Government of Newfoundland News

A road construction tender has been issued for improvements to North West River Highway (Route 520), north of Happy Valley-Goose Bay.

The work includes approximately three kilometres of paving and shoulder repairs on the highway between its intersection with Edmonton Street and North West River.

The department anticipates awarding the contract this summer and work beginning this construction season.

Additional work is being planned for future construction seasons.

The tender is the latest investment in highway transportation for Labrador.

On July 5, paving on the Trans-Labrador Highway was completed, allowing residents, tourists, and commercial traffic to travel on more than 1,100 kilometres of paved highway between the Labrador Straits and Labrador West. The completion marked an investment of nearly $1 billion in upgrades since 1997, including more than $230 million since 2016.

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.

Quotes
“We remain committed to improving highways throughout the province and with paving on the Trans-Labrador Highway completed, we’re excited to move forward with paving on North West River Highway. This will lead to a safer and more comfortable drive for people in the region.”
Honourable Elvis Loveless
Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure

“I am pleased that tenders have been called to begin improvements on Route 520 from Happy Valley-Goose Bay towards the communities of North West River and Sheshatshiu. This much-needed work will start the process of making this road safer for residents, businesses and other users who travel between these communities on a regular basis. Starting work to resurface the highway builds on government’s commitment to improve Labrador’s transportation network.”
Honourable Lisa Dempster
Minister Responsible for Indigenous Affairs and Reconciliation
Minister Responsible for Labrador Affairs

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Learn more
Trans-Labrador Highway Paving Completed Marking Historic Day in the Big Land

Provincial Roads Plan Outlines Highway Construction Projects for Two Construction Seasons

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

Allan Bock
Labrador Affairs Secretariat
Office of Indigenous Affairs and Reconciliation
709-896-7935, 899-6446
allanbock@gov.nl.ca

The post Tender Issued for Improvements to Route 520 in Labrador appeared first on News Releases.

The Honourable Steve Crocker, Minister of Tourism, Culture, Arts and Recreation will bring greetings at the opening ceremony of the Come Home Queer Community and Cultural Festival tonight (Friday, July 15). The ceremony takes place at the Salem Community Hall in Broad Cove starting at 6:30 p.m.

The Come Home Queer Community and Cultural Festival runs from July 15-17 in the Conception Bay North communities of Small Point-Broad Cove-Black Head-Adam’s Cove. For more information on Come Home Queer, please visit comehomequeer.ca.

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

The post Media Advisory: Minister Crocker to Bring Greetings at the Opening Ceremony of Come Home Queer Community and Cultural Festival appeared first on News Releases.

The Honourable Bernard Davis, Minister of Environment and Climate Change, today announced five reappointments and six new appointments to the Wilderness and Ecological Reserves Advisory Council (WERAC).

The reappointed members of WERAC are:

• Joseph Brazil;
• Dr. Evan Edinger;
• Stanley Oliver;
• Thomas Philpott; and
• Graham Wood

The new members are:

• Mary Alliston Butt;
• Tony Chubbs;
• Annalee Hynes;
• Toni Kearney;
• Carolyn Lavers; and
• Erin Pearson

WERAC is a legislated, volunteer, independent advisory body appointed by the Provincial Government to provide advice on the establishment and management of the province’s wilderness and ecological reserves.

Biographies of the members of WERAC are available in the backgrounder below.

Quote
“We welcome the newly appointed and reappointed members of the Wilderness and Ecological Reserves Advisory Council. The province’s natural areas, ecological reserves and protected areas are a priority for our government and we are confident the current membership will bring significant knowledge and experience to the work of the Council.”
Honourable Bernard Davis
Minister of Environment and Climate Change

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Wilderness and Ecological Reserves Advisory Council

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

BACKGROUNDER

Members of WERAC

REAPPOINTED MEMBERS

Joseph Brazil
Joe Brazil has a BScF. degree from the University of New Brunswick’s Forestry program where he specialized in wildlife management. Now retired he spent most of his career with the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador’s Wildlife Division where he was the Manager of the Endangered Species and Biodiversity Program. In that role he developed and steered through the legislative process the province’s Endangered Species Act, Regulations, and Policy. He also oversaw the province’s species assessment, listing, and recovery planning processes and participated on a number of provincial and national recovery teams, chairing several of them.

He helped oversee, develop, and sometimes co-authored management and recovery plans. He was also responsible for carrying out a number of species inventory and monitoring programs for species as varied as bats, piping plovers, Newfoundland marten, peregrine falcons, and bald eagles. He was the Province’s Scientific Authority to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora and attended several international meetings as part of the Canadian CITES delegation.

He was also, for many years, the province’s representative on the Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada as well as other provincial and national committees dealing with species at risk and biodiversity issues. He has also been involved in the establishment of protected areas such as wildlife, wilderness, and crown land reserves for species at risk.

In retirement he has been able to pursue his passion for photography and family history and has worked on several species at risk contracts. He currently lives in Pasadena with his wife Marg. He served on WERAC from 2017 to 2021.

Dr. Evan Edinger
Dr. Edinger is a Professor of Geography, Biology, and Earth Sciences at Memorial University, specializing in coral reefs, cold-water corals, marine habitat mapping, and marine conservation. Current research projects focus on cold-water corals, cold-water carbonate sediments, and marine habitat mapping in the Arctic and in Newfoundland and Labrador waters, including estimating and predicting the distribution of endangered and sensitive marine species. He has taught conservation biology/geography at Memorial since 2002.

He has also contributed to compiling the Marine Special Areas Atlas for Newfoundland and Labrador waters (Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society, 2009, 2nd edition 2017), which is used to help guide marine conservation decision-making in the province.

He has served on WERAC from 2017-2021, is on the board at the Echo Pond Environmental Education Centre, and is a Canadian Parks & Wilderness Society NL Chapter board member. He lives in Torbay, and enjoys a variety of outdoor pursuits including hiking, skiing, and canoeing. He served on WERAC from 2017 to 2021.

Stanley Oliver
Stanley Oliver was born and raised in Labrador and is an Inuit, who is an avid hunter, fisher, and outdoorsman. He currently holds the position of Manager with the Labrador Office of Indigenous & Northern Skills Trades. He has worked in the Labrador and Atlantic region in the Natural Resources field/industry for over 30 years, occupying several senior management and leadership positions with the Nunatsiavut Government, the Nunatukavut Community Council and the Atlantic First Nations Congress.

He holds a Diploma from Memorial University as Resource Technician, is a Certified Engineering Technician with the Association of Engineering Technicians and Technologists of Newfoundland and Labrador and numerous certificates in Indigenous Governance and Administration. He currently also sits on the National Indigenous Advisory Committee for the Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency, Canada Parks and Wilderness Society NL Chapter, Forecast NL, and the Happy Valley-Goose Bay Health Community Advisory Committee.

