Government of Newfoundland News

Renovations are beginning to convert the former College of the North Atlantic campus in Stephenville Crossing into a courthouse and Government Service Centre for the Bay St. George area.

A $283,000 contract has been awarded to Tech Construction Ltd. to demolish various interior architectural, mechanical and electrical components at the Martin Gallant Building in Stephenville Crossing. Work in the contract includes the removal of ceiling and floor tiles, carpet, fixtures, piping, insulation, drywall, studs and hazardous materials.

The Department of Transportation and Infrastructure anticipates work required in this contract to be completed this spring, with further renovations and construction beginning later this year.

The building includes close to 4,080 square metres (43,916 square feet) of space, which will be used as a courthouse, Motor Registration service, and other government services.

The improvements to the building will allow for government services to be provided in a modernized and accessible building. In addition, the renovations will lead to an increase in the safety and security of court proceedings at the courthouse, and a more functional and spacious working environment for public service workers, including judges, lawyers, plaintiffs, and sheriff’s officers.

Construction is anticipated to be completed in 2025.

Information on tenders and requests for proposals issued and awarded by the department and other public bodies is available by visiting www.merx.com/govnl.

Quotes
“We are excited about being able to provide public services in an accessible building to people in the Bay St. George area, and to create a safer space for government employees working in the area. We are grateful for the planning that has gone into this renovation so far. This contract will now clear out the old interior to make way for the improvements.”
Honourable Elvis Loveless
Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure

“Creating accessible environments promotes greater participation in our communities, employment opportunities and public services. While accessibility is more than just meeting minimum building codes, these renovations will promote inclusion and equity for area residents and staff.”
Honourable Sarah Stoodley
Minister of Digital Government and Service NL

“I am excited to see work commence to convert the former College of the North Atlantic campus into a courthouse and government service centre for the Bay St. George area. Having a modern and accessible building for citizens to access court proceedings and government services is important and promotes inclusion, safety and equity. I look forward to the ongoing construction and anticipated completion in 2025.”
Scott Reid
MHA for St. George’s – Humber

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Former College of North Atlantic Campus to Become Bay St. George Courthouse

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The Honourable Derrick Bragg, Minister of Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture recently attended Seafood Expo North America in Boston, where he led a delegation of market and export development specialists from the department along with local seafood sector companies.

Seafood Expo North America has been North America’s premier seafood trade show for decades, and has been responsible for helping to establish and maintain critical key markets between Newfoundland and Labrador seafood companies and buyers across the global seafood market, in particular the United States of America.

This year’s event attracted delegates from over 49 countries, and was 31 per cent larger than last year, with 1,141 exhibiting companies showcasing their products and services at the show. The event provided vital networking opportunities that are expected to lead to new markets for Newfoundland and Labrador’s seafood industry.

While in Boston, Minister Bragg met with a number of industry stakeholders to discuss market opportunities. Minister Bragg also met with the Honourable Joyce Murray, federal Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard, to discuss fisheries and aquaculture matters impacting Newfoundland and Labrador.

Quote
“Once again, Seafood Expo North America has provided a prime opportunity to highlight and strengthen Newfoundland and Labrador’s reputation as a leading producer of sustainably sourced, high quality, nutritious seafood. I was very pleased to meet with colleagues and industry experts from other jurisdictions to learn first-hand of the tremendous interest in our province’s seafood sector. I am confident the collective efforts of our seafood marketing team and the province’s seafood producers will lead to new opportunities and positive outcomes for harvesters and plant workers around the province.”
Honourable Derrick Bragg
Minister of Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture

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(L-R): Honourable Derrick Bragg – Minister of Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture, Laurel Veitch – Market Development Officer, Torrie George – Market Development Officer, Sean Barry – Director of Seafood Marketing and Support Services, Lorelei Roberts – Assistant Deputy Minister (Fisheries & Aquaculture), Jamie Chippett – Deputy Minister. The Honourable Derrick Bragg, Minister of Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture, recently met with the Honourable Joyce Murray, federal Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard while attending Seafood Expo North America to discuss fisheries and aquaculture issues impacting Newfoundland and Labrador.

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Today, the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador announced a statutory review of the Independent Appointments Commission as per the requirements of the Independent Appointments Commission Act.

Mr. David Conway has been appointed to lead the review, which will identify improvements to enhance the overall efficiency, effectiveness and outcomes of the legislation. The review will explore the timeliness of recommendations, encouraging more citizens to seek appointment, and maximizing the diversity of qualified candidates and regional representation.

