Government of Newfoundland News

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.

FINAL ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT STATEMENT GUIDELINES APPROVED:

Port au Port-Stephenville Wind Power and Hydrogen Generation Project (Project Nujio’qonik GH2)
Proponent: World Energy GH2 Inc.                                                      (Reg. 2202)

The minister has approved the final guidelines for the preparation of the environmental impact statement (EIS) for the Port au Port-Stephenville Wind Power and Hydrogen Generation Project (Project Nujio’qonik GH2). The EIS guidelines document identifies the information that the proponent will be required to address in the EIS. The EIS guidelines document is available on the Department of Environment and Climate Change website at: www.gov.nl.ca/ecc/projects/2202-2/.                               

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_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 Honourable Bernard Davis, Minister of Environment and Climate Change, is part of the Canadian delegation attending the 15th Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity (COP15) in Montreal, Quebec.

COP15 is an international meeting that brings together governments throughout the world. This year’s conference is being hosted by the Government of Canada, Dec 7-19, 2022 and will focus on protecting nature and halting biodiversity loss around the globe.

The Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) was first signed by 150 government leaders at the 1992 Rio Earth Summit. Its main objectives include the conservation of our biological diversity and to encourage actions that will lead to a sustainable future. Objectives that are of increasing importance in the face of a changing climate.

The Provincial Government values the importance of preserving the biodiversity of oceans, forests, and wetlands. It is taking action to protect the invaluable land and marine ecosystems and unique species. Expanding protected areas in Newfoundland and Labrador is a significant measure towards the overarching goals of addressing climate change and to reaching net-zero by 2050.

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“Attending COP15 provides the opportunity to engage with the Federal Government and many international jurisdictions and organizations, on protecting nature and how we can work together to stop biodiversity loss. It is important for a delegation from Newfoundland and Labrador to attend COP15 to participate in the various conference sessions, presentations and discussions on the importance of nature, biodiversity and protected areas in Canada and throughout the world.”
Honourable Bernard Davis
Minister of Environment and Climate Change

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Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity (COP15)

Environment and Climate Change

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Effective today, Thursday, December 15, 2022, the maximum total cost of borrowing by a payday lender has been lowered from $21 per $100 loaned, to $14 per $100 loaned, making Newfoundland and Labrador’s cost of borrowing the lowest in Canada.

Payday loans are for small amounts of less than $1,500, with payment terms under 62 days. Payday loans are regulated in Newfoundland and Labrador through the Payday Loans Regulations, which came into effect in April 2019, under the Consumer Protection and Business Practices Act.

Changes to the regulations, decreasing the borrowing rate, were published in the Newfoundland and Labrador Gazette in September 2022. The amended regulations are available online.

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The Standing Committee on Public Accounts advises that it is actively following up on the findings and recommendations of the Auditor General contained in the performance audit report respecting Adult Custody and Community Corrections.

The Public Accounts Committee recently received a briefing from the Auditor General and officials on this matter. As a first step in its follow-up, the Committee has contacted the Department of Justice and Public Safety requesting a written action plan for each of the Auditor General’s recommendations by the end of January 2023. It has also advised the entity that officials may be invited to appear before the Committee at a future public hearing with respect to this matter.

The Standing Committee on Public Accounts is a committee of the House of Assembly, deriving its authority from the House itself. The Committee is dedicated to improving public administration in partnership with the Auditor General. The PAC does not question the merits of government policy, but rather its effective implementation.

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“All members of the Public Accounts Committee are united in our responsibility to ensure appropriate oversight and accountability on behalf of the Legislature and the people of Newfoundland and Labrador. The Committee commends the Auditor General and officials for their work on the review, and looks forward to the cooperation of the Department of Justice and Public Safety as it progresses with its follow-up on this matter.”
Tony Wakeham, MHA
Chair, Public Accounts Committee

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Learn more
Public Accounts Committee

Auditor General Performance Audit Report – Adult Custody and Community Corrections

Media contact
Bobbi Russell
Policy & Communications Officer
House of Assembly
709-729-1178
bobbirussell@gov.nl.ca

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The Honourable Derrick Bragg, Minister of Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture, today provided an update on the Provincial Government’s food self-sufficiency target, efforts to protect and enhance farmland, and ongoing support for the agriculture sector.

Minister Bragg will be available to the media to discuss the considerable progress that has been made to improve food self-sufficiency in Newfoundland and Labrador at 11:30 a.m. today, December 15, at the Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture office at 192 Wheeler’s Road, Corner Brook.

Newfoundland and Labrador’s agriculture sector has more than doubled the province’s food self-sufficiency in fruit and vegetable production, reaching more than 21 per cent this year. This exceeds the goal of growing food self-sufficiency from 10 per cent to 20 per cent by the end of 2022.

Set in 2017, the target is based on the cumulative amount of agricultural Crown land that has been developed and enhanced for fruit and vegetable production. This is the most reliable means of tracking progress and improvement since the amount of land available for agriculture demonstrates capacity for production, regardless of seasonal variables.

