Act.

Lewis served at the UN as Canada’s ambassador and as special advisor on African Affairs. He worked with Nelson Mandela to end apartheid in South Africa.

As deputy executive director of UNICEF, he raised awareness of the effects of war on children. As UN special envoy for HIV/AIDS, he convinced world leaders to respond to the devastating epidemic in Africa. In 2006, he and his daughter founded the Stephen Lewis Foundation to help people living with HIV/AIDS and save lives.

Most of all, Stephen was a loving son, husband, father and grandfather, who will be deeply missed by his family, his NDP family and all Canadians who believe in fairness and a just society.

Thank you.

SOME HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear!

SPEAKER: Statements by Ministers.

Statements by Ministers 

SPEAKER: The hon. the Minister of Justice and Public Safety.

SOME HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear!

H. CONWAY OTTENHEIMER: Speaker, correctional officers play a crucial role in our justice system, working with some of the province’s most vulnerable individuals.

This summer, the Correctional Officer Recruitment Training Program will be offered in Labrador, with successful graduates offered employment as correctional officers in Labrador.

We anticipate even more officers in the coming months as 38 students are enrolled in the training program in St. John’s and Mount Pearl. In May, they will join the dedicated correctional officers that work tirelessly at facilities across the province.

Through this training, recruits learn about the various issues faced by our diverse inmate population, particularly related to mental health and cultural sensitivities, as well as operational courses, including use of force and emergency situations.

The program’s hands-on instruction helps recruits learn from our amazing correctional officers so they can see the life-changing influence that they can have on inmates, promoting rehabilitation to help break the cycle of crime and keep our communities safe.

Earlier this year, I visited the Labrador Correctional Facility to meet with the staff and see the centre first-hand and the planned renovations that will support staff and inmates.

Speaker, I ask all hon. Members to join me in thanking those who bring their compassion and empathy to the role of correctional officer.

SOME HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear!

SPEAKER: The hon. the Member for Harbour Grace - Port de Grave.

P. PARSONS: Thank you, Speaker.

We here in the Official Opposition recognize the important work of correctional officers across Newfoundland and Labrador.

Expanding training opportunities within the province is a positive step and, in fact, increasing access to in-province training is something that we have long supported, particularly to remove barriers for those entering public safety careers.

Speaker, training alone is not enough. Officers continue to raise concerns about burnout, staffing shortages and safety on the job, especially as they respond to increasingly complex needs including mental health and addictions.

While these training initiatives are, certainly, welcome, we call on government to work on a broader plan that will keep, not only new recruits, but all correctional officers working in our justice system.

We agree that improving access to training matters but without a real plan to retain staff, we are only addressing part of the problem.

Thank you.

SOME HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear!

SPEAKER: The hon. the Member for St. John’s East - Quidi Vidi.

S. O’LEARY: Thank you, Speaker and I thank the minister for an advance copy of the statement.

We all know that our correction system is in desperate need of more staff. Through their work, inmates learn new skills through programming and prepare for re-integration into society. They’re key to lowering crime rates and improving safety.

We, therefore, ask that this government do all it can to ensure that, once hired, these officers are treated with the respect they deserve and the working conditions they need so that they can stay and thrive in the system.

Thank you.

SOME HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear!

SPEAKER: Further statements by ministers?

The hon. the Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure.

B. PETTEN: Thank you, Speaker.

Firefighting resources are more than equipment and aircraft. They represent safety, resilience and hope for all of us.

When last year’s wildfires swept the province, residents endured heartbreaking loss and disruption. Families were forced to evacuate homes and cherished possessions were damaged or destroyed, and entire communities were left grappling with the emotional and physical aftermath. Those experiences remain deeply felt and serve as a powerful reminder of what is at stake when wildfire strikes.

In moments like these, Speaker, the strength of our firefighting capabilities truly matters. Ground crews and aerial resources work together to slow fires and protect infrastructure, with the aim of helping residents return home. Water bombers in particular are a visible symbol of reassurance, arriving when conditions are most dangerous and time is critical.

