Please be advised that this is a PARTIALLY EDITED transcript of the House of Assembly sitting for Tuesday, March 31, 2026, to the end of Question Period. The edited Hansard will be posted when it becomes available.

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

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

The House met at 1:30 p.m.

SPEAKER (Lane): Order, please!

Admit strangers.

In the public gallery today, I would like to welcome individuals from WorkplaceNL, which is the subject of a ministerial statement.

Welcome.

SOME HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear!

Statements by Members

SPEAKER: Today we will hear statements from the hon. Members for the Districts of Cartwright - L’Anse au Clair, Corner Brook, Fogo Island - Cape Freels, Fortune Bay - Cape La Hune and Harbour Grace - Port de Grave.

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

SOME HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear!

L. DEMPSTER: Thank you, Speaker.

Speaker, from March 8 to 14, 321 athletes including myself, from 21 communities gathered in Happy Valley-Goose Bay for the Labrador Winter Games.

Since 1983, those Olympics in the North affectionately known as the Friendship Games, have celebrated not only sport and sportsmanship but also the rich cultural traditions of Labrador. They continue to bring Labradorians together fostering pride, connection and belonging.

This year’s energy was incredible with strong attendance and record-breaking sponsorship exceeding $250,000. The inaugural Torch Relay was also a great success, connecting hundreds across 23 communities in Labrador.

Athletes performed at an exceptional level. Christopher Penny of Charlottetown broke the one-foot high kick record kicking at nine foot three, while Claire Sainsbury of –

SOME HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear!

L. DEMPSTER: – of Cartwright set a new mark and went over the rope more than 60 times.

A heartfelt thank you to Pauline Russell, the board, volunteers and sponsors and I especially want to extend my thanks and appreciation to the Town of Happy Valley-Goose Bay and 5-Wing, who without their support the games would not be possible.

Congratulations to all participants. You’ve made your communities proud. Some went home with medals and we all went home with beautiful memories.

Thank you, Speaker.

SOME HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear!

SPEAKER: The hon. the Member for Corner Brook.

J. PARSONS: Thank you, Speaker.

I rise today to recognize and congratulate Branch 13 of the Royal Canadian Legion in Coner Brook on their recent bi-annual veteran’s Dinner.

It was a meaningful event that brought together veterans, families and community members in a spirit of gratitude and remembrance.

This gathering was more than a meal; it was a powerful tribute to the men and women who have served our country with courage and sacrifice.

Events like this ensure that their contributions are never forgotten and that their stories continue to be shared with future generations.

Veterans are the ultimate public servants and this event was an important reminder to everyone of the privilege that we enjoy as Canadians.

Our veterans have done so much but they continue to do so much. Whether is it supporting veterans and their families, organizing commemorative events or contributing to our downtown Corner Brook tourism efforts. Branch 13 makes important impacts on our community. Their efforts embody the very best of community service and volunteerism.

To the members of Branch 13, thank you for your continued service in commitment to honouring our veterans and strengthening our community.

Thank you, Speaker.

SOME HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear!

SPEAKER: The hon. the Member for Fogo Island - Cape Freels.

SOME HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear!

J. MCKENNA: I rise today to recognize Beothic Fish Processors Limited.

Beothic Fish Processors Limited, a Newfoundland company, operates in Bonavista Bay with their head office and processing facility in the community of Valleyfield.

Beothic processes groundfish, shellfish and pelagic species into a variety of products and forms and utilizes a variety of marketing channels and techniques to market products internationally. They have personnel who are always monitoring issues to ensure customer satisfaction.

Beothic operates its Valleyfield facility under very stringent quality guidance and processes all raw material soon after it is landed. They strive to maintain the quality of the raw materials from the time it leaves the water to final product.

Beothic sources raw material from approximately 900 independent fish harvesters from all over the province and employs 325 unionized workers and 75 non-unionized local workers.

Beothic pays particular attention to customers’ needs, packaging products of the highest quality to precise market specifications. They are a growing company and are always looking at the improvements to processing methods and are willing to try new species and products.

I ask all Members to join with me today in recognizing Beothic Fish Processors Limited’s contribution to the seafood industry in Newfoundland and Labrador.

SOME HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear!

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

E. LOVELESS: Speaker, I rise today to recognize Mr. Max Taylor of Boxey for his unwavering dedication to volunteering in his community and beyond.

A volunteer is someone who chooses to serve not for recognition, not for reward but because they care. It’s about stepping forward when something needs to be done even when no one asks.

Max Taylor served his community for many years on council, as Mayor, Lions Club member, managing and operating the ambulance service for many south coast communities and president of the Newfoundland and Labrador Community Ambulance Operators Association.

Volunteering isn’t always easy. It requires time, sacrifice and a deep sense of care for others, and he has shown all of that time and time again. One example comes to mind is making over 800 fishcakes as a fundraiser to support the annual South Coast Arts Festival in St. Jacques.

