Volume 3 PROVINCE OF NEWFOUNDLAND THIRTY-SIXTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF NEWFOUNDLAND 3rd. Session VERBATIM REPORT WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 30, 1974 SPEAKER: THE HONOURABLE JAMES M. RUSSELL Number 1

TJIIRD SESSION OF TUE TRIRTY-SIXTH G~RAL ASSEMBLY January 30, 1974. The House of Assembly, which had been prorogued on the Twenty-First day of January, Nineteen Hundred and Seventy-Four, met on the Thirtieth day of Janu ary, Nineteen Hundred and Seventy-Four, at Three of the Clock; Honourab le M. James Russell, S'peaker, in the Chair. His Honour, the Honourable E. John A. Harnum, Lieutenant Governo r , read the Speech from the Throne to open t,he Third Session of the Thirt y- Sixth Gener al Assembly .

MR. SPEAKER AND MEMBERS OF THE HONOURABLE HOUSE OF ASSEMBLY: I welcome you to the Third Session of the Thirty-Sixth General Assembly of the Province of Newfoundland. Less than two years ago when my Government first assumed office, the Speech from the Throne expressed deep concern with the very high level of unemployment then extant and the need for creation of thousands of new permanent jobs. The task of meeting the needs of our people was made all the more difficult by reason of inheritance by my Government of the highest per capita provincial debt in Canada.

Nevertheless, my Ministers undauntedly assumed their responsibility and proceeded to discharge their undertaking to improve the welfare of my people by careful planning. Accordingly, my Government proceeded to re­ structure the administration of the Public Service to render it more amen­ able to the needs of our people; to commission Planning Task Forces to assure that the needs of our people are fully determined and effectively evaluated and assessed; and, generally, to foster, encourage and adopt mea­ sures beneficial to the economic and sociological well-being of our people. MR.

SPEAKER AND MEMBERS OF THE HONOURABLE HOUSE OF ASSEMBLY: It is a source of deep and abiding satisfaction to my Government that these measures are bearing truit . While the past year was replete with grave difficulties in many parts of the world, our people can look back upon 1973 as the most prosperous year in the modern history of our Province. Last year witnessed a marked and significant increase in the numbers of jobs created. At the same time, the number of persons in receipt of short term assistance has been decreased by almost one half since my Govern­ ment assumed office .

The growth rate of the gross provincial product in­ creased at a rate double that experienced by Canada as a whole. Further­ more, it is of considerable significance that during the administration of my Government more of our people have been returning to the Province than ever before. These are merely a few of the indications of the vibrant, virile economy which is being fostered and nurtured by careful and deliberate planning and direction of the economy of Newfoundland and Labrador.

My Government stands resolute in its determination to continue to direct the affairs of our people in a careful and vigilant manner only after assessing all of the long term effects and regardless of extraneous pressures. 1

MR. SPEAKER AND MEMBERS DF THE HONOURABLE HOUSE OF ASSEMBLY: While my Government feels justified in expressing confidence in its accomplishments in the first two years of its administration, this Honour­ able House can be assured that my Government intends to continue its vig­ orous efforts for the betterment of our people by adoption of appropriate measures only after careful and deliberate planning.

In concert with this policy and at the very commencement of its administration, my Govern­ ment commissioned studies by Task Forces comprised of the most knowl­ edgeable persons available to make recommendations concerning various as­ pects of Government activity. Many of the Reports of these Task Forces have been received and are being thoroughly analysed by my Ministers to determine the feasibility of their implementation. Some of the measures recommended in these Reports are now being implemented and others will be brought before this Honourable House for consideration in this and ensuing Sessions.

One of the major pieces of legislation to be placed before you early in this Session emanates in part from the Report of the Forestry Task Force. As is well known to our people, my Government has always placed great emphasis upon the fullest utilization of our natural resources. The vast forest resources of Newfoundland and Labrador seem to my Ministers to be incapable of optimum development without my Government having a de­ gree of management control over the forests within our Province.

There­ fore, my Government intends to bring before this Honourable House legis­ lation designed to ensure the ultimate utilization of all productive forest lands situate within Newfoundland and Labrador. My Ministers have given careful thought to this legislation and have drawn upon the best advice available, both within and outside the com­ plement of the Forestry Task Force . . Care has been taken to ensure that the vested rights of the two operators of the large pulp and paper mills at Corner Brook and Grand Falls are not, in any way, abrogated.

My Govern­ ment is fully cognizant and appreciative of the immense contributions made to our economy by Bowaters Newfoundland Limited and Price (Nfld.) Pulp and Paper Limited and their predecessors at Corner Brook and Grand Falls respectively, and looks forward eagerly to the day when these valued corporate citizens are able to bring into full production their entire holdings in this Province. In the meantime, my Government feels it is essen­ tial to the welfare of our people that it be placed in the position of being capable of taking all possible measures to ensure the full production of this 2

essential natural resource. My Government is confident that our people will agree that to allow vast areas of our forests to lie fallow because of under production or lack of any production, with my Government being power­ less to encourage fuller utilization, would justifiably invite condemnation not only by this generation but by generations yet unborn. My Government intends to research possible markets for all species of timber, particularly the extensive stands of birch, in order to intensify further its policy of fullest utilization of our forest resources.

Concurrent with its policy of assuming more complete control of these resources, my Government intends to assume full responsibility for forest protection throughout Newfoundland and Labrador. Intensive assessment of the new methods and equipment required to discharge this increased responsibility is now being conducted. A major factor in the upsurge in our economy has been the vastly accelerated access roads programme initiated by my Government. This pro­ gramme has resulted in the opening of resources to both small and large mill operntors and in the employment of hundreds of persons.

My Govern­ ment is determined to increase markedly this beneficial programme in the confident expectation that such measures will continue to contribute sig­ nificantly to the revitalization of our economy. MR. SPEAKER AND MEMBERS OF THE HONOURABLE HOUSE OF ASSEMBLY: My Government fully recognizes that the main basic natural resource of this Province is the fishery. Under the direction of my Government, activities of the Fisheries Loan Board have been vastly increased. In the field of diversification and development, my Government anticipates an ex­ tremely active year.

Emphasis will be placed upon the further training and upgrading of our fishermen's skills. My Government is greatly concerned about the future of our inshore fishery and will solicit the cooperation of the Government of Canada in providing a programme to ensure that its full potential will be realised. Research into the processing of our catches, as well as marketing and specialties, will continue in 1974, together with experimentation in the modernization of the means of harvesting and production.

By these measures, my Government continues to discharge its promise to our people to develop, to the fullest extent possible, our oldest and greatest natural resource. Nevertheless, it is becoming increasingly apparent that the greatest problem today is conservation of our fishery stocks to pro­ tect the means of livelihood enjoyed by our people for generations. Under the Canadian Constitution, the Government of Canada is responsible for the preservation and conservation of offshore marine life. 3

Our people look forward in anxious anticipation to the International 34,11)£ Law of the Sea Conference to be held in Caracas, Venezuela, in .a.,-1 of this year. My Government has endeavoured to impress indelibly upon the Government of Canada the pa~ticularly vital importance of this Conference to our Province. Adoption of the principle of control of the marine life on the continental shelf by coastal states is of major importance to the future of our fisheries.

It is a source of abiding satisfaction to my Government that representatives of the Government of Canada will be advocating pro­ posals for such control at the Law of the Sea Conference because of the initiative of my Government in obtaining unanimous approval of this principle at the Conference of Premiers held in Charlottetown last summer.

Since the important trawler programme previously announced by my Government is now being realized, and in keeping with its policy of careful and deliberate planning, intensive recruitment and training programmes are to be undertaken by the College of Fisheries to ensure that these vessels can be manned adequately and that there is full participation by this Province in the economic benefits of the programme.

Planning is continuing and a committee comprised of knowledgeable persons designated by my Govern­ ment has been established to arrange for implementation of the recommen­ dations of the Planning Task Force on Fisheries. This Honourable House will be informed during this present Session of the projects to be under­ taken after due consideration of these recommendations. It is a source of immense satisfaction that, during the past year, our fishermen and plant workers have shared in the strengthening economy which is developing throughout the Province.

Prices paid to fishermen and wages for plant workers have reached an all-time high and my Ministers are continuing their efforts to improve the lot of the inshore fishermen by all available means. My Ministers feel that this is merely the first step towards the goal of increasing the standard of living of our fishermen and plant workers. It is proposed to establish Marine Service Centres at strategic loca­ tions throughout the Province to enable more fishermen to take advantage of the multi-purpose boat technology which my Government proposes to encourage more extensively.

My Government will continue to seek to diversify the fisheries and feels confident that the future of the fisheries is brighter than at any time since the beginning of the present century. It looks forward with confi­ dence to increased landings and additional processing from this basic re­ source which my Government regards as the mainstay of our economy. 4

MR. SPEAKER AND MEMBERS OF THE HONOURABLE HOUSE OF ASSEMBLY: The importance of our offshore oil resources and our large undevelop­ ed hydro power resources has been forcibly demonstrated in recent months by the energy crisis which is so drastically affecting the Western World. Our Province is blessed with extensive energy potential within its boundaries in the form of undeveloped hydro-electric resources and oil and gas resources within our continental margin. My Government has constantly stated its determination to develop the hydro resources of the Lower Churchill for utilization by the people of this Province.

With this in mind, a detailed study has been commissioned to ascertain the feasibility of generating power on the Gull Island site and tr3:isporting this energy from the Lower Churchill to all parts of our Pro­ vince. The. results of this study should be known during this current Session and will be imparted to this Honourable House as soon as possible after receipt.

In the meantime, my Ministers re-assert their resolve, in concert with the policy of utilizing to the fullest the natural resources of our Pro­ vince, to realize the maximum conversion of power generated from the Lower Churchill or elsewhere within the confines of the Province for the benefit of all of our people. Active negotiations are continuing with the Government of Canada with regard to the ownership of the Province's offshore resources. My Ministers have diligently sought a solution to the dispute with Ottawa con­ cerning jurisdiction over the mineral resources of the continental margin.

It is self-evident that the case of Newfoundland is infinitely stronger than that of any other provincial jurisdiction and my Government is determined to see that these rights are enjoyed by our people to the fullest extent. There­ fore, while my Government will continue to negotiate in the hope of ar­ riving at an amicable agreement, the special case of this Province is being prepared and my Ministers will not hesitate to refer the issue for determ­ ination by an appropriate independent forum.

The increased importance of energy in the lives of our people requires the most efficient management of energy consumed for domestic purposes. With this in mind, my Government has decided to change the status of the Newfoundland and Labrador Power Commission to that of a crown corp­ oration and legislation to effect this change will be presented for your con­ sideration. 5

MR. SPEAKER AND MEMBERS OF THE HONOURABLE HOUSE OF ASSEMBLY: Assisted by the Report of the Planning Task Force on Mining, my Government is making giant strides towards the goal of achieving optimum benefits for our people from the mineral resources of Newfoundland and Labrador. While many of the recommendations of this important Task Force have been implemented, it is intended to undertake a greatly expand­ ed programme of geoscientific activities in the Province, particularly geolog­ ical mapping, which was a major recommendation of this group.

Further benefits are anticipated from the Royal Commission on Mineral Revenue which was appointed in November last to study all aspects of mineral re­ venue and to make recommendations thereon. In this present Session, leg­ islation will be presented to amend The Crown Lands (Mines and Quarries) Act to effect a combination claiming system and much modified concession system. Other measures will be taken from time to time to assure that our people derive maximum benefits from our mineral resources, the orderly development o·f which has been neglected for years. MR.