He served on WERAC from 2017 to 2021.

Thomas Philpott
Thomas Philpott holds a Master’s degree in Natural Resources Management from the University of Manitoba and Bachelors’ degrees in Biology, Psychology, and Education from Memorial University. He worked as an educator in Western Newfoundland for over 30 years as a school teacher and curriculum developer for the District 3 school board as well as the private college system. Most recently he has been a lecturer at Grenfell Campus, Memorial University.

He has also worked as researcher and consultant for the Western Newfoundland Model Forest, mining, fishery, and aquaculture companies in the private and public sectors. His areas of work in natural resources ranged from algae and fish behaviour studies, benthic biodiversity, and mercury sediments, to waste management, composting, wind power and forestry issues. He has two published natural resources documents.

Tom was a founding member of Corner Brook Pulp and Paper Ltd’s Public Advisory Committee on sustainable forest management. He is President of the Harbour Authority of Sweet Bay, Bonavista Bay.

He enjoys many outdoor pursuits including hiking, boating, canoeing, fishing, hunting, and skiing. He is a strong believer in the importance of nature and environment for peoples’ physical and mental wellbeing and is committed to assuring these traditional activities continue in a healthy natural environment and are available for people to enjoy throughout their lives.

He served on WERAC from 2014 to 2021.

Graham Wood
Graham Wood has Bachelor’s degrees in Biology and Biochemistry and in Education from Memorial University and a Master’s degree in Education from the University of Ottawa. He has spent the last 36 years in a variety of roles in the Newfoundland and Labrador, Northwest Territories, Manitoba and British Columbia education systems, including as Principal, Vice-Principal, and Program Specialist (Math and Science).

Graham is committed to preserving our natural heritage and values, and outdoor activities, including cross-country skiing, snowmobiling, hunting, fishing, and hiking. He has served as a member of the Newfoundland and Labrador Seabird Advisory Council, Aquaculture and Emerging Fisheries Committee of the Schooner Economic Development Corporation, Notre Dame Rod and Gun Club, and Marystown Shipyard Board. Graham has operated an ecotourism boat business for 20 years, showcasing local bird colonies, whales and Beothuk heritage sites.

He has served on WERAC from 1998 to 2001 and from 2014 to 2021, including as co-chair and chair.

REAPPOINTED MEMBERS

Mary Alliston Butt
Mary Alliston holds a Masters of Coastal and Marine Resource Management from the University of Akureyri, Iceland (University Centre of Westfjords) and a Bachelor’s of Science (Biology: Ecology and Conservation) from Memorial University of Newfoundland and Labrador. Mary Alliston works with the Department of Fisheries and Oceans under Ecosystems Management Branch, and is currently taking an acting assignment with Environment and Climate Change Canada under their Protected Areas Unit.

Prior to working with the Federal Government, Mary Alliston worked with the Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society as their Ocean Conservation Coordinator/Manager. She has gained great experience and knowledge in community engagement and consultations regarding the process and potential establishment of protected areas within Newfoundland and Labrador, through different avenues and tools, to support the priorities of the surrounding communities and locals.

Mary Alliston lives in Conception Bay South, and enjoys beachcombing along the coast, listening to the sound of the waves.

Tony Chubbs
Tony Chubbs, originally from Milltown, Bay D’Espoir, has been living in Happy Valley-Goose Bay since 1991. Tony worked as a Wildlife Biologist and Senior Wildlife Biologist in Labrador and for the past 27 years, with the Department of National Defence, as a Biologist and Environmental Management Systems Coordinator.

Tony has a BSc. (Hons) in Biology from Memorial University of Newfoundland and Labrador and a Master’s Degree in Wildlife Ecology, from the University of Wisconsin, Madison, U.S.A.

Tony has been a member of the provincial eastern Harlequin Duck Recovery Team, Labrador Woodland Caribou Recovery Team, the eastern Wolverine Working Group, Provincial Working Group on the General Status of Wild Species in Canada, and the Land Birds Recovery Team. He has conducted monitoring and research on a myriad of species throughout Labrador including migratory and sedentary caribou, moose, peregrine falcons, bald eagles, golden eagles, osprey, and harlequin ducks. He has extensive experience in federal-provincial-Indigenous consultations and collaboration.

Tony is the founder and President of the Labrador Hunting and Fishing Association Inc., currently serves on the Board of Directors for the Goose Bay Airport Corporation, Multi-Materials Stewardship Board, and is a past Vice-President of the Stewardship Association of Municipalities. He has published over 40 peer-reviewed scientific articles on Labrador wildlife species, over 200 outdoor interest newspaper and magazine articles, and appeared in two TV documentaries and one outdoor series.

Tony has a passion for the outdoors and enjoys hunting, fishing, boating, and gardening.

Annalee Hynes
Annalee Hynes, is a Resource Management Technician with Parks Canada’s Western Newfoundland and Labrador Field Unit and is a recent graduate of the Environmental Engineering Technology (Co-op) Diploma Program, from College of the North Atlantic, completing her work term report titled “A Technical Analysis of Bat Monitoring Technologies, for the Bat Monitoring Program in Gros Morne National Park” in April 2022.

She has since been working with many species at risk monitoring programs within Gros Morne National Park. Growing up on the tip of the Great Northern Peninsula in St. Anthony has allowed Annalee to fully tap into her love of the great outdoors and all things environmental. She is committed to ensuring the beauty of this province is preserved and protected for future generations.

Toni Kearney
Toni Kearney is a poet, writer, and founder of Moratorium Children, a social enterprise and private travel business dedicated to revitalizing the community of Conche and outport Newfoundland and Labrador through sustainable tourism.

Toni has worked in tourism and hospitality for more than a decade, within Canada and internationally. Her current work explores rural Newfoundland and Labrador’s relationship with history and how it can be used as a tool to propel communities forward.

Toni holds a Bachelor of Commerce from Dalhousie University, with a major in Marketing Management and a minor in Philosophy and Ethics.

Carolyn Lavers
Carolyn Lavers graduated from Memorial University with a B.Sc. She has worked in management within the private sector; with the Provincial Government in the former Department of Rural Development; and she is a small business entrepreneur.

Carolyn has served as a volunteer on several local economic development boards in her region as well as other organizations and is the former mayor of Port au Choix. She lives in the community of Port au Choix.

Erin Pearson
Erin Pearson, born and raised in Western Newfoundland, is a graduate student at Memorial University in the final stages of her Master of Science in Geography degree.

Through work in the public and private sectors, she has experience and expertise in the implementation and development of monitoring and management programs for protected areas in Atlantic Canada.

