Government of Newfoundland News

Legislative amendments to the Consumer Protection and Business Practices Act were introduced yesterday in the House of Assembly to regulate high-cost credit lending in the province. Government recognizes that high-cost credit products may help individuals with no other options, and that consumer protections are necessary.

The amendments propose enhancing disclosure requirements, and prohibiting undisclosed fees, giveaways to encourage customers to take out loans and automatic payment deductions from a borrower’s pay cheque. A ‘cooling off’ period will also be enacted to allow a borrower to back out of a loan within four days, without penalty.

High-cost credit lending is a growing financial services sector, and this new legislation would make Newfoundland and Labrador the first Atlantic Province to implement a regulatory regime specific to high-cost credit lenders. Combined with the recently announced reduction in the maximum allowable payday loan rates, these amendments will significantly increase consumer protection for high cost credit consumers.

Other government initiatives to improve consumer protection include the Residential Tenancies Act, 2018, the Real Estate Trading Act, 2019, and amendments to the Automobile Insurance Act, Insurance Companies Act, Life Insurance Act and Securities Act.

Quote
“Consumers who turn to high-cost lenders are often in a vulnerable position, and unfortunately it’s easy to become stuck in a cycle of payments. While recognizing that these credit products may help individuals who have no other options, we must work to ensure consumers are protected.”
Honourable Sarah Stoodley
Minister of Digital Government and Service NL

“Credit Counselling Services of Newfoundland and Labrador (CCSNL) has observed that many consumers find themselves indebted to high-cost lenders because borrowing from these lenders is simple and uncomplicated. Thank you Minister Stoodley for bringing forth these changes. It is a very good day for consumers in this province.”
Al Antle
Executive Director, Credit Counselling Services of Newfoundland and Labrador

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Learn more
Bill 13: Consumer Protection and Business Practices Act Amendment

Consumer Protection and Business Practices Act

Payday Loan Borrowing Rate Lowered

Payday Loan Legislation Now in Effect

Payday Loan Legislation Enhances Consumer Protection

Follow us on Twitter: @GovNL and @DGS_GovNL

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

The post Consumer Protection and Business Practices Act Amendments Designed to Protect High-Cost Credit Borrowers appeared first on News Releases.

Motorists travelling in Central Newfoundland will detour through Norris Arm this week while paving is being completed on a 9.7 kilometre section Trans-Canada Highway.

The detour will be in place tomorrow (Thursday, October 13) and Friday, October 14, and will allow for motorists to avoid lengthy traffic delays.

Both eastbound and westbound traffic will detour through the town via Route 351. Motorists are asked to reduce their speed, pay attention to traffic control and travel cautiously trough the community.

The Department of Transportation and Infrastructure anticipates this work being completed this weekend.

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

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

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Media contact
Kathryn Summers
Transportation and Infrastructure
709-729-1758, 699-6147
kathrynsummers@gov.nl.ca

The post Public Advisory: Temporary Detour on Trans-Canada Highway in Central Newfoundland appeared first on News Releases.

The Honourable Krista Lynn Howell, Minister of Municipal and Provincial Affairs, will address the Professional Municipal Administrators 2022 Fall Forum tomorrow (Thursday, October 13) at 12:00 p.m. The forum is taking place at the Holiday Inn, 180 Portugal Cove Road, St. John’s.

Professional Municipal Administrators is a professional organization composed of town/city managers and clerks, chief administrative officers and department heads who are committed to preserving and advancing excellence in municipal administration in Newfoundland and Labrador.

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Media contact
Jacquelyn Howard
Municipal and Provincial Affairs
709-729-5539, 689-2624
jacquelynhoward@gov.nl.ca

The post Media Advisory: Minister Howell to Address 2022 Municipal Fall Forum appeared first on News Releases.

