Government of Newfoundland News

The Honourable Dr. Andrew Furey, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador, will host a meeting with industry, community, and labour organizations tomorrow (Thursday, January 30) at Confederation Building in St. John’s to continue important discussions on trade and readiness in response to potential United States tariff action.

Premier Furey will be joined by the Honourable Siobhan Coady, Deputy Premier and Minister of Finance, the Honourable Andrew Parsons, KC, Minister of Industry, Energy and Technology, and Honourable Gerry Byrne, Minister of Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture, and members of the working group.

Photo opportunity: Following the meeting, media are invited to collect b-roll footage and photos at 2:30 p.m. Please note, media participants should arrive at the Visitor’s Entrance by 2:00 p.m. and will be escorted to the meeting area.

Media availability: Following the photo opportunity, there will be a media availability to discuss the ongoing collaboration and the importance of supporting local businesses.

In 2023, Newfoundland and Labrador exports to the United States totalled approximately $4.5 billion, which represented 37 per cent of the province’s total exports. Of the total seafood harvested in Newfoundland and Labrador, 60-80 per cent is exported to the United States.

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The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador has launched a toolkit called Welcome Home to help communities throughout the province address health care recruitment and retention.

The Welcome Home toolkit, developed by the Department of Health and Community Services, in collaboration with Municipalities Newfoundland and Labrador, NL Health Services, and other key partners, provides information and resources for creating welcoming communities for health care professionals including:

• Orientation for newcomers;
• Site visits;
• Help with transitioning to Newfoundland and Labrador; and
• Transportation assistance.

A shared toolkit ensures communities are receiving consistent information and resources about the many recruitment and retention initiatives in Newfoundland and Labrador, while providing room to foster and celebrate regional identities.

For more information, communities can visit the Welcome Home Toolkit here or email: Recruit@WorkinHealthNL.ca.

Budget 2024 focused on improving the well-being of Newfoundlanders and Labradorians, which included a $10 million commitment to continue recruitment and retention of health care professionals in Newfoundland and Labrador.

This new initiative complements other recruitment and retention initiatives that have successfully resulted in over 975 nurses and 145 physicians recruited since April 2023. Health care professionals interested in learning about the opportunities and incentives to work in Newfoundland and Labrador can find more information at WorkInHealthNL.

Quotes
“Our health care recruitment strategy is bringing health care professionals to communities throughout Newfoundland and Labrador. Communities play an important role in helping health care providers find and see the unique value and experience of working in the province, particularly in rural areas. I thank each municipality and community for getting involved to help strengthen our efforts to improve health care delivery in the province.”
Honourable John Hogan, KC
Minister of Health and Community Services

“Municipalities play an important role in ensuring the well-being of residents. The new toolkit will be a valuable resource for municipalities to extend a warm welcome to new health care professionals living and working throughout the province.”
Honourable John Haggie
Minister of Municipal and Provincial Affairs

“At NL Health Services, we recognize that recruiting and retaining health-care professionals goes beyond just attracting talent. To help them thrive, they must feel at home in the communities where they live and work. We were pleased to assist with the development of this initiative, working alongside the Provincial Government, municipalities and other partners to create meaningful community connections that support health care workers.”
Dr. Pat Parfrey
CEO, NL Health Services

“Access to health care services is essential for the sustainability of rural communities in this province. Municipalities Newfoundland and Labrador encourages the efforts of the Provincial Government to provide communities with the necessary workforce. We look forward to welcoming new health care workers to our communities.”
Councilor Amy Coady
President of Municipalities Newfoundland and Labrador

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Welcome Home Toolkit

WorkInHealthNL.ca

Health Care Action

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On January 29, Newfoundland and Labrador will once again join Canada in marking the National Day of Remembrance of the Quebéc City Mosque Attack and Action Against Islamophobia.

The Provincial Government reaffirms its commitment to eliminating Islamophobia and honours the victims of the tragic events that unfolded eight years ago at the Islamic Cultural Centre of Quebéc City. The attack claimed the lives of six men and left many others injured.

On this solemn occasion, Confederation Building will be lit in green, a colour deeply tied to the Islamic faith, as a symbol of remembrance and solidarity.

Residents wishing to show their solidarity can participate in the Green Square Campaign to stand against Islamophobia. The green square represents the Islamic Cultural Centre’s prayer carpet, where the victims last stood. Those wishing to take part in this collective act of remembrance are encouraged to wear green squares or green clothing tomorrow.

The Provincial Government thanks the Muslim Association of Newfoundland and Labrador for its advocacy and for helping to build prosperous and peaceful communities throughout the province. Let us celebrate the contributions of our Muslim friends and neighbours to foster a shared belief in the future of this place we all call home.

