Government of Newfoundland News

The Honourable Tom Osborne, Minister of Health and Community Services, will host a Health Care Action Update tomorrow (Wednesday, May 10).

The availability will take place in the Media Centre, East Block, Confederation Building at 1:00 p.m. A technical briefing for media will take place at 12:30 p.m.

This update will focus on the impacts of missed appointments and the actions the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador is taking to ensure all residents of the province have improved access to quality health care.

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

The availability will be livestreamed on the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador’s Facebook page.

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As part of the Provincial Government’s historic investment of close to $1.4 billion in provincial roads and highways over the next five years, the Department of Transportation and Infrastructure has awarded a number of contracts valued at approximately $25 million total aimed at strengthening provincial roads and highways to withstand the impacts of climate change.

Five contracts were recently awarded, including:

• An $8.2 million contract awarded to J-1 Contracting Limited to pave sections of Bay d’Espoir Highway (Route 360) and replace culverts; pave sections of St. Alban’s Road (Route 361); replace culverts on Coombs Cove Road (Route 363), Hermitage Road (Route 364); as well as other repairs on Pool’s Cove Road (Route 362-10);
• A $6.7 million contract awarded to Farrell’s Excavating Limited to pave sections of La Scie Road (Route 414) and Seal Cove Road (Route 412);
• A $5.7 million contract awarded to J-1 Contracting Limited to pave sections of Bay d’Espoir Highway (Route 360), Norris Arm Road (Route 351), and Embree Road (Route 342); replace culverts on Embree Road (Route 342) and Botwood Highway (Route 350); and pave approaches to Peter’s River Bridge (Route 350);
• A $2.2 million contract awarded to Farrell’s Excavating Limited to upgrade and pave a section of the Southern Shore Highway (Route 10) between Trepassey and St. Shott’s; and
• A $1.8 million contract awarded to Bulldog Contracting Ltd. to replace Little Catalina Brook Bridge and Little Catalina Bridge #3 (Route 230-26) on the Bonavista Highway (Route 230).

These contracts are part of a $225 million investment in highway construction in 2023-24, and close to $1.4 billion over the next five construction seasons, as announced in Budget 2023. Information on tenders issued and awarded by the department and other public bodies is available by visiting www.merx.com/govnl.

Information on active highway construction projects and repairs is also available by visiting https://511nl.ca/ and on the NL 511 mobile app.

Quotes
“I am very pleased to see these contracts awarded in an effort to capitalize on the province’s construction season timeframe. Improvements to road transportation equate to improvements in the overall well-being of our towns and communities, and our government is focused on ensuring the safety and integrity of our road infrastructure.”
Honourable Elvis Loveless
Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure

“As the MHA for Baie Verte – Green Bay I am very pleased to see the awarding of the contract for repaving sections of the La Scie Highway and Seal Cove Road. Each improvement that is made improves our province and ensures it is more efficient and safer to travel our roadways. I am proud to be a part of a government that recognizes the importance of these investments.”
Brian Warr
MHA for Baie Verte – Green Bay

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Learn more
Road Infrastructure Investments Aimed at Increasing Safety and Access on Provincial Highways

Minister Loveless Announces Unprecedented Investment in Multi-Year Roads Program

Provincial Government Announces Largest Ever Five-Year Investment in Highway and Road Infrastructure

 

 

 

 

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The Honourable John G. Abbott, Minister of Children, Seniors and Social Development, is today announcing a call for applications for the 2023-24 Grants to Youth Organizations.

Through Budget 2023, the Provincial Government allocated $451,500 for Grants to Youth Organizations. This program supports projects that:

• Encourage skills, knowledge and/or leadership development;
• Support youth in contributing to their community, region and/or province;
• Promote or support partnerships, collaboration, and inclusion;
• Fill a gap in services; and
• Provide opportunities for innovative intergenerational activities that help build relationships between generations.

More information on the Grants to Youth Organizations, including the application form, can be found here, or by emailing CSSDGrantPrograms@gov.nl.ca. The deadline for applications is June 12, 2023.