The following statement was read in the House of Assembly today by the Honourable Gerry Byrne, Minister of Immigration, Population Growth and Skills:

Speaker, last evening Newfoundland and Labrador airlifted 177 Ukrainian people fleeing the ravages of Russia’s criminal invasion of a peaceful nation; the third such airlift by our Province. For many Ukrainians, this was truly a bittersweet moment. In front of them, they were given an opportunity to live in peace, to regain a sense of hope and to experience new beginnings as our neighbors and as our friends. Behind them, however, many had no choice but to leave behind family and friends to the realities of the ugliness of Putin’s criminal ambitions. This is why we say, and say without reservation, the doors of Newfoundland and Labrador shall never be locked to such a warm and courageous people.

Speaker, over 1000 Ukrainians have now chosen Newfoundland and Labrador as their preferred home. While some 500 were ushered here through our humanitarian airlifts, 500 chose this place after arriving first in other parts of Canada or directly from Ukraine. All 1000 Ukrainians chose this place. They came because of our groundbreaking initiative, our Ukrainian Family Support Desk, they came after talking with Ukrainians already here and in other parts of Canada. They came here because of the reputation our province has deservedly acquired. They came here not by our words or promises, but by our actions. They came because of the incredible welcome that the people of Newfoundland and Labrador have extended to them.

Speaker, I am pleased to report to this House that, amongst the group of 830 Ukrainians who landed before last evening, 75 per cent have already gained successful long-term employment with the remainder actively pursuing specific opportunities. The average stay in temporary accommodations is now just 28 days, down from an earlier benchmark of 34 days, and none have required accommodation in provincial social housing. Ukrainian children are in school with the help of additional teaching and assistance resources and additional supports such as childcare have been successful. In fact, a Ukrainian-led childcare facility is actively being developed.

All this is to say, we Stand with Ukraine while we pursued a vision, a successful vision for a more prosperous, diverse and inclusive province. Newfoundland and Labrador is experiencing record population growth, record immigration attraction and retention and while we grow our population, our unemployment rate now sits at its lowest level since 1976.

Speaker, this is a government that will never say good is good enough. If you believe any of this to be impressive, with the help of everyone in this House, there is much more to come!

The post Ministerial Statement – Third Airlift Arrives with 177 Ukrainians; Returns with Humanitarian Aid appeared first on News Releases.

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

Speaker, we all hope that we are never in a situation where we have to deal with a fire in our home. Unfortunately, it does happen, but everyone can take steps to be prepared in the event we are faced with a fire.

This is Fire Prevention Week in Newfoundland and Labrador and marks the 100th anniversary of this recognition. The theme this year is “Fire won’t wait. Plan your escape.” During this week, residents, families and educators are encouraged to learn more about the simple but important actions they can take to keep themselves, and those around them, safe.

Speaker, it is important for everyone to plan and practice a home fire escape, so that everyone in your household knows what to do if the smoke alarm sounds. Given that every home is different, it is important to know the fire escape plan for any home in which you are staying. Ensure to consider the needs of all members of the household and include them in the planning, so that everyone knows what to do and where to go.

I ask all Honourable members to join me in thanking our dedicated fire fighters across this province for their service and contribution in their communities, and for the support they provide to the people of Newfoundland and Labrador. Fire Prevention Week is a reminder to take the necessary steps to protect yourself and your family, and to take the time to make a plan to stay safe.

The post Ministerial Statement – Minister Hogan Recognizes Fire Prevention Week appeared first on News Releases.

The following statement was read in the House of Assembly today by the Honourable Andrew Furey, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador:

Speaker, it is with a heavy heart that I rise today in this Honourable House to mark the passing of a great Newfoundlander and Labradorian, Mr. John Crosbie Perlin.

Mr. Perlin died this weekend at the age of 88 years old, and it will be difficult to summarize his life in a few short words here today because, as one of his relatives put it this week, he “received every award you possibly can.”

A member of both the Order of Newfoundland and Labrador and the Order of Canada, Mr. Perlin was a known philanthropist, championing causes from the development of the Fluvarium to the Quidi Vidi Rennies River Development Foundation, the Duke of Edinburgh Awards to Rising Tide Theatre and many, many more.

