VOL. 2 SECON~ SESSION OF THE THIRTY-EIGHTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF NEWFOUNDLAND PRELIMINARY UNEDITED TRANSCRIPT HOUSE OF ASSEMBLY FOR THE ?ERIOD: 3:00p.m. - 6:00 p.m. THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 1980 NO~ l

February 28, 1980, Tape 1, Page 1 -- apb The House met at 3:00 p.m. Mr. Speaker in the Chair. Mr. Speaker (Simms): Order, please: SERGEANT-AT-ARMS: Mr. Speaker, His Honour the Lieutenant-Governor has arrived. MR. SPEAKER: Admit His Honour the Lieutenant-Governor. HON. GORDON A WINTER(Lieutenant-Governor): MR. SPEAKER AND MEMBERS OF THE HONOURABLE HOUSE OF ASSEMBLY: I welcome you to this Second Session of the 38th General Assembly of the Province of Newfoundland.

Since my last speech to the Housa, we have witnessed the unfolding of events which tell us that we have not only entered a new decade but a new era in the history of both the Province and the whole world. Events far beyond our shores and beyond our power have conspired once again to place this Province in the vanguard of history. MR. SPEAKER AND MEMBERS OF THE HONOURABLE H.OUSE OF ASSEMBLY: I refer, of course, to developments in Iran and Afghanistan and to the consequent impact upon the world's energy supplies and the cooling of relations between the two great super powers.

These events have created a global situation in which the energy resources of this Province have become not merely economically attractive, but the focus of the intense interest of the whole continent. Given this context, it was perhaps only natural that a major oil find at the Hibernia location in the fall of last year would give rise to tremendous interest nationally and internationaily. As a consequence, this Province and its people will now become subject to economic and political forces unprecedented since World War II when our harbours and airfields were deemed vital to the Allied causa.

We must always be aware of the extent and nature of those forces. MR. SPEAKER AND MEMBERS OF THE HONOURABLE HOUSE OF ASSEMBLY: The social, economic and political challenges which I outlined in my last speech to you still remain and My Government remains committed to the essential program laid out at that time. I would draw the attention of the House to the seven basic strategies which I outlined as the means whereby My Government would seek to meet those challenges. My Governmant remains committed to the use of those basic strategies. 1 ~

However, it is apparent that, with the intensification of the interest of industrialized North America in our resources, we must be even more diligent and work all the harder in the protection of our environment, our society and our future . That is not to say that we should in any way be selfish in the management of our resources. and My Government is determined to play a responsible role within Confederation in that respect.

Indeed, My Government is confident that , in seeking to protect the legitimate interests of the people of the Province in the management of their natural resources, we shall have the full support of the majority of Canadians thus demonstrating one of the major strengths of our nation , the ability and willingness of Canadians to recognize the point of view of their fellow citizens in other Provinces .

The policies of My Government on natural resources spring from three essential principles: First. the fisheries of Newfoundland and Labrador are the backbone of our economy and society and will remain the major component of any permanent solution to our econom1c problems.

The development of our non­ renewable resources (especially offshore oil and gas) , dramatic as that may be, must be viewed primarily as a short term tool to give us the financial flexibility not merely to pay off past debts and to invest in public services, but more importantly to provide the source of investment in an expanding, dynamic fishery which will be the basis of both a vibrant economy and proud people. In view of this, proposals for offshore oil and gas development must be carefully analysed and severely tested to ensJJre that the marine environment and our fisheries are being adequately protected.

In this respect. any oil company proposing a particular method of production bears a heavy onus to prove that the suggested mode is environmentally safe . A corollary to this basic aspect 01 our future is that My Government recognizes that rural Newfoundland remains, and must continue to be. the major , vibrant and expanding dimension of our social and economic future . Second , the Province 's economic and social destiny is linked directly ro the degree of control it has over its natural resources. In this respect. the responsibility of My Government and of all Members of this House is clear.

The people of this Province must not be denied the benefits which can flow from these natural resources and which are morally and legally theirs. It is only by strongly affirming our resource ownership rights that we can ensure that we receive the same benefits that other provinces derive from their natural resources. 2

February 28, 1980, Tape 2, Page 1 Third. the exercise of ownership and management rights over natural resources is a process which requires firm, rational and consistent policies . Our history teaches us that the mere fact of ownership is not enough: that the level of benefits accruing to our people . is directly proportional to how their ownership rights are exercised by their Governments . All areas of natural resource management must receive the most intense attention, both by Members of this Honourable House and by the people of the Province as a whole .

The appropriateness of each of our natural resource policies must become the focus of intense debate and study. MR.

SPEAKER AND MEMBERS OF THE HONOURABLE HOUSE OF ASSEMBLY: It is with these three basic principles in mind that I would outline the guidelines which My Government shall follow in formulating its resource management policies : First , that all My Government's policies will give effect to the essential fact that the people of Newfoundland and Labrador are the rightful owners of this Province's natural resources. particularly its marine resources, and. as such , are entitled to the rightful benefits therefrom . My Government considers this principle to be inviolate and is determined to have th1s principle recognized.

Second , that the development of our non-renewable resources must always be undertaken in such a way as to protect (and indeed complement) our renewable resources which constitute the long term economic basis of our society . Third. that the development of our primary resources must be accompanied by the maximum practical level of processing and secondary manufacturing within the Province prior to export. The true wealth of our resources can only be obtained if they are exported from our shores , not 1n the raw stage , but enriched by the efforts of Newfoundland workers . In this respect .

My Government will place be fore the House legislation to ensure that a maximum amount of processing takes place prior to the removal of any of our natural resources from the Province . Fourth, that the net revenues or economic rent generated by resource development will, to the maximum extent possible. be captured and directed to improving the standard of living of our people .

Fifth . that in the development pf our resources . we will be aware of the stresses which could be imposed upon our Newfoundland culture , life-style . and society which has been painfully developed through years of isolat ion and priva tion. 3

Throughout the planning of the large scale resource and economic developments which will occur in the next decade, My Government will be ever vigilant to ensure that such developments do not overwhelm those standards and values which constitute, in essence, what we are as a society. MR. SPEAKER AND MEMBERS OF THE HONOURABLE HOUSE OF ASSEMBLY: The foregoing guidelines will be the basis of all resource development policies formulated by My Government. There are in particular three areas with potential for major expansion to which they are being applied - fisheries, offshore oil and gas, and Labrador hydro.

These three sectors will form the leading edge of resource and economic development in this Province in the 1980's and I shall now outline the intentions of My Government in that respect. As I stated previously, the fisheries are, and must remain, the corner stone of our economy and society. Consequently, it will always receive first priority with My Government.

Indeed, the fisheries of our Province are the raison d'etre of our peopie and society.and the harvest of these resources has not only been the basis of settlement along our coasts but has P.ermeated every aspect of the social, economic and cultural life of our Province. Control and management of these stocks {particularly of the northern cod stocks) by the government of the Province are imperative . My Government is determined to achieve confirmation of the Province 's special interest in. and rights to, the economic benefits which can be derived from the fish stocks in the seas adjacent to our shores .

The legislative jurisdiction which Canada exercises over these stocks derives solely from the entry of the Dominion of Newfoundland into the Canadian Confederation in 1949. Moreover. it was in reaction to the demands of the people and Government of this Province, and in order to protect the very lifeblood of our hundreds of small fishing communities (particularly on the northeast and Labrador Coasts) that Canada was finally persuaded to claim a 20Q-mile limit.

In international law, the ability of Canada to claim such a limit was based primarily upon the historical and moral rights and the existing economic dependency of the small fishing communities along our coasts. My Government recognizes that the process of amending the Constitution is a slow one, while the problems of the fishery are urgent. In view of this, My Government will articulate a set of principles which it believes should. in the interim , direct the Federal Government's management of the fisheries resource in the waters adjacent to the Province . 4

February 28, 1980, Tape 2, Page 2 These principles would not violate the historic fishing patterns of fishermen from any other province. Nor would their implementation by the Government of Canada violate any aspect of the Constitution of Canada. They would. however, protect the interests of the fishermen of this Province, and form the basis of an effective federal/provincial co-operative management process pending constitutional change. MR.

SPEAKER AND MEMBERS OF THE HONOURABLE HOUSE OF ASSEMBLY: There has not been. since Confederation, a full debate on the proper management regime to be applied to this Province's fisheries. Consequently, My Government will be presenting to this Honourable House a White Paper on the development of our fisheries and will invite comments by the various sectors of the fishery and the public as a whole upon the manner in which our fisheries can be best managed.

While the whole area of fisheries management and policy is a complex one. certain features are desirable: ( 1) The fishery resources of the seas adjacent to the Province should be exploited by residents and landed in the Province subject to the historic pattern of fishing by other Canadians: (2) that the management and licencing process must proc~ed from cleared criteria and in a regular manner. with sufficient public input: (3) that the Government of the Province must play a major role in such a process to ensure that the interests of the Province are protected; (4) that all fish landed in the Province receive the maximum amount of processing possible before removal from the Province; and (5) that the structure of the industry favour owner-operated vessels and processing in a multitude of smaller plants to protect the continued economic viability and lifestyle of our smaller communities.

MR. SPEAKER AND MEMBERS OF THE HONOURABLE HOUSE OF ASSEMBLY: Offshore oil and gas constitutes a major challenge to the continued viability. and indeed the very existence. of our fishery and the society upon which it is based. The challenge to our fisheries may, if care is not taken, come in three main ways: (1) damage to our fragile, marine environment itself; 5

(2) loss. over time. through excessive industrialization and urbaniz­ ation. of the basic skills that are so important to the fishery; and (3) competition for the labour force upon which fishery depends. Indeed. if our offshore oil and gas resources are not properly managed. then our efforts to build a long-term. stable economy and society based on our fisheries will be all for naught. It is vital that our offshore oil and gas policies stem from that basic perspective. In order to protect our society and to maximize our benefits.

My Government will take the necessary steps to ensure that the Province's rights with respect to its offshore oil and gas resources are preserved and recognized. In this respect, My Government seeks the support of all Members of this Honourable House. If we are to manage our offshore oil and gas resources. we must acquire the necessary skills and capability. During this session, an amendment to the Department of Mines and Energy Act. 1973 will be introduced to formally establish an Offshore Petroleum Directorate.

The mandate of this Directorate (which is already in operation) will be to administer the Province's Petroleum Regulations and to play the key role in the management of its offshore oil and gas resources. MR. SPEAKER AND MEMBERS OF THE HONOURABLE HOUSE OF ASSEMBLY: It is an essential, and the most historic, feature of the province's Petroleum Regulations that for the first time the Province will from the start participate directly in the development of its own natural resources. This will be accomplished through a 40% share of each and every producing field in addition to our royalties and taxes.

This 40% interest entitles the Province not only to 40% of all oil or gas produced but. as importantly, the opportunity to guide and shape investment decisions as the biggest partner in each of the various industry /government consortia which will develop and operate the different fields. Thus, the Province will be a major participant in all decisions relating to the development of every offshore oil or gas field. In view of the development at Hibernia.

My Government will place before the House during this Session a Bill to incorporate the Newfoundland and Labrador Petroleum Corporation (NLPC) and will, if such legislation is passed by this House. proceed with the appointment of the first Board of Directors and Officers so that the Newfoundland and Labrador Petroleum Corporation can be ready to exercise its interest in the Hibernia field if commercial development should go forward. 6

February 28, 1980, Tape 3, ~age 1 MR. SPEAKER AND MEMBERS OF THE HONOURABLE HOUSE OF ASSEMBLY: Development of a commercial field cannot go forward until a lease is issued by the Province. Upon the issuance of a lease, NLPC will have the right to sit on the operating committee of the consortium holding the lease. indeed it will be a 40% partner. As such. it will be in a position to influence the hiring and purchasing practices of the consortium.

In view of the speed at which the tentative planning for the development of Hibernia is proceeding, it is the intention of My Government to request that the representatives of NLPC be given observer status on the Hibernia operating committee effective immediately (that is to say, prior to the issuance of the lease) so that the interests of the Province can be more directly reflected in all decisions of the consortium taken prior to application for lease. It is expected that the Hibernia Group led by Mobil Canada will see that such direct Provincial involvement is in the long term interest of both parties.

Offshore oil and gas poses a challenge to every sector of our society, both in terms of its opportunities and its dangers. It has the potential pf affecting in the negative way. _not only our fishery, but also the social and economic fabric of our society. Consequently, My Government has established an Offshore Petroleum Impact Committee (OPIC) to co-ordinate the efforts of the Province in manag!ng the social, economic and environmental impacts of offshore oil and gas.

