It was back to business in the House of Assembly today as issues around minimum wage and the inquiry into the treatment of Innu children in foster care were brought to the forefront.
Question Period kicked off with Opposition Leader Ches Crosbie calling on Fisheries Minister Gerry Byrne to follow the former CEO of Mowi, and apologize for his handling of what Crosbie calls the “salmon catastrophe.”
Byrne responded by describing how many lessons were learned from the incident, but offered no apology.
Torngat Mountains MHA Presses Premier on Inquiry
It was Torngat Mountains MHA Lela Evans who questioned the Premier as to why the inquiry into Innu children in foster care has not happened.
Ball says a commitment has been made to move forward on the inquiry. He says they’re working on full alignment with the Innu Nation, and that the federal government with be more involved.
Now, Ball says, it comes down to whoever leads the inquiry.
Lela Evans now. Why has premier failed to live up to commitment to Innu nation on MOU for inquiry?
Ball: this premier has not failed. Committed to getting inquiry done, with full group of all those involved. @VOCMNEWS #nlpoli
— Ben Murphy (@BenMurphy590) November 18, 2019
NDP Flags Timeline on Minimum Wage Review
When it comes to minimum wage, the NDP’s Jordan Brown feels government is not giving adequate time to allow for proper public consultations in its minimum wage review.
Brown: minimum wage is so low it won’t reach $15 until 2030. Can we get these faster than currently projected?
Mitchelmore: review committee is independent, represent employers and employees. Lots of interest in this. Won’t instruct them to pre-determine any outcome. #nlpoli
— Ben Murphy (@BenMurphy590) November 18, 2019
Minister Christopher Mitchelmore says the committee was struck and recently launched an online survey. He says the last minimum wage review committee did five public consultations, and very few people attended.
Mitchelmore is encouraging everyone interested to take part through EngageNL.
