April

30, 2008

HOUSE OF ASSEMBLY PROCEEDINGS

Vol. XLVI No. 19

The House met at 2:00 p.m.

MR. SPEAKER (Fitzgerald): Order, please!

Admit Strangers

Today the House of Assembly would like to welcome thirteen Level III students

from Cloud River Academy in the District of The Straits & White Bay North.

Accompanying the students today is their Vice-Principal Mr. Tony Kearney and

chaperone, Mr. Ron Pittman.

Welcome to the House of Assembly.

SOME HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear!

Statements by Members

MR. SPEAKER: Members statements today will be from the following members:

the hon. the Member for the District of Cartwright-L'Anse au Clair, the hon.

the Member for the District of Bonavista North, the hon. the Member for the

District of Labrador West, the hon. the Member for the District of Conception

Bay South, the hon. the Member for the District of Lewisporte, and the hon. the

Member for the District of Grand Bank.

The hon. the Member for the District of Cartwright-L'Anse au Clair.

MS JONES: Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

I rise today to recognize Master Warrant Officer Rodney Chubbs from L'Anse

au Clair on his 1 Canadian Air Division Commander's Commendation.

Mr. Speaker, Master Warrant Officer Chubbs received this award for his

assistance in a Canadian Border Services investigation with respect to the

illegal distribution of alcohol and tobacco in Goose Bay, Labrador.

Mr. Speaker, Master Warrant Officer Chubbs is employed by the NCO IC 5 Wing

Military Police detachment. He has demonstrated sensational commitment,

leadership and professionalism in support of combating smuggling in the area.

His thorough investigation and eye for detail made him an exceptional

representative of our Canadian Forces and the Department of National Defence.

Mr. Speaker, Master Warrant Officer Chubbs has a passion for serving our

Queen, our country and ensuring that justice prevails. This is evident through

not only this award but through other awards he has received for his services in

the past, one of particular note was for the Soldier of the Year, which was

presented by the Chief of Defence Staff General Rick Hillier.

Master Warrant Officer Chubbs is currently training to go to Afghanistan next

February which he is eagerly anticipating.

Mr. Speaker, it is my honour to recognize Master Warrant Officer Chubbs on

his professional accomplishments, and I ask all members of this House to join me

in congratulating him on his recent commendation and on wishing him all the best

in his future endeavours, especially on his mission to Afghanistan.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

SOME HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear!

MR. SPEAKER: The hon. the Member for the District of Bonavista North.

SOME HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear!

MR. HARDING: Mr. Speaker, I rise today to acknowledge a very special

milestone. On April 4, Mr. Roland W. Abbott of Musgrave Harbour celebrated

ninety-five years of living life to the fullest. Mr. Abbott is known throughout

my district, and throughout the Province, as a man who is a veritable treasure

trove of knowledge regarding the history and culture of the north east coast - a

living, breathing archive of interesting and important facts about who we are as

a people.

This truly distinguished gentleman was an educator in our school system for

forty years, but he has been a teacher for much longer. His specialty is the

past and his passion for the subject is unparalleled. Spending time with Mr.

Abbott is like attending a master class on the history of this Island. The

sparkle in his eyes when speaking of the people and place he loves is

infectious, and when listening to Mr. Abbott one cannot help but be swept up and

carried away to another place and time.

Mr. Abbott's love of the past is matched only by his appreciation of the

present and his hope for the future. Never one to sit on his laurels, Mr. Abbott

is currently writing a brief history of Doting Cove from 1844-1845 to

amalgamation with Musgrave Harbour in 1954. His hobbies include building

miniature boats, houses, and entire communities.

Mr. Abbott was a field officer with the Salvation Army for thirty-five years,

a Past Master with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and a member of the

Flag Association of Canada.

Mr. Speaker, at ninety-five years, this very special man continues to look

back only as a means to look forward. The quantity of his years should be

respected, and the quality in those years should most certainly be celebrated.

We can all learn a great deal from the way this extraordinary individual has

lived, and continues to live, each and every single day.

Mr. Speaker, I ask all members of this hon. House to join me in

congratulating Mr. Roland W. Abbott on ninety-five years of living life to the

fullest.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

SOME HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear!

MR. SPEAKER: The hon. the Member for the District of Labrador West.

SOME HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear!

MR. BAKER: Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

I rise in this House today to congratulate the Labrador West music festival

organizing committee on another resounding successful event. This year's

festival was held from April 13-19, with over 600 participants performing with a

variety of music and dramatic talents, and concluded with a gala concert, at

which I was honoured to bring greetings.

After an absence of twenty-five years, the Labrador West music festival was

reactivated with great enthusiasm in March 2006. From choirs and bands to piano

solos and musical theatre presentations, the music festival showcases many of

the various talented musicians in our area. It provides a great opportunity for

our young people to perform in an exciting, non-competitive learning atmosphere,

and it helps to build lifelong skills for their future. This event speaks to the

caliber and pride of all Newfoundlanders and Labradorians.

I also want to acknowledge the support from Memorial University, the Iron Ore

Company of Canada, and many other sponsoring bodies, whose support has been key

to the revival of the music festival. In addition, their contributions help

develop bursaries, scholarships and other programs such as the Labrador West

Music Conservatory, an innovative summer program designed to challenge students

in a variety of creative pursuits and help foster a love of music.

Mr. Speaker, I ask all hon. members to join me in congratulating everyone who

performed, organized, volunteered or attended, for making this festival such a

successful and truly inspirational week of music and learning.

Thank you.

SOME HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear!

MR. SPEAKER: The hon. the Member for the District of Conception Bay

South.

SOME HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear!

MR. FRENCH: Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

On April 5 of this year, along with my colleague, the MHA for Topsail, I had

the privilege of attending the twelfth Annual Conception Bay South Sports Hall

of Fame Awards Banquet. During that ceremony there were six individuals inducted

into the Hall of Fame, including:

Kathy Normore, whose career was highlighted by playing on the CBS Raiders

Ball Hockey Team who won National Championships on two occasions;

Mr. Tom Clarke, who captained and won the National Junior Championships with

the St. John's Stars in 1976;

Dennis (Boo) Boggan, in the 1970s and 1980s, won numerous league

championships in Conception Bay South;

Robert (Bobby) Hutton, who represented Newfoundland and Labrador at the

Canada Winter Games and has his name engraved on both the Boyle and Herder

trophies;

Christopher Baker, who competed at local, provincial, national and

international levels, highlighted by competing on Japan's National Rugby Team

at the World Cup;

Martin (Bud) Suter, inducted into the Hall of Fame as both an athlete and a

builder, and he was president of the CBS Senior Hockey League for five years.

Mr. Speaker, I ask all hon. members to join with me in congratulating this

year's inductees as well as the Board of Governors of the Conception Bay South

Sports Hall of Fame for another successful ceremony.

Thank you.

SOME HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear!

MR. SPEAKER: The hon. the Member for the District of Lewisporte.

SOME HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear!

MR. VERGE: Thank you, hon. colleagues.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in this hon. House today to recognize the tremendous

commitment of a firefighter in my district.

I recently attended a firemen's dinner in Baytona, and I witnessed

first-hand the respect and admiration the local firefighters, town council

officials, and the whole town has for a gentleman by the name of Pearce Burt.

Pearce served for thirty-one years as a firefighter, including fourteen years

as chief. At the age of sixty-seven, Pearce has decided to hand the role of

chief off to a younger town leader and volunteer by the name of Mr. Bruce

Quinlan.

During Pearce's time, he helped lead efforts to raise funds sufficient to

purchase a new pumper, twenty-four new bunker suits, two new breathing

apparatus, a new pager system, and also a new fire hall.

In conversation with Pearce, he attributes the success of Baytona's fire

department to his firefighters and to the community as a whole. The mark of a

true leader, Mr. Speaker, always willing to pass the praise down the line to

others.

One final note, Mr. Speaker, I called to talk to Pearce on Thursday of last

week, after his retirement. He was out, but his wife told me there was a chimney

fire the day before and Pearce was the first one on the scene. I guess old

habits die hard.

Members of the House, please join with me in recognizing one of our finest,

Pearce Burt.

SOME HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear!

MR. SPEAKER: The hon. the Member for District of Grand Bank.

SOME HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear!

MR. KING: Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

I rise today to recognize a school in my district, John Burke High in Grand

Bank. Recently, I had the pleasure of attending the annual Burin Peninsula

Regional Drama Festival at Christ the King School in Rushoon with my colleague,

the Member for Burin-Placentia West.

This festival has a long history of excellence on the Burin Peninsula,

bringing together students from many age groups and schools. This year,

approximately 150 students and eleven schools participated.

The festival provides a tremendous opportunity for students to avail of daily

workshops on drama and theatre arts, and lets them enjoy the evening with their

peers attending the performance of other participating schools.

Under the directorship of Director Yvonne Powell, John Burke Masquerade was

named the festival winner this year for their rendition of Apostrophes .

In addition, Mr. Speaker, the team of Kurt Warren, Rebecca Stuckey, Brittany

Forsey, and Dylan Myles won the festival's Improv Contest, and Kurt was named

the best actor and winner of the Matthew Symes and Ashley Tulk Memorial Award.

This award, Mr. Speaker, I might note, is named in honour of two students who

were killed tragically in an automobile accident just several years ago.

The John Burke troupe, Mr. Speaker, will now move on to represent the Burin

Peninsula at the Provincial Drama Festival in Carbonear from May 8 to May 10. I

know the members of the troupe worked hard, and I ask all members in the House

to join with me in offering congratulations to the John Burke Masquerade.

Thank you.

SOME HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear!

MR. SPEAKER: Statements by Ministers.

Statements by Ministers

MR. SPEAKER: The hon. the Minister of Tourism, Culture and Recreation.

SOME HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear!

MR. JACKMAN: Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

I rise in this hon. House today to speak about the Historica Fairs Program,

which celebrates Canadian history and culture through projects presented to the

public by students in Grade 4 through to Grade 9.

Many Newfoundland and Labrador schools hold Historica fairs and select

representatives to participate in one of the eight regional fairs across the

Province. Thousands of students participate in the program annually.

This year, the regional fairs are taking place from May 1 to May 9. Students'

projects range from personal family histories to those which feature major

historical events in Newfoundland and Labrador and throughout Canada.

Each regional fair then selects one or two students, fifteen in total from

across the Province, to represent Newfoundland and Labrador at the National

Historica Camp held each July in a different Province. This year, it is being

held in Victoria, British Columbia.

Mr. Speaker, I plan to attend the Avalon Region's Historica Fair on

Saturday, this Saturday, May 3 and see firsthand the knowledge students have

gained through their participation in this program. I know many of my colleagues

will be attending regional fairs as well.

In Newfoundland and Labrador, the program is operated through the Historic

Sites Association, with the support of the Department of Tourism, Culture and

Recreation.

As a government, we are proud to support this kind of activity which allows

students to develop a critical appreciation of the significant roles that both

tangible, and intangible, heritage plays in our society.

I encourage people to visit the Historica Fair near them to see some of the

hard work and talent that has gone into these projects.

I invite my colleagues to join me in thanking and commending the Historic

Sites Association, and volunteer organizers, and in extending congratulations

and best wishes to all Newfoundland and Labrador students participating in the

Historica Fairs Program.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

SOME HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear!

MR. SPEAKER: The hon. the Opposition House Leader.

MR. PARSONS: Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

I appreciate the minister providing me with an advanced copy of his statement

today.