In 2022-23, a total of 32 not-for-profit, youth-serving organizations operating in Newfoundland and Labrador received project funding. A list of these recipients can be found in the backgrounder below.

Quote
“Youth have so much to offer in helping to create a more vibrant, welcoming and inclusive Newfoundland and Labrador. The Grants to Youth Organizations are an excellent way for youth to be engaged in building that future. I am thankful for the work of youth-serving community partners in our province, and I encourage them to submit an application today.”
Honourable John G. Abbott
Minister of Children, Seniors and Social Development

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Learn more
Grants to Youth Organizations – Children, Seniors and Social Development

Follow us on Twitter @GovNL, @CSSD_GovNL

BACKGROUNDER

Grants to Youth Organizations in 2022-23

Organization Amount Allied Youth  $13,500 Boys and Girls Club Botwood $25,500 Qalipu Cultural Foundation $50,000 Boys and Girls Club Bell Island $25,000 Boys and Girls Club Norris Arm Inc. $12,000 YMCA of Northeast Avalon Inc. (Marystown YMCA) $8,000 Scouts Canada – 1st Lab West Group $15,000 YMCA of Northeast Avalon Inc. (Central Labrador YMCA) $8,000 Canadian National Institute for the Blind $7,500 Boys and Girls Clubs of St. John’s $44,000 YMCA of Northeast Avalon Inc. (Ches Penney Family YMCA) $15,000 Smallwood Crescent Community Centre Inc. $24,000 Camp Ohana $4,000 Gander Boys and Girls Club $10,000 Easter Seals Newfoundland and Labrador $12,000 Planned Parenthood Newfoundland and Labrador Sexual Health Centre $18,000 Gander Bay Fire Department (LSD of Gander Bay North) $5,000 Main Street Youth Centre Inc. $5,400 Vine Place Community Centre $15,000 Youth 2000 Centre Corp. $20,500 James Hornell Boys & Girls Club Inc. $18,000 Girl Guides of Canada, PinchGut Lake $6,000 YWCA St. John’s Inc. $10,000 Big Brothers Big Sisters of Eastern Newfoundland $33,250 Old School Intergenerational Projects $15,750 New Found Tao BJJ $14,500 Chabad of Newfoundland Inc. $10,000 Canada World Youth / Jeunesse Canada Monde $5,000 Rec House Community Youth Network $2,600 Town of Port Saunders $25,000 St. Anthony and Area Boys and Girls Club Inc. $8,000 The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award – Canada $5,000

 

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The Provincial Government has provided support of approximately $453,000 to the Canadian Mental Health Association Newfoundland and Labrador Division (CMHA-NL) to coordinate a one-year collaborative training pilot project with Lifewise NL and Richard’s Legacy Foundation.

The demand for the annual Community Addictions Prevention and Mental Health Promotion Fund Program – which provides financial support to individuals, community groups, schools and non-profit organizations interested in increasing awareness and understanding of mental health in Newfoundland and Labrador – has steadily increased over the past several years, surpassing the fund’s capacity. In response, the Provincial Government worked with Lifewise NL, CMHA-NL, and Richard’s Legacy Foundation to develop a collaborative, coordinated approach to the additional training requests across the province.

The training pilot will focus on the delivery of three main programs: Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training, Safe Talk, and Mental Health First Aid. Developed in Canada and recognized internationally, these programs are evidence-based training and are widely accepted in public, private and community sectors. All three courses teach participants how to provide help when an individual is experiencing a mental health or addictions issue. It is anticipated that approximately 125 sessions will be delivered to almost 2,000 individuals throughout Newfoundland and Labrador, as a result of the pilot.

Funding for the pilot project is provided through Our Path of Resilience: An Action Plan to Promote Life and Prevent Suicide in Newfoundland and Labrador, released by the Provincial Government in 2022. The plan calls for educational opportunities for communities to recognize risk of suicide, build comfort in talking about suicide, create awareness of services, as well as expand suicide bereavement and loss support groups and networks.

