Government of Newfoundland News

The Honourable Siobhan Coady, Deputy Premier, Minister of Finance and President of Treasury Board, is pleased that collective agreements for 13 bargaining units represented by the Newfoundland and Labrador Association of Public and Private Employees (NAPE) have been signed.

The Provincial Government and NAPE worked together to reach a fair and responsible agreement for the nearly 20,000 public service employees represented by the union. These agreements are for a term of four years.

Highlights of the agreements include:

A two per cent wage increase each year for four years;

• A one-time employee recognition bonus payment of $2,000;
• Increases to travel on employer’s business provisions, including meal allowances and various reimbursements for vehicle usage;
• Increases to protective clothing and uniform allowances;
• The formation of a joint committee to identify issues with recruitment and retention in all NAPE bargaining units;
• A review of the current policies and practices regarding e-work arrangements within government and its entities, including the regional health authorities;
• Flexibility for employees to substitute a statutory holiday such that they may observe a non-Christian faith based holiday;
• An increase in maternity, adoption and parental leave without pay to seventy-eight weeks; and,
• The addition of paid family violence leave, providing the ability for employees to take time away from the workplace.

Since the beginning of 2022, agreements have been signed with the Newfoundland and Labrador Medical Association, the Newfoundland and Labrador Dental Association, the Newfoundland and Labrador Teachers Association Labrador West Collective Agreement, the Professional Association of Residents of Newfoundland and Labrador, and now the Newfoundland and Labrador Association of Public and Private Employees. Negotiations with other public sector unions in the province are currently underway.

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“The signing of these agreements is the culmination of the respectful work by negotiating teams from the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador and the Newfoundland and Labrador Association of Public and Private Employees. This is a fair and responsible agreement that is intended to strengthen our public service. We look forward to reaching agreements with other unions and professional associations currently in the collective bargaining process.”
Honourable Siobhan Coady
Deputy Premier, Minister of Finance and President of Treasury Board

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Learn more
Provincial Government Reaches Collective Agreements with NAPE

Provincial Government and Professional Association of Residents of Newfoundland and Labrador Sign Collective Agreement

Provincial Government and Labrador West Teachers Ratify Tentative Agreement 

Provincial Government and Dentists Sign Agreements

Provincial Government and Physicians Sign Memorandum of Agreement

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

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The Honourable Andrew Furey, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador, will make a special announcement related to the province’s arts and cultural sector tomorrow (Friday, November 4) at 10:30 a.m. at the Joseph R. Smallwood Arts and Culture Centre, 155 Airport Boulevard, Gander.

Premier Furey will be joined by the Honourable Steve Crocker, Minister of Tourism, Culture, Arts and Recreation, and the Honourable John Haggie, Minister of Education and MHA for Gander.

Media are invited to attend and are asked to please RSVP to Gina MacArthur (ginamacarthur@gov.nl.ca).

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

Gina MacArthur
Tourism, Culture, Arts and Recreation
709-729-5889, 327-9574
ginamacarthur@gov.nl.ca

The post Media Advisory: Premier Furey to Make Special Arts and Cultural Announcement in Gander  appeared first on News Releases.

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

Speaker, the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador is responsible for the running of youth secure custody facilities in the province, and this is a responsibility we take seriously. However, we now know that there were young people at these institutions in the 1970’s and 80’s that experienced harm. For many, this harm still lives with them today. The abuses that occurred at these facilities were the subject of a class action lawsuit which the Province has now settled. It took courage for class members to come forward and bring their stories to light. The class members trusted those who were taking care of them at these institutions and that trust was broken. Not just with the young people who were staying at the facility, but with their families and communities.

For those individuals who were mistreated, as well as their families and supporters, I, as Attorney General, and on behalf of the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador and the people of this province, want to acknowledge the harms that these young people suffered while they were in custody. These abuses should not have happened and no young person should have had to endure what these people endured. For this, I offer a sincere and profound apology.