The terms of reference for the review are noted in the backgrounder below. Mr. Conway will deliver his final report to the Minister Responsible for the Public Service Commission by May 31, 2023.

Governed by the Independent Appointments Commission Act, which received royal assent in 2016, the Independent Appointments Commission is a seven person, non-partisan commission appointed through a resolution of the House of Assembly. The commission provides merit-based recommendations to approximately 30 Tier One entities. These agencies, boards and commissions deliver important services including health care, education and the management of our province’s natural resources.

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“The Independent Appointments Commission provides an important service to the province, ensuring a fair and merit-based process is followed when appointing members to serve on our agencies, boards and commissions. I look forward to Mr. Conway’s review and recommendations.”
Honourable Siobhan Coady
Deputy Premier and Minister Responsible for the Public Service Commission

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Learn more
Independent Appointments Commission Act

The Independent Appointments Commission

Tier One Entities

BACKGROUNDER

Biography of David Conway

David Conway graduated from McGill University with a B.A. in Economics (1996) and an LL.B. from the University of New Brunswick (1999). He was then called to the Ontario bar before being called to the bar in Newfoundland and Labrador.

Mr. Conway worked exclusively in the fields of labour law and administrative law for fifteen years before becoming the chairperson of the Newfoundland and Labrador Labour Relations Board from 2017 until 2022. Mr. Conway now acts as a neutral arbitrator, adjudicator and independent legal counsel. He is on the roster of arbitrators for Newfoundland and Labrador established by the Labour Management Arbitration Committee.

Mr. Conway has experience in numerous types of proceedings, including labour arbitrations, judicial reviews, workers’ compensations hearings, employment insurance hearings, human rights proceedings, collective agreement negotiations and statutory reviews. He has also appeared as counsel at various levels of court including the Supreme Court of Canada. Mr. Conway has taught labour relations at the graduate level at Memorial University, is a member of the Law Society of Newfoundland and Labrador’s Disciplinary Panel, and instructs at the Bar Admission Course. He is a past co-chair of the Newfoundland and Labrador Labour Management Arbitration Committee and is a member of the Canadian Bar Association’s National Labour and Employment Law section.

BACKGROUNDER

Terms of Reference – Independent Appointments Commission Act Review

Consultant

The consultant reviewing the legislation is David Conway, who shall complete the review in accordance with these terms of reference.

Mandate

The review of the Act will be comprehensive and established with the goal of identifying improvements to enhance the overall efficiency, effectiveness and outcomes of the legislation, and the subsequent processes which support its administration. The review will incorporate, but not be limited to, an examination of potential improvements in the following areas:

• The processes and timelines associated with the generation of recommendations through the merit-based appointment process. Vacant positions on agencies, boards and commissions must be filled in a timely manner;
• Ways to maximize the diversity of candidates identified as qualified and recommendable for appointment, including but not limited to Indigenous candidates;
• Ways to maximize regional representation from all parts of the province;
• Ways to encourage more citizens to seek appointment and to ensure that lists of qualified and recommendable candidates are continually refreshed; and
• To ensure that the positions and appointments which are part of the merit-based appointment process are included or excluded as appropriate.

Methodology

The consultant may receive written submissions and/or conduct consultations with interested parties, including but not limited to residents, media and public bodies.

Public consultation sessions may be scheduled at the discretion of the consultant. In consultation with the Public Engagement and Planning Division consideration will be given to the methods of consultation that promote the engagement of interested parties, regardless of regional location (e.g., online), and are cost-effective and safe.

The consultant will have access to existing data and documentation utilized by the Independent Appointments Commission and the Public Service Commission in the conduct of the review.

Timeline

The consultant shall terminate his work and deliver his final report to the Minister Responsible for the Public Service Commission on, or before, May 31, 2023.

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The following statement was read in the House of Assembly today by the Honourable Pam Parsons, Minister Responsible for the Office of Women and Gender Equality:

Speaker, on behalf of the Provincial Government, I would like to acknowledge that March 8 of last week was International Women’s Day, and people of all genders throughout Newfoundland and Labrador joined in marking this important occasion.

This is a global day of celebration for the achievements of women here in the province, and around the world. Women and girls in Newfoundland and Labrador are making strides and forging change in a variety of sectors and industries, which is certainly something to celebrate.

Speaker, last week I was honoured to attend the 67th United Nations Commission on the Status of Women as a part of the Canadian delegation. This event was an incredible and unique opportunity to learn from and connect with global leaders about how to leverage technology to combat gender barriers.

