Government of Newfoundland News

The Honourable Bernard Davis, Minister of Environment and Climate Change, will be available to discuss the Federal Government’s carbon pricing decision today (Tuesday, November 22) at 3:00 p.m.

The availability will take place in front of the House of Assembly, East Block, Confederation Building.

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Media contact
Debbie Marnell
Environment and Climate Change
709-729-2575, 699-9048
debbiemarnell@gov.nl.ca

The post Media Advisory: Minister Davis Available to Media to Discuss the Federal Government’s Carbon Pricing Decision appeared first on News Releases.

Come Home 2022 was a record-breaking year for Provincial Historic Sites in Newfoundland and Labrador. Sites opened on May 21, with free admission as part of Come Home 2022, and over 117,000 people have visited the sites so far this year.

This record visitation represents an increase of 236 per cent over the same period in 2021 (34,393), 653 per cent over the same period in 2020 (15,596) and 13 per cent over the same period in 2019, pre-pandemic (103,882).

With the exception of years impacted by COVID-19 restrictions, Provincial Historic Sites have consistently experienced increased visitation each year since 2016.

While most sites have closed for the 2022 season, the Colonial Building in St. John’s remains open seven days a week until November 30. Pre-booking is no longer required and the public is welcome to visit during regular hours.

In addition, the popular holiday program Christmas at the Commissariat returns this year to Commissariat House in St. John’s, with the return of two popular formats:

Christmas by Candlelight
November 25, 26, 29 and 30
7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.

Enjoy a sip of hot cider by the crackling fire, the soft sound of festive music, the scent of fir boughs and a magical wander through the house by the glow of candlelight.

Festive Family Fun
December 3 and 4
10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

Visit Commissariat House to enjoy traditional seasonal greenery, holiday music, a taste of Christmas pudding, Christmas crafts and more.

Pre-booking is not required for Christmas at Commissariat. Visitors are asked to bring a non-perishable food item for the Community Food Sharing Association.

Quote
“Each year, Provincial Historic Sites celebrate Newfoundland and Labrador’s culture and heritage through a wide variety of programming for all ages. As part of Come Home 2022 celebrations, we opened the doors to our sites with free admission and, as a result, a tremendous number of people were able to take in and enjoy these provincial gems. It is wonderful to see visitation numbers growing year over year and I encourage anyone who is able to experience the magic of Christmas at Commissariat.”
Honourable Steve Crocker
Minister of Tourism, Culture, Arts and Recreation

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Learn more
Provincial Historic Sites

Christmas at Commissariat

Provincial Historic Sites Reporting an Increase in Visitor Traffic this Summer

Provincial Historic Sites Opening on May 21 with Free Regular Admission for Come Home 2022

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Like us on Facebook

Media contact
Gina MacArthur
Tourism, Culture, Arts and Recreation
709-327-9574
ginamacarthur@gov.nl.ca

The post Record Year for Provincial Historic Site Visits in Newfoundland and Labrador appeared first on News Releases.

The Standing Committee on Public Accounts is advising that it will hold a public hearing to follow up on matters contained in the report of the Auditor General on wetland capping on Wednesday, November 23 starting at 9 a.m. and Thursday, November 24 starting at 10 a.m. in the House of Assembly Chamber.

The Physical Mitigation of Muskrat Falls Reservoir Wetlands report is the result of a review initiated in October 2019 by the Public Accounts Committee, requesting the following:

“That the Auditor General investigate and report on the breakdown of communication that resulted in the flooding of the Muskrat Falls reservoir in violation of an agreement between the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador and the Innu Nation, the Nunatsiavut Government, and the NunatuKavut Community Council to abide by the recommendations of the Independent Expert Advisory Committee, which directed that wetland capping must precede any such flooding.”

This week’s public hearing will follow up with officials from the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador and the Muskrat Falls Independent Expert Advisory Committee (IEAC).

The public galleries of the House of Assembly will be open and a live audio feed of the proceedings will be available on the House of Assembly website. Please note that testimony of witnesses appearing by videoconference will be audible from the online audio feed only.

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Learn more
Report of the Auditor General on the Physical Mitigation of Muskrat Falls Reservoir Wetlands

Public Accounts Committee

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

The post Standing Committee on Public Accounts to Hold Public Hearing on Auditor General Report on Physical Mitigation of Muskrat Falls Reservoir Wetlands appeared first on News Releases.

The scheduled closure of the resource road near Grand Falls-Windsor, known locally as Sandy Road, has been postponed due to inclement weather. The closure was originally planned for Monday, November 21 to Wednesday, November 23 for bridge repairs.

For further information, please contact the Bishop’s Falls Forest Management District Office at: 709-258-5334.