SPEAKER AND MEMBERS OF THE HONOURABLE HOUSE OF ASSEMBLY: Throughout the term of the present administration, emphasis has been placed upon the development of our natural resources in the expectation of enhancing the economy of our Province. My Government commits itself to continue not only this policy of resource development but also its policy of general development in every part and sector of Newfoundland and Lab­ rador. Unreasonable indeed must be adjudged the perception of those who advocate the exclusive pursuit of industrial development as opposed to rural development or the contrary.

My Government will continue to pro­ mote both modes of deyelopment in the firm confidence that only through vigorous encouragement of all areas of our society can our people realize their destiny. While great strides have been made in the implementation of rational industrialization, my Government is infinitely proud of the steps initiated by it in the field of rural development. When my Ministers assumed office, many smaller communities in Newfoundland and Labrador had despaired of their very existence.

My Government has, from time to time, affirmed its faith in the richness of the rural life of our Province and has demonstrated its confidence in the viability of smaller settlements by disbanding the former Department of Community and Social Development. This Department appeared to be dedicated to the relocation of many of our people from the place of their birth to larger urban areas and was seemingly oblivious of whether or not 6

the persons concerned wished to relocate. In its stead, the Department of Rural Development has been established with the responsibility of fostering and developing our rural areas. The results of this programme clearly demonstrate its success and the benefits are obvious in every nook and cranny of our Province. In only one year since the establishment of the Rural Development Authority, approximately 660 small industries have received assistance at a cost of $4,508,533.

A further sum of $69,000 has been approved for Rural Development Associations and other non-profit organizations engaged in agricultural projects, boat building and handicrafts. These measures have resulted in the creation or assisted in the creation of 2,285 jobs at a cost per job of $1,973. While the immediate material gains from the rural development measures can be readily seen, the sense of confidence and purpose infused in our people as a result of the affirmation of my Government's faith in rural Newfoundland and Labrador has produced a virtual social revolution in our Province.

No longer apprehensive of being forced to leave their community and, indeed, imbued with a confidence in the permanency and stability of their surroundings, workers and entrepreneurs in rural towns and villages are responding to the challenge of development in their respec- 1ive areas engendered by my Government and are taking full advantage of the programmes of the Rural Development Authority. My Ministers feel that the beneficial effects of these rural development policies have reverberated throughout the entire economy.

The resultant over-all permanency and stability have been major factors in enabling my Government to generate the prosperity experienced during the past year. My Government pledges itself to continue and intensify its efforts to foster and encourage the development of rural Newfoundland and Labrador. MR. SPEAKER AND MEMBERS OF THE HONOURABLE HOUSE OF ASSEMBLY: Full general development of our human and physical resources is un­ attair,able without concerted action by both Federal and Provincial Govern­ ments.

Because of the wider taxation fields exercised by the Government of Canada, my Government must look to Ottawa for revenue to sustain its programmes. However, it is the Province which, within the context of Con­ federation, must determine the priorities of social goals and the quality of life of its people. Within this setting, my Ministers resolved, on assuming office, to obtain a much larger measure of participation in determining how and where Federal funds are to be expended. 7

At the same time, my Government regarded with extreme disfavour the policy whereby grants made by the Department of Regional Economic Expansion of Canada are directed to special areas within our Province. It was, is and shall always be my Government's position that no portion of Newfoundland and Labrador is special but that all areas and persons are entitled to share in the promise of Confederation and must have equal op­ portunity to realize their full potential.

My Government was not disposed to countenance the continuation of the Special Areas formula, which seem­ ed to intensify the resettlement programme in force prior to assumption of office by the present administration, and which was directly opposed to the concept of rural development instituted by my Government.

My Ministers have been successful in obtaining the agreement of the Government of Canada, through its Department of Regional Economic Ex­ pansion, that the sole criterion for eligibility for the programmes admin­ istered by that Department will be the existence of a development op­ portunity and that every area of our Province will be entitled to share in the benefits of these programmes . Furthermore, my Government will have a measure of input into the determination of the adequacy of development opportunity, thereby assuming more fully its rightful responsibility to direct the destiny of our people.

My Ministers are now ready to conclude a General Development Agreement for Newfoundland and Labrador with the Department of Regional Economic Expansion. It is a source of satisfaction to my Govern­ ment that the \nformation and research gained primarily through the Plan­ ning Task Forces have enabled this Province to define, in a rational planned manner, the needs of our p'eople and to be ready to incorporate these needs in subsidiary specific schedules to the proposed General Development Agreement.

Indeed, this Province is amongst the first of the Provinces in Canada in a position to articulate to the Government of Canada its local needs and priorities. This preparedness will allow both Governments to address themselves more quickly and efficiently to the specific problems of our people. My Ministers are gratified by the increasing confidence exhibited by the Government of Canada in the planning and research which has been carried out by my Government. This confidence has been demonstrated throughout the negotiations which will ultimately lead to the new General Development Agreement. 8

MR. SPEAKER AND MEMBERS DF THE HDNOURABLE HOUSE OF ASSEMBLY: It is most fitting that we should be entering into a new era of Federal­ Provincial relations when this Province is on the threshold of celebrating its Silver Anniversary of Union with Canada. It is my Government's firm desire that all residents of Newfoundland and Labrador join in the atmosphere of celebration which will be generated from midnight on March 31st of this year to commemorate this memorable event in our history.

Many events befitting the occasion have already been announced and my Ministers are confident that organizations and individuals throughout the Province will supplement these celebrations in the manner which they feel the occasion deserves. MR. SPEAKER ANO MEMBERS OF THE HONOURABLE HOUSE OF ASSEMBLY: Responsibility for the complete development of our resources rests with local authorities as wel I as the Provincial and Federal Governments. The ensuing year may well be a crucial one for local government within our Province.

My Government awaits the Report of the Royal Commission on Municipal Government which is expected shortly and which, together with the Report of the Planning Task Force on Community Service Standards, will produce a comprehensive over-view of all aspects of local government and community development. These studies constitute the first compre­ hensive overall scrutiny of local government within the Province and my Ministers look to them to provide a development plan for the future.

It is expected that measures will be brought before you in this Session to give effect to some of the recommendations arising from these studies. An important investigation already completed is the St. John's Urban Region Study. The regional plan envisaged by this Study is being examined by local governments within the area concerned. My Government is provid­ ing for the holding of public hearings to give an opportunity to all persons living and working within the St. John's Urban Region to comment on the proposals set forth in the Study and to make recommendations concerning them.

It is my Ministers' hope that citizens will take advantage of the opportunity to make their views known with regard to the subject of the hearings. MR. SPEAKER AND MEMBERS OF THE HONOURABLE HOUSE OF A_SSEMBLY: Next to the inequities heretofore present in the Social Assistance Programme, my Government feels that the greatest problem of the day is inadequate housing. It is fitting that the concern of my Ministers for this grave problem is shared by the Government of Canada which exercises coin- 9

cidrmtal jurisdiction in rr,attr,rs of housiny. My Ministers are grntified that, in k,,epinq with the grmrm,I aura of prosperity which permeated our Pro ­ vince, 1973 witnessed " sirJr1ific<.1nt incn:ase in the construction rJf dwelling units. Nevertheless, rny Government is keenlv awan, that escalating costs c;ontinue to pliJcl! homr, owrir,rship beyond the means of iJ rising number of our rn,ople.

My Mini,,ters h,ive been workin<J diligently to alleviate this great social need and measures will be presentF,d to this Honourable House to meet the problem of providinrJ adequiJtr, housing within the meiJnS of our people. MR. SPEAKER ANO MEMBERS OF THE HONOURABLE HOUSE OF ASSEMBL V: My Governmr,nt 1s constantly 5f:iJrching for ways to utili1e fully the benefits avai I able through vocational trwning institu tiom .

It has been a source of const1,nt concern to my Ministers during the past year that indus ­ try has experienced periods where. because of the healthy condition of the economy, more jobs were available in r.ertain areas than there were qual ­ ified personnel to fill them. Consequently, my Government intends to introduce an extc:nded wachinq day in Vocational Training Schools throughout the Province which my Ministers estimate will result in an addi ­ tional 1,000 students being accommodated in the vocational school system.

Additional efforts are being made to maximize the use of facilities at the Collerie of Trades ,md Technology iJnd the College of Fisheries. My Government further intends to introduce an improved system for the allocation of teachers in elementary and secondary schools. My Minis­ ters are very conscious r,f their commitment to improve the pupil-teacher ratio and to develop w,w programmes for an overall improvement in the quality of instruction. MR.

SPEAKER AND MEMBERS OF THE HONOURABLE HOUSE OF ASSEMBLY: My Government is aware that material development alone will not achieve full realization of our people's God-given potential. Unless we strive also to develop their intellectual capacity, we shall remain underdeveloped. My Ministers fully appreciate that, in development of the intellectual capac­ ity of our people. Memorial University must, of necessity, play a vital role. My Government commits itself to continue to support our University to the utmost of its ability.

During the last Session of this Honourable House, legislation was pass­ ed restoring to the University the right to select its President. My Govern­ ment would now like to express its congratulations to President Moses 0 . Morgan upon his appointment and to the Regents and Senate of the Univer- 10

sity for the wisdom shown by them in choosing this distinguished Newfoundlander as President. President Morgan has already made a signif­ icant contribution to the growth of the University and my Government wishes to assure him of its full support and encouragement in his task of strengthening the intellectual resources of the University, and of bringing them to bear upon the problems and policies of our beloved Province. MR.

SPEAKER AND MEMBERS OF THE HONOURABLE HOUSE OF ASSEMBLY: The prosperous months through which my Government has directed the affairs of our Province must be obvious to even the most unobservant. My Government is firmly convinced that prosperity can only be generated in an atmosphere of fair competition and is constantly seeking to create a climate in which free enterprise can be transacted in a vigorous manner to the benefit of all. With this in mind, my Government has constantly adopt­ ed the procedure of calling public tenders for public works wherever feasible.

My Ministers deem it necessary to formalize this practice and, con­ sequently, legislation will be presented to you requiring, as a matter of law, the calling of public tenders for public works in accordance with similar practices carried on for many years by the Government of Canada and in most other provinces. MR. SPEAKER AND MEMBERS OF THE HONOURABLE HOUSE OF ASSEMBLY: Another measure adopted by my Government to assure a healthy economic and sociological climate has been the implementation of the new Social Assistance Programme which is revolutionary in nature and will be of inestimable value to our people.

My Government has also been pleased to cause the minimum wage to be increased substantially with effect from January 1st of this year. The present minimum wage, as a result of the action of my Government, amounts to $1.80 per hour. Further increases may be expected on July 1st of this year and on January 1st of next year resulting in a minimum wage in 1975 of $2.20 per hour. This will represent a total increase of 76 percent in the minimum wage since my Government first assumed office.

These in­ creases have obvious beneficial results since they vibrate throughout the entire economy and provide substantial increases for all workers. My Gov­ ernment notes, with great satisfaction, that the application of the minimum wage to fish plant workers, who had previously been exempted from the application of the Act, has been credited by many with having a major effect in enabling the wages of these workers to be increased dramatically during the past year. 11

MR. SPEAKER AND MEMBERS DF THE HONOURABLE HOUSE DF ASSEMBLY: Legislation will be submitted to you to amend The Judicature Act as the first step towards the constitution of a Court of Appeal in the Province. My Government intends to set up the machinery whereby this necessary branch of the judiciary can be established . My Government notes that all other provincial jurisdictions, with the exception of Prince Edward Island and this Province, have enjoyed the benefits of a Provincial Court of Appeal for many years.

Legislation will be placed before you to implement the recommenda­ tions of the Royal Commission of Enquiry into the Magistracy, including recommendation for the constitution of a Provincial Court. MR. SPEAKER AND MEMBERS DF THE HONOURABLE HOUSE OF ASSEMBLY: In a Province where all residents are unable to travel by road to sister Provinces and, indeed, where the Island of Newfoundland is separated from the mainland portion of our Province , transportation must be a matter of grave and vital concern.

