Government of Newfoundland News

The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador is providing funding of approximately $236,000 to Lifewise NL to pilot a one-year dedicated peer support warm line to improve mental health supports and services for paramedics and other first responders in the province.

The First Responder Warm Line will be staffed by first responders trained in the delivery of peer support, and will be available 12 hours a day, seven days a week. This new service will provide mental health support to first responders, which will then help them support others.

According to a survey administered by Newfoundland and Labrador’s Paramedic Mental Health Working Group, 78 per cent of respondents stated they would access dedicated peer support if available.

In June 2022, the Provincial Government released Our Path of Resilience: An Action Plan to Promote Life and Prevent Suicide in Newfoundland and Labrador. The plan promotes the National Standard of Canada for Psychological Health and Safety in the Workplace, as well as workplace wellness programs to address compassion fatigue, stress, caregiver responsibilities and other mental health issues.

Lifewise NL supports and encourages individual recovery and the reduction of stigma through the provision of peer support, public education, advocacy and community engagement. More information about Lifewise NL can be found here.

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“We recognize the valuable role paramedics and other first responders play in the delivery of health care and in support of public safety in Newfoundland and Labrador. This funding reinforces our government’s commitment to ensuring access to mental health supports and services when first responders need them most.”
Honourable Tom Osborne
Minister of Health and Community Services

“Listening to the voices of people receiving mental health care is critical to a successful system. After listening to the voices of first responders, Lifewise is honoured to develop a First Responder Peer Support Warm Line with the support of the Provincial Government. We are confident the warm line will provide a necessary service that supports first responders in maintaining their wellness while doing important work in Newfoundland and Labrador.”
Brad Glynn
Executive Director, Lifewise NL

“The mental health of our Paramedic Practitioners is so vital. Having a peer support option like this, available here in our province, and provided by actual first responders, will hopefully help our members and provide an avenue for help for those that need it. Whether it’s just to talk to someone following a difficult call or when you are having a crisis, this resource is now available.”
Rodney Gaudet
President, Paramedic Association of Newfoundland and Labrador

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The Honourable John G. Abbott, Minister of Children, Seniors and Social Development and Minister Responsible for the Status of Persons with Disabilities, is today announcing a new grant to support the inclusion of children with disabilities in summer camps.

The Summer Camp Inclusion Grant aligns with the Provincial Government’s continued commitment to creating a more accessible and inclusive province. The grant provides financial assistance to pay for a support person to accommodate children with disabilities to attend and participate in summer camps.

This support person may be an inclusion worker, a caregiver, an attendant, an American Sign Language (ASL) Interpreter, a designated camp staff member, or any other person deemed appropriate by the family to support the child’s needs and participation at summer camp.

The Summer Camp Inclusion Grant provides funding of:

• Up to $1,000 to families with children with disabilities who require a support and/or inclusion worker to attend summer camp; or
• Up to $5,000 to organizations providing summer camps who wish to hire support and/or inclusion workers to accommodate children with disabilities.

This grant supports the Health Accord’s recommendation of building a provincial pathway to inclusion for a more inclusive health system and society in which each person feels valued and respected.

Grant guidelines and application form can be found here. You can also call toll-free 1-888-729-6279; text 709-725-4463; or email CSSDGrantPrograms@gov.nl.ca. Video Relay Service calls are also welcome and applications are available in alternate formats.

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“I am pleased to announce the new Summer Camp Inclusion Grant, which will help to further expand opportunities for children with disabilities to participate in activities that foster improved physical and mental health and well-being. This is one of many initiatives that speak to our government’s commitment to building an inclusive and accessible province where all residents can participate meaningfully. I encourage eligible families and organizations to submit an application today.”
Honourable John G. Abbott
Minister of Children, Seniors and Social Development and Minister Responsible for the Status of Persons with Disabilities

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Summer Camp Inclusion Grant

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A bursary offered by the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador to undergraduate medical students at Memorial University has led to 22 students agreeing to work in the province.

The Undergraduate Medical Student Bursary Program offers $7,500 in funding to full-time students enrolled in their fourth academic year of the Undergraduate Medical Education Program at the university. In return, the students agree to work in the province for a 12-month period as part of a return-in-service agreement.