It also allowed space to share the important work happening to advance gender equality in Newfoundland and Labrador, and the learnings from this event will be another reference point as we work to ensure that our policies, programs and services are relevant, timely, and promote gender equity in the province.

Collectively, we must continue to challenge gender stereotypes, call out discrimination, draw attention to bias, and seek out inclusion.

Thank you.

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The following statement was given today in the House of Assembly by the Honourable Steve Crocker, Minister of Tourism, Culture, Arts and Recreation:

Speaker, I rise in this Honourable House today to recognize an incredible group of young people from Newfoundland and Labrador.

More than 160 athletes from our province were in Prince Edward Island recently to compete in the 2023 Canada Winter Games.

Today, I extend my sincere congratulations to everyone who competed, including five remarkable athletes who came home with medals. They are:

• Gleb Evstigneev, gold in Trampoline;
• Maddox Glover, gold in Special Olympics Level II Figure Skating;
• Mark Butt and Lily Evans, bronze in Pre-Novice Pairs Figure Skating; and,
• Mike Gosine, bronze in Boxing.

I also invite all Honourable Members to join me in congratulating Team NL’s Gabe Flynn for winning the Pat Lechelt True Sport Award, which is an incredible accomplishment.

Speaker, just as Premier Furey was pleased to join Team NL for the opening ceremonies and to see the athletes in action, I was equally honoured to join our athletes at the closing ceremonies, where the Canada Games flag was handed off to Newfoundland and Labrador and our capital city of St. John’s, as the next host of the 2025 Canada Summer Games.

To the mission staff, coaches, managers and family members who stood behind our athletes, thank you for all you do to guide them, support them and teach them the skills they need to be successful, in sport and in life.

We look to 2025 with much anticipation and will work with the City of St. John’s and other community partners toward delivering a Canada Games like no other. Our support to date has been strong, including our recent investments in tennis and a new track and field facility. I look forward to sharing more exciting news about these efforts over the coming months.

Thank you.

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The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, and the Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador, Andrew Furey, today announced that Newfoundland and Labrador families are now benefitting from $10-a-day regulated child care – three years ahead of the national target. With $10-a-day child care, families are now saving an estimated $6,300 per year for each child in care.

Newfoundland and Labrador also announced the opening of the first pre-kindergarten centres in the province. Supported by federal funding, these pre-kindergarten centres will allow more children and families across the province to access high-quality, affordable, flexible, and inclusive early learning and child care.

This announcement comes less than two years after the governments of Canada and Newfoundland and Labrador reached an agreement to support an average of $10-a-day regulated child care in the province. Already, families in nearly half of Canada’s provinces and territories are benefitting from regulated early learning and child care at an average of $10-a-day or less, and fees have been cut by at least 50 per cent in all other jurisdictions, with work on track to deliver $10-a-day regulated child care on average by March 2026.

Delivering $10-a-day regulated child care across the country is a key part of the federal government’s plan to make life more affordable for Canadians. It builds on a wide range of other support programs, including the Canada Child Benefit, which puts more money into the pockets of nine out of 10 Canadian families with children and has helped lift hundreds of thousands of children out of poverty. We will continue to put Canadian families at the heart of everything we do, as we make life more affordable, create good jobs, and grow the economy to benefit all Canadians.

Quotes
“Reaching $10-a-day child care is a huge milestone achievement for families in Newfoundland and Labrador. It means hundreds of dollars per child back in the pockets of hard-working families every month, it means more jobs in early learning and child care, it means a stronger economy for Newfoundland and Labrador, and it means we’re giving every child the best possible start in life.”
Right Honourable Justin Trudeau
Prime Minister of Canada

“Affordable child care helps families and provides more opportunities for parents to take part in the workforce, so I implemented $25-a-day child care within months of becoming Premier. Now our government is proud to remain a leader as one of the first jurisdictions in this country to offer $10-a-day child care, and we continue our efforts to create more spaces as we build a bright future for Newfoundlanders and Labradorians.”
Honourable Andrew Furey
Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador

“Today’s announcement is a major achievement in our governments’ shared vision to make high-quality child care more affordable and accessible for families. This is a great example of what can be achieved when we share a commitment to improving the lives of Canadians. I am deeply proud of this achievement, and I look forward to the day that families across the country can enjoy the benefits families in Newfoundland and Labrador now enjoy today.”
Honourable Karina Gould
Minister of Families, Children and Social Development

“We have made great strides in reducing the cost of child care in our province and we remain focused on meeting the demand, through measures such as increased wages for early childhood educators. Increasing accessibility to affordable child care allows more parents into the workplace and ensures children receive quality early learning, improving the quality of life for families.”
Honourable John Haggie
Minister of Education

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Learn more
Budget 2021: A Canada-wide Early Learning and Child Care Plan

Toward $10-a-Day: Early Learning and Child Care

$10 a day child care for families in Newfoundland and Labrador

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A lock-in for Budget 2023 will be held for media representatives on Thursday, March 23 in the Conference Centre, West Block, Confederation Building.