Speaker, that is why the progress being made on the fifth water bomber is so important. Structural repairs are advancing extremely well, with most of the work already completed. The project remains firmly on schedule, and the aircraft is expected to return to service on May 1 for this year’s firefighting season. Its return will enhance our readiness and ensure we are better prepared to protect communities and help strengthen emergency response, as we face the wildfire season ahead.

Thank you, Speaker.

SOME HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear!

SPEAKER: The hon. the Member for Waterford Valley.

J. KORAB: Thank you, Speaker.

We are pleased to hear that the repairs to the fifth water bomber are on track and will be completely on time. These aircrafts are a critical part of our province’s wildfire response, helping protect communities and residents during challenging fire seasons.

As we saw last year, water bombers proved invaluable in containing fires and supporting ground crews when it mattered most. We also recognize the professionalism and dedication of the pilots who operate these aircrafts. Their skill and commitment ensures they are safely and effectively used. At this time, having aircraft ready is only part of the equation. The ability of qualified pilots has been identified as an ongoing challenge.

We encourage the government to continue its efforts to recruit and retain the personnel needed to keep this fleet operational. Ensuring both equipment readiness and effective capacity of staffing is essential to the safeguarding of Newfoundlanders and Labradorians.

Thank you, Speaker.

SOME HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear!

SPEAKER: The hon. the Member for St. John’s East - Quidi Vidi.

S. O’LEARY: Thank you, Speaker, and I thank the minister for an advance copy of the statement.

We commend the government in getting the water bomber back in service after so many years. However, we would be remiss if we didn’t also commend former Labrador West MHA Jordan Brown for his work in keeping this issue in the public eye until it was resolved.

As the next fire season approaches, we ask government to hire the seasonal wildfire prevention staff permanently so they can train and repair equipment in the off-season, so we aren’t scrambling every spring to fill these positions.

Thank you.

SPEAKER: Oral Questions.

Oral Questions

SPEAKER: The hon. the Leader of the Official Opposition.

SOME HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear!

J. HOGAN: Thank you, Speaker.

As families gather this weekend for Easter, travelling by road and planes and boats across our province, they’re facing costs far higher than they expected just weeks ago. The food on their tables is more expensive than ever yet the Premier refuses to take action. The Finannce Minister has said there are multiple levers that can be pulled but none are being used.

Why won't the Premier allow the Finance Minister to pull a lever and provide relief to Newfoundlanders and Labradorians, today?

SOME HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear!

SPEAKER: The hon. the Premier.

SOME HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear!

PREMIER WAKEHAM: Speaker, as I have said, previously, in the House, we are fully aware of what’s happening in the Middle East and the significant cost. It has happened and that’s why we make the steps to make sure that Newfoundlanders and Labradorians have the lowest gas tax in all of Canada.

Let me point out some of those numbers: British Columbia right now, provincial gas tax, 14.5 cents; Alberta, 13 cents; Saskatchewan, 15 cents; Manitoba, 14 cents; Ontario, nine cents; Quebec, 19 cents; New Brunswick, 10.9 cents; Nova Scotia, 15.5 cents; Prince Edward Island, 8.5; Newfoundland and Labrador, 7.5.

SOME HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear!

PREMIER WAKEHAM: And I will guarantee that the people of –

SPEAKER: The Premier’s time is expired.

The hon. the Leader of the Official Opposition.

J. HOGAN: Thank you, Speaker.

While it’s great that we have a low gas tax here, Newfoundlanders and Labradorians aren’t concerned with gas taxes across the country. They’re concerned with what the Premier can do here which, so far has been absolutely nothing.

We’ve heard media reports, even last night, that oil prices have soared 13 per cent after Trump’s speech and stock markets continue to plummet.

Will the Premier finally admit it’s time to use the additional oil revenue and, if not to lower the gas tax, to do something for Newfoundlanders and Labradorians?

SOME HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear!

SPEAKER: The hon. the Minister of Finance and President of Treasury Board.

SOME HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear!

C. PARDY: Mr. Speaker, we will do something. That’s number one. The Leader of the Official Opposition asked when we would do something.