Sincerely:

Honourable Sarah Stoodley
Minister of Immigration, Population Growth and Skills

Honourable Dr. Scott Reid
Minister Responsible for Indigenous Affairs and Reconciliation

Honourable Krista Lynn Howell
Minister of Education

Honourable Bernard Davis
Minister of Justice and Public Safety

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The Honourable Dr. Andrew Furey, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador, was in the Town of Conception Bay South today to announce up to $8 million in support for a new sports facility. The Community Lifestyle Centre will address the town’s critical need for accessible and modern year-round recreation spaces in the community, promoting health, wellness and economic development.

Premier Furey was joined by the Honourable Fred Hutton, Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure and Minister of Rural Economic Development, and Andrea Gosse, Deputy Mayor of the Town of Conception Bay South.

The 50-50 cost-shared project is estimated at approximately $16 million, with the final project costs to be determined by the outcome of the Town of Conception Bay South’s procurement process.

The proposed facility will provide accessible opportunities for residents of all ages and abilities to engage in year-round sports and recreation, improving physical and mental health. It will span approximately 100,000 square feet and will feature an air-supported structure, which is a proven, reliable technology ideal for year-round use.

The sports structure will include multi-use courts, large turf field, as well as dedicated community spaces. It will support a number of court sports such as basketball, volleyball, and pickleball, as well as turf sports such as soccer, football, baseball, softball and ultimate frisbee. The centre will also include an estimated 5,000 square-foot building which will house office spaces, washrooms, change rooms, along with a community room.

The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador continues to invest in the province’s sport and recreation infrastructure as it works toward meeting the goal of becoming the healthiest province by 2031, along with the commitment of Newfoundland and Labrador being Canada’s first well-being province. It also complements the recent announcement of 2025 as The Year of Sport which will celebrate sport and athletes in this province, and the recommendations of Health Accord NL.

Quotes
“The Community Lifestyle Centre will not only provide a venue for sporting activities, but will also foster social connections, help reduce isolation among residents and create a sense of community, contributing to the town’s overall well-being. This project aligns with our government’s commitment of Newfoundland and Labrador being Canada’s first Well-Being Province and the recommendations stemming from Health Accord NL.”
Honourable Dr. Andrew Furey
Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador

“Our government recognizes how modern infrastructure has a profound impact on the well-being of the residents it serves, and the Community Lifestyle Centre slated for the Town of Conception Bay South is a great example. Sharing the cost of municipal infrastructure helps communities complete work on important projects that benefit their residents.”
Honourable Fred Hutton
Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure
Minister of Rural Economic Development

“Sport and recreation infrastructure is important for helping Newfoundlanders and Labradorians live active lives. The Conception Bay South Community Lifestyle Centre is an excellent announcement during this Year of Sport and will be a great addition to our sport and recreation community.”
Honourable Steve Crocker
Minister of Tourism, Culture, Arts and Recreation

“With 100,000 square feet of innovative, multi-use space, including court and turf surfaces, and an accessible, inclusive design, this centre will be a place where everyone can come together to play, connect, and thrive. We are grateful to the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador for their commitment to this project. It’s more than a facility – it’s an incredible investment into the well-being of our community and region.”
Andrea Gosse, Deputy Mayor
Town of Conception Bay South

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The Honourable Dr. Andrew Furey, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador, will speak at the Heavy Civil Association of Newfoundland and Labrador’s annual general meeting luncheon tomorrow (Wednesday, January 29), beginning at 11:30 a.m.

The Honourable Fred Hutton, Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure and Minister of Rural Economic Development, will bring greetings at the Heavy Civil Association of Newfoundland and Labrador’s gala event on Thursday, January 30, beginning at 6:30 p.m.

Both events will take place at the Sheraton Hotel Newfoundland, 115 Cavendish Square, St. John’s.

The Heavy Civil Association of Newfoundland and Labrador represents companies in the province’s road construction, water and sewer, and heavy construction industry.

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The Honourable Gerry Byrne, Minister of Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture, will attend the Newfoundland and Labrador Federation of Agriculture’s annual Agriculture Industry Symposium today (Tuesday, January 28).

Minister Byrne will bring greetings during the Farmers Welcome Reception at 6:30 p.m. The event will be held at the Delta Hotel St. John’s Conference Centre, which is located at 120 New Gower Street.

The Newfoundland and Labrador Federation of Agriculture represents farmers and farm groups in the province. The theme for this year’s symposium is Cultivating Tomorrow: Regeneration and Resilience.