After assuming office, my Government quickly abrogated the previous policy of refusing to allow the connection of Labrador with the Canadian road network. My Ministers have been instru­ mental in initiating negotiations with the Province of Quebec and the Gov­ ernment of Canada with the ultimate objective of establishing a first class highway running through Labrador and connecting with the Province of Quebec highway system.

My Ministers are pleased to note the recent agree­ ment of the Province of Quebec to cooperate and act in concert with my Government in pursuing this goal and are optimistic that a successful agree ­ ment for the construction and financing of a Trans-Labrador Highway will be finalized. My Government is determined to continue its programme of upgrad­ ing and paving the remaining roads of our existing highway network during the ensuing year . Increases in statutory road grants will be provided to local governments and councils to assist them in meeting the increased costs of their own road programmes.

In addition, legislation will be placed before this Honourable House to amend The Local Road Boards Act in order to meet the needs for local roads more effectively. During the coming year, my Ministers will commence the gradual introduction of a new programme for the examination of motor vehicle operators. This programme will involve the standardization of tests for driver's licences and, eventually, the visual acuity testing of applicants. Not only will these measures serve to increase safety on our highways but it is 12

anticipated that they will lead to eventual reciprocal agreements with other provinces respecting the adequacy of licenses. My Ministers are confident that measures to be taken in the months and years ahead will adequately reflectorize the deep concern of my Government for highway safety. MR. SPEAKER AND MEMBERS OF THE HONOURABLE HOUSE OF ASSEMBLY: Since assuming office, my Government has been pleased to present legislation to you which has improved labour relations markedly through­ out the Province.

Extension of collective bargaining rights to all appropriate sectors of society and the adoption of other beneficial measures attest to my Government's conviction that a strong labour movement is essential to the prosperity and well-being of our people. My Government has been very sensitive to the views of the labour unions and has maintained open dia­ logue with the Newfoundland Federation of Labour and will continue to do so. One of the main recommendations of the Federation for many years has been the amount of our minimum wage.

As already stated, my Govern­ ment has not been heedless of this representation and has dramatically in­ creased ~he minimum wage to the lasting benefit of our people. The bouyant economy in our Province during the past two years has resulted in our rising to fifth place among the provinces of Canada in the average industrial weekly wage paid to residents. This is yet another striking indication of the great progress which is being realized under the direction of my Government.

My Ministers point to this significant statistic with a great deal of pride and in the firm expectation that steps will be taken in the months and years ahead which will project our Province even more into the mainstream of Canadian life. As in the case of all measures, my Government must proceed cautious­ ly in implementing changes in our social structure and my Ministers are determined that action will be taken only after a full assessment has been made of the implications involved.

My Government is making a careful study of the recommendations contained in the Royal Commission on Labour Legislation and the Royal Commission on Illegal Work Stoppages. After due consideration, legislation will be brought before you concerning these matters. My Government is planning to consolidate labour standards legislation into a labour standards code and it is hoped to bring such measures before you in this Session . 13

MR. SPEAKER AND MEMBERS DF THE HONOURABLE HOUSE OF ASSEMBLY: My Ministers are concerned ::iver the rate of escalation in the costs of health care in our Province and are considering methods whereby these costs, together with such vital ancillary health costs as the price of drugs, can be reduced. In this regard, my Government is studying the Report of the Planning Task Force on Health which contains many valuable recom­ mendations.

My Government intends, after giving due consideration to these recommendations, to implement the measures which are capable of practical application, and is confident that these steps will result in exten­ sive improvements to curative and preventative health care and services. MR. SPEAKER AND MEMBERS OF THE HONOURABLE HOUSE OF ASSEMBLY: A matter of special concern to my Government in the coming year is the conservation and management of our wildlife resources. It is a matter of increasing concern that stocks of wildlife are being seriously depleted.

My Ministers intend to address themselves to this problem by the adoption of stricter measures for the protection of this vital resource. The Wild Life Division of the Department of Tourism will be enlarged, wardens will be more adequately trained and equipped and a review of penalties for in­ fringement of Wild Life Regulations will be instituted. In addition, the mechanism for issuing hunting licences will be reviewed and the control and management of all wildlife species will be intensified. MR.

SPEAKER AND MEMBERS OF THE HONOURABLE HOUSE OF ASSEMBLY: My Government will continue to promote, foster and encourage the development of recreational facilities throughout our Province so far as it is capable of supplying the necessary fiscal support. While there are many needs in our Province, my Government is fully sensitive to and aware of the lasting benefits that adequate recreational facilities will bring to our people and will do all in its power to expand its recreational programmes. MR.

SPEAKER AND MEMBERS OF THE HONOURABLE HOUSE OF ASSEMBLY: My Government intends to increase its efforts to strengthen the Landlord-Tenant Division of the Department of Provincial Affairs and Envi­ ronment in order more effectively to promote relationships between land­ lords and tenants. My Government remains alert and vigilant to the incursions of pollutants upon our surroundings and proposes to intensify its efforts to control the defilement of our natural environment . 14

MR. SPEAKER AND MEMBERS OF THE HONOURABLE HOUSE OF ASSEMBLY: My Government is aware of the necessity of articulating, for the first time in our history, a land use policy directed to assuring the best possible use of land. My Government will endeavour to have legislation presented to this Honourable House to facilitate the introduction of more effective means of land control in Newfoundland and Labrador. My Government will continue its agricultural programmes to ensure that our Province becomes self sufficient in as many agricultural products as possible.

To achieve this aim, my Ministers intend to foster and encour­ age the best possible use of our limited agricultural land to realize the optimum potential not only in broiler, hog and sheep production but, also, in basic root crops. MR. SPEAKER AND MEMBERS OF THE HONOURABLE HOUSE OF ASSEMBLY: You will be asked early in this Session to consider measures to amend and alter the Rules of this Honourable House in order to make this forum more relevant to the people of our Province.

Two Sessions have now elapsed since the commencement of this Assembly and my Government feels that the experience gained by all Members, as a result of these Ses­ sions, makes the time opportune for this Honourable House to consider changes in its mode of operation. The Report of the Electoral Boundaries Commission will be laid be­ fore you and you will be asked to consicJer its recommendations with a view to adopting a reasonably equitable distribution of electoral boundaries throughout the Province. MR.

SPEAKER AND MEMBERS OF THE HONOURABLE HOUSE OF ASSEMBLY: My Government looks forward with increasing confidence to the months and years ahead. The past years have been exemplified by the development and prosperity of our people. My Government fully anti­ cipates that this Province will be blessed in the ensuing year with con­ tinuing prosperity generated under its firm control and direction.

The task has not been an easy one and my Government is appreciative of the sensitivity of our people to its difficulty which was particularly ag­ gravated by the yoke of the gigantic public indebtedness which had to be assumed upon taking office. My Ministers frequently reflect on the many beneficial measures which might have been adopted and implemented had the exigencies of the public debt not rested so heavily on their shoulders. Nevertheless, my Government is pledged to continue to pursue its course of 15

planned development and careful deliberate implementation of measures regardless of expediency and pressures to revert to the practices of past years. MR. SPEAKER AND MEMBERS OF THE HONOURABLE HOUSE OF A~EMBLY: You will be asked to grant supp.ly unto Her Majesty. I invoke God's Blessing on your labours as you give caren,il consid­ eration to those matters which have been carefully formulated for presentation to you by my Government for the welfare of our people. 16

January 30, 1974, Tape 3, Page 1 -- apb HON. W.W.MARSHALL: Mr. Speaker, I would ask leave to introduce a bill; "An Act Further To Amend The Co-operative Societies Act." I would also ask leave for this bill to be read a first time. On motion, a bill; "An Act Further To Amend The Co-operative Societies Act," read a first time ordered read a second time on tomorrow. MR. SPEAKER: I have pleasure in announcing that His Honour the Lieutenant Governor has been pleased to make his speech to the members met in General Assembly and that for greater accuracy I have obtained a copy.

The honourable member for Bonavista South: MR. J.C. MORGAN: Mr. Speaker, it is a pleasure for me at this time to move that a committee of this honourable Assembly be established to draft an Address in Reply to the most gracious Speech from the Throne. I would like at the outset to welcome to this honourable Assembly the newest member of the Assembly. I am speaking, of course, of the honourable member from Hermitage. I cannot say sincerely that I hope his stay will be long but I am sure that we will be hearing lots from him in this session. Also, Mr.

Speaker, at this time I would like to sincerely hope that the honourable member from Labrador West who is absent from his seat today because of illness will be back in his seat in the very near future and indeed back in his office as the honourable Minister of Manpower and Industrial Relations. Mr. Speaker, it has been two years now since the people of this province voted for a change of government. In 1972, this government, the first Progressive Conservative Government since Confederation, took office and took over the affairs of this province.

During the first two years there were many a monumental task this ~overnment have been confronted with. They have tackled these tasks in a very businesslike fashion. The affairs of the province for the past two years have been handled in a businesslike fashion and because of that we now find ourselves, as an old fisherman in Bonavista Bay would say, we find ourselves now on an even keel and the future is going to be smooth sailing. 17

January 30, 1974, Tape 3, Page 2 -- apb Yes, Mr. Speaker, the planning and the organization of goverrunent or the restructuring of government during the past two years have not been the only developments taking place by my government. There have been much progress and many developments during the past two years and naturally, as a young member of the House of Assembly who came here in 1972, representing a rural district, I am not satisfied with the developments and progress made in my district in 1972 - 1973. Naturally, Mr.

Speaker, I am not satisfied but this does not mean that no improvements were carried out in Bonavista South. It was my eagemess and my determination and my impatience at times with government because of lack of developments in my district which has many problems that I found myself standing in this House of Assembly as a government backbencher, outspoken, even critical at times of my government. Mr.

Speaker, I feel that each and every honourable member of this House of Assembly, if he be sincerely concerned for his constituents, for the people who sent him to this Assembly, he is not going to be satisfied until his peoples' needs and problems are resolved. It is quite natural, Mr. Speaker, for those who are sincerely concerned for the people to be outspoken if they are not satisfied with the developments and progress made in their respective districts. The reason, Mr.

Speaker, is because despite the fact that my District of Bonavista South, where the people sent me to this Assembly,in 1972,to speak for them, despite the fact that they had for twenty-two years representation on the Liberal Government side of the House of Assembly, despite that fact, Mr. Speaker, we still have one hundred and forty miles of gravel, dusty roads. We still have a desperate need for recreational facilities, a desperate need for improved fishing facilities, I can go on and on, Mr. Speaker. We still have a hospital that was outdated in Bonavista, for example, fifteen years ago. Hopefully, Mr.

Speaker, and I say sincerely, this year will see the commencement of construction of a new hospital for the 18

January 30, 1974, Tape 3, Page 3 -- apb Town of Bonavista. Yes, Mr. Speaker, I am the kind of politician, maybe to my detriment and maybe not but I aru the kind of politician who speaks it as I see i t. I speak for what l believe is right, right for the people of this province and right for the people who sent me to this Assembly. I am going to continue to do so in the futu re. I am goin g to speak for what I believe is right for my people vho sent me here and right for my province. Mr. Speaker, as the most gracious Speech from the Throne today outlines, progress has been made.

Despite the f act that in 1972 and 1973 we saw a very drastic inc rease in the cost of living, we saw a very spiralling rise in the food prices, despite the energy crisis throughout the world, despite these facts, Mr. Speaker, we still made progress in this beloved 19

January 30, 1974 Tape 4 IB-1 province, I am not going to speak along the terms of propaganda. I am going to speak along the terms of facts. The facts speak for them­ selves. Mr. Speaker, from August, 1972 until Augu~t, 1973, there were 26,000 new jobs created in this province, 26,000 new jobs - a magnificent achievement in itself, an example of what this government is doing for this province and its economy. Two thousand of these new jobs were created by a new department called Rural Development. Mr.

