Parsons says she’s ready to roll whenever the writ drops

By Olivia Bradbury/Local Journalism Initiative Report

As the last year drew to a close and this new year beckoned with the likely prospect of a provincial election, Harbour Grace-Port de Grave District MHA Pam Parsons expressed confidence in the future of her district, during a year-end interview ahead of the legislature’s recent re-opening for a debate on the new Churchill Falls deal.

Parsons cited working with the fire departments in her district as a big achievement last year. A number of the departments received or were promised new fire trucks, as well as a bevy of firefighting equipment.

“They’re doing amazing work,” said Parsons. “Obviously we depend on them for safety, so it means a lot to be able to work with our volunteer firefighters throughout the district.”

Parsons is also happy with the amount of infrastructure work tackled in her district, including paving projects in Bay Roberts and along Jamie’s Way in Harbour Grace, and with the number of grants that flowed towards seniors’ groups and volunteer organizations.

The successful hosting of the Newfoundland and Labrador Summer Games by Bay Roberts in 2024 is also near the top of her achievement list. Parsons said she is happy to be the MHA who worked with the town and volunteers who helped make that happen.

As for the region’s economy, Parsons said significant changes in provincial fishery policy will be a big benefit.

“Just last fall the premier and the Minister of Fisheries and myself met with fish harvesters here in Port de Grave,” she said. “We’ve been hearing their concerns, what they’re looking for. Like they want more healthy competition, as well as a review of corporate concentration and more processing opportunities. And we’ve made those changes.”

Still on the subject of policy and legislation, Parsons said her own department of Women and Gender Equality saw strides forward with pay equity.

“We have pay equity established in the public and core government and public sector as well as pay transparency,” said the minister. “And we are only, I think, the second jurisdiction to have pay transparency introduced.”

As for 2025, Parsons said sports, activity, and healthy living are big focuses for her in the district, especially with a growing population that includes families and children. She would like to see a wellness centre established in Bay Roberts, as well as a year-round swimming pool. She also wants to bring more doctors into the area. In addition to those goals, she hopes to see continued road maintenance.

Parsons also took the opportunity to sell the new Churchill Falls agreement with Quebec.

“It’s an historic announcement like never before to happen in our province and the future is bright,” she said. “We have full confidence in our leader, Dr. Andrew Furey, the premier, for his leadership on this file, to renegotiate, to right the wrongs of the past with regards to Churchill Falls.”

Parsons said the deal will not only bring the province over two hundred billion dollars in (projected) revenue over the 50-year life of the agreement, but also tens of thousands of jobs. When asked whether the premier will call an election on it, Parsons said Furey is the only one who knows when an election will happen. However, she asserted that she is prepared for an election at any point.

“I’m the kind of MHA that I stay on the ground with my people,” said Parsons. “So, I’m ready to go now, should there be an election called now or next year. That’s the key in this game, you’ve got to be ready.”

Parsons has been MHA since 2015 and said she will “absolutely” run again.