Government of Newfoundland News

Approximately 10 kilometres of roads on the Northern Peninsula will be improved following the awarding of a contract for road construction in the region.

A contract valued at $4.5 million has been awarded to Nortech Construction Co Ltd. to complete upgrades on Route 430, Northern Peninsula Highway, including 4.6 kilometres between Bear Cove and Green Island Cove, 2.8 kilometres south of Three Mile Rock, and 1.2 kilometres near the Route 430 intersection with Route 432.

The contract also includes work on approximately one kilometre of Route 430-15, West Link Road.

The scope of work for all areas includes replacing culverts, clearing ditches, and paving.

The Department of Transportation and Infrastructure anticipates this work to be completed later this construction season.

Other work planned for Route 430 includes repairs to Bowing Brook Bridge and Castor River Bridge next construction season.

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

“Paving rural highways is an investment in rural communities. It creates safer highways for everyone and increases the potential for tourism and economic growth. We look forward to completing more work in this area in future years and remind everyone to drive cautiously through highway construction sites.”
Honourable Andrew Furey
Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador
MHA for Humber – Gros Morne

“Our road construction contracts are improving highways throughout the province. Whether it’s for the Northern Peninsula Highway, Southern Shore Highway, or Trans-Canada Highway, this work is keeping our roads secure and safe. We remind everyone to drive cautiously and to check the 511 app for highway construction updates before they travel.”
Honourable Elvis Loveless
Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure

“These are important road projects and will enhance safety on these much travelled routes in the district. I look forward to this work being completed this construction season and to repairs to Bowing Brook Bridge and Castor River Bridge next season. This work is a step forward and will benefit the residents of St. Barbe – L’Anse aux Meadows.”
Honourable Krista Lynn Howell
Minister of Municipal and Provincial Affairs
MHA St. Barbe – L’Anse aux Meadows

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Learn more
News Release: Provincial Roads Plan Outlines Highway Construction Projects for Two Construction Seasons

News Release: Contract Awarded for Bridge Replacement on Trans-Canada Highway Near Grand Falls-Windsor

News Release: Contracts Awarded for Avalon Peninsula Road Work

News Release: Paving to Begin on Trans-Canada Highway in Southwestern Newfoundland

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

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

Hauna Sheppard
Constituency Assistant to the MHA for St. Barbe – L’Anse aux Meadows
709-454-2633
haunasheppard@gov.nl.ca

The post Contract Awarded to Improve Roads on Northern Peninsula appeared first on News Releases.

Today, the Honourable John G. Abbott, Minister of Children, Seniors and Social Development, announced a call for applications for the 2022-23 Seniors’ Social Inclusion Initiative.

The application process is now open for 50+ Clubs and other eligible organizations throughout the province to apply for up to $2,000 to organize and promote activities and programs that support social inclusion, healthy aging, mental wellness, and overall well-being.

As well, eligible applicants can apply for up to $3,000 for intergenerational projects and activities with a focus on increasing interaction; sharing of experiences, knowledge and skills; and fostering respect and understanding across generations.

To obtain more information on the Seniors’ Social Inclusion Initiative, guidelines and application form, please visit the department’s website, email CSSDGrantPrograms@gov.nl.ca, or call toll-free 1-888-494-2266. The deadline to submit an application is October 7, 2022.

In 2021-22, 99 organizations received a total of $200,000 through the Seniors’ Social Inclusion Initiative. Details can be found in the backgrounder below.

As part of Budget 2022, the Provincial Government is investing $200,000 for the initiative again this year.

Quotes
“Our government recognizes the importance of 50+ Clubs and seniors-serving organizations as they make a vital contribution to healthy aging and improved physical and mental health for seniors throughout Newfoundland and Labrador. Last year, we supported 99 projects through the Seniors’ Social Inclusion Initiative and I am confident this initiative will continue to help all generations remain active and connected with each other and their communities.”
Honourable John G. Abbott
Minister of Children, Seniors and Social Development

“Funding from the Seniors’ Social Inclusion Initiative has helped us offer lots of activities throughout the week. We were able to host an Easter party for children living with autism. We offer special events throughout the year including for Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, and Canada Day. We had our first Paddy’s Day dance in two years, and are planning special events to mark Come Home Year and the Queen’s Jubilee. We are still looking forward to our Teddy Bear’s picnic and other community events. All of this gets seniors and youth out of the house. Some of them have been stuck inside for two or more years.”
Betty Neil
President, Goodwill Seniors Club
Spaniard’s Bay

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Learn More

Seniors’ Social Inclusion Initiative

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Media contacts
Khadija Rehma
Children, Seniors and Social Development
709-729-3768, 730-2977
khadijarehma@gov.nl.ca