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A Newfoundland and Labrador social enterprise with a mission to grow more local produce is receiving financial support to assist with marketing costs. The Honourable Andrew Parsons, KC, Minister of Industry, Energy and Technology, today announced $92,125 for SucSeed from the Business Growth Program.

SucSeed brings hydroponic gardens into classrooms, homes and communities to encourage a simple, easy and environmentally sustainable practice. SucSeed sells hydroponic gardens through its website as well as materials such as nutrients, seeds and supplies for continuous growing. There are currently more than 2,500 SucSeed gardens in classrooms across Canada. In addition to its hydroponic gardens, SucSeed has published three Sustainable Superhero children’s books which introduce youth to sustainable practices such as gardening, composting, thrift shopping and supporting local businesses.

The company was conceived from a student-led volunteer project out of the Memorial University chapter of Enactus. Since winning the Enactus World Cup in 2016, founders Emily Bland and Andrea Peet evolved the project into a successful business generating over $1.5 million in revenue to date. In 2021, SucSeed was Newfoundland and Labrador’s first business to be certified as a B Corporation by B Lab, which verifies a company’s commitment to high standards of social and environmental performance, accountability, and transparency. In January 2024, SucSeed launched the SucSeed Foundation and achieved charitable status.

The Provincial Government investment will assist with SucSeed’s marketing goals which include online marketing, graphic design, conferences and trade shows.

Through the Business Growth Program, the Department of Industry, Energy and Technology provides non-repayable contributions for projects or initiatives to assist businesses start, innovate, scale and improve sales locally, nationally or internationally.

Quotes
“SucSeed’s work with local schools and not-for-profits helps educate youth on the basics of gardening and food production while also helping vulnerable populations, creating comfort communities, and improving the environment. The social enterprise is enriching communities by conducting business in an innovative way that furthers social, cultural and environmental goals. We are proud to support SucSeed as they work to reach even more schools and community groups with their products.”
Honourable Andrew Parsons, KC
Minister of Industry, Energy and Technology

“We are incredibly thankful to the Department of Industry, Energy and Technology for supporting our expansion at SucSeed. This funding will play a crucial role in allowing us to increase our traction across Canada and to start to build more traction around the world. Our team is on a mission to educate one million students and this funding will play a significant role in helping us reach that.”
Emily Bland
CEO, SucSeed

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The Provincial Government is providing an update on actions it has taken to date to address the cybersecurity incident in the PowerSchool platform. The incident is not specific to Newfoundland and Labrador. PowerSchool notified customers in multiple jurisdictions in North America.

Based on information from PowerSchool and work undertaken by the Provincial Government to date, as of this time it has been determined that the following groups of individuals and data have been impacted in the PowerSchool incident:

Teachers: Data relating to approximately 14,400 teachers was accessed by the unauthorized party. The oldest teacher records involved were from 2010. About 70 per cent of the teacher information involved includes some combination of name, email address, and phone number. A small number of Medical Care Plan (MCP) numbers and 749 Social Insurance Numbers (SIN) of teachers were included in the data that was accessed. The Department of Education will provide individual notifications to the 749 individuals who had a SIN involved beginning this week.

Students: Data relating to approximately 271,000 students was accessed by the unauthorized party. The oldest student records involved were high school students’ information from 1995. Approximately 75 per cent of the students whose data was accessed are no longer in the K-12 system. In addition to the individual’s name, information accessed may include contact information, date of birth, MCP numbers, medical alert information, custodial alert information, and other related information. Analysis of student data is ongoing and further updates will be provided as information becomes available.

The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador is working with PowerSchool on notification processes and the ongoing investigation. Updated information will be provided as it becomes available.

PowerSchool will offer two years of complimentary identity protection services for all students and educators whose information was accessed, and two years of complimentary credit monitoring services to all individuals whose information was accessed and have reached the age of majority. PowerSchool will offer these services regardless of whether the individual’s SIN was involved. Further information on credit monitoring and identity protection services will be provided in the coming weeks.

A webpage has been set up on the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador’s website with public information related to the PowerSchool incident. All inquiries can be sent to PowerSchoolinfo@gov.nl.ca.

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Avis public : Le point sur l’incident de cybersécurité ayant touché la plateforme PowerSchool

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Wildlife officials with the Department of Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture are conducting a caribou survey in all areas west of the Bay d’Espoir Highway, south of the Trans-Canada Highway, and west to the La Poile region over the coming weeks.

This survey includes the Pot Hill, Gaff Topsails, Grey River, Buchans and La Poile caribou herds, as well as the Hodges Hills caribou herd in Central Newfoundland and the Blow-Me-Down caribou herd which is currently wintering near Stephenville.

