ill VOL. 111 PRELIMINARY UNEDITED TRANSCRIPT HOUSE OF ASSEMBLY FOR THE PERIOD: 3:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 25, 1981 No. 1 •• I .. .. ,

february 25, 19 81, Tape 1. P age 1 -- apb Th e Ho use met at 3:00 p.m . Mr . Speaker in th e C hair. MR . SPEAKER (Sirnms ): Order, please! SERGEA NT-AT-ARMS: Mr. Speaker, His Honour the Lieutenant-Governor has arrived. MR. SPEAKER: Admit His Honour the Lieutenant- Governor. MR. SPEAKER AND MEMBERS OF THE HONOURABLE HOUSE OF ASSEMBLY : Over the last year and a half, my Government embarked on an ambitious program of establishing the basic framework within which Newfoundland and Labrador must move in the future .

This examination dealt with all aspects of our society and saw the production of a major document last Fall , entitled "Managing All Our Resources" . My Government regards this document as a beacon indicating the path that must be followed if we are to progress and improve our way of life. Underlying this important document is my Government's philosophy that the goal of all democratically elected governments is the improvement of society. Our aim and ultimate goal is really, therefore, a social one - to improve the lot of all our people .

My Government published two other major documents during the past year and a half . These were "Bilateral Issues- Canada and Newfoundland " and my Government's position on a new Constitution entitled ·Towards the Twenty-First Century -Together ·. My Government believes that it is only through the realization of the goals enunciated in each of these major documents that the ultimate social goal of a vibrant. rural society can be attained . Four components emerge. therefore. as the basis on which Government policy must be pursued in order to achieve such a society. They are: 1.

An honest and efficient political system . 2. A stimulating and enlightened cultural policy 3. A progressive and compassionate social policy within a healthy and safe environment. 4. A resource development policy that involves wise management of our renewable and non- renewable resources . My Government has addressed each of these in a deliberate fashion over the past two years: My Government has: 1. Introduced new rules for the operation of this Honourable House so that Honourable Members are more involved and have a full opportunity to examine the details of programs and expenditures. ··, ··, ..,

2. Provided, through. select committees of this Honourable House, and through two Royal Commissions, opportunities for full public debate on major policy issues facing the Province. 3. Established. for the first time in our history, an Arts Council for the purpose of funding our cultural activities . 4. Introduced Matrimonial Property Legislation and established the Status of Women Council to provide for greater recognition of the equal role women must play in our society. 5. Provided new directions in resource development, which led tc: (

a) A new power agreement with ERGO; (

b) New legislation to gain greater benefits from the Upper Churchill; (

c) A Local Preference Policy which has created hundreds of new jobs and stimulated local industry; (

d) Workers' Compensation for fishermen; (

e) A reorganized Fisheries Loan Board: and (

f) A Royal Commission to enquire into all aspects of the inshore fishery. 6. Introduced innovative environmental legislation requiring public hearings on major developments. My Government wishes to re-affirm its abiding commitment to these and the other like reforms which have been introduced. MR. SPEAKER AND MEMBERS OF THE HONOURABLE HOUSE OF ASSEMBLY: The people of this Province have built up over time a level of expectation which demands economic and social parity with other Canadians.

It is surely a right of all Canadians to make such demands and to expect that they will be realized. especially where the wealth to sustain them is present in abundance. The natural wealth of our Province is complemented by our rich human resources. This Province boasts of thousands of professionals in education at all levels, a highly trained professional medical group, a competent 2 Ill ··r

February 25, 1981 -Tape 1, Page 3 construction industry, a class of young, well educated businessmen and entrepreneurs, and a quickly maturing municipal government structure producing leaders for today and tomorrow. All of these wish to remain in this great Province and participate in its development. Concomitant with the development of these great human resources, though not at the same rate, has been the construction of a physical infrastructure of governmental, educational, medical, transportation and municipal facilities .

This growth and improvement , however , while crucial to future progress. is but a foundation. Indeed, it serves to show us now, in 1981, not so much how far we have come. but how very far we have to go. This assertion becomes most meaningful when one considers that this Province boasts of the highest taxes. the highest unemployment rate. and the lowest standard of living in Canada: this after more than 30 years in Confederation. While my Government is enthusiastic to launch into an era of greater social progress and prosperity. it is curtailed from building on this foundation of people and facilities.

Indeed. my Government is deeply concerned that the existing tax revenues will not sustain the present level of services. let alone permit us to undertake the vast improvements and expansion needed in present services and facilities . My Government maintains. therefore, that to have any chance to reach our legitimate goals. to have a standard of living equal to the national average. and at the same time to retain and enrich our cultural integrity, this Province must have the means. the levers. the wherewithal to do so. It is the only way our citizens can become. over time, equal to other Canadians.

It was for this reason that my Government has steadfastly held that our fishery, our hydro power, and our offshore resources be developed in line with provincial priorities and that this province be the recipient of the larger share of revenues from these resources . It was at the same time that my Government was establishing clear positions on these vital issues that the constitutional review process began. My Government was optimistic about this process. knowing that many of the "economic" issues facing the province could be resolved through constitutional renewal.

My Government, therefore. looked upon the constitutional process as a significant historic event and looked forward to a new Canadian constitution: one based on equality of the provinces and reflecting the essential federal nature of our nation. 3 •... ''i ..

--..-- --- ·~ It was with deep disappointment to my Government that this process ended without compromise and agreement between the Federal Government and the provinces or any resolution of the issues affecting this province. My Government therefore had little choice but to oppose the Federal Government's subsequent unilateral actions, specifically the introduction into the House of Commons of the Constitution Act, 1980. MR. SPEAKER AND MEMBERS OF THE HONOURABLE HOUSE OF ASSEMBLY: Our country faces an uncertain future.

The great traditions and customs which are the bulwarks of our heritage are being unilaterally threatened. In particular, we see our province's rights, agreed to in 1949 by both governments, being threatened by one government in its espousal of a process that effectively removes our hithertofore necessary consent, and reduces our power within the confederation so that the large provinces remain strong and the small provinces remain weak.

The principle of equality of the provinces- the very founding principle of this country conceived as a federal state with ten equal provinces and a central government - will be destroyed. My Government focuses its concern, therefore. on the constitution. for it can either become the means through which this province can truly prosper or it can mean the end to any hope that we may have of becoming equal to other Canadians. Three areas, then. stand out: 1. The Economic - our fishery, our hydro transmission. and our offshore resources. 2. Our rights and guarantees agreed to in 1949. 3.

The future roles of federal and provincial governments. THE FISHERY My Government believes strongly that the long term future of this Province must rest on its renewable resources. The most important of these is our fishery. My Government steadfastly advocates that if this great resource is to play such a vital role in our future. then this Province must be involved in the major decisions that will affect it. My Government. therefore, has. through constitutional discussions. requested a constitutional change which would . 4 '"j ''i ''I ''I

February 25, 1981 - Tape 1, Page 5 allow for the Federal and Provincial Governments to share responsibility for the management of this great resource . Already the Federal Government has proposed and begun to effect sweeping changes for our fishery. which my Government believes need much more study and public debate. It was for this reason that my Government established a Royal Commission . which is presently sitting. My Government believes that only through this process of consultation with all those affected and concerned can enlightened policies be developed to ensure a strong and flourishing inshore fishery.

My Government further advocates. as a matter of principle. that the inshore fishery is the major component of our fisheries policy for the East. Northeast. and Labrador coasts . In order for the inshore fishery to prosper, the major fish stock. the Northern Cod . must be allowed to swim inshore . Offshore effort should be curtailed until it is definitely proven that an offshore effort is surplus to a vibrant inshore fishery. Additionally, any offshore catch should supply Newfoundland plants to ensure year round operation .

At the _present time. only 60% of this valuable stock is allocated to the inshore fishery; 40% of the stock is caught by trawlers offshore. My Government cannot accept this arbitrary decision of allocation and continues to call for more study before any major permanent offshore allocation is determined. My Government is gravely concerned with these recent new fisheries policies which seem to signify the first steps in the erosion and eventual destruction of the inshore fishery and hence rural Newfoundland. This can only be viewed in the most serious manner and supersedes any other issue presently before us.

HYDRO TRANSMISSION My Government is eager to begin the Gull Island Project on the Lower Churchill River. Even with the Hind's Lake Project, the Upper Salmon Project and a third unit at Holyrood, our electricity requirements demand additional power by late 1984 or early 1985. The cheapest new source of electricity is Gull Island. In order to get this project underway, the surplus power of this development must have a market. My Government has concluded an agreement in principle with New York State for the sale of this surplus power .

It remains only for the Federal Government, through the National Energy Board, to allow for the transmission of Hydro power through neighbouring provinces in the same manner as oil and gas transmission is now permitted . 5 .. , ''I ''i

How can it be that a Province with massive cheap undeveloped hydro power must find in excess of 30% of the island's electrical requirements from expensive imported oil? My Government is continuing to investigate whether the surplus Gull Island power can be used to attract industry to the Happy Valley-Goose Bay area . Hopefully, a satisfactory arrangement can be achieved. However, it must be made clear to all that my Government will not entertain long term power contracts as were signed in the past. Long term prosperity will never be sacrificed for short term gain.

In this regard, my Government is escalating its efforts to prove that Lake Melville can be used for shipping for at least 10 months of the year . In an effort to ensure that all avenues are explored so that the Lower Churchill, and specifically Gull Island, will be developed, my Government will increase its efforts to determine whether, all else failing, the Cabot Strait route may be used to sell our surplus power . Although this transmission route has been viewed in the past with skepticism, today it is becoming an attractive alternative for the movement of hydro power .

My Government remains frustrated that, although we have massive hydro power available, we have been unable to use it for the development of this province and our country. This situation must end if our province is ever to develop in a wise and rational manner and if the money for critical social programs is to be realized. MR.

SPEAKER AND MEMBERS OF THE HONOURABLE HOUSE OF ASSEMBLY: OFFSHORE OIL AND GAS This much discussed developmental prospect facing our province today can prove to be an important source of revenue for this province, and an important catalyst for job creation and economic activity: or a source of vary minimum revenues and major negative social impact.

My Government fervently believes that the only chance for this province to achieve the first objective is for our oil and gas resources to be treated the same way as the oil and gas resources of British Columbia , Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Ontario have been treated during the last three or four decades . For the resources of this province to be treated differently from those of other provinces, offends democratic principles which my Government believes must prevail in this country . 6 ''I .. ..

February 25, 1981 -Tape 1, Page 7 My Government has published studies which demonstrate that. even with this province's ownership rights being confirmed. and then only if oil prices in Canada are at world levels. the revenues from the Hibernia Field would meet or exceed equalization payments for only three years of its estimated twenty year life span. This startling revelation has remained unchallenged by those inside and outside the province who oppose my Government's policy .

It is fair to say, therefore, that oil and gas developments will not provide any relief for our pressing financial situation in this decade. Our efforts, therefore, must be directed. especially during this decade, towards providing as many jobs and as much business activity to our people as is possible. If our people are to have job opportunities in this development, then affirmative action programs which are presently in place must continue. Without such local preference, the 900 jobs filled by Newfoundlanders and Labradorians last year will be in grave jeopardy.

The present proposed constitutional changes could eliminate such a policy . My Government takes the view that special circumstances demand special policies until this province's unemployment declines to the national average. My Government views with grave concern the potential negative social and environmental impact this development can have on our society. The goal of my Government is to use our non-renewable resources as levers to develop an essentially rural based society that maintains and improves its place through our renewable resources.

This goal -this vision - is one that my Government believes most Newfoundlanders and Labradorians share and it must never be diluted or extinguished. Its realization can only be achieved through wise and enlightened management of our resources and this means provincial ownership and control of offshore oil and gas. National priorities, as stated in the Federal Government's National Energy Plan, do not address themselves to these concerns - and hence consider them unimportant.