The goal of youth custody is to deliver programs to assist youth in successfully re-integrating in the community and limit their time in custody. The youth who spent time at our facilities during the class period deserved our support, our respect and our care.

We are committed to learning from the past and ensuring that no other child experiences the trauma these people lived through. The stories told by survivors are tragic and they compel us to do better. Again, I express our sincere apologies to all those affected, we are truly sorry that you experienced such pain.

The post Ministerial Statement – Minister Hogan Offers Apology to Youth Secure Custody Class Action Members  appeared first on News Releases.

The Honourable Andrew Parsons, Minister of Industry, Energy and Technology, will bring greetings to the Women in Mining session at the 2022 Mineral Resources Review tomorrow (Friday, November 4).

The event takes place at the Delta St. John’s Hotel and Conference Centre, 120 New Gower Street, St. John’s, beginning at 9:00 a.m.

Mineral Resources Review is a joint venture of the Department of Industry, Energy and Technology and the Newfoundland and Labrador Branch of the Canadian Institute of Mining, Metallurgy and Petroleum. This four-day event focuses on recent and pending developments, emerging projects, and the potential for future investment and discovery.

Interested media are required to register in advance. Registration for members of the media is free. The conference schedule can be found online.

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Media contacts
Eric Humber
Industry, Energy and Technology
709-729-5777, 725-9655
erichumber@gov.nl.ca

The post Media Advisory: Minister Andrew Parsons to Participate in Women in Mining Event appeared first on News Releases.

The Honourable Andrew Furey, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador, will address delegates to the 2022 Municipalities Newfoundland and Labrador Conference tomorrow (Friday, November 4) at 9:45 a.m. at the Arts and Culture Centre Theatre, 155 Airport Boulevard, Gander.

The Honourable Krista Lynn Howell, Minister of Municipal and Provincial Affairs, is also attending the conference with the following schedule:

• Bringing greetings at the opening ceremonies this evening (Thursday, November 3) at 7:30 p.m. at the Gander International Airport, 1000 James Boulveard;
• Addressing delegates at the Appreciation Banquet, Friday, November 4 at 6:30 p.m., Quality Inn and Suites, 100 Trans-Canada Highway, Gander; and,
• Address the Municipalities Newfoundland and Labrador Annual General Meeting, Saturday, November 5 at approximately 8:30 a.m., Arts and Culture Centre Theatre, 155 Airport Boulevard, Gander.

The Honourable Elvis Loveless, Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure; the Honourable Lisa Dempster, Minister Responsible for Indigenous Affairs and Reconciliation and Minister Responsible for Labrador Affairs; and the Honourable Derrick Bragg, Minister of Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture are also attending the conference.

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

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

The post Media Advisory: Premier Furey and Minister Howell to Participate in the 2022 Municipalities Newfoundland and Labrador Conference appeared first on News Releases.

The Honourable John Haggie, Minister of Education, today announced more than $200,000 in scholarships for 201 recent high school graduates as part of the Provincial Scholarship Program. The program recognizes high school graduates throughout Newfoundland and Labrador for their hard work, dedication and academic achievements.

Scholarships include one Constable W.C. Moss Scholarship, 120 Electoral District Scholarships and 79 Centenary of Responsible Government Scholarships, all valued at $1,000, as well as one Junior Jubilee Scholarship, valued at $2,500.

The Junior Jubilee Scholarship is awarded to the student with the highest scholarship score in the province. This year’s recipient is Elizabeth Ormsby, a graduate of St. Bonaventure’s College.

The Constable W.C. Moss Scholarship is awarded to a child of a member of the Royal Newfoundland Constabulary or the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (active, retired or deceased) with the highest scholarship score (other than the Junior Jubilee Scholarship recipient). This year’s recipient is Abby Gosse, a graduate of Mount Pearl Senior High.

The 120 Electoral District Scholarships are awarded to three high school graduates in each electoral district with the highest scholarship score (other than the Junior Jubilee and the Constable W.C. Moss Scholarships recipients).

