Government of Newfoundland News

The Honourable Krista Lynn Howell, Minister of Municipal and Provincial Affairs, will visit the recently renovated Loggers Heritage Society Building, Main Road, Colinet, tomorrow (Thursday, September 8) at 1:00 p.m. The building has been recommissioned, in part with funding assistance from the department, to the Fergus and Fred Linehan Heritage Centre.

Minister Howell will be joined by Sherry Gambin-Walsh, MHA for Placentia – St. Mary’s and representatives of the town council and the Colinet Loggers Heritage Society.

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Media contact
Lynn Robinson
Municipal and Provincial Affairs
709-729-5449, 691-9446
lynnrobinson@gov.nl.ca

 

The post Media Advisory: Minister Howell to Visit Colinet Loggers Heritage Society Building appeared first on News Releases.

The following is being distributed at the request of the Human Rights Commission of Newfoundland and Labrador:

The Human Rights Commission of Newfoundland and Labrador would like to advise the public that nominations are now open for the 2022 Newfoundland and Labrador Human Rights Award. This award recognizes an individual who has made and/or continues to make a meaningful contribution to advancing and furthering human rights in Newfoundland and Labrador.

The deadline for nominations is October 31. The award will be presented on Thursday, December 8, 2022 at the Government House in St. John’s in celebration of International Human Rights Day. The award ceremony will have both in-person and virtual attendance available. Follow us on Twitter @nlhumanrights for updates on the ceremony.

You can submit a nomination form online at www.thinkhumanrights.ca. However, if you have questions about the nomination process or would like to complete the nomination form in an alternative format, such as an interview, please contact the Newfoundland and Labrador Human Rights Commission. Documents are available in alternate format upon request.

By telephone at 729-2709 or 1-800-563-5808

By email at humanrights@gov.nl.ca

Or by mail to:
Newfoundland and Labrador Human Rights Commission
Regatta Plaza
84-86 Elizabeth Avenue, 2nd Floor
St. John’s, NL A1A 1W7

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Learn more
For more information on the Newfoundland and Labrador Human Rights Commission, please visit www.thinkhumanrights.ca or follow us on Twitter @nlhumanrights using the hashtag #nlrights.

Media contact
Hilary P. Hennessey
Public Relations Specialist
NL Human Rights Commission
709-729-5644
HilaryHennessey@gov.nl.ca

The post Nominations Open for Human Rights Award appeared first on News Releases.

The Honourable John Haggie, Minister of Education, is welcoming students in the K-12 education system back to class for the start of the 2022-23 school year.

As a result of increased enrollment during the 2021-22 school year, Budget 2022 included an increased investment of $3.1 million for teaching services to meet the rising student population.

This year an additional 28 teachers and specialists have been added throughout the system. This follows significant increases between 2017 and 2022 through the Education Action Plan, including over 100 school based reading specialists, approximately 200 teaching and learning assistants to support K-6 students, nearly 40 additional teacher librarians and 12 English-as-a-Second-Language teachers to support newcomers.

This year, classes return with a priority focus on in-person learning, with schools opening under the same conditions as when classes ended in June 2022. As a reminder for all students and families:

• Masks continue to be recommended in schools.
• Students, teachers and staff should stay home if they become sick. However, people with symptoms related to other known causes (e.g. runny nose due to allergies or lingering cough from prior illness) can still attend.
• All students, teachers and staff should stay up-to-date on their vaccinations; more on COVID-19 vaccinations may be found here.
• All classrooms and most common areas in schools throughout the province have air filtration and purification systems, which were installed last year.
• Junior high and high school students will continue to have access to Chromebook devices.

Quote
“The first day of school is always an exciting time. Having children safely attend in-person classes is a priority for our government, as we recognize the significant role that plays in children’s learning, emotional and social development. I wish all students, faculty and staff a wonderful year. I would also like to say congratulations to those recent high school graduates who are beginning their post-secondary academic careers. I hope you enjoy your studies.”
Honourable John Haggie
Minister of Education

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Le ministre Haggie souhaite la bienvenue aux élèves à l’occasion de la nouvelle année scolaire

Learn more
Update on the Return of K-12 Classes for the 2022-23 School Year

Mise à jour sur le retour des classes de la maternelle à la 12e année pour l’année scolaire 2022‑2023

Newfoundland and Labrador English School District

Conseil scolaire francophone provincial de Terre-Neuve-et-Labrador

Budget 2022: Child Care, Education and Growing Communities

Follow us on Twitter: @GovNL and @EDU_GovNL

Like us on Facebook

Media contact
Nancy Hollett
Education
709-729-1906, 327-7878
nancyhollett@gov.nl.ca

The post Minister Haggie Welcomes Students to a New School Year appeared first on News Releases.

Recent investigations conducted by the Department of Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture’s Resource Enforcement Division have resulted in several individuals being apprehended and charged related to the alleged poaching of Atlantic salmon.

On July 6, 2022, Resource Enforcement Officers apprehended two individuals in Westport, White Bay, after a net containing several Atlantic salmon was found in coastal waters near the community. Officers seized a speedboat and outboard motor, and the individuals will appear in court at Grand Falls-Windsor at a later date to face charges under the Fisheries Act.

On August 15, 2022, a joint operation conducted by Corner Brook and Grand Falls-Windsor Resource Enforcement Detachments, resulted in the apprehension of four individuals at a cabin near Bear Cove, White Bay. A large quantity of illegally taken Atlantic salmon and a truck were seized. The individuals will be required to appear in court at a later date to face charges under the Fisheries Act including obstruction of a Fishery Officer.

The public are encouraged to report suspected illegal fishing and hunting activity as the information provided plays a significant role in assisting investigations being carried out by Resource Enforcement Officers.

