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October 5, 2020

HOUSE OF ASSEMBLY PROCEEDINGS

Vol. XLIX No. 49

The

House met at 1:30 p.m.

MR. SPEAKER (Reid):

Are the House Leaders ready?

Government House Leader ready?

MR. CROCKER:

Yes, Sir

MR. SPEAKER:

Opposition House Leader ready?

MR. BRAZIL:

(Inaudible.)

MR. SPEAKER:

Third Party Members ready? Independents ready?

Admit strangers.

Statements by Members

MR. SPEAKER:

Today, we will hear Members' statements by the hon. Members for the Districts of

Torngat Mountains, Exploits, Harbour Grace - Port de Grave, Placentia - St.

Mary's and Humber - Bay of Islands.

The hon. the Member for Torngat Mountains.

MS. EVANS:

Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Today, I rise and pay tribute to Jane Shiwak of Rigolet, Nunatsiavut.

Jane Shiwak represents kindness, love and respect. Her life story: victorious.

Evil did not break her or rob us of her loving soul.

Jane began residential school at the age of five. She couldn't eat some of the

food served. I would throw it up and be made to eat the food I had thrown up. I

was often beaten. At times, I would be stripped naked and beaten in front of

other students and classmates. My whole body bruised black and blue. There were

times I would be locked in a dark room and left there for hours.

The remaining words I will speak are from the late Anita Riche, daughter of Jane

Shiwak. Jane had a profound influence on my life. She shaped me into the person

I am today. She faced bad experiences but never let that define her nor hinder

her in any way. She helped many people; taking women into her own home, those

who faced domestic violence. She would always give. Her residential schools

experience is used to make this world a better place. Attending meetings and

youth symposiums, elder symposiums, Jane shared her story, and during the

process, helped others heal.

Jane is a renowned artisan and teacher of seagrass weaving, traditional clothing

and Inuit dolls. Her skills and knowledge keep our traditions and culture alive.

Her memories keep our history alive.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

SOME HON. MEMBERS:

Hear, hear!

MR. SPEAKER:

The hon. the Member for Exploits.

MR. FORSEY:

Mr. Speaker, on September 19 the president of Hockey NL presented the

association's newest Life Member during their AGM to Murray Roberts of Botwood.

Murray was elected Life Member by the provincial hockey association. He began

with the Botwood Area Minor Hockey Association in 1995 as the initiation

director, moving to the association's president position in 1996. After serving

as president for the Central hockey association executive, he then became the

public relations officer for the provincial association minor council in 1999.

Mr. Speaker, in 2000, Murray was elected vice-president of Hockey NL and served

that position until the end of the 2018-2019 hockey season. Murray was involved

in bringing forth the provincial comprehensive screening process for volunteers

and Safety Towards Others Program in Newfoundland and Labrador and helped

protect players on the ice.

Murray was also a Speak Out facilitator, which is important to the awareness and

prevention of bullying, abuse and harassment in the sport that was introduced in

Mr. Speaker, I ask all Members of the House of Assembly to join me in

congratulating Mr. Murray Roberts of Botwood on his induction as Life Member

into Hockey NL.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

SOME HON. MEMBERS:

Hear, hear!

MR. SPEAKER:

The hon. the Member for Harbour Grace - Port au Grave.

MS. P. PARSONS:

Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Today, I would like to recognize a woman who continues to demonstrate strength

in mind, body and soul.

Mary Butler of Butlerville is well known and loved throughout Conception Bay

North. She grew up in Bay Roberts and moved to Butlerville as a young woman

where she married Rex, the love of her life, and have three children and now

seven grandchildren.

In July, Mary received news that would change life forever. Doctors told her

that she had brain cancer. She decided not to take the aggressive treatments and

instead dedicate her time to family and friends and to enjoy every day as if it

were her last. It is said that family has always been the most important focus

in Mary's life, and Christmas is her favourite time of year.

Well, Mr. Speaker, Christmas came early this year for Mary, her family and the

entire community as lights and decorations illuminated Butlerville and

Shearstown and residents came together to show their support. A big family

turkey dinner was enjoyed, complete with a parade, music and good cheer.

We admire Mary for her strength and faith, as she isn't angry or asking why, but

instead continues to practice gratitude and goodwill.

Mr. Speaker, I ask that all hon. Members join me in wishing Mary and her family

all the very best.

SOME HON. MEMBERS:

Hear, hear!

MR. SPEAKER:

The hon. the Member for Placentia - St. Mary's.

MS. GAMBIN-WALSH:

Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Mr. Speaker, the Newfoundland and Labrador Bravery Award was established in 1984

under the authority of the Bravery Award

Act to recognize citizens of the province who have risked their lives and

safety to render aid to another person.

On April 24, 2018, while Matthew Fleming was working in St. Vincent's, he saw

the boat of Maurice Gibbons spin out of control and eject him into the water.

Without hesitation, Matthew put on a lifejacket, grabbed a rope and jumped into

the cold water of Holyrood Pond to save Mr. Gibbons. Matthew swam an estimated

10 minutes to reach Mr. Gibbons and successfully pulled him back to shore to

emergency personnel. Thanks to Matthew's brave actions and quick thinking, Mr.

Gibbons made a full recovery.

Due to Matthew's selfless assistance, in July, as the Member of the House of

Assembly for the District of Placentia - St. Mary's, I had the honour of

presenting Matthew with the Newfoundland and Labrador Award for Bravery in

Peter's River in the company of his family and closest friends.

I ask all hon. Members to join me in congratulating Matthew Fleming for his

selfless act of heroism.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

SOME HON. MEMBERS:

Hear, hear!

MR. SPEAKER:

The hon. the Member for Humber - Bay of Islands.

MR. JOYCE:

Mr. Speaker, Newfoundlanders and Labradorians always come together to support a

great cause, and today I want to recognize one such volunteer. Cindy Wells of

Irishtown who, for the past nine years, has spearheaded the annual Ronald

McDonald Red Shoe Crew-Walk in her hometown.

Cindy and her family has been passionate about Ronald McDonald House since their

stay in Edmonton House in 1999 when their daughter, Allie, was born and needed

to stay in hospital for over a month.

Since Ronald McDonald House opened in St. John's, Cindy has been there to give

support and raise money for this place that is so important to so many families.

To quote Cindy: “You never fully appreciate what having a place like Ronald

McDonald House means until you need it.”

While the walk was different this year than usual, that didn't hinder Cindy and

her dedicated group of volunteers as they raised almost $6,000 again this year,

bringing the total raised in the past nine years to over $50,000.

I ask all Members to join me in thanking Cindy and her group with their

continuous support and commitment to this worthwhile cause.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

SOME HON. MEMBERS:

Hear, hear!

MR. SPEAKER:

Statements by Ministers.

Statements by Ministers

MR. SPEAKER:

The hon. the Minister of Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture.

MR. LOVELESS:

On September 23, I had the pleasure of participating in National Forest Week and

National Tree Day celebrations at C.C. Loughlin Elementary School in Corner

Brook.

Mr. Speaker, 2020 marks the 100th National Forest Week. It presents a great

opportunity to raise awareness, particularly among our youth, about the true

value of our forest resources and consider how they positively contribute to our

health and happiness.

I was joined by students, teachers, conservation officers with the Forest

Service of Newfoundland and Labrador, and special guest, Smoky Bear, on a

beautiful fall morning to plant a red maple tree to commemorate National Forest

Week and National Tree Day.

Mr. Speaker, as part of the Department of Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture

outreach education efforts, forestry staff also provided 3,000 tree seedlings

produced at the Centre of Agriculture and Forestry Research in Wooddale to

students at schools throughout the province.

In addition, a provincial poster contest based on this year's National Forest

Week theme, Healthy Forests, Healthy Future, remains open to K-12 students until

October 16. I encourage all students in the province to submit an entry.

I also wish to use this occasion to thank our province's dedicated team of

forest professionals who take great pride in the sustainable management and

protection of our forests. Their efforts not only support our commitment to

healthy forests, but also benefit forest sector jobs and the communities that

rely on them.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

SOME HON. MEMBERS:

Hear, hear!

MR. SPEAKER:

The hon. the Member for Exploits.

MR. FORSEY:

I thank the minister for an advance copy of his statement.

Mr. Speaker, National Forest Week and National Tree Day provide a great

opportunity to celebrate our forests and to encourage increased public awareness

about their importance.

Coming from Central Newfoundland, I certainly appreciate how important and

valuable this resource is. It is great to see young people in particular

becoming informed as well.

Mr. Speaker, many communities and families of our province depend on forests as

part of their way of life and we must all have an appreciation for how vital

this resource is in our culture and our economy. As the minister said, this year

theme's was Healthy Forests, Healthy Future. We would like to commend all those

who take care of our forests so they will be preserved for generations to come.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

SOME HON. MEMBERS:

Hear, hear!

MR. SPEAKER:

The hon. the Member for St. John's Centre.

MR. J. DINN:

Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

I, too, thank the minister for an advance copy of his statement and join him in

acknowledging National Tree Day and the 100th anniversary of National Forest

Week.

My late father loved trees and rarely missed an opportunity to plant one. It is

said that trees are the lungs of our planet. Any event which raises awareness of

forest resources, especially among our youth, is worthwhile.

I, too, recognize the valuable work of his department's staff in managing our

forest resources.

Thank you.

SOME HON. MEMBERS:

Hear, hear!

MR. SPEAKER:

Further statements by ministers?

The hon. the Minister of Digital Government and Service NL.

MS. STOODLEY:

Mr. Speaker, October is Cyber Security Awareness Month. This internationally

recognized campaign is focused on helping all Canadians be more secure online by

being informed and knowing the simple steps to take to protect themselves, their

families, their workplace and their devices.

The global pandemic has resulted in people becoming more reliant on technology.

The devices we use help us stay informed, provide entertainment and learning

opportunities and help us connect with family and friends.

This year's theme is: Cyber Security for the Remote Workforce. Mr. Speaker,

government employees are increasingly using technology to perform their jobs,

whether at the office or working remotely, so it is important to be diligent in

our daily activities.

As government continues to navigate a remote work environment, there is still a

requirement to manage and protect government information by maintaining sound

cybersecurity practices. Cybersecurity is no long just about employing

technology to protect against cyberattacks. People are the primary target for

cybercriminals, and cybercrime is on the rise worldwide.

Mr. Speaker, public service employees can reduce the cyber threat to

government's information and infrastructure by following just a few key

practices: never disclose your government-issued username and password; never

click on links or attachments in emails from unknown sources; never use your

government-issued email address for personal use; always lock your computer or

mobile device when not in use.

The provincial government continues its strong commitment for cybersecurity

education and awareness across the public sector to ensure everyone remains

vigilant. Information protection is everyone's responsibility.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

SOME HON. MEMBERS:

Hear, hear!

MR. SPEAKER:

The hon. the Member for Ferryland.

MR. O'DRISCOLL:

Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

I thank the minister for an advance copy of her statement and a reminder to all

of us that we should take precautions when interacting in an online environment.

As this public health pandemic has pushed more of us to do business online, it

has also increased our risk of cyber threat and cybercrime. Whether online

shopping, making reservations or conducting business online, we must all remain

vigilant of where and when we enter our personal information.

The minister provided some important suggestions for members of the public

service, but there are also precautions which members of the public can take to

protect their own personal information. These include verifying websites before

entering information; not clicking links in emails if you do not know the

sender; and my favourite tip: if something seems too good to be true, it

probably is.

I encourage all residents of the province to do their part to help each other in

staying safe online.

Thank you.

SOME HON. MEMBERS:

Hear, hear!

MR. SPEAKER:

The hon. the Member for Labrador West.

MR. BROWN:

Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

I, too, thank the hon. Member for an advance copy of her statement and

recognizing Cybersecurity Awareness Month.

Given the number of high-profile attacks on private citizens and government

agencies in the past years, we would like to voice our support for initiatives

to protect the public infrastructure and safeguard information.

We would also like to recognize the employees at OCIO for their diligent work in

protecting the information that is entrusted to government.

