PDF Version

April 16, 2019

HOUSE OF ASSEMBLY PROCEEDINGS

Vol. XLVIII No. 7

The

House met at 2 p.m.

SERGEANT–AT-ARMS:

All rise.

MR. SPEAKER (Trimper):

Please be seated.

Order,

please!

The hon.

the Minister of Finance and President of Treasury Board.

SOME HON. MEMBERS:

Hear, hear!

MR. OSBORNE:

Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

I move,

seconded by the hon. Premier, that this House approves in general the budgetary

policy of government.

MR. SPEAKER:

The motion is that this House

approves in general the budgetary policy of the government.

MR. OSBORNE:

Before I start, I will

apologize to the House because I've just gotten over pneumonia and I'm going to

probably be popping Halls as I'm giving the speech.

Mr.

Speaker, today marks our fourth budget in the first mandate of this

administration.

We are a

government that is firmly focused on the future.

However,

it is important to understand where we have been, where we are, and what is on

the horizon for Newfoundlanders and Labradorians.

Mr.

Speaker, I am an optimistic person – someone who very much takes a glass as

half-full view – but the financial challenges we faced when forming government

bears repeating.

Within

hours of the Premier being sworn in, he was advised by senior government

officials that without quick and decisive action, the ability to pay public

service employees and deliver services such as health and education may have

been compromised.

Mr.

Speaker, our province was on the brink.

frightening a scenario as that was, our actions have set the province on a

course to overcome the tall task of addressing the fiscal crisis that faced

Newfoundlanders and Labradorians, which left unchecked, would have had dire

consequences on our economy and future generations.

We have

been responsible. We have been accountable.

We have

balanced the fiscal pressures with the need to: advance critical infrastructure;

create attractive environment for investment and job growth; improve access and

outcomes in health care and education; as well as clean up the mess of Muskrat

Falls.

Today,

our fiscal outlook is significantly improved.

Mr.

Speaker, the Official Opposition like to paint a doom-and-gloom picture of the

provincial economy. There is, in fact, nothing further from the truth.

There is

still much work to be done to create a brighter future.

However,

they cannot dispute that we have well exceeded the expectations that was set in

the PC's final budget in 2015. The fact of the matter is, the total number of

people working in Newfoundland and Labrador last year was higher than it was

forecasted to be in Budget 2015 ; in

2018, employee compensation is almost a quarter of a billion dollars higher than

it was forecasted in Budget 2015 ; last

year, projected investment was $1 billion higher than projected in

Budget 2015 , and retail sales were

higher than projected in Budget 2015.

SOME HON. MEMBERS:

Hear, hear!

MR. OSBORNE:

Mr. Speaker, despite years of

unprecedented oil revenues pouring into the Treasury, there is no mistaking that

the lasting legacy of the previous administration is a poorly conceived

hydroelectric project.

Today,

Muskrat Falls accounts for more than one-third of the province's total direct

and indirect debt. Our bond-rating agencies have identified that it is the

largest downward pressure on Newfoundlanders and Labradorians.

We have

had to borrow, and borrow again, to fund this over-budget, behind-schedule

project.

We were

collectively left holding a stack of bills instead of putting that money into

services and programs that are important to hard-working Newfoundlanders and

Labradorians.

Through

the work of the Premier, the Minister of Natural Resources and strengthened

project management, the project is on a more stable footing. And, by leveraging

the expertise of the Public Utilities Board, we will be able to take informed

steps to manage electricity rates.

As with

previous budgets, we are required to make an equity investment again this year

to Nalcor Energy. This year, that investment exceeds more half a billion

dollars.

Where we are

Mr.

Speaker, as I said at the outset I wanted to paint a picture of the starting

point for our government, but that is the past. And, that is where it belongs.

As we

look forward, Mr. Speaker, as I look at the faces of the Members on this side of

the House of Assembly, I see a united team of MHAs under the leadership of our

Premier.

SOME HON. MEMBERS:

Hear, hear!

MR. OSBORNE:

Our Premier has a vision for

this province and it's a vision that we on this side of the House rally behind.

As a

government, we feel good with the progress that we have made and are incredibly

optimistic for the future.

Our

optimism is fueled by nine consecutive months of employment gains and increasing

retail sales. The Conference Board of Canada and the Atlantic Provinces Economic

Council both forecasted that Newfoundland and Labrador will be among the leaders

in economic activity this year.

The

gains that we've made highlight the value of our plan –

The Way Forward .

Our plan

is a smarter approach to governing that has well-positioned Newfoundland and

Labrador for the future.

Mr.

Speaker, the progress that has been made, and the momentum that we are building,

would not have been achievable without the tremendous support of our public

service employees.

SOME HON. MEMBERS:

Hear, hear!

MR. OSBORNE:

Unheralded in their work,

they touch every aspect of our daily lives – everything from maintaining our

roads to delivering health care, from educating our youth to supporting economic

development.

They

have been our trusted partners and our advisors.

They

have been innovative and open to delivering services in a more effective manner;

and, together, we negotiated agreements that recognized the financial challenges

and provided much needed job security.

As the

Minister of Human Resource Secretariat, I take pride in the collective and

collaborative approach as it marked the first time in our province's history

that wage freezes were negotiated for four years.

behalf of the Premier, Cabinet, and our teams of MHAs, I extend a heartfelt

thank you to our public service employees.

SOME HON. MEMBERS:

Hear, hear!

MR. OSBORNE:

Mr. Speaker, as we navigate

our Way Forward, we will continue to work closely with the public service and

leverage their expertise and passion for the communities they call home.

Mr.

Speaker, preparing a budget takes a great number of hours and a great deal of

dedication, and I would like to thank my team in the Department of Finance: my

Deputy Minister, Denise Hanrahan – who incidentally hasn't yet blown out the

birthday candles on her birthday cake, Craig Martin, Michelle Jewer, Craig

Tucker, Scott Barfoot, Marc Budgell and Chrysta Collins.

SOME HON. MEMBERS:

Hear, hear!

MR. OSBORNE:

Mr. Speaker,

The Way Forward has been guided by our engagement with residents and

businesses.

It has

been clear, do better with less. Reduce government expenditures and maintain a

high level of investment in health care, education, business development and

other government services.

It has

required careful balancing but we are meeting those expectations.

The

annual deficit has been reduced from over $2 billion in 2015-16.

Spending

has held steady after 10 years where the provincial budgets increased by almost

50 per cent. That is even more notable when you consider eight provinces grew

their expenditures at a higher rate than this province over the last three

years.

And, in

reducing the number of government vehicles by 10 per cent, we will realize

savings on fuel, insurance, maintenance totalling hundreds of thousands of

dollars annually. By reducing our leased space by more than 103,000 square feet

since 2016, we are saving millions of dollars annually.

Since

forming government, we've made a commitment to reducing the size of the public

service, which we believe can be achieved without mass layoffs.

This

year we've made a reduction of approximately 100 additional positions, bringing

our total reduction in positions to date to just under 900 positions within

government departments. We have also made reductions in our agencies, boards and

commissions and have introduced legislation that improves our ability to work

with government entities on identifying cost-savings and addressing staffing

levels through attrition.

That is

notable progress.

From a

health care perspective, the cost of delivering care grew by more than 50 per

cent between 2007 and 2015 due to many factors including the introduction of new

drugs and new technologies. This considerable growth and how to best manage it

is an issue being experienced by all provinces.

Our

government has made great strides to curb that growth rate and to make better

use of the roughly $3 billion that we spend on health care annually. In fact,

the Canadian Institute for Health Information has reported that Newfoundland and

Labrador has seen the third lowest growth rate in Canada over the past three

years.

Mr.

Speaker, we have achieved this while making significant – and necessary

improvements – to home and community care supports, mental health and addictions

services, health infrastructure and primary health care.

working smarter and being open to partnerships, we are: well into construction

of a new 145 bed long-term care home in Corner Brook; building a new ambulatory

care unit in Carbonear, which also has 28 additional long-term care beds that

were opened in that community; we are weeks from starting construction of a new

protective care unit in Botwood, long-term care homes in Gander and Grand

Falls-Windsor, as well as a new mental health and addictions hospital here in

St. John's; and, construction of a new acute care hospital in Corner Brook will

start later this year.

And

that's just health care.

That

doesn't include the improvements to transportation infrastructure or new schools

being constructed in communities such as Gander, Paradise, Coley's Point or Bay

d'Espoir.

Mr.

Speaker, that is our goal, that is our legacy – better services and better

outcomes.

As we

continue our Way Forward to returning to surplus, we will build on the progress

made to date. We will continue to improve and modernize government operations,

as well as continue our government-wide shared services review.

There

are opportunities for government departments and organizations to work smarter

and share such back-office services as human resources, information technology,

finance and supply chain functions.

Once

fully implemented, shared services will improve efficiencies and save government

tens of millions of dollars annually with absolutely no impact on public facing

services.

This can

be summed up in two words, Mr. Speaker: Smarter Government.

We need

to capitalize on these opportunities.

Through

our Way Forward plan, our government is working with industry, community and

other levels of government, as well as academic and research institutions to

support economic development and job growth.

With

more than $18 billion attracted in new investment in such industries as oil and

gas and mining, the message is strong: Our approach is working.

Newfoundland and Labrador is open for business, and companies from around the

world want to do business in our province.

Our

collaborative approach to working with business – both large and small – are

leading to business development, creating jobs and benefiting communities.

In the

technology sector, companies like Provincial Aerospace, Quorum and Bluedrop,

just to name a few, are expanding their teams and taking on new business

opportunities.

Dildo

Brewing in Trinity Bay area and Port Rexton Brewing, which has turned into a

pillar of the Bonavista Peninsula's tourism scene, are a part of the growing

craft brewing industry. We expect another 10 to 12 craft brewing operations to

open – in part, due to the actions that our government has implemented to make

the industry more attractive.

In the

environmental industries, Hi-Point Industries in Bishop's Falls is

well-positioned for growth and expansion; and in Deer Lake, Juniper BBQ Scraper

is expanding its marketing efforts into Ontario and parts of the United States.

We are

also teaming up with municipalities and the federal government to ensure

infrastructure is a place to attract investment and business, such as the recent

announcement to develop an industrial park in St. Lawrence to support the mining

and aquaculture sectors.

S&P

Data, which is a North American contract centre that we supported in 2018, is

well on its way towards creating 500 new jobs, with close to 300 people already

employed at its Village Mall location. This brings significant benefits across

the entire Northeast Avalon.