The Centenary of Responsible Government Scholarships are awarded to the remaining students province-wide with the highest scholarship score – other than the Junior Jubilee, Constable W.C. Moss and the Electoral District Scholarships recipients.

A complete list of Provincial Scholarship winners and information on how scholarship recipients can receive their provincial scholarships can be found here.

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“I extend a heartfelt congratulations to the 201 graduates receiving a provincial scholarship this year. Students throughout our province have demonstrated a strong sense of commitment, a keen desire for learning and furthering their education. The past few years have been hard overall on students, and I admire their determination in reaching their academic achievements. I wish them and all students the best of luck in their future endeavors.”
Honourable John Haggie
Minister of Education

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Learn more
2022 Scholarship Winners

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Media contact
Lynn Robinson
Education
709-729-1906, 691-9466
lynnrobinson@gov.nl.ca

The post Minister Haggie Announces Recipients of Provincial Scholarships appeared first on News Releases.

The Honourable Dr. Andrew Furey, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador announced today that the Provincial Government is spearheading a mission to India to recruit internationally-educated registered nurses who can fill vacancies in Newfoundland and Labrador. The mission complements other ongoing national and international recruitment activities targeting health care professionals.

Premier Furey was joined at the announcement by the Honourable Gerry Byrne, Minister of Immigration, Population Growth and Skills, the Honourable Tom Osborne, Minister of Health and Community Services, Lynn Power, Executive Director of the College of Registered Nurses of Newfoundland and Labrador, and representatives from two regional health authorities.

An advance team of Provincial Government officials will depart for southwestern India in the coming weeks with the goal to set up a recruitment desk in the city of Bengaluru, located in the state of Karnataka. They will be joined by a representative of the College of Registered Nurses of Newfoundland and Labrador who will be dedicated to oversee licensure.

The state of Karnataka has been chosen because many nurses in the region receive similar training to what registered nurses receive in Newfoundland and Labrador. The region was also chosen because it has a high concentration of prestigious nursing schools. Additionally, the Provincial Government has had past success recruiting health care professionals from Bengaluru.

Once landed, the team will meet with institutions that graduate nurses who have the academic credentials to qualify for licensure in Canada. The team will also begin raising awareness of Newfoundland and Labrador as an ideal immigration destination through presentations and meetings with nurses and nursing students.

Creation of the recruitment desk in India is modeled on the recent success in Poland that showed being on-the-ground is essential to establishing relationships and identifying high-potential candidates for immigration to Newfoundland and Labrador.

Quotes
“This mission takes an innovative and successful model for international recruitment and applies it to addressing the nursing shortage in Newfoundland and Labrador. Our government and dedicated partners are taking bold action to address the staffing issues facing the health care system in our province, as we compete with other jurisdictions to attract and retain health care professionals at this critical time.”
Honourable Dr. Andrew Furey
Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador

“The mission is the culmination of months of work spent to identify the best market in the world for recruiting internationally educated registered nurses who have been trained in similar ways to Newfoundland and Labrador nurses. Our expert recruiters and settlement officers will ensure Indian nurses receive a full range of supports from first contact, to arrival and beyond. We are once again making Newfoundland and Labrador an immigration destination of choice.”
Honourable Gerry Byrne
Minister of Immigration, Population Growth and Skills

“For some time now, we have been employing a number of measures to try to find new and creative ways to help bring health care professionals to our province and encourage the ones already here to stay. It is our hope that these highly-skilled professionals from India, who have similar training to our nurses, will choose to live and work in our province.”
Honourable Tom Osborne
Minister of Health and Community Services

“The College of Registered Nurses is the largest healthcare regulator in the province with a mandate to ensure the Registered Nurses we licence provide safe, ethical, and competent care to Newfoundlanders and Labradorians. In collaborating with Indian nursing schools and state and national nursing regulators of India, Newfoundland and Labrador can better identify areas that align with our benchmarks and standards. Establishing these regulatory connections is a fundamental first-step in becoming a Registered Nurse in Newfoundland and Labrador.”
Lynn Power
Executive Director, College of Registered Nurses of Newfoundland and Labrador

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

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

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

James Sheppard
College of Registered Nurses of Newfoundland & Labrador
709-730-3436, 1-800-563-3200
jsheppard@crnnl.ca

The post Launch of Mission to Recruit Registered Nurses from India appeared first on News Releases.

