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November 4, 2019

HOUSE OF ASSEMBLY PROCEEDINGS

Vol. XLIX No. 12

The

House met at 1:30 p.m.

SERGEANT-AT-ARMS:

All rise.

Madam

Clerk, Her Honour the Lieutenant-Governor has arrived.

CLERK (Barnes):

Admit Her Honour the Lieutenant-Governor.

SERGEANT-AT-ARMS:

All rise.

(The

Lieutenant-Governor takes the Speaker's Chair.)

It is

the wish of Her Honour the Lieutenant-Governor that all present be seated.

CLERK:

Members of the House of

Assembly:

September 6, 2019, I received notice of resignation as Speaker of this Assembly

from Mr. Perry Trimper, Member for the District of Lake Melville. In accordance

with the Standing Orders, I advised all Members of the House of Assembly of the

vacancy in the Office of the Speaker.

I have a

Proclamation from Her Honour the Lieutenant-Governor:

TO:

Sandra Barnes, Clerk of the House of Assembly and Elizabeth Murphy, Clerk

Assistant of the House of Assembly

GREETING;

PROCLAMATION

WHEREAS

by a letter of resignation addressed to the Clerk of the House of Assembly, the

Honourable Perry Trimper vacated the position of Speaker of the House of

Assembly on September 6, 2019;

AND

WHEREAS it is expedient to call together the 49th General Assembly on the said

day for the Members of the House of Assembly to proceed to their choice of

Speaker;

NOW

THEREFORE I, the Lieutenant-Governor of the Province of Newfoundland and

Labrador, do authorize and direct you, the said Sandra Barnes and Elizabeth

Murphy, or either of you, to signify to the Members of the said House of

Assembly to assemble for the dispatch of business on Monday, November 4, 2019,

at 1:30 o'clock in the afternoon, and that it is my pleasure that they should

proceed to choose some person to be their Speaker and to present such person on

that day for my approbation.

SERGEANT-AT-ARMS:

All rise.

(Sergeant-at-Arms escorts Their Honours from the Chamber.)

CLERK:

Please be seated.

At the

close of nominations for the Office of the Speaker at 4:30 p.m., Friday,

November 1, 2019, two candidates put their names forward. The candidates, in

alphabetical order, are Mr. Scott Reid and Mr. Perry Trimper.

Members

of the House of Assembly, pursuant to the Lieutenant-Governor's direction and

the Standing Orders of this Assembly, it is my duty to call upon you to elect a

Member to preside over your deliberations as Speaker.

Would

the Sergeant-at-Arms and the Pages please make sure the voting booth and ballot

box are in position?

Before

we begin the election procedure, I will briefly outline the process that will be

followed as set out in the Standing Orders of the House. For each round of

balloting, Members are asked to proceed starting from the back or third row of

desks on their respective sides of the House, file past the Speaker's Chair to

the head of the Clerk's Table. At the Table, each Member will be given a ballot

and asked to initial a list to verify that they have received it. Once you have

received your ballot, please proceed to the voting booth which is located on the

Sergeant-at-Arms's desk.

In the

voting booth, please mark your ballot with an X next to the name of the

candidate you support, then proceed to the ballot box, which is located at the

end of the Clerk's Table, deposit your ballot and return to your place. When all

Members wishing to vote have done so, the House will recess while the Table

Officers withdraw to count the vote. A simple majority of the votes cast is

required to elect the Speaker. If the candidates receive the same number of

votes, there will be another ballot.

Immediately before the start of the second or any subsequent ballot, a Member

who wishes to withdraw will be given an opportunity to do so. When the count of

each ballot is completed, a five-minute bell will ring to call Members to the

Chamber. In preparation for the vote, I ask the Sergeant-at-Arms to inspect and

lock the ballot box.

We will

now proceed with the voting procedure. Starting from the back or third row of

seating on each side of the House, those Members who wish to cast a ballot

should now proceed to either side of the head of the Clerk's Table.

As all

Members present in the House of Assembly have voted, the House will now recess

to the call of the bells while the Clerks at the Table count the ballots. The

bells will ring for five minutes to recall Members to the Chamber when the

results of the first ballot will be announced.

Thank

you very much.

Recess

CLERK:

Members of the House of

Assembly, further to suborder 4(11) of the Standing Orders, I declare Mr. Scott

Reid, Member for the District of St. George's - Humber, elected as Speaker for

the remainder of the 49th General Assembly.

SOME HON. MEMBERS:

Hear, hear!

(The

Premier and the Leader of the Official Opposition lead (drag) the new Speaker to

the Speaker's Chair. The Premier and Leader of the Official Opposition help the

new Speaker into his robe.)

MR. SPEAKER (Reid):

It's a great honour to be

in this position.

It's

tradition, as a new Speaker is brought into the House, that we resist being

brought in. It's an old tradition from British history when a Speaker would be

directed by the House to send a message to the King. He'd go see the King and if

the King didn't agree with the message that was being brought to him, he often

sent a little note back to the House and as an exclamation mark to the note,

often chopped off the Speaker's head and sent the head back to the House as

well. So people resisted getting in the Speaker's Chair for that reason, and

that's a tradition we have to this day.

The word

Parliament comes from the French word parlay, the place where we come to talk;

we talk out our differences. We do a lot of talking and a lot of speaking here,

and it's important we do it in an orderly fashion. That we have rules and

procedures that allow each of us – protects the right of each of us to speak and

to represent the people who've elected us and sent us here.

So the

rules of the House have evolved over time. We, in this House, have our Standing

Orders which we look to as the main document that guides the way we order our

discussions, the way we talk to each other and the way we speak to each other

throughout the day. We also look at the precedents of this House, the past

practice in this House, the past practices in other parliaments in Canada and

other parliamentary democracies around the world to guide us in the way we

conduct our affairs here in the House.

It's an

important thing that we follow the rules and that we have rules that protect the

rights each Member because when we do that, we protect the rights of Members to

speak, we show our respect for the democratic process and we also show our

respect for the people who have elected us and sent us here. The rules of the

House continue to evolve, and we have to be responsive to things that are

happening in a broader society, as a House, to remain relevant and to remain

faithful to the principles of protecting the rights of each Member to represent

their districts.

I look

forward to working with you, to continue to evolve the rules of our House, to

look to the traditions that we've had in the past as a guidance in the way we

conduct our affairs here, and look forward to working with you all, doing the

job we were sent here to do. Being Speaker is a great honour for me, and in

conclusion, I just want to thank you all for giving me this responsibility.

Thank

you very much.

SOME HON. MEMBERS:

Hear, hear!

MR. SPEAKER:

The hon. the Premier.

PREMIER BALL:

Mr. Speaker, congratulations, first and foremost.

I move,

seconded by the Leader of the Official Opposition, that the Member for the

District of Lewisporte - Twillingate be appointed Deputy Speaker for the

remainder of the 49th General Assembly.

MR. CROSBIE:

I second the motion.

MR. SPEAKER:

It has been moved and seconded that the Member for Lewisporte - Twillingate be

the Deputy Speaker.

All

those in favour?

SOME HON. MEMBERS:

Aye.

MR. SPEAKER:

All those against, 'nay.'

Carried.

SERGEANT-AT-ARMS:

Mr. Speaker, Her Honour the

Lieutenant-Governor has arrived.

MR. SPEAKER:

Admit Her Honour the

Lieutenant-Governor.

SERGEANT-AT-ARMS:

All rise.

(Mr.

Speaker leaves the Chair.)

(Her

Honour the Lieutenant-Governor takes the Chair.)

SERGEANT-AT-ARMS:

It is the wish of Her Honour

the Lieutenant-Governor that all present be seated.

PREMIER BALL:

May it please Your Honour,

the House of Assembly, agreeable to your Honour's command, have proceeded to the

choice of Speaker and have elected Mr. Scott Reid, the Member for the District

of St. George's - Humber, to that office, and by their direction I present him

for the approbation of your Honour.

HER HONOUR THE

LIEUTENANT-GOVERNOR (Judy May Foote, PC, ONL):

On behalf of Her Majesty, I

assure you of my sense of your efficiency and I do most fully approve and

confirm you as Speaker.

MR. SPEAKER:

Your Honour, having approved

the choice of this House in constituting me as their Speaker, it now becomes my

duty in the name of the representatives of Her Majesty's loyal subjects to ask

that I, as Speaker, may have full access to Your Honour's presence at all

reasonable times.

HER HONOUR THE

LIEUTENANT-GOVERNOR:

Mr. Speaker, I do confirm, on

behalf of Her Majesty, that your words and actions will constantly receive the

most favourable construction.

I'm

going to take advantage of this opportunity, just to have a few words to say.

The most important duty of a Lieutenant-Governor is to ensure there is always a

responsible government in power; therefore, one of the Lieutenant-Governor's key

responsibilities is the appointment of the Premier and, on her or his advice,

the Members of the Cabinet who constitute the Executive Council.