Since 2016, the amount of Crown land developed and enhanced for fruit and vegetable production has more than doubled, from 590 hectares to 1,212 hectares. Farmers are producing traditional crops including potato, cabbage, turnip, carrot and strawberries, as well as diversified products such as broccoli, kale, leek, onion, asparagus, canola, wheat and cranberry.

Newfoundland and Labrador’s agriculture sector is 100 per cent self-sufficient in production of fluid milk, chicken and eggs, and self-sufficiency in beef and sheep production has more than doubled since 2016. The Provincial Government continues to work closely with the dairy, poultry and egg sectors to continue increasing the amount of locally produced products.

Department staff continue to work closely with farmers and producers to offer advice and support on all aspects of farming, from primary production and food safety to farm business management. Through the Canadian Agricultural Partnership, more than $28.7 million has been invested since 2018 to support 633 agriculture projects, including 50 new, first-year farmers, in Newfoundland and Labrador. Additionally, through the Provincial Agrifoods Assistance Program $2.25 million is allocated annually to support primary production, secondary processing, and land clearing activities.

More information on support for farmers, farmland development, and the agriculture sector is available in the backgrounder below.

Quotes
“Work in the agriculture sector is rewarding and vital, but also extremely challenging, especially in times like these. Current and ongoing global issues affecting the cost of fuel, fertilizer and grain have affected all Canadian farmers, from backyard growers to large-scale commercial operations. It has taken hard work and dedication to achieve these important milestones in food self-sufficiency and land management. We could not be more proud of our farmers, producers, and agriculture sector professionals who helped get us here.”
Honourable Derrick Bragg
Minister of Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture

“Working in agriculture can be difficult at the best of times, and farmers have certainly faced more than their share of challenges. I am proud to see that with support from the Provincial Government, our farmers and producers have risen to the challenge to double fruit and vegetable production. Throughout the pandemic, and in the face of recent world events and high production costs, farmers and producers continue to prove their strength and resilience, and adapt to new challenges in food production. Congratulations to all of you on this important achievement.”
Wayne Simmons
President, Newfoundland and Labrador Federation of Agriculture

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Land for Agriculture

Agriculture Programs and Funding

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BACKGROUNDER

Land Developed for Fruit and Vegetable Production since 2016-17

 

Source: Department of Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture

Ongoing Initiatives to Develop and Conserve Agricultural Crown Land

Land Consolidation Program: The Provincial Government may purchase land from non-farming residents and retiring farmers and allocate it to existing, part-time, and new entrant commercial farmers for agricultural use. Since 2001, the program has purchased approximately 3,200 acres of land, which has contributed to the province’s agriculture land base. This is the only program of its kind in Canada.

Funding for Land Enhancement Initiatives: Through the Canadian Agricultural Partnership and Provincial Agrifoods Assistance Program funding is available for existing farmers and new entrants to clear, enhance and enrich farmland. Since 2018, 802.9 acres of land have been enhanced through funding from the partnership, and 1,531.6 acres through the Provincial Agrifoods Assistance Program.

Agricultural Leases and Licences to Occupy: 50-year agricultural leases are available for commercial farming for an annual rental fee of $4 per hectare. Licences to occupy are available for non-commercial farming, pasture land, and home gardens for a maximum of five years with the option to renew if eligible.

• 2,276 agriculture titles (leases, licenses, and grants) are currently active
• 718 of these have been issued since 2001

Requests for Proposals for Agricultural Land: Existing and new entrant commercial farmers may submit proposals to bring agricultural land into production. Proposal must include a detailed Farm Development Plan outlining suitability of the project. Proposals are accepted for:

• Agriculture Development Areas allocated for agricultural use based on soil surveys and proximity to other agricultural operations throughout the province. These areas are identified based on soil suitability mapping.
• Agriculture Areas of Interest totaling approximately 62,000 hectares (15,321 acres) of Crown land identified for long-term agricultural use. There are currently 50 AOIs available of 59 identified.

Property Tax Exemption Program for Agricultural Land: Provides tax relief to commercial farmers who have high tax evaluations due to the extent of land required to operate efficiently and effectively. This program is also an incentive for producers to develop idle land and bring it into production. In 2022, 13,721 acres were exempt from real property tax.

Ongoing Programs to Support Farmers and Producers

Canadian Agricultural Partnership: A $3-billion, five-year Federal/Provincial/Territorial program to innovate, strengthen and grow Canada’s agriculture and agri-foods sector. Projects focus on new entrants, secondary processing, food self-sufficiency, climate change, and risk mitigation for the agriculture industry. A total of $37 million will be invested by 2023. The Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership, a new $3.5-billion, five-year agreement, will launch in April 2023.

The Partnership allocated $690,360 in 2022-23 to support the Newfoundland and Labrador Federation of Agriculture and its many initiatives, including Agriculture in the Classroom NL, Young Farmers Forum, Agriculture Expo, and Open Farm Day.