Thank you.

SOME HON. MEMBERS:

Hear, hear!

MR. SPEAKER:

Further statements by ministers?

Oral Questions.

Oral Questions

MR. SPEAKER:

The hon. the Leader of the Official Opposition.

MR. CROSBIE:

Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Is the Liberal government going to keep the promise or break the promise they

made last year when campaigning that consumer electricity rates would be kept to

13.5 cents per kilowatt hour?

MR. SPEAKER:

The hon. the Deputy Premier.

MS. COADY:

Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker.

I can say that this Liberal government has been cleaning up the mess of Muskrat

Falls for a number of years. We have worked very diligently, very prudently, Mr.

Speaker, to ensure that the project was finished and we also ensured that the

ratepayers of this province would not bear the overall cost, unlike the Members

opposite, who in their initial concept of Muskrat Falls were going to drive the

rates of electricity to over 15 cents.

Mr. Speaker, we've been working hard with the federal government to find

solutions. We have been very open and transparent about our plan to ensure that

rates do not increase due to the Muskrat Falls project.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

SOME HON. MEMBERS:

Hear, hear!

MR. SPEAKER:

The hon. the Leader of the Official Opposition.

MR. CROSBIE:

As the House will note, Mr. Speaker, we didn't get a clear answer to the

question about 13.5 cents, which was a key and pivotal platform on which this

government ran a year and a half ago.

If the government intends to keep the promise of 13.5 cents, why is the budget

silent on this and why are the terms of reference for the new Paddick rate

mitigation committee also silent?

MR. SPEAKER:

The hon. the Deputy Premier.

MS. COADY:

Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker.

The Member opposite tends to try and put words in other people's mouths.

I will say that we have been very clear in our rate mitigation and management

plan due to Muskrat Falls – extremely clear. We said that the ratepayers of this

province will not bear the expense of Muskrat Falls. I will reiterate that

again, Mr. Speaker, in case he didn't hear it: The ratepayers of this province

will not bear the expense of Muskrat Falls. That means that whatever the rate is

– because right now we know it's been delayed due to the pandemic – whatever the

rate is at the time will be the rate it is at the time. We absolutely know right

at this moment it's just below 13.5 cents.

So, Mr. Speaker, I think the Member opposite is trying to mince words and

confuse people. But let me be clear: It is only this government who has made

sure that Muskrat Falls was taken care of.

Thank you.

SOME HON. MEMBERS:

Hear, hear!

MR. SPEAKER:

The hon. the Leader of the Official Opposition.

MR. CROSBIE:

Now the answer I'm hearing is the rate will be whatever it will be at the time

Muskrat Falls comes into effect. I didn't hear a 13.5 cents.

The round of rate mitigation talks that just failed focused on the magic of

financial restructuring. What issue made the talks fail?

MR. SPEAKER:

The hon. the Minister of Industry, Energy and Technology.

MR. A. PARSONS:

Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

I will disagree with the

preamble, or some of the wording that the Member used

when he talked about the efforts has failed. The reality is that the efforts

continue on. As the Member knows, this is not a simple process. The fact is we

have a project that is still ongoing, a project that is still trying to be

completed. As we saw the update from Mr. Marshall very recently, we still have a

ways to go and there still are possible issues that may arise, but thankfully

they've managed to keep it fairly on course compared to how it proceeded in the

early days.

So what I would say is we continue to work on rate mitigation with the federal

government in the hopes of ensuring that all of our citizens are not stuck with

rate shock.

Thank you.

SOME HON. MEMBERS:

Hear, hear!

MR. SPEAKER:

The hon. the Leader of the Official Opposition.

MR. CROSBIE:

We can all sympathize with the minister's sentiment that he doesn't want

consumers stuck with rate shock but I as well heard no mention of 13.5 cents.

Did the talks fail because the federal Liberals refused to invest new money?

MR. SPEAKER:

The hon. the Minister of Industry, Energy and Technology

MR. A. PARSONS:

Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Again, I have to correct the Member when he uses the term: the talks failed.

That's simply not the case. I wish it was that easy, that we could come up with

an agreement just like that, but it takes a lot to clean up the mess that the

crowd around you created.

So what I would say, Mr. Speaker, is we continue to work with our federal

counterparts on figuring out rate mitigation but at the same time ensuring that

this project gets completed in as timely a fashion as we can hope.

Thank you very much.

SOME HON. MEMBERS:

Hear, hear!

MR. SPEAKER:

The hon. the Leader of the Official Opposition.

MR. CROSBIE:

Mr. Speaker, last week the Premier mentioned friction between Nalcor and the

government over rate mitigation.

What issue caused the friction, and why did government put Nalcor chair, Brendan

Paddick, in charge of the new committee if there's friction with Nalcor?

MR. SPEAKER:

The hon. the Minister of Industry, Energy and Technology.

MR. A. PARSONS:

Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Again, I'll leave it to the Premier to be able to fully discuss the words that

he used, but what I think, if I were to take a guess at what he was talking

about, is that we have seen through the value of an inquiry is that there have

been issues with the communication in the past. A lot of this, though, I think

we would be talking about the past, and we all know you just have to look at the

extensive findings of Justice LeBlanc and some of the issues that were there in

the past.

What I will say going forward, thankfully, is that people like Stan Marshall

have come on. All the employees there I know are working towards the best

interests of getting this project done, and thankfully we have someone like

Brendan Paddick who has a worldwide ability. We've seen some of the deals he's

done. We have somebody of his capability trying to help out the people of his

native province.

Thank you very much.

SOME HON. MEMBERS:

Hear, hear!

MR. SPEAKER:

The hon. the Leader of the Official Opposition.

MR. CROSBIE:

Well, Mr. Speaker, another nonresponsive answer from the government because

we're no further ahead now in understanding what is the source of friction

between the government and Nalcor.

Does this mean that Nalcor won the argument and the government lost? Who's

really in charge?

MR. SPEAKER:

The hon. the Minister of Industry, Energy and Technology.

MR. A. PARSONS:

Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Again, I have to commend the Member opposite because if you can ask that

question with a straight face then, Sir, I am very impressed.

The reality is that when I sat over on that side we used to joke about who

really was the Premier, and I think the inquiry bore out the fact that there

were questions to be asked. What I can say is that it's this government that has

taken this project that is the biggest boondoggle in the history of this

province and we have gotten it back on track.

Again, we have a lot of work left to do, but, again, Sir, I would look at some

of the Members that sit around you on your team and ask them what they were

doing.

Thank you very much.

SOME HON. MEMBERS:

Hear, hear!

MR. SPEAKER:

The hon. the Member for Conception Bay South.

MR. PETTEN:

Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Mr. Speaker, on September 24, the minister announced that the province would

return forfeited security deposits to the oil industry in efforts to stimulate

exploration.

I ask the minister: How much will be returned to the industry in 2020?

MR. SPEAKER:

The hon. the Minister of Industry, Energy and Technology.

MR. A. PARSONS:

Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

I appreciate the question from the Member. It's a very important topic and one

that we're quite proud of; an innovative approach to try to stimulate what is a

devastated industry right now. I will correct one part. The money has not been

given back. The money comes from bid deposits that may be forfeited if this work

is not done.

What we've suggested is that – I think that amount is around $40 million that's

eligible for this year. That amount will fluctuate from year to year depending

on, again, a number of factors, including what is forfeited. Our goal is to

return nothing, because that would mean that the work that these companies bid

on is actually done.

Thank you.

SOME HON. MEMBERS:

Hear, hear!

MR. SPEAKER:

The hon. the Member for Conception Bay South.

MR. PETTEN:

Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Minister, how many jobs will be created this year in 2020 because of this

incentive?

MR. SPEAKER:

The hon. the Minister of Industry, Energy and Technology.

MR. A. PARSONS:

Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Well, obviously, it's very hard to figure that out, given the fact that we just

announced this and we have to see if these companies are going to use this

incentive, which is just one of the ideas that we've put out there to spur the

industry to continue exploration, which is one of the levers that we can pull.

What we can say is that we hope to be able to assist this industry. We only have

certain things that we can do, but the goal is, again, to do what we can.

Right now, there's going to be a significant investment, possibly, depending on

if these companies were to partake. We'll continue to work with them and we look

forward to the bid deposit on November 4.

Thank you.

SOME HON. MEMBERS:

Hear, hear!

MR. SPEAKER:

The hon. the Member for Conception Bay South.

MR. PETTEN:

Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

We're hearing more smoke and mirrors, unfortunately. This is not what the people

in the oil and gas industry were looking for when this announcement was made by

the Premier and the minister.

MR. CROCKER:

(Inaudible.)

MR. PETTEN:

The House Leader wants to interrupt me, Mr. Speaker.

How will it be decided who is awarded the incentive funds?

MR. SPEAKER:

The hon. the Minister of Industry, Energy and Technology.

MR. A. PARSONS:

Mr. Speaker, I know what it's like to ask questions on that side. Again, this is

one of those attempts where you try to cloud what is actually a very positive

initiative and one that's meant to help work with an industry that, right now,

is devastated worldwide.

The reality is that there is still work left to do. There will be a pool of

money, and there are a lot of things we have to keep an eye on to ensure that

negative repercussions don't come from that. What I will say is that there are a

lot of different things. It depends on which companies want to partake. Right

now, we know the amount is up to $40 million. That amount could increase.

Again, I would come back to the original point, which is we hope that nobody

avails of it because that means the money has been spent on the explorations as

originally intended.

Thank you.

SOME HON. MEMBERS:

Hear, hear!

MR. SPEAKER:

The hon. the Member for Conception Bay South.

MR. PETTEN:

Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

I caution the minister. This is not immediate action, Minister; $40 million is

not what the industry cried out for when they protested on the steps of the

Confederation Building. In my opinion, it's just buying time. That's what I

thought then and it's become more evident today.

How many additional wells will be drilled this year in 2020 because of this

incentive?

MR. SPEAKER:

The hon. the Minister of Industry, Energy and Technology.

MR. A. PARSONS:

Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Again, I think the Member knows that there isn't an answer to the question he

asked. He's asking a question for which he doesn't really want an answer. The

reality is that we have announced this, but it's not just the government that

has the ability to do anything here. We have to work with an industry.

Right now, we have a trillion-dollar loss in this industry worldwide. We are

competing globally, so what I would continue to say is that this is just one

initiative that we put forward. We look forward to working with the oil and gas

council to continue the options that may be available to deal with this industry

that's been devastated worldwide.

Thank you.

SOME HON. MEMBERS:

Hear, hear!

MR. SPEAKER:

The hon. the Member for Conception Bay South.

MR. PETTEN:

Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Minister, 20,000 workers want an answer, as well as myself.

Mr. Speaker, the minister announced this reinvestment as an easy answer. This

incentive does little to stimulate exploration today, here and now in 2020, when

it is needed urgently. The minister doesn't even have the details on how the

program will work. Funds will only be available if exploration does not happen.

Will the minister admit that this announcement was reactive and not proactive?

MR. SPEAKER:

The hon. the Minister of Industry, Energy and Technology.

MR. A. PARSONS:

Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

In case the Member didn't remember, I remember what it was like to be on the

steps of Confederation Building dealing with this issue, which is affecting the

entire world right now. The fact is that the provincial government is just one

player. We have to deal with a devastated industry; we're dealing with the

federal government; we're dealing with a number of things.

One thing I will point out is that when I was out there, I heard positive words

from the head of Noia; I heard positive words from CAPP. We've heard positive

words from the industry. In fact, I've heard positive words from people that are

working in that industry. They realize the situation that the provincial

government is in. They realize that we're trying to deal with an issue for which

we are just one of the players.

Again, we will continue on, but the offer to the Member still stands. If he has

any solutions to offer, I look forward to having that discussion.

Thank you.

SOME HON. MEMBERS:

Hear, hear!

MR. SPEAKER:

The hon. the Member for Torngat Mountains.

MS. EVANS:

Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

The CEO said that Labrador-Grenfell Health does not have a formalized process

for their out-of-province health care workers.

