November 3, 2026 HOUSE OF ASSEMBLY PROCEEDINGS Vol. LI No. 45
Please be advised that this is a PARTIALLY EDITED portion of the House of Assembly sitting for Tuesday, November 3, 2026, to approximately 3 p.m. The edited Hansard will be posted when it becomes available.
The entire audio/visual record of the House proceedings is available online within one hour of the House rising for the day. This can be accessed at: https://www.assembly.nl.ca/HouseBusiness/Webcast/archive.aspx
The House met at 1:30 p.m.
SPEAKER (Lane): Order, please!
Admit strangers.
Before we start our proceedings, I would like to rule on a point of order raised by the Member for Conception Bay East - Bell Island under Standing Order 49 on November 2, 2026.
The Member stated that the Minister of Energy and Mines referred to him as misleading the government and misleading the people. I have reviewed Hansard and the minister does refer to the Member as “picking out pieces, misleading the government, misleading the people of the province ….”
In addition, in his response to the point of order, the minister stated that the Member for Conception Bay East - Bell Island “is upset by the word mislead, which is actually what has been happening, very clearly.”
Use of term “misleading” has been considered by several Speakers’ rulings, most recently in a ruling I made on May 21, 2023. It is not simply the word which must be considered in determining whether a statement is unparliamentary, but also the context, and the tone, manner and intention of the Member speaking.
While it is not necessarily a violation of Standing Order 49 to say that a statement made by another Member is misleading or is not factual, it is unparliamentary to imply a dishonest intent by suggesting that a Member had deliberately stated something that is false or misleading.
With this in mind, I find that in the current context the minister’s comments were unparliamentary. I would ask the minister to withdraw them.
The hon. the Minister of Energy and Mines.
L. PARROTT: Thank you, Speaker.
Withdrawn.
SPEAKER: Thank you for that.
I would also like to briefly discuss a matter which occurred during yesterday’s proceedings in this hon. House. During debate in second reading of Bill 22, a Member quoted from a submission by a member of the public, the language of which would be considered to be unparliamentary language in its reference to the Premier.
Understanding Standing Order 7(1), as Speaker, I am responsible for preserving order and decorum. With that responsibility in mind, I want to advise all Members that, while it may be permissible to quote from documents generally, we must be careful not to repeat unparliamentary terms or offensive, provocative or threatening language during proceedings of the House, even if we are quoting the words of others.
It has been a long-standing practice of this hon. House that Members cannot circumvent the Standing Orders by doing through the back door what could not be done through the front door. I would ask all Members to keep this in mind as we move forward, and I will be calling it out if it occurs.
Today, in the public gallery, we have members of the Newfoundland and Labrador Athletics Association, as well as a winner of the 98th Annual Tely 10, who are subjects of a Member’s statement.
From the Newfoundland and Labrador Athletics Association, welcome to Rosie Ryan, President; Michelle Wilkins, Vice-President; and George Stanoev, Executive Director.
Also, welcome Kate Bazeley, female winner of the Tely 10, who is accompanied by her husband, Dr. Peter Bazeley.
Welcome to our gallery.
SOME HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear!
SPEAKER: I would also like to welcome to the public gallery, several individuals from the Office of the Chief Information Officer, which is the subject of a Ministerial Statement today.
Welcome to Alex Edwards, Security Analyst; Nathan Cooney, Cybersecurity Analyst; Robert Swain, Computer Support Specialist; John Bugden, Computer Systems Analyst; Anthony Leonard, Technical Architect, Security; as well as Brian Forward, Director of Technology Advancement.
Welcome to our public gallery.
SOME HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear!
SPEAKER: I’d also like to welcome a new Page to our House of Assembly today, Logan Savory.
There he is.
SOME HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear!
SPEAKER: Logan is from Paradise and is in his second year of the physical education program at Memorial University. I might add that we would all be familiar with his very famous grandfather, Sim Savory of Simani.
Welcome, Logan.
SOME HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear!
Statements by Members
SPEAKER: Today we’ll hear statements by the hon. Members for the Districts of Mount Scio, St. John’s West, Placentia West - Bellevue and St. George’s - Humber.
The hon. the Member for Mount Scio.
SOME HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear!
S. STOODLEY: Speaker, I am humbled to welcome Eugene Hynes, who also goes by the name of Avalon Pond Cleanups, to the Legislature. I’m a long-term fan of Avalon Pond Cleanups, and I’m honoured to welcome Eugene and his wonderful wife, Beth, today to our Legislature.
Over the past 10 years, Eugene has spent much of his free time snorkeling and free diving in ponds and waterways in our beautiful province removing an unbelievable amount of waste. Eugene recycles what can be recycled and ensures waste is disposed of properly, significantly improving the ecology, wildlife habitats and ecosystems of our province.
Eugene delights his followers with unique and historical finds, but also retrieves countless bottles, tires, broken glass, metal, flip-flops, fishing equipment and golf balls. As an example of the scale of waste in some of our waterways, this year alone, Eugene has pulled more than 120 vehicle tires from Paddy’s Pond.
Avalon Pond Cleanups are currently collecting aluminum pull tabs, and are working towards their goal of one million tabs for their annual presentation to the Ronald McDonald House of Newfoundland and Labrador.
Please join me in thanking Eugene for his outstanding volunteerism and his unwavering commitment to cleaning up our beautiful province.
SOME HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear!
SPEAKER: I usually don’t comment on stuff, but I got to say that’s wonderful work you’re doing. We really appreciate that. Fantastic.
SOME HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear!
SPEAKER: The hon. the Member for St. John’s West.
K. WHITE: Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Newfoundland and Labrador Athletics Association and the 98th Annual Tely 10 held this past June.
First run in 1922, the Tely 10 is one of our province’s most cherished sporting traditions and Canada’s oldest road race. This year’s race attracted more than 4,100 finishers, reflecting the growth of running and the enthusiasm of participants of all ages and abilities.
I congratulate Andrew Davies, the men’s champion, who set a new course record. Kate Bazeley, the women’s champion who claimed her 10th Tely 10 victory.
SOME HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear!
K. WHITE: Kate is joining us today and I’m delighted to welcome her to the House of Assembly. I also congratulate Gavin Baggs, winner in the wheelchair category.
Behind this event are the NLAA, its organizers and hundreds of dedicated volunteers whose commitment ensures this tradition continues to thrive.
The Tely 10 celebrates more than competition. It represents perseverance, healthy living, community spirit and the determination of every participant who crosses the finish line.
I ask all Member s to join me in congratulating Andrew, Kate and Gavin and thanking the NLAA and its volunteers for their continued contributions to athletics throughout Newfoundland and Labrador.
Thank you.
SOME HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear!
SPEAKER: The hon. the Member for Placentia West - Bellevue.
SOME HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear!
J. DWYER: Thank you, Speaker.
Today, I rise to celebrate the 75th anniversary of the Town of Marystown becoming an incorporated municipality.
For 75 years, Marystown has proudly served as the hub of the Burin Peninsula for industry, health care, sports and music.
Our community has made significant contributions to this province and beyond. We built ships. We played a major role in the offshore oil industry and our residents have brought their skills and strong work ethic to major projects around the world.
Marystown has also earned recognition through sport, music and the arts including figure skating Olympic gold by Kaetlyn Osmond and songs like, “A Letter to Mom Up in Heaven “,by Junior Walsh, which continues to touch so many hearts.
I also want to sincerely thank Mayor Gerry Brenton and all former mayors, including members of council whose leadership and dedication helped build the community we celebrate today.
Having served as the MHA for the past 7½ years, it’s been a great honour to uphold what our service men and women have fought so hard for us to enjoy and the lives we know today.
I ask all hon. Members to join me in celebrating 75 years of Marystown and I look forward to what the next 75 years will bring.
Thank you, Speaker.
SOME HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear!
SPEAKER: The hon. the Member for St. George’s - Humber.
SOME HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear!
H. CORMIER: Thank you, Speaker.
I rise today to recognize and congratulate Yvonne Young of St. George’s, in my District of St. George’s- Humber on receiving the prestigious Derrick Bragg Award for outstanding municipal service.
SOME HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear!
H. CORMIER: This award recognizes the important contributions of individuals who dedicate their time, energy and commitment to strengthening their communities. Yvonne’s recognition is a reflection of the value of community involvement and the difference one person can make though dedication and service.