Betty Neil
President, Goodwill Seniors Club
709-788-2206

BACKGROUNDER

2021-2022 Seniors’ Social Inclusion Initiative Recipients 

Applicant Project Amount Funded All Saints ACW, Tilton Social activities $1,000 Anglican Homes Inc., St. John’s Supporting social inclusion with technology $1,500 Avalon North Wolverines Search and Rescue, Coley’s Point Senior’s garden party $2,000 Baccalieu Trail Community Church, Bay Roberts St. Patrick’s Day celebration $2,000 Bauline to Bay Bulls 50+ Club Inc., Bay Bulls Lunch and learn session and outings $2,000 Bay De Grave 50+ Club Inc., South River Social activities $2,000 Bay D’Espoir Senior’s Care Association, Milltown Social activities $2,000 Bay Roberts United Church Thank you dinner $1,900 Bay Roberts 50+ Club Outings $2,000 Beothuk 50+ Club, Buchans Junction Intergenerational skills sharing and craft nights $3,000 Big Brothers Big Sisters of Eastern NL, St. John’s Between Generations Mentoring $2,800 Bishop Meadon Manor, St. John’s Care packages, flowers, gift cards, cold plates, etc. $1,000 Black Duck 50+ Club, Black Duck Cove Quilting program $2,000 Brain Injury Association of NL, St. John’s Intergenerational peer support and recreation program $2,500 Burgeo First Nation Care packages $2,000 Burnside 50+ Club Burnside Community Day and Christmas celebration $3,000 Canadian Parents for French NL, St. John’s Poppy and Me / Nanny and me…. tout en français $3,000 Caribou 50+ Club, Deer Lake Meal and social $2,000 Clear Water Cove 50+ Club, L’Anse au Clair Social activities including intergenerational cooking and knitting classes $3,000 Cowan Heights United Church, St. John’s Fellowship, fitness and nutrition morning program $2,000 Farm & Market in Clarenville Preserves and cooking classes $1,500 Forever Young 50+ Club Inc., St. Lunaire-Griquet Christmas care packages $1,500 Freshwater Community Centre Inc. Bridging the Gap $3,000 Friendly 50+ Club Inc., Grand Falls-Windsor Intergenerational learning activities $3,000 Gander Community Tennis Association Pickle ball, shuffleboard, and other senior-friendly activities $1,000 Gaskiers Point La Haye Recreation Board, St. Mary’s Hampers for seniors and activities for kids $1,500 Gaultois 50+ Club Intergenerational Community Day $3,000 Gladgreeters 50+ Club, Calvert Outings $2,000 Golden Meadows 50+ Club, Meadows Valentine’s and St. Patrick’s Day celebrations $1,500 Good Samaritan 50+ Club, Isle aux Morts Social activities and intergeneration sewing $2,000 Goodwill Senior Citizen’s Club of Spaniards Bay Afternoon tea/luncheon events, Easter celebrations and Teddy Bear Picnic $3,000 Grand Bank 50+ Club Seniors garden party $2,000 Green Bay Community Youth Network, Springdale Youth teach seniors about technology $3,000 Hare Bay-Dover Lions Club Christmas celebrations $1,500 Hawke’s Bay 50+ Club Social activities $2,000 Humber Arm South 50+ Club, Benoit’s Cove Seniors wellness and information event $1,000 Irishtown Mountainview 50+ Club Inc., Irishtown-Summerside Christmas Stocking Project, dances, darts, game night, yoga, BBQs, meals, and outings. $2,000 Jimmy Pratt Memorial Outreach Centre, St. John’s Seniors’ fitness program $2,000 Joe Batt’s Arm Recreation Seasonal special event celebrations $1,500 Labrador Straits Housing Inc., Forteau Supporting social inclusion with technology $2,000 Lawn 50+ Club Community outreach and engagement $1,500 Life Unlimited for Older Adults, Springdale Grandfriends intergenerational project $3,000 Long Island Quilters, Lushes Bight-Beaumont-Beaumont North Quilting program $1,000 Loyal Orange Lodge #153 chosen few Tilton All-ages Fish and Brewis Dinner $2,500 Makinsons 50 Plus Go Getters Club, Clarke’s Beach Social activities $2,000 Marina Golden Age 50+ Club, Holyrood Extend reach program for seniors in long term care $1,500 Marystown Lions Golden Age 50+ Club Travel support for members to attend 45th Annual 50+ Federation Conference $1,500 Marysvale Conception Bay 50+ Seniors Group, Georgetown Year-end outing in June and Christmas celebration $2,000 Mount Pearl Seniors Independence Group Purchase a bingo machine for weekly bingo $2,000 New Horizons 50+ Club, Upper Island Cove Christmas social $1,000 New Horizons