One thing that the viewers that are watching home today will see a distinct difference between government today and government of yesteryear. The Leader of the Official Opposition used words earlier this week, put your money where your mouth is and put the money in the budget, he spoke affirmatively. The Deputy Opposition Leader said only half a million dollars.

We want to plan efficiently to make sure that we hit our target audience.

SOME HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear!

SPEAKER: The hon. the Leader of the Official Opposition.

J. HOGAN: Thank you, Speaker.

I’m not sure what that answer to the question was at that but, anyway, we’ll try again. We’ll give him another lever. He might like this one because as grocery prices continue to rise, it continues to put pressure on families.

In Manitoba, the government has removed sales taxes on all groceries and organizations here, like the Single Parents Association of Newfoundland and Labrador, have said a similar measure can provide meaningful relief to families in our province.

So if they won’t pull the lever on gas tax, will they pull the lever and reduce the cost of groceries?

SPEAKER: The hon. the Minister of Finance and President of Treasury Board.

SOME HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear!

C. PARDY: I can tell that the Third Party thinks that’s a very good question as an NDP government. But one thing I’ll remind the Leader of the Official Opposition is that in Manitoba, they administer their own provincial sales tax. They control it.

In Newfoundland and Labrador, we go through CRA, the federal government, which we found out that if we want to put out the Disability Benefit, it’s going to cost us $3 million, and $700,000 annually in order to launch it.

The government of previous years would have jumped at that. We want to make sure we do it for to save the dollars in Newfoundland and Labrador.

SPEAKER: Order, please!

The minister’s time has expired.

SOME HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear!

SPEAKER: The hon. the Leader of the Official Opposition.

J. HOGAN: Speaker, I’m not sure the Minister of Finance is hearing the questions because the answers have absolutely nothing to do with what I’m asking. We are simply asking this government to reduce the cost of living for all kinds of issues in this province. We are giving them levers, we are giving them options, and they are just saying no. They’re deferring, talking about what other provinces are doing. Newfoundlanders and Labradorians care about what you’re doing, Minister.

Now, yesterday, the Minister of Finance complained about the deficit. Well, we had a huge lever to deal with that deficit. It was called $225 billion from the Churchill Falls agreement.

So I ask: Would the Finance Minister like to have a billion dollars for this year’s budget?

SOME HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear!

SPEAKER: The hon. the Minister of Finance and President of Treasury Board.

SOME HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear!

C. PARDY: I’d just like to address the preamble, if I may.

AN HON. MEMBER: Of course.

C. PARDY: Of course.

I stated that in order to deal with CRA, with the federal government, it comes at an astronomical cost, $3 million to deal with CRA, to reduce the sales tax on groceries, the provincial tax portion, which mostly is exempt except for prepared foods, then would cost somewhere around $3 million. We’d prefer to think that that $3 million is better served to support the residents of Newfoundland and Labrador. The Liberal way was to sign up and put it out with an astronomical cost.

SOME HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear!

SPEAKER: The hon. the Leader of the Official Opposition.

J. HOGAN: I’ll just say to the minister that talking in circles and throwing out numbers is not going to make groceries cheaper for Newfoundlanders and Labradorians. These are very simple questions, Minister. We are asking why you won’t do things to make the cost of living easier for Newfoundlanders and Labradorians. So I’ll try another question because we’re not getting an answer on this. Maybe it’s because you refuse to do things and you will in the budget.

So can the minister tell this House whether his government plans to introduce any spending cuts in the budget and, if so, which areas will be affected?

SPEAKER: The hon. the Minister of Finance and President of Treasury Board.

SOME HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear!

C. PARDY: I know I have 45 seconds, but I want to address the preamble in a second.

For the third time, to deal and to reduce the tax on prepared foods for the groceries would cost us about $3 million in dealing with the CRA. That’s three times I’ve said $3 million that we think is better spent to service those that would need it most, not to pay the CRA.

SOME HON. MEMBERS: Oh, oh!

SPEAKER: Order, please!

C. PARDY: The question would be: Would there be any cuts in the upcoming budget? The answer would be: I’m not aware of any, Mr. Speaker.