The pace of development, the kind of economic spin-otfs , the boom or bust psychology, the land speculation. the impact on the fishery, the impact on crime and juvenile delinquincy must all be carefully considered. How can the Provincial Government wisely deal with these social and cultural impacts if we are not in control of the pace and kind of development, if our people are not given a chance to participate fully in the development plans being proposed? 7 "I .. , .. ''·

It is a matter of some pride to my government that establishment of regulations, guidelines and public advisory councils stands in stark contrast to the total lack of any such initiative by the Federal Government. This amazing fact is proof sufficient in itself to demonstrate the need for provincial ownership and control. My Government is convinced that unless this offshore resource is managed as if it were on land, our chance of progress and improvement for our people in the context of a vibrant rural society is in serious doubt.

OUR RIGHTS AND GUARANTEES AGREED TO IN 1949 My Government remains gravely concerned ·also about that aspect of the Federal Government proposals for constitutional change which involves guarantees that were entered into in good faith by both governments in 1949. Under the present Federal proposals, these guarantees can be taken away without our consent. My Government views such actions as unnecessary and not in the best interests of the province or the country .

Therefore, my Government will continue to oppose. with all vigor. these proposed changes which, if implemented, could remove our "sacred rights" for all time and make possible future changes without our consent. THE FUTURE ROLE OF THE FEDERAL-PROVINCIAL RELATIONS Sim !larly, my Government cannot accept the Federal constitutional proposal which will see the destruction of the principle of 10 equal provinces in this country. Such a change will mean that this Province will lose the power and influence it now has constitutionally.

As a result, any specific and unique policies and programs that a future government of this province might request must receive the approval of the already strong central provinces of Quebec and Ontario. My Government strongly believes this to be a divisive feature of the present constitutional proposals and will contribute to greater friction within the country than presently exists. It contributes to making permanent that unCanadian notion that the center of this country must remain stronger than the various outlying, hinterland areas. MR.

SPEAKER AND MEMBERS OF THE HONOURABlE HOUSE OF ASSEMBlY: It is against this backdrop of financial . economic, cultural, social and constitutional uncertainty that my Government must come to grips with the 8 ., ..

February 25, 1981 - Tape 2, Page 1 _ _ ., __ _ realities of Newfoundland and Labrador society. It is in the-context of this tormenting and mesmerizing state of affairs that my Government must discharge its responsibilities and obligations to the people it serves- and like the poet, we must realize that "though much is taken, much abides". Although a viable future is in doubt, and our power and influence ttireatened, the Newfoundland spirit of determination to not only survive, but to succeed, will not falter. Such trial and adversity imbues us with an ever greater will.

It therefore follows that my Government will move swiftly, decisively, and with compassion in those areas where no doubt exists as to its ·power and jurisdiction. My Government will launch from this foundation and will enthusiastically embark within its financial limits in new directions with new programs. new policies, and new legislation. My Government will demonstrate to our people, as it has in the present oil and gas regulations, that it has the wherewithal. the witt. and the expertise to manage and develop its resources for the advancement of our people wherever they live.

My Government is pleased to state that we are ahead of

schedule in our efforts t.o create jobs tor our people. Since June 1979. 19 ,000 jobs have been created. At this rate, our commitment of 40,000 new jobs will be reached long before the original target date. This has been made possible in large measure because of my Government's policy on hiring for offshore development and our recent Local Preference Policy for goods and services which stimulates local business and hence creates new jobs . However. my Government must continue to be concerned about our unemployment problem until every Newfoundlander and Labradorian is gainfully employed .

Though major improvement has been made to the extent that our unemployment rate has dropped 2% since my Government assumed office, the current unemployment rate remains at an unacceptable level. For purposes of a further reduction in our unemployment rate, my Government is considering the possibility of legislation requiring maximum secondary processing in the province. We are investigating as to whether or not this can be done by use of exemption permits wherein companies would have to prove that such processing would be impossible .

Under such a system , the onus of proof would be on the companies rather than the province. MR. SPEAKER AND MEMBERS OF THE HONOURABLE HOUSE OF ASSEMBLY: Forest resources of Newfoundland and Labrador employ over 18.000 people and add significantly to the manufacturing sector of Newfoundland's g- ... , .. ,

- ····- ----- - -·-- ··-- ·-·--- -· -·- -~--··- economy . This industry is now threatened by the spruce budworm. Serious doubts are now being expressed about its continued viability . Immediate corrective actions are therefore required. Recognizing the state of the forest industry and the need to protect and manage it properly , my Government appointed a Royal Commission on Forest Protection and Management last year. The first phase of the Commission's Report dealing with forest protection has been completed and the second phase is expected by the end of April , 1981.

In the first phase of its report. the Commission pointed out the need lor an integrated approach to forest protection and management , which my Government has adopted. Major investments in forest management and silviculture will be wasted without adequate protection . In view of the continued infestation of our forest , a spray program using chemical insecticides will be conducted over approximately 1 million acres . The proram will be cost shared by the pulp and paper companies and the Crown . As is well known . my Government has charted a fundamentally different course in resource development.

The newly renegotiated power contract with ERGO, the Water Rights Reversion Act of the Upper Churchill . the OiJ and Gas Regulations. our new Fisheries Policy, and recent Mining Legislation are all evidence of this new approach . The forest industry, critical because of its renewable nature , has been most difficult to change . Long term concessions provided to the paper companies decades ago have led to inadequate management of the resource, and hence insufficient attention to silviculture and reforestation as permanent components of ongoing management and control.

During this past year, my Government has held intensive talks with both paper companies on this critical matter in a serious attempt to deal with the forest industry as a whole. My Government was eager to look at the long term and put in place new policies that would maintain a sufficient perpetual supply of pulpwood and sawlogs. It is with a great deal of pleasure that my Government announces today a breakthrough in this industry: 1. My Government has reached an agreement with Abitibi Price for replacement of its 99 year lease concession by a 20 year conditional management agreement.

Negotiations are continuing with the Bowater Company for a similar reform . 2. Both paper companies have agreed to contribute to a special Silviculture Fund . This fund , obtained from new stumpage fees. will 1 0

·- ---· ----- ---- February 25, 1981 ~ Tape 2, Page 3 ensure that ongoing permanent financing is provided for enlightened forest management. Agreement has already been reached that the ' two companies will spend $24 million over the next five years. 3. The recently signed Forestry DREE Agreement will add a further $21 million for silviculture, for a total of $45 million over the next five years . 4. These new investments will create one thousand five hundred new jobs in our province. 5.

My Government has agreed to the export of 100,000 cords of dead and dying wood per year for the next five years, creating an additional 300 jobs .. Clearly , great progress has been made in forest protection and management over the past few months and this will ensure greater prosperity in this sector of our economy . Land is also a major resource to be utilized for the benefit of our people and work continues on the process of streamlining and improving the Crown Lands system.

Processing time for applications has been reduced and correspondingly the pace of public inquiries about Crown Land has increased ; some 70.000 enquiries having been recieved in the past 12 months. My Government, in addition to improving the present system . is preparing a new Lands Act to replace and consolidate existing land legislation. As well, my Government is looking forward to a DREE Agreement to expand our program of Land Surveying and Mapping .

Fortunately, our mining industry has been only minimally afected by world-wide recessionary conditions and it appears that the industry will be able to ride out the recession without suffering severe dislocations. Mineral exploration in the province is at an all-time high . Record numbers of claims were staked again in 1980 and levels of expenditure on exploration continue to climb.

Increased exploration activity has been fostered by a mineral land tenure policy under which lands are being freed and made available for competitive exploration following long-standing agreements and titles which tended to constrain exploration and reduce competition. It is my Government's objective to see exploration activity sustained at consistently high levels in order to ensure new discoveries and thereby sustain a healthy mining industry. 1 1 .. I ... 1

My Government has strengthened its development efforts by combining in one department the responsibilities for industrial development, tourism and housing. This new department now offers a full range of assistance to large and small businesses . In addition to its normal activities, the department will coordinate two major projects in 1981. The first is research into the feasibility of winter navigation into Lake Melville, highlighted by a trial voyage of the "M .V. Arctic " cargo vessel this month . This . resean::h is crucial to our efforts to attract heavy industry to the area.

The second major activity is comprehensive planning for control of onshore petroleum related activities. My Government will shortly announce a listing of preferred sites for onshore facilities. together with the criteria under which they were selected. MR. SPEAKER AND MEMBERS OF THE HONOURABLE HOUSE OF ASSEMBLY : Over the years. various attempts have been made by Government and industry, to seek avenues for dialogue and cooperation in assessing our present economic circumstances and future economic prospects.

My Government believes that a broadly represented organization with research capability needs to be established, and my Government will, over the next few months. be actively investigating the advisability of establishing an Economic Council of Newfoundland and Labrador to accomplish this objective. My Government continued to demonstrate its commitment to environmental protection and management by creating a department with responsibilities only in this area. Regulations and guidelines are being drawn up to ensure compliance with our policies as regards large-scale onshore and offshore developments.

Government is concerned about the increasing incidence of "acid rain" , especially with many areas of mainland North America gearing up for future use of coal. As we are downwind of the smokestacks of such facilities, there will be an improved monitoring system for streams and lakes in this province. The key factors of increased vigilance and strong regulation will be used by my Government whenever any phenomenon or development poses a potential threat to our unique and sensitive environment.

My Government remains gravely concerned over the reduction of funding from the Government of Canada due largely to the lack of new DREE Agreements. These Agreements are especially critical in transportation and in Labrador development. The Coastal Labrador Agreement is crucial to social and economic development on the Labrador Coast. My Government wishes to re-affirm its desire to sign immediately all outstanding agreements . 1 2 •·; ''j

--· --- ---·- --- February 25, 1981 - Tape 2, Page 5 My Government hopes that the record year 1980 in which no new DREE Agreements were signed does not signify a pattern , but rather an exception. It will be necessary to sign several new Agreements shortly if funding for 1981 is to just equal that of 1979. DREE funding is essential to continue construction and upgrading of our secondary highway system. In addition. Government is negotiating with the Federal Government for the second phase of upgradinQ of the Trans Canada Highway and for a start on the Trans Labrador Highway.

The revitalization of the Newfoundland Railway has also been a major preoccupation of my Government in the transportation field . The report of the Task Force established last year will help in the formulation of a sound and long term plan for its rehabilitation. My Government will be pressing the Federal Government to live up to its responsibilities in these matters. MR. SPEAKER AND MEMBERS OF THE HONOURABLE HOUSE OF ASSEMBLY: In keeping with one of my Government's goals of an honest and efficient political system, major new initiatives will be taken.

Amendments will be made to the Financial Administration Act to provide for a separate office ol Comptroller General. It is also my Government's intention to submit a new Elections Act involving election expenses. to a Select Committee of the House of Assembly. My Government is very conscious of the need for integrity in public affairs and Government must exemplify a high standard of conduct and morality . A number of measures will be proposed to strengthen the safeguards surrounding the public interest and to inspire greater confidence in Government.

An amendment to the Conflict of Interest Act will be presented to this Honourable House to strengthen the Act and to allow for the issuance of Regulations governing the behaviour of Ministers . These Standard of Conduct Regulations will focus specifically upon the private use of privileged information acquired by Ministers in performing their duties . Restrictions will be placed upon Ministers in the trading of shares in prescribed areas. New Regulations will be introduced to govern the conduct of Civil Servants.

These Regulations will be implemented under The Civil Service Act. and will specify conflict of interest situations covering investments in private assets. outside employment. Public Service appointments and promotions . dealing with relatives . and acceptance of gifts and benefits . Restrictions will also be placed upon the holding of shares in specific classes of companies . 1 3 "l

MR. SPEAKER AND MEMBERS OF · THE HONOURABLE HOUSE OF ASSEMBLY: In our quest for greater economic opportunity and a change over time to have a standard of living equal to the Canadian average, we must never lose sight that this can only happen if our people, our greatest resource, are prepared for such a challenge and opportunity. Herein lies our dihimma. The betterment of our financial situation requires sound management and development of our natural resources.

Yet we need money on the front end for our educational and social service sectors to ensure that our people are ready and willing to become actively involved in these developments. while at the same time protecting those who , for legitimate reasons, can 't become involved . It will test this Province's financial ability to the limit to ensure that this focus is given and that justice is truly done. We must ensure , at all costs, that our social , educational and cutlural activities are not sacrificed .