Mr. Perlin’s relationship with the Royal Family is well known. He served as the Canadian Secretary to the late Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and served as an advisor to many of Newfoundland and Labrador’s Vice Regal representatives. He coordinated and oversaw many Royal Visits to this province, and one of his last public acts was to offer public commentary on the passing of Her Majesty a few short weeks ago.

Speaker, of all his accomplishments, it was his recent award as being named Honourary Life President of the Royal St. John’s Regatta Committee that may have meant the most to him. He dedicated over 70 years of his life to supporting the association, and to be recognized in this way was truly special for him.

Speaker, I am honoured to have called John Perlin a friend during his prolific life, and while our province feels a bit smaller today knowing that he is no longer here, the legacy he has left with us is enormous, and will ensure he is never forgotten.

I would ask all members to stand and join me in a moment of silence.

Thank you.

The post Ministerial Statement – Premier Furey Marks the Passing of John C. Perlin appeared first on News Releases.

The Honourable Andrew Parsons, Minister of Industry, Energy and Technology, will be available to media today (Wednesday, October 12) to discuss Canada Fluorspar Inc.

The availability will take place today outside the House of Assembly, beginning at 1:45 p.m.

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Media contact
Kelly-Anne Roberts
Industry, Energy and Technology
709-729-5248, 327-7005
kelly-anneroberts@gov.nl.ca

The post Media Advisory: Minister Parsons to discuss Canada Fluorspar Inc. appeared first on News Releases.

The holidays are a time of togetherness and celebrating traditions and, in the spirit of Come Home 2022, the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts and Recreation hopes to bring some cheer to those longing for home this holiday season. Beginning today (October 12), the department is launching a contest featuring four grand prizes to ‘Come Home for the Holidays’ to Newfoundland and Labrador!

To enter, participants should visit ComeHome2022.ca and send an e-Card to someone they would like to bring home for the holidays.

The contest is open for four weeks, with one winner of four round-trip flights to Newfoundland and Labrador being selected each week. Winners are selected at random.

To be eligible to win, contestants must be residents of Canada who are of the age of majority in their home province.

Come Home 2022 festivals and events are taking place all throughout Newfoundland and Labrador for the remainder of 2022. Newfoundlanders and Labradorians everywhere can visit ComeHome2022.ca to sign up for the Come Home 2022 e-newsletter, which shares updates on festivals and events throughout the year. They can also follow ComeHome2022 on Facebook and Instagram to get up-to-date celebration information.

Quote
“There is no doubt that the holidays in Newfoundland and Labrador are a special time of year, where a celebration of music, food and connection can be found around every corner. We are excited to offer this contest for those eager to experience the sights, sounds and tastes of our province during the vibrant holiday season. I anticipate lots of interest in this contest and look forward to hearing the stories of our winners and their holiday visits.”
Honourable Steve Crocker
Minister of Tourism, Culture, Arts and Recreation

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Learn more
Come Home 2022

Premier Furey Officially Launches Come Home Year 2022

Follow us on Twitter @GovNL and @TCAR_GovNL

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Like Come Home 2022 on Facebook

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Media contact
Adrienne Luther
Celebrate NL
709-729-4819, 730-2953
adrienneluther@gov.nl.ca

The post ‘Come Home for the Holidays’ Contest Launches appeared first on News Releases.

The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador today announced the appointment of Albert Williams as Chairperson for Newfoundland and Labrador Hydro and Nalcor Board of Directors.

The appointment is effective immediately. Biographical information for Mr. Williams is provided in the backgrounder below.

John Green, who has been chairperson of the Hydro Board since 2016 and Interim Chair for the Nalcor Board of Directors since September 2020, will remain as a board member on both boards.

In June 2021, the Provincial Government announced that Nalcor’s operations would move under NL Hydro, and the corporation will evolve to a steady-state utility focused on cost reduction while providing safe, reliable electricity, and focusing on maximizing the economic potential of its energy portfolio.

