Province
Législature/Legislature
Session
Type de discours/Type of speech
Date du discours/Date
Locuteur/Speaker
Fonction du locuteur/Function 
Parti politique/ Political party
Terre-Neuve etLabrador/Newfoundland and Labrador
47 
3 
Discours du Trône/Speech from the Throne
12-03-2014
J. Derek Green,
Administrator of the Government

Progressive Conservative 
Party of Newfoundland and Labrador


Learning Lessons of Perseverance
Mr. Speaker and Members of the House of Assembly:
On the first of March, young athletes from across Newfoundland and Labrador converged on 
Clarenville to put their skills to the test in the spirit of friendship, fair play and the pursuit of 
worthwhile goals at the 2014 Newfoundland and Labrador Winter Games. Ali of them were keenly 
aware that, just a few days earlier, a young figure skater from Marystown realized her dream of 
competing on Olympic ice. Kaetlyn Osmond well earned her place in Sochi among the best athletes 
in the world. After years of work and perseverance, she stood on the podium alongside her 
teammates to claim for Canada the first-ever silver medal in Olympic team figure skating. Like the 
Brad Gushue curling team eight years age, Kaetlyn has taken her place in Olympic history and 
made our province and our country enormously proud. Our athletes' pursuit of excellence is a 
clarion call to the best in each of us. lt is not luck or magic but courage and perseverance that takes 
us from where we happen to be to where we want to be and ought to be. Our athletes serve as role 
models for all of us in showing us what it means to truly persevere. In 2016, the province's athletes 
will meet in Conception Bay South for the Newfoundland and Labrador Summer Games. That same 
year, Newfoundland and Labrador will be proud to support the Special Olympics Canada Winter 
Games in Comer Brook, the first-ever to be held in Newfoundland and Labrador.
Honouring Our Heroes' Sacrifices
Mr. Speaker and Members of the House of Assembly:
The year 2016 will also be the centennial anniversary of the horrific Battle of the Somme at 
Beaumont-Hamel during the First World War. We shall never forget those sacrifices demanded on 
that day and in the months and years that followed. In November 2013, our government launched 
Honour 100, our First World War Commemoration initiative. Through a series of initiatives, we will 
remember and honour these heroes, past and present, by encouraging communities and 
organizations throughout the province to work together and engage our youth in appreciating the 
legacy they have been given.


 Striving for Social Justice
Mr. Speaker and Members of the House of Assembly:
Let us never forget that it was largely young people fighting on the fields of Europe and elsewhere 
who won the freedom we enjoy today to build a more just and equitable society. Young people 
continue to shape our destiny in profound ways. Indeed, some of the most passionate defenders of 
our ha rd-won freedoms and social justice are our youth. When young people challenge us to do 
more and do better, we need to listen and to actively engage them in making our society everything 
it can be and ought to be.
To honour the sacrifices of its heroes, Newfoundland and Labrador established a living legacy 
called Memorial University. Memorial has grown from a small campus to include the Grenfell 
Campus at Comer Brook, the Marine Institute and other centres. Today, that legacy is also 
embodied in College of the North Atlantic, which has just celebrated its 501h anniversary. Nothing 
promotes social justice more effectively than equitable access to a post-secondary education. 
Cumulatively, this government has invested more than 230 million dollars since 2005 to freeze 
tuition fees, making Newfoundland and Labrador's students the envy of the country with some of 
the lowest tuition fees in the country and the best student aid prograrn in Canada. Our government 
will continue to support post-secondary students and institutions in the year ahead so young people 
from communities throughout Newfoundland and Labrador can continue to enjoy access to the 
high-quality advanced education they need to secure the opportunities before them.
Helping people secure opportunities is a fundamental goal of the Poverty Reduction Strategy, 
launched in 2006. With total investments surpassing 900 million dollars, this strategy in just eight 
years has helped Newfoundland and Labrador reduce reliance on income support to the lowest level 
in our province's history. In 2003, we had one of the highest levels of poverty in the country. A 
decade later, we are tied for second-lowest and celebrated nationally for leading the fight against 
poverty. This year, the government will publish the second progress report on the strategy's 
effectiveness and use those findings, in cooperation with our community partners, to build on the 
successes we have already achieved. By sharing more fairly the benefits of our newfound prosperity, 
we can continue to achieve a more equitable balance of opportunities for our people, whatever their 
particular needs.
 ?