The agenda for the lock-in is as follows (all times are approximate):

8:30 a.m. Lock-in area opens 9:00 a.m. Lock-in begins 9:45 a.m. Briefing with Finance officials 10:45 a.m. News conference with Minister Siobhan Coady 1:45 p.m. Media representatives move to Confederation Building lobby 2:00 p.m. Embargo lifts when Minister Coady rises to deliver the budget speech

Media are invited to conduct interviews or live coverage of budget proceedings from the Confederation Building lobby. Set up can begin at 9:00 a.m. on Thursday, March 23.

To register, please email Jillian Hood at jillianhood@gov.nl.ca by 4:00 p.m. on Tuesday, March 21.

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The following statement was read in the House of Assembly today by the Honourable Dr. Andrew Furey, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador:

Speaker, one year ago we launched an urgent humanitarian mission to offer safe haven to Ukrainians facing the global threat of Russian aggression.

A Provincial Government team was dispatched to Poland, to meet Ukrainians fleeing the war and extend the opportunity of shelter on our shores.

This selfless work led to not one, but four Government of Newfoundland and Labrador-sponsored airlifts, bringing more than 700 Ukrainians to safety. An additional 1,600 Ukrainians have arrived independently to join a flourishing “community within a community” of over 2,300 Ukrainians in our province.

Speaker, last week I joined our team in Poland and met with Ukrainians. I can report that our province continues to be a destination of choice. Meetings also occurred with Polish officials and the Canadian Ambassador to Poland, where I thanked them for assisting with our mission and for the incredible work they are doing to serve humanity.

Speaker, Newfoundlanders and Labradorians can take heart that their support made this possible. They opened their hearts and homes so that families can take refuge from the ravages of war, and become a part of our vibrant communities.

Ukrainian history is now our history, and our support is unwavering.

SLAVA UKRAINI!

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The Honourable John Hogan, KC, Minister of Justice and Public Safety, will be available to media today (Tuesday, March 14) at 1:00 p.m. to provide an update on the 2021 cyber incident that impacted health-related systems.

The availability will take place in front of the House of Assembly, East Block, Confederation Building.

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The Provincial Government continues to carry out its plan to improve health care in Newfoundland and Labrador with its approach to creating a more effective and efficient system that is focused on improved service delivery and health outcomes for the people of the province, with input from Health Accord NL. With this in mind, Eastern Health has issued a Request for Proposals for space for an Urgent Care Centre in the St. John’s metro region.

An Urgent Care Centre will help address wait times for non-emergent care in the region by providing an additional access point, which will help alleviate pressures in emergency rooms on the Northeast Avalon. The request for proposals can be viewed here.

Globally, Urgent Care Centres help offload increasing demands from emergency departments, treating patients with primary health care and urgent medical needs. They provide access for unexpected, non-life-threatening health concerns which require same day or next day access. Examples of conditions that can be treated through urgent care may include:

• Sprains and strains;
• New and worsening non-emergent pain;
• Fever and infections; and
• Childhood illness and injury, cuts, wound or skin conditions.

More information on Urgent Care Centres can be found here.

The Provincial Government continues to implement its plan, which places emphasis on addressing short and long-term needs, as well as the recruitment and retention of health care professionals. The creation of an Urgent Care Centre in the St. John’s metro region to help alleviate the strain on local emergency departments is in keeping with this plan.

Quotes
“We continue to implement innovative solutions to address the challenges our health care system is facing and provide our residents with access to primary care. While it is difficult to feel the immediate impact resulting from initiatives like this one, significant change takes time and the solutions are complex, and it is all part of our larger plan. Establishing an Urgent Care Centre is a step in the right direction, and will help yield positive results by providing non-emergent care for those who need access but do not need emergency care.”
Honourable Tom Osborne
Minister of Health and Community Services

“Eastern Health is committed to providing safe and accessible health-care options for our clients and their families. This Urgent Care Centre will provide an additional access point of care for non-emergency patients in the metro region, and will help alleviate some of the current pressures and challenges being experienced in both primary health care settings and emergency departments.”
Dr. Rebecca Rudofsky
Clinical Chief, Primary Health Care, Eastern Health

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Health Accord NL

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The Provincial Government, through Inclusion Canada Newfoundland and Labrador, is inviting nominations for the 2023 Inclusive Education Award.

