Government of Newfoundland News

The Honourable John G. Abbott, Minister of Housing and Minister of Mental Health and Addictions, will provide a progress update on the first year of the Five-Point Housing Plan tomorrow (Friday, September 27).

The event will take place at the Newfoundland and Labrador Construction Association Offices, located at 397 Stavanger Drive, Suite 202, at 11:00 a.m. A technical briefing for media will take place at 10:30 a.m.

Minister Abbott will be joined at the update by Derek Brown, Board Chair of the Newfoundland and Labrador Construction Association and Alexis Foster, Executive Officer of the Canadian Home Builders’ Association Newfoundland and Labrador.

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The Department of Education is clarifying the Student Supervision Policy, particularly in relation to school athletics.

The department is assuring all school communities in Newfoundland and Labrador that there have been no recent changes to this policy.

Schools should continue to work within this policy to meet their needs as they have done every other year. As the policy states, a teacher sponsor is preferred but, when one is not available, a lead volunteer can be appointed by the school administrator. To emphasize, this practice is unchanged.

The Department of Education greatly values the role of school sports and all extracurricular activities within the system and is committed to working with all schools to enhance student participation. The department extends gratitude to the educators and volunteers who generously give their time to support these activities.

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The Honourable Fred Hutton, Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure and Minister of Rural Economic Development, will make an announcement related to physical activity on Friday, September 27.

The event will take place at 10:00 a.m. in the East Block Lobby of Confederation Building.

Minister Hutton will be joined at the announcement by Dr. Pat Parfrey, Deputy Minister of Health Transformation, Jon Malton, Director of Partnerships, ParticipACTION, and Carla Sullivan, Recreation Newfoundland and Labrador.

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September 30 is being observed as a Day for Truth and Reconciliation in Newfoundland and Labrador to honour survivors and raise awareness about the terrible legacy of residential schools in Canada, including this province.

Newfoundlanders and Labradorians are encouraged to take the time to learn about residential schools and reflect on the histories and cultures of Indigenous Peoples. Many Indigenous Governments and Organizations are planning ceremonies and events to commemorate this day.

The day is also observed as Orange Shirt Day. Residents are invited to wear orange on this day and any day of the year. Wearing orange honours the children who attended residential schools and recognizes the traumatic experience of Phyllis Webstad, who had her new orange shirt taken away from her on the first day she attended a residential school.

The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador delivered apologies on behalf of people of the province to members of NunatuKavut who attended residential schools and to survivors of Labrador Inuit residential schools. These events took place on September 29, 2023, in Cartwright, and November 1-3. 2023, in Nunatsiavut and Happy Valley-Goose Bay.

Confederation Building will be lit in orange on the evening of September 30 to commemorate all those affected by residential schools. Flags at all provincial buildings will be flown at half-mast in memory of the children who never returned home. The Survivor’s Flag for the Day for Truth and Reconciliation will be flown on the courtesy pole at Confederation Building.

Government offices, schools and other entities will be closed on September 30 as the provincial public service joins Canadians in commemorating survivors and stand with families and communities who are grieving.

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“September 30 is a day to remember and honour the survivors, families and communities of the residential school system. We all bear a responsibility to educate ourselves about the hardships experienced by children while attending residential schools. As a government, we have pledged to shape a future with Indigenous Peoples that is founded on respect, cooperation, partnership and trust.”
Honourable Scott Reid
Minister Responsible for Indigenous Affairs and Reconciliation

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Learn more
Premier Furey Delivering Apologies to Residential Schools Survivors in Nunatsiavut and Happy Valley-Goose Bay

Premier Furey Delivers Apology to Former Students of the Residential School System in NunatuKavut

Orange Shirt Day

Indigenous Governments and Organizations in Newfoundland and Labrador

Federal Government Statutory Holiday

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The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador, in collaboration with the Registered Nurses’ Union of Newfoundland and Labrador and NL Health Services, has launched an online survey to gather feedback from nurse practitioners working in the province’s health system. A survey for nurse practitioner students is also being launched.

The results of the surveys will inform recommendations to improve career opportunities for nurse practitioners in Newfoundland and Labrador.

