Government Services Committee — House Business Journals

housebusiness_journals_ga44_ga44session1

Newfoundland and Labrador — Committees

JOURNALS AND PROCEEDINGS of the FIRST SESSION of the FORTY-FOURTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY of NEWFOUNDLAND 1999 Begun and holden at St. John's in the Province of Newfoundland on Tuesday, the sixteenth day of March, One Thousand, Nine Hundred and Ninety- Nine, being the Forty-eighth year of the Reign of Her Majesty Our Sovereign Lady Elizabeth the Second by the Grace of God of the United Kingdom, Canada, and Her Other Realms and Territories, QUEEN, Head of the Commonwealth, Defender of the Faith.

Tuesday, March 16th, 1999 In accordance with the Election Act, 1991, a General Election was held on the 9th day of February, 1999 after which His Honour, the Honourable A.M. House, Lieutenant-Governor of the Province of Newfoundland, by His Proclamation bearing the date of the 12th day of March, 1999 appointed Tuesday, the 16th day of March for the meeting of the General Assembly for the despatch of business.

The following is the I ist of names of those persons returned by the returning officers for the several Electoral Districts to represent those Districts in the General Assembly: Paul Shelley Eddie Joyce Percy Barrett Beaton Tulk Roger Fitzgerald Kelvin Parsons Mary Hodder Jack Byrne George Sweeney Yvonne Jones James Walsh Robert French Roger Grimes Baie Verte Bay of Islands Bellevue Bonavista North Bonavista South Burgeo & LaPoile Burin-Placentia West Cape St. Francis Carbonear-Harbour Grace Cartwright-L'Anse Au Clair Conception Bay East & Bell Island Conception Bay South Exploits

2 Tuesday, March 16th, 1999 Loyola Sullivan Ferryland Oliver Langdon Fortune Bay-Cape La Hune Sandra Kelly Gander Judy Foote Grand Bank Anna Thistle Grand Falls-Buchans Tom Hedderson Harbour Main-Whitbourne Robert Mercer Humber East Rick Woodford Humber Valley Paul Dicks Humber West Edward J. Byrne Kilbride Randy Collins Labrador West Ernest Mclean Lake Melville Tom Rideout Lewisporte Julie Bettney Mount Pearl Fabian Manning Placentia & St. Mary's Gerald Smith Port au Port John Efford Port de Grave Chuck Furey St. Barbe Kevin Aylward St. George's- Stephenvi I le East

Tuesday, March 16th, 1999 Joan Marie Aylward John Ottenheimer Lloyd Matthews Tom Osborne Sheila Osborne Jack Harris Tom Lush Brian Tobin Ralph Wiseman Wally Andersen Lloyd George Snow Doug Oldford Gerry Reid Walter Noel Harvey Hodder Ray Hunter St. John's Centre St. John's East St. John's North St. John's South St. John's West Signal Hill-Quidi Vidi Terra Nova The Straits & White Bay North Topsail Torngat Mountains Trinity-Bay de Verde Trinity North Twillingate & Fogo Virginia Waters Waterford Valley Windsor-Springdale. 3

4 Tuesday, March 16th, 1999 At 10:00 o'clock in the morning, those Members returned by the returning officers as noted above and as confirmed by the Chief Electoral Officer in a Notice published in The Newfoundland Gazette on March 5th, 1999, gathered in the Assembly Chamber with family and friends seated in the Public Galleries. Whereupon, A. John Noel, the Clerk of the House of Assembly and Elizabeth Murphy, Clerk Assistant, preceded by Elizabeth Gallagher, the Sergeant-at-Arms, entered the Chamber fol lowed by the Honourable Clyde K. Wells, Chief Justice of Newfoundland and the Honourable T.

Alexander Hickman, Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, Trial Division. The Clerk of the House addressed the gathering and then read the following Proclamation as issued under the Great Seal of the Province, as follows: "ELIZABETH THE SECOND, by the Grace of God of the United Kingdom, Canada and Her Other Realms and Territories QUEEN, Head of the Commonwealth, Defender of the Faith. A. M. House LIEUTENANT-GOVERNOR Paul D. Dicks Minister of Justice

Tuesday, March 16th, 1999 TO: HONOURABLE CLYDE WELLS Chief Justice of Newfoundland and HONOURABLE T.

ALEXANDER HICKMAN Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, Trial Division GREETING: A PROCLAMATION 5 KNOWp(YOU that, confiding in your loyalty, fidelity and circumspection, We, by and with the advice of Our Executive Council for the Province of Newfoundland, have thought fit to constitute and appoint and by these presents do constitute and appoint you or either of you to be our Commissioners for the purpose of administering the Oath or Affirmation of Allegiance to the persons elected to be Members of our General Assembly for Newfoundland at the General Election held on the 9th day of February, 1999, hereby granting unto you all the rights, powers and advantages which to the said office do or may lawfully appertain, and requiring you diligently to perform the duties thereof.

IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF We have caused these Our Letters to be made Patent and the Great Seal of Newfoundland to be hereunto affixed. WITNESS: Our trusty and well-beloved the Honourable A.M. House, Lieutenant Governor in and for Our Province of Newfoundland.

BY COMMAND, 6 Tuesday, March 16th, 1999 AT OUR GOVERNMENT HOUSE in Our City of St. John's this 12th day of March, in the year one thousand nine hundred and ninety-nine and in the forty-eighth year of Our Reign.

Lloyd Matthews REGISTRAR GENERAL" The Clerk of the House of Assembly having called the names of the Members returned for the several Districts, they appeared and took and subscribed the Oath or Affirmation of Allegiance in the presence of the Commissioners, as follows: Paul Shelley Eddie Joyce Percy Barrett Beaton Tulk Roger Fitzgerald Kelvin Parsons Mary Hodder Jack Byrne George Sweeney Yvonne Jones Baie Verte Bay of Islands Bellevue Bonavista North Bonavista South Burgeo & LaPoile Burin-Placentia West Cape St. Francis Carbonear-Harbour Grace Cartwright-L'Anse au Clair

7 Tuesday, March 16'h, 1999 James Walsh Conception Bay East & Bell Island Robert French Conception Bay South Loyola Sullivan Ferryland Oliver Langdon Fortune Bay-Cape La H une Sandra Kelly Gander Judy Foote Grand Bank Anna Thistle Grand Fal ls-B uchans Tom Hedderson Harbour Main-Whitbourne Robert Mercer Humber East Rick Woodford Humber Valley Paul Dicks Humber West Edward J. Byrne Kilbride Randy Collins Labrador West Ernest McLean Lake Melville Tom Rideout Lewisporte Julie Bettney Mount Pearl Fabian Manning Placentia & St. Mary's Gerald Smith Port au Port Chuck Furey St. Barbe Kevin Aylward St. George's-Stephenville East

Tuesday, March 16'h, 1999 Joan Marie Aylward John Ottenheimer Lloyd Matthews Tom Osborne Sheila Osborne Jack Harris Tom Lush Brian Tobin Ralph Wiseman Wally Andersen Lloyd George Snow Doug Oldford Gerry Reid Walter Noel Harvey Hodder Ray Hunter St. John's Centre St. John's East St. John's North St. John's South St. John's West Signal Hill-Quidi Vidi Terra Nova The Straits & White Bay North Topsail Torngat Mountains Trinity-Bay de Verde Trinity North Twillingate & Fogo Virginia Waters Waterford Valley Windsor-Springdale. 8 The Clerk noted that the Members Elect for the Districts of Exploits and Port de Grave were unavoidably absent during the ceremony.

9 Tuesday, March 16th, 1999 After each Member took the Oath or Affirmation of Allegiance and signed the Roll of Members, the following Proclamation was then read by the Clerk of the House. "ELIZABETH THE SECOND, by the Grace of God of the United Kingdom, Canada and Her Other Realms and Territories QUEEN, Head of the Commonwealth, Defender of the Faith. A.M. House Lieutenant-Governor Paul D. Dicks Minister of Justice TO: HONOURABLE CLYDE WELLS, Chief Justice of Newfoundland and HONOURABLE T. ALEXANDER HICKMAN Chief Justice of the Supreme Court Trial Division GREETING: A PROCLAMATION

WHEREAS I have deemed it expedient that the First Session of the Forty-Fourth General Assembly of the Province of Newfoundland should be open for the despatch of business on Tuesday, the sixteenth day of March, 1999, whereof I have given notice in my Proclamation dated the 12th day of March, 1999.

10 Tuesday, March 16th, 1999 AND

WHEREAS it is not convenient that the purposes for which I have called the General Assembly together should be declared until the said day nor until the Members of the House of Assembly have proceeded to the choice of a Speaker, you, the said Honourable Clyde Wells and Honourable T. Alexander Hickman, or either of you, are hereby authorized and directed to signify to the Members of the said House of Assembly on the 16th day of March, 1999, that it is my pleasure that they should proceed to the choice of some person to be their Speaker and present such person on the same day for my approval.

BY COMMAND WITNESS: Our trusty and wel I-beloved the Honourable A.M. House, Lieutenant Governor in and for Our Province of Newfoundland. AT OUR GOVERNMENT HOUSE in our City of St. John's this 12th day of March, in the year one thousand nine hundred and ninety-nine and in the forty-eight year of Our Reign.

Lloyd Matthews REGISTRAR GENERAL" The Honourable Clyde Wells, Chief Justice of Newfoundland, then said: "Members of the Honourable House of Assembly: We have it in Command of His Honour the Lieutenant-Governor to acquaint you that His Honour will, as soon as the Members of this House shall be sworn or affirmed, declare the causes of His calling this Assembly; and, it being necessary that a Speaker of this House should be first chosen, it is His pleasure that you do proceed to the appointment of some proper person whom you shall so choose here today at 2:00 o'clock for His Honour's approval."

11 Tuesday, March 16'h, 1999 The Commissioners having left the Assembly Chamber and the public galleries having been cleared, the Honourable the Premier (Mr. Tobin) then addressing himself to the Clerk, who standing up pointed to him and then sat down, moved "that Lloyd Snow, Member elected for the District of Trinity-Bay de Verde, do take the Chair of this House as Speaker" which motion was seconded by the Leader of the Opposition (Mr. Ed Byrne).

No other person being proposed as Speaker, the question was put by the Clerk that Lloyd Snow, the Member for Trinity-Bay de Verde, do take the Chair as Speaker of the House. The motion was unanimously carried. Mr. Snow was then conducted to and placed in the Chair by the Honourable the Premier and the Leader of the Opposition. Whereupon, the Speaker, standing on the steps, addressed the House, expressing his gratitude to the Honourable Members for the high honour unanimously conferred upon him.

The Honourable the Premier moved, seconded by the Leader of the Opposition, that Douglas Old ford, the Member for the District of Trinity North be elected Deputy Speaker of the House. The motion was put by the Speaker and unanimously carried. The Honourable the Premier seconded by the Leader of the Opposition, moved that Gerald Smith, Member for the District of Port au Port be elected as Deputy Chairperson of Committees. The motion was put by the Speaker and unanimously carried. On motion of the Honourable the Government House Leader (Acting) (Mr. Furey), the House then adjourned until 2 o'clock in the afternoon.

A. John Noel, Clerk of the House of Assembly.

12 Tuesday, March 16'\ 1999 The House met at 2 o'clock in the afternoon pursuant to adjournment. At 2 o'clock the Sergeant-at-Arms notified the Speaker that His Honour the Lieutenant-Governor, the Honourable A. M. House, had arrived. His Honour the Lieutenant Governor entered the Assembly Chamber preceded by the Sergeant-at-Arms. The Speaker left the Chair, whereupon the Lieutenant-Governor having taken his seat, the Honourable the Premier (Mr.

Tobin) addressed His Honour as follows: "May it please Your Honour: The House of Assembly, agreeable to Your Honour's Command, have proceeded to the choice of a Speaker, and have elected Lloyd Snow, Esquire, Member for the District of Trinity-Bay de Verde, to that office, and by their direction, I present him for the approval of Your Honour." His Honour was then pleased to reply: "On behalf of Her Majesty, I assure you of my sense of your efficiency and I do most fully approve and confirm you as the Speaker." Whereupon the Speaker addressed His Honour as follows: "Your Honour having approved the choice of this House in constituting me as its Speaker, it now becomes my duty in the name of the representatives of Her Majesty's loyal subjects, the people of this Province, to respectfully claim of Your Honour their accustomed rights and privileges, especially that they shall have freedom of speech in their debates, that they may be free from arrest during their attendance in Parliament and that I, as Speaker, may have ful I access to Your Honour's presence at all reasonable times, and that they have confirmed to them all their ancient rights and privileges which have been confirmed to them by Your Honour's Predecessors." His Honour was pleased to reply: "On behalf of Her Majesty I do confirm this House in the enjoyment of all its ancient and undoubted rights and privileges."

13 Tuesday, March 16th, 1999 His Honour was then pleased to open the Session with a Speech From the Throne. His Honour then left the Assembly Chamber. The Speaker resumed the Chair. On motion the Honourable the Government House Leader (Acting) (Mr. Furey) and by leave of the House, a Bill entitled, "An Act To Revise The Law Respecting Apprenticeship and Occupational Certification" (Bill No. 1) was introduced and read a first time. On motion it was ordered that Bill No. 1 be read a second time on tomorrow.

The Speaker announced that His Honour the Lieutenant-Governor had been pleased to make a Speech to the Members met in the General Assembly and that for greater accuracy he had obtained a copy. It was unanimously agreed that the Speech should be taken as read and copies distributed to Members. It was moved by the Member for Burgeo & LaPoile (Mr. Parsons) and seconded by the Member for Cartwright-L'Anse au Clair (Ms.

