Government of Newfoundland News

The Honourable Bernard Davis, Minister Responsible for Labour, today announced the appointments of Chantelle MacDonald Newhook, B.A., LL.B., KC, Q.Arb. and W. John Clarke, KC, B.Comm., J.D., C.Arb., C.Med, as Vice-Chairs of the Labour Relations Board. The appointments are effective December 8, 2022 and January 17, 2023 respectively and are both for a five-year term.

Biographical information is provided in the backgrounder below.

The Labour Relations Board is an independent, quasi-judicial body which contributes to and promotes harmonious labour relations in Newfoundland and Labrador by adjudicating and mediating a variety of employment and labour relations matters.

These appointments were recommended though the merit-based Independent Appointments Commission process.

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“I am pleased to announce the appointments of Ms. MacDonald Newhook and Mr. Clarke, to the Labour Relations Board. They each bring extensive experience and expertise which will prove invaluable as they carry out their responsibilities in support of harmonious labour relations within the province.”
Honourable Bernard Davis
Minister Responsible for Labour

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Labour Relations Board

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BACKGROUNDER

Biographies
John Clarke, KC, B.Comm., J.D., C.Arb., C.Med

John Clarke is a lawyer and has been involved in the area of dispute resolution since 1979 when he first became a trainee with the Labour Management Co-operation Committee, a self-regulating body that set qualification standards for labour arbitrators and maintained the listing of qualified arbitrators in Newfoundland and Labrador. Mr. Clarke was first admitted to the list in 1984, when he first served as Vice-Chair of the provincial Labour Relations Board and Chair of its Construction Panel. He has been a member of the panel of Labour Adjudicators with the Federal Department of Labour. He has been appointed in several hundred labour cases. He has also served as a member of the Canadian Motor Vehicle Arbitration Plan.

In 1994, Mr. Clarke began academic training as a mediator attending theoretical training in Toronto, ON, and St. John’s, as well as practical training in Victoria and Vancouver, BC and St. John’s. From 2006 to 2016, he also completed specialized workplace training in California, at Memorial University and Harvard University. He has conducted several hundred mediations in personal injury, labour relations, estates, construction and commercial matters.

In addition to his dispute resolution career, Mr. Clarke has served as a director on the board of Directors of Cornerstone Capital Resources Inc., since 1996. He also serves on the Audit Committee and is Chair of the Governance and Compensation Committee of that corporation.

Mr. Clarke was also a principal in the Centre for Innovative Dispute Resolution, which was a self-contained business arrangement, devoted exclusively to the processes of dispute resolution as alternatives to the court structure in the province.

Chantelle MacDonald Newhook, B.A., LL.B., KC, Q.Arb.

After seventeen years of public service in both legal and executive roles with the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador, Chantelle MacDonald Newhook established her private legal practice in 2022 as a neutral arbitrator, mediator, and investigator.

During her tenure with the Provincial Government, Ms. MacDonald Newhook’s legal practice included advising on, and appearing at, arbitrations and labour relations matters, including having argued labour cases before the Labour Relations Board, the Supreme Court of Newfoundland and Labrador, the Newfoundland and Labrador Court of Appeal, and the landmark Saskatchewan Federation of Labour “right to strike” case at the Supreme Court of Canada.

Ms. MacDonald Newhook was appointed Queen’s Counsel in 2020 and achieved her Qualified Arbitrator (Q.Arb.) designation in 2022.

She holds a Bachelor of Arts from St. Thomas University, a Bachelor of Laws from the University of New Brunswick, and is an internationally published author, including having authored the first internationally available trade publication about domain name dispute arbitration, Cybersquatters Beware! Insiders’ Tips for Winning Domain Name Disputes (McGraw-Hill Ryerson, 2002).

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 From January 23 to 26, officials from the Provincial Government will attend Roundup 2023, an annual international exploration and mining conference. This event provides an opportunity to promote the province’s mineral resource potential and exploration regulatory framework, with the goal of attracting exploration investment.

As the second largest show of its type in Canada, Roundup hosts approximately 6,000 to 7,000 attendees from all around the world. This year marks the conference’s return to a fully in-person delivery and demonstration, since pre-pandemic times, at the Vancouver Convention Centre East. Roundup is organized by the Association for Mineral Exploration British Columbia, in partnership with the Government of British Columbia.

The Provincial Government’s contingent includes representation from different divisions within government, along with junior exploration companies, prospectors and entrepreneurs.