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Media contact
Craig Renouf
Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture
709-637-2923, 640-6922
craigrenouf@gov.nl.ca

The post Public Advisory: Planned Central Resource Road Closure Postponed appeared first on News Releases.

The Honourable John G. Abbott, Minister of Children, Seniors and Social Development, and Minister Responsible for the Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation, will bring greetings at a National Housing Day Community Forum tomorrow (Tuesday, November 22) at 9:00 a.m.

The forum, which is jointly hosted by the Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Homelessness Network and the City of St. John’s, will take place at the network’s office, located at 77 Charter Avenue, St. John’s. Parking and entry to the building are located on East Drive.

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Media contacts
Jenny Bowring
Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation
709-730-5886
jmbowring@nlhc.nl.ca

Khadija Rehma
Children, Seniors and Social Development
709-729-3768, 730-2977
khadijarehma@gov.nl.ca

The post Media Advisory: Minister Abbott to Bring Greetings at National Housing Day Community Forum appeared first on News Releases.

Today is World Fisheries Day, and Newfoundlanders and Labradorians are encouraged to take a few moments to reflect on the meaningful contributions that all those engaged in the fishing sector make to our province.

World Fisheries Day has been celebrated annually on November 21 since 1998. It presents an opportunity to acknowledge the dedicated efforts of the province’s 17,000 fishery sector workers, while highlighting the importance of wild fisheries and aquaculture to 400 communities throughout Newfoundland and Labrador.

The 2021 fishing season was one of the most successful in this province’s history, reaching the highest landed dollar value recorded at over $1 billion. Newfoundland and Labrador’s fishing industry is meeting the growing global demand for its world-class fish and seafood products. Consumers from over 40 countries continue to choose the province’s seafood products for their taste, quality, safety and sustainability.

As part of the Department of Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture’s World Fisheries Day youth engagement efforts, staff reached out to Kindergarten to Grade 6 students throughout the province offering the opportunity to participate in a World Fisheries Day Fisheries Sculpture Contest. Many students participated in this initiative, creating some impressive fisheries themed artwork. Contest winners are listed in the backgrounder below, and photos of sculptures can be viewed at the Department of Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture website.

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“Fisheries and aquaculture workers in this province are among the most knowledgeable and dedicated in their field. Their efforts continue to provide the world with safe, sustainably sourced seafood, and build upon Newfoundland and Labrador’s reputation as a global fisheries leader. World Fisheries Day is the perfect occasion to extend a special thank you to all fishing sector professionals who continue to contribute to this industry’s success.”
Honourable Derrick Bragg
Minister of Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture

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Learn more
Follow us on Twitter @GovNL and @FFA_GovNL

Like us on Facebook

Media contact
Craig Renouf
Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture
637-2923, 640-6922
craigrenouf@gov.nl.ca

BACKGROUNDER

World Fisheries Day – Fisheries Sculpture Art Contest Winners

1. C. Butt
   Kindergarten student from Springdale who attends homeschool
2. E. Clarke
   Kindergarten student, St. Matthew’s School, St. John’s
3. E. & L. Phung
   Grade 3 students, St. Teresa’s Elementary, St. John’s
4. K. England
   Grade 3 student, MSB Regional Academy, Middle Arm
5. E. Hornell
   Grade 4 student, Holy Trinity Elementary, Torbay
6. F. Butt
   Grade 6 student, Copper Ridge Academy, Baie Verte
7. R. Shelley
   Grade 6 student, Copper Ridge Academy, Baie Verte
8. Ms. Steads Class
   Grade 6 students, Copper Ridge Academy, Baie Verte
9. Mr. Shoemakers Class
   Kindergarten students, St. Matthew’s School, St. John’s

The post Provincial Government Recognizes World Fisheries Day appeared first on News Releases.

The Honourable Steve Crocker, Minister of Tourism, Culture, Arts and Recreation, will be attending the Tourism Industry Association of Canada’s Tourism Congress 2022 in Ottawa from November 21-23.

Each year, the event hosts more than 400 delegates from the tourism and hospitality industry in Canada, including key decision-makers from both the private and public sectors. This year’s theme is “Reimagining Tourism.”

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Media contact
Adrienne Luther
Tourism, Culture, Arts and Recreation
709-729-4819, 730-2953
adrienneluther@gov.nl.ca

The post Media Advisory: Minister Crocker Attending Tourism Industry Association of Canada’s Tourism Congress in Ottawa appeared first on News Releases.

The Standing Committee on Public Accounts advises that it is actively following up on the findings and recommendations of the Auditor General as a result of performance audit reports respecting Nalcor Energy. The Auditor General released two reports recently respecting performance audits of Nalcor: one concerning discretionary expenses, conflict of interest processes and the use of embedded contractors and a second concerning compensation practices.