Random Seniors 50+ Club, Hillview-Adeytown Supporting social inclusion and skill development with technology $1,750 NL Association for the Deaf, St. John’s Weekly recreational activities for deaf seniors $2,000 No Surrender LOL #15, Spaniard’s Bay Christmas celebration $1,000 North Harbour (Placentia Bay) 50+ Club Wellness Fair $2,000 North Harbour Lions Club Supporting social inclusion with technology $1,500 North River 50+ Friendship Club Supporting social inclusion with technology and intergenerational story/skill-sharing sessions $3,000 Old School Intergenerational Projects, St. John’s Various intergenerational workshops $3,000 Pilley’s Island Recreation Committee Sunshine to Seniors – weekly activity sessions $2,000 Port au Choix 50+ Club Walk Away the Pounds and Moving Joints $2,000 Red Bay Town Council Supporting social inclusion with technology $2,500 Royal Canadian Legion, Spaniard’s Bay Open mic sessions $2,000 Royal Pandora 50+ Club, Salvage Seasonal special event celebrations $2,000 Salmonier 50+ Club, Mount Carmel Purchase new books for the library $1,000 Salmonier South 50+ Club, St. Joseph’s Seasonal special event celebrations and club activities $2,000 Sandwich Bay 50+ Club, Cartwright Afternoon tea and socials and special music and friends sessions $2,000 Senior Citizens 50+ Club, Stephenville Prizes for spot dances for special occasions, lunches, games and small gatherings $2,000 Southern Shore Emerald 50+ Club, Renews-Cappahayden Outings $1,000 Southwest Arm 50 Plus Club, Hillview-Adeytown Afternoon tea and lunch event and hike around Abraham’s Pond $2,000 St. Bride’s Recreation Christmas celebrations and games nights $2,000 St. George’s Indian Band Council Inc. Elder’s Feast $2,000 St. John’s Retired Citizens Association Intergenerational Choir; Nia Movement Program; Healthy Aging Lecture Series; techKNOW tutors $2,500 St. John’s Status of Women Council and Women’s Centre Bi-weekly tea for women and non-binary individuals $2,000 St. Lawrence 50+ Golden Age Club Seniors multi-day overnight outing $2,000 St. Mark’s Anglican Church, Shearstown Christmas care packages $1,500 St. Peter’s ACW, Harbour Grace South Christmas celebration $1,000 St. Peter’s Senior Citizen’s Club, Spaniard’s Bay Healthy lunches during weekly socials and outings, and Christmas celebrations $1,000 St. Shott’s Recreation Committee Community supper $2,000 Star of The Sea Association of The Sacred Heart Parish Placentia Christmas celebrations $2,000 Summerford and Area Age-Friendly Intergenerational skiing and cooking events $3,000 Swift Current – Black River Fifty Plus Club Intergenerational skills sharing $3,000 The Evening Breeze 50+ Club, Jackson’s Arm Health and wellness information sessions and intergenerational recreation activities $3,000 Time in the Hall Square Dancers, Eastport 2-day square dancing session $2,500 Toe of the Boot 50+ Club, Lamaline Travel support for members to attend 45th Annual 50+ Federation Conference $1,500 Torbay 50+ Friendship Club Overnight outing $2,000 Town of Admiral’s Beach Town picnic, birthday celebrations and outdoor gatherings. $2,000 Town of Branch Seniors’ dinner and information session on using technology for social connection. $2,000 Town of Deer Lake Painting workshops $2,000 Town of Harbour Grace Support for Otterbury Schoolhouse Memory Mug-ups $1,500 Town of Paradise Intergenerational Youth and Seniors Day in Paradise $2,500 Town of Pasadena Intergenerational day and activities throughout the year $2,550 Town of Roddickton-Bide Arm Intergenerational activities $3,000 Trinity Bay North 50+ Club, Little Catalina Care packages $1,500 Twin Cities Seniors 50+ Club, Labrador City Low-impact physical activity program $2,000 Victoria Lions Club Christmas celebrations $2,000 Violence Prevention Avalon East, St. John’s Care packages $1,500 Watts Cove Quilting Bees, Torbay Outing and materials to make a charity quilt $1,000 Worsley Park 50+ Club, Conception Bay South Outings $2,000 Yesterday’s Youth 50+ Club, St. Mary’s St. Patrick’s Day celebrations and intergenerational activities with school $3,000 YMCA of Newfoundland and Labrador YMCA Cross Cultural Cooking for Seniors $3,000  TOTAL $200,000