My Government will continue its support for research and development activities as part of its educational emphasis . Over recent years, this has taken the form of financial assistance to Memorial University's C-Core and NORDCO. Their basic research extends the limits of technology, introduces new industry and involves our people in jobs and educational opportunities which place them in the forefront of expanded marine activity . My Government, therefore, will strive to ensure that the National Research Council's research facility on the Campus of Memorial University is begun as soon as possible.

My Government is proud to have persuaded the Federal Government to build this facility in our Province. My Government will cont inue to ensure that the other critical areas of marine development are encouraged . It is one thing to develop the pure research which is absolutely necessary, it is quite another to finish the equation by ensuring that this new and expanding technology is applied and used for the betterment of society. Therefore, my Government has taken a strong position that the St. John's Dockyard must be a vital part of our future and its much needed expansion must go ahead .

My Government is deeply disappointed that CN . a Federal Crown Corporation , was unable to persuade its Government to assist in this great venture . My Government has supplied the financial backing to see that this development becomes a reality. Similarly, the recent study on the Marystown Shipyard will assist Government to enhance the contribution of this valuable asset to our future marine developments. 1 4 · .. .. I

- February 25, 1981 - Tape 3, Page 1 My Government is now ready , immediately . to sign an agreement with the Department of Regional Economic Expansion for the construction of a new Institute of Fisheries & Marine Technology . Such a facility is desperately needed. My Government has. in the past year. introduced new courses at the College of Trades & Technology and the College of Fisheries to prepare our people for job opportunities in offshore and marine related activities .

It is my Government's firm intention to ensure that wherever possible education and training facilities all across the Province will be used in these and other programs so that all parts of the Province will benefit. MR. SPEAKER AND MEMBERS OF THE HONOURABLE HOUSE OF ASSEMBLY: My Government is conscious of the special educational needs of our disabled ch ildren and is committed to replacing the existing School for the Deaf with a more modern facility . My Government will participate with the Maritime Provinces in the construction of a new School for the Blind.

Efforts will also continue to integrate handicapped children within the regular school system. My Government will proceed with the implementation of G~ade XII this September which will include a major reorganization of the high school ~ curriculum . This will make the educational system more relevant to present day lifestyles and at the same time promote among our youth greater awareness of the province's culture and heritage . My Government is now examining the Task Force Report on Post­ Secondary Education. which recommended that a system of Community Colleges be established in the Province .

In view of the success of the Bay St. George Community College, my Government is investigating the expansion of such institutions to other areas of the Province. My Government is proud of its support for the new Queen Elizabeth II Library presently being completed at Memorial University , and the new School of Business Building that is now in operation . My Government feels that there is an urgent need to integrate the educational development of our people with manpower planning.

In this regard . my Government has already taken steps to establish an inventory of tradesmen to ensure that the development needs of the Province are met. 1 5 ..

My Government is monitoring closely the social impact of increased activity in the Province caused mainly by offshore development. The aged. the widowed and the disabled very seldom benefit directly, and may suffer. from such development. My Government, cognizant of experiences in other societies, is determined to respond positively in such cases and will seek cooperation from all interested groups to protect and assist those least able to help themselves. MR.

SPEAKER AND MEMBERS OF THE HONOURABLE HOUSE OF ASSEMBLY: Providing each resident of this Province with a comprehensive range of quality health care services continues to be my Government's main objective in health care . My Government recognizes that institutions have long been, and will continue to be, an important part of the health care system. Accordingly, the Health Facilities Program announced in the Five Year Plan represents a systematic approach to meeting the health facility needs of various areas of the Province.

As part of this major capital construction program. work will commence in 1981-82 on a new hospital to serve the Clarenville area. To ensure that our people have access to adequate health care services, an amendment to The Medical Care Insurance Act will be introduced in this Session which will extend coverage to include charges of optometrists for eye examinations. It is recognized that there are two key elements to effective health care programming, namely, the prevention of disease and the · encouragement of our people to adopt healthy lifestyles.

My Government will continue with public health and immunization programs, which have been so successful in the past. and will develop new public health education programs. My Government will more strongly promote physical fitness as a means of improving the overall quality of health of our people. This will be achieved through the sponsoring of fitness workshops and seminars as well as through encouragement of employee fitness. Also. a special committee has been appointed to conduct a comprehensive assessment of community recreational services and needs within the Province.

The report of this Committee will serve as the basis for the formulation of recreational policies . My Government realizes that there are special health care needs of the elderly which have to be met. Therefore. action will be taken to ensure that 1 6 ,_- 1•.1

··----- -- ------ - February 25, 1981 - Tape 3, Page 3 appropriate health care facilities and services are planned to meet the needs of this important group who have contributed much to our society . Long term care is the number one priority in the social and health care field and my Government fully intends to utilize social and health care resources in delivering a comprehensive service to the chronically ill. My Government is continually aware of the need to spend every health care dollar as wisely as possible.

Towards this end, efforts will continue to develop and expand less costly, but yet effective community-based health services. Just recently, my Government approved the employment of additional nurses to provide home nursing services to patients discharged from hospital and requiring nursing care. MR. SPEAKER AND MEMBERS OF THE HONOURABLE HOUSE OF"ASSEMBLY: One of the strong traditional features of Newfoundland society has been the importance attached to the family. The family unit must be protected and nurtured.

In the development of social programs, therefore, steps will be taken to ensure that the needs of the family are met and that every individual in this Province is able to enjoy a minimum acceptable standard of living. The development of community-based services will help establish the means whereby families can remain in the community according to traditional patterns. Outreach services will enable senior citizens to remain in their own homes longer, and thus prevent early institutionalization . In addition, Government is evaluating the necessity of additional senior citizens facilities.

Our Child Welfare services and services to deliquent children will be strengthened to remove the necessity of children having to be institutionalized for rehabilitation programs outside the family unit. My Government is determined that during this, the International Year of the Disabled, new actions will be taken to respond to the needs of all disabled people. In particular, a program of incentives will be introduced to improve employment opportunities for this group, who have demonstrated their ability to function more fully in society .

At the same time, my Government will be awarding medals this year to give public recognition to outstanding accomplishments of disabled persons. My Government will continue . within the limits of financial resources, the practice introduced in the 1980-81 budget of adjusting social assistance rates to compensate for the erosion of purchasing power occasioned by inflation. 1 7 ; ..

The cultural uniqueness and individuality of this Province is as important as material benefits. For this reason, my Government is committed to preserving the Newfoundland heritage and developing artistic creativity. My Government will work closely with the Newfoundland and Labrador Arts Council to ensure that the concerns of our people are identified and policies implemented to make certain these needs are addressed. My Government is particularly anxious to receive input from our young people on the social, cultural and economic directions that this Province should take.

My Government will, therefore, be giving a renewed thrust to youth development in 1981-82 primarily through support for the Newfoundland and Labrador Youth Advisory Council which will be restructured in accordance with the recommendations of the youth of this Province. My Government has long recognized that the shape of our society is determined as much by the individual actions and unselfish commitment of our people as by the activities of Government. Therefore, my Government will establish awards programs far bravery and for citizenship.

My Government will be announcing the details of these programs during this Session . Because of our unique status as an independent Commonwealth Country at the outbreak of World War II, Newfoundlanders who served in the British Imperial Forces during the campaign were not officially decorated for having volunteered their lives in defence of our country . My Government intends to introduce legislation to provide our World War II veterans with a Newfoundland Volunteer Service Medal in recognition of their unselfish actions . My Government will embark upon a far reaching program of legislative reform.

Honourable Members will be asked to consider in excess of 60 pieces of legislation, the vast majority of which are of major import and will see progress touching all areas of our society. Because of the comprehensive nature of this program, Government will seek the cooperation of all Honourable Members in adhering to a

schedule to ensure that prepared legislation receives full debate and speedy passage. My Government is extremely proud of its wide ranging program of legal reforms, which are designed to provide all our citizens equality of access to the justice system. My Government will present a Freedom of Information Act 1 a .. , ··, ''i

February 25, 1981 - Tape 3, Page 5 and a Personal Privacy Act. As well, my Government will be bringing in a new Judicature Act, which will introduce greater operational efficiency into the court system; and amendments to the Human Rights Act to incorporate rights for the blind and disabled. At the same time, my Government will continue in its efforts to expand corrections facilities, and introduce a merger of the courts. My Government believes that collectively these initiatives will place this Province's justice system on a par with the most progressive in the country.

My Government will be introducing a new Companies Act to modernize corporate law and a Certified General Accountants Act. We are considering placing both of these new Acts before a select committee of this Honourable House. In an effort to extend the protection of workers in the work place, my Government will introduce an amendment to the Workers' Compensation·Act to provide coverage for students engaged in work programs.

My Government is concerned about statistics which show the appalling number of traffic deaths related to failure to use seat belts.ln an effort to save the lives of our citizens, and to cut down on the high medical costs to the public of serious traffic accidents, you will be asked to approve compulsory seat belt legislation. Continuing with social legislation, my Government is extremely pleased to introduce, for the first time in our history,

an Act to provide for a funding mechanism for the Public Service Pension Plan and other related pension plans sponsored by Government. My Government will make significant advances in its attempt to regulate and control the impact of oil-related developments. An amendment to the Development Areas (Lands) Act will provide legislative authority to the measures Government has already announced. Further, an amendment to the Urban and Rural Planning Act will extend control over marine areas so that proper planning of onshore development can be undertaken by the Province.

The Public Accounts for the period ending March 31. 1980, and the estimates for the coming fiscal year will be placed before you. for your usual close scrutiny and serious consideration. You will be asked to grant supply to Her Majesty . ' 1 9 ..

MR. SPEAKER AND MEMBERS OF THE HONOURABLE HOUSE OF ASSEMBLY: The overriding aim of my Government is the enrichment of our society. To this end my Government will do all in its power to introduce economic, social, and cultural reforms for our people. However, my Government faces an uncertain future in its zeal and determination to attain this goal. My Government has been denied the reasonable sharing of the necessary levers of fishery, hydro transmission and offshore resources, which are absolutely essential for realization of this end.

Therefore, it must be stressed that we will be unstinting in our efforts to ad ·vance the proposition of equal treatment within this nation. Furthermore, heavy economic activity along the lines whereby the Province has no say over these levers of development could mean social and cultural disaster for our distinct, but sensitive , rural society. Present federal policies could very will diminish the already inadequate power that my Government has at its disposal to shape our collective destiny .

We will continue to oppose such policies with all the strength and determination which is the legacy of our forefathers . My Government has clearly laid a foundation of resource and social policies that could lead to a brighter fut:un!for our Province. We will continue our struggle to gain access to the needed economic levers through the constitut ional process . However , we must not delude ourselves that our quest will be an easy one. Our path will be fraught with difficulties and uncertainties. If we are to succeed, the people of our Province must become involved as never before .

The ir input into and support for the policies and programs of my Government are essential. We call upon all citizens of our Province to take up the challenge of the eighties and build with us a better Newfoundland and Labrador. MR. SPEAKER AND HONOURABLE MEMBERS OF THE HOUSE OF ASSEMBLY: I invoke God's blessing upon you as you commence your labours in this Third Session of the Thirty-Eighth General Assembly . May Divine Providence guide you in your deliberations. 20 .. ,, ..

--- .. - --"llo:'--- --- February 25, 1981, Tape No. 4, Page 1 -- apb MR. SPEAKER(Simms}: of the Council. MR. MARSHALL: The hon. the President Mr. Speaker, I give notice of a bill, "An Act To Provide For The Protection Of The Forests Of The Province From Insects And Disease", and I ask that this bill be now read a first time. Motion, the hon . the President of the Council to introduce a bill, "An Act To Provide For The Protection Of The Forests Of The Province From Insects And Disease", carried. On motion, said bill read a first time, ordered read a second time on tomorrow. MR.

SPEAKER: I should like to inform hon. members that His Honour the Lieutenant­ Governor has been pleased to make a speech to the members met in .General Assembly and for greater accuracy I have obtained a copy, and copies will be -distributed to hon. members. for Burgee - Bay d'Espoir. SOME HON. MEMBERS: The hon. the member Hear, hear! MR. ANDREWS: Your Honour, it is my privilege today to move that a Committee of this hon. House be appointed to draft an Address in Reply to the most gracious Speech from the Throne. Mr.