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

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Media contact
Craig Renouf
Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture
709-637-2923, 640-9786
craigrenouf@gov.nl.ca

The post Public Advisory: Alleged Salmon Poachers Apprehended on Baie Verte Peninsula appeared first on News Releases.

The Honourable John Haggie, Minister of Education, will welcome students to help kick-off the 2022-23 school year tomorrow at Gander Academy tomorrow (Wednesday, September 7) at 8:15 a.m.

Gander Academy is located at 55 Fraser Road, Gander.

Media are invited to attend and are asked to RSVP by contacting Nancy Hollett at nancyhollett@gov.nl.ca.

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Media contact
Nancy Hollett
Education
709-729-1906, 327-7878
nancyhollett@gov.nl.ca

 

The post Media Advisory: Minister Haggie to Greet Students at Gander Academy appeared first on News Releases.

Newfoundland and Labrador’s Provincial Historic Sites are reporting an increase in visitor traffic this summer compared to previous years. The sites offer unique and immersive experiences for residents and travellers alike, providing a rare glimpse into the province’s past.

From May to July, the Provincial Historic Sites welcomed a total of 63,329 visitors. In comparison, the sites saw a total of 9,462 visitors from May to July in 2021 and 53,433 visitors during this period in 2019. This year’s total, as of July, represents an increase of 569 per cent over the same period in 2021 and an increase of 19 per cent from 2019.

July was a busy month for all of the Provincial Historic Sites with a total of 35,100 visitors in that month alone, an increase of 375 per cent compared to July of last year when the sites welcomed 7,393 visitors. More visitors were recorded at the Provincial Historic Sites in the month of July this year than visited during the entire 2021 operating season.

All Provincial Historic Sites across Newfoundland and Labrador are offering free regular admission for the 2022 season as part of Come Home 2022.

The Provincial Historic Sites in Newfoundland and Labrador are:

1. Beothuk Interpretation Centre
2. Cape Bonavista Lighthouse
3. Colonial Building (opening this month)
4. Commissariat House
5. Cupids Cove Plantation
6. Heart’s Content Cable Station
7. Hiscock House
8. Trinity Mercantile Premises
9. Mockbeggar Plantation
10. Newman Wine Vaults
11. Point Amour Lighthouse
12. Trinity Visitor Centre

The sites are scheduled to close on Friday, October 7. For more information, please visit www.seethesites.ca.

Quote
“Newfoundland and Labrador’s Provincial Historic Sites help tell our province’s special story and are windows into our past. We are delighted to hear that people – both local residents and travellers – are visiting the sites. Thank you to our staff for their hard work this season and for helping to ensure people have an enjoyable experience. If you haven’t already, there is still plenty of time to visit. The sites are open until October 7 and I encourage you to check them out. Admission is free as part of Come Home 2022 and these sites are certainly something that should be on your ‘must-see’ list this season.”
Honourable Steve Crocker
Minister of Tourism, Culture, Arts and Recreation

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Learn more
Provincial Historic Sites

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Media contact
Tina Newhook
Tourism, Culture, Arts and Recreation
709-729-4570, 728-2837
tinanewhook@gov.nl.ca

The post Provincial Historic Sites Reporting an Increase in Visitor Traffic this Summer appeared first on News Releases.

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

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

The proponent is proposing to expand its current gold mining operations at the Stog’er Tight Deposit, located within the municipal planning area of Baie Verte. The expansion would require the construction and operation of an open pit mine, Pit 278, and would include the de-watering of Camp Pond and installation of an 850-metre haul road. Operations would utilize existing infrastructure, including the proponent’s existing Pine Cove ore mill, located 3 kilometres west of the deposit. The expected life of the mine is 6.5 months. A description of the project can be found on the department’s webpage at: www.gov.nl.ca/eccm/env-assessment/projects-list/.

The undertaking was registered on September 2, 2022; the deadline for public comments is October 7, 2022; and the minister’s decision is due by October 17, 2022.

UNDERTAKING RELEASED:
Blaketown to Riverhead 94L Transmission Line Rebuild              (Reg. 2184)
Proponent: Newfoundland Power Inc.

The project is released subject to the following conditions:

• The proponent is required to uphold all commitments made in the environmental assessment submission to mitigate the effects of the Project on the environment.
• The Natural Areas Program of the Department of Environment and Climate Change requires the following:
  • Prior to construction of the new line and/or dismantling of the old line, a rare lichen survey must be completed in appropriate habitats by a qualified botanist, and mitigation measures be employed if any thalli are found (eg. translocations). The Wildlife Division of the Department of Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture should be consulted on survey methodology and mitigations prior to conducting surveys. The lichen survey and mitigations should also be part of the project-specific Environmental Protection Plan that will be implemented prior to construction, as noted by the proponent.
• The Department of Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture (FFA) requires the following:
  • Where possible, for slopes less than 30 percent, a minimum 30-metre undisturbed riparian buffer zone shall be established around all waterbodies, from the high water mark, that are identified on either the 1:50,000 scale National Topographic System maps, or the topographic mapping layer shown in the Provincial Land Use Atlas. No land use activities involving grubbing, ground or soil disturbance, or timber harvesting activities shall take place in this zone.
  • For slopes greater than 30 percent, there shall be an undisturbed riparian buffer zone calculated using the following formula: 30 metres + 1.5 metres x slope (%). No land use activities involving grubbing, ground or soil disturbance, or timber harvesting activities shall take place in this zone.
  • The new transmission line section west of Markland, between Route 81 and Route 100 (Argentia Access Road), is in an area identified as a significant wetland (Nine Island Pond, Soldier Pond, Simmons Pond, and Goosey Gullies, Markland, south of Whitbourne).
    • Where possible, for slopes less than 30 percent, a minimum 30-metre undisturbed riparian buffer zone shall be established around the wetland. No land use activities involving grubbing, ground or soil disturbance, or timber harvesting activities will take place in this zone.
    • For slopes greater than 30 per cent, there shall be an undisturbed buffer zone calculated using the following formula: 30 metres + 1.5 metres x slope (%) (see Annex C). No land use activities involving grubbing, ground or soil disturbance, or timber harvesting activities shall take place in this zone.
    • Any work required along the new section of transmission line must be done outside the brood rearing, breeding and staging period for waterfowl (approximately May 15 to July 31).
• No vegetation clearing is 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 site must be reported to the Wildlife Division.
• The proponent is required to advise the Environmental Assessment Division when the conditions of release have been met, by emailing a written description, documents, and images (where applicable) to demonstrate that the conditions have been fulfilled to EAProjectComments@gov.nl.ca.
• The proponent is required to update the Environmental Assessment Division on the status of the Project, including a copy of all permits, licences, certificates, approvals and other authorizations required for the Project, one year from the date of 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_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
Lynn Robinson
Environment and Climate Change
709-729-5449; 691-9466
lynnrobinson@gov.nl.ca

