Government of Newfoundland News

The Honourable Pam Parsons, Minister Responsible for Women and Gender Equality, today provided a Newfoundland and Labrador update as the Provincial Government reaches the halfway point of its four-year agreement with the Government of Canada on the National Action Plan to End Gender-based Violence.

This agreement has enabled the province to fund critical initiatives that are:

• Building community support networks, especially at the regional and or municipal levels.
• Supporting survivors, their families, and their communities by increasing awareness, education, and training.
• Investing in leadership development for women and gender-diverse people.
• Engaging men and boys in gender-based violence prevention.
• Building capacity to address the sexual exploitation of youth.
• Providing supports to promote the healing and mental well-being of those impacted by gender-based violence.
• Providing the development of legal information materials for violence survivors that are being translated to include both dialects of Innu-Aimun, Inuktitut, Arabic, Dari, and Ukrainian.
• Fostering collaboration with Indigenous communities and heightening public awareness about the imperative for reconciliation.

By March 31, 2025, over $6 million will have been distributed to community and Indigenous partners throughout the province to expand wrap-around supports and counselling services, encourage primary prevention approaches, and strengthen coordination and social infrastructure, ensuring that impacted individuals and communities have the support they need for their well-being and to foster impactful change. Organizations receiving funding are listed in the backgrounder below.

Gender-based violence can take many forms, including physical, sexual, psychological, emotional and financial abuse, as well as technology-facilitated violence.

In December 2023, the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador announced a bilateral agreement with the Federal Government that is seeing an investment of nearly $13.6 million over four years to support provincially tailored, violence prevention initiatives.

Quotes
“Funding for the National Action Plan to End Gender-based Violence is a crucial investment in the safety and well-being of communities throughout Newfoundland and Labrador. Everyone, regardless of gender, must live free of violence. As we look ahead, we are dedicated to continuing this vital work and building on the momentum we have gained to drive even greater progress in the years to come.”
Honourable Pam Parsons
Minister Responsible for Women and Gender Equality

“Thanks to funding from the National Action Plan to End Gender-based Violence, Thrive has been able to build our provincial capacity to address the sexual exploitation of youth. We know sexual exploitation disproportionately impacts females and gender diverse folks. Youth, parents, and service providers now have access to a variety of tools and resources to combat this crime and reduce victimization. We are pleased to work with the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador in our pursuit of ending gender-based violence.”
Angela Crockwell
Executive Director, Thrive

“The Harbour Strong Men’s Mental Health Network is a critical step in reducing the incidence and impact of gender-based violence in our communities. Men’s mental health initiatives challenge traditional gender norms and provide men and boys safe spaces to seek emotional support and express their vulnerability. Funding from the National Action Plan to End Gender-based Violence is helping Harbour Strong support the development of healthy relationships, and dynamic conversations about men’s mental health, while addressing some of the root causes of gender-based violence.”
Bill Jeffery
Project Coordinator, Harbour Strong Men’s Mental Health Network

“The Federal Government has a crucial role in ensuring that provinces have the necessary resources to address the ongoing crisis of violence against Indigenous women, girls and 2SLGBTQQIA+ peoples. Without sustained funding, the commitments made in the National Inquiry into the MMIWG2S Calls for Justice remain just words. True reconciliation requires action, and that means investing in culturally safe, community-driven solutions that protect and uplift our people.”
Odelle Pike
Co-chair, Provincial Indigenous Women’s Reconciliation Council

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Learn more
Office of Women and Gender Equality

National Action Plan to End Gender-based Violence

2023-2023 Annual Progress report on the National Action Pan to End Gender-Based Violence

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BACKGROUNDER

Organization Name GBV-NAP Amount Awarded in 2023-24 Benoit’s Cove Indian Band Inc $12,530 Big Brothers-Big Sisters of Eastern Newfoundland $40,000 Burin Peninsula Voices Against Violence $45,000 Communities Against Violence $45,000 Conne River Health and Social Services $20,300 Corner Brook Status of Women Council $105,000 Department of Education $20,000 First Light St. John’s Friendship Centre $45,000 Gander Status of Women Council $60,000 Gateway Status of Women Council $60,000 John Howard Society NL $52,172.65 Labrador West Status of Women Council $60,000 Lifewise Mental Health Peer Services $37,400 Maiwpukek First Nation $101,317.83 Mokami Status of Women Council $60,000 Multicultural Women’s Organization NL $85,000 Mushuau Innu First Nation $101,317.83 Northern Peninsula Status of Women Council $60,000 Nunatsiavut Government $101,317.83 NunatuKavut Community Council $101,317.83 Provincial Action Network on the Status of Women (c/o St. John’s Status of Women) $75,000 Planned Parenthood $30,000 Provincial Indigenous Women’s Reconciliation Council (c/o Newfoundland Aboriginal Women’s Network) $100,000 Public Legal Information Association of NL $251,277.75 Qalipu Mi’kmaq First Nation $101,317.83 Quadrangle NL $200,000 Seniors NL $16,125 Sheshatshiu Innu First Nation $101,317.83 Status of Women Central $60,000 St. John’s Status of Women Council $168,000 Thrive $141,000 Violence Prevention Avalon East $45,000 Violence Prevention Labrador $45,000 Violence Prevention South and Central $45,000 Newfoundland and Labrador Statistics Agency $5,778 Total $2,597,490