The bursaries, totaling $165,000, help address physician challenges in the province.

The Undergraduate Medical Student Bursary Program is one of numerous incentives, such as the Come Home Incentive, the Family Practice Start-Up Program, and the Bachelor of Nursing Bursary, that offer thousands of dollars to recruit and retain health care students and experienced professionals in exchange for return for service.

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 Undergraduate Medical Student Bursary program is one of numerous programs and incentives the province has to recruit and retain health care professionals, and we are excited to see 22 students agree to work in the province as a result of this bursary. It is through initiatives such as this that we continue to boost the attractiveness of our health community, which results in even more health professionals providing services in our province.”
Honourable Tom Osborne
Minister of Health and Community Services

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Health Care Bursaries and Incentives

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The Honourable Lisa Dempster, Minister of Labrador Affairs and Minister Responsible for Indigenous Affairs and Reconciliation, will participate in the 2023 Northern Development Ministers’ Forum, taking place from May 16 to 17 in Churchill, Manitoba.

The forum is taking place at the Town Centre Complex, 180 La Vérendrye Avenue, Churchill, Manitoba. A virtual news conference will take place 2:00 p.m. NDT (1:30 p.m. in parts of Labrador) on Wednesday, May 17 for participating ministers to summarize the proceedings and respond to topics discussed during the forum. Newfoundland and Labrador media interested in participating via Zoom should contact Allan Bock (AllanBock@gov.nl.ca).

The Government of Manitoba is hosting the 2023 Forum, and sessions will be chaired by Greg Nesbitt, federal Minister of Natural Resources and Northern Development. The theme is ‘Economic Reconciliation Through Action’.

The Northern Development Ministers’ Forum was established in 2001 to advance the diverse and common interests of the people living in Canada’s North, while raising awareness among decision-makers and the public about the accomplishments, contributions and potential of the North. Member jurisdictions include the Governments of Canada, Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba, Newfoundland and Labrador, Northwest Territories, Nunavut, Ontario, Quebec, Saskatchewan and Yukon.

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To enhance business and market development of a local cosmetics company, the Honourable Andrew Parsons, KC, Minister of Industry, Energy and Technology today announced an investment of over $69,000 through the Business Development Support Program in East Coast Glow.

Founded in 2011 by Karen and Roger Dewling, East Coast Glow began as a part-time business based out of their home in Clarenville. When faced with their infant daughter’s painful skin condition, the Dewlings set out on a path to finding a solution, which resulted in the creation of their sustainable, plant-based skincare company. Since its inception, the company has steadily grown to include nearly 80 product offerings, crafted using wild ingredients foraged and harvested by hand and infused with iceberg water, to customers, retailers and wholesalers across the country.

From 2019 onwards, the company has invested heavily in enhancing its clientele through an increased digital presence in the form of a new website, videography, social media campaigns and other marketing materials. Through this project, East Coast Glow will be building on the success of previous marketing campaigns to further the creative development of digital advertising initiatives, develop bilingual signage intended to engage tourists during peak seasons, and produce creative materials for wholesale and tradeshows. This is a strategic market development initiative that will enable the company to further broaden its market reach beyond Newfoundland and Labrador.

Through the Business Development Support Program, the Provincial Government supports small and medium-sized businesses that are committed to developing and growing their operations by improving operational productivity and developing their markets.

Quotes
“East Coast Glow has demonstrated sustained business growth over the years, and has produced high quality products that hold the potential to represent Newfoundland and Labrador’s emerging skincare industry in markets beyond the province. We are pleased to support a company that integrates and showcases our local natural resources in innovative and sustainable ways.”
Honourable Andrew Parsons, KC
Minister of Industry, Energy and Technology

“We are incredibly thankful for this support from the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador to help us further our mission to connect people with nature through sustainable, wildcrafted cosmetics. Our innovative formulas are developed to capture the synergy between the still-wild elements of Newfoundland and cutting-edge cosmetic chemistry. As a family-run business, we care about our neighbours and the community in which we live. We aim to be positive agents of change, opportunity, and progress, and the support we have received from the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador will help us realize these goals.”
Roger and Karen Dewling
East Coast Glow

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Scott Reid, Parliamentary Secretary to the Honourable John Haggie, Minister of Education, will attend the official opening and dedication of The Launch – the Marine Institute’s Ocean Innovation Hub in Holyrood on Monday, May 15.

