June 5, 2012

HOUSE OF ASSEMBLY PROCEEDINGS Vol. XLVII No. 43

The House met at 1:30 p.m.

MR. SPEAKER (Wiseman): Order, please!

Admit strangers.

Statements by Members

MR. SPEAKER: Today we will have members' statements from the Member for

the District of Bay of Islands, the Member for the District of Bonavista South,

the Member for the District of St. John's North, the Member for the District of

Baie Verte Springdale, the Member for the District of Humber West, and the

Member for the District of Mount Pearl North.

The hon. the Member for the District of Bay of Islands.

SOME HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear!

MR. JOYCE: Mr. Speaker, I rise in this hon. House today to recognize the

many volunteers and participants of the Canadian Cancer Society's Relay for Life

event which took place in Corner Brook on Saturday, June 2.

I had the honour of attending this event and participating in the survivors'

dinner and the opening ceremonies. The Relay for Life highlights a time for

survivors to celebrate that they have beaten cancer while at the same time a

reminder that many have lost loved ones to this disease.

Mr. Speaker, one of the most moving moments of the evening was a tribute to

Janelle Blanchard of McIvers whom the honorary luminary was dedicated to

recognizing loved ones we have lost. Sadly, Janelle, a Grade 11 student at

Templeton Academy in Meadows, passed away in January at the age of sixteen. Her

best friend, Sierra Lovell, shared some of her memories of Janelle and showed us

what an inspirational person Janelle was and how much she was loved by her

friends and family.

Sierra then did a beautiful tribute song which was Janelle's favourite.

Twelve classmates of Janelle lit luminary candles in remembrance and were joined

by other classmates, family, friends and staff from Templeton and led the

luminary lap for all participants at the Relay. This was a very emotional moment

not only for Janelle's family and friends but for everybody who has lost a loved

one to cancer.

Mr. Speaker, I ask all hon. members to join me in recognizing the many

participants and volunteers of the Relay for Life event and thank them for their

continued commitment and determination to help find a cure for this dreaded

disease.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

SOME HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear!

MR. SPEAKER: The hon. the Member for Bonavista South.

SOME HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear!

MR. LITTLE: Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Mr. Speaker, hon. colleagues, I rise in this House today to recognize and

congratulate the # 84 Golden Hind Catalina Sea Cadet Corp on doing an

outstanding performance at their fifty-ninth annual review. This event took

place this past Saturday, June 2, of 2012.

The corp. members captivated the audience with stellar displays that

included: the colour party, a drum routine, a guard display, and a band display.

Hard work, dedication and discipline were evident in each cadet's performance.

Lieutenant-Commander David Botting, the inspecting officer, said that this

review was the best that he has ever attended. Of course, the officers who

volunteer their time to oversee these fine young sea cadets are to be commended

for their services.

While I can congratulate the cadets who won awards, it was Chief Petty

Officer First Class Ben Larson's distinction that excelled, taking home the

Cadet of the Year Award, a scholarship, and most importantly, the Lord

Strathcona Award; an award only bestowed on a select few individuals within the

sea cadet movement who must pass stringent requirements.

Mr. Speaker, hon. colleagues, please join me in congratulating Mr. Larson and

each of his fellow cadets on these achievements and a great performance.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

SOME HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear!

MR. SPEAKER: The Member for St. John's North.

MR. KIRBY: Mr. Speaker, I rise in the House today to congratulate an

organization while its head office is located in my district, it serves the

entire Province the Association of Early Childhood Educators of Newfoundland

and Labrador, usually known as AECENL, has represented the issues of child care

practitioners and quality child care since 1989.

At that time, many people considered early childhood educators to be little

more than babysitters, and they did not see this as a complimentary term, Mr.

Speaker. AECENL's tireless work has been instrumental in changing how people

view the women and men who educate our children in their earliest years.

AECENL also puts enormous efforts into highlighting the rights of children.

They are long-time promoters of National Child Day, organizing several events

every November 20. AECENL spearheaded the proclamation of Early Childhood

Educators' Week by the Province many years ago, and continues to ensure that the

child care sector and those who work in it are recognized for their important

work.

Parents everywhere in this Province know the good work they do, and I ask all

hon. members in joining me in thanking AECENL.

SOME HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear!

MR. SPEAKER: The Member for Baie Verte Springdale.

MR. POLLARD: Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

May 4, May 11, and May 24 were milestone days for the 2012 graduating classes

hailing from Indian River High, Springdale; MSB Regional Academy, Middle Arm;

and Copper Ridge Academy, Baie Verte.

It was indeed a pleasure and an honour for me to celebrate with them this

special, memorable time in their lives, and to commend them upon their

achievement. Parents, teachers, family, and friends beamed with pride as the

graduates were honoured. I was very impressed with the quality speeches and

leadership exhibited by the sharp-looking youth. Exuding with confidence, each

graduated validated my first impressions that is: They are ready to seize the

opportunities that are in front of them and be a success story.

All three schools and supporting communities are to be commended for

providing such a caring, nurturing environment so that each graduate could

attain maximal achievement.

Hon. members, please join me in saluting all three classes upon their high

school graduation. We look forward in hearing about their future

accomplishments.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

SOME HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear!

MR. SPEAKER: The Member for Humber West.

MR. GRANTER: Mr. Speaker, it gives me great pleasure to stand in this

hon. House to congratulate a special group of individuals from Western

Newfoundland and Labrador who participated in the 2012 Atlantic School Sports

Weekend.

This annual event featuring seventy-one blind and visually impaired athletes

from all over Atlantic Canada was held in St. John's for the first time. As one

of the participants stated, "Participation is always key, whether you win or

lose".

I congratulate Terry Gardner for being chosen Best All Around Partially Blind

Athlete, and Bruce Barrett for Best Overall Totally Blind Athlete. Other teams

members included Anthony Gaulton of Goose Bay, Katie Colbourne, Ben Goulding,

Barb Pike, Darrell Pike, Dot Vincent, and Marjorie Pike from Corner Brook.

Terry Gardner, first place, Partially Blind Men's Darts, first place in the

sixty metre and 100 metre race, second place in shot put, and tied for second

with Anthony Gaulton in horseshoe toss. Barb Park, first place in horseshoes and

women's darts. Ben Goulding, second place in the sixty metre and 100 metre race,

and third spot in the 400 metre. Anthony Gaulton claimed third place in men's

darts for partially blind athletes.

I ask all hon. members to join me in congratulating all participants for

their participation and achievement.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

SOME HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear!

MR. SPEAKER: The Member for Mount Pearl North.

SOME HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear!

MR. KENT: Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

It is a great pleasure to rise in this hon. House this afternoon to

congratulate long-time resident of Mount Pearl and volunteer, Mary Randell, on

the recent celebration of her eighty-ninth birthday.

Mary has been living in my district for several decades and has been

volunteering in our community for over fifty years. She was the leader of the

first Girl Guide unit to open in Mount Pearl in 1959 and has held many

positions, including Brown Owl, District Guider, Commissioner, Deputy

Commissioner, and Camping Advisor. Just last year, Mary received her fifty-year

pin from Girl Guides of Canada for her contribution to this organization.

Mary participated in the Crystal Cliffs Training Conference in Nova Scotia in

1970. She was a Site Guider at many camps from 1959-1989, participating in

Company Camps in three Atlantic Provinces. I am sure her camp stories are

endless.

In addition to her fifty-year pin, Mary has also received the Blue Thanks

Pin, Gold Merit and Medal of Merit Awards, Letter of Commendation, and an

Honorary Life Award.

I ask all members of this House to join me in congratulating Mary Randell on

the celebration of her eighty-ninth birthday and thank her for her commitment to

our community and to the Girls Guides of Canada.

Thank you.

SOME HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear!

MR. SPEAKER: Before we move to Ministerial Statements, I want to welcome

five special guests to the Speakers gallery today. We are joined by the High

Commissioner of the Republic of Kenya, the First Secretary of the Kenya High

Commission, the High Commissioner of the United Republic of Tanzania, the Second

Secretary of the Tanzania High Commission, together with the First Counsellor of

the Rwanda High Commission.

Welcome to our Assembly.

SOME HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear!

MR. SPEAKER: Statements by Ministers.

Statements by Ministers

MR. SPEAKER: The hon. the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Minister

Responsible for Fire and Emergency Services.

SOME HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear!

MR. O'BRIEN: Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate all participants

in the spring Fire and Emergency Services Training School held this past week on

the Burin Peninsula. Those who participated noted it was an enjoyable and

informative event and many complimented the team of staff and regional trainers

who provided more than 400 hours of course instruction.

These regional training initiatives, which include more than forty course

options and offer great networking opportunities, are open to members of

community councils, fire departments, maintenance personnel, and emergency

responders, as well as non-governmental organizations and public works

departments. Throughout the last week, more than 280 firefighters, municipal

officials, and emergency management partners from more than sixty organizations

participated in intensive training and instruction.

Mr. Speaker, this is the second time our government has partnered with the

Town of Marystown and the local fire department to carry out training for first

responders, municipal officials, and other emergency management stakeholders. It

is essential, both for the protection of our communities and for the safety of

responders, to have the necessary training and proper skills to draw upon during

emergency situations. This training offered free of charge by the provincial

government, through Fire and Emergency Services Newfoundland and Labrador, goes

a long way in improving emergency response capacity throughout the Province.

Our government is committed to assisting our communities to provide the best

level of emergency services available. We continue to offer a fifty-fifty

cost-share arrangement for participating communities to assist in covering the

expense of travel and accommodations during these educational sessions. Mr.

Speaker, as towns and regions begin to exercise and validate emergency

management plans, they are realizing how appropriate training is a fundamental

component of any emergency response.

As minister, I am delighted to hear of and see the co-operation and teamwork

that has developed in the emergency management sector. I encourage more

communities to take advantage of these excellent opportunities to build capacity

for emergency response. Congratulations to all for another successful event and

I encourage everyone to keep safety in mind at all times.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

SOME HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear!

MR. SPEAKER: The hon. the Member for Bay of Islands.

MR. JOYCE: Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

I thank the minister for an advance copy of the statement. Once again,

Minister, I say, and I have said at many events, people who participate in these

types of activities: when we have an emergency, most of us run from, they run

to. So I say congratulations to all of the people who participated in this

training. Congratulations to the Town of Marystown and their volunteers for

hosting it and making it such a worthwhile event.

Mr. Speaker, years ago I took

part in some of the training. If anybody in

this House or anybody in the Province thinks that the training is easy for

people who are fighting a fire in a smokehouse, they should try it sometime.

These volunteers give up a lot of their time and a lot of their energy that they

can be spending with their own families and their own town. They do it to

prepare themselves for emergencies in their own communities and making their

communities and towns safe.

Congratulations to the minister for ensuring that there is funding there to

help out with this training in every town. Just a friendly reminder to the

minister: most towns are supposed to have their emergency response in by May 31,

so we can encourage the ones that are not done and try to help with the ones

that are done to ensure that we all have our emergency response. Congratulations

to all the volunteers, for all the people in Marystown who helped pull this off,

and for Fire and Emergency for their expertise in helping these volunteers.

SOME HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear!

MR. SPEAKER: The hon. the Member for St. John's East.

MR. MURPHY: Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

I would also like to thank the minister for the advance copy of his

statement. A big congratulations has to go out to the all the participants in

such a worthwhile venture. We know that, of course, emergency services are an

essential service to the residents of the Province, but a couple of things here;

I think that the government, when we are talking about paying the fifty-fifty

plan with regard to travel cost for some people, some people have to go a really

long distance. It could be somebody in Labrador who could want to participate in

a program like this.

We would certainly like to see government pick up all the costs for having

these volunteer people come out and avail of these programs themselves. We would

certainly like to see government press for more people to get into volunteering

in this particular sector, but at the same time, while they are covering the

training fee we would certainly like to see them get out there and help to cover

some of the travel costs. It can be expensive getting around the Province, Mr.

Speaker.

Thank you.

SOME HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear!

MR. SPEAKER: The hon. the Minister of Transportation and Works.

SOME HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear!

MR. HEDDERSON: Mr. Speaker, I rise in this hon. House to inform all hon.

members that this week is Transportation Week in jurisdictions throughout North

America.

This occasion helps us to reflect on the significance of the 9,000-plus

kilometres of road over 800 bridges, eighteen owned and contracted ferries in

the provincial fleet, and other vital links we maintain in our provincial

transportation network. It also helps us, Mr. Speaker, to appreciate the people

who make their living by traveling, building, and maintaining these links.