The Honourable Tom Osborne, Minister of Health and Community Services, will provide additional details on Bill 20 today (Thursday, November 3) at 9:45 a.m.

The availability will take place in front of the House of Assembly, East Block, Confederation Building.

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

The post Media Advisory: Minister Osborne to Provide Update on Bill 20 appeared first on News Releases.

The Provincial Government is working with community partners, stakeholders and Indigenous Governments and Organizations to address the needs of vulnerable populations and to ensure public safety in Happy Valley-Goose Bay.

In June, the Happy Valley-Goose Bay Acute Response Team was established, which brings together senior leaders and decision-makers from the Provincial Government, Indigenous Governments and Organizations, the Town of Happy Valley-Goose Bay and Labrador-Grenfell Health. The team meets regularly, and is striving to ensure the safety and well-being of transiently homeless and homeless individuals who present with multiple and complex service needs.

Homelessness is a complex issue and is not unique to Happy Valley-Goose Bay. Throughout Canada, there has been an increase in homelessness since the pandemic, which can be attributed to various underlying issues, including mental health and addictions, loss of employment and housing supply challenges. The issues identified and experienced in this region are also often deeply rooted in intergenerational trauma and mental health and addictions.

Some of the short-term actions already under way to address these issues include:

• The Department of Municipal and Provincial Affairs provided funding to the Town of Happy Valley-Goose Bay to enhance security services in the community.
• RCMP B-Division recently provided additional resources to the town. Regular patrols are being carried out in the interest of public safety.
• Through the provision of housing units and an annual investment of approximately $3.6 million, the Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation partners with the Nunatsiavut Government for the provision of wrap around supports to individuals with complex needs.
• More than $542,000 is also provided annually to operate the Housing Hub overnight shelter and additional shelter overflow at the Labrador Inn.
• A team of outreach workers, comprised of representation from Indigenous Governments and Organizations, community groups and organizations and various government agencies provide direct outreach support to vulnerable individuals experiencing homelessness throughout Happy Valley-Goose Bay.
• A Case Management Team works with individuals experiencing or at risk of being homeless and those who are transiently homeless. The team, comprised of Action Team members, collaborates and prioritizes supports and housing for vulnerable individuals in Happy Valley-Goose Bay.

A full list of short-term and long-term actions under way through the Acute Response Team, Action Team and Labrador-Grenfell Health can be found in the Backgrounder below.

The Provincial Government is working in collaboration with Indigenous and community partners in this effort and acknowledges and appreciates the community leaders and individuals who are making valuable contributions to address the challenges and present solutions.

Quotes
“The Provincial Government acknowledges concerns that have been raised by community leaders and residents of Happy Valley-Goose Bay. While the situation is complex, the Provincial Government, Indigenous Governments and Organizations and its community partners are working collaboratively through the Acute Response Team and the Action Team to address the needs of vulnerable populations and concerns associated with public safety. Collectively, we are determined to meet these challenges and continue working on these matters.”
Honourable Lisa Dempster
Minister Responsible for Labrador Affairs
Minister Responsible for Indigenous Affairs and Reconciliation

“Homelessness is a complex issue, and meaningful solutions require strong partnerships. As a member of the Happy Valley-Goose Bay Action Team, Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation is committed to continuing to work in partnership with Indigenous Governments and Organizations, the Town of Happy Valley-Goose Bay, and all community partners to build up and further develop meaningful investments and responses to help address the needs of vulnerable populations in this region.”
Honourable John G. Abbott
Minister Responsible for the Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation

“The Department of Justice and Public Safety remains committed to working with communities and our police agencies to ensure all Newfoundlanders and Labradorians feel safe and secure. Recognizing that the presenting issues are complex and serious, we continue to work with the RCMP in an effort to address public safety concerns while respecting the needs of vulnerable populations.”
Honourable John Hogan, KC
Minister of Justice and Public Safety

