Over 500 elevators in N.L. are overdue for an inspection, and it's pushing the PC Party's buttons

Like broken elevators, Newfoundland and Labrador's provincial government is continuing to let the PC Party down.

Health care dominated question period in the House of Assembly on Wednesday — but Service N.L. critic Loyola O'Driscoll had another issue to raise.

According to an access to information request filed by the PCs, there are 500 outstanding elevator inspections that Service N.L. needs to complete.

O'Driscoll probed Service N.L. Minister Elvis Loveless, asking him how many elevators across the province have an expired inspection certificate.

Loveless didn't know the answer. He said he would report back to the House when he found out.

"The one that I was on today is not expired because I was using it," Loveless said. "In all seriousness, I do not have that number."

O'Driscoll said the elevator Loveless was on does need inspection, adding a total of 24 elevators require inspections at Confederation Building alone

"The one that he was on today is not inspected, by the way, if he's wondering," O'Driscoll said, asking Loveless why the province isn't doing its job.

"Thousands of residents use these elevators every day when they go to work, school and shopping," he said.

Loveless responded to say his department will discuss the issues O'Driscoll raised.

"Anything that deals with the safety of the public is very concerning, and that's certainly an operational piece of my department. I will take back what he's given to me here today," Loveless said.

Hundreds of elevators across Newfoundland and Labrador currently require inspections, according to the PCs.

As of Oct. 21, the locations of these elevators include shopping centres like the Avalon Mall in St. John's and the Valley Mall in Corner Brook and health-care facilities such as hospitals, long-term care homes and senior living complexes.

They also include hotels, airports, and businesses across Newfoundland and Labrador.