There

are rules governing different scenarios following a general election. The one

applicable following the last provincial election stipulates: Where no party

wins an outright majority in a general election but the party of the incumbent

Premier, first minister, wins the largest number of seats, the conventional

practice is to allow her or him to continue in office and seek the confidence of

the Legislature unless she or he chooses to resign.

I have a

job to do as a representative of the Crown in our province – it is non-partisan.

I do not engage in political activity. I act on the advice of ministers who are

Members of the government that enjoys the confidence of the Legislature. This

advice is normally conveyed by the Premier who chairs Executive Council. I am

available to the Premier and her or his ministers when called upon.

This

House of Assembly finds itself in a position that has occurred only one other

time in the province's history. The other time there was a minority government

was almost half a century ago. All forms of governance have challenges and

opportunities, and none more so than a minority government. The opportunity

exists to meet these challenges by working together, as was the wish of the

electorate in our province six months ago when they voted in a minority

government and they will hold you accountable.

I also

have a role to play in highlighting democracy, which we all know is work in

progress. Democracy, as we were taught in school, is a word that traces its

origin back to two Greek words, the word for people and the word for rules.

Rules for the people by the people. You represent the people.

Democracy can't flourish in darkness only in light, which is why I believe the

cornerstone of democracy is tolerance. Tolerance for others and, in this House

of Assembly where issues are debated and decisions are made that are meant to be

in the best interest of the people of Newfoundland and Labrador, tolerance for

each other.

All 40

of you have been hired to do the best job you can to ensure this province, where

we all live, not only survives but prospers. You applied for a job and you were

hired while others were not. There is a reason why you are here. Some of you

have served before and were returned to continue to work in the best interest of

Newfoundland and Labrador and its people. Others are here for the first time,

having convinced those in the district you represent that you indeed have

something to offer that will be of benefit to our province and our people. I

congratulate each of you.

The

trust you earn to sit in this House of Assembly comes with responsibilities, and

among them, in my opinion, is the absolute necessity of being tolerant and

respecting each other. In doing so, you will show respect for the people of our

province who decided who will get to represent them and be stewards of this

province from a governance point of view.

There is

no province in our country known more for its sense of humour than ours, and

there is no reason why that sense of humour cannot be evident in this House of

Assembly and in your dealings with one another. There are a great many lines

that come to mind used by former representatives of people of Newfoundland and

Labrador, used during Question Period and debate; some will go down in history.

There's nothing like wit to tone down rhetoric and get debate back on track

where the exchange becomes meaningful and of value for our province and its

people.

It is

important to remind yourself that just like you, your colleagues ran for public

office because they believed they can make a difference. When we question that,

we question those who did the hiring.

While

there are witty lines I could quote from some of the well-known representatives

from Newfoundland and Labrador over the years – I'm sure many of you are

familiar with them – in the interest of being fair to both genders, I will share

an exchange you may not have heard between Nancy Astor, the first woman to sit

in the British Parliament, and Sir Winston Churchill. In the exchange, Lady

Astor said to Mr. Winston Churchill: If I was your wife, I would put poison in

your coffee. To which he replied: Madam, if you were my wife, I would drink it.

Not

everyone comes into this House with the same level of confidence, for some of

those here for the first time it can be daunting and it takes time to adjust to

this environment. An exchange with a witty line that may spark one in return

during Question Period or in debate and still get the point you were making

across will have a much more positive impact and should result in a better

working relationship.

Human

beings don't take kindly to being on the receiving end of disrespectful remarks

and it certainly doesn't make for a collegial working relationship. All of you

deserve better, and those who hired you expect better because they deserve to

have your attention focused on them and the challenges they face, not on each

other.

Give and

take is necessary for deal making in any situation. I encourage you to take the

opportunity that you have been given to work together in the best interest of

this province that we all love, and which has so much to offer.

Thank

you.

SERGEANT-AT-ARMS:

All rise.

MR. SPEAKER:

Please be seated.

We're

going to proceed with routine proceedings.

First of

all, in the gallery today I would like to welcome Lieutenant Colonel Stephane

Racle, Commander of 5 Wing Goose Bay; and 5 Wing Goose Bay Honorary Colonel

Geoff Goodyear.

Also in

the gallery, I would like to recognize Tom Badcock, Executive Director of Help

Us Build, joining us today for a Member's statement. As well as a crew member of

the MV Flanders visiting us this

afternoon for a Ministerial Statement.

Statements by

Members

MR. SPEAKER:

Today we have Members'

statements from the hon. Members for the District of Lewisporte - Twillingate,

Ferryland, Labrador West, St. John's East - Quidi Vidi and Harbour Main.

The

Member for Lewisporte - Twillingate.

MR. BENNETT:

Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Congratulations, I look forward to working with you as Deputy Speaker.

I rise

in this hon. House today to recognize the Twillingate Volunteer Fire Department.

The 30-member department is very active in the community, taking an active

part

in community events and running a vigorous training program and fire prevention

initiatives.

Over the

past year they responded to 31 calls, ranging from home fires, vehicle

accidents, missing persons and other emergencies. On November 2, I had the

honour of being the guest speaker for their annual banquet and awards ceremony.

Fire

Chief Craig Clarke, Captain Jim Hull and Robert Ings each received 100 per cent

attendance, and long-time service awards were presented to Corey Rogers for five

years service, Jerry Ings, 15 years and Deputy Chief Perry Cooper for 35 years

service.

Firefighter Alex Baggs was presented with the prestigious Firefighter of the

Year, while Robert Ings took home the Willie Cooper Memorial Award.

Mr.

Speaker, volunteer firefighters and first responders play a vital role in

protecting our residents and communities. I ask all Members to join me in

thanking the Twillingate Volunteer Fire Department for their devoted service.

Thank

you, Mr. Speaker.

SOME HON. MEMBERS:

Hear, hear!

MR. SPEAKER:

The hon. the Member for

Ferryland.

MR. O'DRISCOLL:

Thank you, Mr. Speaker, and

congratulations.

I rise

today to recognize the recent passing of a constituent from my district. Leo

Puddester passed away May 2, 2019. Leo was a resident of Bay Bulls, a folklore

legend in Newfoundland and Labrador and former president of the Newfoundland and

Labrador Association of Public and Private Employees.

He first

joined NAPE in 1968 as a correctional officer. Within weeks he became shop

steward for his local and eventually became local president. He would go on to

represent correctional officers on NAPE's board of directors and served as

eastern vice-president. In 1983, he became union staff, serving as employee

relations officer and senior negotiator, a position he held up until 2003 when

he was elected president of NAPE.

Leo was

acknowledged in Newfoundland and Labrador because of his involvement with NAPE

and Unicorn Promotions. Leo will certainly be remembered due to his involvement

with both. He will also be remembered for his stylish wardrobe and colourful

personality. He was also very well known for his toughness in the hockey world

and he brought that to his tough negotiations with NAPE.

Mr.

Speaker, I ask all my colleagues in this House to join me in honouring the life

of Leo Puddester and the contribution he made to our province.

Thank

you.

SOME HON. MEMBERS:

Hear, hear!

MR. SPEAKER:

The hon. Member for Labrador

West.

MR. BROWN:

I am proud today to recognize

Darrell Brenton, former mayor and community activist of Labrador City.

celebrated public servant, Mr. Brenton has served on council since 1981. He was

the longest serving mayor of Labrador City, holding the position from 1989 to

Darrell

is a long-time member of the Lions Club and is renowned for his community

service. He's a volunteer with the Canadian Cancer Society, Canadian Hard of

Hearing Association and many more. From calling bingo to selling tickets in the

mall for local charities, his work in Labrador West is never ending.

This

past spring, Darrell was made a Labradorian of Distinction for all his

contributions to Labrador and Labrador West and its residents.

Mr.

Brenton's reputation for volunteerism precedes him. If you mention his name to

anyone in Labrador West, his long list of community involvements are the first

things that are brought up. His love of Labrador West shines through.

I ask

all hon. Members to join me in thanking Mr. Brenton for his years of service to

Labrador West.

Thank

you.

SOME. HON. MEMBERS:

Hear, hear!

MR. SPEAKER:

The hon. the Member for St.

John's East - Quidi Vidi.

MS. COFFIN:

Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Mr.

Speaker, The HUB, or Help Us Build group, has been a long-standing, non-profit

organization in the great District of St. John's East - Quidi Vidi. The HUB

provides fabulous services, accessible programs and support for the differently

abled community.

In the

building that was formerly St. George's school, The HUB has been an established

non-profit in our district since 1975. Hallmarks of this organization are their

fantastic print shop which offers services for design, scanning, printing and

publishing. Likewise, they offer phenomenal catering services providing diverse

and delicious menus. These programs support The HUB and its many social

programs.

The

members of The HUB enjoy accessible card and dart leagues. They offer summer

barbecues, dances and outings for the differently abled community. The board of

directors and president, Jim Kelly, are volunteers.