Provincial Agrifoods Assistance Program: Allocates $2.25 million annually to provide financial assistance to eligible applicants involved in primary production or secondary processing activities that will:

• Improve the economic viability of the agriculture and agrifoods industry;
• Promote commercialization and growth in the sector; and
• Enhance the competitive capability of the agriculture and agrifoods industry.
• The program may also provide selective assistance to regional pastures, agribusinesses, and agricultural groups for initiatives that support the priorities of the program.

Economic Recovery Plan for Job Creation in Renewable Industries: At the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Provincial Government invested $13 million in agriculture initiatives to create jobs in the agriculture sector and assist farmers and producers. As part of this initiative, an additional 700 acres were developed and three leases issued for large-scale potato production to help meet our food self-sufficiency goal. This land went into production in 2022.

Provincial Vegetable Transplant Program: Vegetable transplants produced at the Centre for Agriculture and Forestry Development in Wooddale help commercial farmers diversify crops and increase yields. The Provincial Government grew and shipped more than four million transplants to eligible commercial famers last year.

Agriculture Research Trials: Collaboration with academic institutions and other government agencies to conduct research on innovative crop and livestock production practices helps support the agriculture industry and offers training opportunities for students. Government-led research and demonstration trials currently involve potato fertility, high-intensity vegetable production demonstrations, livestock feed self-sufficiency (forage, grain and oilseeds varietal and optimization research) and fruit crop varietal and optimization trials (apples, wine grapes, cranberry, and half-high blueberry).

Agriculture Limestone Subsidy Program: The department budgets $411,800 annually to purchase and deliver agricultural limestone, required to improve soil productivity, plant efficiency and environmental sustainability. Farmers pay a flat rate $25/tonne (plus HST) for bulk limestone and delivery. Newfoundland and Labrador is the only province in Canada that subsidizes agricultural limestone.

Provincial Farm Equipment Leasing Program: Offers eligible farmers and producers access to equipment to reduce the financial burden of overhead, maintenance, repair, and storage costs. Available equipment includes tractors, rock pickers, drills, plows, cultivators and other major machinery. Equipment banks are located in Happy Valley-Goose Bay, Bishop’s Falls and Pynn’s Brook.

Provincial Certified Seed Potato Program: Produces disease-resistant, certified seed potato locally and eliminates cost and issues of inaccessibility associated with importing potato seed. The provincial Centre for Agriculture and Forestry Development in Wooddale produces 375,000 pounds of certified seed potatoes annually. Seed is available to certified seed potato growers at a subsidized rate of $5.50 per 50 pounds.

Provincial Soil, Plant and Feed Laboratory: The provincial fee-for-service lab analyzes nutrient composition of soils, plants and feed, and helps farmers make management decisions about soil quality, yield and productivity of crops and livestock.

Agricultural Extension Services: Consultative and advisory support is available to primary and secondary producers. Trained agrologists are engaged in a variety of agricultural sectors that support crop and livestock development. These staff transfer knowledge to the industry on new and innovative agronomic practices, integrated pest management, food safety, soil and organic resource management, risk management, herd management and adherence to the codes of practice. We also support all provincial agriculture commodities, including dairy, poultry, beef, sheep, swine, apiculture, all field fruit and vegetable crops, organic and greenhouse production.

Community Garden Support Program: Community gardening is also contributing to food self-sufficiency. In 2021-22, thanks to funding from the Community Garden Support Program, 7,400 people, including youth and seniors, worked together in 146 community gardens to grow fresh food for their communities and families.

Farm Animal Veterinary Services: Provincial veterinarians and animal health technologists provide routine and 24-hour emergency services to the province’s livestock and poultry. A veterinary pathologist and medical laboratory technologists are responsible for veterinary diagnostic and food safety testing for the agriculture industry. Newfoundland and Labrador is one of only two provinces that provides veterinary services for farm animals The Provincial Government also operates two regulatory food safety programs, including the dairy farm inspection and meat inspection programs.

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The Honourable Sarah Stoodley, Minister of Digital Government and Service NL, will participate in an event tomorrow (Thursday, December 15) to unveil the design concept for a ‘Come Home’ mural on Harvey Road. The announcement will take place 10:00 a.m. at The Rooms, 9 Bonaventure Avenue in St. John’s.

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As the holiday season draws near, the Provincial Government is reminding all Newfoundlanders and Labradorians that it is illegal to drive while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

Motorists are encouraged to arrange for a safe and sober ride home. Never get into a vehicle with a driver who you believe may be impaired. If you suspect someone is driving while impaired, contact law enforcement.

Besides impairment due to alcohol or drugs; fatigue, distraction, even over-the-counter and prescription medications can impact a motorist’s judgement, co-ordination, and reaction time behind the wheel.

In addition, be prepared for winter road conditions. As temperatures get colder, road conditions can deteriorate, so ensure you have proper tires on your vehicle to avoid unnecessary risk. Keep vehicles clear of snow and ice for proper visibility, and maintain a safe distance to avoid collisions. It is also important to keep a First-Aid kit in your vehicle.

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Today, the Provincial Government is announcing that it is providing free chemical testing kits to private well owners throughout Newfoundland and Labrador.