SPEAKER: The minister’s time has expired.

SOME HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear!

SPEAKER: The hon. the Leader of the Official Opposition.

J. HOGAN: So we have a Finance Minister’s who’s not aware of the budget; we have a Finance Minister who won’t spend money on Newfoundlanders’ and Labradorians’ needs; we have a Deputy Premier who said we’re not going to tell you about the cuts until the budget, so stay tuned. So it certainly sounds like cuts are on the table and they’re sort of working around the edges here and not coming forward.

So now, I would ask the Finance Minister, you have an opportunity to tell Newfoundlanders and Labradorians why you’re not delivering for them and why you sound like you’re going to make things worse when the budget is put down next month.

SPEAKER: The hon. the Premier.

SOME HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear!

PREMIER WAKEHAM: Speaker, let me be perfectly clear to all the people of Newfoundland and Labrador. What we campaigned on and what we are going to see in our upcoming budget, I said, and I stay committed to and so does every Member on this side, our government, that we will not balance the books of the province on the backs of the people of Newfoundland and Labrador.

SOME HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear!

PREMIER WAKEHAM: We are going to help them balance their budgets, and then we’ll focus on balancing the budget for the province of Newfoundland and Labrador.

SOME HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear!

SPEAKER: The hon. the Leader of the Official Opposition.

J. HOGAN: Speaker, a murder trial was halted today due to a lack of court staff, and the judge directly asked the Minister of Justice to take this matter at hand and ensure there are enough officers to handle this specific trial. The minister has been working on this for several months, and we worry that things might be getting worse and not better.

So is there a realistic timeline the minister can provide regarding solutions to this very important issue?

SPEAKER: The hon. the Minister of Justice and Public Safety.

SOME HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear!

H. CONWAY OTTENHEIMER: Thank you, Speaker.

As the Leader of the Opposition understands, I cannot comment on any specific case or trial that’s before the court, but I do want to assure the public that Justice and Public Safety departmental officials have been in contact with the Office of the High Sheriff, and we have been assured that there will be sufficient officers in Corner Brook for that trial.

Thank you.

SOME HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear!

SPEAKER: The hon. the Leader of the Official Opposition.

J. HOGAN: Thank you, Speaker.

I respect the answer on the specific trail, that is the right answer that I’m not asking for her to comment on a specific trail, but I will ask the minister if there’s an increased risk in this province that criminal trails will be dismissed due to adverse Jordan rules?

SPEAKER: The hon. the Minister of Justice and Public Safety.

SOME HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear!

H. CONWAY OTTENHEIMER: Thank you, Speaker.

I can say that I met with the working group, the Provincial Court Working Group, with respect to their findings and I met with them last week, on the systemic issues and the systemic pressures that the court system has been facing, specifically with respect to the Jordan timelines.

I can say that I’m very optimistic and very encouraged by the working group and the findings that they have made. I can say that there have been a number of initiatives that have been already started with respect to virtual bail court as well as other initiatives that will really –

SPEAKER: The hon. minister’s time has expired.

SOME HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear!

H. CONWAY OTTENHEIMER: Thank you.

SPEAKER: The hon. the Member for Harbour Grace - Port de Grave.

P. PARSONS: Thank you, Speaker.

A CBC report today outlines that inmates having to sleep in the gym in between drops of water and mice at the century-old penitentiary.

Can the minister confirm that he isn’t going to cancel the badly needed HMP replacement, the same way that he cancelled the badly needed new provincial hospital?

SPEAKER: The hon. the Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure.

SOME HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear!

B. PETTEN: Mr. Speaker, I’ll address the second part of that question first. I will never make apologies for cancelling the tower of power on Kenmount Crossing that was upwards to $14 billion to construct. It was the smartest decision we ever made as a government and I stand by that.

SOME HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear!

B. PETTEN: As for part two, we have to live with what this previous administration agreed to. It was a sole-source contract that’s costing us north of $700 million. It’s long out, it’s done, I’ve committed that it’s going to be built. Would we have done the same thing? No, but it’s going to be built. There will be a penitentiary in place so to her question, yes, we are proceeding.