Leveraging our considerable natural resources: In Placentia Bay, approximately

1,900 people were working on the West White Rose Project earlier this year;

Vale's construction of its underground mine at Voisey's Bay will extend the

mine's life by at least 15 years – with construction under way, there are

approximately 2,000 people working on the project in Labrador and in Long

Harbour; IOC has started its open-pit mine in Wabush, which will help sustain

roughly 1,800 jobs and the mine for up to 50 additional years.

It is

great to see a growing number of women take advantage of the opportunities

attached to these projects. Our diversity and inclusion plans are helping people

overcome barriers to work on these exciting projects, which strengthens our

communities and our provincial workforce.

We'll

continue this important work, and encourage young women to seek out careers in

the natural resource sectors.

SOME HON. MEMBERS:

Hear, hear!

Fiscal Review: 2018-19

MR. OSBORNE:

Mr. Speaker, the revised

deficit for 2018-19 is $522 million, which is an improvement from our mid-year

update when the deficit was projected to be $547 million.

SOME HON. MEMBERS:

Hear, hear!

MR. OSBORNE:

We cannot undo years of an

ill-fated approach to managing the province's finances with the stroke of a pen.

Every

decision requires careful reflection on how it aligns with our goal of doing

better and providing better services and outcomes. We consider things such as

how it will impact women, youth, seniors, industry and low-income individuals.

Quite

simply Mr. Speaker, every dollar must be stretched as far as possible.

Actions

taken through this zero-based budgeting approach at the outset have netted $68

million in annualized savings over the last three years. This year, we have

identified an additional $428,400 in savings.

Fiscal Forecast

Looking

toward 2019-20, economic indicators show reasons for optimism: We have had nine

consecutive months of year-over-year job growth; Employment in the province is

expected to average 228,100 person-years of employment in 2019, which reflects

continued growth over 2018; household income is expected to increase by 3.3 per

cent; capital investment is expected to rise by 16.8 per cent as a result of the

West White Rose and Voisey's Bay Projects; oil production is projected to

increase by 12.1 per cent; real GDP is expected to grow by 4.1 per cent; and

real exports are expected to increase by 11.3 per cent.

These

positive indicators point to the success of our job creation and economic

diversification efforts.

Return to Surplus

As a

result of the newly signed Atlantic Accord agreement by our Premier and the

Minister of Natural Resources, Mr. Speaker, in the 2019-20 fiscal year we will

realize a surplus of $1.9 billion.

SOME HON. MEMBERS:

Hear, hear!

MR. OSBORNE:

This is the province's first

surplus since Budget 2011 .

Mr.

Speaker, while it is obviously excellent news, our job is not done. We are still

projecting deficits in 2020-21, as well as 2021-22. And we must remain diligent

and focused on our plan to return to a sustainable surplus in 2022-23.

Today,

we remain on track to do just that.

SOME HON. MEMBERS:

Hear, hear!

Revenue

MR. OSBORNE:

Revenue forecasts have increased significantly from

Budget 2018 projections, largely as a

result of the new and guaranteed revenue stream that our government secured

through the Atlantic Accord negotiations.

Through

the Atlantic Accord agreement we received fixed cash instalments from 2019 until

2056, and these funds are front-end loaded, with approximately 60 per cent

received by 2030. In 2019, we will receive $134.9 million from the first

installment.

2019-20, revenue is expected to reach $10.3 billion. Even excluding the Atlantic

Accord, revenues are projected to continue trending upward between now and

2022-23.

Our

current estimate of the impact of the shutdown of the SeaRose FPSO and other

projects as a result of the storm is a deferral of $82 million for the fiscal

year 2018-19.

Mr.

Speaker, in 2016, our government had no choice but to make difficult decisions.

None of

us wanted to do this, but it was necessary to address the fiscal crisis that

Newfoundland and Labrador was facing.

We have

already eliminated the temporary gas tax. This year marks the end of the

temporary deficit reduction levy.

Mr.

Speaker, with Budget 2019 consumers

can rest easy – there will be no new tax or fee increases.

SOME HON. MEMBERS:

Hear, hear!

MR. OSBORNE:

Last year, we began to

gradually decrease the tax on automobile insurance.

continue to stand by our commitment of rolling back taxes and fees as we are

able to do so.

This

year, we are eliminating the tax on automobile insurance in its entirety.

SOME HON. MEMBERS:

Hear, hear!

Price Assumptions

MR. OSBORNE:

Mr. Speaker, while the

average price of oil in 2018-19 moved above 2017-18 numbers, oil prices showed

continued volatility. Recognizing this, forecasts are carefully considered, and

are based on the forecasting models of 11 industry analysts.

Budget 2019 , we are forecasting oil at

US$65 per barrel, and the Canada to US exchange rate to be 76.5 cents.

Expenses

This

past year, we started the process of paying out severance to public service

employees, which will eliminate a long-term liability from our books and save

taxpayers over $25 million annually once fully implemented. To date, just over

$250 million has been paid out.

Of that

total, nearly 23,000 public service employees received severance, $78.5 million

of that was contributed to RRSPs, and $175 million was paid out in cash, which

is benefiting the overall economy and small businesses.

Borrowing

Budget 2018 , we forecasted gross

borrowing of $1.45 billion; however, our actual borrowing in 2018-19 was $1.425

billion.

For

Budget 2019 , borrowing will be $1.2

billion, which is lower than the Budget

2018 projections. The lower borrowing is primarily due to the increased cash

flow from the Atlantic Accord.

Our Horizon

Mr.

Speaker, Newfoundland and Labrador's future is bright. As a province, there is

incredible potential and opportunities for future generations.

outlined in The Way Forward , our

government is focused on leveraging the strengths of such high-growth industries

as agriculture, aerospace, mining, aquaculture and ocean technology.

Our

collaborative approach to advancing sector work plans has created the conditions

for accelerated business development and job growth.

I would

like to thank the many industry, labour, academia and community stakeholders who

have come to the table with open minds and a vision to work collaboratively to

identify actions to achieve ambitious goals.

working collectively, we are better positioning Newfoundland and Labrador as a

leader nationally and globally. We are positioning the province for success.

And, we

are backing up that support with more than $100 million in industry development,

which will help create new jobs.

Building

on the progress that we have made in these sectors, we engaged McKinsey, which

is a globally recognized firm, to help identify additional opportunities and to

expand on our track record for business development, creating new jobs and

contributing to community development.

acknowledged by McKinsey, a key ingredient in realizing these goals is for

government, business and educational institutions to work collectively to ensure

that the right skills mix is available. We need to align the needs of business

with workforce qualifications.

Aquaculture

Mr.

Speaker, the aquaculture sector is on pace to exceed the goal identified in

The Way Forward plan to double the

size of the industry.

Mowi,

formerly Marine Harvest, and Grieg aquaculture have made major investments that

will expand the local industry, increasing local employment and creating

opportunities for the development of local supply chains associated with

technology companies.

particular, as identified in report from McKinsey, there are several attractive

opportunities for an emerging supply and services sector including equipment,

eggs, smolt, harvesting, secondary processing, waste management and feed

production.

As the

industry grows, we will take advantage of the economies of scale and the

opportunities to further diversify the industry in new directions with business

development and new jobs.

Budget 2019 , a new 18-week aquaculture

training program will begin to be piloted this fall at the Burin Campus.

This new

program, supported by investment of more than $236,000, will address skill

shortages in the sector by targeting both the basic skills needed to obtain and

maintain employment as well as the technical skills required for employment in

aquaculture operations, in partnership with the Marine Institute and in

consultation with industry.

Ocean Industries

Mr.

Speaker, another idea identified by McKinsey was the considerable opportunities

attached to the global ocean economy, which is anticipated to double in size by

2030. It is an industry that requires a new wave of innovation, science and

technology.

Whether

it is remote monitoring, unmanned underwater vehicles, simulation or subsea

imaging technologies, Newfoundland and Labrador is a leader in this industry

with proven results in developing offshore resources safely and responsibly.

Newfoundland and Labrador represents approximately 50 per cent of Canada's ocean

economy. The newly-created Ocean Supercluster will build off of this collective

activity and help grow the ocean economy into one of the most significant and

valuable segments of Canada's economy. It will help open up new opportunities

for businesses to compete globally and to help create new jobs for young,

innovative Newfoundlanders and Labradorians.

Our

government will be a partner of the supercluster and enhance the province's

innovation infrastructure to encourage entrepreneurship.

We have

been working with industry, as well as Memorial University's Marine Institute –

which is one of the top maritime universities in the world – to identify

infrastructure needs, expand innovation service providers to offer dedicated

support to businesses in the ocean technology sector.

Budget 2019 , $2.5 million is being

contributed towards the construction of a new 36,000-square-foot facility at the

Marine Institute's Holyrood Marine Base.

SOME HON. MEMBERS:

Hear, hear!

MR. OSBORNE:

The Marine Institute's

Holyrood Marine Base is an integral part of the innovation ecosystem in

Newfoundland and Labrador.

addition to supporting education and research, the new facility will accelerate

the growth of ocean technology firms through the provision of space and latest

technologies to test products.

recommended by McKinsey, this year we will be investing $250,000 to launch an

ocean technology competition, focused on developing solutions that solve

Newfoundland and Labrador's unique challenges.

Oil and Gas

Mr.

Speaker, through Advance 2030 , our

government is working with industry to position Newfoundland and Labrador

globally as a preferred location for oil and gas development.

Our

government has worked hard to support geoscience and seismic work to reduce the

risk and increase the attractiveness for the global industry to carry out

exploration.

With

four producing oil and gas fields, current exploration work commitments totaling

$4.3 billion, more than 650 leads and prospects and an ongoing seismic program

with more than 20 basins mapped, our ocean industries are poised for growth.

These

are big numbers.

Consider

this: For every $100 million spent on offshore exploration, 307 person-years of

employment are created and close to $50 million in economic activity is

generated.

With a

targeted focus by government, by 2030 there will be: shorter times from

discovery to production; a more robust service and supply service; commercial

gas production will be started; and Newfoundland and Labrador will be home to a

world-class energy cluster.

We also

anticipate upwards to 100 new exploration wells being drilled and that our

offshore will be producing over 650,000 barrels of oil equivalent per day, with

direct employment totalling more than 7,500 people.

Consider

the enormous potential if one in five or one in six of these results in a

profitable project – the jobs and the new revenue that will be created for the

province could be enormous.