Jones) that an Address of Thanks be presented to His Honour the Lieutenant-Governor in reply to the Gracious Speech with which he had been pleased to open the present Session of the Legislature, and that a Select Committee be appointed to draft the Address in Reply. The Leader of the Opposition (Mr. Ed Byrne), the Member for Signal Hill-Quidi Vidi (Mr. Harris) and the Honourable the Premier (Mr. Tobin) spoke to the motion. The motion was adopted by the House and it was ordered accordingly that the following Members be appointed to the Select Committee: Mr. Kelvin Parsons, Member for Burgeo & LaPoile Ms.

Yvonne Jones, Member for Cartwright L'Anse au Clair Mr. Ray Hunter, Member for Windsor-Springdale.

14 Tuesday, March 16th, 1999 The Honourable the Minister of Finance (Mr. Dicks) gave notice that he would on tomorrow move that the House resolve itself into a Committee of the Whole on Supply to consider certain Resolutions for the granting of Interim Supply to Her Majesty. (Bill No. 2) It was ordered that when the House rose it would adjourn until tomorrow, Thursday, March 1 B'h at 2 o'clock in the afternoon. On motion the House then adjourned accordingly. A. John Noel, Clerk of the House of Assembly.

15 Wednesday, March 17'\ 1999 Be it known that at 11 :30 o'clock in the morning, there appeared at the Court of Appeal before the Honourable Clyde Wells, Chief Justice of Newfoundland, being one of the Commissioners appointed by His Honour the Lieutenant-Governor to take the Oath or Affirmation of Allegiance, Honourable John Efford, the Member returned for the District of Port de Grave, who took and subscribed the Oath of Allegiance in the presence of the Clerk of the House of Assembly. Later that morning the Member signed the Roll of Members.

Be it known that at 4:00 o'clock in the afternoon, there appeared at the Court of Appeal before the Honourable Clyde Wells, Chief Justice of Newfoundland, being one of the Commissioners appointed by His Honour the Lieutenant-Governor to take the Oath or Affirmation of Allegiance, Honourable Roger Grimes, the Member returned for the District of Exploits, who took and subscribed the Oath of Allegiance in the presence of the Clerk of the House of Assembly. Later that afternoon the Member signed the Roll of Members. A. John Noel, Clerk of the House of Assembly.

16 Thursday, March 18th, 1999 The House met at 2 o'clock in the afternoon pursuant to adjournment. By leave, the Honourable the Premier (Mr. Tobin) moved, seconded by the Leader of the Opposition (Mr. Ed Byrne) and the Member for Signal Hill Quidi Vidi (Mr. Harris) that the Speaker send letters of condolence on behalf of all Members to the families of the late Senator William Petten and the late Mr. Michael Harrington. The motion was carried. The Honourable the Minister of Tourism, Culture and Recreation (Mr. Furey) made a Statement respecting the Canada Winter Games in Corner Brook.

The Minister announced funding for various future sporting events in the Province. The Honourable the Minister of Education (Ms. Foote) made a Statement to announce that the Labrador West Campus of the College of the North Atlantic will be home to a new Mining Technology Centre. The Honourable the Minister of Finance (Mr. Dicks) made a Statement to announce that the Budget Speech will be delivered on Monday, March 22nd, 1999. The Member for Bonavista South (Mr.

Fitzgerald) gave notice that he would on tomorrow move the following Resolution: "WHEREAS the failure of the Government of Canada to implement measures adequate to control the population of harp seals on the coasts of Newfoundland and Labrador has allowed the harp seal population to expand unchecked to levels that further threaten the depleted groundfish stocks on which numerous communities and people have traditionally depended; AND

WHEREAS the Government of Canada, under the Constitution, has sole management jurisdiction for seals with respect to the setting of quotas; AND

WHEREAS it is expedient that the Government of Canada take immediate measures to reduce and properly control the harp seal population;

17 Thursday, March 18th, 1999 AND

WHEREAS the Government of Canada has proven many times over the years, in discharging its fisheries management responsibilities, that slowness to act can have disastrous consequences; AND

WHEREAS it is our responsibility, as the elected representatives of the people of Newfoundland and Labrador, to ensure that the Government and people of Canada are made properly aware of the details and urgency of this matter; THEREFORE

BE IT RESOLVED that this Honourable House call upon the Government of Canada to take immediate measures that will be effective in properly reducing and controlling the harp seal population along our coasts; AND BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that an all-Party Committee of the House of Assembly be struck to impress upon the Federal Minister of Fisheries and Oceans and the Government of Canada the urgency of addressing the seal overpopulation crisis." The Member for Waterford Valley (Mr.

Hodder) presented a Petition on behalf of certain public service pensioners urging the Government of the Province to provide adequate increases in benefits to public service pensioners which reflect the seven per cent increase in the wages of public servants and to index public service pensions accordingly. Because of a disturbance in the Public Galleries, the Speaker ordered the galleries cleared and recessed the House at 2:55 o'clock in the afternoon. The Speaker resumed the Chair at 3:05 o'clock in the afternoon. The Member for Signal Hill-Quidi Vidi (Mr.

Harris) presented a Petition on behalf of certain public service pensioners urging the Government of the Province to provide adequate increases in benefits to public service pensioners which reflect the seven per cent increase in the wages of public servants and to index public service pensions accordingly.

18 Thursday, March 18'\ 1999 The Leader of the Opposition (Mr. E. Byrne) presented a petition on behalf of certain service pensioners urging the Government of the Province to provide adequate increases in benefits to public service pensioners which reflect the seven per cent increase in the wages of public servants and to index public service pensions accordingly. The Member for Placentia-St. Mary's (Mr.

Manning) presented a petition on behalf of certain residents of the Placentia region requesting Government to take measures to ensure that a divided highway continue past the Whitbourne/Blaketown exits and thatthe twinned highway include the Argenti a access overpass. The Honourable the Minister of Finance (Mr. Dicks) informed the House that he had received a Message from His Honour the Lieutenant-Governor.

The Message was read to the House by the Speaker as fol lows: "March 16, 1999 The Honourable the Minister of Finance I, the Lieutenant-Governor of the Province of Newfoundland, transmit Estimates of sums required for the Public Service of the Province for the year ending March 31, 2000, by way of Interim Supply and in accordance with the provisions of the Constitution Act, 1867, I recommend these Estimates to the House of Assembly. A.M. House Lieutenant-Governor".

On motion of the Honourable the Minister of Finance, the House resolved itself into a Committee of the Whole on Supply to consider a Certain Resolution and Bill No. 2 for the Granting of Interim Supply To Her Majesty. The Speaker left the Chair. Mr. Oldford took the Chair of Committee of the Whole on Supply.

19 Thursday, March 18'\ 1999 The Committee of Supply considered a certain Resolution and Bill No. 2 for the Granting of Interim Supply to Her Majesty. On motion the Committee rose. The Speaker resumed the Chair. The Chairperson of the Committee reported that the Committee of Supply had considered the matters to it referred, had made some progress and asked leave to sit again. On motion the report of the Committee of Supply was received and adopted and on motion it was ordered that the Committee have leave to sit again on tomorrow.

At 4:30 o'clock pursuant to Standing Order 31, certain questions raised by Members were debated, following which pursuant to Standing Order 31, the Speaker put the question that the House do now adjourn. The motion was carried. The Speaker left the Chair until tomorrow, Friday, March 19th at 9 o'clock in the morning. A. John Noel, Clerk of the House of Assembly.

20 Friday, March 19'\ 1999 The House met at 9 o'clock in the morning pursuant to adjournment. The Honourable the Minister of Industry, Trade & Technology (Ms. Kelly) made a Statement to report on the recent trade mission of Newfoundland and Labrador entrepreneurs and educators to Chile and Argentina. The Honourable the Speaker (Mr. Snow) tabled the Report of the Commission of Internal Economy for the fiscal year April 1, 1997 to April 31, 1998. The Honourable the Minister of Finance (Mr.

Dicks) gave notice that he would on tomorrow move that the House resolve itself into a Committee of the Whole on Ways and Means to consider the Raising of Supply to be Granted to Her Majesty. The Honourable the Minister of Finance also gave notice that he would on tomorrow move that the House resolve itself into a Committee of the Whole on Supply To Consider Certain Resolutions For The Granting Of Supply To Her Majesty. The Member for Signal Hill-Quidi Vidi (Mr.

Harris) presented a petition on behalf of certain public service pensioners urging the Government of the Province to provide adequate increases in benefits to pub I ic service pensioners which reflect the seven per cent increase in the wages of public servants and to index public service pensions accordingly. The Member for Bonavista South (Mr. Fitzgerald) presented a Petition on behalf of residents of his District urging the Government to upgrade and pave Route 235 between Birchy Cove and Bonavista in order to bring it up to an acceptable standard.

By leave, the Premier read a press release from the RCMP stating that there was no criminal wrongdoing by Mr. Beaton Tulk and the staff of the former Minister. The Member for Lewisporte (Mr. Rideout) and the Member for Signal Hill-Quidi Vidi (Mr. Harris) spoke to the matter. The Member for Bonavista North (Mr. Tulk) responded.

21 Friday, March 19th, 1999 On motion of the Honourable the Government House Leader (Acting) (Mr. Furey), the House resolved itself into a Committee of the Whole on Supply to consider a Certain Resolution and Bill No. 2 for the Granting of Interim Supply to Her Majesty. The Speaker left the Chair. Mr. Oldford took the Chair of Committee of the Whole on Supply. The Committee of Supply considered a certain Resolution and Bill No. 2 for the Granting of Interim Supply to Her Majesty. The Member for Bonavista North (Mr. Tulk) rose on a point of order to question whether the word "legal beagle" was parliamentary.

After some debate the Chair (Mr. Smith) took the matter under advisement. On motion the Committee rose. The Speaker resumed the Chair. The Chairperson of the Committee reported that the Committee of Supply had considered the matters to it referred, had made some progress and asked leave to sit again. On motion the report of the Committee of Supply was received and adopted and on motion it was ordered that the Committee have leave to sit again on tomorrow. It was moved and seconded that when the House rose it would adjourn until tomorrow, Monday, March 22nd at 2 o'clock in the afternoon.

On motion the House adjourned accordingly. A. John Noel, Clerk of the House of Assembly.

22 Monday, March 22nd, 1999 The House met at 2 o'clock in the afternoon pursuant to adjournment. . The Honourable the Minister of Finance (Mr. Dicks) moved that the House resolve itself into a Committee of the Whole on Ways and Means and that the Speaker leave the Chair. In making the motion the Honourable the Minister of Finance delivered the Budget Speech. It was moved by the Honourable the Minister of Finance that debate on the Budget Speech be adjourned for further debate on tomorrow. The Speaker put the question on the motion. The motion was carried.

The Honourable the Minister of Finance informed the House that he had received a Message from His Honour the Lieutenant-Governor. The Message was read to the House by the Speaker as fol lows: "March 18, 1999 The Honourable the Minister of Finance: I, the Lieutenant-Governor of the Province of Newfoundland, transmit Estimates of sums required for the Public Service of the Province for the year ending March 31, 2000, in the aggregate of $2,991,799,300 and in accordance with the provisions of the Constitution Act, 1867, I recommend these Estimates to the House of Assembly. Sgd. A.M. House Lieutenant-Governor".

Monday, March 22 nd , 1999 The budgetary documents were distributed. ')" _., It was moved by the Honourable the Minister of Finance that the Message together with the Estimates, be referred to a Committee of the Whole on Supply. The Speaker put the question on the motion. The motion was carried. Pursuant to order and on motion the House resolved itself into a Committee of the Whole on Supply. The Speaker left the Chair. Mr. Oldford took the Chair of Committee. On motion the Committee rose. The Speaker resumed the Chair.

The Chairperson of the Committee reported that the Committee had considered the matters to it referred, had made some progress and asked leave to sit again. On motion the report was received and adopted and it was ordered that the Committee have leave to sit again on tomorrow. It was moved and seconded that when the House rose it would adjourn until tomorrow, Tuesday, March 23'd at 2 o'clock in the afternoon. On motion the House then adjourned accordingly. A. John Noel, Clerk of the House of Assembly.

24 Tuesday, March 23d, 1999 The House met at 2 o'clock in the afternoon pursuant to adjournment. The Honourable the Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture (Mr. Efford), in his capacity as Acting Minister of Development and Rural Renewal, made a Statement respecting the Y Entrepreneurship Conference, a joint effort of the YM-YMCA Enterprise Centre and the Department of Development and Rural Renewal. The Honourable the Minister of Forest Resources and Agrifoods (Mr.

Aylward) made a Statement to provide Members with details concerning the Federal-Provincial Agriculture Income Disaster Assistance Program which is designed to provide assistance to farmers who face dramatic declines in net incomes as a result of factors beyond their control. The Honourable the Minister of Education (Ms. Foote) made a Statement to promote the "Skip-a-Lunch" program tomorrow on March 24th• The Honourable the Minister of Municipal and Provincial Affairs (Mr.

Matthews), on behalf of the Honourable the Minister of Works, Services and Transportation, tabled the Annual Report and Audited Financial Statements of the C.A. Pippy Park Commission for the fiscal year ended March 31st, 1999. The Honourable the Minister of Municipal and Provincial Affairs (Mr. Matthews), on behalf of the Minister of Works, Services & Transportation, tabled the Public Tender Act Exceptions for the months of October, November and December, 1998 and the month of January, 1999.

25 Tuesday, March 23'd, 1999 The Member for Burgeo & LaPoile (Mr. Parsons) on behalf of the Select Committee appointed to draft a reply to the Speech of His Honour the Lieutenant-Governor, presented the Report of the Select Committee as fol lows: "To His Honour the Lieutenant-Governor, the Honourable A.M. House, CM., M.D., FRCPC. May it please Your Honour: We, the Commons of Newfoundland and Labrador in Legislative Session assembled, beg to thank Your Honour for the Gracious Speech which Your Honour has addressed to this House.