SOME HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear!

SPEAKER: The hon. the Member for Gander.

B. FORD: Thank you, Speaker.

In their election platform the Conservatives promised to make more families and individuals eligible for the Physical Activity Tax Credit by letting them claim fitness gear like sneakers and bikes.

Will the minister responsible for Sport confirm that she is ensuring this tax credit will broaden in the budget?

SPEAKER: The hon. the Minister of Finance and President of Treasury Board.

SOME HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear!

C. PARDY: One thing I do commend the other side is that they’ve read our platform very well.

SOME HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear!

C. PARDY: I mean that sincerely; you read it well and you understand it well. I think you’re really going to enjoy the budget when it’s delivered, and you all have a great seat. I would think that that will come out very shortly, as to what would be in our budget – very shortly.

SOME HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear!

SPEAKER: The hon. the Member for Gander.

B. FORD: Thank you, Speaker.

This question is for the Minister of Sport: What criteria has the Minister of Sport suggested to make sure that the expanded Physical Activity Tax Credit applies to more people in the province?

SPEAKER: The hon. the Minister of Finance and President of Treasury Board.

SOME HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear!

C. PARDY: In being the minister of levers – I meant Finance –

SOME HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear!

C. PARDY: – the only thing I would say is anything that provides the relief to children occupying sport, and children in particular, we take very seriously. I think that will be reflected in our budget.

I can’t really, today, stand to tell what’s in the budget, but I do look forward to delivering it when the date is established, and I sincerely do. I think it’s a good budget to help out those that are active in Newfoundland and Labrador, and those that are vulnerable.

Thank you very much.

SOME HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear!

SPEAKER: The hon. the Member for Gander.

B. FORD: Thank you, Speaker.

I didn’t ask the Minister of Finance to reveal what was in the budget. I asked the Minister of Sport on what suggestions she made to you, as the minister, to help ensure that tax credit is expanded.

SOME HON. MEMBERS: Oh, oh!

SPEAKER: Order, please!

B. FORD: So my question is, Speaker: The Tourism Minister has advocated for more travel within our province as a way to boost tourism, does the minister agree that the increase cost of gas will affect people’s decision to travel?

SOME HON. MEMBERS: Oh, oh!

SPEAKER: The hon. the Minister of Finance and President of Treasury Board.

SOME HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear!

C. PARDY: The Member for Gander wasn’t here last year when the previous government were in place, but there were a lot of things that – confidentiality – couldn’t be disclosed.

Myself and the minister and the whole team have had numerous conversations about what is important for Newfoundlanders and Labradorians.

SOME HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear!

C. PARDY: If you’re asking have we spoken, 100 per cent that I can say we have.

Again, I know you’re not asking what’s in budget. The only thing I can say to you is that the budget will reflect all those conversations we’ve had in order to help the affordability of Newfoundlanders and Labradorians.

SOME HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear!

SPEAKER: The hon. the Member for Virginia Waters - Pleasantville.

B. DAVIS: Thank you.

The Blue Book promised to provide paid work terms for students training in hard-to-fill areas like health, social and educational services of the provincial government. This includes all students who are studying to be nurses, teachers, social workers and more.

Will this be in the budget? These students deserve the truth, Minister.

SPEAKER: The hon. the Minister of Finance and President of Treasury Board.

SOME HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear!

C. PARDY: I thank the Member for the question and, again, related to the budget and to the finance of the province, we’ve had lots of consultation on the topic that you mentioned. Lots of consultation. At the point of being redundant, I would say it’s something that you can look into the budget to see when it’s delivered as to what we’ve achieved.

I fully expect that when the budget is delivered in the House, you’re going to have lots of questions about – you may stand to your feet and say we really celebrate what you’ve got in the budget because you’re going to help the children, the four children that are sleeping with the mother in a rat-infested or rodent-infested house.

SPEAKER: Order, please!

The hon. Member’s time has expired.

SPEAKER: The Member for Virginia Waters - Pleasantville.