Newfoundland and Labrador’s mineral industry continues to be a key economic driver for the province and a focus for investment attraction efforts. The estimated activity for 2022 is projected to result in over $5.4 billion in mineral shipments, $189 million in exploration expenditures and employment of approximately 8,800 person years.

The Department of Industry, Energy and Technology, along with industry partners, has been attending Roundup for over 25 years. Participation in Roundup 2023 is consistent with the Provincial Government’s commitment to enhance global promotion to grow investment, exploration and development in the province’s minerals sector, as outlined in Mining the Future.

Quote
“The future looks very prosperous for the mining and mineral industry in Newfoundland and Labrador. We have the world-class deposits and geology needed to grow and develop the green economy. Through our participation in Roundup 2023, we are promoting Newfoundland and Labrador as a favorable exploration destination, reinforcing relationships with existing clients and investors, and making important new connections. We also create exposure opportunities for local junior exploration companies and prospectors/entrepreneurs on a global platform, often facilitating and accelerating growth.”
Honourable Andrew Parsons
Minister of Industry, Energy and Technology

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The Honourable Andrew Furey, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador, will attend the 2023 Canada Winter Games Team NL Athletes Rally tomorrow (Tuesday, January 24) at 6:00 p.m.

The event will take place at the PowerPlex, located at 90 Crosbie Road in St. John’s. The rally is hosted by SportNL and will feature emcee Jamie Korab, as well as special guests and Canada Games alumni Nathan Young, Mark Nichols and Sarah Davis.

The event will be livestreamed on the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador’s Facebook and YouTube accounts.

The 2023 Canada Winter Games begin on February 18 in Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island.

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The Essential Ambulance Services Act, introduced today in the House of Assembly, would ensure the continuation of essential ambulance services in the event of a strike or lockout.

If passed, the proposed legislation will require the union and the private sector employer to negotiate and put in place an essential ambulance services agreement prior to the union being able to strike or the employer being able to lock out employees.

If approved, the immediate effect of this Act would be the suspension of the current job action between the Teamsters Union and the Fewer’s Group until an essential ambulance services agreement is reached.

Teamsters Local 855 withdrew ambulance services effective noon on Friday, January 20.

Quote
“This new Act is required at this time, as this labour dispute raises serious concerns for the health and safety of residents and the delivery of health care services in Newfoundland and Labrador. This legislation is intended to ensure that residents, particularly those in areas that are serviced by private ambulance operators, have reliable access to ambulance services. Our government is committed to ensuring a fair process exists in navigating labour disputes, and that labour legislation is responsive, relevant and timely.”
Honourable Bernard Davis
Minister Responsible for WorkplaceNL

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Learn more
Statement from Premier Furey on Reconvening the House of Assembly for Emergency Debate

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The Honourable Andrew Furey, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador, and the Honourable Bernard Davis, Minister Responsible for Labour, will be available to media tomorrow (Monday, January 23) at 9:45 a.m. to discuss the proposed Essential Ambulance Services Act.

The availability will take place in the main lobby of the East Block, Confederation Building.

A technical briefing will be held for the media at 9:00 a.m. in the Media Centre, East Block, Confederation Building. Media are asked to confirm their attendance with Debbie Marnell at debbiemarnell@gov.nl.ca.

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Pursuant to Standing Order 8(7), the Government has advised the Speaker that the public interest requires the House to meet on an emergent and extraordinary basis to debate a Bill to establish ambulance services as essential.

Further to this notice, the Speaker has advised Members that the House of Assembly will reconvene on Monday, January 23 at 10 a.m.

Proceedings will be broadcast live via the House of Assembly television channel and streamed via the House of Assembly website.

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Media contact
Bobbi Russell
House of Assembly
709-689-1288
bobbirussell@gov.nl.ca

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The Honourable Andrew Furey, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador, today provided the following statement regarding reconvening the House of Assembly for an emergency debate: 

“I have taken immediate action in light of the labour dispute between Teamsters Local 855 and the union’s employer, the private ambulance operator Fewer’s Ambulance Service Limited, as the recent breakdown of negotiations between the two parties has disrupted services to Newfoundlanders and Labradorians.

Due to the urgent and critical nature of the situation created by this strike action and labour dispute, it raises serious concerns for the safety and well-being of residents of Newfoundland and Labrador. As such, it requires Members of the House of Assembly to convene on Monday (January 23) for an emergency debate to enact the Essential Ambulance Services Act. I have directed the Government House Leader to ask the Speaker to do so immediately.

