May 27, 2026                      HOUSE OF ASSEMBLY PROCEEDINGS                     Vol. LI No. 32

Please be advised that this is a PARTIALLY EDITED transcript of the House of Assembly sitting for Wednesday, May 27, 2026, to approximately 3:30 p.m. 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 10 a.m.

 

SPEAKER (Lane): Order, please!

 

Admit strangers.

 

I would like to rule on a point of order raised by the Member for Mount Scio under Standing Order 49 on May 21, 2026.

 

The Member stated that during Question Period, the Minister of Energy and Mines referred to the Opposition House Leader as misleading the public. She further asserted that this House has found on numerous occasions that misleading is not parliamentary when it applies to a person.

 

I have reviewed Hansard and have confirmed that the minister said the following: “I’ll go back again and say the Member for Windsor Lake sat on the LeBlanc inquiry. He knows how this works. There were three different models discussed there. He’s misleading, when he stands and says what he just said. The reality of it is that Gull Island, CF1 and CF2 are three entirely different things, and the water management was. These guys tried to put it all in one brown paper bag and give it away again.”

 

Standing Order 49 prohibits unparliamentary language. It’s clearly stated in House of Commons Procedures and Practices, Fourth Edition, paragraph 1,335: “Personal attacks, insults, obscenities or allegations that a Member has lied or deliberately mislead the House are not in order.” The word misleading is not categorically unparliamentary. It is not necessarily a violation of Standing Order 49 to say that a statement made by another Member is not factual, as a Member can inadvertently make an incorrect or even misleading statement.

 

However, I once again remind Members that it is unparliamentary to imply a dishonest intent by suggesting that a Member has deliberately stated something that is false or misleading. Viewed in context and keeping in mind the tone, manner and intention of the Member speaking, I find that the statement in question made is unparliamentary and I would ask the minister to withdraw his remarks.

 

The hon. the Government House Leader.

 

L. PARROTT: Withdrawn, Speaker.

 

SPEAKER: Thank you.

 

The hon. the Government House Leader.

 

L. PARROTT: Thank you, Speaker.

 

I move, seconded by the Deputy House Leader that notwithstanding Standing Order 63, this House shall not proceed with private Member’s day on Wednesday, May 27, 2026, but shall instead meet at 2 p.m., on that day for routine proceedings and the conduct of government business.

 

SPEAKER: The hon. the Government House Leader.

 

L. PARROTT: Thank you, Speaker.

 

I move, seconded by the Deputy –

 

SPEAKER: Sorry.

 

All those in favour of the motion, first of all.

 

SOME HON. MEMBERS: Aye.

 

SPEAKER: All those against, ‘nay.’

 

Motion is carried.

 

The hon. the Government House Leader.

 

L. PARROTT: Thank you, Speaker.

 

I move that notwithstanding Standing Order 9, seconded by the Deputy Government House Leader, that this House not adjourn at 5 p.m. on Wednesday, May 27, but shall continue to sit for the conduct of government business and if not earlier adjourned the Speaker shall adjourn the House at midnight.

 

SPEAKER: 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 is carried.

 

The hon. the Government House Leader.

 

L. PARROTT: Thank you, Speaker.

 

Order 6, Bill 13.

 

SPEAKER: The hon. the Government House Leader.

 

L. PARROTT: Speaker, I move, seconded by the Minister of Forestry, Agriculture and Lands, that Bill 13, An Act to Amend the Forestry Act, now be read a second time.

 

Motion, second reading of a bill, “An Act to Amend the Forestry Act.” (Bill 13)

 

SPEAKER: The hon. the Minister of Forestry, Agriculture and Lands.

 

SOME HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear!

 

 

P. FORSEY: Thank you, Speaker.

 

It’s a pleasure to be up here this morning, to bring in the bill to amend Forestry Act. It’s a bill that needs to be done.

 

Speaker, this provincial government is committed to helping ensure Newfoundlanders and Labradorians live safe in their communities. Since taking office, we have made great progress delivering on that goal. Budget 2026, includes more than $7 million for equipment, supplies, staffing, to provide volunteer firefighters with training and equipment to respond to floods, forest fires, medical calls and other emergencies. This includes more than $400,000 for five new emergency services’ positions to strengthen public safety.

 

We are committing $730,000 to hire 25 additional firefighters 2026-27, with another additional 25 in ’27-’28.

 

SOME HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear!

 

P. FORSEY: We are providing an increase of $1.76 million in helicopter support to ensure continued timely wildfire response, wildfire management and resource enforcement efforts. With this support in place and forest fire season now in effect throughout the province, our teams of trained and dedicated wildland firefighters are gearing up to protect our people, homes and entire communities when they are needed in this season.

 

For the first time in years, Speaker, we have had support of the full fleet of water bombers to help them through that.

 

SOME HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear!

 

P. FORSEY: As we continue to provide those resources necessary to fight wildfires our department is also focusing on wildfire prevention. Based on the recent response to our call for applications to the Community Wildfire Prevention and Mitigation Program, communities are taking huge interest in doing all they can to prevent wildfires. More than 130 communities recently applied for the funding to develop wildfire resiliency plans and projects. Following a thorough and unbiased review of applications, we provided funding to 58 communities throughout Newfoundland and Labrador to help in that firefighter protection.

 

A second round of funding is coming soon to assist even more communities in our province and I would suggest that when we announce that, that communities take advantage of that program to help enhance their communities and that also includes fire breaks so that communities can get involved in that.

 

Our provincial fire smart staff are working with communities to raise awareness of simple steps residents can take to reduce risk of wildfires. All of these initiatives reaffirm our focus on building safer communities. Today, we are digging deeper into legislative tools we use to protect people and our communities and forest resources from the threat of wildfire.

 

Following the historic wildfire season of 2025, we completed a full legislative regulatory review of the forest fire related provisions of the Forestry Act and regulations. The Forestry Act has seen very little change in 35 years. We all know that modern legislation to protect people, communities and forest resources from wildfires is long overdue, that’s why those changes are coming.

 

The legislative amendments we are proposing today are designed to modernize, clarify and strengthen the tools the department can use to regulate burning during forest fire season. They also expand the authority of forestry officials during emergencies to support fire control or suppression efforts and address public safety concerns.

 

You’ll find most of this is about our public safety concerns.

 

The proposed amendments to the Forestry Act include moving penalties now included under the Forestry Act to the Forest Fire Offence and Penalties Regulations. This will ensure the minister has flexibility to amend penalties, if required, during emergencies without requiring the House of Assembly to open. We won’t have to bring it back to the House. It also keeps all forest fire-related penalties in one place.

 

Expanding fire-related offences to include a person who recklessly or negligently starts a fire, in addition to the current offence related to a person who deliberately starts a fire. This restructured legislation is intended to help defer unlawful and unsafe activity.

 

Allowing the minister to include all areas of the province in a fire ban proclamation where necessary for the protection of the forest land by modernizing and clarifying language in the act related to offences including adding a definition of flammable vegetation, highway, industrial operations and roadway to ensure there is no room for misinterpretation.

 

Expanding areas of the province that the minister may declare as restricted travel areas to also include municipal parks, provincial parks and private campgrounds. To avoid confusion and ensure safety and consistency in restricting travel in an area due to forest fire conditions, parks and campgrounds will be included if restriction on travel are required.

 

Expanding the areas of the province for which a permit to burn is required to light a fire during forest fire season. This will include all forest land, all land with 300 metres of the forest land and all land that contains flammable vegetation.

 

Clarifying and expanding the authority of forestry official – for example, we propose giving forestry officials the authority to order individuals to leave an area if required to support firefighter control and suppression efforts. This includes creating an offence where a person does not comply with that order.

 

Creating offences that cover a variety of situations such as igniting a fire, causing a fire to be ignited or failing to extinguish a fire after the permit to burn has been cancelled or suspended. These may seem like small actions but absolute clarity is required when communicating those rules. We want to ensure there is no room for misinterpretation.

 

When our proposed amendments to the Forestry Act pass, we will release other changes associated with the regulations including forest fire offence and penalty regulations, mill regulation and forest fire regulations. Regulatory changes will further strengthen our ability to modernize, clarify and strengthen provisions related to the forest fires, including penalties for fire-related offences.

 

As I mentioned our teams of wildland firefighters supported by local volunteer fire departments and resources are ready for action if necessary.

 

We know from experience that they do everything possible to protect our people, homes and entire community and those firefighters and volunteer firefighters do a great job, professional job in protecting our communities, we need to help them with the provisions that they need including regulations and help them along the way to do their jobs and I would like to thank all the officials, all the people in the volunteer fire departments, our own crews, pilots, officials and workers and crews, again, for their continued efforts and especially the years they’ve already punched in and would like to wish them all success again this year and thank them, especially, for their service.

 

We know from experience they will do everything possible to protect our homes and entire communities. But preventing wildfires from starting is the most important thing we can do, to ensure all our communities are safe in Newfoundland and Labrador. Residents, volunteers, government officials, forest and commercial operators all have a role to play. The amendments we are proposing reflect a whole of society approach in preventing and mitigating wildfires.

 

We consulted with Indigenous groups and organizations and other stakeholders including sawmill operators and forestry companies, for feedback on the proposed amendments. We will continue to work closely with all the stakeholders through the implementation of these amendments. We believe these proposed changes address not only their concerns but the interests of Newfoundlanders and Labradorians, as we work together to prevent wildfires.

 

That’s the intent of this bill, Speaker, and as I mentioned the intent mostly is to protect our communities, protect our people, protect our individuals so that everyone is safe throughout forest fire season. We all have seen what can happen. We’ve seen the devastation that was caused last year in CBN. We saw what happened in 2022, in Central Newfoundland especially up around the Martin Lake fires. We saw what happened in Labrador, of course, the Churchill Falls area, what happened there, and how those monsters now are coming into our communities and destroying them.

 

We need to be able to have everything in place that we can to protect our communities and our workers while those scenes are happening because forest fire behaviour has changed. It’s more rapid and more intense. Anyone can tell you forest fires itself has changed, especially with structure fires as well. That can happen. So a forest fire comes into communities, attacks the structures that are there. They’re more flammable today, they got more chemicals. The materials that they are using, they burn faster, burn quicker and rapidly.

 

So we need to be very protective of our communities, very protective of our forest. Forestry is a big industry in Newfoundland and Labrador, always has been, and a big part of our heritage, a big part of our culture. So we need to protect our forest as well as our people to have that forestry industry going for years to come.

 

So with this act changing from legislation into the regulation gives the opportunity to adhere to those regulations and to protect the people of our province. We need to do that, and we need to ensure that we take all precautions. Safety is utmost, and I think those regulations and the proposed amendments will do just that.

 

So with that, Speaker, I’ll take my seat and I’ll let someone else have a chance to speak on this act.

 

SOME HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear!

 

SPEAKER: The hon. the Member for Fortune Bay - Cape La Hune.

 

SOME HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear!

 

E. LOVELESS: Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

 

Again, certainly a privilege to stand here today and talk about another important topic of interest to us as a province, and not to us as a province, I guess, as a country, and as the world, is facing in terms of climate change and what climate change is doing to our weather patterns and the challenges that’s bringing with it, Mr. Speaker.

 

What the minister is bringing here is certainly a good plan, I believe, to start with. It’s important that we do not react, but we do respond. That requires involvement of officials which are quite engaged because I certainly can appreciate the work that do go on in terms of those officials putting in a lot of work. Those officials, I had them when I was minister, I’d like to thank them this morning for all that the do, because it’s about protecting our communities and protecting this province. It’s becoming more challenging, and with that challenge comes a cost.

 

The minister talked about forestry and how important it is. Forestry, and I guess the forestry industry, has changed in terms of the paper industry and the need for it but, in this province, we know that the Corner Brook Pulp and Paper is certainly an integral part of the forest industry, the newsprint industry. We know they employ 400-plus workers across its mill, power plants and its forest operations. Just for stats alone: In 2025, newsprint production totalled approximately 158,000, almost 159,000, tons. That was down from 2024. There is a trend there, and we know that’s a concern in terms of the mill operations, but just stating this factual information to give light to the importance of the newsprint industry in this province.

 

Also, not just Corner Brook Pulp and Paper, they work in conjunction I guess, in agreement – most times – with Newfoundland and Labrador’s lumber industry, and they include three large, integrated saw mills: Sexton Lumber Company Ltd.; Burton’s Cove Logging and Lumber Ltd.; and Cottle’s Island Lumber Company Limited. Together, they represent nearly 95 per cent of the province’s lumber production.

 

So I just wanted to put that on record in terms of the role that they plan in this province and how important it is from an employment perspective, but also, I guess, for these operators, Mr. Speaker. I certainly visited all of them during my tenure as minister to see their operations and to see the challenges that they faced. The changes that are coming forward in this piece of legislation protects them, because they have wood materials, saw pellets, sawdust that can create fires and they know that they have to have their individual plans in terms of protecting their businesses, but it’s also the concern for the government and the minister and working in conjunction with them to ensure that they have their fire mitigation plans as well.

 

The minister started out by saying we have made great progress. I agree, but as I said last night in some of my remarks that that progress didn’t happen in seven or eight months. I think, it’s important to recognize that because this is too important, there’s a lot of work that has been done over the years by officials and us, when we were in government, to listen to those officials, not only listen to those officials but visiting the saw mills, talking to the firefighters, talking to the volunteer firefighters in our rural communities and asking them what do they need in order to do a better job.

 

The minister talked about 25 additional wildfire fighters; that’s indeed a good thing. It’s not just about hiring additional workers but it’s also equipping them with the resources that they need and the minister talked about, we have a full fleet of water bombers. We do and that’s a good thing. As I said before in terms of fires, you can 100 water bombers and depending on the state of the fire then they necessary can’t be put into the line of fire, so to speak, because of the state of the fire and we need more aircraft assets other than water bombers to assist those pilots that are flying into, as I said before, in the line of fire which can be very dangerous as well, but anybody whose been in those aircraft, talking to the pilots and how they are specialized in what they do in terms of retrieving water from a lake or wherever or a body of water and then taking that water to the fire areas and extinguishing, it’s super amazing as far as I’m concerned and those pilots are to be commended. I don’t think they’re talked about enough.

 

We talk about the water bombers a lot but the water bombers wouldn’t get off the ground if it wasn’t for those pilots and the people who assist and the people that maintain the aircraft. It’s certainly a piece of it for sure.

 

The minister also talked about wildfire prevention plans, also a good move and he talked about second round of funding, that’s very important, but, I think, no matter who is governing, I think, the time has come when we recognize that we have to do more, we have to invest more in terms of helping to avoid, I guess, not avoid but help with situations as last year’s fires. We saw again last year, which seems to be getting worse every year, in terms of the extent of the burning, we saw it in various parts of the province and very concerning. I remember last year when I was in my office on the fifth floor looking out and seeing the fire that close to industrial gas stations and everything. It was a frightening moment to realize how close we are and if the wind changed direction, it could have been disastrous.

 

The enormity of what we’re seeing in terms of fires is becoming a new reality and we have to be ready for sure and as I said, we, responding to it and not reacting – we are living in different times and we have to be ready and I think this is a good move towards, certainly, being ready.

 

The other thing, as well, in terms of fighting fires is we do have a friendly agreement with other provinces to assist if we need their craft and we assist them if they need our aircraft which is a good plan. I know it’s a costly venture, as well, but we can’t put a price on lives and saving communities. That’s a good plan and that will continue, I know. It’s all towards helping us face the enormity of forest fires in the province.

 

In terms of the, I know the minister referenced some changes in the Forestry Act. We will have some questions in Committee for sure to seek clarification on things that are happening or what the minister is trying to do here and the officials are trying to do as well. Also thanking the officials for taking time to brief us a couple of days ago and allowing us to ask some questions but we have more questions that we’ll certainly ask to the minister.

 

The changes allow the minister to suspend a licence or suspend all or a part of a mill operations being carried out under licence in prescribed circumstances. There are two descriptions there that I would seek answers and clarification because I reference a mill that, at one point when I was minister, the mill, due to an electrical problem, was shut down – the whole operation. It should never have happened because the electrical part didn’t interfere with the other parts of the operation. I’ll seek clarification when we get to the stage on that.

 

There are a lot of references in Bill 13 about creating an offence. I also will seek clarification on that from the minister and expanding the areas of the province. There are a lot of references to expanding the areas of the province and what that is in relation to forest traffic and forest fires, all in an attempt to help with the fire mitigation plans from a provincial perspective. It also references no longer exclude provincial parks, municipal parks and private campgrounds from the application provisions of the act, relating to forest travel. I believe that’s important. That’s certainly from, I guess, provincial responsibility and the assets we have in our provincial parks. That’s’ certainly an important piece of it as well.

 

There are other things, as I said, Mr. Speaker, that I’ll seek clarification during Committee stage. I also reference is in a lot of the descriptions here, “allow a forest official to order a person to leave an area for the purposes of controlling or extinguishing a fire and create an offence where the person does not comply with the order” I have some concern about that. Allowing a forest official to order a person, I guess, the concern is around adding responsibility of duties for the forest officials, are we overwhelming them with their responsibility? Are they properly trained? Is there additional training required? Making sure that they’re equipped from a training perspective response time. I think that’s important just adding on extra duties to the forest official. I’m sure the department and the minister is looking at that and ensuring that they are equipped to do their job once they’re out in the field.

 

Also, there’s a lot of reference as well, I think, I referred to it before, like “allow a forestry official”, that’s referenced three or four times, “clarify that a person who cuts or removes trees from forest land or engages in an activity that is likely to cause a fire during a period other than the forest fire season is required to obtain an operating permit where required by the regulations.” I know in a rural district a lot of people sometimes say to me, why can’t we just cut wood along the roads? We could do your brush cutting for you with those blowdowns, let us clean it up. But people don’t realize the dangers of it especially during conditions that are critical, warm and we know now the climate change that’s happening, the weather patterns that we’re having. This year we had a lot of snow, but we didn’t’ have a lot of frost. In the ground there’s not a lot of water base in the ground that people think that’s it’s innocent, oh I’ll just have a brush fire, cut some of the brush that’s around my property or grass or whatever, innocently, but certainly proposes a danger.