B. DAVIS: Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

I hope I have the ability to clap. I haven’t had the ability to clap in six months on anything you’ve done. So the Blue Book promised to provide the money, and money in the pockets of graduates who are willing to stay, work, live and raise a family here in this province with the tuition back.

Will this be in the budget, Mr. Minister?

SPEAKER: The hon. the Minister of Finance and President of Treasury Board.

SOME HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear!

C. PARDY: I must commend that’s very good questions; no doubt about that.

One thing that I stated in the House, and I do believe I did state in the House, was that we did some pre-budget consultations. This year the response back from the people of Newfoundland and Labrador was more than the last three years in total.

So the only thing is that we will see as to where the budget measures up to what the people of Newfoundland and Labrador want. We told you that the three pillars – and I’m sure you’re reading the platform, you know what they are – but the budget will address them.

SPEAKER: Order, please!

The hon. the minister’s time has expired.

SOME HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear!

SPEAKER: The hon. the Member for Cartwright - L’Anse au Clair.

L. DEMPSTER: Thank you, Speaker.

The Conservative Blue Book promised Labrador will receive a new MRI machine and the additional technicians needed to operate this machine.

Is the Minister of Health still committed to this? Has she decided where it’s going and will she deliver it in the upcoming budget?

SPEAKER: The hon. the Minister of Health and Community Services.

L. EVANS: Speaker, yes, that commitment is in the Blue Book. We are bringing in those MRI machines. In actual fact, when we deliver the MRI machine, not only is that going to help the patients access MRI services in health care but also, Speaker, I see it expanding and playing a greater role in terms of recruitment and retention for Labrador.

I spoke highly of the Premier’s commitment to make Labrador its own regional health council so that Labrador’s concerns can be addressed and that Labrador health care could be focused on Labradorians and that we would have access to timely and adequate health care in Labrador.

SPEAKER: The hon. minister’s time is expired.

SOME HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear!

SPEAKER: The hon. the Member for Cartwright - L'Anse au Clair.

L. DEMPSTER: Thank you, Speaker.

I’m happy to hear the minister say the MRI will be announced in the budget and hopefully it’ll be installed shortly thereafter.

Yesterday, in response to my question about medical travel, the Minister of Health said, and I quote directly, “in actual fact, we’re going to look at affordable travel, not just for patients, but for every passenger that wants to travel in Labrador.”

So is the minister going to make medical travel 100 per cent free for everyone, everywhere as they promised or is it just going to be affordable?

I’m just seeking clarity because 100 per cent coverage and affordable are not both the same.

Thank you.

SOME HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear!

SPEAKER: The hon. the Minister of Health and Community Services.

SOME HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear!

L. EVANS: Speaker, first I’d like to address the preamble about the MRI.

It’s going to be a PC government that delivers an MRI to Labrador.

SOME HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear!

L. EVANS: It’s going to be a PC government that delivers Labrador’s health council to Labrador and not having to share it with other parts of the province that’s not even attached to Labrador. We’re going to have Labrador-focused health care and in actual fact, it’s going to be the PC government that delivers timely and adequate health care to the people of Labrador.

SOME HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear!

SPEAKER: The hon. the Member for Waterford Valley.

J. KORAB: Thank you, Speaker.

Since the minister started six months ago, the walk-in clinic on Blackmarsh closed on March 18. On November 3, 2025, a family physician left her clinic at Pearlgate Medical Centre in Mount Pearl. On March 20, a nurse practitioner left Exploits Family Care Team.

What is the plan for the patients and should Newfoundlanders and Labradorians be concerned?

SPEAKER: The hon. the Minister of Health and Community Services.

SOME HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear!

L. EVANS: Speaker, I thank the Member opposite for the question because his question draws attention to the state of health care that we inherited from 10 years of Liberal government. In actual fact, we are working with physicians. We are working with health care providers and also, we’re working with Newfoundland and Labrador Health Services to make sure that these patients are addressed and that we’re going to be looking at ways we can provide services for these patients. We’re not going to turn a blind eye. Also, we’re going to make sure that we can deliver timely and access health care in the Province of Newfoundland and Labrador.