Quotes
“The demand for mental health and addictions training has steadily grown over the past several years, surpassing the capacity of our available funding programs. We recognize a more coordinated and collaborative approach is needed to ensure we can support this invaluable education in an efficient, quality-assured and accountable manner. Our partnership with CHMA-NL, Lifewise NL, and Richard’s Legacy Foundation to deliver this training aligns with our continued efforts to ensure access to health care.”
Honourable Tom Osborne
Minister of Health and Community Services

“Canadian Mental Health Association – NL Division, Lifewise, and Richard’s Legacy Foundation are honored to be entrusted with providing much needed mental health first aid and suicide intervention education to not-for-profit and charity organizations across Newfoundland and Labrador. It is our aim to create safer, healthier, happier communities, and with the support of the Provincial Government this project represents an enormous step forward in the pursuit of that goal.”
Dr. Chandra Kavanagh
Chief Executive Officer, Canadian Mental Health Association – NL Division

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The follow statement was read in the House of Assembly today by the Honourable John Hogan, KC, Minister of Justice and Public Safety and Attorney General:

Speaker, this is Emergency Preparedness Week, a time dedicated to encouraging residents to take action in order to be better prepared to protect themselves, their families and their communities during an emergency.

This year’s theme is “Be Prepared. Know your Risks,” and our hope is that residents will take the time to become more familiar with the range of potential emergencies. Resources are available at www.gov.nl.ca/beprepared.

Everyone has a role to play when it comes to emergency preparedness. Residents should always have a basic emergency kit available, and should be prepared for at least 72 hours, with food, water, batteries, a portable radio, and prescription medications.

As a province, we know all too well the power of Mother Nature. Whether it be a snowstorm, a forest fire, or a hurricane, it is important we are all prepared for an emergency anytime, anywhere.

Experience has shown that individual preparedness goes a long way to helping people cope better – both during and in the aftermath of a disaster.

I would also like to take this opportunity to thank all emergency responders, including those within the public service, who were instrumental in our province’s response to the forest fires in central Newfoundland and Hurricane Fiona.

Speaker, I challenge all members of this House to lead by example. Do your part to be prepared and encourage all residents of the province to do the same.

Thank you.

 

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The following statement was given today in the House of Assembly by the Honourable Steve Crocker, Minister of Tourism, Culture, Arts and Recreation:

Speaker, I rise today to celebrate an incredible showing by Newfoundland and Labrador talent at this weekend’s East Coast Music Awards in Halifax.

This province took home 12 awards in total. The calibre and diversity of the nominees and winners from this province is a reminder of the amazing talent, dedication, and skill that grow and flourish in our arts and cultural community.

Please join me in congratulating:

• Kellie Loder – Fans’ Choice Entertainer of the Year and Songwriter of the Year
• Mallory Johnson – Country Recording of the Year
• The Fortunate Ones – Folk Recording of the Year
• Yvette Lorraine – Inspirational/Gospel Recording of the Year
• Big Space – Jazz Recording of the Year
• Jing Xia – Roots/Traditional Recording of the Year
• Mary Beth Waldram – Artist Management of the Year
• The Ship Pub – Venue of the Year
• Cecil Johnson – Video Director of the Year
• The Flummies – Stompin’ Tom Award
• Rawlins Cross – Dr. Helen Creighton Lifetime Achievement Award

Speaker, Newfoundland and Labrador artists are excelling locally, nationally and globally, and we are committed to creating an environment where they continue to succeed and thrive.

In 2024, we will continue to do so as we celebrate The Year of the Arts.

Special initiatives will include an Arts and Letters category recognizing the 75th anniversary of Confederation, one-time development funding for our arts community and work toward a new theatre here in St. John’s.

But most importantly, Speaker, we will celebrate Newfoundland and Labrador’s cultural sector and its many social and economic contributions to this province.

Thank you.