The Offshore Petroleum Impact Committee will specifically co-ordinate and plan activities in the following areas: development planning, education and training, fisheries and the environment, social and cultural impacts and financial effects. MR. SPEAKER AND MEMBERS OF THE HONOURABLE HOUSE OF ASSEMBLY: It flows from the v.ery fact that offshore oil can touch all aspects of our society that the public must be adequately involved in the planning process surrounding such developments.

Hearings under the Public Inquiries Act are already mandatory under the Province's Petroleum Regulations with regard to the issuance of further exploratory perm1ts or a lease for say, the Hibernia discovery. It is the intention of My Government to hold any company wishing to develop a commercial discovery to the strict requirements of the Regulations with regard to public hearings. Moreover. prior to such public hearings. it is essential that the people of the Province become knowledgeable in the various aspects of offshore oil and gas. Consequently, My Government will ensure that the basic information 7

surrounding the Hibernia and other discoveries is made public and will co-operate to the full extent possible with all public interest groups who wish to investigate or comment upon the impact of oil and gas . In addition . special Advisory Committees of the public will be established to work with OPIC. This intensive preparatory work by My Government is based on the very encouraging findings at the Hibernia and Ben Nev1s locations . The information from the Hibernia discovery indicates a strong probability that a commercially viable oil discovery has been made.

However. this will only be known for certain after several step-out we lls have been drilled. extensive production tests conducted and development costs ascertained. It is expected that such information will be available before the end of 1980 . In the meantime . it is prudent to act on the assumption that a commercial dis co very has been made . To do otherwise would be to lose what may turn out to be invaluable planning time. Given the vast potential of our shelf. even if Hibernia is not commercial. it is almost certain that such efforts will stand us in good stead when a commercial field is eventually found .

MR. SPEAKER AND MEMBERS OF THE HONOURABLE HOUSE OF ASSEMBLY: The development of the hydro resources of Labrador will constitute the third major focus over the next decade. Indeed. the development of our hydro resources may be cr itical if our own energy requirements are to be met.

My Government's forecasts indicate that. even with the completion of the Hinds Lake and Upper Salmon projects. if we do not obtain additional generating capability . our Province will face an electrical generating short-fall after 1984 and will thus be dependent upon oil-fired thermal generating facilities for more than 40 % of our electrical capability: this in a Province endowed with the greatest single hydro source .in North America.

Indeed our dependence on unstable and expensive Imported oil for such a large portion of our generating capacity is particularly disturbing in view of the fact that in 1979 more than 80% of Newfoundland and Labrador Hydro 's sales were to Hydro Quebec upon terms and conditions which make a mockery of the equities which are supposed to underlie our Confederation. The present situation associated with the long term sale of power generated at the Upper Churchill is one of the most critical issues that My Government expects to face in the coming year .

My Government's determination in th1s respect IS re-inforced by the fact that as each year passes. the comrast between the benefits extracted by our neighboring Province and the need of our own people for the low-cost power at the Upper Churchill. grows starker . This problem must, and will. be resolved to the benefit of this Province. 8

February 28, 1980, Tape 3, Page 2 It is vital. then, that we have a sound Labrador power development strategy. for without such a strategy we will continue to see vast economic benefits flow to Quebec and will face a growing shortfall in our electrical generating capability and thus an increasing dependence on the vagaries of international oil markets .

The basic objectives of My Government's Labrador power strategy will therefore be to satisfy Newfoundland's needs for stably-priced electricity in the 80's and beyond and to receive fair economic benefits from all hydro power exported as surplus to our needs as determined from time to time . MR. SPEAKER AND MEMBERS OF THE HONOURABLE HOUSE OF ASSEMBLY: The particular elements of My Government's policy will be: 1.

Continuation of the Province's present legal case to challenge the Upper Churchill contract and conclusion of the work of the special Task Force which My Government has set up to examine all other possible legal and legislative means to alter the terms of the Upper Churchill contract; 2. Based on the court case and on the work of the special Task Force. take the steps necessary to gain unfettered access to Upper Churchill power for the needs of consumers in the Province and to raise the price for all power exported out of the Province: 3.

Develop the hydro potential of the Lower Churchill River consisting of 1700 megawatts at Gull Island and 600 megawatts at Muskrat Falls . It should be a stern lesson to this Honourable House and to the people of our Province that we are now subject to a totally unjust power contract at the Upper Churchill. The lesson we draw from our predicament should not be limited to a determination to correct it but should extend to an insistance that 1n the future the constitutional rights of this Province are to be defended at all costs .

In this regard, My Government is vitally concerned about the whole issue of electrical power costs to the people of the Province given the low cost of our power sold to the Province of Quebec. In addition to the elements of our Labrador Power Policy , other alternatives are being considered, including: 1. An examination of the rate structure now being used: 2. The Introduction of enabling legislation in this Session to govern electrical power subsidies to industrial customers: 3. The expansion of Government 's program to provide low cost wood to be used as fuel. 9

MR. SPEAKER AND MEMBERS OF THE HONOURABLE HOUSE OF ASSEMBLY: My Government is deeply concerned about the long term viability of our forest industry. The destruction caused by the spruce budworm and consequent economic results has led to the establishment of a Royal Commission to study fully all aspects of this problem and to make recommendations on what has to be done to ensure that this valuable renewable resource is protected to the maximum degree possible. My Government is also aware of the continued expansion of our tourist industry.

With its great potential, it is a valuable resource development tool for our future. My Government intends to continue its reform legislative program in this Session and has now ready more than a score of new initiatives to place before you. MR. SPEAKER AND MEMBERS OF THE HONOURABLE HOUSE OF ASSEMBLY: Unparalleled natural resource development and the rapid expansion of our economy will place new and potentially dangerous stresses on both our natural and social environments . Indeed. as resources are developed. it seems inevitable that changes of a physical and social nature will take place.

However . we must be careful. in each instance. to first evaluate both the benefits of resource and economic development and the consequential environmental. social and economic impacts. Only then should we decide. on a rational basis. whether the resource or economic development in question is justified. Insofar as the preservation of the natural environment is concerned. My Government. in this session , will introduce two major pieces of legislation­ the Environmental Assessment Act and the Wilderness and Ecological Reserves Act.

The new Environmental Assessment Act will make mandatory the assessment of the natural, social and economic impacts of a wide range of proposed undertakings and the involvement of the public in the assessment and decision-making process .

The Wilderness and Ecological Reserves Act. on the other hand . will reinforce the concept that we must be willing to forego some economic development in the interests of the preservation of certain of our wilderness areas which are an essential part of the social and cultural heritage . not only of our native peoples. but of the vast majority of the residents of the Province. 1 0

February 28, 1980, Tape 4, Page 1 Accordingly, this legislation will enable Government to set aside certain wilderness areas in the Province for the benefit and education of our people thus preserving for all times some of the natural splendors which we have inherited from our forefathers. MR. SPEAKER AND MEMBERS OF THE HONOURABLE HOUSE OF ASSEMBLY: Just as our natural environment is valuable, delicate and worthy of protection, so too is our social environment.

Indeed, our social environment is. if anything, more complex and intricate than any natural eco-system, encompassing as it does our heritage, customs, traditions, culture and social institutions. All of these aspects of our social environment will be subject to considerable stress in the coming decade. As I have noted previously, My Government is committed to instituting measures in resource management which will serve to stabilize and moderate the influence of large scale resource development on our life-style as we enter into a new and challenging decade.

In addition to such measures. it is essential that we maintain our collective sense as a distinctive society within Confederation and that we promote a lively debate upon our past. present and future. In this resp.ect, I note that during the last Sess1on. a Select Committee from this Honourable House was appointed to enquire into and hear evidence on all matters relating to the adoption of a provincial flag and to recommend a specific design to the House. Honourable Members will remember that the Committee is to report back to the House on April 30, 1980.

The cultural significance to any people of a distinctive flag is well known. and I look forward to the day when we. as Newfoundlanders and Labradorians, will be able to link our collective identity with our own distinctive provincial flag. MR. SPEAKER AND MEMBERS OF THE HONOURABLE HOUSE OF ASSEMBLY: The state of a people's artistic achievements is a good measure of the overall vitality of any society.

I would like to re-emphasize My Government's commitment to the support of the arts community in the Province and note that, in this Session, My Government will be introducmg legislation to formally incorporate the Newfoundland and Labrador Arts Council which has already been formed and is actively discharging its vital mandate. MR. SPEAKER AND MEMBERS OF THE HONOURABLE HOUSE OF ASSEMBLY: It will not be enough for us to build a sound economy through natural resource development if either our present social or economic inequities 11

continue or if new inequities arise. This attention to the social fabric is inherent in My Government's placing first priority on the fishery and in its determination to control the impact of offshore oil and gas. It is also vital that Government's relationship with the people reflect our democratic traditions. Indeed in this belief My Government has pursued a policy q·f free and open access to Government information.

The time has now come to expand and give statutory basis to the policy.! am, therefore, pleased to inform the House that My Government intends to introduce a major reform during this Session in the form of a Bill respecting Freedom of Information. The purpose of the Freedom of Information Bill is to give all citizens the legal right to information contained in Government records subject to certain clearly defined and limited exemptions. One of the exemptions must be personal information.

Modern technology, for all its benefits. also permits scrutiny of a person 's private life without his knowledge or consent and the individual frequently has no recourse at law against those who may violate his privacy . In light of this, My Government intends to introduce a Protection of Privacy Bill that will serve to strike a balance between the need for the protection of the privacy of individuals . and the public interest in freedom of information and freedom of spee _ch .

These two bills. if passed by this Honourable House, will make this Province the first in Canada to have taken initiatives in both these areas. In the last Session , this Honourable House approved My Government 's legislation on Matrimonial Property Reform. To continue its determination to fully recognize and improve the place of women in our society, My Government will be introducing legislation to establish an Advisory Council on the Status of Women.

My Government's strong commitment to a continuous process of social reform is not limited to these measures nor to the new Elections Act which will be introduced in the present Session . It is also the source of My Government's firm intention to appoint the Law Reform Commission at an early date in order to ensure a continuing program of reform of the law . This Law Reform Commission will have the mandate to select those areas of the law most desirous of reform and to subject those areas to expert scrutiny in order to be able to recommend to Government and the public the extent and nature of needed reforms. 1 2

~ebruary 28, 1980, Tape 4, Page 2 While we are the inheritors of a noble democratic legal tradition. we must also be aware of the inequities that remain within our legal system and must harbour a deep, abiding desire to constantly reform our legal system to attain a more equitable society. MR. SPEAKER AND MEMBERS OF THE HONOURABLE HOUSE OF ASSEMBLY:· In my last speech to you. I stated: ·'that the great question posed today is whether we in this Province are ready to move away from a paternalistic centralized federalism. Are we ready to trust more in our abilities as a society than in Federal transfer payments?

We are further challenged by the need to ensure that such a decentralization be accomplished without impairing national unity .... "; Those questions remain posed not only to this Honourable House but to all our people. Since my last speech to you. My Government _has tor its part answered these questions in the affirmative and has taken decisive steps to make self­ reliance a reality. Throughout the whole of Canada. we have seen a growing recognition not only of the natural resource wealth and the economic potential of our Province. but also, and more importantly, the cultural and social v1tality of our people.

MR. SPEAKER AND MEMBERS OF THE HONOURABLE HOUSE OF ASSEMBLY: The people of Canada as a whole rejoice in the progress that we have made. and are about to make, tor they know that a stronger. healthier Newfoundland and Labrador means a stronger and healthier Canada. The coming year. indeed this whole decade. will be a momentous one tor this Province and its people. I have outlined the program through which My Government proposes to maximize the benefits and meet the challenges associated with the great resource developments which are upon us.

Whether we desire it or not, our society is to be put to a very severe test in the coming years. Our ability to meet the challenges that will be presented to us will determine. not only the shape. but perhaps even the continued existence of a distinctive Newfoundland society. To face such challenges, it will be necessary for My Government to take a strong stand in a number of areas. This will only be possible if it has the co­ operation of both sides of this Honourable House and the support of the people of the Province as a whole.

Some of those stands will be taken in order to control the giant multi­ national corporations which will be involved in offshore oil development. 1 3

Other stands will relate to the need for increased fisheries jurisdiction and the recognition of our offshore mineral ownership rights; still others relate to the Upper Churchill. These will , no doubt , give rise to political controversy . However , no one should misinterpret any aspect of those controversies as evidencing any lack of commitment to the great Canadian experiment which we call Confederation . To raise ones economic sights, to restore ones dignity and to preserve ones heritage is the legitimate right of all peoples .