Minister, after eight months – after eight months – of dealing with COVID in

this province, how is this even possible?

MR. SPEAKER:

The hon. the Minister of Health and Community Services.

MR. HAGGIE:

Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker.

I'd like to take this opportunity to thank the staff of Labrador-Grenfell. I was

talking to the Member for Lake Melville; I think we may have set a record for a

drive-through test site over the course of last week. They were tired but they

were still pumped up.

Every travel exemption given to any individual contains specific unique

instructions for their situation that clarifies exactly what the expectations

are under the terms of their exemption order. There is one specific for health

care. There is one specific for out-of-province workers and there is one

specific for compassionate grounds, Mr. Speaker.

Those are operational issues that Labrador-Grenfell have been told to address

and they have done so. The rest of the RHAs are in a similar position.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

SOME HON. MEMBERS:

Hear, hear!

MR. SPEAKER:

The hon. the Member for Torngat Mountains.

MS. EVANS:

Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

A failure is a failure is a failure, putting our most vulnerable at risk, Mr.

Speaker.

The PC Opposition has been pushing for testing of essential workers who are

coming into our province. Now, our province has a positive case in a health care

worker who did not follow the self-isolation requirement, putting our most

vulnerable people at risk.

When is this government going to break its chronic pattern of inaction,

especially when lives are at stake, and finally start testing at our borders?

MR. SPEAKER:

The hon. the Minister of Health and Community Services.

MR. HAGGIE:

Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker.

There is no test on the market, as yet, anywhere on the globe that will predict

who will get COVID-19. We have a robust system, and I would argue that it has

worked because there have been no more positive cases in Labrador-Grenfell since

last week.

Our public health tracing is working. It is the best in the country, and we have

contained each case on its situation when it arrives in this province, Mr.

Speaker.

If there are ways to do better and new technology that is available, as it

becomes available, we will incorporate that.

Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker.

SOME HON. MEMBERS:

Hear, hear!

MR. SPEAKER:

The hon. the Opposition House Leader.

MR. BRAZIL:

Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Over the weekend, we sadly learned of a death in the Western Health region. This

individual is confirmed to have COVID-19.

I ask the minister: Did this individual pass due to COVID-19 or was the cause of

death unrelated?

MR. SPEAKER:

The hon. the Minister of Health and Community Services.

MR. HAGGIE:

Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker.

I think it's important, at some point, that we pause for a second and recognize

that we are dealing here with a grieving family.

What I can tell the Member opposite, from the Office of the Chief Medical

Examiner, my understanding is that COVID-19 will be put on the death certificate

as a supplemental cause of death.

The information that public health releases is that which is necessary to

safeguard the population on their health. We have a line to draw between that

and personal, private health information. That is where that line sits with this

case, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you very much.

SOME HON. MEMBERS:

Hear, hear!

MR. SPEAKER:

The hon. the Opposition House Leader.

MR. BRAZIL:

Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

We all sympathize and grieve with the family here, but people need to know

exactly what risk people are being put into because we're not doing the proper

things and taking proactive approaches here.

I ask the minister: Did this person know that they had COVID-19 or was the test

conducted after the individual past?

MR. SPEAKER:

The hon. the Minister of Health and Community Services.

MR. HAGGIE:

Once again, Mr. Speaker, I have to take issue with the Member's

preamble. We are

doing the proper things.

I would point out that The Conference Board of Canada have suggested that

Newfoundland and Labrador and Atlantic Canada are an example for other

jurisdictions to follow.

SOME HON. MEMBERS:

Hear, hear!

MR. HAGGIE:

At a time when there are over a thousand new cases a day in some provinces, we

are seeing scattered cases. We are controlling those as and when they appear,

Mr. Speaker. The system is that we are learning as well and as new ideas and new

technology are proven, where they will help, we will incorporate them.

Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker.

MR. SPEAKER:

The hon. the Opposition House Leader.

MR. BRAZIL:

Mr. Speaker, we on this side of the House also acknowledge the great work that

our health care workers have done and all those related to ensuring that people

are safe in Newfoundland and Labrador. But, Mr. Speaker, one case of COVID-19 is

one case too many in Newfoundland and Labrador. We need to be proactive to

ensure that doesn't happen to anybody.

A CBC story posted this morning said: “CBC News has made repeated inquiries and

overtures to report as many details about these cases as possible, but

information has been inconsistent and sometimes incorrect.”

I ask the minister: Why has the department provided inconsistent and incorrect

information related to these cases?

MR. SPEAKER:

The hon. the Minister of Health and Community Services.

MR. HAGGIE:

Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker.

I'm delighted the Member opposite raised that. I was actually very disappointed

with that

article because it is totally inaccurate. Every time this weekend that

a call was put through for a question about cases in this province, it was

answered, Mr. Speaker. It was answered.

The mere fact that I arranged an interview with that radio station for tomorrow

morning does not mean I am mum on Sunday. That was arranged on Friday. They have

totally misrepresented that situation, Mr. Speaker.

The facts of the case are that information evolves. Sometimes a test needs to be

repeated, and rather than come out with inaccurate information, we wait and we

get it right. That's why we're leading the country.

SOME HON. MEMBERS:

Hear, hear!

MR. SPEAKER:

The hon. the Opposition House Leader.

MR. BRAZIL:

Mr. Speaker, everybody on this side, again, wants to make sure we get it right

100 per cent of the time. To do that, the right information has to be shared and

it has to be consistent. That's not what we're hearing. It's not only the CBC

story; there are other media outlets who've said the same thing. They can't get

consistent information.

The testing pilot program for rotational workers in our province is quite

different than the situation in PEI. In PEI, rotational workers are tested on

day zero to two, four to seven and 10 to 12.

Why are there contradicting

interpretations by government on what is safe among

provinces in the Atlantic bubble?

MR. SPEAKER:

The hon. the Deputy Premier.

MS. COADY:

Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

I think I speak on behalf of all Newfoundlanders and Labradorians in commending

Dr. Haggie and Dr. Fitzgerald, the chief medical officer.

SOME HON. MEMBERS:

Hear, hear!

MS. COADY:

They have been available to us. They have been consistent in their

communications, Mr. Speaker. Their teams have been consistent in their

communications. They deserve our respect. They deserve our thanks. They deserve

our support. I, for one, would like to commend them for their leadership of

leading the country in terms of COVID-19.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

SOME HON. MEMBERS:

Hear, hear!

MR. SPEAKER:

The hon. the Opposition House Leader.

MR. BRAZIL:

Mr. Speaker, this –

SOME HON. MEMBERS:

Oh, oh!

MR. SPEAKER:

Order, please!

MR. BRAZIL:

Mr. Speaker, this is about findings to ensure that everybody's safe. If it means

we've got to work together, if it means we've got to bring out issues we think

need to be addressed, that's important to the people of Newfoundland and

Labrador. We don't make this up. These are things that people bring to our

attention, and it's important that we bring it in the public eye so that people

can address it, if there are shortfalls or if there are people falling through

the cracks. It's still about everybody's safety in this province. We,

collectively, need to be responsible for that.

Minister, the flu season is fast approaching. While the department has expanded

who can provide the flu shots, there's a difference in the reimbursement rates.

Can you explain that?

MR. SPEAKER:

The hon. the Minister of Health and Community Services.

MR. HAGGIE:

Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker.

I'm pleased to announce that we have, through negotiation with the Pharmacists'

Association, made a flu shot universally accessible at a rate they negotiated,

Mr. Speaker. We have also reinstated the Medical Association's fee for flu shots

at the rate they negotiated. Those are matters of negotiations, and, by and

large, we don't do that in public.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

SOME HON. MEMBERS:

Hear, hear!

MR. SPEAKER:

The hon. the Opposition House Leader.

MR. BRAZIL:

Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

My understanding from talking to some of those associations that the minister

directed or the department directed that this was the only monies that were

available and there were three-tiered payment systems, which doesn't seem right

when you're giving the same service, but we will let that be discussed in the

realm of the media.

In the budget, the minister was directed to strike a task force on health care

focused on delivering a 10-year health accord.

Will the minister provide the details on the task force, including membership,

terms of reference and timelines?

MR. SPEAKER:

The hon. the Minister of Health and Community Services.

MR. HAGGIE:

Yes, Mr. Speaker, I think this is an opportunity, again, to repeat what I said

in Estimates to the Members opposite for a wider audience. This is an

opportunity to look at how we can shift from an illness system to a wellness

system, and to look at the things that really make a significant difference in

people's long-term health.

We know and have known for years that 75 per cent of someone's health is

determined by factors outside the health care system. The role of the health

care task force will be to look at what can be done with redeploying some of the

savings that we generate or the cost avoidance we've generated by keeping our

cost curve flat for five years – the only jurisdiction in Canada to do that in

health, I may add – and how we can redeploy that in the social determinants of

health, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you.

SOME HON. MEMBERS:

Hear, hear!

MR. SPEAKER:

The hon. the Opposition House Leader.

MR. BRAZIL:

Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

From that I take that we're still not sure what the composition of the committee

is going to be and what the timelines are going to be. Do we wait until the 10th

year to see improvements here or are they going to be successive improvements as

we move forward? We will get to see that, I guess, over the next number of

months, hopefully.

Mr. Speaker, a former deputy minister of Health who ran for the leadership of

the Liberal Party publicly said that he had presented government with a plan to

save over $200 million in health care expenditures.

Can you confirm that this plan was submitted and rejected?

MR. SPEAKER:

The hon. the Minister of Health and Community Services.

MR. HAGGIE:

Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker.

There have been a variety of cost-saving suggestions, cost-avoidance measures

suggested over the years, from the attrition plans we inherited in 2015 all the

way through to some that have been fairly speculative. I would suggest that this

falls in the latter. We work hard to recognize cost containment.

Quite frankly, one of the challenges of health care, Mr. Speaker, is that the

money we spend, while some would regard it as a cost, I would actually argue

it's an investment.

Thank you.

SOME HON. MEMBERS:

Hear, hear!

MR. SPEAKER:

The hon. the Member for Placentia West - Bellevue.

MR. DWYER:

Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

There are allegations that 30 out-of-province workers are coming to Long Harbour

without the need to self-isolate.

I ask the minister: Is this true? And what jobs are they doing that

Newfoundlanders and Labradorians cannot do this time?

MR. SPEAKER:

The hon. the Minister of Health and Community Services.

MR. HAGGIE:

Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker.

Certainly, we have an essential-worker policy and we have essential-worker

exemptions that are quite clear. They do actually fall into different

categories, Mr. Speaker. Some essential workers are required to isolate for 14

days before going on the job site, others can work with appropriate PPE and

protection.

I would actually refer the Member opposite to the employer. There are conditions

that are strictly attached to rotational workers or workers coming in as

essential from outside the province, and that determination is made by the

company, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you.

MR. SPEAKER:

The hon. the Member for Labrador West.

MR. BROWN:

Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

The Premier has said everything is on the table.

I ask the new Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure: Will infrastructure

be up and sold to private companies or will we leverage those assets to reduce

our dependency on properties that are currently being leased?

MR. SPEAKER:

The hon. the Deputy Premier.

MS. COADY:

Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker.

I think everyone in this House and around the province understands that

Newfoundland and Labrador has had some structural problems with its finances for

quite some time now. We are working with Dame Moya Greene who is a well

respected, well-renown individual, Mr. Speaker, as a change management official.

She has been someone that we will take their advice for some big, bold ideas,

Mr. Speaker. It is premature to say anything of what that may contain, but I'll

certainly say this, I know the people of the province want to ensure that we are

financially strong in this province.

SOME HON. MEMBERS:

Hear, hear!

MR. SPEAKER:

The hon. the Member for Labrador West.

MR. BROWN:

Mr. Speaker, the mines in Labrador West are completing some vital rebuilds of

equipment but out-of-province companies and workers are being used to do some of

the work. We have an abundance of local, skilled workers that have been laid off

from the oil and gas sector.