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A Memorandum of Understanding has been signed between the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador and the Port of Rotterdam. This partnership will encourage the establishment of hydrogen supply chains to support Newfoundland and Labrador’s export of green hydrogen to the Netherlands, and onward to other parts of Europe.

The Honourable Dr. Andrew Furey, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador, today announced the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding with Renévan der Plas, Director International for the Port of Rotterdam in the Netherlands to cooperate and explore opportunities in the area of green hydrogen and hydrogen technologies. The partnership highlights the significant potential of Newfoundland and Labrador’s renewable energy resources, in particular its wind resources, and the opportunity to bring them to the global marketplace in the form of green hydrogen.

The Port of Rotterdam in the Netherlands is the largest inland port in Europe, and the 11th largest container port in the world. It is an energy hub for western Europe, with over 3,000 companies and some 13 per cent of total energy demand in Europe entering the European Union via Rotterdam. The Port is seeking to position itself as a green hydrogen hub for northwestern Europe, through major infrastructure investments in green hydrogen production and distribution, and port upgrades to accommodate green hydrogen imports.

Newfoundland and Labrador has a wealth of resources and supporting characteristics that well position it to competitively produce and export green hydrogen. These include abundant wind, water and land, a highly renewable grid, a skilled workforce, and a strategic location with numerous deep-sea ice-free ports along transcontinental shipping lanes and with proximity to Europe.

Europe is a key export market for Newfoundland and Labrador’s green hydrogen, as the European Union and several member countries have outlined hydrogen as a way to achieve energy security and net zero targets.

This Memorandum of Understanding with the Port of Rotterdam is in addition to the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador’s Declaration of Intent with the City of Hamburg, Germany to cooperate in the field of hydrogen and hydrogen technologies. On August 23, 2022 the Town of Stephenville hosted the signing of a Declaration of Intent to establish a Canada-Germany Hydrogen Alliance between the Governments of Canada and Germany as well, further highlighting the significant potential of our province’s renewable resources and the opportunities to bring them to the global marketplace.

The World Hydrogen Summit 2023 will be held from May 9 to 11, 2023, in Rotterdam, Netherlands. The summit has been held annually since 2020 to convene government representatives, hydrogen and energy stakeholders, service providers, and hydrogen end-users. The World Hydrogen Summit 2023 will be attended by 8,000 participants from over 100 countries, up from 4,000 virtual and in-person attendees in 2022.

Quotes
“I am pleased to be in Rotterdam for the signing of this joint declaration on green hydrogen cooperation between Newfoundland and Labrador and the Port of Rotterdam. Our province is well-positioned to help meet the clean energy needs of key international partners like the Netherlands, thanks to our world-class wind resources, available Crown land and fresh water, highly renewable grid with surplus energy, deep marine ports, and proximity to markets in North America and Europe. I look forward to working together in the coming years to establish a prosperous hydrogen economy and a greener environment that will be beneficial for us all.”
Honourable Dr. Andrew Furey
Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador

“Newfoundland and Labrador’s renewable energy resources present significant opportunities within and outside the province. As we continue with our fair and transparent process for allocating Crown land for wind energy projects to power green hydrogen projects in our province, we are building relationships with other jurisdictions as demonstrated by this MOU with the Port of Rotterdam. Newfoundland and Labrador is delivering affordable and reliable renewable energy to the people of the province and beyond, while developing and using its renewable energy resources in a way that protects the environment and grows jobs and the industry.”
Honourable Andrew Parsons, KC
Minister of Industry, Energy and Technology

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Learn more
Memorandum of Understanding

Media Advisory: Premier Furey and Minister Parsons to attend World Hydrogen Summit and Exhibition

Update on Bids Received for Wind-Hydrogen Development

Guidelines: Crown Land Calls for Bids for Wind Energy Projects

Minister Parsons Launches Renewable Energy Plan for Newfoundland and Labrador

Renewable Energy Plan: Maximizing Our Renewable Future

Follow us on Twitter @GovNL and @IET_GovNL

BACKGROUNDER

Process for Allocation of Crown Land for Wind-hydrogen Development in Newfoundland and Labrador

In July 2022, the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador announced a fair and transparent process for allocating Crown land for wind energy projects to power green hydrogen projects. On March 24, 2023, the Provincial Government provided an update on bids received from its call for bids for Crown land for wind-hydrogen development. A Phase One review of bids is ongoing, assessing criteria including project scope, bidder experience, and financial capacity to plan, construct, and operate the proposed project. Companies passing the Phase One review will proceed to the next phase later in May.

