Dwight Ball issues orders to cabinet with Trudeau-like mandate letters

First, the good news. If you were one of the hundreds of Newfoundland and Labrador retirees who received pension overpayments from the government and were told to pay back the money, you're off the hook.

The new Liberal government is ceasing all efforts to collect roughly $1 million in overpayments made by mistake to more than 400 public sector pensioners.

But if you're a student, more will be expected from you.

The government is eliminating the controversial "no zero" policy in schools and will bring in "more rigorous assessment standards."

Following the Trudeau playbook

These were just a few of the policies outlined in mandate letters sent by Premier Dwight Ball to his 12-member cabinet this week.

The letters were released publicly on the government's website in a show of openness and transparency that mirrored a similar move by incoming Prime Minister Justin Trudeau last month. 

Former PC premier Paul Davis issued similar mandate letters to his cabinet in January. 

They reveal the new government's priorities on everything from reviewing the tax system, and oversight of Nalcor, to caring for seniors, reducing moose-vehicle collisions and completing a study into the viability of a fixed-link with Labrador.

They also include a directive to establish a premier's task force on improving educational outcomes.

A legacy fund for oil wealth

One of the toughest jobs in cabinet has been thrust upon Cathy Bennett, who will control the province's finances in a time of fiscal turmoil.

She's been told to establish a "realistic process" for annual budgeting that takes into consideration the volatility of commodity prices, with a view towards minimizing surprises.

Although it may seem an unlikely option at this time, Bennett must also lay the groundwork for a so-called legacy fund for investing the province's oil wealth once prices rebound.

She was also directed to review the mining tax to ensure it is competitive.

Pursuing options for natural gas

The province's economy is dependent on revenues from its natural resources, especially royalties from offshore oil.

The new minister, Siobhan Coady, has been directed to create an oil and gas industry development council, with a primary goal of developing a more sustainable and competitive industry.

Coady has also been tasked to create conditions for increased offshore exploration and development by streamlining the process for regulatory approvals, establishing a generic royalty regime for future development, and pursuing opportunities in offshore natural gas.

On the contentious issue of hydraulic fracturing, the department will make decisions based on scientific evidence, and a "social licence" from citizens who may be affected by this activity.

Coady must also ensure "improved management oversight" of Nalcor through a more transparent and independent process for appointing members to its board of directors, and review the operational structure of the Crown-owned body.

In a shift from previous policies, Coady has been directed to seek opportunities for the development of wind farms and small scale hydro projects, especially for communities isolated from the primary grid in areas such as coastal Labrador.

Replacing Waterford Hospital still a priority

Health and Community Services Minister John Haggie will oversee the largest department, and will direct a review of health outcomes, and set meaningful and measurable goals for improvements.

He will also focus on the care of seniors.

"I expect you to: provide in-home healthy living assessments for seniors aged 70 years and older at no cost to them; create a home support system that is flexible and responsive to the diverse needs of seniors," said Haggie's mandate letter.

He is also directed to "modernize the existing Medical Transportation Assistance Program; and, create a dementia management program to allow timely identification and assessment of individuals with dementia, and ensure that effective treatment and care plans are in place to support them and their caregivers."

Haggie's letter also reaffirms Dwight Ball's commitment to replacing the Waterford Hospital in St. John's.

"In 2016, you must work the Minister of Transportation and Works to plan and define the scope of work so that construction can begin in 2017."

Haggie will also begin "immediately" the process of replacing Western Memorial Regional Hospital in Corner Brook.

Continuing work on the Trans-Labrador Highway

Transportation and Works Minister Al Hawkins has been directed to explore ways of minimizing moose-vehicle collisions on the province's highways, and carry out an assessment of the province's roads and bridges.

The Trans-Labrador Highway will also be one of his top priorities.

"You must ensure that paving of Phases 2 and 3 of the Trans-Labrador Highway is continued. In addition, you should consult with the Nunatsiavut Government and the Innu Nation on the feasibility of extending the Trans-Labrador Highway into Nunatsiavut and Natuashish."

Premier's task force on education 

The new government also appears determined to improve an education system that has some of the country's lowest outcomes.

Education and Early Childhood Development Minister Dale Kirby will work with the premier's office to establish a special task force on education.

It will examine the K-12 system and recommend improvements.

The mandate letters are accessible at the following link.