His leadership has helped guide his community; his compassion has supported those in need; and his generosity of spirit has inspired those around him. His love for this family is like no other. Personally, I sincerely thank him for his leadership, his friendship, mentorship and guidance over the years.

Please join me in thanking Max Taylor for his years of service to his community and province.

SOME HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear!

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

P. PARSONS: Thank you, Speaker.

I stand today to congratulate three outstanding young women from my district, Kelsey Fifield, Paige Morgan and Sierra Murphy of Ascencion Collegiate, on receiving the 100th Anniversary of Women Achieving the Right to Vote and Hold Public Office Scholarship.

This scholarship is an initiative that I had the privilege of introducing last May as the Minister of Women and Gender Equality, and it is intended to be a reminder that democracy flourishes when all voices are included and when every individual has a seat at the table.

Each of these young women have demonstrated leadership, dedication and a strong commitment to not only their school, but their community. Through their involvement in academics, the arts, volunteerism and student leadership, they are already making meaningful contributions and setting an example for their peers.

Speaker, these young women represent the values that are at the heart of a strong and healthy democracy and are setting the stage for the next generation of leaders here in Newfoundland and Labrador.

I ask all Members to join me in congratulating Kelsey, Paige and Sierra, as well as all other recipients on this well-deserved recognition and in wishing them continued success in the years ahead.

Thank you, Speaker.

SOME HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear!

SPEAKER: Statements by Ministers.

Statements by Ministers

SPEAKER: The hon. the Minister of Labrador Affairs.

SOME HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear!

L. EVANS: Speaker, as Minister of Labrador Affairs, I am honoured to stand here today to recognize March 31 as Labrador Flag Day.

As a Labradorian, I can tell you all how proud Labradorians are of our flag. We have been since it flew in March 1974. Labradorian Michael S. Martin designed this powerful symbol that represents Labrador’s geography, cultures and communities.

Our flag reflects the beauty of the Big Land with its colours representing the snow, the water and the land.

The growing sprig of black spruce calls out the hope and tenacity of our people who call Labrador home.

The Labrador flat is a proud reminder to us all that this majestic land is distinct and is a vital part of our Province of Newfoundland and Labrador.

Speaker, our new government recognizes that Labrador has unique challenges and tremendous opportunities.

To all those who call Labrador home, know this, we are listening to you and will take action to make life more affordable, provide better health care and make communities safer for all Labradorians.

Today and every day we celebrate our beautiful flag, Speaker, and we will continue to honour everything it stands for, the past, the present and future of our homeland, Labrador.

To honour this occasion this evening, Confederation Building will be lit in the colours of the Labrador Flag and our flag will proudly fly in front of the Confederation Building.

Thank you, Speaker.

SOME HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear!

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

L. DEMPSTER: Thank you, Speaker.

I thank the minister for the advance copy of her statement.

I, too, and everyone on this side is wearing the beautiful Labrador Flag today, Speaker, join the minister in recognizing Labrador Flag Day and this powerful symbol that unites Labradorians.

Our flag tells a story of resilience, pride and deep connection to the land and that pride is as strong today as when it first flew in 1974. This past summer I had the tremendous privilege of presenting Mr. Michael Martin, the designer of the Labrador Flag with the Confederation 75th Anniversary medal as a thank you for uniting Labradorians under the flag for the past 52 years.

But while we celebrate our culture, heritage, strength and resilience we also have to be honest about the reality many Labradorians are facing. Today, as the minister marks Labrador Flag Day vital supports that benefit Labradorians, the Labrador Air Access Program and Hope Air are set to expire with no clear plan to continue. For many in Labrador air travel isn’t a luxury it is a lifeline. So while we join the minister in celebrating the flag, we also call for action to support the residents of the Big Land because Labradorians refuse to be forgotten.

Thank you.

SOME HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear!

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

J. DINN: Thank you, Speaker.

I thank the minister for an advance copy of the statement. We, too, would like to take this opportunity to celebrate Labrador and its wonderful flag and call on meaningful action to support its proud and resilient people. That is why we remind this House, today, of MHA Brown’s PMR, last spring. We saw Members vote, unanimously, in support of an improved air access and affordable ticket prices.

We, once again, call on the government, to work with Indigenous partners, municipalities, businesses and their federal counterparts to implement the plan that reduces cost and increases accessibility to air travel to and from and within Labrador.

Thank you.

SOME HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear!

SPEAKER: Further statements by ministers?

The hon. the Minister Responsible for WorkplaceNL.

M. GOOSNEY: Thank you, Speaker.

I rise today to recognize a milestone in our province’s history for workers’ compensation and safe and healthy workplaces – 2026 is the 75th anniversary of WorkplaceNL.

On April 1, 1951, the Workmen’s Compensation Commission first opened its doors, laying the foundation for the workers’ compensation system we have today. Since then, WorkplaceNL has played a vital role in protecting workers, supporting recovery from injury or illness, and promoting safer workplaces across Newfoundland and Labrador.