The Public Accounts Committee received briefings from the Auditor General and officials on the findings and recommendations of both audit reports. As a first step in its follow-up on this matter, the Committee has contacted NL Hydro 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 Public Accounts Committee is a Standing Committee of the House of Assembly, which derives its authority from the House itself. The Committee is dedicated to improving public administration, including how government delivers services to its citizens, by overseeing the implementation and effectiveness of government programs and operations. It does not investigate, but rather supports the Auditor General in the execution of that office’s mandate.

Quote
“Now that the Auditor General’s work on this matter has concluded, the Public Accounts Committee is committed to conducting a thorough examination of the findings to ensure appropriate oversight and accountability on behalf of the people of Newfoundland and Labrador. The Committee looks forward to the cooperation of NL Hydro as it progresses with its work on this matter.”
Tony Wakeham, MHA
Chair, Public Accounts Committee

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Learn more
Public Accounts Committee

Performance Audit Report – Nalcor Energy (Discretionary Expenses, Conflict of Interest Processes and Use of Embedded Contractors)

Performance Audit Report – Nalcor Energy (Compensation)

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

The post Standing Committee on Public Accounts Following Up on Performance Audit Reports of the Auditor General Respecting Nalcor Energy appeared first on News Releases.

The Honourable Dr. Andrew Furey, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador, and the Honourable Tom Osborne, Minister of Health and Community Services, today expressed their heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of long-time mental health advocate and mental health care provider Dr. Nizar Ladha.

“We are incredibly saddened to hear about the passing of Dr. Nizar Ladha,” said Premier Furey. “His contributions to mental health in Newfoundland and Labrador are immense. He worked tirelessly to bring awareness to the importance of mental health, and was an integral part of the psychiatric team at the Waterford Hospital, as well as Eastern Health, having practiced forensic and general psychiatry since 1974. Over the course of his impressive career, Dr. Ladha also served as a Vice-Chair of the Advisory Council on Mental Health and Addictions for more than a decade. On a personal note, I have been fortunate to know Dr. Ladha and his family over the years and value their friendship.”

“Dr. Ladha heavily informed the review on the mental health and addictions system, which resulted in government’s Towards Recovery Action Plan,” said Minister Osborne. “He was also a committee member for the development of the Mental Health Care and Treatment Act for this province. Through his unwavering dedication to the field of mental health for almost 50 years, he had an immeasurable impact on the medical community. Our condolences are with his colleagues, friends, family and loved ones at this difficult time.”

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Media contacts
Meghan McCabe
Office of the Premier
709-729-3960
meghanmccabe@gov.nl.ca

Laura Thomas
Health and Community Services
709-729-6986, 727-0341
laurathomas@gov.nl.ca

The post Premier Furey and Minister Osborne Express Condolences to the Family of Dr. Nizar Ladha appeared first on News Releases.

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:

Cape Ray Gold Mine                                                                     (Reg. 2224)
Proponent: Matador Mining Ltd.

The proponent proposes to develop a gold mine on the south west coast of Newfoundland, approximately 18 kilometres north of Isle aux Morts, and 25 kilometres northeast of Channel-Port aux Basques. The project consists of four main open pits, waste rock piles, a tailings management facility, ore processing and mining facilities, accommodations, and supporting infrastructure. The mine will have a production capacity of 3,600 tonnes per day with potential expansion to 10,000 tonnes per day, and an expected mine life of 10 years. A description of the project can be found on the department’s webpage at: www.gov.nl.ca/eccm/env-assessment/projects-list/.

The undertaking was registered on November 18, 2022; the deadline for public comment is December 23, 2022; and the minister’s decision is due by January 2, 2023.

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

The proponent proposes to develop and operate a six-hectare gravel and aggregate quarry approximately four kilometres southeast of the community of Flat Bay. The quarry would be located within an area previously operated as a gypsum mine site and would produce gravel and backfill materials for the construction industry. Backfill materials would also be used to maintain the proponent’s private haul road which extends to their ship loading facility in St George’s. Site development would include vegetation clearing, grubbing and stripping, and operations would include crushing, screening and stockpiling. The quarry is proposed to operate seasonally, between April and November. A description of the project can be found on the department’s webpage at: www.gov.nl.ca/eccm/env-assessment/projects-list/.

The undertaking was registered on November 16, 2022; the deadline for public comment is December 23, 2022; and the minister’s decision is due by December 31, 2022.

Undertaking Released:

Baie Verte Stog’er Tight Expansion – 278 Open Pit Mine  (Reg. 2216)
Proponent: Signal Gold Inc.