 

Because I certainly had it happen last year in Harbour Breton, that innocently someone started to burn some grass and it was pretty close to being disastrous. Not to blame that person for what they did, but certainly for them to recognize that you have to be more cautious and self-aware of what’s around you in terms of burning, whatever material.

 

I think the minister referenced last year’s fires and challenges. It was very challenging. As an MHA representing a rural area where your only vein in and out, really, is we have a ferry system, but that doesn’t carry vehicles. The only vein in and out is the Bay d’Espoir highway, Route 360. When that closes down, the rage of the fire is a lot to contend with, but then you have more challenges with people getting to their cancer treatments, getting out for work. It can become a rage in itself, not just the fire alone.

 

Then there’s the piece of people understanding what officials do, what firefighters do. Last year it was a social media mess in terms of people using their own opinions to say, you know, forestry officials, I’m not sure they know what their talking about. It doesn’t seem like there’s a fire there to that extent there, but it is. Like, trust the source.

 

I used to always tell everybody: Don’t share anything on social media that is not sound from a reliable source. Share what I put there because it comes from officials, those that are on the ground, because social media last year became a fire in itself, and there’s no need of it. Absolutely no need whatsoever.

 

That leads me into the educational piece. So we can bring in fines, we can bring in warnings from whomever, but the unfortunate part about it is some are going to do what they want to do no matter what. So I think it’s the dangers of, the educational component of it, to alert people of what their actions will result in because last year, in terms of the Martin Lake fire, as the minister referenced, Mr. Speaker, I have a family – and I’ll certainly speak to the minister about it – that lived, not in a cabin, it was their home. They lost everything.

 

She was pregnant at the time and very stressed for her own concern and the baby’s concern and it was a very difficult time. I reached out to them yesterday to see if they had any result to their file. I don’t think so. I’m not even sure the minister is aware of it but I’ll certainly have a side conversation with him to bring about their concerns because they had proof that they were living in that and going to their employment close to Central Newfoundland. They lost everything they had there because it was a place of residence for them. That was unfair to them but we understand.

 

There were a lot of people – when fires happen, they want to get to their cabins. They want to get to make sure that their cabin is not being destroyed. There was a tremendous effort, last year, from fire breaks to firefighters doing their best. We all had daily updates. We don’t realize what goes into the efforts of trying to keep that blaze away from destroying properties and it can become very, very devastating for all of us because it connects all of us. We have friends that have cabins. I think about that family I just referred to. They’ve been devastated and unfortunately had to make some other arrangements in terms of living arrangements but it’s been difficult on them but thank God that the mom and the baby are good and all is well there.

 

The educational piece and also the consultation piece as well – I think that falls under the heading of educational piece and the minister mentioned Indigenous groups. I know we, each time the forest management agreement with Miawpukek First Nations, back a few years ago, and we worked on it for years but we believe it was the right thing to do from having access to lumber that, not necessarily used but they could use it and also their intent was to provide wood source, heat source for seniors in their community. I guess, in terms of – and I asked it during the briefing, does this affect their forest management agreement and are there any adjustments that need to be made to their forest management agreement to help them because they have access to that resource and that could be, I guess dangerous as well.

 

But knowing how the council at MFN and their community group, I would say they are prepared. They have their own plans, but it’s nice to work in conjunction with the provincial government. We work with them because they live in the area, they hunt in the area and they cut wood in the area. For them, it’s the same concern of protecting all of us, in terms of living down in that area.

 

In terms of the sawmill operators, and the feedback from them, I believe, is a crucial piece as well to ensure that they have their input into how the plan should move forward. I know that’s been done in terms of communicating with them because communicating with them, they’re the frontline workers as such, in terms of what we should do, protect their properties, therefore, protecting all of us in the province that’s in and around those operations.

 

So I’m going to take my seat. I’ll have questions, certainly, during Committee stage, seeking clarification on some issues. But definitely a good move forward in terms of preparing the people of the province, preparing communities and we can’t highlight education enough, of what we all need to do to be better planning and have our fire mitigation plans in place.

 

There’s a lot more work to do, for sure, but this is a good step forward. There will be many steps that I’m sure will come forward. We all know that there’s a financial component to it and there’s investment in this year’s budget, there has been investments in previous budgets, and that’s all a good thing because it’s an investment.

 

It’s not a cost; it’s an investment into the future of communities, the future of this province and I guess from a fire prevention perspective too, in terms of the plans for Central Newfoundland, Gander, the facility that’s proposed there as well. I encourage the government to move ahead with that because I believe the training component could be a lead for us as a province in terms of Atlantic Canada. I think that would better prepare us in terms of investment into the organizations and the entities that are involved in fire mitigation and helping to keep our province safe.

 

We all know there is a big challenge ahead of us, but we need to be prepared. I believe this is a good move in the right direction to be prepared. I look forward to others discussing this and I’ll have some questions for the minister in Committee stage.

 

Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

 

SOME HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear!

 

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

 

SOME HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear!

 

H. CORMIER: Thank you, Speaker.

 

I rise to speak in support of the proposed amendments to the Forestry Act, Bill 13. These amendments are truly necessary and focused on very important goals – protecting the people, protecting communities, protecting our forest resources of Newfoundland and Labrador from the growing threat of wildfires. Our province has always had a deep connection to the land. Forests are part of who we are. They support jobs, tourism, recreation, wildlife – and I was unsuccessful in the moose draw this year – and traditional lifestyles and the natural beauty that defines Newfoundland and Labrador.

 

In recent years we have all seen the increasing danger posed by wildfires not only here at home but across Canada. Wildfires are becoming larger, more unpredictable and more destructive. Communities are being evacuated. Families are losing homes. Firefighters are being pushed to their limits and governments everywhere are recognizing the modern challenges require modern legislations.

 

This is exactly why these amendments are so important. The Forestry Act has changed very little in more than 35 years. Think about it. The Forestry Act has changed very little in 35 years. Over those 3½ decades technology has changed, emergency management has changed, forestry practices have changed and the risks associated with climate and wildfire activity have changed dramatically yet much of the legislation governing wildfire prevention and response remain outdated.

 

These amendments represent a long-overdue modernization of the act. They will clarify the rules, strengthen enforcement and improve public safety and give forestry officials the tools they need to respond quickly and effectively during emergencies. Perhaps, most importantly, these amendments place a stronger emphasis on prevention because wildfire resources are essential. The best wildfire is the one that never starts.

 

Speaker, our government has already demonstrated a strong commitment to wildfire preparedness and emergency response. We have increased funding for emergency services and volunteer fire departments. We have returned the fifth water bomber to service. We have hired additional wildfire fighters and we continue to invest in prevention mitigation and community readiness.

 

I know the fifth water bomber has been a bit contentious on either side of this House but at the end of the day does it really matter, as long as that bird is flying this summer to protect the families?

 

Those investments matter, but legislation matters too. Good legislation creates accountability. Good legislation provides clarity and good legislation gives officials the authority to act quickly while public safety is at risk. That is what these amendments aim to accomplish.

 

Speaker, one of the most important changes involve strengthening the province’s ability to regulate burning during forest fire season. As Members know, forest fire season currently in effect from May 1 to September 30, on the Island and May 15 to September 30 in Labrador, the Big Land. During this time, permits are required for many forms of outdoor burning. These rules exist for a reason. A single careless act can quickly become a devastating wildfire and we’ve seen that.

 

Unfortunately many wildfires are caused by human activity. Sometimes, it’s accidental, sometimes it’s negligence. Sometimes it’s simply a failure to understand the risks, but regardless of the cause, a consequences can be enormous. Homes can be lost, businesses can be threatened, forests can be destroyed and lives can be placed in danger. That is why the proposed revisions strengthen the province’s authority surrounding fire bans, enforcement and emergency response measures.

 

The amendments will always create responsibilities for forestry operators and industrial users operating in the forest areas. These sectors play a critical role in our economy and many already operate responsibly and safely, but when conditions become dangerous, everyone must do their part to reduce risk.

 

Speaker, I can speak from a lived experience, last summer, an employee of Corner Brook Pulp and Paper, we shut down because of the wildfires. We had to, the forests were too dry for the equipment to operate in the woods and we ran out of wood, so we took downtime, took an opportunity inside the mill to do some maintenance, but it effected the livelihood of some people inside that mill, especially our junior employees who didn’t have the vacation allotment like this old dog had. I could take the time off and not worry about it, but some of those younger kids couldn’t with young families. So it does effect.

 

These changes can help ensure stronger requirements, better compliance and clearer expectations. Speaker, another key amendment introduces a significant new provision related to reckless starting of wildfire. Think about that, reckless, why would someone want to do that? I think, most people in this province would agree, if careless and reckless behaviour causes a wildfire that threatens communities and put lives at risk, there must be consequences.

 

The updated language around offences and penalties will strengthen accountability and make enforcement more effective. At the same time, moving penalties in the regulations allows government to respond more quickly when updates are needed rather than waiting for lengthy legislation and changes. That is practical, that is efficient and that is a responsible government.

 

Speaker, I also want to highlight the extensive consultation that took place throughout this review process. The department consulted with sawmill operators, forestry companies, industrial sectors and stakeholders across the province. That matters because effective legislation is built through collaboration, and the first time I spoke in this House, I talked about collaboration. It’s so important, regardless of the side, that we all work together to make this province better for Newfoundlanders and Labradorians.

 

As these amendments move forward, that collaboration will continue. Speaker, prevention must remain the centre of this conversation. Every year, forestry officials remind the public about the importance of safe burning practices, checking hazard ratings, properly extinguishing campfires and reducing fire risks around homes and properties. Simple actions can make a tremendous difference.

 

Cleaning brush around the homes, keeping wood piles away from buildings, ensuring ATVs and chainsaws have spark arresters and avoid open burning during high-risk periods; these are practical measures that protect families and communities. While legislation alone cannot prevent every wildfire, it can create stronger rules, clear authority and better public awareness.

 

Speaker, when we think about wildfires, we often think first about the firefighters, and rightfully so. Wildfire firefighters, volunteer fire departments, emergency personnel, pilots, forestry officials and first responders perform extraordinary work under extremely difficult conditions. They work long hours, they face dangerous situations and they do so to protect complete strangers.

 

Now, Speaker, in my District of St. George’s - Humber, every fire department we have are volunteers: Pasadena Fire Rescue, Steady Brook, Little Rapids, Massey Drive, Gallants, Stephenville Crossing, St. George’s, Flat Bay, Bay St. George out in Codroy Valley. All volunteers who give up the time tirelessly to train and protect people.

 

SOME HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear!

 

H. CORMIER: These amendments support those frontline workers by ensuring we have stronger legislation behind them. I want to take a moment to acknowledge the volunteer fire departments across Newfoundland and Labrador. Every department, whether paid or volunteer, thank you for what you do.

 

SOME HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear!

 

H. CORMIER: Again, the community volunteers are the first people to answer the call. They leave their families, they leave their jobs and their homes to protect others. Whether in the Humber Valley, Bay St. George or the Northern Peninsula of Labrador, or anywhere else in this province, these individuals deserve our gratitude and our support.

 

Speaker, we’ve all watched the devastation wildfires have caused in other provinces and territories; entire communities evacuated, homes reduced to ash and families displaced for months, and we saw that here in our own province last year in Carbonear - Trinity - Bay de Verde. Those events remind us that preparation matters, modern legislation matters, clear authority matters and strong prevention measures matter. No government can eliminate wildfire risk entirely, but governments do have a responsibility to prepare, modernize and respond.

 

These amendments are part of fulfilling that responsibility. This legislation is about protecting people. It’s about protecting communities. It’s about protecting the forests that are such an important part of Newfoundland and Labrador. It’s about ensuring that our laws reflect today’s realities, not realities of 35 years ago.

 

In my maiden speech, I spoke of my connection with the mill in Corner Brook. I’m a third-generation employee at the mill. If we didn’t protect our forest, if there wasn’t a forest out there, I probably wouldn’t be here today. When the Cormiers landed in Codroy Valley back in the early-1600s, 1700s, some were farmers, some were fishermen but, my crowd, well, we were loggers. The minister from Deer Lake drove across the Island with me, and in my car I have a CD player – yes, my car is that old. I have a CD player.

 

AN HON. MEMBER: (Inaudible.)

 

H. CORMIER: There is only one CD in that car, and that’s interview that my brother, Keith, had done Christmas Day 1975 with my Grandfather Cormier.

 

He talked about his life history and the life story. The minister remembers it well. He talks about logging in Rattling Brook, and we were coming through the Exploits area and we were driving through the area through the area at the same time that the CD was talking about logging in that area. It was quite remarkable to bring us back to that time when they were just using bucksaws and not chainsaws.

 

These proposed amendments modernize the Forestry Act. They strengthen wildfire prevention, they improve enforcement, provide greater clarity and they help ensure Newfoundland and Labrador is better prepared for the future.

 

In closing, I encourage all Members in this House to support these amendments and support the continued work being done to keep Newfoundlanders and Labradorians safe.

 

Thank you, Speaker.

 

SOME HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear!

 

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

 

J. DINN: Thank you, Speaker.

 

I’ll start with picking up what the hon. Members said. I remember there was a Land & Sea show on the loggers and I’ll tell you, that it was one hard lifethat they led and no one can take that away from them but I remember the gentleman they interviewed, he had his life written on his face, it was clear as that.

 

We will support the changes that are being put forth here. If nothing else, as the minister said, it’s precautionary. It’s about being committed to ensuring the people live safely in their communities, especially communities that are –

 

SOME HON. MEMBERS: Oh, oh!

 

SPEAKER: Order, please!

 

J. DINN: – tied closely to the land around them, that the government is committed to doing everything to protect communities.

 

Many of these measures here are seen as prevention and mitigation. It’s about making sure that we don’t have to respond but that we can indeed prevent the need to respond.

 

The other aspect of this, that there were wide consultations and we may have a few questions on that as well later on, but for the most part it seems to be an expansion of the powers of government to be able to respond to fires, the ability to fine, the ability to suspend licences and to give forestry officials the power they need to carry out their jobs and to prevent what have had happen to us last year.

 

There’s been an acknowledgement from several people now that forest fire behaviour has changed and yes, it has changed. As the minister said, they ignite and burn more rapidly and I would say that if you notice anything over the last few years, the winds have gotten a lot more intense, the gusts and so on and so forth, summertime, wintertime, it doesn’t make any difference now.

 

The fact is fires are, not just here in Newfoundland and Labrador but across the country and across the world.

 

Thirty-five years have indeed changed. I think, last year we saw for the first time, some of the lowest water levels in major bodies of water, Grand Lake, Humber River, you name it. Obviously, we’re not only getting wind but we’re getting dryer summers as well, much dryer and hotter.

 

I think, in Montreal this week, they’re already into the 30 degree, 38 degree temperatures, so that tells you and this is May, I know we don’t usually get a spring until much later maybe but the fact is it’s getting dryer and hotter.

 

So we’re now forced to change our behaviour and we have to in response to that and I think as several Members talked about in 35 years, conditions have changed. The act needs to keep up with it.

 

Certainly, I would say that was brought home this summer past. We had smoke from Conception Bay North and Paddy’s Pond. We had the smoke from the wildfires in Western Canada but this smoke that came over the city, came over other parts of the province represented severe destruction of communities, devastation. It impacted people’s lives. It took away their homes, devastated their communities, placed people at risk, uprooted people and so on and so forth.

 

The Member for the district well knows how that impacted. I know, my wife and I went out to Carbonear to the school to help and Carbonear is where my family is from and we still have the land there, heavily wooded land too, I might add. One thing struck me, Speaker. One day that we were going out we drove by just as the fire around Paddy’s Pond was starting. The fire trucks were coming out of there. I guess they realized at this point, there is nothing they could do. At that point it was just smoke coming up on the other side of the pond. By the time we came back in it was a raging inferno. That’s how quickly it took off.

 

I know years ago, in New Brunswick, when they had a fire ban, major dry summers and I remember driving behind a vehicle and they threw a cigarette butt out the window. Ordinarily you wouldn’t say that wouldn’t be a problem but, in a tinder-dry situation something like that can ignite a major fire.

 

We know we saw last year’s restrictions on the use of chainsaws, ATVs and so on and so forth in multiple provinces in reaction to this. It’s forced us to change.

 

Certainly, we’ve brought up the issue of climate change and I heard that mentioned here a few times. The question usually is asked, do you believe in climate change? I think the better question to be asking is, do you know what it means? Do we know what it means? Well, we got a taste of what it means because last year, in the cost to people’s livelihoods to their homes, to the destruction of communities, of our natural resources and so on and so forth. While it’s good that we’re looking for ways to respond to it and make sure that we can mitigate this and reduce the cost and the impact on people’s lives and make sure communities are safe, I think, at some point, we’ve really got to look at, not just here in Newfoundland and Labrador but finding ways to collaborate with other provinces to address the issue of climate change and try to at least mitigate that as well. That’s what’s underlying a lot of this.

 

I will say that the Member for Fortune Bay - Cape La Hune talked about the need for education and I can’t agree more. I do remember when I come back from the West Coast and I’m over that way fishing or whatever, there are a couple of signs, at least one that I remember on the way in that is a big sign that has the relative speeds of a forest fire, a caribou and a person. There should be more along those lines because one thing, it draws your attention to just how fast a forest fire moves. There’s no way you can outrun it, not as a person.

 

But I think that kind of messaging along the highway, even as people go, is a constant reminder because the more education, the less need for regulation as well. Maybe people’s attitudes haven’t changed because when you think of Newfoundland and Labrador, what we see outside today is more or less what we’ve come to expect. I do remember, like, May 24 was a time when you might very well wake up with snow around your tent, or in June we’ve had snow. I do remember that.