Speaker, and hon members of this House of Assembly, there is no doubt in anyone's mind that in 1981 Newfoundland is going through tremendous changes, and there are so many points recently mentioned in the gracious Speech from the Throne that affect every district throughout this Province of Newfoundland and Labrador. I refer to the problems that 21 ,,

~., .. ; .,........:..0.-· ---· .·"C ·---'-'- -·----- ---····----- Feb. 25, 1981, Tape ~o. 4, Page 2 -- apb MR. ANDREWS: we must face ri~ our forest industry in NeWfoUDdland, in particular 1 the spruce.- budwormr the tremendoul:l- potential for gas and oil off our coa.st 1 and the new challenges facing us in the fis~. We also face tremendous challenges, Mr .. Speaker, in the developlllent of Labrador hydro potentia!, as well as challenges . in many other fields. r refer to the constitutional debate whereby many of the things we held sacred in Newfoundland and Labrador could be challenged and opposed.

Also the fact that under the ne~ I2~:QQ~~ -~- -- - -.., ­ Constitution Act, Newfoundland may J).-ot have the ability or the right to direct its own future •. These are very serious issues, Mr. Speaker, and ones that I ho .pe this bon. aouse will address over the next few months. 22 .. .•· ••;

........ -.~ .:.-....-:.,_ ___ - February 25, 1981 Tape No. 5 DW - 1 MR. H. ANDREWS: Mr. Speaker, I represent a district, the district of Burgee- Bay d'Espoir,where all of the above­ mentioned issues affect the citizens. The recent decisi'an by government to implement the spray programme .for the spruce budworm is most encouragln~ and I support it completely. It is a bold measure,but I believe it is one that had to happen.

The forest resources in · Newfoundland are valuable to the whole Province,and for some 18,000 jobs to be held in jeopardy because of an insect that we can control, I think was a very serious situation. Th~ _sane _ and_rational management this government has brought to Newfoundlanders and Labradorians over the past couple of years is also reflected in announcements of better forest management in the futur~ and in particular the agree­ ments with Abitibi-Price and possibly the Bowater company. These are major breakthroughs in better forest management of the future. But, Mr. Speaker, we have a long way to go.

The mistakes of the past will take generations to correct. I do believe, however, this is an excellent beginning. Mr. Speaker, the fishery is still a much debated subject in this Province and I expect it will be for many years to come. The recent report released for the provincial government by NORDCO indicates something that I think many of us have believed for a number of years 1that in effect we do not know all that much about the biology of the Northern cod stock. But I believe this can go even further. My district of Burgee - Bay d' Es?oir uses a stock of fish largely based in the Gulf of St. Lawrence.

The information on this stock also should be researched to a much greater degree. 23 ..

-.... -- __ _. ......... ~ ·~ . .;;.._. ·- __ : , ___ ... _,.- February 25, 1981 Tape No. 5 DW - 2 MR. H. ANDREWS : Incidentally, Mr. Speaker, it is with some pleasure that I can say today in this House that the inshore fishermen along the Southwest Coast are having an excellent Spring of 1981. The reports that I have received from fishermen in Burgee and Ramea and other locations along the coast indicate that this may be one of the best years in recent times. But we are facing, some serious problems.

The quota allocations by the federal government, be they too high or too low,are cert~inly being caught too quickly. I believe that the fish companies involved must come to some sort of agreement amongst themselves. ·I think that if the fish companies in Newfoundland looked at the sealing industry and analyzed the methods that the sealing captains and vessel owners use to distribute the announced quota 1 it would be a very effective way of distributing the stocks of fish that are made available to the fishing vessels.

In other words, I would advocate that we investigate the possibility of setting up some sort of vessel quota o~perhaps, a company quota as opposed to a per trip quota. This would satisfy all -companies and all vessel operators,particularly ~· if they have longer distances to go. The longer 24

-~-- -- .• ...!. ___ , ____ :. ___ : ______ . _ February 25, 1981 Tape No. 6 MR. ANDREWS : distanc~involved certainly justify bringing in bigger and larger catches per trip, but the total per vessel quota would remain the same. I believe there is some merit in investigating this possibil'i ty. NM - 1 Mr. Speaker, the district of Burgee-Bay d'Espoir is one of the most extensive in the whole Province, from Conne River, Morrisville, Milltown, Head of the Bay, St. Veronica's, St. Josephs Cove, St.

Alban's in Bay d'Espoir, reaching Westward to the coastal communities of McCallum, Francois~ Grey River, Ramea and Burgee. The-district represents the essence of what Newfoundland is all about~ with the forestry, the fishery 1 and the large hydro development project, Burgee-Bay d'Espoir looks forward to the good government it deserves, and I intend to work to the best of my ability to help accomplish this. Mr. Speaker, I am very proud to be associated with this PC Government of Newfoundland and Labrador.

It is a government that has chart. a course for Newfoundland and Labrador, a course of sane, sensible and responsible management. Once again 1 I repeat we have so many problems facing us,and the Opposition at many times looks formidible, in particula~ the issue of Labrador hydro power. It is almost inconceivable to me that the Government of Canada still refuses our right to transmit hydro power through the Province of Quebec. When we look at the railways, the highways, the airline routes, the pipelines that crisscross this country,it is most frustrating that we cannot export one of our most valuable resources.

The whole issue of where Newfoundland sits in Confederation in the future is at stake, I believe, over this one issue. It exemplifies the frustrations of a province within this'federal system 1 to chart its own course for the future. 25

February 25, 1981 Tape No. 6 NM- 2 MR. ANDREWS: Mr. Speaker, much has been said in recent years about the great potential of oil and gas . off our coast .. However 1 I believe that oil and gas · must be considered in its proper perspective. The fishery, the forestry, and our hydro, all these renewable resources,will remain our most important assets. The way I would like to look at oil and gas is the Christmas bonus at the end of the year, the little bit extra that your boss might pass along to you. In this regard, it is very important that 26 ''] '') ''] '

---- ·- - ~- - - - --- ---- - February 25, 1981 Tape No. 7 EL - 1 MR. ANDREWS : we develop the offshore gas and oil to the best benefit of the people of Newfoundland and Labrador, and not necessarily to the benefit of the oil companies. r am very proud that the government of Newfoundland has established the regulations and guidelines necessary for this rational development. However, it is amazing that the Federal Government has not taken the same leadership. This once again supports th.e Province's claim that we are the best people to own and manage this very valuable and influential resource. SOME HON.

MEMBERS: Hear, hear! MR. ANDREWS : Any suggestion that we as Newfound- · landers are not capable of owning and managing this resource, as with other resources such as the fisheries,only creates an atmos­ phere of subservience, an atmosphere that we could well do with- out, an atmosphere that we probably knew too much of in the past. On .ce again, Your Honour, it is my privilege to move that a Committee of this han. House be appointed to draft an Address in Reply to the most gracious Speech from the Throne .• SOME HON. .1-1EMBERS : Hear, hear! MR. RIDEOUT: Mr. Speaker. MR.

SPEAKER (Simms) : The han. member for Baie Verte - White Bay. MR. RIDEOUT: Mr. Speaker, it is a pleasure for me today to second the motion that a Comrni ttee be appointed to draft a reply to the gracious Speech from the Throne. The Speech out-· lines bold new directions that this government will take as it continues to grapple with the many . problems that face our people. I stand here today, Mr. Speaker, as a Newfoundlander proud of the positions taken by our Premier and his administration on issues that are so vital to the future of this Province. 27

February 25, 1981 Tape No. 7 EL - 2 SOME HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear! MR. RIDEOUT: I stand today, Sir, proud to be a Canadian and convinced that being a good Newfoundlander does not make me any less a good Canadian. SOME HON. MEMBERS : Hear, hear! MR. RIDEOUT: I think, Mr. Speaker, the proof pos- itive of that is in the person of our own Premier who has just been awarded the Vanier Award for his achievements as a Canadian and as a Newfoundlander,and I would certainly like to publicly offer him my congratulations ~n that award now. SOME HON. MEMBERS : Hear, hear! MR. RIDEOUT: Mr.

Speaker, as Newfoundlanders and Labradorians we can stand today tempered by the mistakes of our past and determined never to commit the same mistakes again. Sir, it is a great honour for me to represent the people of this Province in this Legislature. It .:.:...;,;,;.._ .... .:._.,.;_~_.~-- is a particular honour for me to represent the people of Baie Verte - White Bay# Having been born,raised and educated in the small rural community of Fleur de Lys in White Bay, I am one of the people that I represent.

I grew up with them, I went to school with them, lived there all my life,so I need no initiation to the problems that those people face. I know what it is like to live in isolation, without road connections to the outside 28

----- _ _...____ --•---· -- _._._._ ---- ----=- --=-~~----·----~...;.;...;..,__·..:. .• _- =,~· ..... _·~ :J..-·;· ~~-_... -~···· .. February 25, 1981 Tape 8 EC - 1 MR. RIDEOUT: world - I spent the first fifteen years under those conditions. I know what it is like to live without electr~city because I spent the first twenty years living under such conditions;. I arn one of those, Sir, who got the little bit of education_that he has by the light of the kerosene oil lamp. I know what it is like not to have access to proper water systems because I grew up with the galvanized bucket. So I understand, Mr.

Speaker, why the people of Harbour Deep so desperately need a road connection. I under­ stand why the people of Englee and Roddickton and Westport and Burl~gton and Little Arm and all the other communities in the Baie Verte - White Bay district need and deserve to have roads upgraded and paved, I understand why communities like Smith's Harbour and Shoe Cove and a number of others need to have a proper water system. I understand why communities like Burlington and Middle Arm and a number of other communities need to have a proper sewer system.

These are things that people have a right to expect from their government and they are the services that their government want to provide and are providing to the best of our economic ability. AN HON. MEMBER: Hear, hear! MR. RIDEOUT: But therein, Mr. Speaker, lies the crunch. The future can be bright for this Province if we are allowed to control the tools of our economic destiny. And I say to you that without these controls, exercised by our own people for the good of our people, then the future is not bright.

We will continue to be 'have not', we will continue to be dependent on other regions of this country for our existence. That is not to say, Mr. Speaker, that we are not grateful to our 29 ..

·-- ----·------ -- --- --- -- Feb~uary 25, 1981 Tape 8 EC - 2 MR. RrDEOUT: brother and sister Canadians for th .e support and help they have g.i ven us as partners in tne Canadian Confederation. But if we are ever going to contribute in a significant way to the other people of Canada, as I would hope we can, then we must be permitted to . own, to develop and control our resources and to reap a fair and equitable return from those resources. Tcr allow less than that to transpire, Mr. Speaker, will mean that we will have been sentenced to being forever poor.

This Premier and this government are standing firm so as to erase forever that grim possibility. This Premier and this government are fighting and shall continue to fight for nothing more, and will accept nothing less 1 than an opportunity for us as Newfoundlanders and Labradorians, to become equal partners in Confederation • SOME HON. MEMBERS: . Hear, hear! MR. RIDEOUT: I am heartened, Sir, that the Speech from the Throne leaves no doubt that this government is firm in that resolve and to that commitment. Mr. Speaker, what we are talking about here are rights, basic fundamental rights.

The right of · every Newfoundlander and Labradorian, as -a citizen of Canada 1to gainful 30 " ''j

February 25, 1981 Tape No. 9 SD - 1 MR. T. RIDEOUT: employment, to public services comparable to those enjoyed by Canadians living in other parts of this country, the right to be equal - no better or no less - but to be equal partners in the Canadian family. These .rights, Mr. Speaker, cannot be achieved by reaching settlements for short-term political gain. We must insist on rights that will give us long-term equality such as some say in our major resource, the fishery; such as the right to transmit our energy resources to a waiting and starving market; such as ownership of our offshore oil and gas.

There can be no more giveaways. There can be no more inequality- there can be no more second, or third 1 or fourth class citizens in this country. And only when this is achieved can inequality be eradicated forever, only then will we ~e thruth~ul!Y abletosay that we are meaningful, contributing partners in Confederation.

Only then,with increased revenue from our resources,can the torments and the misery of isolation, of deplorable road conditions, of inadequate water systems anfr dozens of other desperately needed social programmes, only then will we be able to satisfy the legitimate and just demands of our people. F~ ~~~hou~ this ?.r~akthrough we will continue to be poor and we will continue to have public services far below the Canadian average. Mr. Speaker, this, as I see it, is the challenge that faces 011r ?eople. Their Premier and their government,as is our dut~ have taken up the cudgel.