“Access to the appropriate health-related services at the appropriate time is a priority for our government. We understand the complexity of some of the challenges facing our vulnerable populations, and we are working together at both the community and government levels to help ensure the proper supports and services are in place.”
Honourable Tom Osborne
Minister of Health and Community Services

“As the MHA for Lake Melville and a resident of Happy Valley-Goose Bay, the political and personal challenges of keeping everyone safe is my priority. The ultimate solution will take time, however, it will lead to success. In the meantime, I thank all leaders and citizens for their assistance.”
Perry Trimper
MHA for Lake Melville

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Learn more
Action Team Updates

Provincial Government Establishes Acute Response Team

Provincial Government Supports Emergency Response in Labrador

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

Follow us on Twitter @GovNL, @OLA_GovNL, @HCS_GovNL and @NLHousing

Like us on Facebook

Media contacts
Allan Bock
Labrador Affairs Secretariat
709-899-6446
AllanBock@gov.nl.ca

Jenny Bowring
Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation
709-724-3055
jmbowring@nlhc.nl.ca

Melony O’Neill
Health and Community Services
709-729-1377, 689-0928
melonyoneill@gov.nl.ca

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

BACKGROUNDER

Short-term and long-term actions through the Happy Valley-Goose Bay Acute Response Team and Action Team and Labrador-Grenfell Health

Short-term

• The Provincial Government contributed $85,000 to assist The Salvation Army, Newfoundland and Labrador Division, in the purchase of an Emergency Disaster Relief Vehicle in Happy Valley-Goose Bay and the construction of a garage to house the vehicle. The funding supplemented an investment for the emergency response project from the Federal Government.
• Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation, in collaboration with the Federal Government, is providing $300,000 over three years to partner with the Nunatsiavut Government for a housing supports services manager position at the Housing Hub to support individuals experiencing homelessness to move out of shelter into more permanent housing.
• Federal and provincial funding was provided to the Labrador Friendship Centre for the development of a community-led needs assessment to help identify gaps in infrastructure or services required to support the current and longer-term housing needs in the area.
• An Outreach Team meets with people where they are. Through outreach, workers are building trust with individuals and connecting with available supports and services to assist with their path to wellness.
• Under the National Housing Strategy, Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation has awarded a $787,000 tender to construct four new social housing units in Happy Valley-Goose Bay.

Long-term

• Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation is developing an integrated health, housing and supportive services facility that incorporates accommodations and services currently in place at the Housing Hub and the Labrador Inn, along with supportive living units, health services and other supportive services. This facility in Happy Valley-Goose Bay will be low barrier, will meet people where they are, will offer services through a harm reduction and trauma-informed approach, will be culturally appropriate and inclusive, and will continue to build on existing partnerships.
• The Action Team, established in 2021, is working through a coordinated approach and developing a longer term response to provide housing, health and supportive services for vulnerable populations. The Team identifies gaps in support and arranges appropriate services.
• This Action Team has representation from Indigenous Governments and Organizations, the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador, the RCMP, Labrador-Grenfell Health, the Town of Happy Valley-Goose Bay, and other community stakeholders.
• Labrador-Grenfell Health provides supports and resources to increase access to health services for vulnerable populations. The Regional Health Authority participated in a needs analysis to identify opportunities to improve and increase nursing, mental health and addictions, and community supports to vulnerable populations. Other supports include:
• Weekly nurse practitioner and licensed practical nurse visits to the Housing Hub to meet immediate needs and support chronic disease management.
• Weekly mental health and addictions vounsellor visits to the Housing Hub (group sessions/grief counselling available).
• The Mobile Crisis Response team works in partnership with the RCMP to meet with clients in the community who may be experiencing a crisis.
• Public Health offers flu and COVID-19 vaccination clinics at the Housing Hub, Labrador Inn, and the correctional facility.
• Home supports are provided where there are unmet client needs related to personal care, medication management, behavioural support, household management, and respite.