Ms. Pearson was the most recent recipient of the Prince of Wales Forest Leadership Award (2018), where she gained experience in international forest and natural resource management practices. She also holds a Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Forestry from the University of New Brunswick and Forest Resources Technician diploma from the College of the North Atlantic.

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The Honourable John Hogan, QC, Minister of Justice and Public Safety and Attorney General, advises that Ms. Harriet Lewis has concluded her independent workplace review of the Royal Newfoundland Constabulary (RNC).

A copy of her report is available here. The department will now take some time to thoroughly review the recommendations in the report and determine next steps.

Minister Hogan will be available to media at 1:00 p.m. today (Friday, July 15) outside of the House of Assembly, East Block, Confederation Building to discuss the report.

The objective of this independent workplace review was to assess and make recommendations in respect of improvements needed to maintain a healthy workplace at the RNC and to provide police officers and staff with a supportive environment. Specifically, the review considered workplace culture, internal communications, internal conflict management and adequacy of wellness supports for both police officers and civilian employees.

This review was not an investigation into police conduct. There are formal independent complaint-based mechanisms in place to file complaints against police officers. Civilian oversight of police actions, like those carried out by the RNC Public Complaints Commission, the Civilian Review and Complaints Commission for the RCMP and the Serious Incident Response Team, help to maintain accountability and transparency.

Quote
“We thank Ms. Lewis for her work, as well as all those that participated, for their contribution to improving policing in the province. The workplace review required the candid participation of uniformed officers and civilian employees of all ranks and positions and we appreciate their participation. Government is committed to continuous organizational improvement and a healthy workplace to support the RNC in delivering and enhancing the policing services that it provides to communities.”
Honourable John Hogan
Minister of Justice and Public Safety and Attorney General

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Learn more
Royal Newfoundland Constabulary Workplace Review

Minister Hogan Announces Workplace Review of the Royal Newfoundland Constabulary

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

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Showcasing Newfoundland and Labrador as an amazing place to work, live and raise a family, the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador today launched ‘Extraordinary Every Day’, a recruitment campaign to attract and retain health care professionals. The campaign demonstrates how every day in the province is extraordinary through the use of photography that matches health care workplace scenes with amazing landscapes and lifestyles.

Based on the fact that health care professionals across Newfoundland and Labrador have been extraordinary over the last two years through challenges including a pandemic and attack on health IT systems, the campaign focuses on how these professionals continue to be extraordinary every day. It is this perseverance and commitment to Newfoundlanders and Labradorians that is the basis of the province’s search for more health care professionals to join and support them.

The recruitment and retention of health care professionals continues to be a challenge across Canada and globally. This past spring, the Provincial Government established the Provincial Health Professional Recruitment and Retention Office, housed within the Department of Health and Community Services, which is focused on building a world-class recruitment and retention program for health professionals with the appropriate skill sets and a desire to work in Newfoundland and Labrador.

While ‘Extraordinary Every Day’ showcases the allure that Newfoundland and Labrador has for health care professionals, it also recognizes the characteristics and qualities of health care professionals throughout the province. It is aimed at encouraging potential candidates to take the next step by giving them a sense of how unique the province is and giving them a view of what their working environment might look like.

Quotes
“I can tell you from personal experience that working as a health care professional in Newfoundland and Labrador means working with extraordinary people every day and I want to thank them for all they do. We know the challenges that our health care community is facing as we work to tackle recruitment and retention issues. It is our hope that this campaign will resonate with health care professionals from any part of the world to show them that this province would be a wonderful place to live and work. The campaign is the perfect marriage of our human resources opportunities with our breathtaking environment.”
Honourable Andrew Furey
Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador

“Health care professionals in our province are among the best in the world. This campaign is designed to highlight the opportunities that exist to work side-by-side with these individuals. It is also designed to showcase the lifestyle that we also have to offer to complement the career choice. It is our hope that health care workers close to home and around the globe will answer the call. I can guarantee they will fall in love with this place and our people.”
Honourable Tom Osborne
Minister of Health and Community Services

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Learn more
‘Extraordinary Every Day’

Measures Aimed at Stabilizing Rural Health Facilities

Province Adds Seats for Newfoundlanders and Labradorians at Memorial University’s Medical School

Premier Furey Announces New Approach to Address Surgical Backlogs for Hip and Knee Replacement Surgeries

Premier Furey Announces Agreement with Ottawa Heart Institute

Government’s Continued Efforts to Addressing Health Care Access in Central Region Supported through Budget 2022

Initiatives Aim to Improve Primary Care Access in Newfoundland and Labrador

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Media contacts
Michael King
Office of the Premier
709-729-3558
michaelaking@gov.nl.ca

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

The post Campaign Launched to Recruit and Retain Health Care Professionals for the Province appeared first on News Releases.

The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador is celebrating St. John’s Pride Week today by raising the progress pride flag at Confederation Building. Pride events in Newfoundland and Labrador occur throughout the summer season to recognize and celebrate the diversity of the 2SLGBTQQIA+ community within our province.

In addition to today’s celebration, the Provincial Government is sponsoring St. John’s Pride Week as a part of Come Home 2022. Sponsored events include:

• John’s Pride Parade on Sunday, July 24. For the first time, members of the public service will officially be walking in the parade representing Come Home 2022 and the Provincial Government.
• Drag on Water on Saturday, July 23. A drag show like no other, this event will crown one impressive performer as the “Come Home” Drag Queen.

The Provincial Government is committed to working with the 2SLGBTQQIA+ community to ensure Newfoundland and Labrador is a safe, accessible and inclusive place for people of all gender identities and sexual orientations.

Support for and involvement in events such as St. John’s Pride Week are an important piece of the ongoing work to create a safe and inclusive province.

Further details regarding St. John’s Pride Week events can be found on the St. John’s Pride website.