 

I will say this, the one last thing I’ll end on because, you know, I think the education piece is important. As a salmon angler, I walk into a few rivers, such as the Salmonier River, and you see the amount of garbage that’s left on the way out. It’s not directly related but, Speaker, I think in many ways, sometimes having reminders to people, not only in how we treat our natural environment, that taking those steps to treat it with respect is important. Not just in terms of garbage in the woods, but also on how we go about making sure that we don’t burn it down and ourselves and other people with it.

 

I will end with this, because we’ve got the fifth water bomber back and forth and I know that’s something that my former colleague from Labrador West pushed heavily, and having that stationed in Labrador West as well. I will agree with the Member from – I got names down, but not necessarily where – from St. George’s - Humber, it doesn’t matter where it came from, as long as we’ve got that out there.

 

A few weeks ago, I met with a firefighter pilot. He actually does firefighting in Australia – he’s a Newfoundlander – Greece and so on and so forth, but he was telling me about the Air Tractor AT-802 Fire Boss aircraft equipped with float planes. I know he has written the government on this as well, and the government departments on this, but he talks about that this is the plane that he flies exclusively and that is used in these jurisdictions to fight forest fires. Compared to a new Canadair 415, which will cost $40 million to $50 million, and a new Super Scooper 515, he estimates would be about $60 million, a Fire Boss is roughly about $4 million to $5 million. Float plane equipped, it’s a lot cheaper and probably would allow for greater coverage as well.

 

New Brunswick recently brought four of these planes into their fleet. So while we have a fifth water bomber, maybe there’s an opportunity here to draw on the experience of this veteran pilot, whose had 15 years in this area, to look at how we expand our fleet with more reliable crafts, and just as effective, that would give ourselves greater coverage. If we’ve got to change and update this act, that’s 35 years since it was last updated, then it’s not only important to update the act and update the regulations, but also maybe to update the equipment that we use to make sure that we have the best coverage possible.

 

From the reading I’ve done on this since I met with pilot – and we had a good chat about this. He flies these planes. You can imagine then, if you had five or six of these planes flying in tandem, you could cover a lot more area in many ways and probably a lot more efficiently.

 

I think as we go forward, to the government, I believe this bill is certainly a genuine attempt here to address a very serious problem and make sure that we do not have a repeat of what we had last summer. I applaud the minister for that. This is a serious issue and we’ve got, what I could call, immediate action on it, but I think we might as well start planning for the future in that, when we’re looking replacing equipment, we consider what else is out there. In our budget, in a province with their own financial issues, maybe there’s a way of getting a better, bigger bang for the buck and also being able to respond more quickly and more efficiently to the fires that occur.

 

I do recommend that you at least investigate the Air Tractor, the AT802, the Fire Boss aircraft float plane it’s being used in other jurisdictions, New Brunswick has them. Right now they’ve ordered four new ones and maybe it’s a path that we can go down too if not to replace the current fleet but to supplement them as well.

 

Thank you, Speaker.

 

SOME HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear!

 

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

 

P. PARSONS: Thank you, Speaker.

 

I’m stand today, also to speak Bill 13, An Act to Amend the Forestry Act. While this bill is presented is largely administrative and technical the reality is that it also has a response to very real anxiety that we all experienced last year across the entire province, during the devastating wild fire season of 2025.

 

As was said in here, climate change is real and we are seeing the change in patterns and wildfires are not something that happen in other places anymore. People were devastated; people are still devastated. People are still displaced. People still need to receive compensation, which to my understanding they haven’t as of yet. Certainly it’s a real discussion and again it’s important to be ready.

 

Also something that I’d like to see go further is relationships with other jurisdictions as we’ve seen last year. We know aircrafts, for example, and teams from not just outside of Canada but the United States were here to help us and things would have been far worse if we did not have that support and I’ll just take my memory back to what happened in Spaniards Bay in a cemetery, how a fire was ignited by an ornament on a gravesite. That’s how the fire started.

 

Again this graveyard lays at the top of the community and things could have gone really badly, but thankfully because of that aerial support that was literally just down the road, further down in Conception Bay North, attending to those blazes down there on the North Shore, they were able to get there quickly but we could have had another devastated community and town dealing with what people on the North Shore are dealing with.

 

Again, those aerial supports were necessary. They made all the difference, so it’s very important to develop those relationships with other jurisdictions and to ensure that they are there at the ready, when we need them.

 

Another big challenge that we saw is that there were simultaneous blazes happening everywhere, across our province and Labrador as well and across the country. We know that was happening, so much so that the our neighbours to the south, the Americans, were actually complaining about the smoke blowing up from Canada. They were actually complaining about that as if it was something that Canadians were intentionally doing or even wanted to contend with themselves.

 

But there are aspects, certainly, of the bill that we support and modernizing the outdated language makes sense, clarifying authority during wildfire emergencies makes sense and improving coordination around burn permits, forest access, restrictions and emergency response tools certainly makes sense. Ensuring Forestry officials have clear authority during the high-risk fire situations is reasonable.

 

But, also, the key question is will these amendments actually improve wildfire preparedness and emergency response on the ground, or are we simply expanding the powers on paper without ensuring that the people, equipment, communication systems and frontline capacity exist to support them?

 

One of the biggest themes throughout this bill is the expanded authority. The minister can prohibit burning through proclamations. The Forestry officials can suspend permits. Officials can order people out of areas. Officials can requisition private equipment during a fire. Officials can seize evidence related to fire investigations.

 

On that note too, about the private equipment, with that said, too, hats off to the people who are willing to step up and offer their equipment. We saw that last year. People were ready to help and willing to help by using their own personal equipment.

 

Officials can seize evidence related to fire investigations, and Forestry officials are now explicitly granted peace officer powers under the Criminal Code for enforcement purposes. These are significant powers, and with these significant powers comes the need for transparency, however, accountability and the proper training, as we know.

 

So what training will Forestry officials receive before exercising expanded evacuation authority or peace officer powers? These are, again, questions, I guess, for Committee. How will enforcement decisions be reviewed? How will government ensure consistency across regions, particularly in rural Newfoundland and Labrador, and Labrador itself, because as we know, uneven enforcement during an emergency situation creates confusion and confusion during emergencies can put lives at risk.

 

I actually received that first-hand feedback about some volunteer firefighters who were on the scene and they were attending, particularly in CBN. Then when officials came out, provincial officials, there was a bit of confusion there about what orders were being given. Again, we can’t also forget the value of local knowledge of the lands in the communities that our volunteers are serving and they have been for years and decades.

 

Another major concern is communication. The bill removes several requirements to publish notices in newspapers and instead allows the department to publish orders through department channels, including online platforms and social media. This certainly can be viewed as a way to modernize but many rural residents and this is the reality – cabin owners, harvesters and seniors – do not live online or often don’t even have reliable access to internet certainly, let alone 24-hours-a-day.

 

Some areas still struggle, as we know, with reliable internet and cell service. We do know that was also a promise on the campaign trail of the now Premier to invest much more to improve cellular service throughout the entire province so again we’d like to say that that wasn’t in the budget.

 

Some areas still struggle with reliable internet and cellular service and that’s a fact. So government needs to answer the very basic question on how will people actually know when a fire proclamation is issued? How will they know when a burn permit is cancelled? How will they know when the travel restrictions are in place? If someone unknowingly violates an order they never received, that becomes both an issue of fairness and public safety. The bill also broadens the scope of land subject to fire prevention rules. It now applies, not only to forest land itself but also to land within 300 metres of forest land and land containing flammable vegetation.

 

Again, the intent that may be understandable but how will ordinary residents determine whether their property falls within those rules? I mean, I guess, it’s something to be considered to even develop some sort of special relationship with regards to media – radio, television, mainstream media.

 

So what exactly qualifies as flammable vegetation? Will government provide clear public guidance or will residents and small operators be left trying to interpret vague rules during wildfire season while facing penalties that government has not yet even fully outlined?

 

The bill removes specific monetary penalties from the legislation itself and instead leaves them to regulation. Officials have said that it is because of government-needed flexibility during last year’s wildfire season when fines had to be introduced quickly. I applaud that. I remember that. We were all sitting by the TV and the radio and even keeping an eye online about the actions that were taken and literally the day-to-day or the hour-to-hour events that happened during the wildfire season.

 

I remember we, as a government, had to increase fines, and rightfully so, because we rely on common sense and the common courtesy of respect. Let me tell you and as my colleague mentioned, even so much as flicking a cigarette butt out the car window – we see it every day. I still see it. I’m sure everybody in here sees it throughout their communities. That’s something that can very well start a fire, especially, in the dry conditions that we saw last year and, again, but people need to use common sense.

 

Check the provincial sites. Check the municipality sites. I think, as well, it would be beneficial to develop consistency, communication and planning with municipalities and give them the authority to impose their own bylaws, which they do have, to increase fines. That may be something that they want to explore, because it’s everybody’s responsibility to do their part.

 

Education, we can’t emphasize that enough. Maybe it’s something that we can also start seeing in our schools, education about safety of burning and campfires and all of that stuff. Like I said, it’s everybody’s responsibility and it’s never to early to start learning about fire safety, because it’s a reality that we do certainly contend with here now in our province, along with the rest of the country.

 

Flexibility cannot come at the expense of transparency. The public deserves to know what penalties are being considered, how severe will they be and how will government distinguish between accidental mistakes and reckless behaviour, because enforcement must be proportionate.

 

One section that deserves careful scrutiny is the authority to require private equipment and assistance during wildfire response efforts. In emergency situations, co-operation, as we know, is essential, but if government can compel the use of private equipment, then government also has an obligation to clearly outline compensation, liability protections and timelines for payment. If someone’s equipment is damaged in helping during a wildfire response, what happens then? Those details will matter.

 

Finally, the bill repeatedly assumes the existence of sufficient capacity within a system. Do we have enough Forestry officials? That’s a really good question. That’s something that we need to know. Do we have enough wildfire suppression personnel, enough equipment, enough communication infrastructure, enough coordination capacity within municipalities, volunteer fire departments, Indigenous governments and emergency management agencies? Again, it goes back to having that consistent dialogue and to having those plans in place; because, expanding legal authority without expanding operational capacity risks creating legislation that looks strong on paper while front-line responders continue carrying impossible workloads.

 

We all want stronger wildfire prevention. We all want safer communities. Everybody does. We all recognize that climate-driven fire risk is becoming more serious and more unpredictable. The government cannot legislate preparedness into existence. Preparedness requires investment. Preparedness requires staffing. It requires communication systems that people can trust and, perhaps, requires government to support the front-line responders and emergency personnel expected to carry out these expanded responsibilities. That is the standard that this legislation should ultimately be measured against.

 

So it certainly is good, it’s a step in the right direction and again I can’t emphasize enough that it’s everybody’s responsibility, we work with municipalities, we work with law enforcement even and again expanding fines and holding to account responsibilities is essential and perhaps who knows, maybe some of these fires could have been prevented. But going forward the best legislation that we can and to support the people on the ground, is the best thing that we can do as a provincial government and also let’s bring in our federal government, counterparts and our colleagues in on this conversation because again, we’re all stakeholders here in our province, in our country.

 

That said, I look forward to Committee and again I thank the minister for bringing it in. I know he’s passionate about the topic and again we’re all here to work to create the best legislation moving forward.

 

Thank you, Speaker.

 

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

 

S. O’LEARY: Thank you, Speaker.

 

It is my privilege to speak on behalf of the residents and the constituents of St. John’s East - Quidi Vidi. Of course, I’m very pleased to see the minister and his department bring forward this bill for amendment. We know that we live in a time where we need to make these kind of adjustments.

 

Expanding the authority and emboldening the preventative and mitigation of fires in all our communities is crucial. I’m very happy to see the attention going to this.

 

Obviously, I too have had even though I’m a St. John’s resident and representing people in the downtown core, I have had lots of people who have lost their homes in CBN fire and we’ve experienced this tragedy in many other areas as well.

 

I’m going to speak from a urban vantage point. Obviously, we’re talking about forestry but when we talk about parks and other capacities it all intersects in terms of the amendments that are being put forward. We’ve got a long history in the City of St. John’s of unbelievable fires. We’ve got the Great Fire of 1846, the Great Fire of 1892, to the Knights of Columbus in 1942, I mean so many people lost their lives, so many people homeless as a result of fires and only in recent years, in 1992, of course, we saw the CLB fire in the city centre. Fires are a huge concern for everybody and even though we could talk about forestry and forestry industries we know that there are patches of woods and fires that certainly are in urban areas as well.

 

I lived just below the CLB and watching the flankers coming down of the burning building. Of course, the Big R went up as well, and we had to evacuate from our home in anticipation of that. So, you know, there are many people who understand the fear of fires and how it can impact their lives. But I just wanted to give a little bit of a perspective from an urban vantage point.

 

I’m certainly very happy to see that as part of the amendment process, the department held numerous consultations and conversations with industry and communities, and certainly, as my colleagues mentioned, we’ll probably get into a little bit more about that otherwise.

 

The areas in particular that are of interest to me, the department spoke with Hospitality Newfoundland and Labrador, Pippy Park, Tourism, Culture and Arts, especially with the elements that are applied to provincial parks and campgrounds. So I’m very happy to see that engagement and certainly we’ll talk a little bit more about that in Committee.

 

I did want to just reference as well, that I had the incredible opportunity and privilege to work side by side with a lot of the St. John’s Regional firefighters in my former municipal role, as did my colleague here as well, MHA Korab. We see the hard work that happens with firefighters, whether or not it’s urban or rural, and they need to be commended, they need to be supported. These are incredible workers in our community and so a big shout-out to those folks as well.

 

I want to just kind of focus in now on urban parks, and one of the major concerns of mine, and I will certainly table this letter for the minister because it hasn’t been brought to his attention. It’s certainly starting to make the rounds here now. But one of the big concerns that I have brought forward is about Pippy Park.

 

In my former role as a board member for the Pippy Park Commission, in 2013, the Newfoundland and Labrador health authority basically imparted a no smoking ban on all the property, and so be it. We’re working towards healthier environments and such. But unfortunately, one of the side effects that happened about that, and that was the CEO, Vicki Kaminski, I believe, at the time, brought that ruling down.

 

What ended up happening was, these people who were smoking had no where to go. There were no little kiosks, no outdoor stations, nothing, so people basically, you know, ended up needing to go and have their smoke and, of course, they ended up on Long Pond trail.

 

I certainly spoke with the Minister of Tourism, Culture and Arts and Recreation as it does fall underneath her purview as well with the parks and campgrounds. This has been an issue that I have been trying to address both in my role as a former board member and as a city representative, and now as an MHA who is a critic of this particular area.

 

It’s not just about healthy living and people walking on trails and going through smoke. We are now in a time where we know that there are huge risks involved to cigarette butts being disposed of in an inappropriate fashion.

 

Since 2013, there has been a lot of smokers who have been frequenting the Long Pond trail. I have numerous correspondence and have been vocal about this issue for a very long time; however, it is now becoming an issue of safety. It’s no longer just about people who were trying to get out and enjoy themselves in health and wellness on the trails in an urban park, that is supported, certainly, under the Tourism, Culture and Arts and Recreation portfolio. Of course my colleague, the MHA for Mount Scio, certainly has been apprised as the MHA for the area as well, but I wrote a letter again trying to tackle this issue on January 21 to the members of the board to try to problem solve, to try to find a solution here, because it’s not just about healthy living any longer.

 

This is about fire potential and safety risks in an urban park. If one of those cigarette butts – and there are many of them. Anybody who chooses to go on Long Pond trail, which is a beautiful urban trail, a walk around Long Pond, just across the street from us folks here in the House of Assembly, just one cigarette butt, we know, can cause a huge forest fire. That’s Pippy Park right there. This is an ongoing concern since 2013, and there needs to be some sort of resolution.

 

I do have a letter that I would like to table to the minister so he’s aware as well, because Forestry obviously, there are lots of intersections here and I will provide that for the minister as well. I think, we need to start thinking outside of the box, fires happen everywhere. Forestry is everywhere in our beautiful province and especially in the parklands. These are some of the major issues that are of concern to me.

 

The issue was about trying to tackle preventative methodology. Let’s get out there and start educating people about not throwing their cigarette butts out the window, things like that. There are a number of initiatives that we can do and I’m really pleased to see, of course, many of the considerations that are brought forward in the amendment, that are going to tighten those things up.

 

We know that we need to tighten up the regulations to address the unlawful and wilful fire starters that are out there, because there are. But there is also most times, when we see fires set and perforated  in a number of areas, it’s because of negligence and that is education.


I think, there’s an educational component to this as well, but I think that we need to start shifting our focus into a more serious framework where we know that these kind of things are huge threats to our lives and in the City of St. John’s I think this is something extremely important for us to look at. It’s on our doorstep here for the hon. Members of the House of Assembly and I think it’s something that we can easily problem solve, there’s been many solutions brought forward, but I certainly will be bringing it to the minister’s attention.

 

Again, I like to just thank the minister and his department for bringing this forward. I think, that we’re going in a really great direction, this is modernizing. We know we live in a different day and age when it comes to fires, fire risks and safety. So we need to do everything that we can do, from every corner of this Province of Newfoundland and Labrador to try to tackle it.

 

Thank you, Speaker, that’s it for me.

 

SOME HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear!

 

SPEAKER: Seeing no further speakers, if the minister speaks now he will close the debate.

 

The hon. the Minister of Forestry, Agriculture and Lands.

 

P. FORSEY: Thank you, Speaker.

 

I appreciate the comments of the Members. I think, it’s all agreed there that this bill is a good initiative to put in place. I think, we have agreement from all the Members so I appreciate the conversation, topics, stories and the initiatives and how they feel and some of the things that they’ve seen throughout the forest fire season and that sort of stuff.

 

I think it’s good to hear that. I did make a couple of notes as they were going along. Fortune Bay - Cape La Hune mentioned climate change, certainly, and the weather changes now and so did the Member for St. John's Centre, of course, mentioned the – and we’ve seen it over the years, yes – drier climates, drier weather changes and how that affects, especially, the swiftness of the fires and how they can relate and how they are more active in the drier conditions. Sure, it does take those steps.