The government continues to be concerned about vulnerable populations, and is committed to 
better understand the challenges they face and the ways we can address them. We will follow 
through on the government's Blue Book commitment and conclude the study which will help us 
gain a better understanding of homelessness issues throughout Newfoundland and Labrador. We 
will announce investments to build on those we have already made to improve access to housing. 
We will release an Adult Literacy and Essential Skills Strategy that will help people find 
employment and effectively manage their career choices. We will continue advancing the Strategy 
for the Inclusion of Persons with Disabilities.
Continuing investments in policing will better protect people from crime, while a new penitentiary 
will better protect correctional officers and the in mates they guard. We will introduce new 
legislation and procedures to coordinate efforts and resources to locate missing persons.
The government will soon unveil a new Violence Prevention Initiative Action Plan to build on 
the 2006 Violence Prevention Initiative. The government will address cyber violence, sexual 
violence and the impacts of social media a long with bullying and harassment against our children. 
We are committed to building safe and caring communities where violence is unacceptable.
Improving the lives of our vulnerable children remains among our highest priorities. The 
government has commenced the implementation of the remaining two levels of its Continuum of 
Care Strategy by developing a training program for level 3 specialized foster homes and evaluating 
a Request for Proposals for level 4 contracted staffed residential placements. lt will soon proclaim 
the new Adoption Act, giving more children the benefit of permanent homes. lt will soon proceed 
with the proposed new child care legislation and regulations to advance its 10-year Child Care 
Strategy. The budget will also include initiatives to advance early childhood education, building on 
a host of initiatives in recent years to improve the education of children of all ages. Our government 
will continue to make investments in the province's K-12 schools, improving existing infrastructure 
while replacing aging school infrastructure and meeting demands for classroom space in growth 
areas. Specific details will be provided in this year's budget.


Social justice also means caring more effectively for our seniors and others in need of special care. 
In 2012, we launched our 10-year long-term care and community support services strategy called 
Close to Home. Since its launch, we have implemented several new initiatives to advance the 
strategy. This year, we will launch the Paid Family Caregiving Home Support Option and the 
Community Rapid Response Teams Pilot Project. We will soon open the new long-term care 
facility in St. John's to complement other facilities we have already opened in other regions. Other 
significant advances in health care will be announced in the coming budget. Today in 
Newfoundland and Labrador, we have more physicians than ever before, 54 percent more registered 
nurses per capita than the Canadian average, and among the shortest wait times in the country for 
benchmark areas of radiation therapy, bypass surgery, hip and knee replacement and cataract 
surgery, We have moved forward with 35 major health care infrastructure projects throughout the 
province du ring the past decade and anticipate completing 12 of those in 2014. In the coming year, 
we will also see advances in province-wide 911 services and other health and safety initiatives to 
build on the significant gains we have already made.
Social justice includes public safety. We are cognizant of the fact that this is the anniversary of the 
tragic crash of Cougar Helicopter Flight 491 five years age and the loss of 17 lives. Our 
government has accepted all 29 recommendations provided by the Wells Inquiry and has fully 
implemented 16 of those. We continue to advocate for the implementation of all 29 
recommendations and work with all partners, including the Government of Canada, to make that 
happen. We also urge the Government of Canada to work with our government in commissioning a 
comprehensive review of marine safety in waters off Newfoundland and Labrador with a view to 
ensuring that Canada - arguably the world's greatest coastal state - becomes the global leader in 
marine safety.
Investing With Oversight to Grow Our Economy
Mr. Speaker and Members of the House of Assembly:
Our story of economic growth over the last decade is one of which others can only dream. We have 
seen growth, significant growth, in major economic indicators, such as capital investment and retail 
sales. Today, more people are working in our province than ever before and incomes are higher 
than they have ever been. Our income growth is second only to Alberta's. We are proud of where 
we have come and will do everything in our power to maintain this momentum. We maintain the 
lowest personal income tax rates in Atlantic Canada. Through our tax reductions, we have now put 
nearly 600 million dollars a year back into the pockets of Newfoundlanders and Labradorians. 
While others have suggested we increase corporate income tax, we instead strive to make our 
province competitive. We committed last year, and in our 10-year Sustainability Plan, to return to 
surplus in 2015-16, and we will maintain that commitment. Over the longer term, we will work to 
reduce our expenses and reduce our net debt. Our government is committed to continue 
consultations with stakeholders to ensure the long-term sustainability of our pension plans, 
recognizing that the liability for pensions and other post-retirement benefits is the main contributor 
to our province's net debt.