Municipal service is about more than holding a position or carrying out responsibilities; it’s about caring for your community, supporting its residents and working to make it a better place for everyone. The Town of Stephenville Crossing and the residents of the surrounding area have reason to be proud of Yvonne and this well deserved recognition. As the Member for St. George’s - Humber, I am always pleased to see individuals from my district recognized for their contributions and accomplishments.
Speaker, I ask this hon. House to please join me in congratulating Yvonne Young on receiving the Derrick Bragg Leadership Award for outstanding municipal service.
Thank you, Yvonne, for your dedication to Stephenville Crossing and for making a difference in our community.
Thank you, Speaker.
SOME HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear!
SPEAKER: Statements by Ministers.
Statements by Ministers
SPEAKER: The hon. the Minister of Social Supports and Well-Being.
SOME HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear!
C. TIBBS: Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker.
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize November as National Adoption Month, and highlight the work our government is doing to help more children find permanent, loving homes.
SOME HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear!
C. TIBBS: Every child deserves stability, support and a sense of belonging that comes with a family. That is why our government has made increasing adoptions a priority and set a goal of doubling the number of adoptions this year.
To help achieve that goal, we are strengthening coordination across the province so children can be matched with adoptive parents more quickly. We have also developed and implemented a new adoption training and added eight dedicated staff positions to focus on this very important work. These changes are helping us build a more responsive adoption system and remove barriers that can delay placements.
The results are encouraging, Mr. Speaker; 24 adoptions were finalized in the first six months of this year and 32 more children have been placed for adoption, bringing them one step closer to permanent families.
While there is more work to do, we are seeing positive, progressive changes. National Adoption Month is an opportunity to recognize that every child deserves a place to call home, and our government remains committed to helping more children and youth find the permanence and connections they need to thrive.
I want to thank every single adoptive parent out there that has taken the time to put into their children and give them a loving home that they can be proud of.
Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker.
SOME HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear!
SPEAKER: The hon. the Member for Placentia - St. Mary’s.
S. GAMBIN-WALSH: Speaker, I want to recognize the importance of National Adoption Month and acknowledge the families, social workers and caregivers who work tirelessly to ensure children have safe, stable and loving homes. Every child deserves permeance, security and a sense of belonging. We certainly support efforts to improve the adoption process and remove unnecessary barriers that can delay children finding permanent families.
The government’s goal of doubling adoptions is ambitious and the additional staffing and training are encouraging. We must ensure that these investments translate into meaningful, lasting improvements for children and families across our province.
We cannot lose sight of the supports needed by the children and youth who are waiting for adoption, as well as the families who open their homes and take on this responsibility.
Speaker, every child deserves the opportunity to thrive and I want to thank everyone involved in this important work and recognize the families who make such a difference in the lives of children.
Thank you.
SOME HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear!
SPEAKER: The hon. the Member for St. John’s East - Quidi Vidi.
S. O’LEARY: Thank you, Speaker, and I thank the minister for the advance copy of the statement.
The NDP caucus are grateful for those who step up to foster and while we recognize the work that this government is doing to advance adoptions, we must again touch on the subject of group homes. We cannot find decent homes for all those children and youth overnight and that is why we must unfortunately remind government of its duty to ensure careful and regular monitoring of these facilities, intervening swiftly and effectively when abuses and inadequacies are identified.
Thank you.
SPEAKER: Further statements by ministers.
The Minister Responsible for the Office of the Chief Information Officer.
SOME HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear!
C. PARDY: Thank you, Speaker.
I rise today to recognize several employees with the Office of the Chief Information Officer, better known as OCIO, who have represented Newfoundland and Labrador at national and international skills competitions.
It is a testimony and speaks loudly to our expertise and skillset.
Last month Alex Edwards attended the WorldSkills competition in China as Team Canada trainer. Alex previously represented Canada at WorldSkills in 2024 and earned gold at the 2023 Skills Canada national competition
College of the North Atlantic work-term student, Nathan Cooney, earned bronze in cloud computing at the Skills Canada National competition, alongside 500 participants from across Canada.
Speaker, these achievements build on a proud history at OCIO, Robert Swain earned national bronze in 2023, John Bugden earned national bronze in 2021 and Anthony Leonard earned national gold in 2018 and silver in 2017.
Brian Forward earned national gold in both 2012 and 2013, while Shawn Edwards earned national gold in 2007. All competed as College of the North Atlantic students and are now members of the OCIO team.
The strong relationship between OCIO and the College of the North Atlantic helps students gain valuable experience and build rewarding careers in Newfoundland and Labrador.
Speaker, I ask all hon. Members to join me in congratulating the OCIO team on their tremendous achievements.
SOME HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear!
SPEAKER: The hon. the Member for St. John’s West.
K. WHITE: Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
I wish to join the minister in recognizing the tremendous achievements of these individuals who have represented Newfoundland and Labrador on the national and international stage. It is always encouraging to see the talent, dedication and technical expertise that exists right here in our province.
Alex Edwards, Nathan Cooney and the many former competitors who have gone on to build careers with the Office of the Chief Information Officer are deserving of our congratulations. These accomplishments also speak to the important role that institutions like the College of the North Atlantic play in developing our workforce and preparing young people for meaningful careers.
As we continue to see growing demand for skilled workers in technology and information services, we must ensure that opportunities for education, training and career development are available to people across Newfoundland and Labrador.
Congratulations to all those recognized today. They have made our province proud.
SOME HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear!
SPEAKER: The hon. the Member for St. John’s East - Quidi Vidi.
S. O’LEARY: Thank you, Speaker, and I thank the minister for an advance copy of his statement.
The NDP congratulates these great examples of expanding talent dwelling in our province. This should be a reminder that education is an investment, not a budget line. That’s why we call once again on this government to invest properly in post-secondary education so that more of these young people can flourish, practice their trade here and contribute to growing a key industry in the province.
Thank you.
SOME HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear!
SPEAKER: Oral Questions.
SPEAKER: The hon. the Leader of the Official Opposition.
SOME HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear!
J. HOGAN: Thank you, Speaker.
The Premier is still refusing to debate the final agreements on Churchill Falls in this House, and, yesterday, the Premier referenced in Question Period, a section of his MOU claiming that there’s nothing left to be negotiated.
If the Premier kept reading, he would have made it to section 6.1, which says, “Nothing in this Agreement is intended, nor should it be construed to be legally binding on the Parties with respect to the matters set forth herein, except for Section 3.2 (Access), Article 4 (Additional Covenants), Article 5 (Dispute Resolution) and Article 6 ….” So only four sections are non-negotiable. That means dozens of sections are still up for negotiation.
Does the Premier understand that this means there are details left for him to negotiate? Or is he still insisting to Newfoundlanders and Labradorians there is nothing left to negotiate?
SOME HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear!
SPEAKER: The hon. the Premier.
SOME HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear!
PREMIER WAKEHAM: Speaker, let me take the opportunity to talk about what has been negotiated and the new and better deal that we have signed, the Churchill Falls agreement.
SOME HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear!
PREMIER WAKEHAM: Speaker, one of the biggest things in that agreement that I’d point out is the previous deal that they voted for and campaigned on, had a total value of $225 billion. Our new deal has a total value of $273 billion.
That’s $48 billion more, Speaker – $48 billion more. I know the Member for Conception Bay East - Bell Island used to stand up all the time talking about $225 billion. Maybe he should talk about $273 billion.
SPEAKER: Order, please!
The Premier’s time has expired.
SOME HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear!
SPEAKER: The hon. the Leader of the Official Opposition.
J. HOGAN: It’s the Premier’s deal, it’s the Premier’s legacy and it’s his failure to answer questions, which is going to be what was remembered.
SOME HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear!
J. HOGAN: Because the Premier’s MOU also says, if he read it, “Further, this Agreement is also not intended to, and does not purport to, summarize all the terms, conditions, and other provisions that would be contained in the Definitive Agreements, which Definitive Agreements shall be subject to negotiation ….” His deal literally says the final agreements are subject to negotiation.
Why does the Premier continue to insist that his non-binding deal is the same as 17 final deals which are yet to be negotiated? Has the Premier even read his own deal?
SOME HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear!
SPEAKER: The hon. the Premier.
SOME HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear!