Some caribou will be marked with highly visible orange or blue paint as part of the survey requirements. The paint does not impact caribou. It will remain on the animals for the duration of the winter and shed with their winter coats in the spring.

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The Office of the Information and Privacy Commissioner has released Report A-2025-003 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/reports/.

Report: A-2025-003 Report Date: January 27, 2025 Public Body: Department of Health and Community Services Summary: The Complainant made an access request to the Department of Health and Community Services for records related to medical assistance in dying. The Department provided records, withholding some information on the basis of sections 6 (personal health information), 29 (policy advice and recommendations), 30 (legal advice), 34 (harm to intergovernmental relations), and 40 (harm to personal privacy) of the Access to Information and Protection of Privacy Act, 2015. The Commissioner concluded that the Department had conducted a reasonable search for records and that the redactions were properly applied, and recommended that the Department continue to withhold the redacted information.

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

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The Honourable Dr. Andrew Furey, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador, and the Honourable Andrew Parsons, KC, Minister of Industry, Energy and Technology, today announced the members of the negotiating team to lead the drafting of definitive agreements outlined in the memorandum of understanding (MOU) between Newfoundland and Labrador Hydro and Hydro-Quebec announced on December 12, 2024. This is the same team that successfully negotiated the MOU.

The team includes industry veteran Karl Smith, Chair of the Churchill River Management Expert Panel; Jennifer Williams, President and CEO of Newfoundland and Labrador Hydro; and Denis Mahoney, Deputy Minister of Justice and Public Safety. The team brings together expertise in industry, utility and law to head up these negotiations.

The negotiating team will be supported by internal and external expertise as required and will engage Indigenous representatives.

Quote
“Following the extraordinary session in the House of Assembly, we are now moving towards drafting definitive agreements with the leadership of this smart and experienced team that helped get us to this stage. Our goal is to complete the definitive agreements within the timeline outlined in the MOU.”
Honourable Dr. Andrew Furey
Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador

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BACKGROUNDER

Biographies of Panel Members

Karl Smith
Over the last three decades, Mr. Smith served in a number of progressively responsible roles within the Fortis Group of Companies, including Chief Financial Officer of Fortis Inc. (1999-2003), President and CEO of Newfoundland Power (2004-2007), President and CEO of Fortis Alberta (2007-2014), and Executive Vice-President and Chief Financial Officer of Fortis Inc. (2014-2018).

Mr. Smith graduated from Memorial University in 1981 with a degree in Commerce, and following retirement has assumed a role as Chair of the University’s Faculty of Business Administration Advisory Board.

Mr. Smith is a former Chair of the Atlantic Provinces Economic Council (2014-2016), past Chair of the Canadian Electricity Association, and a retired member of the Chartered Professional Accountants Association (Newfoundland and Labrador Branch). Mr. Smith currently serves on the Boards of Junior Achievement of Newfoundland and Labrador, Young Adult Cancer Canada, and the Genesis Centre.  He is also a Director of the Canadian Standards Association and co-Chair of the 2025 Canada Games Host Society.

Jennifer Williams
P. Eng, FEC, FCAE, President and CEO, Newfoundland and Labrador Hydro

Jennifer Williams was appointed President of Newfoundland and Labrador Hydro in February 2019 and assumed additional responsibility as interim CEO for Nalcor in June 2021. Jennifer is now acting as President and CEO of Newfoundland and Labrador Hydro. Prior to 2019, Jennifer had served as Vice President, Production, with Newfoundland and Labrador Hydro since August 2016. Earlier positions include General Manager, Hydro Production, as well as Manager, Regulatory Engineering. Jennifer joined Newfoundland and Labrador Hydro in 2014, having previously worked with both Newfoundland Power and the St. John’s International Airport Authority.

A Memorial University graduate, Jennifer has a Bachelor of Civil Engineering and is a member and former member of the Board of Directors of the Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of Newfoundland and Labrador. Jennifer was awarded the Fellow of Engineers Canada in 2016 and was elected as a Fellow to the Canadian Academy of Engineering in 2020.

Denis Mahoney
Mr. Mahoney began his career working in the public service as a Labour Relations Advisor in 1987 with the Newfoundland and Labrador Hospital and Nursing Home Association. He completed his articles of law and was admitted to the Bar in 1994. He was appointed as Deputy Minister of the Department of Justice and Public Safety effective January 1, 2022.

During his lengthy tenure with McInnes Cooper, Mr. Mahoney served in a variety of leadership roles including inaugural board director, member of the firm-wide management team and Regional Lead Partner of the St. John’s office.