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. In addition, following a Request for Quotation for the Fairness Advisor that closed on February 6, 2023, the Department of Industry, Energy and Technology has appointed Optimus SBR Inc. as a Fairness Advisor to assist in the evaluation of the Crown Land Call for Bids. The Fairness Advisor will be a neutral party throughout the Call for Bids process, and will support the department by providing independent, arm’s-length oversight and evaluation expertise.

Successful bidders will be granted an exclusive right to pursue the development of their project through the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador’s Crown land application and approval process. These lands will be held in reserve until that process is completed.

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 enable wind energy development in Newfoundland and Labrador.

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The Honourable Pam Parsons, Minister Responsible for Women and Gender Equality, will bring greetings tomorrow (Wednesday, May 10) at the Canadian Women in Ocean Industries Leadership Conference.

The event will take place at the Delta Hotels St. John’s Conference Centre, 120 New Gower Street, St. John’s beginning at 9:00 a.m.

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Tomorrow (Wednesday, May 10), provincial and territorial emergency management organizations will be issuing public test messages through Alert Ready, the national emergency alerting system. Newfoundland and Labrador will issue one test message to be distributed over television, radio and to compatible wireless devices at 10:55 a.m. (NDT) and 10:25 a.m. in most of Labrador (ADT).

The Alert Ready 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. 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.

It is important to note that not all Canadians will receive the test alert on their wireless device. This may occur for a variety of reasons, including device compatibility, connection to an LTE network, cell tower coverage, device software and settings.

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

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Avis au public : Test national du système En Alerte prévu demain

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The Information and Privacy Commissioner, Michael Harvey, has released his Report A-2023-023 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-2023-023 Report Date: May 4, 2023 Public Body: Department of Environment and Climate Change Summary: The Complainant made an access to information request to the Department of Environment and Climate Change for records related to the appointment of two Vice-Chairpersons to the Labour Relations Board. The Department provided some records, but withheld most documents as cabinet confidences (section 27). The Complainant disagreed and filed a complaint with this Office, also alleging the Department failed in its duty to assist as required by section 13. After review of submissions from both parties, the Commissioner found the Department met its duty to assist and agreed with the Department’s application of section 27.

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

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The Honourable Gerry Byrne, Minister of Immigration, Population Growth and Skills, will sign a proclamation tomorrow (Tuesday, May 9) to adopt the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance definition of anti-Semitism.

The signing will take place at the Media Centre, East Block, Confederation Building at 12:30 p.m. Minister Byrne will be joined by representatives of the Jewish community.

Through the Ministerial Committee on Anti-Racism, a request was made to the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador from local Jewish communities on an approach that is also advocated by the League for Human Rights, B’nai Brith Canada. This definition of anti-Semitism is being adopted along with a pledge to continue the dialogue on anti-Semitism and to continue to demonstrate support for the Jewish community.

The Provincial Government formed the Ministerial Committee on Anti-Racism in 2021, with a mandate to eradicate racism in all its forms, including the recent rise of anti-Semitism. Since then, the committee has taken actions on multiple fronts and this work is ongoing.

For more information on the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance and the definition of anti-Semitism, please visit What is antisemitism? | IHRA (holocaustremembrance.com)

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The following statement was read in the House of Assembly today by the Honourable Krista Lynn Howell, Minister of Municipal and Provincial Affairs:

Speaker, on Friday I had the pleasure of joining our partners Municipalities Newfoundland and Labrador and the Professional Municipal Administrators at the Municipalities Newfoundland and Labrador Spring Symposium to proclaim May 8 – 12 as Municipal Awareness Week. The week is an opportunity to acknowledge the many people in the municipal sector, and the contribution of local governments to the province.