Nurse practitioners and students will be asked questions related to:

• Improving access to health services
• Reporting structures
• Enabling opportunities for nurse practitioners to develop additional competencies
• Enhancing opportunities for leadership and autonomy

The surveys will be available to complete via survey links that will be sent by the Registered Nurses Union to its members.

These surveys complement other collaborations between the Provincial Government and the Registered Nurses’ Union including the collective agreement signed last year, as well as initiatives that arose from the 2022 Nursing Think Tank such as self-scheduling and childcare for health care workers.
Quotes
“Our government looks forward to working with our valued nurse practitioners to improve their scope of practice and opportunities for leadership and autonomy in the public system. Expanded opportunities will help with retention, which will increase access to health care for residents.”
Honourable John Hogan, KC
Minister of Health and Community Services

“Our nurse practitioners are instrumental to the long-term sustainable success of our public health care system. We have been advocating for solutions such as nurse practitioner-led clinics to improve access to primary health care, expanding the nursing travel locum province-wide, and recognition of the work and expertise of our nurse practitioners in the delivery of life improving health care through a fair and equitable job evaluation process. This survey is an important step in that process and provides our nurse practitioners with direct input into this process. I encourage all nurse practitioners in our public health care system to complete the survey.”
Yvette Coffey, RN
President, Registered Nurses’ Union of Newfoundland and Labrador

“NL Health Services is always looking for ways to improve the work experience of our health care staff. Through the retention task force, we are working closely with our staff to ensure meaningful and lasting improvements that make a real difference in their work. The surveys provide a valuable opportunity for nurse practitioners to share their insights and ensure their voices are included in the discussion. The information gathered will be critical in shaping improvements that directly impact their daily work.”
Debbie Molloy
Vice President – Human Resources, NL Health Services.

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Learn more
Recruitment and Retention Incentives Available for Retired Registered Nurses and Nurse Practitioners

Provincial Government and Registered Nurses’ Union Newfoundland and Labrador Sign Collective Agreement

Work in Health NL

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As the Provincial Government continues to reflect on the social, economic and health impacts of well-being this week, it is important to consider the link between climate change and our peace of mind. Newfoundlanders and Labradorians know that the impacts of climate change are costly – not just for the environment, but for their pocketbooks.

Today, the Honourable Lisa Dempster, Minister of Environment and Climate Change, reminds residents of the programs in place to assist with creating a greener community while prioritizing affordability:

• The Oil to Electric Incentive Program
• The Electric Vehicle Rebate Program

Newfoundlanders and Labradorians are benefiting from these programs. Since 2021, over 3,600 homeowners have switched from oil to electric heat through the oil to electric incentive program. Over 90 per cent of the electricity in Newfoundland and Labrador comes from clean, renewable sources. By switching to an electric heat source, homeowners support a greener future for our province. Prioritizing affordability while preparing for the impacts of climate change ensures a strong economy and clean air for our communities.

Electric vehicle sales have achieved over a 1,000 per cent growth since 2018, averaging two new electric vehicles on the road each day. Since 2021, over 1,650 electric vehicle purchases have been approved for the rebate. To support the growth of electric vehicles on our province’s roads and highways, ongoing investments are being made to expand fast charging infrastructure. The provincial government has invested $3.2 million toward a total project cost of about $10 million to date, with more chargers planned for implementation.

As well, as part of well-being week, Minister Dempster took time today to meet with environmental science students at Memorial University’s Grenfell Campus for a round-table discussion on the links between the environment and well-being. Students were encouraged to share their thoughts on how policy and science can work to create stronger, greener communities in the future.

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“I am thankful for the insights shared with me today by our province’s future environmental leaders and policy makers. While today government is focusing on how current programs offer residents the ways and means to make small changes towards a greener community, the fight against climate change will continue, as will programs to assist in building a more sustainable future. As we think about well-being, I encourage all Newfoundlanders and Labradorians to consider availing of these programs.”
Honourable Lisa Dempster
Minister of Environment and Climate Change

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The Oil to Electric Incentive Program

The Electric Vehicle Rebate Program

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As part of continued efforts to support teaching professionals to enhance math education for students in Newfoundland and Labrador, applications are now being accepted from K-12 teachers to participate in the Supporting Teachers/Educators in Lifelong Learning and Reflection (STELLAR) Program.