 

Organization Name GBV-NAP Amount Awarded in 2024-25 Assembly of First Nations (NL) $20,300 Big Brothers-Big Sisters of Eastern Newfoundland $38,400 Burin Peninsula Voices Against Violence $75,000 Canadian Mental Health Association NL $48,530 Communities Against Violence $75,000 Corner Brook Status of Women Council $155,000 Daybreak Parent Child Centre $50,000 Department of Education $200,000 Empower NL $48,328 Fédération des Francophones de Terre-Neuve et du Labrador $22,409 First Light St. John’s Friendship Centre $124,775 Gander Status of Women Council $80,000 Gateway Status of Women Council $80,000 John Howard Society NL $45,000 Department of Justice and Public Safety $100,000 Labrador West Status of Women Council $80,000 Lifewise Mental Health Peer Services $65,000 Mokami Status of Women Council $80,000 Multicultural Women’s Organization NL $85,000 Mushuau Innu First Nation $17,500 Newfoundland Indigenous Peoples Alliance $50,000 Newfoundland and Labrador Statistics Agency $4,466 Planned Parenthood $60,000 Provincial Action Network on the Status of Women (c/o St. John’s Status of Women) $100,000 Provincial Indigenous Women’s Reconciliation Council (c/o Newfoundland Aboriginal Women’s Network) $150,000 Public Legal Information Association of NL $200,000 Quadrangle NL $230,000 Sandwich Bay 50+ Club $3,853 Seniors NL $100,000 Sheshatshiu Innu First Nation $22,750 Status of Women Central $80,000 Stella’s Circle $50,000 St. John’s Status of Women Council $180,000 Thrive $43,470 Violence Prevention Avalon East $25,550 Violence Prevention East $16,250 Violence Prevention South and Central $75,000 YWCA St. John’s $50,000 *Funding to other organizations not yet announced *$600,000 Total $3,531,581

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Atlantic Canada’s Premiers will travel to Washington, D.C., next week to highlight the significant value of our important trade relationship in meetings with U.S. political and business leaders.

New Brunswick Premier Susan Holt hosted a virtual meeting of the Council of Atlantic Premiers yesterday to discuss the upcoming mission and ways they can continue to work together to strengthen the region’s economy and mitigate the threat of an uncertain trade climate with the United States. She was joined by Premier Dennis King of Prince Edward Island and Premier Tim Houston of Nova Scotia.

Atlantic Premiers will be part of the Council of the Federation mission to Washington, D.C. on February 12, 2025. All 13 provincial and territorial leaders will be in the U.S. capital to directly demonstrate to American leaders the benefits of a stable North American economic partnership.

Premiers will emphasize the importance of Canada to the security of the United States, and the benefits that the continental economic partnership has brought to both countries. They will stress Atlantic Canada’s deep historical ties with New England and the northeastern U.S. states and the significant integration of their economies.

As the threat of U.S. tariffs is paused, but not removed, Premiers discussed ways they can collaborate to bolster the resilience of Atlantic Canada’s economy. Premiers will continue to urge Atlantic Canadians to support Canadian businesses and buy Canadian-made products whenever possible. They also pledged to continue working together to make Atlantic Canada a leader in the removal of barriers and irritants to trade and labour mobility within the Atlantic region and across Canada.

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As part of continued collaboration to address the root causes of homelessness, today the Federal and Provincial Governments announced an agreement that will see an additional $2 million invested in measures to address unsheltered homelessness in Newfoundland and Labrador.

The agreement, part of the Federal Government’s Unsheltered Homelessness and Encampments Initiative (UHEI), prioritizes initiatives that directly support people living without homes, tailored to the specific realities of St. John’s. New investments through this agreement include:

• The construction of 13 new provincially owned micro-homes in St. John’s. Through this pilot project, the new homes will be constructed on NL Housing land, either through traditional construction or modular builds, and will support individuals who are experiencing homelessness or who are unsheltered.
• Funding to support the operations of End Homelessness St. John’s, including its Housing Outreach Team and its Supported Referrals Program, which help individuals remain housed and support those who find themselves homeless.