We continue to invest strategically, on behalf of the people of Newfoundland and Labrador, to 
grow business opportunities in regions that need them. That is precisely the approach we are 
taking by securing a brighter future for the Comer Brook Pulp and Paper operation, by installing a 
third transmission line in western Labrador to promote mining industry growth, by investing in 
aquaculture on the south coast, in the cranberry industry in central Newfoundland, in fisheries 
innovation in coastal communities, in our seal industry, in our ocean technology industry, in our 
culture and tourism industries, in our high-tech research and development sectors, and in other 
sectors where public investments are leveraging private investments, sustaining jobs, creating real 
opportunities in our communities and growing our province's economy. Consider why public 
investments like this make good sense. To date, for example, the province's Research & 
Development Corporation has committed to invest 17.9 million dollars in 88 Arctic-related harsh-
environment R&D projects under the government's Arctic Opportunities initiative. These 
investments are leveraging three dollars for every dollar invested. In aquaculture, our 25 million 
dollar investment has leveraged 400 million dollars. We have seen a 75 percent surge in growth in 
the past year alone. Ali governments in Canada make strategic investments like this, including the 
federal government. In fact, we are proud to be partnering with Ottawa on many initiatives that are 
helping businesses grow and communities thrive throughout Newfoundland and Labrador. Investing 
to grow makes eminently good sense, and in this year's budget, further specific initiatives will be 
unveiled to keep us growing forward.?


Investing in infrastructure also grows communities by attracting opportunities. In 2014, the 
province will reach 95 percent broadband coverage, with over 400 more communities connected 
than in 2003. In Labrador, we will make significant progress on the Trans-Labrador Highway, In 
the coming months, we will begin the development of a comprehensive transportation strategy. 
Having listened to the industry, we have already moved to facilitate an early start to road work and 
Municipal Capital Works so we can maximize our construction season and align with industry 
needs.
We have clearly demonstrated our commitment to municipal infrastructure through significant 
investments over the past decade. Since 2008, together with our federal and municipal partners, we 
have invested over one billion dollars, and we are ready to do more. There are more aspects to 
strengthening municipalities than infrastructure, however, which is why we have been busy 
working with municipalities and consulting on a comprehensive review of the provincial-municipal 
fiscal framework. A final report will be prepared in time to inform the budgetary process a year 
from now. This year, a new equitable and sustainable formula for Municipal Operating Grants has 
come into effect for communities with populations of less than 11,000. No town is receiving less 
than in prior years and approximately 80 percent are seeing an increase.
Public investments in infrastructure attract private investments in industry, and that means 
employment and opportunity for our people. Our employment, training and apprenticeship 
initiatives have prepared many for the 70,000 jobs that have started opening up across our province. 
This year, the government will release a Workforce Development Strategy as we continue to ensure 
our people are ready to tap into the opportunities and reap the benefits. Soon, the government will 
be releasing its Population Growth Strategy, which will provide a roadmap for efforts to encourage 
people to live, work and build families in communities across Newfoundland and Labrador.
A solid foundation for growth today, just as in the past, is trade. The Comprehensive Economic and 
Trade Agreement with Europe will soon slash tariffs on local fish products in the world's greatest 
seafood market, driving new growth in our fishing sector. In the meantime, the government is 
collaborating with processors and the union to ensure the province is ready to make the most of the 
opportunities as they open up. The provincial fishery is now ideally positioned to capitalize on 
unrestricted access to European seafood markets and become more globally competitive with the 
creation of a 400 million dollar federal-provincial fund to support industry enhancements.?


