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September 30, 2020

HOUSE OF ASSEMBLY PROCEEDINGS

Vol. XLIX No. 47

The House met at 2 p.m.

MR.

SPEAKER (Reid):

Admit strangers.

Order, please!

The hon. the Minister of Finance.

MS.

COADY:

Mr.

Speaker, I move, seconded by the Minister of Digital Government and Service NL,

that this House approves in general the budgetary policy of the government.

MR.

SPEAKER:

The

motion is that the House approve in general the budgetary policy of the

government.

The hon. the Minister of Finance.

MS.

COADY:

Mr.

Speaker, this is the first budget for Newfoundland and Labrador in the world of

a pandemic.

I would like to express my pride in how Newfoundlanders

and Labradorians are caring for one another to control the spread of COVID-19 in

our communities.

Together, we face the global pandemic as we always face

adversity – with diligence; with integrity; and with compassion. It is with this

same strength that we will address our financial situation.

While this is Budget Day, I wish to note that it is

also Orange Shirt Day.

This day acknowledges the survivors of residential

schools. It helps teach important lessons and brings us closer in our quest to

achieve reconciliation with Indigenous people.

I'd like to recognize and thank Elder Laura from Conne

River, who made these wonderful masks.

Recognizing Indigenous people and achieving

reconciliation is important to our government.

Over the last five years, we actioned a plan that

controlled expenditures, having slowed the rate of growth to 2.5 per cent over

five years after a decade in which provincial budgets increased significantly.

With a financial plan that is generating results, we

prioritized investments to reflect the aspirations of Newfoundlanders and

Labradorians. Outcomes of those investments included: Creating new jobs and

improving access to services through partnerships with businesses to build new

schools and health care facilities; increasing access to child care and

introducing full-day kindergarten; becoming leaders in how we support people

experiencing challenges with mental health and addictions; improving food

security; and, focusing on online service delivery.

In fact, up until early this year, we were on a path to

return to surplus in 2022-23. However, like jurisdictions around the world,

COVID-19 has touched every sector of our province.

Today, I join our new Premier – a world-class surgeon,

an award-winning humanitarian, and one of the brightest minds in our province –

in presenting this year's budget.

SOME HON. MEMBERS:

Hear, hear!

MS.

COADY:

Under his leadership, we will be responsible. We will be innovative. We will

reimagine government.

Budget 2020 navigates a world embroiled in a pandemic.

The budget maintains the core principle of ensuring

every taxpayer dollar is closely scrutinized, accounted for, and used prudently

to its full potential. It also: eases pressures on families – including $25/day

childcare.

SOME HON. MEMBERS:

Hear, hear!

MS.

COADY:

Improves the economy and supports local businesses; and, reflects new demands on

the health care system.

Budget 2020 does not raise corporate or personal income

taxes.

Reimagining how programs and services look in the

future has to be paramount as we balance fiscal pressures with growing

expectations for a more modern, efficient government. This is not limited to

government departments, but includes all government organizations.

Budget 2020 also sets a course to deal with the

province's financial challenges which have been both compounded by the pandemic

and the global oil crisis.

Now, more than ever, it is essential that we address

the structural financial problems as we adapt to a global pandemic.

As we build on our track record for fiscal prudence and

discipline in our expenditures, we need bigger, bolder solutions to address

long-standing structural issues such as a high cost of providing services across

a large geography, as well as an older, declining population.

To support this incredibly important work, our Premier

engaged Dame Moya Greene to lead an Economic Recovery Team. Dame Moya Greene is

a proud Newfoundlander and Labradorian who has earned international accolades

for her change-management skills and improvements to large organizations. She is

one of our brightest and she will be joined by others.

She, and her team, will review expenditures across

government, analyze our fiscal capacity and reimagine government service

delivery. By next spring's budget, she will provide recommendations that will

inform our path to a sustainable and diversified, vibrant economy for future

generations to inherit.

Led by our Premier, our government is focused on four

core principles:

1. Promoting physical and mental health – it's

imperative that people in this province are well, and are empowered to live

healthy, active lifestyles;

2. Growing our population – by making it more and more

attractive for people to stay here, to move here, either for the first time, or

to come home to stay;

3. Expanding technology – innovation is critical, and

technology affects all industries and daily life;

4. Developing our resources – from the fishery that

started it all, to energy, to arts and entertainment. At this time of

transition, people in all industries will help guide us to a prosperous future.

I am a first generation Canadian.

Both my parents, like so many others here today were

born in the Dominion of Newfoundland.

The “Ode to Newfoundland” states: “When blinding storm

gusts fret thy shore, And wild waves lash thy strand, Thro' spindrift swirl, and

tempest roar, We love thee windswept land.”

Our financial situation is a blinding storm; we are in

the middle of a tempest. We sing this anthem with pride and deep understanding

of its importance.

With that same determination, with that same resolve,

with that same pride, we will take hold of the financial structures that bind

us, we will demand the financial stability of this place we so love, we will

ensure the future generations that they too will know the meaning of “Where once

they stood we stand.”

Newfoundlanders and Labradorians have pride of place.

We will not falter; we will not hesitate; we will not

fold when things are difficult; we will persevere; we will accomplish; we will

succeed.

SOME HON. MEMBERS:

Hear, Hear!

Financial Landscape

MS.

COADY:

We have been fully transparent on how COVID-19 and volatility in the oil

industry has deepened an already difficult financial situation.

Fiscal Review: 2019-20

In April 2019, our government reached an agreement with

the federal government on a new and guaranteed revenue stream from the Atlantic

Accord that will deliver $2.5 billion to the province. This led to an

unanticipated surplus in 2019-20, as we are required to count the revenue in the

year it was received.

Today, the revised surplus for 2019-20 is $1.1 billion.