PREMIER WAKEHAM: Speaker, our deal contains a significant number of material terms. Actually, if you look at the deal itself, in terms of comparison of the two, I think their document was something like 32 pages. Ours is 72, 40 more pages of certainty, Speaker –
SOME HON. MEMBERS: Oh, oh!
SPEAKER: Order, please!
PREMIER WAKEHAM: Forty more pages for the benefits to the people of Newfoundland and Labrador. Let’s talk about –
SOME HON. MEMBERS: Oh, oh!
SPEAKER: Order, please!
I’m not going down this road again today. Can we not have order in this hon. House?
The hon. the Premier.
PREMIER WAKEHAM: Thank you, Speaker.
Let’s talk about the $49 billion again. Imagine, $49 billion, what we can do with that. Imagine the people that will follow us in the House of Assembly from now. Speaker, $49 billion is enough to pay off the entire debt of Newfoundland and Labrador. That’s what future generations of Newfoundlanders and Labradorians have to look forward to, having a debt paid off, not standing here with a $20-billion deficit.
SPEAKER: Order, please!
The hon. Premier’s time has expired.
SOME HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear!
SPEAKER: The hon. the Leader of the Official Opposition.
J. HOGAN: Speaker, the 70-odd pages that we voted on in this House of Assembly, will there be 70-odd pages as well in the final agreements or will it be something bigger? AS I’ve said there’s still a lot to be negotiated.
SPEAKER: The hon. the Premier.
SOME HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear!
PREMIER WAKEHAM: Speaker, let me keep going. Let’s talk about the 150 per cent price increase on the power that we can sell to Quebec. They have to buy it at 150 per cent of the price.
SPEAKER: I ask the Premier to take his seat.
L. STOYLES: (Inaudible.)
SPEAKER: I ask the Member for Mount Pearl North for your co-operation. I’m not going to ask again.
The hon. the Premier.
PREMIER WAKEHAM: Thank you, Speaker.
We have the optionality to decide whether we want to sell the power or keep it ourselves. Unfortunately, the deal that they voted yes to, there was no option for that. There was no power.
Speaker, they continued to say yes to less and no to more.
SOME HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear!
SPEAKER: The hon. the Leader of the Official Opposition.
J. HOGAN: We continue to ask questions and we get no to answers.
Yesterday, the Premier said we’re going to make sure that the definitive agreements reflect the material terms that have already been outlined in the agreement that we voted on in the House of Assembly. The problem is he’s asking us to trust him but Newfoundlanders and Labradorians have lost trust.
Why not do the right thing and bring it to the House so that the Members can vote on it? If it is a good deal, won’t he be able to demonstrate that in the House? What is he afraid of other than losing another caucus Member?
SPEAKER: The hon. the Minister of Finance and President of Treasury Board.
SOME HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear!
C. PARDY: Speaker, the Leader of the Opposition has asked has the Premier read the document and the Churchill Falls document. I would say, yes, he has.
On Thursday in this House I stood in my place here and I had asked the Member for Conception Bay East - Bell Island, he was on the news saying there was no escalator clause. Yesterday, he stood up and said, well, he wasn’t talking about Churchill Falls, he was talking about Gull Island. But for three days of testimony in this House all experts said that the 2 per cent escalator clause wasn’t the way to go in the MOU – all three days. Then, the Leader of the Opposition stands up and asks if the Premier has read it. I would say –
SPEAKER: The hon. minister’s time has expired.
SOME HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear!
SPEAKER: The hon. the Leader of the Official Opposition.
J. HOGAN: I’m not sure if the Minister of Finance heard the question because that wasn’t even close to answer of what we’re talking about.
Yesterday, the media revealed that the new lead negotiator was very recently working for the federal Department of Energy. The Premier told the media he didn’t know if his new negotiator worked on the Churchill Falls deal on Ottawa’s side so he doesn’t know if there’s a conflict of interest.
He didn’t talk to his lawyer about the deal. Now he hasn’t talked to the new lead negotiator about his experience.
Why isn’t the Premier engaged on this file?
SPEAKER: The hon. the Minister of Energy and Mines.
SOME HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear!
L. PARROTT: Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Lets talk about not talking to people. For 173 days the Member for Windsor Lake was the Premier of this province and during that time he never moved this file not one inch further. He didn’t talk about it. He didn’t do anything about it.
He didn’t talk to anyone about the Bay du Nord contract. He sat on his laurels and expected that he was going to ride in on his white horse and take over the province. Last October, the people of Newfoundland and Labrador told me–
SOME HON. MEMBERS: Oh, oh!
SPEAKER: Order, please!
L. PARROTT: – who they lost trust in. They lost trust in them. That’s why we’re sitting on this side of the House.
SOME HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear!
SPEAKER: The hon. the Leader of the Official Opposition.
J. HOGAN: Why did the Premier hide his lead negotiator’s most recent employment with Canada when he finally decided to announce who the lead negotiator was?
Again, why can't the Premier tell Newfoundlanders and Labradorians what is happening with this file rather than us having to find out about it in Question Period?
SPEAKER: The hon. the Minister of Energy and Mines.
SOME HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear!
L. PARROTT: Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
We know that more uncertainty lies ahead. I’ve heard your concerns about the cost of living, access to health care, safety for your communities. The question before us makes the election so important. It’s how we tackle the challenges.
For me, the answer is simple. The generational opportunity forwarded to us by the Churchill Falls deal signed by our Liberal government, which will create 10,000 jobs, allow us to invest in our hospitals, schools, infrastructure, more public firefighters. The Opposition says they will reject the deal. Without the billions in revenue, this deal is going to deliver. How can we deliver?
SPEAKER: The hon. the Leader of the Official Opposition.
SOME HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear!
J. HOGAN: I would ask the Members opposite to listen to the question and make an attempt to be relevant to what we’re asking here on behalf of Newfoundlanders and Labradorians.
Yesterday the Premier confirmed, again, there will not be a vote on the final agreements. He said there will be a technical briefing and all Members opposite will have an opportunity to speak to them.
I ask the Premier: What is the point of that?
SPEAKER: The hon. the Minister of Finance and President of Treasury Board.
SOME HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear!
C. PARDY: Newfoundlanders and Labradorians are interested in the facts, what this deal brings to the residents of Newfoundland and Labrador. The Leader of the Official Opposition has been quoted in the media, as recently as the past few days, saying that our future has been sold out to Quebec. That might be a debate that we ought to have in the House of Assembly because most Newfoundlanders who have listened to the three days of testimony from our expert witnesses would say that is not the case.
We know the increased value we get with this new deal and I think all the experts, the leader ought to tune in.
SOME HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear!
SPEAKER: The hon. the Leader of the Official Opposition.
J. HOGAN: I respect the answer. I think what he said was Newfoundlanders and Labradorians would appreciate the opportunity to have that debate.
SOME HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear!
J. HOGAN: So I would suggest to the Finance Minister, next time you’re in Cabinet put that on the table and say to the Premier that that is what you believe, that Newfoundlanders and Labradorians should hear that debate in the House of Assembly.
SOME HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear!
J. HOGAN: The Premier used urgency and the December 31 deadline for the final agreements as his excuse to cancel his referendum. Now, since the Quebec election, the Premier has switched the deadline to March 31.
Now that he’s admitting there’s more time, why doesn’t the Premier get rid of the excuse and actually have the referendum that he promised?
SOME HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear!
SPEAKER: The hon. the Minister of Energy and Mines.
SOME HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear!
L. PARROTT: Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
One hundred and seventy-three days and they never used any of that time to negotiate one agreement – not one. They come in here –
L. STOYLES: (Inaudible.)
SPEAKER: I’ll ask the minister to take a seat.
The Member for Mount Pearl North, you need not rise any further today. You will not be recognized.
The hon. the minister, and I’ll reset the time.
L. PARROTT: One hundred and seventy-three days he was premier and not one accomplishment – 173 days. Then he comes in here and he questions people’s integrity, he questions their transparency. He campaigned on the same things he rejects today. They ask about bringing this back to the House for a vote. They voted against even renegotiating or negotiating any part of this deal when they voted against the MOU.
He said clearly: We signed a 50-year deal. Now a 50-year deal don’t meet his standards. He boasted about it in his campaign. Now it don’t fit him. Mr. Speaker, at some point they have to make up their minds who it is they want to be.
