Government of Newfoundland News

Motorists travelling on Pitts Memorial Drive away from downtown St. John’s will be reduced to one lane tomorrow (Wednesday, January 18). The closure will begin at 9:00 a.m., and the Department of Transportation and Infrastructure anticipates work being completed and all lanes being reopened by approximately 4:00 p.m.

The right lane will be closed between the CN Viaduct and the overpass above Blackhead Road. The closure is necessary due to a crew working in the vicinity of the highway.

Motorists are asked to pay attention to traffic control measures and to be prepared to slow down.

Information on active highway construction projects and repairs is also available by visiting nl511.ca  or the NL 511 mobile app.

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Registration is now open for the first winter edition of the Becoming an Outdoors Woman workshop, taking place between March 3-5, 2023 at the Burry Heights Camp on Salmonier Line.

This unique winter workshop will give participants an opportunity to practice outdoor skills including snowshoeing, ice fishing, shelter building, outdoor safety and outdoor cooking. A variety of activities, such as preserving wild game, making maple syrup, chainsaw safety and safe handling and use of firearms and archery equipment will be available.

Becoming and Outdoors Woman is designed for individuals age 18 and over. The program strives to overcome barriers to learning outdoor skills and provide a safe, inclusive space for all to share their love of the outdoors. The registration fee is $275.00 and includes accommodations, meals and course materials. Limited financial support may be available to individuals requiring assistance.

To register or for more information, email salmoniernaturepark@gov.nl.ca or call 709-229-7888.

The Becoming an Outdoors Woman Program is sponsored by the Department of Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture, Friends of Salmonier Nature Park and Wildlife Habitat Canada, with support from volunteers and local businesses.

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A contract valued at approximately $1.3 million has been awarded to Complete Concrete Solutions Ltd. to complete repairs to two bridges on the Lewin Parkway (Route 450) in Corner Brook.

The contract includes the replacement of support bearings and road surface repairs to both the bridge leading from the parkway to Humber Road and the bridge leading to the parkway from Main Street.

This work is in addition to repairs on the bridges in 2022 as part of a $1.8 million contract awarded to Floyd’s Construction Ltd. that also included work on the Corner Brook Stream Bridge, the Lewin Parkway overpass above the Trans-Canada Highway and the Ballam Bridge on Route 440.

The department anticipates work on the bridges will be completed this summer. The bridge will remain closed from the parkway to Humber Road until that time.

More than 40 bridges were repaired as part of the multi-year roads plan in 2022. Work is underway on updates to the multi-year plan, with an update expected this winter that will outline highway construction projects planned for the following two construction seasons.

Information on tenders issued and awarded by the department and other public bodies is available by visiting www.merx.com/govnl. Information on active highway construction projects and repairs is also available by visiting nl511.ca and on the NL 511 mobile app.

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“Repairs to bridges help to ensure the safety of residents and tourists travelling on our highways. We made significant progress on improving our highways in 2022, and we look forward to completing repairs to bridges as part of our multi-year roads plan this year and beyond.”
Honourable Elvis Loveless
Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure

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Learn more
Work to Begin on Overpasses, Bridges in Corner Brook

Provincial Roads Plan Outlines Highway Construction Projects for Two Construction Seasons

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The Honourable Bernard Davis, Minister of Environment and Climate Change, has announced the following relative to Part 10 Environmental Assessment of the Environmental Protection Act.

UNDERTAKINGS RELEASED:

Flat Bay Quarry
Proponent: Turf Point Resources Ltd.                        (Reg. 2223)

The Project is released subject to the following conditions:

• The proponent is required to uphold all commitments made in the environmental assessment submission to mitigate the effects of the Project on the environment.
• The Water Resources Management Division (WRMD) of this department requires the proponent to submit a Water Resources Management Plan (WMP) that is approved by the WRMD prior to commencing any work related to the Project. The WMP must include a description of the following:
  • the measures that will be deployed, such as vegetative cover, filter strip, silt curtain or other sediment control measures, to ensure that water leaving the site through onsite drainage, surface run-off and discharge, and/or dewatering water conforms with the requirements of the Environmental Control Water and Sewage Regulations, 2003; and
  • the water control measures to be deployed onsite for daily operations and high precipitation events.
• The proponent must advise the Environmental Assessment Division when the conditions of release have been met by emailing a written description, documents, and images (where applicable) to demonstrate that the conditions have been fulfilled.
• The proponent must update the Environmental Assessment Division on the status of the Project, including a copy of all  permits, licences, certificates, approvals and other authorizations required for the Project, one year from the date of this release letter and to provide additional updates if required.

