Legislature resumes with an apology Tories, NDP suggest Hogan should resign
Monday in the House of Assembly was like the calm after the storm.
The last time people stood in the legislature, it was halfempty. Finance Minister Siobhan Coady delivered her budget amid fisheries protests with police officers stationed outside. On Monday, there were still remnants of that storm, most notably in the form of a heightened police presence on the hill.
HOGAN WITHDRAWS COMMENTS
This time, however, routine proceedings began as usual.
They began with Attorney General and Justice Minister John Hogan withdrawing and apologizing for comments he made last month.
On March 6, Hogan responded to a petition from NDP MHA Lela Evans that sought to reform the justice system to better serve survivors of sexual assault.
At that time, Hogan said there was no ability for a lawyer in provincial court or supreme court to approach a witness in the witness box.
“So, I don’t want anyone in this House to mislead what’s happening in court here with regards to sexual assault victims. It’s a very serious issue and the lawyers in this province are not retraumatizing sexual assault victims, whether it’s a Crown or a legal aid or a private lawyer in this province. It’s not the way it works. It’s actually impossible for it to happen,” Hogan said on March 6.
However, lawyers often approach witnesses during criminal trials in St. John’s courtrooms.
Just last week in a St. John’s courtroom during a sexual assault trial a defence lawyer asked permission to approach the complainant for crossexamination. The judge allowed it.
As the complainant was on the stand, defence counsel approached her numerous times. At one point, both defence lawyers stood within two feet of the woman in the witness box during cross-examination as they referenced a map on an easel nearby. One of the defence lawyers was former justice minister Jerome Kennedy.
SOUL-SEARCHING MINISTER
On Monday, Hogan told reporters he did a lot of soul searching about his comments, and the effect his comments, as a minister, can have on people in the province. He said he also responded to letters he received about his comments.
“The comments about lawyers are wrong,” he said.
“I felt it was important to recognize that they’re wrong — not to mislead anybody in this province to think that everything is perfect, and courts work perfectly, and everyone is happy when they leave because it’s certainly not the case.”
During question period, Hogan said in the last couple of weeks he met with groups who advocate for better systems, support and discussion around this issue.
“I look forward to learning more and doing what I can as minister to help move this issue forward so women are safer in this province, and so individuals who have unfortunately faced violence and have to go through the justice system have the courage to do it because the justice system is easier on them,” Hogan said.
OPPOSITION QUESTIONS IF HOGAN FIT FOR ROLE
Opposition Justice Critic Helen Conway Ottenheimer told reporters it isn’t in the best interests of the public for Hogan to remain in his position as attorney general and justice minister. She said she’s not satisfied he has the experience and understanding to hold that powerful position, and that both he and the premier should reflect on it to see if it’s in the best interests of the public for Hogan to remain in his position.
“His clear and blatant lack of understanding of this issue is totally unacceptable,” she said.
Conway Ottenheimer pointed out that sexual assault and sexual violence is already underreported, and Hogan’s comments have a huge impact on that issue.
“The fact that there are so many (survivors) that don’t come forward, and when they hear their minister of justice make those statements, it is very, very devastating, and damaging, and harmful and hurtful,” she said.
NDP Leader Jim Dinn also suggested Hogan should step down.
“Maybe there needs to be someone else in that role who’s got a bit more experience, and an appreciation or at least an understanding of what actually happens in the court system,” Dinn told reporters.
Hogan said he did not consider resigning.
THE CONFEDERATION ‘MARRIAGE’
After Hogan apologized, the legislature began ministerial statements, starting with Premier Andrew Furey, who spoke about celebrating the 75th anniversary of Confederation.
Furey called it a “marriage of economies, culture and people.”
Progressive Conservative Leader Tony Wakeham said the Terms of Union weren’t perfect, “but we have since improved on them under the Atlantic Accord thanks to visionaries like Brian Peckford, and Brian Mulroney, and Danny Williams.”
At the mention of Peckford, Furey raised his eyebrows.
When Wakeham said Williams’ name, Furey shook his head and laughed.
OPPOSITION CRITICIZE SUGAR, CARBON TAXES
Question period debate began shortly afterward, and covered a wide range of issues, including:
• The Opposition asked for and received assurances from the Liberals that wind projects would have community benefits plans for locals;
• The Progressive Conservatives continued to criticize the Liberals’ sugar tax;
• Both sides of the aisle criticized the carbon tax;
• Both sides of the aisle agreed that there are too many agency nurses in the province;
• The PCS continued to express concerns about the high cost of living, and the Liberals continued to outline their cost-of-living measures.
• The PCS asked for an update on the number of bodies at the Health Sciences’ Centre makeshift morgue, and Minister Paul Pike said his department is reviewing the rates the province offers to help cover the cost of funerals.
• The NDP again asked the Liberals to declare housing a human right, and Housing Minister Fred Hutton said federal legislation and international law recognizes adequate housing as a fundamental human right and the Liberals agree with those principles and are taking action to provide adequate housing for people.
• NDP MHA Jordan Brown said amputees who have to travel for prostheses fittings aren’t covered under the Medical Transportation Assistance Program, and Furey said “if that is truly an issue, I’m happy to address that with the minister to ensure that amputees get the care they need.”