I ask

the hon. Members to join me in thanking them for all their hard work and The HUB

for their excellent work in our community.

SOME. HON. MEMBERS:

Hear, hear!

MR. SPEAKER:

The hon. the Member for

Harbour Main.

MS. CONWAY OTTENHEIMER:

Thank you, Mr.

Speaker.

It is an

honour for me to rise today to speak to a true champion from the District of

Harbour Main.

Shailynn

Snow grew up in Clarke's Beach. At age two, her pop, Ernie Mugford, took her

every day to the parent-and-tot skate. At the age of five, she began playing in

numerous girls and boys hockey leagues. While completing her grade 10, 11 and 12

education, she attended Ridley College in Ontario on a scholarship. She played

in the Junior Women's League and won many awards and was named female athlete of

the year.

In May

2018, she was successful in making the cut for the Team Canada Under-18 Team.

They won gold in January 2019 in Obihiro, Japan.

Shailynn

is presently attending her first year university at St. Lawrence University in

Canton, New York on a four year full scholarship. Her goal is to make the

Olympic team.

Please

join me in saluting our world champion, Shailynn Snow.

Thank

you, Mr. Speaker.

SOME HON. MEMBERS:

Hear, hear!

MR. SPEAKER:

Statements by Ministers.

Statements by

Ministers

MR. SPEAKER:

The hon. the Minister of

Education and Early Childhood Development.

MR. WARR:

Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Mr.

Speaker, this morning I joined Skills Canada Newfoundland and Labrador for the

launch of the National Skilled Trades and Technology Week. This annual event

celebrates the successes of skilled workers while promoting careers in skilled

trades and technology as first-choice options for our youth.

To that

end, Mr. Speaker, our government has provided $178,000 to Skills Canada

Newfoundland and Labrador to offer a new program called Skilled Futures.

Skilled

Futures features a series of interactive workshops for intermediate and

secondary students, offering them hands-on experience, connections with mentors,

and information on specific post-secondary programs. It is also placing a focus

on a wide variety of sectors such as health sciences, paramedicine, aviation and

agriculture and forestry.

Mr.

Speaker, Skilled Futures is offered province-wide and is part of our focus under

the Education Action Plan on Career and Co-operative Education. Through this

program we are promoting a whole-school approach to exploring career education

through experiential learning in communities.

I invite

my hon. colleagues to join me in wishing Skills Canada Newfoundland and Labrador

a successful Skilled Trades and Technology Week and to encourage students to

participate in the new Skilled Futures Program.

Thank

you, Mr. Speaker.

SOME HON. MEMBERS:

Hear, hear!

MR. SPEAKER:

The hon. the Member for

Bonavista.

MR. PARDY:

Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

I would

like to thank the hon. minister for the advance copy of his statement.

Mr.

Speaker, our caucus would like to join the hon. minister in offering thanks and

congratulations to Skills Canada Newfoundland and Labrador on their new program,

Skilled Futures.

Mr.

Speaker, recent employment trends indicate there will be thousands of skilled

labour vacancies across the country in the next decade as people retire.

Recently, we attended the Canadian Parliamentary Association in Victoria, BC

where we heard the Rear Admiral of the Pacific Fleet state such. We need to

prepare our students to meet these opportunities as they consider employment

paths now for their future.

Skilled

Futures will offer hands-on experience through interactive workshops, mentorship

and information on a diverse range of industries. As a former teacher and

administrator, myself, I know first-hand the value of practical hands-on

experience for teachers and students. There is perhaps no better method to peak

curiosity and interest in a given field.

closing, I ask all hon. Members of the House to join me in congratulating Skills

Canada Newfoundland and Labrador.

Thank

you, Mr. Speaker.

SOME HON. MEMBERS:

Hear, hear!

MR. SPEAKER:

The hon. the Member for St.

John's Centre.

MR. J. DINN:

Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

I, too,

thank the minister for the advance copy of his statement. Anytime a government

is investing in youth and our education system is a good idea and is always

welcome. However, any project such as this is going to need people at the school

level to make it work. It's going to need teachers, and I would be interested in

discussing with the minister who at the school level will be responsible for the

coordination of the program and if there will be sufficient allocation of

teaching resources to make this work.

Thank

you.

MR. SPEAKER:

The hon. the Minister of

Transportation and Works.

MR. CROCKER:

Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Mr.

Speaker, I rise in this hon. House today with great pride to honour the crew of

the MV Flanders.

On the

evening of July 9, the Flanders and

its crew were in Portugal Cove when they received a call from the Canadian Coast

Guard requesting assistance. Two men were in distress in Conception Bay after

their watercraft they were operating overturned. The vessel departed within

minutes and with general location of where to search and assistance from the

Coast Guard the men were located a short time after.

Crew

members used a marshaling boat to get the vessel to the two men and pull them

from the frigid water. Finally, once aboard the

Flanders , they received first-aid before the vessel retuned to

Portugal Cove where they were treated by paramedics.

When the

crew received the call from the Coast Guard, they responded immediately, and

darkness was setting in when they pulled the men from the water.

Mr.

Speaker, crews in our provincial ferries often go above and beyond the call of

duty, and I don't want to think about what could have happened had the crew not

responded quickly that evening.

behalf of the hon. Members of this House and the people of Newfoundland and

Labrador, I extend my congratulations to the heroes on board the

MV Flanders for their actions that evening.

Thank

you, Mr. Speaker.

SOME HON. MEMBERS:

Hear, hear!

MR. SPEAKER:

The hon. the Member for

Conception Bay South.

MR. PETTEN:

Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

I would

like to thank the hon. minister for the advance copy of his statement. Mr.

Speaker, we, on this side of the House, join all Members in thanking the crew of

the Flanders for their heroic efforts

on July 9.

Mr.

Speaker, for centuries Newfoundlanders and Labradorians have made their living

from the sea. Sadly, stories of tragedy and loss have so frequently broken the

hearts of families and communities around our province. Thankfully, because of

the quick actions of the crew of the

Flanders , another tragic event was averted.

The

employees of the provincial government often go above and beyond every day to

serve their fellow citizens; however, rarely does it test the individual bravery

and courage such as the night of July 9.

Mr.

Speaker, all Members of our caucus join the minister in recognizing and thanking

the crew. I am also glad to note that one of those rescued was a nephew of the

hon. Member for Cape St. Francis, my colleague, who is particularly grateful for

the efforts of the crew of the Flanders .

Thank

you, Mr. Speaker.

SOME HON. MEMBERS:

Hear, hear!

MR. SPEAKER:

The hon. the Member for

Labrador West.

MR. BROWN:

I would like to thank the

minister of an advance copy of his statement. I join the hon. Members in

expressing congratulations and thank the crew of the

MV Flanders for their professionalism,

quick thinking and response to the Coast Guards call for assistance and coming

to the rescue for those two gentlemen of the public who were in distress.

Thank

you.

SOME HON. MEMBERS:

Hear, hear!

MR. SPEAKER:

Oral Questions.

Oral Questions

MR. SPEAKER:

The hon. the Leader of the

Official Opposition.

MR. CROSBIE:

Thank you, Mr. Speaker, and

congratulations once again.

Can the

Premier inform the House if Prime Minister Trudeau replied to the Premier's

letter asking for his position on issues affecting the province prior to

election day?

MR. SPEAKER:

The hon. the Premier.

PREMIER BALL:

Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

As we

have said that we would make the letters that would have come back from the

questions we sent to all federal leaders and we received two – one, as we've

mentioned, has been put out publicly.

Mr.

Speaker, much of the questions that were in the prime minister's letter were

things that we were already working on and we continue to have that dialogue

with the prime minister at this stage.

There

were two letters of response from the leaders that we requested the information

on based on the priorities for Newfoundlanders and Labradorians.

SOME HON. MEMBERS:

Hear, hear!

MR. SPEAKER:

The hon. the Leader of the

Official Opposition.

MR. CROSBIE:

Mr. Speaker, I draw from that

that answer is no, the Premier did not receive a reply from the prime minister

prior to election day.

How does

that affect the Premier's level of confidence in whether or not the present

minority government in Ottawa will deliver on promises made?

MR. SPEAKER:

The hon. the Premier.

PREMIER BALL:

Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Well,

number one, one of the major priorities that we would've seen would have been on

rate mitigation. Going into the election, I made that quite clear that the

communication meetings would continue during the election writ period. Those

meetings have occurred. That was a number one priority for people of our

province, Mr. Speaker.

If you

look at the responses that were received, they were varying. But, Mr. Speaker, I

can assure you now that I've had conversations since the election, already, with

the prime minister. I've had conversations with premiers all across this

country. The agenda for Newfoundland and Labrador will continue as it was prior

to the federal election. It will continue on.

And we

will work with Ottawa – we will work with all federal parties, for that matter,

Mr. Speaker, because what's important is that we get the priority issues facing

Newfoundlanders and Labradorians addressed in Ottawa.