The post Provincial Government Working with Community Partners to Support Vulnerable Populations and Public Safety appeared first on News Releases.

The Honourable Dr. Andrew Furey, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador, will make an announcement tomorrow (Thursday, November 3) regarding an international health care recruitment initiative.

Premier Furey will be joined by the Honourable Gerry Byrne, Minister of Immigration, Population Growth and Skills, the Honourable Tom Osborne, Minister of Health and Community Services, and Lynn Power, Executive Director of the College of Registered Nurses of Newfoundland and Labrador.

The event will take place at 11:00 a.m. at the Centre for Nursing Studies library, Southcott Hall, 100 Forest Road, St. John’s. The event will also be live streamed on the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador Facebook page.

Media are asked to meet at the main entrance at 10:40 a.m. for escort through the facility. Visitor parking is available just outside of the rear entrance to Southcott Hall.

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

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

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

The post Media Advisory: Premier Furey to Announce International Health Care Recruitment Initiative appeared first on News Releases.

The following statement was read in the House of Assembly today by the Honourable Lisa Dempster, Minister Responsible for Indigenous Affairs and Reconciliation and Minister Responsible for Labrador Affairs:

Speaker, I rise in this Honourable House to recognize the Labrador veterans who served with the Newfoundland Regiment in World War I.

More than 100 years ago, these brave men left their traplines and fishing boats to fight in battles half a world away. Some of them were too young to enlist, but they were driven by a duty to serve.

Historians have studied military records to piece together the stories of their courageous service. We know quite a bit about who they were.

They were Blakes, Barneys, Curls, Flowers, Fords, Greens, Pottles, Shiwaks and Browns. They came from places like Battle Harbour, Henley Harbour, L’Anse au Loup, Sandwich Bay, Nain, Spotted Islands, Hopedale, North West River, Grand Village, Red Bay and Rigolet.

Tragically, not all of these brave men returned home. Like others, they paid the ultimate sacrifice. Sadly, the men who returned to Labrador would never be the same.

As we prepare to observe Remembrance Day next Friday, and mark Indigenous Veterans Day on November 8, it is fitting that we remember the Labradorians who volunteered in the First and Second World Wars, the Korean War, and more recently, the Gulf War and Afghanistan. They fought to preserve the freedoms and the liberties we take for granted today.

Please join with me in saluting the men and women from the Big Land who served in the armed forces and peacekeeping missions. We also praise the Labradorians who have answered the call of duty and today proudly wear the uniform of their country.

The post Ministerial Statement – Minister Dempster Salutes Labradorians in the Newfoundland Regiment appeared first on News Releases.

The following statement was given today in the House of Assembly by the Honourable Steve Crocker, Minister of Tourism, Culture, Arts and Recreation:

Speaker, it is my pleasure to rise in this honourable house today to share some exciting news. As I am sure everyone is well aware, the City of St. John’s is hosting the 2025 Canada Summer Games. It will be an excellent event for not only the capital city, but for all of Newfoundland and Labrador.

I am pleased to share with my colleagues today that we will be building a brand new, state of the art track and field facility. This facility will support the 2025 Games, giving athletes and coaches top-notch facilities from which to train and perform.

This project will be cost-shared between the federal, provincial and municipal governments. The City of St. John’s will be issuing a Request for Proposals for this facility.

The proposed facility will not only create a quality athletics facility in the metro St. John’s region that meets Canada Games technical standards, but will also add a significant piece of sport infrastructure to benefit youth of all ages.

The proposed facility will also support active healthy living opportunities for residents in the region, long after the Games have ended. This facility has the potential to be widely utilized by community members of all ages.

It will also enable Newfoundland and Labrador to attract more large-scale sporting events in the years to come, bringing athletes, coaches and their families to our province, benefiting our tourism industry.

Thank you, Speaker.

The post Ministerial Statement – Provincial Government Proud to Support New Track and Field Facility for 2025 Canada Summer Games appeared first on News Releases.