The agreement recognizes the Provincial Government’s significant investments in emergency shelter and transitional housing, anticipated to be over $30 million during each year of the agreement (2024-25 to 2025-26). These investments far surpass the requirement for cost-matching under the agreement.

The continued operations of the staffed emergency shelter system and Horizons at 106 in St. John’s are part of the Community Encampment Response Plan stipulated through the joint agreement. The Provincial Government is also supporting Mercy House, the recently completed transitional and supportive living space at the Gathering Place in St. John’s.

The Honourable John G. Abbott, Minister of Housing and Minister of Mental Health and Addictions, joined the Honourable Joanne Thompson, federal Minister of Seniors and Member of Parliament for St. John’s East, and Doug Pawson, executive director of End Homelessness, St. John’s to make the announcement.

In late 2023, Premier Furey appointed a St. John’s acute homelessness task force including Minister Abbott, the mayor of the City of St. John’s and community partners to address issues that caused individuals to sleep rough in the capital city. The work of this committee informed the creation of Horizons at 106, new policy directions around homelessness, and has fostered greater collaboration amongst partners in addressing issues as they arise.

Housing provides stability and security and serves as the foundation for overall well-being. Every Canadian deserves a safe and affordable place to live, and this initiative supports the Federal Government’s progressive realization of the right to adequate housing.

The $2 million in federal funding through the agreement is in addition to what the Federal Government is investing through the regionally delivered streams of Reaching Home: Canada’s Homelessness Strategy, a total of approximately $61 million from 2019-2028 in Newfoundland and Labrador. More agreements with provinces and territories are expected to be announced in the coming weeks.

Quotes
“As we have worked to address housing and homelessness challenges in our province, it has been clear at every turn that there is no one action or investment that can overcome these issues. This agreement is the latest in a series of efforts our government has taken, along with our federal and community partners, to help people break the cycle of homelessness. From expansion of staffed shelter beds, transitional and supportive housing to the creation of affordable housing, we are creating lasting housing solutions.”
Honourable John G. Abbott
Minister of Housing and Minister of Mental Health and Addictions

“Our government is determined to build a Canada where homelessness is no longer an issue. Together, we can support all parts of the housing spectrum so that every person has a safe, affordable place to call home. As public spaces increasingly become places of refuge, it is a reminder that we must act. Through thoughtful investments and partnerships, we can strengthen support services and take meaningful steps toward ending chronic homelessness.”
Honourable Joanne Thompson
Minister of Seniors and Member of Parliament for St. John’s East

“This investment represents a critical step in addressing unsheltered homelessness in St. John’s. The addition of micro-homes, along with enhanced support for our Housing Outreach Team and Supported Referrals Program, will help individuals not only find housing but also maintain it with the necessary supports. Collaboration across all levels of government and within the community is essential to achieving lasting change. We remain committed to ensuring every person in our city has access to safe, affordable housing and the resources they need to thrive.”
Doug Pawson
Executive Director, End Homelessness St. John’s

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Learn more
Premier Furey and Minister Abbott Congratulate The Gathering Place on Completed Construction of New Supported Housing

Provincial Government to Partner with End Homelessness St. John’s to Operate the Transitional Supportive Living Initiative

 

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The Honourable John G. Abbott, Minister of Housing and Minister of Mental Health and Addictions, will join the Honourable Joanne Thompson, federal Minister of Seniors and Member of Parliament for St. John’s East, to announce details of a joint agreement under the federal Unsheltered Homelessness and Encampments Initiative tomorrow (Friday, February 7).

The event will take place at the Buckmaster’s Circle Community Centre, 129 Buckmaster’s Circle, St. John’s, at 10:00 a.m.

The ministers will be joined by Doug Pawson, executive director of End Homelessness St. John’s, for the announcement.

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The Provincial Government has issued a request for proposals (RFP) seeking proponents to complete a review of standards of care and funding models at community care homes in Newfoundland and Labrador.

Community care homes provide residential care and support for individuals with severe and persistent mental illness who require live-in support to live as independently as possible in the community.

Submissions will include a jurisdictional scan and analysis of best practices in therapeutic living arrangements for individuals with severe and persistent mental illness and/or substance use disorders.

Submissions will also include recommendations on:

• Best practices for addressing physical and mental health needs within supportive living arrangements, social enterprise opportunities, work therapy programs, health care and case management services, and access to recreational activities.
• Staff education requirements, staff engagement and work-life balance, and opportunities to improve recruitment and retention practices.
• Funding models used for similar programming across Canada and internationally.
• Other topics such as non-medical transportation, work therapy, recreational programming, and support staff ratios.