The post Environmental Assessment Bulletin appeared first on News Releases.

Today, the Honourable Bernard Davis, Minister of Environment and Climate Change and Minister Responsible for Labour, is thanking workers in Newfoundland and Labrador for their efforts to build a strong workforce in the province.

Labour Day acknowledges the tireless efforts of workers who make valuable contributions to the economy, culture and society.

Labour Day, recognized each year in Canada on the first Monday of September, is a time to reflect and recognize the workforce as the backbone of our communities and thank them for the many worker protections and benefits all Canadians now benefit from.

Quote
“As Minister Responsible for Labour, it is an honour to recognize workers who demonstrate incredible resiliency every day. I wish everyone a safe Labour Day weekend and thank them for their commitment to having fair, safe and productive workplaces.”
Honourable Bernard Davis
Minister of Environment and Climate Change

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Learn more
Follow us on Twitter @GovNL and @ECC_GovNL

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Media contact
Lynn Robinson
Environment and Climate Change
709-729-5449, 691-9466
lynnrobinson@gov.nl.ca

The post Minister Davis Celebrates Workers on Labour Day Weekend appeared first on News Releases.

The Provincial Government is providing $30,000 to Eastern Health to support students in the Radiation Therapy Program for each of the 2022-23 and 2023-24 school years. This will double Eastern Health’s capacity to support students in the program.

Radiation therapy student support funding will ensure adequate supply, recruitment, and retention of radiation therapists in Newfoundland and Labrador. The funds will be used for education-related items including student fees, tuition and books.

Eastern Health has partnered with the Michener Institute in Toronto, Ontario, to place qualifying students from Newfoundland and Labrador in the Radiation Therapy Program.

Radiation therapy services are included in the planning for the replacement of the Western Memorial Regional Hospital in Corner Brook. The new hospital will host an expanded cancer care program including increased systemic therapy services and new radiation therapy services.

This is another health care initiative to address the health professional shortage in Newfoundland and Labrador. Other recent measures can be found in the backgrounder below.

Quote
“Our commitment is to provide a high quality of care for the residents of Newfoundland and Labrador. That includes improving radiation therapy services throughout the province. We are committed to health programs that focus on the social determinants of health and improving the healthiness of our people.”
Honourable Tom Osborne
Minister of Health and Community Services

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Learn more
Follow us on Twitter @GovNL and @HCS_GovNL

Like us on Facebook

Media contact
Tina Coffey
Health and Community Services
709-729-6554, 687-9903
tcoffey@gov.nl.ca

 BACKGROUNDER

 Recent Measures to Address the Shortage of Health Care Professionals

• A one-year pilot program to help entice retired family physicians to come back to the workforce.
• Committed to a suite of measures to expand the supply of health care professionals: creation of new collaborative community team clinics; increase in virtual care services to assist with the provision of urgent care; commitment to further increase the number of graduates from Licensed Practical Nursing Programs by 40 per cent, and Personal Care Attendant Programs by 20 per cent.
• Two new programs launched to support family doctors in the province and help improve access to primary health care:

• • The New Family Physician Income Guarantee initiative guarantees a minimum income equivalent to that of a salaried family physician to new family doctors who bill on a fee for service basis and open a family practice clinic – or join an established clinic – for the first two years of their practice. This will ease some of the uncertainty associated with the business aspects of opening a clinic by increasing financial certainty. Funding recipients will be required to enter into a two-year return-in-service agreement with government.
  • The Family Practice Start-Up Program will provide $150,000 to new family practice physicians who open a family practice clinic, or join an existing family practice in the community, and stay in the practice for five years. Recipients who are approved for both programs must sign a five-year return-in-service agreement with government. Additionally, both programs will be linked to establishing a patient roster in the community, as well as the provision of after-hours care.  This is the highest incentive offered to family physicians at this time in Atlantic Canada.

• Initiatives announced in March 2022 to address the challenges facing nurses in the province, including the nursing think tank; Requests for proposals for core staffing review, health human resource plan, workforce research; and an Internationally Educated Nurses Bursary.
• A new Assistant Deputy Minister for the recruitment and retention office has been hired and the office has been established within the Department of Health and Community Services.
• An additional five undergraduate seats have been added to the Memorial University’s medical School for Newfoundland and Labrador students.
• Launched the Extraordinary Every Day, a health care campaign aimed at recruiting and retaining health care professionals.
• Staffing in the regional health authorities has been enhanced to further support recruitment and retention efforts.
• A number of financial incentives and employee supports have been implemented to help address the immediate nursing workforce challenges and help stabilize the workforce.
• Compensation rates for covering emergency rooms in smaller rural health centres (category B facilities) have been increased as a temporary measure until October 31, 2022 to help retain existing physicians at these sites, as well as attract other locum physicians during periods of vacancy. As well, in Labrador, Category A rates were increased in the last MOA.