I ask the Minister of Industry, Energy and Technology: Is this the government's

plan to get tradespeople back to work in this province?

MR. SPEAKER:

The hon. the Minister of Industry, Energy and Technology.

MR. A. PARSONS:

Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

I appreciate the question from the Member opposite. The first thing I would say,

lest it be construed in the wrong way, we are not giving up on the oil and gas

sector in this province, that I can guarantee you.

SOME HON. MEMBERS:

Hear, hear!

MR. A. PARSONS:

That being said, I'm always willing to listen to ideas that the Member has when

it comes to industry, especially as it relates to Labrador for which he has a

background. When it comes to some of these companies, I know that you've had

briefings with the department. If there is ever a question or a concern, I'm

willing to take it back to the department and have conversations with these

companies to see what exactly is going on and what is the best solution if there

is a problem.

Thank you.

SOME HON. MEMBERS:

Hear, hear!

MR. SPEAKER:

The hon. the Member for St. John's Centre.

MR. J. DINN:

Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Mr. Speaker, earlier this year, End Homelessness St. John's published a report,

an opinion on the detrimental impacts and increased costs the province will face

if CERB benefits are counted as income against those who will need to avail of

income supports.

This is against a recommendation of the federal government. In his response last

week, the minister stated that the department was following federal guidelines–

and I quote – very, very carefully.

I ask the minister: What is motivating the decision when the federal minister

has recommended against a CERB clawback for income support recipients, and

research shows this approach will cost the province more money in the long run?

MR. SPEAKER:

The hon. the Minister of Immigration, Skills and Labour.

MR. BYRNE:

Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker.

There are some elements of the

preamble to the hon. Member's question which are

not accurate. There is no clawback of federal CERB benefits. What there is,

there's an Income Support system in place in Newfoundland and Labrador, and I

can report to this House that we have several elements and initiatives within

our program which are the model for the country. With that said, there is now

currently, amid a global pandemic, a federal income relief program that's in

place.

Income support benefits, as has been applied throughout all provinces within

Canada, when income replacement is available to those who would otherwise

receive income replacement benefits through Income Support, there is a decision

that must be taken as to which stream they would take.

There will be no clawback of CERB benefits. A client will either choose to be on

the CERB program, or the post-CERB program or on the income support benefits. It

is an important distinction.

SOME HON. MEMBERS:

Hear, hear!

MR. SPEAKER:

The hon. the Member for St. John's Centre.

MR. J. DINN:

Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

It sounds like a clawback to me.

Mr. Speaker, this weekend the Janeway foundation had their annual telethon

underlining the gaps in our health care system, particularly for our children.

During this fundraiser, the Minister of Health, on behalf of the Department of

Health, offered to match up to a quarter of a million dollars in donations from

the general public for a new CT scanner.

I ask the minister: Is crowdsourcing the plan to addressing an inadequately

funded health care system, and when should we anticipate the GoFundMe campaign

to go live and be tabled in this House?

MR. SPEAKER:

The hon. the Minister of Health and Community Services.

MR. HAGGIE:

Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker.

An interesting way of phrasing the question.

Again, I would love to take this opportunity to thank those over 250,000

thousand individuals and groups who made donations yesterday.

SOME HON. MEMBERS:

Hear, hear!

MR. HAGGIE:

The Janeway telethon has been an icon for fundraising in this province and

allows people to support what is a provincial jewel.

I would point out to the Member opposite, when he talks about the health care

system, that the Janeway and, particularly, its rehabilitation program, is

visited by experts from the IWK children's hospital in Halifax to see how to get

their program right and get their program better, Mr. Speaker.

The health care system in this province is doing well. It's doing well with less

money under the circumstances. They are the rival and the envy of a lot of other

jurisdictions, Mr. Speaker. The Member opposite misspeaks.

SOME HON. MEMBERS:

Hear, hear!

MR. SPEAKER:

The time for Question Period has expired.

Presenting Reports by Standing and Select Committees.

Tabling of Documents.

Tabling of Documents

MR. SPEAKER:

The hon. the Minister of Finance.

MS. COADY:

Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

I rise in this hon. House today to table the report of the Program Expenditures

and Revenues of the Consolidated Revenue Fund for the year ended March 31, 2020.

This report presents the annual budgetary contribution and requirement of the

Consolidated Revenue Fund and has been prepared by the Comptroller General in

accordance with the requirements of the

Financial Administration Act.

MR. SPEAKER:

Further tabling of documents?

Notices of Motion.

Notices of Motion

MR. SPEAKER:

The hon. the Member for Grand Falls-Winsor - Buchans.

MR. TIBBS:

Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Private Member's resolution; the Member for Grand Falls-Windsor - Buchans to

move the following private Member's resolution:

BE IT RESOLVED that this hon. House urge the government to bring to the House an

amendment to the House of Assembly Act

for deliberation during the current fall sitting to set a fixed date for the

next election in the third week of October 2021, notwithstanding

section 3(1) of

the act.

That will be seconded by the Member for Ferryland, Mr. Speaker. Notice of motion

date: Monday, October 5, 2020.

MR. SPEAKER:

The hon. the Opposition House Leader.

MR. BRAZIL:

Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

The private Member's resolution presented by the Member for Grand Falls-Windsor

- Buchans is the one that will be debated on this coming Wednesday.

MR. SPEAKER:

Further notices of motion?

Answers to Questions for which Notice has been Given.

SOME HON. MEMBERS:

Oh, oh!

MR. SPEAKER:

Order, please!

Answers to Questions for which Notice has been Given.

Petitions.

Petitions

MR. SPEAKER:

The hon. the Member for Stephenville - Port au Port.

MR. WAKEHAM:

Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

The maintenance and upkeep of the roadway through the community of Cold Brook is

the responsibility of the Department of Transportation and Infrastructure.

Sections of the roadway have been in deplorable condition for the last five

years and need repairs and resurfacing.

Children are required to ride school buses twice daily over these roads where

sections of the paved road are actually missing. There have been a number of

close calls where vehicles have to swerve in order to avoid driving over a

section of roadway where the pavement is totally missing. The residents of Cold

Brook deserve better.

Therefore, we petition the hon. House of Assembly as follows: We, the

undersigned, call upon the House of Assembly to urge the Government of

Newfoundland and Labrador to consider repairing, upgrading and maintaining the

paved road through the community of Cold Brook in the Province of Newfoundland

and Labrador.

Mr. Speaker, this is the third time I've presented this petition so far. This

petition has been signed by just about every single resident of Cold Brook. I've

talked to the minister and he has indicated they are looking at it, so I just

want to ask the minister. This is about a kilometre of road that we're talking

about here and the Department of Transportation and – previously, Works – their

officials for many years now, up to five years, have put this on the list to be

done. It's a small stretch of pavement, approximately 1 kilometre, yet it's in

deplorable condition.

Again, I petition the House to look at getting this done in this fiscal year.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

MR. SPEAKER:

The hon. the Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure, with a response.

MR. BRAGG:

Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

I thank the Member opposite for his petition. As I discussed with the Member

opposite, we have over 10,000 kilometres of roads in this province. Our Class 1

roads are our number one priority, and Class 2 and Class 3 and so on down the

line.

We will work through these roads in the best way we can and get to them as

efficiently as we can. It may be a process where the local depot may have to do

some maintenance on these roads, but a complete upgrade of the road – and you're

saying it's only a kilometre; we have 10,000 kilometres in this province, Mr.

Speaker. So our priority, I have to say, is on the Trans-Canada Highway and the

sub-roads that go off from that, our Class 2 roads. We will get to these roads,

but I just can't guarantee the exact time. We are looking into it.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

MR. SPEAKER:

Further petitions?

The hon. the Member for Ferryland.

MR. O'DRISCOLL:

Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

These are the reasons for this petition or the background of this petition, as

follows:

The Public Utilities Board has approved a licence for an ambulance owner to

operate in the area of Bay Bulls to Bauline. This area is one of the fastest

growing areas of the province. There have been many concerns from residents,

municipalities, councils and emergency responders regarding response times.

Therefore, we petition the House of Assembly as follows: We, the undersigned,

call upon the House of Assembly to urge the Government of Newfoundland and

Labrador to support the position of this service provider and ensure the

residents of Bay Bulls to Bauline meet national standards for response times.

Mr. Speaker, I presented this petition probably twice before, so this is the

third time doing this. Just to get into some of the times and the response times

on the ambulance. We have one in Trepassey; we have a couple in Cape Broyle that

rotate, I'm going to say. Between Cape Broyle and St. John's there's not another

ambulance. We have residents who have waited upwards of two hours, and I think

three hours is another case, to wait for an ambulance to show up. This is just

too long for people that are in dire need. Life depends on it, so we can't be

waiting three hours or two hours to get an ambulance to show up to a resident's

house.

We have the volunteer fire departments in the area that can take care of them

until they get there, but right now our government has to look at putting a

driver ambulance in this area so we can be tended to and make sure the residents

are taken care of.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

SOME HON. MEMBERS:

Hear, hear!

MR. SPEAKER:

Further petitions?

The hon. the Government House Leader.

MR. CROCKER:

I call Orders of the Day, Mr. Speaker.

Motion 1, the Budget Speech.

Orders of the Day

MR. SPEAKER:

The hon. the Minister of Environment, Climate Change and Municipalities.

MR. BENNETT:

Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

(Inaudible) the Budget Speech. It's always an honour to speak in my new

capacity, first of all, as the Minister of Environment, Climate Change and

Municipalities, but also if I'm given time to speak on behalf of the great

people of my District of Lewisporte - Twillingate, the people that elected me

and had the faith in me to serve them since 2015.

Mr. Speaker, it is a great honour for each and every one of us in this House of

Assembly to be elected officials and to serve the great people of our province.

Mr. Speaker, our government is focusing on positive steps towards –

MR. SPEAKER:

Order, please!

The noise level in the House is a little bit high. I ask Members to lower their

speaking. I want to hear what the Member whose been recognized has to say.

Continue.

MR. BENNETT:

Thank you for your protection, Sir. I couldn't hear myself there for a little

while.

Mr. Speaker, our government is focusing on positive steps forward to our

province with regard to environmental protection, addressing climate change and

addressing the needs of municipalities. The Department of Environment, Climate

Change and Municipalities strives to ensure that residents live in safe and

sustainable communities and are served by open, effective and accountable local

governments.

Our government assists municipalities in meeting their infrastructure needs and

help provide the financial administrative tools to support development of

community capacity, regional co-operation and sound governance. Mr. Speaker, we

work to support environmental protection and enhancement through implementing

water resource and pollution prevention regulations and policies and

coordination of environmental assessments.

Mr. Speaker, in January 2020, our government announced the ban of retail plastic

bags that would come in effect July 1, 2020. To facilitate this, government

amended the Environment Protection Act

in April 2019 and developed necessary regulations to prohibit a retailer from

selling and providing plastic bags to a person. The amendment and regulations

were informed by a public consultation process that was held in the previous

year and resulted in more than 3,000 submissions to our department. Mr. Speaker,

I'm pleased to say that as of October 1 of last week our government implemented

the province-wide ban and is now only the second province to do so.

Protecting the environment for future generations is a priority of our

government. The ban will help protect the environment and improve the waste

management system. Over the last year, residents, businesses, governments and

organizations have been actively decreasing the amount of plastic waste created

by single-use plastic bags and working to put alternatives in place.

No health restrictions have been placed on the use of reusable bags. As we

continue to learn and live with COVID-19, the public is encouraged to regularly

wash the reusable bags after each use. We are proud that Newfoundland and

Labrador is the second province to implement the ban and everyone can make a

difference in addressing public plastic waste.

Last week, during the day of the ban, I had the opportunity to visit a locally

owned business, Coleman's, to officially launch the ban. I have to say, Mr.

Speaker, it was good to see so many patrons going into the store, already with

their reusable bags. I did have an opportunity to speak to some of the store

workers and also to patrons that were going through. I have to say, by far,

everybody was very supportive of government finally putting this ban in place.