To wish to participate as an economic and political equal with the other nine Provinces of Canada is to be good Canadians . The year 1980 will see momentous events in the history of our federation. The referendum in Quebec and the debate upon the Ryan proposals for a new constitution will be decisive events in the future of our nation . Indeed, My Government welcomes a chance to participate in that debate and sees it as a healthy sign and evidence of a dynamic society all across the Country.

My Government will , of course, be putting forward to the Government of Canada . and to the other Provinces of Canada . a definite proposal on the constitution which will seek to express the essential dreams and aspirations of all Newfoundlanders and Labradorians . Because of the importance of this issue . My Government's proposals with regard to the constitution will be made public . for comment prior to being ·formally presented to the Government of Canada . It will be an historic debate and one which will no doubt greatly benefit and strengthen both the Province and the nation as a whole .

My Government feels sure that our people will wish th is Province's proposal to describe a Canada in which the freedom and right to build a strong Province is not considered inconsistent with a strong, united Canada. My Government takes the position that these two objectives , far from being inconsistent, are mutually supportive and . indeed , s hould be our single and ultimate goal. Though sometimes difficult to achieve . t hat goal is the essence of any Federation and is worthy of our every effort. MR.

SPEAKER AND MEMBERS OF THE HONOURABLE HOUSE OF ASSEMBLY: Let us each re-dedicate ourselves to this great goal and ask for the prayers of our people. I envoke God's blessings upon your labours and may Divine Providence guide and direct you in all your deliverations. 7 1 4

::~rua~y 2S, 1~80, Tape 5, Page 1 -- apb ~~. SP~A~ (Simns l : The hon . ~he ?resident: of ::he Council. MR. ~'"'.SHALL: ~. Spe~~er, I give no~ice of che !allowing bill, "An Ace To Amend The :-!Otor Car rier ,>.cc", ~'ld I now ask that this bill be read for a first cime. On motion, a bill, "An Act To Amend The Motor Carrie r Act:," read a q.rs~ cime ,ordered read a second t:ime on tomorrow. MR. SPEAKER: ais Hon our the L~eutenant- Governor has been pleased to make a speech ~o the members met in ~neral Assembly and for qreaeer accuracy r have obtained a copy of the speech. Ha.r~u.r ~in - ael! Island.

SOME !!ON. ~MBEltS: MR. JOY'"-=-: The hon. ~he member :or ne .a~, h~! ~our Hono~ ,it: :s ~Y privilege today ~o move chat: a Commi~ee of ::he hor. . House be appoL,ted eo draft an Address in ~epl~ to the gracious Speec~ :rom che Throne. r would also L1 ke ac t~is point to welcome to the hon . assa~ly the most recently elaceed member of assembly; I refer to t:he hon . member for SUrgeo - 9ay d' ~spo~.r (Mr. Andrews).

SOME f!O~I. ~!BERS : Hear, hear~ MR. !X)~LE: I would be negligent: in my ducy ae ::his ci.Jne i: I did not: cake advantage o£ t!'!e oppo reunicy to offer :ny sincere congratulat1ons to the ne,~ly appoL~ed ~::ist:er o: ?ishe~ies (Mr. v.organ l, ~~e newly appoL•tee ~!st:~r of :ancs and :orescs (Mr. ?ower! oU~<' -:'te ne•,.,ly aopoL,t:ed :4il'..iso:er of Touri$n, ~ecreation and cult:a:~ (!1r. ~awe ) . !t is ~Y =~ hoge ::hac you ~411 eac~ fi::c wlt:~L, t:he scope ~f your ::ew ~es?Qr.s~ilities a ~easure of reward that: ~ill surely come r.~ic:h c'he :.t.,owledqe t.h.ac: you have indeed ac::ed deliberately and honestly ~ ~ll ~t:':ers pereai::~g co your resgecc:ive por'::olios.

You Honour, nearl y :! year has passed s~nce c:hc ;eople o: Newioundl~nd decided to rec~n ~o 1 5

E"ebruary 28, 1980, Tape 5, Page 2 -- apb MR. DOYLE: power a P. C. Gover!"anent ur .de:r- the leadership of Premier Brian Peckford. During that period our government has been confronted with many a monumental task. We have tackled these problems in a very businesslike manner and as a result we are now, I feel, on a definite course, headed for a definite goal with a definite plan for our future. Mr. Speaker, I have listened with great interest to the gracious Speech and I am enthused abcut our future, and I am also very proud of cur pas~ . C~vernment has done much to solve our problems.

However, much remains to be done. It is at these two levels that I will address myself, both on a provincial and a local nature. First of all, Your Honour, I am pleased, and,indeed, very pleased to have the cpportw1ity today to address a few remarks on the continuing oil and gas exploration activities off our coast and, in particular, on the . social and cultural impact on our ?eople should a petroleum industry become a reality here in Newfoundland.

It is a major concern of our people and indeed of our government as it is vitally important that the quality of life in Newfoundland be enhanced rather than desecrated by offshore oil and gas development. It is true that the development of offshore oil will mean massive new investment, increased employment opportunities and,therefore, the building of an effective economic base upon which our people may achieve financial and economic stability. However, our past has convincedall Newfoundlanders that the manner in which development moves ahead is far more important than the mere fact that it does take place.

SOME HON. !!EMBERS : ::.ffi. DOYLE: Hear, hear! Consequently ,! feel it would be erroneous if government did not say at the outse t, as we have on many different occasi ons, that care will be taken in that ~re3t 1 6

--.;; ~ebruary 28, 1980, Tape S, Page 3 -- apb ~m- DOYLE: development in order ~~at we may be able to give to future generations an economic legacy tilat t:hey may be justly proud of . Now, what will all that mean to ?eople who live in tiny communities along our Newfoundland coast, ~~e people ~hose way of tife, soci~lly and morally, has been the envy of crban dwe·lling ?eople !:«>r many, many yea.~;s? Temporary -.,ode and seasonal employment are no long er acceptable or ?ractical i.'l our ?rovince.

CUr people need , and they are entitled to, steady jobs on a pe:cnanent, year- round basis in o·rde;,:- to plan t."teir lives on a sound footing. 3ut by the same token , ~~ ~ust and we will d~1elop that great re·source in such ~ :uanner as to ensure that our people wi.ll not beco me engulfed in a ·N'av.e of change s~.:ch as ·,;e have not seen sL'"lce the coming of ::."'e CanaC.ian and U.

S . military =>ases i.'"l World war II. '!'hat: possibility is of major conce= to the gre~t: :najority of ou.r Newfoundlanders , and we as !1 government, Your Honour, are deeply a.nd are : i ~y committed to maintaining and imp rovL"lg that parti~ular way of living that has been ours for many hundreds of years. As a govenme:u: . representative of t~e oldest: dist~ict in Newfoundland, r.arbour ~Ain - Be ll Island , and one that is rapidly 1 7

~ Fe~ruary 26, l98u Tape 6 EC - l :-!R. ;; • DOYLE : developing a great interest in our fisr.ery, I feel that while a great deal of emphasis and impor'"..ance must surely be placed on offshore oil and gas development, it is my firm conviction also that our Newfoundland fishery cannot, and indeed it must not, take a back seat in importance to oil and gas development. SO~IE :iOl-1 • ~.EMBERS : Hear, hear! MR. N. DOYLE: With a real growth in the value of landL~gs and an increasing world demand for our product, the fishery is no longer a marginal industry.

In 1979 the private sector alone inves~ed more than ~25 million in all areas of our fishery. Consequently, offshore oil and gas will most assuredly mean a phenomenal increase in ~~e amount of money available for re-investment in our Newfoundland fishery, and,as a result, a major improvement in the quality of life for our Newfoundland people. However, to achieve the result that will be beneficial for all Newfoundlanders will demand, I feel, a great deal of vision, a great deal of ~~ought.

We as ~ government are firmly con·<incad t:hat under the outs~nding leadership of our Premier, and with the s·<Ipport of our people, that will be accomplished and development can go forward in an orderly fashion. 'lbe Government of Newfoundland and l.abrador have ':he ability ':o move ahead with the interests of our Newfoundland people at heart:, for our people above all else look for reassurance from both government and industry tnat ~~ings will be done carefully and they will be acne properly.

We are indeed iri ~~e middle of a quiet revolution, a revolution of change, a revolution of prosperity, a revolution that will be dedicated to solving our social and our economic problems, a revolu~ion in which all Newfoundlanders can participate. I am particularly pleased also tc see reference made today to our Northern cod and the historic use ~~at ~e have made of that resource for so many years. Government's posi~ion has been indeed made abundantly clear in ~~at regard in tnat we consider the Nort.1ern cod encompassing tne entire area from Cape St.

Hary' s to Cape C1ialey to ~e u~e ~asis and the lifeblood of our inshore fisnert. 1 B

February 28, 1980 Tape 6 EC - 2 MR. N. DOYLE , No less than undisputed possession of that resource wiLl be adequate or acceptable to the people of Newfoundland. SOME !iON. MEMBERS : Hear, hear! MR. N. DOYLE: It is of particular interest to me that this policy be pursued, as its outco112 will inevicably mean a great deal to comm~mities like Holyrood, liarbour L-Iai.•, Chapel Cove and Avondale, to communities like Conception Har.bour, Colliers, Marysvale and Bell Island which now want to become involved in our fishery not on a part-ti112, :Out ,if at a.ll possible, on a full-time basis.

I would also like to add that I am very pleased to announce today that the hon. the Minister of Fisheries (Mr. J. Morgan) has informed me that he will be travelling '"i th me in my district in the weeks ahead to discuss matters that are relative to the fishery in that particular area. Your Honour and members of tile hon. House, I feel I would be remiss in Tirf duties if I did not capi ta.lize on the opportunity to put in a word, if you will, on a problem or two pertaining to my own native area of Harbour Main - Bell Island.

As all ~f you are doubtlessly aware, Bell Island has many problems but none more acute than the problem related directly to transportation, the problem related to the ferry system. rn my opinion, Bell Island residents are unknowingly being discriminated against by employers in St. John's who refuse to consider them for employment because of the many defi~iencies related to the ferry system. I know of several cases where people actually have lost their jobs because of lateness in arriving at work due to the ferrf, a situation, Your Honour, that is not acceptable to me nor to the residents of that particular area.

Now I do not intend to deal today at any great length with constituency matters because I have done so on many different occasions at our last sitting, and the people of my district know by now that I will continue to devote all my time in an effort t:o 1 9

- February 25 , 1980 Tape 6 t:C - 3 MR. N. DOYLt: : solve the many problems both L~ the Harbour Main and the Bell Island portion of the area I represent. 20

February 28, 1980 Tape No. 7 S::l - l HR. N. DOYLE : That is my job1 that is why my constituents sent me here,and I want to assure them tl1.at I w·ill not betray the trust ~,at thay have placed in me. In summing up, Your Honour, 1 want to say that in spite of the many problems facing our ccuntry and our Province today that we here in Newfoundland have a future that will surely be the envy of every sector of our great Canadian nation.

Our young people, for the first time in their long and their difficult history 1 are going to be able to say ~,at they believe in Newfoundland with a pride in her past, a fervent belief in her present and a very, very deep faiL, in her future, for no citizen has a nobler inheritance. But as ~'J.e P.ight :ron .. Vincent Massey once said, "There is one thing essential to all of L,ese advantages ~~d that is faith in ourselves.

In the confused and difficult world we see around us 1 any province should be pardoned for a moment of hesitation but with all L~e blessings which providence has given our land 'N'e should have no cause for doubt." In closing, I will take advantage of the opportunity to congratulate His Honour upon L"le quality of his gracious Speech and to congratulate also the Premier and his administration on the committments contained L,erein. I call upon all members for their support in that great effort. Thank you. SO !'I.E HON. MEMBERS: ~R. SPEA_~R: (Simms) Eerrnitage. SOI'.E HON. )'!.E!'!BEP.S : :ffi. D.

STE\vl'.RT: P.:ear, hear~ The han. member for Fortune - Hear, hear~ Mr. Speaker, it is a great honour and privilege for me to second the motion so ably presented by my colleague 1 the :"lon. member =or t...~e District of Harbour- .::ain Sell Island (Mr. N. Doyle) . I have listened to L"le· gracious S9eec!1 fl.·orn t...'l.e Throne with great interest and a..nticipa-cion. 2eing a ne'.oJcorner to ?Olitical life, one of the main reasons for 2 1

?2bruary 28, 1980 Tape ~Jo. 7 SD - 2 MR. D. STEl ·P.RT : becoming involved was to try and ~id in the social, cultural and econimic development, not only of my own district of Fortune - Hermitage but also the total development of our great Province. I emphasize, however, that our people are going to have to realize and accept their responsibilities to themselves and their children and make every effort to demonstrate that we are indeed a hard working people with pride in ourselves and our great Province.