It certainly is nice to see people, young people in particular, who recognize

and are interested in promoting our history. I notice here it is Grades 4 to

Grade 9 and it is good to see that, like you say, at that young age, you do not

have to wait to go to university to learn about our history. The earlier we

start it the better, and the more programs and events that we can encourage them

to get involved in - usually you talk about science fairs and when you can have

a history fair of this nature, again, it provides interest, it provides a

competitive atmosphere and it is certainly worthy.

I guess, like they say, if you do not understand your history you are going

to be in pretty poor shape in putting yourself on the road for your future. So,

it is certainly needed. Knowledge of historical events, of course, is very, very

important. Not only does it give an individual a better understanding of himself

and his society but, of course, it gives you pride in your community once you

understand what your roots are. So, we certainly encourage the minister

attending these fairs on behalf of everyone. It is good to show these kids of

course that they are supported by the governments as well.

Thank you.

MR. SPEAKER: The hon. the Member for Signal Hill-Quidi Vidi.

MS MICHAEL: Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

I thank the minister for the advanced copy of his statement.

I, too, am delighted to see the government and the minister supporting the

Historica Fair Program. I think it is an excellent way for our young people to

learn about our history, but I also encourage the minister, and I am sure he

will do so, to look at the role of our community museums and heritage museums

that are all over the Province. They have been very, very important in exposing

young people to our history and culture as well. As the minister knows, they

have been cut back federally in funding and sustaining grants. I notice there

was no increase in community museums grants in the Budget. So, I do encourage

the minister to play a role in assuring that these museums do not have to close

down, as is happening in some places, and that they are encouraged to keep going

as a way to back up the kind of thing that is happening in the schools with the

Historica fairs.

Thank you.

MR. SPEAKER: The hon. the Minister of Education.

SOME HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear!

MS BURKE: Mr. Speaker, every year, the Department of Education brings

hundreds of teachers to St. John's to participate in marking boards to grade

public exams and CRTs. Marking boards are now being organized for public exams

with approximately 22,000 exams written each year.

Mr. Speaker, I was extremely pleased to announce, as part of Budget 2008, an

additional investment of $150,000 to move these marking boards for the first

time beyond the overpass.

SOME HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear!

MS BURKE: We saw no need, Mr. Speaker, for the boards to be located in

St. John's every year, and our intent is to locate them in different

communities across the Province. This year, the public exams will be marked in

Corner Brook.

This progressive step will be of great benefit for communities in terms of

economic spin off, while teachers, some of whom will be joined by their

families, spend two weeks in the area. I am sure my hon. colleagues will agree

that such benefits should not be restricted to the St. John's area.

As a government, we are committed to economic activity everywhere and seeking

out ways to bring new opportunities to communities across the Province. While

this may be a modest step, it will nevertheless provide an economic boost for

any area where the marking boards are held.

Mr. Speaker, I would also like to take this opportunity to inform my hon.

colleagues about another change to the public exam program. Acting upon a

recommendation of the ISSP and Pathways Commission report, students who require

accommodations in the classroom will now be able to use these accommodations

when they write their exams. This means, for example, that students who depend

on software such as Microsoft Word to successfully complete classroom

evaluations can continue to use it when writing public exams.

This change is part of an ongoing review of the public exam policy with input

from representatives of the school districts, advocacy groups, parents and the

Department of Education. This review, as well as an analysis of other

pan-Canadian jurisdiction's policies, will be considered in formulating an

improved provincial public exam policy.

investment of an additional $69.9 million, as announced in Budget 2008

yesterday, builds on $177 million in new investments in the last two years. As a

result, we will continue to see improvements in all aspects of our education

system, from reduced class sizes, improved infrastructure, and increased

programming from Kindergarten to post-secondary and into adult learning.

Thank you.

SOME HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear!

MR. SPEAKER: The hon. the Member for Port de Grave.

MR. BUTLER: Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

I want to thank the minister for an advance copy of her statement, and to say

that moving the marking board to areas outside of St. John's, I guess, is a

good marketing strategy.

I want to say to the minister that, when she mentioned about the spin-off to

the various areas, and the teachers coming there, and their families, I can

attest to that; because, when a minor hockey team comes into our local area for

a weekend we see the tremendous impact it has.

I want to say to the minister that, by some students being able to use

Microsoft Word in the classrooms when they do their exams, I think that is

another tremendous achievement.

Mr. Speaker, the only thing I would suggest to the minister is - this is a

great improvement - hopefully in the next year or two we should be able to see

that they travel to the Conception Bay North area.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

MR. SPEAKER: Order, please!

The hon. the Member for Signal Hill-Quidi Vidi.

MS MICHAEL: Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker.

I thank the minister for the advance copy of her statement.

With regard to the accommodations being made for the public exams, I think

this is a very good move. I would hope that there will be no limitations with

regard to whatever that accommodation is, because some are more difficult than

others to implement. I am assuming that whatever the accommodation is that a

student has in the classroom, it will be available in the public exams.

I am also assuming it means that it is starting this year. The statement

doesn't say when it is starting. I hope it is starting this year and will be

Province-wide right away. If I am wrong on any of that, I would appreciate the

minister letting us know in the House the extent of the accommodations and when

it is happening.

With regard to the first part of the announcement, I have to say that I hope

the minister doesn't mind if I jump up and down. I have no problem with the

panel being moved around the Province, but I have to say, as a community

economic development model, it would have to be a fairly small community for the

impact that you are seeing here. So, I am sorry, I can't jump up and down.

Thank you.

SOME HON. MEMBERS: Oh, oh!

MR. SPEAKER: Order, please!

Further statements by ministers.

Oral Questions.

Oral Questions

MR. SPEAKER: The hon. the Leader of the Opposition.

MS JONES: Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

My questions are for the Minister of Health and Community Services.

Yesterday, a lot of hype was made of increasing the threshold for single

individuals to qualify for the Seniors' Benefit. We now realize that a number

of these seniors will benefit from the changes and will receive the one-time

benefit paid out on an annual basis.

I ask the minister if qualifying for the Seniors' Benefit automatically now

qualifies you for home care services, or will the current thresholds that have

been applied for assessing home care still remain in place?

MR. SPEAKER: The hon. the Minister of Health and Community Services.

SOME HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear!

MR. WISEMAN: Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

The short answer is, no, there is no connection, but I think it is important

to understand, as I said yesterday in the press scrum, that we are, as part of

our development of a long-term care and community support strategy,

re-evaluating our Home Support Program to look at the financial assessment tool

we now use.

We want to make sure, Mr. Speaker, that the programs and services that we

offer to our seniors are not only accessible but are affordable and available to

all of the people who live in Newfoundland and Labrador.

SOME HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear!

MR. SPEAKER: The hon. the Leader of the Opposition.

MS JONES: Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

If I am a senior citizen today who has worked all my life in this Province, I

own my own home -myself and my spouse - I have an annual income of $25,000, and

I have not been able to put any monies away for RRSPs over the years, I have

just been assessed for home care and I have been told that I need to pay $1,100

a month, out of my $25,000 salary a year, to access that home care, I ask the

minister: Can he tell me if there was anything in the Budget yesterday that

would be able to further accommodate these individuals?

MR. SPEAKER: The hon. the Minister of Health and Community Services.

SOME HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear!

MR. WISEMAN: Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Mr. Speaker, in yesterday's Budget there was a $10 million figure that we

allocated to increase the capacity for home support services in this Province.

The second piece that was in that Budget yesterday, there was going to be a

revision in the financial assessment tool for home support services. Where, at

one time, we used to consider RRSPs as a liquid asset, as of yesterday's

Budget that criteria has now changed and we will no longer be considering RRSPs

as part of liquid assets.

SOME HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear!

MR. WISEMAN: I want to repeat something I just said a second ago, on the

previous question. These are two initiatives that we brought forward yesterday

that will impact home support services and will impact seniors in this Province.

I want to repeat again, because it is important, this is one piece of an

ongoing strategy development that we are involved with. If you were to look into

the future, I say, Mr. Speaker, the people of this Province will see some

announcements of further enhancements in future years to home support services

for the seniors of this Province.

SOME HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear!

MR. SPEAKER: The hon. the Leader of the Opposition.

MS JONES: Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Pat and Shirley Connors have become the face of thousands of seniors who find

themselves confined to their homes, and cannot afford home care services in this

Province.

I ask the minister: Does he think it is acceptable by today's standards

that they would have to pay $12,000 of their $25,000 annual income in order to

get the home care services they require, simply because they cannot care for

themselves?

MR. SPEAKER: The hon. the Minister of Health and Community Services.

SOME HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear!

MR. WISEMAN: Mr. Speaker, I think it is very important, as we look at

supports for seniors, or supports for persons with disabilities, that we need to

take a very comprehensive look at all of those programs and services and

that is exactly what we are doing. We are looking at home support services,

long-term care homes, personal care homes, other models of care that might be

more appropriate for the future than we have historically known in this

Province.

All of those things are currently under consideration. They are part of the

very in-depth analysis we are doing of our long-term care and community support

system. I have indicated before, we are very much in the middle of developing a

long-term strategy for those initiatives. One of the pieces of that is a

re-evaluation of the financial assessment tool.

We want to make sure, rather than react to individual circumstance, we want

to make sure that we have a comprehensive strategy for the future that includes

models of care, includes an appropriate financial assessment tool

MR. SPEAKER: Order, please!

I ask the hon. minister to conclude his answer.

MR. WISEMAN: Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Through that process we will identify an appropriate level of contribution

for clients to make to services they get, but we want to do it when we are

concluded the (inaudible) exercise.

MR. SPEAKER: Order, please!

SOME HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear!

MR. SPEAKER: The hon. the Leader of the Opposition.

MS JONES: Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

The financial assessment tool that the minister keeps referring to - it has

been ten years since it has been revamped or even looked at, from my

understanding. Mr. Speaker, under that assessment tool - maybe the minister is

aware - they only allow a couple living in their own home to be able to keep

$583 a month as a living allowance, to look after their food, their clothing,

their personal care and their household maintenance costs.

I ask the minister: How much longer will it be before this financial

assessment tool is looked at, revamped, and these people can get some adequate

coverage for home care?

MR. SPEAKER: The hon. the Minister of Health and Community Services.

SOME HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear!

MR. WISEMAN: Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

I am glad the member opposite referenced the fact that this has been on the

go for a long time because the tool that is now being used was developed by the

members opposite when they were in government. The dollar amounts may have

changed because when they developed the policy in the first place they tied the

dollar amounts to certain benchmarks. So, it was the policy that we are now

using, was developed by the members opposite when they were in government. This

is the first time our Administration, for the first time ever, has taken a look

at this whole system. We are, in fact, as I said a moment ago, re-evaluating the

whole program. The financial assessment tool is one of the pieces that we are

now giving consideration to and deciding what might be an appropriate mechanism

to have on a go-forward basis. So, I remind the member opposite, we are working

with the tool that you handed us four years ago and we are finally doing

something about it.

SOME HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear!

MR. SPEAKER: The hon. the Leader of the Opposition.

MS JONES: Mr. Speaker, I need to remind the minister, when that tool was

being used four and five years ago the price of gasoline was at about

eighty-nine to ninety cents a litre. Today it is up to $1.34 and $1.40 in places

in our Province. Home heating oil was at about sixty-nine cents a litre, today

it has risen to $1.10. These people cannot afford services in this Province but

they desperately need them.

I ask the minister to give me a timeframe in which he will revamp the program

and put the proper indicators in there to do the assessments for home care

patients in this Province?

MR. SPEAKER: The hon. the Minister of Health and Community Services.

SOME HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear!