Transportation is a priority for the provincial government, as seen in our

multi-year infrastructure investments now valued at almost $5 billion. Some of

our most impressive projects involve enhancements to road and bridge

infrastructure, and Budget 2012 made $165.1 million available to these

enhancements.

This year, $13 million will be used to carve a corridor for the Team Gushue

Highway extension, which will enhance traffic flow through the Avalon Peninsula.

Another $10 million is being used to improve the flow of people and goods on the

West Coast by twinning the highway in Corner Brook. With an investment of $65.8

million this year, the final contracts were awarded that will see the completion

of Phase I of the Trans-Labrador Highway in 2014. Our Budget 2012 investment

will also continue our work on the Torbay Bypass as well as the Conception Bay

South Bypass; support our continuous upkeep of the Trans-Canada Highway; and

soon begin the replacement of one of the few lift bridges in North America the

Placentia Life Bridge. Mr. Speaker, this investment is creating employment

opportunities in our skilled trades, encouraging economic development, moving

people and goods, and connecting communities, all to the benefit of current and

future Newfoundlanders and Labradorians.

Mr. Speaker, these projects would not be possible without the professionalism

of our heavy civil workers throughout the Province. These fine women and men who

work in our transportation infrastructure make it possible to maintain reliable

and sustainable transportation links that support the social and economic needs

of this Province. I also want to recognize the dedication of everyone involved

in trucking and shipping goods throughout our vast Province as their efforts

contribute greatly to our well-being each and everyday.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

SOME HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear!

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

MR. JOYCE: Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

I thank the minister for an advance copy. Also, I would like to thank all the

people who keep our roads safe in Newfoundland and Labrador. I say to the

minister they do a great job in maintaining our roads. As we all know, it is

such a transportation issue for all of us, shipping in goods, our own

transportation around. Mr. Speaker, it would be remiss for me if I did not bring

up the twenty-four hour snow clearing or the call in for most of the roads

around my I still urge the minister to consider that if possible.

Mr. Speaker, even though and I recognize the contribution the government

has made to the roads in Newfoundland and Labrador. There are two concerns that

is always brought up around Newfoundland and Labrador, we brought this up to the

minister, and that is rutting. I am not sure what can be done but it is a major

concern for all of us in Newfoundland and Labrador. It is a major concern to

save money over the long run if we can find a solution to that. This is

everybody's problem, municipalities, the government.

The other thing I would like to mention, Mr. Speaker, is no matter how much

money we spend in Newfoundland and Labrador, us as individuals have to take

safety upon ourselves to ensure that our roads we drive safe, we keep a safe

distance behind each driver, we drive with caution, because no matter how safe

our roads, human error can cause a lot of problems.

I say to the minister, congratulations to all of his staff and to all of the

people who keep our roads safe, and to all the individuals, keep an open mind,

drive safe, be careful on our roads, because there are a lot of people driving.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

SOME HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear!

MR. SPEAKER: The hon. the Member for St. John's East.

SOME HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear!

MR. MURPHY: Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

I would also like to thank the minister for an advance copy of his statement.

It is certainly time to reflect on transportation. Congratulations to all the

hard-working men and women who are out there helping to keep our road networks

in tip-top shape, especially people out there inspecting the bridges, the people

who are out there inspecting the vehicles, the safety officers, particularly. I

want to thank the people who are out there moving goods across this Province on

a day-to-day basis. I do know a little bit about the transportation sector,

having come from that.

While government is quick to outline the positives that are out there, I

think it also has to be kept in mind during Transportation Week that there are a

lot of negatives out there, too, at the same time. We are still dealing with

problems, for example, with the Placentia lift bridge. We are still dealing with

problems as well, for example, through the ferry sector as well. We still need

to make sure this is also going to be a time, for example and this would be an

idea for the minister to work out, but I feel this is probably a very important

time of the year for everybody in the transportation sector to have a review of

their own emergency protocols, too, when it comes to their effect and what can

happen with other people, and to keep people safe as well. So, probably you

might want to keep that one in mind for next year.

It is a long list, but I am sure the minister is dealing with the problem

with roads and everything. I would like to thank him for his time and for his

statement, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you.

SOME HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear!

MR. SPEAKER: Oral Questions.

Oral Questions

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

MR. BALL: Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

The news coming out of the Premier's meeting with Mr. Kruger yesterday was

very concerning. The consistent message from both parties was that time is of

the essence for Kruger to finalize a sustainability plan for the mill in Corner

Brook.

I ask the minister: What are the timelines for this to be finalized and for a

decision on the mill's future to be made?

MR. SPEAKER: The hon. the Minister of Natural Resources.

SOME HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear!

MR. KENNEDY: Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

I was also present at the meeting, as was the Minister of Finance, and the

Member for Humber West. It was a very good meeting in all the circumstances, Mr.

Speaker. Mr. Kruger indicated his willingness to develop a long-term

sustainability plan, and we indicated to him as we have indicated, by the way,

to the Member for the Bay of Islands, and the Member for Humber Valley, who are

also very concerned about their constituents and this mill that if the unions

came to an agreement, Mr. Speaker, with the owner on a long-term sustainability

plan, and if the pension issue could be worked out, then we, as a government,

would certainly be there to help.

SOME HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear!

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

MR. BALL: Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Everyone in the Official Opposition understands that this is indeed a very

serious situation that needs to be resolved between the company and the unions.

I ask the minister: What is the government doing to facilitate a timely and

positive solution to the situation?

MR. SPEAKER: The hon. the Minister of Natural Resources.

SOME HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear!

MR. KENNEDY: Yes, thank you, Mr. Speaker.

As the Leader of the Opposition has stated, this is certainly time sensitive,

and a very sensitive issue. Mr. Speaker, there are certain issues that transcend

politics or political parties in this Province, and one of them is the situation

that is currently going on with Kruger in Corner Brook. It is a situation, Mr.

Speaker, where all parties are concerned.

What I can say to the Leader of the Opposition and to the Member for the Bay

of Islands, as well as to our own people, Mr. Speaker, is that although the news

may be seen as grim in terms of the possibility of closing, really the people of

Corner Brook and the members of this union hopefully can get together with Mr.

Kruger. He has indicated a willingness, Mr. Speaker, to develop a long-term

sustainability plan. As we have indicated in numerous meetings with the company,

we will be there to support the union and the people of Corner Brook.

Mr. Speaker, this mill is not only important to the residents, the families,

and the workers in Corner Brook; it is important to the people of this Province.

SOME HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear!

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

MR. BALL: Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

On December 14, 2011, the Minister of Environment and Conservation, as the

lead minister for the Labour Relations Agency, called for a review of Special

Product Order provisions. This review was done by Mr. Jim Oakley. Mr. Oakley's

report can be found on the government's Web site. Nalcor, in its submission to

Mr. Oakley, suggested options to mitigate certain labour challenges that it

might encounter on the Muskrat Falls Project. Mr. Oakley did not accept the

suggestions of Nalcor.

I ask the minister: Is your government accepting the Oakley review

recommendations or adopting the Nalcor submission, recommending an open-shop

concept?

MR. SPEAKER: The hon. the Minister of Environment and Conservation.

SOME HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear!

MR. FRENCH: Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

As the hon. member I am sure knows, we just went through a major review of

our labour legislation, the labour act in this Province, Mr. Speaker. Within the

next several days, it will be brought to this House and we will have a debate

from all parties involved about the major changes we are going to make in the

act. I think it is time we brought the act into the twentieth century, Mr.

Speaker, and made it comparable to other pieces of legislation across the

country.

The SPO is one of the three issues we have tackled. We will bring it to this

House, Mr. Speaker, if not Thursday, then early next week.

Thank you.

SOME HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear!

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

MR. BALL: Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Yesterday the Premier stated in the media that labour costs and capital costs

of the project were increasing, which would increase the overall cost of the

Muskrat Falls Project. Nalcor, in its submission to the Oakley review, suggested

we need a new model for Special Project Orders in this Province.

I ask the minister: Has there been any discussion within the department

related to Muskrat Falls or government concerning a trade union known as the

Christian Labour Association of Canada?

MR. SPEAKER: The hon. the Minister of Environment and Conservation.

SOME HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear!

MR. FRENCH: Let me correct, Mr. Speaker, first of all; it is the

twenty-first century I am hoping to bring the legislation into, not the

twentieth century. I am trying to get a little bit closer to modern times than

that.

Nevertheless, Mr. Speaker, the SPO, we have done a total review of the SPO,

the recommendations that came out of the SPO. We are evaluating it. The hon.

member, all I can say to him is to stay tuned. We have a new piece of

legislation, major changes to the piece of legislation. I think it will protect

the workers in Newfoundland and Labrador and also protect the employers in

Newfoundland and Labrador. As the Department of Labour that is certainly our

number one priority.

SOME HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear!

MR. SPEAKER: The Leader of the Official Opposition.

MR. BALL: Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Well, really, the answer that we are looking for, and I will ask the question

again, is: Has there been any discussions with the Christian Labour Association

of Canada regarding the Muskrat Falls project?

MR. SPEAKER: The hon. the Minister of Environment and Conservation.

SOME HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear!

MR. FRENCH: Mr. Speaker, as the Minister Responsible for Labour, very

often we are seeing and we have to be the regulator and strike that right

balance between both. I have heard tell of the Christian Labour whatever it is

called but I have never, ever spoken to anyone involved in that union and I

certainly have not gone seeking to speak to anybody in that union. That is

certainly not my mandate. My mandate is to be fair to not only the employers in

the Province but also the workers in the Province, Mr. Speaker, and that is

something I and our department strive to do.

SOME HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear!

MR. SPEAKER: The hon. the Member for Torngat Mountains.

MR. EDMUNDS: Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

The tenders for freight service to Black Tickle, Nunatsiavut, and Natuashish

have been closed for some time now. The department has announced that the

Northern Ranger will begin shipping season out of Happy Valley-Goose Bay on

Friday, June 8.

I ask the minister: What other vessels will be used to provide freight

service to Black Tickle and the North Coast this summer and when will this

service begin?

MR. SPEAKER: The hon. the Minister of Transportation and Works.

SOME HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear!

MR. HEDDERSON: Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

In response to the question from the hon. member opposite, basically, five

proposals came in for that service of freight to the North Coast. We are into

the last stages now of doing the analysis that is required in order to make a

decision; once that decision is made, obviously we will be sharing that not only

with the member but also with the people on the North Coast and the people of

this Province.

SOME HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear!

MR. SPEAKER: The hon. the Member for Torngat Mountains.

MR. EDMUNDS: Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

These proposals are meant to address the long-term passenger and freight

service as well as the short-term.

I ask the minister: When will the government make a decision on the long-term

service to Black Tickle, Nunatsiavut, and Natuashish, and will the residents of

this area be consulted before a decision is made?

MR. SPEAKER: The hon. the Minister of Transportation and Works.

SOME HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear!

MR. HEDDERSON: Mr. Speaker, we put together an RFP following

consultations with the Nunatsiavut Government, the people on the North Coast,

and basically put it in the form of an RFP. Five proposals came in and these are

proposals that called for service of the fifteen years. That is, I would

consider, long term.

Again, to go back to my previous response, those proposals now are in the

last stages of analysis and very shortly we will be able to come back to the

people of the North Coast and advise them of which direction government will be

going in, and providing that very valuable service.

SOME HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear!

MR. SPEAKER: The Opposition House Leader .

MS JONES: Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Mr. Speaker, the Minister Responsible for Labrador and Aboriginal Affairs

stated in a letter to Minister Peter MacKay back in February that it would be

vital to do a review of the tragedy in Makkovik so lessons can be learned. Yet,

he stood in the House of Assembly and stated that a public inquiry would serve

no purpose and that it would not change or reveal anything.

I ask the minister why he would do an about-face on this important issue.

MR. SPEAKER: The hon. the Minister of Intergovernmental and Aboriginal

Affairs.

SOME HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear!

MR. McGRATH: Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

There is certainly no about-face. The letter that I wrote Minister MacKay was

written two days after the incident happened. The key word in that letter

obviously the member across the House must be using the same researcher that CBC

is using, because the key word was review. In order to do a review through our

review, we found out that we did not need a public inquiry. There certainly was

no flip-flop or no about-face, except who is deciding which government they

would like to be in, either provincial or federal. My opinion did not change at

all.

SOME HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear!

MR. SPEAKER: Order, please!

The Opposition House Leader.