Each year, the award is presented to a K-12 school in Newfoundland and Labrador that has shown exceptional spirit in creating a school that is welcoming and inclusive for students with an intellectual disability.

The deadline for submissions is April 15, 2023 and the nomination form can be found online here.

The recipient in 2022 was St. Matthew’s Elementary in St. John’s. The school was recognized for providing effective support and accommodations to ensure equitable opportunities for students, allowing them to see and feel the encouragement of love, acceptance and inclusion within the school community. The school will upgrade adaptive equipment in its play area and ensure a safe, caring, inclusionary playground. St. Matthew’s Elementary uses adaptive equipment during field trips, and holds an awareness week for neurodiverse learners who participate in spirit days and different activities to celebrate each other.

Inclusion Canada Newfoundland and Labrador is a non-profit organization that works with and on behalf of the more than 15,000 people with intellectual disabilities in our province.

The Provincial Government supports a welcoming school culture where all members of the school community feel they belong, realize their potential, and contribute to the life of the school.

Quotes
“Embracing diversity while teaching and learning together in the classroom makes a more inclusive space for students. Fostering acceptance in our school communities helps children share and work together. I encourage students and teachers to share their experiences about inclusion at their schools and apply for the Inclusive Education Award.
Honourable John Haggie
Minister of Education

“We are pleased to partner again with the Department of Education on this award. While it has been difficult navigating the ‘new normal’ of education, I am confident that inclusion remains a priority in classrooms. It is about creating a new space, a stronger inclusive space for all young people with intellectual disabilities. Supporting a strength-based approach, we seek to celebrate and accommodate the resilience of the next generation. We need to continue to embrace an inclusive educational environment with the support of a society that is responsive, respectful, and ready to truly embrace inclusivity for all our children.”
Dennis Gill
President, Inclusion Canada NL

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Learn more
Nomination Information form for the 2023 Inclusive Education Award

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The Honourable Tom Osborne, Minister of Health and Community Services, will make a health care announcement for the St. John’s region tomorrow (Tuesday, March 14).

The availability will take place in the Media Centre, East Block, Confederation Building at 11:30 a.m. A technical briefing will take place for media at 11:00 a.m.

Minister Osborne will be joined by Dr. Rebecca Rudofsky, Clinical Chief of Primary Health Care, Eastern Health, and Ron Johnson, Vice President, Innovation and Rural Health, Eastern Health.

The availability will be livestreamed on the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador’s Facebook page.

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From March 12 to 19, the Town of Steady Brook and Marble Mountain Ski Resort are hosting journalists from around the world for the 68th annual Ski Club International des Journalistes conference. This event is bringing more than 90 international media from 20 different countries to western Newfoundland for a week of skiing, local site visits, community engagement and more. To assist the town with hosting this international conference, the Provincial and Federal Governments are contributing a total of $77,000.

This conference, a collaboration between the Town of Steady Brook, Marble Mountain Ski Resort and the Ski Club International des Journalistes, offers club members the opportunity to experience and engage in western Newfoundland’s unique offerings, promoting global media coverage of one of the world’s best winter destinations.

The Department of Industry, Energy and Technology is contributing $25,000 through the Regional Development Fund to support the Town of Steady Brook for this event. The Department of Immigration, Population Growth and Skills is providing $12,000, and the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts and Recreation is contributing $10,000 through its Travel Media Program. The Government of Canada, through the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency, is investing $30,000.

Since 1955, the Ski Club International des Journalistes has visited more than 74 ski resorts around the world, generating sought-after international media coverage in its member’s respective media print, broadcast and digital entities.