Quotes
“It is wonderful to see Pride events continuing to grow and evolve throughout Newfoundland and Labrador. I applaud the organizers of St. John’s Pride for their work in planning a fantastic week of events that celebrate the 2SLGBTQQIA+ community and encourages acceptance for all Newfoundlanders and Labradorians, regardless of gender or sexual orientation.”
Honourable Andrew Furey
Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador

“Pride Week in St. John’s is an excellent opportunity to support the 2SLGBTQQIA+ community. This is a priority for our government, not just during Pride Week but year-round and in every corner of our beautiful province. The Pride groups through Newfoundland and Labrador are working to celebrate equality and inclusivity, which is a message that resonates with each and every one of us.”
Honourable Pam Parsons
Minister Responsible for Women and Gender Equality

“Come Home 2022 is all about celebration and fun. Thank you to the organizers of St. John’s Pride for partnering with us on Come Home 2022. This is a great opportunity to showcase some of the fun events happening throughout the week and show our support of the 2SLGBTQQIA+ community during Come Home 2022 and beyond.”
Honourable Steve Crocker
Minister of Tourism, Culture, Arts and Recreation

“St. John’s Pride Week has a full slate of events scheduled to engage with our city’s residents. We appreciate the support of the Provincial Government, including raising the Progress Pride flag at Confederation Building and sponsoring the Pride Parade as a part of Come Home 2022. The 2SLGBTQQIA+ community is an important part of our province’s culture.”
Karin Power
St. John’s Pride Committee

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Learn more
Come Home 2022

St. John’s Pride

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Like Come Home 2022 on Facebook

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Media contacts
Michael King
Office of the Premier
709-729-3558
michaelaking@gov.nl.ca

Angela Picco
Office of Women and Gender Equality
709-729-4934, 687-4753
angelapicco@gov.nl.ca

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

Karin Power
St. John’s Pride
info@stjpride.ca

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The All-Party Committee to Modernize the Elections Act is continuing consultations across the province on changes to the Elections Act, 1991. The All-Party Committee was established to identify means to enhance accessibility of voting in Newfoundland and Labrador.

Starting July 20, consultations will begin both in-person and virtually. This will include sessions for the public, as well as sessions specific to identified stakeholders. Below is the current schedule for the upcoming sessions that have been confirmed.

Date Stakeholder Time Location Wednesday, July 20 General Public 7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. College of North Atlantic, Grand Falls-Windsor Thursday, July 21 General Public 7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. Clarenville Inn, Clarenville Monday, August 8 General Public 7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. College of North Atlantic, Corner Brook Tuesday, August 9 General Public 7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. Northern Lights Hotel, L’Anse au Clair Wednesday, August 10 General Public 7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. Lions Club, Anchor Point Monday, August 15 General Public 7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. Two Seasons Hotel, Labrador City Tuesday, August 16 General Public 7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. College of North Atlantic, Happy Valley-Goose Bay

Details are still being confirmed for some sessions across the province and once available will be posted at EngageNL. In-person sessions in St. John’s and virtual sessions are being planned for September and those details will also be released once finalized.

The feedback gathered during these sessions will complement the findings from the online questionnaire and written submissions that were collected earlier this year. Input from the public consultations will be used to inform legislative amendments to the Elections Act, 1991.

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

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The Provincial Government has issued a call for applications for the 2022-23 Accessible Taxi Grant. This grant delivers on the government’s continued commitment to improve accessibility and inclusion by identifying, preventing and removing barriers that prevent persons with disabilities from full participation in society.

The application process is now open for individuals, companies and agencies that are able to deliver accessible taxi services within Newfoundland and Labrador to apply for grants of up to a maximum of $25,000.

These grants assist with costs of retrofitting a passenger vehicle to meet accessibility standards or assist with the purchase of a new vehicle, which can accommodate passengers with mobility devices, such as wheelchairs and scooters. The accessible taxi service must give priority to persons with disabilities, but may provide taxi services to all customers.

The Accessible Taxi Grant is helping to create a more inclusive and accessible province, which aligns with one of Health Accord NL’s goals of creating a provincial pathway to inclusion by building a more inclusive health system and society in which each person feels valued and respected.

In 2021-22, the department awarded an Accessible Taxi Grant to Masters Taxi Ltd. in Clarenville.

To obtain a copy of the guidelines and application form, please visit the department’s website; email DPOgrants@gov.nl.ca; call toll-free 1-888-729-6279; or text 709-725-4463. Video Relay Service calls are also welcome and applications are available in alternate formats. The deadline to apply is September 16, 2022.

As part of Budget 2022, the Provincial Government is investing $50,000 for the Accessible Taxi Grant for 2022-23.

Quote
“Through the Accessible Taxi Grant, our government is creating inclusive, accessible communities where all people have equitable opportunities to work, socialize, and participate in activities. Last year we provided one grant in the Clarenville area and I am confident there are many communities throughout the province that would benefit from receiving an Accessible Taxi Grant. I encourage individuals, companies and agencies to learn more about offering accessible taxi services in their area and to apply today.”
Honourable John G. Abbott
Minister of Children, Seniors and Social Development and Minister Responsible for the Status of Persons with Disabilities

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Learn more
Accessible Taxi Grant

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

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The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador has issued a request for proposals for an independent review of the provincial apprenticeship program. This review supports the commitment to help ensure the best outcomes for the more than 3,000 apprentices trained annually in post-secondary institutions and job sites across the province.

Proponents interested in responding to the request for proposals must be able to complete the following:

• Review of apprenticeship program and gauge effectiveness, sustainability, governance and accessibility;
• Comprehensive jurisdictional scan;
• Examination of stakeholder engagement throughout the province;
• Interim and final report;
• Outcomes framework;
• Implementation and evaluation plan.

Full requirements for the request for proposals can be found here.

This comprehensive independent review builds on the Provincial Government’s mandate of continuous innovation. It will identify areas where the apprenticeship program is strong, where it can be further enhanced, and where improvements can be made. The review also seeks to increase skilled trade harmonization with other provinces and incorporate the latest in education technology to the benefit of apprentices trained in the province.

There are currently more than 3,500 registered apprentices in Newfoundland and Labrador and 3,239 active agreements with local employers participating in the apprenticeship system.

Quotes
“For the first time in nearly two decades we are making serious efforts to review and revitalize our provincial apprenticeship system. The world is changing, and we have to ensure our apprentices can change with it, by imparting future-proofed skills in modern learning environments. Apprentices who go on to become skilled tradespeople and journeypersons, are vital to our economy and their development deserves our focused attention.”
Honourable Gerry Byrne
Minister of Immigration, Population Growth and Skills

“The Provincial Apprenticeship and Certification Board is pleased to support an independent review of the Newfoundland and Labrador apprenticeship program. A review will enhance our understanding of the current program and complement the progress already happening to support the development of skilled tradespeople in our province.”
Lorna Harnum
Chair, Provincial Apprenticeship and Certification Board

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Learn more
Request for Proposals – Apprenticeship Review, Newfoundland and Labrador

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

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Federal, Provincial and Territorial (FPT) Ministers Responsible for Culture and Heritage and heads of delegations held their annual meeting to discuss common priorities for 2022-2023. The meeting was co-hosted by the Honourable Steve Crocker, Minister of Tourism, Culture, Arts and Recreation for Newfoundland and Labrador, and the Honourable Pablo Rodriguez, Minister of Canadian Heritage.

As agreed in 2021, cooperation between federal, provincial, and territorial governments at this forum focused on three strategic priorities:

• Strengthening the creative economy;
• Strengthening the resources of the culture and heritage sectors; and,
• Strengthening engagement and promotion in the culture and heritage sectors.

