Notes from the Rotary Meeting 12.30pm Thursday, January 8, 2026.
President Olaf chaired the meeting. He welcomed Rotarians and guest Rick Chow to the first Rotary meeting of 2026.
Guest Program
After lunch was enjoyed, Olaf introduced the guest speaker MHA for Corner Brook Jim Parsons. Jim spoke about his experiences in his new role as a Member of the Newfoundland House of Assembly and he noted how pleased his was to speak in person to this gathering of Rotarians.
Jim spoke of the organisational details of setting up a new office and his role as an opposition MHA. He noted that he believes in listening to people and always tries to respond with respect and honesty. He realizes that he can’t solve everyone’s problems but being honest he believes is extremely important.
The main issues he is coping with are housing and health care problems.
He then went on to consider bigger policy issues that the province will need to address. He noted that the election had a surprise outcome resulting in now practical problems needing to be sorted out but a major issue is the provincial debt. He talked a little about Churchill Falls and how its link to Quebec needs to benefit both Quebec and Newfoundland and Labrador, without causing financial issues for the province. He looked at Federal politics and the erosion of trust in government plus the rise of social media and how this affects government
Jim finished his talk by speaking of about his personal philosophy and how he believes in more equity in society. He quoted a passage from Edmund Burke,1729 - 1797 an Anglo- Irish writer, philosopher and politician from which he explained his views. He feels that as a government opposition MHA he needs to find constructive ways of being critical of the government as one of his main aims is to help people.
Jim answered several questions before being thanked for his interesting and informative talk before the meeting adjourned.