Quote
“Mr. Williams is a seasoned professional engineer with a distinguished career in large scale infrastructure projects and corporate governance, and I welcome him into this new role. I thank John Green for his commitment to his responsibilities as chair and for continuing to share his experience through ongoing service with the board.”
Honourable Andrew Parsons
Minister of Industry, Energy and Technology

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Media contact
Kelly-Anne Roberts
Industry, Energy and Technology
709-729-5248, 327-7005
kelly-anneroberts@gov.nl.ca

BACKGROUNDER: BIOGRAPHY

Albert Williams was the owner/president of a private consulting firm until its merger with BAE Group in 1995, where he held senior positions of Vice-President of Major Projects, and then Chief Executive Officer until retirement in 2014. Mr. Williams has conducted feasibility studies and carried out pre-design, design and construction supervision and management of many diverse projects, in a variety of industries, including hydro-power.

The post New Chair Appointed to NL Hydro and Nalcor Board of Directors appeared first on News Releases.

The Honourable Steve Crocker, Minister of Tourism, Culture, Arts and Recreation, will attend the annual Canadian Council of Tourism Ministers meeting in Vancouver, British Columbia from October 12-13, 2022.

The meeting agenda includes discussions on Hurricane Fiona recovery efforts and the need for continued collaboration and support for the tourism sector as it continues to recover from the challenges created by the COVID-19 pandemic.

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

The post Media Advisory: Minister Crocker Attending Canadian Council of Tourism Ministers Meeting appeared first on News Releases.

The Honourable John G. Abbott, Minister of Children, Seniors and Social Development, will bring greetings at the Newfoundland and Labrador Public Sector Pensioners’ Association Convention at 7:00 p.m. tomorrow (Wednesday, October 12).

The convention is being held at the Comfort Inn, 106 Airport Road, St. John’s.

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Media contact
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 Newfoundland and Labrador Public Sector Pensioners’ Association Convention appeared first on News Releases.

The Resource Enforcement Division of the Department of Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture is seeking information related to a moose wastage incident near the Town of Wabush.

Upon receiving a complaint from a member of the public, Resource Enforcement Officers responded and searched an area of Wabush Mountain Road, approximately three kilometres east of the town, where a full quarter of moose and other moose parts were found. Officers initiated an investigation and collected evidence from the area. It is believed the moose was discarded sometime between September 15 and September 25.

It is an offence under the Wild Life Act to willfully or intentionally allow the flesh of wildlife that has been taken or killed for food to be destroyed, wasted, or spoiled.

Anyone with information that may lead to the identity of the persons involved in this incident is asked to call 1-877-820-0999 anonymously or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS. Anonymous reports can also be submitted online at www.nlcrimestoppers.com or stoppoaching.ca.

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Media contact
Erin Shea
Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture
709-729-3733
erinshea@gov.nl.ca

The post Public Advisory: Seeking Information on Moose Wastage Incident appeared first on News Releases.

The following statement was read in the House of Assembly today by the Honourable Pam Parsons, Minister Responsible for the Office of Women and Gender Equality:

Speaker, on behalf of the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador, I would like to recognize today as the 10th commemoration of the International Day of the Girl Child.

This day brings attention and awareness to the challenges facing girls around the world. It is also a day to highlight the importance of empowering girls, and the actions being taken to achieve gender equality.

Speaker, our government has a number of ongoing initiatives to support girls. We have made free period products available in all K-12 schools; we have visited schools to showcase the value of non-traditional career paths to students approaching graduation; and next week in this very House of Assembly, 40 young women and gender-diverse people will participate in the Future of the Vote event to help inspire political participation for our next generation of leaders.

Speaker, the girls of today are the change makers of tomorrow. Our government will continue to work to ensure that we are creating a province where girls have the choice and opportunity to be whatever it is that they want to be.