SOME HON. MEMBERS:

Hear, hear!

MR. SPEAKER:

The hon. the Leader of the

Official Opposition.

MR. CROSBIE:

I thank the Premier for his

statement. I understand that he's going to table those letters, and I look

forward hopefully to seeing those tabled this week. Thank you.

Our most

pressing financial problem in Newfoundland and Labrador is rate mitigation for

the Muskrat Falls Project. Full power will be delivered in about a year's time.

What

commitment to help with rates did the Premier's low-key approach to the federal

election bring from any federal party?

MR. SPEAKER:

The hon. the Premier.

PREMIER BALL:

Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Well,

number one, addressing the letters. The letters that Mr. Singh had put out were

publicly available. I'm assuming, since you campaigned with him, that Mr. Scheer

would've spoken to you about those letters as well, because they were publicly

available. So we can table those, we can just print them off, Mr. Speaker, and

table them for you. We'd be more than happy to do that.

There is

no question rate mitigation – as a result of, by the way, not a decision of this

government, but the administration that you are leading, or the PC Party that

you are leading, which caused the necessity for rate mitigation. Let's not

forget that. A project that you, to this day, I say to the Leader of the

Opposition, fails to even say it was a mistake.

Mr.

Speaker, we put out a rate mitigation plan that was very clear to the people of

this province. The rate mitigation from the Leader of the Opposition is still

missing $150 million.

SOME HON. MEMBERS:

Hear, hear!

MR. SPEAKER:

The hon. the Leader of the

Official Opposition.

MR. CROSBIE:

That was a kind of convoluted

answer to the question, and I have a pretty strong idea that the electorate in

this province is getting tired, after two elections now, of hearing the same old

accusations.

I take

it that the Premier obtained, in fact, no commitment on Muskrat rate mitigation

from any federal party leader.

Why

didn't the Premier use the leverage he had during a close election in which

every seat counted and make Muskrat Falls rate mitigation a federal election

issue in this province?

MR. SPEAKER:

The hon. the Premier.

PREMIER BALL:

Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Well,

speaking of low key during the federal election, Mr. Speaker, the Leader of the

Opposition here in working in collaboration – keep in mind, this is supposed to

be a collaborative House of Assembly working on behalf of all Newfoundlanders

and Labradorians. I didn't hear much from the Leader of the Opposition that he

raised on this issue.

I will

tell you, though, that in September prior to the election we did meet with

Minister Morneau. That was publicly available. We made that information public

that we would continue to have discussions around rate mitigation, Mr. Speaker.

It's

serious; it's the number one priority for Newfoundlanders and Labradorians that

has been caused by a project that has seen significant overruns for the people

of our province. Mr. Speaker, that's the reason why we're having this

discussion, a project that leads to 30 per cent of the debt of this province.

Whose

administration made those choices, I ask the Leader of the Opposition.

SOME HON. MEMBERS:

Hear, hear!

MR. SPEAKER:

The hon. the Member for

Torngat Mountains.

MS. EVANS:

Mr. Speaker, last week I went

to Sheshatshiu and met with Chief Hart regarding the suicide crisis. The

government has provided additional counselling resources and we support that

effort.

I'd like

to ask the minister: Will those counselling resources be allocated to

Sheshatshiu on a permanent basis to ensure long-term solutions for this crisis?

MR. SPEAKER:

The hon. the Premier.

PREMIER BALL:

Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

I think

the people of our province, and throughout our province no matter where you

live, has been impacted by the situation in Sheshatshiu. I've had conversations

with the chief just about every day. Even this morning I've had conversations

about the situation that's in Sheshatshiu. I've made it well known to the chief

and others that if my services are needed there, I will go. First of all, Mr.

Speaker, I want to say that.

Secondly, we were very quick to respond by putting resources on the ground, Mr.

Speaker. There's security now that's been in place. The conversations are

happening every day. What we've put in place, number one, is to deal with the

current situation and then let's provide the necessary long-term solutions that

will be required in a community like Sheshatshiu.

SOME HON. MEMBERS:

Hear, hear!

MR. SPEAKER:

The hon. the Member for

Torngat Mountains.

MS. EVANS:

Thank you.

support your effort with this crisis, but it shouldn't take a crisis or

fatalities to spur such action.

I ask

the minister: Has the government been responsive enough to the needs expressed

by Indigenous leaders in the many years and months leading up to this?

MR. SPEAKER:

The hon. the Minister of

Health and Community Services.

MR. HAGGIE:

Thank you very much for the

question. It has been a difficult situation for the community, distressing for

all concerned.

The

Member opposite's question is best addressed through the All-Party Committee and

the response through the action plan. We have consulted widely with Indigenous

communities, both in Sheshatshiu and Natuashish, as well as with NunatuKavut and

the Nunatsiavut Government.

We are

trying to craft, in the realm of mental health, a culturally appropriate system

that meets their needs and is designed to their specifications. We continue to

be engaged in regular discussions with them, and the undertaking we have is to

provide them with what they need, Mr. Speaker.

SOME HON. MEMBERS:

Hear, hear!

MR. SPEAKER:

The hon. the Member for

Torngat Mountains.

MS. EVANS:

Labrador Indigenous leaders

have repeatedly said that children being removed from their communities and

placed in the foster care system are losing touch with their traditional culture

and traditions. When they return home they often feel alienation and isolation.

This leads to a sense of helplessness and anger.

I ask:

Is the Premier prepared to allocate adequate resources that supports and ensure

children in care can remain in their communities?

MR. SPEAKER:

The hon. the Minister of

Children, Seniors and Social Development.

MS. DEMPSTER:

Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Let me

begin by saying my department, too, was very saddened by what was happening and

what has been happening in Sheshatshiu. As this hon. House would know, we have a

lot of resources that are in Sheshatshiu and my department, under child welfare

in particular, we work very closely with all of the Indigenous groups in this

province.

Recently, this House would know, in May '18 we brought in a very progressive

piece of legislation, a substantive bill proclaimed this year, Mr. Speaker, on

the 28th of June. There are a lot of things in that, after extensive

consultation with Indigenous groups, that they look very favourably upon. Things

like a cultural connection plan, working with family connections to keep with an

elevated focus on keeping children in their communities, and we'll continue to

work collaboratively, Mr. Speaker, with the Indigenous communities.

Thank

you.

SOME HON. MEMBERS:

Hear, hear!

MR. SPEAKER:

The hon. the Member for Cape

St. Francis.

MR. K. PARSONS:

Thank you very much, Mr.

Speaker.

Mr.

Speaker, people on the South Coast and across the province are extremely

concerned about the salmon die-off incident and how the minister has mishandled

this situation.

Minister, you were made aware of the die-off on September 3. What did you do on

that very day to look after the best interest of the people from the Coast of

Bays?

MR. SPEAKER:

The hon. the Minister of

Fisheries and Land Resources.

MR. BYRNE:

Thank you very much, Mr.

Speaker.

Thank

you to the hon. Member for his question in the House, and it's the first day of

the sitting of the Assembly.

On the

very first day, our veterinarians and our technical people within the Fisheries

and Aquaculture branch were engaged. Not only did we engage our veterinarians to

begin the process of analyzing what the potential causes, cause or causes could

have been, but we also communicated directly to the Department of Fisheries and

Oceans Canada to ensure they had knowledge of the events that were reported to

us. They, again, of course, invoked their own practices and procedures that

would involve health of wild fish stocks, habitat, consequences from ocean

pollution, as well, any impacts on migratory birds under their federal

jurisdiction.

I can

assure the hon. House and this Member that provincial government resources were

enacted immediately, as soon as we became aware of a potentially serious

situation.

SOME HON. MEMBERS:

Hear, hear!

MR. SPEAKER:

The hon. the Member for Cape

St. Francis.

MR. K. PARSONS:

Mr. Speaker, we heard nothing

from the minister for three weeks after September 3 when he first knew about the

salmon die-off. He failed to take charge of the situation, and he didn't even

personally visit the area for six weeks.

Minister: On what date were the inspectors for this assessment of the die-off,

and who do those inspectors answer to?

MR. SPEAKER:

The hon. the Minister of

Fisheries and Land Resources.

MR. BYRNE:

Mr. Speaker, from an aquatic

fish health perspective, our veterinarians and our other technical officials

were on site within 24 hours after becoming aware. We began sampling. There were

some weather issues, I will concede, that impacted the capacity to be able to

review sites. Hurricane Dorian was on our doorsteps at the time.

I would

remind the hon. Member, if he's suggesting there was an improper course of

action, he'll have to reflect on the fact that it was a formal decision that was

taken by a Progressive Conservative government in the past, between 2012 and

2014 – a formal decision – not to disclose events that unfolded in aquaculture

sites. In fact, 4 million fish perished between 2012 and 2014 – 4 million in

seven separate incidences, and that was a formal decision that was taken. That

was unacceptable to me, Mr. Speaker. That's why we revised the rules over

proactive disclosure, and they are now in effect.