As we are in a pandemic, this is a six-month budget to

year end in March 2021.

Normally we would present a multi-year forecast and

firm timeline on when we will return to surplus, but that is not possible in the

uncertainty of COVID-19. The federal budget is delayed, revenues continue to

falter, and extra expenses due to COVID-19 impacts continue to be incurred.

Most provinces have not introduced annual budgets in

2020 for this very reason. Furthermore, this government is also engaged in a

process to reimagine government to address the financial structures that have

caused our challenges.

Today, I will outline the province's current financial

landscape and our plan to support residents and businesses.

The collective weight of COVID-19 and the volatility of

the global oil industry has reduced revenues and increased expenses. We also

continue to carefully manage the billions of dollars in obligations stemming

from the Muskrat Falls project.

Newfoundlanders and Labradorians realize the size and

scope of the financial obligations of this project over the last five years.

More than $3 billion being borrowed by the Provincial Government and taxpayers;

$1 billion in cash being invested by Nalcor; and Muskrat Falls represents

roughly a third – one-third – of the provincial debt.

As a government, we will not let these pressures hold

us back.

We will find solutions and not make excuses. We will

continue to execute our plan to manage project costs and electricity rates in

close partnership with Ottawa.

While less reliant on oil revenues than previous

governments, oil continues to represent a large portion of our provincial

revenues.

For Budget 2020, we are projecting oil prices to be

US$39 per barrel and the Canada to United States exchange rate is forecasted at

73.8 cents. Now, these projections are informed by 11 independent oil

forecasters.

Under our leadership, we have controlled health care

expenditures, which is the province's largest annual investment. In fact, after

years of exponential growth, the Canadian Institute of Health Information noted

last year that Newfoundland and Labrador is a leader in Canada in managing

health care expenditures.

Well done, Sir!

SOME HON. MEMBERS:

Hear, hear!

MS.

COADY:

Expense growth between 2019-20 actuals and 2020-21 projections is $524 million,

of which 93 per cent of it or $487 million is directly due to projected COVID-19

related spending.

Based on these collective factors the deficit for 2021

is projected to be $1.84 billion. This is lower than what we projected it would

be in July.

To help pay for government programs and services, we

will need to borrow $3 billion this year. This year, to date, we have already

borrowed $2 billion. Our net debt is projected to reach $16.4 billion this year.

COVID-19 and Health

Mr. Speaker, COVID-19 has demonstrated what's possible

when we all come together for the greater good.

In the early days of the pandemic, we collectively

mobilized efforts to help families, workers, and businesses. This swift,

sustained course of action was carefully considered and investments were made on

a priority basis to provide long-term benefits that position the province on a

path towards economic recovery.

Partnerships with such groups as Food First NL ensured

that food was available to those who needed it. Investments in beef and

vegetable production also contribute to our goal of being less reliant on

importing food and helping create new jobs.

Starting in July, lower income essential workers

received upwards of $1,500 in additional pay to help offset some of the

financial hardships created by the pandemic; electricity customers received a

credit; and in isolated Labrador communities, support was provided to more than

1,200 households to offset the rising food costs.

Financial support was provided for regulated child care

centres and family child care homes.

Most recently, a tremendous effort was made to support

the safe return of students, teachers, administrators and other staff to the

school community.

Well done!

To help build consumer confidence, increase local

spending, and ease pressures on businesses, we: deferred, waived and modified

fees and pricing for businesses, in particular those in the food and beverage

industry and mining sector; increased procurement thresholds to ensure local

businesses could compete; invested in the fishery, agriculture, and forestry

sectors; and, invested in a tourism and hospitality program, as well as launched

a marketing campaign to encourage staycations.

The Residential Construction Rebate has been an

overwhelming success for construction and building supply businesses. Some

people in the industry have reported that they have never been busier and added

to their workforce.

While Newfoundlanders and Labradorians have risen to

the challenge and minimized the spread of the virus, the message from health

professionals has been clear – we need to plan for life with COVID-19 in our

communities. We have seen in our own backyard, and around the world, the

uncertainty associated with this virus.

In Budget 2020, we are taking the responsible step of

allocating close to $100 million for such things as personal protective

equipment, testing, and mobilizing efforts to support immunization in the event

that a vaccine is discovered and safe to use.

Health

High rates of chronic disease, an aging population, and

the province's population density creates pressures on our health care system.

These are complex issues that require new ways of

delivering care.

Building on improvements in mental health and

addictions, home and community care, and bringing primary health care teams to

the community, in Budget 2020, we are

investing $3.3 million to support virtual care service through 811.

SOME HON. MEMBERS:

Hear, hear!

MS.

COADY:

Budget 2020, we're also investing $1.7 million to expand the Insulin Pump

Program. This will increase to $3.3 million next year and highlights our goal of

improving health outcomes, especially with chronic disease prevention, treatment

and management.

This year, we are also adding 14 new drugs under the

Newfoundland and Labrador Prescription Drug Program to treat such conditions as

Parkinson's disease, cancer and Cystic Fibrosis.

Our government is worried about the use of vaping, and

its popularity among youth, and it is a significant public health concern.

Today, we are also taking the added measures of:

implementing a 20 per cent tax on vaping products; and, increasing tax on

tobacco, with an additional five cents per cigarette and an additional 10 cent

per gram on fine cut tobacco.

We are also allocating $1.7 million to prevent and

reduce tobacco vaping use. This will support community and school partnerships

with those such as the Alliance for the Control of Tobacco and the Newfoundland

and Labrador Lung Association's Smoker's Helpline.

The goal of these initiatives is to curb usage and

reach people before they start to vape or smoke. Less vaping and smoking

supports healthier lifestyles and will help avoid future demands on our health

care system.