At the heart of every municipality are elected officials, administrators, professional planners, staff, and volunteers. Municipal governments are responsible for many services that enhance the quality of life for residents.

Budget 2023 recognizes the essential role municipalities play in the well-being, safety, and security of residents. Beginning this year, municipal operating grants are increasing by $3 million, bringing the total budget to $25 million. This allocation will rise again by another $3 million next year for a total annual budget of $28 million.

All communities currently receiving a grant will see an increase of approximately 13.6 per cent this year, and we will review how funds are allocated in the following year.

Speaker, collaboration, partnership and citizen involvement are essential for active, sustainable and vibrant communities. To help communities build capacity and provide the services residents need, we will be working with community leaders and stakeholder groups to identify opportunities for regional community collaboration, supported through initial funding of $500,000.

Municipalities will be holding special events throughout this week. I encourage everyone to drop by your town hall and see the great work that is happening at the local level.

Thank you.

 

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The following statement was given today in the House of Assembly by the Honourable Siobhan Coady, Deputy Premier and Minister of Finance:

This weekend, across Canada and around the world, a significant moment in the history of The Monarch was observed: the Coronation of His Majesty King Charles III and Her Majesty The Queen Consort.

We acknowledge and celebrate the close ties between His Majesty The King and our country, as well as the role The Canadian Crown plays in our system of governance and our sense of identity.

Their Majesties are dear friends to Newfoundland and Labrador, having visited on multiple occasions. We had the pleasure of welcoming Their Majesties during their Royal Tour of Canada in 2022. The visit was an opportunity to reflect on The Platinum Jubilee of the late Queen Elizabeth II and celebrate our province’s friendly hospitality, rich arts and Indigenous traditions, as well as our incredible pride of place.

On Coronation Day, we had the collective opportunity to reflect on this once again and celebrate shared priorities that Their Majesties and the people of Newfoundland and Labrador hold close, which includes important areas such as service to our communities, the environment and sustainability, and diversity.

Events such as the Royal Tour of Canada and the Coronation inspire a sense of pride and foster a greater understanding and appreciation of uniquely Canadian institutions, like The Crown in Canada, and the values and symbols that unite us all.

Thank you, Speaker.

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The Honourable Pam Parsons, Minister Responsible for Women and Gender Equality, today met with leaders from the Coalition Against the Sexual Exploitation of Youth (CASEY) and other community agencies to proclaim May 8 to 12, 2023 as Stop Sexual Exploitation Week in Newfoundland in Labrador.

Stop Sexual Exploitation Week is a dedicated time to raise awareness of sexual exploitation and to share information and resources that are available to victims and their support networks. This year’s theme is “I am here,” which connects to the experiences of sexual exploitation victims and lifts up the support services that are available.

Sexual exploitation is the abuse of individuals in positions of vulnerability and dependency by individuals in positions of power and trust, with the goal of profiting monetarily, materially, socially or politically off the exploits of another person.

CASEY aims to support the development of community-identified needs, build supportive networks, and create a safer province for children, youth and adults free from sexual exploitation.

Through Budget 2023, the Office of Women and Gender Equality has allocated over $60,000 to CASEY to support initiatives that prevent sexual exploitation and support young people who have experienced, or are currently experiencing, sexual exploitation.

Quotes
“Ongoing and targeted work in areas such as violence prevention, justice, and social and economic well-being are integral to addressing factors that lead to sexual exploitation. I commend CASEY for their tireless work to support individuals who have experienced youth sexual exploitation.”
Honourable Pam Parsons
Minister Responsible for Women and Gender Equality

“This year’s theme for Stop Sexual Exploitation Week, “I am here,” acknowledges the responsibility of the public to be aware of sexual exploitation in our province. The experiences of people who have been sexually exploited matter. CASEY will continue to listen to victims and work with community and government to address issues pertaining to the sexual exploitation of youth.”
Jilian Nugent
CASEY Coordinator

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Learn more
Office of Women and Gender Equality

Coalition Against the Sexual Exploitation of Youth

Follow us on Twitter @GovNL and @WGE_GovNL

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The Department of Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture is pleased to announce recipients of Wildfire Community Preparedness Day Award grants for 2023. The initiative encourages Canadians to take actions that increase their home, neighborhood and community’s resilience to wildfire.