The successful proponent will meet with key stakeholders throughout the province, including community care homes operators, residents and families, staff at community care homes and NL Health Services, community advocacy groups, and experts in community care homes services.

There are currently nine privately-owned and operated community care homes in the province that provide residential accommodation, supervision, and care to more than 130 individuals with complex mental illness.

A review of long-term care homes, which provide care and accommodation to seniors and adults with complex care, and personal care homes, which provide care and accommodations to seniors and other adults who require assistance with activities of daily living, was released earlier this week.

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

Quotes
“We remain focused on providing a high level of support for individuals with severe and persistent mental illness so that they can continue to live in their homes and neighbourhoods as independently as possible. By reviewing our community care home supports, we will ensure that we can provide an exceptional level of care, recruit and retain staff, and improve the well-being of individuals and staff.”
Honourable John G. Abbott
Minister of Housing and Minister of Mental Health and Addictions

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The Department of Transportation and Infrastructure has issued a tender for the construction of the new K-12 school in the Town of Cartwright in Labrador. The new school will replace the existing Henry Gordon Academy, which opened in 1969.

The tender for the construction of the new school involves a single contract with three phases:

• • Construction of a new K-12 school with housing for teachers, community library, pre-kindergarten space and gym.
  • Abatement and demolition of the existing school.
  • Development of a new parking lot and play/sports field in the area of the old school.

Budget 2024 includes $41 million in 2024-25, and $146 million over the next three years, for new schools in Cartwright, Kenmount Terrace, Portugal Cove-St. Philip’s, the extension and re-development of Dorset Collegiate on Pilley’s Island, as well as $50,000 to begin planning for a new school in Paradise.

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

Quotes
“The issuing of the tender for construction of the new school in Cartwright means that our government is one step closer to completing this project. Modernizing this school infrastructure, which includes building a new community library, ensures positive learning outcomes for students and offers a new space for library enthusiasts in the town.”
Honourable Fred Hutton
Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure
Minister of Rural Economic Development

“I’m excited to continue working with my colleague in Transportation and Infrastructure as we bring this new school closer to completion. The people of Cartwright have waited a long time and, with this call for tenders, we are nearly there. We all look forward to seeing a new safe, state-of-the-art environment for children to learn, play and grow. This school represents a tremendous investment by our government that will serve all the people of Cartwright.
Honourable Lisa Dempster
Minister of Labrador Affairs
MHA for Cartwright-L’Anse au Clair

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The Provincial Government has released the Long-Term Care and Personal Care Home Review, a comprehensive report developed by the expert advisory panel that makes 23 recommendations on improving long-term care homes and personal care homes for residents and staff. The Department of Health and Community Services, in collaboration with the provincial health authority, will now closely review the report and develop an implementation plan.

The report identifies opportunities to improve quality of care and quality of life for residents, and work-life balance and working conditions of staff. The report is a result of Health Accord NL recommendations to improve the quality and availability of long-term care homes and personal care homes.

The report was completed by an expert advisory panel that consisted of members with expertise in clinical research and public policy in relation to older adults and one member with lived/living experience. Recommendations include:

• Further investments in maintenance, renovation and new construction that align with leading practice design standards.
• Improving the quality, choice and flexibility of meals for residents.
• Improving access to meaningful activities and recreational programs.
• Enhancing opportunities and supporting residents to maintain connections in the community.
• Improving access to medical, therapeutic and other health-related services.
• Improving the recruitment and retention of staff.
• Enhancing staff training and education.

Long-term care homes provide care and accommodation to seniors and adults with complex care needs requiring daily access to nursing care. As of January 2025, there are more than 3,200 long-term care beds in 42 long-term care homes in Newfoundland and Labrador. The Provincial Government spends over $500 million annually on long-term care.

Personal care homes are privately-owned and operated, providing care and accommodations to seniors and other adults who require assistance with activities of daily living. As of September 2024, there were more than 5,200 personal care home beds in 87 personal care homes.

The full report, including the recommendations, analysis and information on the expert panel, is available on the Department of Health and Community Services website.

Quote
“We are always looking at ways we can help seniors and improve long-term care and personal care homes for families and staff. This report complements our other initiatives such as our Seniors’ Health and Well-Being Plan and Centres of Excellence in Aging. We extend our thanks to the panel for their work as these recommendations will help guide decisions in the future on how we can improve long-term care and personal care homes.”
Honourable John Hogan, KC
Minister of Health and Community Services

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Government of Newfoundland and Labrador Announces Details of Seniors’ Health and Well-Being Plan

Provincial Government to Improve Senior Care with Centres of Excellence in Aging

Medicals for Senior Drivers Available Virtually

BACKGROUNDER

The Long-Term Care and Personal Care Home Review is a comprehensive report developed by the expert advisory panel that identifies opportunities to improve quality of care and quality of life for residents, and work-life balance and working conditions of staff.