The Premier has asked the Minister of Health and

Community Services to strike a Task Force on Health Care in our province focused

on delivering a 10-Year Health Accord. We must work to find ways to reimagine

health system delivery to help reduce costs and eliminate waste while improving

services to meet the province's health needs.

Stronger Economy

The pandemic has caused social and economic upheaval.

As we have in previous generations, we will rise, we

will build on our strong foundations and we will reap the benefits of our

ingenuity, resources and our efforts. As the Premier has often said – with great

challenges come great opportunities.

In many ways, we are the envy of the world. Bountiful

resources in oil and minerals, forestry and fishery, expanses of land for

agriculture. Millennia of culture and arts. Breathtaking vistas and wide open

spaces. The ocean – need I say more.

These riches build our opportunity but it is our smart,

educated, dedicated workforce that make it reality.

Newfoundland and Labrador Energy

The value of the oil industry to Newfoundland and

Labrador cannot be overstated or easily replaced. The industry has represented

up to 30 per cent of GDP, 13 per cent of labour compensation and 10 per cent of

employment.

The Provincial Government has announced the

establishment of an accelerated exploration initiative to provide companies with

the incentive to drill more wells in the best prospects. This is a policy

measure that will allow all future bid deposit forfeitures to be reinvested,

resulting in an injection of hundreds of millions of dollars in our offshore.

This measure will provide near term drilling activity

and employment, enhance global competitiveness at a critical time and position

the province to realize its resource potential.

This is in addition to the $26 million to assist the

Oil and Gas Corporation of Newfoundland and Labrador in its exploration

activities. This is an industry best practice and allows us to systematically

evaluate our offshore basins and image prospects to capture global investment.

Our recently created oil and gas industry recovery task

force will also guide immediate actions to get the best return from the Federal

Government's $320 million investment in the industry.

Offshore Newfoundland and Labrador projects are already

among some of the lowest carbon intensity emitting oilfields in the world.

Global energy companies focused on environmental sustainability are increasingly

interested in this low greenhouse gas production.

By continuing to work with our federal and provincial

partners on the Atlantic Growth Strategy and through the development of the

Atlantic Loop, this province can be a clean energy leader as the Government of

Canada advances towards its greener future.

At this time of transition, we are perfectly positioned

to be the green battery that powers Eastern Canada and beyond – particularly

through the opportunities afforded us by lower carbon oil, and hydroelectric

potential.

Technology

Newfoundland and Labrador is home to an increasingly

diverse and globally-competitive technology sector, which has a role in

diversification and development across all industries.

The sector employs almost 4,000 people and contributes

in excess of $1.6 billion to the provincial economy, and is a pipeline to the

future.

It ranges from start-ups to multi-national companies

whose innovative technologies are supporting the fishery, aquaculture, defence,

ship building, transportation and so many other industries worldwide.

There are a series of programs that we are continuing

to advance in Budget 2020 to capitalize on new and emerging opportunities.

Examples include close to $17 million for research and development,

commercialization, and business development, as well as $6 million for the

Innovation and Business Development Fund.

Earlier this week, we announced our partnership with

the Federal Government and the Newfoundland and Labrador Association of

Technology and Innovation (NATI) on the Business Tech Solutions program. Through

this $2.7 million program that NATI will administer, businesses can apply for

assistance to purchase digital solutions and access expertise so that they can

create effective, efficient digital solutions to generate new revenue streams.

Mr. Speaker, like businesses around the globe, COVID-19

has forced governments to deliver services differently. It has also highlighted

the importance of the steps we have taken to expand online service delivery.

Today, drivers can better plan their routes by

accessing highway conditions on the 511 app; and through MyGovNL, residents can

do things like renew their driver's licenses, and update their MCP numbers and

information.

The response to MyGovNL in particular, has been nothing

short of tremendous. Since March, registration has grown by 1,400 per cent. This

highlights that our approach is working and the value of building on this great

work is there. We are uniquely positioned for success with the newly-created

Department of Digital Government and Service NL.

The gains that we have made in a relatively short

period of time will inform next steps as we reimagine what service delivery will

look like in the future.

As we continue those gains, we will work with

stakeholders to help create a clean, tech-based innovation hub in this province

and help all industries make remarkable gains.

Small Business, Community Sector and Arts support

These are indeed challenging times. Additional expenses

were incurred and innovations were required to manage through the pandemic.

Small business and community sectors, as well as the arts community, were

particularly impacted.

These are sectors that are significant economic drivers

in our communities and that have had to incur expenses to adapt to a new normal.

For small businesses and community organizations, we

are introducing a $30 million Small Business Assistance Program.

SOME HON. MEMBERS:

Hear, hear!

MS.

COADY:

It will be retroactive and help offset expenses and the innovation required to

respond to COVID-19. Of this money, $25 million will be directed toward

businesses and $5 million toward community-based organizations.

The craft brewing industry holds an exciting potential

for new entrepreneurs and consumers in urban and rural areas. This sector also

holds the added benefit of creating economic and tourism opportunities in

communities.

As a government, we support this industry and roughly

100 people that it employs. NLC will be increasing commission discounts, ranging

from 95 per cent to 15 per cent based on volume produced. This will provide

savings of more than $1 million to the industry.

SOME HON. MEMBERS:

Hear, hear!

MS.

COADY:

These activities will be actioned with the goal of giving business operators

increased opportunity to expand their market presence, product offerings and

create new jobs.

Arts and heritage are helping to build vibrant

communities and regions. Our artists, heritage practitioners, and cultural

entities play a fundamental role in creating, nurturing, and safeguarding our

strong cultural identity.

In fact, cultural industries contribute approximately

$450 million to the provincial economy.

In Budget 2020, the provincial government is investing:

$1 million in additional funding to ArtsNL, which brings the annual provincial

investment to more than $3.9 million.

SOME HON. MEMBERS:

Hear, hear!

MS.