I think it will reap benefits to our future. I noticed in an

article by MMSB

that approximately 120 million plastic, non-reusable bags go into either our

landfills or along our oceans and roadways yearly. So that will eliminate the

use of these plastic bags. There's a lot more that we need to do in that. Our

department will be working to implement more regulations as it relates to the

use of plastics and other non-reusable materials.

Mr. Speaker, Newfoundland and Labrador continues to implement and build on the

Climate Change Action Plan. The five-year plan aims to reduce greenhouse gas

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

change impacts. We have taken substantive actions on 36 of the 45 action items

in the Climate Change Action Plan within its first year.

Actions include fuel switching on public buildings, investing in a fast-charging

electric car network across Newfoundland and Labrador, implementing the Low

Carbon Economy Leadership Fund and developing three flood risk maps for

vulnerable areas.

Electrification of Newfoundland and Labrador's economy is a key energy priority,

as 98 per cent of our province's electricity will come from renewable energy by

2021. Our government has committed to net-zero emissions by 2050 and we share

emissions. The province is dedicated to collaborating on all aspects of energy

supply in Canada.

Mr. Speaker, we cherish our land and our waters in this province, and it is our

responsibility to safeguard them for future generations. Our government

continues to support the development of a green economy and initiatives to move

the province forward in an environmentally and economical-safe path forward.

The provincial government has announced six cost-shared programs for energy

efficiency and fuel switching in Newfoundland and Labrador. These programs are

projected to deliver over 110,000 tons of greenhouse gas emission reductions

annually and over 830,000 tons of accumulative greenhouse gas emission

reductions by the year 2030, while creating about 650 direct person-years of

employment.

In addition, our government continues to implement the

Management of Greenhouse Gas Act to

reduce industrial emissions and set reduction targets. Our government also

purchase and install 14 Level 3 high-speed electric vehicle chargers and 14

Level 2 charges across the province to support the transition to clean energy in

the future and encourage residents to consider buying an electric vehicle.

Newfoundland and Labrador Hydro will build these fast-charging electric vehicle

networks across the Trans-Canada Highway, connecting St. John's to Channel-Port

aux Basques, including one location at Gros Morne National Park. Construction

has begun and will continue over this fall.

Mr. Speaker, Newfoundland and Labrador Hydro is implementing the infrastructure

for the electric vehicle charging station network across the province. The

provincial government issued a public tender for these site locations. These

sites include: St. John's, Holyrood, Whitbourne, Goobies, Port Blandford,

Glovertown, Gander, Bishop's Falls, Deer Lake, Rocky Harbour, Corner Brook,

Stephenville and Channel-Port aux Basques.

The Department of Environment, Climate Change and Municipalities continues to

work with the federal government to create jobs in a green economy and reduce

the impacts of climate change and carbon emissions. The action plan guides

investment in the $89.4 million federal Low Carbon Economy Leadership Fund and

the $300 million for green infrastructure through federal investing in Canada.

This past summer, projects were announced under the green infrastructure

strength of this program.

Mr. Speaker, our government is committed to energy efficiency programs for

residents and businesses to avail of as we move forward to a greener environment

and greener economy. Rebate programs such as those for basement and attic

insulation and thermostats remain, have been and will continue to be delivered

through Newfoundland Power and Newfoundland and Labrador Hydro. Funding for the

federal-provincial $89.4 million multi-year Low Carbon Economy Fund has not

changed, Mr. Speaker.

Some projects have not proceeded this year because of a variety of factors,

including the effect of COVID-19 where communities and organizations may not

have been in a position to move forward with some of these projects at this

time. The federal government has extended the Low Carbon Economy Leadership Fund

until 2024 due to the pandemic.

Mr. Speaker, Budget 2020 includes

$3.35 million for the Home Energy Savings Program. The program was announced in

2017 and is designed to assist low-income households in making energy efficiency

upgrades, including insulation and air sealing to their home through

non-repayable grants. Mr. Speaker, this program is delivered and administered

through the Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation.

Budget 2020

also includes $8.8 million for the Home Repair Program, which is administered

through Newfoundland and Labrador Housing and assists homeowners who are low

income that require renovations to their homes to complete structural and

related repairs.

Through Budget 2020 ,

$100,000 was announced to focus on combatting climate change through our

work with the Harris Centre and other entities for future actions.

Mr. Speaker, the provincial government also introduced a $30 million Residential

Construction Rebate program this year. The deadline for complete renovation work

under the program was recently extended to June 30, 2021.

Mr. Speaker, a number of those items we've discussed moving forward to reduce

and eliminate greenhouse gases. As I mentioned earlier last week, I did attend

the Fridays for Future event just a couple of weeks ago, the rally, and I must

say to see the energy and the excitement of people gathering to show their

support to our government to reducing greenhouse gases. I did extend an

invitation to that group to meet with some of their organizers, and I'm proud to

say we will be meeting this coming Friday to discuss some of the ideas and share

some of the plans that we have in place as a government.

Mr. Speaker, municipalities are also very important to our government. As a

result of COVID-19, our government supported Municipalities Newfoundland and

Labrador's request to the federal government for emergency operational funding

for municipalities. In May, we wrote a letter to support the Federation of

Canadian Municipalities for their efforts to provide municipalities with

much-needed federal financial supports to deal with the issues arising from the

COVID-19 crisis.

The provincial government has a number of provincial programs supporting

municipalities directly. In addition to approximately $29 million in

unconditional municipal operating grants and provincial gas tax, the Department

of Transportation and Infrastructure is now responsible for the provincial

Municipal Capital Works program, which invests millions annually in municipal

infrastructure, as well as Multi-Year Capital Works programs for larger

municipalities. The same staff are administering the Municipal Capital Works and

Multi-Year Capital Works programs and related cost-shared programs as before.

We have always had a strong relationship with Municipalities Newfoundland and

Labrador and that is most important during these times. Mr. Speaker, myself and

the Premier did meet with representatives from Municipalities Newfoundland and

Labrador a couple of weeks ago and we were quite pleased with the outcome of the

meeting and we'll continue with our great working relationship that we've built

over the years. As the new minister, I will definitely work to continue that

positive relationship.

Mr. Speaker, municipal issues will continue to be a priority. Working together,

we will get the results we need for the people of Newfoundland and Labrador. The

new structure will foster a positive working relationship between municipalities

and the three ministers.

The Department of Environment, Climate Change and Municipalities will be working

collaboratively with the Department of Transportation and Infrastructure as we

move forward with these decisions related to municipal infrastructure. I am

working with my Cabinet colleagues to ensure coordinated approaches for all

programs. Working together with the Department of Transportation and

Infrastructure helps us to deliver best outcomes for our communities, Mr.

Speaker.

Now that I have a few more minutes, I'm going to take a bit of time to talk

about a few things that Budget 2020

has impacted in my District of Lewisporte - Twillingate. First of all, it was

great to see that $400,000 has been allocated in this year's budget to complete

the engineering study on the scope of work that's required for the replacement

costs of the Lewisporte wharf and the infrastructure at the wharf.

Mr. Speaker, that's been an item of very importance to the community of

Lewisporte, my home community. The wharf has served the people of Lewisporte and

area, and throughout Newfoundland and Labrador and Coastal Labrador, for 75

years. Over the years as the services discontinued, whether it be through the

railway, then the ferry closure from servicing the Coast of Labrador and just

recently the closure of the freight service to Labrador out of Lewisporte, it

always had a slow bleed, I guess, on the economics of my community.

Many businesses that relied on this particular freight and ferry service have

lost a great deal of revenue over the years. My father, for one, is one of the

people that worked on that wharf for over 45 years. It's a big reason why our

family settled in Lewisporte and also why we also still live there, as my father

and mother raised 15 children in Lewisporte. It's good to see that most of us,

12 of us still live within 15 minutes of the Town of Lewisporte. The wharf has

been a valuable part.

Mr. Speaker, I do have to commend the Premier and, first of all, the former

minister of transportation and works for his work and assistance in moving this

file forward. It has been faced with many challenges over the last 18 months but

through their support and their work with the Town of Lewisporte, it's good to

see that particularly. The first step is being done. We're doing an engineering

study on Lewisporte to see what needs to be done to bring that service back up,

and Lewisporte can move back into the marine industry of servicing that they've

done for so many years.

Mr. Speaker, in Budget 2020 , it

allocates money through Transportation and Infrastructure for roadwork. In my

district right now there's a fair bit of roadwork happening as we speak. Route

340, there's a small

section on Junction Road, which connects the Trans-Canada

Highway to Lewisporte. Approximately nine kilometres of that was completed last

year and this year the remaining three kilometres is also being completed.

Then on Route 340 towards New World Island area, Mr. Speaker, as most people

know, Twillingate is in the top destinations in Newfoundland and Labrador, and

the conditions of the road – and I hear Member's opposite commonly talk about

their road conditions, I gladly welcome them to come down to visit Twillingate

and see the condition of the road down there. Some are in very, very poor

condition.

It is great to see that work is being done down there now, and more so than just

typically what would've happened a number of years ago. Roadwork, they typically

come in and just put new asphalt over the existing infrastructure, which asphalt

didn't last very long after that. But since we took government in 2015, it's

good to see that now it's not just been asphalt on there, they're doing the

ditching, doing the brush clearing, replacing culverts and fixing the foundation

before they put new asphalt there.

We've got a few more kilometres that is going to be done this year, weather

permitting and everything else. The contractors have been on site. So,

hopefully, in the very near future a number of those areas that have been

neglected over the years will be upgraded.

Mr. Speaker, as I said, tourism is a big part for my district. A couple of

Members – I think the Member for Stephenville - Port au Port – referenced last

week some of the impacts that their businesses have felt. I think it's common

throughout Newfoundland and Labrador that everybody suffered this year because

of COVID-19 and all of the travel restrictions. It was great to see when the

former department of tourism, culture, industry and innovation implemented the

Tourism and Hospitality Support Program, which enabled businesses to avail of

either a $5,000 or $10,000 grant.

I'm proud to say that most of the businesses in my district did operate this

year during COVID. It was great to see so many people, staycationers, travelling

to our community. One thing that I think anybody in the tourism industry could

say is it really opened up the eyes of residents of Newfoundland and Labrador to

see what a great product that we actually have throughout our communities, and

it's in every nook and corner of Newfoundland and Labrador. We have great

accommodations, great trail systems, restaurants, entertainment and the list

goes on, Mr. Speaker. By making the sacrifice this year by some of those

businesses that probably didn't do as good as they normally would, I think the

benefits will be reaped for years to come.

I have about five seconds left, so on that note, I will say thank you. It's

always great to represent the people of the Lewisporte - Twillingate District,

and now my new role as Minister of Environment, Climate Change and

Municipalities.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

SOME HON. MEMBERS:

Hear, hear!

MR. SPEAKER:

The hon. the Member for Cape St. Francis.

MR. K. PARSONS:

Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker.

Again, it's an absolute privilege to be here today to represent the beautiful

District of Cape St. Francis and the beautiful people in the District of Cape

St. Francis.

As most people realize, a Budget Speech, we have 20 minutes and we can speak on

a variety of things. You can talk on the budget or you can talk on whatever you

want. I'm going to go in a whole lot of different routes today.

First of all, I'm going to talk a little bit about my district. I really want to

thank the people in my district for their continued support that they have shown

me. No matter where I go in my district, I get the opportunity to speak to

people all over the place. These days, things are different. We are usually

speaking with a mask on or whatever, but just to assure the people out there,

because sometimes people don't want to approach you, don't want to ask you

questions like they would normally do in normal times, I'm always available. If

they want to pick up the phone and call my house or pick up the phone and call

my office, I'd gladly speak with anyone in my district.

I'm sure most of the MHAs here in the House of Assembly are along the same

lines, because these are very difficult times that we live in. Sometimes the

help or support or just a person to listen to their concerns means a lot to the

people. I think that's what we're here for. I'm sure that both sides of the

House are on the same mindset that I am.