We Newfoundlanders have, over ~~e centuries, developed spiritual self-preservation in ~~e face of hardship to a fine art. We have developed a peculiar language, a catalogue of colourful expressions, unique mannerisms and looks all pertainL~g to the hard life. I would, there fore , :-lr. Speaker, be ret!'.iss in my duty and responsibility as the elected member for Fortune - Hermitage if I did not avail of ti.1is opportnnity to e:q.J~ess sotr.e of the concerns of t~e people who truly li'Je .._,".! t.~e sea a.Tld from the sea. 11r.

Speaker, my district of Fortune - ~ermitage is totally dependent upon the fishing industry and that is why I am proud of this government's plans towards the fishery. ~ewfoundland is uni<;:ue in that •,;e have t..~e best location ever possible \Vith regard to t.:.~e fishery. This great Island is like a large fish plant; we are surrounded by ~~e raw material ~~d we just have to utilize our product to the best benefit of our people. We have to make sure, Mr . Speaker, that controls are enforced and that proper quotas are established so that our stoc~s are not destroyed or iepleted ~eyond replenishment.

In ny district, :Ir. Speaker, I have three fish plants, one ~t Harbour Breton, one at Gaulto~s and one at P.ermitage,and a feeder plant or small type operation 3.t Belleoran. I am hoping that a s:nall .:_:;lant operation ,,.;ill also :,e established in the lo,.·er Fortune Bay area at Little Bay ~ast. ~inety pe!:' ~e:1t of the '...rorking rr:en and wo2en i::1 ""lY 22

?ebruary 28, 1380 Flag :•To. 7 80 - 3 !·!R. D. STEWART: district depend one way or another on the fishery and that is why the fishery is of such a great concern to me . We need, Hr. Speaker, better landing facilities, wharves and slipways, haul-outs and ~olding units built, not only in my district but also in 23

February 28, 1980 Tape No .8 EL - 1 HR. DON STEI'IAl'<T : a majority of fishing districts throughout the province. In many communities, fisherme~ have to land their boats on the shore at low tiae, fork the fish into hand tubs, carry the fish three to six hundred feet,and then fork the fish into fish bins in the holding sheds, Then the fish is forked into the trucks collecting the fish and then again forked out of the truck at the plant. In our fishery, Mr. Speaker, we have to emphasize quality and we must give our fishermen the facilities and the means to produce a better quality product. The prospects, ~I.

Speaker, for Atlantic canada's fishery are for significant increases in tonnage catch accompanied by rising prices for marine protein. ~I. Speaker, the progress and concern shown by th~s government,and as a prime example the Northern cod issue, the increased fishery budget over the last years the additional monies for the }can ~card etc., show that finally the fish­ ermen and fishery are placed in a category they deserve .. I might add,Mr. Speaker, this realization has been long overdue. The Progressive Con­ servative government has j~ped in leaps and bounds to i~prove the fish­ ing industry since we took office.

I will welcome all members of the aouse to visit my district and see the growth in the in-shore fishery that has occured since the two-hundred mile limit was brought into force. SOME F.ON. MEMBERS : !'.R. D. STEWART: Hear, Hear!

In 1975 from Pools cove to Gaultois, twelve communities in my district - there were three hundred and twenty seven boats less than thirty-five feet and sixteen boats over thirty­ five feet with four hundred and eighty-six fishermen. ~n 1~78, in the same twelve communities,we had four hundred and sixty-two boats less than thirty-five feet and forty-four boats over thirty-five feet, with seven hundred and forty-four fishermen. This is one area that could net have grown so rapidly without the Fisheries Loan Board. These twelve small rural communities landed, Mr.

Speaker, forty eight million,nine hundred anu ninety-eight thous~nd pounds of fish in 1978, something they can be really proud of. We as a governroent realize that the fishery will continue to be :-lewfounciland' s main source of revenue ar.d we <t.rill build the 24

FebruarJ 28, 1980 MR. STEWART: truly ours. Tape No. 8 EL- 2 fishery to accomodate that which is ~I. speaker, the fishery resource will. be given top priority always by this government and we will continue to encourage more people to take up this very important profession. SOME HON • MEMBERS : Hear, Hear! MR. STEWART: I am,therefore,especially pleased that the gracious Throne Speech has recommitted our government to the effici=t,reasoned<ni planned development of our resources on land and under the sea.

The fishery must and will be developed in concert within a future petroleum industry and I will certainly congratulate our government for the very responsii:lle steps taken to date to achieve this important goal and for the exciting measures outlined in the Throne Speech. Mr. Speaker, our government has indicated today that our cultural and social. ta.bn.c would not be compromised in the face of large-scale development.

Our people are proud of the sensitivity, strength and leadership shown by their government and are looking,perhaps for the first time in our long,troubled history, with optimism to the challenging years ahead. Mr. Speaker, much needs to be done on a number of roads in my district. In my distri~t there are approximately twelve miles of paved road in the communities from Pool's Cove to Seal. Cove. I have to thank the 1973 by-election for this. In the Terrenceville -Bay L'Argent area, there is no paving other than the com.munity of Terrenceville which has some of the roads in that community paved.

Nine communities, Mr. Speaker, in my district have no pavement at all.. Can you imagine the children playing in the dust, ~d the women who have to work so hard trying to keep the clothes clean and the trem­ endous dust problems they have to cope with, not to mention, Mr.Speaker, the unhealthy situation it creates for the children? ~y district needs special consider- ation 25

February 28, 1980 Tape 9 ow - 1 !1R. D. STEWA.'l.T: when it comes to road and road paving. We are about ten years behind the rest of the Province. Just as an example, the road to Bishop's Falls, to alleviate the severe isolation problem on the South Coast, was first surveyed in 1950 by Major Hollett and it was not until a couple of years ago that we were able to drive to Central Newfoundland. I would like to see over the next two years, Mr. Speaker, all the community roads in my district paved and special attention given immediately to roads over which we r~ve to transport fish.

Recreation is another area of major concern in my district. We have absolutely nothing, and I mean nothing has ever been done or any money spent to encourage or promote recreation or recreational facilities in my district. I would venture to guess, Mr. Speaker, that there is not another district in all of Newfoundland and Labrador that has had so little done in the field of recreation as the district of Fortune - Hermitage. I have a number of communities also, Mr. Speaker, that have no water and sewerage services.

The provision of water and sewerage service facilities, I think is every community's right and I am sure that this gcvernment will continue to place great emphasis on this problem throughout our Island over the next number of years. We as a government have the responsibility to provide these basic necessities to our people. My district, Mr. Speaker, is heavily dependent on the CN Coastal Service both for freight and passenger service. A.""ld ! am sure my colleague, the member for Burgeo - Bay d' Espoir (Mr. H. Andrews), and the member for LaPoile (Mr. S. Neary) can verify that the CN service on the Soutb.

Coast is absolutely disgraceful. Again , nowhere else would it be tolerated. It is a common occurrence, Mr. Speaker, for vegetables and meats to take eight to fifteen days to go from Port aux Basques or Argentia to many of the communities in my district. can you imagine the condition of tomatoes, cabbage or meats after fifteen days en rou~e to a community? The CN passenger service also leaves much 26

February 28, 1980 Tape 9 DW - 2 MR. D. STEWART: to be desired on the Coast. At times - or should I say most of the time - people travelling on the CN boats cannot even get a place to sit do~, let alone lie down. I think, Mr. Speaker, it is our responsibility as a government to make sure our people get better service from CN, especially if we intend to encourage tourism in rural Newfoundland. Gaultois, Mr. Speaker, is an isolated community in rirf district that has little or no unemployment due to the fish plant there. And I know, Mr.

Speaker, and this government knows, that it is impossible to build a road to that community. The residents of the community, Mr. Speaker, would like to see a ferry running from Hermitage to Gaul tois on a regular basis. CQnsidering the si:z:e and population, not to mention the high employment in Gaultois, I think the people are justified in asking for, and they should receive, a ferry service. Education, Mr. Spe~er, plays a very important role in the development of any great Province and the proper education and facilities for education are essential especially in the rural areas of our Province.

In rirf district, Mr. Speaker, at present we are desperately in need of two new schools, one at Harbour Breton due to ~~e lack of space for the children. Members of the Provincial Flag Committee who have recently visited Harbour Breton can verify this need after their recent tour of the school building ~~ere. Another school, Mr. Spea~er, is needed at Rencontre East due to the deplorable condition of the school in that community. The Department of Education is looking at the implementation of Grade XII at a tremendous cost to the Province. While, Mr.

Speaker, I agree that the implementation of Grade XII is needed, I think first we should make sure that the facilities now available are adequate to accommodate the education programme now in place, Television reception in my district and all along the South Coast, Mr. Speaker, is absolutely ridiculous. The majority of residents receive only one station CBC, and during the 27

February 28, 1980 Tape 9 ow - 3 MR. D. STEWART: Winter months there are days and days when that service is out of order. Newspapers and libraries are very limited ~roughout my district and therefore people depend heavily on the media, both TV and radio, for their information. 28

February 28, 1980 Tape 10 EC - 1 MR. D. STEWART: I think, Mr. Speaker, preference should be given to make sure all of our communities are exposed to as much info%111atian as possible and not dictated to by one station. Antennae should be erected along the coast to make sure that our people have a choice in what they see and hear. While I have dealt with the expectations and problems of the Fortune - Hermitage district in perhaps too great a detail, Mr. Speaker, I have done so recognizing the important task which lies ahead for me during the next number of years.

The II'DSt important th:L"lg I want to say in seconding the motion proposed by my colleague is the fact that we have been given the responsibility to guide this Province through the very challenging period that lies ahead of us, the exciting period that we are facing in t.':le next year· or the next number of years. I think it is incumbent upon all of us in the Legislature this year to recommit ourselves collectively as a legislative body to the aims and the objectives and the challenges and the goals that have been put forward in the gracious Speech from the Throne.

I think the people are expecting us as legislators t:o set new examples, t:o paint horizons, to set goals, to state objectives, so that the people themselves Ca.J1. rekindle the excitement that I think all of us are feeling here today. So it is with a great deal of pleasure, Mr. Speaker, that I have the honour of seconding the statement and the expression of appreciation proposed by my colleague from Harbour ~~n - Sell Island (Mr. N. Doyle). SOME HON • MEMBERS : MR. SPEAKER: (Simms) SOME HON . MEMBERS : MR. D. JAMIESON: Hear, hear! The han. t.'le Leader of tile Opposition. Hear, hear! Mr.

Speaker, the opening day of a new session of this hon. House of Assembly is an integral and essential pa=t 29

February 28, 1960 Tape 10 EC - 2 MR. D. JAJ.'UESON: of the car:r:ying out of me democratic parlialllentary process. By the same token it is, I t:hink, entirely appropriate that the focus and ~~e emphasis of this day should be on the Speech from the Throne itself, and on the speeches of the mover and seconder of the motion to draft the Address in Reply.

For that reason, it is not my intention this afternoon - also because indeed, Your Honour, I am looking foiWard to your hospitality, and I am sure others are - to make a lengthy response or to refer in any great detail to the Speech from the Throne because ~~ere will be adequate opportunity when the House resumes on Monday for me and for my colleagues to discuss its contents as well as, of course, to ask and,we are sure, get answers to the innumerable questions that the Throne Spee~~ icself generates but which have also been generated by developments over the past several months and ?articularly since this hon.

House last met. With your indulgence, Mr. Speaker, there are a few references that I know I make with the total approval of . all, members of this House.. Some of them, regrettably, are sad. F~rst of all, I want in complimentinq the hon. member for Fortune - Hermitage (Mr. D. Stewart) to tell him as a long-time friend and associate of his family how deeply all of '.15 feel in the personal tragedy which struck his family since ~~is House last met. I hope that he will convey to his family not only my own personal and ·:ery deep regret, but, I am sur~, that of all hon. members.