SOME HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear!
SPEAKER: The hon. the Leader of the Official Opposition.
J. HOGAN: What we’re questioning is why the promise to have a referendum has been broken. I would suggest maybe Eugene Hynes when he finds some flip-flops at the bottom of the pond, he knows where he can give them.
Now that urgency is gone and there is more than enough time to hold a referendum, will the Premier explain to Newfoundlanders and Labradorians why he really cancelled his main election campaign promise? Is it because he knows Newfoundlanders and Labradorians will resoundingly say no?
SOME HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear!
SPEAKER: The hon. the Minister of Energy and Mines.
SOME HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear!
L. PARROTT: I would suggest the Member for Windsor Lake looks down at his feet because he probably got his flip-flops on today. If you want to talk about flip-flop, he campaigned against the referendum. He didn’t want a referendum. Don’t just take his word for it. Ask the Member for Mount Scio who publicly said in the news that she thought a referendum was a bad idea. They come in here and they flip-flop every single day. First they think a 50-year deal –
SOME HON. MEMBERS: Oh, oh!
SPEAKER: Order, please!
L. PARROTT: – is great. Then when someone else brings it forward, it’s no good. They couldn’t get Bay du Nord across the line. I would say there’s more than one pair of flip-flops over there.
SOME HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear!
SPEAKER: The hon. the Member for Cartwright - L’Anse au Clair.
L. DEMPSTER: Speaker, Newfoundlanders and Labradorians know who promised a referendum and they know who cancelled it.
SOME HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear!
L. DEMPSTER: Speaker, more than two months ago the Premier announced Team Labrador. Since then, of course, the team has lost 33 per cent of the leadership team.
People are asking me what meetings has Team Labrador had since the team was announced? Can the minister table the minutes from each of those meetings held?
SPEAKER: The hon. the Minister of Labrador Affairs.
SOME HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear!
L. EVANS: Speaker, when we announced Team Labrador, it was the Premier’s obligation to set up a team that would actually meet with stakeholders, meet with communities, meet with people and bring those concerns back to Cabinet, back to the relevant departments for quick action. But the processes, with any kind of engagement in government, it takes time to set up.
We are actually working with the different departments, Jobs and Growth; and Rural Development. We’re working with Justice, we’re working with Social Supports and Well-Being, we’re working with Health, Speaker, to make sure that we have the proper supports in place to engage. Also, when you go out and consult, it has to be done in a very structured way. We will be meeting –
SPEAKER: The hon. minister’s time has expired.
SOME HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear!
SPEAKER: The hon. the Member for Cartwright - L’Anse au Clair.
L. DEMPSTER: Speaker, there was a big flashy announcement; it doesn’t sound like anything has been done. One of the members who’s no longer on the team didn’t even know about it in advance.
Has Team Labrador met with any municipalities, Indigenous governments, community leaders, businesses and stakeholders as promised? If so, which ones did they meet with and when?
SPEAKER: The hon. the Minister of Labrador Affairs.
SOME HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear!
L. EVANS: Speaker, we are developing a website for proper engagement. We will be reaching out to the stakeholders to the communities. We will be going out soon to meet.
The difference between our government and the past government, you’re not going to see 10 years of inaction, Speaker. Our departments are already meeting with Happy Valley-Goose Bay town council, the chamber, the relevant Indigenous organizations. We’re going to make a difference.
I’ll tell you something, Speaker. We’re not going to be rushing this process, we’re actually going to have concrete measures in place to make sure –
SOME HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear!
L. EVANS: – that the concerns that people raise are brought back for real action, not 10 years of inaction, Speaker.
SOME HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear!
L. EVANS: (Inaudible) years of inaction.
SPEAKER: The hon. minister’s time has expired.
The hon. the Member for Cartwright - L’Anse au Clair.
L. DEMPSTER: Speaker, I’m asking legitimate questions on behalf of Newfoundlanders and Labradorians. I don’t know why the Minister of Labrador is so angry.
Team Labrador was established to identify community infrastructure needs, health, education and public safety impacts associated with major projects in the region. We’ve been down this road with the PC government with Muskrat Falls, Speaker.
We want to know: What specifically has been identified to date? Can those conclusions be table in this hon. House?
SPEAKER: The hon. the Minister of Labrador Affairs.
SOME HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear!
L. EVANS: Speaker, I’d just like to address the preamble.
I was over in Opposition. I come from Northern Labrador, Speaker. I actually had to witness first-hand 10 years of inaction, where people were failed to be able to access health care. I have people now who are buried that would probably be alive if we had a good hospital system in Northern Labrador.
When you look at the cost of heating your House, I had to go through, in Opposition, and try to identify ways to actually engage with this former government to make sure that we had the ability to heat our houses.
Failed Liberal promises over and over again –
SPEAKER: Order, please!
The hon. minister’s time has expired.
SOME HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear!
SPEAKER: The hon. the Member for Cartwright - L’Anse au Clair.
L. DEMPSTER: Speaker, don’t get me started on better health care for all of us the way we’ve seen a downward spiral –
L. EVANS: Same here, same here.
SPEAKER: Order, please!
I ask the minister for your co-operation.
L. DEMPSTER: – in the last year. It’s ridiculous, another broken promise that they ran on.
Speaker –
L. EVANS: Same here.
SPEAKER: Order, please!
I ask the minister for your co-operation.
The hon. the Member for Cartwright - L’Anse au Clair.
L. DEMPSTER: Speaker, I asked a legitimate question. It doesn’t sound like anything has been done yet.
Can the minister tell us how far along Team Labrador is in developing its Northern Strategic Plan?
SOME HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear!
SPEAKER: The hon. the Minister of Labrador Affairs.
SOME HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear!
L. EVANS: In actual fact, Speaker, we will have a really well-developed Northern Strategic Plan. The work that Team Labrador is going to do and the departments in our government are going to do is actually going to have a really good plan.
We basically are two months in. We are going to be engaging our minister. Our Minister of Health actually went up to Happy Valley-Goose Bay. When I was minister of Health, Speaker, I went up to Happy Valley-Goose Bay. We know the changes.
In actual fact, one of the things that our government is doing is we’re going to put the Paddon Home back in function. So that our seniors are treated with respect and they have a place to reside so that their families are not worried about them over in the hospital taking up beds and not receiving the adequate care that they deserve.
We are actually going to be –
SPEAKER: Order, please!
The hon. minister’s time has expired.
SOME HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear!
SPEAKER: The hon. the Member for Cartwright - L’Anse au Clair.
L. DEMPSTER: Speaker, we are more than one year in and all we continue to hear is we’re going to, we’re going to, we’re going to.
Speaking of Happy Valley-Goose Bay, people have reached out to ask me why wasn’t Team Labrador at meetings with the Education Minister when he was in Labrador two weeks ago on such an important issues, Speaker?
SOME HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear!
SPEAKER: The hon. the Minister of Labrador Affairs.
SOME HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear!
L. EVANS: Speaker, I’d just like to address the preamble first. We’re going – in actual fact, we’ve done. We put money in the budget.
We look at fiscal forecasts from the previous government where things were announced with no monies allotted to actually –
SOME HON. MEMBERS: Oh, oh!
SPEAKER: Order, please!
L. EVANS: – start up the project. We just have to look at health for that. We have to look at housing for that. In actual fact, Speaker, we’re putting stuff in the budget and you know something, we’re not even getting credit for most of the work that we’re doing. That’s real action.
I look at health care. I look at supports. I look at housing, the work that we’re doing. Our first year is basically putting the Liberals to shame.
SPEAKER: The hon. minister’s time has expired.
SOME HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear!
SPEAKER: The hon. the Member for Cartwright - L’Anse au Clair.
L. DEMPSTER: Speaker, yesterday while we were in this House during debate, the Premier and the Deputy Premier spent a long time in the Speaker’s office. There’s no way a district issue warranted that three-way meeting at that time.
Will the Premier explain what he and the Deputy Premier needed to meet with the Speaker about so urgently while the House was sitting?
SPEAKER: The hon. the Deputy Premier.
SOME HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear!
B. PETTEN: Speaker, I find that so distasteful that you had asked us for an issue that both of us had some knowledge on. You have a district to represent as well and they were legitimate concerns and they were departmental issues.