Matthews Pond (Lethbridge) Strawberry Farm                     (Reg. 2225)
Proponent: Bayview Gardens

The Project is released subject to the following conditions:

• The proponent is required to uphold all commitments made in the environmental assessment submission to mitigate the effects of the Project on the environment.
• The  Wildlife Division of the Department of Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture requires the following:
  • Vegetation clearing is not to occur within 800 metres of a bald eagle or osprey nest during the nesting season (March 15 to July 31) and 200 metres during the remainder of the year. The 200-metre buffer also applies to all other raptor nests (e.g. Northern Goshawk, Sharp-shinned Hawk, Merlin, American Kestrel, Great-horned Owl, Boreal Owl, Northern Saw-whet Owl). The location of any raptor nest sites must be reported to the Wildlife Division.
  • A minimum 50-metre undisturbed riparian buffer must be maintained from the high water mark of all wetlands and waterbodies within and adjacent to the Project that are identified on either the 1:50,000 scale National Topographic System maps, or the topographic mapping layer shown in the Provincial Land Use Atlas, to protect sensitive riparian and aquatic species and their habitats.
• The proponent must advise the Environmental Assessment Division when the conditions of release have been met by emailing a written description, documents, and images (where applicable) to demonstrate that the conditions have been fulfilled.
• The proponent must update the Environmental Assessment Division on the status of the Project, including a copy of all  permits, licences, certificates, approvals and other authorizations required for the Project, one year from the date of this release letter and to provide additional updates if required.

Learn more
Environmental Assessment Division 
Department of Environment and Climate Change
West Block, Confederation Building
P.O. Box 8700, St. John’s, NL A1B 4J6

Public comments may be forwarded to: EAprojectcomments@gov.nl.ca

Environmental assessment information is available at:

www.gov.nl.ca/ecc/env-assessment/

www.gov.nl.ca/ecc/files/GUIDE-TO-THE-PROCESS_Jan-2023.pdf

Follow us on Twitter: @GovNL and @ECC_GovNL

If you submit comments on a project that is under environmental assessment, please advise the Department if you DO NOT wish to share your comments with the project proponent.

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Residents observing dead or sick bats on the ground or bats flying during winter are asked to report sightings to provincial wildlife ecologists. Public reports about bat behavior help detect and track white-nose syndrome, a deadly, non-native bat disease that kills hibernating bat species.

Newfoundland and Labrador’s Little Brown Myotis and Northern Myotis bat species are both susceptible to white-nose syndrome and both species are listed as endangered under the provincial Endangered Species Act. It is illegal to disturb, harass, injure or capture bats, or to disturb or destroy their residences, including overwintering sites and roost sites, such as maternal colonies.

White-nose syndrome has been present in the province since 2017 and has been reported throughout the western portion of the Island. The fungus that causes the disease has also been detected in the Happy Valley-Goose Bay area of Labrador and in central Newfoundland.

To report a bat sighting or a suspected bat dwelling, please contact the provincial Wildlife Division at 709-637-2025 or the Canadian Wildlife Health Cooperative toll-free bat line at 1-833-434-BATS (2287). Never touch a bat with bare hands, and do not enter hibernation sites. Only wildlife officials should handle or collect injured or sick wildlife. More information about WNS is available here.

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The Information and Privacy Commissioner, Michael Harvey, has released an Audit Report on Access Controls at the Royal Newfoundland Constabulary under authority of the Access to Information and Protection of Privacy Act, 2015.

The purpose of this Report was to audit the electronic access controls, acceptable use, and staff training on the electronic systems to which the RNC have access.

The objectives of the audit were to:

• examine access to personal information in various databases held or accessed by RNC staff;
• examine training provided to staff regarding acceptable use of access privileges;
• review the extent to which RNC policies and practices reflect legislative requirements;
• identify any risk factors in the protection of personal information; and
• make recommendations to strengthen RNC policy and practice.

The Report outlines legislative requirements, presents findings from the audit and discusses key observations and recommendations.

The OIPC encourages every public body to review the standards discussed in this Report, to conduct internal reviews to determine its own level of compliance and to contact the OIPC if our assistance is needed.

To view the Report in its entirety, go to the Audit and Compliance Program page, at www.oipc.nl.ca/reports/audit.

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“This audit represents an example of positive, constructive engagement between my Office and a public body. Over the course of the audit, the RNC were already taking steps to improve their practices, and their response to our recommendations is encouraging, as it lays a course for continual improvement and adoption of best practices.”
Michael Harvey
Information and Privacy Commissioner

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

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The Honourable John Hogan, KC, Minister of Justice and Public Safety, is pleased to announce the province’s newest appointments to the King’s Counsel by the Lieutenant Governor in Council.

The honourary title of King’s Counsel recognizes senior lawyers for exceptional merit and contribution to the legal profession. These lawyers have served a minimum of 10 years as a member of the bar, have gained the respect of the legal community and are in good standing with the Law Society of Newfoundland and Labrador.

Appointments are made after consultation with the Legal Appointments Board, as outlined in the Queen’s Counsel Act.

Those appointed to King’s Counsel are:

• Gladys H. Dunne;
• Stephen Fitzgerald;
• Susan M. King;
• Paul M. McDonald;
• Jonathan E. Noonan;
• Leanne M. O’Leary; and
• Lisa M. Stead

Biographies of each appointee can be found in the backgrounder below.

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“I would like to congratulate the lawyers who have been appointed King’s Counsel. These individuals are being recognized for their skills and dedication to the legal profession and their communities. They are leaders in the province and are committed to making Newfoundland and Labrador a better place for us all.”
Honourable John Hogan, KC
Minister of Justice and Public Safety and Attorney General

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Learn more
Follow us on Twitter: @GovNL and @JPS_GovNL.