 

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The Honourable Krista Lynn Howell, Minister of Municipal and Provincial Affairs, will join council members and staff of the Town of Roddickton-Bide Arm for the arrival of new signage for ‘The Farm’, the official event site for Come Home 2022 celebrations.

The event takes place today (Tuesday, June 21) at 3:00 p.m. The Farm is located on Marine Drive.

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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 Roddickton-Bide Arm Come Home Year Celebration Site appeared first on News Releases.

Today, the Provincial and Federal Governments announced that YMCA of Newfoundland and Labrador (YMCA-NL) has been selected by the province as the not-for-profit organization that will operate all of the initial locations in the Pre-Kindergarten early learning pilot program set to open in 2022-23.

The Honourable Tom Osborne, Minister of Education and Jason Brown, CEO of YMCA-NL will be available to media at 11:00 a.m. today to answer questions about next steps for the pilot program. This availability will take place at the Ches Penney Family YMCA, located 35 Ridge Road in St. John’s.

YMCA-NL was chosen as a result of the Request for Proposals process released in May 2022 when the pilot locations were announced. Preference was given to organizations that demonstrated the ability to run multiple locations. More than 30 locations were identified for the pilot program, and YMCA-NL has indicated interest and ability in running all of them.

Registration for the Pre-Kindergarten pilot program will be facilitated by YMCA-NL. Details and registration process information will be communicated by YMCA as sites are ready to open, and registration for select locations is anticipated to start in late summer 2022.

The first locations will open in either fall 2022 or winter 2023 to any child who starts Kindergarten in September 2023. Pre-Kindergarten spaces will be available to any child in this age range subject to availability, whether they have existing child care or not. The addition of new Pre-Kindergarten spaces will in turn create openings in existing child care services.

The Pre-Kindergarten program will run full-time, including during the summer months. As a regulated full-day early learning program under the Operating Grant Program, families will pay $15 per day for the remainder of 2022, with a reduction to $10 per day starting in January 2023.

The pilot locations are the first in the Pre-Kindergarten early learning program created through the Federal-Provincial Early Learning Action Plan, set for full implementation by 2025-26. The pilot project will create approximately 600 new regulated early learning and child care spaces in communities throughout the province, with further spaces added each year toward the goal of 3,100 new regulated spaces by 2025-26.

The Federal-Provincial Early Learning 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, including $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.

Quotes
“We are thrilled that YMCA of Newfoundland and Labrador has stepped forward to run all of the Pre-Kindergarten pilot locations launching in 2022-23. YMCA-NL is a not-for-profit organization with a successful track record of delivering high quality early learning and child care programming in this province, as well as the expertise to run multiple operations throughout the province. They will be a valuable partner in supporting a key commitment of the Federal-Provincial Early Learning Action Plan.”
Honourable Tom Osborne
Minister of Education

“Creating new spaces is essential to ensuring access to child care for families. These new  licensed child care spaces will allow more children and families in Newfoundland and Labrador across the province to access high-quality, affordable, flexible and inclusive early learning and child care.”
Honourable Karina Gould
Canada’s Minister of Families, Children and Social Development, Government of Canada

“The YMCA has been a part of life in Newfoundland and Labrador since 1854, and we were among the first operators of regulated child care in the province. YMCA-NL, in collaboration with our colleagues at YMCA of Exploits Valley and YMCA of Western Newfoundland, operates province-wide. We are delighted to be named operator for Pre-Kindergarten pilot sites and we look forward to serving even more families in the years to come.”
Jason Brown
CEO, YMCA of Newfoundland and Labrador

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

Governments of Canada and Newfoundland and Labrador Provide Update on Pre-Kindergarten and the Early Learning and Child Care Action Plan

Federal-Provincial Action Plan on Early Learning and Child Care Released

$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
Tina Coffey
Education
709-729-1906, 687-9903
tcoffey@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
Vice President, Financial Development and Communications, YMCA-NL
709-691-6610
michelle.northover@nl.ymca.ca

The post YMCA-NL to Act as Not-For-Profit Operator of Pre-Kindergarten Pilot Locations; Minister Osborne Available to Media appeared first on News Releases.

An Acute Response Team has been established by the Provincial Government to address issues associated with homelessness/transient homelessness in Happy Valley-Goose Bay.

The Acute Response Team brings together senior leaders and decision-makers to lead the rapid development and implementation of acute responses to address the needs of individuals who are experiencing homelessness in the area. The Team has a mandate to address issues involving the vulnerable population that have arisen in the community.

In addition to sharing information, ideas and perspectives, the Acute Response Team provides a forum to collaborate and coordinate actions and solutions by organizations individually, or together with other entities.

Lisa Dempster, Minister Responsible for Labrador Affairs and Minister Responsible for Indigenous Affairs and Reconciliation, and John Hogan, Minister of Justice and Public Safety, will serve as co-chairs of the Team. The Team is composed of representatives of government, the Town of Happy Valley-Goose Bay, and Indigenous Governments and Organizations.

Members of the Acute Response Team are:

• Lisa Dempster, Minister Responsible for Indigenous Affairs and Reconciliation and Minister Responsible for Labrador Affairs, Co-chair;
• John Hogan, Minister of Justice and Public Safety, Co-chair;
• John Haggie, Minister of Health and Community Services;
• John Abbott, Minister Responsible for the Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation;
• Perry Trimper, Member of the House of Assembly for Lake Melville;
• Representative designated by Nunatsiavut Government;
• Etienne Rich, Grand Chief of Innu Nation;
• Mary Ann Nui, Deputy Grand Chief of the Innu Nation;
• Eugene Hart, Chief of the Sheshatshui Innu First Nation;
• Todd Russell, President of NunatuKavut Community Council; and,
• George Andrews, Mayor of the Town of Happy Valley-Goose Bay.

The efforts of the Acute Response Team are in addition to the work that has been undertaken by an Action Team, which was convened in 2021 to focus attention on vulnerable populations in Happy Valley-Goose Bay and address housing, health and other supportive services for individuals experiencing homelessness or at risk of experiencing homelessness. The Action Team, which represents a community-led and collaborative approach, has a membership which includes Indigenous Governments and Organizations, community partners, the RCMP, the regional health authority, and government departments and agencies.