We are fighting the fight and we will continue to do so. But we must all be as one in our determination 1 for the fight is not yet ove c.. We can settle for being second best if we so wish or we can continue to fight for our rights so that one day we will be equal with all other Canadians, so that one day a Canadian livina in Harbour Deep has equality with a Canadian living in Granisle, British Colurnbia 1 and that a Canadian living in Ming's Bight has the same-kind of-road to drive over as a Canadian living in any part of Nova Scotia. That is the dream of this Premier, 31 .. ,

February 25, 1981 Tape No. 9 so - 2 MR. T. RIDEOUT: and that is the vision of this government. tie know th .at it is a dream and a vision that the vast majority of Newfoundlanders and Labradorians share. So, Mr. Speaker, it is a pleasure and an honour for me to second the motion that a Committee be . appointed to draft a reply to the gracious Speech from the Throne. SO$ HON. MEMBERS : MR. SPEAKER (Simms) : SOME HON. MEMBERS : Hear, hear. The hon. Leader of the Oppos .ition. Hear, hear. 32 "lj ''1 ''1 ''l

February 25, 1981 Tape No. 10 NM - 1 MR. STIRLING: Mr. Speaker, may I begin by extending a word of welcome to our very distinguished visitors, both on the floor and in the galleries and welcome them to this their House of Assembly. I think it will be observed that the lights have just gone out and the windows opened. MR. ROBERTS: Hear, hear! MR. STIRLING: I understand that we are breaking with tradition, as this government is very proud of doing, the tradition of covering the House by the television cameras and the speeches.

And my understanding is that although we agreed to have the comments of both the mover and the seconder, ~nd myself and the Premier recorded by the TV cameras for extract later, as well as the speech,. I understand that that was refused by the government and that is why the mover and the seconder, and, I guess, the Premier and I, will not have the honour of having this recorded and extracts used. And after hearing, Mr. Speaker, after hearing the Speech from the Throne I can certainly understand - SOME HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear! MR. ROBERTS: - I can understand why. SOME HON. MEMBERS : Hear, hear! MR.

NEARY: No wonder they want to hide it. MR. STIRLING: Mr. Speaker, there are others in this House who have heard many, many speeches from the Throne. MR. NEARY: Twenty-five of them. MR. STIRLING: I have only heard three. The first one was on July 12th., 1979, when I was first a member of this House, and it had ten pages and great hopes. We were never going to be dependent on Ottawa again. And the next one that I heard was last year; it had fourteen pages and there was a possibility we might need Ottawa for a little bit.

And now in this Speech from the Throne, it is a shame that His Honour had to be given those words to utter. I do agree with one thing though that.the Premier has said recently, and based on this Throne Speech I would not anticipate an election in the foreseeable future. 33

-- ---- -----~~ --- February 25, 1981 Tape No. 11 DW - 1 MR. L. STIRLING: Mr. Speaker, there are a few things that need to be pointed out.But first of all I would like to congratulate the mover and seconder. Some of the points that they made were points that a~ply to their districts. I am particularly interested in the points made by the second~r because, of course'· as he says 1 he does understand the problems.

And, of course, when he submitted himself to the electorate, the last time,he was elected as a Liberal with those concerns . and those concerns have not changed, although they are in a little bit of conflict with the main speech. The main Speech from the Throne talks about our only chance and our last chance- -with the offshore oil. And the mover, of course, considers that just a little Christmas present - not too important. The seconder talks about all the things that we consider important and that we were looking for in this Throne Speech.

Where was the action going to take place to look after water and sewer problems, road problems, the rural Newfoundland problems? Tlfuere was it? Mr. Speaker, since this is the first time that I have spoken representing this side in a Speech from the Throne, since the Speech from the Throne sets out what is the government's responsibility, what the govern­ ment's plans are for this upcoming session,let me say what I see is our duty in this upcoming session. First of all, Mr.

Speaker, my fi~st responsibility is to the people of Bonavista North who elected me to this House of Assembly as were the other fifty­ one people elected to the House of Assembly. My second responsibility is to the people of Newfoundland and Labrador who elected all of us. And I make no apologies for the fact that we in this House of Assembly have to be concerned, first of all,about the ?rovincial issues. Our first duty is to reoresent the people of Newfoundland and Labrador, in whatever 34 . .. , ''I

February 25, 1981 Tape No. 11 DW - 2 1-f..R. L. STIRLING: capacity, as a part of Canada. Mr. Speaker, our system works on a system of cheques and balances, a system of competition, .. I competition amongst individuals, amongst .. , 35

Feb. 25, 1981, Tape No. 12, Page 1 -- apb MR. STIRLING: companies, between management and labour and between political parties, so that I have a dual role in this House, Mr. Speaker. I have the official role as leader of the Opposition, and those of us who were elected, that ended up on this s~de of the House, have a duty to question, to make the government perform, to make the government bring in leg~slation, and to bring in plans. That is our off~c~al opposition duty.

And the other duty is to provide an alternative 1 between now and the time of the next election 1 to put together what it is that the people of this Province want to see as an alternative to the government that they have now elected. And we will try to do that to the best of our ability. Mr. Speaker, last year in this House of Assembly, when this government first took office, we saw every effort made to co-operate. The reason that we saw that effort is that the rules could not be changed without our agreement. Of recent months we have seen a disregard of this House of Assembly.

We are seeing government by press conference, government by news conference, but nothing being tabled in the House of Assembly. SOME HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear! MR. STIRLING: And we heard from the news media that the government had decided that they are going to change the order of business and the method that they were going to use - as was their right and as is their right - but it was done in the most arrogant manner that they did not even afford us the courtesy of discussing what they planned to do. SOME HON. MEMBERS: Shame! Shame! MR. STIRLING: Now, of course, Mr.

Speaker, that was before I saw the Throne Speech. And I 36 ' 'I .. I

-- ...;_ __ ·---~ _: --- ----- ------ ------ February 25, 1981, Tape No. 12, 1981, Page 2 -- apb MR. STnU.ING: can certainly under- stand wh.y they hope to . fill up most of the week with legislation rather than let us get into the Throne Speech.. SOME HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear! MR. STJ:RL.ING: Mr. Speaker, what has happened since this government has taken office? With all the promise, with all the dri.ve, !with all the enthusiasm, what happened?

Well, the first thing that happened, of course, was that there was a P.C.Government ~ Ottawa and they got elected on the basis of working very closely with the ·P.C.Government in Ottawa. But that did not last very long .• Jim McGrath, the then Minister o£ Fisheries,got called a 'traitor'. Mr. Speaker, I think it is significant that in thi.s Speech from the Throne we do not hear any more about the great fisheries resource, the great development .in Harbour Grace. 37 .. •, ''1 .. ,

February 25, 1981 Tape No. 13 EL - 1 MR. STIRLING: That was a firm commitment in the first Speech from the Throne, it was only a question in the se- cond Speech,and it is not going to see the light of day in this Speech. Mr. Speaker, what else has happened? And what are we seeing in this Speech from the Throne today? We are seeing a government that essentially has given up, a govern­ ment that is soundin~the most pathetic government that could have ever delivered a throne speech.

They are saying; We would like to do all of these things except Ottawa will not let us do _them." I heard somebody on television the other day saying, 'What do you expect us to do, you expect us to take the initiative?' I made a suggestion. I made a suggestion on how we can get out of this impasse of our government not talk­ ing to the Federal Government and I said, 'Well, let us develop, as we did the Lower Churchill', in which we have control with this Province.

Let there be no doubt in anyone's mind, anywhere in this Province 1 that this party is in full agreement with what has always been the Provincial Government's position~that control should rest in this Province. SOME HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear! MR. STIRLING: But that does not mean one hundred per- cent of everything. Ancthis is the real problem,and this is the pro­ blem in this Throne Speech, the problem of the concept of this Throne Speech. There is nowhere in it where this Province is tak­ ing the initiative to say to Ottawa, ~e want the control but we are willing to share.' And that is the problem.

They have backed themselves into a corner. Let us just take a look at some of the things in the Throne Speech, Mr. Speaker. Let us take a couple of the things in the Throne Speech. 38

-- February 25, 1981 Tape No . 13 EL • 2 MR. STIRLING: Talk is made of the fishery. They talk about the managing of our resources, the Five Year Plan. Well, what does the Five Year Plan say? What does the Five Year Plan say? This is the government '"s own Five Year Plan. From the Throne Speech, Mr. Speaker, you would get the impression that this is the answer to all our problems, the government rs Five Year Plan. Well, here is what it says, and I am quoting from the Govermnent' si • • --'-r--· • -- own Five Year Plan: "Newfoundland's de.pendence on Federal source 39 •. 1 ' 'I ''1 '·1 ''1 ''1

. : __ __:...,-.:..;..__. --- --~~--··~~· ·~·--·--' -·-- -- February 25, 1981 MR. STIRLING: by the fact that in 1979 Tape 14 EC - 1 revenues is clearly illustrated 1980, $495 million of the total current account revenues of $1,059,000,000 comes to the Province in the form of federal revenue transfers. This means that 47 per cent of our total 1979 - 1980 current account revenues were obtained from federal sources. This is the government's own plan.

And it goes on to say, "The economic and financial portion of this document demonstrates conclusively that the Province simply does not have the fiscal capacity to deliver the desired level of public services and will not within the five year period." So what does it say, Mr. Speaker? Mention is made here of setting up an Economic Council of Newfoundland. Maybe because we did not like what was said by~ Economic Council of Canada, it was thrown out of hand.

And the Atlantic Provinces Economic Council - here is what the Atlantic Provinces Economic Council said: "In its most optimistic projections for oil and gas benefits to this Province, industry will only provide approximately 3 per cent of the jobs that will exist in Newfoundland." Now, Mr.Speaker, this is the most challenging statistic coming out of APEC. APEC projects that there will be a 50 per cent short fall in the number of jobs created versus the number of people entering the work force. This means there will be twice as many people in the work force than we can find jobs for in the next ten years.

Those are the facts of life. Setting up a new Economic Council of Newfoundland will either confirm this or will point to some other direction, some other means other than the ones that have been talked about. Mr. Speaker, let us deal with those two or three very important issues that the government 40

............. ··~-· . ..: .. -~ ·-----~··~· --·-· ...;.~'---·-~---·~---- ·-·-- February 25, 1981 Tape 14 EC - 2 MR. STJ;~ING: have made. part of the.i:: Throne Speech. The. essential thing tha.t was needed in this Throne Speech, Mr. Spea,ker, i.s a c~qe. in the government's attitude from one. of confrontation, one of taking on the. federal g.ove.rmne.nt, the Quebec Government, the Nova Scotia GOve.rninent, NAPE, and now, I understand, the teachers. The latest thing thilt has happened is that Grade XII, with all its great flurry and all its great promises, has not had the money committed to it and has not had the teaching positions committed to it. 41 ·'' .. , .. ''1

---· ------- ---~...;c..;.< __ ;...; __ February 25, 1981 Tape No. 15 NM - 1 MR. STIRLING: Mr. Speaker, let us deal with what has changed in this Throne Speech from previous throne speeches. Hydro transmission~ Now, I presume this is the government's present policy. "The cheapest source of electricity is Gull Island. Surplus power of this development must have a market. My government has concluded an agreement in principle with New York State for the sale of this surplus power.

It remains only for the federal government to allow the transmission of hydro power t~rough neighbouring provinces to bring this about.'' Now, Mr •. Sp!9aker, in another part of the document it talks about continuing to investigate Labrador. In an earlier document it said all of the hydro power would be used in Labrador. Now what it is saying here is if the federal government will agree 1 it goes through Quebec and into New York .. A complete inconsistency, Mr. Speaker., and a sell out for the people of Labrador. Now, Mr.

Speaker, the inconsistency of saying that the oil is our only chance, the only-chance that we have,in one part of the document,and in another part of the same document, Mr. Speaker, it says that the revenues from Hibernia field would meet or exceed equalization payments for only three years of its estimated twenty year life span. So, in other words,i~ seventeen out of the twenty years. And then it says that nobody has challenged this.