I ask all Honourable members to join me in recognizing October 11 as the International Day of the Girl Child.

Thank you.

The post Ministerial Statement – Provincial Government Celebrates the International Day of the Girl Child appeared first on News Releases.

Today, the Future Fund Act will receive second reading in the House of Assembly. If passed, this Act will require government to invest revenue from one-time sources and non-renewable resources to strengthen finances, pay down expensive debt and lower the cost of borrowing. These actions are important for all Newfoundlanders and Labradorians, as they will benefit us now and into the future.

The intention of the Future Fund is to have a positive impact on the province’s financial position through increased savings and income from long-term investments. A longer-term impact of this legislation, if passed, is to strengthen the financial standing of the province to relieve the debt burden.

Required contributions to the Future Fund would include:

• Net proceeds of tangible and intangible assets sold for greater than $5 million; and,
• A portion of non-renewable resource royalties received in the previous fiscal year.

An investment policy will guide the investment of funds in accordance with the Financial Administration Act. The Future Fund will be managed by the Department of Finance, with a Board of Trustees to provide oversight.

The performance of the Future Fund will be transparent to the public, as the trustees will prepare three-year activity plans and annual reports as required by the Transparency and Accountability Act. These reports will include annual financial statements of the Future Fund, audited by the Auditor General, and would be tabled in the House of Assembly.

Under the proposed legislation, money may be withdrawn from the Future Fund to service the public debt or pay an amount required due to an extraordinary circumstance, as described in the backgrounder below.

Through responsible financial management strategies such as the Future Fund, the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador is addressing the province’s financial challenges:

• By fixing Muskrat Falls with a $5.2 billion deal, government is taking major steps forward in providing secure and clean electricity to the province, while minimizing the financial burden on ratepayers;
• Through prudent fiscal governance, we are keeping government’s expenditures responsible, continuing transformational initiatives, and ensuring that we maximize the value of every provincial dollar spent on public services; and
• Through responsible debt management, we will continue to reduce our debt load, lower the cost of debt servicing, and enhance government’s treasury management expertise.

Quote
“Our plans for savings and debt management through the Future Fund will work together to ensure we are investing our money prudently on behalf of the people of the province – to strengthen finances, pay down expensive debt and lower the cost of borrowing, all of which will benefit us now and into the future.”
Honourable Siobhan Coady
Deputy Premier and Minister of Finance

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Learn more
Budget 2022

Budget 2021

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Media contact
Victoria Barbour
Finance
709-729-4087, 327-6152
victoriabarbour@gov.nl.ca

Backgrounder

Key Elements of the Future Fund

New legislation is being proposed, called the Future Fund Act. This Act if passed will establish the Newfoundland and Labrador Future Fund.

In addition, the Act would amend the Financial Administration Act to allow for the transfer of money between the Future Fund and the Consolidated Revenue Fund.

The Future Fund provides a mechanism for investing resource revenues and proceeds from major asset sales.

More specifically, required contributions to the Future Fund will include:

• Net proceeds of tangible and intangible assets sold for greater than $5 million; and,
• A portion of non-renewable resource royalties received in the previous fiscal year.

Money may be withdrawn from the Future Fund to service the public debt or pay an amount required due to an extraordinary circumstance.

An extraordinary circumstance means a circumstance that, in the opinion of the Lieutenant-Governor in Council, has materially impacted or is projected to materially impact the Province’s fiscal position. The Canadian Auditing Standards define materiality as an amount that could reasonably be expected to influence the economic decisions of users taken on the basis of the financial statements.

An investment policy will guide the investment of funds in accordance with the Financial Administration Act. The Future Fund will be managed by the Department of Finance, with a Board of Trustees to provide oversight.

Money in the Future Fund will be processed through the Consolidated Revenue Fund or Newfoundland and Labrador Government Sinking Fund.

The performance of the Future Fund will be transparent to the public, as the trustees will prepare three-year activity plans and annual reports as required by the Transparency and Accountability Act. These reports will include annual financial statements of the Future Fund, audited by the Auditor General, and would be tabled in the House of Assembly.