MS JONES: Mr. Speaker, the minister also stated in his letter that

increasing search and rescue capacity in Newfoundland and Labrador is critically

important to the people who rely on these services.

I ask the minister if he can outline for me now what improvements in search

and rescue have happened in this Province since February that have caused you to

change your mind on an inquiry into this important issue.

MR. SPEAKER: The hon. the Minister of Intergovernmental and Aboriginal

Affairs.

SOME HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear!

MR. McGRATH: Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Again, Mr. Speaker, my opinion has not changed, or the opinion of this

government over here. We are still hoping to see improvements in search and

rescue, and we will continue to argue that we do need improvements. There are

always improvements needed. Through reviews, you can see those improvements will

be made, and we will continue to advocate on behalf of the people of

Newfoundland and Labrador, but it is through reviews that you can make those

decisions.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

SOME HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear!

MR. SPEAKER: The Opposition House Leader.

MS JONES: Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Maybe the minister has not heard, but the reality of the situation is that

the federal government has made several cuts since then. They have closed the

search and rescue centre in St. John's, the Maritime Sub-Centre. They have

closed three Maritime call centres in this Province, and they have made cuts to

Coast Guard operations.

I ask the minister because he wanted to know what the lessons were did

you get the lessons that you were looking for? If so, what were they? If you did

not, why are you not supporting the inquiry?

MR. SPEAKER: The hon. the Minister of Intergovernmental and Aboriginal

Affairs.

SOME HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear!

MR. McGRATH: Thank you again, Mr. Speaker.

I am not sure which question she wanted answered because there were a lot of

questions. Again, she is using the word inquiry. Through a review, we got

answers. Whether or not we are pleased with the answers we have, is another

story. We asked for a review, we asked questions, and we got answers. Now we

will work on the answers, hopefully, to improve service. That does not warrant

an inquiry, Mr. Speaker.

SOME HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear!

MR. SPEAKER: The Member for Burgeo La Poile.

MR. A. PARSONS: Mr. Speaker, the air quality report on the College of the

North Atlantic's daycare has been released. Of particular concern is the

presence of aspergillosis, a fungus that can cause breathing illnesses,

especially in asthmatics, as well as elevated CO 2 levels, an

indicator of inadequate ventilation.

I would ask the minister: How often is air quality tested at the daycares at

the college and Memorial University? Why aren't parents receiving reports on air

quality and infection rates on a regular basis?

MR. SPEAKER: The hon. the Minister of Advanced Education and Skills.

SOME HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear!

MS BURKE: Mr. Speaker, any buildings that we have within any of our

post-secondary institutions including our daycare centres, classroom spaces or

spaces at the university or the College of the North Atlantic, we certainly want

to maintain our buildings to a standard that is safe for everyone who uses these

buildings. Mr. Speaker, when we have an issue that we will have to deal with, we

will deal with it. We will also make sure that before we have children or others

use any type of buildings that we have problems with, that we will make sure

they are up to standards that would be safe for the public.

SOME HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear!

MR. SPEAKER: The Member for Burgeo La Poile.

MR. A. PARSONS: Mr. Speaker, the daycare's air quality report fails to

address the vulnerability of small children given their developing immune

systems, the potential for increased spread of infections due to inadequate

ventilation, nor does it address the need for air quality surveillance and

health surveillance.

I would ask the minister: Moving forward, what will your department do

differently to ensure air quality, ventilation, and infection rate surveillance

is conducted regularly?

MR. SPEAKER: The hon. the Minister of Advanced Education and Skills.

SOME HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear!

MS BURKE: Mr. Speaker, as I said, any time we have any buildings within

the post-secondary institutions, whether they accommodate children or others,

but particularly when we have our daycare centres, we want to ensure that they

are safe environments for the children.

When we have issues that come to our attention that need to be addressed, we

will make sure they are addressed, and we will ensure as well that when we say

that people or children can use these accommodations, they are safe, Mr.

Speaker.

SOME HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear!

MR. SPEAKER: The hon. the Member for St. Barbe.

MR. BENNETT: Mr. Speaker, in 2010 government fast-tracked the

environmental process to allow Nalcor to build the Parson's Pond Road for its

costly oil exploration project. Now the Environment Minister wants the road

removed, even though there are valid reasons that it remain.

I ask the Environment Minister: Will he delay his decision until the

long-term benefits of the road to this region can be evaluated?

MR. SPEAKER: The hon. the Minister of Environment and Conservation.

SOME HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear!

MR. FRENCH: Mr. Speaker, the Member for St. Barbe stood in this House

earlier on in this session, and came to me in person as well, and was very

concerned about the wildlife populations in his area, in particular, moose, and

in particular, caribou. We have spoken at length about the serious need for us

to really monitor and keep a close eye on these two species here in our

Province.

Mr. Speaker, the reason we are taking that road back and filling it back in

is for one simple reason: it is for conservation reasons. By leaving that road

there, if you will, we are opening up the back country and we are allowing more

access to those two animals that we are both very concerned about. So, Mr.

Speaker, on the side of conservation, we are taking up the road.

Thank you very much.

MR. SPEAKER: The hon. the Member for St. Barbe.

MR. BENNETT: Mr. Speaker, a bridge on that road provides the northern

access to the Appalachian Trail, a very popular

SOME HON. MEMBERS: Oh, oh!

MR. SPEAKER: Order, please!

MR. BENNETT: and attractive tourist destination, and is now critical to

the emergency evacuation plan that is prepared for that trail.

I ask the Minister of Tourism and Culture: Will he get involved to save this

access road for the long-term tourism benefits of this region, which is working

hard to diversify its economy?

MR. SPEAKER: The hon. the Minister of Environment and Conservation.

SOME HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear!

MR. FRENCH: Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Mr. Speaker, when we do environmental assessments on these issues, there is

all kinds of time for people to have comments and to bring them to our

department, and that is something we take very seriously. We had a number of

people who have written us through that period, and a number of groups have come

since, Mr. Speaker, to present their case as to this road and why it should or

should not stay.

It is quite clear, the hon. member came to me recently complaining about the

decline in moose population, Mr. Speaker. We acted upon it; we reduced the

number of licences in the area, Mr. Speaker. This is another form of

conservation that we are providing to the residents of the area. There is an

outfitting industry on the Northern Peninsula that I am very concerned about

that brings tens of millions of dollars to that area.

SOME HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear!

MR. SPEAKER: The hon. the Member for St. Barbe.

MR. BENNETT: Mr. Speaker, recently a seafood processor was forced to hire

twenty foreign workers as they were not able to find workers in this Province.

Government's JOBSinNL Web site, however, does not even list a category for

seafood processing.

With nearly 20,000 people employed in the fishing sector, how can the

minister justify omitting this important sector? Will she immediately upgrade

her Web site to include seafood processing as a job category in this Province?

MR. SPEAKER: The hon. the Minister of Advanced Education and Skills.

SOME HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear!

MS BURKE: Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

I understand the employer we are talking about right now did advertise their

jobs on JOBSinNL. Mr. Speaker, what is really important here is that we want to

make sure that people in this Province have access to the employment that is

available in this Province and they have a way to attach to the labour market.

If we know of any individuals who are interested in these jobs who are not able

to access these jobs, who want to work with our career centre so we can help

make that attachment to the labour market and to any types of jobs, Mr. Speaker,

we are more than willing to work with them.

I say to the hon. member: If he does know of any individuals who feel they

have been slighted or unable to compete for jobs, we will work with them and we

would like for him to share that information with us, Mr. Speaker.

SOME HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear!

MR. SPEAKER: The hon. the Member for St. Barbe with a very quick

question, please.

MR. BENNETT: Mr. Speaker, we know there are hundreds of unemployed

seafood workers in our Province and there are over 100 seafood processing

plants.

Will this government now commit to identifying job openings in our remaining

plants for our currently unemployed workers?

MR. SPEAKER: The hon. the Minister of Advanced Education and Skills, for

a quick answer.

SOME HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear!

MS BURKE: Mr. Speaker, we have no problem with that. The Department of

Advanced Education and Skills has a number of Career Work Centres across

Newfoundland and Labrador. Any employer who is feeling labour shortage

challenges who would like to work with us and who would like for us to be able

to advertise their jobs, to work with individuals, and to help them prepare for

it, we are more than willing to do that, Mr. Speaker. Through programs either

under the LMDA or CEYS, we do have funding to assist individuals who are

EI-eligible or who are on Income Support to help them prepare for the labour

market.

SOME HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear!

MR. SPEAKER: The hon. the Leader of the Third Party.

MS MICHAEL: Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Workers at the Kruger mill in Corner Brook find themselves with a pension

crisis through no fault of their own. While they are working with Kruger to find

a way forward, government does nothing.

Mr. Speaker, I ask the Minister Responsible for Labour Relations if he will

end his silence on this developing crisis and go to Corner Brook to join the

other two parties that are trying to find a solution.

MR. SPEAKER: The hon. the Minister of Natural Resources.

SOME HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear!

MR. KENNEDY: Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

I agree with the comments that are being made by my fellow colleagues: your

question is shameful. We have a situation that is a very serious situation. We

have members of the Official Opposition working with our members here trying to

find a solution, Mr. Speaker. This is not a time for grandstanding. This is not

a time for the NDP trying to show they are the unions' friend. This is a very

serious situation, Mr. Speaker, where thousands of people find themselves at

risk.

What we want to do, Mr. Speaker, is find a solution. What I say to the member

opposite, what I said earlier, this should transcend political boundaries. This

is about the people of our Province, and I do find her comments shameful.

SOME HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear!

MR. SPEAKER: The hon. the Leader of the Third Party.

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

MR. SPEAKER: Order, please!

MS MICHAEL: Mr. Speaker, I ask the Minister of Natural Resources, and I

am hoping

MR. SPEAKER: Order, please!

The hon. the Leader of the Third Party.

MS MICHAEL: Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

I ask the Minister of Natural Resources: If this government will get involved

with Kruger and the unions in resolving the pension issues, or will this

government only step in to help workers after the mill closes?

MR. SPEAKER: The hon. the Minister of Natural Resources.

SOME HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear!

MR. KENNEDY: Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Mr. Speaker, the individuals who work in that mill, their families or

friends, are represented by the Minister of Finance, and the Member for Humber

West, who are working with us on a daily basis. I have met with Mr. Kruger

himself on three different occasions now, including with the Premier yesterday.

Myself and the Minister of Finance met with Kruger. We have met with the unions,

all aspects of the unions, on numerous occasions. I have been in Corner Brook on

three different occasions to meet with the unions. We have met with the retired

workers, Mr. Speaker. We are doing everything we can, and I say to the NDP, you

could certainly learn from the Official Opposition in this case.

SOME HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear!

MR. SPEAKER: The hon. the Leader of the Third Party.

MS MICHAEL: Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Mr. Speaker, the government has said that they are only willing to get

involved with Kruger and the workers together after the two parties have agreed

to a long-term sustainability plan, as well as a resolution to their pension

issues. Until that time, Mr. Speaker, the Premier sits on the sidelines.

Mr. Speaker, I ask the Minister of Natural Resources: How do they justify

this government not sitting at the table together with the parties, together to

work on the long-term sustainability plan?

MR. SPEAKER: The hon. the Minister of Natural Resources.

SOME HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear!

MR. KENNEDY: Yes, thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Mr. Speaker, there seems to be no end to which these people will go to try to

bring some attention to themselves as the friend of the unions. We are working

for the people of this Province. The Premier has been present, Mr. Speaker, with

Mr. Kruger yesterday. We had a very good conversation, but this is a business

situation, Mr. Speaker. The unions do not want us imposing ourselves in the

union negotiations nor does the owner, Mr. Speaker. If they come to an

agreement, which they have to do this is their issue, in terms of how they are

going to work this out. If the company is asking for concessions, Mr. Speaker,

how can government get involved in that? If they are asking for extension of

pension plans, that is up to the people who are affected. What we are doing, Mr.

Speaker, is we are there to help if an agreement is reached, and we are not

posturing politically, like the member of the Third Party.

SOME HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear!

MR. SPEAKER: The hon. the Leader of the Third Party.

MS MICHAEL: Mr. Speaker, government apparently has no interest in helping

develop the long-term sustainability plan for the Corner Brook mill, but surely

they must be expecting to see certain provisions in that plan.

I ask the minister, Mr. Speaker: Will he tell this House exactly what they

expect to see in a viable long-term sustainability plan?

MR. SPEAKER: The hon. the Minister of Natural Resources.

SOME HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear!