Speaker, as a member of the House of Assembly representing a rural district, an outport district, when this government took office in 1972 it was the first time in the history of Newfoundland that the people living in the outport communities, the people living in the harbours and the coves and the inlets and the bays around the coast line of this province, it is the first time that these people were given a ray of hope that there was going to be a government take over in Newfoundland that would give them some benefits,and recognition that there were potentials in the outports around this province.

To me the outport ccmmunities are the backbone of the economy of Newfoundland. When this government took office and established a rew Department of Rural Development it gave these people hope and after a short term in office it started to give them help - help, Mr. Speaker, in the form of loans - loans going out to small business people in the outport communities who prior to 1972 were forgotten and neglected. They were not political pay-offs, Mr.

Speaker, as have been advocated and ex­ pounded by the opposition spokesman, but loans made available to those people who prior to 1972 had little hope for the development. As the most gracious Speech from the Throne pointed out, Mr. Speaker, 660 industries were given loans. A total amount of $4 million was loaned out to these people in the rural parts of our province, to the outport communities. Four aillion dollars, Mr. Speaker, meant the creation of 2,000 new jobs. Can you imagine, Mr. Speaker, what this would have meant in the previous administration if only every job would have cost $2,000.

It would have meant, Mr. Speaker, that we would be today, in this province, with a hundred per cent e~ployment situation. They were not political pay-offs but pay-offs to the people 20

January 30, 1974 Tape 4 who want to help themselves. This is the government that is going to help these people and help the outport communities and their potential develop to their full potential, IB-2 Yes, Mr, Speaker, despite the expoundings from opposition spokesmen there was progress made during the past two years. I am not going to elaborate on all the progress made - the most gracious Speech from the Throne outlined the progress - but I want to mention one or two. Mr.

Speaker, this new Social Services Programme where we saw an increase to the widows and to the people who find themselves unfortunately in a situation where they cannot help themselves, where society and government have an obligation to look after them , we saw for the first time a significant increase in the allowances from the Department of Social Services, a very much needed outlay of government funds, Yes, Mr.

Speaker, and while I am on the topic of social services, a significant factor that shows where the economy of what this government is doing is the fact that from January, 1972, when this government took office, and from that time,as of recent months: 21

January 30, 1974 Tape no. 5 MW - l In 1972, Mr. Speaker, we had 9,000 families in this province who were unable to find employment. They were receiving what we call short-term assistance at that time. People used to call it dole at one time around the bay. We had 9,000 families but now, Mr. Speaker, we only have 4,000 families. We have 5,000 families less receiving short-term or able-bodied relief from this government. A significant factor alone that shows the economy of this province is forging ahead, despite the expoundings from opposition spokesmen. These facts speak for themselves and these are the facts.

Yes, Mr. Speaker, I have been in this honourable Assembly for two years now - my first involvement in public life. I am not going to say this naively but I am going to say that I feel that Her Majesty's loyal Opposition in this House of Assembly is criticizing for the sake of criticizing, condemning for the sake of condemning, obstructing for the sake of obstructing. Mr. Speaker, I am not going to say it naively but it should not matter whether we are of a Liberal banner, a Progressive Conservative banner or a New Labrador Party or otherwise. It should not matter, Mr. Speaker.

We should at least, if we are in opposition to a government, offer some constructive criticism, bring forward some new ideas and new alternatives, not only for the benefit of all the province, naturally, but for the benefit of those people who sent the opposition members to this House of Assembly, not to criticize for the sake of criticizing, condemning for the sake of condemning. At least, let us have some cnnstructive criticism. I feel that that is the main role of the opposition in any House of Assembly. I feel, Mr. Speaker, we should all be working together.

We should be all working here as individuals concerned for the future development of this province, irrespective of our political banners and affiliation - working together for the benefit of our people. Mr. Speaker, as a young politician it hurts me and annoys me to listen to the media in the province or the opposition spokesmen condemning government and talking about political corruption in government, talking about political pay-offs in government. Mr. Speaker, what is it that prompts these 22

January 30, 1974 Tape no. 5 Page 2 individuals to do this? ts it because we are in here in politics where we hear the Water gat e Affa ir in the States? Is that one of the reasons why these statements are prompted from the ind ividuals concerned? Yes, ~Ir. Speaker, it hurts me and annoys me because I K.'"IOW from working with my ministeri; in this government during the past two years chat t he individuals who will make up the cabinet of this government are honest, sincere individuals. There is no corruptness in this government. If there were, Mr. Speaker, I would not be standin g here today . Indeed, Mr.

Speake r, the people who make up the provincial cabinet, many of them are in public life today making personal sacrifices . I would like to see in the future some form of regulation or law applied to ?ol iticians, to people who are elected to public life, that will set down a firm regulation sayi.ig that no politician shall make a charge of corruptness against the other politicians unless he can substantiate the facts with the facts . Mr. Speaker , I would like t o see that rather than have these deceptive statements made attempting to sow in the minds of the people seeds of discontent 23

January 30, 1974 Tape .fo . 6 .~ - l and disbelief of the actual ~overmnent that we have in chis province today. Yes, Mr. ~peaker, aiain it may be naively but ~hile sittinp. in this honourable Asse.'"lbly during the oast two years 1 have listened to name calling, derrogatory comments, char~es and counter charees, back and fore!\ t!iis honourable Asser.1bly, 1 sincerely hope, :-tr. Sneaker, that in this coning session, chi s new session, the third session of chi.s As5embly, that we :tre not ~oing to see this kind of goi~s on in t his Assembly again .

How can we as lerislacors, how can we as leaders of the people, politicians, iloi..• cau we expect co ~ain the CCSJ"eCt of t11c people who sent us llere i.f ,,e 11re not goin1_1 to nave resp e ct for ourselves? Mr. Speai:er, it j i; importanl that we show respecL for ourselves in order to t.ain t!,e respect of the people of the nrovince. So T ,:;incerely hooe that thfa se::;~don will be di1'Eerenc from the l'revious i:wo sessions that L have :,een here in t his \_ssembly and we wi] 1 act accordinp;J y . :-<m·, :fr.

Speaker, in spe,ikin g in a fe,,, words on beha] f of my district : In 1<,72 the ;,eopl.e of llonavista South sent me to this Assembly to speak for t h em, to he t heir spokesman in i:;overoment, and you can be as5ure<l, llr . :;neakcr, as I listen to the 1110s t gracious Speech from the 'Liron e today, tha c if there are noini to bE he funds allocated for recrca tional purposes, I am going co be in there pressing for my district. If the r e are ,going to be fishing facilities l>uil t and improved around the province, I am going to be in there oressini; for im))roved fishing facilities.

I make note that there is goini to be a number of marine service centre.s established ttlroughout the province at strategic locations . The people of llonavista South can be assured that 1 am ROing to be in there nrcs~ing for one of t hes e centre.q to be in the 'fnwn of Bonavista. I feel it is my role co he here speakin g and pressinr, for t:1e needs of r:iy peonl e and, Mr. Speaker, 24

January JO, 1~74 l'ape Jo . 6 :~1 - 2 r .run 11oi11p to he do Lnr, that . 'lost importantly, the province &s a whole, thi,; 1>rovincc !1as ;i r.rcat f utur e . h'e have the f;i.shcrles r esource. anJ th.is r.overnment has taken steps dur inl'. tile n.:is c two ycors an,! wi.11 this ve:tr, I :im rroud to note frol'l cue :incech fro111 tho 1:hronP. tn carrv on t tl<' dcwelopmen t s of t,1.., fjsher i es an ... take over t1,<> control and l'lnnar.e1:1ent o[ the for.~st n•sou r ce fnr the beoefH nr all tnis provi11cc . 'fr. ~:ne.il,c r , I 11ant t o co,, .. ~i:nd d1(' stnnd my ,::overno.ant has taken ,H the, r cccml Conference nn Encr: ~y Ln Ott,iwa .

Tho sta nd -ts '"-' flrt• not roinl' co l ct th<• r ~d,•i-n L r;ovurnnwnr cake awny t 1e r esni: 1T,'~ on our C:1.mti11<'ntal l-hclf. We have riven aw:iy t!llou~h o( c>11r re-sources. 'le a.re ::1,01-ni to stay fir,: on the sca n<J t!1nt Lhc 1· .. sourc1 •oc; 011 tl:e Ccnti:iental Sltel[ helon;:: to tills rrovinct• and ,1e ,He r.o in;• LO mik,• sure that this province' ollt.iins tlic. bcncfi.L:< fro:~ L;,. L ,~i;c,1,rc11:-, on the Cn11tjncntnl ~l\elf .

T ,;Jncc-r..:lv ho:ll', t,, r Lhu l•c•nefit nf my 1!istricl th:1t the fe:c.!e:cal rovornr.ient, nt I h•' !,.'ls• of Lhc !>NI r,",f ercnce comin{: up this year, './!ll l•e c;ucces:o<ful in oht:1ininr. control of the Continen t al Shelf frir nt lc-ast t,,n h1111clr,;.,d r-.flcs off our c-oltstllno so t hat t he Fishc-m1·1 • on t:,;:, r.;•1·chea.<;t coa.:; t ;;iml the c~ast ccast will have a. future . reRret to say, I feel i.f the ·feJe ral i-.over nment i s no t succe,;:;fui in ohtaininr. this, the fut ure of our fisheries- looks very <! in: indee d. •ir .

Speaker , in closi nl.: L would Ukc to say that the fucur <" vf tilis province looks very r.oo<: in<.lecd. 'this littl~ isl.iwl province with its much valuable and potential of resou-rces is a l:\nd of r.reot pr nmise anci I sincer., ty hope that each 01:e nf us hcrr Loday. leaders a nd politician,,; and the people , ,. 25

January 30, 1974 Tape 7 PK - 1 that we all work together, work together for the benefit of all of the people to make sure that these resources are developed properly so that that great promise will be fulfilled. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. MR. H. D. YOUNG: Mr. Speaker, I rise to support the motion so ably presented by my colleague from Bonavista South. At the same time I would like to join in the expression of good wishes to the honourable member for Hermitage upon his election.

The gracious Speech from the Throne not only sets forth government plans for the future but also as it entered its third year supplements the government's past achievements. In my opinion, these achievements have been great and are certainly worthy of note.

While admitting that there have been some mistakes, Sir, who would not expect there would be some particularly after the first change in government in twenty-three years, in my opinion there seems to be far too little recognition of the beneficial accomplishments brought forth by the government which I, as the member for Harbour Grace District, have no hesitation whatsoever in fully supporting. This administration is a good, solid government capable of directing public affairs in a steady, rational manner regardless of outside pressures.

It is evident that the steady hand on the tiller of our government is bringing increased prosperity. The honourable member for Bonavista South has already mentioned the facts and figures and I shall not repeat them except to say that during the past two years in many areas of our province there have been many more jobs available than persons to fill them. This has been evident to everyone, to the companies searching for loggers, to the fish plants seeking workers and even to the citizens seeking repairs to their homes.

Men are scarce for different positions because more attractive permanent jobs are made available and increasing numbers have to depend upon temporary employment or social assistance for support. Mr. Speaker, this administration which I am proud to support is not just an effective government but also a compassionate one, Its concern for the people is shown in a new social assistance programme 26

January 30, 1974 Tape 7 PK - 2 to which the gracious Speech from the Throne referred. This programme abolishes distinction between short and long term assistance and substitutes need as its sole basis for receipt of social assistance whether the need arises from the unavailability of employment or from sickness or death. I understand the increased benefits will cost the treasury in excess of $9 million and will give many persons a just and reasonable security.