SOME HON. MEMBERS:

Hear, hear!

MR. SPEAKER:

The hon. the Member for Cape

St. Francis.

MR. K. PARSONS:

Thank you very much, Mr.

Speaker.

I am

sure the minister is aware that he is being criticized for not being transparent

and casting a blame in every direction, instead of taking a leadership role. The

people have no confidence in you, Mr. Minister.

Why

should the people on the South Coast and the province believe you are doing

everything possible to ensure that this doesn't happen again?

MR. SPEAKER:

The hon. the Minister of

Fisheries and Land Resources.

MR. BYRNE:

Mr. Speaker, when 4 million

fish perished between 2012 and 2014 on seven separate incidences, I can reflect

that the hon. Member will not want to reflect on that and say that was his

administration; however, there was a formal decision that was taken by the

previous administration not to disclose. The companies became aware of that,

became reliant on it, and it did impact in some respects.

However,

as the Privacy Commissioner has said himself to me in my conversation with him,

using the ATIPPA, using the fact that there was an active investigation, noting

there was an active investigation as to whether or not it should be disclosed,

noting that ATIPPA, under 31(1)(a), specifically states that where a potential

harm could happen towards an active investigation, discretion can indeed be

used, and that is good practice.

reflect on the hon. Member that why did he and his former government not change

any rules. The rules I was initially following in 2017 were his rules, and I

knew they had to be changed and they're changed.

SOME HON. MEMBERS:

Hear, hear!

MR. SPEAKER:

The hon. the Member for Cape

St. Francis.

MR. K. PARSONS:

Thank you very much, Mr.

Speaker.

I had

interesting conversations on the South Coast. According to people down there in

all parts of the industry, the worst job that was ever done on this is by you,

Minister.

SOME HON. MEMBERS:

Hear, hear!

MR. K. PARSONS:

Other groups and politicians

have been silent on this issue – the federal minister, Newfoundland and Labrador

MPs – and you're quick to throwing them under the bus in the media, yet months

ago you bragged about your cozy relationship.

Minister, who are you reaching out to in the federal government and, tell us,

who's ignoring you?

MR. SPEAKER:

The hon. the Minister of

Fisheries and Land Resources.

MR. BYRNE:

Mr. Speaker, I take with

great concern what the Member was saying about who trusts who. I'll reflect on

the fact that we have a fantastic Member from the Connaigre Peninsula sitting

now in this caucus. The trust is where it needs to be, and we have established

that trust because we have been acting with the Coast of Bays area for quite

some time. They were directly involved in our consultations and our new

regulations that we put in place.

But the

hon. Member does speak truth to one point, which is the federal government does

indeed have a significant role, as established under our memorandum of

understanding between Canada and Newfoundland and Labrador on aquaculture which

was drafted by former Premier Brian Peckford and John Crosbie. That memorandum

of understanding states very clearly that all issues surrounding wild fish

stocks, fish habitat, migratory birds and ocean pollution are indeed a federal

responsibility.

And I

was not shy in any respect to make sure that not only did the federal government

know their responsibilities, that the situation was unfolding down there, but

encouraged others – encouraged others – to encourage them to get out –

MR. SPEAKER:

I ask the minister to

conclude his answer.

MR. BYRNE:

– and I heard nothing from

that hon. Member.

SOME HON. MEMBERS:

Hear, hear!

MR. SPEAKER:

The hon. the Member for Cape

St. Francis.

MR. K. PARSONS:

(Inaudible) this province has not, obviously, reached out to his federal

counterparts or his MPs – shameful.

Can the

minister confirm what employment supports will be available for workers in the

industry affected by this incident?

MR. SPEAKER:

The hon. the Minister of

Fisheries and Land Resources.

MR. BYRNE:

The

preamble to the question

is incorrect, Mr. Speaker. I have reached out directly, not only to the Minister

of Fisheries and Oceans Canada but to the Minister of Environment and Climate

Change Canada. We have directed specific inquiries to the federal officials,

both in the Department of Fisheries and Oceans, Canadian Wildlife Service and

Environment and Climate Change Canada.

We are

prepared to share information wherever available. The lead investigator now –

and there will be a determination. If there is any consequence to wild fish

stocks, to fish habitat, any consequence from ocean pollution, dumping or to

migratory birds, it will be a federal decision, a federal charge that will be

laid. Quite frankly, Mr. Speaker, I hope the federal officials have done their

work; we've encouraged them to do so.

The

answer to the question: Will there be support? This side of the House will

always be there to support workers in need and we will be there on the South

Coast.

SOME HON. MEMBERS:

Hear, hear!

MR. SPEAKER:

The hon. Member for Cape St.

Francis.

MR. K. PARSONS:

Interesting answer. He said

he's reaching out, but they're still ignoring him. Why aren't they answering

your questions then if you're reaching out?

Mr.

Speaker, fish harvesters on the South Coast are concerned about the incident and

the environmental impacts it has on other stocks such as lobster.

Minister, what are you doing to make sure that the fish harvesters' concerns are

being addressed?

MR. SPEAKER:

The hon. Minister of

Fisheries and Land Resources.

MR. BYRNE:

I will repeat again: We have

reached out past, present and future. We continue to have a dialogue with the

federal ministers, departments and officials. We will always be having a

dialogue.

We will

expect them to act in their responsibilities. Their responsibilities include –

and this is very well mapped out within the Canada-Newfoundland Memorandum of

Understanding on Aquaculture Development, which was signed in 1988. It's mapped

out in the federal Fisheries Act . It's

mapped out in the Environmental Protection

Act . It's mapped out in the Canada Shipping Act. It's mapped out in the

Migratory Birds Convention Act. It is a federal responsibility to do those

certain activities.

We have

been there on the ground ever since September 3 when we've known this, to ensure

that – to ask and to expect –

MR. SPEAKER:

I ask the minister to

conclude his answer.

MR. BYRNE:

– federal authorities to be there doing their work so that if there's anything

that needs to be done, they act in their jurisdiction, and if there are any

charges to be laid under any of those acts or consequential regulations, they do

so.

Where

was the hon. Member in all of this? I heard nothing but silence.

SOME HON. MEMBERS:

Hear, hear!

MR. SPEAKER:

The hon. Member for Cape St.

Francis.

MR. K. PARSONS:

Mr. Speaker, the minister was

on VOCM for 44 minutes the other day. In that 44 minutes he mentioned “I” over

50 times. Not once did he mention the people on the South Coast.

SOME HON. MEMBERS:

Hear, hear!

MR. K. PARSONS:

I visited the South Coast. I

went and visited everybody in this industry on the South Coast because it wasn't

about me; it was about the people on the South Coast, other than the way you

were handling this.

SOME HON. MEMBERS:

Hear, hear!

MR. K. PARSONS:

Premier, do you agree that

the minister's mishandling of this issue has undermined the confidence of the

aquaculture industry in which it is very important to the people and the economy

of our province?

MR. SPEAKER:

The hon. the Premier.

PREMIER BALL:

Mr. Speaker, I listened to

the debate and the to-and-fro here in the last few minutes. One of the things

that I do know, however, is there are opportunities for the aquaculture industry

in this province.

I've

said publicly about what's happened in the last few weeks. What I would really

like to know in this environment, in this session and this Assembly is how the

Members really fell about this because we can make this very political if we

want.

It's

been a very difficult situation, but I will tell you what I'm not prepared to do

is to go down to the Coast of Bays and the Connaigre Peninsula and tell people

that we are shutting down the aquaculture industry. It's a significant employer

in rural Newfoundland and Labrador; it's a significant exporter of protein for

people all over this world.

Mr.

Speaker, we're going to continue to support the aquaculture industry in an

environmentally sustainable way that will create jobs in Newfoundland and

Labrador. It is part of our vision for this province. We're going to work with

this industry and work with the people in the Coast of Bays to make sure there

are long-term benefits and long-term employment.

SOME HON. MEMBERS:

Hear, hear!

MR. SPEAKER:

The hon. Member for Cape St.

Francis.

MR. K. PARSONS:

Mr. Speaker, I couldn't agree

more with the Premier. It is a very important industry in this province and it

is very important to the people on the Connaigre Peninsula – not only on the

Connaigre Peninsula, all of Newfoundland and Labrador. When you look at the

different spinoffs for this industry, it stretches all over this province. It's

very important to our province that we support the people in that area.

question to you is: Do you have confidence in this minister – that has bungled

this like you wouldn't believe – in doing his job? If you don't, replace him.

MR. SPEAKER:

The hon. the Premier.

PREMIER BALL:

Mr. Speaker, let me tell you,

we select a Cabinet. If I didn't have confidence in this minister he wouldn't be

there.

SOME HON. MEMBERS:

Hear, hear!

PREMIER BALL:

Mr. Speaker, it's been a

difficult time for the people on the South Coast of this province, but we are

going to continue to grow the aquaculture industry in this province. This

minister will be part of that leadership that will do that.