The event will take place at the new Arthur W. May building, Northside Road, Holyrood at 10:30 a.m.

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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 REGISTERED:

New Harbour Barrens RV Park                                                                    (Reg. 2245)

Proponent: Anthony Developments Ltd.

The proponent is proposing to develop and operate a 13.4-hectare RV park near New Harbour off Route 73. The construction would consist of 250 RV sites, the installation of an approved water and sewage system, a kiosk building (office and security), a comfort station (with laundry, washrooms, and a common room), and a sewage dumping station. The construction is planned to begin in summer 2023. 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 May 10, 2023; the deadline for public comment is June 16, 2023; and the minister’s decision is due by June 24, 2023.

Lark Harbour Breakwater and Wharf                                                           (Reg. 2244)
Proponent: Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Small Craft Harbours

The proponent proposes to construct a new marginal wharf, concrete launchway, floating docks and rubble-mounded breakwater to replace the existing finger pier wharf at the Small Craft Harbour in Lark Harbour. The improved infrastructure would meet the needs of local users and the breakwater would provide protection from strong wave action. The project would have a total footprint of approximately 14.4 hectares. 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 May 10, 2023; the deadline for public comment is June 16, 2023; and the minister’s decision is due by June 24, 2023.

UNDERTAKING RELEASED:

Junction River Bridge Removals                                                       (Reg. 2237)
Proponent: Department of Transportation and Infrastructure                                                                                                                                                        

The project is released subject to the following conditions:

• The proponent must uphold all commitments made in the environmental assessment submission to mitigate the effects of the Project on the environment.
• 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 within 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 site must be reported to the Wildlife Division.
• 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 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

Environmental assessment information is available at:

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

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

Follow us on Twitter: @GovNL and @ECC_GovNL

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

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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Results of the 2023-24 big game licence draw are available on the Wildlife Information Management System website. Applicants will receive an email notification over the coming days to check their accounts.

In most areas of the island, big game season begins September 9 and closes December 31. In Labrador, the season opens September 9 and closes March 10. Successful applicants should pay fees by 4:30 p.m. on June 30 to ensure they receive their licences in time for the start of the season.

The 2023-24 moose quota for the island of Newfoundland is 27,575 licences, including 3,930 non-resident and 460 not-for-profit licences. In Labrador, the quota is 340 moose. The caribou quota is 575 licences for the island of Newfoundland, including 216 non-resident licences. Caribou hunting is prohibited in Labrador. Information on season dates, hunting regulations, and safe practices is available in the 2023-24 Hunting and Trapping Guide.

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“Thousands of people enjoy the physical challenges of hunting, the shared culture of getting out on the land, and the rewards of a healthy meal of wild game. With the smooth transition to a fully online application process, our staff have completed the draw earlier this year to give hunters more time to prepare for a safe and successful hunting season. I encourage hunters to review the Hunting and Trapping Guide to see what’s new for 2023-24 and learn how we manage our important wildlife resources.”
Honourable Derrick Bragg
Minister of Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture

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Big Game Season 2023-24 Highlights

Public Advisory: 2023-24 Hunting and Trapping Guide Available Online

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The Honourable John G. Abbott, Minister of Children, Seniors and Social Development, will bring greetings at the grand opening of AgeRight Health and Fitness Studio tomorrow (Friday, May 12).

The opening will take place at the Macpherson Suites Building, Lower Level, 40 Newtown Road, St. John’s at 12:30 p.m.

AgeRight is a health and fitness company offering customized programs for the 50 plus age group to promote a culture of healthy living and wellness within the aging community.

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On Canadian Viral Hepatitis Elimination Day, the Provincial Government is announcing the creation of a Steering Committee to lead strategy development for the elimination of Hepatitis C in Newfoundland and Labrador.