The expert advisory panel was asked to:

• Identify opportunities to improve quality of care and quality of life of residents, improve staff engagement and quality of staff work-life, based on best evidence and informed by relevant stakeholders.
• Oversee the review and provide expert advice to the external consultant and the minister of Health and Community Services.
• Ensure the review supports cultural safety and includes the principles of resident-centred care, cultural dignity, transparency, respect, diversity and inclusion.
• Ensure the recommendations from the review are aligned with the recently released Canadian Standards Association and Health Standards Organization’s National Long-Term Care Services Standards.
• Ensure recommendations are actionable, future focused and resident centred.

The expert advisory panel is comprised of:

• Janice Keefe, panel chair, full professor and chair of the Department of Family Studies and Gerontology, Mount Saint Vincent University in Nova Scotia, and director of Nova Scotia Centre on Aging.
• Susan Mercer, assistant professor, Family Medicine, Memorial University, and clinical chief, Older Adult Care, Eastern Health.
• Kelli O’Brien, president and CEO, St. Joseph’s Care Group, Ontario.
• Leslie Daye, a family member with lived experience.

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The Honourable Krista Lynn Howell, Minister of Education, today announced funding of $200,000 to Thrive Community Youth Network. The minister was joined at Thrive’s headquarters for the announcement by Angela Crockwell, executive director at Thrive, and Jamie Korab, MHA for the District of Waterford Valley.

The funding this fiscal year will support Thrive programs and the delivery of the Canadian Adult Education Credential test. Starting in the 2025-2026 fiscal year, the Provincial Government will provide $175,000 annually to support Thrive’s operational costs including outreach outside the Northeast Avalon region.

Thrive has operated its education program for more than 15 years, resulting in more than 1,000 young people improving their educational outcomes and pursuing post-secondary education and employment. The program provides educational support for foundational literacy and numeracy through the Canadian Adult Education Credential for clients of Thrive, Murphy Centre students, and the general public. The Canadian Adult Education Credential test replaces the former General Educational Development (GED) test, which ended in May 2024.

Thrive was established in 2001 and is part of the Provincial Government’s Community Youth Network. The Community Youth Network provides services and support to youth 12-18 years of age who live in poverty and have limited access to mainstream programs and services.

Quotes
“Our government is pleased to provide $200,000 this year to Thrive to continue the organization’s important educational support for vulnerable youth. We are pleased to assist Thrive as they work with youth and give them the tools they need to pursue post-secondary education and employment opportunities. By supporting our aspiring youth, we are supporting the future of Newfoundland and Labrador.”
Honourable Krista Lynn Howell
Minister of Education

“Thrive is thrilled to secure this funding from the Department of Education. Thrive serves approximately 100 youth annually through our education programming and have consistently had to waitlist young people due to limited resources. This funding will allow us to expand the number of youth we serve, support young people outside of the St. John’s area, and expand our capacity to operate the province’s Canadian Adult Education Credential (CAEC) testing centre. We look forward to growing our services and helping more young people achieves their educational goals.”
Angela Crockwell
Executive Director, Thrive

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Thrive

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The Office of the Information and Privacy Commissioner has released Report A-2025-005 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 www.oipc.nl.ca/reports/reports/.

Report: A-2025-005 Report Date: February 3, 2025 Public Body: Department of Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture Summary: Following a previous complaint about the reasonableness of the public body’s search for records, the Complainant received additional responsive records from the Department, which withheld some information based on sections 29 (policy advice and recommendations) and 40 (disclosure harmful to personal privacy) of the Access to Information and Protection of Privacy Act, 2015. The Commissioner concluded most the Department’s redactions in relation to sections 29 and 40 were appropriate and recommended the Department continue to withhold that information. However, the Commissioner concluded that the application of section 40 to a statement in one email record was incorrect and that information should be disclosed to the Complainant. Both the Complainant and Department made late submissions, arguing the applicability of sections 33(3) and 37(1)(a), respectively, however the Commissioner concluded neither of these sections are applicable to the responsive records.

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

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The Honourable Gerry Byrne, Minister of Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture, will hold a fisheries roundtable related to U.S. tariffs. The meeting will be held virtually today at 10:30 a.m.

Following the meeting, Minister Byrne will conduct a media availability in the Media Centre at the East Block of the Confederation Building at 11:45 a.m.

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The Provincial Government is seeking expressions of interest from not-for-profit organizations to develop, coordinate and implement pre-kindergarten programs.