Mr. Mahoney has served on a number of committees and boards and has volunteered with several organizations including Memorial University’s Board of Regents, the province’s Labour Management Arbitration Committee, the St. John’s Board of Trade, the Strategic Partnership Coalition, the 2025 Canada Games Host Society Inc., Newfoundland and Labrador Oil and Gas Industries Association, TaskforceNL Inc., and the Boys and Girls Club in St. John’s.

Mr. Mahoney holds a Bachelor of Laws (LL.B.) from Queen’s University (1993) as well as a Bachelor of Commerce (Honours) Co-operative Degree from Memorial University of Newfoundland (1987). In 2020, he received the ICD.D designation from the Institute of Corporate Directors.

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Today, January 27, marks 80 years since the opening of the gates of Auschwitz Concentration Camp and the liberation of Jewish prisoners from the antisemitic atrocities of the Nazi regime. The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador joins members of the international community to recognize January 27 as International Holocaust Remembrance Day. The Provincial Government stands with Jewish communities to remember the tragedy of the Holocaust with the goal that, through reflection and learning, such atrocities are never repeated.

In 2005, the United Nations General Assembly designated January 27, the date of the liberation of Auschwitz, as a day to honour the six million Jews, and millions of others, who were victims of the Holocaust.

The theme for International Holocaust Remembrance Day this year is “Holocaust remembrance and education for dignity and human rights.” This serves as a timely reminder that the light of tolerance and understanding requires our constant vigilance. As we pause to remember and mourn, let us use the stories of victims and survivors to educate ourselves and inspire a better world.

The Provincial Government continues to stand with Jewish friends and neighbours to eliminate antisemitism in all its forms. Let us celebrate the rich history of Jewish people in Newfoundland and Labrador to foster peace and understanding for all who call this place home.

Sincerely:
Honourable Sarah Stoodley
Minister of Immigration, Population Growth and Skills

Honourable Dr. Scott Reid
Minister Responsible for Indigenous Affairs and Reconciliation

Honourable Krista Lynn Howell
Minister of Education

Honourable Bernard Davis
Minister of Justice and Public Safety

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The Provincial Government today announced the members of the Independent Churchill Falls Negotiation Oversight Panel.

The panel members are:

• Dennis Browne, KC, Consumer Advocate, Chair
• C. Douglas Bowman, BS, MS
• Michael Wilson, CA, FCA

Chair Dennis Browne, KC, selected the other two panelists. Detailed biographies can be found in the backgrounder below.

The Independent Churchill River Negotiation Oversight Panel of the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador will provide reliable and transparent oversight on the following issues associated with the ongoing negotiations process in respect of new contracts and developments with Hydro-Quebec. The panel is mandated to:

• Review the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) dated December 12, 2024, and progress towards definitive agreements.
• Provide advice to Cabinet.

The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador worked with two members of the Third Party – NDP Leader and MHA for St. John’s Centre Jim Dinn and MHA for Labrador West Jordan Brown – and the two Independent Members – Mount Pearl-Southlands MHA Paul Lane and Humber-Bay of Islands MHA Eddie Joyce – to reach this agreement on the new, independent, oversight panel.

Quote
“Independent review of the negotiations with Hydro-Quebec was a critical component in reaching this historic Memorandum of Understanding and will continue to play an important role in getting the most out of future negotiations toward definitive agreements. By engaging the Consumer Advocate to chair a new, independent panel to oversee the ongoing negotiations, we can be confident that the important need for independent oversight of this historic deal for our province is achieved. The work of Mr. Browne, Mr. Bowman and Mr. Wilson will be critical to the negotiations process, and I thank them for their commitment.”
Honourable Bernard Davis
Minister of Justice and Public Safety

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BACKGROUNDER

Biographies – Independent Churchill Falls Negotiation Oversight Panel

Dennis Browne, KC, Chair
Dennis Browne, KC, practices administrative law. A graduate of Dalhousie Law School, he was called to the bar in 1984 and appointed Queen’s Counsel in 1997. He is best known as the province’s Consumer Advocate, representing ratepayers on electricity issues, and has served in this role from 1996-2004 and from 2016 to the present.

Additionally, Mr. Browne is a labour arbitrator since 1986 and a Federal Labour Adjudicator and Mediator since 1990. He served as Chair of the Newfoundland Labour Relations Board from 1989-1998.

From 2017-2018, he served as Chair for the New Brunswick Ministerial Task Force and WorkSafeNB.

Additionally, in 1997 he authored a report to the Newfoundland and Labrador Government on gasoline pricing. From 2000-2002 he was a member of the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador Freedom of Information Review Committee, which issued a report on privacy. From 2010-2014, he was a member of 2041, the group who advocated against the Muskrat Falls Development.