Reach out to us and make sure that you get your questions answered, because

sometimes it can just take a relief off people. These times that we're living

in, people are very, very stressed and there are some things, maybe a little bit

of advice or something that we can do for people to make their lives a little

bit better during these difficult times. I'm sure we all want to do it.

Mr. Speaker, I'd also like to speak about volunteers. I know that Fire

Prevention Week is this week. Yesterday, I was in my yard and I saw all the fire

trucks and there were some special people in the thing with different – they had

a great parade. The Torbay Volunteer Fire Department organized it and they went

through the communities down my way. They had representation from a lot of

communities. There was an ambulance there and the RNC were involved in it.

During Fire Prevention Week, I know as an MHA when we're in communities, it's

always a time when we had an opportunity to go to the fire stations and address

the people, and address the children that are in the area and everybody that's

concerned about it.

Again, the times we're in these days, we don't get that opportunity to say thank

you, for one thing, that I always like to do whenever I get invited to volunteer

fire departments or different agencies like that is say thank you for what they

do for us, but it also enlightens – you'll always see a lot of young people

there. I know that they're enthused with the fire trucks or whatever.

Volunteer fire departments in my area go out of their way to, not only protect

people, but they're very community involved. You'll see it in the Santa Claus

parade, for example. In Pouch Cove, I know since I've been elected, they always

host breakfast with Santa Claus and stuff like this, so they're very involved in

our communities.

Again, it's an opportunity for me just to say thank you to all the volunteer

firefighters and all the firefighters, anybody who supplies the service that

will make our people more protected and give us that little bit of reassurance

that there are people there to protect us. Just a big thank you to all volunteer

firefighters and especially this week being Fire Prevention Week.

SOME HON. MEMBERS:

Hear, hear!

MR. K. PARSONS:

Mr. Speaker, I just want to speak another little bit about the times we find

ourselves in. As an MHA, and I'm sure as all MHAs, I really have to thank our

assistants in our offices because a lot of times they don't get the praise that

they deserve. They're the ones that will get the phone calls with the concerns

that people have. In a lot of cases, we're involved, there's no doubt it, but,

in a lot of cases, they're the first person that the person gets to speak to.

During these times when people have issues of concern with – some people are

concerned about what's going to happen tomorrow. Some people have concerns about

their futures. Some people have concerns about how the education – I know when

schools first opened we were swamped with calls from people worried about how to

get their children back and forth to school and what's going to happen in school

and stuff like that.

I just want to make sure that we do thank people that do a lot of work for us

here at the House of Assembly. I really think our assistants, and I know most

assistants do a great job for us to ensure that people can be relieved from some

of the stresses that they have. We know that stress is a very, very important

thing in people's lives. The less stress that they have, the healthier they will

be also.

Mr. Speaker, I'm going to speak a little bit about the budget. In this year's

budget, we heard the

preambles before the budget that there were going to be no

surprises. The budget was – well, if you look at it, the budget usually comes

down in March and now the budget's not here until October. So a lot of money was

already spent.

We know the importance of ensuring that we have proper equipment for our

front-line workers, making sure we have proper equipment for people that are

involved in the pandemic that we're into right now. So it was important that

those things be addressed, and I'm glad they were addressed. I'm glad there's

money put forward for the future, because we did get caught a little bit with

our pants down, really, and not having the proper equipment in place.

I think in the future we have to make sure we're doing a better job to make sure

that we especially protect our front-line workers. Our front-line workers in

hospitals were very fortunate that we didn't see the stresses and the levels of

care that were needed in other parts of the country, especially in other parts

of the world, but we do know that anything can happen. We always have to make

sure we have the proper stuff in place to ensure that people who put their lives

on the line for us are protected.

I'm sure both sides of the House are very pleased and thankful we have the

health care system that we do have, that people are protected and people –

whether you get this virus or not – know there's a reassurance that the people

we need to make sure that our loved ones or ourselves are protected are there in

place. We also have to make sure they are protected also. It's very important

that they have the proper equipment to ensure they can do their job and make

sure they can go home to their families and ensure that they are all safe.

I think the biggest thing that I see in this House of Assembly and I see in

Newfoundland and Labrador these days, the word safety is the word that everybody

is using. We know there are some financial issues in this province right now

that are very concerning to people. People are concerned about what's going to

happen to the future of our province. We're concerned about what's going to

happen to the future of our offshore. We understand that over the last number of

years the things that we enjoy in this province have come from our offshore

industries. So those are very important to people in the province.

I've been an MHA here now for over 12 years, and from the time I came in here

until now, we have done a lot of great expenditures in this province. I know in

my district alone, if you look at some of the expenditures our province has made

to make people's lives better: We've built two new schools; we've built

recreation areas for our children; we've built the Torbay Bypass Road; we've

built a water treatment plant in Pouch Cove. Bauline, we've built a brand new

community centre. Everything to make people's lives better.

Right now, we're looking at a financial situation in this province where I'm

sure the government Members and I'm sure that Members on both sides of this

House are very, very concerned about. We need to be very concerned about those

issues because it's the future. I always talk about the future when I get here.

I look at my children, my grandchildren and I hope that the work I do in this

House of Assembly will make it better for them down the road. I believe that's

what we're here for.

SOME HON. MEMBERS:

Hear, hear!

MR. K. PARSONS:

We're here to ensure that the people of the province and the people that come

behind us have a better life, because that's what the people did before us.

That brings me into my next little thing, our seniors. I know we're doing the

supports and things we do with our seniors as best we can, but we have to also

understand that seniors are the most vulnerable people right now in society. We

don't need to look very far as to look at the news reports since the pandemic

came in, since we saw what happens at our long-term care facilities.

I'm watching the Trump thing this week – and I call it the Trump thing – but I

listen to how vulnerable seniors are over the age of 65 and 70 years old, and

how if one of them gets this virus, then their chance of death is a whole lot

more than a younger person. Seniors are concerned about that. Seniors are very

concerned about that.

I speak to seniors all the time in my office. If I see them anywhere at all that

I can speak to them, keep my social distancing and talk to seniors, I love doing

it. It's the most enjoyable thing as becoming an MHA that I find.

I know in government we always offer stuff for our 50-plus clubs and stuff like

that. I'm glad to see there is some money going to be invested in the 50-plus

clubs in our province. Again, knowing where I come from and my area, I'm very

proud of what people do for seniors in Cape St. Francis, whether it's an outing,

whether it's a Christmas dinner. Some have dinners in the summertime, some

garden parties and stuff like this. All this stuff was cancelled this year.

I ask people of the province to just relate, make a phone call, do what you can

to engage our seniors because I know, as most of us go to events, they really

enjoy it. These events have all been gone this year. So I think reaching out to

our seniors is very, very important. If there's something we can do to make it

better for them, we should.

Mr. Speaker, I'm going to speak a little bit about tourism in our province.

Again, I did it for years. My two holidays of the year are either a fishing trip

to Millertown or a moose hunting trip to Millertown, and I have to say they're

very enjoyable trips. My stay at home is usually a stay at home anyway, but I

have to applaud the people of this province for supporting our tourism industry

the best we can.

When I was in government, one of the major things we promoted as a government

was our tourism industry and we did a great job. We brought the tourism industry

up to over a billion-dollar industry. This year, there are a lot of people who

are going to be hurting in the tourism industry and they need our support. I can

be corrected, and I'm sure the minister can correct me later, but it is 25,000

jobs in this province that are related to the tourism industry. Again, I ask the

people of this province to continue to support our tourism industry. It's a

very, very important part of who we are.

Most people this year, I know a lot of my friends and a lot of my constituents

did the stay-at-home vacation and I'm sure it was as good a trip as going

anywhere else in Canada or going to Florida or wherever. Stay at home; enjoy

what we have because we have a beautiful province. I just want to say that.

SOME HON. MEMBERS:

Hear, hear!

MR. K. PARSONS:

Mr. Speaker, I had a lot of concerns in my district when it came to education

this year. I have to applaud our teachers. Today is International Teachers' Day

and I think we should give a big round of applause to all our teachers in this

province because they do a fantastic job for all our children.

SOME HON. MEMBERS:

Hear, hear!

MR. K. PARSONS:

Mr. Speaker, education is very important, and it was very important that we get

our children back in school. Again, dealing with what we're dealing with,

education – I know most of the children were waiting to get back to see their

friends. They have to understand the times we're in. I'm sure parents,

grandparents and guardians all emphasized the importance of social distancing,

wearing your mask and ensuring you're safe, but we as parents and grandparents

and everyone else, we can only do so much. It's our teachers and the people that

are working in our schools that do the job to ensure that our children are safe.

Again, I applaud our teachers and I applaud the people that work as

administrators and people in the education system. You're doing your best and I

want to thank you for what you're doing.

Mr. Speaker, my portfolio that I'm a critic for is Fisheries. I was a little

disappointed in the budget that there wasn't more on the fishery in our province

because I believe that the fishery is the backbone of our province. I believe

that the fishery is the main reason why we are all here. It's what brought us to

Newfoundland and Labrador and I believe it's what's going to keep us in

Newfoundland and Labrador.

I know there are over 15,000 people working in the fishing industry in our

province. The fishery of the past is gone. There's a new fishery of the future,

and, personally, this year, I had a little involvement in it. I had an

opportunity to work with harvesters and just see the nuts and bolts of the

fishery. It's a very interesting area of our province. When I look and see what

people in our harvesting industry go through and what they do on a daily basis,

it sometimes amazes me. It's an industry, they're good at it; they're great at

what they do.

We have 400 communities in this province. I said it the other day when I was

asking the minister a question, sometimes people look at it and say it's rural

Newfoundland, but it's not rural Newfoundland. It's all Newfoundland. Probably

one of the harbours that probably brings more produce to the wharf is St.

John's. There are a lot of people in the St. John's area that benefit from the

fishery and are involved in the fishery. It's all Newfoundland and Labrador that

are involved in the fishery.

When you look at the amount of money that the fishery brings in on an annual

basis: $1.4 billion last year. Now, this year, I don't know what it's going to

be. The price of crab was down. But it was amazing what happened, actually, with

the price of crab this year. The price of crab dropped from about $5.36 last

year and went down to $3.18 this year. Yet, the markets in the United States,

the major markets that we supply crab to, was great. They had a great year in

the markets because it's the people that are involved in our fishery, how

innovative they can become. Most of the markets that we had were sent to places

like cruise ships, bulk for your buffets in the States and stuff like this, but

the market this year was changed. It went mostly to the retail market down in

the United States where they had to change a lot of packages and stuff like

this.

My understanding is that we don't have a lot of crab this year in cold storage

and that's going to relate next year to a better price for our harvesters.

That's what they need in the province. They all got through.

As far as I understand, the crab is probably one of the biggest we have right

now for bringing revenue to our province. This year, harvesters had a great year

in my area, and most areas that I talked about the abundance of crab were good.

Mr. Speaker, I talk too much sometimes because I have about five or six other

things I'm not going to be able to get to, but I really want to talk a little

bit about essential workers and how important essential workers are.

I guess, a lot of us as Newfoundlanders and Labradorians, we always looked at

essential workers as our firefighters, our police force, our medics, our

doctors, our nurses and something else, but, I guess, the one thing that this

really brought out to me and brought out to a lot of Newfoundlanders and

Labradorians is who are essential workers? There are a lot of essential workers.

There are organizations that do things for people. If you look at we all have to

eat, and I look at the Dominion workers that are out on the line now, every time

I go by them I definitely honk my horn and say thank you for what you've done.

SOME HON. MEMBERS:

Hear, hear!

MR. K. PARSONS:

Again, we never realized when you go to a supermarket that the person who is

serving you, they have to be there because we need the food, our family needs to

eat, we need our loved ones to get the care that they need that are in those

stores. I just want to say a big thank you to all those guys and girls that

served and went to work when it was times when it wasn't safe.