I also would like to remind ~~e House - and I am sure that it is one that will again be unanimously echoed - that a former Premier, the hon. Mr. Smallwood, has entered the hospital for an eye operation. Happily, he himself says it is nothing too serious and we can, as always, take his word that that is the case. But I know that also all members would wish to join in wishing him a ve:r:y speedy and total recove:r:y. 30

February 28, 1980, Tape 11, Page 1 -- apb MR. JAMIESON: By the same token I think it is necessary, regrettably, to record that since this House last met two of the oricinal members of this House of Assembly after Confederation have passed on, the hon. Leslie R. Curtis and Mr. Samuel Hefferton, both of whom were, of course, members of the first government post-Confederation ~nd who, in both public and private life, made a very worthwhile contribution to this Province. So, therefore, I know it is entirely in keeping to say that this House sends deepest regrets to the families of those concerned.

Finally, and this is entirely personal, but again I will be forgiven by drawing the attention of hon. members to the presence in the gallery of a former executive assistant, whom I was very unhappy to lose, but who now is the elected member for the district of Humber Port au Port - St. Barbe, Mr. Brian Tobin. I am delighted to see Brian here. SOME HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear! MR. JAMIESON: As I said, Mr.

Speaker, I do net intend to go into too much by way of substance this afternoon for all of the reasons that I have ~entioned, and it is, I confess, rather difficult to know just how co approach this particular Speech from the Throne; partly, of course, because we received it only a few moments ago, and I am grateful for the courtesy of having received it in advance so chat I could follow the text, but even with that it is, of course, a considerable departure from the type of Speech from the Throne, or Speeches from the Throne to which we have become accustomed and which are more or less traditional throughout parliaments in the free Western democratic world.

There is nothing, by the way, improper about the approach that has been taken ~ere, and I am aware,as any student of parliament is, that there are always differences of view as to whether or not a Speech from the Throne should simply be what it was historically intended to be, an indication from His or Her Majesty as to the legislative ~terns 31

February 28, 1990 Tape No. 11 NM - 2 MR. J~~IESON: which the electea members were supposed to deal with 1 and that was the initial start of the whole concept which we are continuing and perpetuating here to this day. over the years there has been a considerable transformation from time to time and wide differences of view between authors of soeeches from the throne as to how far they ought to depart from the original concept.

And I believe that it is fair to say 1 and indeed I think the hon. the Premier in a sense telegraphed his intentions yesterday in a press conference when he said that he was going to make quite a distinctive departure from what had been the more or less standard routine of the past. One has very little argument with the Premier's or the government's right to do that,but then it means. of course,that one has to go through the speech very thoroughly and very carefully in order to see what the legislative programme is going to be because it is in a sense scattered here, there, and elsewhere throughout the document.

One other point that I want to make with regard to the legislative 3ide of ~:he Speech from ~:he Throne is the fact that with, so far as I have been able to determine, a single exception, all of the legislation that has been in a sense forecast here is unrelated to either of the three initiatives that the government has said it is placing its major emphasis upon not only for next year but for the next decade. we are to get a lihite Paper on the fishery, but 1 so far as I have been able to see, unless we are going to bring back the amendment to the Fisheries Loan Act and perhaps that may happen, but in any event, so far as I have been able to determine there is no legislation with regard to fisheries.

Secondly there is, again so far as I have been able to see with one possible exception, no legislation relative to Labrador hydro power development. And finally, in looking over this document, I ha7e been able to find. only one piece oi legislation relating to what is the centerpiece almost, one could say, of the 32

February 2S , 1990 Tape No. 11 111M - 3 ~!R . JA.'IIES0!-1: Sudget ~or very obvious and ve_~ legitimate reasons, ~amely offshore oil and qas. So what we have, ther!ore, wi:h ~he greatest of respect to the aut~rs, and as ! said ! am certainly not opposed to chose who wi.sh to break new ground in c?'le pa:::-liamentary process, what we have is essen tially not a traciltional Speech from the Throne, but fundamentally an essay. !t is basically a recitation, cather well written in some respects, wnich in a sense sets out a philosophical frame·~r~. a basic concept of what it is this government proposes to do . 33

February 28, 1980 Tape tlo. 12 SD - 1 ~R. D.

J~J1IESON: That might have been acceptable eight years ago or whenever it was ~~at the present government began to indicate ~<.'hat its view of Newfoundland in the future was going to be, but today it is, I suggest, inadequate even though there is in ~~e first hearing of it or the first reading of it very little with •.olhich any reasonable Newfoundlander or any member on this side of the Rouse could possibly disagree, but I do feel ~~at because of the nature of the approach that has been taken here,and because most of the emphasis in the legislative forecasting is on things o~~er than resource development,which by the government's own admission is the focal point of its effort for the immediate future and that is literally for the next decade, tecause of that then I believe that we, on ~,is side of the House, and all members, ought to be looking at a quite different approach than has been used in the past in another way.

For example, and let me confine myself to this one for ~hi3 afternoon, it has to do with ~,e commendable, thoroughly commendable references in this document to the provision of information to ~,e people of :·lewfoundland on any issue, on any serious issue, ··ohich concer.~s them or is likely to concern them and their children in the future. And all the way through, I found myself looking for the prospect that the government might have indicated its willingness to appoint a Select Committee of this House with adequate power to look at eve~ aspect of particularly the offshore oil and gas issue.

I have had no lack of small pieces of information from various menbers opposite - the ?remier, the Minister of Energy and Mines (Mr. L. Barry), other spokesl':'.cn for the government and in many instances officials-all of vihom it appears know considerably more about what is happening and <.•hat is going on than co th.e people of !1e'NiCL!ndland .. And what more representative of the people of 34

.... February 28, 1980 1-lR. D. JAMIESON: here? SOME HON. MEMBEP.S : MR. D. J~~IESON: Tape No. 12 SD - 2 Newfoundland than t:1is Assembly !:ear, hear. And consequently, rather than have, and I am not incidentally critical of the number of seminars that have been held here, there and the o~~er place, I am not critical of whatever government support has been given to some of ~<ose. I thin.'< that is entirely legi.tirnate. The difficulty and the problem is, I suggest to you, Mr.

Speaker, that almost on an equal •.vi~~ t.~e euphoria, the understandable enthusiasm that '"e have had wi~~in t.~is Province with regard to ~1e prospects for offshore oil and gas, almost on a par with that is a very deep­ seated sense of malaise or concern, at least, because some of ~hat might be described as the negative potential of offshore development has not, in fact 1 been brought together and given the proper prosfective along with some of the other more adv~,tageous, more attractive parts.

I chink the government itself recognizes this in this document and I commend them for ~'le way in which the fishery has been highlighted. I must confess in passing that I am curious to know '"'hy 1ve have to go back once more to ~~e creation of a 'Nhite Paper on fisheries.

I do not understand that in light of ~~e fact th~t it was less, if :ny memory serves me right, t.1an t· .. ,o years ago dlat a document was produced which was supposed to have been the, in a sense, comprehensive picture of the fisheries at that time and which was called, I believe, Fish is the Future and ,.·hi ell was backed up by the most ~~orough assessment,with regard to statistics and the like, at least that I have ever seen wi~'l regard to the tlewfoundland fishery.

Now, if we are going to go to a l·ihite Paper on fisheries, it will be interesting to lea::n just how much, if any, continuing delay there is likely to be as a result of ....,hat ! assUine ;..~ill ~e another consultative 35

Feh ~ua~J 29, l~ : o Tape ~:o. 12 ~ !) - 3 !-L'-. D. ~A.. \tiESC: :: precess and sti:: =re by •,.ray of =eview a."'ld assesSllte:lt anc:! analysis - t.'lat kine:! o": t;-.inc:;. Now, once again, you see,I said at t.'te outset that this is a difficult Speech :rom t.'te '!hrone to ac:!C:<!SS because what we have here is a b:e:ner.eous list of good i:1~ent~ons.

It is r.ot at all diffic~lt to say L, paragraph after paragraph that it is a supremely sePsible kind of comment to have made - the basic ,?Oints wi~h regard to me fishery 1 the basic points •.tith regard to maxin:UII\ p~cessing of raw e1aterials and natu::al resourses. 3ut, ~lr. Speaker 1 I suggest to you as someone who has read, I believe, all ten o: t.~e Speec !'les !:rom the -::'!'lrone t."'at have origi.'\atec:! wi t.'l the gove~:nent tha: a paraphr ase of :~t ~-icular comwent 36

February 28, 1980 Tape No. 13 DW - 1 ~lR. D. JAMIESON: has been present in every one of them. And what I am curious to know,and of course cannot get the answer to until we see what legislation is going to be brought forward, is what new approach, what new ideas have been developed that will change what has always been a commendable objective and which remains one in this Speech but which to my knowledge is no closer to implementation today than it was when first uttered in 1972 or 1973.

Similarly, and I will end with my examples on this point 1 with regard to the Labrador hydro power; Once again, I am not in any disagreement with whatever the potential is for the various actions which the government has agreed to undertake,and I have every sympathy with the problems that are involved in such a tremendously complex and difficult project 1 but it so happens tha~ in preparation for this session 1 just three nights ago I read one quote in particular which struck me from the Minister of Finance of that day who said that commercial development would be underway on the Lower Churchill by 1979- over a year from now; that is, a year has already gone by since the date on which it was forecast that that was going to happen and that came about at the time when there was the so-called nationalization of BRINCO.

And so, therefore, I think we can be forgiven for giving the government full marks on the one hand for its ability to articulate,in a sense, the answer to the question, 'What kind of Newfoundland do we want?'. But on the other hand I think we are also equally justified in being suspicious of the capability of the administration to exercise and carry through these projects within the reasonable time frame that had been talked about.

Just two other points that I want to make, and I am not sure, once again, because there is really a correlation between the last paragraphs of the Speech from the Throne and others which relate to fisheries and which relate to offshore oil and gas. 37

February 28, 1980 Tape No. 13 DW - 2 HR. D. JAMIESON: And here we have, of course, a most difficult question with regard to what is called in one place •ownership! which is called in another 'the constitutional issue; which is called somewhere else 'the direction' or 'the management; anda whole variety of different types of words are employee in support of, in my opinion, a perfectly defensible and justifiable argument that Newfoundlander~ to the maximum extent possible, should be the masters of their own destiny.

But,however, having said that,let me go on to emphasize toothat I believe that a Select Committee is important for a quite different reason than the ones that I have talked about with regard to the environment, with regard to the various things mentioned in the Speech from the Throne, that if the government, as it has said here 1 is anxious for and wishes to have the support of all members of this House, if it also wishes the people of Newfoundland to understand what its position i~ with regard to wheeher one calls it ownership or jurisdiction or control,and I suggest that they are three vastly different things even though they are frequently used interchangably 1 if it wants that, then what this Province needs right now is the most thorough and non-controversial kind of expos~ of what the various options are and the various alternatives ~re.

I for one will take a back seat to no one, nor I suspect will any colleague of mine on this side of the House in terms of saying that we in Newfound- land should be able to maximize to the very last penny whatever returns and benefits there are to come out of,whether it be offshore development or resource development of any kind. no problem whatever with that particular c~ncept. Hear, hear! I have SOME HON. MEMBERS: 11R. D.

JAMIESON: By the same token, I have no quarrel either with the necessity for the Government of Newfoundland to have the paramount say - I am not sure whether one wants to say the total s~y because obviously there are various communities involved, there are levels of government ether than the federal 3B

February 28, 1980 Tape No. 13 ow - 3 :1R. D. JA>1IESON: government involved. But certainly the paramo~nt say in terms of the social impact that oil and gas d~vclopu.ent is likely 39

February 28, 1980 Tape !<o. 14 EL - 1 MR. D. JAMIESON : to bring.

I think it would be a classic error, a grave mistake, for us to allow, as Newfoundlander's, anybody other than our own people and our own government and our own House of Assembly to start dictating how our way of life is going to be affected by off-shore development.And I repeat once again that given those two basic premises,ane I think I could have, in fact, had I remembered to rring it with me, have used a phrase of the Premier's which stated exactly the same position that I hold and that my colleagues hole, but I think the most i~~ortant thing for us to do,and I urge it upon the 'gvernment,and incidently if some of it has to be in car. .era there is no problem so far as I am concerned in that regard, ~ut obviously in terws of this particular issue of how we are coing to maximize, how we are going to control,! think it does not, I suggest, advance the cause to anticip~te some kind of basic or fundamental disagreement ~r to go at it in a combat- ive kind of way until you have discovered what it is that the other side or,if you wish,che other parties have in mind also.

I admit to a good deal of knowledge on this subject but I also admit to a continu- ing degree of confusion and I think,too,that if any me~~er opposite says anything different then I believe that he is just either closed­ minded on the subject or at the same time perhap~·is simply not willing or prepared to look at various options and alternatives that reay be avail­ able.