The STELLAR Program is designed to be a flexible model to promote professional learning opportunities in mathematics education. It is intended to support educators who identify mathematics pedagogy or content as a professional learning priority, need, or interest.

There are five funding routes available through the STELLAR Program:

• Availing of a K-12 mathematics bursary
• Engaging in self-directed learning
• Establishing a professional learning community
• Participating in a mentorship program
• Attending an institute or conference

Applications for STELLAR routes are accepted throughout the year except for the month of March. Applications must be submitted at least one month (by date) in advance of projected start dates.

The Provincial Government is taking action to improve the educational experience of students in the K-12 public education system, which includes promoting the STELLAR Program that promotes professional learning opportunities for educators in mathematics education.

Further actions include Education Accord NL, which will reimagine and transform the education system and support better outcomes for students and learners, and recently announced curriculum renewal, new evaluation framework for high school students,  and increased math specialists to support teachers and students.

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“The STELLAR Program is an excellent opportunity for teachers and educators to expand their professional learning in mathematics. As we move forward with a focus on improving outcomes for our students in math, providing this program for educators is vital to their skill development as they prepare students to consider future options following their academic learning. I encourage those in mathematics education to get involved in this opportunity where possible. I thank all educators for their continued commitment to advancing their skill, knowledge and professionalism.”
Honourable Krista Lynn Howell
Minister of Education

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Learn more
Provincial Government Continues Work on Curriculum Renewal for K-12 Public Education System

School Bussing Now Available to all K-12 Students

Provincial Advisory Council on Education Regulations Now in Force

Newfoundland and Labrador Studies Course to Become Graduation Requirement for High School Students

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The Honourable John G. Abbott, Minister of Housing and Minister of Mental Health and Addictions, will speak at a Clarenville Chamber of Commerce luncheon tomorrow (Wednesday, September 25) where he will outline how the Provincial Government is addressing housing challenges and opportunities.

The event will take place at the Clarenville Inn, 134 Trans-Canada Highway, Clarenville, at 12:00 p.m.

The Clarenville Area Chamber of Commerce’s mission is to promote and improve the economic climate of the Clarenville area, to support the needs and concerns of the business community, and to enhance both the civic and social well-being of the community as a whole.

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In recognition of Well-Being Week, the Provincial Government is making a combined $30,000 investment in four community organizations to help them improve their ability to support the health and well-being of Newfoundlanders and Labradorians.

• Food Producers Forum – $10,000 to support a strategic planning session with members and agriculture stakeholders to identify priorities and opportunities for the organization. The organization supports the expansion of local food production and distribution across the province through their Provincial Food Network. They also provide information and services to help Newfoundland and Labrador food producers move toward food security.
• The Canadian Mental Health Association – $8,400 for organizational governance training and a strategic planning workshop to explore potential social enterprise opportunities. The association provides access to resources needed to maintain and improve mental health, support community integration, build resilience, and aid recovery from mental illness. By providing mental health training and support in the workplace, the association helps reduce workplace stress, improves employee productivity, and decreases absenteeism and turnover rates.
• Thrive Community Youth Network – $1,600 to support a strategic planning workshop to explore potential social enterprise models for the organization. The organization’s mandate is to help vulnerable individuals achieve their full potential and enhance the capacity of social serving agencies. They provide support and services to resilient youth and young adults who live in poverty and have limited access to mainstream programs and services and youth service providers within the St. John’s Metro Region.
• SmartICE – $10,000 for the delivery of risk management and strategic planning modules to assist with a foundational review and renewal of their strategic directions. The organization is a community-oriented social enterprise offering a suite of climate change adaptation tools designed to incorporate sea-ice monitoring data with local Indigenous knowledge of sea ice conditions, which can contribute to more informed decisions regarding safe land, water, and sea-ice use.

Well-being isn’t just about physical activity, it’s a fundamental part of a person’s overall health and can include everything from physical, mental, social, economic and environmental factors.  The work being carried out by these groups is directly contributing to the well-being of Newfoundlanders and Labradorians by working to improve aspects such as access to good food, mental health resources, social connection and safety.