The project is released subject to the following conditions:

• The proponent is required to uphold all commitments made in the environmental assessment submission to mitigate the effects of the Project on the environment.
• The proponent shall enter into a Memorandum of Understanding with the Water Resources Management Division of the Department of Environment and Climate Change for the installation of a real-time water quality/quantity network to monitor impacts on water flows and quality downstream of the project. The proponent is to bear all costs associated with the monitoring network and must install the required network prior to site operation activities.
• The Department of Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture (FFA) requires the following:
  • The proponent must submit a Fish Relocation Plan and Fish Habitat Offsetting Plan for approval by the FFA Wildlife Division prior to implementation. Both plans must include specific mitigations with respect to American eel (Anguilla rostrata) as this species is listed as Vulnerable under the NL Endangered Species Act (2006) (and designated as threatened by the Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada (2012)).
  • The proponent must consult with the FFA Wildlife Division on required bat colony survey protocols prior to any tree clearing occurring during the period from April 15 to September 30. If a bat colony or overwintering/hibernacula site is discovered within the project area, activities must halt and the FFA Wildlife Division must be immediately contacted at 709-637-2025 or by emailing endangeredspecies@gov.nl.ca.
  • For slopes less than 30 per cent, a minimum 30 metre naturally vegetated riparian buffer zone shall be established around all waterbodies, from the high water mark, that are identified on either the 1:50,000 scale National Topographic System maps, or the topographic mapping layer shown in the Provincial Land Use Atlas. No land use activities involving grubbing, ground or soil disturbance, or timber harvesting activities will take place in this zone.
  • For slopes greater than 30 per cent, there shall be a naturally vegetated riparian buffer zone calculated using the following formula: 30 metres + 1.5 metres x slope (per cent). No land use activities involving grubbing, ground or soil disturbance or timber harvesting activities will take place in this zone.
  • No vegetation clearing is to occur within 800 meters of a bald eagle or osprey nest during the nesting season (March 15 to July 31) and 200 meters 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 is required to advise the Environmental Assessment Division when the conditions of release have been met, by emailing a written description, documents, and images (where applicable) demonstrating that the conditions have been fulfilled.
• The proponent is required to 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 the release letter and to provide additional updates if requested.

UNDERTAKING WITHDRAWN:

St. Lewis River Atlantic Salmon Habitat Enhancement Project    (Reg. 2032)
Proponent: Atlantic Rivers Outfitting Company

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.

Media contact
Debbie Marnell
Environment and Climate Change
709-729-2575, 699-9048
debbiemarnell@gov.nl.ca

The post Environmental Assessment Bulletin appeared first on News Releases.

The Provincial Government is observing National Child Day this Sunday, November 20, in recognition of the United Nations commitment to upholding the rights of children. This year’s theme is the right to participate.

Each year National Child Day is held on this date because the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) was adopted on November 20, 1989.  By signing onto the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child in 1991, Canada made a commitment to ensure that all children are treated with dignity and respect, and have every opportunity to reach their full potential.

The Provincial Government is committed to providing affordable child care and a high quality education for children and youth in Newfoundland and Labrador to help empower them to reach their full potential.

Newfoundland and Labrador is a national leader in progressively lowering the costs of child care. Through the Canada-Newfoundland and Labrador Canada-Wide Early Learning and Child Care Agreement, the province will move to a $10 a day cost for regulated child care on January 1, 2023. The department remains focused on space creation through the Pre-Kindergarten pilot program and other initiatives.

Quotes
“We must all remain committed to ensuring children live free from fear and harm, where it is safe for them to be seen and heard. I ask everyone in Newfoundland and Labrador to take time on National Child day to honour and celebrate our children, and the bright futures they have ahead of them.”
Honourable John Haggie
Minister of Education

“As a government, we remain committed to ensuring the overall well-being and safety of children and youth throughout Newfoundland and Labrador. As November 20 marks National Child Day, we must all join together to champion children and their right to a safe, healthy, engaging and active childhood.”
Honourable John G. Abbott
Minister of Children, Seniors and Social Development

“The early years are critical, they set the stage for healthy development and lifelong learning. Recognizing National Child Day highlights children’s rights and the importance of having access to quality early learning and child care programs. On November 20, we are asking everyone to wear blue and reflect on the rights of the child and the importance of early learning in shaping our future”
Skye Crawford Taylor
Executive Director, Association of Early Childhood Educators NL

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Learn more
United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child

Association of Early Childhood Educators NL

Follow us on Twitter: @GovNL and @EDU_GovNL 

Like us on Facebook

Media contacts
Lynn Robinson
Education
709-729-1906, 691-9466
lynnrobinson@gov.nl.ca

Khadija Rehma
Children, Seniors and Social Development
709-729-3768, 730-2977
khadijarehma@gov.nl.ca

Skye Crawford Taylor
AECENL
709-579-3028, 1-877-579-3028
executivedirector@aecenl.ca

The post Provincial Government Recognizes National Child Day appeared first on News Releases.