We had times, like the cluster that happened at the funeral home, where there

were a lot of cases here in Newfoundland and Labrador and people didn't know if

your neighbour had it or you didn't know – but these people went to work and

made sure that we got the essential things we needed to live. I just want to say

a big thank you to all the essential workers in the province. Thank you so much

for what you've done during these times.

I have 10 seconds left, I'd just like to ask all Newfoundlanders and

Labradorians, do everything you can to stay safe and do the things that are

required for everyone else around you to be safe.

Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker.

MR. SPEAKER:

The hon. the Member for Harbour Grace - Port de Grave.

MS. P. PARSONS:

Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

It's always a pleasure to, at this time, sit in our places and talk about our

districts because, ultimately, that's the reason why we're all here. We look

around the room and there are 40 seats and we all represent our constituents, of

course, who elect to have us here to do just that.

I'm very proud of the district that I represent, the strong District of Harbour

Grace - Port de Grave. I'm going to echo, actually, some of the things that my

hon. colleague across the way from the beautiful District of Cape St. Francis

has said with regard to our essential workers, our volunteer firefighters, et

cetera.

Mr. Speaker, it is that time of year again, just recently, in the District of

Harbour Grace - Port de Grave and actually the region of Trinity Conception

Placentia, of course, we had a successful telethon again.

SOME HON. MEMBERS:

Hear, hear!

MS. P. PARSONS:

That's right.

I was happy to be joined by my colleague and neighbouring MHA from the District

of Carbonear - Trinity - Bay de Verde to announce $50,000 on behalf of

government and, of course, the Department of Health and Community Services to

support the Trinity Conception Placentia Health Foundation. As we know – all of

us can agree to this – when we talk to our constituents, whether it's knocking

on doors, whether it's in the supermarket, whether it's at the Tim Hortons or

you name, wherever, or even at a family get-together, health care is ultimately

the first priority on everybody's mind.

We're blessed to have the health care that we receive here in our country,

certainly in our beautiful Province of Newfoundland and Labrador. That said, we

can always do more, but I tell you, it sure is a good feeling to go and

volunteer some time at TCP Health Foundation telethon every year. To bring that

money to support this very important cause is amazing. It's a privilege to do

and I'm very grateful. Again, keep up the good work. That's put off by Eastlink

and the volunteers. Without our volunteers, this would not be possible, and

everybody who dedicates their time.

Mr. Speaker, the TCP, of course, covers multiple districts. It's a big region

that many people, of course, depend on this. Our nurses and doctors, all of our

health care staff, they're essential workers and we thank them; very proud of

the good work that they do.

Special thanks to some of the doctors that I went to school with: Dr. Rebecca

Powell as well as Dr. Peggy Tuttle. I'm very proud of them. Two very strong

women in our health care, locally, from Conception Bay North. They are doing so

well and they have brought their education and their skills right home here in

Carbonear and the region of Carbonear and at the Carbonear hospital. I'm very

proud of them and a big thanks to them.

We are living in unprecedented times. We go places; we have our masks. As

Members mentioned and implied, the community events that we're normally used to

going to every weekend or every other weekend, they can't happen now. It

certainly is taking a toll on all of our community, our seniors, our younger

people, everyone. Again, the more we can do to show appreciation – and, again,

our essential workers, as the MHA mentioned as well.

When the rest of the world stopped, when we were all ordered to stay home and to

stay in our bubble and to stay inside and to isolate, it's these men and women

that went to work. They went to work every day in our gas stations, our grocery

stores. Again, my heart goes to out to them every time I drive by in Bay Roberts

to see those striking workers out there. They've been out there a long time, but

without them we would've been in pretty rough shape. They are indeed very

essential and we thank them from the bottom of our hearts.

Some good things happening in the District of Harbour Grace - Port de Grave.

This is the year of the stay home, the staycation. I got a great chance as well

to do some travelling to some of the districts across our beautiful province;

places I've never been. So it was a first time experience for me and I can't

wait to see more, because, geographically, we are larger than the Maritimes

right here in Newfoundland and Labrador. I think we're very unique, it's safe to

say, in the best possible way, with our people, of course, and our beautiful,

beautiful scenery. The piece of the globe that we occupy here, we've got a lot

to be proud of.

In Port de Grave, I'm very happy to say that over the past several years, we've

been able to get some significant funding to the Port De Grave Peninsula

Heritage Society. A group of volunteers that come together to do what they can

to enhance the beautiful peninsula. In particular, the Green Point Lighthouse –

more than $2 million over the past couple of years. Myself, as well as my

colleague, the MP for Avalon for the federal government, we've been able to come

together and announce some pretty significant funding. If anybody is looking for

a place to go – Green Point Lighthouse; our locals can enjoy this, I know I

enjoy it, and there's a lot of history there. By all means, certainly make your

way down.

Myself and the MP, as well as my colleague, the Minister of Tourism, Culture,

Arts and Recreation, made our way out there this summer to announce some more

funding for this wonderful group. They're doing great things. We've been able to

upgrade the road down there as well, which is becoming very populated with

residents on Lighthouse Road. So lots of things to see and do in our beautiful

region there.

Also, the Summer Games, as we know, Mr. Speaker, you've often heard me stand

here in the House of Assembly and promote the Newfoundland and Labrador Summer

Games, hosted by Bay Roberts. We were all gearing up, we were supposed to host

this August past, but, as we know, life as we know has changed with regard to

this pandemic. The hold button has been pressed, if you will. I've been

reassured by the minister a few times that we will get to host those games when

this pandemic allows. We're looking at 2022. More than $300,000 has been awarded

by this government to the Town of Bay Roberts, and as well as neighbouring

facilities, because it's a team approach.

Bay Roberts is the host town for the first time in our history, I might add.

We've never had the opportunity to do this, despite many great applications

being submitted year after year by the Town of Bay Roberts and the team out

there. I'm happy to say we're making it happen, finally, and I look forward to

that.

Again, it was supposed to happen this past August, but we're looking at, if the

pandemic allows, 2022. Lots of great facility upgrades are happening. Like I

say, significant money has been awarded to the Town of Bay Roberts.

The Bay Arena is a very popular location out there; we have some upgrades and

enhancements for that facility. I understand there's more coming through a new

program but I'll let the minister announce that one. We're excited for that as

well.

As I mentioned, Mr. Speaker, it is a team approach. We're going to be utilizing

the baseball field in Upper Island Cove, the neighbouring community. I

understand, as well, across the way in Pitcher's Pond, the golf course will be

utilize for our summer games.

Again, so much to see and do and it's going to bring so many people, athletes as

well as the volunteers from across our province here in Bay Roberts and our

surrounding communities.

Let me tell you, I'm very confident in the volunteers and the volunteer base

that we have in Conception Bay North and for the organization and the

hospitality. I'm going to say, Mr. Speaker, and you heard it here first, I'm

going to put it on record, I'm going to say we're going to host the very best

games in the history of Newfoundland and Labrador in Bay Roberts when that time

comes. I'm very excited about that.

That said, I'm also excited to be appointed as secretariat for the 2025 Canada

Games to support the City of St. John's. It will certainly be a new task for me,

new experiences and working with a new team, and from what I've gathered from

the meetings that we've had, they're a very competent group of people. Namely, I

will say, most are women and that's good to see. I certainly look forward to

that and, again, I really look forward to finally being able to be able to have

these games in the Town of Bay Roberts.

That said as well, I also want to talk about now about the volunteer fire

departments in the District of Harbour Grace - Port de Grave. We have many. We

have one in Harbour Grace, the fire brigade in Harbour Grace, those volunteers.

They're volunteers, but I will say, Mr. Speaker, and I will emphasize it, what

they do is very professional. The training they receive, the service they

provide is second to none. That said, too, I'm also happy that it was this

government that brought in the presumptive cancer care coverage to include

volunteer, as well as career firefighters.

I'm happy to say that we were able to reward some funding for the Harbour Grace

fire brigade for what was on their wish list; their request to provide a new

washer for the department to wash their gear, because you can imagine the toxins

that they're exposed to when they go there, when they receive that call of a

fire of an emergency. I'm happy to say that has been rewarded. It's on a

cost-shared basis of a 70-30 cost share between the Town of Harbour Grace, as

well as the provincial government .The provincial government's contribution is

more than $4,000 for that. I know Chief Jim Barnes is – I hope he's listening

now because he was certainly happy to get that because that was something big

that they needed.

Again, anything that we can do to support these men and women because,

ultimately, we all sleep easier at night because of the firefighters we have

across Newfoundland and Labrador. They're there to protect us. They're there to

answer medical calls as well as emergency calls. They protect our properties and

they do everything they can to go above and beyond for our communities and our

people, so a heartfelt thank you to them.

I understand it is Fire Prevention Week. There's a theme that my colleague

mentioned. We can't say enough about these people because they are, by far, the

most courageous volunteers in the world, certainly in my opinion, and I speak

for a lot of people, if not everybody in my district the thanks that they

certainly get from residents.

That said, moving up now, we have the volunteer firefighter department of Upper

Island Cove, which recently received a new truck about a couple of years ago, a

fire medical rescue unit. That's wonderful. I will say the minister at the time

made a trip to the community and was very supportive of that. That goes a long

way.

Also the Spaniard's Bay-Tilton department, a big thanks for those men and women,

as well as Bay Roberts volunteer firefighter department there, the Bay Roberts

Fire Rescue, they call themselves. There's something unique about them. They're

actually a regional location for the refill for the self-contained breathing

apparatus cylinders. They are a station where the other volunteer firefighter

departments depend on this service, and that's something they are in need for.

We had a great meeting, the provincial fire commissioner attended a meeting with

the town, with me, actually, just a few weeks ago to talk about how important

this is and this priority. I've also had some good conversations with the

minister about that and he is very supportive. I'm confident that we will be

able to find a way forward to make this happen, to grant that very important

piece of equipment for them, the apparatus cylinders because anything that we

can do to provide them with what they need is amazing and they deserve it. They

deserve to be protected as they work.

Also, of course, roads, I would say, Mr. Speaker, the second top priority, I

guess, if you talk to residents, aside from health care, is roadwork. I think

every MHA, probably with the exception of the metro MHAs, can agree with that.

How it is very important for the provincial government, as well as the support

that we get from the federal government for the Infrastructure Canada program.

I am happy to say a big priority in the District of Harbour Grace - Port de

Grave was made clear to me prior to my time as MHA is Harvey Street. I'm sure

some of my colleagues have taken a scenic drive through Harvey Street in Harbour

Grace, excursion around the bay as they say. It's even in a Great Big Sea

song, Mr. Speaker. I'm happy to say that our government, in conjunction with

the federal government, as well as the municipal government, could announce the

funding for the repair and completion of Harvey Street.

Phase IV was announced last year, Mr. Speaker, for about $1.3 million from the

provincial government. This year, just a couple of weeks ago, myself and my

colleague MP Ken McDonald, as well as the town, we gathered in Harbour Grace

just a few weeks ago to announce more money, again, for the completion of Phase

V for Harvey Street. The provincial portion for that one was about $1.4 million,

whereas the feds came in at just over $1 million. This was also in conjunction

with the Infrastructure Canada Program, so the municipalities come on board.

About $3 million was announced in our region just a few weeks ago, and, of

course, the Town of Harbour Grace contributed to that one, as well as the Town

of Spaniard's Bay, Tilton. They received significant funding for upgrades in the

Mint Cove Pond area for wastewater projects as well as road upgrades.

We'd love to have the ability to pave all the roads, Mr. Speaker, but that's

simply not the reality. There are many, many roads that certainly need some

long-overdue work here in this province. I experienced that myself driving

around the province this past summer on my staycations.

I'm very happy to say this work is finally getting done in Harvey Street. It was

long overdue, long before my time, as I say, but it's been made a priority to

me. I'm happy to say that you take a drive down there now, residents are happy

for this delay, because this work is certainly welcomed. I can't emphasize

enough how important it is to the people of Harbour Grace, and not just Harbour

Grace but the region because it is a main thoroughfare.