The focus of this year’s meeting was on recovery of the sector from the COVID-19 pandemic. FPT Ministers Responsible for Culture and Heritage discussed strengthening the creative economy, considerations related to resale rights for visual artists, best practices to help advance equity, diversity and inclusion within the culture and heritage sectors, and possibilities for collaboration on the preservation of heritage. FPT Ministers and heads of delegations also had an informal discussion on the profound impact and evolving nature of online disinformation in Canada.

At a roundtable on recovery, FPT governments exchanged information about their respective recovery initiatives and priorities. The lingering effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and the emergence of variants negatively affected the livelihoods of artists and cultural workers. At the same time, Ministers are encouraged by the resilience and innovation they have seen and are looking to the future with optimism.

Ministers received a presentation on data insights that provided high-level analysis of key data and trends for culture and heritage, especially those observed since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. The latest provincial and territorial data indicate that the nominal GDP for Canada’s culture sector broadly speaking decreased 6.0% to $55.5 billion between 2019 and 2020, and that jobs fell by 10.6%. Notably, all provinces and territories posted culture job losses in 2020. Nevertheless, the sector has been showing signs of recovery since the fourth quarter of 2021, with its nominal GDP having increased for a sixth consecutive quarter.

Artists play an essential role in the social and economic fabric of Canada. The Ministers agreed that Canada should have a resale right for visual artists and that it is an important step toward improving the economic conditions of Canadian artists, by enabling them to financially benefit from their growing reputations and secondary sales as their careers progress. The Ministers also recognized that ongoing engagement between the federal government and provinces and territories will result in a better understanding of the challenges artists face to make a living from their works and will support the future implementation of a resale right for artists.

Ministers discussed opportunities for collaboration on the conservation of historic places, as well as best practices for advancing equity, diversity and inclusion in the culture and heritage sectors. To that end, they also reaffirmed their respective commitments to help strengthen support with respect to diversity within the sector in an appropriate way to their unique situations, thereby making it more meaningfully inclusive, responsive and relevant to all communities.

Before the FPT meeting, Ministers met with leaders of National Indigenous Organizations. Discussions noted the importance of ongoing dialogue and exchange of information, and all parties stressed the importance of advancing reconciliation.

Ontario will host the next Ministers’ meeting in 2023.

Quotes
“Newfoundland and Labrador is known throughout Canada and around the world for its unique cultural identity and artistry. It has been a privilege to host the FPT Ministers Responsible for Culture and Heritage right here in Newfoundland and Labrador. I hope you have enjoyed your time in our province and have had the opportunity to experience just some of what we have to offer. These meetings have reinforced our collective commitment to keep collaborating on mutual goals and has presented opportunities for us to work together and explore future initiatives that will benefit our industries as they continue to recover.”
Honourable Steve Crocker
Minister of Tourism, Culture, Arts and Recreation, Government of Newfoundland and Labrador

“As the world is changing, we face many challenges. The arts, culture and heritage sectors have shown remarkable resilience—we must continue to support them. That is why we are also working to make Canadian stories accessible, support a free and independent press, and ensure that Canadians are able to express themselves freely online without fear of harm. Through our combined efforts with provinces and territories, I am confident we can support a strong and vibrant cultural industry here in Canada.”
Honourable Pablo Rodriguez
Minister of Canadian Heritage, Government of Canada

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Learn more

• The culture sector was severely impacted during the pandemic. The provincial, territorial and federal governments moved quickly and effectively to provide adequate support to help the various culture subsectors recover.
• The culture sector supports approximately 677,448 jobs, rising 1.3% since the fourth quarter of 2021.
• Gross domestic product (GDP) for culture recorded its seventh consecutive increase in the first quarter of 2022. Nominal culture GDP increased 2.5% to $16.0 billion during the first quarter of 2022, with GDP steadily rising since the third quarter of 2020. The culture sector continued to gain jobs, led by increases in the visual and applied arts (+3,953 jobs or 2.6%) and live performance (+3,027 jobs or 4.9%) subsectors.
• While 6 of 9 subsectors have returned to quarterly GDP totals above pre-pandemic levels, others continue to struggle. The live performance subsector saw GDP decrease by almost half (-45.4%) in the second quarter of 2020 and has yet to fully recover. This subsector’s GDP and jobs are currently sitting at 10.3% and 12.3%, respectively, below pre-pandemic levels.
• Despite lagging other subsectors, live performance has shown some of the fastest GDP growth by rising 46.8% since the fourth quarter of 2020. The Live performance subsector has posted three consecutive quarterly increases in both GDP and jobs since the second half of 2021, as restrictions loosened and people felt more comfortable attending large indoor and outdoor gatherings.

Media contacts
Tina Newhook
Tourism, Culture, Arts and Recreation
Government of Newfoundland and Labrador
709-729-4570, 728-2837
tinanewhook@gov.nl.ca

Laura Scaffidi
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Canadian Heritage
laura.scaffidi@pch.gc.ca

Media Relations
Canadian Heritage
819-994-9101
1-866-569-6155
pch.media-media.pch@canada.ca

The post Culture and Heritage Priorities Discussed at Annual Meeting of Federal, Provincial and Territorial Ministers Responsible for Culture and Heritage appeared first on News Releases.

Today, the Honourable Tom Osborne, Minister of Health and Community Services, joined the Honourable Jean-Yves Duclos, federal Minister of Health to announce a combined investment of $9.7 million for patient-oriented research at Memorial University.

The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador is providing just over $4.8 million dollars to support the ongoing work of the SPOR Support for People and Patient-Oriented Research and Trials (SUPPORT) Unit.

Patient-oriented research refers to a continuum of research that engages patients as partners, focuses on patient-identified priorities, and improves patient outcomes. This research aims to apply the knowledge generated to improve health care systems and practices. It produces information for decision makers and health care providers that will improve health care practices, therapies and policies. It also ensures that new and innovative diagnostic and therapeutic approaches are applied, when and where needed.

The province’s SPOR SUPPORT Unit’s lead program, Quality of Care NL, played a key role as secretariat for the Health Accord NL, which is focused on improving health outcomes and health care for all Newfoundlanders and Labradorians.

More information can be found in the backgrounder below.