In 1951, the lost-time injury rate in our province was three times higher than it is today, 3.82 injured per 100 workers compared to today at 1.2. That decrease reflects decades of prevention, education and collaboration. This did not happen by chance. This is the result of the dedication of WorkplaceNL staff, the cooperation of employers, the leadership of safety partners, and the commitment of workers themselves.

When injury or illness strikes, WorkplaceNL steps up – let me say that again – WorkplaceNL steps up – to provide essential supports to help workers recover, return to work and to maintain financial security for themselves and their families.

On behalf of the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador, I congratulate WorkplaceNL on 75 years of service and wish you continued success in the years ahead to protect our greatest resource, people.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

SOME HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear!

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

K. WHITE: Speaker, I am happy to rise today to celebrate the 75th anniversary of WorkplaceNL. For 75 years, WorkplaceNL has played a critical role in protecting workers, supporting recovery, and promoting safer workplaces across Newfoundland and Labrador. That is something all Members of this House can recognize and appreciate.

The progress we have seen, from significantly reduced injury rates to stronger workplace safety culture, did not happen by accident. It reflects decades of collaboration between workers, employers, safety partners and governments who understand that protecting workers must always be a priority.

Speaker, while we recognize this milestone, we must also know the work is not yet done. Workers continue to face challenges when it comes to safety, timely support, and returning to work. So as we mark this milestone, we must remain focused on ensuring that WorkplaceNL is able to continue to modernize, remain responsive to workers needs, and uphold its core mission: protecting the people who built this province.

To the staff, partners and workers who have shaped WorkplaceNL over the past 75 years, thank you and congratulations.

Thank you, Speaker.

SOME HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear!

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

J. DINN: Thank you, Speaker.

I thank the minister for an advance copy of the statement. Congratulations to the workers who have served WorkplaceNL for the past 75 years and worked to keep us all safe on the job.

But government can do more to support workplace safety and workers themselves when they are injured. In that spirit, we ask that government increase the income replacement rate to 90 per cent, and in the interest of transparency, publish all OHS inspection reports on its website.

Thank you.

SPEAKER: Oral Questions.

Oral Questions

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

J. HOGAN: Thank you, Speaker.

Just today, gas has gone up in this province at the pump by eight cents. Last night this House had an opportunity to lower the cost of gas for people in our province, but the Conservatives chose not to do anything to help.

So I ask the Premier, why won’t he do what he knows is right, and lower the gas tax while prices continue to skyrocket for Newfoundlanders and Labradorians?

SOME HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear!

SPEAKER: The hon. the Premier.

SOME HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear!

PREMIER WAKEHAM: Speaker, we all understand the situation that’s happening in the Middle East and the war that’s impacting not only the gas prices here in Newfoundland and Labrador, but all over the country and all over the world, for that matter.

In Newfoundland and Labrador, what we did yesterday was ensure that the gas tax would not go up, would stop immediately, it would not be increased and we put that in legislation. But what I can also tell you is that in Newfoundland and Labrador, we have the lowest gas tax of any province in the entire country, and the second lowest in diesel.

So what we ought to be at now, and what I intend to do and we all should be taking part in, is encouraging the federal government to do their part to lower gas prices across the country.

SOME HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear!

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

J. HOGAN: Speaker, I’m glad I heard the Premier recognize and finally admit that the gas tax just stayed the same over the course of the next few days after passing the bill last night but, unfortunately, there was a motion on the table to make it lower and which is what Newfoundlanders and Labradorians want. Now we hear today that the PUB has started making decisions on prices five days a week instead of the usual once a week.

As I said, it’s already gone up eight cents today.

So can the Premier explain to Newfoundlanders and Labradorians why he failed to implement legislation to deal with rising prices and the extraordinary measures now being taken by the PUB?

SPEAKER: The hon. the Premier.

SOME HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear!

PREMIER WAKEHAM: Speaker, as I alluded to in my first answer, this is not a made-in-Newfoundland-and-Labrador problem. We have addressed the issue with gas tax in Newfoundland and Labrador by ensuring that it remains the lowest provincial gas tax in the country.

SOME HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear!

PREMIER WAKEHAM: The second lowest gas tax on diesel in the entire country. What we need now is the federal government to do their part because every single province in Canada is hurt and being impacted and every person in Canada and in Newfoundland and Labrador has been impacted by these high prices and the federal government needs to step up and do their part.

SOME HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear!

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

J. HOGAN: Speaker, I know this House of Assembly is responsible for solutions that are made right here in Newfoundland and Labrador and there was a solution on the table last night that the Conservatives refused to acknowledge and to vote for.

So I ask the Premier, why is he waiting for other provinces and the federal government to do what is his job? The same way Nova Scotia is getting ahead of us in defence spending, the same way Nova Scotia is getting ahead of us with deals with Quebec on energy.