Of course nobody has challenged it, because this is something which was - a point made on this side of the House many times over the last two or three years is that offshore oil is not our solution, that we have to turn back to the real problems facing this Province and to use the job opportunities that already exist to develop in this Province. 42

- ------- - _ .....__,.;.,.;. ....... - · .'\f ·-- ___ _ ...:.,:.· _ .......__.. .~· February 25, 1981 Tape No. 15 NM- 2 MR. STIRLING: Mr. Speaker, on _e of the things that is aeld out as a great accomplishment of this government~ "Mygovernment has reached an agreement with Abitibi Price for replacement of its ninety-nine year lease concession by a twenty year conditional management agreement'! I mentioned to some of my colleagues that that sounded like a very good arrangement. And I am concerned, Mr. speaker, about the government giving information which is not complete.

I understand there is nothi,ng wrong with what was said there·, but what was not said is what causes us so many problems in thf:s· P_rovince 1 with this present government. I understand from my colleagues, and it will be checked out, that this ninety-nine year lease . was signed in 1905, which means that it will run o1:1t in th~ year 2004, and that this government in 1981 43 '') ''1 ''I ''1 ''j

~'.r-.~~.: - ---- ------- February 25, 1981 Tape No. 16 SD - 1 MR. L. STIRLING: has completed a new twenty year programme,So that the result, subject to having it checked out, Mr. Speaker, the result is that this ninety-nine year lease, which has been traded for a twenty year conditional management agreement,seems like we gave up something that is going to end three years - we have three years of taking it over and we have replaced it with a twenty year agreement. Now that is subject to correction. I hope that that is not correct, I hope that the information in there does not mislead people.

I thought it was a good idea. MR. T. LUSH: understood it. SOME HON. MEMBERS: MR. L. STIRLING: Another part of this agreement, Mr. Speaker - ---· Look at Jim Morgan laughing as if he Oh, oh! - talks about our sacred rights. Mr.

Speaker, those of us in the House,and maybe nobody outside of the House because it was not very exciting news at the time, it was sort of two weeks after the famous speech on television-­ in this House we introduced an amendment to the government's resolution which would put us in great conflict with the federal position and that was a position that said 'if our sacred rights of the Denominational System of Education and the Labrador Boundary, if those rights were to be changed they could only be changed by agreement of this House of Assembly:• And the government voted against that, Mr. Speaker.

It was not agreeing with the federal position, it was taking a position that said it would only be in agreement with this House of Assembly. So, Mr. Speaker, just because the government continues on to make comments that do not tell the whole story 1 there is a great deal of inconsistency. Talk about the Fishery: this government-a~d the Leader of this government has been part of the PC Government-and, by the way, today was the first time I heard a member refer to it as the PC Government in a year and 44 ''I ' 'I

____ __ .__:.: ..• February 25, 1981 Tape No. 16 SD - 2 MR. L. STIRLING~ a half, he was proud to be part of the PC Go .vernment. Well, these fishery problems were around for the last eight years, why did it take until last year to appoint a ROyal Commission? And wny is the NORDCO report now just being done to show all t~se problems? Now, ~.

Speaker, we. agree that the fisheries problems of this Province are only going to be sol.ved by the co-operation of the Provincial Government and the Federal Government, and we have called for the same kind of joint arrangements, join .t agreements as has been suggested, as we have ~uggested in the offshore. Mr. Speaker, there is no question 45 ''] ''1 ''1 ''1 '')

-··--- ·-·- February 25, 1981 Tape No. 17 DW - 1 MR. L. STIRLING: that the fisheries of this Province are an absolute mess. And you have the spectacle of the Minister of Fisheries (Mr. Morgan) on one day suggesting that it was an awful thing that they did not agree to the quotas for the trawlers to drag out the season, and the Premier on saying we should suspend trawlers indefinitely, the next day. SOME HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear! MR. L. STIRLING: And then in this document, the admission in this document that we do not know very much about the resource. Reference is made again, Mr.

Speaker, just by way of conflict in this. In one part of the Speech from the Throne it refers to the fact that no DREE agreements had been signed in 1980. And on page eleven it refers to the recently signed DREE agreement, forestry DREE agreement, which will add $21 million. So, complete, utter conflicting state­ ments to ~onfuse. We are now going to have a select commitfee on the new Election Expenses Act. The last Throne Speech, that was going to be brought in. Mr.

Speaker, to put these words in the mount of the Lieutenant-Governor certainly has to give full marks for the continuance of the brashness and the gall of the government, 'My government is proud to have persuaded the federal government to build this facility in our Province' - the ice facility going to Memorial University. SOME HON. MEMBERS : SOME HON. MEMBERS: MR. HISCOCK: release. MR. NEARY: read it in the newspaper. Oh, oh! Hear, hear! It must have been done by press They did not know about it. They 46 .. ··,

-------~--~-- .. ,._. __ __....._.._~..::--.&\> ..1. ,.. __ ,... ......_.,:- ._.:. ... __ :_·~··- • ....:·..:..-_,_,___.._..,:._..:..~ ---- February 25, 1981 Tape No . 17 DW - 2 MR. L. STIRLING: Mr. Speaker, the government also in its Throne Speech- I will get into more-detail later on because we will have lots of time to do that - the government mentions in its Throne Speech the concern about the budwornt and how this- government has now taken action.

Tell me anything new that was brought up this year to the Royal Coi!Illlission that that government did not have all the information on a year ago and yet let the problem continue il SOME" HON. MEMBERS: Two years. ""~ MR. L. STIRLING: Well, a full year is the last time they referred to it in the Throne Speech. 47 ._.r ...... .. '') .. ' ') ' ' I ..

. ---· ebruary 25, 1981 Tape No. 18 EL - 1 JI.1R. STIRLING: Mr.Speaker, if it was not so pathetic, tha concern about the integration of economic educational develop- ment with manpower planning - and what does that consist of? An in- ventory of tradesmen. Mr. Speaker, unvelievable! In the Throne Speech, "My government has taken steps to establish an inventory of tradesmen. " MR. HOLLETT: They are all registered now. MR. FLIGHT: Call ~1anpower in Grand Falls and you will get an inventory Q.f men. MR. HOLLETT : Call your (inaudible) in Manpower? ·MR. HODDER: Yes, and Stephenville. MR.

FLIGHT: r.all the Manpower office. (Inaudible) SOME HON. •MEMBERS: Oh, oh! MR. ROB"PRTI' : (Inaudible) for the handicapned. MR. NEARY· (Inaudible) for the disabled should go to rhe oublic (inaudible). SOMF. HON. MEMBERS: Oh, oh! -----MR. ROBERTS: Where is Cabot Martin now thar. we reall y neen him? MR. STIRLING: Mr. Sneaker. another part of thR ThronP. Speech refers to honest and efficient crovP.rnmenr; that rhev arP going ro bP. very concerned about honesr. an~ efficient government.

There was one time since this Premier has become Premier that he had an opoorr- unitv to s·how how he supoorted honest and P.fficient crovernment and that was · when a unanimous acrreement from hath sides of the House, a unanimous report. four people from that side, three people from this side, found that a minister of the Crown had been guilry of a cnntra- venr.ion of the Public Tendering Act. That was the one time that this Premier had an ooportunitv and what was his position? It was a quest- ion of judgement. SOME HOR. MEMBERS : Yes. 48 .. '

February 25, 1981 Tane No. 18 EL - 2 MR. NEARY: You will find out how honest he is now when the Public Accounts Committee reports to the House. We will soon find out. MR. ROBERTS: Well, we saw last year how he treats Public Accounts reports. MR. STIRLING: Mr. Sneaker. there is concern expressed in this Soeech from the ~hrone for rural Newfoundland and con- cern about what the Federal Government may be doina, or the off- shore oil mav be doing to rural Newfoundland. Well, Mr.

Soeaker, this same aovernment riaht now. ricrht at this moment has brought in a municipalities act which was forced on rural Newfoundland with property tax ~hat has to he brouaht in over the next three vear period, where these oeoole have had their arants cut by twenty per cent and they have had to increase taxes bv anywhere from twenty to fifty per cent. This is in rural Newfoundland, they only places affected. Urban Newfoundland is not affected because they already have property tax and they are givinq them a fifty per cent grant.

But in rural Newfoundland, where they just cannot live with the legislation, they have cut their qrants and forced them to increase taxes. And that is somethina that this government could do about rural Newfoundland. MR. HOLLETT: There was no increase in taxes since they got elected. MR.STIRLING: Mr. Speaker, another group of people in rural Newfoundland and that is the people in Bellevue. MR. WARREN: Hear, hear! ... MR. STIRLING: They would like to have representation in this House of Assembly. SOME HON. MFMBERS: Hear, hear! AN HON, MEMBER: Get up and call it ·. ''I 49

February 25, 1981 Tape 19 EC - 1 MR. BENNETT: You can call an election, can you not? you can call a ~y-election. SOME HON. MEMBERS: Oh, oh! MR. STIRLING: Walter Carter, the former member f6r st.~-Mary's - The Capes, found out that when the Premier wants to get rid of a problem he can do it very quickly. Twenty-one days after he resigned there was ·a solution in St. Mary's - The Capes and we have - AN HON. MEMBER: Twenty-one? MR. HANCOCK: That was a shoe in for him. SOME HON. MEMBERS: Oh, oh! MR. STIRLING: - we have a great member for St. Mary's -The Capes.

So if there is any real concern for the people in Bellevue, let us . have that by-election. Let us have that by-election in Bellevue. MR. WARREN: Now. MR. STIRLING: Anytime at all. Let us get it over with. Because, Mr. Speaker, at this oil symposium that we had - and I sat in on it for three days - one of the questions I asked Mobil Oil was, Have you been asked by the government to take the Hibernia oil and use it as a first priority in Come By Chance? Have you been asked to take over and operate Come By Chance in the meantime?

And would you develop facilities in the Province of Newfoundland for the refining of oil? And the answer to all the questions was 'No'. It has not been discussed with them by this government. MR. NEARY: Now! Now! Now! SOME HON. MEMBERS: Oh, oh! MR. FLIGHT: He would know 'Leo'. MR. STIRLING: Mr. Speaker, those are the first few remarks that I wanted to make on this day as we heard the Speech from the Throne. There will be lots of time to go into the detail. 50 •·, ··,

----- - ~------ February 25, 1981 Tape 19 EC - 2 MR. STIRLING: I think in

summary, Mr. Speaker, that we are going to see a year,in 198l,of confrontation, of continuing with the present stance of taki~g on the federal government, any provincial government, anybody else. All through 1981, excuses of why nothing is happening in this Province, a leaflet to all the householders saying hang tough. ' . . SOME HON. MEMBERS: MR. WARREN: MR. STIRLING: Oh, oh! Government money. Mr. Speaker, that is a natural. Mr. Speaker, it does not get away from the basic p~oblern facing this Province.

And the basic problem facing this Province is that the government must change its attitude about dealing with people. SOME HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear! MR. STIRLING: Dealing with people and dealing with governments. SOME HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear! MR. STIRLING: For our part, Mr. Speaker, we will continue to do what we have said that we will do.

We will present positive criticism and we will present a positive alternative, and we would look to the government to start showing some concern for the people of Newfoundland and Labrador 1 rather than just the power-hungry craze of saying, 'Give us all the power,' and let us get back to the real concerns to develop the jobs, to do the things that were spoken of by the mover and seconder in the Address in Reply. SOME HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear! 51 : ... ·. ..

February 25, 198l Tape No. 20 SD - 1 MR. SPEAKER (Simms) : The hon. the Premier. PREMIER PECKFORD: Mr. Speaker, before I begin a few remarks let me just say, first of all, that I was pleased to see here in the hon. House today so many leaders of the community listening to the Throne Speech.; It is one of the great traditions, I guess, of this House of Assembly, that when we do have a Throne Speech a lot of the leaders of the community do come and attend, the leaders of the churches and so on, and I am glad to see so many of them here today. Secondly, I want to say, Mr.

Speaker, that unfortunatelv,because of the process for this day-I think I voice the concern of all- not the concern- I voice the congratulations of all members of this hon. House in wishing the Queen and the Prince of Wales all the best in the future as a result of a very dramatic announcement yesterday that our future King, I suppose, will be getting married this coming Summer.And I am sure I speak for the Leader of the Opposition (Mr.