It is a

sector that is still in its relative infancy and is primed to grow by leaps and

bounds.

support our goals and build an industry in an environmentally sustainable

manner, the provincial government is transitioning the oil and gas subsidiary of

Nalcor into a stand-alone Crown corporation. It will bring a dedicated focus to

this important work.

Budget 2019 , we have $9 million

available for investment in the Innovation and Business Development Fund which

will assist in supporting enhancing supply and service capabilities, business

development and infrastructure. It will help achieve the goals of

Advance 2030 .

Furthermore, our partnership with Equinor marks an exciting first step into a

new frontier for the province's oil and gas industry – deepwater production in

Bay du Nord.

Through

our negotiation with Equinor, we secured $75 million to establish a deepwater

centre of excellence. This will help drive research and development, greater

subsea technology, digitalization and related areas of ocean innovation.

SOME HON. MEMBERS:

Hear, hear!

MR. OSBORNE:

Given the remote offshore

operating environment for oil producers our offshore, digital innovations could

substantially benefit the local industry and accelerate the pace of innovation

already under way.

This is

why we are investing $3 million this year to create a Digital Ocean Innovation

Centre of Excellence in order for this valuable work to occur. This centre will

enhance the province's digital capabilities in emerging technology sectors, as

well as support the goals of Advance 2030

and the Ocean Supercluster.

Budget 2019 , we are also contributing

a further $2.5 million to support a Subsea Centre of Excellence for training,

research and product testing.

Mr.

Speaker, the future is bright for this industry.

We have

learned from the mistakes of previous governments who became too reliant on oil

and gas.

While we

grow this promising industry, we are taking important steps to diversify the

economy and create jobs, which protects ourselves from the volatility of

commodity prices.

Mining

Great

potential exists for us to further grow the mining industry in Newfoundland and

Labrador in areas such as Western Labrador's ore developments, in Central

Newfoundland's gold opportunities and in Southern Labrador's rare earth

elements. The electrification of vehicles will provide significant upside for

metals like nickel and cobalt, while China's increasing demand for higher

quality iron ore to reduce environmental impact is resulting in premiums for our

ore.

The

potential has been magnified in response to the recent re-opening of the Beaver

Brook Antimony Mine in Central Newfoundland and the 100 new jobs that will be

created, as well as the start of mining of fluorspar in St. Lawrence which

employs more than 250 people.

Additionally, mineral shipment projections for this year are 38 per cent higher

than they were in 2018. It is also an industry that is forecast to employ 5,100

people directly in operations, as well as an additional 1,200 from mining

construction, bringing the total employment forecast for 2019 to 6,300 people –

an 11 per cent increase over 2018.

SOME HON. MEMBERS:

Hear, hear!

MR. OSBORNE:

To sustain this progress,

$4.6 million is available for investment in Geological Survey; and $1.7 million

through the Mineral Incentive Program, which includes $100,000 for the Junior

Exploration Assistance Program to encourage mineral exploration.

McKinsey

identified the need for greater science in geo-science exploration. This year,

we are adding $250,000 to expand the Geo-Science Exploration Program.

reflected by the benefits of the seismic activity in the offshore, with greater

geoscience capacity comes greater exploration and greater investment.

This

year, we are also investing more than $858,000 to pilot a new Geological

Technician Certificate Program at the College of the North Atlantic's Grand

Falls-Windsor campus and is scheduled to being this fall.

This

announcement builds on McKinsey's recommendation to strengthen the connection

between industry and courses provided through our post-secondary institutions.

The

College of the North Atlantic and Memorial University are also leading the

hyperspectral imaging project that digitizes provincial core samples to produce

new, advanced data that will be publically available in support of the mining

sector.

We are

pleased to contribute $1.5 million to this project, which marks an important

step in achieving a goal of Mining the

Future 2030 to double the annual exploration to $100 million per year.

SOME HON. MEMBERS:

Hear, hear!

Aerospace

MR. OSBORNE:

Mr. Speaker, McKinsey has identified the huge opportunity for new jobs and new

investment in the maintenance, repair and overhaul in the airline industry.

When I

initially read this recommendation, I have to admit I thought it was a bit of a

pipe dream.

It will

surprise many, but this work is already taking place here as Provincial

Aerospace has existing contracts with a number of airlines for repairs and

maintenance to smaller aircrafts at their Torbay hangar. EVAS has similar

contracts in Gander.

Leveraging these strengths, there is existing potential to expand our global

reach and support the creation of hundreds of high-paying jobs on larger

aircrafts.

With

this capacity already here, it is very clear that this is no pipe dream, Mr.

Speaker. It is a very real opportunity.

Globally, the aircraft maintenance, repair and overhaul sector has grown

steadily to US $133-billion market, which is led by the growth in the commercial

aircraft segment and growing global fleets and a move by airlines to outsource

more labour-intensive checks.

It is

anticipated that globally there will be labour shortages, which we believe

creates a unique opportunity for Newfoundland and Labrador given our central

location and existing capacity.

recently had the good fortune of joining the Minister of Tourism, Culture,

Industry and Innovation, as well as the Minister of Advanced Education, Skills

and Labour to announce a key step to explore opportunities for additional growth

potential with this industry through a $200,000 investment.

Expanding on McKinsey's recommendations of better collaboration between

government, industry and post-secondary institutions, we are capitalizing on

growing opportunities, including establishing a non-destructive testing training

program at the College of the North Atlantic campus in Gander.

The

Department of Advanced Education, Skills and Labour is adding a trade

designation for the Air Maintenance Engineer Program at the College of the North

Atlantic campus in Gander. We will be the second province in Canada to make such

a designation.

We are

also working with the college and federal government on further plans to upgrade

and modernize the College of the North Atlantic's Gander campus aerospace

programming.

Combined, upgrades to the Gander campus and the non-destructive training program

will be supported by the provincial government and the College of the North

Atlantic by investing more than $1 million.

SOME HON. MEMBERS:

Hear, hear!

MR. OSBORNE:

We look forward to working

with such companies as EVAS Air and Provincial Aerospace to identify further

opportunities to take full advantage of the growing market for maintenance,

repair and overhaul.

McKinsey

has also identified the need to establish aerospace training programs in St.

John's, as part of their review to explore additional growth potential for this

industry. This recommendation will be investigated.

Investment Attraction

We have

done good work in attracting new investment to our province and that is spurring

economic activity and creating jobs.

Through

McKinsey's analysis it was identified that greater investment attraction efforts

can spur the growth of individual sectors such as supply and services in the

aquaculture industry by injecting capital that might not be available for new

projects.

support a new approach to investment attraction, we are allocating $500,000 to

build on existing resources. Funding will facilitate proactive and

industry-specific investment attraction activity engaged to target prospective

clients.

Our new

investment attraction approach will pursue opportunities through the execution

of strategic and proactive investment attraction to achieve economic development

objectives.

Aligned

with the need for greater investment attraction, we need to be able to improve

the ability for small businesses to access capital they need to launch their

operations.

To help

fulfill this gap, we are partnering with the credit unions in Newfoundland and

Labrador to develop a pilot initiative for a small business loan guarantee

program. The partnership would see government provide guarantees, to a certain

amount, for term loans, working capital, and lines of credit issued by the

credit unions to grow and expand businesses.

This

pilot initiative is a great opportunity to focus extra supports on specific

sectors.

Rural Cellular Project

Mr.

Speaker, there are areas in our province that are challenged to attract service

providers to invest in cellular infrastructure given smaller populations or

their remoteness.

Investment in cell service infrastructure has many benefits, including better

business communications and connectivity in local and export markets; supports

tourism development strategies to increase visitation and enhance visitor

experiences; and improves essential health, public safety and security

communication requirements.

This

past year, we introduced a new Cellular Service Pilot Project that proved to be

successful with the total impacted population reaching more than 12,000 people.

Building

on this success, the Minister of Tourism, Culture, Industry and Innovation will

be extending the pilot initiative in 2019-20 to reach additional areas of

Newfoundland and Labrador.

Community Sector

Mr.

Speaker, in Newfoundland and Labrador, community sector organizations are woven

into every facet of daily life. Every day, we all benefit from their work.

Today,

our government is releasing The Way

Forward with Community: A Sector Work Plan to Advance the Social and Economic

Contribution of Community Organizations .

SOME HON. MEMBERS:

Hear, hear!

MR. OSBORNE:

This work plan can truly be

called a community sector work plan because it is developed in close

collaboration with community sector partners, led by the Community Sector

Council of Newfoundland and Labrador. This is the sixth work plan to be released

by our Cabinet Committee on Jobs.

Together, we will be pursuing opportunities that strengthen the economic

contributions of the community sector and remove barriers that prevent the

community sector from reaching its full potential. Our collaborative actions

will foster the conditions necessary for vibrant community organizations that

contribute to the economic and social fabric of Newfoundland and Labrador.

This

joint work plan involves researching the direct and indirect employment impacts

of the community sector to the provincial economy. The community sector supplies

16,000 jobs to the provincial economy, Mr. Speaker. Through this collaborative

31-point work plan we will take actions to help the sector achieve its full

potential. Realizing this potential includes reaching the following growth

targets to 2024: increasing the number of people employed in the community

sector; and creating high-profile partnerships between the community, public and

private sectors.

Together, we will undertake important work, including: examining funding

policies to identify opportunities for enhancing the financial sustainability of

community organizations; evaluating the provincial government's current

multi-year funding arrangements, reflecting input from current recipients and

engagement with the broader community sector, to inform a transparent process in

future expansions of the multi-year funding; and, hosting a summit later this

year to discuss issues of importance, and to facilitate networking and

professional development.

Mr.

Speaker, I am very pleased to announce an investment of $2.5 million to support

professional development, collaboration and partnerships for the community

sector organizations throughout our province as part of the launch of our joint

work plan – The Way Forward with

Community.

SOME HON. MEMBERS:

Hear, hear!

Greener Communities

MR. OSBORNE:

Mr. Speaker, I believe that

Budget 2019 is a plan that balances

our fiscal priorities with the need to be a partner in economic success, with

the need to support families and contribute to greener communities.

Our

government is committed to support the development of a clean economy and

climate resilient infrastructure. We are working on initiatives to support an

environmentally and economically sustainable future.

Our

five-year Climate Change Action Plan is designed to help reduce greenhouse gas

emissions, stimulate clean innovation and growth, and build resilience to the

impacts of climate change.

Budget 2019

commits $15.1 million in provincial funds to leverage a federal funding through

the Low Carbon Economy Leadership Fund.