The Hepatitis C Elimination Steering Committee will embrace innovation and lead transformative action to reduce the incidence and impact of Hepatitis C in this province. The committee will develop a Newfoundland and Labrador Framework for elimination of Hepatitis C, which will guide province-specific attention and resources toward nationally and internationally agreed upon Hepatitis C elimination goals for 2030.

The committee’s work will focus on facilitating early and equitable access to testing, treatment, and care, and support persons living with Hepatitis C in a manner that minimizes the risk for stigma and discrimination.

In addition to key experts, the committee will include representatives who have lived and living experiences with viral hepatitis, and will highlight the importance of prevention and harm reduction strategies.

Thursday, May 11, 2023 marks the second annual Canadian Viral Hepatitis Elimination Day, which promotes urgency to eliminate viral hepatitis as a public health threat in Canada by 2030. Hepatitis C is a contagious liver disease, which spreads primarily through contact with the blood of an infected person. It ranges in severity from a mild illness lasting a few weeks to a serious lifelong illness that causes permanent liver damage. Newfoundland and Labrador has seen gradual increases in Hepatitis C in all regional health zones, and since 2017 rates of new Hepatitis C infection in this province have been above the national rate.

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“I am confident that the creation of this Steering Committee will provide a tangible opportunity to advance our government’s strategic public health goals by improving quality and access and enhancing health efficiency. Eliminating Hepatitis C is possible and feasible, and through the valuable work of this Steering Committee, we are on our way.”
Honourable Tom Osborne
Minister of Health and Community Services

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The following statement was read in the House of Assembly today by the Honourable John Haggie, Minister of Education:

Speaker, the power of education cannot be overstated. Teachers play a vital role in making possibilities become realities for students.

I stand today to remind the public that nominations are now open for the third annual Premier’s Award for Teaching Innovation and the Minister of Education’s Award for Compassion in Teaching.

The Premier’s Award for Teaching Innovation recognizes primary, elementary or secondary teachers in all disciplines who have demonstrated innovation in instruction and a commitment to preparing their students for future success.

The Minister of Education’s Award for Compassion in Teaching recognizes inspirational and compassionate teachers at the primary, elementary or secondary level who have demonstrated a commitment to supporting the social, emotional and mental health of their students, colleagues or school community as a whole.

These awards recognize teaching excellence in areas that are meaningful and impactful for K-12 students in Newfoundland and Labrador.

In recognition of the important role teachers play, our government continues to make key investments, including increases in the last two years to the teaching services budget and continued funding to maintain the school-based reading specialists, teaching and learning assistants, teacher librarians, and English-as-a-second-language teachers added as a result of the Education Action Plan.

Speaker, I encourage students, parents, colleagues and administrators to nominate an educator today. Information on the awards is available on the government website, and the deadline for submissions is May 26, 2023.s

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The Information and Privacy Commissioner, Michael Harvey, has released his Report A-2023-024 under authority of the Access to Information and Protection of Privacy Act, 2015. A summary of the Report is included below.

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

Report: A-2023-024 Report Date: May 9, 2023 Public Body: Town of Musgrave Harbour Summary: The Town of Musgrave Harbour sent the Complainant a copy of an investigation report, with redactions under section 40 to which the Complainant objected. The Town did not respond to the notification of the complaint, to numerous communications from our Office, or to a Summons. The Commissioner concluded that the redactions were mainly unjustified and recommended disclosure of the information. The Commissioner also concluded that the Town had failed to meet its responsibilities to the Complainant and to this Office under various provisions of the Act, and recommended that the Town review its records management policies and procedures, create access to information policies and procedures, seek additional support as available, maintain communication with applicants and with this Office, and comply with its statutory duties in the future.

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

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The eastbound lanes of Pitts Memorial Drive leading from Kilbride to Water Street will be closed tomorrow evening (Thursday, May 11) from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.

The closure is necessary due to repair work on the bridge. The eastbound lanes will be closed between Kilbride and the downtown access point to Pitts Memorial at Hamilton Avenue.

Motorists are asked to pay attention to traffic control and be prepared to take an alternate route.