A resource road near the town of Grand Falls-Windsor, known locally as Sandy Road, will be closed to all vehicle traffic from Monday, November 21 to Wednesday, November 23 to allow for bridge repair work.

Repairs will consist of the removal and installation of new abutments to Tom Joe Bridge, located at the 22 km mark on Sandy Road.

For further information, please contact the Bishop’s Falls Forest Management District Office at: 709-258-5334.

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Media contact
Craig Renouf
Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture
709-637-2923, 640-6922
craigrenouf@gov.nl.ca

The post Public Advisory: Resource Road in Central Region to Close for Bridge Work appeared first on News Releases.

The Department of Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture building located at 192 Wheeler’s Road in Corner Brook will be closed to the public and staff tomorrow (Friday, November 18) due to a planned power outage.

Front counter services for Crown Lands Division and Wildlife Division will not be available. For Crown Land inquiries, call 1-833-891-3249 or email crownlandsinfo@gov.nl.ca. For Wildlife Division services, call 709-637-2025 or email wildlifelicence@gov.nl.ca.

Staff at this location who have capacity to work remotely will do so.

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Media contact
Erin Shea
Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture
709-729-3373, 725-4321
erinshea@gov.nl.ca

The post Public Advisory: Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture Office in Corner Brook Closed Tomorrow appeared first on News Releases.

Digital Government and Service NL today announced that Bluebird Investments Limited, of Grand Falls-Windsor, and a company supervisor have been charged with violations under Newfoundland and Labrador’s Occupational Health and Safety Act and Regulations.

The charges result from an investigation by Digital Government and Service NL’s Occupational Health and Safety Division following an incident, which occurred in December 2020, resulting in serious injuries to an employee from a fall, which occurred at a construction site in Corner Brook.

Bluebird Investments Limited is charged with eight violations, which relate to its alleged failure as an employer to:

• Provide a safe workplace and the necessary equipment, systems and tools that were without risk to workers;
• Provide the information, instruction, training, supervision and facilities to ensure a safe workplace;
• Ensure that workers, and especially supervisors, were made familiar with the hazards;
• Ensure that their occupational health and safety program included written safe work procedures appropriate to the hazards;
• Ensure that safe work procedures were followed;
• Ensure that work procedures promoted the safe interaction of workers and their work environment;
• Ensure that regular inspections of the workplace were conducted that would ensure safe working conditions;
• Ensure that appropriate fall protection was used where a worker is exposed to a hazard of falling from a work area that is three meters or more above a safe surface.

The company supervisor is charged with alleged failure to ensure the health, safety and welfare of all workers under his or her supervision.

The company’s first appearance is scheduled for November 29, 2022, at Provincial Court in Corner Brook.

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Media contact
Krista Dalton
Digital Government and Service NL
709-729-4748, 685-6492
kristadalton@gov.nl.ca

The post Public Advisory: Occupational Health and Safety Charges Laid Against Bluebird Investments Limited appeared first on News Releases.

The Hunter Education Course, required for eligibility to apply for a resident hunting licence, is now available online. This option offers participants an opportunity to complete the course at their own pace, and accommodates time or geographical restrictions that prevent people from attending the course in person.

To fulfill legislated requirements for hunter certification in Newfoundland and Labrador, a person must pass both the Canadian Firearms Safety Course, which teaches basic firearm safety and handling, and the Hunter Education Course, covering wildlife conservation and management, hunting laws, hunter ethics and responsibility, outdoor safety and survival techniques and other skills. More information on these requirements is available here.

The launch of the online Hunter Education Course option does not replace the in-class course option offered at College of the North Atlantic campuses throughout Newfoundland and Labrador. The Canadian Firearms Safety Course is only available in class.

Participants may take these courses starting at age 12 with parental consent. Approximately 3,550 students participate in hunter certification training every year. More information on the online Hunter Education Course is available in the backgrounder below.

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Media contact
Linda Skinner
Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture
709-637-2284, 632-8167
lindaskinner@gov.nl.ca

BACKGROUNDER

Online Hunter Education Frequently Asked Questions

Does the online Hunter Education course replace the classroom course?
No. Classroom courses will still be available to those who wish to participate.

How long is the online course?
The online course takes a similar amount of time to complete as the classroom course – approximately 6.5 hours. There are minimum time requirements for progression through the course. Once registered, students have 90 days to complete the full course. This can be done in one sitting or in sections over time.

