Ferry service and health care among top topics at Bell Island byelection debate

Ferry service was on the top of everyone's mind at the debate between three candidates in the Conception Bay East-Bell Island byelection on Sunday.

The Liberals' Fred Hutton, the PCs' Tina Neary and the NDP's Kim Churchill participated in the debate on Bell Island, hearing out the unique concerns of the area. Independent candidate Darryl Harding was unable to attend due to a death in his family.

When asked how they would restore public trust in the Bell Island ferry service, all of the candidates present agreed a shore-based manager is a necessity. 

Neary spoke about other issues with the ferry service, such as accessibility issues and problems related to ambulance transfers, while Hutton said ferry maintenance needs to scheduled better and not done in June or July, "when this is your peak tourism season."

Churchill presented a 25-page document that she said listed all the repairs needed on the ferries since April 2022. Her solution would be to call on the auditor general to investigate the marine services division.

"We'll use the results to pressure government to fix the systemic problems that are identified," she said.

Health care was another pressing concern for Bell Island residents, with frequent emergency room closures at the Dr. Walter Templeman Health Centre in Wabana. 

Hutton said the Liberal government has already begun work on initiatives to improve service, such as a contract with Cougar helicopters to provide medevac service. 

Neary said there needs to be a contingency plan.

"There needs to be a plan, not just plan A, but a plan B," she said.

In what became a frequent refrain during the debate, Churchill framed herself as a new choice, in comparison with the reigning Liberal government and the PCs who have held the Conception Bay East-Bell Island district since 2003.

"If they cared about your health service, they would have done something before now," Churchill said.

When pressed with a followup question on how to recruit a permanent doctor for the Templeman Centre, Hutton said he and Premier Andrew Furey have been working on the issue, pointing to initiatives like the provincial government's signing bonus for doctors. 

Neary said more focus should be put on persuading students in health-care programs to stay on Bell Island. 

"We need to do what's necessary to keep them here," Neary said.

Churchill said better incentives are needed for health-care workers. 

Factors leading to illegal dumping a concern

Candidates also fielded questions about the local waste disposal site, which closes during the winter, which town manager and debate moderator Jordon Blackwood said has led to people starting illegal dump sites around the island. 

"The province should either expand funding opportunities to municipalities or provide waste management grants directly to the Eastern Regional Services Board to end winter closures and provide longer service hours," Churchill said.

Neary said illegal dump sites ruin tourism potential while Hutton said he has already begun working on the issue.

"We've discussed options of bringing the truck over here once a week, twice a month, something like that," Hutton said. "Some kind of a solution so that the facility is not closed the entire winter."

All three candidates expressed support for changing regulations to allow Bell Island residents to safely drive their ATVs to the dump.

Candidates were also asked how they would address the maintenance need on paved roads.

"Ensuring that there is a regular road maintenance plan that is in place," Neary said. "Ensuring that the provincial government is going to follow through with anything that has been promise."

Churchill said she would pressure the government to assist municipalities with funding for road maintenance.

Hutton said Wabana's town council has provided him with a list of roads that need maintenance and he would have the sway to ensure the road work is completed.

"When I am your MHA, I will be able to pick up the phone and call the transportation minister and say, 'These roads … need to be done in this year's budget,' and they will be done," Hutton said.

Rising prices

The candidates also faced questions about the rising cost of living.

Hutton pointed to a number of Liberal initiatives, such as reducing the gas tax and increasing the seniors' benefit, to combat rising costs,

Churchill said she would push for the elimination of the provincial portion of the HST on all forms of home heating.

Neary argued the government has been more reactive to various problems and said she would be more proactive.

Throughout the debate, candidates repeatedly shared the parts of their background that qualify them for the job. 

Hutton referenced his recent work as an advisor to the premier and said his 32 years as a journalist enabled him to listen to concerns and build trust with people. 

"I spent my entire career listening to people and telling their stories and building their trust," he said. "That is exactly what I plan to do in the legislature on your behalf."

Neary pointed to her position as a town councillor and said her focus on municipal issues would easily translate to constituent issues. 

"I was not having a loud enough, large enough voice in the municipal aspect of things and really want to take the opportunity to take that next step," she said.

Churchill repeatedly pointed to the human rights case she won against the province and said she would bring the same fighting spirit to the issues affecting people in the Bell Island area. 

"I know what it's like to desperately need help from government and be left feeling ignored and being abandoned," she said. "I have fought before and I have won and I can do it again and I can do it for you."

Voting day for the Conception Bay East-Bell Island byelection is Jan. 29.

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