Prior to the construction of the Veterans Memorial Highway, this was, indeed,

the main thoroughfare to make your excursion around the bay, on Route 70,

Conception Bay North, on the Conception Bay Highway. I'm very excited about

that, but let's keep it coming. There's a lot more roadwork to be done along

Route 70, which connects all of our communities.

Just up the way in Riverhead, we are getting some work done there. There's some

major work that needs to happen there in Riverhead, from the Thicket Road down

up to Jamie's Way. Again, that's something we're going to keep on the radar. I'm

confident and I'm optimistic that we're going to get the work because it is well

needed. The traffic volume on this, the statistics are very high.

Just up the road, we're getting work done on the Tilton barrens. Again, it's

great to see; long-overdue work that's needed. That's happening now, from the

Tilton barrens right on down to Thicket Road on Route 70. It's a major

thoroughfare for this region. Not everybody wants to go up on the highway, Mr.

Speaker, as you know. You have people who don't necessarily want to drive that

speed. I know I avoid it at nighttime because, as you know, we do have a lot of

moose in this province. I've seen a couple up close, without a licence, I might

add. That's not how you want to see them on the road. Again, very important

roadwork happening along Route 70.

Also, we had some good roadwork happening on Crane's Road in Upper Island Cove,

the community as well. Over on Dock Road in Bareneed, what's known as Otterbury,

we have some good roadwork happening there. Again, this is stuff that needed

attention long before now, but I'm happy to say it's happening. It certainly is

happening now and those residents are very welcoming to see this good work.

That said, we had another great meeting actually with officials in the

Department of Transportation and Infrastructure with the Town of Bay Roberts

just last week. We have more than 18,000 cars that pass along the main strip on

Route 70, from, say, the Shoppers Drug Mart area, Mr. Speaker, in Bay Roberts

right on down to, say, Jungle Jim's. So we need some well-needed roadwork there.

Again, we had a good productive meeting just last week with the Town of Bay

Roberts. It certainly is a number one priority for the town, and not just for

the town but it's a catchment area. We have cars come from all over the region

to shop because Bay Roberts, indeed, is the hub of Conception Bay North. We

simply need the roadwork happening there. I'm certainly committed as the MHA to

help making that happen.

Lots of things are happening; I'm not sure if I'll get it all in in this time.

Again, I want to give an update now on the long overdue replacement of Coley's

Point Primary School. As we know, just recently we were awarded $16.2 million by

the provincial government to finally replace this aging school – it's over 65

years. That said, I want to throw a big bouquet to all the school community, the

staff, the parents, the volunteers, because the school community that we

experience out there is amazing.

I enjoy the annual Walk to Breakfast, which is that time of year. I'm not sure

if they're going to be doing it again this year, but the Walk to Breakfast

fundraiser where we get to serve breakfast to the kids. It's so fun. It's one of

my favourite things that I do every year in the district. We roll up our sleeves

and we serve them waffles and whipped cream. It's a good time. Everybody comes

together.

The volunteer firefighters also roll up their sleeves and come and help out. So

it's a beautiful community event that we get to do. Thank God for those, because

in the District of Harbour Grace - Port de Grave community spirit is second to

none. When someone is on hard times or there's an organization that needs

funding or support, everybody comes together and supports. I'm just so blessed

to be part of it. It's really heartwarming to take all these in.

So that said, $16.2 million for Coley's Point Primary replacement. We're on

photos that I have received from the department. All the progress that's being

made out there. It is the plan to get out there early 2021 for that school. I'm

certainly looking forward to that because we are an expanding population in

Harbour Grace - Port de Grave.

This school services children from Port de Grave, Hibbs Cove, Bareneed, Bay

Roberts, Coley's Point, Shearstown and Butlerville. Even some children from

Clarke's Beach come and attend school at Coley's Point Primary. Kids who are

there currently can say my great-grandparents went to school here in this very

building. That's a neat fact, but thank God for this new facility that's finally

coming.

Also, I want to put an emphasis on supporting local is more important now than

ever, as we know what we're experiencing worldwide. It's unprecedented times. It

was great to take in a local harvest market that happened a couple of weeks ago

in the Town of Bay Roberts where it gave local vendors an opportunity to come

out. It was all done perfectly in accordance with the policies and the rules set

by Public Health.

The vendors got out there and, of course, residents came out and supported that.

There was some entertainment. I did take the guitar and sang a few songs, Mr.

Speaker, to support the event because music just makes everything better. I

often say when I'm at community events, how nice would it be if we had some

music in the House of Assembly on times; but, obviously, we know that's not

going to happen. Well, never say never. You never know, right.

With that said, too, Mr. Speaker, I did acknowledge a very lovely resident today

in my Member's statement, a lovely woman by the name of Mary Butler who I

mentioned today and to the community who are certainly rallying around right

now. She received some pretty bad news, obviously, about the cancer, but this

woman, I tell you, is brave. She is courageous; her faith is so strong.

As I mentioned earlier, she's not questioning, she's not angry. This woman is

loved by many throughout the Conception Bay North region. It was an absolute

pleasure to go and meet her and to sing some songs for her and to be a part of

that family for that day as they celebrated Christmas early for Mary. So, Mary

Butler and family, if you're listening, God bless you and we support you and,

again, just thank you for the beautiful spirit you demonstrate in your faith as

well.

That said, Mr. Speaker, lots of things to talk about. It's always a privilege

and a pleasure to stand here on behalf – or sit today as we're sitting – of the

people of Harbour Grace - Port de Grave District. I thank you again for your

continued support. I'll certainly do everything I can to help.

My constituency office number is 786-1372. Please call if I can be of any

assistance, and hats off to my constituency assistant, Lisa Brown, we're doing

the best we can.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

SOME HON. MEMBERS:

Hear, hear!

MR. SPEAKER:

Before I recognize the next speaker, I just want to take up on the Member's

comment that we need more music in the House. Although we're under an order now

not to sing in the House, it reminded me of when Her Honour the

Lieutenant-Governor was sworn in. We had some beautiful music in the House for

Members who were here. I would agree, that's maybe something we should think

about in the future when it's possible.

The hon. the Member for Conception Bay South.

MR. PETTEN:

Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

I'll spare everyone in this room, I will not sing.

SOME HON. MEMBERS:

Hear, hear!

MR. PETTEN:

I usually hum along with music when I think no one is listening, but I do agree.

On that note, Mr. Speaker, it's interesting you bring up about the music, but I

think it's interesting to realize some sense of normalcy. When you say that we

go back in time, and it seems like forever but – well, since March, so we're

looking at seven months – we've been living in this COVID world and it would be

really nice to get back to some of that regular routine and normal stuff that we

took for granted for all of my life and all of most of everyone's life. This

pandemic is a new thing and hopefully we'll never deal with this again and we

get to the other side sooner than later.

It does give you that sobering thought, and this was not in my prepared – I

really have no notes anyway, but this wasn't in my planned notes to speak about.

Everywhere you go when you go out in your community and you go into a store, you

go into Tim Hortons, everyone is masked up, sanitizer everywhere and everyone is

spaced out. There are only two or three tables. Every time I go in, I think –

and you see Lexan and Plexiglas separating you from people, it's sobering. We're

getting used to it, I guess, or it's a new normal, but you can't help but say

and just shake your head: this is different times.

It's truly different times, and the quicker we can get back to some more

normalcy and singing – and I know the Member for Harbour Grace - Port de Grave

loves singing, and I know she's pretty good at it actually. I do hope she sings,

but you'll never ever have to worry about me singing. So I'll clarify that now.

Mr. Speaker, it's always a pleasure to speak in the budget. You can speak about

what you like. Like I say, we have a free rein to speak about our districts; we

can speak about issues of concern, issues that bother us. I guess we have

freewheel on this budget talk. We always like to mention our districts, and I

represent CBS. I represent a large portion of it, and, of course, my colleagues

from Topsail - Paradise and Harbour Main, they bookend me.

CBS is a rapidly growing town. It's the largest municipality outside of St.

John's. I always like to tell everyone that because that's used as the basis of

my arguments when I'm lobbying hard for stuff for the community, but CBS is a

unique town. It's probably something that the province – a lot of small

municipalities throughout the province should take a closer look at what CBS

actually did.

CBS is nine small communities that make up Conception Bay South. If you live in

CBS, they will ask you – if you're from CBS you'll say: Where do you live? You

say you live in Kelligrews, you live in Foxtrap or you live in Long Pond. So

when we're talking to locals, we still live in our individual communities. You

live in Seal Cove, you live in Upper Gullies, but outside of CBS, we're CBS.

When we look throughout the province and we look at some of the fiscal

challenges the province faces, that's something that – everybody wants to keep

their community name and they feel amalgamation is a bad word or regionalization

is a bad word. It's not a good word for some people who don't want any change. I

get that, but it's something that I think as a society and as a province we need

to seriously take a strong look at, because every town, every little community

can't have everything they need. Unfortunately, they need to have access to the

services but they need to be realistic of where those services are located.

Being from CBS, and here I sit, I'm in the largest municipality in the province

outside the City of St. John's. We do not have a health centre like you have

over on Major's Path. We do not have a place you can go. We have a private blood

clinic. Everything is in at the Health Sciences, St. Clare's; all medical

appointments in St. John's.

If you live 30 kilometres away separated by a highway, you're not walking. I

have no public transit; there are no buses. The only thing we can get in there

are cabs. So even though you're so close, yet you're so far away. Your shopping,

everything is in St. John's. We have minimal up in CBS. We have a minimal base

like that, outside your regular basic needs of supermarkets and what have you.

My district, actually, for the most

part is still fairly rural. Even though

everyone thinks of CBS as this big area – and it is a big area and it's a

beautiful area – but it's still rural for the most part. It's been that way

forever and it probably will stay that way for a long time, because that is part

of the regionalization thing. You have to go to the city to get what you need.

I know my colleague for Harbour Main can attest to it, too. She's further out

again. The same thing applies there. They have to go to St. John's or they have

to go to another regional area down in Carbonear. I think it's a conversation we

need to probably talk more about and embrace as opposed to being afraid to talk

about it.

As a province of half a million people, the geographic challenges we face, I

think we're always back and forth here in the House and we always have our

tos-and-fros and we look for solutions. We're told sometimes you have no

solutions, which that's a part of the theatre of this House. In actual fact,

there are lots of good solutions on this side and the other side, all sides of

this House. That's one topic I think needs to be talked about, but a lot of

people are afraid to talk about it because they obviously fall back.

There are Members in this House of Assembly and there are ministers in this

House of Assembly who lost their seat because of the word amalgamation. They

tried amalgamation; they talked about amalgamation. It's not about amalgamation.

It's about keeping your own identity but it's doing the regionalization. No one

should ever lose the identity of their communities. That's what we're all about.

I would be the first to stand up and go against it.

To that point, like I say, CBS is a great test model for people to look at and

consider when they have that debate. I think it's very important to see that

they've been very successful at it. Right now, like I say, it is home to nearly

27,000 people. It's a great community.

There was a time, when I was a child you couldn't get community events. You

couldn't get people together because it wasn't in their end of town or their

neck of the woods. It was just the way it was. I always felt we lacked community

spirit. I have to say in the last 10, 15 years or probably more, CBS has a great

community spirit. Every event is full, whether it be Winterfest, the Kelligrews

Soiree – who don't know about the Soiree? It's a huge success, huge crowds and

there are a lot of family activities from something as simple as a tree lighting

event. CBS has a great community spirit.

As recently as this morning, myself and my colleague from Topsail - Paradise

attended a community garden event at Manuels River, which is another beautiful

facility in my district. If anyone wants to get out and enjoy it, it's

beautiful, world renown. They have a community garden at Manuels River and if

you're ever out around, you should take it in. It's absolutely beautiful what

they've done there. Next year it will be even better. This is the second such

one.

What people in our communities – sometimes people who are not from the area –

realize is CBS was built on agriculture. It wasn't build on the fishery,

forestry or mining and all the typical things you get in most of the province.

There are a lot of fishing communities in Newfoundland, of course, but it was

built on agriculture and there's s