The purpose of this pilot program is to collect baseline groundwater data for the province, while providing well owners with detailed information about their drinking water, in hopes of lowering the health risk to the public related to consuming groundwater with naturally occurring contaminants.

The Water Resources Management Division, with the Department of Environment and Climate Change, have collaborated with the Departments of Digital Government and Service NL, Health and Community Services and the Geological Survey, with the Department of Industry, Energy and Technology to distribute approximately 2,000 chemical test kits at various Digital Government and Service NL regional offices, and are available for pick up at no cost to well owners.  Participants will be asked to fill out a sample record form, collect water in the bottle provided and return the completed kit to the nearest regional office. A listing of Government Service Centres can be found here: www.gov.nl.ca/dgsnl/department/contact/#locations

In addition, a free bacteriological testing service is currently available in the province for all well owners. The service provides results of either the presence or absence for total coliform bacteria or E. coli. For more information, visit: publichealthlab.ca/water-testing/

Quotes
“We are pleased to see the launch of this pilot program as it will help private well owners with testing chemical levels in their well water, to assess the overall quality of their drinking water. Collecting this baseline data will help evaluate any risk to the public and protect human health.”
Honourable Bernard Davis
Minister of Environment and Climate Change

“We work alongside other government departments so residents can easily access testing kits to ensure their well water is safe to drink. Residents are encouraged to visit any one of our Government Service Centres to obtain a kit.”
Honourable Sarah Stoodley
Minister of Digital Government and Service NL

“Drinking water safety is extremely important from a public health perspective and testing should be completed regularly. Private wells should be tested not only for short-term biological safety through the Public Health Lab, but residents should also test for chemical safety to protect the health of families from long-term exposure to naturally occurring elements such as lead or arsenic. We can only address potential hazards when they are known.”
Honourable Tom Osborne
Minister of Health and Community Services

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Water Resources Management

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As part of the modernization and transformational initiatives of the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador, an improved process for community-based core funding is in development with the intention of improving the delivery of services to the people of the province.

The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador will be seeking input from select community groups in the near future on this new process.

Government is reassuring community groups that current core funding will remain in place while the new application and assessment process is being implemented. As a result, organizations are asked to contact their relevant funding department if they have specific questions regarding the process for funding for Budget 2023.

Community groups play a vital role in the delivery of services to communities throughout the province and supply approximately 16,000 jobs to the provincial economy.

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Following a detailed assessment of 31 land nomination submissions for wind energy projects, the Provincial Government today announced the launch of a Crown land call for bids for wind energy projects.

After engaging and receiving feedback from multiple companies, the public, and Indigenous Governments and Organizations, and to ensure a fair and transparent process for all, interested companies can now submit bids for available Crown lands within the areas designated for wind development. The selected areas do not include certain known land use conflicts, such as endangered species habitat, where development may be problematic or prohibited.

Bids will be accepted from December 14, 2022 until midnight on March 3, 2023. A Phase 1 review will be conducted on all bids on criteria such as ensuring the companies have experience, financing, etc. Those companies passing Phase 1 review will proceed to the next phase beginning early April 2023. To ensure a fair, transparent, and competitive approval process, the document, “Guidelines: Crown Land Calls for Bids for Wind Energy Projects” was developed to outline the information that would be required of bidders, and how bids would be evaluated.

This Call for Bids does not award Crown land; however, successful bidders from this process will be issued a wind application recommendation letter from Industry, Energy and Technology. This letter will grant a bidder the exclusive right to pursue the development of their project through the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador Crown land application and approval process.

Environmental Assessment registration is not required during the call for land bids phase; however, prior to final award of Crown land, an environmental assessment will be required for wind projects over one megawatt.

The Provincial Government launched the Renewable Energy Plan in December 2021. One of the short-term commitments in the plan was to review the wind moratorium policy on the Island Interconnected Electricity System. Lifting this moratorium was the initial step in this multi-stage process to facilitate electricity-generation from wind resources in Newfoundland and Labrador.

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“Our government has taken numerous steps to enable economic development opportunities related to wind energy development. This process has been designed to enable the development of our wind energy resources in a manner that ensures the greatest long-term benefit to residents. This includes a focus on maximizing jobs and revenue for programs and services, while ensuring a competitive approach. We will continue to ensure transparency and fairness in our wind energy development process.”
Honourable Andrew Parsons
Minister of Industry, Energy and Technology

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Learn more
Guidelines: Crown Land Calls for Bids for Wind Energy Projects

Ministerial Statement – Minister Parsons Announces End of Moratorium on Wind Development

News Release: Minister Parsons Launches Renewable Energy Plan for Newfoundland and Labrador

Renewable Energy Plan: Maximizing Our Renewable Future

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Arts and Culture Centres in Newfoundland and Labrador have experienced a successful 2022 to date, with an increase of audience attendance by 53 per cent over 2021. This follows a record-breaking year for visitation to provincial historic sites and parks so far this year.

Approximately 113,000 patrons attended performances across the province this year, as the Arts and Culture Centres returned to traditional operations following the lifting of public health restrictions. This also allowed the Barbara Barrett Theatre in St. John’s to reopen for the first time since 2020.