The post Provincial Government Announces Funding for Radiation Therapy Program appeared first on News Releases.

All forest access roads that had remained closed as a result of the Paradise Lake and Bay d’Espoir Highway forest fires are scheduled to open at noon today (Friday, September 2).

In the Paradise Lake area, access to the end sections of some roads may be restricted due to safety concerns associated with helicopters engaged in monitoring activity.

Residents using re-opened forest access roads are asked to proceed with caution and be aware of forest firefighting crews who may be active in the region.

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Media contact
Craig Renouf
Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture
709-637-2923, 640-9786
craigrenouf@gov.nl.ca

The post Public Advisory: All Forest Access Roads in Paradise Lake and Bay d’Espoir Highway Areas Scheduled to Open Today appeared first on News Releases.

The Provincial Government today announced a request for proposals will be issued next week to help ensure emergency rooms throughout the province remain open, along with ensuring Newfoundlanders and Labradorians that have identified themselves as not having a primary care provider with Patient Connect NL can be seen by an appropriate health care professional.

The Department of Health and Community Services has been working with the regional health authorities and Newfoundland and Labrador Centre for Health Information to develop a request for proposals for virtual care that includes:

1. Virtual emergency room services to assist with reducing closures and diversions.  In particular, this service will be an added tool the regional health authorities can utilize to ensure rural (Category B) emergency rooms remain open; and
2. Virtual primary care services to assist patients who are not attached to a primary care provider.

This is the latest collaborative initiative between the Provincial Government and the regional  health authorities in their shared effort to address the health professional shortage in Newfoundland and Labrador. Other recent measures can be found in the backgrounder below.

Quote
“Our government is committed to providing much needed primary care access to residents without a family doctor. We are also continuing to work with our health care stakeholders to find new and innovative ways to ensure emergency rooms remain open. The request for proposals will be issued next week outlining the details on how this virtual service will be provided to the public.”
Honourable Tom Osborne
Minister of Health and Community Services

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Learn more
Follow us on Twitter @GovNL and @HCS_GovNL

Like us on Facebook

Media contact
Tina Coffey
Health and Community Services
709-729-6554, 687-9903
tcoffey@gov.nl.ca

BACKGROUNDER

 Recent Measures to Address the Shortage of Health Care Professionals

• A one-year pilot program to help entice retired family physicians to come back to the workforce.
• Committed to a suite of measures to expand the supply of health care professionals: creation of new collaborative community team clinics; increase in virtual care services to assist with the provision of urgent care; commitment to further increase the number of graduates from Licensed Practical Nursing Programs by 40 per cent, and Personal Care Attendant Programs by 20 per cent.
• Two new programs launched to support family doctors in the province and help improve access to primary health care:
  • The New Family Physician Income Guarantee initiative guarantees a minimum income equivalent to that of a salaried family physician to new family doctors who bill on a fee for service basis and open a family practice clinic – or join an established clinic – for the first two years of their practice. This will ease some of the uncertainty associated with the business aspects of opening a clinic by increasing financial certainty. Funding recipients will be required to enter into a two-year return-in-service agreement with government.
  • The Family Practice Start-Up Program will provide $150,000 to new family practice physicians who open a family practice clinic, or join an existing family practice in the community, and stay in the practice for five years. Recipients who are approved for both programs must sign a five-year return-in-service agreement with government. Additionally, both programs will be linked to establishing a patient roster in the community, as well as the provision of after-hours care.  This is the highest incentive offered to family physicians at this time in Atlantic Canada.
  • Initiatives announced in March 2022 to address the challenges facing nurses in the province, including the nursing think tank; Request for proposals for core staffing review, health human resources plan, workforce research; and an Internationally Educated Nurses Bursary.

• A new Assistant Deputy Minister for the recruitment and retention office has been hired and the office has been established within the Department of Health and Community Services.
• An additional five undergraduate seats have been added to the Memorial University’s medical School for Newfoundland and Labrador students.
• Launched the Extraordinary Every Day, a health care campaign aimed at recruiting and retaining health care professionals.
• Staffing in the Regional Health Authorities has been enhanced to further support recruitment and retention efforts.
• A number of financial incentives and employee supports have been implemented to help address the immediate nursing workforce challenges and help stabilize the workforce.
• Compensation rates for covering emergency rooms in smaller rural health centres (category B facilities) have been increased as a temporary measure until October 31, 2022 to help retain existing physicians at these sites, as well as attract other locum physicians during periods of vacancy. As well, in Labrador, Category A rates were increased in the last MOA.

 

The post Provincial Government and Regional Health Authorities Collaborate on Initiative Aimed at Physician Shortage appeared first on News Releases.

As part of the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador’s ongoing commitment to create approximately 3,100 new regulated Pre-Kindergarten early learning and child care spaces by 2025-26, waitlist registration will open for the first Pre-Kindergarten pilot locations on September 8, 2022:

• East Point Elementary, St. John’s;
• Elizabeth Park Elementary, Paradise;
• Elwood Elementary, Deer Lake;
• Gander Academy, Gander; and
• Peacock Primary School, Happy Valley-Goose Bay.