Douglas Bowman, BS, BM
Mr. Bowman (BS and MS in Electrical Engineering at University of Buffalo) has more than 40 years of experience in the power industry both domestically and internationally. His primary areas of expertise include electricity services costing, pricing and contracts, and power sector restructuring, regulation and markets. Mr. Bowman has provided consulting advice to governments, regulators, utilities and consumer groups, and has played a leading role in consulting projects in over 50 countries around the world.

Mr. Bowman has provided advice relating to regional electricity market design, development and pricing in SIEPAC, which covers seven Central American countries; the Pan-Arab Regional Electricity Market covering 22 Arab countries; and the Electricity Market of South Asia for Regional Trade of Electric Energy and Services covering eight South Asian countries.

He has advised and trained regulatory staff on all issues related to electricity markets in Egypt, Mongolia, Serbia, and the Republic of Georgia. He has advised clients on electricity generation project development, market assessment and transmission access in all of the NERC reliability regions covering the interconnected power systems of the United States and Canada, and parts of Mexico.

For the past 28 years he has routinely provided advice to the Consumer Advocate in the Province of Newfoundland and Labrador on utility capital budgets, general rate applications and issues relating to generation, transmission and distribution planning.

Michael Wilson, CA, FCA
During his career spanning over 40 years, Michael Wilson served in a number of executive positions within the global professional services firm Ernst and Young including office managing partner in St. John’s and senior partner in the Toronto office leadership group.

Throughout his career, Mr. Wilson prepared and/or reviewed a significant number of commercial contracts relating to the formation of partnerships, joint ventures and IPO’s, the purchase and sale of specific assets, businesses enterprises, capital investment, and financing structures. He provided service to clients in the power and energy, oil and gas, technology, insurance, financial services, construction, and transportation sectors. In addition, Mr. Wilson provided consulting services to all three levels of government, sovereign wealth funds and unions.  Mr. Wilson negotiated and executed complex multi-jurisdictional contracts and completed numerous consulting contracts including program development and evaluation, capital budgeting, risk management and forensic audits.

Mr. Wilson is also a veteran entrepreneur having owned and operated business undertakings in the outfitting, cable TV, service, construction and entertainment industries.

Mr. Wilson is a former president of both the St. John’s Board of Trade and Rotary Club of St. John’s East and former director of numerous NPOs and charities. He obtained his Chartered Accountant designation in 1978 and was awarded a Fellowship in 2003 in recognition of his outstanding service to the profession and the community. Mr. Wilson retired in 2013 and continues to operate his professional services firm and small outfitting business.

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The Honourable Dr. Andrew Furey, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador, will make an announcement related to sport and recreation infrastructure tomorrow (Tuesday, January 28).

The event will take place at 2:00 p.m. at the Conception Bay South Town Hall, 11 Remembrance Square.

Premier Furey will be joined by the Honourable Fred Hutton, Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure and Minister of Rural Economic Development, and Andrea Gosse, Deputy Mayor of the Town of Conception Bay South.

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The Standing Committee on Public Accounts advises that it will hold a public hearing on Wednesday, January 29 at 9:00 a.m. to follow up on matters contained in the Public Accounts Consolidated Summary Financial Statements for the year ended 31 March 2023 and the Auditor General Report on the Province’s 2023 Financial Statement Audits. The hearing will take place in conference room A, Confederation Building Complex, West Block.

Witnesses from the following entities are scheduled to appear:

• Office of the Comptroller General;
• Treasury Board Secretariat;
• Department of Finance;
• Newfoundland and Labrador Health Services;
• Department of Health and Community Services; and
• Department of Children, Seniors and Social Development.

The agenda and list of witnesses for the hearing follows.

A live audio feed of the proceedings will be available on House of Assembly social media channels (YouTube, Facebook and X), and an archived version will be available on the House of Assembly website following the hearing.

Media wishing to attend proceedings in person are asked to pre-register by 4:30 p.m. on Tuesday, January 28 at evanbeazley@gov.nl.ca.

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Public Accounts Committee – 50th General Assembly

Agenda
Public Accounts Committee
Date: January 29, 2025
Location: Conference room A, Confederation Building, West Block
Time:  9:00 a.m.

Public Accounts Consolidated Summary Financial Statements for the year ended March 31, 2023 and Auditor General Report on the Province’s 2023 Financial Statement Audits.

