The Premier believes amendments made to Bill 38 were about finding the balance between the law and the measures needed to stop the spread of COVID-19 in Newfoundland and Labrador.

The Canadian Bar Association-NL submitted a letter to government on Saturday night, addressing its concerns about recent amendments to Bill 38 – the Public Health Protection and Promotion Act.

The Premier thanked them for their professional work in looking at the legislation that came into place about two weeks ago.

He says the amendments were about enforcement, and decisions being made under the Public Health State of Emergency.

PC Leader Ches Crosbie meanwhile has called for the immediate opening of the House of Assembly to repeal or change Bill 38.

Ball says reopening the House is at the call of Government House Leader, Siobhan Coady, and the Opposition leaders.

The Premier says while he has no issue with some of the concerns raised, there is a process to follow with the Department of Justice and Public Safety.

Ball explained that the whole objective is about preventing the spread of COVID-19 and if amendments need to be made, there is a process they will follow.

He says if the issue does end up in court in the future, the province will prepare and respond in the appropriate way.

Denied Entry a Difficult Decision, says Premier

Meanwhile, Premier Ball is sharing his condolences to the people who were denied entry into the province for purposes like funerals.

PC Leader Ches Crosbie says government failed to live up to its commitment to let people in, in these scenarios, as close family members like Kim Taylor ended up being barred from attending the funeral of her mother.

Ball understands how difficult it is, but says tough decisions have to be made. He says he cannot imagine what it’s like to get a call that you’ve lost a loved one but are not allowed to attend the funeral.

However, these are the tough decisions that have been made during the process for exemption orders.