Is there an exam?
Chapter review quizzes at the end of each section help prepare for the final exam, which consists of 50 multiple-choice questions. A mark of 80 per cent is required to pass, consistent with classroom examinations.

What happens if I am unsuccessful on the exam?
Once the course is completed, all content is available for review prior to taking the exam. Your course fee includes two attempts at the exam. If you are unsuccessful, you may make a second attempt without having to pay additional registration fees.

What is the cost of the online course?
The online course is available for $59.00 plus applicable taxes, the same as the standard classroom course fee.

Will this course meet the requirement for hunter certification?
The online course will meet the hunter education requirements the same as the ‘Part B’ classroom course.

Do students still have to complete the Canadian Firearms Safety Course?
Yes. To fulfill the legislated requirements for hunter certification, students must also complete the in-class Canadian Firearms Safety Course whether they complete the in-class or online Hunter Education Course.

Can a minor complete the online course?
Yes. Minors age 12 to 17 must also provide parental consent to the Wildlife Division to receive an Outdoor Identification Card or apply for big game licences.

How do I get an Outdoor Identification Card?
Once you have completed the Canadian Firearms Safety Course and the Hunter Education Course, your file will be activated and you should receive your Outdoor Identification Card within four to six weeks, provided the Wildlife Division has received all required documentation including provincial driver’s licence or photo identification, and a parental consent form if you are a minor.

How do I learn more about hunter education or other conservation education programs in Newfoundland and Labrador?
For more information about firearms and hunter education in Newfoundland and Labrador, contact the Department of Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture – Wildlife Division at 709-637-2025 or by email wildlifelicence@gov.nl.ca, or visit the online Hunting and Trapping Guide

The post Public Advisory: Online Option for Hunter Education Training Now Available appeared first on News Releases.

Today, the Honourable Andrew Furey, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador, the Honourable Elvis Loveless, Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure, the Honourable Seamus O’Regan Jr., Minister of Labour, Joanne Thompson, Member of Parliament for St. John’s East, and His Worship Danny Breen, Mayor of St. John’s, announced $34 million in joint funding for a new outdoor track and field facility and an indoor multi-purpose facility to host the 2025 Canada Summer Games.

This funding will enable the City of St. John’s to offer high-quality facilities for athletes and visitors of the 2025 Canada Games track and field events.

The project includes the installation of a 400-metre track, with a turf field in the centre for sports like soccer and football, as well as an indoor high-performance training space with washrooms and change rooms, administrative office space, multi-purpose space, storage space and a training area.

The new venue will also support the development of a center of excellence for coaching, refereeing and training for amateur-level sport in Newfoundland and Labrador, creating a legacy for the Games.

The Governments of Canada and Newfoundland and Labrador, along with the City of St. John’s, are each investing equal amounts in this project.

By investing in infrastructure, the Government of Canada is growing our country’s economy, increasing the resiliency of our communities, and improving the lives of Canadians.

Quotes
“As the City of St. John’s prepares to host thousands of athletes and visitors from across Canada, a new track and field facility will be a pivotal element of the 2025 Canada Summer Games. Longer-term, it will invite significant social and economic benefits by helping create healthier, more active communities and improving the province’s ability to host regional and national sporting competitions.”
Honourable Andrew Furey
Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador

“With plans for the 2025 Canada Summer Games in St. John’s well underway, this new track and field facility will help us ensure that athletes, coaches and volunteers will have a modern facility for training and competing. The people of Newfoundland and Labrador will also benefit from this project, as we will have a piece of legacy infrastructure that brings employment and sports tourism to the province, as well as a facility for people of all ages to practice active, healthy living and wellness.”
Honourable Steve Crocker
Minister of Tourism, Culture, Arts and Recreation

“Investing in this new track and field facility will continue to create opportunities for local athletes, and will help bring other athletes to our province. Partnering with the Federal Government and the City of St. John’s to cost-share projects like this helps significant infrastructure get completed, and we look forward to more collaboration in the future.”
Honourable Elvis Loveless
Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure

“When the country comes to St. John’s in 2025, we’ll be ready. Our athletes will train here, they’ll compete here, and they’ll remind the world that Newfoundlanders and Labradorians should never be underestimated.”
Honourable Seamus O’Regan Jr.
Minister of Labour, on behalf of the Honourable Dominic LeBlanc, Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs, Infrastructure and Communities

“Thanks to this lasting investment, our government will remain committed to supporting local athletes and providing residents with modern and well equipped indoor and outdoor facilities to stay active and healthy long after the 2025 Canada Summer Games.”
Joanne Thompson
Member of Parliament for St. John’s East