 

That’s what we need to be putting on those steps of protection and more of the amendments to the act. We can update. As we said before, as I said earlier, forest fires changed, tools and equipment have changed so our regulations and legislation have to change as things change.

 

That’s good points that they brought up there. It’s good to see that he agrees with those measures. He talked about the industry and the stakeholders, of course, and how important the forest industry is throughout our province. So did the Member for St. George's - Humber mention his relationship with the forest sector. Its’s good to see that and we did have consultations with those stakeholders to put those measures in place. It’s good to see that we did have those conversations and I know that the Member certainly knows of the act and how this changes things. Like he said, he has appreciation for it.

 

He does have some questions, I guess, in the Committees and that’s good. I mean, I say, I know there will be committees but he mentioned education and awareness and I did hear that – I think, probably, from all of the Members, basically, education and awareness – I’d just like to point out that through the tools that we have – education and awareness part will be through other means. There are all kinds of media – radios, Facebook posts now and that sort of stuff. The awareness, I mean, say when the fire index is high and that sort of thing, sure, we’d be making posts and announcements on that stuff as we move along.

 

As far as the education piece – we put and I mentioned previously – we put $2.26 million into our wildfire and prevention mitigation program, into the communities. That was for education and awareness and what they can do to prevent fires and help prevent with fire breaks and whatnot.

 

We just put $2.26 million. We’ve been training firefighters. There’s a fire school training going on right now, actually, down at the Burin Peninsula as the Member for there mentioned yesterday that there was training going on. I did attend that over the weekend. It was great to see all the volunteer fire department volunteers coming in from different areas, taking part in that. The more training and tools that we can provide those people with, the more they’ll do their jobs more adequately and professionally. That’s the kind of stuff we have been doing, and we’ll continue to work with those people.

 

Of course, the education piece that was done through the Wildfire Prevention and Mitigation Program. Again, we have another round coming, and I would encourage all the communities who didn’t get one to put their applications in again with the criteria that’s needed, and we’ll be certainly looking at more applications. That’s part of the education process and programs that we’ve done.

 

The Member for St. George’s - Humber, of course, mentioned that the act hasn’t changed in 35 years. He just mentioned, you know, the way changes have been, and since 35 years ago there has been no changes made to the legislation and the regulations, it’s time that we did take that initiative. I know everybody agrees with it. It’s good to see that we’re taking that initiative, and he agrees with it as well.

 

He agrees that the rules and regulations need to be put in there to protect the communities and the industry, of course, that he talk about. He mentioned checking the fire indexes all the time and practical measures. Practical measures come, I guess, with the Wildfire Prevention program that we put it. All of that can go into prevention and awareness.

 

FireSmart has been going into schools for years and teaching some of the fire smart. We all know Smokey, of course, the bear. He goes into all those places. They’ve been teaching wildfire prevention for years throughout our schools.

 

It’s good to see that, but the more we can do, the more education, the more awareness – and I do believe that everybody is starting to see that now. You’ll see it on Facebook posts. I see it every day now. As soon as there’s a spark, as soon as there’s a fire, as soon as there’s something happening, you’ll see people sharing Facebook posts of what to do and how to do it. It shows their concern. It really does. It shows their concern and they are, of course, aware of what can happen. They don’t want it to happen. I know that. You can see that. So the awareness comes as a holistic part, and I think that’s being done through all of our parts, even the general public.

 

Volunteers he mentioned, of course, the firefighters during the wildfires last year, all the volunteers that were out there. Not only the firefighters, but there were other groups of volunteers as well. I can remember the Lions Club stepping up, that’s one in particular that I know I only say that because I’m a member of the Lions Club, so that comes to mind but there were a number of volunteer groups and organizations that gave up their time during the forest fires last year and previous years and I’d also like to thank them for their efforts as well.

 

SOME HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear!

 

P. FORSEY: The Member for St. John’s Centre agrees, certainly he does agree with the changes. He said, the awareness and education, he agreed that we should be doing more with that. So I just indicated of the awareness and how we’re going to, the education that we provide. I think, that’s pretty explanatory.

 

He mentioned the smoke from the firefighters. Even the smoke from those firefighters with the chemicals and the different materials that they’re using today, sure it causes bigger health issues, it really does. It increases our demands on our hospitals and our health, the smoke, of course, we can see what can happen there.

 

St. Johns’ East - Quidi Vidi, agrees with the bill, I can see those changes coming. She made some good points with regard to the community stuff that can be done, so appreciate those points.

 

Overall, I think, everybody is in agreement with the bill so I’ll just sit down now because we’ll let this go to Committee and I’m sure there’ll be some questions.

 

Thank you, Speaker.

 

SOME HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear!

 

SPEAKER: Before I call the question, I did note that when the Member for St. John’s East- Quidi Vidi was speaking she referenced something that she wanted to table. I would ask her at this time, if she could just let me know what that is and we’ll see if we can get leave of the House.

 

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

 

S. O’LEARY: Thank you, Speaker.

 

This is a letter that documents the issue that I was bringing forward and would love to bring to the attention of the minister.

 

SPEAKER: Okay.

 

Does the Member have leave to table the document?

 

AN HON. MEMBER: Leave.

 

SPEAKER: Leave has been granted.

 

I will now call the question.

 

All those in favour of the motion?

 

SOME HON. MEMBERS: Aye.

 

SPEAKER: All those against, ‘nay.’

 

The motion has been carried.

 

CLERK (Hawley George): A bill, An Act to Amend the Forestry Act. (Bill 13)

 

SPEAKER: This bill has now been read a second time.

 

When shall the bill be referred to a Committee of the Whole?

 

L. PARROTT: Now.

 

SPEAKER: Now.

 

On motion, a bill, “An Act to Amend the Forestry Act,” read a second time, ordered referred to a Committee of the Whole House presently, by leave. (Bill 13)

 

SPEAKER: The hon. the Government House Leader.

 

L. PARROTT: Speaker, I move, seconded by the Minister of Forestry, Agriculture and Lands, that the House do resolve itself into a Committee of the Whole to consider Bill 13.

 

SPEAKER: It has been moved and seconded that I do now leave this Chair and that the House resolve itself into a Committee of the Whole to consider Bill 13.

 

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, the Speaker left the Chair.

 

Committee of the Whole

 

SPEAKER (Dwyer): Order, please!

 

We are now considering Bill 13, An Act to Amend the Forestry Act.

 

A bill, “An Act to Amend the Forestry Act.” (Bill 13)

 

CLERK: Clause 1.

 

CHAIR: Shall clause 1 carry?

 

The Chair recognizes the Member for Fortune Bay - Cape La Hune.

 

E. LOVELESS: Thank you, Chair.

 

As I alluded to in my remarks in terms of consultation, which is a very important part of the process, I ask the minister: What consultation did your department take with Indigenous groups, municipalities, forest operators, cabin owners, outfitters, tourism operators and other regular users of forest land?

 

CHAIR: The Chair recognizes the Minister of Forestry, Agriculture and Lands.

 

P. FORSEY: Again, those consultations did happen with the stakeholders, Indigenous groups. As I mentioned in my earlier comments there, those groups were engaged with commentary, especially the stakeholders in the forestry industry. They were in favour of it, municipalities were in favour of it. So all those groups and individuals were consulted with then and in agreement with the bill.

 

CHAIR: The Chair recognizes the Member for Fortune Bay - Cape La Hune.

 

E. LOVELESS: Thank you.

 

Just for clarification, Minister, in terms of those consultations, were they written submissions, were there meetings? What feedback did you get from those stakeholder groups to help you move forward with the changes that are before us today?

 

CHAIR: The Chair recognizes the Minister for Forestry, Agriculture and Lands.

 

P. FORSEY: Verbal consultations were with municipalities –

 

CHAIR: You just got to wait to be acknowledged there, Minister.

 

The Chair recognizes the Minister for Forestry, Agriculture and Lands.

 

P. FORSEY: There were consultations, especially, with industry stakeholders, verbal consultations were done with those people and there was EngageNL and I think the other means of, basically, written submissions and that sort of stuff for the program, for the bill.

 

CHAIR: The Chair recognizes the Member for Fortune Bay - Cape La Hune.

 

E. LOVELESS: Yes, and the reason for clarification there because I think sometimes EngageNL doesn’t do justice to getting the feedback that you require. I guess, in terms of future consultations, that can be certainly noted.

 

Minister, how will the department define and identify flammable vegetation in terms of a practical perspective?

 

CHAIR: The Chair recognizes the Minister of Forestry, Agriculture and Lands.

 

P. FORSEY: Flammable vegetation – that would be, not only on the treeline. That would include flammable vegetation within properties, that sort of stuff in the treeline area of dry brush, trees, vegetation that’s dry. Not only just trees but other means of drier vegetation.

 

CHAIR: The Chair recognizes the Member for Fortune Bay - Cape La Hune.

 

E. LOVELESS: Yes, I guess, in terms of even grass alone raked up and burnt because they want to get rid of it.

 

Minister, the comms piece in the consultation – I spoke about it in my remarks. I think it’s probably the best tool that we can use to help achieve what you’re trying to achieve. How the department communicates forest travel orders and fire proclamations, now that we know newspapers is a day of past, Suppose, in terms of communication, it still exists no doubt. So what other means are being replaced – instead of the newspaper, departmental publication?

 

CHAIR: The Chair recognizes the Minister of Forestry, Agriculture and Lands.

 

P. FORSEY: Again, I did mention that in my ending there sort of thing. There are various means of communication like our website is there, of course. That will be on our website. That’s the biggest – probably the biggest – one of the government’s websites. We can also communicate through the TV, radio and that sort of thing but that’s the sort of ways we’d be getting it our there. The website, of course, is always open there and it will be on the website.

 

CHAIR: The Chair recognizes the Member for Fortune Bay - Cape La Hune.

 

E. LOVELESS: Okay. That was kind of my next question in terms of other ways of alerting people.

 

We all know emergency alerts, we all use a cell phone, in rural parts of the province, where it’s more challenging, it becomes challenging in communicating that to them.

 

What safeguards are in place to ensure rural residents, cabin owners, harvesters and people without reliable Internet access receive timely notice of restrictions?

 

CHAIR: The Chair recognizes the Minister of Forestry, Agriculture and Lands.

 

P. FORSEY: Again, you can check the fire index. Our fire index is up on the sites. You can check fire index, look at our fire index and, again, that would come through those means like radio, TV and the website, of course, but those are some of the ways we’ll get those measures out there.

 

CHAIR: The Chair recognizes the Member for Fortune Bay - Cape La Hune.

 

E. LOVELESS: Thank you, Chair.

 

The bill, Minister, mentions restricting entry or travel on land where insecticides or herbicides have been used. How will the department coordinate those restrictions with public health and environmental protection officials?

 

CHAIR: The Chair recognizes the Minister of Forestry, Agriculture and Lands.

 

P. FORSEY: We’ll know where the herbicides and that are sprayed, and anything that needed to be communicated like that, it would be communicated from the department or in the areas through signage and that sort of stuff. We’ll have awareness out on that.

 

CHAIR: The Chair recognizes the Member for Fortune Bay - Cape La Hune.

 

E. LOVELESS: Minister, under the new section, section 98, burn permits may be cancelled, and holders must extinguish fires. What process would be used to notify these permit holders that a permit has been cancelled?

 

CHAIR: The Chair recognizes the Minister of Forestry, Agriculture and Lands.

 

P. FORSEY: Again, through the same medias, awareness and that sort of stuff. The communities will probably pick it up through their website. We’ll probably work with the towns and communities so they can pick it up through their websites and have it on. We’ll make that awareness out through the different media channels.

 

CHAIR: The Chair recognizes the Member for Fortune Bay - Cape La Hune.

 

E. LOVELESS: Minister, what circumstances do you intend to prescribe in regulation for suspending or reinstating operating permits?

 

CHAIR: The Chair recognizes the Minister of Forestry, Agriculture and Lands.

 

P. FORSEY: The operating permits are for the industries out there that are within the extreme conditions of a forest fire, so they’ll be reinstated when the index goes down and we’re out of the fire hazard.

 

CHAIR: The Chair recognizes the Member for Fortune Bay - Cape La Hune.

 

E. LOVELESS: I guess it’s measuring the risk and determining when it – yes, okay.

 

The bill moves monetary penalties into regulation, so from act into regulation, what range of penalties are you considering and how will you ensure that they are proportionate?

 

CHAIR: The Chair recognizes the Minister of Forestry, Agriculture and Lands.

 

P. FORSEY: All the penalties are in the regulations, of course, and the reason for that was so that the departments and us can have easier access to those regulations that need to be changed, if you can, rather than waiting to have them come into the House.

 

I think your government probably saw some of that in the last fire season, that you needed to be able to get at some of those regulations.

 

CHAIR: The Chair recognizes the Member for Fortune Bay - Cape La Hune.

 

E. LOVELESS: Yes.

 

I guess it’s a fine line in terms of these penalties. I think I spoke of it before, in terms of, we can put a fine figure on anyone’s behaviour, but it doesn’t necessarily change the behaviour as such. So how do we do that? More communication and educational pieces are certainly required in order to change people’s behaviours and encourage others to take a responsibility, because we all have a responsibility as individuals.

 

Minister, how will you distinguish between accidental non-compliance, reckless behaviour and deliberate conduct when enforcing the offenses as outlined in these changes?

 

CHAIR: The Chair recognizes the Minister of Forestry, Agriculture and Lands.

 

P. FORSEY: That will be done through the resource enforcement officer, whether it should be a ticket or a charge, depending on the seriousness, the way it was caused and that sort of stuff.

 

We do have, certainly, some offences there for deliberate, and we have some offences there for negligent. That would be determined through the officers themselves. Like I said, they have training on how to deal with if it’s a ticket or a charge. A ticket would be upfront, of course, and a charge would go through the courts.

 

CHAIR: The Chair recognizes the Member for Fortune Bay - Cape La Hune.

 

E. LOVELESS: Thank you, Minister and Chair.

 

Also, we’ve heard the words “allow a forestry official.” It’s definitely adding on, for good reasons, with the forestry officials, but do you think that this is adding, I guess, overload of responsibility and workload for those officials?

 

You mentioned that they are trained. If it’s new territory or new requirements of those officials within departments, will additional training be required? Is that a direction that you’re moving in?

 

CHAIR: The Chair recognizes the Minister of Forestry, Agriculture and Lands.

 

P. FORSEY: We do continuous training with the officers. They will be trained. They have done training. They continue to do the training. They’re the first there on the scenes and make a prediction of how it was caused and that sort of stuff. So they’ll have their training to be able to adhere to that.

 

CHAIR: The Chair recognizes the Member for Fortune Bay - Cape La Hune.

 

E. LOVELESS: Just one more quick question. I do have others, but I’ll allow a time for others to ask questions of the minister.

 

In terms of those added responsibilities for these workers, are they asking or do you get feedback from them: You add additional responsibilities on us, then we’re going to need to be compensated for it?

 

Is that something that is a concern from the field workers, you expect me to do more, then I need to be compensated for it more? Are you hearing that from officials on the ground?

 

CHAIR: The Chair recognizes the Minister of Forestry, Agriculture and Lands.

 

P. FORSEY: We have communications with our officers all the time (inaudible) about what’s rolled out there for them. They know their jobs. They do it professionally, of course, and they do a great job.

 

So we’re always talking to our officers on what they need and what they do. We always do that.

 

CHAIR: The Chair recognizes the Member for Fortune Bay - Cape La Hune.

 

E. LOVELESS: Yes, Chair.

 

I’ll end there for now, as others do have questions, but I will be coming back with a few more questions for the minister.

 

Thank you.

 

CHAIR: Okay.

 

The Chair recognizes the Member for St. John’s Centre and Leader of the Third Party.

 

J. DINN: Thank you, Chair.

 

Would it be possible to have a summary of the responses that you received from the engagement? The input people gave, would it be possible to have a summary of those responses?

 

CHAIR: The Chair recognizes the Minister of Forestry, Agriculture and Lands.

 

P. FORSEY: The best thing I can tell you is: All positive. That’s the best thing I can tell you.

 

J. DINN: (Inaudible.)

 

CHAIR: The Chair recognizes the Minister of Forestry, Agriculture and Lands.

 

P. FORSEY: The best answer I can give for you on that, Member, is they were all positive.

 

CHAIR: The Chair recognizes the Member for St. John’s Centre.

 

J. DINN: Was there any concern or reservation raised from the forest industry about the proposed changes in the bill, and if so, what was the nature of those concerns?

 

CHAIR: The Chair recognizes the Minister of Forestry, Agriculture and Lands.

 

P. FORSEY: I didn’t get that question.

 

CHAIR: The Chair recognizes the Member for St. John’s Centre.

 

J. DINN: My apologies.

 

I was just wondering if there were any reservations or concerns received from the forest industry about the proposed changes that are in the bill, and if so, what was the nature of their opposition or their concerns?

CHAIR: The Chair recognizes the Minister of Forestry, Agriculture and Lands.

 

P. FORSEY: No.

 

Again, all the consultations that were done through the construction people, forestry industry, they agreed with those amendments.

 

CHAIR: The Chair recognizes the Member for St. John’s Centre.

 

J. DINN: I just want to go back to communication and notifying people.

 

I know that this bill is 35 years waiting to be updated. We recognize that a lot of things have changed, certainly, in the environment and so on and so forth. Communication has also changed significantly, even from the point of view of websites and that.

 

So I understood from the minister, Chair, that the primary method is the website. I guess I’d be interested in, specifically, the measure. I’m assuming through social media as well. In relation to radio and television channels and the providers, whether that’s Bell, Rogers or whatever else, considering the fact that people in a lot of cabins and they do have satellites and so on and so forth that they can access, I’m just wondering are there any other contracts or do you engage with the various providers to put messages out; and what did you do in the last fire season, certainly with Conception Bay North, and communicating with people? I’m just trying to get, specifically, what other measures other than the website would be used?

 

CHAIR: The Chair recognizes the Minister of Forestry, Agriculture and Lands.