The funding is through the Community Capacity Building Program, which assists groups by enhancing skills essential to regional economic planning, development and implementation. The program offers capacity building modules, planning sessions, and industry development sessions to interested stakeholders with a clear link to economic and business development.

Since April 2023, the Provincial Government has supported 82 projects under the Community Capacity Building Program through an investment of almost $400,000.

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“This assistance from the Community Capacity Building program will support these groups in carrying out activities and workshops that will ultimately have positive impacts on their efforts to improve the well-being of Newfoundlanders and Labradorians. We are pleased to collaborate with these organizations to do this important work.”
Honourable Andrew Parsons, KC
Minister of Industry, Energy and Technology

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Community Capacity Building Program

Food Producers Forum

The Canadian Mental Health Association NL

Thrive Community Youth Network

SmartICE

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Submissions are now being accepted for one of Newfoundland and Labrador’s most prestigious arts and cultural recognition initiatives – the annual Arts and Letters Award Program.

The Arts and Letters Awards Program encourages the creation of new works of art by both professional and non-professional artists of all ages in Newfoundland and Labrador. The program provides an opportunity to submit works for adjudication and recognizes excellence through the awarding of monetary prizes and the exhibition of meritorious entries, where appropriate and feasible. Original creative work in literature, music, visual art, and media arts are eligible.

In addition to the regular awards program, this year’s Arts and Letters Awards Program includes a one-time, multidisciplinary Confederation 75 category. As the Province commemorates the 75th anniversary of Confederation, artists are invited to create and submit works that reflect the impact of Confederation and/or our relationship with Canada.

The submission deadline for this year’s competition is November 20, 2024. The deadline for the special Confederation 75 category is December 2, 2024.

Applications and further information on the program can be found here.

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“The Arts and Letters Awards Program celebrates the accomplishments of Newfoundland and Labrador’s artists – both young and old, established and emerging. This longstanding and cherished cultural program inspires creative expression and has advanced our culture immensely. It is my hope that the multidisciplinary Confederation 75 category will inspire creativity, reflection and a deeper understanding of both our national and provincial identities. Arts and heritage, in all forms, are a vital part of the province’s success stories and we are beyond proud to support this creative process and program year over year.”
Honourable Steve Crocker
Minister of Tourism, Culture, Arts and Recreation

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Arts and Letters Awards Program

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The Honourable Pam Parsons, Minister Responsible for Women and Gender Equality, today announced a call for proposals for a new Community Violence Prevention Grants Program that will see $525,000 distributed to groups and organizations throughout the province in 2024-25.

Funding for the program is made possible through a $13.6-million, four-year bilateral agreement with Women and Gender Equality Canada under the National Action Plan to End Gender-based Violence.

The program’s objectives support targeted and community-driven efforts, led by community partners within Newfoundland and Labrador, to address the complex root causes of gender-based violence, violence against women, girls and 2SLGBTQQIA+ people, particularly those living in rural areas, and to help reduce underlying risk factors that lead to harm and victimization.

Projects must be related to community-based violence prevention, to a maximum request of $50,000.

Consideration will be given to proposals that focus on:

• Building community support networks, especially at the regional and/or municipal levels.
• Supporting survivors, their families, and their communities.
• Engaging men and boys in gender-based violence prevention.
• Ending the normalization of violence within communities.
• Addressing stigma against gender-based violence.
• Promoting healing and mental well-being of those impacted by gender-based violence.

Program guidelines, criteria, application form and contact information can be found here. Applications must be submitted to the provincial Office of Women and Gender Equality on or before October 21, 2024, at 11:59 p.m. Newfoundland Time.

Quotes
“As we launch this new Community Violence Prevention Program, we take a critical step towards ensuring the safety and well-being of all residents of Newfoundland and Labrador. This program represents our collective commitment to addressing the root causes of violence, providing support for those affected, and fostering safer, stronger communities. Together, we will create a future where every person can thrive, free from fear and harm.”
Honourable Pam Parsons
Minister Responsible for Women and Gender Equality

“Survivors of gender-based violence deserve timely support, and I am proud that the investments from the National Action Plan to End Gender-based Violence will support groups and organizations in Newfoundland and Labrador to do just that. This is proof that when governments work together, we can create a more inclusive, safe and equal place to live for women, girls, and all Newfoundlanders and Labradorians.”
Honourable Marci Ien
Minister for Women and Gender Equality and Youth

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Office of Women and Gender Equality

National Action Plan to End Gender-based Violence

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A new hip fracture unit is being established at St. Clare’s Mercy Hospital, which will improve the way patients receive care while recovering from hip repair surgery.