We don’t get that opportunity all the time to talk to the Speaker. So without divulging what we were speaking about, which is no one’s business – only the Speaker’s and mine and the Premier’s – we had a frank conversation. You come to the door and you were welcome to come in after. I wonder what you were going to talk to the Speaker about.
We were in there. What’s the big deal with us talking to the Speaker or you? We spoke to the Speaker on his district issues and we’ll do that in a private conversation any day of the week.
Thank you very much.
SOME HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear!
SPEAKER: The hon. the Member for Harbour Grace - Port de Grave.
P. PARSONS: Thank you, Speaker.
I say shame on the Deputy Premier, not a good look.
Yesterday, the Minister of Justice did not answer whether a commissioner has been appointed for the Electoral Boundaries Commission.
I ask the minister: Was there ever any contact between the government and the Chief Justice related to the appointment of a commissioner? I remind the minister that we have access to the public record on this.
SPEAKER: The hon. the Minister of Justice and Public Safety.
SOME HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear!
H. CONWAY OTTENHEIMER: Thank you, Speaker.
As I indicated yesterday this is a very important issue to us. We are concerned about effective representation and making sure the Electoral Boundaries Commission is followed in terms of its requirements.
The act is very clear about what the responsibilities are of our government and we are aware of those responsibilities. We are aware of the timelines and we will have an update on this as soon as we are able.
Thank you.
SOME HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear!
SPEAKER: The hon. the Member for Harbour Grace - Port de Grave.
P. PARSONS: Sounds like a goose egg to me, Speaker.
Once the commissioner is appointed, will the government follow the past convention to ensure the committee reflects the makeup of the House?
SPEAKER: The hon. the Minister of Justice and Public Safety.
SOME HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear!
H. CONWAY OTTENHEIMER: Speaker, as I just stated, we will provide an update on this. We are looking at everything that is involved with the Electoral Boundaries Act and the commission. We’re aware of our responsibilities and the deadlines and the requirements that are set out in the act and we will have an update on this as soon as we are able.
Thank you.
SOME HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear!
SPEAKER: The hon. the Member for Burin - Grand Bank.
P. PIKE: Speaker, the Leader of the Opposition and I met with the Marystown Town Council not long ago. They’re very passionate about their community and what industrial development would mean to the entire Burin Peninsula, where we all live.
On their behalf, I am asking if the government has advocated to the federal government to spend and invest money in the defence sector in Marystown, which has so much to offer?
SPEAKER: The hon. the Member for Energy and Mines.
SOME HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear!
L. PARROTT: Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Of course we’ve advocated. We’ve advocated for every single place in Newfoundland and Labrador to be looked at when it comes to the defence – every single port that has deepwater capability, every single port that’s developed and undeveloped.
We’ve lobbied for Goose Bay, $8.5 billion; we’ve lobbied for Marystown; we’ve lobbied for Bull Arm; we’ve lobbied for Buchans; we’ve lobbied for Rigolet – we’ve lobbied for every single area in this province.
Equinor has announced that they’re doing subsea work with Kiewit down in Marystown. This is already prosperity for that region. We are looking out to the people of Newfoundland and Labrador – something they failed to do.
SOME HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear!
SPEAKER: The hon. the Member for Burin - Grand Bank.
P. PIKE: Speaker, this government promised the construction of new ferries. Marystown has a proud history of shipbuilding.
Will this government ensure that Marystown will be utilized if the government proceeds with building the new vessels in this province?
SPEAKER: The hon. the Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure.
SOME HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear!
B. PETTEN: Thanks, Speaker.
We have an RFP out now for capacity on the shipbuilding industry throughout the province; whether it’s Marystown; whether it’s harbour Grace; whether it’s St. John's; wherever it’s going to be. We’ll wait until the RFP results come back and whatever they decide, in whatever capacity we have, we are committed to developing the shipbuilding industry in the province.
Where that will be located will be decided in a future time when we get the results of the RFP and we have time to assess it.
Thank you very much.
SOME HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear!
SPEAKER: The hon. the Member for Gander.
B. FORD: Thank you, Speaker.
Last spring, I asked the then-minister of Tourism what she was doing to prevent the closure of the Geo Centre. She replied that it was under Memorial University and didn’t confirm any actions to ensure this important tourism and educational institution stayed open.
Now the new Minister of Tourism is willing to work with MUN to see if there’s an opportunity to – quote – work together to preserve its role.
Speaker, what’s changed?
SPEAKER: The hon. the Minister of Tourism, Culture and Arts.
SOME HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear!
M. GOOSNEY: Well it’s obvious, Speaker, that the portfolios have been switched around. I have stated that we’re here to work with Memorial University to see what we can do to collaborate with all stakeholders when it comes to the Geo Centre.
It’s an extremely important place in our province and I’m going to continue to do that. Our staff have done that and I’m going to support them. As I have something to bring back to the House, I’ll be glad to present it.
Thank you.
SOME HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear!
SPEAKER: The hon. the Member for St. John’s East - Quidi Vidi.
S. O’LEARY: Thank you, Speaker.
Families across our province continue to struggle with the rising cost of living, and those with young children are feeling that pressure every day. With the holiday’s approaching, the added cost of providing for children can make an already difficult situation even harder. Families need some relief when it comes to the essentials that children need.
I ask the Premier: Will he remove the HST from children’s goods to help families manage the cost of raising children?
SPEAKER: The hon. the Minister of Finance and President of Treasury Board.
SOME HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear!
C. PARDY: Thank you, Speaker.
Affordability measures are front and centre. Yes, we know that the need is great in Newfoundland and Labrador. The need is great all over the country, maybe all over the world, due to the energy crisis that we’re embarked upon.
In Budget 2026, we put $200 million of people’s money back out to the residents of Newfoundland and Labrador. Just recently, with the affordability measures due to the oil revenues, we have put out $143 million in relief measures.
We know that there are another conceivably two more measures yet to come, and we will make sure that we will cover all components of Newfoundland and Labrador’s population.
SPEAKER: Order, please!
The hon. minister’s time has expired.
SOME HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear!
SPEAKER: The hon. the Member for St. John’s East - Quidi Vidi.
S. O’LEARY: Thank you, Speaker.
Last week, we heard the disturbing report that inmates at HMP did not have access to something as basic as toothbrushes. This is just the latest example of the unacceptable conditions people are living with inside this facility.
When questioned by the media, the minister suggested these issues would be addressed once the new building is completed, but that building is not expected to be ready until fall of 2029.
So I ask the minister: Does she think it is acceptable to tell inmates to wait until 2029 for the basic standards of dignity and care that they deserve?
SPEAKER: The hon. the Minister of Justice and Public Safety.
SOME HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear!
H. CONWAY OTTENHEIMER: Speaker, it’s really concerning when I hear misinformation put out in this hon. House of Assembly. That is not what I said.
I said that there will be the construction of the facility, but that is not the entire issue here. We have acknowledged that there are issues with the aging facility. We are aware of those issues. We have been working diligently with, for example, NAPE and correctional officers and other partners that are involved in our HMP and providing rehabilitation and other important services.
We need to be clear when we’re talking in this House of Assembly that we’re having accurate information.
SPEAKER: Order, please!
The hon. minister’s time has expired.
SOME HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear!
SPEAKER: The hon. the Member for St. John’s East - Quidi Vidi.
S. O’LEARY: Thank you, Speaker.
Taken straight from media. People in custody are still people, and they deserve basic dignity and respect today, not three years from now.
I wrote to the minister in July calling for a round-table approach on restorative justice, bringing together community organizations, justice professionals and government. This would be a valuable first step toward building a system that better serves everyone in a collaborative style.
I ask the minister: Will she bring together a round table on restorative justice focusing on rehabilitation and addressing the root causes of crime so people are better equipped to successfully reintegrate into society?
SPEAKER: The hon. the Minister of Justice and Public Safety.
SOME HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear!
H. CONWAY OTTENHEIMER: Speaker, I can say that the concept of restorative justice is an integral piece of our strategy when it comes to public safety and ensuring safer communities in Newfoundland and Labrador.
With respect to the correctional facility, we are focused on making sure that this is a safe place not only for inmates, but for correctional officers and for visitors that attend at the correctional facility. We have been working so hard over the last number of months with all of the partners and all of the people engaged in trying to make reforms that are necessary for our correctional facility and for dealing with the root causes of crime.