He is

there, Mr. Speaker, with my confidence because I select this Cabinet. We now

have a minister that is doing the job that he's been asked to do and we're going

to continue to grow the aquaculture industry in this province.

SOME HON. MEMBERS:

Hear, hear!

MR. SPEAKER:

The hon. Member for Exploits.

MS. FORSEY:

Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

November 29, 2018, an announcement was made by the minister of a biofuel plant

that would revitalize the forest industry on the Great Northern Peninsula.

Can the

minister advise the status of the Timberlands biofuel project?

MR. SPEAKER:

The Minister of Fisheries and

Land Resources.

MR. BYRNE:

It's an exciting opportunity that's available to us. It's not the first time

that a company has come to Newfoundland and Labrador, a foreign investor,

looking to work with local interests, local companies and local stakeholders to

develop our biomass.

The

project is still active; the company has been reasonably slow, arguably slow, to

be able to kick it off. Instead of putting millions and millions and millions

and millions of dollars into a prospective project, what we've done is we've

asked the company to develop a business plan. We've supplied them with timber

access for a limited period of time and if they fail to perform on their

conditions of licence, then they have that timber access revoked on a

proportionate basis.

What we

have not done, Mr. Speaker, is supply millions and millions and millions and

millions of dollars on a prospective project which, quite frankly, they will be

able to speak more to. What we've done is expect our entrepreneurs, our

innovators, to succeed using their own capacities. That's what we hope happens

here.

SOME HON. MEMBERS:

Hear, hear!

MR. SPEAKER:

Time for one more quick

question from the Member for Exploits.

MR. FORSEY:

Twelve months has passed

since this project was announced. No timber has been cut; no ground has been

broken to build a plant. The people on the Northern Peninsula wonder if this

project will happen at all.

Can the

minister assure the people on the peninsula of their economic future with this

project?

MR. SPEAKER:

The Minister of Fisheries and

Land Resources.

MR. BYRNE:

Mr. Speaker, the forestry

sector will always be a vital and prosperous component of the economy of the

Northern Peninsula. We have great hopes. We have great ambitions. We recognize

this particular project does have certain risks associated with it; however,

we've mitigated the risks to the taxpayer, to the government and ensured that

they have a responsible accountability process as they unfold.

Yes,

there is a timber permit that has been issued. They are expected to harvest in a

timely basis. If they fail to harvest the timber permit, a portion of their

allocation will be removed and, accordingly, the project will be revamped. We've

been speaking to the company just as recently as the last few weeks. They are

revising their positions based on their performance to date. We hope this still

works out.

One

thing, Mr. Speaker, you can be assured of, that this House can be assured of:

Taxpayers' money is safe.

MR. SPEAKER:

I ask the minister to

conclude his answer.

MR. BYRNE:

There were 15 biomass

projects that were proposed under this government's watch. Fifteen of them

failed. Now, Mr. Speaker, we're building a platform for success.

MR. SPEAKER:

I ask the minister to

conclude his answer.

MR. BYRNE:

Thank you.

SOME HON. MEMBERS:

Hear, hear!

MR. SPEAKER:

The Member for St. John's

East - Quidi Vidi.

MS. COFFIN:

Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Mr.

Speaker, we have seen 5,000 people march for action on climate change. In the

offshore we have seen oil spills, worker injuries and near misses. Now, the head

of the C-NLOPB is dismissing these concerns while encouraging more oil

development.

I ask

the Premier: How can the C-NLOPB be both a cheerleader for and an effective

regulator of the oil industry?

MR. SPEAKER:

The hon. the Premier.

PREMIER BALL:

Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

I won't

speak for the Chair of the C-NLOPB. What I do speak to will be for

Newfoundlanders and Labradorians.

There

has been billions of dollars worth of royalties that have come in from the oil

industry in our province. To suggest that we shut that down today when the world

is demanding some 96 million barrels of oil a day, Mr. Speaker.

The oil

that we have available offshore Newfoundland and Labrador is some of the least

carbon-intense oil in the world. So shutting our industry down would only mean

that industry would move to somewhere else. It wouldn't be lost in the industry,

it would move to more carbon-intense oil production.

We are

50 per cent better than the world average, Mr. Speaker. It's a good jurisdiction

to invest in the oil industry; while we then use those royalty monies to invest

in social programs like health care, like education and like infrastructure.

SOME HON. MEMBERS:

Hear, hear!

MR. SPEAKER:

The hon. the Member for St.

John's Centre.

MR. J. DINN:

Mr. Speaker, Northern Harvest

intends to expand their Indian Head hatchery to add 2.2 million fish to their

South Coast sea pens. Government's environmental assessment excluded the open

net sea pens. Groups requested a full assessment, but their concerns were

dismissed and is now in a case going to court this Wednesday.

I ask

the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Environment: Will he restart the

environmental assessment to include the sea pens instead of letting this matter

go through a costly court process?

MR. SPEAKER:

The hon. the Minister of

Municipal Affairs and Environment.

SOME HON. MEMBERS:

Hear, hear!

MR. BRAGG:

Mr. Speaker, it's an honour

to rise in this House and answer the Member's question opposite. While this case

in front of the courts, there will be no comment from our department until after

the court proceedings later this month.

Thank

you very much.

SOME HON. MEMBERS:

Hear, hear!

MR. SPEAKER:

The hon. the Member for

Labrador West.

MR. BROWN:

Mr. Speaker, a recent

miscommunication of a luminol spill in the Churchill River, an improperly

reported safety near miss at CF(L)Co, amplifies the ongoing poor communications

on the part of Nalcor.

I ask

the Minister of Natural Resources: Will she order a complete review of incident

reporting by Nalcor?

MR. SPEAKER:

The hon. the Minister of

Natural Resources.

MS. COADY:

Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank

you for the very important question. Let me just first say regarding the luminol

spill on the river, there is a river response committee, and they have done

their work. There is clean up that has occurred. Anything that can't be cleaned

up, I just want to let the people of the province know that luminol does no harm

in the environment and does dissipate, but there has been an active role of

making sure that any clean up that is required is done.

I will

say to the Member opposite, it is unfortunate and difficult to say that this

spill occurred, and Nalcor, obviously, is looking at making sure that this does

not occur again, because, as I've said repeatedly in this House, environmental

protection is essential for all that we do in this province.

Thank

you, Mr. Speaker.

SOME HON. MEMBERS:

Hear, hear!

MR. SPEAKER:

The hon. the Member for St.

John's East - Quidi Vidi.

MS. COFFIN:

Mr. Speaker, past government

decisions have inextricably tied us to the unsustainable and volatile oil

industry. A viable plan is necessary to wean the Treasury from this dependence

and onto more sustainable and reliable revenue streams.

I ask

the Premier: Given his intent to further entrench our reliance on offshore oil

with Advance 2030 , how does he plan to

join the rest of the world and transition our economy off this dependence?

MR. SPEAKER:

The hon. the Premier.

PREMIER BALL:

Mr. Speaker, it's called

The Way Forward . It was released in 2016, I think on November 9.

Since that time, we have seen significant investment in the aquaculture industry

and the agriculture industry.

If you

think about a green economy, Mr. Speaker, usually that starts with mining. Much

of the components that we actually mine from the earth end up in production and

producing a green economy. We've also put in place a five-year Climate Change

Action Plan, Mr. Speaker. We are putting jobs in rural Newfoundland and

Labrador; transforming the economy that we were.

I will

tell you – and make no bones about it, as Premier of this province – if the

world is looking for oil to the tune of 96 million barrels a day, we are going

to use our oil industry to support green initiatives and to support social

initiatives that are so much needed in Newfoundland and Labrador.

SOME HON. MEMBERS:

Hear, hear!

MR. SPEAKER:

Thank you.

The time

for Question Period has expired.

Presenting Reports by Standing and Select Committees.

Presenting Reports

by Standing and Select Committees

MR. SPEAKER:

The hon. the Member for

Harbour Grace - Port de Grave.

MS. P. PARSONS:

Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

As Chair

of the Government Services Committee, I am pleased to present the Committee's

report on the draft bill entitled,

An Act Respecting The Regulation Of Real

Estate Trading In The Province.

The

proposed legislation was referred to the Committee on June 18, with the

instruction that we review the bill and report our findings during this sitting

of the House.

The

Committee conducted two public hearings at which they discussed the draft bill

with Service NL, the department responsible for the legislation; with the

Newfoundland and Labrador Association of Realtors; and with one member of the

general public.

behalf of the Committee, I thank the above mentioned presenters for their

contribution to our deliberations. I also acknowledge the work of my colleagues

on the Committee: the Member for Conception Bay South, the vice-chair of the

Committee; the Member for Ferryland; the hon. Member for Fogo Island - Cape

Freels; the Member for Fortune Bay - Cape La Hune; the Member for Lewisporte -

Twillingate; the Member for Mount Scio; and the Member for St. John's East -

Quidi Vidi.