I say that because while I thoroughly subscribe to what is said in this document with regard to the identity of Newfoundlanders what- ever other charges may be laid at my feet or whatever charges or what­ ever comments may be said when someday in this House people talk about ~y passing, one thing for sure,I do not believe there is a single New­ foundlander from the top of Labrador to the foot of the South coast who would ever question my bona fides as a Newfoundlander or who would ever underestimate my awareness of and my commitment to the development and the preservation of our heritage and our culture and our distinctive lifestyle..

With the greatest of respect, Mr. Speaker, I think I do 40

February 28, 1980 MR. D. J~~IESON : Tape No. 14 EL - 2 not need to take second place to anyone in that regard. But I do believe that it is important,and I urge upon the House and upon the govern- ment the necessity for a sober, thorough, analYtical look so that those different points of view which have come to me, for example, from very impressive sources that are perhaps to some extent different in nuance or subtly different in any event from those as expressed by some spokes­ men for the government,so that these can be examined.

I do not believe there is any necessity.and certainly I think it would be a retrograde step,if we were to launch into or to continue into, and I emphasize the word continue because there has already been conflict between the· government of Newfoundland and the government in Ott~wa over certain matters such as fisheries.! believe that there are practical answers, practical solutions to all of these questions and I say that that is especially important in view of the Speech from the Throne's very clear reference and acknowledgement that the constitutional process is going to be an enormously slow one and that I do not believe that we can afford to wait around for that particular kind of answer because too many things are going to overtake us in the interim and on that basis I also agree that a modus operandi,some mechanism through which the manifestation of our personalty as NewfoundlanderS ", that our ob­ jectives as Newfoundlanders~ can be put forward,has to be found.

Finally, let me on the part of the Speech which talks about the way of life of Newfoundlanders · and the social aspects of our lives, let me say that no one is happier than I at the degree to which our people have moved ahead economically. It \ has been, for someone who saw the worse, perhaps, parts of this particular century , the change and the transformation on the economic side has been profound, it has been something which I doubt very much if there is a single Newfoundlander alive today would have dared to forecast thirty years ago in terms of the economic change.

What is, however, not any­ thing like as clear is whether or not there has been a simultaneous in­ crease in the level of well-being of our people ,in their sense of them­ selves and indeed in what I might describe as their feeling of satis­ faction. Indeed~ would suspect from my travels ~bout the province that the opposite may well be tru~ that we need-and this government has made 41

February 28, 1980 Tape No. 14 EL - 3 MR. D. Jh~IESON: some good steps in this direction with the support of the opposition, we need more of that kind of thing, so that we need to instill, and I do not propose here to usurp 42

February 28, 1980 Tape No. 15 NM - 1 MR. JAMIESON: the right of the reverend gentlemen present, but the moral questions have to be addressed. There is too serious an increase in this Province in a lack of respect for law and order. There is a growing amount of vandalism. There is a shameful disregard for other people's property. There are a whole range of things happening in this Province which are 1 at this moment at least,cause for very deep-seated concern on my part and I suspect that it is shared by most of the people in this House.

Consequently,although it is a kind of vague issue, one not easy to address in the sense of saying that this is the way to legislate that out of the way, r--; believe that as we are,I hope 1 on the brink of this new kind of economic breakthrough that we will address ourselves perhaps more to that issue almost than to any other, as to how we are going to be sure that we will not wind up _with a society which is infinitely better off, which may in~eed in a decade's time be able to be among the residents of a have province of Canada with a good deal of surplus, a good deal of wealth 1but which may, at the same time. be a society which has lost not only some of its more distinctive characteristics, but has also lost some of its respect and understanding of the very things that have made life tolerable here in Newfoundland: Our compassion and concern for one another; our respect for law and order indeed in communities where, if there had not been that respect,there would have been chaos because we simply could not cope with it otherwise.

And I think hon. members on both sides will know that what I am speaking here is a serious truth about Newfoundland. It is not to suggest that anything like the total population of this Province has become less lawful than it was. It is to suggest that there are new strains on some numbers of our population, particularly our young people, and I would certainly assure the hon. members opposite and the government in its 43

February 28, 1980 Tape No. 15 NM - 2 MR. JAMIESON: efforts that we will do everything >•e can to support anything that is put forward with regard tr not merely our culture and our heritage but also to our general sense of ourselves and to the making of the kind of better Newfoundland that I think we have the opportunity to have. I believe I asked the question once some ten or fifteen years ago, what kind of Newfoundland do we want?

And of all the parts of Canada 1 I suppose there is nowhere where a wider range of options is open to people than here in this Province, that we have the capacity, and we now have,I hope, the opportunity to choose the kind of Newfoundland we want. I think in many ways this is what this Speech from the Throne is trying to say. And while I am unhappy with some of its, as I said 1 generalities, nevertheless I cannot quarrel with the general thrust of what it sees ahead for us.

So on Monday, or some day next week 1 I will have an opportunity to be much more specifi~ and ind~ed to be much more critical,if you wish, but for this afternoon let me end, Mr. Speaker, by saying that I believe that this is going to be one of the most important sessions of this House in a great many years and that I think we have our work cut out for us. We under­ took at the beginning of the last session to co-operate and we did. I make the same commitment to you now because in the interests of Newfoundland we must get on with the job. SOME HON. MEMBERS : Hear, hear! ~R. ROBERTS: That was really great. MR.

SPEAKER (SIMMS) : The han. the Premier. SOME HON. MEMBERS : Hear, hear! 44

:ebruary 28, 198 0 Tape No. !5 !'IH - 3 PREMIER PEC:<FORD: Mr. Speaker, first of all let me sr.are wi~~ thP Leader of the Opposition his sencim~~ts co a ~umber of people whom he mentionee in his opening remar~s; to the member for :ortune-Rermitage (Mr. D. Stewar.:) and hi.s !am!ly. Interestingly enough on the second point of tbe Leader of the Opposition's remarks, the fact that the Qn.ly LivJ.ng Father is entering hospital today,! think it is a fitting trLbute to ~ .

Smallwood that on the day I guess that he eneers hosph.e.l fo r an eye injury, or an eye disease or whatever, there is a letter in the paper from the same non. gentleman. I guess that is the ~d of person we have ~own him to be since this century began . Also , of course , let me join •.,ith the Leader of the Oppos~tion ~ his s~pathy cowards ~. CU-~i~' family and l'.r. ?.ef:ertson' s family and r congrat:.Uate also the X? for Rumber District, Mr. Tobin, 45

February 28, 1980 Tape 16 EC - 1 PREMIER PECia'ORD: whom we all know in this han. House and who served a number of Leaders of the Opposition very well. MR. 0. JAMIESON : Yes. PREMIER PECKFORO: And I guess all of us who know him personally here congratulate him on a very dynamic and energetic campaign and I trust that he will bring the concerns of the Province of Ne,.foundland to the House of Commons with the same deal of gusto and energy that he brought to his campaign. SO:.lE HON . ME!<!BERS : Hear, hear! PREMIER PECKFORO: Now, Mr.

Speaker, I believe I should take up my remarks from where the Leader of the Opposition left off. I firmly and honestly believe that this session of the House and this Throne Speech. and this year will go down ir.. the annals of histor.r for Newfoundland and Labrador for centuries.

The reason why the rnrone Speech was structured the way it was is because I think tnis government accepts and recognizes some of the responsibilities that are upon us as legislators and as leaders as we enter a new decade and as we enter a year in which we are going to see momentous things and decisions and events occur, hopefully for ~~e benefit of all Newfoundlanders in the long-term. It was for that reason, Mr.

Speaker, that i~ was decided to move away somewhat from the tradition of ~~e past in the sense of having just a Throne Speech which would indicate a number of legisla~ive measures that we would be taking. Let me say, Mr. Speaker, that the government are very proud of the legislative measures that we will be taking in this hon. House, and this afternoon before we finish - we will try to finish quickly - a lot of legislative measures that were not ~entioned in this Speech will be given notice of by the ministers here today. I think it is opportune to say, Nr.

Speaker, that perhaps for the first time in the history of this Legislature and, I would has1:en 1:0 add, in the his1:orJ of !!laDY legislatures in the free world, ~~at this government is ready with perhaps more legislation for ~~is session than this House is going to have time to deal wiL~ between now and Chris~~as, 1980. i think we will demons1:rate 46

"" February 28, 1980 Tape 16 EC - 2 PREHIER PEClCFORD: beyond any reasonable doubt that we are prepared and that we have our legislative programme ready. But we thought, and : think - in my own view, of course, partisan thougn it may be - r::..ghtly thought that this Speech must be given over to setting a firm course on which Newfoundlanders want to go this year and in this decade.

We are entering a new year, we are entering a new decade, and three major areas of concern to the government and to the people of Newfoundland take precedence over everything else, and it is to try to outline, and I agree, somewhat of a philosophical base for ~~ose approaches; so that therefore, that is why the legislative part of it did not have the same content. But the legislation is available and will be coming forward today and in the next number of days -many, many major pieces of legislation and reformed legislation. Mr. Speaker, let me deal with one thing the Leader of the Opposition said.

The hon. member indicated that we had not - on the one hand we had outlined a programme and a philosophical base for the fishery, we outlined a programme and a philosophical base for offshore oil and gas, and we outlined the same thing for hydro, but we did not follow that up w:. th legislation, M.r. Speaker.

And the reason for that is because, number one, on the fishery, we have no juris diction or very little jurisdiction, and it is one of the arguments that we are making in the Speech from the Throne that if the people of Newfoundland and Labrador are to truly have control and have some say in the economic vitality of the next number of decades, there is going to have to be that kind of control.

And one of the principles outlined in the Speech is ~~ attempt and a desire and an aim by this government to work towards a shared jurisdiction as it relates to the fisheries and complete control over the Northern cod iss~e so that we will have an opportunity this decade to do those kinds of things and to bring in legislation· Right now the power is not with us so to do, but we are expressing me desire that we want to have that kind of power shared with the federal authority so that that kind of legislation can be under the purview of this Legislature and ~~is Parliament. 47

i<eb ruary 28 , 198 0 Tape 16 EC- 3 PREMn:R PEClCFORD: Secondly, why it was not brought in on oil and gas is be~ use, Mr. Speaker, . we proudly claim and we proudly exclaim to ~~~ people present l:lere and the people of 'Newfoundland that we have the best resource XDanagement ragime in legislation and requlation anywhere in the world as it relates to our oil and gas - SOME !:iON. MnmERS: Hear, hear! PRDUER PECKFORD: - in place and working and which is the envy of just any other jurisdiction in the world and whi.ch 1 by the way, Mr.

Speaker, was done throuqh a public process, through a White Paper process, th.rouqh public input, and which, as the Speech IIIDst accurately points out, means not only did the policy come not just from the gave:rnment but from the people of Newfoundland. But the exercise of that policy must go back to the people of Newfoundland through public. hearings.

So, th .erefore, the leqislation is in pla~ on offshore oil and gas if' in fact, nobody seriously challenges our jurisdiction thereto; othexwise that leqislation gane throuqh that democratic public process will mean nothing and it 'l!lill be nauqht to any Newfoundlander or Labradorian. 48

February 28, 1980 Tape No. 17 so - 1 P~~!ER PECKFORD: And thirdly, on the hydro development side, we did, in the last Session, bring in legislation dealing with t.'le Lower Churchill Development Corporation and we are now, as indicated subtly, obliquely in the Speech,considering ot.'ler pieces of legislation as they relate to Labrador power developments in Labrador.

They will await further study. 3ut the fact of the matter is as it relates to hydro developments in Labrador 1 there is, outside of the Lower Churchill Development Cor?oration, very little legislative clout, very little legislation that can be broughtin at this point in time to give effect to something that we are trying to do.

It awaits the co-operation of industry, it awaits the co-operation of Quebec, it awaits the co-operation of the Federal Government, and hence the initiatives t.~at we will be taking in ~'le next two or three months to ask for that kind of co-operation and that kind of financial support t.'lat will be Qeeded.

So, hence the raason for no legislation on those three most L~portant points is because, for one reason or another, as I just explained, legislation was irrelevant, legislation was redundant, it was not appropriate. vfuere legislation is needed , it is there; where legislation is wanted it can not be put there because it is not now \1it.'lin the 9urview or power of the Legislature so to do. But let us get on, c1r. Speake!:, to the main thrust of the Speech, let us get on to what this administration and t.'lis government is really saying. And there is no, ~r.