SOME HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear!

SPEAKER: The hon. the Member for Corner Brook.

J. PARSONS: Mr. Speaker, the Family Care Team in Corner Brook was expected to open in February. The residents are left in limbo waiting for some answers.

Can the Minister of Health confirm when it will open to provide the primary care they promised?

SPEAKER: The hon. the Minister of Health and Community Services.

SOME HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear!

L. EVANS: Speaker, in actual fact, I again have to thank the Opposition for their timely question because it draws attention to the things that I’ve been raising. We’ve had so many Family Care Teams quickly announced but not rolled out, Speaker. One of the things that I’m doing is making sure the Family Care Teams that have been established are properly staffed, through good recruitment and retention.

I’m actually dealing, as Minister of Health, I’m working with the CEO of Newfoundland and Labrador Health Services to address the problems with recruitment and retention. It is actually quite upsetting for me because I had the expectations that this would be really a good system, Speaker, and we are going to make improvements to recruitment and retention –

SPEAKER: The hon. minister’s time has expired.

SOME HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear!

SPEAKER: The hon. the Member for Corner Brook.

J. PARSONS: Mr. Speaker, this was announced with this government as well and we want to hear why, I guess, I’ve heard this from staff at NLHS, that this was coming. There are currently staff in NLHS with a signature on their email and no facility open, as rumored at the old hospital.

Again, when is it going to open?

SPEAKER: The hon. the Minister of Health and Community Services.

SOME HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear!

L. EVANS: Yes, Speaker, I think, it’s three years. One of the things that I keep talking about is we really need to have focused recruitment and retention. But also, Speaker, I want to address some fear mongering that has been going on in terms of Family Care Teams. I want to assure people in the Province of Newfoundland and Labrador that has a Family Care Team in their region, that what we will be doing is we will be going back and clean up the Liberal mess that was created and we are –

SOME HON. MEMBERS: Oh, oh!

SPEAKER: Order, please!

L. EVANS: – going to support the Family Care Teams, unlike the Liberals who rolled out things just for the good announcements and not addressing the Family Care Teams (inaudible.)

SOME HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear!

SPEAKER: The minister’s time has expired.

The hon. the Member for Burin - Grand Bank.

P. PIKE: Speaker, the Blue Book committed to expand school meals for K-to-12 students. Our students can’t learn when they’re hungry, yet nearly 40 per cent of children in our province live in food insecure households.

Will this expansion be in the budget? Will it be continued?

SPEAKER: The hon. the Minister of Education and Early Childhood Development.

SOME HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear!

P. DINN: Thank you.

Thank you for the question. It’s a very serious one. As we know, children going to school hungry are not set up to learn, and it’s something we’re going to continue. There’s the food lunch program that’s there, where it’s been rolled out to a number of schools. We’re going to continue to roll it out to additional schools this year. The expectation is to ensure that all children who can avail of it are able to go to school not hungry. One thing they can cross off their list, and they can concentrate on their education and learning. So we are going to continue to roll out that program.

SOME HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear!

SPEAKER: The hon. the Member for Placentia - St. Mary’s, a quick question.

S. GAMBIN-WALSH: Minister, if there’s no roadwork planned for the District of Placentia - St. Mary’s, what is your plan to deal with brush cutting and ditching.

SPEAKER: The minister for a quick response, if you can.

B. PETTEN: My plan with brush cutting and clearing is no different than roadwork. We’ll do it as needed, and where people express the need. That’s being studied. I’m not involved at that level, but everywhere that needs brush cutting done, we’ll do our best to get it done. It’s very important, the safety of our roads, including moose fencing, which we are going to increase that budget. We’ve announced in our Blue Book that we’re all about safe communities, and brush cutting is a big part of our safer communities initiative.

SOME HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear!

SPEAKER: The hon. the Leader of the Third Party.

J. DINN: Thank you, Speaker.

During the election, the Premier promised to expand skilled trades courses in high schools across the province to help fix the skilled trades shortage. The NLTA says there’s a growing shortage of teachers, particularly specialty teachers and especially in rural areas.