 

P. FORSEY: Other than the website, yes, it would be TV and radio. That’s the best way we can get it out there.

 

As regards being direct in the communities, we’ll be certainly into those communities. If something happened that was directly in a community, we’ll certainly be working with that community. We would be in that community and working with them.

 

CHAIR: The Chair recognizes the Member for St. John’s Centre.

 

J. DINN: As a salmon angler, usually you have to check the website to make sure rivers are open, what are the protocols, but they also post on rivers if the river is closed or if the river is open.

 

I’m just wondering, certainly at key access points, is there any attempt to put up notices, especially to check the website or whatever else, remind people to do that?

 

I only ask that because we’re looking at the issues around here as pretty serious, like in a cabin area or in a community. I’m just wondering, is that approach being considered, similar to what DFO does with rivers and that?

 

CHAIR: The Chair recognizes the Minister of Forestry, Agriculture and Lands.

 

P. FORSEY: We’ll also put out emergency alerts on that as well, when the time comes, but keep checking the weather index of course. The same thing you get up, when you mentioned salmon fishing. We all do that; we check to see if the advisories are there. It’s the same thing with the weather index and channels.

 

Radios, of course, are a great way of knowing if there are bans and that sort of stuff. So all types of media are important of course.

 

CHAIR: The Chair recognizes the Member for St. John’s Centre.

 

J. DINN: Thank you.

 

How about through Municipalities NL? Would they be considered a conduit for information as well?

 

CHAIR: The Chair recognizes the Minister of Forestry, Agriculture and Lands.

 

P. FORSEY: Well, I just mentioned, as far as communication with municipalities, we’ll certainly be in contact with municipalities. We are always engaging with municipalities.

 

CHAIR: The Chair recognizes the Member for Harbour Grace - Port de Grave.

 

P. PARSONS: Thank you, Chair.

 

Minister, currently, how many Forestry officials do we have? How many are there currently?

 

CHAIR: The Chair recognizes the Minister of Forestry, Agriculture and Lands.

 

P. FORSEY: Right now we have 90 resource enforcement officers; 27 offices throughout the province enforce forestry, inland fish and wildlife laws and protect the province’s natural resources, including the Forestry Act, fire related regulations and off-road vehicles. Resource Enforcement Division vehicle inventory is: 49 trucks, 48 ATVs and 54 boats.

 

CHAIR: The hon. the Government House Leader.

 

L. PARROTT: Chair, I move that 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.

 

All those in favour, ‘aye.’

 

SOME HON. MEMBERS: Aye.

 

CHAIR: All those against, ‘nay.’

 

Carried.

 

On motion, that the Committee rise, report progress and ask leave to sit again, the Speaker returned to the Chair.

 

SPEAKER (Lane): Order, please!

 

The hon. the Member for Placentia West - Bellevue, Chair of the Committee of the Whole.

 

J. DWYER: Thank you, Speaker.

 

Speaker, the Committee of the Whole have considered the matters to them referred and have directed me to report progress and ask leave to sit again.

 

SPEAKER: The Chair of the Committee of the Whole reports that the Committee have considered the matters to them referred and have directed him to report progress and ask leave to sit again.

 

When shall the report be received?

 

L. PARROTT: Now.

 

SPEAKER: Now.

 

When shall the Committee have leave to sit again?

 

L. PARROTT: Presently.

 

SPEAKER: Presently.

 

On motion, report received and adopted, Committee ordered to sit again presently.

 

SPEAKER: The hon. the Government House Leader.

 

L. PARROTT: Speaker, I move, seconded by the Member for Labrador West, that this House do now recess.

 

SPEAKER: It has been moved and seconded that this House do now recess.

 

All those in favour, ‘aye.’

 

SOME HON. MEMBERS: Aye.

 

SPEAKER: All those against, ‘nay.’

 

Carried.

 

This House stands in recess until 2 p.m.

 

Recess

 

The House resumed at 2 p.m.

 

SPEAKER (Lane): Order, please!

 

Admit strangers.

 

Today, in the Speaker’s gallery, I would like to recognize and welcome former MHA Betty Parsley and her daughter, Kimberley Parsley, who are visiting us today.

 

SOME HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear!

 

SPEAKER: Betty represented the electoral District of Harbour Main from 2015 to 2019. She was an awesome MHA, I must say.

 

Good to see you, Betty.

 

SOME HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear!

 

SPEAKER: I’d also like to welcome to the Speaker’s gallery, today Mr. Ian Kelly, of the Royal Newfoundland Regiment, Regimental Advisory Council. Mr. Kelly is attending today as part of a ministerial statement recognizing the establishment of a new commemorative display entitled, Newfoundlanders in the Gardens, in the City of Canterbury in the United Kingdom, honouring Newfoundlanders who served and sacrificed in World War II.

 

Welcome Mr. Kelly.

 

SOME HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear!

 

SPEAKER: We have a full House in the public gallery today. I’d like to welcome first of all, to the public gallery Rebecca Dutton, President and CEO of the Janeway Children’s Hospital Foundation. The Janeway Telethon is the subject of a Member’s statement today.

 

Welcome Rebecca.

 

SOME HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear!

 

SPEAKER: I’d also like to welcome to our public gallery, Dave Innes who was a crossing guard with the City of St. John’s for Rennies River Elementary and is also subject of a Member’s statement today. He’s accompanied by Manday Edwards, City of St. John’s Crossing Guard Program Coordinator and Jennifer Lee, the school Principal.

 

Welcome to our gallery.

 

SOME HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear!

 

SPEAKER: I’d also like to welcome, to our public gallery, a group of Nobles representing the St. John’s Shrine Club, the Compass Shrine Club, Mount Pearl and the Trinity Conception Shrine Club. Mazel Shriners are the subject of a Member’s statement today.

 

Welcome gentlemen and thank you for all you do in our communities.

 

SOME HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear!

 

SPEAKER: Also today, we have in the gallery, Mr. Grant Boland and his wife Traci. Mr. Bolden is the subject of a Member’s statement today.

 

Welcome to you both.

 

SOME HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear!

 

SPEAKER:  We also have Julia Bloomquist and Josh Smee from Food First NL, which is likewise the subject of a Member’s statement today.

 

Welcome Julia and Josh.

 

SOME HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear!

 

SPEAKER: Last but certainly not least, I’d like to welcome to our public gallery, President Linda Olford of the Newfoundland and Labrador 50+ Federation, which is the subject of another Member’s statement today. She is joined by her volunteer board members, lovely people who I had the pleasure of meeting just a little earlier.

 

Welcome to our gallery.

 

SOME HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear!

 

Statements by Members

 

SPEAKER: Today we’ll here Members’ statements from the Districts of St. John’s East - Quidi Vidi, St. John's West, Virginia Waters - Pleasantville, Waterford Valley and Windsor Lake.

 

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

 

S. O’LEARY: Thank you, Speaker.

 

It is my honour to rise today to acknowledge the City of St. John’s Crossing Guard Program which provides an essential service at primary and elementary schools throughout the city. Through their daily presence at school crossings, crossing guards build strong community connections, enhance safety and encourage active mobility.

 

Specifically, crossing guards like Dave Innes at Rennie’s River Elementary encourage families to walk or wheel to school safely, supporting physical activity. They are often the first friendly face that children and families encounter on their way to school.

 

Despite challenging weather, Dave shows up with a positive attitude, a fist-pump and a genuine commitment to the safety and well-being of the children and families whom he protects.

 

One Grade 6 student said, he is a really nice guy and even if I had a bad day, I'd always be happy if I saw him. Even on hot days he would give us treats like mini freezies. Every time a dog goes by, he has a treat ready – he takes care of people.

 

A parent sums it up beautifully by saying, it’s hard to find a kinder, more pleasant man than Dave to greet students, parents, family pets and pedestrians in general. We are so lucky to have Dave as our school crossing guard.

 

Let’s us all, please, all the hon. Members, acknowledge the great work of Dave Innes and the Crossing Guard Program in the City of St. John's.

 

SOME HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear!

 

SPEAKER: The hon. the Member for St. John's West.

 

K. WHITE: Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize June 6 as Shriners International Awareness Day and to celebrate the outstanding contributions of the Mazol Shriners in St. John’s, along with Shriners across Newfoundland and Labrador and around the world. This special day recognizes an organization built on fellowship, compassion, philanthropy and dedicated community service.

 

For many years Shriners have proudly supported charitable initiatives throughout Newfoundland and Labrador while helping raise awareness and funds for the Shriners Children’s network. Through their tireless volunteerism and generosity, they have helped provide life-changing medical care, specialized treatment and hope to countless children and families facing difficult challenges.

 

Beyond their important charitable work, Shriners are widely recognized for their active involvement in community events, parades, fundraisers and outreach activities that bring people together and strengthen the spirit of giving back. Their dedication to helping others reflects the very best values of kindness, generosity, leadership and service.

 

Shriners International Awareness Day gives us an opportunity to thank all Shriners and volunteers for the positive difference they make every day in communities both locally and globally. Their efforts continue to inspire hope, improve lives and strengthen communities.

 

I ask all Members of this House to join me in congratulating all Shriners throughout Newfoundland and Labrador.

 

SOME HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear!

 

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

 

B. DAVIS: Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

 

I rise today to recognize the outstanding work of Our Table in the District of Virginia Waters - Pleasantville and the positive impact this welcoming community space continues to have in our community.

 

Through the important partnership between Stella’s Circle and Food First NL, Our Table has become much more than a gathering place. Together, these organizations help address food security, create opportunities, foster inclusion and strengthen community connections throughout our province. The Hungry Heart Cafe, the award-winning social enterprise of Stella’s Circle, is also located on site and provides nutritious meals while serving as a valuable community asset in Pleasantville.

 

Recently, I had the pleasure of attending Stella’s Circle’s skills development graduation ceremony at Our Table, where participants were recognized for their hard work, perseverance and achievement though skills development and workplace experience programs. It was inspiring to witness the pride and confidence shared by graduates, family, staff and volunteers.

 

I thank Julia from Stella’s, Josh from Food First NL and all the staff and volunteers with Our Table, Stella’s Circle and Food First NL, along with all the community volunteers and supporters, for their compassion, dignity and hope they bring for each and every Newfoundlander and Labradorian each and every day.

 

Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

 

SOME HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear!

 

SPEAKER: The hon. the Member for Waterford Valley.

 

J. KORAB: Speaker, I rise in honour of one of the district’s most talented artists, Grant Boland, and I can’t think of a more fitting person to recognize here in this House of Assembly.

 

Grant was born in Riverhead, St. Mary’s Bay. He studied fine arts at Memorial University Sir Wilfred Grenfell College in Corner Brook. Grant is a multi-medium visual artist and has exhibits across Canada and parts of the United States. He has collaborated with local artists and publishers to illustrate and paint a series of children’s books, and his one-of-a-kind paintings hang in many homes and restaurants across our province. You can also view his portraits and his work within the Ottawa Senate and our very own House of Assembly here, having captured images of five of our most recent Speakers. He’s also painted the Speaker of the Senate and two Lieutenant Governors.

 

Grant has received numerous awards for his paintings, including two Elizabeth Greenshields awards. Last year, he received the Newfoundland and Labrador Arts Council Emerging Artist of the year, and I was very happy to present him with the 75th anniversary of Confederation Medal. Grant has participated in numerous group exhibitions and solo exhibitions across the province.

 

I ask all Members to join me in recognizing Grant Boland.

 

SOME HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear!

 

SPEAKER: The hon. the Member for Windsor Lake.

 

J. HOGAN: Thank you, Speaker.

 

I rise in this hon. House to recognize the incredible impact of the Janeway Telethon, which is scheduled for June 6 and 7, with the annual Teddy Bear Convoy on June 7.

 

For generations, the Janeway Telethon has brought the people of Newfoundland and Labrador together in support of children and families facing some of life’s most difficult moments. Through the generosity of Newfoundlanders and Labradorians, millions of dollars have been raised to provide life-changing medical equipment, specialized programs, and enhanced care for young patients at the Janeway Children’s Health and Rehabilitation Centre.

 

What makes the Telethon so remarkable is not only the funds raised, but the spirit of compassion it represents. Every donation, volunteer hour, phone call answered and story shared reflects the kindness and generosity that defines Newfoundland and Labrador.

 

I want to recognize the dedicated staff, health care professionals, volunteers, donors, sponsors and families who make this event possible each year, especially president and CEO, Rebecca Dutton, who is here with us today.

 

The Janeway Telethon is a powerful reminder that when Newfoundlanders and Labradorians come together, we can make a meaningful difference in the lives of others.

 

I ask all hon. Members to join me in congratulating the Janeway Telethon and wishing them every success at this year’s event.

 

Thank you, Speaker.

 

SOME HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear!

 

SPEAKER: Outside of our normal line up, I have a request here from the Member for the District of Gander to do a Member statement.

 

Does the Member have leave?

 

SOME HON. MEMBERS: Leave.

 

SPEAKER: Leave has been granted.

 

The hon. the Member for Gander.

 

B. FORD: Thank you, Speaker.

 

I rise to recognize the important work of the Newfoundland and Labrador 50+ Federation, and the dedicated volunteer –

 

SOME HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear!

 

B. FORD: – and the dedicated volunteer board of directors led by president, Linda Oldford. Joined by Amy Farrell, Noreen Careen, Rose Atkinson, Kevin Thorne, Ray Babstock, Leo Bonnell, Carl Parsons, Lorna Warford, Albert Legge, Albert Careen, Jessie Clueitt and Angela Decker.

 

The 50-plus Federation is an umbrella organization representing 134 clubs and approximately 7,000 seniors. Incorporated in 1978, it’s devoted to the welfare and best interests of seniors across Newfoundland and Labrador.

 

Local clubs organize social and educational events and connect with individuals at risk. The federation distributes its newsletters and holds an annual provincial convention to discuss issues important to seniors. Approximately 25 per cent of our population is now 65 years of age or older.

 

The federation, on behalf of all seniors, advocate to government on policies that impact this demographic. Resolutions from their recent convention related to standard home care supports, geriatric supports, senior-friendly rental units, the Guaranteed Income Supplement, health care satellite clinics for specialists and costs related to eye care, hearing aids and diabetic supplies.

 

Seniors deserve our respect, our care and our unwavering attention and I thank the NL 50+ Federation and the 134 local club volunteers for their relentless dedication.

 

Thank you.

 

SOME HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear!

 

SPEAKER: Statements by Ministers.

 

Statements by Ministers

 

SPEAKER: The hon. the Premier.

 

PREMIER WAKEHAM: Thank you, Speaker.

 

Speaker, I rise in this Honourable House today to recognize a deeply meaningful act of remembrance and to express the sincere appreciation of the people of Newfoundland and Labrador to the City of Canterbury in the United Kingdom and to the Royal Newfoundland Regiment Regimental Advisory Council.

 

On May 24, 2026, the City of Canterbury reopened historic Dane John Park following an extensive restoration project. With the support and encouragement of Ian Kelly and other members of the Regimental Advisory Council, a new commemorative display entitled “Newfoundlanders in the Gardens” was unveiled as part of the reopening to honour the service and sacrifice of the soldiers of the 59th Newfoundland Heavy Regiment, Royal Artillery, during the Second World War.

 

This permanent tribute recognizes the important role Newfoundlanders played in the defence of Great Britain during one of history’s darkest chapters. In 1940 and 1941, as Britain stood under threat of invasion, Newfoundlanders crossed the Atlantic to defend freedom and democracy.

 

At Dane John Gardens, members of the Regiment installed and manned massive coastal defence guns to protect Canterbury and the surrounding region. Their courage, commitment and readiness formed part of Britain’s defence in its hour of greatest need.

 

Speaker, Mr. Kelly has joined us today in the gallery, and we thank him and the Advisory Council for their work. We will always remember those who served and sacrificed so future generations can live in peace and freedom, and I might add that Mr. Kelly’s father actually served right there in Canterbury. This display ensures their legacy and the enduring bond between Newfoundland and Labrador and Canterbury will be remembered for generations to come.

 

Thank you, Speaker.

 

SOME HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear!

 

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

 

J. HOGAN: Thank you, Speaker, and I thank the Premier for an advance copy of his statement.

 

Speaker, I rise today to join in recognizing this meaningful act of remembrance in Canterbury, and to acknowledge the efforts to memorialize Newfoundland and Labrador’s proud military history.

 

The unveiling of Newfoundlanders in the Garden is a meaningful tribute to the members of the 59th Royal Heavy Regiment Royal Artillery, whose service during the Second World War helped protect Britain during a critical time.

 

I also want to recognize Ian Kelly and the Royal Newfoundland Regimental Advisory Council for their dedication to preserving those stories of service and sacrifice. For Mr. Kelly, this tribute does carry a deeply personal connection as his father served as a warrant sergeant in the 59th Heavy Artillery Regiment. That connection makes this recognition especially meaningful and reminds us of the lasting impact these sacrifices continue to have on families and communities today.

 

Thank you, Speaker.

 

SOME HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear!

 

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

 

J. DINN: I thank the Premier for an advance copy of his statement.

 

We also thank Mr. Kelly for his contribution to preserving the legacy of those who served in those dark days for humanity and the United Kingdom.

 

We also hope that this commemoration will serve to strengthen the historic bonds that unite our province and country with the United Kingdom and Europe, especially as we seek to navigate our way in a world racked with increased global conflict and instability. May these bonds form the basis of a new area of co-operation and mutual benefit.

 

Thank you.

 

SOME HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear!

 

SPEAKER: Further statements by ministers.

 

The hon. the Minister of Women and Gender Equality.

 

SOME HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear!

 

L. EVANS: Thank you.

 

Speaker, I rise to recognize June as Pride Month in Newfoundland and Labrador.

 

Pride is about acceptance and human dignity for our 2SLGBTQQIA+ community. It is also an opportunity to stand together in support of diversity and to reaffirm that everybody deserves respect, belonging and equal opportunity regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression.