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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Proposed amendments to Bill 41, the Occupational Health and Safety Act, received second reading today in the House of Assembly.

The proposed changes will raise the threshold for an occupational health and safety committee from 10 or more workers to 20 or more workers, and expand the threshold for a workplace health and safety representative from less than 10 workers to less than 20 workers.

These amendments will make it easier for smaller workplaces to comply with the Occupational Health and Safety Act, without compromising the health and safety of their workers.

The amendments will also harmonize the requirements for occupational health and safety committees and representatives with other jurisdictions across the country, and with the Federal Government.

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The following statement was read in the House of Assembly today by the Honourable Sarah Stoodley, Minister of Digital Government and Service NL:

Speaker, I ask all members of this Honourable House to join me in recognizing May as Motorcycle Awareness Month, and next week, May 16 to 22, as Canada Road Safety Week.

The chilly weather is slowly subsiding. Mild temperatures and sunshine mean that motorcyclists are enjoying our scenic landscape, and are using our roadways in greater numbers. All drivers should be looking, listening and ensuring they are safely sharing our highways and roadways with motorcyclists.

Canada Road Safety Week, an enforcement-driven initiative led by the Canadian Association of Chiefs of Police, is designed to increase public compliance with safe driving measures. The focus of this campaign continues to be on the elimination of impaired driving, distracted driving, aggressive driving and driving without a seatbelt.

This year’s theme is “Take the Wheel”. This is a reminder to drivers that they should be always mindful of their behaviour in order to keep themselves, other drivers, passengers, motorcyclists, cyclists, road construction workers, and pedestrians safe.

Speaker, our government takes road safety and enforcement seriously. Last year we once again increased fines, demerit points and the number of days that a vehicle may be impounded for excessive speeding, street racing and stunting offences. We have also increased penalties for impaired driving.

Speaker, I remind all Newfoundlanders and Labradorians to always practice safe and defensive driving, especially this upcoming Victoria Day weekend.

Thank you Speaker.

 

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The following statement was read in the House of Assembly today by the Honourable John G. Abbott, Minister of Children, Seniors and Social Development:

Speaker, it is an honour to rise today in this Honourable House to highlight our government’s commitment to create a more inclusive province for all people.

Budget 2023 includes $725,000 to support the community of persons with disabilities through program grants under the Disability Policy Office. These include the Accessible Vehicle and Taxi Grants, as well as the Inclusion and Capacity Grants. These programs are instrumental in improving accessibility.

In December 2021, the province’s first Accessibility Act came into force, and in June 2022 we established an Accessibility Standards Advisory Board.

This Board plays a pivotal role in advising on the development of standards, regulations and policies to identify, prevent and remove barriers for persons with disabilities. The first standard to be developed is a Customer Service Standard, and once implemented, the next one will be a Communications and Information Standard.

We continue to work closely with organizations, both of and for persons with disabilities, as well as advocacy groups and individuals to create a province that is inclusive and accessible. We are also working collaboratively across departments, including a review of the Buildings Accessibility Regulations and an assessment of government buildings to ensure enhancement of public access.

Speaker, our government embraces inclusion and diversity so that all Newfoundlanders and Labradorians can participate in, and contribute to, their communities.

Thank you.

 

 

 

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The Honourable Tom Osborne, Minister of Health and Community Services, hosted a Health Care Action Update today that focused on expanding the use of the Automated Notification System to ensure all residents of Newfoundland and Labrador have improved access to quality health care.

Minister Osborne was joined by Dr. Pat Parfrey, Deputy Minister of Health Transformation, and Ron Johnson, Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, Eastern Urban Zone of Newfoundland and Labrador Health Services.

A recent review has shown a high number of missed appointments for certain health care services throughout the province. Reducing the number of missed appointments will also reduce wait lists and lead to better efficiencies in the health care system. The monetary cost for missed appointments is in the tens of millions of dollars.

The top clinical areas experiencing missed appointments are:

• Cardiology appointments and testing;
• Pulmonary Function Testing;
• Medical Imaging (like CT Scans and ultrasounds);
• Laboratory appointments; and
• Family Care Teams.