MR. WISEMAN: Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

I just want to bring everybody's attention to all the lists that the member

opposite just gave us as to reasons why we should do something. These are the

reasons why we have reduced personal income tax; the reason why we have

increased the rebate on fuel each year; the reason why we just announced

yesterday the increase in the seniors' benefit. These are all of the reasons

why we as a government have acted responsible, recognized the pressures that

many people in Newfoundland and Labrador have.

SOME HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear!

MR. WISEMAN: Mr. Speaker, we recognize the challenges that many seniors

who live on fixed incomes have. That is why our Minister of Finance stood in

this House yesterday and read out, for the second time on his tenure, a budget

that recognizes the dilemmas that many people in Newfoundland and Labrador have

and put more money back in their pockets to be able to spend to support

themselves and to live comfortably in their own homes.

SOME HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear!

MR. SPEAKER: The hon. the Leader of the Opposition.

MS JONES: Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Like the CBC online poll said: Thank God for the oil revenues, I say in

Newfoundland and Labrador, minister. Thank God for the oil revenues, not because

of the deals that your government has inked.

Mr. Speaker, in yesterday's Budget new money was allocated for hospital

infrastructure upgrades. In a press conference the Minister of Finance stated

that some of this money will go towards the construction of a new acute care

facility in St. John's.

I ask the minister: Does government have any plans to replace any of the

hospitals that currently exist in the St. John's region?

MR. SPEAKER: The hon. the Minister of Health and Community Services.

SOME HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear!

MR. WISEMAN: Yesterday's announcement - in the Budget we announced that

we were going to build a new hospital in Corner Brook. We only have one there

now, so when we announce something over there it is easy to announce a

replacement.

In St. John's we have the Health Sciences Centre, we have the Waterford

Hospital, we have the St. Clare's hospital and we have the Miller Centre, all

providing acute care services. In yesterday's Budget the minister announced $1

million that will help us develop a strategy, help us define and identify what

is an appropriate model for delivery of acute care services in St. John's, for

two reasons. One, St. John's is the area where we have our major tertiary

centre for the Province, and we need to understand what the entire Province

needs by way of tertiary services.

In the greater Avalon area, they have a need for secondary level acute care

services. We need to identify what that should be on a go-forward basis. When we

get that analysis done, and we better understand the programs and services that

are needed, then we will be able to define the kind of physical structures, the

kind of facilities that we need to have -

MR. SPEAKER: Order please!

I ask the hon. member to conclude his answer.

MR. WISEMAN: Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

So, we need to do a piece of work before we are able to talk about whether we

are going to build, modify, renovate, change, or tear down.

SOME HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear!

MR. SPEAKER: The hon. the Leader of the Opposition.

MS JONES: Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

I was looking for clarification on what the Minister of Finance had said in the

media scrum yesterday, and I understand that there was no commitment to

replacing or building a new acute care facility in St. John's, from the

minister's comments there.

Mr. Speaker, $33.5 million was allocated to address upgrades to hospitals

across the Province. We know that from a report on conditions of four hospitals

in the St. John's area that approximately $100 million has been identified as

needed in critical upgrades for those facilities alone.

I ask the minister: Why is there no long-term strategy accompanying your

investment yesterday to deal with all of these problems that were identified in

our major hospitals in the Province?

MR. SPEAKER: The hon. the Minister of Health and Community Services.

SOME HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear!

MR. WISEMAN: Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

If she was looking for clarity on her previous question, let me give it to

her. Fundamentally, what I did say yesterday is when we develop, when we better

understand the future needs of acute care services in St. John's we will then

respond and provide the appropriate facilities for that. That was my

summary.

Now, to get to the question she just posed with respect to the $33 million.

What we said yesterday, Mr. Speaker, was we identified $33 million in this year's

Budget to be able to respond to the issues identified by the fire commissioner,

respond to those issues identified by our four authorities, issues that they

needed to respond to on a priority basis. We gave consideration to two things.

One, what was the capacity of the health system to manage a repair maintenance

budget? Secondly, looking logistically at how we would actually go about

carrying out extensive renovations to hospitals and health facilities while they

still (inaudible).

SOME HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear!

MR. SPEAKER: Order, please!

The hon. the Leader of the Opposition.

MS JONES: Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Obviously, the $33.5 million that has been allocated will not deal with all

the critical upgrades and safety issues that were identified in the four St.

John's hospitals alone.

I ask the minister, if he can table for us an outline of what that

expenditure will include, what hospital facilities will be included and the kind

of work that will be undertaken?

MR. SPEAKER: The hon. the Minister of Health and Community Services.

SOME HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear!

MR. WISEMAN: Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

We, too, would acknowledge that $33 million will not do each and every single

thing that needs to be done in each and every building throughout Newfoundland

and Labrador. What it will do, Mr. Speaker, it will deal with all of the

priority issues, it will deal with the life safety issues that have been

identified by our four authorities.

We said earlier, and I said earlier in this House, that the issues identified

by our four authorities as needing repairs, the critical upgrades to the health

facilities that we have, we are committed to ensuring that the people of

Newfoundland and Labrador, the patients who use our health facilities, the

visitors who use them and the people who work there are going to be working in

safe environments. We will provide them with the necessary technology they need

to do their job and they will be working in buildings that are adequate to

supply and support the services that they provide, and that is the commitment we

make.

The $33 million we announced yesterday will be a start towards that, and that

is as much as we can spend and accommodate in this fiscal year.

SOME HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear!

MR. SPEAKER: The hon. the Leader of the Opposition.

MS JONES: Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Over the last couple of weeks I also raised some issues in the House of

Assembly with regard to patients who had surgeries cancelled because of lack of

ICU beds.

I ask the minister, because he did say that they would deal with this

particular problem: Is there any monies in this Budget at this time for the

allocation of expansion of acute care beds and ICU bed availability in St. John's

hospitals?

MR. SPEAKER: The hon. the Minister of Health and Community Services.

SOME HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear!

MR. WISEMAN: Again, the short answer is, yes. I refer her to the comments

I made a moment ago about the announcement yesterday. There was $1 million

announced in yesterday's Budget. So, there was money announced yesterday that

will start to address the issue that she raises. That $1 million will be used to

allow us to better understand the acute care needs of St. John's and the

greater Avalon and the tertiary needs of our Province.

With that money, we will be able to identify the kind of facilities that we

need on a go-forward basis. When we know that, when we know what it is we need

to have in place by way of physical infrastructure, our government is committed

to responding to it and making sure that it is available to the citizens of

Newfoundland and Labrador.

SOME HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear!

MR. SPEAKER: The hon. the Leader of the Opposition.

MS JONES: Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

My next questions are for the Minister Responsible for the Status of Women.

Mr. Speaker, the $1,000 baby bonus was announced yesterday in the Budget, and

some of the details we were not clear on.

I ask the minister: Will women who had their babies before January 1 but

remain on maternity leave today, will they now receive the $100 monthly payment

that was announced yesterday, until the end of their maternity leave?

MR. SPEAKER: The hon. the Minister of Health and Community Services.

SOME HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear!

MR. WISEMAN: Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

That program announced yesterday will be effective January 1, so those

individuals who will have children delivered after January 1 will be entitled to

the benefits announced in yesterday's Budget.

SOME HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear!

MR. SPEAKER: The hon. the Leader of the Opposition.

MS JONES: Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

I understand that if you are on maternity leave today - you had your baby in

December - I know you will not get the $1,000, but you are going to be on

maternity leave for the next ten months. Will you be entitled to the monthly

reimbursement of $100 after January 1?

MR. SPEAKER: The hon. the Minister of Health and Community Services.

MR. WISEMAN: Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Yes, you will.

MR. SPEAKER: The hon. the Leader of the Opposition.

MS JONES: That is why it is important to get clarity, Mr. Speaker.

Mr. Speaker, there is also some clarification required on whether the baby

bonus and the $100 monthly payments are excluded from social benefits and

maternity EI benefits.

I ask the minister: Will the baby bonus payments that are allocated be

subject to clawbacks from unemployment insurance or social assistance programs?

MR. SPEAKER: The hon. the Minister of Health and Community Services.

SOME HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear!

MR. WISEMAN: Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

They will not be subject to any clawbacks of any program the provincial

government has.

MR. SPEAKER: Order, please!

The hon. the Leader of the Opposition.

MS JONES: Mr. Speaker, I am wondering about the maternity EI program.

Most women who take maternity leave after they have their children qualify for a

twelve-month maternity program under the Employment Insurance program. I am

wondering if there has been any negotiation for exemption of this monthly $100

allowance under that program.

MR. SPEAKER: The hon. the Minister of Health and Community Services.

SOME HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear!

MR. WISEMAN: Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

As I understand, it is structured in a fashion that it will not be, but I am

a little bit hesitant to commit on behalf of the federal government. What I will

do is have officials get a little more clarity for you. We cannot seem to get a

commitment from the federal government that stands for any length of time.

I do not want to speak on behalf of federal government programs, and anything

they may want to do in response to something a province might do, but I will

have officials provide a little more clarity as to the degree of assurances that

we do have from the federal government.

SOME HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear!

MR. SPEAKER: The hon. the Opposition House Leader.

MR. PARSONS: Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

My question, under the circumstances, I guess, would be for the Premier.

Mr. Speaker, government has allocated $100 million into debt reduction at

Newfoundland and Labrador Hydro to improve the corporation's debt-equity

ratio.

I ask the Premier: Why is this investment being made, if Hydro just recently

announced that it had a $70 million profit?

MR. SPEAKER: The hon. the Premier.

SOME HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear!

PREMIER WILLIAMS: Mr. Speaker, the problems at Newfoundland and Labrador

Hydro have occurred over the years because previous governments kept sucking the

dividends out, rather than leaving the money in the corporation. They kept

draining it out, and draining it dry. As a result, their debt to equity ratio

was poor - very, very poor.

We are trying to build a super corporation here, a corporation which

Newfoundlanders and Labradorians will be proud of.

It was a previous Liberal government that wanted to actually privatize Hydro.

This particular government wants to strengthen Hydro, wants to make it a very

valuable corporation: a corporation that will ultimately pay significant

dividends back to the people of this Province; a corporation that perhaps some

day may have enough value in its assets overall as a result of the Hebron deal

and the White Rose deal, possible Hibernia deal, possible deals on gas, possible

deals on oil refineries and other exploration projects, where hopefully we might

be able to sell it some day and pay off all the debt of this Province, and that

would be a good thing.

SOME HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear!

MR. SPEAKER: Order, please!

The hon. the Opposition House Leader.

MR. PARSONS: Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Mr. Speaker, Hydro has just made an application to have a 6 per cent increase

in power bills to the consumers of this Province. Now government has just put

$100 million into Hydro. We know they have a $70 million surplus they just

announced. Why are the consumers going to be gouged for another 6 per cent when

we have that profit and now $100 million being put into Hydro?

MR. SPEAKER: The hon. the Premier.

SOME HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear!

PREMIER WILLIAMS: Mr. Speaker, there is the Hydro Corporation, which is

the utility corporation which regulates the cost of hydro in the Province, and

then there is a separate corporation which for the time being is being called

ener. corp., but there is a new name going to be attached to that corporation.

That will be a completely separate corporation that will be the corporation that

will manage the oil and gas assets, or wind assets or other assets that are

separate from the electricity regulation.

So, as a result, we are basically trying to strengthen up the other

corporation to put that in a better position on an international stage. Our goal

is make this corporation as strong or stronger than Quebec Hydro or Norske Hydro

or other major power corporations thought the world. So that would, in fact, be

a subsidiary of Newfoundland and Labrador Hydro but the whole power utility

regulation is a completely separate entity.

SOME HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear!

MR. SPEAKER: The hon. the Opposition House Leader.