March, the Premier and the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Environment

announced a series of programs that will be supported by this fund, including

the Home Energy Savings Program, the Energy Efficiency in Oil Heated Homes

Program, the Climate Change Challenge Program, the Freight Transportation Fuel

Efficiency Program, and the Fuel Switching and Energy Efficiency in Public

Buildings Program.

Mr.

Speaker, this year, $346,800 is committed to support the review of the

Provincial Solid Waste Management Strategy. We are committed to ensuring the

protection of the environment. Through a review of the system, we will ensure

that the strategy successfully addresses a broad scope of waste management

issues and is both modern and efficient.

Budget 2019 , the Department of

Municipal Affairs and Environment, in partnership with Newfoundland and Labrador

Hydro, will introduce a one-year Heat Pump Rebate Program to assist homeowners

in increasing the energy efficiency of their homes. The program budget will be

$1 million, and homeowners can receive a grant of $1,000 towards the purchase

and installation of an eligible heat pump.

Mr.

Speaker, it is well-known that transportation is a large contributor to

Greenhouse Gas emissions and through The

Way Forward on Climate Change we have made it a priority to increase

electric vehicle usage. Renewable electricity from Muskrat Falls presents a new

opportunity to reduce emissions through vehicle electrification.

Through

an investment of $2 million in Budget 2019 ,

the Department of Municipal Affairs and Environment, in collaboration with

Newfoundland and Labrador Hydro, will pursue funding opportunities with the

federal government to enhance the electric vehicle charging station network

across the province. This will include accepting applications from the private

and not-for-profit sectors to establish charging stations.

New Health Initiatives

Mr.

Speaker, this year, the Minister of Health and Community Services will be

launching a new program that will provide children starting kindergarten with

access to a free, comprehensive eye exam from an optometrist.

Our

government will contribute $250,000 in coverage for children by supporting the

Newfoundland and Labrador Association of Optometrists to deliver the Eye See Eye

Learn Program.

SOME HON. MEMBERS:

Hear, hear!

MR. OSBORNE:

This initiative will allow

children to overcome potential barriers to eye exams and contribute to more

positive learning experience, as well as an overall improvement in their quality

of life.

Mr.

Speaker, the introduction of regulated midwifery services in the province will

bring significant value to the health care system and expecting mothers.

Budget 2019 , we have allocated

$370,000 to establish the first location in Gander with a team of three

full-time registered midwives. The first midwife will be on the ground this

spring.

SOME HON. MEMBERS:

Hear, hear!

MR. OSBORNE:

Discussion is ongoing with

regional health authorities and the future expansion of midwifery services in

the province.

Our

government will increase services and supports for people across the autism

spectrum and their families.

This

year, we have allocated $2.5 million, growing to $5 million in following years

to implement an Autism Action Plan.

SOME HON. MEMBERS:

Hear, hear!

MR. OSBORNE:

This plan will take a whole

of government approach in the provision of services to people with autism and

their families.

This

year, our government will also be expanding the Insulin Pump Program.

SOME HON. MEMBERS:

Hear, hear!

MR. OSBORNE:

While we continue to work

with Eastern Health to complete a review of the program, we are immediately

lifting the age cap for those currently enrolled.

SOME HON. MEMBERS:

Hear, hear!

MR. OSBORNE:

Mr. Speaker, this means

individuals currently relying on the program are not at risk of losing their

current coverage or having to take on new financial burdens.

As well,

Mr. Speaker, this year 15 new drug therapies will be added to the Newfoundland

and Labrador Prescription Drug Program. Eight of these for oncology.

Income Support Clawback

Mr.

Speaker, we have long heard stories of the unfairness of clawing back children's

benefits from families on Income Support.

This

year, we are making changes necessary to put a stop to this unfair practice.

SOME HON. MEMBERS:

Hear, hear!

MR. OSBORNE:

Mr. Speaker, in order to help

some of our most vulnerable children and families, I am pleased to announce that

we will amend Income Support and Employment Support Regulations to exempt

payments from child support from Canada Pension Plan Disabled Contributor's

Benefit, and Canada Pension Plan Surviving Child Benefit for the purposes of

determining eligibility for Income Support.

SOME HON. MEMBERS:

Hear, hear!

MR. OSBORNE:

Further, Mr. Speaker, we are

making amendments to ensure that child maintenance payments will no longer be

clawed back from Income Support.

SOME HON. MEMBERS:

Hear, hear!

Parental Benefits

MR. OSBORNE:

Mr. Speaker, through

Budget 2019 , I am incredibly proud to confirm that our government is

extending maternity, adoption and parental leave and select benefits from the

current 52 weeks to 78 weeks for our valued public servants.

SOME HON. MEMBERS:

Hear, hear!

MR. OSBORNE:

Employees who choose to take

extended leave for these reasons will continue to accrue service toward salary

step progression and their service will be recognized.

Employees will continue to have the option to purchase pensionable service and

government will match their contributions. They will also continue group

insurance coverage during their leave provided they maintain their premium

payments.

With

these moves, we are fully recognizing the challenges often faced by employees

with young families, and are providing parents with an option that may best suit

their family's needs.

We also

recognize that although social norms are changing, it is predominantly women who

take such leave, and our government is committed to ensuring proper supports so

that women have equal opportunity in the provincial workforce.

SOME HON. MEMBERS:

Hear, hear!

MR. OSBORNE:

It's fair to say, Mr.

Speaker, my throat is killing me.

Justice System

Mr.

Speaker, our government has been working hard to improve access to justice for

all Newfoundlanders and Labradorians and to make sure it is inclusive and works

for everybody. Central to this has been the spirit of co-operation among

stakeholders to break down barriers.

The

needs of inmates have become increasingly complex due to mental health concerns,

addictions issues, and a variety of other factors. We are long overdue for a new

correctional facility in this province and the days of endless reports and

injuries into corrections are over.

Our

government is pleased to allocate $600,000 to advance the construction of a new

adult correctional facility in St. John's.

SOME HON. MEMBERS:

Hear, hear!

MR. OSBORNE:

This is the first step

towards replacing an antiquated facility that no longer meets the needs of those

incarcerated. It will also ensure the safety of employees and correctional

officers, providing them with a modern working environment.

Mr.

Speaker, we are also allocating $1 million to expand the Labrador Correctional

Centre in Happy Valley-Goose Bay, which will increase capacity and the potential

to allow women to be housed at the facility, closer to their children and family

members.

SOME HON. MEMBERS:

Hear, hear!

MR. OSBORNE:

As outlined by the Minister

of Justice and Public Safety last month,

Budget 2019 includes $354,000 for bail supervision and electronic monitoring

programs to help lower levels of recidivism and improve safety for women.

Through

the work of the Justice Minister's Committee on Violence Against Women and

Girls, electronic monitoring was discussed as a way to protect those exiting

violent relationships. Enhancing supervision of offenders convicted of

domestic-related crimes would increase victim and public safety, as well as keep

offenders accountable to no-contact conditions.

Arts & Culture

Mr.

Speaker, The Way Forward commits to

revitalizing the approach to support culture.

Newfoundland and Labrador's cultural sector is a significant part of our

communities and our provincial economy.

I am

pleased to announce that we are releasing the Cultural Action Plan, which

highlights our continued support for the arts and heritage.

SOME HON. MEMBERS:

Hear, hear!

MR. OSBORNE:

It also reflects our

commitment to working closely with stakeholders to address the challenges and

opportunities facing the cultural sector.

Over the

next five years, government will continue its core support to the protection,

development, promotion and collaboration of Newfoundland and Labrador's vibrant

culture.

This

will include such things as: supporting non-profit cultural facilities and

organizations through funding programs and advisory expertise; funding support

for community cultural activities and events; funding support for Indigenous

cultural heritage; and continuation of the Art Procurement Program.

Through

this plan, Mr. Speaker, there is a $1 million increase to the ArtsNL grant

program in support of artists.

SOME HON. MEMBERS:

Hear, hear!

MR. OSBORNE:

This increase, Mr. Speaker, will bring the total investment to over $2.9

million.

Seniors, Children and

Inclusive Communities

Mr.

Speaker, our government appreciates the impact of the rising cost of living on

citizens that may be on lower or fixed incomes.

Our

government, Mr. Speaker, through the Income Supplement supports low-income

seniors, individuals, families and persons with disabilities.

Through

the Income Supplement, qualifying families would be eligible to receive upwards

of $650 per year, with an additional $200 for each child.

Through

the Newfoundland and Labrador Seniors' Benefit, we provide up to $1,313 annually

to adults aged 65 and older – approximately, 70 per cent of single beneficiaries

are women.

The

total investment this year is $123 million.

Mr.

Speaker, our government, led by the Premier, has taken great steps to support

seniors.

One of

the more notable accomplishments was the creation of the Seniors' Advocate. We

have also worked closely with Seniors NL and other 50-plus organizations

throughout province.

These

organizations play an important role, and this year we are allocating an

additional $270,000 for our 50-plus clubs.

SOME HON. MEMBERS:

Hear, hear!

MR. OSBORNE:

These seniors' organizations will be eligible for up to $2,000 from our new

seniors' social inclusion initiative. This initiative will support participation

in community events, healthy aging and mental health and well-being activities.

Mr.

Speaker, currently, our seniors enjoy a discount when they register their

vehicles.

Understanding that many seniors find themselves on fixed incomes, we are

increasing the current discount.

I am

pleased to announce that when seniors renew their vehicle at the counter, the

price will fall below $100.

SOME HON. MEMBERS:

Hear, hear!

MR. OSBORNE:

For seniors that renew

online, the fee will now be less than $90.

This

year we are also introducing a discount for our veterans who have served our

country so bravely.

We are

very pleased to announce a 10 per cent discount on vehicle registration for

veterans that have a veteran plate. This, Mr. Speaker, is a sign of respect to

our valued veterans.

SOME HON. MEMBERS:

Hear, hear!

MR. OSBORNE:

To help ensure that seniors

and older adults remain healthy, active and engaged citizens,

Budget 2019 is allocating $95,000 for the Age-Friendly Newfoundland

and Labrador Community Grant Program. Through this program we are working with

communities to plan for our province's aging population.

We have

seen the benefits of accessible, affordable transportation in the Bay St. George

area, Twillingate and Clarenville, and how it translates into older adults and

seniors being independent and active in their communities.

Recognizing this importance, in Budget

2019 we are investing $300,000 for the Newfoundland and Labrador Community

Transportation Program. This will further support our goal of supporting

age-friendly, accessible and inclusive transportation projects.