Why won't the Premier focus on what’s right for Newfoundlanders and Labradorians and deliver a solution in this House of Assembly for Newfoundlanders and Labradorians?

SOME HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear!

SPEAKER: The hon. the Premier.

SOME HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear!

PREMIER WAKEHAM: Speaker, I can assure the people of Newfoundland and Labrador that’s exactly what we’re doing. We’re focused on doing the work before we make the announcements and what we’re focused on is what the people of Newfoundland and Labrador have told us that they have to see the focus – better health care, lower taxes and safer communities. We’re continuing to deliver them.

In our upcoming budget, Speaker, you will see the results of that and the people of Newfoundland and Labrador will see more money in their pockets.

SOME HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear!

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

F. HUTTON: Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

I think we already know that one of those platforms was a fail because they had an opportunity to have a lower tax, yesterday, but they voted for the tax we implemented four years ago.

We know how much the Premier and his Energy Minister admire and have been praising the federal Liberal government under Primer Minister Carney yet the minister has not signed onto the federal government’s one project, one review agreement, which will cut red tape on major projects. All of the other Atlantic provinces have done it. They’ve signed on.

Why is our minister leaving Newfoundland and Labrador behind, again?

SOME HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear!

SPEAKER: The hon. the Minister of Energy and Mines.

SOME HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear!

L. PARROTT: Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

This province has been left behind for 10 years. October the 14th, that changed. We are not going to be left behind ever again.

SOME HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear!

L. PARROTT: This previous government had an opportunity to sign onto that, and we are signing onto it; but here’s what else we’re doing. We’re lobbying to make sure that our offshore is included in that, not just something that we can’t control, something that the feds deserve the people of Newfoundland and Labrador. They need to look after our offshore the same as we do on our onshore.

So we are a part of that. We will continue to be a part of that. Projects are moving faster now than they’ve ever happened before, and they’ve failed in the past.

SOME HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear!

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

F. HUTTON: Mr. Speaker, we certainly weren’t left behind when we signed a $5.2-billion rate mitigation plan to keep electricity rates down –

SOME HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear!

F. HUTTON: – and we certainly weren’t left behind when we signed a $227-billion MOU, which they are about to leave behind.

SOME HON. MEMBERS: Oh, oh!

F. HUTTON: Speaker, the Premier keeps saying he wants to wait for his biased review panel. One of the members of that panel has already come out publicly against the MOU, and the other is the lead architect of the Muskrat Falls boondoggle. The Minister of Energy admitted in the House recently that the election was actually a referendum on the MOU.

How can the government expect anyone to believe what this panel says when and if we finally see a report for them, if we ever see it?

SOME HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear!

SPEAKER: The hon. the Minister of Energy and Mines.

SOME HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear!

L. PARROTT: Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

I’ll remind the Member about pharmacare, which they didn’t sign onto. I’ll also remind him that the one member that is not on that Committee anymore used to be the former Premier’s boss and should never have been on that Committee. There has been – who made decisions prior to the debate in the House of Assembly, which, again, was not even a debate because they had already signed the document.

It was pushed because this Premier fought for it to come into the House. It was always a misled project from the beginning. It will be delivered by this Premier and this government for the people of Newfoundland and Labrador.

SOME HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear!

L. PARROTT: We will be the primary beneficiaries, we know that, and it will happen.

SOME HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear!

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

F. HUTTON: Thank you, Speaker.

Speaking of misguided, let’s talk about Muskrat Falls. We can have that conversation any time you want.

SOME HON. MEMBERS: Oh, oh!

F. HUTTON: As for the MOU, the day it was signed, it was posted online for everyone to see. We still haven’t seen the Bay du Nord deal, which was signed, let alone debate it, so we don’t know what’s in there.

Speaker, it’s alarming to hear that the Premier has stopped all negotiations and contact with Quebec while his biased review is ongoing and won’t say what he intends to do after the report one way or another. Will there be a referendum; we don’t know. Will we see what’s in deal? We don’t know.

What is the Premier’s plan or are we going to squander yet another deal on the Lower Churchill?

SPEAKER: The hon. the Minister of Energy and Mines.

SOME HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear!

L. PARROTT: Ten years, Mr. Speaker, 10 years this government didn’t put one benefits agreement online, not one. Not one benefits agreement. As a matter of fact they did things like Snow’s Lane, sole-sourced the penitentiary. They did all kinds of underhanded stuff which they never made public and now they’re here talking about an agreement that has four proponents: BP, Equinor, OilCo, Newfoundland and Labrador government.

We’re in a process of making sure that this agreement is made public. It has to go through the process, to make sure that there are no commercial sensitives. It will be made public.

As for Muskrat Falls, these guys couldn’t deliver. They couldn’t build it. They didn’t know what they were doing.

SOME HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear!

SPEAKER: The hon. the Member for Burgeo - La Poile.