The new unit will help reduce the current surgical backlog and surgical wait times in the province and aligns with the Seniors’ Health and Well-Being Plan, which focuses on improving seniors’ well-being and supporting healthy aging.

The Honourable Dr. Andrew Furey, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador, will be available to media today, Tuesday, September 24, at 12:00 noon in Confederation Building, East Block, to discuss the new unit. Premier Furey will be joined by the Honourable John Hogan, KC, Minister of Health and Community Services, the Honourable Paul Pike, Minister of Children, Seniors, and Social Development, Dr. Angela Bussey, Clinical Chief of Surgical Services, NL Health Services – Eastern Urban Zone, and Dr. Pat Parfrey, Deputy Minister of Health Transformation.

Hip fracture repairs are urgent, and surgeries can result in cancellation of other planned surgeries. Dedicating a unit for patients recovering from hip fracture surgeries will create capacity that will reduce length of stay. NL Health Services anticipates the unit will help decrease elective surgery cancellations by 100 per year.

Currently, patients with hip fractures can be admitted to any surgical floor in the hospital. Establishing the new 12-bed dedicated hip fracture unit at the hospital will ensure health care professionals will be able to provide best practices for patients recovering from hip surgery in one unit rather than multiple areas of the hospital.

NL Health Services anticipates approximately 530 hip fractures to occur in the province by the end of the year. This number is estimated to increase to 800 annually due to an increase in the average age of residents.

The Surgical Backlog Task Force provided 32 recommendations to reduce the surgical backlog in the province in August 2023.

Quotes
“This is another step our government is taking to improve health care for patients. Units dedicated to hip fractures have been introduced in other hospitals across Canada and have led to a reduction in length of hospital stay and improved access to hip fracture repair. With the new unit, health care professionals will be able to provide even better care for patients recovering from hip fractures. This new unit, and other initiatives such as the travelling orthopedic program and same-day fly-in/fly-out service, is helping improve access to surgery for patients in our province.”
Honourable Dr. Andrew Furey
Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador

“Initiatives by our government are helping to reduce wait times and leading to patients getting the surgeries they need sooner than they had anticipated. We continue to work with NL Health Services and the province’s health care professionals to implement recommendations from Health Accord NL and the Provincial Surgical Task Force, which is creating a more efficient health care system.”
Honourable John Hogan, KC
Minister of Health and Community Services

“A dedicated, specialized hip fracture unit at St. Clare’s Mercy Hospital will allow for a multidisciplinary team approach to hip fracture management and a smoother recovery for our patients. At Newfoundland and Labrador Health Services, we focus on patient-centered care that helps individuals regain function, independence, and mobility after surgery. This hip fracture unit will streamline services, improve communication across the patient’s care continuum, and support the patient and their families in a comprehensive way. It is a pivotal step forward in transforming health care delivery for our older adult population.”
Dr. Angela Bussey
Clinical Chief of Surgical Services, NL Health Services – Eastern Urban Zone

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Learn more
Government of Newfoundland and Labrador Taking Action to Reduce Surgical Wait Times

Provincial Surgical Backlog Task Force Report

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The Acting Information and Privacy Commissioner, Jacqueline Lake Kavanagh, has released her Report A-2024-042 under authority of the Access to Information and Protection of Privacy Act, 2015. A summary of the Report is included below.

To view the Report in its entirety, please go to https://www.oipc.nl.ca/reports/reports/.