COADY:

And $4 million to support film and television, which employed hundreds of people

last year.

Additionally, we will be broadening the eligibility

under the Tourism and Hospitality Support Program to include our professional

artists and musicians impacted by COVID-19.

I would also like to note that for the first time in

the history of this province's film and television industry, there are two

concurrent productions employing people this year – highlighting the success and

room for potential and expansion of Newfoundland and Labrador's film and

television sector.

This allows us to present our stories, our beauty, and

our creativity across the globe.

Fishery

We are people of the sea. Newfoundland and Labrador was

founded on the fishery, and it continues to be a major industry in our province.

The fish and seafood sector continues to be a major

source of employment, especially in rural areas, and directly employs more than

15,000 people in over 400 communities.

When visiting some of those areas, like Harbour Breton

for example, one can't help but notice the energy and enthusiasm among the

people there, especially the young people.

Our seafood sector is valued at approximately $1.4

billion. It is part of the very fabric of this great province – particularly in

rural areas, and the nooks and crannies that make Newfoundland and Labrador such

a special part of the world.

We will foster growth in this important and expanding

industry through the $9-million Atlantic Fisheries Fund, and assist processors

and aquaculture operators to expand product lines and markets.

SOME HON. MEMBERS:

Hear, hear!

Tourism

MS.

COADY:

Newfoundlanders and Labradorians take immense pride in showcasing our rich

culture, breathtaking scenery, and amazing adventures to tourists.

during this summer, the Stay Home Year 2020 tourism marketing campaign was

effective in encouraging residents to experience the beauty and opportunities of

tourism around Newfoundland and Labrador. However, there is no overstating the

impact that COVID-19 has had on this industry.

Tourism and travel is vital to our economy and we will

get through this together. This year, we are continuing to provide financial

assistance to eligible tourism and hospitality operators impacted by the

pandemic. Other supports for this important industry include $13 million for

tourism marketing, as well as funding for regional and sectoral economic

initiatives.

Food Self-Sufficiency

Our government is working closely with the agriculture

sector to ensure a reliable and affordable supply of healthy food exists in this

province. We will grow Newfoundland and Labrador's agriculture sector, not only

in challenging times, but well into the future.

This year, we will continue to help farmers diversify

crops and make Crown land accessible for farming, conduct world-class crop

research, enhance local livestock production, and support the establishment of

secondary processing in the dairy sector to create more local jobs and greater

food self-sufficiency.

To maintain this positive activity, this year we have

allocated more than $12 million for agriculture programs.

SOME HON. MEMBERS:

Hear, hear!

Forestry

MS.

COADY:

rural areas, forestry is a driver of economic activity contributing to more than

5,000 direct and indirect jobs. It is a sector that is valued at more than $380

million.

We are seeing increased innovation through the

introduction of new forestry biomass program to switch from fossil fuels to

alternate fuels.

Through Budget 2020, we will invest more than $9 million to support this important

industry.

SOME HON. MEMBERS:

Hear, hear!

Mining

MS.

COADY:

mining, Newfoundland and Labrador has 21 of the 35 minerals identified as being

critical to the United States. There are mines and advanced developments for a

variety of commodities: Iron ore, Nickel-copper, Copper-lead zinc-silver,

Antimony, Gold, Uranium, Fluorspar, Rare earth minerals.

This year, $1.7 million is allocated to support the

mineral exploration industry through the Prospector Assistance Program and

Junior Exploration Assistance Program.

Stronger Communities

Immigration

On stronger communities, immigration is so important.

The family captured on the cover of this year's budget

highlights the importance of immigration. He immigrated from Turkey and she grew

up in Nova Scotia. They are now raising their three beautiful children here in

Newfoundland and Labrador.

SOME HON. MEMBERS:

Hear, hear!

MS.

COADY:

want to grow our population with more families like theirs, and draw more

Newfoundlanders and Labradorians living away back home.

Since 2017, immigration to our province has nearly

doubled.

The cultures that are celebrated in our communities,

the religions that are practised in our neighbourhoods, and the languages that

are spoken enrich this province's diversity. This diversity provides a window

into a bigger world, in which we all belong.

Immigrants are instrumental to the future of

Newfoundland and Labrador, and it is important to ensure the province is a

welcoming environment. Our government is committed to implementing the

Immigration Action Plan, which includes a strong focus on newcomer retention, as

well as to developing a Ministerial Committee on Anti-Racism.

By 2022, we plan to surpass our goal of welcoming 2,500

new permanent residents. To help achieve this, $2.1 million is being allocated

to advance efforts to market the province to potential immigrants, and to

provide enhanced supports to assist in their settlement.

SOME HON. MEMBERS:

Hear, hear!

MS.

COADY:

Our

government is confident that this goal will be met through collaboration with

federal and provincial and municipal governments, community, labour and business

partners.

Infrastructure

Infrastructure is important to providing services to

residents and growing our economy. It also helps retain and attract people to

live in communities with easy access to services, in a modern setting.

Whether it is new long-term care homes in the central

region, hospitals in Corner Brook and St. John's or the new mental health unit

in Happy Valley-Goose Bay, we are providing the right care in the right place at

the right time.

SOME HON. MEMBERS:

Hear, hear!

MS.

COADY:

Our

approach to working with the business community on construction of these

projects is also helping create new jobs.

Presently, approximately 95 per cent of people working

on provincial infrastructure projects are Newfoundlanders and Labradorians.

SOME HON. MEMBERS:

Hear, hear!

MS.