Quotes
“Our government is committed to finding innovative solutions to help reimagine health care delivery in our province. By investing in Newfoundland and Labrador’s SPOR SUPPORT Unit, we will support new and better ways to effectively support health care delivery, further development of health policies, and improve patient care. This homegrown health research is an exciting initiative, as it will not only help to strengthen health care system right here at home, but across the country as well.”
Honourable Tom Osborne
Minister of Health and Community Services

“To provide Canadians with high-quality health care, we need research evidence to tell us what works. Patients, caregivers, and families help get at this evidence by adding their lived experience to the research process. Through this collaboration with the provinces and territories, we are strengthening health care systems across the country and improving patient care for Canadians.”
Honourable Jean-Yves Duclos
Minister of Health, Government of Canada

“I want to congratulate Memorial University of Newfoundland and all those involved in the SUPPORT Unit for their hard work and dedication to building a culture of patient-oriented in this province. You have made a direct impact on improving patient care. I am looking forward to seeing what you accomplish in this next phase of your operations.”
Honourable Seamus O’Regan
Minister of Labour, Government of Canada

“Our work at CIHR has made patient-oriented research no longer just a concept in Canada; patients and researchers are working together to produce measurable improvements in service delivery and health care practice across the country. Patient-oriented research wouldn’t be where it is today without the ongoing support and contributions from all SPOR-funded entities and their steadfast commitment to patient-oriented research in each of their jurisdictions.”
Dr. Michael J. Strong
President, Canadian Institutes of Health Research

“Our programs act as a catalyst within a learning health system – a structure in which all players work together to generate knowledge and continually improve care. While great strides have been made by SPOR SUPPORT Units and researchers across the country, system and culture change takes time. We are so pleased to have received this funding that will help us develop a sustainability plan and continue our work building a culture of patient-oriented research in Newfoundland and Labrador.”
Dr. Brendan Barrett
Principal Investigator, NL SUPPORT

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Learn more
Canada’s Strategy for Patient-Oriented Research (SPOR)

Newfoundland and Labrador SPOR SUPPORT Unit

SPOR SUPPORT Units

Follow us on Twitter at @GovNL and @HCS_GovNL

Like us on Facebook

Media contacts
Nancy Hollett
Department of Health and Community Services
709-729-6554, 327-7878
nancyhollett@gov.nl.ca

Marie-France Proulx
Office of the Honourable Jean-Yves Duclos
Minister of Health
613-957-0200

Media Relations
Canadian Institutes of Health Research
mediarelations@cihr-irsc.gc.ca

BACKGROUNDER

Information on SPOR SUPPORT Units

• SPOR is a pan-Canadian coalition of the Federal Government, provinces, territories, philanthropic organizations, academic institutions, and health charities with the goal of achieving better patient outcomes through patient-oriented research.
• SPOR SUPPORT Units are patient-oriented research centres in the provinces and territories that improve patient outcomes by enabling equitable access to data for health research, applying knowledge to improve health care practices, systems, and patient outcomes, providing training to conduct and use patient-oriented research, and engaging patients as active partners throughout the entire research process.
• There are SPOR SUPPORT Units located in Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba, the Maritimes, Newfoundland and Labrador, Northwest Territories, Ontario, Quebec, Saskatchewan and Yukon. Discussions are underway to establish a SUPPORT Unit in Nunavut.
• The Government of Canada, through CIHR, and the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador are providing an investment of more than $9.7M over five years to help the NL SUPPORT continue its important work.

The post Investment Announced for Patient-Oriented Research in Newfoundland and Labrador appeared first on News Releases.

Work has begun to replace a culvert on the Trans-Canada Highway near the Foxtrap weigh scales on the Avalon Peninsula.

A contract valued at approximately $260,000 has been awarded to Farrells Excavating to complete the project.

No detours are necessary. While work is ongoing, westbound traffic will be diverted through the weigh scales bypass road. As work progresses, eastbound traffic will be diverted around the construction site.

When approaching the construction zone, motorists are reminded to travel at a reduced speed in either lane until they reach the merge point and then alternate into the open lane before cautiously travelling through the area. Motorists should also refrain from moving from lane to lane to overtake other vehicles.

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

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

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

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

The post Public Advisory: Culvert Replacement on Trans-Canada Highway on Avalon Peninsula appeared first on News Releases.

The Honourable Derrick Bragg, Minister of Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture, today provided an update on upgrades at Salmonier Nature Park, the provincial centre for wildlife rehabilitation, environmental education, and research.

Budget 2022 allocated $2 million over four years for infrastructure upgrades at the park. This year $500,000 will go towards upgrading the boardwalk trail system and wildlife enclosures, biosecurity enhancements to the park’s animal care building, and improving parking facilities and service roads.

Approximately 40,000 people visit Salmonier Nature Park annually, including nearly 5,000 youth who participate in on-site school programming. The park is also important to the nature-based tourism market. About 10 per cent of visitors are non-residents interested in learning about and viewing the Newfoundland and Labrador’s wildlife species.

Salmonier Nature Park serves as the department’s Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre for the care, rehabilitation, release or captive placement of injured or orphaned wildlife. Most injured or orphaned wildlife that come to the park for care are returned to the wild whenever possible; animals that cannot be released may be incorporated into on-site educational programming or shared with similar Canadian facilities.

A rescued moose calf currently in care at the park will be ready for public viewing later this summer. Thanks to 155 entries from schools and individual students from across the province, the park’s new moose ambassador will be named ‘Maple,’ as suggested by the Grade 1 class at Donald C. Jamieson Academy in Burin Bay Arm. More info on Maple is available on the Friends of Salmonier Nature Park Facebook page, and the department’s Twitter feed @FFA_GovNL.

Educational displays focusing on Newfoundland and Labrador’s wildlife species and natural heritage are on display in the visitor’s centre, and 84 species of birds, 15 species of mammals and over 170 species of vascular plants have been recorded within the park’s boundaries. Visitors can walk through boreal forest on a three-kilometre long boardwalk trail to view a variety of common species including Arctic fox, Canada lynx, Newfoundland marten, Woodland caribou, Great-horned owls, and other wildlife in their natural surroundings.

Quotes
“Salmonier Nature Park is an extraordinary place where visitors can safely and respectfully come face-to-face with Newfoundland and Labrador’s wildlife species. The park is renowned for its education programs, workshops, wildlife rehabilitation and research opportunities. With upgraded infrastructure and improved services over the next four years, we look forward to welcoming even more visitors to enjoy and appreciate this truly unique and special part of our natural heritage.”
Honourable Derrick Bragg
Minister of Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture

“Salmonier Nature Park is a huge asset to the district of Placentia-St. Mary’s and incredibly important to the province as a whole. As the MHA for the district, I am delighted to see the work now underway to continuously improve the park. Many memories have been made here in this beautiful boreal forest setting on family visits and school outings. We are very fortunate to have a wealth of expertise in outdoor education and wildlife management right here at home. Thank you to the staff and the Friends of Salmonier Nature Park for the care they take with the animals who live in the park, and the visitors who love coming here to learn from them.”
Sherry Gambin-Walsh
MHA, Placentia-St. Mary’s

“The Friends of Salmonier Nature Park are proud collaborative supporters of Salmonier Nature Park. The upgraded infrastructure and improved services will enable us to welcome even more visitors, families and friends to engage in activities that foster awareness and appreciation of the park. We look forward to the continued development of this exceptional natural environment in Newfoundland and Labrador.”
Joan Szangulies
President, Friends of Salmonier Nature Park

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Learn more
Salmonier Nature Park

Follow us on Twitter @GovNL and @FFA_GovNL

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

Ita Hatfield
Constituency Assistant for the MHA for Placentia-St. Mary’s
709-227-1304
ItaHatfield@gov.nl.ca

Joan Szangulies
Friends of Salmonier Nature Park
Fosnp2016@gmail.com

The post For the Love of Animals: Investing in Wildlife Rehab, Research and Education at Salmonier Nature Park appeared first on News Releases.