SOME HON. MEMBERS:

Hear, hear!

Supporting Children and

Families

MR. OSBORNE:

Mr. Speaker, there is perhaps

no greater priority than the health and well-being of a child.

The

Government of Newfoundland Labrador is committed to supporting youth in need of

protection with an investment of $1.5 million to support legislative

enhancements in the new Children, Youth and Families Act, which will be

proclaimed in the spring of 2019.

This new

act supports youth in need of protection by increasing the scope of the duty to

report to include youth aged 16 and 17, as well as removing restrictions so that

all youth in receipt of services can continue to do so up to the age of 21.

Funding will be provided to hire additional social workers to support this

expanded scope and to assist with the additional program costs to the Youth

Services Program.

Mr.

Speaker, unfortunately, there are times that a child may not be safe in the care

of their parents.

support adoption permanency planning, $233,100 has been allocated to further

advance the development of profiles for children waiting to be adopted and the

completion of the matching and approval process. It is paramount that our

children who are eligible for adoption are matched with loving and supportive

families in a timely manner.

Budget 2019

also supports a number of initiatives outlined in

The Way Forward to help support

vulnerable families and children, such as the Triple P parenting programs for

families and children in care. Mr. Speaker, in doing so we hope to support

families in a holistic way to help prevent children from coming in the need of

protection and entering into the care system.

believe that safe, stable and affordable housing is fundamental to the social

and economic well-being of individuals, families and our communities. Our

government is working closely with our community partners to help improve access

to affordable housing and make it easier for first-time homebuyers to enter the

market.

2018-19, approximately 1,150 public housing units were modernized or renovated

and this year we are allocating $10.2 million to ensure safe and quality homes

are available to tenants. To modernize and renovate public housing, $3.1 million

has been allocated, which will help ensure we continue to provide affordable

housing.

Mr.

Speaker, the Home Energy Savings Program will provide $4.4 million to assist

low-income homeowners to help reduce energy costs. This year's expanded program

will assist homeowners using alternate heating sources such as oil, propane,

diesel or wood biomass; in addition to those using electric heat.

Our $7.3

million investment in the Supportive Living Program and the Provincial

Homelessness Fund will allow us to support community agencies in places like

Stephenville, Labrador West and Carbonear. These communities are working

directly with individuals experiencing or at risk of experiencing homelessness.

Government will also maintain its support for the Housing Hub emergency shelter

in Happy Valley-Goose Bay and provide $500,000 in operational funding during the

2019-20 year, enabling the Hub to continue offering shelter to those who are

homeless.

Mr.

Speaker, whether it is the Nain Transition House, Kirkina House in Rigolet or

Grace Sparkes House in Marystown, there is incredibly important and valuable

work being undertaken in our transition homes and emergency shelters throughout

our province. In this year's budget, our government continues to support the

work with $11.8 million in funding and an additional $500,000 will be allocated

to assist the Iris Kirby House.

Education, Skills and Childhood Development

Childhood Development

Mr. Speaker, our government is making transformative changes to early childhood

development and the education system.

More affordable and accessible child care is important for families and the

province as a whole. It helps build on our communities; and, it encourages

parents – in particular women and single parents – to return to the workplace.

In a report released by the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives that

surveyed 28 major Canadian cities, it was noted that uptake on the Operating

Grant Program in St. John's resulted in a drop in child care fees. St. John's is

the only city, of the 28 surveyed, that has shown an overall drop in fees since

their first report in 2014.

Building on the additional 1,000 affordable child care spaces created last year,

Budget 2019 allocates approximately

$60 million for early childhood development, which includes $7.4 million through

an agreement with the federal government.

Mr. Speaker, these investments will provide $17 million for the Child Care

Services Subsidy Program to reduce costs for individual families. They will

provide $11 million to continue the Operating Grant Program which improves

income enhancement to qualified Early Childhood Educators working in regulated

child care services to help improve the quality of child care services.

SOME HON. MEMBERS:

Hear, hear!

K-12

MR. OSBORNE:

Mr. Speaker, in July of 2018, we released the Education Action Plan to guide the

actions to improve the K to 12 system. In less than a year, close to 40 per cent

of the actions have been completed or substantially underway, reflecting the

weight we have placed

on readying the province's youth for the future.

Budget 2019

allocates $13 million, which is an increase of $6 million from last year, to

continue implementation of the plan and support better outcomes for students.

SOME HON. MEMBERS:

Hear, hear!

MR. OSBORNE:

Mr. Speaker, through this

plan, we are implementing over 80 actions to ensure students have access to the

supports they need and hiring 350 teacher resources over a three-year period.

This

includes: additional reading specialists, teacher librarians, and teaching

learning assistants in the K to 12 education system; learning resources for

teachers to support reading in the primary and elementary grades and for school

libraries to support literacy and development; as well as a mathematics bursary

program to support teachers wishing to enhance their qualifications in

mathematics.

Recognizing the important contribution of student assistants to the K to 12

school system, the budget for student assistant hours will be increased this

year by $300,000.

SOME HON. MEMBERS:

Hear, hear!

MR. OSBORNE:

Mr. Speaker, the increase in

funding will help improve a school's ability to meet the needs and support the

inclusion of all students with exceptionalities.

Social

and emotional skills are necessary for positive mental health by achieving and

maintaining personal well-being and a positive relationship to succeed in the

school environment and all aspects of life.

Through

the Minister of Education and Early Childhood Development, as part of the

Responsive Teaching and Learning Initiative, currently being phased-in across

the province, Budget 2019 provides an

additional $350,000 for Social and Emotional Learning curriculum into the school

system.

SOME HON. MEMBERS:

Hear, hear!

Post-secondary Education

MR. OSBORNE:

Mr. Speaker, in Newfoundland

and Labrador, we are fortunate to have internationally-recognized post-secondary

institutions that are attracting students from countries that span the globe.

Year-in

and year-out, Memorial University and the College of the North Atlantic graduate

young women and men who go on to be community, business and industry leaders.

Many are on the front lines of developing cutting-edge technologies and business

practices that are helping strengthen our provincial economy.

Our

commitment to supporting accessible and affordable post-secondary education is

reflected by our investment in Memorial University, which is the highest public

investment as a percentage of a university's general operating revenues in

Canada.

This

year, we are also investing $87 million to fund the College of the North

Atlantic and its 17 campuses and $78.2 million to maintain tuition levels for

Newfoundland and Labrador students, including an additional $4 million to

Memorial University and $1.1 million to the College of the North Atlantic.

SOME HON. MEMBERS:

Hear, hear!

MR. OSBORNE:

Mr. Speaker, to support a new

three-year Respiratory Therapy Program at the College of the North Atlantic this

fall, we are investing $1.6 million over four years.

Our

government is working with the federal government, as well as leadership at

Memorial and the College to improve infrastructure that supports greater

learning, new discoveries and entrepreneurship.

Budget 2019

allocates $12.2 million to the province's public post-secondary institutions for

infrastructure projects. This includes $1.8 million to complete the $18.5

million Heavy Equipment Centre of Excellence in Stephenville.

Skill Development/Workforce

Development

Mr.

Speaker, we are strengthening the province's workforce to ensure it is

positioned to take advantage of the current and future opportunities.

This

year's budget provides funding for programs and services to maintain the

province's skilled workforce and prepare for careers in these industries.

Approximately $13 million is committed for employment and training programs;

$6.1 million will support youth in employment and career-related activities;

approximately $700,000 is allocated to build capacity and provide more flexible

training in the province's apprenticeship system by increasing offerings in an

online format and $1.61 million is available for investment through the Labour

Market Transfer Agreement, which will help people prepare for, find, and

maintain employment.

Mr.

Speaker, the base funding for programs supported by the Labour Market

Development Agreement is increasing by more than $3 million.

Additional funding under the Labour Market Development Agreement will be used to

fund initiatives under that partnership program to support government priorities

such as the new pilot training approaches at the College of the North Atlantic

and support the Community Sector Action Plan.

Last

year, we launched the Student Mentorship Program. It is a program that provides

up to 140 students with valuable on-the-job experiences. This year, we are

allocating $339,000 to expand the program to include summer career development

opportunities in agriculture, aquaculture, technology, forestry, mining,

community and oil and gas sectors.

Through

the Youth and Student Services Program, there is more than $6.1 million

available for investment. This money will be used for such things as

contributing to organizations that assist youth through a variety of services

ranging from career fairs to youth employment initiatives focusing on career

development and education.

Mr.

Speaker, through our Workforce Development Agreement with the federal

government, we will invest more than $13.2 million in 2019-20 to support skills

development, provide apprenticeship wage subsidies and assist people with

disabilities find and prepare for employment.

Mr.

Speaker, as identified by McKinsey, it is important to take steps to improve

workforce readiness to meet the future labour market needs. Collectively, we

know that workforce readiness can't be isolated to a moment in time but we need

to be working closely with industry to prepare people for new jobs.

addition to the ongoing post-secondary review, we are allocating $2 million over

four years to develop The Way Forward

on Workforce Development .

This

comprehensive human resource plan will include dedicated staffing resources who

will work with the K to 12 school system to provide relevant career development

supports. Specifically, this will include the provision of sector-specific

labour market information products for inclusion in new career education

curricula.

Immigration

Mr.

Speaker, we have been aggressively implementing the actions outlined in our

Immigration Action Plan, which was also identified as being important in growing

the provincial economy by McKinsey.

In fact,

we have reached almost 90 per cent of our target of 1,700 newcomers annually by

2022 after less than two years into our plan's implementation.

SOME HON. MEMBERS:

Hear, hear!

MR. OSBORNE:

Based on the preliminary

numbers for 2018, 1,525 permanent residents made Newfoundland and Labrador their

new home.

Building

on the success we have achieved to date, the Minister of Advanced Education,

Skills and Labour recently announced the next wave of initiatives under the

Immigration Action Plan.

support the new initiatives and ongoing work,

Budget 2019 allocates $2.4 million in

provincial funding and $1.85 million in federal funding to support the

implementation of the 2019-20 year-three Immigration Action Plan initiatives.

Budget 2019

also includes a commitment of $150,000 to support newcomer women, through the

introduction of an empowerment-focused employment and self-employment

initiative.

Mental Health and Addictions

Mr.

Speaker, by working co-operatively with our colleagues in Ottawa, we secured

$28.8 million for mental health and addictions.

SOME HON. MEMBERS:

Hear, hear!

