(November 9, 2022, St. John’s) – Barry Petten, PC Official Opposition House Leader and MHA for Conception Bay South, says while the Liberals take a rushed approach to their landmark Healthcare Bill, the PC Opposition took a stand to ensure healthcare is done right in Newfoundland and Labrador.

“When Government listens to the Official Opposition, the people of our province win. The Liberal Government attempted to ram through one of the most significant pieces of legislation brought forward since they took office. It took the efforts of the Official Opposition and Privacy Commissioner for the Liberal Government to admit the Bill was rushed and agree to eight amendments to the legislation,” said Petten.

“Healthcare cannot be rushed. The Liberals learned that lesson over the course of this sitting of the legislature. We are hopeful healthcare is on a better path than what was presented by the Liberal government.”

Among the amendments brought forward on Tuesday night was the establishment of an eight-member select committee, comprised of four Government members, two from the Official Opposition, one from the Third Party, and one Independent Member to review the recommendation to create the Quality Health Council.

“The Health Accord recommended a Quality Health Council, but what the Liberals presented simply did not line up with the Accord’s recommendation. We are hopeful the Council will be key in the future delivery of healthcare, but the Liberal Government did not put enough thought into how they would work before the legislation was presented,” said Petten.

“Now, the Minister has committed to an all-party approach to get the Council right.”

Other amendments included the withdrawal of a “learning health system” to be studied further and reintroduced once privacy concerns are addressed; the deletion of the definition of “social determinants of health” after privacy concerns; and other amendments requiring more work by government to ensure the privacy of Newfoundlanders and Labradorians is protected.

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Contacts:

David Maher

Director of Strategic Communications

(cell) 709-725-0984

DavidMaher@gov.nl.ca