Quotes
”The work that is being undertaken by the Acute Response Team will be founded on respectful, active listening and shared learning. Everyone involved in this process understands that we are dealing with complex issues and the discussions will be centred on the need for trauma-informed actions and solutions.”
Honourable Lisa Dempster
Minister Responsible for Labrador Affairs and Minister Responsible for Indigenous Affairs and Reconciliation

“This team’s objective is to identify required supports and highlight the issues surrounding safety and well-being of the homeless/transiently homeless population and residents of the area. There are no easy fixes but we are committed to collaborating with Indigenous Governments and organizations, the town of Happy Valley-Goose Bay and other stakeholders to identify some possible areas where action can be taken.”
Honourable John Hogan
Minister of Justice and Public Safety

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Learn more

Community Partners Continuing Supports for Homelessness in Happy Valley-Goose Bay

Federal and Provincial Governments Help Address Housing and Homelessness Needs in Happy Valley-Goose Bay

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Media contacts
Allan Bock
Labrador Affairs Secretariat
Office of Indigenous Affairs and Reconciliation
709-896-4449, 899-6446
allanbock@gov.nl.ca

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

The post Provincial Government Establishes Acute Response Team appeared first on News Releases.

The Honourable Tom Osborne, Minister of Education will bring greetings at the Pupil’s Attitudes Towards Technology (PATT) 39th research conference tomorrow (Tuesday, June 21) at 8:45 a.m. at Memorial University’s Signal Hill Campus.

PATT is an international technology education conference that has been ongoing for three decades, and is being hosted for the first time in Canada this year by Memorial University’s Faculty of Education. The conference brings together researchers and practitioners from around the world to share research and best practices in technology education.

Media interested in attending are asked to contact Angela Hunt with Memorial University at angela.hunt@mun.ca.

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Media contact
Tina Coffey
Education
709-729-1906, 687-9903
tcoffey@gov.nl.ca

The post Media Advisory: Minister Osborne to Bring Greetings at PATT39 Conference appeared first on News Releases.

The Honourable John G. Abbott, Minister of Children, Seniors and Social Development, will bring greetings at Waypoints Annual General Meeting tomorrow (Tuesday, June 21).

The meeting will begin at 6:30 p.m. at the Capital Hotel, 208 Kenmount Road, St. John’s.

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Media contact
Khadija Rehma
Children, Seniors and Social Development
709-729-3768, 730-2977
khadijarehma@gov.nl.ca

The post Media Advisory: Minister Abbott to Bring Greetings at Waypoints Annual General Meeting appeared first on News Releases.

Special edition Come Home 2022 medals will be featured at this year’s Platinum Jubilee Royal St. John’s Regatta taking place on Wednesday, August 3 at Quidi Vidi Lake, weather permitting.

The Honourable Steve Crocker, Minister of Tourism, Culture, Arts and Recreation, was at Quidi Vidi Lake this morning to unveil a sneak peak of the medals. The minister was joined by Bradley Power, Immediate Past President of the Royal St. John’s Regatta Committee, for the unveiling. As part of Come Home 2022 celebrations, all medals will include this year’s iconic Come Home logo.

The Royal St. John’s Regatta Committee will be holding ‘Come Home Year Races’ this weekend on Saturday, June 25, weather permitting. These races will give rowers the first taste of competition on Quidi Vidi Lake. Additionally, on Regatta Day, the male championship race will be named the ‘Come Home Year’ Male Championship Race.

A concert will also take place pond side at Quidi Vidi Lake the night before the races on Tuesday, August 2, weather permitting. Discussions are underway and the Regatta Committee is expected to announce details on the concert in the coming weeks.

New rowing oars for all race participants will be purchased by the Regatta Committee. The Committee will also complete some infrastructure upgrades in the Boathouse, including the installation of a mini-split, to help with their operating cost savings.

The Royal St. John’s Regatta is the oldest continuing sporting event in North America, with 2022 marking the 204th anniversary. The annual event is known to draw up to 50,000 spectators each year to the shores of Quidi Vidi Lake.

Special edition Come Home 2022 medals to be featured at this year’s Platinum Jubilee Royal St. John’s Regatta.

Quotes
“Both the Regatta and Come Home 2022 are about, ‘reconnection.’ We’ve spoken about Come Home reuniting Newfoundlanders and Labradorians with their family and friends who are living away. And this year, with the races and the traditional garden party component of the event going ahead, the Regatta is reconnecting Newfoundlanders and Labradorians with the long-held tradition of spending a day ‘at the races’ cheering on the athletes and enjoying some concessions and games.”
Honourable Steve Crocker
Minister of Tourism, Culture, Arts and Recreation

“We are thrilled to head into this season with such an incredible partnership and support from the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador. What better way to return to our regular festival and races than to invite our friends and family to ‘come home’ this summer. There’s something in it for everyone; commemorative medals and new oars for the athletes, operational cost savings for the organization and festivities for the public. Stay tuned for exciting announcements ahead to celebrate Come Home Year pond side on Regatta-Eve!”
Noelle Thomas Kennell
President, Royal St. John’s Regatta Committee

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Learn more

Royal St. John’s Regatta

Come Home 2022

Follow us on Twitter @GovNL and @TCAR_GovNL

Like us on Facebook

Like Come Home 2022 on Facebook

Follow Come Home 2022 on Instagram

Note: A photo accompanying this release can be found online at www.gov.nl.ca/releases/.

