As the first snow of the season threatened to fall over the metro region, the spotlight was on the most vulnerable living in tents in Bannerman Park.
On November 29 with snow in the forecast, the City of St. John’s closed the bathrooms at the park, citing vandalism and damage to the facilities. Residents and supporters in the nearby tent city called for portable toilets to be brought in by either the city or the province, however both sides declined.
On November 30, Premier Andrew Furey announced a new homelessness task force made up of the province, City of St. John’s and other community groups to address the tent city and homelessness situation.
The next day, the Bannerman Park bathrooms were reopened with increased cleaning and security services, thanks to provincial resources.
A Break in the Bombs
November would see the first real diplomatic breakthrough since the relentless bombardment of Gaza began in the Israel-Hamas war.
Following weeks of worldwide and local rallies calling for a ceasefire in the Middle East, a deal was reached between the two sides for a temporary pause in the fighting.
The deal, brokered by Qatar, would see fifty Israeli hostages captured by Hamas militants released in exchange for 150 Palestinian women and children held in Israeli prisons.
The swap began on November 24, with the ceasefire being extended until December 1. Israel resumed the bombing of Gaza minutes after the temporary truce came to an end.
Brazil Bids Adieu
On November 10, former PC Leader David Brazil announced he would be retiring at the end of the year.
First elected in 2010, the long-time MHA for Conception Bay East-Bell Island suffered a major heart attack in 2022 and made the decision to step down to focus on his health.
Brazil was given an emotional send off as the Fall sitting of the House of Assembly wrapped up, with members giving him a standing ovation and PC Leader Tony Wakeham breaking down while saying goodbye.
Word of Brazil’s retirement would ignite speculation of candidates for a by-election in the new year, as the parties put out their call for nominations. In the end, the Liberals named Fred Hutton as their candidate, the PCs named Tina Neary and the NDP named Kim Churchill.
Summit Series
As the fall turned to winter, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau would welcome visitors from across the pond to St. John’s for the Canada-EU Leaders’ Summit.
President of the European Council, Charles Michel and President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, would arrive in the capital city, where the PM and dignitaries would reaffirm the bond between Canada and the European Union.
At the end of official discussions, the trio announced a joint green hydrogen roadmap to help develop the industry on both sides of the Atlantic.
Flying High
Newfoundland and Labrador would also strengthen its connect across the pond, in a more physical sense.
On November 15, the province and WestJet announced a direct air route to London Gatwick—the first direct route across the Atlantic in five years.
Reaction was varied, with some applauding the move, but others raising questions about the high cost to travel within the province, specifically in Labrador.
The route will resume in April 2024.