So let us not forget that this is the second increase by this government in the rate of social assistance and at the same time remember that in its last five years of existence the previous administration raised rates of assistance by a paltry two per cent. By its actions this government is keeping its promise to provide security to those who are unable to work, through no fault of their own, and jobs at decent wages for those who are able to work. Mr. Speaker, the Throne Speech refers to the minimum wage and I welcome the news it will be raised to $2.20 an hour.

Representing many persons connected with the fishery I must congratulate the government in making it apply to the fish plant workers. In my opinion the policy of the previous administration in exempting fish plant operations from the Minimum Wage Act was nothing but pure exploitation of fish plant workers. This govenunent's action 27

January 30, 1974 Tape 8 has shown that there are going to be no special cases for persons from which are excluded employees of the fishery. Not only are there to be no special cases for persons but neither are there special areas. The announcement that special areas are no longer,but the sole reason IB-1 for receiving DREE grants is the existence of development opportunity, this must be welcomed. There is no doubt that this results from our government dealing with Ottawa on an equal footing rather than going to our nation's capital with cap in hand as a beggar on horseback.

As Canadians we have equal rights with our mainland counterparts and every part of Newfoundland now has a chance to develop. All throughout the past two years the change for the best is evident. The concentration on the development of our natural resources is paying off. I am glad to see that measures are to be taken to bring our forests into full production to fully develop our mineral resources and I am mainly pleased to note the proposals for the continued development of our fisheries. Much is at stake at the Law Of The Sea Conference,as stated in the Speech from the Throne.

This opportunity should not pass without noting the great contribution made by our Premier at the conference in Charlottetown when he succeeded in having the federal government adopt as a natural policy the principle of control of the marine resources on th~ continental shelf for coastal status. This is crucial to us and we should now only pray that Ottawa will be as forceful as our Premier was in Charlottetown when that government puts forth its principles in Venezuela. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased that reference was made to the intention to bring legislation to require the call of public tenders for public works.

Despite impressions to the contrary, attempted to be spread in certain quarters, the small businessmen in this province know that there is a great change in the manner of awarding contracts. This government has adopted a programme of calling public tenders and I will be glad to see that practice placed into law books. Mr. Speaker, I hope I will be forgiven if I take this opportunity to direct a few words to the people of the historical district of Harbour Grace which I take great pride in representing in this honourable House 28

January 30, 1974 Tape 8 IB-2 As I have often repeated, I will be the last to let them down. There­ fore, Mr. Speaker, I would like to speak briefly about my district. find that after twenty-three years of Liberal government and the district being represented by a liberal member it is amazing how little was done during that period of time. Just after two years with a Progressive Conservative Government and two years with a Progressive Conservative member a great change is taking place. The towns of Spaniard's Bay and Upper Island Cove are being provided with a water and sewerage system.

Roads are being upgraded and paved and one of the greatest accomplishments to date is that construction will soon start on the marine complex at Harbour Grace to provide a much needed facility to our fishermen, I have made representation to our government for further development and improvements in the district and with the same co-operation that I have received in the past from the honourable ministers, I feel sure that some if not all of these requests will be accomplished. Mr. Speaker, I feel I would be amiss if I failed to mention my birthplace and tell an Island Cove joke.

With all due respect to the clergymen present and to the three denomivations I am going to mention, I ask forgiveness. A few years ago when the Bullet was going on her tracks, which the honourable member's co-partners in Ottawa removed a few years ago 29

January 30, 1974, Tape 9, Page 1 -- apb from Upper Island Cove, these two guys from Upper Island Cover got aboard the "Bullet" to go to Gander. They were working and that was before - we had St. Christopher but we did not have St. Thomas at that time (The Minister of Transportation and Communication). Mr. Speaker, when they got on the train they had had a few beers at Whitbourne and had a few extra ones on the train.

When they were a little further along toward Gander they decided they would like to have another beer, so one of the guys went back and forth the train calling out; "Is there an R.C.Priest on the train?" He got no response. Coming back he was calling out; "Is there an Anglican Clergyman on the train?" He still got no response. There was an United Church Minister sitting in his seat and he said to his wife; "That man must be in serious trouble,! must go and see if I can help him." He went along and he said; "Sir, can I help you in any way?

I am a United Church Clergyman." "No, Sir," he answered; "I do not think you can,I am looking for a bottle opener." Seriously speaking, Sir, I again reaffirm my confidence in the present government for its many developments not only in my district but throughout the province . Perhaps the greatest fault of this administration is its shyness in letting the public know what we are doing.

Actions speak louder than words and these acts are even more worthy of praise when you consider that the government not only was presented with the reins of power but also a big sign reading; "God bless our mortgaged home!" Let me say in closing that I am proud to support a government which obviously cares much more for the welfare of Newfoundlanders than keeping itself in power. Mr. Speaker, I have much pleasure in supporting the motion so ably presented by my colleague from Bonavista South. Thank you. MR. SPEAKER: The honourable the Leader of the Opposition: HON. E.M.ROBERTS: Mr.

Speaker, may I first of all, Sir, express in behalf of all of my colleagues on this side of the House and in this I 30

January 30, 1974, Tape 9, Page 2 -- apb am sure I speak also for the gentleman from Labrador South when I express the wish that the gentleman from Labrador West, the Minister of Manpower and Industrial Relations will soon be back with us, I think that everyone of us who has had the pleasure of knowing him likes him as a man and respects him as a public servant. We are all concerned that he is not with us and we all hope that he will be soon again with us.

I think he has a contribution to make to the public life of this province and I think it is one which should be made and which I hope he will be with us to make. I do hope he will be back very shortly. Nothing would give me more pleasure than to hear the Premier when he speaks in a short w, , i le tell u, tL«t thP ,'.entlernan fro,.­ Labrador West will be with us again shortly. Hay I also, Sir, in behalf of my friend and colleague the gentleman from Hermitage, extend his thanks to the gentleman from Bonavista South and to the gentleman from Harbour Grace.

I am sure that the gentleman from Hermitage, Sir, the new member from Hermitage will make himself heard in this House. I have no doubt that he will bring a positive and a worthwhile and effective contribution to the debate. I do not think I should say very much about his chances of re-election,as the gentleman from Harbour Grace who really should have read it as it was written for him. He blundered into what was not a bad witticism, especially coming from the gentleman from Harbour Grace, about the re-election opportunities of my friend from Hermitage.

I think he showed in the campaign.which ended on November 26, that he, together with some support from the rest of us,is quite able to take on the entire administration, everything they can throw, including all of the things that were done. There will be another time to go into this but let me say for the nonce now that the gentleman from Hermitage will be with us for many years yet. If the seat be abolished as the Electoral Boundaries Commission' have recommended, I have no doubt that the people of some other district will be delighted to send him back to speak in this House.

Sir, may I also compliment the gentleman from Harbour Grace 31

January 30, 1974 Tape No. 10 NM - 1 on his very able speech when seconding the Address in Reply. It was a good speech and it was well delivered and I am sure that the reverend gentlemen present,in the spirit of Christian tolerance and forgiveness will forgive him as he requested. I wish I could say as much for the gentleman from Bonavista South, Sir. I have been in this House, this is my ninth opening session, Sir, I have nine times had the privilege and the pleasure of hearing the Lieutenant Governor of the day read the Speech from the Throne.

I have eight times heard a gentleman move the Address in Reply and on the ninth occasion I had the honour of doing that myself. It has always been understood that this is a relatively nonpartisan occasion and I propose to do what I can to continue that tradition, Sir. Spirited debate, fine! The Premier and I have been known to exchange spirited exchanges on opening day and perhaps we will this day as well.

But, Sir, I do not propose to embarrass the people who are here at this formal opening any further or to lower the tone of debate That is a debatable motion and I may say, Sir, that my colleagues wished to debate this motion but we have discussed it and we have agreed not to. In a debatable motion, Sir, any member of this House may stand and speak in the same way as he may do any motion but it is a practice and a tradition and a very good qne, Sir, that i,t not be so, that there be four speaker ::. the mover, the seconder, the Leader of the Opposition and the Premier. I think we should continue that.

It has always been understood, Sir, that it is a reasonably nonpartisan occasion and I for one am sorry the gentleman from Bonavista South has seen fit in my eyes and I believe in the eyes of my colleagues to lower the dignity of this House. I do not mind him being partisan, Sir, we are all partisan and on another occasion I for one and all of my colleagues will be quite happy to deal with the arguments,such they be, put up by the gentleman from Bonavista South. I do not think this is the place, Sir, and I do not think this is the time. 32

January 30, 1974 Tape No. 10 NM - 2 Mr. Speaker, two years ago this administration were elected with a tremendous mandate, quite unmistakable. It was a mandate, Sir, from the people of this province to go forward to implement policies and programmes that would benefit all of the people of this province. For our part, Sir, we said that we would give them a chance. That was two years ago. Last year when we politely inquired what they had done 1,11 ch the opportunity, we were told that they were restructuring but somehow out of this process would come something for the peopl~ of this province.

So patiently, not too patiently, perhaps too patiently for some but not too patiently we said, "Very well, go at it." Today, Mr. Speaker, today as we talked and talked and discussed about what the government would ask His Honour to say, because the Speech, although it was read by His Honour, although it is the Throne Speech, the Speech from the Throne is of course a statement by the administration, by the Premier and by his colleagues, we believed and we hoped that we would see results.

We believed and we hoped quite sincerely and quite genuinely that all of this process about which we heard so much, all of this process would lead to meaningful and positive action, would benefit the people of this province. Mr. Speaker, we are sorely disappointed. We are cruelly disappointed. We are sadly disappointed and we are disillusioned. The Speech, Sir, is barren. It is barren of meaningful proposals. It is barren of imagination. It is barren of worthwhile suggestions and policies and programmes. The only thing I can say, Sir, it is as barren as the Funks or the Offer Wadhams.

It is the emptiest Speech from the Throne that I for one have ever heard, not a word, Sir, grandiloquent phrases but, Mr. Speaker, when it comes to meaningful proposals there is nothing at all in this Speech, it is an empty plate. We had hoped for better. We hoped for more. I believe so have the people of Newfoundland and Labrador. given instead, Sir, all the people All we have been 33

January 30, 1974 Tape 11 PK - 1 in every part of this province today. All we have been given are platitudes and empty phrases, apologies for inaction, excuses for delay. If you analyze that speech, Your Honour, that speech is bereft of anything concrete, anything new. The gentleman, as I must call him,for Bonavista South used a fisheries term, Sir. Well let me use one too, I say that this speech represents a fail voyage. Ne had hoped for a bumper season. We expected at least a saving voyage and instead, Mr. Speaker, all we have gotten is a waterhaul, empty nets.

I think perhaps we could sum up the whole Throne Speech and I have not the storytelling ability of the gentleman for Harbour Grace. Upper Island Cove is justly fame for its wit and its humour. There is a traditional story which I think perhaps sums it up it is of two fishermen, it is the shortest short story I am told in the English language, two trouters who met on the 24th. of May at the end of the day. Each wanted to know what the other got , what luck he had that day. That sums up the Throne Speech, Sir. one said "am" and the other said "narn". Well, Sir, we asked "am" and the government answered "narn".

There will be time, Sir, for an analysis in detail. The debate on the Address in Reply I have no soubt will take a few days, perhaps three or four or five. There will probably be an amendment or 'two. Every member I hope will enter into the debate and enter into it fully and with spirit and vigor. Sir, this government were given a great opportunity but they have thrown it away. They just flung it away. Newfoundland needs action,in area after area our people need help.

That is all governments are about, Sir, helping people, developing our resources, not to develop our resources but developing them so that we can make this a better country for ourselves and for our children and for our childrens children. It is our duty as Newfoundlanders. That is why we are in public life That is why we run for public office. What else? What could be nobler? I believe every man in this House shares that wish, Sir, and shares that dedication no,matter what political party he belongs to. Any man who comes forward to run for public office must want to help the people.