 

Pride is about visibility. For many people, especially youth, seeing communities, workplaces, schools and governments openly support diversity can help to reduce isolation and encourage acceptance. It also sends a powerful message to all of us that people must be valued for who they are and that discrimination and hate have no place in our society. It’s 2026 – there should be no tolerance or acceptance for hate and prejudice towards others who don’t fit into your idea of what is normal.

 

As we celebrate Pride, let us continue building communities rooted in respect, inclusion and acceptance, where everyone is empowered to live authentically and proudly. As a proud out, queer Member of this Progressive Conservative government I invite all Members of this House to join me at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, June 1, for the annual Pride flag-raising ceremony here at Confederation.

 

Thank you, Speaker.

 

SOME HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear!

 

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

 

P. PARSONS: Thank you, Speaker.

 

I also stand to join in recognizing June as Pride Month here in Newfoundland and Labrador. In previous years it was my privilege as minster to take part in the raising of the Pride flag to mark the beginning of this very important month. 

 

I know how meaningful that moment is for many across our province and I’m glad to see that continue.

 

Pride Month is an opportunity to celebrate diversity, inclusion and the contributions of the 2SLGBTQQIA+ community here in our province. It is also a reminder that everyone deserves to feel safe, respected and accepted for who they are. I also want to recognize the advocates, organizations, volunteers and allies who continue working to create a more inclusive and welcoming Newfoundland and Labrador.

 

As Pride Month begins, I hope we continue working toward communities where everyone feels supported, respected and empowered to live openly and authentically.

 

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.

 

Pride is indeed about the visibility and we support diversity. That’s why it’s imperative that we see hateful comments removed immediately from government social media posts. Change begins at home. To demonstrate that people cannot use government social media platforms to spread hate, we ask government to develop a policy around how it deals with such posts while respecting freedom of expression.

 

Thank you.

 

SOME HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear!

 

SPEAKER: Oral Questions.

 

Oh, I wasn’t notified of that one. Sorry.

 

The hon. the Minister of Social Supports and Well-Being for a Ministerial Statement.

 

J. WALL: Thank you, Mr. Speaker, and I thank the Leader of the Official Opposition for giving me the opportunity to stand to speak.

 

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize National AccessAbility Week taking place from May 31 to June 6. This year’s theme, Building a Strong, Accessible Canada, highlights the importance of inclusion, respect and belonging. National AccessAbility Week is an opportunity to celebrate the contributions and leadership of persons with disabilities, while recognizing ongoing work to remove barriers and create opportunities for people to fully contribute to their communities and to their workplaces.

 

As Minister Responsible for the Status of Persons with Disabilities, I remain committed to advancing accessibility and inclusion throughout Newfoundland and Labrador. Earlier this year, we took an important step forward with the Disability Advocate Act, which will establish an independent office of the Disability Advocate for our province. We are also working alongside the Accessibility Standards Advisory Board as they develop recommendations to help improve accessibility. Together, these efforts will improve access to programs and services for persons with disabilities and their families.

 

Guided by the principle of nothing about us without us, we will collaborate with community partners, organizations and advocates to build a more inclusive Newfoundland and Labrador for all of us. Mr. Speaker, I thank everyone who continues to support accessibility and inclusion throughout our beautiful province.

 

Thank you.

 

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

 

S. GAMBIN-WALSH: Speaker, I rise today to join in recognizing National AccessAbility Week, and to acknowledge the important contributions of persons with disabilities throughout Newfoundland and Labrador.

 

This week is a time to recognize leadership and community involvement while also reflecting on the ongoing work needed to remove barriers and enhance accessibility throughout our province. Accessibility is about more than policies or legislation, but ensuring people can full participate in their schools, workplaces, communities and everyday lives with dignity and independence.

 

I also want to recognize the many advocates, organizations and community leaders who continue pushing for meaningful change in gender inclusion. Their work has made a real difference for many individuals and families throughout Newfoundland and Labrador.

 

As we mark National AccessAbility Week, I hope all Members of this House remain committed to building a province that is more accessible and inclusive for everyone.

 

Thank you, Speaker.

 

SOME HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear!

 

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

 

J. DINN: Thank you, Speaker, and I, too, thank the minister for an advance copy of the statement.

 

We also take this time to celebrate the contributions to our communities by those living with disabilities; however, we must also take this opportunity to underscore the fact that 31 per cent of those living with disabilities also live in poverty, well below the provincial average.

 

If we want to take poverty eradication seriously, we can’t do that without finding more effective means to level the playing field for those living with disabilities.

 

Thank you.

 

SOME HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear!

 

SPEAKER: Oral Questions.

 

Oral Questions

 

SPEAKER: The hon. the Leader of the Official Opposition – my goodness.

 

J. HOGAN: It’s been a long couple of weeks.

 

SPEAKER: It has been. It has been.

 

J. HOGAN: No worries.

 

Speaker, as we all know, seniors are so important to Newfoundland and Labrador and what they’ve done to develop and grow our province. We owe to give back to them now that they’re in their senior age.

 

When we were in government, we did things like make sure shingles vaccines were available for free for everybody over 50.

 

SOME HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear!

 

J. HOGAN: We created the ability to make sure seniors could age at home in this province. We had new, innovative solutions in the red book as well.

 

So I ask the Premier: What is his government doing that’s new and not piggybacking on Liberal ideas for the seniors of our province?

 

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, no piggybacking. We didn’t piggyback on any initiatives they had.

 

I raised – and many people on this side of the House last year – about increasing the Seniors’ Benefit. I would think Hansard will show that probably no less than six times we’ve advocated to increase the Seniors’ Benefit for seniors.

 

We have increased, by 20 per cent in this budget, seniors. We’ve also looked at seniors who wish to remain in their own homes, mostly served in rural Newfoundland. We’ve doubled the amount of grants that would be available for people to get work done on their houses for low income. Home Modification: we’ve doubled that. We care deeply about seniors –

 

SPEAKER: Order, please!

 

The hon. minister’s time has expired.

 

SOME HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear!

 

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

 

J. HOGAN: I agree with the Finance Minister. He’s not piggybacking on Liberal ideas because we promised to double the Aging Well at Home Grant.

 

I ask the Minister of Finance: Why won’t he commit to using that Liberal idea to provide seniors the money they need to age well at home?

 

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, the Leader of the Opposition stood up and referred to there are other levers we can use.

 

The goal that we would use to put levers and put money into people’s pockets in rural Newfoundland can take many facets, and we’ve had many uses of the word “levers.” How we put money into the seniors’ pockets in Newfoundland and Labrador can come in a variety of ways. The ones that I mentioned in response to my first question was one way of putting money into people’s pockets.

 

We’re on the first year of a four-year term. We’ve said clearly – the Premier said – that we can't do everything in the first year. We care deeply about seniors, Speaker, and we’ll continue to look after the welfare of seniors.

 

SOME HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear!

 

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

 

J. HOGAN: I think what people are hearing is that seniors weren’t prioritized in this budget, if you’re waiting for year three or year four.

 

Speaker, this government only budgeted $3.5 million for physician recruitment in this budget. By comparison, when we were in government, annual investments in recruitment and retention incentives exceeded over $10 million.

 

I ask: How does the Premier expect a significantly smaller investment to deliver better results for patients who are still waiting for access to primary care?

 

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

 

SOME HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear!

 

L. EVANS: Speaker, we are investing in recruitment and retention, but more importantly, we are looking at, now, the problems – the deep-rooted problems – of recruitment and retention and how it’s done through the office of Newfoundland and Labrador Health Services.

 

We are working with the CEO co-operatively. We’re engaging and what we have to do is make sure that regardless of how much money is spent that, in actual fact, when a doctor or a physician or nurse practitioner or a nurse or an LPN calls the recruiting office or emails the recruiting officer or reaches out and wants to have a job in Newfoundland and Labrador, that someone’s going to answer the phone and get back to them.

 

SOME HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear!

 

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

 

J. HOGAN: Speaker, beyond the unionized nurse locum expansion with the RNU, which is primarily aimed at reducing dependence on travel nurses, we’ve yet to hear of any other specific recruitment and retention initiatives of the government. We know that there’s an issue. People want solutions.

 

I ask the Premier: What exactly is this government doing differently to recruit and retain health care professionals in our province?

 

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

 

SOME HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear!

 

L. EVANS: Speaker, to be quite honest, I have been bombarded with people reaching out to me who want a job, want to work here in the province as a nurse, as an LPN, as a nurse practitioner, as a doctor and they’re not getting any replies back. There have been deep-rooted issues with retention and recruitment with the work that was done under the former Liberal government – 10 years.

 

The front-line workers and people who are out there doing the work, who want to work with us, they want to do a good job, but in actual fact, a lot of times I’ve heard from Newfoundland and Labrador Health Services people that their hands were tied. Their hands were tied when it would come to developing, delivering services.

 

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

 

SOME HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear!

 

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

 

J. HOGAN: I appreciate the Minister of Health is talking about what’s happening in this time frame as we go forward, but if doctors and nurses are calling her and not getting responses back, Newfoundlanders and Labradorians need to know why aren’t they getting calls back.

 

If there are doctors and nurses willing to work in Newfoundland and Labrador and the minister is telling Newfoundlanders and Labradorians that those people aren’t getting a call back, I can tell you that’s not a good retention plan, that’s not a good recruitment plan. So why are these people not getting calls back?

 

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

 

SOME HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear!

 

L. EVANS: Speaker, in October and November, lots of calls. In actual fact, we have now begun to task, in October and November – have taken action to make sure that the phone will be answered.

 

Speaker, really, honestly, you know what I inherited? I inherited a recruitment and retention office where there was actually a lot of barriers. Also, people actually called and complained about not getting an answer. If they called patient relations for the whole province, patient relations had three active people answering complaints for the whole province and for management. That’s the mess that I was left with, really, honestly.

 

Speaker, there have been huge issues – huge issues – where money was not properly invested, recruitment wasn’t actually properly done.

 

SPEAKER: Order, please!

 

The hon. minister’s time has expired.

 

SOME HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear!

 

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

 

J. HOGAN: Speaker, we recognize that there was an issue with regard to recruitment and retention and making sure people got calls back. That’s why during the course of the campaign we made a promise to streamline the process and consolidated NLHS and the Department of Health recruitment and retention efforts.

 

So all I’ve heard is that in the last seven months –

 

SOME HON. MEMBERS: Oh, oh!

 

SPEAKER: Order, please!

 

I only want to hear the Member.

 

J. HOGAN: – people continue to call; there continues to be a recognition of an issue. Actually, it sounds like there’s continuing to be a problem, that they’re not getting calls back.

 

What steps has the Minister of Health taken to fix this problem?

 

SPEAKER: The hon. the Premier.

 

SOME HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear!

 

PREMIER WAKEHAM: Speaker, let’s talk about some of the things we’ve actually done and are actually continuing to do. I recently went to a nursing graduation in Corner Brook; 50 out of 52 nurses have accepted full-time (inaudible).

 

SOME HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear!

 

PREMIER WAKEHAM: That’s leadership. We’re introducing paid work terms for nursing students all over Newfoundland and Labrador.

 

SOME HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear!

 

PREMIER WAKEHAM: We’re actually putting money in the budget to make sure that the nursing classrooms that are set up in Grand Falls, Gander and Labrador are actually filled with nursing students, which they haven’t been in the past. We’ve also turned around and invested money into making sure that technology is there to make sure that the workers of Newfoundland and Labrador have the resources they need in our health care system.

 

SOME HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear!

 

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

 

J. HOGAN: Speaker, that’s not what we heard at the RNU breakfast. The Premier must have been listening to different people at that breakfast because students are still saying that they’re not hearing from recruiters and retainers.

 

Speaker, is the Premier committed to legislation which will mandate a safe nurse-to-patient ratio, which we heard about it from the RNU this week. If so, when can the province and when can nurses expect this legislation to be tabled in the House?

 

SPEAKER: The hon. the Premier.

 

SOME HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear!

 

PREMIER WAKEHAM: Speaker, Minister of Health and I have met with the Nurses’ Union on several occasions. We are working with them to develop solutions in Newfoundland and Labrador because that’s exactly what we’ve said since the beginning: if you want to fix something, go talk to the people that work in it. That’s what we’re actually doing. The minister is actually going out and talking to people that work in the system. Let’s talk about some of the things in the system they did: opening up buildings and not making announcements for teams and not funding them.

 

Speaking about not funding things, Speaker, let’s think about the report that was issued yesterday. A shameful report from the Auditor General’s department on a deal that they made, and they turned around and left 30 beds in the so-called facility that was really needed, vacant.

 

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

 

SOME HON. MEMBERS: Oh, oh!

 

SPEAKER: Order, please!

 

L. DEMPSTER: Thank you.

 

Last week, the Premier sent a letter to other party leaders twisting serious concerns about decorum into complaining that he was asked questions about individuals like Dr. Whalen and Jerome Kennedy. The Premier is missing the point. The questions are about the Premier’s decision to pay political staff from MCP funds. Further, when he was an Opposition leader, the current Premier asked about political staff at least a dozen times in Question Period.

 

Why was it okay for him to ask about staff, but it isn’t okay now?

 

SPEAKER: The hon. the Premier.

 

SOME HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear!

 

PREMIER WAKEHAM: Speaker, let’s talk about staffing. Let’s talk about the staff in 106 Airport Road, the report that was released yesterday. Let’s talk about that for a second.

 

Talk about the fact that instead of turning around and accepting the recommendations of that report, the former minister of Housing and the current Member for Conception Bay East - Bell Island actually took exception to the report, actually challenging the accounting knowledge of the Auditor General.

 

That’s what’s going on. Acknowledge the fact that these recommendations were made and we need to move forward. They made a bad deal and it’s time for them to acknowledge it.

 

SOME HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear!

 

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

 

L. DEMPSTER: Speaker, there’s many people the Premier could ask, but I would encourage him to start with the City of St. John’s. When you’re dealing with the vulnerable, it’s more than an exercise in accounting.

 

In Estimates, it was confirmed that Dr. Whalen spends very little time in the Department of Health with the minister and her officials, and that his involvement with the department hasn’t been much more than an occasional walkover some times or talks on the phone.

 

How can the Premier stand by his comments that Dr. Whalen is only hired to provide health care advice.

 

SPEAKER: The hon. the Premier.

 

SOME HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear!

 

PREMIER WAKEHAM: Speaker, let’s talk about homelessness. Let’s talk about the fact that 30 beds were left. Thirty beds were left. They paid for them, but they were never funded.

 

SOME HON. MEMBERS: Oh, oh!

 

SPEAKER: Order, please!

 

I want to hear the Premier, and that’s the only person I want to hear right now.

 

The hon. the Premier.

 

PREMIER WAKEHAM: Again, Speaker, 34 individuals who transitioned to independent and permanent housing between June ’24 and December ’25 resulting in an average total cost of approximately $706,000 per person. That’s what the Auditor General is talking about.

 

There was no plan. That’s the whole problem. There was no planning done and it cost the people of Newfoundland and Labrador significant amounts of money because they did not have a plan on how to deal with homelessness.

 

SOME HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear!

 

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

 

L. DEMPSTER: Speaker, the people of the province want to hear from the Premier too. They want to hear answers to those important questions that they’re bringing to us. If that is the case, we have another document that we received through ATIPPA request that shows Dr. Des Whalen is working on non-health care files.

 

Will the Premier finally confirm Dr. Whalen is being paid with MCP funds to do work that has nothing to do with health care?

 

SPEAKER: The hon. the Premier.

 

SOME HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear!

 

PREMIER WAKEHAM: Speaker, again, while the Member opposite may not care about homelessness or don’t think it’s important, I certainly think it’s important. The report that was issued yesterday, Transitional Supportive Living Initiative from the Auditor General, and the fact that the Members opposite are trying to dispute the Auditor General, an Officer of this House of Assembly, and to say that her accounting and – let me quote: the accounting methodology that was used is not the way I would have done it. Now, that’s directly from the Member for Conception Bay East- Bell Island. I assume it’s the same accounting they used when they put all the money for the tobacco settlement in the budget in one year.

 

SOME HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear!

 

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

 

L. DEMPSTER: Speaker, I have the minutes here from the last Education meeting – actually, early childhood that Dr. Whalen attended.

 

Speaker, unfortunately we keep learning more scandalous details about the Premier’s decision. We knew the Premier inappropriately paid staff from MCP funds to get around salary limits, but we just learned in budget Estimates that the Premier didn’t even bother to adjust the Premier’s office salary budget accordingly.

 

Why has he secretly padded his political staff by an extra $275,000 from MCP and tried to get away with it?

 

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

 

SOME HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear!

 

B. PETTEN: Speaker, why don’t we talk about stuff that’s really important to this House of Assembly? Why don’t you talk about stuff that matters to the people of the province? Because it matters to me because it’s public money being spent here, a lot of public money. In my opinion –

 

SOME HON. MEMBERS: Oh, oh!

 

SPEAKER: Order, please!

 

We are this close from speaking privileges being taken away. Final warning.

 

The hon. the Minister.

 

B. PETTEN: Thank you, Speaker.

 

A lot of public money being spent and I take that seriously. I’ve always said it’s not our money, it’s public money.

 

Speaker, another point. Despite pointing out the urgent need for transitional housing, the former government did not use emergency or urgency exemption to procure the facility, which would have allowed only a 12-month contract. Instead, they used the exemption for a particular space, which allowed them to sign a three-year contract without a competitive process.

 

Can they explain that to the people of the province?

 

SOME HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear!

 

SPEAKER: The hon. the Member for Conception Bay East - Bell Island.

 

SOME HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear!

 

F. HUTTON: Mr. Speaker, if the minister wants to talk about public money, we can talk about the $275,000 for a part-time political staffer in the Premier’s office, the only person I know of who is getting a bonus this year.

 

It gets worse, Mr. Speaker. We discovered in budget Estimates that the Premier’s former deputy chief of staff, Steven Outhouse – who is now the chief of staff for Pierre Poilievre in Ottawa; no connection of course to this party here, they try to deflect all the time, which is a partisan political position – was secretly being paid through, wait for it, Cabinet Secretariat as professional services to his consulting company.