M. KING: Speaker, bridge work is a focus in the roads plan this year announced by the Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure. The Isle aux Morts bridge on Route 470 continues to see a drop in weight restrictions which we can assume is due to safety concerns.

Can the minister assure the residents of my district that any concerns with this bridge are being addressed?

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

SOME HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear!

B. PETTEN: Thank you, Speaker.

The Member opposite, I want to inform the House actually, we have 1,184 bridges in the province. We have a very qualified staff over there to assess every bridge, so there’s no bridge in this province that people are using, if it’s unsafe it’s closed. If there are restrictions on it, they’re posted. Bridge replacements are happening year over year. There are a lot of bridges in the roads plan this year and the remaining in the coming years, but with 1,184 bridges it’s an endless list and we are on top of it and our staff are doing a great job of it.

Thank you very much.

SOME HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear!

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

P. PARSONS: Thank you, Speaker.

The Minister of TI said yesterday and I quote, I can’t commit to what’s been committed to in the previous administration. Is it on the list, yes. Is there a decision made, no, end quote.

Minister, are you saying that you don’t plan to complete the projects just because they’re in Liberal districts?

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

SOME HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear!

B. PETTEN: Thank you, Speaker.

I say to the Member opposite, I plan to compete the roads program and the roads that are required, the roads in need, we will fix them regardless of what district they’re in but I’ll repeat, people need to realize, for 10 years PC district roads were neglected beyond. I’ve got that message loud and clear from the industry, from officials and I have planned on bringing a balanced approached. Next year or the year after, when we get it balanced out, everyone will get it. There are Liberal districts getting roadwork, believe it or not, but they’re just looking at their own.

The Member opposite has had an atrocious amount of roadwork. One of the highest amounts in the province, I’ve been told. So I think she’s done quite well. Stay tuned, she may get some down the road, but right now, we’ve got to spread it out across the province.

SPEAKER: The minister’s time has expired.

SOME HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear!

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

S. GAMBIN-WALSH: Speaker, we hear the government talking about spending smarter, yet the culverts are currently in the ground on route 100 between Branch and St. Bride’s, and the minister has decided to not complete the paving of the road. The Minister of Transportation said yesterday it’s not about canceling. If that’s true, can he explain how leaving this project incomplete is not canceling?

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

SOME HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear!

B. PETTEN: Speaker, they are challenging. We have 10,000 kilometres of road in the province, and they’re picking out bits and pieces all over the place. I’m trying my best here, but if I’m not mistaken, the piece that she’s referring to, the contractor pulled out. They wouldn’t do that section of road. They pulled out. Now going back there is going to cost an excessive amount of money. I’m aware of that section, actually, and I’ve talked to people in that community. It’s a bit of a struggle right now. It’s not about canceling. That's not what we’re doing. We have to spend wisely and spend smarter, and we will do our best. Right now, that road is driveable. Will it be paved? If we can find a way to get it paved at a reasonable price, sure we’ll go ahead and do it.

SOME HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear!

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

S. GAMBIN-WALSH: Speaker, when I asked the Minister of Transportation a question about his roads plan yesterday, he said their administration wanted safer communities.

I ask the minister, a previous roads plan identified resurfacing and rehab work on a key stretch of route 90, but this has now been cancelled. Minister, why are you compromising safety?

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

SOME HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear!

B. PETTEN: Speaker, we campaigned on a promise of safer communities, and we will deliver on safer communities.

SOME HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear!

B. PETTEN: I think, in fairness, the Member opposite and her other colleagues need to realize there’s 40 districts in the province, not 15, and it has to be looked after in that light. Right now, we’re trying to find balance, and I’ll continue to say that because that’s exactly what I’m doing. It’s not picking one over another; it’s trying to find a balance. There are other areas in the province that need attention.

These Members opposite have done quite well, and I tell you, quite well, over the years. People should go back and look at the roads program because they’ve done really well. Their colleagues probably should look at the roads program, their roads, and wonder why they got so much and they never got as much. That’s what I think they need to do internally. We’re going to continue to keep our communities safe.

SOME HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear!

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

P. PIKE: Speaker, to continue with this theme. The minister stood in this House yesterday and he did say that his government is not about canceling.

Can he explain why he cancelled Winterland Road, route 220 to St. Lawrence, Little Bay East to Harbour Mille, Point May to Fortune and Lord’s Cove to Lamaline all located in the District of Burin - Grand Bank?

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

SOME HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear!

B. PETTEN: Speaker, it’s unfortunate when you get Members up listing off the roads that’s not done, but they never list what they had done. But there’s a problem down in some areas of the province. It’s not about cancelling. If I’m not mistaken, some of the areas that the Member opposite is talking about was tendered and came in at a very high price and it was found that the department had to cancel it, not me.

The tender was flawed. The department actually cancelled the tender down in the Member’s district. It wasn’t me. It was the department, and it wasn’t the department, it was done because the tender was inaccurate. They had no choice. So to the Member talking about that, maybe we need to go back and retender it, but right now, again, we’re trying to do a balanced approach, and we will have safer communities for all of us.