YMCA of Newfoundland and Labrador (YMCA-NL), which was chosen as the not-for-profit operator for all 35 Pre-Kindergarten Pilot Locations, will open waitlist registration at www.ymcanl.com/pre-kindergarten-program beginning at 9:00 a.m. NDT on September 8. More details regarding the waitlist registration can be found below.

Pre-Kindergarten locations will open in phases. These initial five locations are anticipated to open before the end of November, 2022. Second phase locations are targeted for opening between December, 2022 and early 2023. While global supply chain shortages continue to impact project schedules in all sectors, all parties continue to work toward the goal of opening all 35 pilot locations by March 31, 2023. These pilot locations will account for approximately 600 new regulated early learning and child care spaces.

The Federal-Provincial Early Learning and Child Care Action Plan is increasing access to regulated child care through the creation of approximately 6,000 spaces by 2025-26, as well as improving affordability, inclusivity and the quality of early learning and child care programming in Newfoundland and Labrador. This plan is made possible by federal investments in the Canada-wide Early Learning and Child Care system. These include $306 million for the 2021-22 to 2025-26 Canada-Newfoundland and Labrador Canada-wide Early Learning and Child Care Agreement, a one-time investment of nearly $6.5 million in 2021-22 to support the early childhood workforce, as well as over $34 million for the 2021-22 to 2025-26 Early Learning and Child Care Extension Agreement.

Newfoundland and Labrador was one of the first provinces to make child care more affordable for families by introducing $25 per day regulated child care in January 2021. That work has continued through the Canada-wide Early Learning and Child Care Agreement, which has further reduced the cost for regulated child care to $15 per day in 2022 and with a scheduled reduction to $10 per day in 2023.

Quotes
“This is an important milestone for our Pre-Kindergarten pilot program. These first locations will create additional child care spaces in five areas with significant need, and are just the beginning of significant growth in child care availability province wide through this program. I want to thank YMCA-NL for their diligence in getting this program off-the ground in just three short months, and I look forward to the opening of the remaining pilot locations in the months to come.”
Honourable John Haggie
Minister of Education

“Access to high-quality child care gives children the chance to turn their natural curiosity into a lifelong love of learning. It builds the intellectual foundation for their future success. Today’s announcement marks a major step forward for many children in this province, and is a testament to the excellent partnership between the Governments of Canada and Newfoundland and Labrador.”
Honourable Karina Gould
Canada’s Minister of Families, Children and Social Development, Government of Canada

“YMCA-NL has appreciated the work of the Provincial Government and the Newfoundland and Labrador English School District to get the Pre-Kindergarten Pilot Program to the point where we can now begin the waitlist registration process. While this is an important milestone, a pilot project is also about learning, and we expect to learn a great deal that will help us in future phases as we work to open the five Phase one sites across the province. We also look forward to the upcoming wage grid in January to help with the recruitment of Early Childhood Educators.”
Jason Brown
CEO, YMCA-NL

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Learn more
Pre-Kindergarten Pilot Set to Create Approximately 600 Regulated Early Learning Spaces in 2022-23

YMCA-NL to Act as Not-For-Profit Operator of Pre-Kindergarten Pilot Locations

$10 a day child care for families in Newfoundland and Labrador

Toward $10-a-Day: Early Learning and Child Care

Follow us on Twitter @GovNL and @EDU_GovNL

Like us on Facebook

Media contacts
Nancy Hollett
Education
709-729-1906, 327-7878
nancyhollett@gov.nl.ca

Mohammad Hussain
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Families, Children and Social Development, Karina Gould
Mohammad.a.hussain@hrsdc-rhdcc.gc.ca

Michelle Northover
YMCA of Newfoundland and Labrador
709-691-6610
Michelle.northover@nl.ymca.ca

BACKGROUNDER

Waitlist Registration Details for Pre-Kindergarten Pilot Program
Waitlist registration for the five “phase one” pilot locations will occur at ymcanl.com/pre-kindergarten-program. To register for the waitlist, you can select the link for your location and follow the instructions.

Waitlist registration will open at 9:00 a.m. Newfoundland Daylight Savings Time (NDT) on Thursday, September 8, 2022. All registrants will be placed on the waitlist according to their chosen school location. Successful applicants will be chosen from the waitlist once spaces are confirmed until all spaces are filled.

Priority will be given to those applicants who apply who reside within the catchment area for the school location. The NLESD Bus Planner can be used to identify the catchment area for your home address.

Anyone with questions about the waitlist application process is encouraged to email pre-k@nl.ymca.ca.

The post Registration Set to Open for First Pre-Kindergarten Pilot Locations in Newfoundland and Labrador appeared first on News Releases.

‘Come From Away: The Concert’, which is currently sold out September 13-15 at the Steele Community Centre in Gander and September 19-21 at the Mary Brown’s Centre in St. John’s, will release a new block of tickets at 12:00 p.m. (NST) on Tuesday, September 6.  Limited tickets can be purchased for both locations by visiting www.artsandculturecentre.com.

‘Come From Away,’ the award winning hit musical, tells the true story of 7,000 air passengers stranded in Gander, Newfoundland and Labrador in the wake of the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. The ensemble cast take on a variety of roles, from travelers to locals to airline personnel. The show features music, lyrics and book by Irene Sankoff and David Hein.

A dynamic group of performers from several ‘Come From Away’ companies around the world will assemble for this special presentation. The concerts will welcome home Newfoundlanders and Labradorians, Petrina Bromley (from the original Broadway cast) and Clint Butler and Kate Etienne (from the Toronto cast). They will be joined by Toronto cast members Steffi DiDomenicantonio, Barbara Fulton, Amir Haidar, Lisa Horner, James Kall, Jeff Madden, Ali Momen, Cory O’Brien, Eliza-Jane Scott, Cailin Stadnyk and original Australian cast member Kolby Kindle.