CETA will not only increase sales of Newfoundland and Labrador's world-class fish and seafood 
products into the lucrative EU marketplace, but also create new opportunities for emerging service 
and knowledge-based industries such as oil and gas and ocean technology. We are also trading 
throughout the Americas and in Asia. Half a world away, people know who we are and what we 
have to offer.
Growth in our energy sector is the principal reason Newfoundland and Labrador has gone from 
straggler to economic leader in Canada. To make the most of every opportunity in the energy sector, 
this government created Nalcor, a corporation owned solely by the people of Newfoundland and 
Labrador. Our energy corporation works in the best interests of its shareholders, who are the people 
of the province. Its vision is to build a strong economic future for successive generations of 
Newfoundlanders and Labradorians. In addition to being an active participant in the development of 
our energy warehouse, Nalcor will make money for the people of the province. Today, the people of 
the province, through Nalcor, own equity stakes in three offshore oil projects. We operate a world-
class fabrication facility at Bull Arm. Just last year, through Nalcor's geoscience prograrn, we 
announced the discovery of three new offshore basins in the Labrador Sea. In addition to the new 
basins, a fourth previously established basin was discovered to be much larger than originally 
understood. Most recently, the government and Nalcor, on behalf of the people of the province, 
collaborated with the federal government and the Canada Newfoundland and Labrador Offshore 
Petroleum Board in the development of a new land tenure system for our offshore area that will 
position Newfoundland and Labrador with the leading exploration jurisdictions in the world. 
Having predictable scheduled licence rounds marks a change in Newfoundland and Labrador's 
ability to attract new global exploration investment.
The government's vision for Nalcor is grounded in our province's first-ever comprehensive Energy 
Plan, which the government launched in 2007. After seven years of steadfast commitment to this 
plan and a series of strong investments, we are now seeing this vision bear fruit. Nalcor is a strong, 
multifaceted entity capable of negotiating and, where necessary, competing with other major 
participants in the energy sector. By channeling our returns from oil development into renewable-
energy initiatives like Lower Churchill development at Muskrat Falls, Nalcor will ensure the 
benefits flow to Newfoundlanders and Labradorians for generations to come, whether we are 
attracting industries that need power or selling power for revenue. No longer will the province be as 
exposed to the ebbs and flows of the oil sector, because through Nalcor, the people of the province 
will have a diversified and resilient energy portfolio.


The Muskrat Falls Project will generate some 25 billion dollars in revenue to the province over the 
life of the project. That is a strong, strategic energy investment providing long-term returns to the 
province of Newfoundland and Labrador. But Muskrat Falls also means the island of 
Newfoundland will no longer be an isolated electrical system. With the Maritime Link and 
interconnection to the North American grid, we can sell power that is excess to our needs or 
import power in emergency situations if our supply ever falls short, as it did in January. The 
government, in its 2007 Energy Plan, recognized how profound a change being connected to the 
North American electricity grid would be and committed to a thorough review of the implications 
and the opportunities. We recognize the importance of ensuring strong oversight and governance 
mechanisms.
Muskrat Falls will come on stream around four years from now. In the meantime, in January of this 
year, as jurisdictions across North America coped with the coldest winter in memory, residents of 
the Island endured electricity supply shortfalls, power outages and rolling blackouts. The 
disruptions for some were particularly significant. People have a right to know why the outages 
happened and what we can do to ensure they do not happen again. The Public Utilities Board has 
commissioned a review of the recent power outages. The government supports this review.
However, the government also has a role to play in order to restore public confidence in the 
electrical system. To that end, the government will commission a comprehensive independent 
review of the operation, management and regulation of the electrical system. The government's 
review will focus less on the specific events related to the recent electricity issues and more broadly 
on ensuring the Newfoundland and Labrador electricity system has the optimal structure, controls 
and authorities to ensure an appropriate balance between reliability and affordability, specifically as 
it transitions to North American interconnection.