Thank

you, Mr. Speaker.

SOME HON. MEMBERS:

Hear, hear!

MR. SPEAKER:

Tabling of Documents.

Tabling of

Documents

MR. SPEAKER:

The hon. the Minister of

Finance.

MR. OSBORNE:

Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Pursuant

section 26(5)(

a) of the Financial

Administration Act , I am tabling 15 orders-in-council related to funding

pre-commitments for the fiscal years 2020, 2021 and beyond.

MR. SPEAKER:

Further tabling of documents?

Notices

of Motion.

Notices of Motion

MR. SPEAKER:

The hon. the Minister of

Advanced Education, Skills and Labour.

MR. MITCHELMORE:

Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

I give

notice that I will ask leave to introduce a bill entitled,

An Act To Amend The

Labour Standards Act, Bill 8.

MR. SPEAKER:

Further notices of motion?

The hon.

Member for Mount Scio.

MS. STOODLEY:

Mr. Speaker, I move, seconded

by the Member for Lewisporte - Twillingate, that the following private Member's

resolution be debated this Wednesday:

WHEREAS

community organizations across the province make significant contributions in

various aspects of community life, such as mental health supports, the arts, and

school meal programs; and

WHEREAS

the community sector is a major contributor to the province's economy; and

WHEREAS

the community sector directly employs 16,000 people across the province; and

WHEREAS

the Community Sector Work Plan was developed in collaboration with

representatives from 17 various community sector groups in order to advance

their social and economic contributions to the Province of Newfoundland and

Labrador; and

WHEREAS

the Community Sector Council Summit stressed the importance of strengthened

co-operation between government and the community sector;

THEREFORE

BE IT RESOLVED that this hon. House continues to work together with

the Community Sector Council and its members to advance the role of the

community sector groups across the province.

MR. SPEAKER:

Further notices of motion?

The hon.

Government House Leader.

MS. COADY:

Thank you, Mr. Speaker, and

congratulations to you.

Pursuant

to Standing Order 63(3), the private Member's resolution just entered shall be

the one debated on Wednesday.

MR. SPEAKER:

Further notices of motion?

Answers

to Questions for which Notice has been Given.

Petitions.

Petitions

MR. SPEAKER:

The hon. Member for

Bonavista.

MR. PARDY:

Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Heritage

Collegiate in Lethbridge had a teaching position held back in May of this year

for an intermediate class with an enrolment of 33 students. Fortunately, no

students transferred out and a substitute teacher was assigned in September

while the position was advertised for October. The result for these students was

a lack of consistency and continuity which has unnecessarily negatively impacted

their learning.

We, the

undersigned, call upon the House of Assembly to urge the Government of

School District abandon the practice of hold-back process and adhere to the

Government of Newfoundland and Labrador's allocation formula at the end of each

school year, based on the student enrolment at that time.

If I may

try to encapsulate the Heritage Collegiate experience; in Clarenville Middle

School they offer where children come first. It's not a competition where the

first one to cross, but every decision we make ought to be based on the child

and what best serves the children in our province. This practice negatively

impacts the children.

May and

June, at the end of a school year, is when the greatest number of teachers are

available for hire. In Heritage Collegiate, on September 4 when the 33 students

showed up and when they came there, they were allowed to hire a substitute

teacher. The class had to be split at that point in time. A substitute teacher

was hired and a permanent teacher was found for October, in a very limited pool.

The

chair of the school council speaks of the havoc that was created in the school

programming. Keep in mind, the timetable was created at the year end. Now, they

teaching throughout the school. Everyone's class timetable, practically

everyone's, had to change. It created havoc for teachers, it led to poor

course was affected because they have semesterisation.

I would

say to you, I know my decision would be to abolish that hold-back process. If

you've been doing the hold-back process for 10 years, I would think you have

good data now to be able to say this is not the most effective way of protecting

the financial bottom line, but it certainly does impact negatively the schools

of which are impacted by this hold-back process.

Thank

you.

MR. SPEAKER:

The hon. the Minister of

Education and Early Childhood Development.

MR. WARR:

Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

certainly thank the hon. Member for his petition. As most of us have already

heard, this was a stipulation in the contract that was negotiated through NLTA,

and it had to do with a seniority clause that they had negotiated in their

contract. I can certainly appreciate where the hon. Member is coming from with

regard to the school that he's speaking about, Mr. Speaker, and we'll continue,

as a department and as a district, to work with the NLTA to see that we try and

mitigate this issue as much as we can.

Thank

you, Mr. Speaker.

SOME HON. MEMBERS:

Hear, hear!

MR. SPEAKER:

The hon. the Member for

Topsail - Paradise.

MR. P. DINN:

Thank you, Mr. Speaker, and

congratulations.

WHEREAS

there are many persons who are unable to better themselves and are unable to

avail of government funding under the Skills Development Program; and

WHEREAS

there is a lack of flexibility to deliver programs because of circumstances that

do not meet government policies and therefore are falling through the cracks;

THEREFORE we petition the hon. House of Assembly as follows: We, the

undersigned, call upon the House of Assembly to urge the Government of

Newfoundland and Labrador to look at the Skills Development Program, to

recognize that these programs can be restrictive and, as a result, outcomes are

limited. Policies should be developed and applied to ensure there are mechanisms

to address specific and unique situations. There should be a greater level of

flexibility to accommodate the wider range of people seeking assistance.

I worked

many years with the department and, of course, I've had some dealings with the

past minister. We brought some specific cases forward. We were able to help

some; some, not so much. I think, when we look at the state of our economy, in

terms of our population, in terms of our employment, in terms of our

out-migration, we should be doing anything and everything we can to ensure that

those individuals that come forward that have unique situations are given a

chance to better themselves and to become a contributing member of our society.

We have

cases where individuals are just looking for a hand up rather than a handout.

They're not numerous, but we should be helping them up. We should be helping

them up and looking at our programs and looking at our policies and guidelines

to ensure that these people have an opportunity to participate in our economy

and to make valuable contributions.

I think,

in my past years – I don't know if it was a Liberal or PC minister, but it stuck

in my head that a minister said one day, policy should never override common

sense. I think, in this instance, there are individuals out there who are losing

an opportunity to better themselves, losing an opportunity to become a

contributing member of our society, and I think the department and the minister

responsible should be looking more closely into this to ensure everyone has that

opportunity.

MR. SPEAKER:

Thank you.

The hon.

the Minister of Advanced Education, Skills and Labour.

MR. MITCHELMORE:

Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

I thank

the Member opposite for the petition. As a government, we've been working

together co-operatively and collaboratively to look at policy options to make

sure that we have a more inclusive society, that we are looking after those that

are more vulnerable. And we are tailoring programs so that there are additional

supports.

I had

the pleasure to work with the former minister, as well, of Advanced Education,

Skills and Labour, as well as the current Minister of Education and Early

Childhood Development, as we launched the Adult Literacy Action Plan. This is a

$60-million plan over the next five years, of which we can have specific actions

that will help people attach to the labour force, to get further education, to

expand our programs and services to make sure that they are more available to

people, and that people have greater opportunities here in this province.

Mr.

Speaker, we are looking at all avenues of which we can make sure that people of

all ages and all demographics are being able to attach to the labour force so

that we can continue to grow the economy here in Newfoundland and Labrador.

Thank

you.

SOME HON. MEMBERS:

Hear, hear!

MR. SPEAKER:

The hon. the Member for

Conception Bay South.

MR. PETTEN:

Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Mr.

Speaker, the Foxtrap Access Road in CBS is a vital link to both the TCH and

Peacekeepers Way, as well as being a heavily populated area. The road is in

immediate repairs, in need of asphalt resurfacing, as well as shoulder repairs.

This road is not listed for resurfacing until 2023 in the five-year roads

program. And it's not soon enough; it needs immediate attention.

THEREFORE we petition the hon. House of Assembly as follows: We, the

undersigned, called upon the House of Assembly to urge the Government of

Newfoundland and Labrador to provide immediate repairs to the Foxtrap Access

Road.

Mr.

Speaker, I realize this is November, and as early tendering is in place – I get

that too, that'll come out in the spring, early spring, late February, March,

whenever. I was looking through petitions and I felt this was an opportune time

– we're opening the House on November 4 – to bring this to the floor of the

House of Assembly. And I'll have many more opportunities throughout Question

Period and petitions and debate.

But in

preparation for the House, the minister's own district, it was a glaring example

of what we'd call back in the good old Liberal days, the Joey days, was the pork

barrel in politics. When an election was called, if you stayed in the one spot

too long, an asphalt spreader could run over your feet. That's the truth. There

was blacktop everywhere during election time.

So I got

an ATIPP request and I checked out the ATIPP request for the minister's

district, just trying to see where everything stood. Then I got another ATIPP

request for the full, entire 40 districts and I started doing some looking

around. There are some areas where there are high amounts because of the

Trans-Labrador. It was the Bond Bridge. It could be the lift bridge in Placentia

or Team Gushue, just to name a few. The ones that were high were justifiable; it

made sense when you compared it.