Stirling) and all members, if, in the next day or so, we do discharge our responsibilities and communicate on behalf of all members of the House congratulations to the Queen on this very significant event in the history of the Commonwealth. For that, I am sure, I have the concurrence of all hon. members. Now, Mr.

Speaker, t'hrone speeches, I suppose, traditionally, historicall~ and according to constitutional practice and parliamentary practice,are times when the government of the day tries to · outline in a general way the directions that that government intends to take during the year, during that parliamentary year, or that sort of fiscal year,tries to give in general terms the directions it is going to take socially and economically and culturally. And we have tried to do that, Mr. Speaker, in the Throne Speech that was presented today.

And I think one of the most significant aspects of the Speech ,if you look at it in its 52 .. I .. ,

-- ·- -- __ .,. _____ _____ --·--- _.._,_____ . ......,.._ -__ _ February 25, 1981 Tape No . 20 SD - 2 PREMIER ~ECKFORD: totality and you try to break it down into various precentagesf is that more time was spent in this Speech on social and cultural activities than on any other and that we are trying to indicate to the people of the Province that the overall goal of all governments, in all countries, is a social ope and that is to bring to our people a greater degree of services and a greater amount of compassion so that all citizens throughout the Province are equally treat .ed and that services . are provided.

And that must always be, Mr. Speaker, our overriding goal. It is a social goal, one of trying to bring to people whom we are here to serve ,who pay our salaries, the best possible 53 ''] ··, .. , ''] ''1

-~- ----- - - ·-- - · - -· - _: ..-~_..~ :... _1.: . _~.: :· __ ..;:'~~---"-' -·- February 25, 1981 Tape No. 21 DW - 1 PREMIER PECKFORD: services that we possibly can. And I guess I would voice the remarks of the member for Baie Verte - White Bay (Mr. Rideout) when he talked about it in those terms in seconding the motion, that this one of the things that this government, that all government's must try to do. It is in the realization of that social goal where all the problems rest, and where all the problems come.

And this administration, and this government have said on a number of occasions, through various Throne Speeches, that here is where the crunch comes for us, for this government, for this Province and for the people of this Province in trying to realize that social and cultural ' goal of equality and bring to all parts of the Province an equality of services that they all should enjoy; on the Labrador coast, or the Northern Labrador coast, or Burgee, or Port au Port, or wherever it has to be.

And it is in the realization of that social goal where this Province has to make up its mind on how it is going to reach that. We have said as a government clearly, all the members on this side of the House have supported. it over and over again, that two things really must happen, I suppose, and that is that we must be able to, as a partner in Confederation, develop a lot of the resources for ourselves, in the first instance, and for all Canadians as well, and at the same time, participate in ongoing federal/provincial programmes. That is more or less the route that we have taken.

And that becomes more defined, Mr. Speaker, as one looks at what we have to do. If one looks, for example, at the present moment, at our particular fiscal position which finds $450 or $500 million in equalization payments corning, we have articulated, in my view, a very clear position as a member of Confederation and that is1 is it not somehow reasonable and Canadian and in the greatest tra­ dition of the BNA Act for a component of Confederation 54 ' 'i ··, •. I ··,

----- ·- --·· February 25, 1981 Tape No. 21 DW - 2 PREMIER PECKFORD: that has the potential and the opportunity to generate wealth in its own sphere, in its own field, to generate that wealth and the larger share of that wealth to go to that Province? And at the same time as that happens, that reduces the flow of equalization from the Canadian government so that can go to some other have not Province of Canada.

So as Newfoundland brings itself up by its boot straps, if it has the resources which it does, then it reduces the flow of money from Ottawa providing $400 million to $500 million extra for Canada and for the federal government to use in ·other much needed programmes. And that is, Mr. Speaker, I suggest and I submit, the essence of Confederation, that is the essence of federalism.That is why we have advocated it since June 1979, and even before that time, some of us individually, that that is the essence and the nub of the problem.

And all the specific programmes that one can talk about and debate are secondary to that principle. Is it the view of all members of this House of Assembly, is it the view of all the citizens of this Province that Canada 55 ''I

February 25, 1981 Tape No. 22 EL - 1 PREMIER PECKFORD : means that if a potential exists in one of those provinces of Canada to develop and generate wealth through offshore oil and gas, through fisheries, through forestry, through hydro transmission , that if in the generation of this wealth this Province then s~ves and automatically gives to Canada $400 or $500 million dollars in equalization and replaces that $400 or $500 million dollars of equalization with $400 or $500 million dol­ lars, that it has generated itself with the wealth that it has in its boundaries to generate.

And secondly,that when it reaches that magic figu~e of $400 or $500 ~illion dollars in equalization-Mr. Speaker, do you know what happens? This Province then, because it has been classif£ed under the criteria that Canada uses,is a have Province and then we must contribute more of every dollar beyond that $500 million dollars to help British Columbia,to help Prince Edward Island,to help New Brunswick, and to help poor Ontario,... God forbid that it should ever happen in the Canadian Confederation.

And that is the essence and nub of the problem.;nd in all our debates and discussions about ~ throne speecband about the elements that go to make it up, that is the essence . of the Canadian experilnent,. that is the creativity of Canada, that is the dynamism of Canada. And when one loses the sense that each of those component parts has no longer the opportunity to realize that goal that is so well articulated by the early Fathers of Confederation 1then this constitutional experiment is in trouble. And that is why, Mr.

Speaker, that is why, that is the only reason why this Throne Speech ,presented here by the Lieutenant-Governor, representing the government's goals and objectives has been forced to indicate in a very real and tangible way that unless and until, Mr. Speaker, unless and until we can get our fair share of the revenue from the transmission of hydro power 56 ''j •·I .. , .. '

- --.. - ------ - -- -~ - , __ , ··- February 25, 1981 Tape No. 22 EL - 2 PREMIER PECKFORD: equal to other Canadians in the trans- mission of their oil and gas, until we can get -and let no New- foundlander hearing my voice right now, Mr. Speaker, or those outside who want to try to distort it1 let it be clear, at least for this one moment,that in saying that we own and control our oil and gas resources, Mr. Speaker, and let us all be Newfoundlanders on this and let us not be partisan in talkinq about it1 let us be New­ foundlanders in talking about it.

When we say that - the Premier of this Province or the Minister of Finance (Dr.Collins) or the member for Placentia (W. Patterson) is not saying, is not saying that we are not sharing. Under the oil and gas regulations and under 'the Prov- incial ownership we are asking for the same sharinq,with our owner- ship applying,as now applies in British Columbia, as now applies in Alberta, as now applies in Saskatchewan and it now applies to the gas under Lake Erie.

We are not being greedy.Twenty-five per cent of every single dollar generated from oil on Hibernia, if our re- gulations apply, goes directly to the Federal Treasury because we -wa.nt to be responsible Canadians. But in being responsible Canadians· - 57 ··,

February 25, 1981 Tape 23 EC - 1 SOME RON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear! PREMIER PECKFORD: But in being responsible Canadians, we want to be responsible Newfoundlanders too. That is what 9anada is all about and that is the great danger. It is very difficult sometimes to zero right in in words on the core and the essence of Confederation and federation. But if there is any part of Canada that can zero in on that essence, can zero in on that dynamism, it is this Province, because there is nowhere, Mr.

Speaker, there is nowhere, I submit, anywhere almost in the whole world,on this planet­ but let us limit it to Canada seeing we are talking about . it in those more narrow terms from global perspective . ­ there is nowhere in Canada, if you divide the number of people in the potential value of the resources of all the ten Provinces of Canada, there is no other province that can come close to Newfoundland and the potential that it has.

No place can come close to it if one just assesses our mineral wealth, our renewable forestry wealth, our fishery wealth, our hydro power wealth and our oil and gas wealth, not to talk about tourism and farming and some of the other ones which will be an integral part of our future. We have the potential and the possibilities to be one of the great contributing partners of Confederation in 2030. We have one of the greatest opportunities ever provided anybody on the face of this earth. And what we are saying, Mr. Speaker, is that we want to participate fully in that contribution.

We want to participate fully in that contribution in a sharing way which allows us some control in the way it is developed, which allows us some say in it and gives us on the front end some share of the revenues that are going to be generated. It is strange that people forget to mention the numbers; 35 per cent and 25 per cent make up how much in arithmetic if you are using base ten? 35 per cent and 25 per cent, how much is that, 70 per cent? 58 •· ..

~- February 25, 1981 Tape. 23 EC - 2 PREMIER PECKFORD: 60 per cent? That is how much Newfoundland will lose. even under its own regulations, of oil and gas. That is how much goes to the companies and the federal government, and the remaining resides here. in the Province. So, Mr.

Speaker, when we are talking about this whole question of a Throne Speech, the direction of a government in Canada, we must do itin relation to what our overall goal is, and surely, as resp~cted leaders, as responsible leaders, our overall goal is to provide better opportunities, better services for our people. so that over time they can be equal to other people in the same nation. That must be our goal. That is our social goal. That can only be reached through a number of levers being operative and those lev.ers must be the resource and economic levers which can provide the wherewithal to reach that social goal.

So oil and gas and all the rest of it are only levers, and on that score on the non-renewable side, they are very frail, Mr. Speaker, very frail, temporary levers, and why we have taken again a very 59 •·. "'I

-----=..::..--~ ~-;;.. l ~ ---=-..,. __ ___ February 25, 1981 Tape No. 24 NM - 1 PREMIER PECKFORD: strong position on the fishery, and a very strong position on the forestry. Mr. Speaker, there are not very many people in this room, or in this Province, who ever thought that today, let alone the ERCO contract and the Water Aversion Act, that this government, or any government of Newfoundland, would be able to renegotiate, at this point in time, a whole new agreement for the forest industry of this Province and create six Come By Chances. SOME HON. ME~ERS: Hear, hear!

PREMIER PECKFORD: And create six Come By Chances, 1,800 new jobs. Oh,if I was part of an administration of ten years ago or twelve years ago, and could come in this House as the leader of the government, how many times that hundreds would be said to ~a~~ sure that every sing}e Newfoundlander in every isolated hamlet had ~t .clear .throuqh their heads, six Come By Chances, Mr. Speaker, have been created today by this government because of our forest policies. SOME HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear! PREMIER PECKFORD: So, Mr.

Speaker, when we look at it we are prepared to accept the challenge, that is what the gracious speech talks about, we are prepared to accept the challenge of continuing to argue for equality of treatment as it relates to those levers which will reach that social goal. But in the meantime, Mr.

Speaker, but in the meantime,even though there is that uncertainty, even though there is that frustration, we will move ahead quickly and aggressively to ensure that our political system is honest, to ensure that our social programmes keep pace with the rest of Canada, and to ensure that in those fields which are unquestioned, we will do our part to demonstrate to Newfoundlanders and Labradorians that we are serious and that we will, as the old fellow said, keep up our end. No·two ways about that, Mr. Speaker. 60 .. , ''I .. ,

--- __ .. ,...~ ~ -- -- -- ---=--- February 25, 1981 Tape No. 24 NM - 2 PREMIER PECKFORD: We, as a government, will keep up our end and we will do our utmost, without raising taxes, to bring to the people of Newfoundland those social and cultural programmes, those economic programmes ·which will create jobs and do the other things. But let there be no doubt about it, the long-term, Mr. Speaker, the long-term ~ future of Newfoundland and its viability is tied up with those economic levers and is tied up with the constitution. And as much as we might want to hide away from it we cannot, we cannot.

We cannot hide away from it and we must face it head on~ Dayafter day in this han. House, and day after day in all parts of this Province, wemust face that very critical fact head on. I noticed, Mr. Speaker, when we talk about economic levers and then we go back to our Terms of Union with Canada, and there has been a lot of talk about it and how even under the latest constitutional proposals the Province isMgoing to lose a lot of its power, and I should like to read to you and table, Mr.

Speaker, 1 Afterthe Terms of Union were negotiated in l949,the then premier of the day was concerned about the same things that a lot of people in Newfoundland were concerned about on the Upper Churchill contract, no re­ opener·clause~ Therewas no re-opener clause on the Terms of Union, 'Itwas agreed by all sides because of custom, convention, practice , that if two people make a 61 .. ''I .. I ...