“On behalf of City Council, we are thrilled to host Canada Summer Games 2025. I thank our provincial and federal government partners for cost-sharing a new outdoor track and field facility and an indoor facility in the City of St. John’s. This investment will provide short term economic benefits through the design and construction phase, and will provide many long-term benefits to our community through supporting the health and wellness of our residents and sporting community for many years after the games.”
His Worship Danny Breen
Mayor of St. John’s

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Learn more
St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador Named Host of the 2025 Canada Summer Games

Federal infrastructure investments in Newfoundland and Labrador

Investing in Canada: Canada’s Long-Term Infrastructure Plan

Media contacts
Meghan McCabe
Office of the Premier
709-729-3960
meghanmccabe@gov.nl.ca

Jean-Sébastien Comeau
Office of the Honourable Dominic LeBlanc
Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs, Infrastructure and Communities
343-574-8116
Jean-Sebastien.Comeau@iga-aig.gc.ca

Kelly Maguire
City of St. John’s
709-576-8491
kmaguire@stjohns.ca

Media Relations
Infrastructure Canada
613-960-9251 or toll free: 1-877-250-7154
media@infc.gc.ca

The post New Track and Field Facilities in St. John’s for the 2025 Canada Summer Games appeared first on News Releases.

On November 17, 2022, the Office of the Executive Council released a report of the Acting Commissioner for Legislative Standards regarding a public interest disclosure filed with the Speaker of the House of Assembly against the Citizens’ Representative. The report clears the Citizens’ Representative of all allegations of gross mismanagement regarding his investigation of complaints against the Chief Electoral Officer of Newfoundland and Labrador.

Although the Acting Commissioner for Legislative Standards found no basis for findings of gross mismanagement, she questions the Citizens’ Representative’s decision-making with respect to his investigation regarding the complaints against the Chief Electoral Officer and subsequent reporting of the results of that investigation to the Speaker and the Clerk of the House of Assembly. She further recommended that the Citizens’ Representative apologize to the Chief Electoral Officer, the Speaker and the Clerk of the House of Assembly.

The Office of the Executive Council has referred the report to the House of Assembly Management Commission for consideration.

With respect to the recommendations in the report, it is the position of the Office of the Citizens’ Representative that it would not be appropriate, nor is it necessary, to issue apologies to the Chief Electoral Officer, the Speaker or the Clerk of the House of Assembly. Doing so would undermine the independence of the Citizens’ Representative and runs contrary to the very purpose of its Statutory Office, and its statutory duty.

By statute, the Citizens’ Representative is an Officer of the House of Assembly. Importantly, this is intended to safeguard the Citizens’ Representative’s ability to fulfill his responsibilities faithfully and impartially by making him independent of the government and its administration.

The Office of the Citizens’ Representative’s priority is to protect those who come forward at great personal and professional risk to make disclosures of wrongdoing in the public interest. This is what the Office has done, and what the Office will continue to do.

The Office of the Citizens’ Representative is committed to strengthening accountability and the integrity of the public service in Newfoundland and Labrador.

As this matter is under review, the Office of the Citizens’ Representative is not taking media inquiries.

About the Office of the Citizens’ Representative

• The Office of the Citizens’ Representative (“OCR”) is an Office of the House of Assembly that provides a province-wide ombudsman service with respect to provincial government services and programs.
• An ombudsman is a neutral official who receives and investigates complaints. While obligated to report its activities to the House of Assembly as a whole, the OCR operates independently of the political process. Its services are confidential and free of charge.
• The OCR is committed to conducting investigations as informally and expeditiously as possible, ensuring the right to procedural fairness and natural justice of all persons involved in an investigation is respected, including those making disclosures, witnesses, and persons alleged to be responsible for wrongdoing.
• Since 2007, the OCR has been responsible for the Public Interest Disclosure Program for the House of Assembly under the House of Assembly Accountability, Integrity and Administration Act.

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The post Office of the Citizens’ Representative’s Statement on Commissioner for Legislative Standards’ Report on the Public Interest Disclosures Regarding the Citizens’ Representative appeared first on News Releases.

As a result of reports from the public and subsequent investigations by officers with the Resource Enforcement Division of the Department of Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture, several big game charges are pending for violations of the Wild Life Act on the Great Northern Peninsula.

Between October 14, 2022 and November 4, 2022, the Roddickton and Port Saunders detachments of the Resource Enforcement Division received three separate complaints of moose and caribou poaching in the areas of Castor River North, Coles Pond and Griquet. Follow-up investigations resulted in the seizure of one all-terrain vehicle, a trailer, two moose, one caribou and two high-powered hunting rifles.

Charges are pending against eight male individuals. Charges include transporting big game without the tags attached, illegal possession of big game, killing big game in the wrong moose management area, killing big game without a licence and discharging a firearm within 300 meters of a dwelling.