Assembly Chamber March 19, 1999." Signed: Kelvin Parsons, MHA Yvonne Jones, MHA Ray Hunter, MHA On motion the Report was received and on motion the debate on the Address in Reply was deferred until tomorrow. The Honourable the Speaker (Mr. Snow), in accordance with

section 32(4) of the Auditor General Act, 1991, tabled the audited financial statements of the Office of the Auditor General for the fiscal year ended on March 31st, 1998. The Member for Signal Hill-Quidi Vidi (Mr. Harris) presented a Petition on behalf of certain public service pensioners urging the Government of the Province to provide adequate increases in benefits to public service pensioners which reflect the seven per cent increase in the wages of public servants and to index public service pensions accordingly. The Member for Bonavista South (Mr.

Fitzgerald) presented a Petition on behalf of certain residents of the Community of Lethbridge urging the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador to upgrade and pave the road through Lethbridge.

26 Tuesday, March 23'd, 1999 The Member for Baie Verte (Mr. Shelley) presented a Petition on behalf of certain residents of the Community of Harry's Harbour requesting the Government to upgrade and pave the roads in their community because of the unsafe road conditions. The Member for Ferryland (Mr. Sullivan) presented a Petition on behalf of certain residents of the Province urging the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador to reverse its decision with respect to the Iron Ore Company of Canada's decision to process Labrador resources in Quebec and to support a policy of secondary processing within the Province.

On motion of the Honourable Government House Leader (Acting) (Mr. Furey), the House resolved itself into a Committee of the Whole on Supply. The Speaker left the Chair. Mr. Oldford took the Chair of Committee of the Whole on Supply. The Committee of Supply considered a certain Resolution and Bill No. 2 for the Granting of Interim Supply to Her Majesty. On motion the Committee rose. The Speaker resumed the Chair. The Chairperson of the Committee reported that the Committee of Supply had considered the matters to it referred, had made some progress and asked leave to sit again.

On motion the report of the Committee of Supply was received and adopted and on motion it was ordered that the Committee have leave to sit again on tomorrow. The Honourable the Government House Leader (Acting) announced that the Resolution standing in the name of the Member for Bonavista South (Mr. Fitzgerald) would be debated on Private Members' Day on Wednesday.

27 Tuesday, March 23rd, 1999 It was moved and seconded that when the House rose it would adjourn until tomorrow Wednesday, March 24th at 2 o'clock in the afternoon. On motion the House then adjourned accordingly. A. John Noel, Clerk of the House of Assembly.

28 Wednesday, March 241h, 1999 The House met at 2 o'clock in the afternoon pursuant to adjournment. The Honourable the Minister of Municipal and Provincial Affairs (Mr. Matthews), on behalf of the Honourable the Minister of Works, Services and Transportation, made a Statement to advise Members that the Department of Works, Services and Transportation had reached a sixty day leasing agreement with the State of North Carolina for the use of two CL-215 water bombers owned by the Province. The Member for Waterford Valley (Mr.

Hodder) presented a Petition on behalf of certain nursing students urging the Government to increase permanent nursing positions and provide better work loads and higher wages for graduate nurses. The Member for St. John's East (Mr. Ottenheimer) presented a Petition on behalf of certain nursing students urging the Government to increase permanent nursing positions and provide better work loads and higher wages for graduate nurses. Pursuant to order and on motion debate commended on the following Resolution standing in the name of the Member for Bonavista South (Mr.

Fitzgerald): "WHEREAS the failure of the Government of Canada to implement measures adequate to control the population of harp seals on the coasts of Newfoundland and Labrador has allowed the harp seal population to expand unchecked to levels that further threaten the depleted groundfish stocks on which numerous communities and people have traditionally depended; AND

WHEREAS the Government of Canada, under the Constitution, has sole management jurisdiction for seals with respect to the setting of quotas; AND

WHEREAS it is expedient that the Government of Canada take immediate measures to reduce and properly control the harp seal population; AND

WHEREAS the Government of Canada has proven many ti mes over the years, in discharging its fisheries management responsibilities, that slowness to act can have disastrous consequences;

29 Wednesday, March 24th, 1999 AND

WHEREAS it is our responsibility, as the elected representatives of the people of Newfoundland and Labrador, to ensure that the Government and people of Canada are made properly aware of the detai Is and urgency of this matter; THEREFORE

BE IT RESOLVED that this Honourable House call upon the Government of Canada to take immediate measures that will be effective in properly reducing and controlling the harp seal population along our coasts; AND BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that an al I-Party Committee of the House of Assembly be struck to impress upon the Federal Minister of Fisheries and Oceans and the Government of Canada the urgency of addressing the seal overpopulation crisis." The Honourable the Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture (Mr. Efford) moved, seconded by the Honourable the Minister of Tourism, Culture and Recreation (Mr. Furey), the following amendments to the Resolution: "That the Resolution be amended (

a) in the first four Recitals by striking out the words "Government of Canada" and by substituting the words "Parliament of Canada"; (

b) in the fifth Recital by striking out the words "Government and people of Canada" and by substituting the words "Parliament of Canada"; (

c) in the first Resolution Clause by striking out the words "Government of Canada" and by substituting by the words "Parliament of Canada"; and (

d) by striking out the last Resolution Clause and by substituting the following: "AND BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that an all-Party Committee of the House of Assembly led by the Provincial Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture be struck to impress upon the Parliament of Canada the urgency of addressing the seal overpopulation crisis.".

30 Wednesday, March 24th, 1999 The Speaker (Mr. Smith) recessed the House at 3:34 o'clock in the afternoon to review the amendments. The Speaker resumed the Chair at 3:35 o'clock and ruled the amendments in order. Debate commenced and concluded on the amendments to the Resolution. The Speaker put the question on the amendments to the Resolution. The Speaker declared the amendments to the Resolution carried. The Speaker put the question on the Resolution, as amended, and declared the Resolution, as amended, carried unanimously.

It was moved and seconded that when the House rose it would adjourn until tomorrow, Thursday, March 25th at 2 o'clock in the afternoon. On motion the House then adjourned accordingly. A. John Noel, Clerk of the House of Assembly.

31 Thursday, March 25th, 1999 The House met at 2 o'clock in the afternoon pursuant to adjournment. The Honourable the Minister of Municipal and Provincial Affairs (Mr. Matthews), on behalf of the Honourable the Minister of Works, Services and Transportation, made a Statement to report that progress on Government's $130 million hospital redevelopment program for St. John's is on

schedule and on budget. During the presentation of the above noted statement there was a disturbance in the Public Galleries, whereupon the Speaker took the opportunity to warn the public about the rules of the House. The Honourable the Minister of Government Services and Lands (Mr. McLean) made a Statement to provide Members with a status report on Government's White Paper entitled: Challenging Responses to Changing Times: New Proposals for Occupation Regulation. The Member for Ferryland (Mr.

Sullivan) presented a Petition on behalf of certain nurses of Branch No. 1 at the Grace General Hospital protesting Government's approach to the latest bargaining negotiations with the Newfoundland and Labrador Nurses Union. During the presentation of the Petition, there was disorder in the Public Galleries, whereupon, the Speaker ordered the Public Galleries cleared and recessed the House at 2:55 o'clock in the afternoon. The Speaker resumed the Chair at 2:59 o'clock in the afternoon. Another Member spoke to the Petition. The Member for Bonavista South (Mr.

Fitzgerald) presented a Petition on behalf of certain residents of his District urging the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador to upgrade and pave the 5 kilometres of Route 235 from Birchy Cove to Bonavista. On motion of the Honourable Government House Leader (Acting) (Mr, Furey), the House resolved itself into a Committee of the Whole on Supply.

32 Thursday, March 25'h, 1999 The Speaker left the Chair. Mr. Oldford took the Chair of Committee of the Whole on Supply. The Committee of Supply considered a certain Resolution and Bill No. 2 for the Granting of Interim Supply to Her Majesty. On motion the Committee rose. The Speaker resumed the Chair. The Chairperson of the Committee (Mr. Smith) reported that the Committee of Supply had considered the matters to it referred, had made some progress and asked leave to sit again.

On motion the report of the Committee of Supply was received and adopted and on motion it was ordered that the Committee have leave to sit again on tomorrow. At 4:30 o'clock pursuant to Standing Order 31, certain questions raised by Members were debated, following which pursuant to Standing Order 31, the Speaker put the question that the House do now adjourn. The motion was carried. It was agreed to stop the clock at 5 p.m. The Member for Terra Nova (Mr.

Lush) rose on a point of order to state that the Petition presented earlier by the Member for Ferryland was not in order in accordance with the rules of the House.

33 Thursday, March 25'\ 1999 The Speaker ruled that Members must send Petitions to the Table for review before presentation in order to ensure that Petitions are in proper form and contain appropriate language. The Speaker left the Chair 5:06 until tomorrow, Friday, March 26th at 9 o'clock in the morning. A. John Noel, Clerk of the House of Assembly.

34 Friday, March 26'h, 1999 The House met at 9 o'clock in the morning pursuant to adjournment. The Honourable the President of Treasury Board (Ms. Thistle) made a Statement to announce that two collective agreements had recently been negotiated, one with the Newfoundland and Labrador Teachers Association in Labrador West and the other with the Newfoundland Association of Public Employees under the Avalon West School Board. The Honourable the Minister of Education (Ms.

Foote) made a Statement to announce that a new program will be piloted in secondary schools throughout the Province during the 1999-2000 school year. The new project is called the Regional Economic Development and Schools. The Honourable the Minister of Forest Resources and Agrifoods (Mr. Aylward) made a Statement to advise Members of the extension to the Agricultural Safety Nets Agreement which covers the National Income Stabilization Account, Crop Insurance, including the Big Game Crop Loss Compensation Program and the Agrifood Innovation Program. The Member for Waterford Valley (Mr.

Hodder) presented a Petition on behalf of certain nurses in the Province urging the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador to bargain in good faith with the Newfoundland and Labrador Nurses Union during the current labour problems. The Honourable the Premier (Mr. Tobin) tabled a

summary of wage increases by various provincial governments. The Member for Signal Hill-Quid Vidi (Mr. Harris) presented a Petition on behalf of certain single parents urging the Government to reverse the policy with respect to access to social assistance benefits and student loans for education. The Member for Terra Nova (Mr. Lush) rose on a point of order to allege that the Member for Ferryland had not followed the proper procedure with respect to a certain document he had sent to a Minister. The Speaker took the matter under advisement. The Member for Baie Verte (Mr.

Shelley) on behalf of certain residents of the Community of Pacquet requesting the Government of the Province to pave Route No. 417 because of the unsafe condition on the road.

35 Friday, March 26'11, 1999 On motion of the Honorable the Government House Leader (Acting) (Mr. Furey), the House resolved itself into a Committee of the Whole on Supply. The Speaker left the Chair. Mr. Oldford took the Chair of Committee of the Whole on Supply. The Committee of Supply considered a certain Resolution and Bill No. 2 for the Granting of Interim Supply to Her Majesty. On motion the Committee rose. The Speaker resumed the Chair. The Chairperson of the Committee (Mr.

Smith) reported that the Committee of Supply had considered the matters to it referred, had made some progress and asked leave to sit again. On motion the report of the Committee of Supply was received and adopted and on motion it was ordered that the Committee have leave to sit again on tomorrow. It was moved and seconded that when the House rose it would adjourn until tomorrow, Monday, March 29th at 2 o'clock in the afternoon. On motion the House then adjourned accordingly. A. John Noel, Clerk of the House of Assembly.

36 Monday, March 29th, 1999 The House met at 2 o'clock in the afternoon pursuant to adjournment. The Member for Signal Hill-Quidi Vidi (Mr. Harris) rose on a Point of Privilege with respect to his efforts to be seen by the Chair as the leader of a parliamentary group in the House, during Question Period. Based on the precedents of the House and Rulings of former Speakers in 1976 and 1987, the Speaker ruled there was no Point of Privilege and that the Member's privilege had not been violated.

The Speaker also ruled that the privilege of parliamentary groups in the House was not a matter for the Speaker to determine but must be decided by all Members. The Honourable the Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture (Mr. Efford) made a Statement respecting the fishing industry and in particular his attendance at the Boston Seafood Show and the value of fish landings last year. The Honourable the Minister of Health and Community Services (Ms. Aylward) made a Statement to announce measures to address workload issues for nurses.

The Minister announced that Government had agreed to convert casual nursing positions to permanent nursing positions and that Government had agreed to create 325 permanent nursing positions. The Honourable the Minister of Mines and Energy (Mr. Grimes) made a Statement to announce the 1999 Call for Bids with respect to the Province's offshore area by the Canada-Newfoundland Offshore Petroleum Board. The Honourable the Minister of Finance (Mr. Dicks), in accordance with

section 49(2) of the Financial Administration Act, tabled the list of Temporary Loans raised under

Section 48 of the Act since the last report to the House. The Honourable the Minister of Finance (Mr. Dicks), in accordance with

Section 55(3) of the Financial Administration Act, also tabled the list of loan guarantees paid out by the Province since the last report to the House. The Honourable the Minister of Finance, in accordance with

section 55.1 (2) of the Financial Administration Act, tabled the list of Crown corporations where debt had been assumed by the Province. This was the Minister's first report in this regard.