Report:  A-2024-042 Report Date: September 23, 2024 Public Body: Department of Environment and Climate Change Summary: The Complainant made an access request under the Access to Information and Protection of Privacy Act, 2015 to the Department of Environment and Climate Change. The Department did not respond to the request within the timeframe required by section 16 of the Act. Section 16 says that a failure to respond by the deadline is considered to be a refusal of access, so the Complainant asked the Commissioner to investigate the Department’s deemed refusal. The Commissioner found that the Department had not complied with its obligation under the Act, in particular section 16 (time limit for final response). A final response to the access request was provided to the Complainant during the informal resolution period, 80 business days after the request had been made to the Department. The Commissioner recommended that the Department maintain communication with applicants and comply with its statutory duties in the future.

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Media contact
Sean Murray
Director of Research & Quality Assurance
709-729-6309

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The Honourable Derek Bennett, Speaker of the House of Assembly, the Honourable Krista Lynn Howell, Minister of Education, and the Honourable Steve Crocker, Minister of Tourism, Culture, Arts and Recreation, are pleased to announce the Confederation 75 Teachers Institute on Parliamentary Democracy.

Complementing commemorations for the 75th anniversary of Confederation, the inaugural professional development and learning opportunity for educators focused on democracy, governance and citizenship will take place in St. John’s from November 25 to 27, 2024.

The Teachers Institute provides a unique opportunity for educators to experience first-hand the inner workings of parliament and the broader structure of government, gain insight into the role of elected officials and exchange best practices with peers in the focal point of democracy in our province.

Participating educators return to the classroom with renewed energy to share the knowledge gained with students and colleagues, helping to increase engagement with parliament for people in areas who cannot readily visit the Legislature in person, and increase awareness respecting democracy, governance and citizenship.

The Teachers Institute is open to educators in grades Kindergarten to 12 across Newfoundland and Labrador, and successful applicants will be eligible for the coverage of travel costs associated with participation in the program. Further information is available on the House of Assembly website, including the application form. The deadline to apply is October 20, 2024.

Quotes
“As Speaker of the House of Assembly, I’m pleased to join with the Ministers of Education and Tourism, Culture, Arts and Recreation in announcing the Confederation 75 Teachers Institute on Parliamentary Democracy, an initiative that will provide educators of our province a unique professional development opportunity. Outreach and education are key pillars of democracy, and teachers play an invaluable role in providing knowledge of governance and citizenship to the youth of our province. I encourage those educators who are interested in learning more about parliament and our Legislature to apply for this exciting opportunity.”
Honourable Derek Bennett
Speaker of the House of Assembly

“It is important that educators in the province have opportunities to engage with the Legislature and foster an understanding of governance, democracy, and citizenship. This initiative will be a positive experience for those who participate, and I am sure that each educator will return to the classroom to enhance learning for students. I thank the Speaker of the House of Assembly for implementing this initiative and encourage educators to apply.”
Honourable Krista Lynn Howell
Minister of Education

“What better time to launch the inaugural Teachers Institute on Parliamentary Democracy than during the 75th anniversary of Newfoundland and Labrador’s Confederation with Canada. Confederation was a pinnacle moment in our province’s history and this educational program will be a fantastic resource for educators and a legacy of this year’s anniversary celebrations.”
Honourable Steve Crocker
Minister of Tourism, Culture, Arts and Recreation

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Confederation 75 Teachers Institute on Parliamentary Democracy
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The Honourable Dr. Andrew Furey, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador, today declared Newfoundland and Labrador as Canada’s first Well-Being Province. Becoming Canada’s first Well-Being Province solidifies the targeted approach that the Provincial Government is placing on the factors that contribute to the well-being of residents and communities. As a Well-Being Province, the Provincial Government, communities, businesses, and organizations will be leaders in implementing a well-being-based approach in their policies and programs.

Premier Furey made the announcement at the Colonial Building in St. John’s where he was joined by Colin Corcoran, Chief Executive Officer of the Community Sector Council.

Well-being encompasses the physical, mental, social, economic and environmental factors that contribute to a person’s health. These factors are known as the social determinants of health, and include such things as:

• Access to safe housing, good food and clean water;
• Financial and economic security;
• Quality education; and
• Equality, social connection, and safety.

To improve health outcomes, the Provincial Government has launched a Poverty Reduction Plan, a Seniors’ Health and Well-Being Plan, family care teams, disability benefits, as well as invested in such things as accessible housing, child care, and clean water.