BACKGROUNDER

Biographies King’s Counsel Appointees

Gladys H. Dunne

Gladys Dunne was born in Edmonton, Alberta, and raised in a strong, proud military family which resulted in her living in many Canadian provinces, including outside the country in Germany. With her father’s final posting in Nova Scotia, Ms. Dunne attended Dalhousie University. She obtained her Bachelor of Arts with a major in History in 1987 and she graduated with a Bachelor of Laws degree from Dalhousie University in 1990.

Gladys was admitted to the Newfoundland and Labrador Bar in 1991 and in April of 2006, she established her own law firm in the City of Mount Pearl. In 2008, she was the recipient of the Best in Business Award by the Mount Pearl Chamber of Commerce. She is a partner with the law firm of Dunne & Baker Law and she practices extensively in the area of family law as a senior litigator in the Supreme Court of Newfoundland and Labrador, Family Division.

Gladys presently serves as an elected Bencher of the Law Society of Newfoundland and Labrador, Chair of the Complaints Authorization Committee of the Law Society and an appointed member of the Executive Committee of the Law Society of Newfoundland and Labrador. She also serves as a member of the Judicial Council of the Provincial Court of Newfoundland and Labrador, investigator for Memorial University of Newfoundland and Labrador, adjudicator for the College of Physicians & Surgeons of Newfoundland and Labrador and public representative on the Newfoundland and Labrador Council of Health Professionals. Gladys is a participating member of the Access to Justice Law Clinics in family law, a member of the Public Legal Information Association and a member of the Journey Project providing legal support services to individuals having experienced sexual partner violence in Newfoundland and Labrador.

She previously has served as Chair of the CPP Review Tribunal, Commissioner of the Assessment Review Commission for both the City of Mount Pearl and the Town of Paradise, former adjudicator for the Newfoundland and Labrador Human Rights Commission and former member of the Judicial Advisory Committee of the Supreme Court of Newfoundland and Labrador.

Gladys is the proud mother of Julia and Nathan Dunne, with whom she resides. In her free time, she loves to travel, including road trips across the province spending quality moments with family and friends.

Stephen Fitzgerald
Stephen Fitzgerald was born in Corner Brook, Newfoundland and Labrador. He obtained his undergraduate degree (History and Political Science) from Dalhousie University in 1983 and his law degree from Dalhousie Law School in 1986. He was called to the Newfoundland and Labrador Bar in 1987. He has been in private practice in St. John’s ever since, practicing in the areas of civil litigation, insurance defence, corporate transactions and commercial real estate transactions.

He was recently selected by his peers for inclusion in the 2023 edition of The Best Lawyers in Canada for insurance law.

Stephen is a member of the Canadian Bar Association and has volunteered in several community organizations over the years. He lives in St. John’s with his wife, Fonda Bushell. He is the father of Sarah Fitzgerald, LL.B., Emily Fitzgerald, M.D., and Henry Fitzgerald, a carpenter in the making.

Susan M. King
Susan King was born and raised in St. John’s and is a graduate of Memorial University, having received a Bachelor of Commerce (Co-op) in 1993. In 1994, Ms. King was accepted to the University of New Brunswick. She graduated with a Bachelor of Laws in 1997.

Susan was called to the Bar in Newfoundland and Labrador in 1998 after articling with the firm Roebathan, McKay and Marshall. Following her articles, Susan joined the firm as an associate and practiced in the areas of personal injury, family law, corporate commercial and real estate. Susan remained in private practice until 2007 when she joined the Civil Division of the Department of Justice. In 2011, Susan joined the Office of Legislative Counsel of the Department of Justice and was appointed Chief Legislative Counsel in 2019.

Susan lives in St. John’s with her husband Brian and their three children: Emily, Noah and Megan.

Paul M. McDonald
Paul McDonald is Counsel at Tupman & Bloom LLP.

Paul is a graduate of Memorial University (1978 BA – Political Science) and Osgoode Hall Law School (JD – 1983). He was called to the Newfoundland and Labrador Bar in 1984.

Paul has experience with estate planning, estate administration and estate litigation. Paul is trusted counsel to individuals, attorneys, trustees, trust companies and financial institutions.

Paul’s expertise spans a wide range of contentious proceedings involving will interpretation, executor removal, will challenges, passing of accounts, testamentary capacity, guardianship disputes, variation of trusts, discharge of trustees and estate costs.

Paul has been active in the Bar throughout his career. He is a Honourary Bencher and former Treasurer (President) of the Law Society of Newfoundland and Labrador. He is a former President of the Newfoundland and Labrador Branch of Canadian Bar Association, and was active in numerous committees with CBA nationally and provincially. Paul is a member of the Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners.

Paul has also been active in community volunteer organizations for many years, and is currently the Chair of the Community Foundation of Newfoundland and Labrador, Vice-Chair of Bonavista Biennale Inc. and a Director and Past Chair of the Newfoundland Symphony Orchestra.

Jonathan E. Noonan
Jonathan Noonan is a partner with the St. John’s law firm Noonan Piercey. He maintains a general practice with a primary focus on criminal defence. He has spent his entire career in private practice, arguing cases at all levels of court, including the Supreme Court of Canada.