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

Keith White
Royal St. John’s Regatta Committee
709-693-2722
communications@stjohnsregatta.com

The post Special Edition Come Home 2022 Medals to be Featured at the Platinum Jubilee Royal St. John’s Regatta appeared first on News Releases.

The Honourable Krista Lynn Howell, Minister of Municipal and Provincial Affairs, will join council members and staff of the Town of Roddickton-Bide Arm for the arrival of new signage for ‘The Farm’, the official event site for Come Home 2022 celebrations.

The event takes place tomorrow (Tuesday, June 21) at 12:30 p.m. The Farm is located on Marine Drive.

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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 Roddickton-Bide Arm Come Home Year Celebration Site appeared first on News Releases.

The Honourable Siobhan Coady, Deputy Premier and President of Treasury Board, and the Honourable Tom Osborne, Minister of Education, are pleased that a tentative agreement for the renewal of the Labrador West Collective Agreement has been ratified with the Newfoundland and Labrador Teachers Association.

This agreement provides a salary increase effective retroactively from September 1, 2020, as well as improvements regarding leave and housing. A committee will also be formed to address recruitment and retention opportunities in the region. Further details will be released once the final agreement is signed.

This is the third set of agreements the Provincial Government has negotiated this year, beginning with the Newfoundland and Labrador Medical Association, followed by the Newfoundland and Labrador Dental Association.

Quotes
“I extend my thanks to the negotiating teams from government and the Labrador West teachers for working together to reach this new collective agreement. Government remains committed to working with unions across the province to find bargaining solutions that fit with the fiscal realities we all face.”
Honourable Siobhan Coady
Deputy Premier and Minister of Finance

“I am very pleased a tentative agreement has been ratified with the Newfoundland and Labrador Teachers Association for educators in Labrador West. This agreement when ratified will support the recruitment of teachers in the region. I thank the NLTA and its members for their continued support of students in this province.”
Honourable Tom Osborne
Minister of Education

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Learn More

Provincial Government and Dentists Sign Agreements

Provincial Government and Physicians Sign Memorandum of Agreement

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Like us on Facebook

Media contacts
Victoria Barbour
Treasury Board Secretariat
709-729-4087, 327-6152
victoriabarbour@gov.nl.ca

Tina Coffey
Education
709-729-1906, 687-9903
tcoffey@gov.nl.ca 

The post Provincial Government and Labrador West Teachers Ratify Tentative Agreement appeared first on News Releases.

The Honourable Steve Crocker, Minister of Tourism, Culture, Arts and Recreation, will announce support for the Platinum Jubilee Royal St. John’s Regatta as part of Come Home 2022 on Monday, June 20 at 9:30 a.m.

Minister Crocker will be joined by Noelle Thomas-Kennell, President of the Royal St. John’s Regatta Committee.

The announcement will take place in the Winner’s Circle at Quidi Vidi Lake, 10 Clancey Drive, St. John’s. In the event of inclement weather, the announcement will move inside the Royal St. John’s Regatta Boathouse.

Media attending are asked to please RSVP to Adrienne Luther (adrienneluther@gov.nl.ca).

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

The post Media Advisory: Minister Crocker to Announce Support for the Platinum Jubilee Royal St. John’s Regatta appeared first on News Releases.

Today, the Honourable Gerry Byrne, Minister of Immigration, Population Growth and Skills, announced the creation of a new office for the Association for New Canadians in Gander. He was joined by the Honourable John Haggie, Minister of Health and Community Services and MHA for Gander, Derrick Hann, Manager of Satellite Offices with the Association for New Canadians, and Percy Farwell, Mayor of the Town of Gander.

Gander and surrounding communities are experiencing an influx of newcomers and the demand for settlement supports is at an all-time high. This new office, funded in part by the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador, will provide those supports across a region spanning from Fogo Island to Appleton to Gambo. It will be staffed by a Regional Settlement Coordinator who will assist the burgeoning newcomer population with in-person and virtual services ranging from navigating citizenship pathways to English language training.

Newfoundland and Labrador welcomed a record number of newcomers in 2021 and many are choosing to live and work outside of the Northeast Avalon. To ensure newcomers are successful and that communities can continue to grow, on-the-ground service delivery is required.

The new Association for New Canadians office in Gander, which is slated to open within weeks, will join a province-wide network of offices located in:

• Labrador City
• Happy Valley-Goose Bay
• Forteau
• St. Anthony
• Corner Brook
• Grand Falls-Windsor
• Clarenville
• St. John’s

This initiative is aimed at boosting newcomer attraction and retention and supports the Provincial Government target of welcoming 5,100 newcomers per year by 2026.

To connect with an Association for New Canadian office near you, please visit here.