This Act will make private ambulance services essential, which is necessary in order to protect the safety of patients, particularly given the current challenges within the health care system across Canada, including in our province.

We recognize the valuable role private and community ambulance operators and service providers play in the delivery of health care in our province, and it was our hope that the parties could come to an agreement in this labour dispute. The Provincial Government has been providing conciliation services, as outlined in the Labour Relations Act.”

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BACKGROUNDER

The Essential Ambulance Services Act

The Essential Ambulance Services Act will allow the employer and employees to determine the terms of the essential ambulance services agreement, and will allow them to engage with the Labour Relations Board when necessary – including authorizing the Board to refer a matter to binding arbitration to protect the employees’ meaningful right to a strike and the employers’ meaningful right to a lockout. When passed, the Act will require the union members to return to work until an essential services agreement is established, at which point labour action may resume.

To date, only ambulance services provided publicly, through the Regional Health Authorities, fall under such legislation. Paramedics employed by private ambulance service operators fall under the Labour Relations Act and have thus far not been deemed essential.

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The 911 Division would like to advise members of the public that the province-wide 911 service is not impacted by the strike action taken today by Teamsters Local 855.

Please continue to call 911 if emergency ambulance services are required, or for any threat to health, life, safety or property where an immediate response is needed from emergency services.

All efforts to mitigate the impacts of the current ambulance labour dispute are being made. Health authorities are actioning their contingency plans, which include working with adjacent private ambulance services and bringing on additional staff to support emergency response and routine transfer services. They will also activate additional Regional Health Authority ambulances and staff to ensure emergency response in impacted regions.

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The Honourable Sarah Stoodley, Minister Responsible for Francophone Affairs, will bring greetings at the 50th anniversary of the Francophone and Acadian organizational movement in Newfoundland and Labrador tomorrow (Saturday, January 21) at 5:30 p.m.

The event will take place at the Centre des Grands Vents, 65 Ridge Road, St. John’s..

Hosted by the Fédération des francophones de Terre-Neuve et du Labrador, the event will virtually connect communities throughout the province, including Labrador City, Cape St. George, the Mainland-Port au Port region and St. John’s. Throughout 2023, the Francophone and Acadian community will be celebrating the occasion with a variety of activities.

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Residents are advised that the provincial 811 HealthLine has been restored and is fully operational.

We would like to apologize for any inconvenience this temporary disruption may have caused.

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The Provincial Government would like to advise the public that the provincial 811 HealthLine number is currently unavailable.

Anyone seeking medical advice or experiencing a mental health crisis is asked to call (709) 702-0890 until the 811 HealthLine is restored. Please note that you must dial all 10 digits regardless of where you are located in the province.

For individuals in need of mental health services normally accessed through 811 HealthLine, the following resources are also available:

• 911: For emergencies, including community-based crisis intervention services provided by trained mental health clinicians on Mobile Crisis Response Teams;
• Talk Suicide Canada: Connect to a crisis responder to get help for yourself, or if you’re worried about someone else.  Call 1-833-456-4566 toll-free 24/7 every day of the year or text 45645;
• Lifewise Warm Line: Provincial non-emergency, non-crisis telephone support and referral service provided by trained peer support workers. Available seven days a week, 9:00 a.m. to midnight. Call 1-855-753-2560;
• Kids Help Phone: Available to people of all ages 24/7, Call 1-800-668-6868 or text ‘CONNECT’ to 686868;

Visit www.kidshelphone.ca and click “Tap to Chat” from 7:00 p.m. to midnight daily, or send a message to Kids Help Phone via Facebook Messenger app.

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

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A joint investment of more than $6.6 million from the Provincial and Federal Governments and the Town of Placentia was announced today to help the town improve its drinking water infrastructure. This investment will help the town replace 5.3 kilometres of aging watermain pipes to develop a more reliable and efficient system.

Phase one of the project will see work from the Roman Catholic Church in Dunville to Fox Harbour Road including Fox Harbour Road, and phase two will address another section from Fox Harbour Road to the end of the system.

The Government of Canada and the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador are each investing more than $2.6 million towards the project, while the Town of Placentia is contributing more than $1.3 million.