COADY:

Budget 2020 investments totaling $609 million will sustain this positive

activity and will include: more than $165 million to improve provincial roads;

approximately $80 million for health care facilities, including construction of

the new mental health and addictions hospital in St. John's and acute care

hospital in Corner Brook; more than $48 million for ongoing construction of new

schools in Gander, Paradise, Bay Roberts – Coley's Point – and St. Alban's. $2.7

million is allocated for the new K-12 Francophone school in the St. John's area;

$5.5 million to advance the new correctional facility in St. John's and expand

the Labrador Corrections Facility in Happy Valley-Goose Bay; and $400,000 to

complete an engineering study on the scope and replacement costs of the wharf in

Lewisporte to help inform future infrastructure investments.

This year, our government is taking steps towards

creating modern communications systems for first responders. This work, will be

supported by an initial investment of $500,000 and the ongoing request for

qualifications.

SOME HON. MEMBERS:

Hear, hear!

Seniors and Inclusive Communities

MS.

COADY:

Supporting individuals who experience barriers, including seniors, people with

disabilities and people with low incomes, to be more active and engaged in their

communities is aligned with our vision of healthier communities and contributes

to better health outcomes.

To help achieve these goals and promote social

inclusion, we are investing over $200,000 for the Seniors' Social Inclusion

Initiative to support 50+ clubs advance initiatives that promote social

inclusion. We are also maintaining accessible and community transportation

programs, as well as age-friendly programs and programming to encourage all

residents to be active throughout their life span.

Poverty Reduction

Poverty reduction programs are wide-ranging and we

continue to work with community-partners to improve approaches, address gaps and

respond to current realities.

Programs include everything from supports to expectant

mothers for ensuring that school-aged children receive nutritious meals;

affordable housing and homelessness prevention to education; and from childcare

to benefits for low income seniors, individuals, families and persons with

disabilities.

Budget 2020 includes: over $123 million for the

Newfoundland and Labrador Income Supplement, which includes a disability

component, as well as a Seniors' Benefit; $12 million to enhance and increase

access to adult literacy programs and services, as well as improve the

employability of persons with literacy challenges; $2.1 million for Metrobus or

GoBus Passes; and, $270,000 for the Mother Baby Nutrition Supplement.

Our government plans to develop a renewed 10-year

poverty reduction strategy. It is important to understand barriers to both

employment and community engagement, and fundamentally, rethink systems to

ensure they are accessible and work for people.

Housing

Our government is working closely with community

partners to improve access to affordable housing, as well as assisting

households with low incomes, persons with disabilities, persons with complex

needs, and those experiencing or at risk of becoming homeless.

Investments made to support this work through the

Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation include: $11.4 million for the

Rent Supplement Program; $8.8 million for 10 transition houses; $8.8 million for

Home Repair Programs; $7.6 million for the Supportive Living Program; $3.35

million for the Home Energy Savings Program; and, $4.5 million for the Emergency

Shelter Program.

SOME HON. MEMBERS:

Hear, hear!

Climate Change

MS.

COADY:

Governments, industry, all of us, have a role to play in addressing the

seriousness of climate change.

The Federal Government has mandated provinces to impose

a price on carbon that increases each year. This year, the price must increase

to $30 per ton. If we do not follow the Federal Government's direction, they

could potentially impose the federal back-stop on our province, resulting in

higher taxes on such things as home heating fuels.

This year, the province is further reducing the

provincial portion of the gas tax on gasoline by two cents per litre.

As a result of these changes, starting tomorrow the

price of gasoline will increase by 0.21 cents per litre – that's one-fifth of a

cent – while the tax on diesel will increase 2.68 cents per litre. These changes

will take effect on October 1, 2020.

In 2020, we will continue to transition more public

buildings to clean electricity, including education and health care facilities,

by investing $14.1 million.

These projects, along with the creation of the

province's first electric vehicle fast-charging network, will help lower rates

and decrease our carbon footprint. And, quite frankly, they're the right thing

to do.

Our plans are supported by Budget 2020 investments

totalling $30 million. This includes programs through the Low Carbon Economy

Fund, such as the Climate Change Challenge Fund, and residential energy

efficiency programs, as well as industry-focused climate change adaptation

initiatives.

Work has also started toward meeting net zero

greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. Beyond existing electrification initiatives,

for example, work is ongoing to identify ways to electrify offshore petroleum

platforms, reduce flaring and capture carbon emissions.

This year, we are contributing $100,000 towards

Memorial University's Harris Centre's Climate, Economy and Society Initiative,

which will explore how we address climate change as we recover from the impacts

of COVID-19.

Municipalities

Our province shares the goals of municipalities to make

communities the best possible place to live and to improve their ability to

attract business development and create new jobs.

This year, nearly $116 million is available for

investment to help communities improve infrastructure and enhance services. This

includes funding for such programs as the Federal Gas Tax Program, Municipal

Operating Grant Program, and Special Assistance Grants Program.

We have also allocated approximately $90 million for

projects aimed at improving existing infrastructure and enhancing services.

Public Safety

Violence affects everyone and we need to be a part of

the dialogue to effect real and positive change in our province.

To continue to support the re-introduction of

electronic monitoring $508,000 is allocated this year. This will enhance the

supervision of offenders to increase victim and public safety, as well as keep

offenders accountable to no-contact conditions.

To help prevent and reduce incidents of family

violence, we are allocating more than $350,000 to facilitate the expansion of

the Family Violence Intervention Court. This specialized court is already in St.

John's and Stephenville and provides access to dedicated services designed to

increase offender responsibility and provide early intervention.

By capitalizing on federal funding totalling $220,000,

the Drug Treatment Court utilizes judicially supervised therapeutic

intervention, treatment and long-term community supports and services to help

offenders break the cycle of crime motivated by drug addiction.

Addiction costs all of us. By reducing addiction

related crimes through treatment and support services, Drug Treatment Court

contributes to community safety and overall societal savings.

Smart Investments

Women and Gender Equity

My grandmother won the right to vote in 1925. It wasn't

until 1929 that she was recognized as a person under the law. Today, only 20 per

cent of members in House of Assembly are women; 27 per cent in the House of

Commons.