Quotes
“Newcomers are turbocharging Newfoundland and Labrador. They are contributing to every aspect of society and we need to make sure they get the services they need so they can be proud to call this place ‘home’. Our government is thrilled to be funding this additional Association for New Canadians office in Gander that will provide our newest neighbours with assistance and solutions to complex issues.”
Honourable Gerry Byrne
Minister of Immigration, Population Growth and Skills

“As the MHA for the District of Gander, I am pleased to see this important investment for the new office for the Association of New Canadians in the Town of Gander. This funding will provide new opportunities for growth in our town and meets a recognized need in the area. Congratulations to everyone involved.”
Honourable John Haggie
Minister of Health and Community Services and MHA for Gander

“Home to an international airport, military base, aviation training programs with international students, and a growing number of immigrant workers, Gander is a diverse community and home to a rich mosaic of cultures from around the world. We are so pleased to hear that government is supporting the Association for New Canadians in establishing a satellite office in Gander, to support the growing number of immigrants arriving in our community. We appreciate the support of Minister Gerry Byrne and his department, and the advocacy of our MHA John Haggie in bringing this investment to fruition.”
Percy Farwell
Mayor of Gander

“The Association for New Canadians gratefully acknowledges the support of the Office of Immigration and Multiculturalism to help establish our newest satellite office in Gander. We look forward to working collaboratively with community and government partners to support newcomers who choose to live and work in this area.”
Megan Morris
Executive Director, Association for New Canadians

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Learn more
Association for New Canadians

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

Kayla White
Town of Gander
709-651-5909
kwhite@gandercanada.com

Jean Graham
Association for New Canadians
709-749-1018
jgraham@ancnl.ca

The post Provincial Government Supports New Gander Office for Association for New Canadians appeared first on News Releases.

The Honourable Andrew Furey, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador, will attend the 2022 Southeastern United States-Canadian Provinces Alliance (SEUS-CP) Conference in Savanah, Georgia from June 19-21.

The Provincial Government has been involved in the SEUS-CP Conference since it was established. The SEUS-CP Alliance was established in 2007 to enhance trade and investment, promote business partnerships, and encourage technological exchanges between the member provinces and states. The Alliance reinforces the importance of the long-standing Canadian-U.S. relationship and expands commercial opportunities in strategic sectors and markets through new partnerships.

Six organizations from the province will be taking part in the conference:

• Functional Foods Sensory Laboratory
• Rudy’s Transportation Services
• SucSeed Social Enterprises
• The Oat Company
• Port of Argentia
• 3F Waste Recovery.

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

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The Honourable John G. Abbott, Minister of Children, Seniors and Social Development, will attend Ferryland’s 400 Years of Musical Traditions Highlighting the Legacy of Ron Hynes Ceremony tomorrow (Saturday, June 18).

The meet and greet event will begin at 1:00 p.m., followed by the unveiling of a Ron Hynes commemorative monument at 2:00 p.m. at the Regional Arts Centre, Ferryland.

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Media contact
Khadija Rehma
Children, Seniors and Social Development
709-729-3768, 730-2977
khadijarehma@gov.nl.ca

 

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Today, the Honourable John G. Abbott, Minister of Children, Seniors and Social Development, announced that a contract to complete a review of the current child welfare service delivery model and workload assessment for social workers has been awarded to Ernst and Young LLP.

Through a Joint Committee, the Department of Children, Seniors and Social Department and the Newfoundland and Labrador Association of Public and Private Employees (NAPE) have been actively working to address issues and resolve challenges identified by regional social workers in three priority areas: safety, stress and workload.

In April 2022, the department issued a Request for Proposals for a Child Welfare Service Delivery Model and Workload Review. The contract valued at $290,000 has been awarded to Ernst and Young LLP to complete a review of the current child welfare service delivery model and a scope of practice review. As well, Ernst and Young LLP will provide recommendations on the appropriate skill mix of professionals to provide child welfare services and recommendations for continuous improvement to child welfare programs, policies and operations.

This overall review by Ernest and Young LLP is anticipated to be completed in fall 2022.

Information on tenders issued and awarded by the Department of Children, Seniors and Social Development and other public bodies is available by visiting www.merx.com/govnl.

Quote
“As a government, we are pleased to move forward in a concerted effort to address the safety, stress and workload challenges affecting social workers in Newfoundland and Labrador. My Department of Children, Seniors and Social Development recognizes the critical role that child welfare social workers play throughout the province, and is working diligently to meet their needs. The upcoming review and recommendations by Ernest and Young LLP will be instrumental in exploring and identifying measures to help ensure the health and well-being of social workers and ultimately the province’s children, youth and families.”
Honourable John G. Abbott
Minister of Children, Seniors and Social Development

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Learn more
News Release: Provincial Government and NAPE Provide Update on Joint Committee and Next Steps to Address Workload Challenges

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Media contact
Khadija Rehma
Children, Seniors and Social Development
709-729-3768, 730-2977
khadijarehma@gov.nl.ca

The post Provincial Government Awards Contract for Child Welfare Service Delivery Model and Workload Review   appeared first on News Releases.