Quotes
“What an incredible opportunity to highlight western Newfoundland and its tremendous winter experiences. This conference will highlight for media around the world about what we, here in the province, already know; that western Newfoundland is one of the best winter destinations on the planet.”
Honourable Andrew Parsons
Minister of Industry, Energy and Technology

”The beauty of western Newfoundland will provide an incredible backdrop for these journalists to experience all our province has to offer. Their time here will serve as inspiration for a wide range of future travel media exposure, which will raise our province’s profile internationally as a tourism destination.”
Honourable Steve Crocker
Minister of Tourism, Culture, Arts and Recreation

“Journalists from across the world are about to discover Corner Brook’s growing reputation as a world-class skiing and winter recreation hub. We welcome and thank them for choosing our province as the location for the first meeting since the COVID-19 pandemic and look forward to the many ‘only in Newfoundland and Labrador’ stories they’ll share with the world.”
Honourable Gerry Byrne
Minister of Immigration, Population Growth and Skills and MHA for Corner Brook

“This event at Marble Mountain Ski Resort is a wonderful opportunity to showcase western Newfoundland’s stunning natural beauty and incredible outdoor offerings to an international audience. The Government of Canada is committed to supporting activities that bring visitors to our communities, stimulating the economy and strengthening the tourism sector.”
Honourable Gudie Hutchings
Minister of Rural Economic Development and Member of Parliament for Long Range Mountains on behalf of the Honourable Ginette Petitpas Taylor, Minister of Official Languages and Minister responsible for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency

“We couldn’t be more excited to have this group of journalists from around the world visit us here at Marble Mountain in Steady Brook for Ski Club International des Journalistes 68th winter meeting. Marble Mountain is such an important part of our community, and it will be incredible to see all the great press and coverage the resort receives from this event.”
Nigel Jenkins
Councilor, Town of Steady Brook

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Under Section 13.5 of the Fatalities Investigations Act, the Minister of Justice and Public Safety is required, within 60 days after receiving a report from the Child Death Review Committee, to make public those recommendations relating to:

• Relevant protocols, policies and procedures;
• Standards and legislation;
• Linkages and coordination of services; and
• Improvements to services affecting children and pregnant women.

The committee forwarded a report to the minister on January 17, 2023. The report examines the facts and circumstances surrounding the death of a youth as the result of a motor vehicle accident in Newfoundland and Labrador. This report resulted in the following recommendation:

• The Department of Transportation and Infrastructure review Route 330 between Musgrave Harbour and Carmanville to determine whether there is adequate signage indicating moose activity.

This report has been forwarded to the Office of the Child and Youth Advocate.

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The Child and Youth Advocate has reviewed the recent Human Rights decision regarding Carter Churchill and reiterates that all children and youth in Newfoundland and Labrador have a right to the best possible education and school experience. The Human Rights decision highlights the fundamental importance of the right to an education for all children and youth.

This is a critically important decision for Carter, his family and for all d/Deaf and hard of hearing students and future students. The Child and Youth Advocate said, “I fully expect that this ruling will serve as a guidepost to develop policies that will ensure that children with exceptionalities, are able to participate fully in the classroom environment and meet their full potential as students.”

This decision will have positive rights based implications for all children. The Child and Youth Advocate will continue to advocate that the rights of children and youth be recognized, respected and advanced.

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Media contact
Wilma MacInnis
Office of the Child and Youth Advocate
709-753-3888

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The following statement was given today in the House of Assembly by the Honourable Siobhan Coady, Deputy Premier and Minister of Finance:

Speaker, I am pleased to advise this Honourable House that your government is continuing with the tax reduction on gasoline and diesel of 7 cents per litre until March 31, 2024. This maintains a lower price at the pump by 8.05 cents per litre (including HST).

While the rise in cost of living is due to challenges that are global in nature, we know Newfoundlanders and Labradorians feel it close to home. This tax reduction provides meaningful cost savings for the people and businesses of the province and is an initiative of Budget 2023 at an estimated cost of $63.4 million.

Newfoundland and Labrador has the second lowest inflation rate among all provinces; and this move ensures we maintain the second lowest gas tax among all provinces as well.

Speaker, this is just the latest investment in your government’s more than half billion dollars in targeted short and long term measures to help residents with the cost of living since March 2022, including one-time cost of living cheques, the elimination of 15 per cent retail sales tax on home insurance, a home heating supplement program, and many more.

I look forward to delivering my fourth budget as your Minister of Finance in this Honourable House on March 23, 2023.

Thank you.

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The following statement was read in the House of Assembly today by the Honourable Andrew Furey, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador:

I rise today to reflect on the life of a true Newfoundland and Labrador icon, Mr. Gordon Pinsent. One of the province’s most prolific and beloved actors, he will forever be remembered for his work in a range of productions, such as The Forest Rangers, The Red Green Show, The Rowdyman, and voicing Babar, a character beloved by many. His performance in Away From Her is one that some say sealed his reputation in the industry as a national institution.