MR. KENNEDY: Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

This question is similar, Mr. Speaker, to the Member for St. John's North as

he went out there on his chili tour. His fifteen minutes that he spent with the

unions and they threw him out, because that is what happened out there, Mr.

Speaker.

A long-term viability plan means exactly that. A plan, Mr. Speaker, which

will ensure that the mill stays opens, that the pensions are protected of both

the retired workers and the active workers, and that the people in the Corner

Brook, the West Coast of this Province and Northern Peninsula have a bright

future based on this mill staying open. That is what we are trying to do and

that is what long-term sustainability means.

SOME HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear!

MR. SPEAKER: The Leader of the Third Party.

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

MR. SPEAKER: Order, please!

MS MICHAEL: Mr. Speaker, Eastern Health plans to cut the equivalent of

550 hospital positions without affecting patient care. Thirty-nine of these

positions are in housekeeping. Mr. Speaker, we heard in the news recently that

many hospitals across the country have cut their cleaning budgets and they are

now dirtier and facing outbreaks of infection as a result and also increasing

costs.

I ask the Minister of Health and Community Services: Will she ensure that

cuts in hospital cleaning staff in this Province will not compromise cleaning

regiments or patient safety?

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

SOME HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear!

MS SULLIVAN: Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Mr. Speaker, that is an assurance that we gave right at the outset of this.

We have assured the people of Newfoundland and Labrador that there will be no

loss of permanent jobs, programs and services will be maintained, and that

frontline service will be maintained. Mr. Speaker, what we are looking for is to

improve what exists right now.

She talks about the number of jobs to be lost. Mr. Speaker, I just want to

present a scenario to her in terms of numbers of jobs and how that can be

achieved without laying off a single person in this Province. If we were to look

at just sick leave, Mr. Speaker, not overtime but just sick leave, and we look

at what we have now is 108 hours of sick leave per employee per year. If we

bring that to the national medium, Mr. Speaker, that is seventy-one

MR. SPEAKER: Order, please!

The hon. the Member for The Straits White Bay North.

MR. MITCHELMORE: Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Mr. Speaker, we learned in a briefing yesterday how government has adopted

international standards in aquaculture because the markets for most products is

international, yet government is not following suit in forestry. For example, to

sell wood pellets in Europe requires FSC certification which has not been

achieved.

Mr. Speaker, I ask the Minister of Natural Resources: Will he commit to land

base certification to achieve FSC certification for productive Crown lands?

MR. SPEAKER: The hon. the Minister of Natural Resources.

SOME HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear!

MR. KENNEDY: Yes, Mr. Speaker.

You can have all the certification in the world if you do not have an

industry and, unfortunately, that is where we are in this Province right now.

The situation with Kruger, Mr. Speaker, is one that as long as it stays open it

ensures that there is a future for the forestry in this Province.

We are working hard as a Province in terms of trying to attract new business

to Central Newfoundland and Labrador. We have subsidized, Mr. Speaker, the

woodcutters and harvesters on the Northern Peninsula to the tune of almost $1

million. We have put almost $10 million into the Roddickton wood pellet plant,

Mr. Speaker.

I do not know what more we are supposed to do in terms of an industry that is

having a tough time worldwide. It is not certification we are worried about, Mr.

Speaker; it is sustainability.

SOME HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear!

MR. SPEAKER: The Member for The Straits White Bay North.

MR. MITCHELMORE: Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

In order to sell into many global markets you need that certification, so we

need to be forward thinking.

Corner Brook Pulp and Paper has achieved ISO and CSA certification for its

forest resources that they own and harvest because they can access the

international markets. The Province has done nothing for its publicly owned

Crown land.

Mr. Speaker, I ask the Minister of Natural Resources: Will he direct his

department to commission at least a pilot project to certify productive Crown

lands so we can remove the barriers to the local forest industry to access those

international markets?

MR. SPEAKER: The hon. the Minister of Natural Resources.

SOME HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear!

MR. KENNEDY: Let me tell you, Mr. Speaker, how this Third Party works.

About three weeks ago, I got an e-mail from the Member for The Straits White

Bay North asking if I would meet with him and the owner of the Roddickton plant

to discuss what was going on in Roddickton. I wrote him back, Mr. Speaker. I

said if Mr. Lewis wishes to meet with me, he can contact me directly. I never

heard back from Mr. Lewis.

So what the member opposite did, he tried to interject himself into the

middle of the situation. He was obviously told to go away out of it, Mr.

Speaker. I would suggest to him that if he is going to come forward with

suggestions that he make sure that they are real and they are practical. What we

are worried about is keeping this industry alive, keeping Kruger open and

benefiting the people of this Province, Mr. Speaker.

SOME HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear!

MR. SPEAKER: The Member for St. John's Centre.

MS ROGERS: Mr. Speaker, in the case of Mr. Eddie Taylor, Judge Dymond

ordered that while incarcerated at Her Majesty's Penitentiary Mr. Taylor be

allowed to continue to see his own psychiatrist and continue to take his own

medications, as prescribed by his doctor.

Mr. Speaker, I ask the Premier: Why is this government appealing that order

and wanting to stop inmates with mental health issues from seeing their own

medical professionals?

MR. SPEAKER: The hon. the Minister of Justice and Attorney General.

SOME HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear!

MR. F. COLLINS: Mr. Speaker, I realize that the hon. member is new to the

House

SOME HON. MEMBERS: Oh, oh!

MR. SPEAKER: Order, please!

MR. F. COLLINS: but to raise a question on privacy issues that was just

mentioned

SOME HON. MEMBERS: Oh, oh!

MR. SPEAKER: Order, please!

MR. F. COLLINS: she knows full well that I, as Attorney General, cannot

respond to a question of a specific situation and situations occurring in any

court in this Province. Mr. Speaker, I just cannot respond to her question.

MR. SPEAKER: The Member for St. John's Centre.

MS ROGERS: Mr. Speaker, this is a very public issue. In March 2011, the

Office of the Citizens' Representative released their report on the psychiatric

services of Her Majesty's Penitentiary. The government then committed to an

independent peer review. On May 1, in Estimates Committee, the minister promised

he would table the report of that review in a timely fashion. Mr. Speaker, we

know the review is done.

I ask the Minister of Justice: Will he release this report before this

session of the House closes?

MR. SPEAKER: The hon. the Minister of Justice and Attorney General.

SOME HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear!

MR. F. COLLINS: Mr. Speaker, I would certainly like to clear up a

misconception here from the beginning that I never said at the Estimates we

would table the report of the review. I certainly never said that because we do

not know what that review will contain in terms of private peer information. A

lot of stuff in peer information is not public. We will examine that review when

we get it to determine what we can reveal and what we cannot.

Having said that, Mr. Speaker, the member is absolutely correct. The

groundwork is done; we had recent communications with the reviewer. He is in the

process of collating his material, getting the report written. We expect it in a

very timely fashion. As a matter of fact, we expect it very soon, Mr. Speaker.

SOME HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear!

MR. SPEAKER: The time for Question Period has expired.

Presenting Reports by Standing and Select Committees.

Tabling of Documents.

Notices of Motion.

Notices of Motion

MR. SPEAKER: The hon. the Minister of Finance and President of Treasury

Board.

MR. MARSHALL: Mr. Speaker, I give notice I will ask leave to introduce a

bill entitled,

An Act To Amend The Public Service Collective Bargaining Act.

(Bill 31)

Mr. Speaker, I further give notice that I will ask leave to introduce a bill

entitled,

An Act To Amend The Public Service Commission Act. (Bill 32)

MR. SPEAKER: The hon. the Minister of Municipal Affairs.

MR. O'BRIEN: Mr. Speaker, I give notice that I will ask leave to

introduce a bill entitled,

An Act To Amend The City Of St. John's Act And The

City Of St. John's Municipal Taxation Act. (Bill 30)

Thank you.

MR. SPEAKER: Answers to Questions for which Notice has been Given.

Answers to Questions for which Notice has been Given

MR. SPEAKER: The hon. the Minister of Innovation, Business and Rural

Development.

SOME HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear!

MR. HUTCHINGS: Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Mr. Speaker, on Wednesday, May 16, the Member for St. Barbe tabled a question

in the House of Assembly requesting any assessment of the impact on Newfoundland

and Labrador of the European Free Trade Agreement, which the Government of

Canada is currently negotiating.

Mr. Speaker, supporting business expansion and facilitating the growth of

traditional and emerging sectors are priorities of the provincial government's

business and economic development efforts. Identifying and advancing new export

opportunities will contribute to the continued growth of local businesses and

the economy of Newfoundland and Labrador. A key aspect in advancing those

priorities is creating opportunities for local businesses and new entrepreneurs

by facilitating greater access to growth industries, and supplier diversity

opportunities in national and international markets.

With export activity leading to one in every four jobs in the Province, and

surpassing $12 billion last year, it is no surprise this government has taken

such a focused effort on building Newfoundland and Labrador's trade capacity. It

is why we have a memorandum of understanding in place with New England, Iceland,

and Ireland. It is why we are targeting opportunities in Brazil, China, and

India, and other international markets. It is also why the provincial government

is actively engaged in the Canadian-European Union trade negotiations.

The European Union market with 500 million people and an annual economic

activity of over $17 trillion holds significant opportunities for workers and

businesses in this Province. The European Union is the world's largest importing

market for goods, more than two-point-seven times larger than the United States.

Additionally, an agreement has the potential to benefit such industries as fish

and seafood, technology, wood and wood products, advanced manufacturing,

transportation, agriculture, and renewable energy. A joint study conducted by

the European Union and the federal government before the launch of negotiations

concluded that an ambitious agreement would boost Canada's income by $12 billion

annually and bilateral trade by 20 per cent.

Mr. Speaker, while a final deal could offer significant benefits, I have to

emphasize that these continue to be ongoing negotiations. We cannot assume a

final outcome at this time. What I can firmly say at this time is that officials

are advocating to the federal government in areas that should create maximum

benefit for Newfoundland and Labrador. The European Union, for example, is the

world's largest fish and seafood market, with global imports averaging $25

billion annually, 2009 to 2011.

As a government, we view these trade negotiations as presenting an

opportunity to address the elimination of tariffs and non-tariff barriers in the

fishery, which has been a goal of this Province for many years. The negotiation

could potentially result in significant benefits for rural communities that must

contend with high tariffs when exporting products to the European Union. The

fact that the federal government has publicly stated these high-tariff barriers

would be eliminated under an ambitious Canada-EU trade agreement is encouraging

to the provincial government, and the fishing industry as a whole.

Eliminated tariff barriers would increase sales of Newfoundlander and

Labrador's world-class fish and seafood productions in the lucrative European

Union market of 500 million consumers. This would directly benefit

Newfoundlanders and Labradorians through more jobs, higher wages, and greater

long-term prosperity. In addition to the opportunities for the fishery, a

Canada-European Union agreement could create opportunities for local service and

knowledgeable industries by easing access to European markets.

In Newfoundland and Labrador, the services sector represents a significant

component of the provincial economy, employing more than 160,000 Newfoundlanders

and Labradorians. Placing predictable investment rules in place and guaranteeing

access to European Union markets under a final trade agreement could create a

level playing field for Newfoundland and Labrador's investors and businesses. It

could also reduce the risk associated with investing abroad, leading to greater

two-way investments.

Within this overall process, Mr. Speaker, the Government of Newfoundland and

Labrador will only support an agreement between Canada and the European Union if

it is in the best interests of the people of the Province. It is a decision we

will make at the end of the negotiating process.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

SOME HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear!

MR. SPEAKER: The hon. the Minister of Natural Resources.

MR. KENNEDY: Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

In response to the question asked by the Member for Cartwright L'Anse au

Clair on March 28 regarding a formal review of the projected cash flow of the

Muskrat Falls projects to confirm whether or not it provides significant

long-term financial returns to the Province, Mr. Speaker, I will refer to Dr.

Wade Locke's January 17, 2012 presentation for the Memorial Presents Lecture at

the Harris Centre.

Dr. Locke's presentation confirmed that the average net cash flow for the

project is approximately $550 million per year, not including the extra revenue

from selling the residual energy. Dr. Locke concludes that the level of cash

flow could support $5 billion in debt at an 8 per cent interest rate and still

have over $100 million in additional funds to allow for the retirement of the

provincial debt, to fund other public services or to reduce taxes.