Through a well-being-based approach to policy and decision making the Provincial Government will continue its commitment towards improving the overall well-being of Newfoundlanders and Labradorians through the implementation of programs that target the social determinants of health.

Over the course of Well-Being Week, residents are encouraged to participate in the wide-ranging engaging, social, and educational events that are scheduled to take place across the province and learn more about how the social determinants of health contribute to their health and well-being. The list of events can be found here.

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“Becoming Canada’s first Well-Being Province is a significant moment for Newfoundland and Labrador. By placing well-being at the forefront of policy and decision-making we will improve health outcomes for all residents. Today’s declaration strengthens our resolve to achieving our goal of becoming one of Canada’s healthiest provinces by 2031 and reducing our reliance on the provincial health care system.”
Honourable Dr. Andrew Furey
Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador

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Why is Well-being Important?

What does Well-being Mean to You?

Why is Well-being important for your health?

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Backgrounder
Well–Being Week is an initiative to create further awareness of the importance of well-being, how it affects an individual’s daily life, and how it can bring positive change to the social factors that contribute to a person’s overall health outcomes and quality of life. As health outcomes are influenced by more than health care, the province has made record investments with significant work underway to support the social determinants of health and highlight the importance of well-being.

This includes the following actions:

• A New Public Health Framework
• Seniors’ Health and Well-Being Plan
• Newfoundland and Labrador Disability Benefit
• Improving Access to Early Learning and Child Care
• Education Accord NL
• Inclusive and Accessible Communities
• Housing
• Poverty Reduction
• Health Care Action

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The Acting Information and Privacy Commissioner, Jacqueline Lake Kavanagh, has released her Report A-2024-041 under authority of the Access to Information and Protection of Privacy Act, 2015. A summary of the Report is included below.

To view the Report in its entirety, please go to https://www.oipc.nl.ca/reports/reports/.

Report:         A-2024-041
Report Date: September 20, 2024
Public Body:  Department of Justice and Public Safety

Summary:     The Complainant made a request under the Access to Information and Protection of Privacy Act, 2015 to the Department of Justice and Public Safety. The Department did not respond to the request in the timeframe required by section 16 of the Act and was deemed to have refused access. The Complainant made a complaint to this Office. The Commissioner found the Department had not complied with its obligations under the Act, in particular sections 13 (duty to assist) and 16 (time limit for final response). The Commissioner recommended the Department respond to the Complainant’s request without further delay, comply with its statutory duties in the future, apply for extensions when necessary, provide updates to applicants if deadlines are missed, provide periodic partial disclosure with appropriate, and provide a final response to the request within 10 business days of receipt of this Report.

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Media Contact:

Sean Murray
Director of Research & Quality Assurance
(709) 729-6309

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The Honourable John Hogan, KC, Minister of Health and Community Services, and the Honourable Elvis Loveless, Minister of Digital Government and Service NL, are pleased to recognize September 23-September 29, 2024, as Environmental Public Health Week in Newfoundland and Labrador.

This year’s theme – Create resilient communities through disaster risk reduction and climate change mitigation and adaptation – highlights the vital role that environmental public health professionals play in protecting residents and strengthening communities by ensuring safe and healthy environments.

Environmental public health professionals in Newfoundland and Labrador have been on the front lines of disaster response and recovery, helping to ensure safe drinking water and waste disposal, and sharing information about food safety, and indoor and outdoor air quality.

They are engaged across diverse areas of practice and have a wide range of responsibilities including food safety inspections; monitoring the quality of drinking water; and carrying out health-related inspections of child care facilities, schools, personal care homes and long-term care facilities, as well as recreational facilities.

They are certified to enforce public health legislation, ensuring that water, air, food, land and facilities in this province are safe.

Environmental Public Health Week is a national campaign by the Canadian Institute of Public Health Inspectors (CIPHI), a national professional association of public health inspectors that works to protect the health of all Canadians by providing certification, education and ongoing professional competencies to environmental public health professionals.

Quotes
“Environmental Public Health Week is an excellent opportunity to recognize and appreciate environmental health officers whose work is vital to protecting the health and well-being of individuals and communities. I would like to thank all environmental public health professionals for their dedicated efforts across a diverse range of fields to protect the health and safety of all Newfoundlanders and Labradorians.”