Speaker, I say, t.~ere is no confusion in the ~inds of this government ~d I will try to articulate it, as it relates to where we stand on those t.~ree most important matters, where t.'le Leader of t.~e Opposition gives the impression t:!ere :nigh ·t be some con:=usion and misunderstanding. i'.s it relat:es to offshore oil and gas, it is absolutely essential 1 and you can not talk about retaining you!." r.·lay of life, you 49

Fe bruar y 28 , 19 80 '!'ape ~lo. 17 Su - 2 PRE:!IER PEC!<FORD: can not talk about retaining the fabric of Newfoundland and having the cultural lifestyle and the cistincti;~ personality of Newfoundlanders if you do not have control over that resourse, if you do not have jurisdiction. SOME HON. ~!E~!BERS : Hear, hear. PRE!-!IER PECKFORD: Now, ~1r.

Speaker, that is clear; I will say ~~e words again, jurisdiction and control.On offshore oil and gas, we take the position that the offshore oil and gas on our continental shelf has the same power, the Government of Newfoundland has the s=e power as we do over our trees , as we do over our iron ore and as we do over the o~~er resourses that are on the land of this jurisdiction. So ~,at there is no question about that.

And there is in place therefore, an Oil and Gas Act and the regulations to which we want to apply that kind of power which we claimed by legal righ t as well as ~y moral and every other sensible right that one could possibly imagine. That is on the offshore oil and gas. Not only for its own sake, ~!r. Speaker, and not only because we have a legal argument t.!1c.t '"e can hang our hats on, even if that legal argument '"as :1ot there, ~I.

Speaker, even · if it was not there, we would be just as adamant on the moral side, we would be just as adamant on the econo~ic side.Because there is no way, number one, that we will ever rise above the plateau of public services and the financial capabilities that we are now placed en unless we have access to additional financial revenues and they can only come from two sources in the short or medium term.- offshore oil and gas or a change in L~e Upper Churchill contract. So now we are dealing with the offshore oil and gas.

Ne can not get o~~erwise 1 under the present federal regime it would be twelve or thirteen cents of every dollar, under the provincial regime it would be forty-five cents of every dollar,and the o~~er fifty-five cents would be shared between the federal 50

:e~rcary 28, 1~80 '!'ape No. 17 so - 3 ?:>::::·~IER P::;C:~RD: governtr.ent and c:-.e coapanies . A."l-:i n\lll\ber t"..-o on ehat, ~·lr. Speaker, if you are going eo =<ee p it you can not have yo ur cake and eat it too, N.r. speaker, and that is ·.my this Speech is phrased the •;~ay it is and '-'hy this is sc momentous an occasion !or every legislator here ,regardless of political sttipe ,because •<~e are goinq to have to say as this Speech says, • l:nke sol'le strong stands' a:1d le t no man or woman or pe rson muddy the waters eo not -:o understand what it is we are asking for.

On offshore oil and gas it is clear , crystal clea r; the same power ove r oil and gas on our contin en tal shelf as ·<~e have of trees on land. o\nd c.'lat is c.le=, thae is easy to adm inister and t.'lere is no confusion ove:- that one. .;.,d c. 'len, l:r.

Speaker, if yo u co, t!;en you net only have so;r.e ::i:lancial capability •;~i~'t monies flowing i.n !:c hel? relieve the highest per capita debt , to help provide all ~~e ?~lie servJ.ces that •.te so desperat:ely need, co reduce cur sa les tax in 1996 !rom eleven ec ei~ht and to pe:-haps get o~ unemploymen t rate down tQ about only three or :our rer cent more t.han the nat:ional average, but more t.'lar. ~:hat, 51

February 28, 1980 Tape No. 18 uW - 1 PREMIER PECKFORD: then you will effectively be able to control the rate of that development and give meat and substance to the theory that we want to retain cur cwn collective lifestyle and our own distinctiveness 1 so I can continue to go out and snare me rabbits and cut me thumb, !1r. Speaker. That is the only way it can be done. SOME HON.MEMBERS: PREMIER PECKFORD: question of fisheries, Hear, hear! Secondly, Mr.

Speaker, on the The ~overnment of Newfoundland and Labrador are asking through this Throne Speech for the support of Newfoundlanders and all members of this House as it relates to shared jurisdiction on fisheries, shared jurisdiction;that there must be in some areas of that power paramountcy on the federal side, in other areas paramountcy on our side. But we are willing to sit down ana negotiate a shared arranqement 1 not all in one court orall in the other. we have that in environment now, Mr.

Speaker; the environment of Canada is a shared jurisdiction under the division of powers of the constitution of Canada; some of the authority lies with the Federal Government, some of the authority lies with the Provincial Government, That is what we are asking for on fisheries, number two. And along that line on fisheries, on the Northern cod stock if we are, Mr. Speaker, to have a chance to -make LaScie permanent jobs or ten or eleven month jobs rather than six month jobs 1 or Fogo or Twillingate or Conche or Creque or Englee or anywhere on the East coast, than you have access to more fish.

Fish plant workers cannot keep working unless they have more fish and the only way you can get that fish is have control over or access to more of the Northern cod stock. And see, Ytr. Speaker, it makes sense that we can apply the traditional and historic right principle to this cod stock,not to be selfish Canadians,but the better off somebody is in LaScie the less money in UIC comes from Ontario. And that is being a good Newfoundlander, that is 52

February 28, 1980 Tape No. 18 DW - 2 PRE~!IER PECKFORD: being a good Canadian. That is where we stand on the fishery. SOME HON.MEMBERS: Hear, hear! PREMIER PECKFORO: And on Hydro development, Mr. Speaker, we are saying and giving notice in this Speech on two points specifically. One, we are seriously considering bringing in legislation as it relates to subsidies to industrial customers, that is number two 1n the second part of the power policy in that Throne Speech.

That is number one. that And,number two, every effort is being taken and we predict it will come to fruition this year that some moves will have to be taken on the behalf of this government to get a better deal on the Upper C~urchill. The Upper Churchill contract must remain the cornerstone of our Labrador power policy. We cannot ignore it and then allow the Lower Churchill to be developed. SOME HON. MEMBERS: PREMIER PECKFORO: Hear, hear! So these points are clear. Offshore oil and gas the same as the trees; the fisheries , let us share it like environment and the Northern cod must be ours.

And,thirdly, the Upper Churchill contract must be changed both as it relates to the price and as it relates to recall so that we will have a chance with the resources that were always ours. So if anybody, Mr. Speaker, wants to - we have talked about it, I have read about it, I have read the Throne Speeches since we became a Province,and some of the speeches that were made in the colonial days , if you will, or in our dominion days as a Province or as a colony or as a dominion.

And we can talk about it until we are blue in the face, but this is quite possibly the year when all the chicken are going to come home to roost and when ever y person in Newfoundland is going to have to stand up and take a stand, because you cannot talk about our collective lifestyle and wanting us to remain as we are and to continue to go out and shoot our 53

February 28, 1980 Tape No. 18 ow - .3 PRE~IER ?ECKFORO: moose and to jig our fish - wh ich we cannot do anymore,by the way, only some spec~es. The day has com~ when those platitudes and those statements are going to take leqislaLive action, when people are going to have to stand up and be counted. That i s what is so impor tant about this Speech, that is why it was changed ,and that is why it is so important that we n 0 t get bogged down in a litany of le~is - lative measures,some important and some unimportant,and leave t :'le Speech to that. Be~ause we are establishing a course, make no bones about it, ~z.

Speaker, this government is establishing a course that every Newfoundlander here in this Le.gislat:ure and •.rat:ching on televisio n is going co have co take a scand on it. And as IS indicated in the S&~eech, in che grat:ious Speech, there is going co be polit:ical concroversy and ::here is going co b.e disagreement . A:"ld every single souJ: will ·not be able to hide be!;lind, 'L do not: k:low I what you mean ~ ~ am not sure wheth er you mean . t:his or chat. It will be clear ly articulated what we mean so that we have a_n opportunity. I do not know, Mr. Speaker , whether it: is 54

February 28, 1980 Tape No. 19 EL - l PREMIER PECKFORD: clearly understood by Newfoundlanders that there is no more place for us to raise money. There is no more. We are 11 per cent sales tax, we are at 58 per cent of the federal, the highest s~es tax in Canada, you name it. You can go out now to shoot a caribou and you have almost got to buy the thing. There is no other capacity for the people of Newfoundland and Labrador to sustain them­ selves. It is not there. Meanwhile, there is this expectation as Can­ adians that we should have the same opportunities right across the spec­ trum as any other Canadian.

But under the system, the Confederation that we live under now, Mr. Speaker, that is not possible, and that plateau that we have now reached, there cannot be another slope over which we can rise to a higher plateau. Given the present status of everything, unless and until we can get a better deal on the Opper Churchill, we can get some revenues and control over off-shore, and ~nless and until we can increase our catches on the northern cod to expand our fishery on the Northeast and Bast coast, there is no other way.

And in the short or medium term, the only two of those that make any financial sense are the Opper Churchill and the off-shore oil and gas.Thcre is no other way. And you cannot do it, you see, Mr. Speaker, you cannot do it by saying that we will agree to have some and you have some. It does not work, it does not work, unless we have the control and the say over it, over the off-shore oil and gas, St.

John's is gone bad enough right now on housing prices anc a whole bunch of other things. ~~d I am not against, as the Lead­ er of the Opposition mentioned, a Select Committee on the off-shore oil and gas or on anything else. The only thing I would hasten to add to the Leader of the Opposition on this point is, I guess, most people recognize that this thing is ~oving very fast. This thing is moving very, very fast. And just imagine if we did not have any control to­ day or we did not say that we are going to confirm our rights, what- 55

February 29, 1980 Tape No. 19 EL - 2 PREMIER PECXFORD: ever that means. Just say we did not ever say .that we did not have any legal right and we are in the position that Nova Scotia is or New Brunswick. That Speech from the Throne ~uuld never be able to say we have a 40 per cent interest as soon as they take out a licence. Forty per cent, we will own 40 per cent of an oil field and even before that, Mr. Speaker, we are saying we want observer status on that operating consortium comnittee even before they apply for a licence so that we know what is going on. That is how you get control.

That is how you ensure that your society is not destroyed. That is how you ensure that you still have a Newfie around fifteen or twenty years from now who is still proud of his accent. SOME HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear! PREMIER PECKFORD: Mr. Speaker, I wish we could do it some other way. And I would say to the Leader of the Opposition, and to all members opposite as all on my side, I would say I wish we couid do it another way. I wish that the various ministers and myse.lf did not have to take the stand that we have got to take on the North- ern cod, or on off-shore oil and gas, but I would suggest to the han.

Leader of the Opposition his support - not suggest, ask and solicit his support because there was a time, you see, Mr. Speaker, there was a time and now it is too late. It is like so many things in his­ tory. I read too much history, that is '~hat is wrong. There was a time when we sat down with the Federal Government and said to Mr. Trudeau, "Let us have some degree of control. Let us see if we can work" with Mr.

Trudeau's government, with the people who are handling the whole question of the jurisdictional dispute between Newfoundland and Labrador and Ottawa and there was not one budge, there was not one inch given. And there was absolutely no way for us to go. And now we are into it. Now we have a Hibernia which any day will be declared commercial, with massive other probabilities on the horizon, house prices going wild in St. John's and Nova Scotians getting sent home and more Newfoundlanders 56

Fe~ruary 2S, 1980 PRE~lE~ PECKFORD: <i:ee of the!!'. Tape ~o. 19 EL - 3 looitinc; for jobs, finy-seven hun- And no"' tile time has col!'~ :or us to act responsibly and reasonably as much as is humanly possible but there ~ust be that control and power exercised by the government in Newfoundland and Labrador, otherwise we are lose We noe only ,;,.,ill noe have a chance to go to a new plateau, :-lr. Speaker, we will be go ­ ing clown to one be low that than where we are ~ii:;he now. And that is ehe ~eason for ehis kind of speech, a deliberate approach to it and this is what aggza­ vates me. All the member for Bonavista-North (L. Stirlin9) is inter­ ested in is whether he gets 57

February 28, 1980, Tape 20. Page 1 -- apb PREMIER PECKFORD: a Select Committee on the offshore so that he can say that on this day something - SOME HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear! PREMIER PECKFORD: Let us get above that now. We will talk about the Select committee. I am not against it. SOME HON. MEMBERS : Hear, hear! PREMIER PECKFORD: If anybody is going to accuse me of anything over the next two or three years, it is that'he is committee minded~ If anybody is going to accuse me of anything, it is that I shove everything off in committees. But the fact of the matter is, ~x.