Thank you.
SOME HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear!
SPEAKER: The hon. the Member for St. John’s East - Quidi Vidi.
S. O’LEARY: Speaker, in May alone, this government spent more than $9.2 million on private agency nurses. That is money that can be invested in recruiting and retaining nurses in our own public health care system. We have called for paid work terms for nursing students, recognizing the pressure of balancing full-time studies with the need to work to make ends meet. This was also a commitment in the PC blue book.
I ask the minister: When will this government deliver on that commitment and introduce paid work terms for nursing students?
SPEAKER: The hon. the Minister of Health and Community Services.
SOME HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear!
J. WALL: Thank you, Mr. Speaker, and I do thank the Member opposite for the question.
That is an important topic and we have discussed that within the department. That was budgeted in a line item in Budget 2026 and we are working towards making that happen, Mr. Speaker.
With respect to the agency nurses, we are also working through that part of our history here in Newfoundland and Labrador and moving forward with a proper plan to support local nurses in local jobs.
Mr. Speaker, when that is ready to unroll and fold out, we will certainly present it to the House.
Thank you.
SOME HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear!
SPEAKER: The time for Question Period has expired.
Presenting Reports by Standing and Select Committees.
Tabling of Documents.
Tabling of Documents
SPEAKER: The hon. the Government House Leader.
L. PARROTT: Thank you, Speaker.
Mr. Speaker, I have four documents to table. Firstly in accordance with section 6 of the Embalmers and Funeral Directors Act, 2008, I hereby table the 2025 Annual Activity Report of the Embalmers and Funeral Directors Board of Newfoundland and Labrador.
In accordance with section 10 of the Engineers and Geoscientists Act, 2008, I hereby table the 2025 Annual Report of Professional Engineers and Geoscientists Newfoundland and Labrador.
Thirdly, Speaker, in accordance with section 9 of the Chartered Professional Accountants and Public Accountants Act, I hereby table the ’25-’26 annual report of Chartered Professional Accountants of Newfoundland and Labrador.
Finally in accordance with section 56 of the Automobile Insurance Act, I’m tabling the Newfoundland and Labrador Board of Commissioners Public Utilities Annual Report on Automobile Insurance for the period of April 1, 2025 to March 31, 2026.
SPEAKER: Further tabling of documents?
The hon. the Member for St. John’s East - Quidi Vidi.
S. O’LEARY: Thank you, Speaker.
I ask for leave to table a document, a letter to the former Minister of Environment, Conservation and Climate Change.
SPEAKER: Does the hon. Member have leave?
AN HON. MEMBER: Leave.
SPEAKER: Leave has been granted.
S. O’LEARY: Thank you.
I table the document. It’s a letter that was tabled to the former Minister of Environment, Conservation and Climate Change, itemizing a number of suggestions from the NDP caucus on how we can move forward with climate action.
Thank you, Speaker.
SPEAKER: Further tabling of documents?
The hon. the Leader of the Official Opposition.
J. HOGAN: Thank you, Speaker.
I’d like to have leave to table a meeting note from the Department of Industry, Energy and Technology dated June 5, 2025.
SPEAKER: Does the Member have leave?
AN HON. MEMBER: Yes.
SPEAKER: Go ahead.
J. HOGAN: Thank you, Speaker.
This is a meeting note, as I said the date the attendees, the distribution list has almost a dozen people in there and the attendees include a county director from Equinor. As I said it was dated June 5, 2025. One of the distribution lists individuals was the premier, at the time that was me.
I think it’s important to put this fact in the House of Assembly, that there was a meeting when I was involved with the country director for Equinor. I’ve noticed that the Energy Minister did not say I didn’t have a meeting with Equinor today. He used different words.
I’m going to give him the benefit of the doubt that he was under a misunderstanding that that meeting didn’t take place, but now that this is fully, factually before the House of Assembly, I assume that those comments, which now are different than what I’m tabling here today, won’t be said any more. I think it’s important that Newfoundlanders and Labradorians have all the information.
SOME HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear!
SPEAKER: Further tabling of documents.
Notices of Motion.
Notices of Motion
SPEAKER: The hon. the Government House Leader.
L. PARROTT: Thank you, Speaker.
I give notice that I will on tomorrow introduce a bill entitled, An Act to Amend the Tobacco and Vapour Products Control Act, Bill 35.
SPEAKER: Further notices of motion?
Answers to Questions for which Notice has been Given.
Petitions.
Petitions
SPEAKER: The hon. the Member for Cartwright - L’Anse au Clair.
L. DEMPSTER: Thank you, Speaker.
I stand on a petition for the new school in Cartwright. These are the reasons for and background of this petition:
WHEREAS Henry Gordon Academy, the school in Cartwright, is a 56-year-old wooden structure with many deficiencies, including being antiquated, inaccessible and containing asbestos; and
WHEREAS the previous government approved a new school, the tender was awarded and work had commenced; and
WHEREAS a year has passed since the contract was awarded, construction started and nearly $3 million spent before the project was cancelled;
THEREFORE we petition the hon. House of Assembly as follows: We, the undersigned, call up on the House of Assembly to urge the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador to take immediate steps to construct a new school in the community of Cartwright.
Speaker, yesterday I stood and I gave my first petition. The Deputy Premier got up after and said I like to make things personal. It is really personal when you go into Cartwright and you see 12 different levels in that old, rundown school; when you see windows that are broken out; when you see kitchens that are not safe to be cooking in; when you see children that don’t have a gym to run and play in; when you see all of the effort that was put in to do a design, to do an RFP and then the Deputy Premier said the right amount of money was not attached.
There was a competitive bidding process. The cost of doing business in the North is more. We certainly know the benefits from the North are more, because every single day when we come in here, all we hear about is mining, about defence and now it’s the Churchill agreement.
When the little children that lives closest to this project that is now on the cover of the federal budget and they’re talking to their high-end friends at the Toronto club, the federal government, to say we are masters of our own destiny and the people who live closest to that resource can’t even get a bone throw, can’t even get a 0.1 per cent of the total amount that we’re talking about to build a school. Yes, it’s personal, Speaker, because we got a long history of past grievances in Labrador. But when you want to put politics before the people, it’s one thing. We’re not talking water and sewer. We’re not talking a building, Speaker.
We did an access to information and before that Deputy Premier went out and outright cancelled this school, without even having the decency to talk to the community, we did an access to information, zero contact, zero dialogue with the Department of Education. It’s unbelievable, zero contact to say what will the impacts? What’s their plan B?
We were taking care of the housing issues as well, that community in the north. We have young teachers going in and the housing is an issue and we had all of that taken care of, like we’ve seen in other northern areas, having a little bit of vision, Speaker, because we saw teachers that are in homes heated just by a wood stove and dealing with chimney fires and things like that.
I’ll tell you, Speaker, this entire province from one end to the other have been reaching out to me supporting the Cartwright School. I’ll be on my feet again.
Thank you.
SOME HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear!
SPEAKER: The hon. the Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure for a response to the petition.
B. PETTEN: Thank you, Speaker,
Speaker, short math, $60 million, 55 children. Question marks were raised from the day it was announced. It wasn’t a well-thought-out project. We’ve proven that. It’s been proven to me over and over –
SOME HON. MEMBERS: Oh, oh!
SPEAKER: Order, please!
B. PETTEN: – again, it’s been proven to me, it wasn’t a well-thought-out project.
I had the unenviable task to having to cancel the school and I understand how that felt in that community. What the Member is not telling the House, not telling the public, we are proceeding with a new plan, but I couldn’t keep talking to a group of people in the community including the Member opposite that would not let us on to remediate a site for safety purposes. They held up, it would cost us an increasing amount of money. We had to pull away and leave it as it is.
We have not turned our back on Cartwright. I have never turned my back on Cartwright, but I had to do what was in the best financial interest of the province, as governed by the deficit we were faced with. I felt $60 million for 50 children was not feasible. It’s hard to believe anyone can stand up and justify it.
We are proceeding, we are moving along and we are preparing. We are doing up other work in preparation for a school in Cartwright but it will not be a $60 million school for 55 children or 50 children, but it will be a new school that will be more than adequate and the people of that community will really appreciate, but it will be done in a fiscally-responsible manner.
Thank you very much.
SOME HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear!