After obtaining a Bachelor of Arts with Honours in Philosophy and Psychology from Memorial University, Jonathan completed a Bachelor of Laws at the University of New Brunswick in 2004. He has lectured at Memorial University and teaches portions of the criminal section of the Law Society Bar Admission course every year. He chairs the criminal section of the Canadian Bar Association – NL.

Jonathan was born and raised in Outer Cove where he lives with his wife Gerri and their son, Ned. They enjoy gardening and never-ending improvements to the shed. Jonathan coaches hockey and baseball, and tries to avoid injury keeping up.

Leanne M. O’Leary
Leanne O’Leary was born and raised in Portugal Cove South. She completed her Bachelor of Commerce (Honours) Co-operative degree from Memorial University of Newfoundland and Labrador in 1992 and her law degree at Queen’s University in 1995. Leanne articled with Halley Hunt and was called to the Newfoundland Bar in April 1996. Since then, Leanne has practiced with that firm, and the successor merged firm of Cox & Palmer, for the past 26 years. Over that time, Leanne’s practice has focused on civil and commercial litigation and insurance law. She has appeared before all levels of court in this province, more regularly the General Division and Court of Appeal.

Leanne has been a partner with Cox & Palmer since 2001, serving on the Management Committee of the firm since 2015 and as Managing Partner since November 2017.  She has served as a Director on the Cox & Palmer Regional Board since 2017.

Leanne is an active member of the Law Society of Newfoundland and Labrador; she served two terms as an Elected Bencher from 2012 to 2020 and was a member and former Chair of the Law Society’s Education Committee. She lectures at the Law Society’s Bar Admission Course in the area of Civil Procedure. Her interest in civil procedure and practice is reflected in her work as a Law Society representative to the Rules Committees of both the Supreme Court of Newfoundland and Labrador General Division and the Newfoundland and Labrador Court of Appeal. She served as a Steering Committee Member for the Rules of Court Revision Programs for both the Court of Appeal and General Division.

Leanne is a member of the Canadian Bar Association, The Advocate’s Society and Canadian Defence Lawyers. She has been recognized in the Best Lawyers in Canada and Canadian Legal Lexpert Directory as a leading practitioner in Corporate and Commercial Litigation, Insurance Law and Personal Injury Law. Her volunteer work in the community includes former board positions with the Public Legal Information Association of Newfoundland and Labrador and the YM-YWCA of St. John’s, for which she was a recipient of the Queen’s Golden Jubilee Medal.

Leanne lives in St. John’s with her husband Mitch Rumbolt, and their two daughters, Kate and Natalie.

Lisa M. Stead
Lisa Stead has served the public for 25 years. Ms. Stead has worked for 23 years as a Crown Attorney, first in Happy Valley-Goose Bay, then St. John’s. She was appointed Senior Crown Attorney, Eastern Region in 2018, and Senior Crown Attorney, Special Prosecutions Office from 2018 to 2020. Lisa has served as the Assistant Director of Public Prosecutions since May 2020. Lisa also represented individual clients for two years working as a Staff Solicitor with the Newfoundland and Labrador Legal Aid Commission very early in her career.

Lisa is from St. John’s. She obtained a Bachelor of Science from Memorial University in 1994 and then attended Osgoode Hall Law School, where she graduated in 1997.  She was called in to the Newfoundland and Labrador Bar in April 1998.

Over the years, Lisa has prosecuted several homicides and other complex criminal cases. Lisa has appeared many times and argued numerous appeals before the Newfoundland and Labrador Court of Appeal.  She has made several applications for leave to appeal and has argued an appeal at the Supreme Court of Canada. Lisa is a member of several committees of the Canadian Conference of Senior Officials and the Uniform Law Conference of Canada. She has presented on criminal law matters in seminars to various policing agencies and the members of Law Society of Newfoundland and Labrador. Lisa is a member of the Discipline Committee of the Law Society of Newfoundland and Labrador.

Lisa Stead lives in St. John’s with her husband, Michael and their children, Peter and Lilly.

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The 911 Division would like to advise members of the public that the province-wide 911 service is not impacted by the ongoing job action involving the Teamsters Local 855 and the Fewer Group private ambulance services.

Please continue to call 911 if emergency ambulance services are required, or for any threat to health, life, safety or property where an immediate response is needed from emergency services.

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The Provincial Government is monitoring forecasts on an approaching weather system that is anticipated to affect much of the province Friday through Sunday (January 13 to January 15).

Environment Canada is warning of heavy rain, snow, or freezing rain for the majority of the island of Newfoundland.  The highest amounts of rain are forecasted to reach more than 100 millimetres along the south coast (Connaigre-West), as well as the west coast. The Northern Peninsula and Labrador Straits regions could see a significant snowfall with up to 30 centimetres followed by freezing rain in some areas.

We encourage residents to follow guidance provided by officials, and to monitor the forecast for the most up-to-date information. Regional forecast information is available from Environment Canada.

Municipalities and local service districts should ensure infrastructure such as roads, ditches and drains are clear of debris and appropriate provisions are made for the delivery of services during anticipated weather events.

Residents and communities are asked to use caution and to take measures to ensure personal safety, and if possible, clear fire hydrants of snow in case of emergency. It is important that residents have the supplies they need, including food, water and medications for at least 72 hours in the event of adverse weather conditions affecting travel. Please visit Be Prepared for more information on emergency preparedness.