Spanning a career over six decades, Mr. Pinsent won every major acting prize in the country. He received a Companion of the Order of Canada, a fellow of the Royal Society of Canada, the Governor General’s Performing Arts Award, the Earle Grey Award for lifetime achievement in television and a star on Canada’s Walk of Fame.

Following his passing, celebrities and industry heavyweights have called him a mentor in their lives and careers. But beyond acting, he also taught generations of Newfoundlanders and Labradorians how to be an ambassador for this place – with kindness and a bright sense of humour.

He was labelled a ‘trailblazer’ for many. In the words of one who followed in his footsteps, ‘many are following on a path that he cut through a forest.’

Please join me in remembering Gordon Pinsent, celebrating his legacy and taking pride that he was one of ‘ours.’

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As part of the Provincial Government’s ongoing commitment to support equitable pay practices in the province, government is inviting input from stakeholders and the public on the regulations of the Pay Equity and Pay Transparency Act.

Written submissions and feedback gathered through an online questionnaire on engageNL.ca will be accepted until Sunday, April 23. Targeted stakeholder engagement sessions will begin in the coming weeks, with in-person sessions being offered throughout the province as well as virtual engagement options.

The regulations will be finalized and made public by the end of 2023, and will reflect public input, industry expertise and the unique perspective of stakeholders.

The legislation and regulations build on the Provincial Government’s ongoing efforts to support women and gender diverse people in Newfoundland and Labrador.

Quotes
“Our government is committed to continuing to advance equitable compensation practices throughout Newfoundland and Labrador. This consultation process will provide valuable information to help inform the regulations of the Pay Equity and Pay Transparency Act. I encourage members of the public, as well as stakeholders, to provide their input during the consultation period.”
Honourable Pam Parsons
Minister Responsible for Women and Gender Equality

“Our government is following up on its commitment to develop regulations for the Pay Equity and Pay Transparency Act that reflect the input and expertise of key stakeholders. I look forward to hearing the perspectives of all stakeholders.”
Honourable Bernard Davis
Minister Responsible for Labour

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Today, the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador is announcing an extension of the tax reduction on gasoline and diesel of 7 cents per litre for the next year, until March 31, 2024. This maintains a lower price at the pump by 8.05 cents per litre (includes HST). This reduction is one of many initiatives delivered by the Provincial Government to support residents, families and businesses with the currently high cost of living.

While this rise in cost of living is due to challenges that are global in nature, we know Newfoundlanders and Labradorians feel it close to home. The tax reduction for gasoline and diesel was initially set until January 1, 2023. It was later extended until March 31, 2023. Further extending the tax reduction until March 31, 2024 is an initiative of Budget 2023 at an estimated cost of $63.4 million. Budget 2023 will be delivered in the House of Assembly on Thursday, March 23, 2023.

The Honourable Dr. Andrew Furey, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador, and the Honourable Siobhan Coady, Deputy Premier and Minister of Finance, will be available to media at 1:00 p.m. today (Monday, March 13) to speak about the extension of the gas tax reduction and Budget Day. The availability will take place in front of the House of Assembly, East Block, Confederation Building.

The 7.5 cents per litre tax on gasoline in Newfoundland and Labrador is the lowest among provinces other than Alberta.

This extended gasoline tax reduction is the latest in more than a half billion dollars in targeted short- and long-term measures announced since March 2022 to help residents with the cost of living, as detailed in the backgrounder below.

Quotes
“Our government recognizes the challenges Newfoundlanders and Labradorians face due to the global pressures causing a high cost of living. We continue to make responsible investments in the programs and services Newfoundlanders and Labradorians rely on, while also paying down debt and saving for the future. People throughout the province can expect more of that commitment as we build on the nearly half a billion dollars of cost of living relief given back to residents over the past 12 months.”
Honourable Dr. Andrew Furey
Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador

“The extension of the gasoline tax reduction is one of many ways we are helping residents at this time. Budget 2023, to be delivered on March 23, will continue to build on measures focused on the health of our province, including our financial health.”
Honourable Siobhan Coady
Deputy Premier and Minister of Finance

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Government Introduces Additional Measures to Help Residents with the Cost of Living

Government Announces Five-point Plan to Help Newfoundlanders and Labradorians with the High Cost of Living

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BACKGROUNDER

Government of Newfoundland and Labrador Cost of Living Investments
The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador has announced more than a half billion dollars in targeted short- and long-term measures since March 2022 to help residents with the cost of living, including:

Short-term:

• One-time cost of living relief up to $500 for residents of the province who have reached the age of 18 years as of December 31, 2022 and who filed a 2021 tax return with an adjusted income of $125,000 or less;
• Temporarily lowering the price at the pump by 8.05 cents per litre (includes HST) to March 31, 2024. This is possible through a reduction in the provincial tax on gasoline and diesel by 7 cents per litre;
• Home heating supplement program (now closed for applications). The supplement ranged between $200 and $500, was available to residents of the province whose adjusted family income for 2021 was $150,000 or less and had directly incurred costs for the purchase of furnace or stove oil to heat their home;
• In April 2022, provided a one-time benefit for those receiving income support ($5 million);
• Elimination of the 15 per cent retail sales tax on home insurance ($37.8 million); and,
• 50 per cent reduction in registration fees for passenger vehicles, light duty trucks and taxis for one year ($27 million).

Transition:

• Funding for electric vehicle rebates and charging infrastructure ($1.9 million);
• Funding to help homes transition from oil to electricity ($2 million);
• Three increases to the minimum wage based on the recommendation of the Minimum Wage Review Committee:
• On October 1, 2022 the minimum wage increased by 50 cents, bringing it to $13.70 per hour;
• On April 1, 2023, the minimum wage will increase by 80 cents bringing the rate to $14.50 per hour;
• On October 1, 2023, the minimum wage will increase by 50 cents, bringing it to $15.00 per hour; and
• A one-year transitional support program for smaller employers at a cost of approximately $5 million.

Long-term:

• 10 per cent increase to the Income Supplement ($6.8 million);
• 10 per cent increase to the Seniors’ Benefit ($6.5 million);
• Lower child care costs from an average of $35 per day in 2020, to $25 in 2021, to $10 a day starting in January 2023 ($46 million);
• An increase in the Pre-Natal Infant Nutrition Supplement ($0.3 million);
• Physical Activity Tax Credit (estimated $7.0 million); and,
• Expansion of the Bus Pass Program to seniors over age 65 who are receiving the Guaranteed Income Supplement and youth receiving services from the Youth Services Program ($2.1 million).

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The Provincial Government continues to recognize that the global pressures causing the high cost of living are placing a strain on households across the province. Building on more than half a billion dollars in cost of living relief since Budget 2022, the Honourable Bernard Davis, Minister of Environment and Climate Change, today announced that the Provincial Government will be expanding the oil to electric rebate program for residents of Newfoundland and Labrador.

The initiative, funded through Budget 2023, will assist residents looking to switch from oil furnaces to electricity heating technologies.

The Provincial Government is currently working with the Federal Government on a new multi-year funding program to expand their collective efforts for residential home heating rebates. The program will support approximately 10,000 homeowners to transition their homes from oil heat to electric heat.

The expanded rebate program will be available for low to high income ranges. Rebates will be a minimum of $5,000, and may increase based on income level and the type of heating system installation. The program will continue to be administered by the province’s electric utilities and will provide an option to pay the rebate directly to installers to help alleviate upfront costs to homeowners.

Further details on the new program will be provided at a later date.

This expansion is made possible in part from funding announced by the Federal Government in September 2022 through the Low Carbon Economy Fund to make home heating more affordable. This funding is meant to be complementary to the federal Oil to Heat Pump Affordability Grant launched in February 2023. These investments will support provinces and territories with programming to help Canadians switch from oil furnaces to electricity heating technologies, including more energy-efficient heat pump systems.

Quotes
“Since the creation of the province’s Oil to Electric Rebate Program in May 2021, $6.95 million in rebates have been provided, converting 1,440 homes from oil to electric heat. We are pleased to announce that we will be creating a new program with our federal partners and expanding the investment for residents at various income levels. This is another example of our commitment to take action on climate change and the affordability of home heating, which in turn is contributing to a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions and our goal of net-zero emissions by 2050.”
Honourable Bernard Davis
Minister of Environment and Climate Change

“Making life more affordable for Canadians while fighting climate change is what our government has set out to do. I’m delighted we will continue to work with the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador to make this a reality by ensuring home heating is both affordable and sustainable. ”
Honourable Gudie Hutchings
Federal Minister of Rural Economic Development and Member of Parliament for Long Range Mountains

“If we can help Newfoundlanders and Labradorians move off home heating oil, we’ll help make life more affordable. So we’ll be working with the Province to make it easier to switch to cleaner, more reliable and cheaper energy sources to heat homes.”
Honourable Seamus O’Regan Jr.
Federal Minister of Labour and Member of Parliament for St. John’s South–Mount Pearl

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