SPEAKER: Further petitions.
The hon. the Member for Placentia - St. Mary’s.
S. GAMBIN-WALSH: Thank you, Speaker.
This petition is improving brush cutting in rural Newfoundland and Labrador.
These are the reasons for and background of this petition:
WHEREAS safe and properly maintained roads are essential to residents, businesses, emergency responders and visitors throughout rural Newfoundland and Labrador; and
WHEREAS overgrown roadside vegetation can reduce visibility at intersections, curves, driveways and highway entrances; and
WHEREAS inadequate brush cutting can obstruct traffic signs, interfere with drainage infrastructure and increase the risk posed by wildlife near roadways; and
WHEREAS many rural communities have raised concerns regarding the frequency, timing and consistency of brush cutting along provincially maintained roads; and
WHEREAS municipalities and residents should not be expected to assume responsibility for maintaining land within provincial highway rights-of-way; and
WHEREAS a predictable, province-wide maintenance schedule would improve road safety and allow communities to better understand when work will be completed;
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 develop and implement a comprehensive road brush cutting plan for rural and remote areas of the province, and that the plan establish minimum maintenance standards and a publicly available schedule for brush cutting along provincially maintained highways and roads.
Speaker, I appeal to the Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure to please put forward something that’s tangible, of substance so the people of the province can at least have some idea of when the brush along the highways is going to be cut.
Just last week, again, in my district, there was a moose-vehicle accident on Route 80 between Hopeall and Green’s Harbour. The individuals have contacted myself and the neighbouring MHA about this. Thank God the individual is okay, but the vehicle did sustain some damage. It was simply because the brush was to the edge of the road and he did not see the moose approach. That’s what’s happening all over Newfoundland and Labrador and in the rural areas with the brush cutting.
So I plead to the minister to please put something in place for the people of Newfoundland and Labrador.
Thank you.
SOME HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear!
SPEAKER: The hon. the Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure for a response to the petition.
SOME HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear!
B. PETTEN: Thank you, Speaker.
Speaker, brush cutting is very important. It’s a part of our platform for safer communities. We’ve committed to increasing the budget allotment. We’ve increased moose fencing and we’ve increased brush cutting. The problem we’re faced with right across the province. It’s not only in the Member’s district, it’s right across the province. It’s a capacity issue. We’re having trouble getting all the brush cut in one year. It’s a big list of brush cutting projects, and I have no doubt her district is in that list. It’s a real challenge to get to it.
We do it based on data, based on moose-vehicle collisions and that’s what we have to do, because you’ll never get all the brush cut to satisfy the public, so we try to do it on the high instance areas and when we get to it, we get to it. It’s not about picking and choosing people, it’s about actually getting the capacity and that’s the challenge we’re in to.
I made a commitment or I had hoped to do a commitment for one of our colleagues there earlier this year, and that’s exactly what happened. It was unfortunate, but anywhere we need brush cutting done, if it’s needed to be done our staff are well aware. It’s not political. They come back and they compile a list. I have very little input in the brush cutting list other than forwarding on people’s requests.
If her request is on the list, it will be treated the same way.
Thank you very much.
SOME HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear!
SPEAKER: The hon. the Member for St. John’s East - Quidi Vidi.
S. O’LEARY: Thank you, Speaker.
I table this petition in this hon. House, removing the provincial portion of the HST on children’s products.
To the hon. House of Assembly, parents of young children already face tough economic pressure. The government should not be taxing parents for items that are a necessity. The current cost of living crisis has made a challenging situation dire for low income families and single parents.
The Provinces of Ontario, Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island provide a point-of-sale rebate on children’s goods such as children’s car seats, children’s clothing, children’s diapers and children’s footwear.
Therefore, we, the undesigned petition the hon. House of Assembly to urge the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador to remove the provincial portion of the HST from children’s car seats, children’s clothing, children’s diapers and children’s footwear.
I table on behalf of those who have signed.
Speaker, this is an issue that the NDP caucus certainly continue to bring forward repeatedly. We hear from our constituents both in St. John’s East - Quidi Vidi and in St. John’s Centre, on an ongoing basis about the unaffordability, about the cost that families have to incur for the very basics of raising children.
It is my honour and privilege in this House to table this on behalf of those people.
Thank you, Speaker.
SPEAKER: The hon. the Minister of Finance and President of Treasury Board to respond to the petition.
SOME HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear!
C. PARDY: Mr. Speaker, I thank the hon. Member for the petition that she presents on behalf of her residents and I would think that she’s quite pleased with the affordability measures that we put out to date, to serve and to assist the residents of Newfoundland and Labrador.
Keep in mind each and every one, will have a positive impact on the vast majority of Newfoundlanders and Labradorians.
When I say whether it’s the electrical rebate of 15 per cent, to help families, whether it is the Home Heating Supplement for those that burn oil, which would have families; we eliminate the gasoline and diesel tax provincial part for those with families that have vehicles – not all do – and then, if we have seniors in those families, we look at the $64 million that will provide relief for them.
One thing I would say, the Leader of the Official Opposition stated yesterday that we have not provided one cost of living affordability measure for families and, I would say to you, we probably know that that would be incorrect. I’m not sure what the intention of that would be, but every affordability measure we’ve put out is helping families.
One last thing I would add – but my time is up. I would love to add it but, anyway –
SPEAKER: Your time is up, you’re right.
C. PARDY: – thank you.
SOME HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear!
SPEAKER: The hon. the Member for Fortune Bay - Cape La Hune.
E. LOVELESS: Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
I’m certainly pleased to stand on a petition here today, and it is as reads: 10 long-term beds, acute-care beds and more space for the Family Care Team at the Connaigre Peninsula Health Centre in Harbour Breton in my district.
WHEREAS the previous commitment by the provincial government, that I was a part of and proud, to add 10 new long-term and acute-care beds and more space for the Family Care Team at the Connaigre Peninsula Health Centre was omitted from the 2026 budget; and
WHEREAS the Connaigre Peninsula Health Centre is in desperate need of additional long-term care and acute-care beds and space for the Family Care Team to adequately serve the population in that area.
THEREFORE we respectfully 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 honour its previous announcement. We ask for a commitment to the addition of 10 acute-care beds at the Connaigre Peninsula Health Centre as a matter of urgency.
Mr. Speaker, I table this, certainly, on behalf of the signatures on this petition here today. I will admit that I questioned the current minister just last week, and I was encouraged by his answer. I’ve met with the previous minister of Health on this, and even the Minister of Seniors and the Finance Minister is fully aware of how important that facility is and that expansion to the people of, not just Harbour Breton, but the whole of the Coast of Bays Region.
The acute-care beds and Family Care Team are referenced, I believe, of any Member opposite that’s within the government that talks about the importance of acute-care beds. We hear it often. Even in media interviews, the current minister talks about the importance of acute-care beds, and that’s what’s lacking in that hospital and it is badly, badly needed.
This project, Mr. Speaker, is a true example of making acute-care beds available in rural Newfoundland and Labrador and more long-term care beds because there are seniors on waiting lists and the waiting lists are growing longer every day. I implore on the minister, and I plead to the minister that hopefully this year it will be budgeted and financed and forecasted that we will see funding for this valuable, valuable project, for seniors in particular, in rural Newfoundland and Labrador.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
SOME HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear!
SPEAKER: The hon. the Minister of Finance and President of Treasury Board to respond to the petition.
SOME HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear!
C. PARDY: Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
I stand in my place today as Minister of Seniors. I know myself and my hon. friend that’s across that represents his district, I would hope that my words will be encouraging, like my colleague’s words were encouraging at the last petition.
I know that when my hon. colleague mentioned to me, I went back to my deputy minister and I had asked where they would be, the Connaigre Health Care Centre, where it would be on the priority list from the data that we have on a needs basis. The hon. Member is probably aware that it is high on the list. There is no doubt that it would be noted as one of the areas that needs to be addressed, along with some others. But they would be up there on the list.
So all I can say is that I stated it publicly that they are very high on the list. I would say it will be every intention that when we go, we will look at that list, regardless of what district it would be, as to address the needs that would be in Newfoundland and Labrador. I just want him to be encouraged that we hear him, and he’s representing his population and for his population that would be signing the petition to let them know that we hear it and they are going to be prioritized.
Thank you very much, Speaker.
SOME HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear!