The post Future Fund Act to Receive Second Reading in House of Assembly appeared first on News Releases.

The Honourable Siobhan Coady, Deputy Premier and Minister of Finance, will be available to provide details of the Future Fund Act prior to debate in the House of Assembly today (Tuesday, October 11) at 11:30 a.m. in the Media Centre, East Block, Confederation Building.

Prior to the event, a technical briefing for media will be held at 10:30 a.m.

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Media contact
Victoria Barbour
Finance
709-729-4087, 327-6152
victoriabarbour@gov.nl.ca

The post Media Advisory: Minister Coady to Discuss Future Fund Legislation 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.

Undertaking REGISTERED:
Bay Bulls – Bauline Multi-Use Trail                                                       (Reg. 2220)
Proponent: Bay Bulls – Bauline Athletic Association

The Bay Bulls – Bauline Athletic Association is proposing to construct a 4.1 kilometre multi-use trail for recreational and physical activities, including but not limited to, ATV use, cycling, walking, hiking, and snowshoeing. The trail is to link Cape Pond Road to Horse Chops Road in addition to the trail through Cape Broyle, Calvert and Ferryland. The development is designed to be wide enough to allow pedestrians and motorized vehicles to occupy the space together. A description of the project can be found on the Department’s web page at www.gov.nl.ca/ecc/env-assessment/projects-list/.

The undertaking was registered on October 6, 2022; the deadline for public comments is November 11, 2022; and the minister’s decision is due by November 20, 2022.

CONDITIONS OF RELEASE APPROVED:
Valentine Gold Project                                                                 (Reg. 2015)
Proponent: Marathon Gold Corporation

On October 6, 2022, the Minister of Environment and Climate Change approved those conditions of release specifically required prior to the construction of the Valentine Gold Project. These conditions are d, e, f, g, h, i, j, j(i), j(ii), j(iii), l, and m, as described in the conditions of release from environmental assessment. For further information see the Analysis of Preconstruction Conditions available on the Department’s project webpage at: www.gov.nl.ca/ecc/projects/project-2015/.

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 Honourable Andrew Furey, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador and the Honourable Gerry Byrne, Minister of Immigration, Population Growth and Skills will welcome a third Provincial Government sponsored airlift of Ukrainians to the province on Tuesday, October 11. The flight will travel from Warsaw, Poland to St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador.

Media interested in attending are asked to RVSP by 2:00 p.m. on Tuesday, October 11 with Jeremy Reynolds (jeremyreynolds@gov.nl.ca).

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

Jeremy Reynolds
Immigration, Population Growth and Skills
709-729-2377, 709-691-2298
jeremyreynolds@gov.nl.ca

The post Media Advisory: Premier Furey and Minister Byrne to Welcome Third Airlift of Ukrainians appeared first on News Releases.

Work is beginning this week to replace culverts on the Trans-Canada Highway near Hodgewater Line.

While work is ongoing, the speed limit will be reduced to 50 km/h due to heavy equipment and crews working in the area. Motorists are asked to pay attention to traffic control measures, be prepared to slow down or stop, and to anticipate lane reductions and some traffic delays.

The Department of Transportation and Infrastructure anticipates this work being completed this fall. Updates on progress will be provided as they become available.

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

Details on highway construction projects are available on www.nl511.ca and the NL 511 smartphone app.

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Media contact
Kathryn Summers
Transportation and Infrastructure
709-729-1758, 699-6147
kathrynsummers@gov.nl.ca

The post Public Advisory: Culverts Being Replaced on Trans-Canada Highway Near Hodgewater Line appeared first on News Releases.

The Provincial Government is acknowledging October 9 to 15, 2022 as Fire Prevention Week. This year is the 100th anniversary of Fire Prevention Week and the theme this year is “Fire won’t wait. Plan your escape.” During this week, residents, families, educators, and fire departments are encouraged to learn more about the simple but important actions they can take to keep themselves, and those around them, safe.