The Department of Transportation and Infrastructure anticipates freezing rain leading to potentially hazardous driving conditions on some highways.

The department recommends motorists:

• Check nl511.ca or the 511 smartphone app for highway driving conditions, highway camera images, and the Provincial Plow Tracker before travelling;
• Check the latest Environment Canada forecasts; and
• Slow down and drive to conditions.

Details on ferry schedules can be found on nl511.ca, the 511 app or by calling 1-833-NLFERRY (653-3779).

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The Honourable Krista Lynn Howell, Minister of Municipal and Provincial Affairs, will bring greetings on behalf of the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador at the Mount Pearl Frosty Festival Launch, tomorrow (Thursday, January 12).

The event will take place at the Reid Community Centre, 126 Smallwood Drive, Mount Pearl starting at 11:30 a.m. Also attending the event will be the Frosty Festival Board of Directors, volunteers and sponsors.

The Mount Pearl Frosty Festival takes place this year February 8 to 14, with more than 60 events taking place over 7 days.

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Media contact
Jacquelyn Howard
Municipal and Provincial Affairs
709-729-5539, 689-2624

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Six projects that will receive funding support of up to $100,000 under the 2022-23 Newfoundland and Labrador Community Transportation Program were announced today in Happy Valley-Goose Bay.

In 2022-23, the following six recipients were awarded funding through the Newfoundland and Labrador Community Transportation Program:

• The Town of Happy Valley-Goose Bay;
• The Town of New-Wes Valley;
• George’s Indian Band Council Inc.;
• Lions Club of Twillingate Inc.;
• Town of Harbour Breton; and
• Bay St. George South Ride for Ages.

The Community Transportation Program provides funding support to incorporated municipalities, not for profit groups and Indigenous Governments and communities to develop, implement and evaluate accessible and inclusive community-based transportation programs.

Projects under the program focus on helping to enhance and expand community transportation services for people who experience barriers to transportation, including age, ability and geography, often in combination with low income.

The Honourable John G. Abbott, Minister of Children, Seniors and Social Development and Minister Responsible for the Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation announced the recipients today. Minister Abbott was joined by the Honourable Lisa Dempster, Minister Responsible for Indigenous Affairs and Reconciliation and Minister Responsible for Labrador Affairs, as well as His Worship George Andrews, Mayor of Happy Valley-Goose Bay.

For more information on the grant recipients, please see the backgrounder below.

Quotes
“I am happy to be here in Happy Valley-Goose Bay to announce the recipients of the Newfoundland and Labrador Community Transportation Program. The Town Council, with the purchase of an electric minibus, will allow for an accessible, affordable and environmentally-friendly transportation option that will benefit all residents of the area. All of the grant recipients this year are great examples of the innovative initiatives that this program continues to support, and its positive impact on the social and economic outcomes of the people of this province.”
Honourable John G. Abbott
Minister of Children, Seniors and Social Development

“We are excited to have the Provincial Government become involved in our project to provide affordable transportation to the people of Happy Valley-Goose Bay. This contribution will help us immensely in bringing this project to fruition. We are very excited about this project for our community because of the benefits it will provide to seniors and other community members who do not now have access to affordable transportation options.”
George Andrews
Mayor, Town of Happy Valley-Goose Bay

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Learn more
Newfoundland and Labrador Community Transportation Program

Follow us on Twitter: @GovNL and @CSSD_GovNL

BACKGROUNDER

2022-23 Newfoundland and Labrador Community Transportation Program Grants

Applicant Location Proposal Grant Town of Happy Valley-Goose Bay Happy Valley-Goose Bay Purchase of 25-seat electric minibus to improve public transit, especially for seniors, persons with disabilities, single parents, persons in low income and youth among others. $100,000 Town of New-Wes Valley New-Wes Valley and surrounding area Support operations of Shore Ride Community Transportation Program,  providing free accessible transportation options on a flexible, on-demand schedule. $46,747 St. George’s Indian Band Council Inc. St. George’s-Humber Purchase of wheelchair accessible van to support the startup of the K’Taqmkuk Transportation and Support Service as well as the Emergency Home Program. $100,000 Lions Club of Twillingate Inc. Twillingate Expand services of the Community Wheels Project, which provides free transportation for individuals, especially seniors. $27,859 Town of Harbour Breton Fortune Bay – Cape La Hune Continue the Coastal Rides Community Transportation Program, which utilizes a wheelchair accessible bus to assist seniors with travel to medical appointments, grocery shop etc. $25,394 Bay St. George South Ride for Ages Bay St. George South Help expand weekly services of the accessible and inclusive bus service to include youth and family activities. $11,832 Total $300,000 L-R: Hayward Broomfield, Denise Rumbolt, councillors, Mayor George Andrews, Town of Happy Valley-Goose Bay, Hon. John G. Abbott, Minister for Children, Seniors and Social Development, and Hon. Lisa Dempster, Minister Responsible for Labrador Affairs and Indigenous Affairs and Reconciliation.

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The Honourable John G. Abbott, Minister of Children, Seniors and Social Development and Minister Responsible for Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation, will announce the recipients of the 2022-23 Newfoundland and Labrador Community Transportation Program on Tuesday, January 10.

