Government of Newfoundland News

Environment and Conservation

The Honourable Terry French, Minister of Environment and Conservation and Minister Responsible for the Multi-Materials Stewardship Board (MMSB), and Mayor Dan Bobbett, Town of Paradise, will announce the opening of the Paradise Green Depot tomorrow (Tuesday, July 8). The event will take place at 1:30 p.m. at the Paradise Green Depot located at 1217 Kenmount Road in the Town of Paradise.

Innovation, Business and Rural Development

The Honourable Susan Sullivan, Minister Responsible for the Research & Development Corporation (RDC), will make an announcement on funding for academic-led Ramp;D projects related to harsh and Arctic environments tomorrow (Tuesday, July 8).

Advanced Education and Skills

Three agreements have been signed today by the Governments of Canada and Newfoundland and Labrador to help address the labour market needs of individuals, communities and employers across the province. Scott Armstrong, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Employment and Social Development, on behalf of the Honourable Jason Kenney, Minister of Employment and Social Development, along with the Honourable Kevin O’Brien, Minister of Advanced Education and Skills, signed agreements that will help meet labour market demands and assist older workers and persons with disabilities connect to available jobs.

Education

The Honourable Darin King, Minister of Education, is joining provincial and territorial education ministers from across Canada for the 103rd meeting of the Council of Ministers of Education, Canada (CMEC), being held in Charlottetown, P.E.I., beginning today (Monday, July 7) and concluding on July 9.

Education

A tender valued at over $1.7 million has been awarded to Redwood Construction Ltd. of Mount Pearl for the replacement of windows and other exterior upgrades at Mount Pearl Senior High (the current Mount Pearl Intermediate). This is part of almost $8.5 million earmarked for short and long-term infrastructure needs in Mount Pearl, including an extension to St. Peter’s Junior High, a modular classroom for Newtown Elementary, funding to plan for long-term capacity needs at St. Peter’s Elementary, electrical upgrades to Morris Academy, and a number of projects directly related to the recent reorganization of schools in the city.

Tourism, Culture and Recreation

The voices of the Lady Cove Women’s Choir will be heard by people throughout the world when they attend the 2014 World Choir Games in Riga, Latvia, July 7-14.

Municipal and Intergovernmental Affairs

With the recent formation of Hurricane Arthur, Fire and Emergency Services - Newfoundland and Labrador reminds residents and municipal officials throughout the province to be prepared for adverse weather conditions.

Executive Council

Paul Davis and Steve Kent have both tendered their resignations from Cabinet as they pursue the leadership of our party. In the short term, I have asked other members of Cabinet to assume their responsibilities until nominations close on Monday and we have a full picture of any additional resignations leaving Cabinet posts vacant. Until then, Minister Charlene Johnson will take responsibility for the Health and Community Services portfolio, Minister Clyde Jackman assumes the duties of Municipal and Intergovernmental Affairs, as well as Fire and Emergency Services - NL. Minister Sandy Collins will cover the Office of Public Engagement.

Advanced Education and Skills

The Honourable Kevin O’Brien, Minister of Advanced Education and Skills, will join Scott Armstrong, Parliamentary Secretary to the Honourable Jason Kenney, Minister of Employment and Social Development, to sign agreements regarding the Canada Job Grant, the Targeted Initiative for Older Workers and a Labour Market Agreement for Persons with Disabilities.

Education

LSG Construction of Gander has been awarded a tender, valued at more than $178,500, to undertake a roofing project at Sprucewood Academy in Grand Falls-Windsor.

Justice

As a result of three separate investigations earlier this week, officers with the Fish and Wildlife Enforcement Division have charged four individuals with various offences related to illegally fishing salmon. Of note is the fact that two of the investigations were the direct result of anonymous tips provided by concerned residents.

Tourism, Culture and Recreation

The Honourable Sandy Collins, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Recreation, will attend the 19th annual powwow for the Miawpukek First Nation Reserve in Conne River tomorrow (Friday, July 4) at 1:00 p.m. The event will take place at the McDonald's Family Park and Culture Grounds.

Education

Teachers who participated in a two-year pilot program designed to encourage the integration of coastal and ocean science programming in schools will have an opportunity to share their perceptions of the program, and learn more about future programming, through a two-day workshop, Oceans Exchange, offered through the Oceans Learning Partnership (OLP). The workshop will take place aboard the M/V Coastal Explorer, August 4-5, at the Royal Newfoundland Yacht Club in Conception Bay South.

Transportation and Works

The Department of Transportation and Works advises motorists that the speed limit on the Trans Canada Highway near Cooper Boulevard, Gander, will be reduced to 60 kilometres per hour from July 4 to 6. This change is to support heavier traffic volumes during the Salmon Festival in Grand Falls-Windsor.

Tourism, Culture and Recreation

The Rooms wishes to advise the public that the issue affecting water pressure at the facility has been resolved and it will re-open at noon today (Thursday, July 3).

Transportation and Works

Provincial Government funding of $4.1 million for wharf improvements on Change Islands and Fogo Island will ensure that the necessary marine infrastructure is in place to accommodate the new $51 million ferry that will begin service in September 2015.

Tourism, Culture and Recreation

The Rooms remains closed today (Thursday, July 3) due to a problem with the water pressure. The public will be notified when the building is reopened.

Executive Council

Thirty-nine organizations supporting engagement activities and learning opportunities for young people across Newfoundland and Labrador will receive approximately $744,000 in funding from the Provincial Government. The Honourable Steve Kent, Minister Responsible for the Office of Public Engagement, announced the recipients of Grants to Youth Organizations today.

Municipal and Intergovernmental Affairs

The Provincial Government is joining with the towns of Baine Harbour and Burin, to provide a total of $829,000 in cost-shared funding for important water system upgrade projects.

Municipal and Intergovernmental Affairs

Residents in the District of Fortune Bay - Cape La Hune will see the completion of a water project and road and sewer upgrades through a $1.2 million cost-shared investment between the province and local communities. The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador is committed to investing in projects which deliver benefits to residents to support the enhancement of basic services in rural parts of the province.