‘Come From Away’ is currently playing on Broadway, where it is the longest tenant in the 105-year history of the Schoenfeld Theatre. The play received seven 2017 Tony nominations including Best Musical, with Christopher Ashley winning Best Director of a Musical. The Critics’ Choice Award-nominated live-filmed version of ‘Come From Away,’ captured during the COVID-19 shutdown, is streaming globally on Apple TV+.

‘Come From Away: The Concert’ is presented by Arts and Culture Centres Newfoundland and Labrador as part of the province’s Come Home 2022 celebrations.

For a full listing of Come Home 2022 festivals and events, visit ComeHome2022.ca.

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“The ‘Come From Away: The Concert’ cast and band lineup could not be better. To have our very own Petrina Bromley, Clint Butler, and Kate Etienne, musician Greg Hawco and original Broadway musician Romano DiNillo as our emcee in St. John’s performing alongside the rest of the superbly talented and dynamic cast and band is a special treat!”
Honourable Steve Crocker
Minister of Tourism, Culture, Arts and Recreation

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Learn more
Come Home 2022

Come From Away: The Concert

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

Wayne Wolfe
Polk & Co. Theatrical Public Relations
wayne@polkandco.com

Colgan McNeil
Polk & Co. Theatrical Public Relations
colgan@polkandco.com

Michael Rubinoff MSC
Producer, Come From Away
rubinoffm@gmail.com

The post ‘Come From Away: The Concert’ Cast Announcement; Additional Tickets to be Released for Gander and St. John’s Performances appeared first on News Releases.

The Honourable Derrick Bragg, Minister of Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture, is extending a heartfelt thank you to firefighting personnel from outside Newfoundland and Labrador upon completion of their deployment to support forest fire suppression efforts in the Bay d’Espoir region. The final group to return home were 20 firefighters and one Agency Representative from Nova Scotia, who concluded their 14-day deployment on Monday, August 29.

Wildland firefighters performed front-line fire-fighting on the Paradise Lake and Bay d’Espoir Highway forest fires.

This latest departure of forest fire fighting personnel is occurring in response to a reduction in challenges and risks. The Paradise Lake forest fire is currently 50 per cent contained, the Bay d’Espoir Highway forest fire is 70 per cent contained and the Southern Lake Access Road forest fire is under control. Crews from the Department of Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture continue to actively monitor for hotspots.

In addition to support from Nova Scotia, other provinces, departments and agencies have also provided critical support. This includes four water bombers and 15 personnel from Quebec, one Safety Officer from Prince Edward Island, five personnel from Parks Canada and a Logistic Section Chief from the Canadian Interagency Forest Fire Centre (CIFFC).

Requests for assistance are administered through the CIFFC Mutual Aid Resource Sharing agreement. This agreement between provinces provides for the sharing of forest firefighting resources where required throughout the country.

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“A sincere and heartfelt thanks to our neighbours from Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island and Quebec for their assistance in our time of need. The forest fires in Central Newfoundland have been extremely challenging and demanding on personnel and resources. This support provided crucial relief to local firefighting crews and made a significant contribution to fire suppression efforts. I also wish to thank our Newfoundland and Labrador crews for their ongoing efforts fighting fires throughout the province.”
Honourable Derrick Bragg
Minister of Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture

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

The post Minister Bragg Extends Thank You to Out-of-province Forest Fire Fighters appeared first on News Releases.

Recently, the Provincial Government launched programming to support family physicians in the province and help improve access to primary health care. Today the Department of Health and Community Services is announcing an expansion of program funding and eligibility criteria, making the Family Practice Programs the highest financial incentive offered to family physicians at this time in Atlantic Canada.

The Family Practice Start-Up Program will now provide $150,000 to new family practice physicians who open a family practice clinic, or join an existing family practice in the community, in return for a five-year service commitment. There has also been expansion to the eligibility criteria to include residents in the first year of their program, as well as additional funds to support a fall 2022 call for applications.

Since launch, 15 physicians have received funding from the Family Practice Programs to open or join a family practice. The program promotes patient attachment and continuity of care by setting patient panel size targets and by encouraging the provision of after-hours care by funding recipients. This expansion of funding is retroactive to October 2021, and the department will contact those physicians who have already received funding.

Additional information, including application forms, eligibility requirements, and service obligations are available online.

This program delivers on another commitment made by the Provincial Government in the October 2021 regarding a number of immediate and interim steps to improve access to primary health care in Newfoundland and Labrador, as well as help attract and retain health care professionals. The Department of Health and Community Services is committed to recruiting and retaining the best and brightest health care professionals to the province. More information can be found in the backgrounder below.

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“We remain committed to increasing access to primary health care in our province, and this expansion to the program will further incentivize new and existing family physicians to practice right here in Newfoundland and Labrador. The program will enable better career planning on behalf of residents which will impact the retention of these health care professionals.”
Honourable Tom Osborne
Minister of Health and Community Services

“The Newfoundland and Labrador Medical Association applauds the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador for taking this important initiative to improve the recruitment and retention of family physicians. Today’s announcement means our province now has a competitive edge when it comes to recruiting doctors in Atlantic Canada. It also means we now have a family practice start-up program that can compete toe-to-toe with provinces across the country. This attractive incentive will add additional capacity to our physician workforce, which will ultimately benefit patients in the province.”
Dr. Kris Luscombe
President, Newfoundland and Labrador Medical Association

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Learn more

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

Jon Carpenter
Newfoundland and Labrador Medical Association
709-691-0928
jcarpenter@nlma.nl.ca