The event will take place at 2:00 p.m. (AST) at the Town of Happy Valley-Goose Bay’s Chamber Council, located at 212 Hamilton River Road.

Minister Abbott will be joined by the Honourable Lisa Dempster, Minister Responsible for Indigenous Affairs and Reconciliation and Minister Responsible for Labrador Affairs, as well as His Worship George Andrews, Mayor of Happy Valley-Goose Bay.

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The Provincial Government is seeking public and stakeholder input on amendments to section 36 of the Lands Act. This section focuses on adverse possession of Crown lands – commonly referred to as “squatters’ rights.”

Three changes are being considered to clarify adverse possession and protect the land interests of the people of the province, including:

• Changing the possessory period of land from the current 20 continuous years immediately prior to January 1, 1977, to 10 continuous years immediately prior to January 1, 1977. No other period of possession would count in acquiring an interest in Crown lands;
• Setting a definitive time period within which persons making claims to Crown lands based on adverse possession have to make those claims; and
• Allowing the Crown to issue a document that declares the Crown claims no interest where the conditions of adverse possession have been met, without granting title or transferring any interest.

An online questionnaire regarding the proposed changes, as well as details on submitting written feedback and other submission alternatives can be found at engageNL.

In addition, the Department of Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture is contacting stakeholder groups directly to request their input during virtual engagement sessions to be held later this month.

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“The Provincial Government has a legal duty to administer Crown lands in a responsible manner. While adverse possession against the Crown was abolished on January 1, 1977, this type of land claim is common due to the nature of early settlement in Newfoundland and Labrador. The proposed amendments aim to help address challenges related to Crown title, and I encourage anyone with an interest to share their thoughts by participating in this consultation.”
Honourable Derrick Bragg
Minister of Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture

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Learn more
engageNL

Follow us on Twitter @GovNL and @FFA_GovNL

Like us on Facebook

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The Honourable Andrew Furey, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador, today announced a change in Government House Leader. This change was precipitated as the Honourable Steve Crocker, Minister of Tourism, Culture, Arts and Recreation and Government House Leader, is recovering from an emergency surgery this past weekend.

The Honourable John Hogan K.C. will assume the responsibility of Government House Leader.

While Minister Crocker is recovering from his surgery, his duties will be supported by the Honourable Sarah Stoodley as the alternate Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts and Recreation.

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“As a friend and valued colleague, I wish Minister Crocker a speedy recovery. I would also like to thank Minister Hogan for stepping in and assuming this new role. I have every confidence that he will excel as we advance our vision for a stronger Newfoundland and Labrador.”
Honourable Andrew Furey
Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador

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The Provincial Government is monitoring forecast information on a weather system that is anticipated to affect the Avalon Peninsula. Heavy snowfall and high winds are forecast to begin early tomorrow morning (January 10), and will continue into tomorrow evening.

We encourage residents to follow guidance provided by officials, and to monitor the forecast for the most up-to-date information. Regional forecast information is available from Environment Canada.

The Department of Transportation and Infrastructure anticipates the strong winds and heavy snowfall will lead to poor visibility on some highways. Poor to near zero visibility in heavy snow and blowing snow can be expected for the eastern portion of the island.

The department recommends that motorists should:

• Check nl511.ca or the 511 smartphone app for highway driving conditions and the Provincial Plow Tracker before travelling;
• Check the latest Environment Canada forecasts; and
• Slow down and drive to conditions.

Details on ferry schedules can be found on nl511.ca, the 511 app or by calling 1-833-NLFERRY (653-3779).

Visit Be Prepared for more information on emergency preparedness.

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The Provincial Government is leading a mission to Ireland to recruit physicians and nurses who can fill vacancies in Newfoundland and Labrador. The mission complements other national and international recruitment activities targeting health care professionals.

The Honourable Tom Osborne, Minister of Health and Community Services will lead a team that will depart for Ireland this week. The team will visit several cities, raising awareness of Newfoundland and Labrador as an ideal immigration destination. The team will include representatives from the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Newfoundland and Labrador, College of Registered Nurses of Newfoundland and Labrador and the Regional Health Authorities.

Ireland has been chosen as training standards for physicians are similar to Newfoundland and Labrador, and the team will be exploring recruitment opportunities for nurses who meet equivalent licensure requirements. The region was also chosen because it has a high concentration of high-quality medical and nursing schools.

The Provincial Government has invested an additional $30 million on recruitment and retention initiatives for health care professionals. To learn more about the wide range of bursaries and incentives available for health care workers looking to explore a career in Newfoundland and Labrador, please visit workinhealthnl.ca or email the Provincial Health Professional Recruitment and Retention Office at recruit@WorkinHealthNL.ca

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“The mission to recruit qualified physicians and nurses is yet another made in Newfoundland and Labrador approach to attracting and retaining health care professionals. Working closely with stakeholders, this type of initiative is part of our government’s plan for health care – which also includes expanding virtual care options and collaborative team clinics so Newfoundlanders and Labradorians can engage in primary care in an efficient way. We are taking the necessary action to address the staffing issues facing the health care system in our province, as we compete with other jurisdictions to attract and retain physicians and nurses at this critical time.”
Honourable Dr. Andrew Furey
Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador

“We continue to find new and creative ways to help bring health care professionals to our province and encourage the ones already here to stay. Our government is modernizing and reimagining the health care system, with help from Health Accord NL, to bring it out of the outdated 1960s service model into one that fits the demographics of our province today. It is our hope that physicians, resident physicians and nurses from Ireland will choose to live and build a career in Newfoundland and Labrador.”
Honourable Tom Osborne
Minister of Health and Community Services

“The College of Physicians and Surgeons of Newfoundland and Labrador appreciates the invitation from Minister Osborne to collaborate with the Provincial Government in its’ endeavors to recruit internationally trained physicians. The College looks forward to supporting the recruitment and licensing of applicants who have the necessary knowledge, skills, and competencies to provide safe and quality medical care to the people of Newfoundland and Labrador.”
Dr. Tanis Adey
CEO and Registrar, College of Physicians & Surgeons of Newfoundland and Labrador

“The College of Registered Nurses of Newfoundland and Labrador is pleased to be a part of this mission to Ireland and to offer our regulatory perspective as it pertains to Registered Nurses. Identifying areas of regulatory alignment between Newfoundland and Labrador and Ireland will be an imperative first step in recruiting health care professionals who wish to practice in our province.”
Lynn Power
Executive Director, College of Registered Nurses of Newfoundland and Labrador

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Health Accord NL

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The Honourable Bernard Davis, Minister of Environment and Climate Change, has announced the following relative to Part 10 Environmental Assessment of the Environmental Protection Act.

UNDERTAKING REGISTERED:

Steady Brook Residence                                                                         (Reg. 2231)
Proponent: Kimberly Madore

The proponent is proposing to construct a residential dwelling at 183-185 Marble Drive in the Town of Steady Brook. The proposed dwelling will be located on a lot adjacent to the Humber River, a scheduled salmon river. Development will consist of land clearing and leveling, construction of a two-story house and auxiliary building, installation of a sewer system, and landscaping of property. A description of the project can be found on the department’s webpage at: www.gov.nl.ca/ecc/env-assessment/projects-list/

The undertaking was registered on January 5, 2023; the deadline for public comment is February 10, 2023; and the minister’s decision is due by February 19, 2023.

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Environmental Assessment Division
Department of Environment and Climate Change
West Block, Confederation Building
P.O. Box 8700, St. John’s, NL A1B 4J6

Public comments may be forwarded to: EAprojectcomments@gov.nl.ca

Environmental assessment information is available at:

www.gov.nl.ca/ecc/env-assessment/

www.gov.nl.ca/ecc/files/GUIDE-TO-THE-PROCESS_May-2022.pdf

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If you submit comments on a project that is under environmental assessment, please advise the Department if you DO NOT wish to share your comments with the project proponent.

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The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador and the Newfoundland and Labrador Medical Association (NLMA) have signed a Shared Agenda to advance priorities within Family Medicine in the province. The Shared Agenda symbolizes the spirit of collaboration between both parties and a commitment to address critical issues related to the retention of the province’s family physician workforce.

The Shared Agenda outlines a set of high priority issues and projects including recruitment and retention, a health human resource forecast and plan, collaborative community care teams, and provision of emergency medicine services that will result in permanent and sustainable improvements to family medicine in Newfoundland and Labrador. It includes initiatives already started, initiatives the parties are currently collaborating on, and new solutions with target dates for completion in 2023.

These initiatives build on the improvements achieved in the Memorandum of Agreement between the Government and the NLMA that was signed in 2022, including Atlantic parity for physicians, as well as other recruitment initiatives recently announced by the Provincial Government.

More information on the Shared Agenda is available here.

Quotes
“Our government has been listening to the issues raised by physicians and we are actively working with the NLMA to make progress on multiple shared priorities. This Shared Agenda represents a commitment from government and the NLMA to focus our collective resources and energies in the same direction to improve physician recruitment and retention, and achieve better access to primary care for the people of the province.”
Honourable Tom Osborne
Minister of Health and Community Services

“Family medicine services are one of the foundational pillars to our health care system. However, family medicine is struggling with physician shortages, and a workforce experiencing increased demands. We are also challenged by a growing number of unattached patients. Through this Shared Agenda, the NLMA will work collaboratively with Government to implement solutions that will support and strengthen comprehensive family practice in the Newfoundland and Labrador.”
Dr. Kris Luscombe
President, Newfoundland and Labrador Medical Association

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The Honourable John Hogan, KC, Minister of Justice and Public Safety and Attorney General today announced the appointment of two new Provincial Court Judges.

Andrew Wadden, KC, is appointed to the Provincial Court in Grand Falls-Windsor and Lloyd Strickland, KC, is appointed to the Provincial Court in Happy Valley-Goose Bay. Biographies of both appointees can be found in the backgrounder below.

After consultation between the Chief Judge of the Provincial Court of Newfoundland and Labrador and Minister Hogan, both Judge Wadden and Judge Strickland will participate in training during their first year as judges, which will include sessions on appropriately dealing with sexual assault matters before the Courts.