1. 9:00 a.m. – Consideration of matters under:
   i. Office of the Comptroller General:

• Bren Hanlon – Comptroller General
• Lisa Warren – Director of Government Accounting
  
  ii. Treasury Board Secretariat:

• Elizabeth Lane – Secretary to Treasury Board

  iii. Department of Finance:

• Michelle Jewer – Deputy Minister

  2. 1:00 p.m. – Consideration of matters under:

  i. Newfoundland and Labrador Health Services:

• Pat Parfrey – Chief Executive Officer
• Scott Bishop – Chief Financial Officer

  ii. Department of Health and Community Services:

• Patrick Morrissey – Assistant Deputy Minster, Corporate Services
• Gillian Sweeney – Assistant Deputy Minister, Population Health

  3. 2:30 p.m. – Consideration of matters under:

  i. Department of Children, Seniors and Social Development:

• Alan Doody – Deputy Minister

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The Provincial Government is introducing additional incentives to attract new recruits and support existing paramedicine staff in Newfoundland and Labrador. These incentives are based on recommendations from Health Accord NL to ensure health care providers are in place to offer direct care and services to residents, and to provide work-life balance for employees.

The new suite of supports and incentives for new recruits and paramedicine staff includes:

• A skills advancement program for emergency medical responders to advance skills to become primary care paramedics.
• A tuition relief program for primary care paramedic students and advanced care paramedic students.
• An educational travel subsidy for paramedicine students when travel is required for laboratory and clinical education.

In addition to these new initiatives, a committee has been created consisting of officials from the Department of Health and Community Services, Newfoundland and Labrador Health Services, and stakeholders to improve mental health supports for paramedicine professionals, hospital ambulance off-load delays and response times for emergency response.

Negotiations are continuing with Medavie Health NL Inc., which was selected in October 2024 to design, manage and operate the integrated road and air ambulance service in the province. Once finalized, Medavie Health NL will be required to manage the road ambulance base infrastructure, determine the optimal positioning and deployment of road ambulances, and meet performance standards, including response times and clinical outcomes.

In June 2024, close to 500 private sector employees, including primary care paramedics, advanced care paramedics, and emergency medical responders became employees of NL Health Services, creating a provincial workforce of about 850 paramedicine professionals.

Quotes
“We recognize the importance of paramedicine professionals in our province and the services they provide to Newfoundlanders and Labradorians. By making it easier for emergency responders to get advanced training and by ensuring the mental health supports are available to them, we can ensure paramedics are able to support residents of the province. We are also thankful for the support of the unions that represent emergency responders for working with us to improve working conditions.”
Honourable John Hogan
Minister of Health and Community Services

“NL Health Services welcomes these benefits to help enhance recruitment and retention efforts for paramedicine staff and support them with building fulfilling, long-term careers in health care. The health authority is committed to career development and growth for medical professionals within the Paramedicine and Emergency Transport Program. We look forward to participating in the new committee to help strengthen the provincial ambulance system and increase awareness of mental health supports for paramedic and medical communications staff and management. They play a vital role in communities across the province by caring for people when they need it most and we thank them for all that they do.”
Cassie Chisholm
VP – Transformation, Health Systems, Newfoundland and Labrador Health Services

“The announcement today is a testament to the dedicated efforts by our union and Emergency Medical Services members to get the recognition and support they need to continue the highest level of care for our province and its people. The education incentives, tuition subsides, the establishment of a new collaborative committee with Health and Community Services, Newfoundland and Labrador Health Services, and NAPE, along with dedicated mental health supports for paramedicine professionals, are all welcome and necessary advancements. We have been steadfast in our advocacy for our paramedicine professionals and are excited for these changes which reflect a greater acknowledgement of the critical work done by our members.”
Jerry Earle
President, NAPE

“CUPE Newfoundland and Labrador is happy to see the government recognizing the important work paramedical staff perform in our province. Paramedical workers have been struggling with limited work-life balance for a long time, exacerbated by short-staffing and the increasingly complex needs of Newfoundlanders and Labradorians. We hope to see to a positive change in the field with these new incentives and benefits and look forward to working with government on similar programs in the future.”
Sherry Hillier
President, CUPE Newfoundland and Labrador

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Motorists on the Northern Peninsula should use extreme caution on the roadway between Flowers Cove and Eddies Cove East and surrounding areas.

A large part of the St. Anthony caribou herd is spending the winter in this area and many animals have been observed on the road at this location. The caribou are attracted to road salt and are vulnerable to vehicle collisions.

Motorists are reminded to:

• Scan both sides of the highway and encourage passengers to watch for caribou.
• Pay attention to caribou warning signs.
• Avoid driving at dusk and dawn when caribou are more commonly seen near highways.
• Reduce speeds when driving at night when caribou are more difficult to see.

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The Honourable Pam Parsons, Minister Responsible for Women and Gender Equality, today announced an agreement between the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador and Shoppers Drug Mart for a donation of 4.7 million menstrual products to advance menstrual equity in the province.