That is what it is all about. 34

January 30, 1974 Tape 11 PK - 2 Sir, we need action in Newfoundland not talk and not task forces and not planning. We have had two years. How long,how long must we go on with that? We need action on housing. We do not need the platitudes that His Honour was given to read, Sir. We need action to deal with the rising cost of land and the lack of serviced land. It is not enough to say that we are going to bring in programmes. They have had two years, Sir, they have had half of their lifetime as an administration. We need some action to deal with the high interest rates.

Governments elsewhere in Canada subsidize this, provincial governments. Hhy cannot our government? We need action with the high down payments. We need some action to make sure that the people of this province have access to decent housing. We do not need excuses. I am not talking just to the people who live on social assistance, Mr. Speaker. Their problems are real and dramatic. Sir, there are hundreds and thousands of our people throughout this province today who cannot afford proper housing and who have no real hope of getting it.

If there is one field where I would like to see the government move or I would support action it is that field. We need work, Sir. I will deal in a few minutes with these figures and I will expose them for what they are, the government's claims about employment. Sir, where is·the Lower Churchill project? What is the story? Perhaps the Premier can tell us. We were told by the Minister of Finance, as only the Minister of Finance can lay it down,that the power from the Churchill would flow unchecked to the sea. A good phrase. Mr.

Speaker, the honourable gentleman from St John's West has no right to speak. if I have misquoted him? I would gladly quote him correctly. The honourable gentleman's words, Sir, were in the budget speech 35

January 30, 1974 Tape no. 12 Pagel - MRW and his policy was simple. "That power comes to Newfoundland or else!" But now his Premier has once again reversed him and th~t is why he is tender today. Where is the second refinery, Sir? What happened to the proposals for the further processing of fish in this province? We used to hear such a great deal about that. What happened to the whole fisheries policy? We had one minister resign in despair and disgust. Now we have had nine months come and go and still we get the same phrases. I believe we need structural changes in our fisheries, Sir, structural changes.

I do not think our fishermen are getting their fair return even with the extra money that the union had gotten them. It is not a minimum wage law that has raised the benefits, Sir, it is the militancy and the force and the fervor of the union, the same union that struck in Bonavista to fight for what they believed to be right. That is why the wages are up, Sir, that and the fact that the markets are up and the returns are up. We need new social programmes, Sir. What about no-fault insurance? That would be studied by a committee of the cabinet.

What about manpower training programmes to deal with our lack of skills? What about pharmacare? Again the same empty phrases , 11 We are studying it.'' The Minister of He.al th has been studying it for two years. When are we going to have some proposals? We hear about roads and communications. When are we going to get something to improve television coverage in this province? The Government of Newfoundland have taken no steps. I know it is a federal responsibility but I have heard no voice, no representations from the government of this province.

There are large areas of this province that do not have access to the two channels that go largely across Canada. The economics apparently will not permit it. This is the government that talks about free enterprise as if somehow that were relevant. What about the plans? What about helping free enterprise to bring television to Labrador which has only one channel, the national one, the public one, the CBC. What about helping to bring it down the Northern Peninsula? What about helping to bring it up to the large areas of St. Barbe North that do not get adequate service; areas of Hermitage that 36

January 30, 1974 Tape no. 12 Page 2 do not get adequate service; areas of Labrador South that do not get any service, CBC or any other. They talk about positive proposals, Mr. Speaker. On Monday, I will have a few words on positive proposals. We can list more in an hour than this crowd have done in two years, Sir. We can accomplish more. Any time this administration, Sir, wish to put it to the test, let them. Let them. The voters of Hermitage passed one verdict. ~y time, let them put it to the test. I will abide by the results. Now, Mr.

Speaker, I did not intend today but if honourable gentlemen wish I should be delighted to - I do not think it is the day to compare the last two years with the last twenty but if they wish I would? I think the Smallwood years compare favourably in every way. Not everything was done, of course not. More and more people throughout this province now are realizing how much progress was made in those years. My concern now, Sir, is for the future, for Newfoundland today and Newfoundland tomorrow. That, Sir, is where this government are falling down. They have had the opportunity and they have thrown it away.

This is not a partisan matter, Mr. Speaker. This is a tragedy for Newfoundland. The government, Sir, can no longer blame it on the past. That is a sterile, an empty and a meaningless excuse. It is hallow at the best of times. Now, Sir, they must stand or fall on their own achievements and their own record - two years in office, Sir, over two years - despite the words they put in the Governor's mouth, which are at best incorrect, more than two years in office. Mr. Speaker, the people of this province demand that this government act. They do not want or expect a constant harking back.

If there are things which ~hould come out, let them come out. The people of this province, Sir, want forward-looking policies, people who look to the future. Mr. Speaker, let me say too that it is time to stop blaming all our ills on the federal government. I do not hold any brief for Ottawa. Newfoundland is represented in Ottawa by several members of parliament and ably and well­ represented we are. I do not agree with all of their political philosophies 37

January 30, 1974 Tape no. 12 Page 3 or their political parties but, Sir, we have seven good men in Ottawa today who are quite able to make Newfoundland's case to the Government of Canada and to the Parliament of Canada. But I, Sir, know how important Ottawa is to 38

January 30, 1974, Tape 13, Page 1 -- apb Newfoundland and how important it is to this province and to the Confederation of which we are a part that Ottawa be strong and vibrant and given the m.eans,to do what it must. Let me just give one figure, Sir. The total expenditure of the province this year, according to the Budget Speech, capital and current, is approximately $680 million. Our contribution to it, Sir, as a Newfoundland people is less than $200 million. We borrow $220 million and over $300 million or nearly $300 million come from Ottawa.

We contribute twenty-five percent of what it costs to keep this province going, Sir, and we borrow thirty percent; over forty percent, nearly $300 million comes from the Government of Canada. Sir, that is our right. We should not be grateful, we should not fall on bended knee to Ottawa for tha½ it is our right as a province. The gentleman from Placentia J"ods wisely. He is part author of what I am. about to critize constructively.

It is obviously of crucial importance that any premier of this province, that any government that truly cares about this province, any government no matter what their politics, stand for a strong federal goverrunent,the one with the resources to do the job. We should be supporting Ottawa in confrontations with selfish provinces - self isl, in the national interest not selfish in their own interest. If I were Premier of Alberta 1 should take the s;ime posit ion as Mr. i.ouyhef•rl. If I were Premier of Saskatchewan shonld ta~e the same poi;ition as r-;r. Blakeney.

Sir, we are not Saskatchewan or we are not Alberta, we are a province that is falling further and further behind. Our equalization payments are up over forecast. Why? Because we are not keeping up with the national average. We are falling further and further behind and our Premier, our government is up supporting wealthy Alberta. Mr. Speaker, even Ontario which would by the way have become a have-not province if the position advocated by our premier had been accepted - imagine equalj zation payments p_oing to Ontario , taxes going up across Canada. MR. CROSBIE: (Inaudible) 39

January 30, 1974, Tape 13, Page 2 -- apb MR. ROBERTS: Mr. Speaker, let the gentleman from St. John's West be quiet. Let him be quiet, Sir. If he should wish to speak in this debate he has the same right to enter it as any other person. Until then, Sir, let him show good manners if he cannot show good sense. Mr. Speaker, that is why our energy conference position was so bad.

I think it is significant, Sir, that everywhere you look in Newfoundland there has not been one single, solitary voice other than the partisan members of the government, not one single, solitary voice from any sector raised in support of the position taken by this government. I ask them, I implore them and plead with them to change it before it is too late. They can twist or misrepresent what I am saying. I will probably be flayed for not standing for Newfoundland but that is nonsense and garbage, Let them stand for a strong Canada, let us stand up for Newfoundland, Sir.

There was no issue last week of ownership at Ottawa, there was no question of ownership or resources. There is no question of that, if we owned the resources before we went to Ottawa we own them now. I believe that we do own them there is no question of that. What was at issue at Ottawa was the Government of Canada's right to tax exports. Did they have that right or not? Sir, I think they have that right. Some of the gentlemen opposite disagree. Fine! Take it to the Supreme Court and let them decide. Mr.

Speaker, this government is forever looking to Ottawa on the one hand and on the other they are trying to denude Ottawa of the resources. Let me just give three examples, Sir, in the last two or three days. The gentleman who is Minister of Transportation said in Grand Falls to the people of Grand Falls; "You will get an overpass." He has seen the light on that. If DREE will help us 40

January 30, 1974 Tape 14 and the speed with which you get this overpass that you need will depend on how much money DREE can give us. The people of Burgeo were promised a new fish plant. It was announced that there would IB-1 be a new fish plant if Ottawa financed half of it. There is no mention of what happens if Ottawa does not. There was no consultation with Ottawa, no approach to Ottawa, no proposal request put in. There were discussions perhaps, talk perhaps but no formal approval from Ottawa, no commitment from Ottawa but the gentleman from Harbour Main, the junior member, rushes into print.

The people of Burgeo would like to see that started, Sir, but what happens if Ottawa does not agree? I had a letter from the mayor of Brigus the other day, a reverend gentleman, a letter from him. I do not think the gentleman from Port de Grave should snicker. I had a letter from the mayor of Brigus saying that they were looking for water and sewer. They had been told by the Minister of Municipal Affairs that the speed with which they got it depended upon DREE. Fine, I am all for it.

That is why the Liberals in Ottawa brought in DREE, Sir, but on one hand they want money here and on the other hand they try to condemn Ottawa. Let them be consistent. Let them stand for Newfoundland. It is in Newfoundlands interest, Sir. It is in our best interest to have a strong federal government, a strong and a vibrant Canada, We need help and we deserve it, not begging, not on bended knee but we deserve it as Canadians. That is why we became Canadians. Mr. Speaker, if the honourable member cannot show good manners, could he try to observe the rules or does he not know any better? Mr.

Speaker, I have listened to the honourable gentleman from St. John's West misrepresent, twist, distort as only he can. Today I am not doing any of those things. Let him listen. If he cannot learn, let him at least be quite. Mr. Speaker, let us not try to cripple Ottawa. Let us not try to hamstring them or to weaken her. Let us be clear that that is what is at stake. Let me quote another premier as to what is at stake. A statement in the "Westem Star", Mr. Speaker. "The Premier said that the onus is on the Atlantic premiers to bolster their 41

January 30, 1974 Tape 14 IB-2 arguments or Confederation might be in trouble. 'If no national agreement can be reached,' he said,'some sections of Canada will be­ come fabulously wealthy and the poorer sections will become poorer. That is a test,' he went on,' that is a test Confederation has never had and I do not know if Confederation can pass that test.'" Now, Sir, was that some scurvy partisan Liberal or maybe even a New Democrat? No, Sir, it is the Premier of New Brunswick, Mr.

Richard Hatfield, the honourable Richard Hatfield whose political affiliations are the same as the administration here but whose recognition of his province's interests is far greater. That was the issue, Sir, in Confederation. I call on the government now, Sir, to adopt a positive policy and one which will stand for the best interests of this province. Now, Mr. Speaker, let me say a few words now about the economy because we have heard so much from the Premier and from other honourable gentlemen about the number of jobs. I happen to have a few brief notes, Sir. Let me read portions of them.

Let me give some facts. Now, the figures, Sir, are based on the Finance Department so that they are presumably accurate. The number of persons in the labour force with- out jobs, Mr. Speaker, increased steadily during the two years the present administration was in office. During 1971 there were on the average in Newfoundland 18.4 thousand people unemployed, 18,400 unemployed. During 1972, the year of planning, it rose to 20,100.

During 1973, when we saw the restructuring come in - that in itself took several hundred Newfoundlanders off the streets and gave them jobs - during that period ·what happened to our jobless rate, Sir? Did it go down? No. Did it hold steady? Well, not quite. It went up to 22,800. AB of last month, Sir, winter month, it was 27,000 people unemployed in this province. It is true, it is quite true that our employment increased and I would be the first to welcome it and the last to gainsay it. Our economy, Sir, is not providing jobs at a fast enough rate to keep pace with the expansion of the labour force.