SOME HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear!

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

P. PIKE: I don’t think we should be blaming bureaucrats for these mistakes at all.

SOME HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear!

P. PIKE: But when I look at these roads as well, children travel by school bus on these roads.

SOME HON. MEMBERS: Oh, oh!

SPEAKER: Order, please!

P. PIKE: Speaker, the minister said his administration wanted safer communities. Can the minister confirm today, here on record, that cancelling these projects doesn’t affect the safety of drivers in my district?

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

SOME HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear!

B. PETTEN: Thank you, Speaker.

I got a question. We’ve been here for five months. They were there for 10 years. Were these roads not safe five months ago or last year? When did they become unsafe? Last week? Give me a break. You’ve got a government that was in power for 10 years and now they’re complaining five months later for what they forgot to do for 10 years. That’s not my problem.

I will make sure our roads are safe –

SOME HON. MEMBERS: Oh, oh!

SPEAKER: Order, please!

B. PETTEN: – our roads are safe for all of us, Speaker, all of us. Not just a select few, all of us.

SOME HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear!

SPEAKER: The hon. the –

L. DEMPSTER: Here we go. Not his problem, Speaker. People are –

SPEAKER: I haven’t identified you yet.

Order, please!

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

L. DEMPSTER: Not his problem, Speaker. I guess the people are expecting too much again.

SOME HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear!

L. DEMPSTER: I’m not choosing bits and pieces. The minister said there was 40 districts, I’m going to ask about four. People are angry. This year there are zero dollars going into Labrador in roadwork, and in the 10 years we were there, we had a lot of fixing up to do after 10 or 12 years of Tory government. Tory times are tough times.

Can the minister explain to the people of Labrador why we got goose egg this year in roadwork?

SPEAKER: The hon. the Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure

SOME HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear!

B. PETTEN: Thank you, Speaker.

The Trans-Labrador Highway was cost in excess of $1 billion. We have a –

SOME HON. MEMBERS: Oh, oh!

SPEAKER: Order, please!

B. PETTEN: – a north coast ferry service that costs hundreds of millions. Labrador is very important to the people of this province and this government. It’s very important. We have three Members on our side from the Big Land.

The roadwork –

AN HON. MEMBER: (Inaudible.)

B. PETTEN: – listen here – the roadwork was an issue –

SPEAKER: Order, please!

Do you want me to start naming Members because I will.

Order!

The hon. the Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure.

B. PETTEN: Thank you, Speaker.

I have a lot of expression from my colleagues, they needed brushcutting, it was more important than the pavement to a lot – not important, but right now the priority was brushcutting. The Member opposite’s had more than her fair share of roadwork. She had 10 years to do it; she never done – she accomplished (inaudible) now she wants me to do it in five months.

SPEAKER: The minister’s time is expired.

SOME HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear!

SPEAKER: The hon. the Member for Gander.

B. FORD: Thank you.

Speaker, yesterday I asked the Minister of Tourism about the Johnson Geo Centre. First, she said it rested with the university; then, when pressed about its impact on tourism, she claimed: Like I said, we are working with Memorial University, but she hadn’t actually said that.

Can the minister explain which version is true? Is she involved or not?

SPEAKER: The hon. the Minister of Tourism, Culture, Arts and Recreation.

A. BARBOUR: Speaker, the Geo Centre is owned by Memorial University; it is listed on the Tourism website, as everything else is, many things are. Airbnb is on there; there are many, many things listed on our Tourism website.

If the Geo Centre goes up for sale, we will work with the new owners. If Memorial University decides to keep it, we will work with Memorial University.

Let’s just wait and see what happens.

SOME HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear!

SPEAKER: The hon. the Member for Gander.

B. FORD: Thank you, Speaker.

So I guess that’s no, they are not currently working with Memorial University.

Porter Airlines has introduced a fuel surcharge, due to rising oil prices, thereby making it more expensive for tourists to get to Newfoundland and Labrador.

What is the minister’s plan to deal with this risk to the tourism industry?

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

SOME HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear!

C. PARDY: Mr. Speaker, we will look at anything that will provide an advantage for the Province of Newfoundland and Labrador. If it means to invest in something to make access to Newfoundland and Labrador much better, if it means investing in something to make the life more affordable for residents of Newfoundland and Labrador, you can count on this side making sure that we make the right decisions for the people of the province.

SOME HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear!

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

L. DEMPSTER: Mr. Speaker, a return trip from Wabush to St. John’s this weekend cost $1,400; from Nain to St. John’s, $2,700. Our Liberal government introduced the Labrador Air Access Program to help make travel more affordable but it ends today.

I ask the Premier: Can you explain, Sir, to the residents of Labrador, why there will be no discounted airfare for Labradorians after today?

SPEAKER: The hon. the Minister of Labrador Affairs.