 

Why does the Premier think it was appropriate to use this public funding when he has a budget in his own office for this type of job?

 

SOME HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear!

 

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

 

SOME HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear!

 

B. PETTEN: Speaker, I ask the Member opposite for Conception Bay East - Bell Island: Has he seen this report? Because we have. A lot of people in the province have. A lot more will hear about it and see about it.

 

This man stood on media outlets and he’s criticizing the AG. I’ve been around this House a long time, it’s unheard of to be publicly criticizing a statutory Officer of this House of Assembly. They cannot defend themselves. It’s terrible. It’s a bad show for democracy.

 

If they want to talk about all the other stuff, maybe they have to look in the mirror, Speaker, because what I’m hearing on the radio and what I’m hearing in the news from this Member opposite is shameful. He owes an apology to the AG and he owes an apology to this House of Assembly.

 

Thank you, Speaker.

 

SOME HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear!

 

SPEAKER: The hon. the Member for Conception Bay East - Bell Island.

 

F. HUTTON: Mr. Speaker, I heard the Premier quote me from the radio interview that I did this morning and he’s right. I did say that, and I said at the very end of it: In my opinion.

 

It is my opinion that the 150 people who went through Horizons at 106 should have been counted in that formulation – the numbers.

 

SOME HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear!

 

F. HUTTON: Speaker, 40 people are now not chronically homeless because of it. They are trying to sensationalize it.

 

So back to the question that they’re not answering. Mr. Outhouse’s title was deputy chief of staff and continued after the Premier was sworn in. That’s a political role and it was inappropriately paid for out of funds budgeted for non-partisan bureaucrats.

 

Why is the Premier once again skirting the political staff pay scales, this time paying a political operative through a corporation?

 

SPEAKER: The hon. the –

 

F. HUTTON: And he’s already doing it from MCP as well.

 

SPEAKER: Order, please!

 

Your time has expired.

 

The hon. the Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure.

 

SOME HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear!

 

B. PETTEN: I’ll say it again, Speaker: this is what people are talking about. There is no one in my district or any district talking about the nonsense that we’re hearing across the way. It’s pure deflection. We will not let them deflect. Maybe they can answer me something because I happen to attend Cabinet every now and then too.

 

On November 29 the owner of the Airport Inn sent a lease proposal to the corporation. Now that happens the day before. Less than 24 hours out – I would say in about 16 hours – it ends up in the Cabinet room and recommended leasing the Airport for three years, which is against (inaudible) and should have only been 12 months. A Memorandum of Understanding was signed that afternoon.

 

Can anybody in this Legislature or anybody who is ever sitting in a Cabinet room tell me this makes sense? It doesn’t make sense. It stinks. The Member opposite and the Opposition should apologize to the people of the province.

 

SOME HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear!

 

SPEAKER: The hon. the Member for Conception Bay East - Bell Island.

 

F. HUTTON: Mr. Speaker, I will now make an apology for not putting a price on a person’s mental health for addictions and the treatment they need.

 

I ask the Member opposite: What price do you put on a person’s life?

 

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

 

SOME HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear!

 

B. PETTEN: Speaker, I refer to that as a bit of a cheap shot. There’s no price on a person’s life.

 

We have a responsibility in this Legislature – when you sit in this seat over in your government, you have a responsibility to manage an $11-billion budget. These people were homeless. They were in the tents. We didn’t appreciate – no one liked that. No one liked to see it – nobody did, especially the government opposite when they were government, the Opposition when they were in government. They took an action.

 

It wasn’t about saving a life because there were other programs without the city. We could help them out. This is about tradition. At $700,000-plus a year – and they went and capped the number to 75 at a loss of $1.5 million in keeping those rooms empty. Can anybody explain that to the people of the province?

 

SOME HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear!

 

SPEAKER: The hon. the Member for Mount Scio.

 

S. STOODLEY: Thank you, Speaker.

 

The Auditor General’s website says her office is independent of government and works in a non-partisan, fair and transparent manner. Yesterday, the Auditor General said to the media that she provided the report on 106 to the minister a month ago, so she could get on the same page with government.

 

Why was the Minister of Housing working with the Auditor General for the last month to get on the same page?

 

J. KORAB: (Inaudible.)

 

SPEAKER: The Member for Waterford Valley, you need not speak any further today. You will not be recognized.

 

I forget who was even going to answer. I’m sorry.

 

The hon. the Minister of Social Supports and Well-Being.

 

SOME HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear!

 

J. WALL: Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

 

If the Member opposite has that question, she should direct it to the Auditor General. I met with the Auditor General at 8 a.m. in the morning before she released her report. That’s when I met with the Auditor General.

 

The staff from Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation were continually back and forth with the Auditor General and her team to ensure that this report was done correctly. Had the former Liberal government followed the public procurement process and all the rules and regulations, we wouldn’t be here today with an Auditor General’s report.

 

SOME HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear!

 

SPEAKER: Order, please!

 

The hon. the Member for Burin - Grand Bank.

 

P. PIKE: Mr. Speaker, since the pandemic, chronic absenteeism among high school students has jumped from roughly one in four students to nearly one in three.

 

I ask the minister: What specific actions is this government taking to address this growing crisis?

 

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

 

SOME HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear!

 

P. DINN: Thank you, Speaker.

 

Under this previous government, we saw chronic absenteeism in kindergarten to Grade 6 peak at 11 per cent; for Grade 7 to Grade 9, peak at 22 per cent; Grade 10 to Grade 12, peak at just below 34 per cent. In our seven months, those figures have dropped respectively to 10 per cent, 16 per cent and 28 per cent.

 

SOME HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear!

 

SPEAKER: Order, please!

 

The hon. the Member for Burin - Grand Bank.

 

P. PIKE: Speaker, does the minister acknowledge that chronic absenteeism is directly impacting student achievements, graduation rates and classroom outcomes across Newfoundland and Labrador?

 

With one-third of our high school students now considered chronically absent, which is what we’re going on, what benchmarks has the minister set to reduce absenteeism and when does he expect to see results?

 

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

 

SOME HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear!

 

P. DINN: I totally agree with the Member. It is serious. In seven months, we have seen results and we are going to continue to see results.

 

We are not going to sit on this for 10 years. We’re not going to do that. We’ve seen it decreased; it’s going to continue to decrease.

 

SOME HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear!

 

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

 

S. GAMBIN-WALSH: Speaker, homeless encampments have appeared on Signal Hill.

 

What is the minister’s plan to help these people? Or did he agree with the Auditor General that it is too expensive?

 

SPEAKER: The hon. the Minister of Social Supports and Well-Being.

 

SOME HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear!

 

J. WALL: Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

 

I can certainly say had the former Liberal administration done the proper planning, we wouldn’t be here today. We would not be here in the situation we are today.

 

Mr. Speaker, the Members opposite certainly have their opinion on the Auditor General’s report, but I can certainly say that the Auditor General provided this report on facts. The facts stand in this report.

 

We will adhere to the report and we will do the proper planning going forward. We’ll also follow the Public Procurement Act to make sure that we follow the Minister of Finance’s words of spending smarter and spending wiser.

 

SOME HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear!

 

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

 

S. O’LEARY: Speaker, after all the advocacy from community groups like Act Now, CUPE, Unifor, We’re Here For You and our caucus, finally seeing intimate partner violence declared an epidemic is great recognition for survivors and families. We all say thank you.

 

Now we get down to work. Speaker, a CBC report today said the Justice Department does not have data on how many cases have been tossed owing to trial delays.

 

Will government put supports in the Justice system so the trials dealing with allegations of sexual assault are not dropped?

 

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

 

SOME HON. MEMBERS: Oh, oh!

 

H. CONWAY OTTENHEIMER: Speaker, we recognize the impact of Jordan cases on our Justice system. Immediately upon becoming Minister of Justice I took action to ensure that our Public Prosecutions, for example, would be supported. That’s why we see, in Budget 2026, 14 new Public Prosecutions resources, which includes six new Crown attorneys and eight support staff.

 

This investment also includes digital modernization, which will also assist in relieving the pressures within the courts and within Prosecutions, so that cases can be heard on their merits. This is action we’ve taken and we’re very committed to it to ensure public safety.

 

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

 

SOME HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear!

 

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

 

J. DINN: Thank you, Speaker.

 

The Auditor General report on housing and Transitional Supportive Living Initiative indicates serious problems with the Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation.

 

I ask the minister: What measures has he taken to address and rectify these problems since taking office?

 

SPEAKER: The hon. the Minister of Social Supports and Well-Being.

 

SOME HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear!

 

J. WALL: Thank you, Speaker.

 

I thank the Member opposite for the question. This is the second report from the Auditor General that our government has accepted from the Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation. There’s a pattern from this former Liberal administration.

 

Mr. Speaker, what we are doing, we doing all that’s recommended within the report. We have started that from the first report and we’ll continue with this one. I can assure, not only the people of this House but the people of the province, that we will, under the leadership of this Premier, do what is right. We’ll do it right as we go forward and not to be caught, because no one in the province wants to see another report like this one.

 

SOME HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear!

 

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

 

J. DINN: Thank you, Speaker.

 

The Minister of Housing has promised that all residents of Horizons at 106 will be rehoused before it closes at the end of the year. Many residents have already given up hope and expect to be on the street.

 

So I ask the Minister of Housing: Is the plan to place residents in Newfoundland and Labrador Housing units?

 

SPEAKER: The hon. the Minister of Social Supports and Well-Being.

 

SOME HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear!

 

J. WALL: Thank you, Mr. Speaker, and I thank the Member opposite for the question.

 

We have a plan going forward. That’s why in Budget 2026, we included additional funds for Newfoundland and Labrador Housing to ensure that we hire staff to make sure to get our units under Housing Corporation repaired and back into the fold. We will use those units for the people of 106 Airport Road. We’ll also use the Canada-Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Benefit to help support them as they transition into community.

 

Mr. Speaker, I have said many times – and as early just before I came to this House of Assembly to the media – that we will leave no one behind from 106 Airport Road. These are people. These are people who are important to us and we will support them as we move forward.

 

SOME HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear!

 

SPEAKER: The hon. the Member for Humber - Bay of Islands.

 

E. JOYCE: Mr. Speaker, health care is the number one issue in the Corner Brook area. Patients in Corner Brook have been advised that the rheumatologists who have been travelling to Corner Brook since 2020 for follow-up appointments will cease these services. Residents will now have to travel to St. John’s for these follow-ups.

 

I ask the Minister of Health: Will your department have this matter reviewed immediately and begin recruiting for rheumatologists for the West Coast to ensure that patients can receive the treatment on the West Coast and not travel to St. John’s?

 

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

 

SOME HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear!

 

L. EVANS: Speaker, the Member for Humber - Bay of Islands is correct; we heard the same thing. We’ve become aware that a rheumatologist has decided to stop providing clinic services.

 

Newfoundland and Labrador Health Services is recruiting right now for a rheumatologist for Western region. I will be following up with Newfoundland and Labrador Health Services to address the Member for Humber - Bay of Islands’ concerns about how new patient consultations are done. That’s one of the biggest problems I think his constituents are facing. We’ll be actually dealing with that, addressing that.

 

Thank you, Speaker.

 

SOME HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear!

 

SPEAKER: The hon. the Member for Humber - Bay of Islands.

 

E. JOYCE: Thank you, Minister, for that positive response.

 

Mr. Speaker, housing is a major issue in Newfoundland and Labrador and Corner Brook. I’ve had many meetings and discussions with the Minister of Housing on the residents living in the former Corner Brook hotel.

 

Can the minister please give us an update on the progress and the work already done to help solve this housing crisis, and provide services and support for the residents who need them the most who are living in the Corner Brook hotel?

 

SPEAKER: The hon. the Minister of Social Supports and Well-Being.

 

SOME HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear!

 

J. WALL: Thank you, Mr. Speaker, and I thank the Member opposite for the question.

 

We are continuing to support the individuals in Corner Brook. I’ve had the discussion with the hon. Member several times, with the Member for Corner Brook several times, as early as this morning, with respect to what we need to do in Corner Brook.

 

The services that are provided to the individuals at that hotel – the members of the FACT team are there, the Housing Corporation, social workers there on a regular basis providing supports. But going forward, with Budget 2026 and what we have included in Budget 2026 for housing, we are looking at all options for Corner Brook.

 

I have said to both Members that they will be included in those conversations as we move forward to better serve the people of the West Coast area. That is certainly a priority for us, and they will both be included in those conversations.

 

SOME HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear!

 

SPEAKER: The time for Oral Questions has expired.

 

Presenting Reports by Standing and Select Committees.

 

Tabling of Documents.

 

Notices of Motion.

 

Answers to Questions for which Notice has been Given.

 

Petitions.

 

Petitions

 

SPEAKER: The hon. the Member for Burin - Grand Bank.

 

P. PIKE: Thank you, Speaker.

 

Today, my petition concern is the Green Brook bridge, Route 220. These are the reasons for and background of this petition:

 

WHEREAS the Green Brook bridge on Route 220 near Lawn has deteriorated substantially in the last two years, and the changes in the structure of the bridge are clearly evident; and

 

WHEREAS due to construction, heavy trucks travel over this bridge on a daily basis and they are concerned for their safety; and

 

WHEREAS residents are increasingly concerned with changes in the structure of the bridge and are noticing a huge difference while driving; and

 

WHEREAS if something catastrophic were to happen to the bridge and make it impassable, residents would be negatively impacted as this is the main route to their town; and

 

WHEREAS this is now a serious, serious safety factor for all motorists travelling on this section of highway; and

 

WHEREAS inspections have been carried out in the past but the deterioration is visibly evident and becoming worse each and every day and residents are concerned as it impacts their safety and their quality of life;

 

THEREFORE we petition the hon. House of Assembly as follows: We, the undersigned, call upon the House of Assembly to urge the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador to immediately have Green Brook Bridge inspected for safety reasons, make the report available to the residents of the area and change the timing of the repairs so they can be completed this year instead of 2027.

 

Mr. Speaker, people in this area are really concerned about the condition of this bridge. It’s clearly and I travel this bridge pretty much daily when I’m in my district, it’s clearly visible, the bend in that particular bridge is getting worse and has gotten worse, even in the last few months. Truck drivers who cross this bridge are becoming increasingly concerned as they notice an extreme difference as well.

 

This bridge is a necessary lifeline for the residents in this area. This bridge is supposed to be part of the 2027 capital works projects for this area. Mr. Speaker, could the minister –

 

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

 

P. PIKE: Could the minister at least go out there and have a look at this bridge or get his officials out there?

 

SPEAKER: The Member’s time has expired.

 

Are there any further petitions?

 

Seeing none, Orders of the Day.

 

Orders of the Day

 

SPEAKER: The hon. the Government House Leader.

 

L. PARROTT: Thank you, Speaker.

 

Motion 4.

 

SPEAKER: Motion 4.

 

L. PARROTT: Speaker, I move, seconded by the Deputy House Leader that in accordance with Standing Order 8, the winter-spring 2026 sitting of the House of Assembly be extended beyond Thursday, May 28, 2026, and that this House shall shit – sit until it returns to the call of the Chair and that notwithstanding –

 

AN HON. MEMBER: Point of order.

 

AN HON. MEMBER: Withdraw, withdraw.

 

L. PARROTT: Withdrawn, Speaker.

 

Notwithstanding Standing Order 8 (3) the week of June 8, 2026, shall not be a constituency week.

 

SPEAKER: All those in favour of the motion?

 

SOME HON. MEMBERS: Aye.

 

SPEAKER: All those against, ‘nay.’

 

Carried.

 

The hon. the Government House Leader.

 

L. PARROTT: Speaker, motion 3.

 

SPEAKER: Motion 3.

 

L. PARROTT: Speaker, I move, seconded by the Deputy House Leader, for leave to introduce a bill entitled, An Act to Amend the Pharmaceutical Services Act, Bill 19, and I further move that the said bill now be read a first time.

 

SPEAKER: It has been moved and seconded that this bill be read a first time.

 

All those in favour, ‘aye.’

 

SOME HON. MEMBERS: Aye.

 

SPEAKER: All those against, ‘nay.’

 

Motion is carried.

 

Motion, the hon. the Minister of Health and Community Services, to introduce a bill, “An Act to Amend the Pharmaceutical Services Act,” carried. (Bill 19)

 

CLERK (Hawley George): A bill, An Act to Amend the Pharmaceutical Services Act. (Bill 19)

 

SPEAKER: This bill has now been read a first time.

 

When shall the bill be read a second time?

 

L. PARROTT: Tomorrow.

 

SPEAKER: Tomorrow.

 

On motion, Bill 19 read a first time, ordered read a second time on tomorrow.

 

SPEAKER: The hon. the Government House Leader.

 

L. PARROTT: Speaker, I move, seconded by the Minister of Forestry, Agriculture and Lands, that the House resolve itself into a Committee of the Whole to consider Bill 13.

 

SPEAKER: It has been moved and seconded that I do now leave the Chair for the House to resolve itself into a Committee of the Whole to consider Bill 13.

 

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 is carried.

 

On motion, that the House resolve itself into a Committee of the Whole, the Speaker left the Chair.

 

Committee of the Whole

 

CHAIR (Dwyer): Order, please!

 

We are now considering Bill 13, An Act to Amend the Forestry Act.

 

A bill, “An Act to Amend the Forestry Act.” (Bill 13)

 

CLERK: Clause 1.

 

CHAIR: Shall clause 1 carry?

 

The Chair recognizes the Member for Harbour Grace- Port de Grave.

 

P. PARSONS: Thank you, Chair.

 

Again, we are back now discussing Bill 13, An Act to Amend the Forestry Act, here in Committee of the Whole, so on to the minister.

 

Minister, are there enough wildfire suppression personnel?

 

CHAIR: The Chair recognizes the Minister of Forestry, Agriculture and Lands.