37 Monday, March 29th, 1999 The Member for Burin-Placentia West (Ms. Hodder) gave notice that she would on tomorrow move the following Resolution: "WHEREAS the shipbuilding industry has long been a core element in Canada's industrial growth strategy creating and sustaining high quality skills driven jobs with world wide expertise in this vitally important sector; AND

WHEREAS the shipbuilding industry has been an important component of our provincial economy; AND

WHEREAS other countries have continued to provide financial incentives and maintain significant trade barriers to protect their shipbuilding industry eliminating the possibility of an international level playing field; THEREFORE

BE IT RESOLVED THAT this Honourable House strongly endorse a national shipbuilding strategy to be undertaken by the Government of Canada that will provide certain measures in support of a strong, and internationally competitive shipbuilding industry as advocated by leaders of this industry." The Member for Waterford Valley (Mr. Hodder) presented a Petition on behalf of certain nurses in the Province urging the Government of the Province to bargain in good faith with the Newfoundland and Labrador Nurses Union during the current labour problems. The Member for Labrador West (Mr.

Collins) presented a Petition on behalf of certain nurses in the Province urging the Government of the Province to bargain in good faith with the Newfoundland and Labrador Nurses Union during the current labour problems. The Member for St. John's West (Ms. Osborne) presented a Petition on behalf of certain residents of the West End of St. John's requesting that the "neighbourhood schooling K-12" for that area of St. John's remain intact as agreed upon during educational reform.

38 Monday, March 29th, 1999 The Member for Baie Verte (Mr. Shelley) presented a Petition on behalf of certain residents of the Baie Verte Peninsula urging the Minister of Health and Community Services and the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador to transfer the monies budgeted for the extension of the Grand Falls Hospital Dialysis Unit to the Baie Ve rte Hospital in order to accommodate patients in the Baie Verte area. On motion of the Honourable Government House Leader (Acting) (Mr. Furey), the House resolved itself into a Committee of the Whole on Supply. The Speaker left the Chair. Mr.

Oldford took the Chair of Committee of the Whole on Supply. The Committee of Supply considered a certain Resolution and Bill No. 2 for the Granting of Interim Supply to Her Majesty. On motion the Committee rose. The Chairperson of the Committee (Mr. Smith) reported that the Committee of Supply had considered the matters to it referred, had made some progress and asked leave to sit again. On motion the report of the Committee of Supply was received and adopted and on motion it was ordered that the Committee have leave to sit again on tomorrow. By leave, the Honourable the Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture (Mr.

Efford) gave notice and moved, in accordance with the Resolution unanimously adopted by the House on March 24th, 1999, that a Select Committee of the House be appointed to travel to Ottawa to present the concerns of all Members of the House of Assembly and the people of the Province to the federal political caucuses and to the House of Commons Standing Committee on Fisheries and Oceans with respect to the seal fishery. The Minister further moved that the following Members comprise this Committee: The Member for Port de Grave (Honourable John Efford) The Member for Burgeo & LaPoile (Mr. Parsons)

Monday, March 29th, 1999 The Member for Baie Verte (Mr. Shelley) The Member for Bonavista South (Mr. Fitzgerald) The Member for Signal Hill-Quidi Vidi (Mr. Harris) The Member for Twillingate & Fogo (Mr. Reid) The Member for Torngat Mountains (Mr. Andersen) 39 The Speaker put the question on the motion and declared the motion carried unanimously. It was moved and seconded that when the House adjourned it would adjourn until tomorrow, Tuesday, March 29th at 2 o'clock in the afternoon. On motion the House adjourned accordingly. A. John Noel, Clerk of the House of Assembly.

40 Tuesday, March 30th, 1999 The House met at 2 o'clock in the afternoon pursuant to adjournment. The Honourable the President of Treasury Board (Ms. Thistle) made a Statement to announce that the Government of the Province had been advised by the Newfoundland and Labrador Health and Community Services Association that unless nurses returned to work as soon as possible, the health care system would not be able to adequately care for patients and the public. The Minister advised Members that the Government would introduce legislation to require nurses to return to work. The Honourable the MinisterofFinance (Mr. Dicks) tabled the following: (

a) A Special Warrant, as authorized by Order in Council 99-010 under

Section 28(2) of the Financial Administration Act, for $3,199,300 to be expended under the Legislative Head of Expenditure; (

b) A Special Warrant, as authorized by Order in Council 99-058 under

section 28(2) of The Financial Administration Act, for $8,000,000 to be expended under the Department of Human Resources and Employment Head of Expenditure; (

c) A Special Warrant, as authorized by Order in Council 99-112 under

section 28(2) of The Financial Administration Act, for $6,900,000 to be expended under the Department of Human Resources and Employment Head of Expenditure; (

d) A Special Warrant, as authorized by Order in Counci I 99-113 under

section 28(2) of The Financial Administration Act, for $31,650,000 to be expended under the Department of Education Head of Expenditure; (

e) A Special Warrant, as authorized by Order in Council 99-114 under

section 28(2) of The Financial Administration Act, for $58,500,000 to be expended under the Department of Health and Community Services Head of Expenditure;

41 Tuesday, March 30th, 1999 (

f) A Special Warrant, as authorized by Order in Council 99-115 under

section 28(2) of The Financial Administration Act, for $1,300,000 to be expended under the Department of Municipal and Provincial Affairs Head of Expenditure; (

g) A Special Warrant, as authorized by Order in Council 99-116 under

section 28(2) of The Financial Administration Act, for $3,800,000 to be expended under the Department of Tourism, Culture and Recreation Head of Expenditure; (

h) A Special Warrant, as authorized by Order in Council 99-117 under

section 28(2) of The Financial Administration Act, for $1,000,000 to be expended under the Department of Forest Resources and Agrifoods Head of Expenditure; (

I) A Special Warrant, as authorized by Order in Council 99-118 under

section 28(2) of The Financial Administration Act, for $5,000,000 to be expended under the Department of Finance Head of Expenditure. The Honourable the President of Treasury Board (Ms. Thistle) gave notice that she would on tomorrow ask leave to introduce a Bill entitled, "An Act To Provide For The Resumption And Continuation Of Health And Community Services" (Bill No. 3). The Honourable the Government House Leader (Acting) (Mr. Furey) rose on a point of order and asked leave for Bill No. 3 to be read a first time. Leave was denied.

After some debate, the Honourable the Government House Leader (Acting) moved that the House adjourn for one hour and in so moving tabled a copy of the Bill No. 3. In order to consider the motion, the Speaker recessed the House at 3:08 o'clock in the afternoon. The Speaker resumed the Chair at 3:15 o'clock in the afternoon. The Speaker ruled that in accordance with Standing Order 22, the motion was in order.

42 Tuesday, March 30th, 1999 The Speaker put the question on the motion that the House adjourn for one hour. The Speaker declared the motion carried. The House recessed at 3:18 o'clock in the afternoon. The Speaker resumed the Chair at 4:19 o'clock in the afternoon. The Honourable the Government House Leader (Acting) again moved that the House not adjourn at 5 o'clock in the afternoon. The Speaker put the question on the motion and declared the motion carried. The Honourable the Government House Leader (Acting) again asked leave to move First Reading of Bill No. 3. Leave was denied. The Member for Ferryland (Mr.

Sullivan) gave notice that he would on tomorrow move the following Resolution: "WHEREAS the Government has failed to reach a tentative agreement with the nurses of the Province and, as a result, the nurses' strike, which commenced on March 24, 1999, continues; AND

WHEREAS talks between the Government and the nurses have broken off; AND

WHEREAS the reduction in the nursing workforce associated with the unresolved labour dispute has diminished operations at the Province's health care institutions and deprived people of access to certain medical procedures; AND

WHEREAS the Government, by its own admission, can not assure Newfoundlanders and Labradorians that their health care system will be able to respond adequately to their health care needs if this labour dispute continues unresolved;

43 Tuesday, March 30th, 1999 THEREFORE

BE IT RESOLVED that this Honourable House call upon the Government to submit the dispute to binding arbitration as provided for in the Public Service Collective Bargaining Act." The Speaker reminded visitors in the Public Galleries that disturbances in the galleries will not be tolerated. The Member for Ferryland (Mr. Sullivan) presented a Petition on behalf of certain nurses in the Province urging the Government of the Province to bargain in good faith with the Newfoundlanders and Labrador Nurses Union during the current labour problems. The Member for St. John's West (Ms.

Osborne) presented a Petition on behalf of certain residents of the West End of St. John's requesting that the "neighbourhood schooling K-12" for the West End of St. John's remain intact as agreed upon during educational reform. The Member for Signal Hill-Quidi Vidi (Mr. Harris) presented a Petition on behalf of certain residents of his District asking the Government to take whatever action is necessary to ensure Virginia Park School remains open, to maintain the current levels of staffing and programs within the school and to replace the building with a new school as part of a long-term plan.

On motion of the Honourable Government House Leader (Acting) (Mr. Furey), the House resolved itself into a Committee of the Whole on Supply. The Speaker left the Chair. Mr. Oldford took the Chair of Committee of the Whole on Supply. The Committee considered and passed a certain Resolution and a Bill entitled, "An Act For Granting To Her Majesty Certain Sums Of Money For Defraying Certain Expenses Of The Public Service For The Financial Year Ending March 31, 2000 And For Other Purposes Relating To The Public Services" (Bill No. 2). On motion the Committee rose. The Speaker resumed the Chair.

44 Tuesday, March 30'\ 1999 The Chairperson of the Committee reported that the Committee of Supply had considered the matters to it referred and passed a certain Resolution and a Bill consequent thereto and recommended that Bill No. 2 be introduced to give effect to same.

Pursuant to order and on motion the fol lowing Resolution was read a first and second time: "That it is expedient to introduce a measure to provide for the granting to Her Majesty for defraying certain expenses of the public service for the financial year ending March 31, 2000, the sum of $1,057,878,300." Pursuant to order and on motion a Bill entitled, "An Act For Granting To Her Majesty Certain Sums Of Money For Defraying Certain Expenses Of The Public Service For The Financial Year Ending March 31, 2000 And For Other Purposes Relating To The Public Service" (Bill No. 2) was read a first, second and third time and passed.

On motion it was ordered that Bill No. 2 be printed being entitled as above and that it be submitted to His Honour the Lieutenant-Governor for His Assent. The Chairperson of the Committee also reported to the Speaker that a point of privilege had been raised by the Honourable the Premier in Committee of the Whole. The Speaker took the matter under advisement. The House recessed briefly, after which the Sergeant-at-Arms announced the arrival of His Honour the Lieutenant-Governor. His Honour the Lieutenant-Governor the Honourable A.M. House took the Chair.

The Speaker addressed His Honour as follows: "It is my agreeable duty on behalf of Her Majesty's dutiful and loyal subjects, Her Faithful Commons in Newfoundland and Labrador, to present to Your Honour a Bill for the appropriation of Interim Supply granted in the present Session."

45 Tuesday, March 30th, 1999 Whereupon the Clerk read the following Bill: A Bill "An Act For Granting To Her Majesty Certain Sums Of Money For Defraying Certain Expenses Of The Public Service For The Financial Year Ending March 31, 2000 And For Other Purposes Relating To The Public Service" (Bill No. 2). His Honour the Lieutenant-Governor then said, "In Her Majesty's Name, I thank Her Loyal Subjects, I accept their benevolence, and I Assent to th is Bi I I". His Honour the Lieutenant-Governor then left the Chamber.

It was moved and seconded that when the House rose it would adjourn until tomorrow, Wednesday, March 31st at 2 o'clock in the afternoon. On motion the House then adjourned accordingly at 5:30 o'clock in the afternoon. A. John Noel, Clerk of the House of Assembly

46 Wednesday, March 31st, 1999 The House met at 2 o'clock in the afternoon pursuant to adjournment. The Honourable the Premier (Mr. Tobin) made a Statement to recognize March 31 st as the 50th Anniversary of the decision taken by Newfoundland and Labrador in 1949 to join the Canadian Confederation as Canada's Tenth Province. The Honourable the Premier (Mr. Tobin) moved, seconded by the Leader of the Opposition (Mr. Ed Byrne) and the Member for Signal Hill-Quidi Vidi (Mr. Harris) the following Resolution: "WHEREAS on April 1, 1999 the Territory of Nunavut will officially come into existence; AND

WHEREAS fifty years ago on March 31, 1949, the people of Newfoundland and Labrador were warmly welcomed into the Canadian family as a Province of Canada; THEREFORE

BE IT RESOLVED that the Honourable House of Assembly on its own behalf and that of the people of Newfoundland and Labrador warmly and wholeheartedly welcome the people of Nunavut as a new territory within the Canadian Federation." The Speaker put the question on the motion and declared the motion carried unanimously. During Oral Questions, the Speaker was obliged to warn visitors in the Public Galleries that if the commotion continued, he would have no choice but to order the galleries cleared. The Member for Ferryland (Mr.

Sullivan) presented a Petition on behalf of certain residents of the Province requesting Government to respect the work of nurses, provide a more permanent and stable workforce, and permit nurses to have the right to binding arbitration as provided by the laws of the Province.

47 Wednesday, March 31st, 1999 The Honourable the Government House Leader (Mr. Furey) sought leave of the House to revert to Government business instead of proceeding with Private Member's Day and in particular he sought leave to move First Reading of Bill No. 3 and then to proceed to Second Reading of Bill No. 3. Members agreed. Members also agreed that the Second Reading debate on Bill No. 3 would take nine hours with both the Leader of the Opposition and the Opposition Health Critic having sixty minutes each to speak on the Bill.

Members also agreed to sit beyond the normal adjournment times of 5 o'clock in the afternoon and 10 o'clock in the evening. The Speaker put the matter to the House. Members agreed with the above noted proposals. By leave, pursuant to order and on motion the Bill entitled, "An Act To Provide For The Resumption And Continuation Of Health And Community Services" (Bill No. 3) was introduced and read a first time and on motion it was ordered that the said Bill be read be read a second time presently by leave.