I am the second female to hold the office of President

of the St. John's Board of Trade, only the third to hold the office of Chair of

the Canadian Chamber of Commerce. I say this to illustrate that we have much

work to do to ensure equality for women.

The social, economic and cultural security of women and

diverse populations must be at the forefront of government decision-making. This

year, we have allocated an additional $425,000 to advance our work in this area.

We will be developing a Premier's Roundtable on Gender

Equity, which will be co-chaired by the Premier and the Minister for the Status

of Women. It will be outcome focused, and include all political parties, key

Indigenous leaders, community stakeholders and individuals from across

Newfoundland and Labrador.

Additionally, funding has been allocated for an

expansion of the Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner Program. This will provide an

important service in our ongoing support for victims of violence.

Budget 2020 provides $3.2 million to community groups

and organizations including Violence Prevention organizations, women's centres,

the Multicultural Women's Organization of Newfoundland and Labrador, the

Newfoundland Aboriginal Women's Network, the Newfoundland and Labrador Sexual

Assault Crisis and Prevention Centre, the St. John's Women's Centre's Safe

Harbour Outreach Project, and the Coalition Against the Sexual Exploitation of

Youth, a program of Thrive.

Our commitment to Gender Based Analysis Plus training

is also bringing to the forefront the perspectives of those who are marginalized

because of factors like gender, ability, race, income, and culture. It is

strengthening voices that have been excluded, as an awareness of

intersectionality helps us recognize the differences among us. It is creating a

culture that helps ensure the path to prosperity for Newfoundland and Labrador

is accessible to all.

Education and Child Care

Affordable and accessible child care, coupled with

investments in education and skills development, is paramount in a modern

economy. These investments, and collaboration with our education partners, will

contribute to a stronger economy today and into the future.

To help ease the financial pressures on families,

especially on women, in Budget 2020 we are committed to $25 a day child care in

SOME HON. MEMBERS:

Hear, hear!

MS.

COADY:

This has been a priority for our new Premier and will allow more parents into

the workplace, grow the economy, and ensure that children receive the early

learning, care and positive experiences that will benefit their lifelong

learning.

To borrow words from our Premier – himself, a father of

three children:

“It

is an economic driver. It unlocks economic potential for the province. These are

the kind of targeted investments we need to make responsibly now to bear fruit

in the future.”

Under the Operating Grant Program, participating child

care centres have lowered their fees and with the increases offered under the

federal bilateral agreement created over 1,000 more affordable spaces. Families

eligible for child care subsidy receive free child care in these centres.

In just three years, we have increased the net family

income threshold for a full child care subsidy from $27,000 to $35,000. Partial

subsidies are also available to many families with a higher income.

We have also increased the annual income supplement to

qualified Early Childhood Educators from $6,600 a year in 2016-17 to between

$12,900 and $16,900 in 2019-20 – one of the best in Canada.

SOME HON. MEMBERS:

Hear, hear!

K-12

MS.

COADY:

Implementation of the Education Action Plan is well underway with 80 per cent of

the actions already completed or substantially underway. These actions are

transforming our education system.

The pandemic highlighted the need for enhanced digital

learning. Our $20 million investment for laptops for all teachers, and

Chromebooks for junior high and high school students will ensure that learning

continues outside of the classroom, while providing teachers with the tools they

need to effectively deliver remote instruction.

It also recognizes the importance of digital literacy

on a more even playing field, and supports our government's focus on enhancing

coding education within the school system.

To sustain the progress thus far, Budget 2020 allocates

$22 million, an increase of $9 million from last year to this effort.

SOME HON. MEMBERS:

Hear, hear!

MS.

COADY:

The 2020-21 school year will see the full implementation of the new Responsive

Teaching and Learning Policy in Kindergarten to Grade 6, with a total of 350

additional teaching resources. This includes: additional reading specialists,

Language teachers; professional learning for teachers and learning resources for

teachers to support reading in the primary and elementary grades; and, new

learning resources for school libraries to support literacy development and

bursaries for K-6 teachers to upgrade their qualifications.

Last year, the budget for Student Assistant hours was

increased by $300,000. This year, an additional $600,000 will help ensure the

needs of individual students are met.

SOME HON. MEMBERS:

Hear, hear!

Post-Secondary Education

MS.

COADY:

There has been a long-standing commitment to affordable, accessible

post-secondary education system in this province.

This year, Memorial University will be provided with

$363.2 million, which includes $54.1 million for the Faculty of Medicine and

$68.4 million to continue current tuition levels for Newfoundland and Labrador

students.

SOME HON. MEMBERS:

Hear, hear!

MS.

COADY:

College of the North Atlantic will receive $87.9 million to fund the operations

of the College of the North Atlantic and its 17 campuses throughout Newfoundland

and Labrador. This also includes $14.9 million to enable the continuation of

current tuition levels for Newfoundland and Labrador students.

The work of the independent review of the public

post-secondary education system is ongoing.

The review will help ensure our institutions are

positioned to meet the needs of students well into the future, and continue to

contribute to the province's economic growth by matching Newfoundlanders and

Labradorians with the careers that fit the job market now and into the future,

including through retraining opportunities where appropriate.

Skill Development/Workforce Development

Mr. Speaker, working with our community and industry

partners, we are strengthening the provincial workforce and positioning it for

future opportunities.

Budget 2020 includes $160 million for employment and

training programs. The Provincial and Federal Governments also continue to

support participation in the local labour market for underrepresented groups,

including women and youth, and assist them to achieve gainful employment.

Indigenous Communities

This year, we have allocated $200,000, which will help

identify the final resting place of the remains of Demasduit and Nonosabasut in

their homeland. This money will also help celebrate Indigenous cultures in our

province.