MR. PARSONS: Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

I understand, from the legislation that we passed in this House just recently

concerning the creation of the energy corporation, that energy corporation, in

and of itself, has been authorized to borrow up to $600 million, I think it is.

I ask the Premier - because we saw yesterday, in addition to the $100 million

that went into Hydro we are seeing $215 million going into the energy corp to be

used to purchase the equity stakes in Hebron and Ben Nevis and White Rose, as I

understand it. This $215 million that you put into the energy corp, will that be

a one-off deal or is it government's plan, on a continuing basis, to take

surplus cash that we have and put it into the energy corp?

MR. SPEAKER: The hon. the Premier.

SOME HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear!

PREMIER WILLIAMS: Mr. Speaker, the energy corporation on its own doesn't

have the money to fund those kinds of purchases. That particular purchase, round

figures, the price of oil that was arrived at in order to acquire those equity

assets, would have been in the $40 to $50 range. Oil now, as you know, is at

$120. Any money we put in to buy those assets - for example, if we pay $100

million to buy those assets at today's oil prices that purchase, the equity,

is probably worth $240 million. These are actually good investments, so any time

we can infuse $100 million or $200 million and get back $400 million or $500

million or $600 million of value we will do it every single time.

SOME HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear!

MR. SPEAKER: The hon. the Opposition House Leader.

MR. PARSONS: Thank you, Premier.

That is exactly where I was leading with my questions. When I read the press

releases on White Rose and on Hebron, I believe it was $110 million that was

going to be the cost of the equity for Hebron and $44 million for White Rose,

which would mean $154 million. That was why I was a bit confused as to we are

putting in $215 million and we needed $154 million.

I take it now that those figures of $110 million and $44 million that were

talked about at the time of the press release, that was just based upon the

price of oil? There was no fixed purchase price at that time for our equity

stake in those ventures, it is going to be paid for now at today's oil prices?

MR. SPEAKER: The hon. the Premier.

SOME HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear!

PREMIER WILLIAMS: The final agreement hasn't been done on Hebron yet.

The oil price is fixed from a Memorandum of Agreement perspective. It is a

question of quantity. For example, on the White Rose agreement it is a question

of what the proven reserves are. The only thing that could vary would be the

quantity of oil as opposed to the price of oil. The price of oil has been set,

so we are not on escalating scales similar to the Upper Churchill deal or

anything like that. We get the benefit of the upscale on the oil price and we

also get the benefit of the upscale on the reserves as well.

SOME HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear!

MR. SPEAKER: The hon. the Opposition House Leader.

MR. PARSONS: Thank you, Premier.

During the pre-Budget consultations, the Minister of Finance emphasized the

need for debt reduction, and in fact we saw a fair chunk of the surplus from

2007-2008 used for debt reduction. Yet, we don't see and the minister

acknowledged this yesterday in the media we don't see any long-term plan

for the debt reduction.

At what stage is it exactly, this plan for long-term debt reduction, so that

we are not on a yearly basis just figuring out where we might like to put some

cash? What is the long-term plan and when might we see the long-term plan for

debt reduction?

MR. SPEAKER: The hon. the Premier.

SOME HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear!

PREMIER WILLIAMS: Mr. Speaker, the long-term plan for this government,

for the combination of smart acquisitions and smart investing in oil and gas

projects that are owned by Newfoundlanders - we have wind projects that are

owned by Newfoundlanders and Labradorians, and gas projects, and any other good

energy projects, is eventually to erase the debt in this Province.

Now, from a debt-planning perspective, how can we be expected to plan when

the price of oil varies dramatically? Last year our forecasts from Pira, who are

the best forecasters in the world, were out by between 35 per cent and 40 per

cent. I met with John Lau yesterday. They are unable to predict where the price

of oil is going on a short-term or a long-term basis.

The money that we would have available for debt, a significant portion of

that would come from windfall profits from oil, for want of a better term. So if

the price of oil is fluctuating all over the place, we cannot have a specific

plan of an amount of debt repayment, because if we lock in the amount of debt

repayment, then we will have the Member for Signal Hill-Quidi Vidi all over us

because we are not putting enough money into social spending, we will have the

Leader of the Opposition all over us because we are not putting enough money

into sprinklers and repairs for hospitals -

MR. SPEAKER: Order, please!

PREMIER WILLIAMS: So, it is a moving target. As a result, we will take a

significant portion and put it on debt, providing we are meeting all our other

social spending obligations in the Province.

MR. SPEAKER: Order, please!

SOME HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear!

MR. SPEAKER: The hon. the Opposition House Leader.

MR. PARSONS: Thank you.

I appreciate the comments and the clarity, because I read the comments that

the media printed about the minister's statement yesterday, the Minister of

Finance. He certainly, clearly left the impression that: yes, there will be a

plan; yes, it is in the works, but we just have not got it ready yet. So that is

not on all four squares, what the Premier just said. I agree with your comments

about being so fluid that you might not be able to have a plan - that is why we

are seeking the clarification.

With regards to a balanced budget legislation, Premier, we have had over the

course of the last three or four years, some apparent wavering. Your former

minister - who used to be the Member for Ferryland, I believe - said we would be

seeing, from this government, balanced budget legislation. Where does the

government stand on that issue right now?

MR. SPEAKER: Order, please!

The hon. the Premier.

SOME HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear!

PREMIER WILLIAMS: Mr. Speaker, if you look at the charts that are

contained in the Budget document - and I assume it is okay to refer to the

Budget document?

MR. SPEAKER: I would suggest to the Premier, just refer to it, rather

than show it.

Thank you.

PREMIER WILLIAMS: Well, okay.

From the Budget document perspective, since we have come into office the

deficits have gone down. So, they have actually shrunk in the first year. Then

in the second, third, fourth and fifth years, our surplus has gone up and up and

up, and they continue to climb. Hopefully, it would be nice if they climbed even

higher again. However, our projection is for half that this year.

The dollar is moving. The dollar is changing in its value. Oil production

could change in value. Oil prices could change in value. So from our

perspective, at this point in time, it is not wise to come in with a balanced

budget. We have to, basically, do our best estimate. What we have done this

year, is we have looked at the average right across Canada, taking the best

guess. We have gone even higher than Alberta. So, we are not looking at a

balanced budget on a go-forward basis at this particular point in time because

it is a moving target, and that is what we are having to deal with.

MR. SPEAEKR: Order please!

I ask the hon. Premier to conclude his answer.

PREMIER WILLIAMS: It is a good problem to have.

SOME HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear!

MR. SPEAKER: The hon. the Member for Signal Hill-Quidi Vidi.

MS MICHAEL: Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Mr. Speaker, the government knows that there will be recommendations coming from

the Cameron Inquiry. However, in yesterday's Budget there was no new

announcement regarding funding to implement anticipated recommendations over and

above the $2.3 million that was already announced this past February.

Mr. Speaker, I ask the Premier, why the government has not put more money

aside for the cost of implementing recommendations that will surely come from

the Cameron Inquiry?

MR. SPEAKER: The hon. the Premier.

SOME HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear!

PREMIER WILLIAMS: Unfortunately, Mr. Speaker, I do not have the same

crystal ball that the Member for Signal Hill-Quidi Vidi has, even though I do

feel like I should jump up and down after the Budget yesterday.

SOME HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear!

PREMIER WILLIAMS: From our perspective, we are spending 37 per cent, 38

per cent, if I remember correctly, on health care. The health care minister can

inform me, of course, that we are spending $2.3 billion a year on health care.

This year, in new money, we are spending $266 million on an annualized basis on

operation. This year we are spending another $133.1 million on capital on an

annual basis; total $2.3 billion. This year in new money alone, $400 million.

That is a lot of money spent, but we cannot predicate what Madam Justice Cameron

is going to say.

MR. SPEAKER: Order please!

PREMIER WILLIAMS: What we are doing is incrementally spending a lot of

money.

The other thing, just from a general perspective -

MR. SPEAKER: Order please!

I ask the hon. the Premier to conclude his answer.

PREMIER WILLIAMS: - because I have heard your comments, the overall

Budget, 70 per cent of what we spend in our Budget is on health care, education

and social services.

SOME HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear!

MR. SPEAKER: The hon. the Member for Signal Hill-Quidi Vidi.

MS MICHAEL: Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker.

I would like to point out to the Premier that the percentage of the total

budget for health, education and social assistance has gone down. The percentage

of the total budget has gone down from last year. I would like to point that

out.

I will put the next question to the Premier based on what he said. Premier,

if the recommendations from the Cameron Inquiry require that new money, over and

above what you have already budgeted, has to go into putting recommendations

into effect, will you start that in this fiscal year?

MR. SPEAKER: The hon. the Premier.

SOME HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear!

PREMIER WILLIAMS: Mr. Speaker, again, I cannot predict what these

recommendations may be. We called the inquiry; we asked the inquiry to get to

the bottom of the problem. I assume, because Madam Justice Cameron is one of the

most competent jurists we have in the Province right now, she will come up with

good recommendations. We will implement her recommendations, providing they are

reasonable and appropriate, and I would suggest that I don't think for one

minute they won't be.

Those recommendations may not have to be done in the first year. She may

recommend a phase-in of recommendations, and we will do that within our

budgetary limitations, but we will certainly treat them with urgency and

priority, I can assure you of that.

SOME HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear!

MR. SPEAKER: Order, please!

The time allotted for questions and answers has expired.

Presenting Reports by Standing and Special Committees.

Tabling of Documents.

Tabling of Documents

MR. SPEAKER: In compliance with the Public Tender Act, I am tabling the

Report of Public Tender Act Exceptions for the month of March 2008.

Further tabling of documents.

Notices of Motion.

Answers to Questions for which Notice has been Given.

Petitions.

Orders of the Day.

Orders of the Day

Private Members' Day

MR. SPEAKER: The hon. the Member for Mount Pearl North.

MR. KENT: Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

It gives me great pleasure to rise in this hon. House today to speak to a

motion that I gave notice of, on Monday afternoon. It is a motion that concerns

recognizing volunteers in Newfoundland and Labrador. During Volunteer Week in

this Province, it is an ideal time to recognize the tremendous contributions

that volunteers make in Newfoundland and Labrador.

I would like to refer to the motion that I did give notice of on Monday. It

notes that approximately 187,000 people volunteer in this Province, contributing

a total of thirty-five million hours of volunteer time, unpaid time, to our

communities and to valuable causes within our communities.

The motion also points out that the voluntary sector is facing many

challenges: challenges related to retention, recruitment, governance and

capacity, ironically just at a time when the services from this important sector

are needed the most.

The motion also indicates that it is incredibly important to build on the

relationship between society and the voluntary sector, between civil society and

government, so that we can improve on the great work that has been done.

The purpose of this motion today is to recognize and congratulate the

thousands of volunteers who do so much to contribute to the quality of life in

our Province, in each of our communities, and also to encourage this government

to continue its support of the voluntary sector. It is for those reasons that I

rise in this House this afternoon.

Mr. Speaker, the voluntary sector is something that I am incredibly

passionate about. In fact, in my professional life, prior to getting elected to

this Legislature, I spent about eight years working in the voluntary sector with

organizations such as Big Brothers Big Sisters, the United Way, which has

established itself in Newfoundland and Labrador over the last few years, and I

have also worked as an independent consultant helping various non-profit

organizations.

Even in the couple of years I spent in the private sector I had an

opportunity to handle the company's relationship with the voluntary sector,

and worked to build partnerships with organizations that are doing great work in

our community.

I also completed my graduate studies at McGill University, studying specifically

the voluntary sector and the role that it plays in our communities and in

society.