By leave, pursuant to order and on motion debate commenced on Second Reading of the Bill entitled, "An Act To Provide For The Resumption And Continuation Of Health And Community Services" (Bill No. 3). During the debate on Second Reading of the Bill, the Honourable the President of Treasury Board (Ms. Thistle) moved pursuant to Standing Order 40 "that the question be now put." The Speaker ruled the motion in order.

Pursuant to order and on motion debate commenced on the motion that Second Reading of Bill entitled, "An Act To Provide For The Resumption And Continuation Of Health And Community Services" (Bill No. 3) be now put. Because of a disturbance in the Public Galleries, the Speaker recessed the House at 4:20 o'clock in the afternoon and ordered the Public Galleries cleared. The Speaker resumed the Chair at 4:24 o'clock in the afternoon.

48 March 31st, 1999 Debate resumed on Second Reading of Bill No. 3. By leave, the Honourable the Government House Leader (Acting) (Mr. Furey) moved, pursuant to Standing Order 84, the appointment of the Striking Committee to consist of the following: Member for Bonavista North (Mr. Beaton Tulk) Member for Topsail (Mr. Ralph Wiseman) Member for Twillingate & Fogo (Mr. Gerry Reid) Member for Ferryland (Mr. Loyola Sullivan) Member for Lewisporte (Mr. Tom Rideout). The Speaker put the question on the motion and declared the motion carried. Debate resumed on Second Reading of Bill No. 3.

The Speaker recessed the House at 5:30 o'clock in the afternoon for dinner. The Speaker resumed the Chair at 7:00 o'clock in the evening. Debate continued on the motion that Second Reading of the Bill entitled, "An Act To Provide For The Resumption And Continuation Of Health And Community Services" (Bill No. 3) be now put.

The debate continued for a number of hours following which the Speaker advised visitors in the Public Galleries that he would not tolerate any further disturbances in the galleries and if the disturbance continued he would have no alternative but to clear the galleries and lock the doors for the remainder of the parliamentary day. Because of a disturbance in the Public Galleries, the Speaker recessed the House at 10:45 o'clock in the evening. The Speaker also ordered the Public Galleries cleared and locked for the duration of the parliamentary day. The Speaker resumed the Chair at 10:59 o'clock in the evening.

49 March 31st, 1999 Debate continued on the motion that Second Reading of the Bi II entitled, "An Act To Provide For The Resumption And Continuation Of Health and Community Services" (Bill No. 3) be now put. By leave, at 11 :59 o'clock in the evening, on the motion of the Honourable the Premier (Mr. Tobin), seconded by the Leader of the Opposition (Mr. E. Byrne) in order to recognize the 50th Anniversary of Confederation, al I Members sang O Canada. Afterwards on the suggestion of the Leader of the Opposition, all Members sang the Ode to Newfoundland.

Debate continued on the motion that Second Reading of the Bill entitled, "An Act To Provide For the Resumption And Continuation Of Health And Community Services" (Bill No. 3) be now put. The Speaker put the question on the motion "that the question be now put on Second Reading of the Bill entitled, "An Act To Provide For The Resumption And Continuation Of Health And Community Services" (Bill No. 3)". The House divided. There appeared in favour of the motion: The Hon. The Premier (Mr. Tobin), Mr. Tulk, the Hon. the Minister of Tourism, Culture & Recreation (Mr.

Furey), the Hon. the Minister of Municipal & Provincial Affairs (Mr. Matthews), the Hon. the Minister of Health & Community Services (Ms. Aylward), the Hon. the Minister of Human Resources & Employment (Ms. Bettney), Mr. Walsh, the Hon. the Minister of Finance & Justice (Mr. Dicks), the Hon. the Minister of Mines & Energy (Mr. Grimes), the Hon. the Minister of Forest Resources & Agrifoods (Mr. Aylward), Mr. Lush, Mr. Smith, the Hon. the President of Treasury Board (Ms. Thistle), Mr. Barrett, the Hon. the Minister of Education (Ms. Foote), the Hon. the Minister of Environment & Labour (Mr.

Langdon), the Hon. the Minister of Industry, Trade & Technology (Ms. Kelly), the Hon. the Minister of Government Services & Lands (Mr. McLean), the Hon. the Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs (Mr. Noel), Mr. Wiseman, Mr. Andersen, Ms. Hodder, Mr. Mercer, Mr. Reid, Ms. Jones, Mr. Parsons, Mr. Sweeney.

50 Wednesday, March 31st, 1999 Against: The Leader of Opposition (Mr. E. Byrne), Mr. Sullivan, Mr. Rideout, Mr. Shelley, Mr. Ottenheimer, Mr. Jack Byrne, Mr. Hodder, Mr. Fitzgerald, Ms. Sheila Osborne, Mr. Hedderson, Mr. Tom Osborne, Mr. Manning, Mr. Hunter, Mr. French, Mr. Harris, Mr. Collins. The Speaker declared the motion carried. Pursuant to order and on motion it was ordered that the Bill entitled, "An Act To Provide For The Resumption And Continuation Of Health And Community Services" (Bill No. 3) be now read a second time. The Speaker put the question on the motion. The House divided.

There appeared in favour of the motion: The Hon. The Premier (Mr. Tobin), Mr. Tulk, the Hon. the Minister of Tourism, Culture & Recreation (Mr. Furey), the Hon. the Minister of Municipal & Provincial Affairs (Mr. Matthews), the Hon. the Minister of Health & Community Services (Ms. Aylward), the Hon. the Minister of Human Resources & Employment (Ms. Bettney), Mr. Walsh, the Hon. the Minister of Finance & Justice (Mr. Dicks), the Hon. the Minister of Mines & Energy (Mr. Grimes), the Hon. the Minister of Forest Resources & Agrifoods (Mr. Aylward), Mr. Lush, Mr. Smith, the Hon. the President of Treasury Board (Ms.

Thistle), Mr. Barrett, the Hon. the Minister of Education (Ms. Foote), the Hon. the Minister of Environment & Labour (Mr. Langdon), the Hon. the Minister of Industry, Trade & Technology (Ms. Kelly), the Hon. the Minister of Government Services & Lands (Mr. McLean), the Hon. the Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs (Mr. Noel), Mr. Wiseman, Mr. Andersen, Ms. Hodder, Mr. Mercer, Mr. Reid, Ms. Jones, Mr. Parsons, Mr. Sweeney. Against: The Leader of Opposition (Mr. E. Byrne), Mr. Sullivan, Mr. Rideout, Mr. Shelley, Mr. Ottenheimer, Mr. Jack Byrne, Mr. Hodder, Mr. Fitzgerald, Ms. Sheila Osborne, Mr. Hedderson, Mr.

Tom Osborne, Mr. Manning, Mr. Hunter, Mr. French, Mr. Harris, Mr. Collins. The Speaker declared the motion carried.

51 Wednesday, March 31st, 1999 On motion the Bill entitled, "An Act To Provide For The Resumption And Continuation Of Health And Community Services" (Bill No. 3) was read a second time and on motion it was ordered that the said Bill be referred to a Committee of the Whole House on tomorrow. It was moved and seconded that when the House rose it would adjourn until tomorrow Thursday, April 1st, at 2 o'clock in the afternoon. On motion the House adjourned accordingly at 1 :36 o'clock in the morning of April 1st. A. John Noel, Clerk of the House of Assembly.

52 Thursday, April 151, 1999 The House met at 2 o'clock in the afternoon pursuant to adjournment. The Honourable the Minister of Mines and Energy (Mr. Grimes) rose on a point of privilege to allege that a Member of the House had implied through the media that the doors to the Public Galleries had been locked the night before by the "Liberals". The Minister further alleged that the unnamed Member had misrepresented the rules of the House by implying that the Speaker was not the impartial Chair when he ordered the galleries cleared. The Member for Signal Hill-Quidi Vidi (Mr. Harris), the Honourable the Premier (Mr.

Tobin), the Opposition House Leader (Mr. Sullivan) also spoke to the point of privilege. Members also raised the issue that the Press Gallery was inadvertently cleared at the same time the Public Galleries were cleared. The Speaker took the matter of privilege under advisement. The Speaker ruled when the Public Galleries were ordered to be cleared that members of the Press Gallery could remain in the Press Gallery. The Honourable the Minister of Environment and Labour (Mr.

Langdon) made a Statement to advise Members that the Voisey's Bay Environmental Assessment Panel had released its much anticipated report on the proposed mine/mill complex at Voisey's Bay. The Honourable the Minister of Industry, Trade and Technology (Ms. Kelly) made a Statement to update Members on Americana '99, a bi-annual environmental technology exhibition held in Montreal last week. The Minister also advised Members that there will be a trade mission to Cuba in June. The Honourable the Minister of Finance (Mr. Dicks) tabled the following: (

a) A Special Warrant, as authorized by Order-in-Council 99-152 under

Section 28(2) of the Financial Administration Act, for $1,699,000 to be expended under the Department of Education Head of Expenditure; (

b) A Special Warrant, as authorized by Order-in-Council 99-154 under

Section 28(2) of the Financial Administration Act, for $8,600,000 to be expended under the Department of Health and Community Services Head of Expenditure;

53 Thursday, Apri I 1st, 1999 (

c) A Special Warrant, as authorized by Order-in-Council 99-126 under

Section 28(2) of the Financial Administration Act, for $375,000 to be expended under the Department of Justice Head of Expenditure; (

d) A Special Warrant, as authorized by Order-in-Council 99-159 under

Section 28(2) of the Financial Administration Act, for $5,000,000 to be expended under the Department of Health and Community Services Head of Expenditure. The Member for Placentia & St. Mary's gave notice that he would on tomorrow move the following Resolution: "WHEREAS we have celebrated the 50th Anniversary of Newfoundland and Labrador's entry into Confederation with Canada; AND

WHEREAS certain benefits have accrued to Newfoundland and Labrador because of Confederation, and tremendous benefits have also accrued to our fellow Canadians; AND

WHEREAS Newfoundland and Labrador's limited power within Confederation to control matters affecting our destiny has often been the source of great concern, frustration and strife for the people of this Province; AND

WHEREAS national policies relating to our own resources have often provided greater benefits to other parts of Canada and therefore have not been fair and equitable; THEREFORE

BE IT RESOLVED that this Honourable House cal I upon the Government of Canada and the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador to begin discussions immediately on adjusting roles and responsibilities for Newfoundland and Labrador within Confederation to give the people of Newfoundland and Labrador greater say in decisions affecting the overall welfare of this Province and to give to our people a greater measure of control over our own destiny." The Member for Ferryland (Mr. Sullivan) presented a Petition on behalf of certain nurses in the Province urging the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador to bargain in good faith with the Nurses Union during the current labour problems.

54 Apri I l 51, 1999 The Member for Signal Hill-Quidi Vidi (Mr. Harris) presented a Petition on behalf of certain residents of the St. John's areas urging the Government of the Province to intervene in the dispute between the Avalon East School Board and Local 1560 of the Canadian Union of Public Employees with respect to the layoff of employees by the Board. The Honourable the Minister of Finance and Justice (Mr. Dicks), moved that the House not adjourn at 5 o'clock in the afternoon and further that the House not adjourn at 10 o'clock in the evening.

The Speaker put the question on the motions and declared the motions carried. It was moved and seconded that the House resolve itself into a Committee of the Whole House. The Speaker left the Chair. Mr. Oldford took the Chair of Committee. The Committee considered the Bill entitled, "An Act To Provide For The Resumption And Continuation Of Health And Community Services" (Bill No. 3). It was agreed to forego the questions under Standing Order 31. A point of order was raised with respect to the use of the word "hit man". The Chairperson (Mr.

Smith) ruled that the word was unparliamentary in the context in which it was spoken. By agreement, the Chair recessed the Committee at 6 o'clock in the evening for dinner. The Chair resumed the Committee of the Whole at 7:30 o'clock in the evening. The Leader of the Opposition (Mr. Ed Byrne) rose on a point of privilege to allege that his privileges had been breached because the front doors to the Confederation Building had been locked. But it was pointed out by the Minister of Justice (Mr. Dicks) and the Chair also noted that the Public Galleries to the Chamber were open.

55 Thursday, Apri I 1st, 1999 The Chair advised Members that the would report the matter of privilege to the Speaker. The Committee further considered the Bill entitled, "An Act To Provide For The Resumption And Continuation Of Health And Community Services" (Bill No. 3). The Chairperson put the question on the motion that clause 8 of the Bill entitled "An Act To Provide For The Resumption And Continuation Of Health And Community Services" (Bill No. 3) carry. The Committee divided: There appeared in favour of the motion: The Hon. The Premier (Mr. Tobin), Mr.

Tulk, the Hon. the Minister of Tourism, Culture & Recreation (Mr. Furey), the Hon. the Minister of Municipal & Provincial Affairs (Mr. Matthews), the Hon. the Minister of Health & Community Services (Ms. Aylward), the Hon. the Minister of Human Resources & Employment (Ms. Bettney), Mr. Walsh, the Hon. the Minister of Finance & Justice (Mr. Dicks), the Hon. the Minister of Mines & Energy (Mr. Grimes), the Hon. the Minister of Forest Resources & Agrifoods (Mr. Aylward), Mr. Lush, Mr. Oldford, the Hon. the President of Treasury Board (Ms. Thistle), Mr. Barrett, the Hon. the Minister of Education (Ms.

Foote), the Hon. the Minister of Environment & Labour (Mr. Langdon), the Hon. the Minister of Industry, Trade & Technology (Ms. Kelly), the Hon. the Minister of Government Services & Lands (Mr. McLean), the Hon. the Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs (Mr. Noel), Mr. Wiseman, Ms. Hodder, Mr. Mercer, Mr. Reid, Ms. Jones, Mr. Parsons, Mr. Sweeney. Against: The Leader of Opposition (Mr. E. Byrne), Mr. Sullivan, Mr. Rideout, Mr. Shelley, Mr. Ottenheimer, Mr. Jack Byrne, Mr. Hodder, Mr. Fitzgerald, Ms. Sheila Osborne, Mr. Hedderson, Mr. Tom Osborne, Mr. Manning, Mr. Hunter, Mr. French, Mr. Harris, Mr. Collins.