L. EVANS: Speaker, the way that Air Access subsidy was rolled out was misleading to the people of Newfoundland and Labrador. People on the Island thought we were getting, actually, a discounted rate; we weren’t. We were getting access to two subsidized tickets a year, and it was very, very difficult to get those tickets when we needed them for travel.

In actual fact, we have to do things better. We have to bring down the cost of affordability for people who want to travel, and we are doing that. The Member knows that we are preparing budget. We have things in the budget that are going to address the real problems regarding air access.

SOME HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear!

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

L. DEMPSTER: Speaker, how long will people have to wait? There’s a gap right now. People flying out for Easter from Lab West, $4,500.

And ask the 1,000 people who used that program how useful that program was that we put in –

SOME HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear!

L. DEMPSTER: – ask them, 1,000 people.

Speaker, over 250 physicians –

SOME HON. MEMBERS: Oh, oh!

SPEAKER: Order, please!

L. DEMPSTER: Over 250 physicians have signed a petition warning that the simultaneous roll out of CorCare and CorCare Link will reduce patient access to care.

Will the minister commit today to a staggered implementation starting with CorCare only, as is requested by the front-line physicians?

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

SOME HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear!

L. EVANS: Speaker, we took government in October; we were sworn in. I was sworn in as Minister of Health, and one of the things that I’m doing different as Minister of Health is actually reaching out and working with the doctors to make sure that their concerns are addressed.

In actual fact, Speaker, the way it was intended to be rolled out, it was going to alienate family doctors. We were actually going to lose a lot of family doctors because of the way they were rolling it out.

We are working with Newfoundland and Labrador Health Services and the physicians. We are actually going to save positions. We are going to do things different. What we’re going to see in terms of government is government working with doctors.

SOME HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear!

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

L. DEMPSTER: Speaker, I don’t know who the minister is talking to but physicians are telling us that their feedback has not resulted in meaningful changes to this roll out and there is a risk to patient safety.

Why has the minister allowed this implementation to proceed without listening to front-line providers?

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

SOME HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear!

L. EVANS: Speaker, what I hear from doctors, family doctors, physicians, it’s really, Speaker, it’s disturbing the way they’ve been treated under the previous government and under the previous administration. I hear the word being bullied and the journalists up there, they’ve heard it. I’ve heard it when I’m driving down the road, listening to the radio. Also, too, is not being able to think outside the box, too rigid.

We’ve only been in government, now, for what? Six months. We’ve already turned the corner. We will work with physicians. We will work with nurses. We will work with the agencies. We will work with the unions. We’re going to do government differently. We’re going to deliver.

SPEAKER: The minister’s time is expired.

SOME HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear!

SPEAKER: The hon. the Member for Waterford Valley.

SOME HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear!

J. KORAB: Thank you, Speaker.

Haven’t had a very good response, here, of getting actual answers but I have confidence in the Housing Minister here. The government’s Conservative cousins in Ontario work with the federal Carney Liberals to remove HST on new homes, not just for first-time homebuyers, in order to encourage new home construction and make ownership more affordable.

Will the Minister of Housing commit to a similar program here in Newfoundland and Labrador to help residents?

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

SOME HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear!

J. WALL: Thank you, Speaker.

I thank the Member opposite for the question. I will make one correction. It’s a Progressive Conservative (inaudible).

SOME HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear!

J. WALL: Speaker, as the Minister of Housing, we are looking at every option that we can to work with the people of the province to make life better, to make housing better for people in our province. I will take that away. We must have that conversation. My staff and I have discussed it already but I’ll, certainly, have that discussion and let the Member opposite know that we’ll have a plan for the people of the province.

SOME HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear!

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

E. LOVELESS: Mr. Speaker, the Minister of Labrador Affairs, when she was over here, lobbied hard to have the freight boat between the Island and the coast of Labrador. She lobbied hard and asked me many the times.

So I’ll ask the Minister of TI or her: When are you returning the freight boat between the Island and the coast of Labrador, now that you’re around the Cabinet table?

SOME HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear!

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

SOME HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear!

B. PETTEN: Speaker, we’ve had many conversations about that issue actually. There’s a lot of freight that has to get up the coast this year, we’ve already made it clear. My colleague has done a great job of that, my colleague from Torngat Mountains and she has advocated. We’re working actually trying to get extra runs put on.

The middle of June it usually starts. The minute the ice can break, we’re going to try to get earlier, but we’re going to put another boat there, hopefully, another ferry vessel to get the freight up there, because we know it’s very important to have it up the coast for this coming season and my colleague has done a great job advocating for the Big Land, Labrador.

SOME HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear!

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

J. DINN: Thank you, Speaker.

Speaker, last night the government invoked closure and passed legislation to make the gas tax reduction permanent. While many people drive, many do not but everyone must heat their home. We also know from the story of the gentleman who walked into the ambulatory health hub, many cannot afford to do so.