Dr. Locke indicates that a loan guarantee that reduce the interest rate by

two percentage points would add $80 million to the project's annual net cash

flow and sales of the residual energy could add an extra $60 million to the

project's annual net cash flow. Our forecast shows that in the years leading up

to 2017, electricity rates will increase because of the increasing cost of oil

and the increasing use of Holyrood to meet our growing electricity demand. In

fact, fuel costs make up over 40 per cent of the total cost in that period.

In 2017, Mr. Speaker, with Muskrat Falls based on Decision Gate 2 numbers, we

have 230,000 Island ratepayers who use an average of 1,517 kilowatt hours per

month, the average ratepayer on the Island will see their bill go from

approximately $217 to $232 per month. The main cost that drives these rates will

change, Mr. Speaker. As generation at Holyrood ends, fuel costs will go to zero.

We will no longer be buying oil to generate electricity. We will be financing

our own asset for the benefit of the Province rather than sending money to oil

companies, Mr. Speaker, as much as $6 billion over a fifty-year period. Muskrat

Falls will stabilize and eventually reduce electricity rates. The hydroelectric

power generated by Muskrat Falls, Mr. Speaker, will provide long-term stable

electricity rates for the people of our Province.

Hydro projects have a fifty- to 100-year life, Mr. Speaker, with low

operating and maintenance costs plus generating revenue that benefits

electricity consumers and the provincial Treasury across many generations. In

addition to significant cash flow projections, the project provides substantial

benefits to the provincial economy and the people of the Province.

In terms of employment, the benefits strategy between Nalcor and the

provincial government establishes a hiring protocol for the hydroelectric

generation facilities in Labrador and the Labrador-Island Transmission Link that

ensures the people of Newfoundland and Labrador will be the primary

beneficiaries of the project. First consideration, Mr. Speaker, for employment

will be provided to the Labrador Innu, as outlined in the New Dawn Agreement,

and then all Labradorians.

Muskrat Falls, Mr. Speaker, will result in the Province's consumers receiving

98 per cent of their electricity from renewable, clean sources of energy. More

than 75 per cent of the work for the Muskrat Falls generating station will take

place in Labrador, including construction of the dam, the powerhouse, and

transmission lines. The development of Muskrat Falls will contribute more than

$1.4 billion in total income for labour and businesses in Newfoundland and

Labrador with approximately $450 million going to Labradorians and

Labrador-based businesses.

It is also, Mr. Speaker, to recognize the important environmental benefits

which result from the development of Muskrat Falls. At peak, Holyrood burns

18,000 barrels of oil a day. Closing Holyrood will be the equivalent of taking

300,000 cars off the road and will reduce greenhouse gasses by more than 1

million tonnes annually.

The project will put an end to a dependence on oil and volatile prices. The

project will also support mine developments in Labrador, Mr. Speaker, and

support future renewable developments both on the Island and in Labrador.

Muskrat Falls will position our Province for a future and help transition our

Province from a non-renewable resource economy to a renewable resource economy.

Thank you.

SOME HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear!

MR. SPEAKER: Petitions.

Petitions

MR. SPEAKER: The hon. the Member for St. John's North.

MR. KIRBY: Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

I rise to present a petition on anti-replacement worker legislation. I have

close to 500 signatures here today.

To the hon. House of Assembly of the Province of Newfoundland and Labrador in

Parliament assembled, the petition of the undersigned residents of Newfoundland

and Labrador humbly sheweth:

WHEREAS strikes and lock outs are rare, and on average 97 per cent of

collective agreements are negotiated without work disruption; and

WHEREAS anti-temporary replacement workers laws have existed in Quebec since

1978 and British Columbia since 1993, and successive governments in those

provinces have never repealed those laws; and

WHEREAS anti-temporary replacement workers legislation has reduced the length

and divisiveness of labour disputes; and

WHEREAS the use of temporary replacement workers during a strike or lockout

is damaging to the social fabric of a community, the local economy, and the

well-being of its residents, as evident by the recent use of temporary

replacement workers by both Ocean Choice International and Vale in Voisey's Bay.

We, the undersigned, petition the House of Assembly to urge the government to

enact legislation banning the use of temporary replacement workers during a

strike or lock out.

As in duty bound, your petitioners will ever pray.

As I said, Mr. Speaker, there are some-500 signatures here. I know the

Government House Leader has taken some interest in this, so maybe he can perform

an audit to see exactly how many are here. We have petitioners from St. John's

and CBS, Paradise, Stephenville, Burin, Bay d'Espoir, Bishop's Falls, Harbour

Breton, Marystown, Fox Cove, Burin Bay Arm, Spanish Room, Lewin's Cove,

Spaniard's Bay, Carbonear, others from St. John's, Port Union, Hant's Harbour,

New Chelsea, New Melbourne, Brownsdale, Heart's Content, Musgrave Harbour,

Mobile, Burnt Point, Long Harbour, Placentia, Catalina, Birchy Bay, Lawn, Bay

Bulls, St. David's, Makinsons, Small Point, Stephenville, Fairbanks, Queen's

Cove, Ship Harbour, Cupids, Bishop's Falls, Grand Falls-Windsor, others from St.

John's, Marystown, Aspen Cove, Admiral's Beach, Upper Island Cove, Paradise,

Pynn's Brook, Green's Harbour, Badger, Winterland, Point May, Spaniard's Bay,

Labrador City, Wabush, Goose Bay, Foxtrap, more from St. John's, and Burin Bay.

I enter these

MR. SPEAKER: Order, please!

I remind the member that his time is up.

MR. KIRBY: Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

MR. SPEAKER: The hon. the Member for Burgeo La Poile.

MR. A. PARSONS: Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

I petition today to the hon. House of Assembly in the Province of

Newfoundland and Labrador in Parliament assembled, the petition of the

undersigned residents humbly sheweth;

WHEREAS hundreds of residents on the Southwest Coast of the Province of

Newfoundland and Labrador, including residents of the communities of Margaree,

Fox Roost, Isle aux Morts, Burnt Islands, Rose Blanche-Harbour Le Cou, Diamond

Cove, and La Poile, use Route 470 on a regular basis for work, medical,

educational, and social reasons; and

WHEREAS there is no cellphone coverage on Route 470; and

WHEREAS residents and users of Route 470 require cellphone coverage to ensure

their safety and communication abilities; and

WHEREAS the Department of Innovation, Business and Rural Development recently

announced significant funding to improve broadband services in rural

Newfoundland and Labrador; and

WHEREAS the residents and users of Route 470 feel that the Department of

Innovation, Business and Rural Development should also invest in cellular phone

coverage for rural Newfoundland and Labrador;

WHEREUPON the undersigned, your petitioners, humbly pray and call upon the

House of Assembly to support the users of Route 470 in their request to obtain

cellphone coverage along Route 470.

As in duty bound, your petitioners will ever pray.

Mr. Speaker, Route 470 is one of the two major routes in my district, the

other being Route 480, which are travelled on a daily basis by the residents of

the various communities in which they serve. Both are fairly extensive. To go

from one end of Route 470 to the other, based on the terrain and the layout of

the road, can take you forty-five minutes. There is no cellphone coverage on

this roadway, which obviously is a detriment to the residents for a number

reasons, being employment, health, and safety.

I has also been a fairly large deterrent for the tourism industry. As people

are driving back and forth, it is hard to get in contact obviously if you want

to figure out where it is you are going or to access your mobile phone if you

want to take advantage of the different mobile apps you can have access to,

whether it is on your Blackberry or your iPhone.

The fact that we are not able to use modern technology on these roadways is a

detriment to these areas, these rural places in our Province that need this

twenty-first century technology. We have come a long ways, but there is still a

significant ways to go in this Province when it comes to this technology. It is

one thing to place a phone in everybody's hands, but it is another thing to make

sure they have the ability to use this phone.

I have talked on a number of occasions about the health and safety aspect of

this. Today my concentration is more on the tourism side of it. We are getting

into tourism season now. We are in the month of June and the fact is we have a

lot of people going back and forth on these roadways. For them not to be able to

have access to the outside world, whether it is to try to check in on

reservations, check in on tourist destinations, to be able to call their

reservations, or to call where it is they are staying, is a detriment.

I am very happy to place this in today, Mr. Speaker, and I look forward to

presenting it again.

Thank you.

MR. SPEAKER: The hon. the Member for The Straits White Bay North.

MR. MITCHELMORE: Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

I present a petition:

To the hon. the House of Assembly of the Province of Newfoundland and

Labrador in Parliament assembled, the petition of the undersigned residents of

Newfoundland and Labrador humbly sheweth:

WHEREAS the Regional Economic Development RED Boards diversify, grow, and

strengthen economies throughout the Province by providing training

opportunities, marketing advice, proposal writing, leveraging funds,

collaborations, and other means; and

WHEREAS the federal government's decision to cut funding to the Atlantic

Canada Opportunities Agency is resulting in the elimination of funding to the

RED Boards and their termination in May 2013; and

WHEREAS 75 per cent of the operational funding for the RED Boards, roughly

$3.6 million, is provided by ACOA with the additional 25 per cent from the

provincial government; and

WHEREAS the Department of Innovation, Business and Rural Development has $200

million in their suite of programming, some of which has poor uptake; and

WHEREAS just 1.5 per cent of the Business Attraction Fund of the Department

of Innovation, Business and Rural Development was used last year, just $366,800

of a $25 million budget;

We, the undersigned, petition the House of Assembly to urge the government to

commit to bridge funding in its 2012 Budget, which may come from the Business

Attraction Fund, to help preserve the RED Boards in Newfoundland and Labrador

who provide support to municipalities, communities, organizations, and

businesses.

As in duty bound, your petitioners will ever pray.

The petition is signed by residents of Sandy Cove, St. Anthony, Anchor Point,

Conche, Flower's Cove, and Corner Brook. Mr. Speaker, the Regional Economic

Development Boards are all across this Province. There are nineteen boards, and

they do very good work when it comes to looking at economic development and

diversification throughout the Province.

I just talked a little bit about some of the work that they have done in my

district, the Nordic Economic Development Corporation, where they have worked

with municipalities such as the Town of Flower's Cove around developing walking

trails and signage, and to really promote local tourism assets, as well as

working with the French Shore

Interpretation Centre where that area has looked

at adding a centre for textile studies and learning. These types of things are

all important to developing our economies.

The provincial government has seen it very important to invest in a regional

Heritage Cluster Project, where ten tourism entities across the Province have

been able to work with RED Boards. That is an initiative under the RED Ochre

Regional Board for the Member for St. Barbe; I am sure he is well aware of that

and the good work that they are doing. The cluster project is ten organizations

on the Great Northern Peninsula that transcends both of our districts, that is

looking at packaging and marketing and creating a unified vision for tourism to

enhance that on the Great Northern Peninsula.

MR. SPEAKER: I remind the member his time is up, please and thank you.

MR. MITCHELMORE: Mr. Speaker, I do urge the government to look at really

committing the funding.

Thank you.

MR. SPEAKER: The Member for St. John's North.

MR. KIRBY: Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

This is another petition that has been signed by several thousand

Newfoundlanders and Labradorians. It has been circulated throughout the

Province. This is a petition on school bus safety. I have been collecting

signatures on this petition since just before Christmas.

To the hon. House of Assembly of the Province of Newfoundland and Labrador in

Parliament Assembled, the petition of the undersigned residents of Newfoundland

and Labrador humbly sheweth:

WHEREAS school district restructuring has resulted in longer bus travel

times, and more hazardous winter travel for rural students of all ages; and

WHEREAS due to recent school closures, children living within 1.6 kilometres

of school face increased barriers of congested streets and busy intersections in

the walk to school, and parents without cars are having more difficulty getting

children to different schools on foot; and

WHEREAS only those child care centres outside the 1.6 kilometre zone and

directly on bus routes are included in kindergarten noon-time routes causing

hardship for working parents; and

WHEREAS the 1.6 kilometre policy has been in place since 1975 and student

transportation policies have not been review through public consultation since

1996; and

WHEREAS parents are expressing the need for more flexible policies for

student transportation and school restructuring to meet the current needs of

school children;

We the undersigned, petition the House of Assembly to urge the government to

conduct a review of school bus transportation policies and school restructuring

to ensure safe and quality education for all school children in the Province.

As in duty bound, your petitioners will ever pray.