BACKGROUNDER

Recent Measures to Address the Shortage of Health Care Professionals

• Committed to a suite of measures to expand the supply of health care professionals: creation of new Collaborative Team Clinics; increase in virtual care services to assist with the provision of urgent care; commitment to further increase the number of graduates from Licensed Practical Nursing Programs by 40 per cent, and Personal Care Attendant Programs by 20 per cent.
• Two new programs launched to support family doctors in the province and help improve access to primary health care:
  • The New Family Physician Income Guarantee initiative guarantees a minimum income equivalent to that of a salaried family physician to new family doctors who bill on a fee for service basis and open a family practice clinic – or join an established clinic – for the first two years of their practice. This will ease some of the uncertainty associated with the business aspects of opening a clinic by increasing financial certainty. Funding recipients will be required to enter into a two-year return-in-service (RIS) agreement with government.
  • The Family Practice Start-Up Program  which provided $100,000 (now increased $150,000) to new family practice physicians who open a family practice clinic, or join an existing family practice in the community, and stay in the practice for five years. Recipients who are approved for both programs must sign a five-year RIS agreement with government. Additionally, both programs will be linked to establishing a patient roster in the community, as well as the provision of after-hours care.
• Initiatives announced in March 2022 to address the challenges facing nurses in the province, including the nursing think tank; RFPs for core staffing review, health HR plan, workforce research; and an Internationally Educated Nurses Bursary.
• A new Assistant Deputy Minister for the recruitment and retention office has been hired and the office has been established within the Department of Health and Community Services.
• An additional five undergraduate seats have been added to the MUN medical School for Newfoundland and Labrador students.
• Launched Extraordinary Every Day, a health care campaign aimed at recruiting and retaining health care professionals.
• Staffing in the Regional Health Authorities has been enhanced to further support recruitment and retention efforts.
• A number of financial incentives and employee supports have been implemented to help address the immediate nursing workforce challenges and help stabilize the workforce.
• Compensation rates for covering ERs in smaller rural health centres (category B facilities) have been increased as a temporary measure until October 31, 2022 to help retain existing physicians at these sites, as well as attract other locum physicians during periods of vacancy. As well, in Labrador, Category A rates were increased in the last MOA agreement.
• A one-year pilot program to help entice retired family physicians to come back to the workforce. Through this program, the Provincial Government will cover the cost of licensing fees and liability protection for eligible retired family physicians, as well as provide a pro-rated rural retention bonus for physicians in eligible communities for every month of service they provide under this program. Additionally, the NLMA will waive membership fees for currently retired physicians who opt to return to practice under the program.

The post Provincial Government Expands Family Practice Program, Making it the Highest Incentive Offered in Atlantic Canada appeared first on News Releases.

The Provincial Government is reminding residents and municipalities to be prepared for extreme weather events. The Atlantic hurricane season is from June through November when hurricanes usually form in the Atlantic Ocean.

When extreme weather is anticipated, residents are encouraged to monitor the forecast for the most up-to-date information. Regional forecast information is available from Environment Canada.

The public and local governments are reminded to:

• Ensure roads, ditches and drains are clear of debris;
• Ensure appropriate provisions are made for the delivery of services;
• Check NL 511 via the mobile app, visit ca or call 511 to check driving condition reports;
• Review and have ready emergency plans; and
• Take steps to ensure personal safety during the weather event.

Residents should ensure their own personal safety and know the risks most likely in your community. You should ensure your family has an emergency plan prepared in advance of anticipated adverse weather. Some tips are:

• Have a basic emergency kit and vehicle emergency kit prepared for at least 72 hours, with food, water, batteries, a portable radio, and prescription medications.
• You should store a three day supply of water, food, and clothing for each person, including supplies for family pets.
• Have copies of documents, such as insurance, driver’s license, passport, etc.
• You should ensure an amble amount of baby supplies, such as formula and diapers.
• Have a supply of medications, medical supplies and other essential personal items.
• Plan in advance to have your vehicles fueled and to have cash on hand.
• Secure loose items around your house and clear drains and basins.
• Trim branches and cut down dead trees.
• Be prepared to move inland and go to higher ground.
• Stay up-to-date by monitoring forecast information and local news.

Disasters and emergencies affect everyone: you, your family, your neighbours and community. People may experience barriers in emergency preparedness and emergency situations which may include accessing devices that run electrical power, elevators, accessible transportation and accessible communications.

Information on emergency preparedness for persons with disabilities and their families can be found on the Coalition of Persons with Disabilities NL website and on the federal website for an Emergency Preparedness Guide for People with Disabilities.

It is important to take care of yourself, your family and work together with your neighbours to help keep each other safe and protect lives and property. The first step in responding to a disaster as a community is getting to know the other members of your community beforehand. Engage members of your community to share information about emergency preparedness and how you can support each other. Be aware of neighbors who are elderly, people with disabilities, people with limited resources or persons who identify they need support for emergencies. This way, you know where to start when checking on the status of your neighbours following a disaster.

Visit Be Prepared for more information on what people should do to prepare for an adverse weather event, major emergency or disaster.

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

The post Public Advisory: Are You Prepared for Hurricane Season? appeared first on News Releases.

The Honourable John G. Abbott, Minister of Children, Seniors and Social Development, will bring greetings at the opening ceremonies for the 2022 Men’s and Master Men’s Canadian Fastpitch Championship today (Wednesday, August 31).

The opening ceremonies will start at 5:30 p.m. at the Caribou Memorial Softball Complex, Churchill Avenue, St. John’s.

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Media contact
Michelle Hunt Grouchy
Children, Seniors and Social Development
709-729-5148, 682-6593
michellehuntgrouchy@gov.nl.ca

The post Media Advisory: Minister Abbott to Bring Greetings at the 2022 Men’s and Master Men’s Canadian Fastpitch Championship  appeared first on News Releases.