I ask the Premier: Now that he has passed the gas tax, will he commit to removing the provincial portion of the HST of all forms of home heating, actually cut the tax and help people heat their homes?

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

SOME HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear!

C. PARDY: Mr. Speaker, it’s an opportunity for me, when they talk about the permanent gas tax that they said, well, they could have done it, but did they do it in 2022, make it permanent?

SOME HON. MEMBERS: No.

C. PARDY: Did they do it in 2023?

SOME HON. MEMBERS: No.

C. PARDY: How about 2024?

SOME HON. MEMBERS: No.

SPEAKER: Order, please!

C. PARDY: 2025?

SOME HON. MEMBERS: No.

C. PARDY: I can tell you from the budget, there was no planning to have it permanently reduced this year.

The Leader of the Opposition, the Third Party, we will look at every affordability measure we possibly could. Every affordability measure to offer supports for Newfoundlanders and Labradorians.

Wish I had a little more time but –

SPEAKER: The minister’s time has expired.

SOME HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear!

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

Order, please!

I only want to hear the hon. the Leader of the Third Party.

J. DINN: I remind the Minister of Finance that we weren’t in power to make those decisions, but thank you for assuming we were government. However, if we were, not only would we put the measures in but we would have also reduced the HST on home heating. That’s one thing we would have done.

AN HON. MEMBER: (Inaudible.)

J. DINN: No, not yet.

Speaker, it mystifies me why the party that has lower taxes as the middle name of its slogan and promotes it as an affordability measure, is so reluctant to help people heat their homes. While people may be able to park their cars and drive less, they do not have the same flexibility when it comes to heating their homes.

SPEAKER: Question.

J. DINN: I ask the Premier: Why won’t he put the same effort into lowering people’s heating bills that he put into maintaining the gas tax?

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

SOME HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear!

C. PARDY: When we debated yesterday on keeping the gas tax permanent, there wasn’t a qualification of what you were asking for in your amendment to make it pertinent and believable for the residents of Newfoundland and Labrador.

SOME HON. MEMBERS: Oh, oh!

SPEAKER: Order, please!

C. PARDY: The Member for Ferryland filled up his vehicle, 50 litres –

SOME HON. MEMBERS: Oh, oh!

SPEAKER: Order, please!

C. PARDY: – in his Chevy Equinox, and with your one cent further reduction, he would have saved 50 cents, and that has value. That has value.

SOME HON. MEMBERS: Oh, oh!

SPEAKER: Order, please!

C. PARDY: The Member for Humber - Bay of Islands said yesterday that we were left with a huge deficit in this province and a deb – and I would say we’ve got to make sure we give –

SPEAKER: Order, please!

The minister’s time has expired.

SOME HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear!

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

S. O’LEARY: I would just like to remind the minister that we’re over here. The NDP are over here.

Speaker, when asked about rent control, the minister responsible said they couldn’t make promises due to budgetary restraints. I ask the minister: What cost more, people being priced out of their homes, ending up homeless, forced to go to for-profit shelters, hospital ERs or the justice system, or spending the money to hire staff to implement rent controls.

SPEAKER: The hon. the Minister of Government Services, and Labour.

SOME HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear!

M. GOOSNEY: Thank you, Speaker.

I think I can address the passion here anybody in the gallery must hear. But I’m also passionate about housing, passionate about people, passionate about solutions and how we find those solutions. It’s evident, Speaker, there are a lot of housing issues, there are a lot of rental issues. When I was mayor, I dealt with it quite often.

I’m here to serve the people in their best interest. I’m going to continue to meet with stakeholders, as I have. I’m up for ideas. I’m not here to bash. I’m going to continue to serve people in the best interest and I’m going to do it progressively and conservatively for all of us.

Thank you.

SOME HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear!

SPEAKER: The hon. the Member for St. East - Quidi Vidi for a quick question.

S. O’LEARY: Thank you, Speaker.

In 2024, the Premier said the social worker shortage reflects a struggling health care system. Now with a 20 per cent cut in seats in Memorial University’s Social Work program, the situation is getting worse.

With vacancies and overwhelming caseloads already impacting social workers and the care they deliver, I ask the Premier: What action will this government take to address the shortage of social workers?

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

SOME HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear!

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

This is deeply important. We, as a Progressive Conservative government, deeply value our social workers here in the province. In my department of Social Supports and Well-Being, we have over 300 social workers working day-in and day-out for the people of our province.

SOME HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear!

J. WALL: It is saddening. It is truly saddening that we have less seats at Memorial University now for social workers. Speaker, my department and our government will continue to lobby to have more seats available because we know the importance. We fully know the importance of social workers in our province, and I’ll do whatever I can to make sure that we have enough to serve the people.

SPEAKER: The time for Question Period has expired.

Please be advised that this is a PARTIALLY EDITED portion of the House of Assembly sitting for Tuesday, March 31, 2026, to the end of Question Period. The edited Hansard will be posted when it becomes available.