Ten municipalities, fire departments and community groups from this province have been awarded funding through the program, which is administered by FireSmart Canada in cooperation with provincial partners. The grants, valued at $500 each, help fund local projects aimed at reducing the risk of wildfire damage in and around communities.

This year’s recipients include:

• The Indian Bay Ecosystem Corporation;
• Town of Eastport;
• Town of Englee;
• Corner Brook Fire Department;
• Gander Bay Fire Department;
• Fortune Fire Department;
• Botwood Fire Department;
• Deer Lake Fire Rescue;
• Meadows Fire Department; and
• The St. Lewis local fire brigade.

Wildfire professionals from the Department of Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture work with grant recipients to educate residents about practices that help reduce the wildfire risk within their communities.

Wildfire Community Preparedness Day is celebrated annually on the first Saturday in May.  Municipalities and community groups are encouraged to plan community events that may include fire prevention and other mitigation activities, such as demonstrating how to safely store firewood and neighborhood clean ups focused on removing combustible materials such as dry leaves and brush.

Quote
“I would like to congratulate each of the 2023 Wildfire Community Preparedness Day Award recipients for taking advantage of this program, which provides residents of their communities with the knowledge to better protect their homes and property. As witnessed last summer in central Newfoundland, forest fires have the potential to pose a significant risk to our communities. The Provincial Government is happy to support this initiative, which aims to educate the public about wildland forest fire preparedness and prevention.”
Honourable Derrick Bragg
Minister of Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture

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Learn more
FireSmart Canada

Follow us on Twitter @GovNL and @FFA_GovNL

Like FFA on Facebook

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Over 130 junior high and high school students from 15 teams throughout Newfoundland and Labrador will participate in the regional Marine Advanced Technology Education Remotely Operated Vehicle (MATE ROV) competition this weekend in St. John’s. The Provincial Government is contributing over $89,000 to support this year’s event, hosted by the Fisheries and Marine Institute of Memorial University’s School of Ocean Technology.

The 17th annual regional MATE ROV competition inspires and encourages youth to become involved in ocean science and technology. Using science, technology, engineering, and math skills, students create remotely operated vehicles to compete in missions that simulate challenges present in marine environments. This year’s student challenge is ‘Deliver, Together, The Ocean We Need for the Future We Want’, by designing and building a remotely operated vehicle and the necessary sensors, tooling, and complementary technologies to combat climate change, provide clean energy, monitor ocean health, and heal and protect our aquatic habitats from the mountains to the sea.

Taking place this weekend (Friday, May 5 and Saturday, May 6), this Newfoundland and Labrador competition is part of a network of 26 regional events worldwide. Winners of the provincial event will attend the international MATE ROV competition in Longmont, Colorado from June 22-24, 2023. Eastern Edge Robotics, comprised of post-secondary students representing Memorial University and Marine Institute, will compete in the explorer class at the international event this year.

The goal of the MATE ROV competition is to encourage youth to become more involved in ocean science and technology, providing industry with skilled individuals who can fill workforce needs in the future. As exemplified by the success of companies such as Kraken Robotics, and initiatives such as the Ocean Supercluster, the ocean technology industry is growing and building a stronger economy in Newfoundland and Labrador. The School of Ocean Technology at the Fisheries and Marine Institute of Memorial University is the only post-secondary facility in the country to offer remotely operated vehicles training. The school also offers a diploma and graduate programs in Ocean Mapping and oversees the institute’s Leadership Certificate, Bachelor of Technology and Master of Technology Management programs.