With support from Come Home 2022, Arts and Culture Centres across the province presented 442 events, including five performances of Come From Away: The Concert and 11 performances of Tell Tale Harbour, featuring Newfoundland and Labrador’s own, Alan Doyle.

The Arts and Culture Centres supported cultural events, as well as individual artists, including: the Tombolo Multicultural Festival Committee, First Light Friendship Centre, the Kitchen Party Theatre Festival Committee, The Juniper Tree Collective, Azal Dosanjh and Santiago Guzman. (More information about these projects is available in the backgrounder below.)

In keeping with their role as a community hub, the Arts and Culture Centres also collaborated with local artists on a benefit concert for those affected by the war in Ukraine, which took place in April.

This holiday season, the Arts and Culture Centres province-wide are pleased to offer a remarkable calendar of more than 40 holiday-themed performances. Full event details are available at artsandculturecentre.com.

Quote
“Arts and Culture Centres are vital to our efforts to enrich communities and share our province’s unique culture and heritage with the world. While many arts centres around the world were reopening to audiences in 2022 for the first time since the pandemic began, Newfoundland and Labrador’s Arts and Culture Centres had continued to operate within appropriate health guidelines, giving residents, artists and performers uninterrupted access to programming and support. With the added excitement of Come Home 2022, this year has proven to be a success, and we look forward to building on that in the New Year.”
Honourable Steve Crocker
Minister of Tourism, Culture, Arts and Recreation

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Arts and Culture Centres

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BACKGROUNDER

The Arts and Culture Centres has been working with Playwrights Guild of Canada’s inaugural John Palmer Award winner, Santiago Guzman in the development of a show titled “Newfoundlanded”. In this show, Guzman explores the journey of becoming a Canadian citizen as an immigrant in Newfoundland and Labrador. Drawing on the lived experiences of over 80 individuals, “Newfoundlanded” explores the themes associated with the concept of ‘home’.

The Juniper Tree Collective began working with the Arts and Culture Centres in January 2022 to create an interactive and immersive art installation featuring three monologues that combine family secrets with a subversive retelling of Philipp Otto Runge’s 1812 fairytale “The Juniper Tree” enhanced by personal experience and perspective.

Azal Dosanjh has been working with the Arts and Culture Centres in development of “Tamasha,” an adaptation project focusing on a unique form of political theatre with roots in Punjab, India. Dosanjh has undertaken the task of translating seven of Gursharan Singh’s plays from their original language into English. These plays will then be adapted into an original storyline for performance.

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The Honourable Andrew Parsons, Minister of Industry, Energy and Technology, will provide an update on the next stage of the wind development process.

The event will take place in the Media Centre, East Block, Confederation Building, beginning at 12:30 p.m tomorrow (Wednesday, December 14).

The announcement will be live-streamed on the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador’s Facebook account and on YouTube.

Technical Briefing
An in-person technical briefing for media is scheduled for 11:15 a.m.

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The Honourable John G. Abbott, Minister of Children, Seniors and Social Development, will bring greetings at an age-friendly community Christmas dinner tomorrow (Wednesday, December 14).

The dinner, hosted by Placentia Age Friendly and the Placentia Community Connections Housing Coalition, takes place at 6:00 p.m. at Star of the Sea Hall, 14 Jubilee Road, Placentia.

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Effective immediately, Travis Wooley has been named the acting Chief Electoral Officer and Ann Chafe has been named the acting Commissioner for Legislative Standards. Where the House of Assembly is not presently sitting, these acting appointments are made by the Lieutenant-Governor in Council on recommendation from the House of Assembly Management Commission.

Both Mr. Wooley and Ms. Chafe held their respective positions previously. They replace Bruce Chaulk whose six year term as Chief Electoral Officer and Commissioner for Legislative Standards ended on December 11, 2022.

In early December, the Provincial Government appointed Retired Supreme Court Justice Fowler to conduct a review of the statutory offices. As part of this review, Justice Fowler will review the structure, reporting and accountability of the statutory offices of the House of Assembly – including the Commissioner for Legislative Standards, Office of the Chief Electoral Officer, Office of the Child and Youth Advocate, Office of the Citizens’ Representative, Office of the Information and Privacy Commissioner, Office of the Seniors’ Advocate – and prepare a report that includes recommendations.

The appointment of statutory officers follows the Independent Appointment Commission’s merit-based appointment process, and will ultimately be decided by a resolution in the House of Assembly. Statutory offices operate independently from the Provincial Government and report to the House of Assembly.

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An All-Party Committee on Basic Income has been established in response to the provincial and national discussion on a basic income and following a private member’s motion supported by all members of the House of Assembly on November 3, 2021. The committee will review basic income models and approaches and assess the viability and potential for reducing poverty in Newfoundland and Labrador.

The first meeting of the All-Party Committee on Basic Income took place on Thursday, November 24, 2022. The committee is being chaired by the Honourable John G. Abbott, Minister of Children, Seniors and Social Development. Other committee members include:

• Honourable Bernard Davis, Minister Responsible for Labour;
• Sherry Gambin-Walsh, MHA for the District of Placentia-St. Mary’s;
• Craig Pardy, MHA for the District of Bonavista; and
• Jim Dinn, Interim Leader of the Third Party and MHA for the District of St. John’s Centre.