The Honourable Derrick Bragg, Minister of Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture, today announced a new five-year moose management plan that outlines how wildlife managers will use and publicly share the best scientific and social data available to ensure sustainable moose populations for future generations.

The 2022-26 Newfoundland and Labrador Moose Management Plan was developed based on broad consultations with citizens and includes three overarching goals:

1. Ensure moose are managed sustainably, and in balance with the environment and public safety;
2. Publicly present the science-based decision-making framework that wildlife managers use for moose management; and
3. Share knowledge about management objectives and targets and improve transparency.

The plan outlines meaningful and achievable objectives that will have a real impact on the quality of moose management in the province, including expanding ongoing engagement with Indigenous Governments and Organizations, increasing frequency of Moose Management Area surveys, improving tools to collect hunter return information, and reviewing the provincial Wildlife Act and Regulations.

The 2022-26 plan brings a new level of transparency to moose management by including an overview of the biology and history of moose in the province, past peaks in the moose population, and conditions leading to the province’s current moose population. It also outlines the management principles and targets biologists use to manage moose, and describes how biologists collect and use scientific data.

Key opportunities to improve moose management are also included in the plan, such as commitments to maintain an active aerial survey program and use digital tools and incentives to collect hunter data, development of initiatives to engage and consult hunters and grow the hunting community, and exploring areas for future research.

The new plan builds on insights gained from valuable data collected from the 2015-20 Moose Management Plan, which focused on research, data collection, and program review to support sustainable moose populations, benefits to citizens, and reduced human-moose conflicts.

Quote
“Moose management requires a sustainable and responsible approach that’s based on sound scientific data and the valuable input of hunters and the public. Our new plan is an open book that illustrates how we will manage wildlife resources sustainably, and lays out the research and tools wildlife managers use to better understand wildlife behavior and habitat. I am confident this plan will help maintain healthy moose populations, while continuing to provide hunters with the regular harvesting opportunities that are so important to our culture and natural heritage.”
Honourable Derrick Bragg
Minister of Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture

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Learn more
2022-2026 Moose Management Plan

2022-23 Hunting and Trapping Guide

Follow us on Twitter @GovNL and @FFA_GovNL

Like us on Facebook

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

The post New Five-year Plan Outlines Sustainable Approach to Moose Management appeared first on News Releases.

The Honourable Derek Bennett, Chair of the House of Assembly Management Commission, advises that the Honourable J. Derek Green, former Chief Justice of Newfoundland and Labrador, has been appointed to undertake an independent review of the findings and report of the Citizens’ Representative entitled “A Report on Public Interest Disclosures Regarding the Chief Electoral Officer for Newfoundland and Labrador” (the Report), dated March 2022.

The review will consist of an analysis of the Report based on the evidence and findings contained in it, and will not be a re-investigation. The Reviewer may make inquiries of, or invite submissions from, persons determined necessary to fulfil the responsibilities under the referral. The terms of reference specify that the following be provided to the Management Commission by September 15, 2022:

i. an analysis of the Report, including any procedural, human resource or legal issues identified and whether any further investigations, proceedings or analyses are appropriate or desirable in the circumstances;

ii. a recommendation whether, in the opinion of the Reviewer based on the analysis of the Report, action contemplated under section 5.3 of the Elections Act, 1991 may be considered appropriate; and

iii. a recommendation whether, in the opinion of the Reviewer, any further investigations, proceedings or analyses are appropriate or desirable.

The above-noted will be considered by the Management Commission to inform recommendations to the Lieutenant-Governor in Council further to the request of June 8, 2022. The complete terms of reference is provided in the backgrounder below.

Quote
“The Management Commission is committed to ensuring that due diligence and procedural fairness underpins its recommendation(s) to the Lieutenant-Governor in Council. The Commission extends its sincere appreciation to former Chief Justice Green for accepting this assignment. The former Chief Justice was the sole commissioner on the Review Commission on Constituency Allowances and Related Matters of the House of Assembly, which resulted in the rigourous and accountable administrative governance framework under which the Legislature operates. He is eminently suited to undertake this work.”
Honourable Derek Bennett
Speaker of the House of Assembly
Chair of the Management Commission

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

Backgrounder

Terms of Reference – Independent Review of the Findings and Report of the Citizens’ Representative:

The Management Commission directs that the Honourable J. Derek Green, former Chief Justice of Newfoundland and Labrador (“the Reviewer”), be engaged to review the report of the Citizens’ Representative entitled “A Report on Public Interest Disclosures Regarding the Chief Electoral Officer for Newfoundland and Labrador”, March 2022, as follows:

1. The Reviewer shall analyze the Report based on the evidence and findings contained in it and shall not perform a reinvestigation of the said Report;
2. The Reviewer may make inquiries of or invite submissions from the Citizens’ Representative and the Chief Electoral Officer, or their counsel, on the findings contained in the report;
3. The Reviewer may make inquiries of or invite submissions from such other persons the Reviewer determines necessary to fulfil the Reviewer’s responsibilities under this referral;
4. The Reviewer may consult with the House of Assembly Service regarding matters of parliamentary procedure, parliamentary privilege and the administrative governance framework of the Legislature;
5. The Secretary to the Management Commission shall provide the Reviewer with those human resources or other supports necessary to complete the review;
6. The Reviewer shall provide to the Management Commission the following:
   a) an analysis of the Report, including any procedural, human resources or legal issues identified and whether any further investigations, proceedings or analyses are appropriate or desirable in the circumstances;
   b) a recommendation whether, in the opinion of the Reviewer based on the analysis of the Report, action contemplated under section 5.3 of the Elections Act, 1991 may be considered appropriate, including whether a further term of suspension should be imposed or whether the Chief Electoral Officer should be removed from office for misconduct, cause or neglect of duty as contemplated by that section; and
   c) a recommendation whether, in the opinion of the Reviewer, any further investigations, proceedings or analyses are appropriate or desirable to determine any other appropriate remedy;
7. The Reviewer shall complete the work contemplated in this referral and shall report on the analysis completed and make the required recommendation by September 15, 2022;
8. The Reviewer shall be available for consultation with the Management Commission for three months after delivering the review of the above-noted report.