I am very pleased to say, like many members of this House, that I am still an

active volunteer, serving on the Board of Governors of Scouts Canada,

volunteering as a Big Brother with Big Brothers Big Sisters, working on one of

the school programs with Junior Achievement. I am involved in Rotary, and I

co-host a radio program in a volunteer capacity with VOAR, a station that

involves many volunteers. Like many members of this House, I am involved in many

community events and activities.

I would venture to guess that each and every member of this House has been

actively involved in community life as a volunteer. In fact, it is probably why

many of us decided to enter public life to begin with.

Just this morning, in fact, several members of this House were volunteering

over in the West Block. I was joined by the Minister of Human Resources, Labour

and Employment, the hon. the Leader of the Opposition, and the hon. the Member

for Signal Hill-Quidi Vidi. We were all lined up serving breakfast to support

the work of the CNIB and to raise awareness of the great work that organization

does, and I know that other members of this House had an opportunity to

participate today as well. So, there are many opportunities to continue to be

involved as volunteers even as public officials.

I was very fortunate to be introduced to volunteering at an early age. It was

through those experiences, both in school and in youth organizations, that I was

introduced to volunteering and what it could contribute to my development. I

gained skills. I developed new friendships. I met all kinds of people who

provided incredible networking opportunities. Actually, it was all of those

experiences that ultimately contributed to me making the decision to enter

public life.

People often ask me: Why did you get involved in public life to begin with?

What prompted you, as a young person, to run for council?

For me, it was very much a natural extension of the work that I was doing in

the community. For this reason, and for many others, I think it is important to

expose young people in our communities to volunteering and to community service

and to help them realize the many benefits that volunteering offers.

Mr. Speaker, a technical definition of a volunteer: A person who performs a

service willingly and without pay. While this is in fact true, of course,

volunteers don't receive any financial compensation for their work, the real

definition of a volunteer in my view is someone who changes the lives of others

through their selfless actions and by reaching out and helping those in need.

Mr. Speaker, I would argue that this is the true essence of volunteering and

that is certainly what volunteering means to me.

Mr. Speaker, I believe that today's motion is incredibly important for our

Province. One of the main reasons is that it is Volunteer Week which I think is

the ideal time for members in this Legislature to acknowledge the important

contribution that volunteers make. The theme for this week is, Volunteers: You're

Part of the Picture, and that is incredibly true. Over the next few minutes I

will try and explain why.

Without the work of dedicated volunteers in each and every community in

Newfoundland and Labrador, most voluntary sector groups would not be able to

function. They would simply not be able to do their work. This would

dramatically affect the quality of life in each and every community in our

Province. It is because of the hard work and dedication of volunteers that we

are able to provide many vital services to those people who otherwise might not

receive those services. It is voluntary sector organizations that reach out to

those in our communities who need help the most.

Mr. Speaker, there are many community groups and organizations all over

Newfoundland and Labrador that rely mainly on volunteer assistance. It would be

difficult to name them all given there are hundreds and hundreds, but it is

important to note, as I said at the beginning, that approximately 187,000 people

in our Province volunteer. That is certainly worth celebrating in itself, Mr.

Speaker.

Volunteer Week is all about celebrating those people in our communities who

set aside time in their busy lives to help others. They give a lot and they

expect very little in return.

Mr. Speaker, as I was preparing to enter the Legislature this afternoon, the

hon. member across the way representing the District of St. John's East made a

comment about my tie, wondering if it was a South Park tie. Now, of course, it

isn't a South Park tie, and there was a special reason why I choose to wear

this tie this afternoon.

MR. BUCKINGHAM: You have no others?

MR. KENT: I have no others! No, that is not true. I have many, as you

will see over the next number of weeks in this House.

This tie represents young people. It is a Save Our Children tie and it

represents young people pursuing their dreams and pursuing their interests. I

wore it because if it wasn't for volunteers young people wouldn't be able to

pursue many of their interests and to pursue their dreams. The tie symbolizes

young people involved in sports, in outdoor activities, in the arts, in literacy

activities, in education activities, and it takes volunteers in each and every

community to make those opportunities possible for our young people. I thank the

Member for St. John's East for allowing me the opportunity to promote the tie

this afternoon as well.

Speaking of young people, Mr. Speaker, in my own district I am constantly

amazed at the contribution that young people make to community life and the

support that exists for young people in the communities of Paradise and in Mount

Pearl. There are countless community groups in both of those communities that

operate solely with the help of volunteers.

I like how the coasters stick to the glasses. It is one of the things I am

learning as a new member of this House.

Mr. Speaker, just over the last week in Mount Pearl the Citizen of the Year

Award ceremony took place and during that ceremony it was an excellent time to

acknowledge those people who have gone above and beyond the call of duty in

volunteering in our communities. As I introduce this motion this afternoon, Mr.

Speaker, I would like to recognize a few of those individuals who were

recognized this past weekend at the ceremony.

One of the gentlemen who was nominated is Paul Boland who has volunteered

with the Youth Bowling Council in Mount Pearl for over twenty years. He has

brought national and provincial competitions to our Province. He has represented

our Province nationally and provincially as well, and he has been able to bring

the sport to the forefront in our community. In fact, with his help the league

has become one of the best known in Eastern Canada. He has received many awards

for his contribution, and in addition to his involvement in that sport he has

been involved at his parish, at St. Peter's Parish, and he has also been a

board member with the Mount Pearl Chamber of Commerce.

Shirley Boone has been a volunteer with the Children's Wish Foundation of

Canada since 1987. Just a few short years ago the foundation was having a very

difficult time finding someone to lead the charge in Mount Pearl. Shirley

stepped forward and recruited over twenty volunteers to work with her. The

subchapter in Mount Pearl is now one of the strongest in the Province and

certainly has a real presence in our community. On top of that, she is active

with local sports groups and she is a volunteer at Masonic Park serving members

of our seniors' community.

Michelle Case was

chapter president of an organization called Aboutface from

1990 to 1995. She remained active in this organization right up until 2000. Mr.

Speaker, for those who do not know, Aboutface provides support for people who

are affected by facial differences. She served on one of the local school

councils for several years, then she got involved in the Kinette Club of Mount

Pearl. In fact, Michelle also led the Kinettes for the Avalon and Burin

Peninsula as Deputy Governor in 2002 and 2003.

Mr. Speaker, George O'Brien has been volunteering with the Seniors

Independence Group in Mount Pearl for five years. He has been a director and he

currently serves as the organization's secretary. He was involved in

coordinating aspects of the Pope's visit to our Province in 1984. He has been

active with the St. Peter's Parish for many years and helped raised funds for

the new church and various other projects.

Rosalind Pratt started as a volunteer when she was just a University student

with the Head Start Program on Saturday mornings at the University. Then when

her son got involved in Beavers and Cubs so did she, and she was involved with

the Ladies Auxiliary. Her daughter was involved with Guides and she remains

involved with Guides twenty years later and is now the Commissioner for the

entire Avalon area. Ros has been involved with Habitat for Humanity, the Frosty

Festival and is also currently a member of the Local Crime Prevention Committee.

Mr. Speaker, the winner of the Citizen of the Year Award for 2007 is Agnes

Murphy, a lady that I have gotten to know quite well over the last number of

years. She is involved with the Knights of Columbus Ladies Auxiliary. She is

past president and coordinator of the Mount Pearl Figuring Skating Club. She is

a board member with the Youth Opportunity Fund in Mount Pearl, volunteers with

Iris Kirby House, is a zone captain for the Kidney Foundation, is a member of

the Look Good Feel Good Program for women with cancer and has been involved with

the Frosty Festival for over twenty-five years. She is certainly a very

deserving recipient of the award and, in fact, all of those individuals are

truly a testament to the quality of life in our community and they have done so

much to help build our community. They are obviously magnificent volunteers.

Mr. Speaker, this is just a snapshot of the thousands of volunteers in this

Province who do so much to contribute to the quality of community life. There

are so many great organizations in each of our communities as well that do so

much. Some of them with incredibly long histories and others that are brand new

organizations that each and every day do a great deal to improve lives in our

communities.

We have a new Youth Action Team in Mount Pearl that is providing youth with

an opportunity to get involved in municipal government, to bridge the gap

between young people and city council and also to provide a variety of

recreational activities and events for youth. There are representatives from

each of the schools and the organization is very active in community events and

activities. Youth Week is coming up, from May 11 to May 18, in Mount Pearl and

the Youth Action Team will be organizing a variety of events to take place

during that week.

Of course, I would be remiss if I did not mention the great Town of Paradise

and there are many great organizations and individuals who volunteer their time

to contribute to the growth and development of this community which is indeed

one of the fastest growing in Eastern Canada. Paradise will be holding its

municipal awards banquet on next Friday, May 9, and there are many, many

organizations. Just to name a few: the Thirty Plus Club of Paradise, the Kinsmen

and Kinettes in Paradise, the Paradise Guides and Scouts; just a few examples of

organizations that for many years have done a great deal to help contribute to

the growth and development of Paradise.

Mr. Speaker, even beyond my own district I have encountered many wonderful

examples of volunteerism. I had an opportunity to work with many of the crime

prevention committees around the Province. Some of them include Bay St. George,

Bonavista, Conception Bay South, Clarenville and area, Deer Lake, and there are

many, many more. These are organizations that are promoting crime prevention and

community safety and are doing wonderful things at the grass-roots in each of

our communities.

The community youth networks, largely due to the support of this government,

have made an incredible contribution to the social and recreational and

educational development of our young people. They provide valuable alternatives

to crime and encourage young people to get involved in community life. These

networks are developing right across this great Province.

Mr. Speaker, I think this is also an appropriate motion to debate in this

House today, given the number of volunteers who directly support the work of our

government and also support municipalities in Newfoundland and Labrador. Across

this vast Province there are many volunteer organizations that work directly

with government agencies and with government departments. Take fire departments,

for instance, outside the capital region fire departments are for the most part

run primarily by volunteers. Of the 6000 firefighters in Newfoundland and

Labrador, an astonishing 5700, approximately, of the 6000 are volunteer. This

represents an amazing contribution to the quality of life in our communities and

to the safety of our communities. For this reason, I think it is important to

recognize -

MR. SPEAKER (Osbourne): Order, please. I remind the hon. member

that his time for speaking has expired.

SOME HON. MEMBERS: By leave.

MR. SPEAKER: The member has leave.

MR. KENT: Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

I will conclude and of course I will have an opportunity to close debate

later this afternoon.

As I was saying, the volunteer firefighters do so much in many communities

right across Newfoundland and Labrador to ensure the safety of our citizens and

their communities.

Volunteers make up our school boards and our health boards. They play a

crucial role in the delivery of education and health services in this Province.

Take municipal councils, Mr. Speaker. Hundreds and hundreds of people in this

Province volunteer as part of local governments right around the Province. I

know many of them personally. We do have some challenges, certainly, Mr.

Speaker. In recent elections there have been some communities that have

struggled to get enough people to step forward. It is an important time to

recognize this challenge and to encourage people to make the sacrifice and to

take that brave step and get involved in public life and volunteer to serve

their community.

Mr. Speaker, volunteers in this Province work 35 million hours per year

without compensation; 35 million hours a year. This is vital to Newfoundland and

Labrador, vital to our communities and vital to our people. Not only do they

deserve to be recognized for their selflessness and for their commitment, they

should be acknowledged for being heroes, because, Mr. Speaker, I believe that

the thousands of Newfoundlanders and Labradorians who volunteer truly are heroes

and it is appropriate for members of this House to pay tribute to them during

Volunteer Week.

Mr. Speaker, when I conclude, I will talk a little bit more about the

economic impact of the volunteer sector, the valuable role that it does play in

our communities. I will talk about some of the many benefits of volunteering

and, as well, I will talk a little further about how we can work together to

recognize the incredible contribution that volunteers make.