The next meeting of the All-Party Committee on Basic Income is scheduled for today (December 12, 2022).

The Terms of Reference of the All-Party Committee on Basic Income can be found in the backgrounder below.

Quotes
“I am pleased with the initial meeting held with members of the All-Party Committee on Basic Income. As a government, we remain committed to exploring and developing renewed approaches to addressing poverty, and to improve the social and economic well-being outcomes for all Newfoundlanders and Labradorians. I look forward to working with this committee on this important endeavour.”
Honourable John G. Abbott
Minister of Children, Seniors and Social Development

“After a productive initial meeting, I look forward to the next steps to exploring avenues to reduce poverty throughout Newfoundland and Labrador. As the cost of living continues to rise, this all-party committee is well timed. I look forward to working with the committee members to ensure strategies toward poverty reduction are explored, researched, and enacted in the future.”
Craig Pardy
MHA for the District of Bonavista

“I am pleased to see that government has decided to strike the All-Party Committee on Basic Income we called for in our Private Member’s Resolution. If we want to improve the social determinants of health, then we must address income. I look forward to working with members of the Committee to explore Basic Income as a tool to improve the social and economic well-being of Newfoundlanders and Labradorians.”
Jim Dinn
Interim Leader of the Third Party and MHA for the District of St. John’s Centre

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BACKGROUNDER

All-Party Committee on Basic Income
Terms of Reference

1.0 Mandate
The All-Party Committee on Basic Income is established in response to the provincial and national discussion on a basic income and following a private member’s motion supported by all members of the House of Assembly on November 3, 2021. (See Annex A)

The All-Party Committee will review basic income models and approaches and assess the viability and potential for reducing poverty in Newfoundland and Labrador. The committee will consist of Honourable Members from all parties of the House of Assembly.

2.0 PURPOSE

1. To review currently available income supports in Newfoundland and Labrador, with a focus on the combined impacts of available supports on individuals and families;
2. To review income support approaches, including incremental approaches to basic income, and basic income experiments  in other jurisdictions;
3. To consult and receive expert testimony on best practices regarding  basic income and other income support models;
4. To review and provide advice and recommendations on: basic income as an approach that should be tested in NL; if a basic income approach is recommended, what type of model should be used, including considering whether it should be targeted or general, eligibility and minimum income amounts, interaction with existing income supports, cost-benefit analysis, funding approaches, potential/need for a federal role and how to best engage the federal government and a timeline for implementation; and
5. To submit a report to government that will be publicly released and tabled in the House of Assembly.

3.0 KEY PRINCIPLES

• Collaborative: All members will follow generally accepted rules of collaborative work, such as respect, active listening, tolerance of differing views, etc.
• Consensus-seeking: Although consensus may not be possible on all points, best efforts will be made to reach consensus on as many key points as possible with the ultimate goal of presenting a consensus report.
• Open and transparent: Information, analysis, and feedback received throughout the process will be made publicly available.
• Accountable: Committee members commit to consider and respond to all major points made or ideas proposed, even if they disagree with or are not supportive of them.

• Accurate and thorough: Best efforts will be made to capture the views of all those interested in the topic and ensure full analyses of available data.

• Shared learning: All involved understand that this is a complex topic and that there is always more to learn about it; they accept that they can learn from experts, including people with lived experiences of poverty, the public and one another.

4.0 Membership and Meetings

4.1 Membership

Minister of Children, Seniors and Social Development, Chair
Two (2) Government MHAs
One (1) Official Opposition MHA
One (1) Third Party MHA

If a member cannot attend a meeting, that member may be represented by an alternate Member of the House of Assembly.

4.2 Meetings

• Meetings will be scheduled monthly or more often as needed at the call of the Chair.
• If necessary, travel, accommodations and per diems will be reimbursed for members as per Government of Newfoundland and Labrador’s travel policy.
• Secretariat support will be provided by the Department of Children, Seniors and Social Development.
• Any public communications will be approved by the committee.

ROLES

Role of Chair
The chair will convene and manage committee meetings in accordance with the terms of reference, and will facilitate requests made by committee members in collaboration with the secretariat.

The Chair will be the public spokesperson for the committee.

Voting
Decisions are made by consensus. If consensus is not possible, majority voice voting is used with the minority view documented.

5.0 TIMELINE AND COMMITTEE WRAP-UP

The committee will convene from the day of official announcement to when recommendations are finalized at which time the committee will dissolve.  The anticipated time frame is 6-8 months.

Annex A

October 2020 Resolution:
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that this House consider truly ending poverty in this province by establishing an All-Party Select Committee on basic income, with a mandate to review and make recommendations on: eligibility and minimum income amounts, interaction with existing income supports, additional poverty reduction initiatives, cost-benefit analysis, potential models for such a program, and timeline for implementation; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Select Committee engage federal Members of Parliament from Newfoundland and Labrador to participate.