Mr. Speaker, I have presented this petition a number of times. Today I have

approximately 700 signatures that I am presenting, and maybe the Government

House Leader can also verify that in his audit of these petitions. We have

people from Holyrood, Long Pond, Upper Gullies, Makkovik, Baie Verte,

Greenspond, Lumsden, Newtown, Badger's Quay, Valleyfield, St. John's, Mount

Pearl, Carbonear, Flower's Cove, Woody Point, Cormack, others from St. John's

and Paradise, Goulds, Point La Haye, Chapel's Cove, Creston South, Marystown,

Smallwood Drive in Mount Pearl, Carmanville, Noggin Cove, Aspen Cove, Gander,

Frederickton, Norris Point, Rocky Harbour, Glenwood, Appleton, and Gander

quite a number from Gander and Appleton. Then Aspen Cove, Mr. Speaker, Noggin

Cove, Carmanville, Victoria Cove, George's Point, Gander Bay South

MR. SPEAKER: I remind the member his time has expired.

MR. KIRBY: Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

MR. SPEAKER: The Member for St. Barbe.

MR. BENNETT: Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

A petition to the hon. House of Assembly of the Province of Newfoundland and

Labrador in Parliament assembled, the petition of the undersigned humbly

sheweth:

WHEREAS with declining enrolment, distance education by Internet is now an

acceptable way to deliver educational services to students living in small

communities; and

WHEREAS students have little to no say in where they or their families

reside; and

WHEREAS many families do not have the ability to relocate so that their

children can access educational opportunities in larger centres; and

WHEREAS many small businesses rely on the Internet to conduct business; and

WHEREAS high-speed Internet permits a business to be more competitive than

the slower dial-up service; and

WHEREAS no high-speed Internet service exists in the community of Bird Cove;

and

WHEREAS there are no plans to offer high-speed Internet to residents of this

community;

WHEREUPON the undersigned, your petitioners, humbly pray and call upon the

House of Assembly to urge the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador to partner

with the private sector and offer high-speed Internet service to this community.

And as in duty bound your petitioners will ever pray.

Mr. Speaker, the Town of Bird Cove is a very small town, fewer than 200

people. Before the cod moratorium it had between 600 and 700 people. Now it is

down to fewer than 200 people. It is the only incorporated municipality in that

immediate region. All around, unincorporated municipalities, local service

districts and simply unincorporated areas are receiving high-speed Internet.

The petitions from Bird Cove have been circulated by a sixteen-year-old high

school student who would really prefer to have high-speed Internet, many of his

classmates do. He takes a school bus every day. He drives through an area to

school where his friends and other family members have high-speed Internet and

he is not able to access it. It is very difficult for him to accept that just

approximately one to two kilometres away the high-speed Internet ends and it

could easily be brought to his town. His town is carrying the bulk of the

municipal services load in that area. Mr. Speaker, this is another petition from

Bird Cove.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

MR. SPEAKER: The hon. the Member for The Straits White Bay North.

MR. MITCHELMORE: Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

To the hon. House of Assembly of the Province of Newfoundland and Labrador in

Parliament assembled, the petition of the undersigned residents of Newfoundland

and Labrador humbly sheweth:

WHEREAS in the District of The Straits White Bay North despite the $4

million rural broadband announcement on December 22, 2011, only one community,

Ship Cove, is slated for broadband coverage; and

WHEREAS the communities of Pines Cove, Eddies Cove East, Bide Arm, North Boat

Harbour, L'Anse aux Meadows, Great Brehat, St. Carol's, Goose Cove, Grandois and

St. Anthony Bight still remain without services; and

WHEREAS many small businesses within the district rely on Internet to conduct

business; and

WHEREAS broadband Internet permits a business to be more competitive than the

slower dial-up service; and

WHEREAS broadband Internet enhances primary, secondary, post-secondary and

further educational opportunities;

We, the undersigned, petition the House of Assembly to urge the government to

reinvest in the Rural Broadband Initiatives in Newfoundland and Labrador.

As in duty bound your petitioners will ever pray.

Mr. Speaker, this petition is signed by residents of St. Anthony, Great

Brehat, St. Anthony Bight, and St. Carols. We have to look at somehow finding a

means to really bridge the gap when it comes to the 200-plus communities in the

Province that do not have access to rural broadband. We really do need that

high-speed broadband to really take advantage of a number of government services

when it comes to education.

Today, the Mayor of St. Lawrence was speaking out about the Burin Peninsula

and a number of areas where they have slow Internet, where they have poor

cellular coverage, and also the inability for high-definition television. With

that type of inability to be more competitive, it is going to have an impact for

future business development and future investment. We can find, maybe, a

co-operative solution to look at a regional means of putting in broadband

Internet where municipalities could become involved along with the provincial

government so that we can find a way to cost-share this in a means that more and

more people in Newfoundland and Labrador have access.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

MR. SPEAKER: The hon. the Member for St. John's North.

MR. KIRBY: Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

To the hon. House of Assembly of the Province of Newfoundland and Labrador in

Parliament assembled, the petition of the undersigned residents of Newfoundland

and Labrador humbly sheweth:

WHEREAS early childhood educators are trained professionals essential to the

operation of child care centres and indispensable to many parents and children

across Newfoundland and Labrador; and

WHEREAS on the occasion of Early Childhood Educators' Week in May 2012,

government conveyed its support and recognition for the role of early childhood

educators and expressed its appreciation for their value; and

WHEREAS early childhood educators working in child care centres receive

salaries that are the lowest in Canada amongst ECEs; and

WHEREAS government's 2012 increase in subsidies paid to ECEs applies only to

Level I ECEs working in child care centre homerooms and Level II early childhood

educators who operate child care centres; and

WHEREAS all early childhood educators are highly educated, skilled, and

deserving of a fair and equitable wage subsidy; and

WHEREAS government is discriminating against some of the most skilled ECEs in

Newfoundland and Labrador;

WHEREUPON the undersigned, your petitioners, humbly pray and call upon the

House of Assembly to urge the government to revise the enhancement to the Early

Learning and Child Care Supplement to include all early childhood educators

working in Newfoundland and Labrador.

As in duty bound, your petitioners will ever pray.

Mr. Speaker, I just started this petition and it has already been signed by

several hundred people. I have petitioners here from Spaniard's Bay, Blaketown,

Mount Pearl, St. John's, and Paradise today. Not quite as many as I entered

before, but we continue to collect signatures, Mr. Speaker.

This is an extremely important issue. As I mentioned in my Member's Statement

today, AECENL, the Association of Early Childhood Educators in Newfoundland and

Labrador, has been working very hard over the years to try to get some fairness

for early childhood educators in the Province. I think one of the things that we

can do is help to bring the wages of all early childhood educators up closer at

least to the national average, if not to what has been recommended as a

benchmark for early childhood educators, which is two-thirds of the salaries of

teachers.

So, it is an extremely important issue. The folks who took the time to sign

this petition believe that is the case, Mr. Speaker, and I hope that the members

of the House of Assembly will see that, and see that this happens sooner than

later.

Thank you.

SOME HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear!

MR. SPEAKER: Order, please!

Before the Speaker goes to Orders of the Day, I want to speak to a point of

order that was raised yesterday by the hon. Government House Leader. The point

of order was with respect to a petition that was presented on Thursday, May 31

to this House by the Member for St. John's North. I want to just refer to

Hansard and the opening comments by the Member for St. John's North when he

indicated that: "I am happy to enter this petition, which has been signed by

thousands of people across Newfoundland and Labrador".

The Speaker has had an opportunity to review Hansard and the Speaker has had

an opportunity to look at the petition that was referenced in those comments.

Clearly, the petition that is entered has much fewer names than the 1,000 that

is referenced in Hansard, significantly less.

I remind members that whether it is in reference to petitions or reference to

anything else in this House in debate, members in this House have an obligation

to make statements that are accurate and factually correct. Members of the House

generally accept the comments by other hon. members as being statements of fact

and seldom challenge their accuracy unless there is, obviously, some clear

documentation that suggests to the contrary. In this case here, we have a

conflict between the statements made by the Member for St. John's North and what

are, in fact, the facts.

I would ask the Member for St. John's North if he would stand and apologize

to the House for the information that he stated in this House on May 31.

MR. KIRBY: Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

I was, in fact, referencing the

MR. SPEAKER: Order, please!

I ask the member to take his seat.

Members in this House would know clearly that the Speaker's ruling is final.

The Speaker's ruling is not subject to appeal. When the Speaker asks for a

statement to be withdrawn or the Speaker asks for an apology from a member, the

statement, the apology, or the withdrawal, is to be an unqualified withdrawal.

I would ask the member one more time if he would stand and apologize to the

House for his statements made on Thursday, May 31, 2012.

The hon. the Member for St. John's North.

MR. KIRBY: Mr. Speaker, unfortunately, I am unable to do that.

MR. SPEAKER: Order, please!

I ask the member for the third time to stand and apologize to the House for

the statements made in this House on May 31, 2012. If the member refuses to

withdraw the statement from the House and apologize to the House, I will have no

choice but ask the Sergeant-at-Arms to remove the member from his chair.

Again, I call upon the member for the third and final time to apologize for

his comments.

MR. KIRBY: I am satisfied with your ruling, Mr. Speaker.

I will remove myself from the Chamber.

MR. SPEAKER: Orders of the Day.

Orders of the Day

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

MR. KENNEDY: Yes, Mr. Speaker, I call from the Order Paper, Order 1

SOME HON. MEMBERS: Oh, oh!

MR. SPEAKER: Order, please!

MR. KENNEDY: Yes, Mr. Speaker, I call from the Order Paper, Order 2,

third reading of Bill 14.

MR. SPEAKER: What bill number is that again, I am sorry?

MR. KENNEDY: That is Bill 14, Mr. Speaker.

MR. SPEAKER: Bill 14, Order 2.

It is moved and seconded that the bill now be read a third time.

Is it the pleasure of the House to adopt the motion that Bill 14 be now read

a third time?

All those in favour, aye'.

SOME HON. MEMBERS: Aye.

MR. SPEAKER: All those against, nay'.

Motion carried.

CLERK: A bill,

An Act To Amend The Registration Of Deeds Act, 2009. (Bill

14)

MR. SPEAKER: This bill is now read a third time and it is ordered that

the bill do pass and its title be as on the Order Paper.

On motion, a bill, "An Act To Amend The Registration Of Deeds Act, 2009",

read a third time, ordered passed and its title be as on the Order Paper. (Bill

14)

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

MR. KENNEDY: Yes, Mr. Speaker, I call from the Order Paper, Order 3,

third reading of Bill 15.

MR. SPEAKER: It is moved and seconded that the said bill be now read a

third time.

Is it the pleasure of the House to adopt the motion that Bill 15 be now read

a third time?

All those in favour, aye'.

SOME HON. MEMBERS: Aye.

MR. SPEAKER: All those against, nay'.

Motion carried.

CLERK: A bill,

An Act To Amend The Student Financial Assistance Act.

(Bill 15)

MR. SPEAKER: This bill is now read the third time and it is ordered that

the bill do pass and its title be as on the Order Paper.

On motion, a bill, "An Act To Amend The Student Financial Assistance Act",

read a third time, ordered passed and its title be as on the Order Paper. (Bill

15)

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

MR. KENNEDY: Yes, thank you, Mr. Speaker.

I call from the Order Paper, Order 4, third reading of Bill 17, Mr. Speaker,

and I move, seconded by the Minister of Municipal Affairs that Bill 17,

An Act

To Ensure Access For Service Animals Used By Persons With Disabilities, be now

read a third time.

MR. SPEAKER: It is moved and seconded that the said bill be now read a

third time.

Is it the pleasure of the House to adopt the motion that Bill 17 be read a

third time?

All those in favour, aye'.

SOME HON. MEMBERS: Aye.

MR. SPEAKER: All those against, nay'.

Motion carried.

CLERK: A bill,

An Act To Ensure Access For Service Animals Used By

Persons With Disabilities. (Bill 17)

MR. SPEAKER: This bill is now read the third time and it is ordered that

the bill do pass and that its title be as on the Order Paper.

On motion, a bill, "An Act To Ensure Access For Service Animals Used By

Persons With Disabilities", read a third time, ordered passed and its title be

as on the Order Paper. (Bill 17)

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

MR. KENNEDY: Yes, Mr. Speaker.

I call from the Order Paper, Order 5, Bill 18, Mr. Speaker, and I move,

seconded by the Minister of Municipal Affairs, that Bill 18,

An Act To Amend The

Legal Aid Act, be now read a third time.

MR. SPEAKER: It is moved and seconded that the said bill be now read a

third time.

Is it the pleasure of the House to adopt the motion that Bill 18 be now read

a third time?

All those in favour, aye'.

SOME HON. MEMBERS: Aye.

MR. SPEAKER: All those against, nay'.

Motion carried.