The

minister's district – it has nothing to do with Veterans Memorial, this has to

do with in his district, municipal roads. We all have roads in our districts;

I'm sure Members over on that side, as well as our side. With the minister's

amount of roadwork, I normally give allowance – people told me before you should

go down in his district and look and I said, no, I get some of that piece.

We never

took the politics out of paving you see, Mr. Speaker. This crowd did. For three

years we've listened to you crowd – meaning us. We didn't care. We never took it

out, they did. This was their signature: Five-year roads program, we've taken

the politics out of paving. Not doing what this crowd did, we're never doing

that again. They rose above that. I always supported a five-year roads program –

always. They're the ones who implemented it, told us to take the politics out of

paving.

I've

read it and I've reviewed it and I've read it and I've reviewed it and the

numbers don't lie. This year alone there's almost $10 million going to the

minister's district. I'm sure a lot of Members in this House would love to see

$10 million worth of work come to their district. Is that taking the politics

out of paving? No, it's not. It's making a mockery of their five-year roads

program.

there's that much money to go around – you can tell my colleague for Harbour

Main you have no money to pave roads. All the while you're down filling your own

– people are amazed with the amount of pavement. Why don't you spread it around

to be fair to the province and do what your five-year roads program was intended

to do?

MR. SPEAKER:

The Member's time has

expired.

MR. PETTEN:

Take the politics out of paving and do what's right.

SOME HON. MEMBERS:

Hear, hear!

MR. SPEAKER:

The hon. Minister of

Transportation and Works.

MR. CROCKER:

Mr. Speaker, thank you very

much.

If the

Member opposite would like for me to table the three Roads Plans that we've

already launched – any paving that's been done in the district that I represent

was clearly outlined the last three years in the Roads Plan.

Mr.

Speaker, also, he talks about the amount of investment in districts and the

Member for Burin - Placentia West looked over at me and smiled. This year alone,

we will invest $10 million in paving in a district represented by the Member for

Burin - Placentia West.

SOME HON. MEMBERS:

Hear, hear!

MR. CROCKER:

Mr. Speaker, we just had a

business plan approved for Route 210 that over the next two years will put $20

million worth of roadwork into that district. It's not about who represents the

district, it's about safe roads.

SOME HON. MEMBERS:

Hear, hear!

MR. CROCKER:

Mr. Speaker, the reality is

since we've launched the five-year Roads Plan we've invested in 37 of 40

districts in this province. The only reason we haven't invested in the other

three is because they don't have provincial roads.

Mr.

Speaker, the reality is here, since 2015, we've invested $700 million in roads

throughout this province. We've paved 2,100 lane kilometres, enough lanes to go

to Corner Brook three times.

MR. SPEAKER:

I ask the minister to

conclude his comments.

MR. CROCKER:

Thank you very much, Mr.

Speaker.

SOME HON. MEMBERS:

Hear, hear!

MR. SPEAKER:

Further petitions?

further petitions?

Orders

of the Day.

Orders of the Day

MR. SPEAKER:

The hon. the Government House

Leader.

MS. COADY:

Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

It's a

privilege to stand here as the new Government House Leader, and I have –

SOME HON. MEMBERS:

Hear, hear!

MS. COADY:

Thank you.

certainly appreciate the support of my colleagues in the House. It's been a

privilege over the last number of weeks to work with the other House leaders,

Mr. Speaker, to ensure we get legislation brought forward, we co-operate fully

and work together to make sure we are able to bring legislation forward that

really does help the people of this province.

I'd be

remiss, Mr. Speaker – before I get to the Orders of the Day – if I didn't thank

the Minister of Justice and Public Safety. He has done an outstanding job –

SOME HON. MEMBERS:

Hear, hear!

MS. COADY:

– over the last four years in government of giving guidance and direction. I

know when he was a Member opposite, he spent four years on the other side doing

the same thing. So his guidance, direction and good cheer, Mr. Speaker,

certainly has stood us well in this House, and I have very large shoes to fill,

which I will try and do as best as possible.

I will

work in co-operation and with as much time as possible with my colleagues so

that we are working together to ensure this people's House is working as

effectively and efficiently and in the best interest of the people of the

province.

Having

said that, Mr. Speaker, Orders of the Day.

The

first thing I would like to call, Mr. Speaker, I move, seconded by the Minister

of Service NL, for leave to introduce a bill entitled,

An Act To Amend The

Highway Traffic Act, Bill 5, and I further move that the said bill be now read a

first time.

MR. SPEAKER:

It is moved and seconded by

the hon. Government House Leader that she shall have leave to introduce a bill

entitled,

An Act To Amend The Highway Traffic Act, Bill 5, and that the said

bill now be read a first time.

Is it

the pleasure of the House to adopt this motion?

All

those in favour, 'aye.'

SOME HON. MEMBERS:

Aye.

MR. SPEAKER:

All those against, 'nay.'

Passed.

Motion,

the hon. the Minister of Service NL to introduce a bill, “An Act To Amend The

Highway Traffic Act,” carried. (Bill 5)

CLERK:

A bill,

An Act To Amend The

Highway Traffic Act. (Bill 5)

MR. SPEAKER:

The bill has now been read a

first time.

When

shall the bill be read a second time?

MS. COADY:

Tomorrow.

MR. SPEAKER:

Tomorrow.

motion, Bill 5 read a first time, ordered read a second time on tomorrow.

MR. SPEAKER:

The hon. the Government House

Leader.

MS. COADY:

Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Mr.

Speaker, I move, seconded by the Member for Lewisporte - Twillingate, for leave

to introduce a bill entitled,

An Act Respecting Disclosure Of Information Under

An Interpersonal Violence Disclosure Protocol, Bill 6, and I further move that

the said bill be now read a first time.

MR. SPEAKER:

It has been moved and

seconded that the hon. Minister of Justice and Public Safety shall have leave to

introduce a bill entitled,

An Act Respecting Disclosure Of Information Under An

Interpersonal Violence Disclosure Protocol, Bill 6, and that this bill now be

read a first time.

Is it

the pleasure of the House to adopt this motion?

All

those in favour, 'aye.'

SOME HON. MEMBERS:

Aye.

MR. SPEAKER:

All those against, 'nay.'

Carried.

Motion,

the hon. the Minister of Justice and Public Safety to introduce a bill, “An Act

Respecting Disclosure Of Information Under An Interpersonal Violence Disclosure

Protocol,” carried. (Bill 6)

CLERK:

A bill,

An Act Respecting

Disclosure Of Information Under An Interpersonal Violence Disclosure Protocol.

(Bill 6)

MR. SPEAKER:

The bill has now been read a

first time.

When

shall the said bill be read a second time?

MS. COADY:

Tomorrow.

MR. SPEAKER:

Tomorrow.

motion, Bill 6 read a first time, ordered read a second time on tomorrow.

MR. SPEAKER:

The hon. the Government House

Leader.

MS. COADY:

Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

I move,

seconded by the Minister of Advanced Education, Skills and Labour, for leave to

introduce a bill entitled,

An Act To Amend the Labour Standards Act – this is by

leave, Mr. Speaker – and I further move that the said bill be now read a first

time. This is by leave.

MR. SPEAKER:

Does the minister have leave?

AN HON. MEMBER:

Leave.

MR. SPEAKER:

Seeing no objections, leave

granted.

It has

been moved and seconded by the Government House Leader shall have leave to

introduce a bill entitled,

An Act To Amend The Labour Standards Act, Bill 8, and

that the said bill be now read a first time.

Is it

the pleasure of the House to adopt the motion?

All

those in favour, 'aye.'

SOME HON. MEMBERS:

Aye.

MR. SPEAKER:

All those against, 'nay.'

Passed.

Motion,

the hon. the Minister of Advanced Education, Skills and Labour to introduce a

bill, “An Act To Amend The Labour Standards Act,” carried. (Bill 8)

CLERK:

A bill,

An Act To Amend The

Labour Standards Act. (Bill 8)

MR. SPEAKER:

The bill has now been read a

first time.

When

shall the bill be read a second time?

MS. COADY:

Tomorrow.

MR. SPEAKER:

Tomorrow.

motion, Bill 8 read a first time, ordered read a second time on tomorrow.

MR. SPEAKER:

The hon. the Government House

Leader.

MS. COADY:

Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Considering the hour of the day, I move, seconded by the Minister of

Transportation and Works, this House do now adjourn.

MR. SPEAKER:

It is moved and seconded that

the House do now adjourn.

Is it

the pleasure of the House to adopt the motion?

All

those in favour, 'aye.'

SOME HON. MEMBERS:

Aye.

MR. SPEAKER:

All those against, 'nay.'

The

House now stands adjourned until tomorrow, 1:30 of the clock in the afternoon.

motion, the House at its rising adjourned until tomorrow, Tuesday, at 1:30 p.m.