Proceedings in the House of Assembly got back to ‘normal’ today, with the first Question Period since last week taking place.
The House of Assembly was involved in two days of debate on a Point of Privilege based on comments made against opposition MHAs by Gerry Byrne. Byrne indicated his comments were based on addressing racism and racist attitudes.
Opposition kicked off Question Period by firing a volley at the provincial government on racism.
Torngat Mountains MHA Lela Evans questioned Premier Ball as to why the issue of systemic racism wasn’t brought up after Perry Trimper resigned, following comments left on a voicemail of the Innu Nation.
She asked Ball to show leadership by removing Trimper from caucus.
Ball: met with Innu leaders, and Trimper was removed from cabinet. Will take time to rebuild relationship.
Offered to have Indigenous leaders come to HoA to have their say. @VOCMNEWS #nlpoli
— Ben Murphy (@BenMurphy590) November 14, 2019
Ball reiterated that he offered to have Indigenous leaders come to the House to have their say, and that it will take time to repair damaged relationships.
Minister says No Government Interference in Wright’s Departure from SJSOWC
Minister Responsible for the Status of Women, Carol Anne Haley was also questioned on government’s role in Jenny Wright’s departure from the St. John’s Status of Women’s Council.
Ches Crosbie says revelations surrounding the recent resignation of Jenny Wright has damaged relations between the provincial department and Status of Women’s Councils across the province.
Through Access to Information, the Independent newspaper uncovered correspondence prior to a written complaint to the Status of Women’s Council’s Board of Directors, which accused Wright of creating division.
Crosbie: is this history of Deputy Minister interfering in anyway with the task of repairing relationships?
Haley: absolutely not. Isn’t interfering at all. Decades of experience. Met with some 25 groups. @VOCMNEWS #nlpoli
— Ben Murphy (@BenMurphy590) November 14, 2019
Haley’s Deputy Minister, Linda Ross, was a signatory on the letter, but Haley says it was penned before Ross was appointed to her current role—reiterating that government had no involvement.
Making Up for Lost Time
A shortened week, made shorter by two days of debate on a Point of Privilege, will be made up for next week.
Notice was given for the house to sit late—that is, beyond 5:30—on Monday, Tuesday and Thursday of next week to make up for lost time.
Liberal House Leader Siobhan Coady rose to give notice, Thursday afternoon.