SPEAKER: Orders of the Day.
Orders of the Day
SPEAKER: The hon. the Government House Leader.
L. PARROTT: Thank you, Speaker.
I call from the Order Paper, Motion 5.
SPEAKER: Motion 5.
L. PARROTT: I move, seconded by the Deputy Premier, that in accordance with Standing Order 65, the Public Accounts Committee shall be comprised of the Member for Mount Scio, the Member for Fogo Island - Cape Freels, the Member for Labrador West, the Member for Lewisporte - Twillingate, the Member for St. George’s - Humber, the Member for St. John’s East - Quidi Vidi and the Member for Virginia Waters - Pleasantville.
And that in accordance with Standing Order 65, the Privileges and Elections Committee shall be comprised of the Member for Cape St. Francis, the Member for Carbonear - Trinity - Bay de Verde, the Member for Harbour Grace - Port de Grave, the Member for St. John’s Centre and the Member for Terra Nova.
SPEAKER: The hon. the Government House Leader.
L. PARROTT: Thank you, Speaker.
I call from the Order Paper, Order 6.
SPEAKER: Are you speaking to this motion?
L. PARROTT: No.
SPEAKER: If you’re not speaking to it, I have to call the question.
The minister is not speaking, does anybody want to speak to that motion?
AN HON. MEMBER: No.
SPEAKER: No, okay.
I call the question.
All those in favour, ‘aye.’
SOME HON. MEMBERS: Aye.
SPEAKER: All those against, ‘nay.’
Carried.
The hon. the Government House Leader.
L. PARROTT: Thank you, Speaker.
I move, seconded by the Minister of Finance and President of Treasury Board that pursuant to Standing Order 11(1) that this House not adjourn at 5:30 p.m. on Tuesday, November 3, 2026.
SPEAKER: It is moved and seconded that this House do now adjourn at 5:30 p.m., today.
All those in favour, ‘aye.’
SOME HON. MEMBERS: Aye.
SPEAKER: All those against, ‘nay.’
Motion is carried.
The hon. the Government House Leader.
L. PARROTT: Thank you, Speaker.
I call from the Order Paper, Order 7, Bill 28.
SPEAKER: The hon. the Government House Leader.
L. PARROTT: Speaker, I move, seconded by the Minister of Women and Gender Equality that the House now introduce Bill 28, An Act Respecting the Status of Women and Gender Equality Advisory Council Act, Bill 28.
SPEAKER: That the bill be read a second time, correct?
Second reading of a bill, “An Act Respecting the Status of Women and Gender Equality Advisory Council Act.” (Bill 28)
SPEAKER: The hon. the Minister of Women and Gender Equality.
SOME HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear!
L. EVANS: Thank you, Speaker.
Speaker, I’m pleased to rise today and introduce a bill entitled, the Status of Women and Gender Equality Advisory Council Act, legislation that will repeal and replace the current Status of Women Advisory Council Act.
This legislation represents an important step forward in modernizing the legislative framework that supports the work of the Provincial Advisory Council on the Status of Women. This will ensure that it reflects the realities, priorities and the expectations of women, girls and gender-diverse people in our province.
Over the past number of years, the mandate of the Office of Women and Gender Equality has evolved significantly. We’ve witnessed that. Society has evolved and so should our mandate.
Our work now expands beyond advancing equality for women. It now also includes supporting gender-diverse people. We are a progressive government; we are bringing in progressive legislation to reflect that.
We, as a government, also work with all government departments to apply Gender-Based Analysis Plus across policies, programs, legislation, services and budget. In actual fact, as minister, I’ve worked hard with our government departments to make sure that legislation coming forward, programs and supports coming forward into our province have the Gender-Based Analysis Plus. It’s important that legislation governing the advisory council reflects the broader and more modern mandate that I talk about, Speaker.
Sadly, we’re witnessing troubling times in today’s society; a troubling rise in hate, discrimination and misinformation directed at the 2SLGBTQIA+ population, with transgender and gender-diverse people disproportionately targeted. So we, as government, have to say this is unacceptable, and we’re doing that by introducing this more inclusive legislation.
Our government has declared gender-based violence an epidemic in our province, and we have established a task force to end gender-based violence. We need safer communities for everyone, and I mean everyone.
We are funding violence prevention initiatives throughout our province with the support of the National Action Plan to End Gender-Based Violence. This federal government funding is very important in our battle to end gender-based violence, and I’m happy, I’m proud to say that it has been renewed for another four years.
I must speak about our relationship that we have with the federal government, Speaker. It’s a tremendous day to actually be able to work with a federal government that supports our Progressive Conservative government and the programs that we want to deliver to make sure our communities are safer, our populations are welcoming and inclusive and it’s so important to actually acknowledge that we have that good working relationship with our federal counterparts.
The renewal of the National Action Plan to End Gender-Based Violence – it has been renewed for another four years – together we are stronger and we can do more to end gender-based violence. That’s the relationship we have with the federal government. We are urging the federal government to also renew and expand its 2SLGBTQIA+ Action Plan, which is set to expire on March 31, 2027.
Since its inception in 2022, this plan has delivered valuable financial support to organizations across Canada. In our province, in Newfoundland and Labrador, this federal investment has helped grow grassroots programs in rural and remote regions, Speaker, where some of our populations are most vulnerable. It has strengthened regional capacity, and individuals and families now have access to services that were not available before the 2SLGBTQIA+ Action Plan funding was available, Speaker. So it’s so important for us to encourage the federal government to renew this important funding.
Speaker, getting back to the legislation we’re introducing here today, an expanded mandate for the advisory council will support this work, too, Speaker, that I just spoke of, because it plays an important role in forming policy decisions across government by providing advice, research and community perspectives on issues affecting women and gender-diverse people throughout the Province of Newfoundland and Labrador. As I said, this is progressive legislation. We are a progressive government, Speaker.
Looking at the history, in 2023, government approved the development of new legislation to replace the existing act. Since then, the Office of Women and Gender Equality has worked closely with the advisory council and other key stakeholders to develop a legislative framework that reflects current priorities, modern governance practices and strong accountability measures. Speaker, that’s very, very important to acknowledge, the working relationship with the Office of Women and Gender Equality working with the advisory council. Together, we are stronger.
The advisory council was very involved in discussions on this plan to repeal and replace the current act and has been very supportive. Like I said, it’s progressive legislation, it’s inclusive legislation. From the fall 2023 through spring 2024, the Office of Women and Gender Equality in collaboration with the government’s Community Engagement Branch conducted online and in-person public consultations throughout the province to inform and develop legislation. Speaker, I was very pleased to see that. I was in Opposition at the time. One of the things I always called for when I was in Opposition is to make sure stakeholders are consulted with when major changes are about to happen. So I was pleased to see that. In government now, I have a commitment as minister to make sure that we’re doing the same. So I just wanted to acknowledge that.
As an independent voice for women, girls and gender-diverse people, the advisory council helps shape government policies by identifying emerging issues, amplifying lived experience and providing evidence-based recommendations that support gender equality. Newfoundland and Labrador will be the third jurisdiction to take dedicated action to ensure issues and needs in relation to gender diversity are addressed, not only –
SOME HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear!
L. EVANS: Only the third in Canada – to make sure needs in relation to gender diversity are addressed, not only through ministerial mandate letters, but also by legislating the work undertaken by the advisory council. Speaker, this is so important.
Based on these consultations and valuable input, the proposed act achieves several important objectives. It modernizes legislative language and terminology. Like I said, it’s progressive legislation. It updates the name of the advisory council to better reflect its role and clearly establishes its mandate and functions within today’s policy landscapes. Like I said, times are changing. Even though I mentioned earlier that there’s a lot of hate and discrimination out there against members of the communities, that advisory council is there to help and support.
Our society is also evolving and there are a lot of people out there, including Members in government and in the Opposition, who recognize that it’s wrong and that we have to make sure our towns, our communities, the services and the organizations are safe spaces for everybody, Speaker.
Looking at the objectives here, it also strengthens governments and accountability provisions, and it enhances the advisory council’s capacity to provide advice to government on issues affecting women, girls and gender-diverse people throughout the province. That’s so important.
Please be advised that this is a PARTIALLY EDITED portion of the House of Assembly sitting for Tuesday, November 3, 2026, to approximately 3 p.m. The edited Hansard will be posted when it becomes available.