So I ask the Premier: Where is he getting the teachers to expand the skilled trades courses to fix the skilled trades shortage?

SPEAKER: The hon. the Minister of Education and Early Childhood Development.

SOME HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear!

P. DINN: Thank you, Speaker.

We know that skilled trades are extremely important in this province. Moreso in terms of advancing apprentices, and we know the projects that are coming up on our horizon are going to require skilled trades.

We are working with the NLTA to work through what we can do in the classrooms to encourage children to advance and take up skilled trades. In fact, it’s just next week we’re meeting again with the NLTA. We will continue to work with the NLTA to address any concerns within the schools and the classrooms.

SOME HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear!

SPEAKER: The hon. the Leader of the Third Party.

J. DINN: Thank you, Speaker.

This is a serious recruitment and retention problem, not a skilled trades problem. The number of substitute teachers has declined greatly, and the number of retired teachers working as substitute teachers has grown from 61 in 2015 to over 630 in 2026.

So I ask the Minister of Education: What steps are his department taking to reverse this trend and attract more, new people into the teaching profession?

SOME HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear!

SPEAKER: The hon. the Minister of Education and Early Childhood Development.

SOME HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear!

P. DINN: Thanks for the question.

It’s interesting how the number of retired teachers has increased from 61 to almost 600; not on our time, on the previous government’s time. So you’re right. You are so right that we have to work now to try and reverse that trend.

We are working with the NLTA, and we’re going to work with them on the retention and recruitment team that we have together. We’re going to work to try and reverse that trend because it should never have happened in the first place. If anyone had a plan in place, we would never be where we are today.

SOME HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear!

P. DINN: We need our teachers and we need them in the classroom, Speaker.

SOME HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear!

SPEAKER: The hon. the Member for St. John’s East - Quidi Vidi.

S. O’LEARY: Speaker, overcrowding at the penitentiary, as we’ve heard, has reached a crisis point, with inmates forced to sleep on cots in a gym just to avoid raindrops and mice. These are unacceptable conditions. They are a violation of basic human rights and no one should be subjected to this, including those who are incarcerated.

So I ask the minister: What is the immediate plan to address this – a plan the Liberals did not enact?

It is clear we cannot wait for the new facility while people continue to live in these conditions today.

SPEAKER: The hon. the Minister of Justice and Public Safety.

SOME HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear!

H. CONWAY OTTENHEIMER: Speaker, I can say that the safety and well-being of inmates and correctional staff in the province’s facility at HMP is a priority for the Department of Justice and Public Safety, and for this government.

I can advise you that I also have had discussions with the president of NAPE and the correctional officers’ shop steward, who indicated and talked about the issues with respect to overcrowding and some of the potential solutions that we can put in place to address this issue at HMP.

Thank you.

SOME HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear!

SPEAKER: The hon. the Member for St. John’s East - Quidi Vidi.

S. O’LEARY: Speaker, we know that the real public safety comes from rehabilitation, not just incarceration. Restorative justice and addressing the social determinants of health are key to helping people successfully reintegrate into society.

I ask the minister: How much funding can we expect to see in the upcoming budget for restorative justice initiatives and programs that address mental health, addictions, housing and other supports for inmates to ensure successful reintegration?

SPEAKER: The hon. the Minister of Justice and Public Safety.

SOME HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear!

H. CONWAY OTTENHEIMER: Thank you, Speaker.

I can say that the rehabilitation of offenders in our prison system is a priority for us as well. Ensuring programming in our new prison and in the prison that we have, that it will address some of the problems that we have with recidivism and prolific offenders that are out in our community.

So we are committed to ensuring that there is proper rehabilitation, proper programming in our correctional facilities, not only at HMP but throughout the province.

Thank you.

SOME HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear!

SPEAKER: The time for Question Period has expired. 

Please be advised that this is a PARTIALLY EDITED portion of the House of Assembly sitting for Thursday, April 2, 2026, to the end of Question Period. The edited Hansard will be posted when it becomes available.