MR. OSBORNE:

This initiative is being put

to great use and has supported a 68 per cent reduction in the number of people

waiting on counselling services.

SOME HON. MEMBERS:

Hear, hear!

MR. OSBORNE:

For example, Mr. Speaker, we

have eliminated wait-lists in Happy Valley-Goose Bay as well as on the Burin

Peninsula.

We are

removing barriers to treatment, making it easier to access supports, changing

how new services are delivered and working towards eliminating the stigma of

mental illness.

Budget 2019

includes $914,000 to launch the mobile crisis intervention teams on the West

Coast this spring and in Central by the end of 2019.

SOME HON. MEMBERS:

Hear, hear!

MR. OSBORNE:

Mr. Speaker, the mobile

crisis intervention teams are already working successfully in Labrador City and

in St. John's.

Working

closely with our community partners and the regional health authorities, we are

making sure people get appropriate treatment when and where they need it.

We know

that work-related mental health conditions, such as PTSD, are impacting

workplaces across Canada. That is why, as of July 1, 2019, a worker who

experiences a traumatic event or multiple events at work will be presumed to

have developed their diagnosed PTSD as a result of their work – making it easier

for them to apply for benefits.

This

progressive legislation, Mr. Speaker, simplifies the claim process and allows

the workers' compensation system to help injured workers receive the assistance

they need earlier. This will lead to better outcomes in improving the worker's

overall health and well-being as well as options for returning to work, when

appropriate.

Home and Community Care

Mr.

Speaker, our government is unwavering in our commitment that older adults and

seniors are healthy, active and able to live in their own homes and communities

for as long as possible.

We have

leveraged $43.25 million from the federal government to enhance home and

community care services.

SOME HON. MEMBERS:

Hear, hear!

MR. OSBORNE:

We have introduced a new and

improved financial assessment process for long-term care and community support

services that is easier, person-centered, client-friendly, open and transparent.

We have

adopted a Home First philosophy.

Diverse

teams of health professionals work together to provide timely access to home

support, rehabilitation, nursing and social work services at home.

A $1.7

million investment in the Home Dementia Program supports individuals living with

moderate or advanced dementia and their caregivers to receive support at home

from a physician or nurse practitioner through remote monitoring technology.

SOME HON. MEMBERS:

Hear, hear!

Primary Health Care

MR. OSBORNE:

Mr. Speaker, teamwork and

community partnership are widely seen as being the future of a modern health

care system.

Through

Budget 2019 , we will build on the

creation of primary health care teams in Grand Bank and Bonavista to advance

similar teams in Botwood, Gander, Bell Island, Sheshatshiu and on the Connaigre

Peninsula. Moving forward, Mr. Speaker, we will help set up teams in Conception

Bay North, St. Anthony and Deer Lake-White Bay.

Healthy Living

Through

The Way Forward , we are working with

our community partners to increase physical activity and healthier communities.

Budget 2019

sustains our $200,000 commitment in the Carrot Rewards Program, which is a

motivational online tool to encourage greater physical activity levels.

Mr.

Speaker, $1.8 million will be used to support a comprehensive approach to

prevent and reduce tobacco and vaping use.

This

approach includes public education, legislation, enforcement, cessation supports

and community-based initiatives through the Alliance for the Control of Tobacco.

We are

also continuing to provide our annual investment of $220,000 to the Newfoundland

and Labrador Lung Association's Smokers' Helpline.

The

helpline provides free, confidential, one-on-one support by trained counsellors

through telephone, online and text messaging to individuals throughout the

province. Through partnership with Health Canada, an additional $100,000 is

being provided by the federal government to support the Newfoundland and

Labrador's Smokers' Helpline.

Safe and Sustainable

Communities

Municipal Infrastructure

Mr.

Speaker, through The Way Forward , our

actions are helping communities better deliver municipal services, protect the

environment and encourage economic activity.

The good

work that has been undertaken has resulted in more than 630 municipal

infrastructure projects, totalling more than a quarter of a billion dollars.

These have been advanced by our ability to partner and work co-operatively with

our municipal and federal counterparts.

Under

our three-year municipal infrastructure program, we are investing in new

infrastructure, providing better access to clean drinking water, protecting our

environment and advancing regional collaboration.

Projects

like the upgrades at the Drake Wastewater Treatment Plant in Labrador City and

the construction of a new town hall in L'Anse au Clair will provide meaningful

improvements to how municipalities deliver services to residents.

With the

goal of sustaining these positive, community-oriented initiatives, this year we

are allocating $10 million in the Municipal Capital Works Program.

Mr.

Speaker, we have improved cost-shared ratios so that the communities are better

able to initiate projects that improve transportation networks and provide

places for residents to gather and work together.

Building

on this progress, the Premier's ability to secure $555.9 million in federal

funding last fall under the Investing in Canada Plan will result in over $1.3

billion in investment in public transit –

SOME HON. MEMBERS:

Hear, hear!

MR. OSBORNE:

– as well as green

infrastructure, culture and recreation, rural and northern communities.

Budget 2019

commits $42 million in

provincial funds for the projects under the Investing in Canada Plan, and a

combined investment of $91 million in the Municipal Operating Grant Program, the

gas tax program, Special Assistance Grants and the Community Employment

Enhancement Program.

Budget 2019 , we have allocated more

than $1.85 million for the Newfoundland and Labrador - Disaster Financial

Assistance Program. This amount builds on over $12 million provided last year.

In 2019

we will continue to work on the flood risk mapping on the Humber, Exploits and

Lower Churchill Rivers with an investment of $980,000 to help assist government,

communities and emergency management partners to better anticipate – and respond

to – possible flooding events.

Supporting First Responders

Mr.

Speaker, as reflected by the investments that we have made in new firefighting

vehicles in Burgeo, Heart's Content, Leading Tickles, St. Lunaire-Griquet and

South Brook, it is important to our government that firefighters have access to

the necessary equipment to protect families and communities.

In 2019,

we are making our Fire Protection Vehicle Program work better for communities

and fire departments.

Budget 2019 , we are allocating $2.88

million for the replacement of fire protection vehicles and firefighting

equipment. This reflects an increase of $1 million to include more options for

communities to access funding for both used and new vehicles, as well as

$101,000 for grants to the Newfoundland and Labrador Association of Fire

Services to support operations and the Learn Not to Burn Program.

Our

government is proud to continue presumptive cancer coverage benefits that career

and volunteer firefighters receive. Qualified firefighters can receive wage-loss

benefits, medical aids and certain other benefits through WorkplaceNL, while

health care costs associated with firefighters' cancer treatment are paid

through the Medical Care Plan. Structuring benefits in this way, Mr. Speaker,

reduces the demand on the WorkplaceNL Injury Fund.

Justice

Mr.

Speaker, illicit drug abuse has significant health, social and economic costs,

as well as impacts on our communities.

With an

investment of $242,000, offset by federal funding, the Drug Treatment Court in

St. John's addresses the underlying issues that contribute to crime by offering

court-monitored treatment, random and frequent drug testing, incentives and

sanctions, clinical case management and social services support.

SOME HON. MEMBERS:

Hear, hear!

MR. OSBORNE:

Mr. Speaker, it is crucial

that people in Newfoundland and Labrador have faith in the administration of

justice.

Our

Serious Incident Response Team will be operational this year, providing an

increased level of transparency for police and helping ensure that people have

trust in the system. SIRT will investigate serious incidents involving the

police and is not intended to replace other mechanisms currently in place. The

establishment of a provincial SIRT was recommended by the inquiry into the death

of Donald Dunphy.

support improved police oversight, we have allocated an annual investment of

$500,000 for a provincial stand-alone team.

This

government has been working to improve the operations at the Office of the Chief

Medical Examiner, and by year's end it is expected that the number of staff will

be double that of what it was in 2017.

This

year, there will be $1.8 million allocated for the office to improve the

operations and add a new data management system.

This

year, we are allocating approximately $1.5 million for the inquiry into the

ground search and rescue services for lost and missing people.

working collaboratively with the federal government, we have been able to secure

federal funding for: Youth Justice Services, which provides specialized services

to young women and men giving them the skills to effectively reintegrate into

the community. An additional $373,000 is being provided for the next four years;

as well, a Guns and Gang Violence Action Fund, which includes more than $1.7

million over fours years to support officers better target offenders. Funding

will also be allocated to public prosecutions, first responders and community

organizations to focus efforts on the prevention of gun and gang violence by

concentrating on the root causes.

Violence Prevention

Mr.

Speaker, violence in any form cannot and will not be accepted. This is a serious

issue among families and in communities.

This

year, we have allocated $3.2 million in operational funding to wide range of

organizations including the Multicultural Women's Organization of Newfoundland

and Labrador, the Newfoundland Aboriginal Women's Network and the Newfoundland

and Labrador Sexual Assault Crisis and Prevention Centre. We continue to support

the great work of these centres, including a new centre on the Northern

Peninsula.

SOME HON. MEMBERS:

Hear, hear!

Labrador

MR. OSBORNE:

Mr. Speaker, as a distinct

and integral part of our province's culture, history and identity, Labrador is

part of our government's focused and innovative approach to delivering better

services, achieving measurable outcomes and growing the economy.

We are

proud of the investments we have made to support advances that result in better

road, marine and communications infrastructure.

Over the

last three years approximately 220 kilometres of the Trans Labrador Highway have

been paved.

This

year, we are allocating more than $40 million for the remaining contracts to

complete the Trans Labrador Highway.

SOME HON. MEMBERS:

Hear, hear!

MR. OSBORNE:

With the completion in sight, a fully paved Trans Labrador Highway will open up

opportunities for businesses and residents.

Through

a combined investment of $361 million over the life of the contracts, ferry

service to the Strait of Belle Isle and the Northern Coast of Labrador will

result in greater capacity, improved reliability and will invite economic

opportunities.

This

will significantly enhance ferry service for the communities of Rigolet,

Makkovik, Postville, Hopedale, Natuashish, Nain and Black Tickle, where for the

first time in our province's history, residents and visitors will be able to

drive their vehicles onto the vessel and off again at another destination.

This

year, $449,000 is allocated for the acquisition of grooming machines and

equipment for the Cartwright, Nain and Hopedale areas of the winter

transportation link. Securing vital snowmobile trail equipment provides access

to major service centres and enhances the safety of residents who depend on this

winter highway.

The

implementation of our plan to improve access to mental health and addictions

services is having a profound effect in Labrador.