The Honourable Andrew Furey, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador announced the funding today at an event in Placentia. Premier Furey was joined by Ken McDonald, Member of Parliament for Avalon, the Honourable Elvis Loveless, Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure, Sherry Gambin-Walsh, MHA for Placentia – St. Mary’s, and His Worship Keith Pearson, Mayor of the Town of Placentia

In Budget 2022, the Provincial Government invested $259.5 million in municipal infrastructure to help municipalities provide better services to residents.

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. The Government of Canada’s funding for this project comes from the Green Infrastructure Stream of the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program.

Quotes
“Our government invests millions of dollars each year to help Newfoundland and Labrador municipalities improve municipal infrastructure. This funding will allow the Town of Placentia replace old infrastructure with a reliable and efficient system so water services can continue without disruption. We continue to work with our municipal and federal partners to improve communities throughout our province.“
Honourable Andrew Furey
Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador

“We are happy to work together with the Federal Government and the Town of Placentia to fund this infrastructure. Sharing the cost of municipal infrastructure helps communities complete work on important projects. We look forward to more investments for this region in the future.”
Honourable Elvis Loveless
Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure

“Since 2015 I have been working on behalf of the residents of Dunville – Placentia, advocating for improved infrastructure. The Dunville Watermain Replacement project shows that when governments of all levels work together, with a shared vision for improving infrastructure, we can deliver important benefits for communities.”
Sherry Gambin-Walsh
MHA for Placentia – St. Mary’s

“Modern and reliable drinking water infrastructure is essential to safeguard public health. Today’s investment will help the Town of Placentia reduce the number of leaks in its system and ensure residents have reliable services for years to come.”
Ken McDonald
Member of Parliament for Avalon, on behalf of the Honourable Dominic LeBlanc, Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs, Infrastructure and Communities

“This funding announcement for the Dunville Water Project will bring much needed infrastructure improvements to the Town of Placentia.  Most importantly, this investment will give our residents a better quality of living and make our Town even more attractive to invest and do business. The Town of Placentia remains committed to working with both levels of government to deliver clean and safe drinking water to our residents.”
His Worship Keith Pearson
Mayor of the Town of Placentia

“I commend Mayor Pearson and the council of the Town of Placentia for their foresight and planning to upgrade the town’s water system. We recognize that infrastructure needs are a key priority for municipalities across the province. We continue to work with communities, encouraging them to work together where possible, to make these important improvements.”
Honourable Krista Lynn Howell
Minister of Municipal and Provincial Affairs

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Learn more
Federal infrastructure investments in Newfoundland and Labrador

Investing in Canada Plan Project Map

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The Department of Digital Government and Service NL is reminding all residents to stay safe when operating off-road vehicles by following mandatory safety requirements.

Helmets and seatbelts (where installed by manufacturers) are mandatory for the operation of all off-road vehicles in Newfoundland and Labrador. The only exception to these requirements is for hunting and trapping activities involving frequent stops, where speed is less than 20 km/h.

An off-road vehicle includes any motor vehicle designed or adapted for off-road use. These include all-terrain vehicles (ATVs), snowmobiles, amphibious vehicles, utility vehicles, side-by-sides, dune buggies and dirt bikes.

Changes to the Off-Road Vehicles Act and Regulations, which came into force in May 2022, were designed to improve off-road vehicle safety and provide safer experiences for off-road vehicle enthusiasts throughout the province.

Further information regarding Newfoundland and Labrador’s new safety requirements for off-road vehicles can be found here.

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

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The Honourable Andrew Furey, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador, will make an infrastructure announcement in the Town of Placentia tomorrow (Thursday, January 19) at 1:00 p.m.

The event will take place at the Placentia Bay Cultural Arts Centre, 21 Patterson Drive, Town Square, Placentia. The event will also be livestreamed on the Town of Placentia’s Facebook page.

Premier Furey will be joined by the Honourable Elvis Loveless, Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure, Ken McDonald, Member of Parliament for Avalon, Sherry Gambin-Walsh, MHA for Placentia-St. Mary’s, and His Worship Keith Pearson, Mayor of the Town of Placentia.

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A new pilot project launching today will offer enhanced initiatives and supports for participants receiving Income Support who begin a new job and/or maintain and increase their hours of work.