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“On behalf of the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador, I would like to congratulate Judge Andrew Wadden and Judge Lloyd Strickland on their new roles. Both bring with them decades of experience working in the justice system. The Provincial Court of Newfoundland and Labrador will benefit tremendously from their commitment and dedication to the practice of law.”
Honourable John Hogan, KC
Minister of Justice and Public Safety

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BACKGROUNDER

Biographies

Andrew Wadden
Judge Andrew Wadden is a graduate of Dalhousie Law School and was valedictorian of the class of 2002. He was also awarded the H.G. Puddester Prize for demonstrated academic and leadership ability.

He joined the firm of Patterson Palmer (now Cox & Palmer) and was called to the Bar in 2003. In 2014, he worked in private practice at Wadden Peddigrew Law. He was appointed King’s Counsel in 2020 and in 2022 he joined the office of Browne Fitzgerald Morgan & Avis. He practiced mainly civil litigation, representing clients in matters before tribunals, the Provincial Court, Supreme Court and Court of Appeal of Newfoundland and Labrador. He often acted for members of the Law Society in relation to insurance claims, and recently had been appointed as counsel to the Lawyers’ Insurance Programme. He has acted for registered nurses in relation to disciplinary proceedings and has been counsel to the Consumer Advocate.

In the community, Andrew spent 9 years with the Royal St. John’s Regatta Committee and rowed for many years. He has served on the Holy Heart of Mary Theatre Advisory Board, Clean St. John’s Board, and as a Big Brother with Big Brothers Big Sisters. In 2014 he was presented with the Rotary St. John’s Northwest Aidan Maloney Award for his work in the community and potential to further impact his vocation and community in the future.

In 2020, Andrew was Chair of the St. John’s Board of Trade. He has sat on both the Law Society of Newfoundland and Labrador Education Committee, Disciplinary Committee and Insurance Committee. He served as President of the Newfoundland and Labrador branch of the Canadian Bar Association (CBA) from 2021-2022 and was appointed to the national CBA Board in the fall of 2022. He has taught each of the Business Law courses at Memorial University’s Faculty of Business. In addition, he has been an Adjudicator with the Royal Newfoundland Constabulary Public Complaints Commission.

Andrew and his wife Amy are proud parents to their daughter, Amelia.

Lloyd Strickland
Lloyd Strickland most recently served as the Director of Public Prosecutions. Before his appointment to that position in 2020, he served the public for 20 years as a Crown Attorney in Happy Valley–Goose Bay, Clarenville and St. John’s. He was the Senior Crown Attorney for Labrador from 2002 to 2005. Mr. Strickland was appointed to Kings Counsel in January 2022.

Mr. Strickland was born and raised in Port aux Basques. He obtained an undergraduate degree from the University of New Brunswick and then attended Dalhousie Law School, where he graduated in 1996. He passed the bar in 1997.

From 2006 to 2009, Mr. Strickland was a Prosecutor at the United Nations International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda, which is based in Arusha, Tanzania. There, he participated in the successful prosecution of former government and military leaders for genocide and crimes against humanity.

Over the years, Mr. Strickland has prosecuted several homicides and other high-profile criminal cases. He has appeared numerous times before the Newfoundland and Labrador Court of Appeal and, on several occasions, at the Supreme Court of Canada. He is a member of the Heads of Prosecutions Committee on the Prevention of Wrongful Convictions and the National Wiretap Experts Committee.

Lloyd Strickland lives in St. John’s with his wife Wendy and their daughter Ellie.

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The Honourable Steve Crocker, Minister of Tourism, Culture, Arts and Recreation, is extending congratulations to Kevin Blackmore of Glovertown, Wayne Chaulk of Charlottetown (Bonavista Bay) and Ray Johnson of Carbonear on their appointments as Members of the Order of Canada.

Blackmore, Chaulk and Johnson were recognized for their contributions to Canadian music and comedy as ambassadors of Newfoundland and Labrador’s culture and heritage, and were among 99 recipients named to the Order of Canada by Her Excellency the Right Honourable Mary Simon, Governor General of Canada, on December 29, 2022.

The musical comedy trio, known as Buddy Wasisname and the Other Fellers, was formed in 1983 after an impromptu first performance at a high school assembly in Glovertown.

They went on to entertain audiences throughout Canada with their unique brand of sketch comedy, combined with traditional and original music for nearly 40 years. Their body of work includes iconic originals like “Saltwater Joys,” which pays homage to the quiet comforts of rural life, as well as their popular interpretations of traditional favourites like “Sarah” and “By The Glow of the Kerosene Light”.

On the lighter side, offerings such as “Gotta Get Me Moose, B’y” and “Salt Beef Junkie” provide a comedic take on Newfoundland and Labrador culture that endears them to locals and fans across Canada.

Blackmore, Chaulk and Johnson will receive their Order of Canada insignia at an investiture ceremony in Ottawa later this year.

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“Kevin Blackmore and Wayne Chaulk, along with Ray Johnson who hails from my district of Carbonear-Trinity-Bay de Verde, capture the very essence of Newfoundland and Labrador culture every time they take to the stage as Buddy Wasisname and the Other Fellers. They are an integral part of our province’s arts and cultural community, and I am proud to congratulate them on this incredibly well-deserved honour.”
Honourable Steve Crocker
Minister of Tourism, Culture, Arts and Recreation

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