While the number of employed 42

January 30, 1974 Tape 14 IB-3 is growing, the n1.D11ber of unemployed is growing even faster. We are falling further and further behind. The Premier has talked about some figures, Sir. He has given them a number of times. Presumably they are not an accident. The figures supplied by the Department of Finance do not agree with the Premier's figures. 43

January 30, 1974 Tape No. 15 NM - 1 Let me take July 1971, the government have said they created 38,000 jobs, is it? 38,000 is it? Is 38,000 the magic number? 26,000, do I hear 31,000? AN HON. MEMBER: Bingo. MR. WM. ROWE: Very concerned. MR. ROBERTS: That shows their concern, Sir, the depth of their interest and concern. Sir, in July 1973, the highest employment month in the province, in 1973, there were 175,000 people employed. In July 1971, the Liberal Administration were then in power, it was 151,000, 24,000. In December 1973, Sir, this month the number employed is only 151,000.

On the average, Sir, in 1971 there were 139,000 people employed in this province. In 1973 the average employment was 157,300, an 18,000 increase. Employment increased by four per cent and 8.8 per cent in 1973 but unemployment, Sir, outpaced employment. Unemployment increased 9.2 per cent in 1972. It leaped to 13.5 per cent in 1973. The annual average unemployment rate has increased steadily since this government came into power, Sir. Inl971 it was 11.4 per cent and in 1972 it climbed to 12.l per cent and in 1973, the unemployment rate, annual average unadjusted, rose to 12.7 per cent.

Across Canada employment increased and unemployment decreased. In Newfoundland over two years, Sir, the average number of unemployed increased by 23.9 per cent. Those are facts. The average unemployment rate for all Canada decreased from 6.3 per cent in 1972 to 5.6 per cent :hnl973. What haprened in Newfoundland, Sir? Our rates are - well 11.4 per cent to 12.1 per cent to 12.7 per cent. That is the result of two years of activity they talk about. They talk about short-term assistance; let me give them some facts, Sir. The gentleman from Bonavista South was at best incorrect.

According to the figures supplied by the fiscal policy division of the Treasury Board, there were in 1971, on an eleven month average, to take apples and apples, 8,956 families receiving short-term assistance; in 1973 - 6,588. At best, Sir, it has dropped 44

January 30, 1974 Tape No. 15 NM - 2 two-thirds - but why? I will tell you why. Look at unemployment insurance. In 1971, twelve months of the Liberal Administration, there were $25 million paid out to Newfoundlanders in unemployment insurance benefits. In 1973,' say ten months in each case, it rose to $78 million. The first ten months of 1973 the total paid out in Newfoundland for unemployment insurance was $78 million, three times the increase.

We all know, Sir, that many of the people on short-term assistance are there, any of us who dealt with constituents or who dealt with people, they are there because they have not got the unemployment insurance. They have not got any resources. So let us not hear more of that nonsense. Let us deal with the facts and I do not consider the gentleman from St. John's East Extern a fact in this sense. Now, Mr. Speaker, the Throne Speech boasts of this. It is the most partisan document that I have ever heard brought forth, boasts of it. It boasts. It boasts. It boasts. There it is. It has to boast, Sir.

It has nothing to offer. Sir, there is nothing to boast about. We need action in Newfoundland. We need action for the people of this province. Now, Sir, let me say in closing that I am a partisan figure. I make no apoligies for this. I stand here today as a partisan figure. Far from it, I glory in it. We are all partisan politicians, although statesmen, Sir, we are all partisan politicians and we should be proud and glory in it because that is the strength of the British constitutional system as we have it. That is why we sit on both sides of the House in Party ranks.

That is why we have a Leader of the Opposition and a Premier and a government and an opposition. But, Sir, it is not as a partisan politician that I speak today when I call on this government to act. I call on them to do things 45

January 30, 1974 Tape 16 PK - 1 to help the people of this province, all the people, as a people. Sir, we have great need, as a people we have great desire, as a people, Sir, we Newfoundlanders have great hopes. We need leadership. It is the job of those who are the Queen's ministers to give us that leader­ ship. For two years, Sir, they have not done so, t!wo wasted years. Let us put that behind us. I am not concerned now with history. I am concerned with the future, Sir, with tomorrow and with next month and next year. I call on the government for leadership. It is their duty.

The people of Newfoundland need no less and the people of Newfoundland expect no less. Thank you. HON. F. D. MOORES (PREMIER): Mr. Speaker, first of all I would like to welcome the people we have here from church and state today and on behalf of the government I welcome them to this particular session of the House of Assembly. I would also like to welcome the member for Hermitage to his seat and hope that he will make a contribution as I know he will try in this House. I might remind the Leader of the Opposition that it only brings him back to nine. He started that way after the last election. AN HON.

MEMBER: Inaudible. MR. MOORES: Well the voters gave him one - there are still ten on that side but I did not realize that the member for Labrador South had joineJ the Liberal Opposition yet. After he had won over his Liberal opponent I am sure that in his wisdom he will not. Mr. Speaker, I would also like to thank the proposer and seconder of the motion for the Throne Speech today. It is very difficult to try and rationalize the Throne Speech when it is followed by the Leader of the Opposition twisting facts and basically with absolute nonsense, particularly as far as his figures are concerned.

He talks about a do-nothing government. I assume, Mr. ~peaker, that he was in one so long that he does not know the difference when he sees it. He talks about fishermen, as trouters with a story. This is a typical indepth analysis we saw over the years of the Liberal Government. He says that television throughout the province is a federal responsibility,and 46

Tape 16 PK - 2 I am glad to see them attack the federal government for their lack of concern for the people of the province. The Throne Speech, Mr. Speaker, deserves no apologizes. It outlined a few of the things we want to do as a government. It also mentioned some of the things that have been done. We have a great year of prosperity ahead. We will for the third year in a row exceed fourteen per cent increase in our gross provincial product which is nearly double the Canadian average. The Leader of the Opposition played with figures in a mathematician kick this afternoon.

He talks about unemployment increasing in the province. That is true, Sir, it has but so has the work force. It is a fact that in April 1949 there were 99,000 Newfoundlanders employed. It also was a fact that at the end of December 1971,the last of the twenty-three year Liberal Administration,there were 139,000 employed. That is an increase of 40,000. It is also a fact that the Dominion Bureau of Statistics,at the end of December this year there were 178,000 employed for an increase of 38,000 people. There are 38,000 new jobs. There are 9,000 more unemployed. There is no question about that. Mr.

Speaker, another figure that maybe might be of interest to the people of this province and to this Honourable House of Assembly is that in 1962, that was twelve years ago, the average personal per capita income in this province was $987.00. That was the average for the people 47

January 30, 1974 Tape no, 17 Page 1 - MRW working in this province, $987, In 1971, it increased by $1,000, just over, up to $2,100. This year, Mr. Speaker, the average per capita income will be in excess of $3,000 - $1,000 per capita increase in three years that previously had taken ten for the same rise in income. Inflation is something that the province, Mr. Speaker, has very little control of, We try in this regard but the fact is that it is not only just a national problem but it is an international problem.

Our growth and our per capita income was such that we are catching up much more rapidly than we ever did before. I do not think anybody in this province who realizes the situation will say that today a man with a skill cannot find employment. I do not think anywhere in this province a man with a skill who wants to work cannot work. We are experiencing prosperity, Sir, that is unique in our time. There are thirty per cent less on short-term assistance. Mr.

Speaker, the prosperiety that we have experienced for two years and that we will be experiencing in increasing amounts in the next few years is Progressive Conservative prosperity. We hear about the forestry. We are going to bring in forest legislation that will guarantee the utilization of all the wood in the province that should be utilized: It will be done under proper management. As you know, Sir, and others know, we have had the major companies in the province in. We have told them what we intend to do. We have asked them for their contribution. We have had a reaction from these companies.

They have some doubts and as I told them at the time and I will say now, there is no danger of a government putting them out of business or making conditions unfair. What they can be prepared for is that any timber in this country, any timber in this province,that can be utilized that we, as a government, have a responsibility to ensure that it is utilized, Our position was established because of a provincial/federal task force, because the provincial and federal representatives got together and came up with a proposal, together 48

January 30, 1974 Tape no. 17 Page 2 with people from other sectors that gave us the forest policy. Mr. Speaker, it is a good programme because it will maximize the utilization of our forest product for the benefit of our people, not waste it as it was in the past, sitting there, rotting on the stump and government for twenty-three years not moving in any direction to do anything about it. It will not be neglected. It will not be the victim of inaction as was the case before. In that regard, Sir, in the field of rural development: Sawmills have been established to a great degree in rural development.

The rural development programme is laughed at by the opposition. They were not used to taking progra11D'.lles to rural Newfoundland, they were more used to moving the people out of rural Newfoundland. What I am saying is that today there is only ten per cent as much foreign building materials being imported into this province as there was three years ago. In other words, our own sawmills are beginning to turn out those materials that we have in this province for the benefit of the people in the province.

The planning task force which is such a source of joviality to the opposition, as I mentioned, had federal and provincial imput. The Leader of the Opposition literally said when he spoke that we do not want planning. "We want action. We do not want planning." It is an unbelievable comment, Mr. Speaker, when you look down the pipe, the long­ term prosp~cts of this province, that we do not want planning; we do not want to know where we are going. We just want to carry on ad hoc decisions like when we had the previous appointment to the throne down on the eighth floor, That was ad hoc planning.

That was why we are so far behind today. These task forces, Mr. Speaker, based on planning for all sectors of our society, were done, virtually all of them, with federal and provincial co-operation. 49

January 30, 1974, Tape 18, Pagel -- apb As a matter of fact I expect within the next few days to be,together with the Minister of Regional Economic Expansion, signing a new general development agreement for our province. Also at that time the minister, I would hope , I believe, will be announcing some four to six subsidiary agreements that are of major importance to our province and there will be more to come in the months ahead. We have worked hard and long with the federal government to get the best programme.

We always will work with the federal government because, naturally, the federal government have a national interest, a national concern that a provincial goven\ment cannot have. We appreciate that , we realize the tremendous job they had to do. When we are talking about programmes for our province we are talking about programmes based on provincial priorities and not any other.

We are not going with cap-in-hand to Ottawa unplanned, ad hoc,Ottawa devised plans only, we are going with reasonable and rational prograDDI1es that we have developed to ask for Ottawa's assistance so we can mutually and jointly develop them. The spirit of confederation, Sir, is equality for all Canadians. We have received a great deal from Ottawa. It was needed and it was appreciated but this province has a responsibility of its own. It is not to always go to Ottawa and say; "What will you do for us?" and after they say; "Something" you come back and say that they are going to do something for us. No, Mr.

Speaker, we cannot nor do we want to be totally and always dependent on Ottawa. For instance, in housing where we will be using advantage of federal programmes,the concern of this government will be shown before the House of Assembly where a programme including many millions of dollars has to be brought in to give housiqg relief to our people . We have to provide relief for those on all incomes but especially those in 11iddle and low earned incomes. Today housing is virtually an impossibility for these people and also, of course, the people who cannot ~elp themselves on social assistance.

The policy will be spelled out in ~his House on housing and I believe and hope that it will go a long way 50

January 30, 1974, Tape 18, Page 2 -- apb to alleviating the very real hardships that there are among our people today regarding housing. In the fisheries a great deal needs to be done. I can say that we are disappointed at the progress that this government has made in fisheries, in the fisheries field. We are very disappointed. We are much further ahead than we were three years ago but, Mr. Speaker, it is terribly difficult after an industry ha• been neglected totally for twenty-three years to bring it back totally in three years.