Co-developed with Choices for Youth and Stella’s Circle, the Employment Support Stability Pilot Project benefits participants by allowing them to keep more of their earnings and immediately experience increased financial benefits from working. Some of the key supports and incentives include:

• A new earnings exemption formula that allows participants to retain higher earnings and that results in higher overall monthly incomes;
• Employment continuation bonuses to provide escalating financial rewards for continuous employment and to increase experience working. Bonuses are $250 at six months, $500 at 12 months and $1,000 at 24 months; and
• Supports offered by Choices for Youth and Stella’s Circle to gain life-skills and experience needed to manage financial responsibilities and navigate life and employment challenges.

The Honourable John G. Abbott, Minister of Children, Seniors and Social Development officially launched the pilot today. Minister Abbott was joined by collaborating partners Sheldon Pollett, Executive Director, Choices for Youth and Laura Winters, Chief Executive Officer, Stella’s Circle.

Currently, there are 86 participants enrolled in a preliminary soft-launch of the pilot project, and over 10 of these participants already no longer need Income Support to supplement their earnings. By working more, participants who have engaged in the workforce or increased their hours of work now have higher overall monthly incomes.

Funding for the pilot project is being provided in part through the Canada – Newfoundland and Labrador Workforce Development Agreement. The project is part of the department’s focus on early intervention and prevention.

The pilot project will undergo an independent evaluation to determine next steps and inform future changes to the province’s Income Support Program.

Quotes
“I am pleased to launch the Employment Support Stability Pilot Project in partnership with Choices for Youth and Stella’s Circle. This pilot has already seen such positive results, with many of the current participants benefitting greatly from working more hours and having higher monthly incomes. I am optimistic that this project will continue to help people transition from Income Support to employment and provide supports when they are needed.”
Honourable John G. Abbott
Minister of Children, Seniors and Social Development

“Employment Insurance exists to help people who’ve found themselves out of work through no fault of their own. This pilot project will help people keep more of what they earn while developing valuable professional skills; and gives employers in Newfoundland and Labrador more stability.”
Honourable Carla Qualtrough
Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Disability Inclusion

“The Employment Support Stability Pilot Project provides vulnerable populations with key supports for longer as they make the transition to long-term employment. Through this project, Choices for Youth will be able to successfully train and employ more youth through our four social enterprises while breaking intergenerational cycles of poverty and homelessness. We are also able to support young people in actioning their futures through the piloting of a more person-centred Income Support system. We look forward to providing more youth with the ability to access critical supports as they continue to grow and enter long-term employment.”
Sheldon Pollett
Executive Director, Choices for Youth

“The Employability Support Stability Pilot Program has provided a framework for community organizations like Stella’s Circle and Choices for Youth to work directly with the Provincial Government to improve supports for individuals like our participants. The powerful nature of collaboration in the spirit of honouring those we serve is paramount to making a difference in their lives.”
Laura Winters
CEO Stella’s Circle

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Follow us on Twitter: @GovNL, @CSSD_GovNL

Sheldon Pollett, Executive Director, Choices for Youth; Hon. John G. Abbott, Minister for Children, Seniors and Social Development; Geoff Davis, Board Chair, Choices for Youth; and Laura Winters, CEO, Stella’s Circle.

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The Honourable John G. Abbott, Minister of Children, Seniors and Social Development, will officially launch a new employment support project for individuals in receipt of Income Support tomorrow (Wednesday, January 18).

The event will take place at 10:00 a.m. at the Choices for Youth Social Enterprise and Employment Centre, 117 Ropewalk Lane, St. John’s.

Minister Abbott will be joined by Sheldon Pollett, Executive Director of Choices for Youth, and Laura Winters, Chief Executive Officer of Stella’s Circle.

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Motorists travelling on Pitts Memorial Drive away from downtown St. John’s will be reduced to one lane tomorrow (Wednesday, January 18). The closure will begin at 9:00 a.m., and the Department of Transportation and Infrastructure anticipates work being completed and all lanes being reopened by approximately 4:00 p.m.

The right lane will be closed between the CN Viaduct and the overpass above Blackhead Road. The closure is necessary due to a crew working in the vicinity of the highway.

Motorists are asked to pay attention to traffic control measures and to be prepared to slow down.

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

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Registration is now open for the first winter edition of the Becoming an Outdoors Woman workshop, taking place between March 3-5, 2023 at the Burry Heights Camp on Salmonier Line.

This unique winter workshop will give participants an opportunity to practice outdoor skills including snowshoeing, ice fishing, shelter building, outdoor safety and outdoor cooking. A variety of activities, such as preserving wild game, making maple syrup, chainsaw safety and safe handling and use of firearms and archery equipment will be available.