CLERK: A bill,

An Act To Amend The Legal Aid Act. (Bill 18)

MR. SPEAKER: This bill has now been read a third time and it is ordered

that the bill do pass and its title be as on the Order Paper.

On motion, a bill, "An Act To Amend The Legal Aid Act", read a third time,

ordered passed and its title be as on the Order Paper. (Bill 18)

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

MR. KENNEDY: Yes, thank you, Mr. Speaker.

I call from the Order Paper, Order 6, third reading of Bill 19.

I move, seconded by the Minister of Advanced Education and Skills, that Bill

19,

An Act To Amend The Highway Traffic Act, be now read a third time.

MR. SPEAKER: It is moved and seconded that the said bill be now read a

third time.

Is it the pleasure of the House to adopt the motion that Bill 19 be read a

third time?

All those in favour, aye'.

SOME HON. MEMBERS: Aye.

MR. SPEAKER: All those against, nay'.

Motion carried.

CLERK: A bill,

An Act To Amend The Highway Traffic Act. (Bill 19)

MR. SPEAKER: This bill has now been read a third time and it is ordered

that the bill do pass and its title be as on the Order Paper.

On motion, a bill, "An Act To Amend The Highway Traffic Act", read a third

time, ordered passed and its title be as on the Order Paper. (Bill 19)

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

MR. KENNEDY: Mr. Speaker, I call from the Order Paper, Order 7, third

reading of Bill 20 and I move, seconded by the Minister of Municipal Affairs,

that Bill 20,

An Act To Amend The Works, Services And Transportation Act, be now

read a third time.

MR. SPEAKER: It is moved and seconded that the said bill be now read a

third time.

Is it the pleasure of the House to adopt the motion that Bill 20 be read a

third time?

All those in favour, aye'.

SOME HON. MEMBERS: Aye.

MR. SPEAKER: All those against, nay'.

Motion carried.

CLERK: A bill,

An Act To Amend The Works, Services And Transportation

Act. (Bill 20)

MR. SPEAKER: This bill is now read the third time and it is ordered that

the bill do pass and its title be as on the Order Paper.

On motion, a bill, "An Act To Amend The Works, Services And Transportation

Act", read a third time, ordered passed and its title be as on the Order Paper.

(Bill 20)

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

MR. KENNEDY: Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

I call from the Order Paper, Order 8, third reading of Bill 21 and I move,

seconded by the Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture, that Bill 21,

An Act To

Amend The Rail Services Act, 2009 be now read a third time.

MR. SPEAKER: It is moved and seconded that the bill be now read a third

time.

Is it the pleasure of the House to adopt the motion that Bill 21 be read a

third time?

All those in favour, aye'.

SOME HON. MEMBERS: Aye.

MR. SPEAKER: All those against, nay'.

Motion carried.

CLERK: A bill,

An Act To Amend The Rail Services Act, 2009. (Bill 21)

MR. SPEAKER: This bill is now read a third time and it is ordered that

the bill do pass and its title be as on the Order Paper.

On motion, a bill, "An Act To Amend The Rail Services Act, 2009", read a

third time, ordered passed and its title be as on the Order Paper.

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

MR. KENNEDY: Mr. Speaker, I call from the Order Paper, Order 9, third

reading of Bill 22 and I move, seconded by the Minister of Fisheries and

Aquaculture, that Bill 22,

An Act To Amend The Aquaculture Act, be now read a

third time.

MR. SPEAKER: It is moved and seconded that the bill be now read a third

time.

Is it the pleasure of the House to adopt the motion that Bill 22 be read a

third time?

All those in favour, aye'.

SOME HON. MEMBERS: Aye.

MR. SPEAKER: All those against, nay'.

Motion carried.

CLERK: A bill,

An Act To Amend The Aquaculture Act. (Bill 22)

MR. SPEAKER: This bill has now been read a third time and it is ordered

that the bill do pass and its title be as on the Order Paper.

On motion, a bill, "An Act To Amend The Aquaculture Act", read a third time,

ordered passed and its title be as on the Order Paper. (Bill 22)

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

MR. KENNEDY: Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

I move, seconded by the Minister of Intergovernmental and Aboriginal Affairs,

for leave to introduce a bill entitled,

An Act To Amend The Labrador Inuit Land

Claims Agreement Act, Bill 23, and I further move that the said bill be now read

a first time.

MR. SPEAKER: It is moved and seconded that the hon. Minister of

Intergovernmental and Aboriginal Affairs have leave to introduce a bill,

An Act

To Amend The Labrador Inuit Land Claims Agreement Act, Bill 23, and that the

said bill be now read the first time.

Is it the pleasure of the house that the minister does have leave to

introduce Bill 23 and that the said bill be now read a first time?

All those in favour, aye'.

SOME HON. MEMBERS: Aye.

MR. SPEAKER: All those against, nay'.

Carried.

Motion, the hon. the Minister of Intergovernmental and Aboriginal Affairs to

introduce a bill, "An Act To Amend The Labrador Inuit Land Claims Agreement

Act", carried. (Bill 23)

CLERK: A bill,

An Act To Amend The Labrador Inuit Land Claims Agreement

Act. (Bill 23)

MR. SPEAKER: This bill has now been read the first time.

When shall the bill be read a second time?

MR. KENNEDY: Now, Mr. Speaker.

MR. SPEAKER: Now.

On motion, Bill 23 read a first time, ordered read a second time presently,

by leave.

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

MR. KENNEDY: Mr. Speaker, I move, seconded by the Minister of Justice and

Attorney General, for leave to introduce a bill entitled,

An Act To Extinguish

Obsolete Actions In The Province, Bill 24, and I further move that the said bill

be now read the first time.

MR. SPEAKER: It is moved and seconded that the hon. the Minister of

Justice and Attorney General shall have leave to introduce a bill,

An Act To

Extinguish Obsolete Actions In The Province, Bill 24, and that the said bill be

now read the first time.

Is it the pleasure of the House that the minister shall have leave to

introduce Bill 24 and that the said bill be now read a first time?

All those in favour, aye'.

SOME HON. MEMBERS: Aye.

MR. SPEAKER: All those against, nay'.

Motion carried.

Motion, the hon. the Minister of Justice and Attorney General to introduce a

bill, "An Act To Extinguish Obsolete Actions In The Province", carried. (Bill

24)

CLERK: A bill,

An Act To Extinguish Obsolete Actions In The Province.

(Bill 24)

MR. SPEAKER: This bill is now read the first time.

When shall the bill be read a second time?

MR. KENNEDY: Now, Mr. Speaker.

MR. SPEAKER: Now.

On motion, Bill 24 read a first time, ordered read a second time presently,

by leave. (Bill 24)

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

MR. KENNEDY: Mr. Speaker, I move, seconded by the Minister of Health and

Community Services, for leave to introduce a bill,

An Act Respecting The

Practice Of Optometry In The Province, Bill 25, and I further move that the said

bill be now read the first time.

MR. SPEAKER: It is moved and seconded that the hon. Minister of Health

and Community Services shall have leave to introduce a bill entitled,

An Act

Respecting The Practice Of Optometry In The Province, Bill 25, and that the said

bill be now read the first time.

Is it the pleasure of the House that the minister shall have leave to

introduce Bill 25 and that the said bill be now read a first time?

All those in favour, aye'.

SOME HON. MEMBERS: Aye.

MR. SPEAKER: All those against, nay'.

Motion carried.

Motion, the hon. the Minister of Health and Community Services to introduce a

bill, "An Act Respecting The Practice Of Optometry In The Province", carried.

(Bill 25)

CLERK: A bill,

An Act Respecting The Practice Of Optometry In The

Province. (Bill 25)

MR. SPEAKER: This bill has now been read the first time.

When shall the bill be read a second time?

MR. KENNEDY: Now, Mr. Speaker.

MR. SPEAKER: Now.

On motion, Bill 25 read a first time, ordered read a second time presently,

by leave.

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

MR. KENNEDY: Mr. Speaker, I move, seconded by the Minister of Service

Newfoundland and Labrador, for leave to introduce a bill entitled,

An Act To

Amend The Consumer Protection And Business Practices Act No. 2, Bill 26, and I

further move that the said bill be now read the first time.

MR. SPEAKER: It is moved and seconded that the hon. Minister of Service

Newfoundland and Labrador have leave to introduce a bill,

An Act To Amend The

Consumer Protection And Business Practices Act No. 2, Bill 26, and that the said

bill be now read the first time.

Is it the pleasure of the House that the minister shall have leave to

introduce Bill 26 and that the said bill be now read a first time?

All those in favour, aye'.

SOME HON. MEMBERS: Aye.

MR. SPEAKER: All those against, nay'.

Motion carried.

Motion, the hon. the Minister of Service Newfoundland and Labrador to

introduce a bill, "An Act To Amend The Consumer Protection And Business

Practices Act No. 2", carried. (Bill 26)

CLERK: A bill,

An Act To Amend The Consumer Protection And Business

Practices Act No. 2. (Bill 26)

MR. SPEAKER: This bill has now been read a first time.

When shall the bill be read a second time?

MR. KENNEDY: Now, Mr. Speaker.

MR. SPEAKER: Now.

On motion, Bill 26 read a first time, ordered read a second time presently,

by leave.

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

MR. KENNEDY: Mr. Speaker, I move, seconded by the Minister of Health and

Community Services, for leave to introduce a bill entitled,

An Act To Amend The

Psychologists Act, 2005, Bill 28, and I further move that the said bill be now

read the first time.

MR. SPEAKER: It is moved and seconded that the hon. the Minister of

Health and Community Services shall have leave to introduce a bill entitled, An

Act To Amend The Psychologists Act, 2005, Bill 28, and that the said bill be now

read a first time.

Is it the pleasure of the House that the minister shall have leave to

introduce Bill 28 and that the said bill be now read a first time?

All those in favour, aye'.

SOME HON. MEMBERS: Aye.

MR. SPEAKER: All those against, nay'.

Motion carried.

Motion, the hon. the Minister of Health and Community Services to introduce a

bill, "An Act To Amend The Psychologists Act, 2005", carried. (Bill 28)

CLERK: A bill,

An Act To Amend The Psychologists Act, 2005. (Bill 28)

MR. SPEAKER: This bill has now been read the first time.

When shall the said bill be read the second time?

MR. KENNEDY: Now, Mr. Speaker.

MR. SPEAKER: Now.

On motion, Bill 28 read a first time, ordered read a second time presently,

by leave.

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

MR. KENNEDY: Yes, Mr. Speaker, I call from the Order Paper, Order 8.

I move, seconded by the Minister of Municipal Affairs, pursuant to Standing

Order 11, that the House not adjourn at 5:30 o'clock p.m. on Tuesday, June 5,

I further move, Mr. Speaker, pursuant to Standing Order 11, that the House

not adjourn at 10:00 o'clock p.m. on Tuesday, June 5, 2012.

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

MR. KENNEDY: Yes, thank you, Mr. Speaker.

I have had discussions with the Opposition both parties and I seek leave,

Mr. Speaker, to move to second reading of Bills 23, 24, 26, 27, and 28, the

bills that we just went through in first reading. If leave is granted, we will

go in that order.

MR. SPEAKER: Does the member have leave?

AN HON. MEMBER: Leave.

MR. SPEAKER: By leave, the hon. the Government House Leader.

MR. KENNEDY: Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

MR. SPEAKER: The hon. the Minister of Intergovernmental and Aboriginal

Affairs.

SOME HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear!

MR. McGRATH: Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

I move, seconded by the Minister of Service Newfoundland and Labrador, that

Bill 23,

An Act To Amend The Labrador Inuit Land Claims Agreement Act, now be

read the second time.

MR. SPEAKER: It is moved and seconded that Bill 23,

An Act To Amend The

Labrador Inuit Land Claims Agreement Act, be now read a second time.

Motion, second reading of a bill, "An Act To Amend The Labrador Inuit Land

Claims Agreement Act". (Bill 23)

MR. SPEAKER: The hon. the Minister of Intergovernmental and Aboriginal

Affairs.

MR. McGRATH: Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

I rise today to introduce a bill that amends the Labrador Inuit Land Claims

Agreement Act to incorporate technical changes to the Labrador Inuit Land Claims

Agreement which is a

schedule to the act. The bill also amends the map atlas and

the appendices that form part of the agreement and the

schedule and the act, and

are on file at the Crown Lands Division of the Department of Environment and

Conservation. The map atlas contains the authoritative maps of land areas set

out in the Labrador Inuit Land Claims Agreement, and the appendix primarily

contains the authoritative descriptions of these land areas.