In order to better support residents of the province, Newfoundland and Labrador Health Services is expanding its use of the Automated Notification System to help address missed appointments. The Automated Notification System is a modern, electronic system that provides phone, e-mail, and text reminders for non-urgent or non-emergent in-person appointments. It is currently in use in several clinical areas. In order to ensure consistency, it is expected to be fully implemented across all appropriate health services in the coming months.

By expanding the service, patients throughout the province will also be able to help reduce the number of missed appointments by ensuring Newfoundland and Labrador Health Services has their up-to-date contact information. If, in exceptional circumstances, patients are not able to attend scheduled appointments, they will be asked to contact Newfoundland and Labrador Health Services as early as possible, particularly upon receiving the reminder about the appointment. By doing so, it will allow other patients to be booked in the cancelled appointment slot and will support timely rescheduling.

Newfoundland and Labrador Health Services will also develop a standard provincial policy for missed appointments and a plan to integrate appointment scheduling into the forthcoming digital Health Information System, which was recommended by Health Accord NL.

Additionally, the Department of Health and Community Services and Newfoundland and Labrador Health Services will be launching a public awareness campaign on the impact of missed appointments in the coming weeks. Together, these actions will help reduce the number of missed appointments across the province and improve access to health care.

Through regular Health Care Action Updates and the Health Care Action website, residents can stay up-to-date on progress made, and see many of the initiatives that are underway. The website also serves as an informative and supportive platform for health care professionals to learn about the opportunities and incentives to work in Newfoundland and Labrador.

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“With the consolidation of the provincial health authorities into a single health authority, we have the opportunity to improve appointment notification across the province, which will result in more people getting the care they need when they need it. We look forward to working together with Newfoundland and Labrador Health Services and residents to reduce the rate of missed appointments to two per cent or lower.”
Honourable Tom Osborne
Minister of Health and Community Services

“Newfoundland and Labrador Health Services is committed to improving access to clinical care, and reducing the lost opportunity cost of a missed appointment both in terms of organizational efficiency and possible medical outcomes. We recognize that life is busy and there may be many reasons why an appointment gets missed, which are at times unavoidable. Appointment reminders applied on a consistent basis provincially will result in fewer missed appointments throughout the system allowing us to better utilize health-care resources so that patients can access care in a timelier manner.”
Ron Johnson
Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, Eastern Urban Zone, Newfoundland and Labrador Health Services

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Learn more

Health Care Action

Premier Furey Launches First Health Care Action Update

Improving Access to Health Care

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Newfoundland and Labrador is a world leading jurisdiction for exploration and mine development. For National Mining Week, the Provincial Government is highlighting the significantly positive impact of the sector in this province.

Strengthened by gold, iron ore and nickel, 2022 was another banner year for industry in the province, resulting in:

• Over 9,000 person years of work;
• Mineral shipments valued at $5.2 billion; and
• An estimated $243 million spent on exploration activities, the largest ever investment in exploration.

Claim staking is an indicator that exploration activity and investment interest in the province continues to grow. There have been over 9,000 claims staked this year to the end of April, with the Department of Industry, Energy and Technology currently administering over 200,000 active mineral claims overall.

Significant exploration activity is being driven by the province’s gold potential. Newfound Gold’s high-grade Queensway project includes a 500,000 metre drill program, while Marathon Gold’s Valentine Project will be the largest gold mine in Atlantic Canada with an estimated resource potential of four million ounces of gold.

To support critical mineral development and the transition to a green economy, the Provincial Government is developing a Critical Minerals Strategy to be released this year. Globally, critical minerals are generating increased interest due to their role in the transition to a low-carbon and digitized economy. Newfoundland and Labrador has significant critical mineral potential, with occurrences of 23 of Canada’s 31 critical minerals. The continued exploration of rare earth minerals in Labrador, the discovery of lithium on the south coast of the island, and the announcement that nickel from this province will supply electric car manufacturer Tesla, demonstrates that Newfoundland and Labrador is growing its capacity to be a supplier-of-choice for low-carbon alternatives as the globe moves toward decarbonisation.