Minister Parsons was joined by Perry Martin, Vice-President of Government Relations with Shoppers Drug Mart, Paula MacNeil, Senior Director of Professional Affairs for Atlantic Canada for Shoppers Drug Mart, and pharmacy owners Heather Seeley from St. John’s and Chad Parsons from Bay Roberts.

Provided by the Shoppers Foundation for Women’s Health, the charitable arm of Shoppers Drug Mart, this donation is valued at approximately $1.9 million, and will see menstrual products distributed throughout Newfoundland and Labrador over the next three years.

Products are primarily distributed to junior high and high schools; however, Newfoundland and Labrador will be the first jurisdiction in the country to also distribute menstrual products free of charge to post-secondary institutions, women’s centres and equity-seeking organizations, transition houses, friendship centres, emergency shelters, and food banks.

Newfoundland and Labrador was a leader in Canada in announcing plans to make menstrual products available to students in the K-12 school system in 2021, implemented in schools with grades 4-12 classrooms in January 2022. This initiative ensures that young people have access to menstrual products without worrying about cost, stigma or embarrassment to remove barriers and help students reach their full potential. The contribution from Shoppers Drug Mart will enhance this initiative.

This is aligned with Newfoundland and Labrador’s designation as Canada’s first Well-Being Province.

The initial delivery of products is scheduled to arrive in March 2025 to Newfoundland and Labrador Health Services Supply Chain Distribution Centres in Corner Brook and St. John’s. The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador will be responsible for regional distribution, promotion and maintenance of product dispensers and, as necessary, post-installation.

To date, Shoppers Drug Mart has also signed donation-based agreements with Ontario, Saskatchewan and Manitoba to donate menstrual products that are helping to remove barriers to access, and ultimately improve the health and well-being of girls, women and gender-diverse people.

Quotes
“Menstrual equity means ensuring that everyone who menstruates has access to the resources, education and supports they need to manage their periods with dignity.  It’s about fairness, justice and creating a world where menstruation is no longer a barrier to health, education, or opportunity. When we ensure that people who menstruate are supported, we build stronger communities, reduce gender disparities and promote human rights.”
Honourable Pam Parsons
Minister Responsible for Women and Gender Equality

“Our government is proud to be a part of this initiative to further support equitable access to menstrual products in schools, and to see the project expanded to include post-secondary institutions. This will reduce barriers for students, while also reducing stigma surrounding these necessary health products.”
Honourable Krista Lynn Howell
Minister of Education

“Providing menstrual products free of charge to individuals will help improve social and emotional well-being, while reducing stigma and promoting health and wellness. I want to thank our community partners who have been crucial in helping make this happen.”
Honourable John Hogan
Minister of Health and Community Services

“Shoppers is on a mission to ensure no one is left behind because they don’t have access to the menstrual products they need and deserve. That’s why we’re thrilled to be partnering with the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador, the first jurisdiction in Canada to provide menstrual products to post-secondary institutions.”
Jeff Leger
President, Shoppers Drug Mart

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Ensuring All Students Have Access to Period Products in Schools – News Releases

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

UNDERTAKINGS RELEASED:
Crown Zone 3 Five-Year Forestry Operating Plan Amendment District 6 (2022-2026)
Proponent: Department of Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture   (Reg. 2341)

The project has been released from environmental assessment subject to conditions as outlined in the minister’s decision letter available on the Department of Environment and Climate Change website at: www.gov.nl.ca/ecc/projects/project-2341/.

Burnt Berry Agricultural Development                                                (Reg. 2339)
Proponent: Michael Warren

The project has been released from environmental assessment subject to conditions as outlined in the minister’s decision letter available on the Department of Environment and Climate Change website at: www.gov.nl.ca/ecc/projects/project-2339/.

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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_Jan-2024.pdf

Follow us on X @GovNL and @ECC_GovNL

Project comments may be sent to: EAProjectComments@gov.nl.ca

Anyone submitting comments on a project under environmental assessment should notify the Department of Environment and Climate Change if they DO NOT wish to have their comments shared with the project proponent.

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The Honourable Pam Parsons, Minister Responsible for Women and Gender Equality, will be joined by Perry Martin, Vice-president of Government Relations with Shoppers Drug Mart, Paula MacNeil, Senior Director of Professional Affairs for Atlantic Canada for Shoppers Drug Mart, pharmacy owners Heather Seeley from St. John’s and Chad Parsons from Bay Roberts, for a significant announcement regarding menstrual equity in the province.

The announcement will take place on Monday, January 27, at 10:00 a.m., in the Ascension Collegiate Resource Centre, 32 Main Highway, Bay Roberts.

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