Biography – Hon. J. Derek Green, LL.D., Q.C.:

Derek Green practiced law in St. John’s, NL from 1973 to 1992. He was appointed Queen’s Counsel in 1987. In 1992, he was appointed a trial judge of the Supreme Court of Newfoundland in the Judicial Centre of Grand Bank. He was transferred to the Judicial Centre of St. John’s in 1993. In 1996, he was appointed to the Newfoundland and Labrador Court of Appeal where he served until 2000, when he was appointed Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Newfoundland, Trial Division. In 2009, he was appointed Chief Justice of Newfoundland and Labrador and served as Chief Justice in the Court of Appeal until he elected supernumerary (part-time) status in 2017. He was appointed a justice of the Court Martial Appeal Court of Canada in 2019. He fully retired from the judiciary in 2022, after 30 years of service on the Bench.

In 2006, former Chief Justice Green acted as Chair of the Commission of Inquiry on Constituency Allowances and Related Matters concerning Members of the House of Assembly of Newfoundland and Labrador and delivered his report in 2007, which made comprehensive recommendations for reform of the management, administration, accountability and spending practices in the House of Assembly.

On June 1, 2022, Memorial University of Newfoundland and Labrador conferred on Justice Green the degree of Doctor of Laws, honoris causa, in recognition of “his outstanding contributions to the law and to civil society in newfoundland and Labrador and Canada as a lawyer, justice, judicial leader and scholar.”

The post Management Commission Provides Update on the Independent Review of the Public Interest Disclosure Report of the Citizens’ Representative Respecting the Chief Electoral Officer appeared first on News Releases.

The Honourable Steve Crocker, Minister of Tourism, Culture, Arts and Recreation and the Honourable Pablo Rodriguez, federal Minister of Canadian Heritage, will be available to media at the conclusion of the annual meeting of Federal, Provincial and Territorial Ministers Responsible for Culture and Heritage in St. John’s today (Wednesday, July 13) at 4:30 p.m. NST.

The media availability takes place in the Fort William Ballroom at the Sheraton Hotel Newfoundland, 115 Cavendish Square.

All media are asked to pre-register by emailing media@pch.gc.ca by 12:00 p.m. on Wednesday, July 13.

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

Laura Scaffidi
Office of the Minister of Canadian Heritage
laura.scaffidi@pch.gc.ca

Media Relations
Canadian Heritage
819-994-9101
1-866-569-6155
media@pch.gc.ca

The post Media Advisory: Minister Crocker and Minister Rodriguez Available to Media appeared first on News Releases.

The Honourable Tom Osborne, Minister of Health and Community Services, will join the Honourable Jean-Yves Duclos, federal Minister of Health, tomorrow (Wednesday, July 13) to announce funding for patient-oriented research in the province.

They will be joined by Joanne Thompson, Member of Parliament for St. John’s East and Memorial University Vice President (Advancement and External Relations), Lisa Browne

The event will take place at room IIC-2001, Bruneau Centre for Innovation and Research, St. John’s Campus, Memorial University at 2:45 p.m.

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Media contact
Nancy Hollett
Health and Community Services
709-729-6554, 327-7878
nancyhollett@gov.nl.ca

The post Media Advisory: Minister Osborne to Make Patient- Oriented Research Funding Announcement appeared first on News Releases.

The Department of Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture has issued a Request for Proposals (RFPs) to pursue commercial timber development opportunities in Forest Management District 19A in Labrador.

This RFP is open to any person, firm, joint venture, partnership, or other legal entity, including Indigenous governments, with an interest in the commercial development of Crown timber resources in the Upper Lake Melville area of central Labrador. Proponents must be in good standing with the Department of Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture and the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador and provide proof of good standing with Work Place NL.

The RFP application and guidelines are now available for viewing on the Department of Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture website.

The successful proponent will enter into a Memorandum of Understanding with the department and pursue development of a five-year softwood timber allocation of 140,000 cubic metres per year.

RFP proposals must be submitted electronically by email to colincarroll@gov.nl.ca on or before 4:30 p.m. NST on August 31, 2022. Proposals submitted by fax, mail or paper will not be accepted.

For additional information about the application process, contact the department at 709-637-2410.

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

The post Public Advisory: Request for Proposals Now Open for Labrador Timber Development appeared first on News Releases.

Dr. Janice Fitzgerald, Chief Medical Officer of Health, will hold a media availability tomorrow (Wednesday, July 13) to discuss changes to booster eligibility.

The availability will take place in Media Centre, East Block, Confederation Building, at noon.

The availability will also be live-streamed on the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador’s Facebook account.

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Media contact
Nancy Hollett
Health and Community Services
709-729-6554, 327-7878
nancyhollett@gov.nl.ca

The post Media Advisory: Dr. Fitzgerald Available to Media appeared first on News Releases.

The Honourable Derrick Bragg, Minister of Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture, is disappointed that the North Atlantic Fisheries Organization division 3Pn4RS Commercial Northern Gulf Cod stock remains in the critical zone, leading to the Federal Government’s decision to close the fishery.

The effective and sustainable management of Newfoundland and Labrador’s fishing industry continues to be a top priority for the Provincial Government. The fishing industry is vital to our economy, and this closure will impact harvesters who fish this stock.

The results of the Federal Government’s stock assessment show that the Northern Gulf Cod stock remains at the low end of the critical zone under the Precautionary Approach Framework. Any fisheries stock in the critical zone such as this one requires Fisheries and Oceans Canada under federal legislation to manage it appropriately until the stock improves to a sustainable level. We have continued to maintain that, in order to best manage this stock, it is vital that we have the best scientific data available; this will ensure that any management decisions for this species are grounded in fact-based, reliable science.

Our government is concerned by the high rate of mortality occurring in this stock due to natural causes, such as predation from seals. We were pleased to see the recent release of the report from the Atlantic Seal Science Task Team. This team was made up of governments, organizations, and members of industry to make recommendations to the Federal Government regarding seal science priorities.

We are actively encouraging the development of new products and markets for seals. For example, we have invested $774,000 over three years to join other stakeholders in a recent campaign to develop markets for seal products.

I anticipate that, at the upcoming fall Seal Summit being hosted by Fisheries and Oceans Canada, all stakeholders will have an opportunity to work together and to identify solutions to address the seal population.

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

The post Statement from Minister Bragg on the Commercial Northern Gulf Cod Closure on Southwest Coast appeared first on News Releases.