November 2021 Resolution:
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that this House consider truly ending poverty in this province by urging the government to establish an all-party Committee on basic income, with a mandate to review and make recommendations on: eligibility and minimum income amounts, interaction with existing income supports, additional poverty reduction initiatives, cost-benefit analysis, potential models for such a program and a timeline for implementation;

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that this House urge the government to ensure that the Committee has the resources it needs to conduct its work and engage federal Members of Parliament from Newfoundland and Labrador to participate.

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Today, the Honourable Bernard Davis, Minister of Environment and Climate Change and Minister Responsible for Labour, announced the expansion of the Transitional Support Program for Smaller Employers.

The new program has been expanded to provide short-term financial support to employers with 100 employees or less that employ minimum wage earners.

This support program offers $0.50 per hour for all hours worked at the minimum wage rate, from October 1, 2022 to September 30, 2023. It will provide two payments to eligible employers, with 80 per cent of the eligible amount paid up front, and the remaining 20 per cent paid after the covering period ends. Eligible employers are required to submit documentation to the Provincial Government for both disbursements.

The maximum payout to an employer is $1,040, per minimum wage earner.

Program details and how to apply can be found here. The deadline to apply for the program has been extended to January 9, 2022.

An application is considered complete once all required information and documentation have been submitted. For program inquiries, please call the Labour Standards Division at: 1-877-563-1063 or by email at tsp@gov.nl.ca.

The expansion of the Transitional Support Program is an addition to:

• On May 26, 2022, Minister Davis announced the creation of the Transitional Support Program for Smaller Employers, along with three increases to the minimum wage.
• On October 1, 2022 the minimum wage increased by 50 cents, bringing it to $13.70 per hour.

On April 1, 2023 the minimum wage will increase by 80 cents to $14.50 per hour, and on October 1, 2023 the minimum wage will increase to $15.00 per hour.

Quote
“Our government understands the importance of the minimum wage rate to employees and employers in Newfoundland and Labrador. I am pleased to announce the expansion and extension of this support program for employers with 100 employees or less, to help offset some of their costs associated with the increase to the minimum wage. By expanding this program, we are extending the reach to more businesses and thousands of minimum wage earners. I encourage businesses to learn more about the program and to apply on or before January 9.”
Honourable Bernard Davis
Minister of Environment and Climate Change and Minister Responsible for Labour

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Learn more
Transition Support Program for Smaller Employers

Provincial Government Releases Minimum Wage Review Committee Report

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Work will begin soon on a new interchange to allow for more motorists to travel between Galway and the Trans-Canada Highway.

A $10.3 million contract has been awarded to Farrell’s Excavating Ltd. to construct an underpass below the Trans-Canada Highway at Exit 41 as well as ramps and a roundabout on the western side of the highway that will connect to Danny Drive via the underpass.

The contract also includes the construction of a temporary four-lane diversion on the Trans-Canada Highway to allow motorists to travel around the construction site at a reduced speed.

The new infrastructure will allow motorists to depart and enter Galway via the highway’s westbound lanes. The new interchange will also ease traffic congestion on Pitts Memorial Drive and nearby roads.

Updates on construction progress and lane reductions will be provided as work progresses. The department anticipates construction being completed in 2024.

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

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

Quote
“Constructing a new interchange to Galway on the Trans-Canada Highway will help ease traffic congestion on Pitts Memorial Drive, which is one of the busiest highways in the province. Transportation infrastructure is critical to help growing communities like Galway. Creating easier access to the area will also help economic development.”
Honourable Elvis Loveless
Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure

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Learn more
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 events relative to Part 10 Environmental Assessment of the Environmental Protection Act.

UNDERTAKING REGISTERED:

Gosling Lake RV Park                                                       (Reg. 2226)
Proponent: Abbass and McLean Holdings Inc.

The proponent is proposing to develop and operate a 14-hectare RV park at the location of a former camping park on Route 520, east of Gosling Lake. The park is located approximately 15 kilometres north of the Town of Happy Valley-Goose Bay and 24 kilometres southwest of the Town of North West River.  Park development would include installation of a sewage system and fencing, and the construction of a gatehouse and main building with a convenience store, restaurant, office, laundry and washroom facilities.  The park grounds would include approximately 80 RV sites; six cabins; and 20 tent lots and playground. 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 December 8, 2022; the deadline for public comment is January 13, 2023; and the minister’s decision is due by January 22, 2023.