 

P. FORSEY: I mentioned this morning that we had 90 resource officers, 27 officers and we’re hiring more forest firefighters, wild firefighters, 25 this year, another 25 this year along with the resources we already have. The more we can do to enhance our resources the better our communities will be safe. Yes, we are moving ahead with our resources.

 

CHAIR: The Chair recognizes the Member for Harbour Grace - Port de Grave.

 

P. PARSONS: Thank you, Chair.

 

Again, thank you for that, Minister.

 

Is there enough communication infrastructure?

 

CHAIR: The Chair recognizes the Minister of Forestry, Agriculture and Lands.

 

P. FORSEY: What was that question, again?

 

CHAIR: The Chair recognizes the Member for Harbour Grace - Port de Grave.

 

P. PARSONS: I asked if there was enough communications infrastructures in place currently.

 

CHAIR: The Chair recognizes the Minister of Forestry, Agriculture and Lands.

 

P. FORSEY: Yes, we have infrastructure in place to look after the communications along with the 170 forestry staff that we do have employed right now. So, yes, we have those staff. Yes.

 

CHAIR: The Chair recognizes the Member for Harbour Grace - Port de Grave.

 

P. PARSONS: Thank you, Chair.

 

Also, is there enough coordination capacity within municipalities, volunteer fire depts, Indigenous governments and emergency management agencies?

 

CHAIR: The Chair recognizes the Minister of Forestry, Agriculture and Lands.

 

P. FORSEY: Again, there is communication all of the time within different groups, different municipalities – communication between the emergency and forest fires with their, especially municipalities. Again, I’ll go back and make reference that we just put out – the Wildfire Mitigation Program, communicating with all of the communities, with 58 communities and $2.26 million put forward to them – all done through communication, education. Yes, so the communication between stakeholders and municipalities and fire departments are really intact.

 

CHAIR: The Chair recognizes the Member for Harbour Grace - Port de Grave.

 

P. PARSONS: Thank you, Chair.

 

As we know, the forestry officials, now, granting peace officer powers under the Criminal Code for enforcement purposes. As we know, these are significant powers and with the significant power, comes the need for transparency, obviously, and accountability and the proper training. What training, to date, has been given, now, to these officials to make them prepared for their new roles and the expanded powers?

 

CHAIR: The Chair recognizes the Minister of Forestry, Agriculture and Lands.

 

P. FORSEY: Again, it’s the same answer that was mentioned this morning. They already have that training. We’ll continue that training and we’ll provide the resources that they do need. That’s always ongoing and they already have it.

 

CHAIR: The Chair recognizes the Member for Harbour Grace - Port de Grave.

 

P. PARSONS: Right, but again, with the expanded responsibility, especially where it’s under the Criminal Code for enforcement purposes, what new training? I mean, the training is ongoing and it’s important, but what specific new training will be offered?

 

CHAIR: The Chair recognizes the Minister of Forestry, Agriculture and Lands.

 

P. FORSEY: They already have those powers for the officers, and it’s not under the Criminal Code.

 

CHAIR: The Chair recognizes the Member for Harbour Grace - Port de Grave.

 

P. PARSONS: Okay.

 

With the new enforcement decisions that they’re going to be given and obviously granted, how will the enforcement decisions be reviewed?

 

CHAIR: The Chair recognizes the Minister of Forestry, Agriculture and Lands.

 

P. FORSEY: Well they’re always the first ones on the scene. They’re always there. They monitor the situation, monitor the scene. They determine the result of the fire, how it was caused, how bad the fire is and make that determination there, whether it’s going to be ticketed, and after that it will go through the courts.

 

CHAIR: The Chair recognizes the Member for Harbour Grace - Port de Grave.

 

P. PARSONS: Thank you, Chair.

 

How will government ensure that consistency remains across all regions, particularly in rural and in Labrador itself?

 

CHAIR: The Chair recognizes the Minister of Forestry, Agriculture and Lands.

 

P. FORSEY: We have depots all across our province throughout, and we’re always in communication with municipalities. So, you know, they’ll be established throughout the depots that we do have.

 

CHAIR: The Chair recognizes the Member for Harbour Grace - Port de Grave.

 

P. PARSONS: Thank you, Chair.

 

Obviously now with changes in climate change, what we’re seeing, which is ultimately the reason to expand the legislation, what new conversations with this focus have been had with municipalities across the province?

 

CHAIR: The Chair recognizes the Minister of Forestry, Agriculture and Lands.

 

P. FORSEY: Great communication. I mean, to say the emergency plans, we’re even working on our emergency plans from the previous. We accept the report from the Auditor General. We’re already doing our emergency plans with the communities and our own plans.

 

As far as the climate change perspective on foliage and dry foliage and grass, again, we just put in $2.26 million to communities; 58 communities got that for training and education, and that also includes firebreaks, by the way, that they can use. So we’re working towards that.

 

CHAIR: The Chair recognizes the Member for Harbour Grace - Port de Grave.

 

P. PARSONS: Thank you, Chair.

 

Yes, that’s good, we certainly welcome those investments. It’s important for organizations as well outside of municipalities who may have received that funding or who have been named. Are there any tangible plans with actual municipalities and particular members of council on maybe even how they can expand bylaws with regard to enforcement and whatnot? So anything tangible with municipalities aside from the announcement of the funding?

 

CHAIR: The Chair recognizes the hon. Minister of Forestry, Agriculture and Lands.

 

P. FORSEY: With regard to bylaws, the towns already have their own bylaws of what they do in regard to fires in their communities. Of course, the regular regulations and legislation that the province has there, if they don’t go by the town one they’ll abide by the provincial one. Those bylaws, rules and regulations are in place, yes and communication is always there for that.

 

CHAIR: The Chair recognizes the hon. Member for Harbour Grace - Port de Grave.

 

P. PARSONS: Thank you, Chair, and that’s good.

 

We thank the municipalities for, I guess, their independent level of government but has the department and officials within your department, have there been any tangible meetings, any conversations or actual plans that have been, I guess, happened with municipalities across the province?

 

CHAIR: The Chair recognizes the hon. Minister of Forestry, Agriculture and Lands.

 

P. FORSEY: Actually, the department met with MNL and working on communication plans for that.

 

CHAIR: The Chair recognizes the hon. Member for Harbour Grace - Port de Grave.

 

P. PARSONS: Okay, so there’s a reach-out to MNL but no actual, I guess, plan or anything tangible in the way of municipalities. Whenever that happens, will the minister notify the House or even to publicly communicate what plans will be because I think a lot of MHAs, especially when you meet with your joint councils and different municipalities, they ask that question. They put it to their MHAs and in oftentimes, they hadn’t had any direct contact with the department so I guess, I’m saying is, or wanting to know will the professionals, who are the officials, within Fire and Emergency Services, even including the provincial fire commissioner, is that offer there, is that there where they can actually go have sessions with municipalities to equip them with the knowledge and even how they can go about creating new policy even by working with their individual volunteer fire departments?

 

CHAIR: The Chair recognizes the Minister of Forestry, Agriculture and Lands.

 

P. FORSEY: Yes, actually we saw that through the AG’s report that the emergency preparedness that was done with the communities. We’ve accepted all those recommendations. We’re working with the communities and we started with MNL with the climate change committees and we’re working with them on that. We’ve also put some FireSmart and we’re working with the CBN area.

 

There are lots of communities, but we know that there’s lots of work to do, especially from the Auditor General’s report, that wasn’t done before that we need to get done. We’re working towards that.

 

CHAIR: The Chair recognizes the Member for Harbour Grace - Port de Grave.

 

P. PARSONS: Okay, that’s good.

 

So, obviously, we can expect officials to have hands on going forward, maybe something annually, that will be offered to municipalities; because, they are the front-line defence in every community, so we’ll look forward to that.

 

Minister, can you elaborate on firebreaks and what areas that we can expect to see firebreaks or what supports are put in place for all municipalities across the province?

 

CHAIR: The Chair recognizes the Minister of Forestry, Agriculture and Lands.

 

P. FORSEY: Firebreaks, certainly, are important to protect from forest fires.

 

Communities can apply again; we’ll be putting out another round of the Fire Protection and Mitigation Program. So if any communities feel that they need some firebreaks, they can certainly put it in through the program. We’ll be reviewing all of those applications when we get them. There are provisions there for firebreaks, as well our own provincial ones, as we need them, through the fire chief.

 

CHAIR: The Chair recognizes the Member for Harbour Grace - Port de Grave.

 

P. PARSONS: Is there an actual program where they can go and apply, specifically, should they want a firebreak? Like, is that a go to right now? Is there a branch on the website, perhaps, or a contact or someone where municipalities can, today, if they’re hearing this conversation now, actually take that initiative to get this underway?

 

CHAIR: The Chair recognizes the Minister of Forestry, Agriculture and Lands.

 

P. FORSEY: Again, we will be opening up those applications fairly soon.

 

In the meantime, we have six FireSmart staff tasked with meeting with the municipalities and supporting those communities on that.

 

CHAIR: The Chair recognizes the Member for Harbour Grace - Port de Grave.

 

P. PARSONS: Okay.

 

Thank you, Chair.

 

Now just moving along to Wildland coveralls, which is relevant to what we’re discussing, will every volunteer firefighter throughout the province in every municipality and even non-incorporated receive their own Wildland coveralls? Will every volunteer firefighter receive them?

 

CHAIR: The Chair recognizes the Minister of Forestry, Agriculture and Lands.

 

P. FORSEY: It is relevant, but it’s not part of the bill.

 

Yes, we are accepting applications for the coveralls and we’ll be looking at those.

 

CHAIR: The Chair recognizes the Member for Harbour Grace - Port de Grave.

 

P. PARSONS: That will conclude my questions.

 

Thank you to all the staff in the department, and to the minister.

 

Thank you.

 

CHAIR: Thank you.

 

The Chair recognizes the Leader of the Official Opposition.

 

J. HOGAN: Thank you, Chair.

 

Minister, the top of page 7 of the bill, section 9 of the bill, I guess, repealing section 81 and substituting it with this: the minister, or a person or category of persons authorized by the ministers, may cancel a licence, suspend a licence et cetera, et cetera.

 

What would be a category or persons that the minister would authorize for this?

 

CHAIR: The Chair recognizes the Minister of Forestry, Agriculture and Lands.

 

P. FORSEY: Okay. We’re looking at section 9 –

 

CHAIR: Section 9 on page 8 it continues.

 

P. FORSEY: Section 9 – 81 – the minister may cancel licence where in the minister’s opinion that the operation of the mill respects of which licence is – are not in compliance with the terms and conditions. The licence is not in compliance with the provision of part of the regulation. This is the amendment to reflect the amendments made to the mill regulations to allow the minister to a person of categories of persons dependent in the mill licence or suspend all part of the operations carried out under the mill licence.

 

CHAIR: The Chair recognizes the Leader of the Official Opposition.

 

J. HOGAN: Thank you, Minister.

 

I gave you the wrong reference. I had a different version of the bill. So just to go back. I’m not sure if you gave that answer or not so I apologize because I was just trying to straighten out the right document.

 

My question is, what would be a category of persons authorized by the minister?

 

CHAIR: The Chair recognizes the Minister of Forestry, Agriculture and Lands.

 

P. FORSEY: Are we on 9 – 81. Are we still at section 9?

 

AN HON. MEMBER: Yes.

 

P. FORSEY: Page 8. Section 9?

 

A person who operates –

 

I’ll have to get that answer for you.

 

CHAIR: The Chair recognizes the Leader of the Official Opposition.

 

J. HOGAN: I appreciate that. It’s the minister getting authorization to essentially delegate authority to cancelling and suspending the licence. So I hope the minister would know who he would be able to delegate that authority to, so I look forward to getting that answer.

 

Section 10, this is going to take you a little while probably, to read, because I read it a few times and I’m not sure if I’m missing something. But if you look at (a.1), which is a new definition, you have to look at the act as well. It says a person who operates a mill while the mill licence is suspended could be guilty of an offence. That makes sense to me.

 

But then it also says who operates a mill when all or part of the mill operations are being carried out. So I guess I’m confused as to why would you have someone guilty of an offence if they’re operating the mill when part of the mill is being allowed to be operated. That would be confusing to the mill operator.

 

CHAIR: The Chair recognizes the Minister of Forestry, Agriculture and Lands.

 

P. FORSEY: Okay, back to your first reference there on the other one. It’s the resource officers, officers and forestry officials.

 

The section 85, that’s a new added one, 85(a.1) a person who operates a mill while the mill licence is suspended or all or part of the mill operations being carried out under the licence are suspended, or the minister may subject to the Environmental Protection Act, used of – that’s the amendment to create an offence where a person operates a mill while the mill licence is suspended or all or part of the mill licence operation is being carried out under the mill licence as it is under suspension.

 

CHAIR: The Chair recognizes the Leader of the Official Opposition.

 

J. HOGAN: That’s what it says. So my question is part of the mill licence is suspended, so I guess that means part of it is not suspended. So when I read it, it sounds like you can have someone guilty of an offence for operating the mill when their licence allows them to partially operate the mill. That’s confusing to me. I might be missing something. The point of the question is to make sure it’s not confusing for the people who are operating mills and end up with tickets or in jail.

 

CHAIR: The Chair recognizes the Minister of Forestry, Agriculture and Lands.

 

P. FORSEY: It’s to reflect the amendments made to mill regulations to allow the minister or the person of category suspended and the mill licence suspended and all part of the mill operations being carried out under a mill licence.

 

CHAIR: The Chair recognizes the Leader of the Official Opposition.

 

J. HOGAN: Sorry, I apologize, I didn’t hear the answer, I was talking to one of your colleagues who was trying to help.

 

CHAIR: The Chair recognizes the hon. the Minister of Forestry, Agriculture and Lands.

 

P. FORSEY: It’s also for separating the suspended parts when they are suspended.

 

CHAIR: The Chair recognizes the Leader of the Official Opposition.

 

J. HOGAN: I’ll leave it there but to me that’s not clear. It seemed to me that someone who is operating under a suspended licence, partial suspension of a licence can be subject to a fine for doing what they’re allowed to do. That’s the way I see right now.

 

So I’ll move on, section 92 of that same page, Minister, talks about applying the land within the jurisdiction of the province and all land within 300 metres of forest lands so I’m just wondering how the number of 300 metres came to be the number used for the legislation?

 

CHAIR: The Chair recognizes the hon. Minister of Forestry, Agriculture and Lands.

 

P. FORSEY: Back to the other answer, that could be where they’re abusing the different types of lumbers, pressure-treated lumbers and that sort of stuff, different operations of the mill or harvesting different sections. It still would be part of the mill, for the first answer.

 

The 300, that’s including all lands and that includes the 300 metres for any vegetation like dry foliage, dry lumber and that kind of stuff, not only from the trees but 300 metres away from dry foliage.

 

CHAIR: The Chair recognizes the hon. Leader of the Official Opposition.

 

J. HOGAN: I could be totally wrong but if people are carrying out something that they’re allowed to under the licence, which you said they did, what this legislation says to me a person who operates the mill, while all or part of the operations being carried out are suspended, so if they’re operating the part that’s not suspended it still says they’re subject to fine, which I think that’s confusing and not what I think is the intent of it, but I’ll leave it at that. That’s why we’re here to ask questions and if the minister is satisfied with the way it’s word, well that’s fine.

 

I’ll move on to page 9, the offence provision, section 96. I think, the old legislation talked about fines of about $200 and now it allows an offence to be liable on summary conviction to a penalty prescribed in the regulations.

 

Does the minister have any, able to comment about what the size of the fines would be once the regulations are drafted and in force?

 

CHAIR: The Chair recognizes the hon. Minister of Forestry, Agriculture and Lands.

 

P. FORSEY: A person who violates and fails to comply with provisions of the division, a provision of order of permit or condition attached to the order of the permit guilty of suspense liable to summary conviction to the penalty prescribed and that’s amended to remove the monetary fines for offences related to forest travel and forest fires authorized penalties and to those offences in the prescribed legislation.

 

CHAIR: The Chair recognizes the hon. Leader of the Official Opposition.

 

J. HOGAN: Can the minister provide information to the public about what the size of those fines would be in the regulations?

 

CHAIR: The Chair recognizes the hon. Minister of Forestry, Agriculture and Lands.

 

P. FORSEY: That would range from $1,000 to $5,000.

 

CHAIR: The Chair recognizes the hon. Leader of the Official Opposition.

 

J. HOGAN: Can the minister advise when those regulations will be, I guess, drafted, finalized and publicized?

 

CHAIR: The Chair recognizes the hon. Minister of Forestry, Agriculture and Lands.

 

P. FORSEY: We’re hoping to draft that and have it ready by next week.

 

CHAIR: The Chair recognizes the hon. Leader of the Official Opposition.

 

J. HOGAN: Thank you.

 

Minister, when you look at the explanatory notes, it talks about one of the purposes of the bill is to “expand the areas of the province that the minister may declare to be a restricted travel area.” Now obviously we had wild fires here last summer and an understatement to say it’s an emergency situation; Nova Scotia faced the same thing. Nova Scotia made a decision to ban Nova Scotians from going into the woods. Very recently, the Supreme Court of Nova Scotia said that that decision by the Government of Nova Scotia was unconstitutional as it violated section 6 of the Charter, which are our mobility rights. I’m wondering if the department has done a Charter analysis to make sure that this bill is in line with the Constitution and the Charter?

 

CHAIR: The Chair recognizes the hon. Minister of Forestry, Agriculture and Lands.

 

P. FORSEY: Yes, that’s in regard to travel lands, where there’s an extreme fire at the time, the minister can provide a ban in that area, especially travelling in around the forested area so that we could provide that and we consulted with Justice on that.

 

CHAIR: The Chair recognizes the hon. Leader of the Official Opposition.

 

J. HOGAN: Okay so just to be clear, the consultation with Justice was specifically related to the potential Charter challenges? I’m not asking – you make your decision based on the opinion but –

 

Please be advised that this is a PARTIALLY EDITED transcript of the House of Assembly sitting for Wednesday, May 27, 2026, to approximately 3:30 p.m. The edited Hansard will be posted when it becomes available.