Last year, was the first time the Government of

Newfoundland and Labrador provided core funding to the province's three

Friendship Centres. Budget 2020 continues the core funding of $30,000 to each

centre, which plays an important role in supporting Indigenous people.

This year, the Torngat Joint Fisheries Board and

Torngat Wildlife and Plans Co-Management Board will be provided $497,000. With

advice from the Torngat Secretariat, these Boards undertake activities which

provide advice to the Federal, Provincial and Nunatsiavut Governments on the

sustainable utilization and management of wildlife, plants, fisheries, and their

habitat in the Labrador Inuit Settlement Area.

Our government intends to commence the Inquiry into the

Treatment of Innu Children in Care this year. We share the desire of the Innu to

complete a process that helps all partners gain a better understanding of the

experiences of Innu children in care so that we can reduce the number of Innu

children in care and achieve better outcomes for those that are in care.

Our government recognizes that there are higher rates

of violence against Indigenous women and girls and we are allocating $241,500

for the Indigenous Violence Prevention Grants Program. This program provides

funding for culturally-appropriate projects aimed at preventing violence against

Indigenous women and girls.

Additionally, we will provide $25,000 for the

Provincial Indigenous Women's Gathering, which allows Indigenous women to come

together to share and identify ways to improve the lives and well-being of women

in their communities.

By these and other means we will continue to advance

Reconciliation.

Labrador

Labrador is benefitting from our government's

commitment to grow the economy in such areas as tourism, mining, agriculture and

forestry.

We are making investments to improve road, marine and

communication networks and municipal infrastructure.

The completion of the Trans-Labrador Highway is within

sight. The final tender to complete paving of the Trans-Labrador Highway between

Happy Valley-Goose Bay and Southern Labrador was awarded this spring. This

highway is on course to be completed in the following two construction seasons.

SOME HON. MEMBERS:

Hear, hear!

MS.

COADY:

Building on this progress, through Budget 2020 we have allocated $200,000 for a

pre-feasibility study for a road to the north, which will potentially link

northern communities to the rest of the Big Land.

SOME HON. MEMBERS:

Hear, hear!

MS.

COADY:

Through the five-year Marine Infrastructure Plan, $4.1 million is allocated for

infrastructure improvements in Makkovik, which are expected to be completed next

year.

Construction will also begin on a new six-bed mental

health unit at the Labrador Health Centre in Happy Valley-Goose Bay, which will

provide private bedrooms for patients receiving professional mental health and

spaces for recreation and group therapy. Furthermore, an Indigenous Health Team

under Towards Recovery is developing a plan for Indigenous land-based wellness

programming and is engaged in the design of the new unit.

The Labrador Affairs Secretariat also administers

programs specific to the region, including: the Labrador Transportation Grooming

Subsidy program, $471,000; the Labrador Sport Travel Subsidy program, $730,000;

the Labrador Aboriginal Nutritional and Artistic Assistance program, $50,000;

and provides $100,000 to the Combined Councils of Labrador.

Conclusion

As I conclude my budget remarks, I want to say to every

Newfoundlander and Labradorian thank you for being resilient; for caring for one

another; for working hard for your families. We'll get through this pandemic

together.

Today marks a new beginning, a renaissance for

Newfoundland and Labrador. Let us go forth from this day with a new resolve. We

will reimagine our government, reimagine our economy, address the systemic

issues that plague us financially and move forward with strength, with vigour,

with pride.

To quote our new Premier – “We cannot change the past

but we can shape the bright future that our province and its people deserve.”

Thank you.

SOME HON. MEMBERS:

Hear, hear!

MR.

SPEAKER:

The

hon. the Minister of Finance.

MS.

COADY:

Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

I move, seconded by the Minister of Education, that the

debate be adjourned.

MR.

SPEAKER:

The

motion is that debate be adjourned.

Is it the pleasure of the House to adopt this motion?

All those in favour, ‘aye.'

SOME HON. MEMBERS:

Aye.

MR.

SPEAKER:

All

those against, ‘nay.'

Carried.

On motion, budget debate adjourned.

MR.

SPEAKER:

The

hon. the Minister of Finance.

MS.

COADY:

Mr.

Speaker, I wish to inform the House that I have received a message from Her

Honour the Lieutenant-Governor.

MR.

SPEAKER:

All

rise.

The message from Her Honour:

As Lieutenant-Governor of the Province of Newfoundland

and Labrador, I transmit Estimates of sums required for the Public Service of

the Province for the year ending 31 March 2021, in the aggregate of

$7,402,809,500, and in accordance with the provisions of sections 54 and 90 of

the Constitution Act, 1867 , I

recommend these Estimates to the House of Assembly.

Sgd.: _____________________________________

Her

Honour, Judy Foote, Lieutenant-Governor

The hon. the Minister of Finance.

MS.

COADY:

Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

I move, seconded by the Government House Leader, that

the message, together with the Estimates, be referred to a Committee of Supply.

MR.

SPEAKER:

It is moved and seconded that the message from Her Honour the

Lieutenant-Governor, together with the Estimates, be referred to a Committee of

Supply and that I do now leave the Chair.

Is it the pleasure of the House to adopt this motion?

All those in favour, ‘aye.'

SOME HON. MEMBERS:

Aye.

MR.

SPEAKER:

All those against, ‘nay.'

Carried.

On motion, that the House resolve itself into a

Committee of the Whole, the Speaker left the Chair.

Committee of the Whole

CHAIR (P. Parsons):

Order, please!

We shall now take a few minutes to distribute the

budget documents to all hon. Members.

(Budgetary documents are distributed.)

CHAIR:

The

Chair recognizes the hon. Government House Leader.

MR.

CROCKER:

Madam Chair, I move that the Committee rise, report progress and ask leave to

sit again.