To date,

we have expanded access to psychiatric services through telehealth, regular

visits and the recruitment of two permanent psychiatrists for the

Labrador-Grenfell Health region.

SOME HON. MEMBERS:

Hear, hear!

MR. OSBORNE:

Mr. Speaker, construction of

a new six-bed mental health unit at the Labrador Health Centre in Happy

Valley-Goose Bay will begin this year.

SOME HON. MEMBERS:

Hear, hear!

MR. OSBORNE:

Mr. Speaker, the Department

of Fisheries and Land Resources is also working with Egg Farmers of Newfoundland

and Labrador to explore how best to advance a commercial egg operation in

Labrador. This will contribute to our goal of improving food security and food

sustainability and provide an economic industry.

Working

in consultation with Indigenous Governments and Organizations and other

partners, our government is seeking to explore opportunities in the Labrador

forest sector as well.

Our

government supports the view that youth from Labrador benefit from participating

in provincial sport championships with their peers in other areas of the

province. The Labrador Travel Subsidy program invests $730,000 in supporting

athletes, coaches and teams to participate in provincial championships and

training camps, and supports the development of Labrador coaches and officials.

Indigenous People

Mr.

Speaker, our government is proud of the advances we have made toward supporting

and enabling Indigenous people in their pursuit of achieving vibrant and healthy

communities. We are striving to reflect the rights and values of Indigenous

people with a focus on promoting reconciliation in a respectful and meaningful

way.

We are

extremely pleased with the discussions that occurred at the inaugural Indigenous

Leaders Roundtable held in 2017, again in 2018, in St. John's and Corner Brook.

Looking

ahead, our government is making plans to assemble representatives of Indigenous

Governments and Organizations in Labrador this year to provide an opportunity

for continued dialogue on issues of mutual importance.

The

provincial government is committed to advancing the social, legal, cultural and

economic status of Indigenous women and girls.

In 2019,

we will increase funding for projects to help prevent violence against

Indigenous women and children through the Indigenous Violence Prevention Grants

Program. This funding will be $241,500.

Our

government recognizes the important services which friendship centres provide to

Indigenous people.

For this

reason, we are proud to be the first government in Newfoundland and Labrador to

commit core funding in the amount of $30,000 each to the First Light Friendship

Centre in St. John's, People of the Dawn Indigenous Friendship Centre in

Stephenville and the Labrador Friendship Centre in Happy Valley-Goose Bay.

SOME HON. MEMBERS:

Hear, hear!

MR. OSBORNE:

Mr. Speaker, this investment

of $90,000 supports friendship centres to provide valuable programs and services

and to promote and celebrate Indigenous cultures.

support organizational capacity building, as well as training and preparing

athletes from this province for the 2020 North American Indigenous Games, we are

providing an additional $92,000 to the Aboriginal Sport and Recreation Circle of

Newfoundland and Labrador. This provincial funding is federally matched and will

bring the total funding to $184,000.

Mr.

Speaker, we are pleased to say that we've been able to secure additional federal

funding to cover increased operational and service delivery costs of providing

child protection services to Innu communities. This additional funding allows us

to continue to work towards improved service delivery for Indigenous children

and youth in our province.

There

are times when Innu children and youth in care require out-of-home placement and

a family member or foster home may not be available or suitable.

Therefore, the Innu Round Table, Sheshatshiu Innu First Nation and Mushuau Innu

First Nation worked collaboratively to ensure capacity was built in both

Sheshatshiu and Natuashish for group home care options. The Department of

Children, Seniors and Social Development has been fully supportive of the Innu

efforts to secure federal funding totaling $5.1 million.

Infrastructure

Mr.

Speaker, our rolling five-year infrastructure plan from 2019-20 to 2023-24

totals $3 billion. This plan is helping stimulate economic activity, create jobs

and provide access to modern facilities.

This

year, our plan includes a total investment of $594.3 million for new and

existing schools, health care facilities, post-secondary institutions, roads and

bridges, justice facilities, affordable housing and municipal infrastructure.

This investment will generate close to $580 million in economic activity and

5,100 person-years of employment.

SOME HON. MEMBERS:

Hear, hear!

Education

MR. OSBORNE:

Just some of the advancements

in infrastructure that will be undertaken this year include: $13 million for

construction of a new Paradise intermediate school; $10.1 million for the

reconstruction of Gander Academy; $8.8 million to begin construction on a school

to replace Coley's Point Elementary and $7.3 million to build a new school in

St. Alban's to replace the Bay d'Espoir Academy.

SOME HON. MEMBERS:

Hear, hear!

MR. OSBORNE:

Mr. Speaker, $12.2 million will advance post-secondary infrastructure, which

includes an Animal Resource Centre at Memorial University and the Heavy

Equipment Centre at the College of the North Atlantic.

Health Care

Mr.

Speaker, $17.6 million for construction of long-term care homes in Corner Brook,

Gander and Grand Falls-Windsor; $9.1 million to continue the construction of the

Green Bay Health Centre in Springdale; $8.9 million has been allocated to

advance construction of the new adult mental health and addictions facility;

$8.6 million to support ongoing development of the new electrical substation at

the Health Sciences Centre; $6.9 million for the construction of a new hospital

in Corner Brook, which will begin this year and $5.5 million to begin

construction of the 20-bed expansion of the protective care unit at the Dr. Hugh

Twomey Health Centre in Botwood.

SOME HON. MEMBERS:

Hear, hear!

Transportation

MR. OSBORNE:

Mr. Speaker, two years after launching the five-year provincial Roads Plan, we

have clear evidence that the plan is working. By issuing tenders early in the

year, road builders are able to take full advantage of our province's short

construction season. Tenders began being issued in December.

Combined

with our investments in the Trans-Labrador Highway, more than 1,400 lane

kilometres have been paved over the last two years. This is equal to paving one

lane of highway from St. John's to Port aux Basques and from Labrador City to

Happy Valley-Goose Bay.

This

fiscal year, our government will match the Roads Plan budget of $77.2 million

for each of the next two years.

Budget 2019

will allocate approximately $13.6 million, including funding from the federal

government, for local and rural highways.

For the

first time in our province's history, centre-line rumble strips will be added to

Veterans Memorial Highway and construction of climbing lanes at four locations

of the highway will be completed to create a safer environment for motorists.

SOME HON. MEMBERS:

Hear, hear!

MR. OSBORNE:

These improvements not only

mean safer roads and fewer accidents for residents of such communities as Bay

Roberts, Carbonear and Spaniard's Bay, but they also support the continued

economic growth of the region and efficient transportation of goods.

These

investments in roads program, along with the work on the Team Gushue Highway and

Trans-Labrador Highway, will be supported by an investment of $131.4 million

this year.

SOME HON. MEMBERS:

Hear, hear!

MR. OSBORNE:

Safety on our highways

remains a top priority for our government. Our government has increased the use

of modern technology to provide tools to the travelling public to make informed

decisions before travelling. This year, Mr. Speaker, new highway cameras will be

installed at well-travelled routes including the Argentia Access Road and

Heart's Content Barrens with an investment of $145,000.

Marine

Mr.

Speaker, our five-year marine infrastructure plan provides better services at

ferry ports across the province.

addition to the significant improvements to the Labrador ferry service, our new

contracts for ferry services on the South Coast of the Island will deliver more

cost-efficient and sustainable service to communities like La Poile, Francois,

Grey River, South East Bight, Petite Forte, Rencontre East, Bay L'Argent, Pool's

Cove, Hermitage, Gaultois and McCallum.

Budget 2019 , we will allocate $15

million for vessel refits and maintenance of ferries, terminals and wharves.

Industry Development

Tourism

Mr.

Speaker, whether it is hiking along the East Coast Trail or watching for whales

and icebergs in Twillingate, experiencing the culture of Fogo island, or touring

one of the four UNESCO World Heritage sites, we are well positioned to expand

the province's tourism industry – an industry that employs approximately 20,000

people.

In the

last year alone, we have worked collaboratively to make investments in projects

that leveraged these strengths and build the industry's capacity.

Examples

of such projects include Theatre Newfoundland and Labrador's multi-functional

theatre complex in Cow Head, as well as supporting the Discovery Aspiring

Geopark on the Bonavista Peninsula, these will assist in securing UNESCO

Global Geopark designation and advancing our geo-tourism industry.

To help create awareness of these wonderful

experiences, our government continues to invest $13 million in tourism marketing

again this year. We will also use funds from the $10 million Regional

Development Fund to work with industry and community partners to support

initiatives to advance economic development infrastructure, marketing, research

and capability in such areas as our tourism industry.

Building on the Tourism Product Development Plan, we

will focus on enhancing tourism experiences. Furthermore, we are committed to

undertaking an action plan on the maintenance and growth of the airline routes

and marketing.

Film and Television

Mr. Speaker, Newfoundland and Labrador is well known

for creative storytelling and captivating scenery.

SOME HON. MEMBERS:

Hear, hear!

MR.

OSBORNE:

Mr.

Speaker, these attributes, coupled with a highly skilled workforce is supporting

the exciting development of a film and television industry that employs more

than 600 people. It attracts investment and generates economic spinoffs and

supports our tourism industry. We have seen growth of over 20 per cent in this

industry in the last two years. It is also an industry that is creating

employment opportunities for women, with more than 70 per cent of the projects

supported to date being led by female producers.

To leverage our strengths and continue to position

Newfoundland and Labrador as an attractive location for investment in a very

competitive global industry, we have allocated $4 million to the Film Equity

Program, which we doubled in 2017; and renewed the Newfoundland and Labrador

Film and Video Tax Credit until 2021.

Social enterprise

Mr. Speaker, social enterprises play a leading role in

rural and urban areas in delivering services, attracting investment and creating

economic development.

Through the Social Enterprise Action Plan, we are

leveraging those strengths through the investment of $250,000 that will support

social enterprise research projects.

Youth

Mr. Speaker, as a government, we will continue to

create an environment that drives a strong and diversified economy, especially

for young entrepreneurs.

In 2018-19, approximately 20 loans were provided to

young entrepreneurs through the Drive Program, supporting 40 positions. This

year we are allocating $200,000 to continue to assist young entrepreneurs

through the loans of this program up to $10,000.

Through the Green Jobs in Green Spaces for Youth, there

is $138,000 for investment, which supports our ability to increase the number of

student positions and enhanced customer service at parks.

Research and Development

The Newfoundland and Labrador technology sector

includes almost 600 businesses, generating approximately 6,500 jobs. In an

effort to increase technology sector business activity and grow the number of

people employed, a joint government-industry working plan entitled

The Way Forward on Technology was

released in February of 2018.