I encourage all members of this House to support this motion today, and to

participate in the debate, and we will talk more about the incredible role that

the voluntary sector plays in our communities.

Mr. Speaker, I thank you for the opportunity.

SOME HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear!

MR. SPEAKER: Order, please!

The hon. the Member for Port de Grave.

MR. BUTLER: Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker.

I have to say, it is a pleasure to be able to stand today and take

part in

the private member's motion put forward by the Member for Mount Pearl North

and to say that the comments I am going to make, I am going to guarantee the

hon. member, will not be in debate because they will be in concurrence with what

he has said and hopefully touch on some other issues in relation to the area

that I represent.

I have to say that I was amazed, in his statement, when he mentioned there

were 187,000 people in this Province who we estimate to be volunteering. I

couldn't agree any more, I guess, with the motto that they used this year:

Volunteers! You're Part of the Picture.

I have to say that I believe volunteers are a very important part and a key

part of the picture. I have to say, in the area that I represent, and my hon.

colleagues in the neighbouring districts, that volunteering is alive and well.

Some time ago I heard, in certain areas of our Province, that volunteering was

in decline, but in our area, I can tell you, it is alive and well.

Volunteers make a tremendous impact on the socio-economic development and

quality of life that we live in our communities. I just want to touch on - I won't

go into any individual names, afraid I would leave somebody out - some of the

organizations and groups that do a tremendous job in volunteering in our

Province. I am sure what I will refer to is the same in many other districts

that are represented here in the House.

I know, when I started volunteering, many people said: Why did you volunteer?

They really believe that there is something into it, that you are going to get

something out of it. I remember the Lions Clubs, and there are other members

here who have served in the Lions Clubs, and many people think, because you are

in that club and you are doing something, that you are getting something out of

it. I guess it is true, but it is not monetary what you get out of it. It is the

enjoyment and the pleasure that you get by helping those people who are less

fortune.

That is one group, the Lions, the Kinsmen, the Kiwanis and many others, who

take

part in doing things for people who are less fortunate, not only in their

own communities but throughout their Province, throughout the country and the

world - because many of them are international organizations and then we

think about the other people who serve in our communities.

I know in our area, which represents, on a regional basis, the Avalon North

Wolverine Search and Rescue, what a tremendous job those people do on a daily

basis. Whether someone is lost at sea, or in the woods hunting, they are there

to volunteer their time, to leave their work and go and help those people, and

they do one tremendous job.

I know the hon. Member for Mount Pearl North mentioned the fire departments,

and in our area they are all volunteers. I do not think there are any paid

firemen in our area, and what a job they do in not only firefighting and

protecting our lives and our property, but they also get involved in the

community life as well, helping other organizations from time to time. Mr.

Speaker, what a job they do, because they go beyond the call of duty. At one

time it was probably only a minor issue for them - they were just doing

firefighting but now they go beyond the call and help very many

organizations.

We think about our seniors, the homes, long-term care or what have you. Many

people go and volunteer and help those people, and relate to them. They need

someone to have a chat with them. They go and socialize with them, and provide

entertainment from time to time; and, Mr. Speaker, I think that is one of the

most important points in volunteering. There are also people who help in the

hospitals, the organizations that help to raise funds for various pieces of

equipment, and we know all too well how important that is.

Mr. Speaker, there are many various recreational organizations. We have the

minor hockey, the softball, the swimming, the soccer, and all those people,

whether they are parents or they are people who run those organizations outside

of being parents of the children who are involved, they are all volunteers, and

on a daily basis, year in and year out, they spend so much time helping other

young people. It is good for our young people to know that we have those

volunteers, to see that they are involved in programs and they are kept from

doing wrong, as sometimes may happen.

I also remember the Run for the Janeway that we used to have, the hundreds of

people who would be involved, volunteering to see that event was so successful

each and every year.

Mr. Speaker, there are many individuals who assist seniors from time to time

volunteering. I know people in our area who help seniors mow their lawns in the

summertime, help them to shovel and plow their driveways in the wintertime, and

we see that all over this Island, Mr. Speaker.

From time to time we hear talk of many people who run into difficulty and

they need special assistance. I remember, back a few years ago, one individual

who had to go to Ontario to have major surgery. His family had to stay there for

some seven to eight months while he was there. The people in our area came

together, they formed an organization, and I think in that period of time they

raised somewhere in the $35,000 to $40,000 range to help that family, whose

needs went beyond the financial ability they had at that time.

Mr. Speaker, there are people, even today in our district, I know over the

last couple of weeks people who need assistance with transportation back and

forth for treatments here in St. John's, who could not get the assistance and

who could not afford it. The volunteers came out and they put off various

functions to help those who are in need, Mr. Speaker.

It was only last evening that I happened to be talking to a lady here in St.

John's who travelled up from Labrador with her daughter just to have a minor

operation. I think it was her tonsils or something. Like she said to us, it cost

her a lot; she had to stay here and I believe she said it was somewhere in the

vicinity of $3,000 or $4,000 by the time they came here - for their meals,

staying in a facility here in town - they are so far from home.

When we hear talk of incidents like that, that is when the volunteers really

kick in and help people, help them to get through their difficult times.

Mr. Speaker, I know my hon. colleague mentioned about the school boards. We

have volunteers who look after the school boards. Not only that, but in our

schools, whether it is the school lunch program or the breakfast program,

whether it is assisting teachers with various activities throughout the day, we

have parents who come forward and take

part in such programs.

Mr. Speaker, also in the schools we have parents who come out and help with

the grad programs and see that the young people are taken care of; they have

drug-free events for them in the evenings. All of this, put together, is

volunteering, Mr. Speaker.

One thing I have to say is that later on this evening, if all goes well, I

will be attending a function in my district. The Pentecostal Home in Clarke's

Beach have an event this evening where they are going to thank their volunteers,

the people who come in and spend time with the seniors, and those who come in

with entertainment, with music and song. I am sure it will be a wonderful

evening.

If we look at the numbers that the hon. member mentioned in his private

member's motion, when we talk about 35 million hours, just imagine the dollar

value, what that is that local governments or provincial governments do not have

to worry about when people come forward to offer their time and to take part

with that.

I have to say, I fully agree with the private member's motion put forward

by the hon. Member for Mount Pearl North, and go along with it and will be

supporting it. I have to say, I think it is another good gesture this year, as I

look at my hon. colleague from the District of Harbour Main, to know that we

have a minister now responsible for volunteerism and the non-profit sector.

Mr. Speaker, having said those few words, I just want to say that it being

Volunteer Week, I want to thank the hon. member for his statement and to all

volunteers right throughout this Province of Newfoundland and Labrador, to say

to them, keep up the good work.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

SOME HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear!

MR. SPEAKER (Osborne): Order, please!

The hon. the Member for Fortune Bay-Cape la Hune.

SOME HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear!

MS PERRY: Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

I rise in this hon. House today to support the worthy motion recognizing the

invaluable contribution of volunteers throughout Newfoundland and Labrador.

Without the many volunteers who give so tirelessly and unselfishly of their

time, skills and resources, many programs and services of benefit to our

children, youth, seniors, ill and challenged persons would not be possible.

Volunteers are the backbone of any community, and in particular, they are the

foundation of well-being for many rural towns.

In the District of Fortune Bay-Cape la Hune, for example, with a population

of 8,500 people, there are over 200 volunteer organizations, each and every one

with a very important role to play in helping our residents enjoy a better

quality of life.

On the social side, we have recreation committees, crime prevention, church

groups, Lions and Lioness Clubs, firefighters, firettes, associations for

independent living, seniors' groups, Girl Guides, Boy Scouts, Rangers, Cadets,

Legionnaires, Ladies' Auxiliaries, youth support groups, school councils,

heritage associations, and the list goes on.

The recreation committees are a crucial part of our social network, providing

facilities such as playgrounds, arenas, softball, soccer, and walking trails,

all of which help keep us healthy and active. Our church groups keep us

grounded, ensuring we have strong religious values and morals that enable us to

be good citizens, look out for one another, and care for our family, friends and

neighbours.

For decades, Lions and Lioness Clubs have been helping us raise much needed

funds to assist the needy in our communities and around the world. It is

astounding that we receive so much from our priceless volunteers, who ask for so

little in return.

Take our firefighters - each of us have mentioned firefighters here this

afternoon - as yet another example of remarkable citizenship. In rural areas,

these are primarily all volunteer positions, with our brave men and women often

risking their lives to save someone, be it a burning building, a tragedy on the

ice, or rescuing people from serious car accidents.

Not so very long ago, the Jaws of Life were used to rescue me, and I am

confident that in part through their efforts, I am able to continue to enjoy the

luxury of being able to walk today. We must never, never underestimate the

talents and abilities of our volunteers who are so courageous in the face of

difficulty.

SOME HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear!

MS PERRY: I am also very proud of our volunteers who care for the

mentally and physically challenged, ensuring that they are fully integrated into

our society, and that they can partake of the joys we so often take for granted,

such as a day at the mall, a camping trip, or simply a dance and a meal in the

company of friends. Commendable indeed, I say, Mr. Speaker, the happiness that

volunteers bring to so many of our people in Newfoundland and Labrador.

Despite having challenges, or limited capacities due to the aging process,

our seniors and challenged residents can enjoy getting out and about to

socialize with us all, through the diligent commitment and effort of our

volunteers. There is nothing like a game of cards, or a good scoff and a scuff

to brighten your day.

There are also groups such as Girl Guides, Boy Scouts, Cadets and Rangers,

where young and old alike develop new skills, build leadership qualities, and

acquire life tools that permit us to do our own part throughout our journey on

earth, to lend a helping hand to others.

Mr. Speaker, volunteers play a vital role in the healthy development of our

children, our future. They provide tremendous support to teachers and parents in

activities such as reading, tutoring, school lunch programs and sports. It is

the time given by volunteers today that will help to shape our children and

enable them to be strong, independent adults, the volunteers and leaders of

tomorrow.

There are numerous other organizations all across this Province, from choirs

to play groups to Meals on Wheels. We thank all of you for the difference you

are making in improving our quality of life.

I would especially like to mention the many organizations that raise funds to

assist those with medical illnesses, from blindness to arthritis, to hearing

impairment, to kidney problems, to amputees, to fibrosis, to heart disease and

hundreds more. For all your hard work, we are very thankful.

Time does not permit me to highlight them all right now, but I would like to

take a moment and praise an incredible group of volunteers dedicated to raising

funds to assist those facing the challenge of cancer in the District of Fortune

Bay-Cape La Hune. The Bay d'Espoir cancer benefit group which started nearly a

decade ago raises tens of thousands of dollars each year to help people in need.

As rural residents we face the added burden of financial duress when an illness

such as cancer strikes, having to travel hours away from home for days, weeks or

months on end to avail of the necessary treatments. This group helps alleviate

our burden and we are eternally grateful. Their success has been so profound

that similar benefit groups now exist in every part of the district, including

Fortune Bay, Hermitage and Harbour Breton. Partnerships and sharing, such as the

Bay D'Espoir and the Connaigre Peninsula cancer benefit sport groups, Mr.

Speaker, are essential to our wellbeing and longevity.

SOME HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear!

MS PERRY: I lost my father to cancer at the young age of sixty-six, my

mother fought her battle with cancer for seven years, and I have family members

who continue to fight the good fight today. They are winning due in large part

to the great medical care they are receiving from our nurses and doctors and the

support they receive from family, friends and volunteers.

SOME HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear!