It is important for everyone to plan and practice a home fire escape. Everyone needs to be prepared in advance so that they know what to do if the smoke alarm sounds. Given that every home is different, it is important to know the fire escape plan for any home in which you are staying. Have a plan for everyone in the home as children, older adults, and people with disabilities may need assistance to wake up and get out.

Here are some safety tips to help you make a home fire escape plan:

1. Make sure your plan meets the needs of all your family members, including those with sensory or physical disabilities.
2. Smoke alarms should be installed inside every sleeping room, outside each separate sleeping area, and on every level of your home. Smoke alarms should be interconnected so when one sounds, they all sound.
3. Know at least two ways out of every room, if possible. Make sure all doors and windows open easily.
4. Have an outside meeting place a safe distance from your home where everyone should meet.
5. Practice your home fire drill at least twice a year with everyone in the household, including guests. Practice at least once during the day and once at night.

Quotes
“During Fire Prevention Week, I encourage you to take the time to make a home fire escape plan. Ensure to consider the needs of all members of the household and include them in the planning so everyone knows what to do and where to go. Protect yourself and your family and take the time to make a plan to stay safe.”
Honourable John Hogan, KC
Minister of Justice and Public Safety and Attorney General

“We practice fire prevention all year at home, work and school. Fire Prevention Week allows us to reflect on our successes and look for other opportunities to be safe. In our changing world, a moment of prevention can be worth more than we know, that’s why what we do today is so important for tomorrow.”
Duane Antle
President, Newfoundland and Labrador Association of Fire Services

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Learn more
Fire Prevention Week

Follow us on Twitter: @GovNL and @JPS_GovNL

Media contacts
Emily Jane-Gillingham
Justice and Public Safety
709-729-2634, 730-4607
emilygillingham@gov.nl.ca

Wayne Drake
Newfoundland and Labrador Association of Fire Services
709-572-8324
publicrelations@nlfireservices.com

The post Provincial Government Recognizes Fire Prevention Week 2022 appeared first on News Releases.

The Auditor General of Newfoundland and Labrador, Denise Hanrahan, today delivered one of two reports to the House of Assembly on the performance audit of Nalcor Energy. Today’s report contains findings and recommendations regarding Nalcor’s discretionary expenses, conflict of interest processes, and the use of embedded contractors.

The audit concluded that Nalcor did not ensure the best possible use of public money, particularly in its management of discretionary expenses and its use of embedded contractors for the project management of the Lower Churchill Project. The report identified several areas where Nalcor’s policies did not align with provincial government policy and practice. While Nalcor generally provided guidance for employees, board members and contractors that reflected the requirements of the Conflict of Interest Act, corporate processes could have been strengthened.

The report also identified several incidences where Nalcor’s lack of policy and management oversight may have led to embedded contractors being able to take advantage of privileged information, thereby providing them with the opportunity for personal and financial gain.

The Auditor General will deliver her performance audit on Nalcor’s compensation practices before the end of the year.

The full report as well as an audit overview can be found by visiting the Auditor Generals website. www.ag.gov.nl.ca.

Quote
“By Nalcor not aligning its discretionary expense policies with government policy whenever possible, the corporation incurred unnecessary and excess expenses. Nalcor did not always ensure adherence to appropriate conflict of interest policies, procedures, and related legislation, thereby creating unnecessary risk. Nalcor also did not manage its use of embedded contractors in a cost-effective manner when hiring highly-paid contractors into technical and corporate management positions, without considering the value of these roles being employees rather than contractors.”
Denise Hanrahan
Auditor General of Newfoundland and Labrador

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Media contact
Chrysta Collins
Office of the Auditor General
709-730-1568
chrystacollins@oag.nl.ca

The post Office of the Auditor General – Auditor General Releases Performance Audit of Nalcor Energy  appeared first on News Releases.