UNDERTAKING RELEASED:

Conception Bay South Pyrophyllite Processing Facility and Mine Development
Proponent: Trinity Resources Limited                              (Reg. 2219)

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. This includes the commitment to provide permanent, uninterrupted public access to the backcountry via the by-pass road described in the submission.
• The Water Resources Management Division (WRMD) of my Department requires the following:
• The proponent must enter into a Memorandum of Understanding with the WRMD for the installation of a real-time water quality/quantity monitoring network for groundwater/surface water, as will be determined upon further consultation. The proponent is to bear all costs associated with the monitoring network and must install the network prior to commencing Project operations to collect adequate background data; and
• The proponent must submit a groundwater assessment and monitoring report for approval by the WRMD, prior to commencing Project operations. The groundwater assessment must include existing/baseline groundwater levels, flow and quality and must describe how/whether mining operations will affect the groundwater levels, flow and quality in the area.
• The Department of Transportation and Infrastructure requires the proponent to undertake and provide a Traffic Impact Study following the ‘Guidelines for Preparation of a Traffic Impact Study,’ to determine if upgrades to the on-ramp merge lane from Minerals Road are necessary to mitigate traffic safety concerns associated with the Project.
• 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_May-2022.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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More accessible and affordable public housing is being constructed in St. John’s for people with lower incomes.

The Governments of Canada and Newfoundland and Labrador are investing $1.85 million to support the construction of eight new affordable housing units on Janeway Place, in Pleasantville, for households with lower incomes. The contract was recently awarded to CAN-AM Platforms and Construction Ltd. The project received $1.85 million in funding through the Government of Canada’s Rapid Housing Initiative (RHI) as well as through Canada Community Housing Initiative with the Province of Newfoundland and Labrador.

Joanne Thompson, Member of Parliament for St. John’s East, on behalf of the Honourable Ahmed Hussen, Minister of Housing and Diversity and Inclusion, joined the Honourable John G. Abbott, Minister of Children, Seniors and Social Development and Minister Responsible for the Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation, and the Honourable Bernard Davis, Minister of Environment and Climate Change and MHA for Virginia Waters-Pleasantville to view the construction site today.

Once completed, the development will consist of two, four-unit buildings. Each building will include two fully wheelchair-accessible, one-bedroom units on the main level, and two, one-bedroom units on the second level. Universal Design features will be incorporated throughout the building and include items such as widened exterior and interior doors and hallways, lever-type door handles and faucets.

Energy efficiency will also be a key element in the design and construction of the buildings. These homes will exceed the energy performance requirements of the 2015 National Energy Code for Buildings.

This new development builds on the Federal and Provincial Government’s commitment to expand affordable housing in Newfoundland and Labrador through the National Housing Strategy. Recently, a cost-shared $13.2 million federal/provincial investment was announced to support the construction of a 40-unit apartment complex, which will also be located in Pleasantville.

Quotes
“Access to safe and affordable housing is vital to helping individuals and families build a stable and secure future. The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador remains committed to working together with our Federal, Municipal and Indigenous Governments and community partners to develop new housing solutions to support the needs of Newfoundlanders and Labradorians.”
Honourable John G. Abbott
Minister Responsible for the Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation

“Everyone deserves a safe and affordable place to call home. The Rapid Housing Initiative is an effective way to stimulate the local economy, provide affordable housing options, and better meet the needs of people here in St. John’s and across Canada. I am thrilled to see construction for this project up and running. This is the National Housing Strategy at work.”
Joanne Thompson
Member of Parliament for St. John’s East.

“I am pleased to see construction starting on these much needed affordable housing units in the District of Virginia Waters-Pleasantville. Continued collaboration and partnership between the province and the Government of Canada is what makes important infrastructure developments like this possible.”
Honourable Bernard Davis
Minister of Environment and Climate Change and MHA for Virginia Waters-Pleasantville

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NOTE: Photos accompanying this release can be found online at www.gov.nl.ca/releases.

Learn more
Provincial and Federal Governments Announce Development of a New 40-Unit Affordable Housing Complex in Pleasantville

Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation

National Housing Strategy

Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation

Follow us on Twitter @GovNL, @CSSD_GovNL and @nlhousing

Like us on Facebook

(L-R) Honourable John G. Abbott, Minister of Children, Seniors and Social Development and Minister Responsible for the Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation, Honourable Bernard Davis, Minister of Environment and Climate Change and MHA for Virginia Waters-Pleasantville and MP Joanne Thompson, Member of Parliament for St. John’s East, joined Max Day, Project Supervisor for CAN-AM Platforms and Construction Ltd., to view the construction site where eight new affordable housing units are being built on Janeway Place, in Pleasantville, St. John’s.

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The Department of Justice and Public Safety continues its ‘Tis the Season to Practice Fire Safety campaign providing tips on how to protect yourself and your family this holiday season.

Choosing a real Christmas tree is a staple of the holiday season for many families in Newfoundland and Labrador. Before you start ‘Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree’, here are some tips to help protect your property and loved ones from potential hazard:

• When choosing a real tree, ensure it is fresh and the needles do not drop when touched;
• Ensure the tree is placed a safe distance (minimum one metre) from any sources of heat;
• Always make a fresh cut about two inches from the base of the trunk before placing the tree in its stand;
• Add water to the tree stand daily to slow the drying out process and reduce the risk of fire; and
• Dispose of your tree properly as soon as possible after the holidays.

Once a week during December, the department is issuing a Public Advisory to ensure residents keep fire safety top-of-mind as they celebrate the holidays.

Follow @JPS_GovNL on Twitter for more safety tips.

The Department of Justice and Public Safety wishes all residents a safe and happy holiday season.

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