The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador is seeking potential proponents interested in submitting a licensing package by February 14, 2025, as part of the continued expansion of pre-kindergarten programming in the province.

Pre-kindergarten locations are continuously opening throughout the province. There are currently 35 Pre-Kindergarten Program locations operating, representing more than 600 early learning and child care spaces. There are an additional 29 sites currently in development. In October, the Provincial Government sought expressions of interest for 12 Pre-Kindergarten Program locations. A list of the successful proponents is listed in the backgrounder below.

The Pre-Kindergarten Program runs full-time, including during the summer months and during traditional after school hours. The program operates in a school setting to support children’s transition to school. As a regulated full-day early learning program under the Operating Grant Program, participating families pay $10 per day. Additionally, the Child Care Subsidy Program is available to assist families with the cost of child care fees at regulated child care services.

Expressions of Interest are being accepted until 5:00 p.m. NT on Friday, February 14, 2025. Information on the Pre-Kindergarten Program and the expression of interest is available by visiting gov.nl.ca/education/pre-kindergarten/.

This initiative is a part of several actions under the Canada-Newfoundland and Labrador Canada-Wide Early Learning and Child Care Agreement.

The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador is committed to providing high-quality, affordable child care that is accessible throughout the province. There are over 11,200 early learning and child care spaces operating at $10-a-day or less in the province, with a further 3,000 spaces in development.

Quote
“Our support for child care opportunities continues as we expand space availability for families in our province. I am thrilled to announce this next phase for an expression of interest for pre-kindergarten programs. I am confident there are not-for-profit organizations that are willing to develop and start their own pre-kindergarten programs for the Department of Education. They will be an integral part of delivering early learning for our young learners.”
Honourable Krista Lynn Howell
Minister of Education

“This expression of interest is another step to creating more affordable child care spots and reducing waitlists across the province. Not-for-profit operators interested in developing and starting pre-kindergarten programs are strongly encouraged to apply quickly. Together, we can make $10 a reality for all parents in Newfoundland and Labrador, while creating more good jobs in early learning education.”
Honourable Jenna Sudds
Federal Minister of Families, Children and Social Development

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Learn more
Provincial Government Seeking Expressions of Interest for Next Phase of Pre-Kindergarten Program

Request for Proposals Issued for Second Phase of Pre-Kindergarten Pilot Program

$10-a-day Child Care Now a Reality for Families in Newfoundland and Labrador

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

BACKGROUNDER

Phase 3 Pre-Kindergarten Program Sites Awarded

School Community Organization Awarded All Hallows Elementary Clarke’s Beach YMCA of Northeast Avalon Inc. Cape St. Francis Elementary Pouch Cove YMCA of Northeast Avalon Inc. Carbonear Academy Carbonear Trinity Conception Family Resource Centre Copper Ridge Academy Baie Verte Baie Verte Peninsula Family Resource Program Inc. Holy Redeemer Elementary Spaniard’s Bay Trinity Conception Family Resource Centre Memorial Academy Botwood Exploits Valley Community Coalition Morris Academy Mount Pearl YMCA of Northeast Avalon Inc. St. Bernard’s Elementary Witless Bay Kilbride to Ferryland Family Resource Coalition Inc. St. George’s Elementary Conception Bay South YMCA of Northeast Avalon Inc. St. Lewis Academy Labrador YMCA of Northeast Avalon Inc. Woodland Elementary Dildo YMCA of Northeast Avalon Inc. Indian River Academy Springdale YMCA of Northeast Avalon Inc.

 

Canada-Newfoundland and Labrador Canada-wide Early Learning and Child Care Agreement
The Canada-Newfoundland and Labrador Canada-wide Early Learning and Child Care Agreement is increasing access to regulated child care through the creation of approximately 6,000 spaces by 2025-26, as well as improving affordability, inclusivity and the quality of early learning and child care programming in Newfoundland and Labrador. This plan is made possible by federal investments in the Canada-wide Early Learning and Child Care system. These include $306 million for the 2021-22 to 2025-26 Canada-Newfoundland and Labrador Canada-Wide Early Learning and Child Care Agreement, a one-time investment of nearly $6.5 million in 2021-22 to support the early childhood workforce, $13.7 million over four years, with approximately $9.8 million from 2023-2024 through 2025-2026, under the Early Learning and Child Care Infrastructure Fund, as well as over $34 million for the 2021-22 to 2024-25 Early Learning and Child Care Extension Agreement.

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The Honourable Krista Lynn Howell, Minister of Education, will make an announcement tomorrow (Wednesday, February 5) about support for programming at Thrive. The announcement takes place at Thrive, 807 Water Street, St. John’s, at 1:00 p.m.