The Chairperson declared the motion passed. The Chairperson put the question on the motion that he report the Bill passed without amendment. The motion carried and the Committee passed the Bill entitled, "An Act To Provide For The Resumption And Continuation Of Health And Community Services" (Bill No. 3) without amendment.

56 Thursday, Apri I 1st, 1999 On motion the Committee rose. The Speaker (Mr. Snow) resumed the Chair. The Chairperson of the Committee reported that the Committee of the Whole House had considered the matter to it referred and had passed the Bill entitled, "An Act To Provide For The Resumption And Continuation Of Health And Community Services" (Bill No. 3) without amendment and asked leave to sit again. On motion the Report of the Committee was received and adopted and on motion it was ordered that the Committee have leave to sit again on tomorrow.

Pursuant to order and on motion debate commenced and concluded on Third Reading of the Bill entitled, "An Act To Provide For The Resumption And Continuation Of Health And Community Services" (Bill No. 3). The Speaker put the question on the motion that the Bill entitled, "An Act To Provide For The Resumption And Continuation Of Health And Community Services" (Bill No. 3) be now read a third time. The House divided. There appeared in favour of the motion: The Hon. The Premier (Mr. Tobin), Mr. Tulk, the Hon. the Minister of Tourism, Culture & Recreation (Mr.

Furey), the Hon. the Minister of Municipal & Provincial Affairs (Mr. Matthews), the Hon. the Minister of Health & Community Services (Mr. Aylward), the Hon. the Minister of Human Resources & Employment (Ms. Bettney), Mr. Walsh, the Hon. the Minister of Finance & Justice (Mr. Dicks), the Hon. the Minister of Mines & Energy (Mr. Grimes), the Hon. the Minister of Forest Resources & Agrifoods (Mr. Aylward), Mr. Lush, Mr. Smith, the Hon. the President of Treasury Board (Ms. Thistle), Mr. Barrett, the Hon. the Minister of Education (Ms. Foote), the Hon. the Minister of Environment & Labour (Mr.

Langdon), the Hon. the Minister of Industry, Trade & Technology (Ms. Kelly), the Hon. the Minister of Government Services & Lands (Mr. McLean), the Hon. the Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs (Mr. Noel), Mr. Wiseman, Ms. Hodder, Mr. Mercer, Mr. Reid, Ms. Jones, Mr. Parsons, Mr. Sweeney.

57 Thursday, Apri I 1st, 1999 Against: The Leader of Opposition (Mr. E. Byrne), Mr. Sullivan, Mr. Rideout, Mr. Shelley, Mr. Ottenheimer, Mr. Jack Byrne, Mr. Hodder, Mr. Fitzgerald, Ms. Sheila Osborne, Mr. Hedderson, Mr. Tom Osborne, Mr. Manning, Mr. Hunter, Mr. French, Mr. Harris, Mr. Collins. The Speaker declared the motion carried. On motion the Bill entitled, "An Act To Provide For The Resumption And Continuation Of Health And Community Services" (Bill No. 3) was read a third time and passed.

On motion it was ordered that Bill No. 3 be printed being entitled as above and that it be submitted to His Honour the Lieutenant Governor for His Assent. It was agreed that instead of His Honour the Lieutenant-Governor attending the Royal Assent Ceremony in the Chamber, the Honourable the Speaker and the Clerk of the House would visit Government House later in the evening in order to receive the Royal Assent of Bill No. 3. It was moved and seconded that when the House rose it would adjourn until tomorrow, Wednesday, April 28th at 2 o'clock in the afternoon.

On motion the House then adjourned at 8:45 o'clock in the evening. A. John Noel, Clerk of the House of Assembly.

58 Thursday, April 1st, 1999 On Thursday, April 1st, 1999 at 10 o'clock in the evening, the Honourable the Speaker and the Clerk of the House of Assembly, attended upon His Honour the Lieutenant-Governor at Government House.

The Speaker addressed His Honour as fol lows: "May it please Your Honour, the General Assembly of the Province has at its present Session passed a certain Bill, to which, in the name and on behalf of the General Assembly, I respectfully request your Honour's Assent." Whereupon the Clerk read the following Bill: A Bill "An Act To Provide For The Resumption And Continuation Of Health And Community Services" (Bill No. 3). His Honour the Lieutenant-Governor then said, "In Her Majesty's name I Assent to this Bill. A. John Noel, Clerk of the House of Assembly.

59 Wednesday, April 28'", 1999 The House met at 2 o'clock in the afternoon pursuant to adjournment. The Honourable the Premier (Mr. Tobin) made a Statement to welcome Honourable Beaton Tulk back to Cabinet as the Minister of Development and Rural Renewal and the Government House Leader. The Premier also tabled the Report of Mr. Robert Jenkins, the Commissioner of Members' Interests pertaining to the alleged and unsubstantiated conflict ofinterest with respect to Mr. Tulk and his political staff. The Honourable the Premier (Mr.

Tobin) made a Statement to pay tribute to the late Wallace Pike, the last of Newfoundland and Labrador's World War I veterans living in this Province and to express sympathy to members of the Pike family. The Honourable the Minister of Environment and Labour (Mr. Langdon) made a Statement to recognize April 28th as the National Day of Mourning and to pay tribute to workers who have died as a result of workplace accidents and illness. The Honourable the Minister of Fisheries and Aguaculture (Mr. Efford) made a Statement with respect to Government's financial involvement in S.C.B. Fisheries in Bay d'Espoir.

The Member for Ferryland (Mr. Sullivan) gave notice that he would move the following Resolution presently by leave: "WHEREAS the St. John's Health Care Corporation recently announced the closing of acute care beds due to a nursing shortage; AND

WHEREAS there is an overall predicted nursing shortage nationally; AND

WHEREAS the reliance on casual nurses in this Province has been excessive; AND

WHEREAS remuneration for nurses is the lowest in the country; AND

WHEREAS the overall workoad for nurses has been excessive;

60 Wednesday, April 28th , 1999 AND

WHEREAS these are symptoms of the failure of the Department of Health and Community Services to properly ensure an adequate supply of nurses to fulfill its responsibility to provide a proper functioning acute care system; THEREFORE

BE IT RESOLVED that this Honourable House call upon the government to take the steps of improving nursing remuneration, nursing working conditions and staffing levels to ensure the proper functioning of the health care system." By leave, the Member for Ferryland (Mr. Sullivan) moved under Standing Order 32, that the motion standing in his name, that motion being number4 as printed on the April 28th Order Paper, be withdrawn and struck from the Order Paper. The Speaker put the question on the motion and declared the motion carried and motion No. 4 on the Order Paper be withdrawn.

By leave, pursuant to order and on motion debate commenced on the following Resolution standing in the name of the Member for Ferryland (Mr. Sullivan): "WHEREAS the St. John's Health Care Corporation recently announced the closing of acute care beds due to a nursing shortage; AND

WHEREAS there is an overall predicted nursing shortage nationally; AND

WHEREAS the reliance on casual nurses in this Province has been excessive; AND

WHEREAS remuneration for nurses is the lowest in the country; AND

WHEREAS the overall workoad for nurses has been excessive; AND

WHEREAS these are symptoms of the failure of the Department of Health and Community Services to properly ensure an adequate supply of nurses to fulfill its responsibility to provide a proper functioning acute care system;

61 Wednesday, April 28'". 1999 THEREFORE

BE IT RESOLVED that this Honourable House call upon the government to take the steps of improving nursing remuneration, nursing working conditions and staffing levels to ensure the proper functioning of the health care system." By leave, the Honourable the Government House Leader (Mr. Tulk) gave notice and, by leave, moved: (

a) That the following Heads of Expenditure be referred to the Government Services Committee: Finance Works, Services and Transportation Government Services and Lands Municipal & Provincial Affairs Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation Public Service Commission; (

b) That the following Heads of Expenditure be referred to the Social Services Committee: Human Resources and Employment Education Health and Community Services Environment and Labour Justice; and (

c) That the following Heads of Expenditure be referred to the Resource Committee: Fisheries and Aquaculture Forest Resources and Agrifoods Tourism, Culture and Recreation Industry, Trade and Technology Mines and Energy Development and Rural Renewal".

62 Wednesday, April 28th , 1999 The Honourable the Government House Leader further moved that the referral of the Heads of Expenditure to the Estimates Committees becomes effective on May 3, 1999. The Speaker put the question on the motions and declared the motions carried. Debate continued on the Resolution standing in the name of the Member for Ferryland. The Honourable the Minister of Health and Community Services (Ms. Aylward) moved, seconded by the Minister of Development and Rural Renewal the following amendment: "That the Resolution be amended (

a) by striking out the first recital clause; (

b) by striking outthe third, fourth, fifth & sixth recital clauses, and by substituting the following: "AND

WHEREAS it is recognized that an adequate supply of nurses is necessary to provide a functioning health care system;" and (

c) by striking out the Resolution clause and by substituting the following: "THEREFORE

BE IT RESOLVED that the Honourable House call upon the Government, employers represented by the Newfoundland and Labrador Health and Community Services Association, and the nurses represented by the Newfoundland and Labrador Nurses Union to immediately take collective action to address nursing human resource issues, including recruitment and retention."

63 Wednesday, April 28th , 1999 The Honourable the Minister further stated that the Resolution would now read as follows: "WHEREAS there is an overall predicted nursing shortage nationally; AND

WHEREAS it is recognized that an adequate supply of nurses is necessary to provide proper functioning health care system; THEREFORE

BE IT RESOLVED that the Honourable House call upon the Government, employers represented by the Newfoundland and Labrador Health and Community Services Association, and the nurses represented by the Newfoundland and Labrador Nurses Union to immediately take collective action to address nursing human resource issues, including recruitment and retention." The Deputy Speaker (Mr. Oldford) recessed the House at 3:25 o'clock in the afternoon to consider the amendment. The Deputy Speaker resumed the Chair at 3:38 o'clock in the afternoon.

The Chair ruled that the amendment was in order in accordance with the authority set forth in Standing Order 36 and in Beauchesne, paragraphs 567 to 569. Debate commenced and concluded on the amendment to the Resolution. The Speaker put the question on the amendment to the Resolution. The House divided. There appeared in favour of the motion: The Hon. the Minister of Development and Rural Renewal (Mr. Tulk), the Hon. the MinisterofTourism, Culture & Recreation (Mr. Furey), the Hon. the Minister of Health & Community Services (Ms. Aylward), the Hon. the Minister of Human Resources & Employment (Ms. Bettney), Mr.

Walsh, the Hon. the Minister of Finance & Justice (Mr. Dicks), the Hon. the Minister of Mines & Energy (Mr. Grimes), the Hon. the Minister of Forest Resources & Agrifoods (Mr. Aylward), Mr. Oldford, Mr. Smith, the Hon. the PresidentofTreasury Board (Ms. Thistle),

64 Wednesday, April 28th , 1999 Mr. Barrett, the Hon. the Minister of Education (Ms. Foote), the Hon. the Minister of Environment & Labour (Mr. Langdon), the Hon. the Minister of Government Services & Lands (Mr. McLean), the Hon. the Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs (Mr. Noel), Mr. Wiseman, Mr. Andersen, Ms. Hodder, Mr. Mercer, Mr. Reid, Ms. Jones, Mr. Parsons, Mr. Sweeney. Against: Mr. Sullivan, Mr. Rideout, Mr. Ottenheimer, Mr. Jack Byrne, Mr. Hodder, Mr. Fitzgerald, Ms. Sheila Osborne, Mr. Hedderson, Mr. Tom Osborne, Mr. Harris. The Speaker declared the amendment to the Resolution carried.

The Speaker put the question on the Resolution, as amended. The Speaker declared the Resolution, as amended, carried. It was moved and seconded that when the House rose it would adjourn until tomorrow, Thursday, April 29th at 2 o'clock in the afternoon. On motion the House then adjourned accordingly. A. John Noel, Clerk of the House of Assembly.

65 Thursday, April 29'\ 1999 The House met at 2 o'clock in the afternoon pursuant to adjournment. Following recognition by the Honourable the Speaker of Mr. John Ryan, a paraplegic from Whistler, B.C., the Honourable the Premier(Mr. Tobin) made a Statement to advise Members that Mr. Ryan will soon begin his cross Canada tour on his hand cycle to raise money for spinal cord regeneration research. The Honourable the Premier (Mr. Tobin) made a Statement to announce that he will introduce a Constitutional Resolution to change the official name of the Province as set forth in the Terms of Union with Canada.

The Honourable the Minister of Municipal and Provincial Affairs (Mr. Matthews), as Acting Minister of Works, Services and Transportation, made a Statement respecting the Coastal Link Road in Southern Labrador and the threat by the lnnu of the Quebec North Shore to seek a court injunction to stop the construction of the Red Bay to Cartwright Road. The Honourable the Minister of Mines and Energy (Mr. Grimes) made a Statement to update Members on the Voisey's Bay Project in light of INCO's Annual General Meeting recently held in Toronto. The Honourable the President of Treasury Board (Mrs.