Opening Up the Government to the People
Mr. Speaker and Members of the House of Assembly:
A government functions best when it is open to the people it serves. Soon after coming to office in 
2003, this government enacted the toughest disclosure legislation in our province's history to reform 
electoral law, public accounting, lobbyist registration and information access. Our government has 
always strived to be open. However the people of the province have expressed concerns that we are 
not open enough and we are listening. We are launching an independent review of our Access to 
Information and Protection of Privacy legislation even sooner than the date required by law and 
will place the review in the hands of independent, impartial individuals with in-depth knowledge of 
governance, law and journalism. We are committed to ensure this legislation reflects the most 
balanced statutory framework in the country and the world.
We are prepared to do far more than that. We believe much more information should be disclosed 
to the public, even before it is requested. Government departments and agencies ought to disclose 
information as a routine way of doing business. To that end, this government is launching an 
Open Government Initiative, one purpose of which will be to share data and other information that 
anyone will be able to access freely online.
That is just the start. The Open Government Initiative means even more than the release of data 
and information after decisions have been finalized. A truly open government engages people in the 
decision-making process itself. The Open Government Initiative will provide meaningful 
opportunities for Newfoundlanders and Labradorians to do just that. Through a range of activities, 
the government will ask the people of the province to share their ideas and insights, We are 
encouraging Newfoundlanders and Labradorians to get involved and help shape the vision for the 
future of the province.
Newfoundlanders and Labradorians should recall a sizeable list of measures this government has 
already taken to improve governance practices and openness, from giving the Auditor General full 
access to the House of Assembly to the House of Assembly Accountability, Integrity and 
Administration Act. In addition, the government will bring forward legislation to protect those who 
report wrongdoing, In the spring session of the legislature, the government will introduce, as its 
most significant legislation, the province's first whistleblower legislation.


Mr. Speaker and Members of the House of Assembly:
These are but some of the initiatives the government will undertake in the weeks and months to 
come. Although one speech cannot define them all, it will become clear through the budget and 
other announcements that the government's agenda moving forward this year is ambitious. At the 
helm of the government for approximately five months is a new Premier, the Member for Humber 
East. When assuming this responsibility in January, and in the weeks that followed, he listed the 
principles and goals that he hoped would define his administration. These principles are reflected in 
the measures I have outlined here today.
To briefly summarize, they are:
*	the principle of perseverance, which is embodied by none better than our athletes;
*	the principle of sacrifice, which was demonstrated best by those who have defended our 
freedom;
*	the principle of social justice, which means sharing the benefits of our success more fairly and 
equitably;
*	the principle of investing responsibly, with due diligence and oversight, to grow our economy; 
and,
*	finally, the principle of opening up the government to the people who own it: the people of 
Newfoundland and Labrador.
With these five principles to guide us, we will build a society in which all of us can feel truly in 
control of our destiny - each of us individually and all of us together. The Premier and the 
government are listening to what people have to say and are prepared to act on what they hear. 
Newfoundland and Labrador deserves no less. Through courage and perseverance, we as a province 
will continue our journey from where we once were to where we want to be and ought to be.
***


Estimates of expenditure will be laid before you in due course and you will be asked to grant supply 
to Her Majesty.
I invoke God's blessing upon you as you commence this new Session.
May Divine Providence guide you in your deliberation.
Thank you.