The Information and Privacy Commissioner, Michael Harvey, has released his Report A-2022-016 under authority of the Access to Information and Protection of Privacy Act, 2015. A summary of the Report is included below.

To view the Report in its entirety, please go to www.oipc.nl.ca/reports/commissioner.

Report: A-2022-016 Report Date: August 29, 2022 Public Body: Department of Education Summary: The Complainant made an access to information request under the Access to Information and Protection of Privacy Act, 2015 to the Department of Education for a report outlining a process for the integration of the Newfoundland and Labrador English School District into the Department. The Department denied access to the report, on the ground that the report was a cabinet record within the meaning of section 27(1)(h) of the Act (cabinet confidences). The Complainant filed a complaint with this Office. The Commissioner concluded that the report is a cabinet record falling within the exception at section 27(1)(h), that the Clerk of the Executive Council has decided under section 27(3) that the public interest did not justify disclosure, and that, therefore, the Department was required to withhold the record.

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Media Contact
Sean Murray
Director of Research and Quality Assurance
709-729-6309

The post Office of the Information and Privacy Commissioner – Report A-2022-016 Released appeared first on News Releases.

To further promote mineral exploration activities on the Burin Peninsula, the Provincial Government today released the results of a multi-parameter airborne geophysical survey of the region.

The Geological Survey of Newfoundland and Labrador is working to map the geological framework of the province, documenting geological resources and mineral deposits. This geophysical survey illuminates faults and other structural features which play a role in mineralization in the region.

These new geoscientific data will be interpreted and modelled to provide further insight into the configuration/continuation of the area’s bedrock geology. The data can be found here.

Products from the survey are available to clients via the Geological Survey of Newfoundland Geoscience Atlas Online and the Department of Industry, Energy and Technology website.

The survey was completed during the period of November 2021 to March 2022 by Sander Geophysics Ltd, an airborne geophysical surveying company for petroleum and mineral exploration. Final data processing and generation of digital products were completed in July 2022. The total cost to complete the project was $680,800.

Budget 2021 included $2.5 million for mineral geoscience data collection and interpretation.

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“Geophysical surveying helps provide insight into our province’s unique geology, and this survey of the Burin Peninsula will allow mineral exploration companies to better focus their efforts in the region. Projects such as this only help grow the industry, and I look forward to positive results from the area in the years ahead.”
Honourable Andrew Parsons
Minister of Industry, Energy and Technology

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Learn more

Airborne Survey of Burin Peninsula

Geophysical Survey Underway on Burin Peninsula

Geological Survey Division of the Department of Industry, Energy and Technology

Sander Geophysics Ltd.

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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 Results of Geophysical Survey of Burin Peninsula Available appeared first on News Releases.

The new Municipal Conduct Act, which provides clear guidelines for municipal councils, requiring them to establish their own codes of conduct, will take effect on September 1.

The Act received royal assent on November 4, 2021, and its regulations were published in the Newfoundland and Labrador Gazette today. The new Act will govern conflict of interest, ethical behaviour and professional conduct for all municipalities throughout the province.

The Department of Municipal and Provincial Affairs is providing a circular to all municipalities about the regulations under the Act and timelines to follow. The Department will be providing information and training sessions with respect to code of conduct and mandatory training to municipalities. In accordance with the new legislation, a council is required to establish codes of conduct that apply to all councillors and municipal officials within six months (by March 1, 2023).

The new legislation follows considerable public consultations and ongoing discussions with Municipalities Newfoundland and Labrador, the Professional Municipal Administrators and cities and towns.

Quotes
“As the Municipal Conduct Act takes effect, it marks a significant step forward for municipal governance in our province. The Act provides clear guidelines for councils, requiring them to establish their own codes of conduct to effectively address issues such as conflicts of interest, and bullying and harassment in the workplace. I thank everyone for their input, guidance and opinions through the extensive consultation process on this important piece of legislation for our municipalities.”
Honourable Krista Lynn Howell
Minister of Municipal and Provincial Affairs

“Municipalities Newfoundland and Labrador is pleased to see this important piece of legislation come into effect. The Municipal Conduct Act will help to strengthen the municipal sector in Newfoundland and Labrador by clearly defining conflict of interest and requiring municipalities to implement a code of conduct for council and staff. We look forward to supporting our members as they implement this key aspect of good governance.”
Amy Coady
President, Municipalities Newfoundland and Labrador

“PMA sees the Municipal Conduct Act as a step forward for professionalizing standards of conduct in the municipal sector and workplace. We hope the Act; the Regulations; and the mandatory training requirements leads to greater understanding and awareness that will reduce conflict and harassment in the workplace. All PMA members and municipal staff have a fundamental right to a safe and harassment free workplace. The Municipal Conduct Act is an important step in addressing some of the concerns our organization has been highlighting as we advocate for our members.”
Brian Hudson
President, Professional Municipal Administrators

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Learn more
Newfoundland and Labrador Gazette – Municipal Conduct Act Regulations

News Release: Government Announces New Municipal Conduct Act

Bill 37 – An Act Respecting the Conduct of Municipal Officials

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Media contacts
Lynn Robinson
Municipal and Provincial Affairs
709-729-5449, 691-9446
lynnrobinson@gov.nl.ca

Deatra Walsh
Advocacy and Communications, MNL
709-986-2771
dwalsh@municipalnl.ca

Tammy Davis
Professional Municipal Administrators
709-726-6405
tammy@pmanl.ca

The post Municipal Conduct Act to Take Effect appeared first on News Releases.