Thistle) made a Statement to advise Members that the current round of collective bargaining is near completion. The Honourable the Minister of Finance and Justice (Mr. Dicks), in accordance with

Section 26(4) of the Financial Administration Act, tabled copies of Minute of Council 99-132 which relates to a precommitment for $4,519,100 to be expended under the Department of Education Head of Expenditure. The Honourable the Premier (Mr. Tobin) gave notice that he would presently seek leave to move the following Resolution: "RESOLUTION

WHEREAS

Section 43 of the Constitution Act, 1982 provides that an amendment to the Constitution of Canada in relation to any provision that applies to one or more, but not all, provinces may be made by proclamation issued by the Governor General under the Great Seal of Canada where so authorized by resolutions of the Senate and House of Commons and of the legislative assembly of each province to which the amendment applies;

66 Thursday, April 29th , 1999 AND

WHEREAS Term 1 of the Terms of Union of Newfoundland with Canada provides as follows: 1. On, from, and after the coming into force of these Terms (hereinafter referred to as the date of Union), Newfoundland shall form part of Canada and shall be a province thereof to be called and known as the Province of Newfoundland.

NOW THEREFORE the House of Assembly of the Province of Newfoundland resolves that His Excellency the Governor General be authorized to issue a proclamation under the Great Seal of Canada amending the Constitution of Canada in accordance with the

Schedule set forth below; AND BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that, upon approval and adoption by this House of this Resolution the Speaker be directed to forward a true copy of this Resolution to His Excellency the Governor General certifying that the requirements of the Constitution Act, 1982 respecting the adoption of a Resolution by the House of Assembly of Newfoundland have been met.

SCHEDULE AMENDMENT TO THE CONSTITUTION OF CANADA 1. The Terms of Union of Newfoundland with Canada set out in the

Schedule to the Newfoundland Act are amended by striking out the words "Province of Newfoundland" wherever they occur and substituting the words "Province of Newfoundland and Labrador". 2. Paragraph (

g) of Term 33 of the

Schedule to the Act is amended by striking out the word "Newfoundland" and substituting the words "the Province of Newfoundland and Labrador". 3. Term 38 of the

Schedule to the Act is amended by striking out the words "Newfoundland veterans" wherever they occur and substituting the words "Newfoundland and Labrador veterans". 4. Term 42 of the

Schedule to the Act is amended by striking out the words "Newfoundland merchant seamen" and "Newfoundland merchant seaman" wherever they occur and substituting the words "Newfoundland and Labrador merchant seamen" and "Newfoundland and Labrador merchant seaman", respectively.

Citation 67 Thursday, April 291h, 1999 5. Subsection (2) ofTerm46 of the

Schedule to the Act is amended by adding immediately after the word "Newfoundland" where it first occurs the words "and Labrador". 6. This Amendment may be cited as the Constitution Amendment, year of proclamation (Newfoundland and Labrador).

ANNEXE MODIFICATION DE LA CONSTITUTION DU CANADA 1. Dans les Conditions de !'union de Terre-Neuve au Canada figurant a !'annexe de la

Loi surTerre-Neuve, «province de Terre-Neuve» est remplace par «province de Terre-Neuve-et-Labrador». 2. Dans l'alinea

g) de la clause 33 de !'annexe de la meme loi, «Terre Neuve» est rem place par «la province de Terre-Neuve-et-Labrador». 3. Dans la clause 38 de !'annexe de la meme Joi, «anciens combattants de Terre-Neuve» est remplace par «anciens combattants de Terre-Neuve-et Labrador». 4. Dans la clause 42 de !'annexe de la meme lois, «marins marchands de Terre-Neuve» et «marin marchand de Terre-Neuve» sont respectivement remplaces par «marins marchands de Terre-Neuve-et-Labrador» et «marin marchand de Terre-Neuve-et-Labrador». 5. Dans la clause 46(2) de !'annexe de la meme Joi, «autres que Terre Neuve" est remplace par «autres que Terre-Neuve-et-Labrador».

Titre 6.

Titre de la presente modification: Modification constitutionnelle de [an nee de la proclamation] (Terre-Neuve-et-Labrador)." By agreement, the Speaker put the question on the Resolution standing in the name of the Honourable the Premier with respect to an amendment to the Constitution of Canada (Changing the Name of the Province). The Speaker declared the motion carried unanimously.

68 Thursday, April 29'\ 1999 The Member for Ferryland (Mr. Sullivan) presented a Petition on behalf of certain nurses urging the Government of the Province to pursue a constructive dialogue in order to solve the existing health care crisis. During the presentation of this Petition, there was a disturbance in the Public Galleries. After a warning by the Speaker, the Speaker had no choice but to order the Public Galleries cleared. The Speaker left the Chair at 3:16 o'clock in the afternoon. The Speaker resumed the Chair at 3:22 o'clock in the afternoon. The presentation of Petitions continued.

The MemberforBonavista South (Mr. Fitzgerald) presented a Petition on behalf of certain residents of his District urging the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador to upgrade and pave five kilometers of route 235 from Birchy Cove to Bonavista. The Member for Cartwright-L'Anse au Clair (Ms. Jones) presented a Petition on behalf of certain residents of her District respecting the proposed closure of St. Andrew's Elementary School and urging the School Board to designate the school as a small and necessarily existing one.

Pursuant to order and on motion debate commenced on the Budget Speech and on motion debate was adjourned forfurtherdebate on tomorrow. At 4:30 o'clock pursuant to Standing Order 31, certain questions raised by Members were debated, following which pursuant to Standing Order 31, the Speaker put the question that the House do now adjourn. During the adjournment motion, there was a disturbance in the Public Galleries. The Speaker ordered the galleries cleared and the doors closed.

Thursday, April 29th , 1999 The Speaker left the Chair at 4:37 o'clock in the afternoon. The Speaker resumed the Chair at 4:42 o'clock in the afternoon. The motion on the adjournment of the House was carried. 69 The Speaker left the Chair until tomorrow, Friday, April 30th at 9 o'clock in the morning. A. John Noel, Clerk of the House of Assembly.

70 Friday, April 30'\ 1999 The House met at 9 o'clock in the morning pursuant to adjournment. The Honourable the Speaker made the following rulings: (

a) The Speaker ruled there was no point of order with respect to a matter raised by the Member for Terra Nova on March 25th , 1999. However, the Speaker reminded Members about the proper review of Petitions by the Table before presentation in the House. (

b) The Speaker ruled there was no point of order raised by the Member for Terra Nova, March 26th , 1999 with respect to giving a document, purporting to be a Petition, to another Member if that Member does not object. (

c) The Speaker ruled that there was no prima facie case of privilege established by the Honourable the Premier on March 30th , 1999 with respect to certain comments attributed to the Member for Signal Hill-Quidi Vidi. (

d) The Speaker ruled there was no prima facie case of privilege established by the Honourable the Minister of Mines and Energy on April 1st, 1999 with respect to comments allegedly made by a Member on an open line radio show concerning the closing of the Public Galleries. The Honourable the Minister of Education (Ms. Foote) made a statement to announce that her Department in partnership with Industry Canada had recently approved the establishment of fifteen additional community internet access sites in the Province. The Honourable the Minister of Industry, Trade and Technology (Ms.

Kelly) made a Statement to pay tribute to the late Mr. Austin Lloyd Garrett of Gander and asked the House to express condolences to the family of the late Mr. Garrett.

71 Friday, April 30th , 1999 The Honourable the Government House Leader(Mr. Tulk) presented a Report of the Striking Committee whereupon he gave notice and by leave moved that the following Committees be composed of the following Members: PUBLIC ACCOUNTS COMMITTEE Mr. Jack Byrne - Member for Cape St. Francis Mr. Tom Lush - Member for Terra Nova Mr. Wally Andersen - Member for Torngat Mountains Ms. Mary Hodder - Member for Burin-Placentia West Mr. Bob Mercer - Member for Humber East Mr. Bob French - Member for Conception Bay South Mr. Fabian Manning - Member for Placentia & St.

Mary's GOVERNMENT SERVICES COMMITTEE Mr. Ralph Wiseman - Member for Topsail Mr. Harvey Hodder - Member for Waterford Valley Mr George Sweeney - Member for Carbonear-Harbour Grace Mr. Eddie Joyce - Member for Bay of Islands Mr Wally Andersen - Member for Torngat Mountains Ms. Sheila Osborne - Member for St. John's West Mr. Fabian Manning - Member for Placentia-St. Mary's RESOURCE COMMITTEE Mr. Gerry Reid - Member for Twillingate-Fogo Mr. Tom Rideout - Member for Lewisporte Ms. Yvonne Jones - Member for Cartwright-L'Anse au Clair Mr. Kelvin Parsons - Member for Burgeo & Lapoile Mr.

Eddie Joyce - Member for Bay of Islands Mr. Bob French - Member for Conception Bay South Mr. Ray Hunter - Member for Windsor-Springdale Mr. George Sweeney - Member for Carbonear-Harbour Grace Mr. Randy Collins - Member for Labrador West

Friday, April 30th , 1999 SOCIAL SERVICES COMMITTEE Mr. Bob Mercer - Member for Humber East Mr. Tom Osborne - Member for St. John's South Ms. Mary Hodder - Member for Burin-Placentia West Ms. Yvonne Jones - Member for Cartwright-L'Anse au Clair Mr. Kelvin Parsons - Member for Burgeo & Lapoile Mr. Tom Hedderson - Member for Harbour Main - Whitbourne Mr. John Ottenheimer - Member for St. John's East. 72 By agreement, the Speaker put the question on the motion and declared the motion carried. The Member for Ferryland (Mr.

Sullivan) presented a Petition on behalf of certain nurses urging the Government of the Province to pursue a constructive dialogue in order to solve the existing health care crisis. The Member for Bonavista South (Mr. Fitzgerald) presented a Petition on behalf of certain residents of his District urging the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador to upgrade and pave five kilometers of route 235 from Birchy Cove to Bonavista.

Pursuant to order and on motion debate continued on the Budget Speech and on motion debate was adjourned forfurtherdebate on tomorrow. !twas moved and seconded that when the House rose it would adjourn until tomorrow, Monday, May 3rd at 2 o'clock in the afternoon. On motion the House adjourned accordingly. A. John Noel, Clerk of the House of Assembly.

73 Monday, May 3rd , 1999 The House met at 2 o'clock in the afternoon pursuant to adjournment. The Honourable the Minister of Tourism, Culture and Recreation (Mr. Furey) made a Statement to announce that Government had committed $25,000 for the completion of a feasibility study relating to the establishment of an H.M.S. Saphire

Interpretation Centre in the Community of Bay Bulls. The Honourable the Minister of Forest Resources and Agrifoods (Mr. Aylward) made a Statement to recognize National Forestry Week from May 3ro to May 8th . The Minister also announced a Round Table on Forest Resources will be held on June 1st in Stephenville. The Honourable the Minister of Industry, Trade and Technology (Ms. Kelly) made a Statement to update Members on two government sponsored trade missions namely: the 'Team Atlantic" Trade Mission from April 12th to 15 th to the New England States and the Business Mission to I re land organized by St.

John's Board of Trade and Ireland Business Partnerships which ran from April 16th to April 23rd • The Minister also tabled a list of Newfoundland and Labrador companies which took

part in both trade missions. The Honourable the Speaker (Mr. Snow), in accordance with

section 5(4) of the Internal Economy Commission Act, advised the House with respect to the membership on the Commission of Internal Economy. The Members are: The Member for Trinity North, in his capacity as Deputy Speaker; The Honourable Minister of Development and Rural Renewal, in his capacity as Government House Leader; The Honourable Minister of Finance and Justice and The Honourable Minister of Forest Resources and Agrifoods.

Both Ministers have been appointed by the Lieutenant-Governor in Council in their capacities as Ministers of the Crown; The Member for Ferryland, in his capacity as Opposition House Leader; The Member for Lewisporte, as a Member of the Opposition; and The Honourable the Speaker who is Chair of the Commission. The Honourable the Minister of Finance and Justice (Mr. Dicks) gave notice that he would on tomorrow move that the House Resolve itself into a Committee of the Whole on Supply to Consider Certain Resolutions For The Granting Of Supplementary Supply To Her Majesty" (Bill No. 8).

74 Monday, May 3rd , 1999 The Honourable the Minister of Finance and Justice gave notice that he would on tomorrow move that the House Resolve Itself into a Committee of the Whole to Consider Certain Resolutions Relating to the Guaranteeing Of Certain Loans Under The Local Authority Guarantee Act, 1957 (Bill No. 7). The Honourable the Minister of Finance and Justice gave notice that he would on tomorrow ask leave to introduce a Bill entitled, "An Act To Amend The Health And Post-Secondary Education Tax Act" (Bill No. 5).

The Honourable the Minister of Finance and Justice gave notice that he would on tomorrow ask leave to introduce a Bill entitled, "An Act To Amend The Income Tax Act" (Bill No. 6). The Honourable the Minister of Finance and Justice gave notice that he would on tomorrow ask leave to introduce a Bill entitled, "An Act To Amend The Financial Administration Act" (Bill No. 4). The Honourable the Minister of Health and Community Services (Ms. Aylward) gave notice that she would on tomorrow ask leave to introduce a Bill entitled, "An Act To Amend The Denturists Act" (Bill No. 10).

The Honourable the Minister of Government Services and Lands (Mr. McLean) gave notice that he would on tomorrow ask leave to introduce a Bill entitled, "An Act To Amend The Securities Act" (Bill No. 9). The Memberfor Signal Hill-Quidi Vidi (Mr. Harris) presented a Petition on behalf of certain residents of the St. John's area urging the Government of the Province to intervene in a labour dispute between the Avalon East School Board and Local 1560 of the Canadian Union of Public Employees with respect to the layoff of certain employees by the Board. The Member for Waterford Valley (Mr.

Hodder) presented a Petition on behalf of certain taxpayers of St. John's and Mount Pearl and as cabin owners of the Hodgewater Line urging the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador to upgrade the Hodgewater Line with class 'A' road gravel or if possible to pave the road. The Member for Ferryland (Mr. Sullivan) presented a Petition on behalf of certain nurses urging the Government of the Province to pursue a constructive dialogue in order to solve the existing health care crisis.