CHAIR:

The

motion is that the Committee rise, report progress and ask leave to sit again.

All those in favour, ‘aye.'

SOME HON. MEMBERS:

Aye.

CHAIR:

All

those against, ‘nay.'

Carried.

On motion, that the Committee rise, report progress and

ask leave to sit again, the Speaker returned to the Chair.

MR.

SPEAKER (Reid):

Order, please!

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

MS.

P. PARSONS:

Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Mr. Speaker, the Committee of Supply have considered

the matters to them referred and have directed me to report that they have made

some progress and ask leave to sit again.

MR.

SPEAKER:

The

Chair of the Committee of Supply reports that the Committee have considered the

matters to them referred and have directed her to report that they have made

some progress and ask leave to sit again.

When shall the report be received?

MR.

CROCKER:

Now.

MR.

SPEAKER:

Now.

When shall the Committee have leave to sit again?

MR.

CROCKER:

Tomorrow.

MR.

SPEAKER:

Tomorrow.

On motion, report received and adopted. Committee

ordered to sit again on tomorrow.

MR.

SPEAKER:

Notices of Motion.

Notices of Motion

MR.

SPEAKER:

The

hon. the Minister of Finance.

MS.

COADY:

Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

I give notice that I will ask leave to introduce a bill

entitled,

An Act To Amend The Revenue Administration Act, Bill 43.

Mr. Speaker, I give notice that I will ask leave to

introduce a bill entitled,

An Act To Amend The Revenue Administration Act, No.

2, Bill 44.

Further, Mr. Speaker, I give notice that I will ask

leave to introduce a bill entitled,

An Act To Amend The Revenue Administration

Act, No. 3, Bill 45.

MR.

SPEAKER:

Further notices of motion?

The hon. the Government House Leader.

MR.

CROCKER:

Mr.

Speaker, I give notice of the following resolution:

That, notwithstanding the Parliamentary Calendar issued

by the Clerk for 2020 or any Standing Order to the contrary, the Parliamentary

Calendar for the fall 2020 sitting of this House shall be as follows: That this

House will meet in accordance with the daily

schedule prescribed in the Standing

Orders, as follows: from September 30 to October 8, 2020, inclusive and from

October 19, 2020, to November 5, 2020, inclusive. And that the week of October

12, 2020, shall be a constituency week.

MR.

SPEAKER:

Further notices of motion?

MR.

CROCKER:

Mr.

Speaker, I give notice, and by leave, the following motion:

That the Government Services Committee comprise the

following Members: the Member for Burin - Grand Bank, the Member for Ferryland,

the Member for Harbour Grace - Port de Grave, the Member for Lake Melville, the

Member for Placentia - St. Mary's, the Member for St. Barbe - L'Anse aux

Meadows, the Member for St. John's East - Quidi Vidi and the Member for Terra

Nova.

That the Social Services Committee comprise the

following Members: the Member for Lake Melville, the Member for Bonavista, the

Member for Burin - Grand Bank, the Member for Harbour Grace - Port de Grave, the

Member for Harbour Main, the Member for Placentia - St. Mary's, the Member for

St. Barbe - L'Anse aux Meadows and the Member for St. John's Centre.

That the Resource Committee comprise the following

Members: the Member for Burin - Grand Bank, the Member for Grand Falls-Windsor –

Buchans, the Member for Harbour Grace - Port de Grave, the Member for Labrador

West, the Member for Lake Melville, the Member for Placentia - St. Mary's, the

Member for St. Barbe - L'Anse aux Meadows and the Member for Topsail - Paradise.

MR.

SPEAKER:

it the pleasure of the House to adopt this motion?

All those in favour, ‘aye.'

SOME HON. MEMBERS:

Aye.

MR.

SPEAKER:

All

those against, ‘nay.'

Carried.

The hon. the Government House Leader.

MR.

CROCKER:

Mr.

Speaker, I further give notice, and by leave move, that the following heads of

expenditure be referred to the Government Services Committee: Consolidated

Revenue Fund; Digital Government and Service NL; Department of Finance; the

Public Procurement Agency; the Public Service Commission; and the Department of

Transportation and Infrastructure.

That the following heads of expenditure be referred to

the Resource Committee: the Department of Fishery, Forestry and Agriculture; the

Department of Immigration, Skills and Labour; the Department of Industry, Energy

and Technology; and the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts and Recreation.

And that the following heads of expenditure be referred

to the Social Services Committee: the Department of Children, Seniors and Social

Development; the Department of Education; the Department of Environment, Climate

Change and Municipalities; the Department of Health and Community Services; the

Department of Justice and Public Safety; and the Newfoundland and Labrador

Housing Corporation.

Mr. Speaker, I also wish to advise Members, on

Wednesday, September 30, 2020, at 5:30 p.m. the Social Services Committee will

meet in this Chamber for a review of the Estimates for Justice and Public

Safety.

MR.

SPEAKER:

it the pleasure of this House to adopt this motion of referral?

All those in favour, ‘aye.'

SOME HON. MEMBERS:

Aye.

MR.

SPEAKER:

All

those against, ‘nay.'

Carried.

The hon. the Government House Leader.

MR.

CROCKER:

Mr.

Speaker, I move, seconded by the Deputy Premier and Minister of Finance, that

the remaining Orders of the Day do stand deferred and that this House, on its

rising, do adjourn.

MR.

SPEAKER:

The

motion is that the House do now adjourn.

Is it the pleasure of this House to adopt this motion?

All those in favour, ‘aye.'

SOME HON. MEMBERS:

Aye.

MR.

SPEAKER:

All

those against, ‘nay.'

Carried.

This House stands adjourned to tomorrow, Thursday,

October 1, at 1:30 p.m.

On motion, the House at its rising adjourned until

tomorrow, Thursday, at 1:30 p.m.