Mr. Speaker, the Labrador Inuit Land Claims Agreement,

Part 2.16, sets out

the process for amending the agreement. Amendments require the consent of three

parties to the agreement: the provincial government, the Labrador Inuit, and the

federal government. To date, two amendments have been made to the Labrador Inuit

Land Claims Agreement, and to the act. In December, 2009, the Province passed

Bill 46, which detailed amendments to the act to incorporate changes made to the

Labrador Inuit Land Claims Agreement, between the date it was signed, which was

January 22, 2005, and the effective date of December 1, 2005, which were

essentially housekeeping in nature and retroactive to the effectiveness of the

date of agreement. In December 2009, the Province passed Bill 47, which detailed

amendments to the act to incorporate the Nunavik Inuit-Labrador Inuit Overlap

Agreement in the Labrador Inuit Land Claims Agreement.

Mr. Speaker, most of the amendments in this bill arise from a commitment in

the Labrador Inuit Land Claims Agreement,

section 4.5.1, to survey a number of

areas. These areas are identified in Appendix E-1, as soon as practical after

the date of the agreement. To incorporate these surveys into the agreement, it

is necessary to amend the legal description of each parcel surveyed. As noted

earlier, legal descriptions are contained within the appendices.

Mr. Speaker, this bill, entitled

An Act To Amend The Labrador Inuit Land

Claims Agreement Act, also includes a number of other technical amendments to

the Land Claims Agreement, including the map atlas and the appendices. These

additional technical amendments are: number one, the amendments to add text to

the agreement, to appropriately cross-reference the map atlas and appendices

with respect to water lots and the Labrador Inuit lands in the Inuit communities

to ensure these areas are appropriately referenced in the Labrador Inuit Land

Claims Agreement as Labrador Inuit lands.

Number two, the amendments to the maps in the agreement, the map atlas and

the appendices, is to adjust the boundary of Labrador Inuit Lands in Hopedale to

ensure the entire Hopedale airstrip is within Crown land. All airstrips within

the Inuit communities are within Crown Lands.

Number three; amendments to maps in the map atlas and the appendices and

amendments to legal descriptions in the appendices to remove a small parcel of

Labrador Inuit lands, approximately adds up to about one acre, which overlaps

several parcels of private land in the Inuit community of Postville.

Number four; the amendments to the French version of the Torngat Mountains

National Park Reserve map and description in the appendices to include the

signature, the registration number, and the date. There are no changes in the

map but the signature, the registration number and the date were missing on the

original map in the French version which had not been included in the map and

the legal description when the Labrador Inuit Land Claims Agreement was signed.

Mr. Speaker, these amendments are technical in nature and are essentially

housekeeping items but they are necessary to ensure the Land Claims Agreement

can continue to be successfully implemented for the benefit of the Labrador

Inuit and all other residents of the Province. Agreements on land claims define

new and positive relationships between the Government of Newfoundland and

these amendments is an indication of the Province's continued commitment to the

implementation of the Labrador Inuit Land Claims Agreement. Mr. Speaker, the

Government of Newfoundland and Labrador has exercised careful consideration and

due diligence in its action to amend the Labrador Inuit Land Claims Agreement.

Mr. Speaker, representatives of the parties to the agreement have agreed in a

Memorandum of Agreement to submit these amendments to their respective approval

processes in accordance with the provisions set out in the Land Claims

Agreement. As I stated earlier, amendments to the Labrador Inuit Land Claims

Agreement require the consent of all three parties. In addition to the

provincial approval process, Canada gives consent by an order of the Governor in

Council, and Labrador Inuit give consent by a resolution of the Nunatsiavut

General Assembly.

It is anticipated that the Nunatsiavut Government will bring forward the

amendments to the Assembly during the summer or early this fall. Once the

bring forward the amendments for approval.

Mr. Speaker, I ask for support of the members of this hon. House for this

act.

Thank you very much.

SOME HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear!

MR. SPEAKER (Verge): The hon. the Member for Torngat Mountains.

MR. EDMUNDS: Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

As the minister said, this legislation is more or less housekeeping and to

bring the Labrador Inuit Land Claims Agreement up to par. It would tie in a

number of applications. Certainly, this Labrador Inuit Land Claims Agreement has

to be agreed upon by three different parties including the provincial

government, the Nunatsiavut Government, and the federal government.

Mr. Speaker, under the Memorandum of Understanding from last April, I think

the wording is incorrect and the sections deal with cross reference of all Inuit

lands. It deals with cross referencing of water lots. It deals with the airstrip

in Hopedale, Mr. Speaker. I think the latest atlas mapping shows that where the

airstrip is it is still showing an island. The airstrip was gone in the early

1980s and certainly the physical boundaries of Hopedale Harbour have changed.

I think

section 4 deals with putting the signage on the proper surveys, and

this has been done and underway. It also deals with the inclusion of French

language into the document with respect to the national park legend. As the

minister alluded to,

section 5 deals with a slight mix up in the community of

Postville where there was a bit of a zoning change, and it has been corrected.

Mr. Speaker, just a few quick remarks. This is in reference to the IC, or the

Implementation Committee, which has representation from the Nunatsiavut

Government, from the federal government, and certainly from the provincial

government. I have worked with this bunch of people before and they are very

knowledgeable and very thorough. Usually if there is an agreement or an

understanding of agreement it comes to the Implementation Committee, Mr.

Speaker. What comes out of this committee is to be deemed as quality

information, and I support this amendment. It is my understanding that after the

Inuit government elections in Nunatsiavut or the presidential election, this

amendment will be going to the Nunatsiavut Assembly for debate and we will wait

for the follow up with the federal government.

Mr. Speaker, it is good to see any amendments that need to be acted on to

bring this agreement up to standard, certainly we do expect some more because of

the fast track of negotiations. You have my support on this amendment, Mr.

Speaker.

SOME HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear!

MR. SPEAKER: Order, please!

The Member for St. John's West.

MR. CRUMMELL: Mr. Speaker, I would like to thank the Minister of

Intergovernmental and Aboriginal Affairs and his staff for the briefing on Bill

23,

An Act To Amend The Labrador Inuit Land Claims Agreement Act. I would like

to respond quickly to the hon. member opposite for Torngat Mountains. He is

right on the mark with his comments. It is good to see these amendments moving

forward. It is a housekeeping thing, but it is very, very important to the

people of the Inuit community.

Just looking at some of my notes here, we certainly understand this bill

would incorporate technical amendments to the documents that make up the

agreement. More than that again, it demonstrates the commitment of this

government and the commitment of this government for the implementation of the

agreement for sure. Mr. Speaker, it is necessary to ensure the Land Claims

Agreement can continue to be successfully implemented for the benefit of the

Labrador Inuit and all other residents of the Province. These amendments help

that process.

Mr. Speaker, just quickly, on January 22, 2005 at a signing ceremony in Nain,

representatives from the provincial government, the federal government, and the

Labrador Inuit Association signed the historic Labrador Inuit Land Claims

Agreement and this is what this amendment is all about. Mr. Speaker, this

historic moment was a result of almost thirty years of negotiations and defined

rights (inaudible) for the Inuit of Labrador.

Mr. Speaker, this historic agreement has been referred to as a modern-day

treaty, the first of its kind in Atlantic Canada. Not only did this agreement

provide certainty over land use and title, it paved the way for future economic

development for Inuit and non-Inuit in Northern Labrador. It provided the means

to establish and build their own government and enter into a new relationship

Mr. Speaker, this agreement is constitutionally protected under

section 35 of

the Constitution Act, 1982. The agreement set out details of land ownership,

resource sharing, and self-government. It provided for the establishment of the

Labrador Inuit Settlement Area totalling approximately 72,500 square kilometres,

including 15,800 square kilometres of Inuit-owned lands. The self-government

provisions of the agreement resulted in the creation of the Nunatsiavut

Government comprised of five Inuit communities, including Nain, Hopedale,

Postville, Makkovik, and Rigolet. Mr. Speaker, there are now over 7,000 Labrador

Inuit beneficiaries to this agreement.

Since the Labrador Inuit Land Claims Agreement came into effect in 2005,

provincial departments and agencies have worked actively along with Nunatsiavut

Government elected officials and representatives, and a result of some of this

work we are tasked here today, to amend the agreement. Amendments to the

Labrador Inuit Land Claims Agreement require the consent of all three

signatories, as the hon. minister mentioned earlier. As I said earlier, Mr.

Speaker, an MOA was signed April 20 with regard to the amendments before the

House today.

Due diligence, careful consideration, and recommendations for amendments have

taken place by all three levels of government. Since representatives of all

governments have submitted these recommendations for approval by their

respective governments, I feel this hon. House should approve the amendments in

due course here this afternoon, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you very much.

SOME HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear!

MR. SPEAKER: Order, please!

The Leader of the Third Party.

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

I am very pleased to stand this afternoon and speak to Bill 23,

An Act To

Amend The Labrador Inuit Land Claims Agreement Act of 2009. I thank the minister

for his explanation of the bill we are dealing with today in the House. I am

more than pleased to say, of course, that we will be voting for the bill.

I have said this before in this hon. House and I will say it again: I think

it is something for us to recognize and to be proud of that we have Aboriginal

groups in this Province whose rights are being recognized. We know how many

years the Inuit negotiated with both the federal and provincial governments to

get to the point that they got to when the Land Claims Agreement was finally put

in place. It was a very happy moment when I was one of the ones able to stand

here in this House and vote for the first Inuit Land Claims Agreement Act in

I am very pleased to know that the Implementation Committee continues to do

its work and continues to make sure there are no discrepancies and no questions

with regard to the land and waters that are owned and governed by the

Nunatsiavut Government and the Nunatsiavut people. I think that is what this

bill is doing today. It is being very, very clear about what we mean with regard

to various legal descriptions and what we mean with regard to the land that is

governed by the Nunatsiavut Government; because land, of course, includes water.

They have made it very clear now with the changes here in this bill what is

meant with regard to the land mass and the water mass that is part of the Land

Claims Agreement.

I do not think there is more to be said. I compliment the Committee on

continuing to do its work. I am very happy to stand with the other members of

the House today and vote for this bill.

SOME HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear!

MR. SPEAKER: Order, please!

If the Minister of Intergovernmental and Aboriginal Affairs speaks snow, he

will close debate.

The hon. the Minister of Intergovernmental and Aboriginal Affairs.

MR. McGRATH: Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

I would like to thank my colleague from St. John's West for his comments as

well as the members from Torngat Mountains and Signal Hill-Quidi Vidi for their

comments concerning this bill.

I would also like to take the opportunity now to thank the Implementation

Committee for the work that they have done preparing this. I think it is very

important that our government works closely with the Nunatsiavut government in

bringing these amendments forward to make the act a soundproof act. As we were

going through the bill for the amendments, I noticed that the book of amendments

is actually thicker than the act itself, so this could be an ongoing process as

they find different things. I know the Member for Torngat Mountains mentioned

the island that was on the map already, and that since is no longer an island;

it has been joined to the mainland there with the airstrip. Those are changes

that can happen and, as they do amendments, will be made.

Mr. Speaker, the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador is committed to the

implementation of the Labrador Inuit Land Claims Agreement. Mr. Speaker,

amendments to the LILCA require the consent of all three parties as I mentioned

earlier, the provincial government, the federal government, as well as the

Nunatsiavut government. The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador were taking

the we were ready to move forward with our amendments, so we will be the first

of the three parties to bring this forward. I expect after the election, as

stated by the Member for Torngat Mountains, the Nunatsiavut government will

introduce their amendments either this summer or early fall. Right after those

amendments have been accepted, I expect the federal government to move forward;

then all three parties will be in consent with it.

The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador, the Nunatsiavut government, and

the federal government, we are all in agreement with these amendments, Mr.

Speaker, so I ask all members of this hon. House to please support this bill.

With this, I close the debate.

SOME HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear!

MR. SPEAKER: Order, please!

Is it the pleasure of the House that the said bill be now read a second time?

All those in favour, aye'.

SOME HON. MEMBERS: Aye.

MR. SPEAKER: All those against, nay'.

Carried.

CLERK: A bill,

An Act To Amend The Labrador Inuit Land Claims Agreement

Act. (Bill 23)

MR. SPEAKER: This bill has now been read a second time.

When shall the bill be referred to a Committee of the Whole House?

MR. KENNEDY: Now, Mr. Speaker.

MR. SPEAKER: Now.

On motion, a bill, "An Act To Amend The Labrador Inuit Land Claims Agreement

Act", read a second time, ordered referred to a Committee of the