The situation was that the fishery,as the Leader of the Opposition said when mentioning fishermen, was treated like the trout fishery for a great many years. We must have a two hundred mile limit and this government have and will take the stand that it is of critical importance to the future of the fishery for Canada.

We must expand the trawler or deep-sea fishery, we must expand what they call in Europe the middle-water fishery and that is if you say between the inshore fishermen of today in Newfoundland and the deep-sea fishermen, in other words, the one hundred foot boats of that sort that would go out for three or four days with five or six man crews, somewhere in between multi-purpose boats, the present inshore fishery and the deep-sea fishery. In the inshore fishery, that terrifically difficult problem of the inshore fishery has to be given a great, great deal of attention.

The training of our people is going to be a big job if we are going to utilize, Mr. Speaker, when the European fleets eventually leave our shores.the tremendous challenge, not just for our province but for Canada. To take up the slack that is going to be left when these people leave is going to mean more technology, much better gear and certainly a lot more training than our people have had the opportunity to have up until now. It is a big job, Sir, but it is a job we must do.

In that regard vocational training programmes apply to those sectors of our economy other than the fishery. our people need to acquire basic skills. Many more of 51

January 30, 1974 Tape 19 IB-1 why, Mr. Speaker, is there such a great need for these basic skills today? The answer, Sir, is very simply that we have a great deal more prosperity. We will need more and many more people to take advantage of that prosperity and much more development of our skills in the future. We will bring in a new labour code, Sir, so that the people, when they find jobs and are trained jobs, are well protected, We have made a lot of progress in labour but a great deal more needs to be done. The opposition say there is labour unrest. There has been in this year in this province.

We have had a tremendous amount of labour unrest. You know it is a tremendous thing that we have. A lot of people probably wonder why we have had a lot of labour unrest this year. Mr. Speaker, the public service for the first time in twenty-three years had the yoke removed where they were allowed to strike. The public service may be upset with us in our bargaining but they must remember that in the twenty-three years before they were not even allowed to be upset. There were no rights to strike. There w2s no enlightened labour movement or labour legislation and the people had to put up with what they were told.

Strikes in the civil service, that is their right and that is something this government stands for, their ability to be able to do what they think is right for their particular cause. Now, Mr. Speaker, the opposition comes forward with a great deal of ~riticism. I would ask them to occasionally bring in a bill that we can support for the benefit of our people but it seems they love criticism. They love giving stuff away. Does it seem like they like constructive thinking? As I said their past performance as a government was hopeless. They never planned. They never righted wrongs.

They were too busy saying yes to JRS I guess. They have criticized our position at the energy conference. Mr. Speaker, for the benefit of those people who are here and those people who are listening to me today, our position was very simple. Number one, protection for the consumer and number two, to establish the principle that the resources do belong to the province. Regarding the consumer protection, the resulting subsidy from that 52

January 30, 1974 Tape 19 IB-2 meeting and after the sixty days it is going on to Canadian parity across the country, is of substantial benefit to this province. On the original proposal put in by Mr. MacDonald that would have all come from the export tax on western oil and gas. In the end analysis there is at least a proportion coming out of the general revenue fund of the federal government and so I think there should. Regarding the resources belonging to the province, Mr.

Speaker, the inability of the opposition to appreciate what fantastic potential this province has and what tremendous contribution we can make to this country is unbelievable. Hydro electricity, the Leader of the Opposition says that one of our ministers, the Prime Minister says that the Lower Churchill will come to the province and I have said that energy will be exported out. It is absolutely correct. The Lower Churchill power will come to the province unless it is out of this world in cost and mind out we have every reason to think it will not be.

Of course it will be used in the province but when we get to the stage where we cannot use any more there happens to be in Labrador - there is no wonder of course they do not know it, they never looked for it - there happens to be in Labrador some 9,000 megawatts of which 6,000 can be developed separate from the Lower Churchill entirely. The Lower Churchill has 1,800 megawatts and there are 6,000 more that can be developed at any time. When we have an energy crisis certainly we should develop that power. The other provinces in Canada benefit from it until we need it in this province which is a long way away.

Presently today we use 800 megawatts, 1,800 from the Lower Churchill and 6,000 more in Labrador, 7,800 megawatts. What we are saying, Sir, is that this reliable, steady, nondepleting source of energy 53

January 30, 1974 Tape 20 PK - 1 should be utilized for the good of our country. We are saying that the Lower Churchill power should come to the island part of our province and for development in Labrador but we are also saying that the balance of that hydro electric energy should be used as quickly as possible for the benefit of Canadians wherever they may live. Sir, we do not want just to take from Ottawa, we want to contribute as well. We want to contribute to our nation and to our province. The benefits of bringing the power here, Sir, from the Lower Churchill are quite fantastic.

It will mean cheaper power for our people in their homes, for their heat. It will mean great industrial development. It is not like the Upper Churchill. Sir, that is not what we have in mind for the Lower Churchill. The Upper Churchill was the biggest giveaway since the Indians sold Manhatten . Presently today the Upper Churchill power is being sold at 2.5 mils. In today's market it is at least 10 mils. That, Mr. Speaker, means that the Province of Newfoundland is losing because of this atrocious deal $165 million a year,and you talk about what we get from Ottawa.

Regarding the offshore oil, Sir, we wanted for Newfoundland, we want primarily for Newfoundland. I do not think we as a government would be ever forgiven if we did not fight for Newfoundland's rights. Of course, we want to pay into Canada. Mr. Speaker, we want to develop, we want to contribute. We do not want Ottawa to come down here and develop our resource offshore take it to Ottawa and then give it to us in handouts. We would rather develop it here, keep it here and pay our share into Ottawa as other provinces in Canada have been doing for us. Mr.

Speaker, the Opposition gave away for a great many years,in the way of en~rgy I suppose particulary, if they want to give away the offshore rights, they want to give away electric power, the works. I suppose the greatest, the greatest joke of all time in energy policy was the offshore licencing system of the federal government whereby when we checked to see who owned the various areas for development of the offshore resources we located one gentleman with a certain amount of land and he was a head waiter in Panama. 54

January 30, 1974 Tape 20 PK - 2 Now, Mr. Speaker, I know there are lots of friends of the Liberal Party who make good head waiters. I also know there are lots who could possibly try to reap the benefit of the offshore oil hut I think it is going a little too far for a head waiter in Panama to be an owner of an offshore lease,yet issued by the Newfoundland Government of the day. That, Sir, is unbelievable but I suppose it will get you a better table when you show up. No, Mr. Speaker, we are not going to give out permits of that sort. What we want to do is develop this resource for ourselves.

Our energy policy at the federal conference was right. It is right for Newfoundland. It is right for Canada. We want to see Newfoundland contributing to Canada and not as it has been said to be just a ward of Ottawa. We will have prosperity, Sir, and a way of life our people want in the years ahead. We will be bringing in legislation. We will be taking action that will prove this. Action like, Sir, the National Sea Products Agreement at Burgeo. A lot of people get very upset about that but we are not one of them. It means a full supply of fish for that community in the development there.

It means a modern development for the community. To me it is indictative of DREE that they have shown a great deal of interest in this. By the way there was a proposal before the department of DREE unlike what the Leader of the Opposition said. I think they as well as we will show confidence in the community, not ignore and let suffer but give the people, the fine people of that town a chance to hold their head high. I do not think this, Sir, should be the type of programme that should be criticized, Irrespective of what government I think it is the type of programme that should be applauded.

To give a people who were in not very happy condition, not very happy circumstance an opportunity to at least do their own thing, 55

January 30, 1974, Tape 21, Page 1 -- apb I think it is worthwhile and something that we are very proud of in this government. Another thing, Sir, this year is the twenty-fifth anniversary of confederation. I can stand here and knock previous Liberal policies, certainly knock Mr. Smallwood, but confederation was, whether people like it or not,a very meaningful thing for this province. The twenty-five years since, I think people would say, have been of great benefit to us. There is one reporter at the "Evening Telegram" who does not think we should be celebrating confederation because he does not believe in it.

He probably does not celebrate Christmas either. Mr. Speaker, during this year, 1974, as we in Newfoundland mark our twenty-fifth year of confederation with Canada it is an important year for all of our people. It is the year when Newfoundland's special way of life and special culture will be demonstrated to all Canadians, the year when Newfoundlanders will recognize themselves and their heritage as being the first of the vast resources we joined to Canada .

In the coming months in every community large and small, I think one will see Newfoundlanders in all walks of life showing leadership and a participation in something we believe in in Newfoundland. Young and old, Nain and St. John's will together enjoy the present, examine our distinguished past and blend both into plans for a bright and ever expanding future. The celebrations being planned are no tourist gimmick. Should others want to enjoy our enjoyment they are as welcome as they ever were. We are out to celebrate the Newfoundland Canadians who have brought to Canada a distinctive and enviable way of life.

Our Newfoundland will not wither away because throughout the length and breadth of our province, Sir, as equally as humans can devise, we as individuals and groups will happily and freely participate in the joy of being Newfoundlanders. I do not see anything wrong with being happy about having joined confederation. About our people not enjoying them~ selves, of course there are many, many things that are needed in our 56

January 30, 1974, Tape 21, Page 2 -- apb society but this is mostly poeple who are arranging their own events and celebrating in their own way. I for one, Sir, feel that we have a great deal to celebrate in our confederation. We will be taking action, Sir, in the House of Assembly to introduce a bill changing the rules of this honourable House. In this regard I would like to sincerely appeal to the members of the Opposition and to this side of the House as well. We must bring back respect to this institution. Above all else that is very, very important. We must have democracy, Sir, in the true sense.

We must stop personal vendettas, of course. Past administrations flaws should be pointed out, where the Opposition feel we are wrong they should attack the policy but surely the day of personal attacks, attacks of individuals is over. Many afternoons, Sir, when this House opens and there is usually a delegation of school children here at that time, and when this House opens and these kids see some of the performances in here it is not something we should be proud of. We all have a responsibility to the school children who come,to the dignity and the meaning of the House itself.

I hope that this year we can go and prove that a lot of the past will be corrected. Mr. Speaker, we are living in an era, I suppose, where people are more suspicious of politicians than ever before, with Watergate and all the other things that people have to look at but public trust must be shown by example. I would think that virtually every member of this House, if not all,are totally honest persons and want to genuinely make a contribution to this province. I think that should be first and foremost in our minds.

In this House as well we will be considering the public financing of elections, for instance, among other things. Primarily, Sir, action will be taken to bring giant economic and social strides to our community so that we can make these strides forward. As I said before, contrary to anything the Opposition may say or anyone else may say, Sir, we have had two years 57

Janua ry 30, 197/i Tape no. 22 Page 1 - liRW of the brightest; 1o1e have had two yearn of the best economy, economically, that this provi nce has ever had . The only thin R 1 can pledge today, Sir, and assure you is that the nex t thre e years wi ll be much, much better even thAn those . Thank you. MR. SP&\KER: l:t has been moved and second ed that a select committee be appointed to draft an Address in Reply to the Speech from the Thron e . All those in favour , "aye. " Those against "nay." Car r ied .

The connnittee shall consist of : The Hon. member fo r Bonavista South ; the Hon. member for Harbour Grace and the Hon. member f01: Hermitag e. Before I accept a mot ion to ad1o urn, I perh aps need not remind you but I shall r emind you and again invite you all to attend the receptio n to be held in the auditorium of the Colle ge of Trades and Technology, which should get underway in appro ximately fifteen minutes after these formalitie s here end . HR. MARSHALL: Mr. Speaker, 1 move that the Rouse at its ris ing do adjourn unti l tomor row Monday, F'ebruacy 4 a t 3:00 P.M. and that this House do now adjourn .

MR. SPEAKER: It has bee n moved and seconded that the House do now adjourn until tom.orrow Monday at 3 :00 P.M. 58