MS PERRY: In rural Newfoundland volunteers are also having a substantial

impact on improving our economy. This area in particular is also near and dear

to my heart, having spent the last twelve years of my previous life working with

exceptional volunteers dedicated to overcoming challenges so that we can create

the option for young people to live and work in rural Newfoundland and Labrador.

SOME HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear!

MS PERRY: Community economic development could not happen without

volunteers on the ground, who are willing to give of their time and knowledge to

work together and create new opportunities for employment growth in our rural

regions.

I have fond memories of working with the Coast of Bays Corporation, driving

in blizzards for three hours over mountainous terrain after cluing up meetings

at midnight, and pursuing initiatives through the system and multi layers of

government for years on end to see them to fruition. Volunteers in this

Province, Mr. Speaker, have commitment, I say, that is second to none.

Our municipal leaders and organizations are also outstanding, providing us

with essential services and infrastructure that would not otherwise exist

without their stoic perseverance and devotion. There are so many others, such as

the South Coast CBDC, which celebrated their twentieth anniversary this Saturday

past. Congratulations!

There are fisheries committees, harbour authorities, aquaculture

associations, and coastal zone management entities that shape our present and

future to ensure that the resources at our doorstep are sustained for the

benefit of generations to come. Let us not forget the numerous volunteers who

work so avidly to make sure that the people elected to govern our Province are

those who are best for the job, keeping this state in its best possible fiscal

position. Thank you for your vigilance in ensuring that the issues most

important to you, the people, are the issues uppermost in the matters of

government.

In conclusion, let us consider for a moment just how much volunteers give to

make our world a better place. They take hours and hours of time away from their

families. Juggling schedules and often using annual leave to volunteer. They

give up their weekends, attend countless meetings, conduct fundraising, and

spend hours writing and chasing proposals. They learn and adhere to policies,

absorb liability issues, and incur out-of-pocket expenses, all to help other

people. Extraordinary indeed.

Volunteers are people who stick with it, even in the face of adversity. At

the end of the day, it is the rewards of helping people, of making a difference

for the better in someone's life that counts. If we were to place a dollar

value on the number of hours contributed by volunteers in this Province, it

would no doubt be in the hundreds of millions - all done freely by our fellow

Newfoundlanders and Labradorians because we care about our people.

Yes, Mr. Speaker, our volunteers give so much and ask for so little in

return. A smile and a thank-you is all they need. I encourage everyone to

consider volunteering. It may be one of the most rewarding activities you will

ever choose to do. To all the volunteers, let me say: Our communities need you,

and we are extremely grateful to you.

Mr. Speaker, I ask that all members of this hon. House join me today in

extending a sincere thank you to our many volunteers, who I can truly say are

deeply appreciated and respected by all of us in this great Province of

Newfoundland and Labrador.

SOME HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear!

MR. SPEAKER: The hon. the Member for Signal Hill-Quidi Vidi.

MS MICHAEL: Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker.

I am quite pleased to stand this afternoon and speak to the motion that has

been put to the floor by the Member for Mount Pearl North.

I am particularly happy to speak to both parts of the resolution. The first

one, that this House recognize and congratulate the thousands of Newfoundlanders

and Labradorians who give their time and skills to the benefit of our

communities and Province, and encourage others to do the same. The second part

of the resolution, that this House encourage the government to continue its

commitment to support the voluntary sector for the benefit of the entire

Province.

The thoughts that I want to share and what I want to say is very directly

related to both parts of the resolution. I know well the role of volunteers. I

have spent my life trying to figure out the difference between working for money

and doing volunteer work. My life has always been so intertwined, both on a

personal level and on a professional level with volunteers themselves and in my

own volunteer time.

As a social justice activist you live every minute what you believe, and

there just seems to be no distinction. There were times that I worked full-time

without reimbursement and times that I worked full-time with reimbursement but

still did not know that line between what was volunteer or not, because so much

of my life was tied up in the work that I did.

I certainly honour volunteers. I think we have to do everything in our power

to assist the work of volunteers. What I would like to do this afternoon is put

forward some cautions and some recommendations of my own towards our attitude

towards volunteers and what needs to be put in place by

government, and how we sustain volunteers so that we do not take advantage of

them.

My colleague said recently, just before me, that volunteers work long, long

hours, taking time away from their families, et cetera. I think that is

something that on the one hand is positive, but on the other hand we need to be

cognizant of. The fact that, in actual fact - and I have known people for whom

it has happened. Their volunteerism actually became a negative because the

volunteerism became so important and the community needed so much, no matter

what the community was that they were doing the volunteer work with, that in

actual fact, it did encroach upon their personal lives and upon their family

lives. The encroachment was not positive, that was a negative. So we do need to

think clearly and well about what our expectations of volunteers are.

I guess I will speak very directly from somebody who, even when I was a paid

staff person, I always worked in the not-for-profit sector, always, expect for

the short time, twelve years, that I was a teacher. Apart from that, I always

worked in the not-for-profit sector. I think what is really important in the

not-for-profit sector is the recognition that volunteers work mainly within the

not-for-profit sector, that is mainly where they do their work, but there needs

to be a happy balance between staff and volunteers. In other words, there always

has to be staff. The number of staff depends upon the organization. When we

expect volunteers to do everything without any staff support at all, that is

when I think we run into problems. That is when I think we can be taking

advantage of volunteers.

What has happened in our country, and I do not want to see it happen any more

than it has happened because it has happened way too much, is that in recent

years we have started removing - the federal government in particular began it,

began it long before the current government that is up in Ottawa. The federal

government began removing core funding from organizations, not-for-profit

organizations that were dependent on core funding from government. That removal

of core funding has put a tremendous amount of stress on not-for-profit

organizations and therefore on the people who do the work of the not-for-profit

organizations; because now many organizations that used to get core funding have

to do all kinds of fundraising and have to spend an awful lot of time doing the

work of fundraising rather than doing the work of the organization.

Sometimes fundraising is a major piece of work of the organization, and that

is fine, but when the security of the existence of the organization depends upon

the fundraising - where, if no fundraising is done, they will die; where, if

there is no project funding, the organization cannot keep going - then we have a

problem.

The place where I have seen that most happen we all sort of will speak

from our various experiences. Well, mine is within the women's community. This

is the place where, in particular, we have seen this happen in Canada, the women's

program of the federal government, where women could expect an amount of core

funding and that was secure. That allowed for some staff to be hired, and then

they could do project funding after that and their volunteers could help with

getting those projects funded. That group, the group of women's organizations

around this country, have been so negatively impacted by the fact that core

funding was taken away, that the women's programs in the federal government,

the federal government funding under women's programs, was removed.

The women's organizations, over the past few years, have had to get into

continually doing project funding and doing the planning of permanent staff

based on, this project added to this project, added to another project, and it

has had a very negative effect.

I know this is true for other sectors - it has happened in other sectors, too

- but I am speaking from the one I know well. The effect has been awful because,

number one, the volunteers have become really stressed out, and they are

becoming stressed out because the work they are expected to do is really the

work of paid workers. They are dealing with women who are in great distress

coming to Women's Centres, they do not have staff to deal with them, and

volunteers are dealing with them. This is an example of where we can start

expecting volunteers to do work that is beyond, way beyond, what we should be

expecting of volunteers.

I think one of the characteristics of volunteers is commitment. They so much

love what it is they are working for, they are so committed to it, that they

will give and give and give. Sometimes they give too much, and sometimes they

end up burning out. That is what we have to be looking for.

I think we have a responsibility as a society, as a community, to make sure

that we have that happy marriage between core funding for organizations so that

core funding can be supported by volunteers. It should not be that the

volunteers are the base of the organization and you look for some money every

now and again to have somebody do the paid work. To me, that is an abuse of

volunteers.

There are all kinds of studies that will show that when an organization has

to totally rely on only volunteers it starts being stressed. An example of that

is actually an organization here in Newfoundland and Labrador, Women in Science

and Engineering. I was at a gathering last week, at the university, of Women in

Science and Engineering actually, I think it was on Monday of this week -

and they were celebrating the launch of this year's summer education program

for high school girls. One of the things they unveiled at the meeting, at the

WISE meeting and there was quite a turnout at the university for the WISE

gathering, from the president on down. It was really quite impressive, the

support for the program for Women in Science and Engineering, but at the meeting

they unveiled an evaluation that had been done of the organization. This

organization has been doing its work for almost twenty years, so it has a lot of

experience under its belt, but the whole of the work is done by volunteers. For

a few years they had support from a paid staff person working in another office

in the university, but the evaluation was telling because one of the

recommendations of the evaluation was that if WISE - and that is the acronym for

Women in Science and Engineering - if WISE was going to be able to maintain its

work, it is absolutely essential that there be at least one full-time paid co-ordinator;

because it is becoming impossible for the volunteers, as committed as they are,

to continue it at the level that they would like to continue it - that there had

to be at least one full-time paid co-ordinator.

So, a big recommendation of the consultant who did the work was that they try

to come up with money to do that, if they are going to be able to maintain the

program at a high quality and do its work. I think there is probably not one

organization around, if it is run totally by volunteers, that might not have

that same recommendation made to them.

I think that is something that the government has to take into consideration.

It is something, I think, that the minister responsible for the volunteering

MR. SKINNER: (Inaudible).

MS MICHAEL: Pardon?

MR. SKINNER: (Inaudible).

MS MICHAEL: Oh, I know that, but I am talking about in the future, Shawn.

I am talking about the future of WISE, and something being put in structurally

to make sure that and not just for WISE - they know that for the next five

years they have the money to be able to have full-time staff. That is what I am

talking about, long term.

I recognize that the Minister for HRLE was at the same meeting I was at,

along with the Minister of Environment and Conservation, and I recognize the

money that government has given WISE over the past. That is not what I am

talking about, okay? I am talking about the future. I am just using WISE as an

example because of that recommendation that came from the consultant. I am not

being critical at all, okay?

I apologize for using the hon. minister's first name. I just realized that

I did that.

I would like to say to the minister responsible for the volunteer,

not-for-profit sector that I think this is something that needs to be looked at.

If the minister looks at different studies that have been done, and he probably

has already because I am really not sure how far he has gone into his ministry

yet, but one study was done by the Community Services Council in 2002. It was a

report of the round table on voluntary sector issues. There is another study

that was done by the CSC, also in 2007. We have a number, and we have studies

that have been done outside of the Province. We have a number of documentations

that tell us that the issues that I have raised are serious issues.

Minister, I have to say, I have not seen a mandate yet put together. Probably

you are still working on it. I note that in the Budget there is approximately

$650,000 for the work coming under your responsibility, but one of the things I

would hope, when you do get a mandate put together with what divisions and what

the goal is for your ministry, is something about how to support organizations

in terms of having core funding so that volunteers will be supported in what

they are doing, recognizing that we do not want to be taking advantage of

volunteers, or that their private lives and their family lives are impacted, et

cetera.

Having said all of that, I do recognize the tremendous work that is done and

I do say to volunteers, and this is the word from somebody who has had the

experience: Take care of yourselves. No matter how important the work is that

you are doing, your personal health, your personal lives and your families are

more important.

I would hope that all of us in this House, as we address this motion today,

would be committed to saying that to the volunteers of our Province.

Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker.

MR. SPEAKER: The hon. the Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs.

SOME HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear!

MR. HEDDERSON: As well, Mr. Speaker, as the Minister Responsible for the

Volunteer and Non-Profit Sector, of which I am so proud, I am proud to get up

here today to join with my colleagues in really giving a good boost; yes,

indeed.

SOME HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear!