Quotes
“Ocean tech plays such an important role in our economy, and this competition shines a light on opportunities for young people in this sector. By building the skills required to successfully undertake innovative research and development activities, these students are gaining valuable hands-on learning experiences. Thanks to the team at the Marine Institute’s School of Ocean Technology for hosting, and helping these students as they prepare to play a leading role in our ocean industries and the blue economy. I wish you all the best of luck this weekend.”
Honourable Andrew Parsons, KC
Minister of Industry, Energy and Technology

“I wish all students and their teams the best of luck as they make final preparations to participate in this annual competition. Students have the opportunity to explore the burgeoning ocean sciences and technology sectors, which could steer their career path heading into post-secondary education. I commend the Fisheries and Marine Institute for fostering this program and demonstrating an innovative approach to education for students in junior and senior high.”
Honourable John Haggie
Minister of Education

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The post Challenging Students in Ocean Science and Technology appeared first on News Releases.

The Honourable Pam Parsons, Minister Responsible for Women and Gender Equality, will bring greetings and will sign a proclamation to recognize Stop Sexual Exploitation Week on Monday, May 8.

The event will take place at Thrive Community Youth Network, 807 Water Street, St. John’s at 11:30 a.m.

The event is hosted by the Coalition to Address the Sexual Exploitation of Youth, a group of concerned professionals and experiential voices in the community that work together to address issues pertaining to the sexual exploitation of youth.

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The post Media Advisory: Minister Pam Parsons to Recognize Stop Sexual Exploitation Week appeared first on News Releases.

Visitor services at the Cape St. Mary’s Ecological Reserve and the Mistaken Point Ecological Reserve, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, will open for the 2023 tourism season on Monday, May 8, and will remain open until Friday, October 13.

The hours of operation for the visitor centre at Cape St. Mary’s are Monday to Sunday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Extended hours will begin in June and a public update on those extended hours will be provided at that time.

The hours of operation for the Edge of Avalon Interpretation Centre at Mistaken Point are Monday to Sunday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Viewing of the fossils at Mistaken Point occurs through guided hikes, which can be booked by email at mistakenpointtour@gov.nl.ca or by telephone at 709-438-1011.

When planning your visit, please remember for the safety and comfort of both wildlife and other visitors, pets are not permitted in the Cape St. Mary’s Ecological Reserve or on the guided hikes at Mistaken Point.

The Cape St. Mary’s Ecological Reserve recorded 14,280 visitors last year. Staff at the Mistaken Point Ecological Reserve led 238 guided hikes last year with a total of 2,691 participants.

More information on the Cape St. Mary’s Ecological Reserve and the Mistaken Point Ecological Reserve and UNESCO World Heritage Site is available online.

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The post Public Advisory: Cape St. Mary’s and Mistaken Point Ecological Reserves to Open May 8 appeared first on News Releases.

The Honourable Sarah Stoodley, Minister of Digital Government and Service NL, will bring greetings at the Steps for Life walk on Sunday, May 7.

The walk will begin at the Rotary Paradise Youth and Community Centre, 1 Sarah Davis Way (off McNamara Drive), Paradise beginning 10:30 a.m. Visitors should enter from the main entrance of the Paradise Double Ice Complex.

Steps for Life – Walking for Families of Workplace Tragedy is a five kilometre fundraising walk held annually at various locations throughout Canada to help support families affected by life-altering workplace injuries, illnesses and deaths.

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The post Media Advisory: Minister Stoodley to Participate in Steps for Life Walk appeared first on News Releases.

The Honourable Bernard Davis, Minister of Environment and Climate Change, will bring greetings at Softball Newfoundland and Labrador’s 2023 Hall of Fame and Awards Banquet tomorrow (Saturday, May 6).

The event will take place at the GlenDenning Golf Club, 120 Gabriel Road, St. John’s beginning at 7:00 p.m.

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The post Media Advisory: Minister Davis to Bring Greetings at Softball Newfoundland and Labrador’s 2023 Hall of Fame and Awards Banquet appeared first on News Releases.