The Information and Privacy Commissioner, Michael Harvey, has released his Report A-2022-008 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-2022-008 Report Date: June 15, 2022 Public Body: Newfoundland and Labrador Centre for Health Information Summary: The Complainant submitted a request under the Access to Information and Protection of Privacy Act, 2015 to the Newfoundland and Labrador Centre for Health Information for records relating to a cyber security risk assessment. The Centre provided responsive records, with redactions under section 29(1)(a) (policy advice or recommendations), section 31(1)(l) (disclosure harmful to law enforcement) and 40(1) (disclosure harmful to personal privacy). The Complainant objected to the redactions. During the complaint investigation, the Centre agreed to provide additional information to the Complainant. The Commissioner found that the remaining redactions were properly applied and recommended that the Centre continue to withhold that information.

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

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The Honourable John G. Abbott, Minister of Children, Seniors and Social Development, will bring greetings at the Boys and Girls Club St. John’s Awards Banquet tomorrow (Friday, June 17).

The awards ceremony is scheduled to begin at 6:00 p.m. at the Buckmasters Circle Unit, 25 Buckmasters Circle, St. John’s.

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Media contact
Khadija Rehma
Children, Seniors and Social Development
709-729-3768, 730-2977
khadijarehma@gov.nl.ca

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The Honourable Gerry Byrne, Minister of Immigration, Population Growth and Skills will announce the expansion of newcomer supports for the Gander region tomorrow, (Friday, June 17).The event will take place at 2:00 p.m. outside the Gander Town Hall, 100 Elizabeth Drive.

Minister Byrne will be joined by the Honourable John Haggie, Minister of Health and Community Services and MHA for Gander, Percy Farwell, Mayor of Gander, and representatives of the Association for New Canadians.

Media attending are asked to please RSVP to Jeremy Reynolds (jeremyreynolds@gov.nl.ca).

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

The post Media Advisory: Minister Byrne to Announce Expansion of Newcomer Supports for Gander Region appeared first on News Releases.

Today, Health Accord NL co-chairs Sister Elizabeth Davis and Dr. Pat Parfrey, provided the Health Accord NL blueprint to the Honourable Andrew Furey, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador and the Honourable John Haggie, Minister of Health and Community Services. The implementation blueprint outlines possible steps to be taken in response to the 57 calls to action contained in Health Accord NL’s final report. The Blueprint can be viewed online.

In February 2022, the Health Accord NL final report was presented to the Provincial Government and included calls to action on improving specific social, economic, and environmental conditions affecting our health; providing better, more timely access to health care; and developing a more integrated, technologically enhanced, and sustainable health system. A number of the initiatives are already underway, with additional recommendations announced as part of Budget 2022.

Health Accord NL was created in November 2020 to reimagine the health care system to best deliver services to people in communities across the province. It was mandated to deliver a 10-year Health Accord with short, medium, and long-term goals for a health care system that better meets the needs of Newfoundlanders and Labradorians.

The co-chairs, along with the six subcommittees, conducted public and targeted consultations on how health outcomes can be improved, as well as the social and economic factors that influence the health of residents of the province.

The Provincial Government will now carefully review the blueprint in its entirety in the coming weeks and consider next steps.

Quotes
“The Health Accord NL team, led by Sister Elizabeth Davis and Dr. Pat Parfrey, have done an incredible job in putting forward a significant piece of work with approaches to reimagine our health care system for better outcomes. I want to thank them for their dedication. We will now take the time to review the implementation plan they have presented to us, recognizing that some of this work is already underway in our continued efforts to realign health care.”
Honourable Andrew Furey
Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador

“The Health Accord NL team was asked to determine the level of systemic changes needed to improve health care in our province and I want to thank them for this undertaking. After numerous in-depth consultations, presentations, community engagement and a final report, the final piece of their work has culminated in this Blueprint. We will now review this implementation document, recognizing the need for appropriate engagement as we move forward.”
Honourable John Haggie
Minister of Health and Community Services

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Learn more
Health Accord NL Blueprint

Health Accord NL Final Report

Health Accord NL Interim Report – A Call to Action to Transform Health

Health Accord NL

News Release: Premier Furey and Minister Haggie Appoint Co-Chairs for Health Accord NL

News Release: Six Committees Established for Health Accord NL

Follow us on Twitter @GovNL and @HCS_GovNL

Like us on Facebook

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

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

The post Provincial Government Receives Health Accord NL Blueprint appeared first on News Releases.

The Honourable John G. Abbott, Minister of Children, Seniors and Social Development, and Minister Responsible for Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation, will attend the Annual General Meeting for the Community Centre Alliance tomorrow, (Friday, June 17).

The event takes place at the Virginia Park Community Centre, 1134 Harding Road, St. John’s, starting at 11:30 a.m.

The Community Centre Alliance is a not-for-profit, charitable organization which supports employment, learning and wellness programs and services in five Community Centre neighbourhoods in St. John’s.

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Media contact
Jenny Bowring
Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation
709-730-5886
jmbowring@nlhc.nl.ca

The post Media Advisory: Minister Abbott to Attend the Community Centre Alliance Annual General Meeting appeared first on News Releases.