Minister Howell will be joined by Angela Crockwell, executive director of Thrive, and Jamie Korab, MHA for Waterford Valley.

Media are asked to RSVP their attendance to Lynn Robinson at lynnrobinson@gov.nl.ca.

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The Provincial Government has received notification from PowerSchool that credit monitoring and identity protection services are now activated and available for students and educators whose information was involved in the recent cybersecurity incident.

PowerSchool has engaged Experian and TransUnion, trusted credit reporting agencies, to provide complimentary identity protection and credit monitoring services to involved students and educators.

Individuals can visit the website here for information on how to activate the complimentary credit monitoring and identity protection services.

In the Newfoundland and Labrador K-12 education system, high school students since 1995 and teachers since 2010 may be eligible to access the complimentary credit monitoring and identity protection services. Individuals are encouraged to visit the above website and follow the prompts to determine eligibility and sign up for the complimentary services.

In the coming weeks, Experian (on behalf of PowerSchool) will also be distributing direct email notifications to involved students (or the parents/guardians of students, as applicable) and educators for whom they have sufficient contact information. The email notice will include further information about the information of theirs involved and the resources PowerSchool is offering.

Additionally, PowerSchool has coordinated with Experian to set up a toll-free call centre for families and educators. Individuals can call (833) 918-9464, Monday through Friday, 10:30 a.m. through 10:30 p.m. NT.

A webpage has been set up on the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador’s website with public information related to the PowerSchool incident. Inquiries can be sent to PowerSchoolinfo@gov.nl.ca.

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Avis public : Services de surveillance du crédit et de protection d’identité offerts aux personnes touchées par l’incident de cybersécurité de PowerSchool

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Today, the Provincial Government announced a new initiative to help build awareness of the importance of buying products that are made or grown in Newfoundland and Labrador and Canada.

The Honourable Dr. Andrew Furey, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador, unveiled a new Buy From Newfoundland and Labrador logo as part of a wider, diverse multimedia awareness campaign at Urban Market 1919. Premier Furey was joined by the Honourable Siobhan Coady, Deputy Premier and Minister of Finance and Isabelle Quinlan, General Manager of Urban Market 1919.

The campaign is aimed at reaching and informing residents, businesses, and industry in hopes of creating meaningful conversations throughout the province and inspire community generated content on social media platforms. This approach emphasizes the importance of supporting each other through this challenging time, as all Newfoundlanders and Labradorians can be part of the solution.

Awareness building of local products complements the Provincial Government’s other ongoing initiatives, such as expanding and accelerating trade to new markets.

The public will see messages across various media, as well as promotional materials designed to show support for local manufacturers and retailers beginning this week. Some images and display items will be available for download from the Provincial Government website in the coming days.

Small and medium sized businesses and their workers are the hearts of most communities in the province. Buying products that are made or grown here at home or within Canada helps keep money and jobs in Newfoundland and Labrador. Residents are encouraged to check labels when shopping in-person or online or ask retailers.

For more information on how you can help support, visit www.gov.nl.ca/iet/buynl/

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“There is no better feeling than surrounding yourself with products that are made right here in Newfoundland and Labrador or within Canada. I am extremely proud of the abundance of outstanding, innovative, and creative businesses across various industries and trades in our province. The time is now, to stand shoulder-to-shoulder, and support one another. Let’s bring the heart of our communities into our home.”
Honourable Dr. Andrew Furey
Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador

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The Honourable Dr. Andrew Furey, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador, unveiled a new Buy From Newfoundland and Labrador logo as part of a wider, diverse multimedia awareness campaign

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Today, the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador proclaimed the new Correctional Services Act (the Act) and regulations. The new Act replaces the Prisons Act (1967) and Adult Corrections Act (1975).

These long-awaited legislative changes represent a significant step towards a modern correctional system that prioritizes safe, secure, and improved conditions for inmates and staff, and is governed by the fundamental principles of justice for an effective and progressive correctional system.

The regulations detail procedures to accompany and operationalize the Act including the inmate disciplinary process, inmate heath care and correctional facility discharge procedures. They outline staff duties, inmate rights, rules governing inmate conduct, and circumstances under which some rights may be restricted.

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“This legislation and the regulations will serve the public interest by helping to create a modern correctional system in our province, supporting public safety for all residents. The new Act and its regulations provide for the provision of safe, secure, and improved conditions to inmates and staff, while being governed by fundamental principles of justice that ultimately provide a more effective and progressive correctional system.”
Honourable Bernard Davis
Minister of Justice and Public Safety

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The Honourable Dr. Andrew Furey, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador, will unveil details of an awareness campaign to help encourage residents to buy products from Newfoundland and Labrador and Canada.