To ensure the exploration and development of the province’s mineral resources are conducted in a responsible, sustainable and competitive manner, while remaining supportive of private-sector investment and job growth, the department is completing a review the Mineral Act and Mining Act. A report summarizing ‘what we heard’ during the consultation process is available at EngageNL.

Newfoundland and Labrador was ranked the fourth most attractive jurisdiction in the world in terms of mining investment according to the Fraser Institute’s 2022 Annual Survey of Mining Companies.

Quotes
“Newfoundland and Labrador works hard to be recognized as a jurisdiction for innovative, responsible, and value added mineral development. We know that by creating favourable conditions for mineral development within our province, we are creating favourable conditions to diversify the province’s economy.”
Honourable Andrew Parsons, KC
Minister of Industry, Energy and Technology

“Our vision is to see Newfoundland and Labrador become the best place in the world to explore for minerals, develop new projects, and build world-class safe and sustainable mining operations. This Mining Week, we applaud our Association Members who continue to realize the benefits of investing in Newfoundland and Labrador, a recognized top-tier global jurisdiction backed by over 150 years of geoscience discovery and mining activity.”
Ed Moriarity
Executive Director, Mining NL

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Mining in Newfoundland and Labrador

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The post Provincial Government Celebrates National Mining Week appeared first on News Releases.

As part of the Provincial Government’s ongoing commitment to consumer protection, a Bill to enact the Mortgage Brokerages and Brokers Act, and repeal the Mortgage Brokers Act has received second reading in the House of Assembly.

Currently, corporations, partnerships, and sole proprietorships are registered as mortgage brokers. Individuals working in a business registered as a mortgage broker are not required to register.

The proposed Act would change the registration framework to a licensing regime, consistent with best practices in the regulation of mortgage brokers and brokerages. Corporations, partnerships, and sole proprietorships currently registered as a mortgage broker would have to meet new licensing requirements as a mortgage brokerage. Individuals working with a currently registered mortgage broker would need to apply for a mortgage broker licence to continue in that capacity.

In addition to licensing requirements, the proposed Act will:

• Introduce education and continuing education requirements;
• Require mortgage brokerages operating a trust account to carry errors and omissions insurance;
• Strengthen requirements regarding disclosures and duties owed to borrowers;
• Authorize the development of a Code of Conduct to guide the provision of services; and
• Authorize administrative penalties.

The proposed changes follow the implementation of the Real Estate Trading Act, 2019, to modernize legislation and strengthen consumer protection for residents of Newfoundland and Labrador when buying a home.

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“The purchase of a home or condominium is a significant transaction. If passed, this new Act would ensure that legislation is current, reflects changes in the industry and meets the needs of mortgage brokers. Most importantly, these changes would strengthen consumer protection for those looking to get a mortgage.”
Honourable Sarah Stoodley
Minister of Digital Government and Service NL

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Changes to Real Estate Trading Act Improve Consumer Protection

New Regulations Will Enhance Real Estate Environment in Newfoundland and Labrador

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The post Proposed New Act for Mortgage Brokers and Brokerages to Reflect Industry Changes and Increase Consumer Protection appeared first on News Releases.

Newfoundland and Labrador will issue a test message of the national emergency alerting system, Alert Ready, today (Wednesday, May 10) at 10:55 a.m. (NDT) and 10:25 a.m. in most of Labrador (ADT). Residents need not take any action when receiving this test message.

The Alert Ready system enables designated government authorities to rapidly warn the public via television, radio and compatible wireless devices of imminent or unfolding threats to life. The system was developed with many partners including federal, provincial, and territorial emergency management officials, Environment and Climate Change Canada, Pelmorex, the broadcasting industry and wireless service providers.

Not all residents will receive the test alert on their wireless devices. There may be a number of reasons why a device may not receive the alert, including: device compatibility, network connection, cell tower coverage, device software and settings.

To learn more about the Alert Ready system and to check your device’s compatibility, visit: www.AlertReady.ca.

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Avis au public : Test national du système En Alerte prévu aujourd’hui

The post Public Advisory: National Test of Alert Ready to Take Place Today appeared first on News Releases.