Becoming and Outdoors Woman is designed for individuals age 18 and over. The program strives to overcome barriers to learning outdoor skills and provide a safe, inclusive space for all to share their love of the outdoors. The registration fee is $275.00 and includes accommodations, meals and course materials. Limited financial support may be available to individuals requiring assistance.

To register or for more information, email salmoniernaturepark@gov.nl.ca or call 709-229-7888.

The Becoming an Outdoors Woman Program is sponsored by the Department of Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture, Friends of Salmonier Nature Park and Wildlife Habitat Canada, with support from volunteers and local businesses.

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A contract valued at approximately $1.3 million has been awarded to Complete Concrete Solutions Ltd. to complete repairs to two bridges on the Lewin Parkway (Route 450) in Corner Brook.

The contract includes the replacement of support bearings and road surface repairs to both the bridge leading from the parkway to Humber Road and the bridge leading to the parkway from Main Street.

This work is in addition to repairs on the bridges in 2022 as part of a $1.8 million contract awarded to Floyd’s Construction Ltd. that also included work on the Corner Brook Stream Bridge, the Lewin Parkway overpass above the Trans-Canada Highway and the Ballam Bridge on Route 440.

The department anticipates work on the bridges will be completed this summer. The bridge will remain closed from the parkway to Humber Road until that time.

More than 40 bridges were repaired as part of the multi-year roads plan in 2022. Work is underway on updates to the multi-year plan, with an update expected this winter that will outline highway construction projects planned for the following two construction seasons.

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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“Repairs to bridges help to ensure the safety of residents and tourists travelling on our highways. We made significant progress on improving our highways in 2022, and we look forward to completing repairs to bridges as part of our multi-year roads plan this year and beyond.”
Honourable Elvis Loveless
Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure

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Learn more
Work to Begin on Overpasses, Bridges in Corner Brook

Provincial Roads Plan Outlines Highway Construction Projects for Two Construction Seasons

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

UNDERTAKINGS RELEASED:

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

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 Water Resources Management Division (WRMD) of this department requires the proponent to submit a Water Resources Management Plan (WMP) that is approved by the WRMD prior to commencing any work related to the Project. The WMP must include a description of the following:
  • the measures that will be deployed, such as vegetative cover, filter strip, silt curtain or other sediment control measures, to ensure that water leaving the site through onsite drainage, surface run-off and discharge, and/or dewatering water conforms with the requirements of the Environmental Control Water and Sewage Regulations, 2003; and
  • the water control measures to be deployed onsite for daily operations and high precipitation events.
• The proponent must advise the Environmental Assessment Division when the conditions of release have been met by emailing a written description, documents, and images (where applicable) to demonstrate that the conditions have been fulfilled.
• The proponent must update the Environmental Assessment Division on the status of the Project, including a copy of all  permits, licences, certificates, approvals and other authorizations required for the Project, one year from the date of this release letter and to provide additional updates if required.

Matthews Pond (Lethbridge) Strawberry Farm                     (Reg. 2225)
Proponent: Bayview Gardens

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  Wildlife Division of the Department of Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture requires the following:
  • Vegetation clearing is not to occur within 800 metres of a bald eagle or osprey nest during the nesting season (March 15 to July 31) and 200 metres during the remainder of the year. The 200-metre buffer also applies to all other raptor nests (e.g. Northern Goshawk, Sharp-shinned Hawk, Merlin, American Kestrel, Great-horned Owl, Boreal Owl, Northern Saw-whet Owl). The location of any raptor nest sites must be reported to the Wildlife Division.
  • A minimum 50-metre undisturbed riparian buffer must be maintained from the high water mark of all wetlands and waterbodies within and adjacent to the Project 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, to protect sensitive riparian and aquatic species and their habitats.
• The proponent must advise the Environmental Assessment Division when the conditions of release have been met by emailing a written description, documents, and images (where applicable) to demonstrate that the conditions have been fulfilled.
• The proponent must update the Environmental Assessment Division on the status of the Project, including a copy of all  permits, licences, certificates, approvals and other authorizations required for the Project, one year from the date of this release letter and to provide additional updates if required.

Learn more
Environmental Assessment Division 
Department of Environment and Climate Change
West Block, Confederation Building
P.O. Box 8700, St. John’s, NL A1B 4J6

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_Jan-2023.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.

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