-- ' ~-------' -·~-- -- · - ---·- -·-- --------· '--- ... :. ..... ~- February 25, 1981 Tape 25 EC - 1 PREMIER PECKFORD: deal it takes two to break it~ aut in 1949 at a first federal/provincial conference that the Premier held at the time, he posed this question because he was uneasy, because he recognized ther-e was no reopener clause in the Terms of Union. "I should like to ask a question" says the Premier (Smallwood) of the day, "concerning the act bringing Newfoundland into union." This is at a federal/provincial conference at which Prime Minister St. Laurent was there - bringing Newfoundland into tinion, Act No. 1 of 1949. Someone was saying ~ere that it was not

an act amending the British North America Act, but it was a separate act. "As I understood it, the British North America Act applied to Newfoundland, so does the British North America Act No. 1 of 1949 more specifically? In working out a formula to amend the British North America Act, will that also mean a formula for amending the British North America Act No. 1 of 1949?" Mr. St. Laurent: "No, the British North America Act No. 1 of 1949 was merely a confirmation of the terms of the union agreed to and confirmed by Dominion statute.

There I do not think anyone cou1d have any doubt that it is a compact between Newfoundland and the central authority representing Canada as it was before union. The terms are contractual terms that were agreed upon." Mr. Smallwood: "But they are confirmed, not only by the Parliament of Canada but by the Parliament of the United Kingdom?" "That is so." Mr. Smallwood: "It is

an act of the United Kingdom Parliament. Would any formula finally accepted from amending the British North America Act, whatever 62 .., .. ,

... ::-;"'·: · ~~s-:~~~~ .. , · ,.:..,.'";:'!;' ·~·CU:KS'.....,..:· ., . .....,.., • ..,. ~- February 25, 1981 Tape 25 EC - 2. PREMIER PECKFORD: it may be, give anyone the right to a..."tlend Act No. 1 of 1949?" Mr. St. Laurent: "Not unless express provision was made for that purpose." And that is the other part of it, Mr. Speaker, that in this whole - AN HON. MEMBER: (Inaudible). PREMIER PECKFORD: Excellent. Unfortunately, it now does not hold as much weight as the paper it is written on, for obvious reasons. SOME HON. MEMBERS : Oh, oh! MR. SPEAKER (Simms)·: Order, please! PREMIER PECKFORD: So, Mr.

Speaker, in looking at our future and looking at what we need to reach that great social goal, we have to look at,first of all,the economic levers that are available and then we have to look at our place and our power and our influence within the union. And we say, as a government - and we take a very strong stand on it - that under the existing formulas and proposals now presented by the federal government, this is in great jeopardy. This is in great jeopardy, and we will not have the same kinds of powers then as we have now.

There will be two very powerful provinces, Ontario and Quebec, with a perpetual veto regardless of their economic power in the future, regardless of their population in the future, and we will be left the hinterland regions to try to work out and to try to shout and howl as loud as we can so that we are heard and so that we get a good deal. And yet, even today, Mr.

Speaker, it will be possible when this Constitution Act goes through for major changes to be made both in our educational system and as it relates to putting our boundary on the ground, which give us less power to negotiate a good deal then than we have right now, less power than we have right now. And that is a concern 63 "I .. , ''I

,__ _ ___: __ :.;·-~··•·X~l~J~~.;:~-- ~--""""<- -- - . ~<S •- · - -. +.· '%'- ,; February 25, 1981 Tape No. 26 EL - 1 PREMIER PECKFORD: and must be· an ongoi~g concern of any government of Newfoundland as it looks at the future and tries to bring to its people those social programmes to reach that great social goal and it is very important. Mr.

Speaker, Guy Favreau, a man who had alot to do with constitutional reform, said at one time in his document when we talked about change in the constitution, ".!\ constitution may be defined as the body of fundamental principles, laws and conventions by which a country is governed. They may be formally ex­ pressed, as in the case of the United States where the word constitution refers to a specific document,or they may include both written and unwritten laws as well as conventions, as is the case in the United Kingdom." And he goes on to indicate that our constitution is a bit of both, written and unwritten.

It was on that basis that this country was founded. Here is the man, one of the few people, in the document that was produced at that time, which indicated the thoughts and opinions of the then Canadian Federal Government as it related to constitutional change, and that amending that BNA Act must take into con­ sideration all the customs and conventions that built up over time as part of the different provinces of Canada. To me that is very important. And secondly, Mr.

Speaker, on this whole constitutional issue let us not forget that this Favreau formula, if you will, and this Favreau idea is not suddenly a very old one. Mr. Kershaw, in his report in Britain, took it up almost exactly and went on to say, 'The UK Parliament's fundamental role in these matters is to decide whether or not a request conveys the clearly expressed wish.es of Canada as a whole, bearing in mind the federal character of the Canadian constitutional system.' so, Mr. Speaker, we are, there is no question, at the crossroads. We are at a watershed in 64 •.. ' ·1 .. ,

February 24, 1981 Tape No. 26 EL - 2 PREMIER PECKFORD: in our history. Because if we are to successfully, not this government, any government in the future, if Newfoundland and Labrador are to successfully pursue the goals that I am sure are common to all of us in this hon. House and all of us in this Province, significant and major changes to the way the balance is in this country must be realized, otherwise, we will continue to fight over the small things forgetting about the whole forest of Canada which has to be looked at in its totality. ··, Mr. Speaker, and this brings me to it.

I do not know if We still have the problem but alot of it is attitudinal, you know. It is like trying to get some- body to go to Labrador to develop the resources of Labrador ---/ in Labrador. There is always this attitudinal problem that somehow because it is so-called in the Arctic you have got to do an extra salesman's job to convince them. And I think perhaps our greatest problem is ourselves very often .. , SOME HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear! PREMIER I£CKFORD: - is ourselves.

If you will just bear with me and we will try to get out and do our other things this evening because it is a formal day, I would like to read this for hon. members to just read it into the record. ··, 65

-- ~- . - ---- - - February 25, 1981 Tape No. 27 · SD - 1 PR&~IER PECKFORD: I think one of the problems is ourselves and I do not know if we have really come to grips with ourselves yet. The scene was Memorial University during the last election campaign, Pierre Trudeau was addressing the students and they were questioning him about his policy on ownership and control of offshore resources, especially oil~-­ Joe Clark had promised it to Newfoundland and the prospect had aroused great hopes in the scholars, many of whom had placed their futures in hock to continue their studies.

As the question grew more specific Trudeau became more animated. "Our policy, " he declared," is to see that Newfoundland gets most or all of the revenues until it becomes a have Province but then it must share with the rest of Canada:' AN HON. MEMBER: Hear, hear. PREMIER PECKFORD: The students were stymied. What exactly constitutes a 'have Province'? ~ ~hey won~ered as did we all. It was a consumation devoutly to be wished but quite beyond our experience. Could it be possible that some day, perhaps in the students' lifetime, Newfoundland could be sending equalization payments to,say, Ontario?

Or that we would 1 perhaps,be lending Heritage money at a preferred rate to Manitoba or even Alberta? The rosy fantasy left the audience in a bemused trance and the questioning faltered. Trudeau did not spell out the 'have' conditions, he became more rhetorical and knowing his audience he struck a cord that he knew would resound,.ancestor worship. "Would this be the kind of Newfoundland your fathers and ancestors wanted~' he intoned, •'a greedy Newfoundland keeping all revenues for itself in perpetuity?'- how incorrect and erroneous but,nevertheless, it worked. But my sympathies were with the students.

Here was a millionaire prospective Prime Minister conjuring up the spector of greediness to a province which yet did not know if there would be a red cent of revenue for anyone. I thought of the many times in our past when it seemed there might be a turn in the tide for Newfoundland, a 56 ..

_,~_~:~~~ ... · ---'-~--- ---~-- ·--· ____ ._ ______ _:..,......,.._ • .__ •.L..• -,. • • -- ----·--- ___ ..:......_:.._ __ .. ::; -~-- -~--·~. ~~--~- --- February 25, 1981 Tape No. 27 SD - 2 PREMIER PECKFORD: new economic high water mark. It never carne. Wrote one local journalist once paraphrasing Alexander Pope's famous line, "Newfoundland never is but always to be blessed".

Always we had had to negotiate from weakness with entrepreneurs and industrialists, pulp and paper mills, phosphorous plant, Churchill Fall's power, they all had a common component, massive concessions from our government so we could benefit from a few jobs. As the old Newfoundland saying has it, "There are always.sculpins in the herring net". So Pierre•s invoking of the generosity of spirit of our ancestors held more than a touch of irony for us. The almost certain hope of a large oil find found off our shores had given us another chance for solvency. Would we muff this one?

Would we again have to sell part of birthright for a mess of pottage? What would our ancestors, indeed, have to say about all of this? I thought of the hundreds of thousands of New£oundlanders who had been da~ied a fair chance at educat~on and training, of the droves of Islanders who had to leave . forother parts of Canada and the Boston area to find work but who always, like homing pigeons, return to the Rock to visit. I thought of our fisherman ancestors who had fought ice, wind and sea 67 ''1

-- ., __ ~......_ __ _, February 25, 1981 Tape No. 28 DW - 1 PREMIER PECKFORD: in search of fish or seal for a bare survival, ~nd of their sons and grandsons who today are being scorned and vilified in our own nation and ,distant lands as Stone Age Barbarians. The livlihoods of their critics do not come from the sea. I think I know what our ancestors would have said, 'Pierre', they would say, 'this time you must run the risk of being called greedy for the sake of the future and our children. This time if there is a tirne 1 make sure this Province gets its chance to get free of economic vassalage.

We did not have the chance to find the light in the fine arts, to explore the possibilities of creative potential in our- selves, to qualify for the well paid jobs that are offered, to compete in anything but in the struggle to keep off the dole and to raise our children to stay on the same treadmill. Yes, there were moments of pride, of accomplishment and satisfaction but we could have done so much better. We left no fat bank accounts but you have our blood and our genes. Sho~ the world what you can accom~lish in your own land.' MR. NEARY: Author? Identify the author. PREMIER PECKFORD: ~. Scammell, A.R.

Scammell, in an articl~ entitled, 'Ancestral Worship'. SOME HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear! :PREMIER PECKFORD: Mr. Speaker, let me end with t\'lO quotes that I will table of my own - three quotes, two of my own and one other. 'The centrepiece of our philosophy must always be the growth and enhancement of an essentially rural society through the wise management and control of our natural resources. The enhancement of this kind of life we are living is to me the only way in which we can ensure a happy and creative society. Will those who attack us understand this essential goal and objective?

Can those who attack us understand and appreciate this concept? In order to have any chance to come close to this ideal we must 68 ''I

--·--- ·----...c . ~ ... ....:.,.~:,._,__ __ ---~·· :- ... ,_.:, :::- ;,y . ..:··- - . -·- . •··· ----- -···-· February 25, 1981 Tape No. 28 ow - 2 PREMIER PEC}{FOJID: have the levers to make it happen.. And .how ironic it is that in order to have these levers we onl-y seek the same powers and responsibilitie .s now afforded other Canadian provinces. Why is it so wrong for sharing among the two governments on fishery, our main industry? It surel-y should stop decisions like the one about moving the office to Moncton for the West Coast. How can we realize an ongoing substantial rural society without some say?

It is around the renewable resources of fishing, forestry and farming that our massi .ve quick-dollar hydro and offshore developments must revolve. ,It cannot be any other way, it must not be any other way for is so our objective i:s des- · troyed, Our way of life is gone and we become pawns in quick development schemes that will see the same disastrous results we have seen in the past,only worse. 69 ''!

--- _• :__ =.: :~~:-:-:-_,; .. . ~ February 25, 1981 Tape No. 29 NM- 1 PREMIER PECKFORD: Why then must we have to fight for reasonable powers that our fellow countrymen enjoy __ ~Y right1 Why must hydro transmission be treated . differently than oil and gas transmission? Why must oil and gas under salt water be treated differently than oil and gas under fresh water? For without these fair powers not only will our finances not improve and we will be poor forevermore, but the developments will overrun us and more importan