MR. HEDDERSON: I certainly appreciate the private member's motion that

has come forth today from the Member for Mount Pearl North, and also the members

on both sides of the House who have risen and have spoken in support of

volunteer activities throughout this great Province of Newfoundland and

Labrador. They are speaking from the heart, I might add, as they give really

personal experiences, as they put the human face on what is going on in

Newfoundland and Labrador with regard to volunteerism.

Of course, I am just on my feet today for a few moments just to respond to

some of the queries from my colleague the Member for Signal Hill-Quidi Vidi, to

just look at where we, as a government, are going and the commitment that we

have made. Of course, in the Budget yesterday I was very delighted to see that

my office in Volunteer and Non-Profit is being supported to the tune of $650,000

as we move forward in our commitment.

With regard to a person date, as to what has been outlined for us, we have

seen, in our Blue Book commitments, exactly where we need to go and the

direction that has come from that particular document. One of the top things

that my colleague across the House has indicated is the need for sustained

employability within that sector. I am very proud to say that there are

something like 23,000 people who are involved in direct employment in that

sector. We must ensure that employability is sustained and part of the direction

that has been given to me is to find ways to do that. Through research that has

already been carried out, through consultations with the sector, we hopefully

can get the forward direction that we need in order to ensure that happens.

As well, the commitment of this government talks about the recognition of

volunteers and to make sure that the general public, that all sectors,

understand the tremendous contribution. We are talking, Mr. Speaker, about 35

million hours for any given year. In order for us as a government or as a

Province to match that, we would have to hire on 20,000 people for forty hours a

week for fifty-two weeks of the year to carry out that volunteer work that has

been done freely, unselfishly and by people who are striving to make life in

Newfoundland and Labrador a quality life, a life for the good of all the people.

There are challenges, there is no doubt. Part of it is about recruitment, it

is about retention of volunteers. We know the demographics, the changes that

have happened over the last number of decades. As well, we have to realize that

the work these volunteers are doing is front-line work in many cases, and the

professional development and training have to be part of it as well.

Mr. Speaker, we are moving forward but we are not moving forward

unilaterally. This sector is a very, very important sector that has been part of

our society from day one. Those that pitched on the shores of Newfoundland and

Labrador, in whatever century they pitched, know that to eke out a life here in

Newfoundland and Labrador is very difficult to do without the help of your

neighbours, without the help of volunteers. We have a culture here in

Newfoundland that is supportive of volunteerism because of the type of people we

have.

In moving forward, the commitment of this government is to make sure that the

relationship we have with this sector is a unique relationship, a relationship

of a collaborative effort, that we must stand shoulder-to-shoulder with this

sector, that we must move forward with proper consultation, that we will find -

and I will say right here, Mr. Speaker, that the capacity to move forward with

this sector rests within the sector. They have the capacity, they have

demonstrated their capacity, but we have to, as a government, move with that

sector to make sure.

Also, I will point out, Mr. Speaker, that it is not only the third sector, it

is the three sectors. It is the public sector, it is the private sector, it is

the third sector that we need to make sure that we have collaborative

relationships and that we are all proverbially pulling on that same oar.

I was at the kick-off on Sunday night down at the Fairmont Hotel and that was

certainly a great way to kick off Volunteer Week. It was during

that time that it became obvious to me, with some of the awards that were given

out, that we have to recognize the importance of the individual, we have to

recognize the importance of the organization, and we have to recognize the

importance of our corporate sponsorship that plays such a big

part in this

sector, as well as the media.

Everyone is involved in this, we are all there. That involvement gives us

what the whole theme of Volunteer Week is this year, and that is: You're Part

of the Picture. The analogy that I use I always like to talk about Kodak

moments, because we all know in our lives there are many Kodak moments. I heard

from the members who just got up many Kodak moments in their particular

districts, and I would suggest that if the forty-eight members of this

particular Assembly rose and talked about the Kodak moments involving volunteers

in their districts, that would be just a tremendous big picture, Mr. Speaker.

That is what this theme is all about, that there is a bigger picture, we are all

part of it, we value the involvement of volunteers, and let us all be part of

the picture.

Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker.

SOME HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear!

MR. SPEAKER: The hon. the Member for Placentia & St. Mary's.

MR. COLLINS: Pleasure, Mr. Speaker.

Mr. Speaker, I am very pleased today to rise in this House and make some

comments on this very important motion. It is a motion that is near and dear to

my heart. I am not going to repeat. A lot of the information has already been

given, and the comments have already been made. I do not want to repeat anything

that has been said. We are going to be doing a lot of repeating ourselves in the

next couple of weeks when we start discussing the Budget, because there are so

many things in there worthy of repeating.

I appreciate too, Mr. Speaker, the fact that this motion was brought today by

one of the youngest members of the Assembly, the hon. Member from Mount Pearl

North. I understand, Mr. Speaker, that he has not yet turned thirty, yet he has

an extensive history of volunteer experience behind him; in terms of Big

Brothers and Sisters, Scouts Canada, Junior Achievement and so on. He mentioned

them as he started. I cannot remember, Mr. Speaker, when I was thirty. I can

make some assumptions about it, and from some of the pictures I have seen I had

more hair back then, and I could hear back then, as well.

It is important to note that the previous speakers on this side of the House,

speaking on this motion, were young people, talking about volunteerism. I think

that is significant, and I want to use that, Mr. Speaker, just to get into young

people volunteers.

Mr. Speaker, on Sunday past, Maggie Hynes, an eighteen-year-old high school

student from Placentia, won the Lions speak-off in Gander. Her topic was teen

volunteers. My colleague from Bonavista North was at that Lions speak-off and

gave me a copy of her speech. I talked to her last night because a year ago I

introduced a member's statement in the House on Maggie Hynes. Maggie Hynes, in

2006, was named Miss Teen International Canada and Miss Teen Newfoundland and

Labrador Globe in 2006.

In her talk on teen volunteers, she said teens are helping volunteer today in

record numbers, at a level never before seen. According to a survey done by the

Corporation of National Community Service, 55 per cent of teenagers aged twelve

to eighteen, participate in volunteer activities. That is more than double the

adult average.

Now, there are probably reasons for that, but it is important to note that a

couple of things are happening in the education system which inspires that.

Thirty hours of community service is now required to graduate in some circles.

Universities are looking at volunteering as a prerequisite for entrance in many

of their requirements. Scholarships are looking at volunteer and service

requirements as well as the academic record. So, these are things that probably

might be inspiring some of this volunteerism on the part of teenagers but the

students are getting involved, teenagers are getting involved and it is having

an effect, Mr. Speaker, on the stereotypical image of teenagers.

Over the past ten years serious, violent crimes by teens has fallen by 70 per

cent. Teenage pregnancy is down 33 per cent, and 80 per cent to 90 per cent of

teens say they get along very well with their parents. So, the statistics are

showing that a rapidly growing number of teens are experiencing the sense of

self worth and emotional growth that comes from volunteer involvement.

Eight-three percent of them are saying they do it willingly without any

pressure, and 97 per cent say they are rewarded by their efforts. Not only that,

90 per cent of them say they will continue to volunteer as adults. So, I think

that is significant, Mr. Speaker.

Mr. Speaker, with reference to Maggie Hynes - just to tell you what a teen is

doing in the volunteer sector of this Province. Maggie Hynes was recently named

the Canadian Youth Ambassador, one of six, for World Vision. She will travel to

Tanzania, the poorest country in Africa, for three weeks in July for a

missionary trip. Upon her return, she will be speaking to youth groups across

the country on World Vision. Previously, for World Vision - listen to this, Mr.

Speaker, she raised enough money to build a house in Africa for AIDS-devastated

orphans. She raised money to stock five medical clinics in Africa, and found

sponsor families for over twenty children living in Third World countries.

I follow this girl. I know her, I know her family well. I know what she is

saying is true. She coordinated a thirty-hour famine event in her school last

year and raised $3,000 to feed the hungry. She has also coordinated a huge event

this year. She initiated the Samaritan's Purse Operation Christmas Child

Project in her community, collecting 500 boxes filled with toys and basic

necessities to be sent to needy children around the world.

SOME HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear!

MR. COLLINS: Finally, Mr. Speaker, she is currently working on a project

to raise $15,000 to build a school in Africa, and she is halfway there. We are

going to hear a lot from Maggie Hynes.

I want to jump from teen volunteers, Mr. Speaker, to senior volunteers, both

ends of the spectrum. Our youth today started off this debate; we need a veteran

to make up the rest of the line.

I grew up in the Town of Placentia, a town of about 6,000 people. A town that

I thought had everything in terms of a place to raise your children. I am not

going to list all the activities, people have done that. The same things happen

there.

All of us when we come to this House, prior to coming to this House, had a

record of volunteerism. That is probably what enhanced our election

possibilities. We were all involved in some level or another. Many of us were

mayors, many of us were on commissions, on associations, fundraisers, lobbies,

groups. That is probably why we were electable, but we all did it for a purpose.

We all did it to improve the quality of life in our communities. That is why we

volunteered, and that is why people volunteer today. They volunteer to improve

the quality of life in their communities.

The hon. Opposition House Leader said the other day that of all the volunteer

groups, firefighters are front and centre with him. I agree with that, because

firefighters go the extra mile. They put their lives on the line for our

security and our comfort and our safety. I have a great respect for

firefighters. Any time I attend any functions involved with firefighters I like

to say that they really are the epitome of volunteerism.

There are people who give their lifetime, Mr. Speaker, to volunteering in the

community. As a matter of fact, it has been said - and I am sure you have heard

it - that if you want a job done give it to the busy person, give it to the

volunteer who is already in a number of things, the best person to get the job

done. It always amazes me that somebody can spend so long and do so much in

their lifetime.

That brings me, Mr. Speaker, to a concern I have. It is a concern that I see

in several of my communities, which are rural communities. The population of

these communities are aging, and they are aging rapidly. The numbers are

dropping, they are dropping rapidly. I have communities in my district - and I

am sure many members here have had the same experience - where the majority of

the population of these districts are senior citizens. These are people who have

given their lifetimes to serve in their community. They are at the stage in

their lifetime and in their careers - well, one would expect them to be able to

step aside and let new blood take over. In a lot of communities, Mr. Speaker,

these people do not have that luxury. That is a real concern I have because what

I find is the town councils now are made up of seniors, retired people; the fire

brigades, retired people; the tourism associations, all senior people. They do

not have the luxury of renewing their resources with young people. That is a

concern I have and it is a concern that is shared, I think, in a lot of rural

communities.

There is not much we can do about the numbers dropping in the communities,

Mr. Speaker. People are moving off for jobs, for employment, the numbers of

children in families have dropped. In St. Mary's Bay, part of my district, for

example, there were two schools in each community, for a total of eight schools

when I served that district in another capacity as an education official back

about twenty years ago. Today, there are two schools in that whole area. That

shows how the numbers have dropped. These people do not have the luxury now to

sit back and let new blood take over. I think that is something we have to be

very, very conscious of. I am always impressed with the way people in these

communities are trying to present the tourism opportunities and try to sell

their communities in terms of developing a tourism industry. Because of the fact

there are not a lot of opportunities for economic development in these

communities, tourism is something people are turning to, but we are building a

tourism industry in these parts of the Province on the backs of volunteers and

it is seniors who are doing a lot of it. Again, it is something that I hope the

new department having to do with this sector will have a serious look at.

Mr. Speaker, with respect to the resolution - and I am going to cut my

remarks short. With respect to the resolution, it has two parts, and I am glad

to see that the second

part is there because it is not enough just to recognize,

congratulate and appreciate what seniors have done and are doing, and what

volunteers are doing in this Province. We need to encourage it and support it.

We need to support it big time because we need it. If we are going to sustain

the vibrancy of our rural Newfoundland communities, if we are going to sustain

the lifeblood of ou