The event will take place at 11:00 a.m. tomorrow (Tuesday, February 4) at Urban Market 1919, 330 Lemarchant Rd, St. John’s.

Premier Furey will be joined by the Honourable Siobhan Coady, Deputy Premier and Minister of Finance and Isabelle Quinlan, General Manager of Urban Market 1919.

Small businesses employ more than 15,000 people across the province. They also make up 98 per cent of all businesses.

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The Provincial Government is seeking feedback on proposed changes to the program of studies for students in grades 7 to 9. The program of studies determines what subjects are mandatory and optional for students, and how much time is spent learning those subjects.

The changes aim to increase student engagement, address attendance concerns, improve educational outcomes, and make school more meaningful. The current program of studies for grades 7-9 students was introduced in 1981.

The proposed changes include:

• Combining certain subjects.
• Offering some subjects through a modular delivery format.
• Adjusting the amount of time devoted to some subjects.
• Making some subjects fully or partially optional.

Further details on the proposed changes are available on the K-12 Professional Learning website.

School communities, including parents/guardians, teachers, and students, are encouraged to share feedback using the online platform. Feedback will be accepted until February 28, 2025.

In addition to the feedback provided through the online platform, 14 schools in the province have been selected to implement the proposed changes for the 2025-26 school year. Feedback and information from teachers and students implementing the changes next year will inform the final changes to the intermediate program, which will be implemented in all intermediate grades for September 2026.

The Provincial Government is committed to transforming the education system and has introduced a variety of measures to support a modern teaching and learning environment for students and educators.

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“Student voice and student choice are an important part of promoting student engagement. Just as senior high students have input on the courses they take, we are now seeking to give similar choice to intermediate students. I encourage all students, parents and educators to review the proposed changes and share their feedback to help inform the future of education in Newfoundland and Labrador.”
Honourable Krista Lynn Howell
Minister of Education

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Le gouvernement provincial sollicite des commentaires sur les changements proposés à la programmation scolaire de la 7e à la 9e année

Learn more
Proposed Changes to Grades 7-9 Program of Studies

Provide Feedback on Proposed Changes to Grades 7-9 Program of Studies

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

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Applications for the Resilient Agricultural Landscape Program are open from February 3 until March 15, 2025.

The Resilient Agricultural Landscape Program aims to help farmers and producers adopt beneficial land use and management practices that will increase the environmental resiliency of farms. Initiatives include maintaining and providing healthy soil and water resources, enhancing wildlife habitat and biodiversity, and adapting to the impacts of climate change.

Applications and a program guide for 2025-26 are available on the department’s website. In 2023-24, nearly $709,000 was provided to support 17 projects through the program.

Funding for the program is provided through the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership, a five-year, $3.5 billion agreement between the Federal, Provincial and Territorial governments to strengthen the competitiveness, innovation and resiliency of Canada’s agriculture, agri‐food, and agri‐based products sector. This includes $1 billion in federal programs and activities, and $2.5 billion that is cost-shared, funded 60 per cent by the federal government and 40 per cent by provincial/territorial governments, for programs that are designed and delivered by provinces and territories.

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The Honourable Dr. Andrew Furey, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador, will be available to the media tomorrow (Monday, February 3) to discuss Newfoundland and Labrador’s response to United States tariffs on Canadian products entering the American market.

The availability will take place at 2:00 p.m. at the NLC store in Howley Estates, 10 Elizabeth Avenue in St. John’s.

Premier Furey will be joined by the Honourable Siobhan Coady, Deputy Premier and Minister of Finance, and Bruce Keating, President of the Newfoundland and Labrador Liquor Corporation.

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The enclosed is a statement from the Honourable Dr. Andrew Furey, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador:

“Today, I join Canadians across the country condemning the tariffs introduced by the United States on Canadian products entering the American market. The United States is Canada’s oldest friend, and closest business partner, and these tariffs are very troubling.

In this time of crisis, we will stand shoulder-to-shoulder by those impacted as a united Team Canada. We expect the Government of Canada to action a comprehensive approach to help impacted businesses, workers, and support and service sectors. We are also working on a variety of initiatives including helping identify new markets for Newfoundland and Labrador businesses, as well as opportunities to diversify their supply chains.

Now, more than ever, I encourage residents to think local when shopping. Look to see if a product is made in Canada or Newfoundland and Labrador and buy a product at a retailer in your community or neighbourhood either in-person or via their own websites. There are a lot of substitutes for the American products that we consume.

Our support for businesses stands strong. Together, we will navigate through this challenging situation.

God guard thee Newfoundland and Labrador.”

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