Honourable John Hogan, KC
Minister of Health and Community Services

“The commitment and professionalism of Newfoundland and Labrador’s environmental health officers contributes to the safety and well-being of families and communities all throughout the province. Officers can now complete inspections electronically while they are in the field. This is a time-saving tool that means efficient delivery of services to residents and workload support for staff. Environmental Public Health Week 2024 is an opportunity to reflect on the valuable work staff do every day, to hold our public water systems, childcare facilities, restaurants, workplaces and more to high safety standards. Thank you for all you do for the people of the province.”
Honourable Elvis Loveless
Minister of Digital Government and Service NL

“Environmental public health professionals are a vital part of our public health system. They work diligently to help keep our communities safe. I would like to take this opportunity to thank environmental health officers for their continued dedication to public health in Newfoundland and Labrador.”
Dr. Janice Fitzgerald
Chief Medical Officer of Health

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Learn more
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The Honourable Dr. Andrew Furey, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador, will make an announcement related to well-being today (Monday, September 23) at the Colonial Building, 90 Military Road, St. John’s, at 3:00 p.m.

Premier Furey will be joined by Colin Corcoran, Chief Executive Officer of the Community Sector Council of Newfoundland and Labrador.

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Three of Atlantic Canada’s access to information oversight offices are coming together during this year’s Right to Know Week for a live virtual panel discussion. Joining them will be a representative from one of the world’s leading access to information organizations, the Centre for Law and Democracy. The discussion will take place on September 25, 2024 from 12:30 p.m. – 1:45 p.m. (Newfoundland Time) and we are inviting everyone to attend.

Join us for this engaging live virtual panel discussion that will explore why access rights are foundational to democratic governance as well as some of the current and pressing challenges to the right of access to information. The panelists are:

• Tricia Ralph, Information and Privacy Commissioner of Nova Scotia
• Maria MacDonald, Deputy Information and Privacy Commissioner, Prince Edward Island
• Sean Murray, Director of Research and Quality Assurance, OIPC Newfoundland and Labrador
• Raphael Vagliano, Legal Officer, Centre for Law and Democracy

Don’t miss this opportunity to join in!

OIPC NL is hosting this Atlantic virtual event through Zoom Webinar. Register to attend.

Background

Right to Know Day (September 28) is an internationally recognized day dedicated to creating awareness about the importance of people’s right to access government information, while promoting freedom of information as essential to both democracy and good governance. In Canada, Right to Know Day extends to a week of celebrations known as Right to Know Week, which takes place this year from September 23 to 29, 2024.

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Media contacts
OIPC NL
Sean Murray
Director of Research and Quality Assurance
709-729-6309
commissioner@oipc.nl.c

OIPC PEI
Maria MacDonald
Deputy Information and Privacy Commissioner
902-368-4099
InfoPrivacy@assembly.pe.ca

Centre for Law and Democracy
Raphael Vagliano
Legal Officer
514-506-0948
raphael@law-democracy.org

The post Right to Know 2024 Atlantic Event: Virtual Panel Discussion on Access Rights and Democracy appeared first on News Releases.

Today, The Honourable Steve Crocker, Minister of Tourism, Culture, Arts and Recreation is visiting Gallipoli, Turkey, to attend commemorative events associated with the 109th anniversary of the Royal Newfoundland Regiment’s landing in Gallipoli on September 20, 1915, during the First World War.

Minister Crocker will be joined by the Honourable Bernard Davis, Minister of Justice and Public Safety, Perry Trimper, Parliamentary Assistant to the Premier and Parliamentary Secretary for Veterans and Military Relations, along with Members of the House of Assembly Jim Dinn, and Lin Paddock. Additionally, he will be accompanied by H.E. Ambassador Kevin Hamilton from the Canadian Embassy to Türkiye and representatives from the Royal Canadian Legion – NL Command.

During the almost four months the Royal Newfoundland Regiment fought at Gallipoli, approximately 30 men died in action and 10 more died of disease. These men are buried in four cemeteries on the Gallipoli Peninsula. The delegation visited these cemeteries prior to the commemoration event at the Gallipoli Newfoundland Monument.

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