The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador is committed to protecting the province’s wildlife resources and ensuring they remain sustainably managed for the enjoyment and benefit of all residents of the province.

The public are encouraged to report suspected illegal fishing and hunting activity, as this information plays a significant role in assisting investigations being conducted by Resource Enforcement Officers.

The public can report suspicious activity anonymously at any time by calling 1-877-820-0999 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS. Anonymous reports can also be submitted online at www.nlcrimestoppers.com or www.stoppoaching.ca.

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Media contact
Craig Renouf
Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture
709-637-2923, 640-6922
craigrenouf@gov.nl.ca

The post Public Advisory: Charges Pending for Violations of the Wild Life Act on the Great Northern Peninsula appeared first on News Releases.

The Office of the Executive Council is releasing a redacted version of the Report on the Public Interest Disclosures Regarding the Citizens’ Representative. The redacted version of the report is available online.

The report, which was received by the Office of Executive Council on Monday, November 7 was reviewed to ensure compliance with the Access to Information and Protection of Privacy Act to protect personal and private information.

The report was initiated pursuant to a public interest disclosure filed with the Speaker of the House of Assembly against the Citizens’ Representative respecting an allegation of gross mismanagement regarding the confidentiality and disclosure of information.

This report has also been referred to the House Management Commission, which consists of members representing all parties in the House of Assembly, for consideration and recommendations, if required.

The Office of the Citizens’ Representative is a statutory office. Statutory offices operate independently from government. Given the need to operate independently from the Provincial Government, all statutory offices report to the House of Assembly and include the Chief Electoral Officer, Commissioner for Legislative Standards, the Citizens’ Representative, Seniors’ Advocate, Child and Youth Advocate, the Information and Privacy Commissioner and the Auditor General.

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Media contact
Marc Budgell
Executive Council
709-729-0084
marcbudgell@gov.nl.ca

The post Public Advisory: Report on the Public Interest Disclosures Regarding the Citizens’ Representative Available Online appeared first on News Releases.

The Provincial Government extends congratulations to Hibernia and its partners, including the Hibernia Management and Development Company and its lead owner ExxonMobil Canada, on the 25th anniversary of first oil.

The total royalties received to date by the province, including the Hibernia Southern Extension, are approximately $14.8 billion. As of September 30, 2022, the project was employing nearly 1,200 highly skilled professionals in a variety of professions, and it continues to support the economy through service contracts and sub-contract employment.

Hibernia’s influence on the province extends past its economic contributions, including through research and development at Memorial, investment in the arts at the Newfoundland Symphony Orchestra and support for the province’s natural history at the Hibernia Interpretation Centre in Conception Bay South.

Located 315 kilometres from St. John’s, Hibernia is an offshore production platform located at the Hibernia oil field, within the Jeanne d’Arc Basin. The platform was towed to the Hibernia oil field and positioned on the ocean floor in June 1997. It began producing oil on November 17, 1997, making it Newfoundland and Labrador’s first offshore production platform. As of August 2022, the project has produced more than 1.2 million barrels of oil from the field, with almost 580 million barrels in remaining proven and possible reserves.

The Hibernia field was first discovered in 1979 and was expected to have a life of 20 years, but through extended-reach drilling, geological and reservoir modelling technology and daily maintenance and operations of the equipment, the project life of the project has been extended beyond 2040.

Newfoundland and Labrador’s oil and gas industry – with low emissions per barrel compared to the international average and our strong environmental, social and governance structure – will play a role as the world transitions to a lower carbon economy.

Quotes
“The oil and gas industry not only fuels our people and economy, but also builds the bridge to new energy sustainable solutions. Hibernia Management and Development Company, along with all of the companies and people involved in the Hibernia project, should be commended for their hard work and congratulated for their commitment to responsible development. We look forward to their continued success and continued participation in Newfoundland and Labrador’s offshore.”
Honourable Andrew Furey
Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador

“As the pioneer development of a new frontier, this project helped build an industry and a workforce – one that can keep up with emerging technologies, changing fields and major projects. Congratulations to Hibernia and its project partners, including the Hibernia southern extension co-venturers, Chevron, Suncor, Equinor, Murphy Oil, Canada Hibernia Holding Company and Nalcor Oil and Gas on this significant milestone.”
Honourable Andrew Parsons
Minister of Industry, Energy and Technology

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Learn more
Hibernia

Follow us on Twitter: @GovNL, @IET_GovNL

Media contacts
Meghan McCabe
Office of the Premier
709-729-3960
meghanmccabe@gov.nl.ca

Eric Humber
Industry, Energy and Technology
709-729-5777, 725-9655
erichumber@gov.nl.ca

The post Provincial Government Congratulates Hibernia on 25th Anniversary of First Oil appeared first on News Releases.