75 Monday, May 3rd , 1999 The Member for Bonavista South (Mr. Fitzgerald) presented a Petition on behalf of certain residents of his District urging the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador to upgrade and pave the 5 kilometres of route 235 from Birchy Bay to Bonavista. Pursuant to order and on motion debate continued on the Budget Speech and on motion debate was further adjourned until tomorrow. It was moved and seconded that when the House rose it would adjourn until tomorrow, Tuesday, May 4th at 2 o'clock in the afternoon. On motion the House adjourned accordingly. <:....c:-_ __ S:-=:ss-N A. John Noel, Clerk of the House of Assembly.

76 Tuesday, May 4th , 1999 The House met at 2 o'clock in the afternoon pursuant to adjournment. The Honourable the Minister of Human Resources and Employment (Ms. Bettney) made a Statement to announce that the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador will accept proposals forfunding of demonstration projects that will support the Province's Strategic Social Plan. The Minister also updated the Members on the implementation initiatives associated with the Plan. The Honourable the MinisterofEnvironmentand Labour(Mr. Langdon) made a Statement to publicize North American Drinking Water Week, May 2nd to May 8th , 1999.

This year's theme is "Celebrate Water"with the focus on the universality of water. In reply to a question for which notice had been given, the Honourable the Minister of Finance (Mr. Dicks) gave an oral answer respecting the Immigrant Investment Fund. In reply to a question for which notice was given, the Honourable the Minister of Industry, Trade and Technology (Ms. Kelly) tabled an answer respecting the Immigrant Investor Fund. The Member for Bonavista South (Mr.

Fitzgerald) presented a Petition on behalf of certain students and staff of Matthew Elementary School in Bonavista urging the Government of Newfoundland and Labradorto upgrade and pave 5 kilometres of route 235 from Birchy Bay to Bonavista. Pursuant to order and on motion debate continued on the Budget Speech and on motion debate was further adjourned until tomorrow. The Honourable the Government House Leader (Mr. Tulk) announced thatthe motion standing in the name of the Member for Burin-Placentia West (Ms. Hodder) would be debated on Private Members' Day on Wednesday.

The Honourable the Government House Leader also announced that the motion would be introduced by another Member of the Government Caucus because the Member for Burin-Placentia West would be unavoidably absent.

77 Tuesday, May 4th , 1999 !twas moved and seconded that when the House rose it would adjourn until tomorrow, Wednesday, May 5th at 2 o'clock in the afternoon. On motion the House adjourned accordingly. A. John Noel, Clerk of the House of Assembly.

78 Wednesday, May 5th , 1999 The House met at 2 o'clock in the afternoon pursuant to adjournment. The Honorable the Minister of Tourism, Culture and Recreation (Mr. Furey) made a Statement to announce that the Month of May had been designated Tourism Awareness Month in Newfoundland and Labrador. In reply to a question for which notice had been given, the Honourable the Minister of Health and Community Services (Ms. Aylward), gave an oral answer respecting a child in need of protection and the role of social workers with respect to this matter.

Pursuant to order and on motion debate commenced and concluded on the following Resolution standing in the name of the Member for Burin Placentia West (Ms. Hodder): "WHEREAS the shipbuilding industry has long been a core element in Canada's industrial growth strategy creating and sustaining high quality skills driven jobs with world wide expertise in this vitally important sector; AND

WHEREAS the shipbuilding industry has been an important component of our provincial economy; AND

WHEREAS other countries have continued to provide financial incentives and maintain significant trade barriers to protect their shipbuilding industry eliminating the possibility of an international level playing field; THEREFORE

BE IT RESOLVED THAT this Honourable House strongly endorse a national shipbuilding strategy to be undertaken by the Government of Canada that will provide certain measures in support of a strong, and internationally competitive shipbuilding industry as advocated by leaders of this industry." By agreement, the Member for Bellevue (Mr. Barrett) introduced the Resolution in place of the Memberfor Burin-Placentia West (Ms. Hodder) who was unavoidably absent. The Speaker (Mr. Oldford) put the question on the Resolution and declared the Resolution carried unanimously.

79 Wednesday, May 5th , 1999 The Honourable the Government House Leader (Mr. Tulk) announced that the House would not sit on Friday, May 5t"_ 1999. It was moved and seconded that when the House rose it would adjourn until tomorrow, Thursday, May 6th at 2 o'clock in the afternoon. On motion the House then adjourned accordingly. A. John Noel, Clerk of the House of Assembly.

80 Thursday, May 6th , 1999 The House met at 2 o'clock in the afternoon pursuant to adjournment. The Honourable the Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture (Mr. Efford) made a Statement in response to the 1999 Report of the Fisheries Resource Conservation Council respecting the effect of the burgeoning harp seal population on the slow recovery of the cod stocks. The Honorable the Minister of Forest Resources and Agrifoods (Mr. Aylward) made a Statement to advise Members of the contribution of the Conservation Corps in the Province. The Honourable the Speaker (Mr.

Snow) reminded Members of the rules relating to Oral Questions. The Member for Ferryland (Mr. Sullivan) presented a Petition on behalf of certain nurses urging the Government of the Province to pursue a constructive dialogue in order to solve the existing health care crisis. The Member for Placentia and St. Mary's (Mr. Manning) presented a Petition on behalf of certain residents of the Isthmus of Avalon region requesting Government to take measures to ensure that a divided highway continue past the Whitbourne/Blaketown exits and that the twinned highway include the Argentia access overpass.

The Member for Bonavista South (Mr. Fitzgerald) presented a Petition on behalf of certain residents of his District urging the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador to upgrade and pave five kilometers of route 235 from Birchy Cove To Bonavista. The Member for Labrador West (Mr. Collins) presented a Petition on behalf of certain residents of the Province urging the Government of the Province to install a dialysis machine in the St. Anthony Hospital. Pursuant to order and on motion debate continued on the Budget Speech and on motion debate was adjourned forfurtherdebate on tomorrow.

81 Thursday, May 6th , 1999 At4:30 o'clock pursuant to Standing Order 31, certain questions raised by Members were debated, following which pursuant to Standing Order 31, the Speaker put the question that the House do now adjourn. The motion was carried. The Speaker left the Chair until tomorrow, Monday, May 10 1 ", 1999 at2 o'clock in the afternoon. c A. John Noel, Clerk of the House of Assembly.

82 Monday, May 10th , 1999 The House met at 2 o'clock in the afternoon pursuant to adjournment. The Honourable the Minister of Health and Community Services (Ms. Aylward) made a Statement to provide Members with statistics released by the Canadian Institute of Health Information, the Canadian Nurses Association and Statistics Canada with respect to the number of registered nurses employed in the Province. The Honourable the Minister of Health and Community Services (Ms.

Aylward) made a Statement respecting that the May 7th release by the federal, provincial and territorial governments of a key discussion paper entitled "National Children's Agenda Developing a Shared Vision" and the supplementary paper "Measuring Child Well-being and Monitoring Progress". The Minister stated these papers would be the first step towards developing a comprehensive long-term strategy to improve the well being of Canadian children. The Honourable the Premier (Mr.

Tobin) made a Statement to announce that a significant achievement in land claim's negotiations had taken place with the agreement in principle of a Land Claims Agreement between the Labrador Inuit Association and the Federal and Provincial Governments. The Honourable the Minister of Finance (Mr. Dicks) gave notice that he would on tomorrow move that the House resolve itself into a Committee of the Whole to consider certain Resolutions relating to the Raising of Loans by the Province. (Bill No. 12) The Honourable the Minister of Health and Community Services (Ms.

Aylward) gave notice that she would on tomorrow ask leave to introduce a Bill entitled, "An Act To Amend The Tobacco Control Act" (Bill No. 11 ). The Member for Ferryland (Mr. Sullivan) presented a Petition on behalf of certain nurses urging the Government of the Province to pursue a constructive dialogue in order to solve the existing health care crisis. The Member for Bonavista South (Mr. Fitzgerald) presented a Petition on behalf of certain residents urging the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador to upgrade and pave five kilometers of route 235 from Birchy Cove to Bonavista.

83 Monday, May 10th , 1999 Pursuant to order and on motion the Bill entitled, "An Act To Amend The Health And Post-Secondary Education Tax Act" (Bill No. 5) was introduced and read a first time. On motion it was ordered that Bill No. 5 be read a second time on tomorrow. Pursuant to order and on motion debate continued on the Budget Speech and on motion debate was further adjourned until tomorrow. It was moved and seconded that when the House rose it would adjourn until tomorrow, Tuesday, May 11 th at 2 o'clock in the afternoon. On motion the House adjourned accordingly. A. John Noel, Clerk of the House of Assembly.

84 Tuesday, May 11'\ 1999 The House met at 2 o'clock in the afternoon pursuant to adjournment. The Speaker ruled on a point of order raised by the Member for Cape St. Francis (Mr. J. Byrne) on April 29th• The Speaker ruled there was no point of order but a difference of opinion between two Members as to the events that had taken place. The MemberforTwillingate & Fogo (Mr. Reid) apologized to the Leader of the Opposition with respect to his comments on the Leader's absence from the House. The Honourable the Minister of Health and Community Services (Ms.

Aylward) made a Statement to announce that she introduce amendments to the Tobacco Control Act for the purpose of the licencing wholesale and retail vendors of tobacco products in order to control the sale of tobacco to minors. The Honourable the Minister of Education (Ms. Foote) made a statement in order to release the documents entitled "Career Search", the most current and comprehensive report of employment outcome and experience of post secondary graduates ever produced in the Province. The Honourable the Minister of Government Services and Lands (Mr. McLean), in accordance with

Section 56(1) of the Automobile Insurance Act, tabled the Annual Report of the Board of Commissioners of Public Utilities for the period April 1st , 1998 to March 31 st , 1999. The Honourable the Minister of Municipal and Provincial Affairs (Mr, Matthews) gave notice that he would on tomorrow ask leave to introduce a Bill entitled, "An Act Respecting Municipalities" (Bill No. 14 ). The Honourable the Minister of Finance (Mr.

Dicks) gave notice that he would on tomorrow move that the House resolve itself into a Committee of the Whole on Supply to consider certain Resolutions for the Granting of Supplementary Supply to Her Majesty for the fiscal year 1998-99 (Bill No. 13). The Member for Bonavista South (Mr. Fitzgerald) presented a Petition on behalf of certain residents of his District urging the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador to upgrade and pave the 5 kilometers of Route 235 from Birchy Cove to Bonavista.

85 Tuesday, May 11th, 1999 The Member for Cape St. Francis ( Mr. J. Byrne) presented a Petition on behalf of certain non-public service pensioners urging the Government of the Province to provide adequate increases in benefits to public service pensioners which reflect the seven per cent increase in the wages of public servants and to index public service pensions accordingly.

Pursuant to order and on motion the following Bills were introduced and read a first time: A Bill "An Act To Amend The Financial Administration Act" (Bill No. 4); A Bill "An Act To Amend The Denturists Act" (Bill No. 1 O); A Bill "An Act To Amend The Tobacco Control Act" (Bill No. 11 ). On motion it was ordered that the said Bills be read a second time on tomorrow. Pursuant to order and on motion debate continued on the Budget Speech. During the debate, the Member for Ferryland (Mr. Sullivan) moved, seconded by the Member for St. John's South (Mr. T.

Osborne), that all of the words after the word "that" be struck and replaced with the following: "this House acknowledge and condemn the government's failure to manage competently the Province's finances; its failure to live up to its duty or its promise to provide adequate direction and funding for social programs such as health and social services; its failure to secure the future of our Province by investing appropriately in education and students; and its failure to discharge effectively its responsibility to plan for and invest in economic recovery and employment growth in the Province and particularly in rural areas, so desperately in need of development and jobs".

The Speaker (Mr. Snow) ruled the amendment in order.

86 Tuesday, May 11 th , 1999 Pu rsuantto order and on motion debate commenced on the amendment to the Budget Speech (being a non-confidence motion). On motion debate was adjourned for further debate on tomorrow. The Honourable the Government House Leader (Mr. Tulk) announced that the motion standing in the name of the Memberfor Placentia & St. Mary's (Mr. Manning) would be debated on Private Members' Day on Wednesday. It was moved and seconded that when the House rose it would adjourn until tomorrow Wednesday, May 12th at 2 o'clock in the afternoon. On motion the House adjourned accordingly. A. John Noel, Clerk of the House of Assembly.

87 Wednesday, May 12'". 1999 The House met at 2 o'clock in the afternoon pursuant to adjournment. The Honourable the Minister of Health and Community Services (Ms. Aylward) made a Statement to announce the establishment of a gerontological nursing scholarship in honour of the late Joyce M. Nevitt, the founder and first faculty member of the Memorial University School of Nursing. The Honourable the Premier (Mr. Tobin) made a Statement to update Members on the status of the Friede Goldman Newfoundland operations at Marystown. The Honourable the Minister of Municipal and Provincial Affairs (Mr.

Matthews), in his capacity as Acting Minister of Works, Services & Transportation, made a Statement to advise Members that he, along with the Member for Burgeo & LaPoile (Mr. Parsons) and the Hon. Fred Mifflin, will be meeting with the Hon. David Colinette, the Federal MinisterofTransportation, to discuss with him the Provi

Document details

Collection	Newfoundland and Labrador — Committees
Citation	housebusiness_journals_ga44_ga44session1
Type	committee
Volume / chapter	housebusiness_journals_ga44_ga44session1.pdf
Language	en
Format	json
Source	PROVINCIAL
Identifier	6a7035c025cd6b5d129f7ceb61b2d318c4800d75

Source file is stored in the law ingest library (json).