Mr. Speaker, supporting greater research and

development has proven outcomes and will help attract new researchers and

investment to the province, as well as help expand key industries.

As a government, we view ourselves as a partner in

creating a culture where such innovation and entrepreneurship can flourish.

To support access to much-needed capital investment and

to support a climate where such innovation can occur, we are allocating almost

$14 million in Budget 2019 .

Traditional Industries

Mr. Speaker, where the previous administration lost

sight of the importance of traditional industries, we see them as being a

catalyst for even greater economic activity. We see their growth as a key to

food security, as well as driving new business opportunities and new jobs.

Considerable work has been undertaken over the last

three years to energize these sectors, as they are a catalyst for strengthening

local economies through business development and job creation.

In agriculture, our actions are ensuring new entrants

can access the necessary tools to build modern, innovative operations.

In the last year, we made 6,700 hectares of Crown land

available for farming. Mr. Speaker, that's equivalent to more than 12,000

football fields.

Through the work of the Department of Fisheries and

Land Resources, our investments over the last year have led to new entrants for

agriculture – everything from beef in Reidville and Glovertown to greenhouse

vegetables on the Argentia Access Road.

Mr. Speaker, our engagement of McKinsey has also

identified attractive investment opportunities for agricultural projects which

our province has a competitive advantage. For example, partridgeberries,

cranberries, saltwater lamb and disease-free bees all hold the potential for new

export businesses.

Our government is working closely with industry

stakeholders, as well as supporting greater innovation to take full advantage of

the opportunities that lie ahead.

As part of The

Way Forward commitment to double the food self-sufficiency and employment,

as well as through the work of McKinsey, the need for cold storage has been

identified.

The benefits of such a facility will allow local

farmers to overcome barriers that constrain vegetable production, extend their

market season and ultimately expand their operations.

Our government is committed to working with the

industry to increase availability of cold storage.

We are investing more than $10 million to support this

growing industry, Mr. Speaker, including $7.1 million under the Canadian

Agricultural Partnership; $2.25 million under the Provincial Agrifoods

Assistance Program, including $100,000 to launch the Community Gardens Support

Program; and $1 million under the Provincial Agriculture Research and

Development Program.

Mr. Speaker, progress is steadily being made to

strengthen our provincial forestry sector and achieve the goals of increasing

timber allocations and harvest levels as outlined in

The Way Forward.

Guided by the sector work plans and supported by

opportunities that were identified by McKinsey, we will work with industry to

diversify the products produced in the forestry sector.

To support this work,

Budget 2019 allocates $3.66 million for silviculture and research

into reforestation and forest improvement; $3.42 million for Fire Suppression

Programs to protect forests from uncontrolled forest fires; and $900,800 for the

Insect Control Program to monitor and evaluate forest insect and disease

conditions.

As part of The

Way Forward on Forestry , we will be examining the feasibility of creating a

Wood Products Innovation Centre dedicated to applying research, technology

transfer and innovation to assist industries in developing new products,

including non-timber forest products and value-added wood products. This will be

done in collaboration with the College of the North Atlantic, Corner Brook Pulp

and Paper, Newfoundland and Labrador Forest Industry Association and Memorial

University's Grenfell Campus.

We are collectively optimistic for the potential of

such a centre.

To assist fishing enterprises in the wild and farmed

fisheries adopt innovative, modern fishing practices in a globally competitive

sector, we are allocating

$10 million under the Atlantic Fisheries Fund in

Budget 2019 . This fund enhances our ability to partner with the

industry to meet growing market demands for sustainably sourced, high-quality

fish and seafood products.

In the

fund's first year, we were able to support Torngat Fish Producers Co-operative

Society develop innovative processing equipment for turbot and snow carb; And,

Icewater Seafoods in Arnold's Cove develop an ice management system.

Building

on this collective activity, the newly created Canadian Fish and Seafood

Opportunities Fund, the marketing pillar of the Atlantic Fisheries fund, will

advance marketing initiatives and sharpen the industry's ability to target new

markets and leverage benefits emerging from free trade agreements with Europe

and Asia.

As we

continue to explore opportunities to expand the fisheries, the Fisheries

Advisory Council is valued, Mr. Speaker. They're a valuable resource for input

and guidance. This year, we have allocated $100,000 to the council.

Mr.

Speaker, to support businesses in these industries, $500,000 has been allocated

through the Employment Enhancement Program for wage subsidies and training

allowances. This will help foster innovation, growth and diversity in these

important sectors.

SOME HON. MEMBERS:

Hear, hear!

Conclusion

MR. OSBORNE:

Mr. Speaker, we have worked

hard as a government to create economic opportunities, to create jobs. It is

something we will continue to do, Mr. Speaker. We see the province as having a

very bright future.

Mr.

Speaker, we are turning the corner towards a brighter future.

Thank

you.

SOME HON. MEMBERS:

Hear, hear!

MR. SPEAKER:

The hon. the Minister of

Finance and President of Treasury Board.

MR. OSBORNE:

Mr. Speaker, I move, seconded

by the hon. the Premier, that the debate be adjourned.

MR. SPEAKER:

The motion is that debate be

adjourned.

Is it

the pleasure of the House to adopt the motion?

All

those in favour, 'aye.'

SOME HON. MEMBERS:

Aye.

MR. SPEAKER:

All those against, 'nay.'

The

motion is carried.

motion, budget debate adjourned.

MR. SPEAKER:

The hon. the Minister of

Finance and President of Treasury Board.

MR. OSBORNE:

Thank you, Mr. Speaker,

I wish

to inform the House that I have received a message from her Honour the

Lieutenant-Governor.

MR. SPEAKER:

All rise.

Dated

the 12th day of April, 2019:

Lieutenant-Governor of the Province of Newfoundland and Labrador, I transmit

Estimates of sums required for the Public Service of the Province for the year

ending 31 March 2020, in the aggregate of $7,576,549,700, and in accordance with

the provisions of sections 54 and 90 of the

Constitution Act, 1867 , I recommend these Estimates to the House of

Assembly.

Sgd.:

_________________

Lieutenant-Governor

Please

be seated.

The hon.

the Minister of Finance and President of Treasury Board.

MR. OSBORNE:

Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Mr.

Speaker, I move, seconded by the hon. the Premier, that the message, together

with the Estimates, be referred to the Committee of Supply.

MR. SPEAKER:

It is moved and seconded that

the message from her Honour the Lieutenant-Governor, together with the

Estimates, be referred to a Committee of Supply and that I do now leave the

Chair.

Is it

the pleasure of the House to adopt the motion?

All

those in favour, 'aye.'

SOME HON. MEMBERS:

Aye.

MR. SPEAKER:

All those against, 'nay.'

The

motion is carried.

motion, that the House resolve itself into a Committee of the Whole, the Speaker

left the Chair.

Committee of the

Whole

CHAIR (Warr):

Order, please!

We shall

take a few minutes to distribute the budgetary documents to all hon. Members.

Thank

you.

(Budgetary documents are distributed.)

CHAIR:

The hon. the Government House Leader.

MR. A. PARSONS:

Yes, Mr. Chair, I move that the Committee rise, report progress and ask leave to

sit again.

CHAIR:

The motion is that the

Committee rise, report progress and ask leave to sit again.

Is it

the pleasure of the House to adopt the motion?

All

those in favour, 'aye.'

SOME HON. MEMBERS:

Aye.

CHAIR:

All those against, 'nay.'

Motion

carried.

motion, that the Committee rise, report progress and ask leave to sit again, the

Speaker returned to the Chair.

MR. SPEAKER (Trimper):

The hon. the Member for

Baie Verte - Green Bay and Chair of the Committee of Supply.

MR. WARR:

Mr. Speaker, the Committee of

Supply have considered the matters to them referred and have directed me to

report that they have made some progress and ask leave to sit again.

MR. SPEAKER:

Thank you.

The

Chair of the Committee of Supply reports that the Committee have considered the

matters to them referred and have directed him to report that they have made

some progress and ask leave to sit again.

When

shall the report be received?

Now?

MR. A. PARSONS:

Now.

MR. SPEAKER:

Now.

When

shall the Committee have leave to sit again?

Tomorrow?

MR. A. PARSONS:

Tomorrow.

MR. SPEAKER:

Tomorrow.

motion, report received and adopted. Committee ordered to sit again on tomorrow.

Notices of Motion

MR. SPEAKER:

The hon. the Government House

Leader.

MR. A. PARSONS:

Mr. Speaker, I give notice,

and by leave, move that the following heads of expenditure be referred to the

Government Services Committee: the Consolidated Fund Services; Executive

Council; Department of Finance; Public Procurement Agency; the Public Service

Commission; Service Newfoundland and Labrador; and the Department of

Transportation and Works.

That the

following heads of expenditure be referred to the Resource Committee: the

Department of Advanced Education, Skills and Labour; the Department of Fisheries

and Land Resources; the Department of Natural Resources; and the Department of

Tourism, Culture, Industry and Innovation.

And that

the following heads of expenditure be referred to the Social Services Committee:

the Department of Children, Seniors and Social Development; the Department of

Education and Early Childhood Development; the Department of Health and

Community Services; the Department of Justice and Public Safety; the Department

of Municipal Affairs and Environment; and the Newfoundland and Labrador Housing

Corporation.

Mr.

Speaker, I also wish to advise Members that on Wednesday, April 17, 2019, at

5:30 p.m. the Social Services Committee will meet in the Chamber to review the

Estimates for Justice and Public Safety.

MR. SPEAKER:

Is it the pleasure of the

House to adopt the motion?

All

those in favour, 'aye.'

SOME HON. MEMBERS:

Aye.

MR. SPEAKER:

All those against, 'nay.'

The

motion is carried.

The hon.

the Government House Leader.

MR. A. PARSONS:

Yes, Mr. Speaker, I move,

seconded by the Minister of Finance and President of Treasury Board that the

remaining Orders of the Day do stand deferred and this House, on its rising, do

adjourn.

MR. SPEAKER:

The motion is that this House

do now adjourn?

Is it

the pleasure of the House to adopt the motion?

All

those in favour, 'aye.'

SOME HON. MEMBERS:

Aye.

MR. SPEAKER:

All those against, 'nay.'

The

motion is carried.

This

House stands adjourned until tomorrow at 10 in the morning.

motion, the House at its rising adjourned until tomorrow, Wednesday, at 10 a.m.