Speaker, let us try to get to that other plateau not only as it relates to making the society better off but making this Legislature better off in how we move from one plateau to another in our deQate and in our banter back and forth as we move into a new session and a new decade. Momentous! Fantastic! The opportunities and the challenges are there. We have to have, first of all, confidence in ourselves that we can handle this - and when I say this I mean all of it - and be pretty responsible as legislators as we move ahead to do that.

There are trying times, there are big times and there are going to be challenges right around the corner within the next month that are going to challenge our own honesty and integrity and our desire to look at the long-term rather than the short-term. That is the kind of thing that we have to look at. I am ready and I think the members of this government are ready. We are ready to stand up as Newfoundlanders, confident of still having a Canada but having a good chance to be real partners in 1990, better than we are now in 1980. 5B

February 28, 1980, Tape 20, Page 2 -- apb SOME HON . MEMBERS : ~R. SPEAKER(Simms): Hear, hear! Order, please! It is moved and seconded that an address of thanks be presented to His Honour in reply to the gracious Speech and that a committee be appointed to draft such an Address in Reply. Is it the pleasure of the House to adopt this motion? Those in favour "aye",contrary "nay", carried. The committee will consist of the hen. the member for Harbour Main - Bell Island (Mr. Doyle), the hen. member for Fortune - Hermitage (Mr. Stewart), and the hen. the member for Fogo (Mr. Tulk). NOTICES OF MOTIONS MR.

SPEAKER: The hen. the Minister of Justice. MR. OTTENHEIMER: Mr. Speaker, I give notice that I will on tomorrow ask leave to introduce the following bills: A bill entitled, "An Act Respe=ting The Protection Of Personal Privacy". (Bill No.1). A bill, "An Act Respecting Elections, Controverted Elections And Elections Financing." (Bill No. 17). The Freedom Of Information". A bill, "An Act Respecting (Bill No. 21) . The Human Rights Code". SOME HON. MEMBERS : MR. SPEAKER: A bill, "An Act To Amend (Bill No. 19). Hear, hear! The hen. the Minister of Tourism, Recreation and Culture. MR. DAWE: Mr.

Speaker, I give notice that I will on tomorrow ask leave to introduce the following bills: A bill entitled, "An Act To Provide For Natural Areas In The Province To Be Set 59

February 28, 1980, Tape 20, Page 3 -- apb MR. DAWE: Aside For The Benefit, Education And Enjoyment Of Present And Future Generations In The Province". (Bill No. 12) . A bill, "An Act Respecting The Establishment Of A Newfoundland And Labrador Arts Council". (Bill No. 16). A bill, "An Act To Establish A Youth Advisory Council Of Newfoundland And Labrador". (Bill No. 20). MR. SPEAKER(Simms): PREMIER PECKFORD: The hon. the Premier. Yes, Mr. Speaker. I give notice that I will on tomorrow as leave to introduce a bill, "An Act To Provide For An Advisory Council On The Status Of Women". MR. SPEAKER: (Bill No. 15).

The hon. the Minister of Consumer Affairs and Environment. MRS. NEWHOOK: Mr. Speaker, I give notice that I will on .tomorrow ask leave to introduce a bill entitled, "An Act To Protect The Environment Of The Province By Providing For Environmental Ass.:!s.sment". (Bill No. 13) MR. SPEAKER: Health. MR. HOUSE: The hon. the Minister of Mr. Speaker, I give r.otice that I will on tomorrow ask leave to introduce the following bills: Respecting Denturists". A bill, "An Act (Bill No. 14). A bill, "An Act Respecting Dispensing Opticians". (Bill No. 18). MR. SPEAKER: Private Members' Notices. Torngat Mountains. MR.

WARREN: The hon. the member for Mr. Speaker, I give notice that I will on tomorrow ask leave to introduce the 60

February 28, 1980, Tape 20, Page 4 -- apb MR. WARREN: following resolution:

WHEREAS there is a lack of specialized medical expertise in Labrador and on occasions patients are required to receive medical attention from Specialists on the Island portion of the Province which is only accessible by air and which is also extremely costly; BE IT THEREFORE RESOLVED that the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador make available ambulance services for patients in Labrador comparable to the services provided to the Island portion of the Province. SOME HON. MEMBERS : MR. SPEAKER: Burgee - Bay d'Espoir. MR. ANDREWS : Hear, hear! The han. the member for Mr. Speaker, I hereby give notice that on tomorrow I will ask leave to introduce the following resolution~

WHEREAS the Northern cod stocks have tistorically been fished exclusively by fishermen from the Northeast Coast and Labrador Coast of this Province, and have been the lifeblood of some 500 communities along these coasts; AND

WHEREAS the fishery, and the communities upon which it depends have suffered drastically from overfishing; AND

WHEREAS there exists high unemployment and under­ utilized plant capacity along these coasts; AND

WHEREAS the level of benefits accruing to this Province will be directly determined by the management principles applied to this resource; AND

WHEREAS the Federal Government's freezer trawler policy, if implemented, would seriously undermine the economic benefits flowing to our fishing communities; THEREFORE

BE IT RESOLVED that this Honourable House unanimously supports the position of the Province, which recognizes the exclusive right of Newfoundlanders and Labradorians to fish Northern cod; 61

February 28, 1980, Tape 21, Page 1 -- apb MR. ANDREWS : AND BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that this Honourable House supports this Province's position of shared resources management jurisdiction with the Federal Government; AND BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that this Honourable House urge the Federal Government of Canada to accept the position of this Province in regard to these vital matters. SOME HON. MEMBERS : MR. SPEAKER(Simrns) : Trinity - Bay de Verde. MR. F.B.ROWE: Hear, hear! The han. the member for Mr. Speaker, I give notice that I will on tomorrow ask leave to introduce the following'motion:

WHEREAS the proper development of our fishery is of paramount importance to the economy of the Province of Newfoundland and Labrador and the well being of our people; AND

WHEREAS offshore oil and gas exploration is a reality; AND

WHEREAS offshore oil and gas exploitation appears to be a certainty and there of great importance to the economy of our Province; THEREFORE

BE IT RESOLVED that this House fully debate both developments for the purpose of ensuring that the fishery will not be endangered by offshore oil and gas exploration and exploitation and the renewable fishery and the non-renewable oil and gas resource will be developed in a strategy of compatability for the maximum benefit of our people; AND BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a Select Committee of this House be appointed to meet throughout the Province to hear and seek advice and recommendations, and to call on outside experts, for the purpose of ensuring the successful co-development of the fishing and offshore oil and gas industries and that a Committee report to the House before 62

February 28, 1980, Tape 21, Page 2 -- apb MR. F.B.ROWE: MR. SPEAKER(Simms}: Stephenville. MR. STAGG: the end of 1980. The hon. the member for Mr. Speaker, I give notice that I will on tomorrow as leave to introduce the following resolution:

WHEREAS the health of the Forests and the people of this Province is of concern to the Government; and

WHEREAS serious questions have been raised as to the danger to human health of chemical spray programs to control the spruce budworm; and

WHEREAS sufficient research and public debate has not taken place with regard to the resolution of this critical issue; BE IT THEREFORE RESOLVED that this Honourable House supports the establishment by the Government of a Royal Commission to analyse and make recommendations as to the course of action to follow in the protection of our forest industry and the health of our people so far as it relates to measures to be taken to control ~~e spruce budworm. SOME HON. MEMBERS: MR. SPEAKER: Baie Verte - White Bay. MR. RIDEOUT: Hear, hear! The hon. the member for Mr. Speaker, I give notice that I will on tomorrow ask leave to introduce the following resolution:

WHEREAS the economic well-being of many of our people is dependent on the utilization of non-renewable resources; AND

WHEREAS companies and corporations can and do reap profitable benefits from exploitation of these resources; AND

WHEREAS when those resources have been exhausted, such companies and corporations can and do pull out of this Province leaving behind economically depressed areas; 63

February 28, 1980, Tape 21, Page 3 -- apb MR. RIDEOUT:

NOW THEREFORE

BE IT RESOLVED that this House cause to be established a Select Committee on Resource Management and that this Select Committee be empowered to advise the House on the advisability and feasibility of: 1. The Province becoming a partner in the development of all non-renewable resources; 2. The establishment of a Non-renewable Resource Fund to be funded by the industrial exploiter. One of the chief purposes of such a fund would be to provide financial relief to areas where non-renewable resources have been exhausted and to help in attracting alternate industry.

AND BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Committee have power to sit in and out of Session, to send for papers and other documents, and generally to exercise the powers which may be conferred upon Commissioners under the Public Enquiries Act,

Chapter 314 of the Revised Statutes of Newfoundland, 1970; AND BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Committee be authorized to sit from place to place throughout Newfoundland and Labrador. MR. SPEAKER: The hon. the member for Placentia. MR. PATTERSON: Mr. Speaker, I hereby give notice that I will on tomorrow ask leave to introduce the following resolution:

WHEREAS, before Confederation, this Province owned its offshore minerals and did not relinquish the same under the terms of union, and 64

February 28, 1980, Tape 21 , Page 4 - - apb MR . PATTERSON:

WHEREAS, the revenues, employment and indus trial be:nefit s which will result from offshore development will flow to the Province only if its ownership and contro l are con£ inned, and 'NBERE~$, if the Province does not control the rate and type of development, many negative impacts will occur in our Province, and

WHEREAS, if certain proposed offshore development plans are pe~tted to go ahead, few employment or industrial benefits will accrue to the Province, THEREFORE

BE IT RESOLVED that this Honourable House unanimously support t."'le Conservative Administration in its effort to preserve this Province's historic, moral and legal claim to own and control its offshore mineral resources. SOME HON . MEMBERS : Hear, hear! 65

February 28, 1980 MR. SPEAKER (Simms) : MR. J. HODDER: Tape No. 22 NM - 1 The hon. member for Port au Port. Mr. Speaker, I give notice that I will on tomorrow ask leave to introduce the following motion:

WHEREAS the Newfoundland Education System is not fully geared to the future development of this Province ~~D

WHEREAS new developments are taking place in the fishery, forestry and in offshore oil development BE IT THEREFORE RESOLVED that a Select Committee be formed to look into all aspects of education in Newfoundland and Labrador and to recommend changes so that Newfoundlanders may best be able to take advantage of future job opportunities. MR. SPEAKER: MR. WOODROW: The hon. member for Bay of Islands. Mr. Speaker, I give notice that I will on tomorrow ask leave to introduce the following resolution: WHERE~S because of world-wide energy developments, consumers in this Province are faced with ever rising electrical rates and

WHEREAS it is vital to lessen the burden on consumers of the Province in this regard, and

WHEREAS Government has proposed legislation to ensure that large industrial consumers are not subsidized by consumers of the Province, and is determined to examine the rate structure to encourage conservation and has established a programme to ensure that the public has free access to a supply of low cost wood for fuel purposes, THEREFORE

be it resolved that this hon. House supports the initiatives of the government in this regard. SOME HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear! I".R. SPEAKER: The hon. member for Grand Bank . MR. THOMS: Mr. Speaker I hereby give notice that I will on tomorrow ask leave to introduce the following resolution: THAT this House set up a Select Committee to investigate the cause of increasing vandalism in Newfoundland and Labrador and recommend ways and means of curbing same. 66

?ebrua r y 28, 1980 'l'ape No. 22 NM - 2 MR_. SPEA.'<ER (Simms} : The hon . member £or ~lenihek. HR. P. NALSH : I wil l on tomorrow ask leave co introduce the following motion:

WHEREAS the people of chis l>rovince cannot be dispossessed of their righcs to their hydro resources; AND

WHEREAS in 1967 Quebec, in violation of the Canadian Constitution, :creed the sale of Upper Ch~chill hydro power over the Quebec Labrador border under · unfair terms for 65 years; A.'ID lffi:E:REAS the federal government has ::,Oth the :dghc and the duty under the canadian Constit~tion to protect the right of one Province to transmit any of its goods or people across the territorit:y of another; AND

WHEREAS this Province has both the need of and the n.ght to access to its own hydro resources for its consumers and to a fair r.eturn on any of its hydro resources exported; 'I'HEREFCRE

BE IT RESOLVED that this hon. House urge the C~vernrn ent of Canada to discharge its du~y to this Province and to t:he spirit of our f_ederation by passing su,ch legislation as may be necessary t0 prevent Quebec from controlling for its own benefit the interprovinc ial t:ransmission of hydro power across its territory. SOME !!ON. ~!El".BERS : MR. SPEA.XER: ' MR. BARRETT: Hea-r, hear! The hon. member for sc. John's West. Mr. Speaker, I hereby give nocice that r will on tomo rrow ask leave to