The Standing Committee on Public Accounts advises that the public hearing scheduled for today to follow up on matters contained in the report of the Auditor General on the MV Veteran and MV Legionnaire is postponed due to changes in today’s sitting schedule of the House of Assembly.

The Committee will provide a further update once a date to reschedule is confirmed.

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

The post House of Assembly – Standing Committee on Public Accounts Public Hearing on Auditor General Report on MV Veteran and MV Legionnaire Postponed appeared first on News Releases.

The Department of Transportation and Infrastructure will provide a technical briefing regarding the Provincial Government’s infrastructure approval process in relation to the recently announced plan to construct a new hospital to replace St. Clare’s Mercy Hospital.

The technical briefing will take place today (Wednesday, November 2), beginning at 1:15 p.m.

The briefing will take place at the Department of Transportation and Infrastructure boardroom, 5th floor, West Block, Confederation Building. Media planning to participate are asked to arrive at the West Block entrance by 1:05 p.m.

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Media contacts
Brian Scott
Transportation and Infrastructure
709-729-1758, 699-6147
brianscott@gov.nl.ca

The post Media Advisory: Technical Briefing on Infrastructure Approvals Process appeared first on News Releases.

Proposed legislation to create a single health authority for the province was introduced today in the House of Assembly. If passed, the new Provincial Health Authority Act will facilitate the integration of the existing four health authorities and the Newfoundland and Labrador Centre for Health Information into one entity.

The Honourable Tom Osborne, Minister of Health and Community Services, will be available to the media to provide details on the proposed legislation today (Wednesday, November 2) at 12:15 p.m. in the front of the House of Assembly, East Block, Confederation Building.

Announced as part of Budget 2022, the Provincial Government has begun the process of integrating the existing four health authorities into one entity, with a view to streamlining programs and services, as well as associated corporate services such as human resources, payroll and finance. In April of this year, Mr. David Diamond was named the transitional CEO for the establishment of the single health authority and has been leading the transition team since that time.

Given the importance of ensuring the new authority structure is reflective of all regions of the province, the legislation proposes creating Regional Health Councils. These councils would be responsible for advising the provincial health authority on the particular needs of various areas of the province to deliver health care at the regional level.

The legislation also proposes creating a Quality Council, appointed by Lieutenant-Governor in Council, that will be responsible for, among other things, reporting to the Minister of Health and Community Services on the quality and performance of the health system. In the spirit of transparency, the Bill requires the minister to release reports on the quality and performance of the health system to the public.

Bill 20 also proposes to task the new provincial health authority with the responsibilities and duties of the Newfoundland and Labrador Centre for Health Information. This will help ensure that the health authority is well-positioned to meet the needs of the provincial health system and pursue the tremendous opportunities of digital technology in health care.

Employment impacts resulting from the creation of a single health authority will be managed primarily through attrition and other efficiencies, and it is anticipated that employees would be offered meaningful, comparable alterative employment in the new health authority.

Quote
“The new Provincial Health Authority Act will support the transition to a single provincial health authority and fulfil the mandate of providing uniform, quality health care to all residents of the province, regardless of where they live. The goal of this transition is to create more consistency in health care throughout Newfoundland and Labrador, as well as avoid duplication in associated corporate services, thereby enhancing the delivery of important health care services.”
Honourable Tom Osborne
Minister of Health and Community Services

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

The post Provincial Government Introduces Legislation for the Creation of a Single Provincial Health Authority appeared first on News Releases.

The Honourable Andrew Parsons, Minister of Industry, Energy and Technology, will bring greetings to the opening of Mineral Resources Review 2022 tomorrow (Wednesday, November 2).

The event takes place at the Delta St. John’s Hotel and Conference Centre, 120 New Gower Street, St. John’s, beginning at 9:00 a.m.

Mineral Resources Review 2022 is a joint venture of the Department of Industry, Energy and Technology and the Newfoundland and Labrador Branch of the Canadian Institute of Mining, Metallurgy and Petroleum. This four-day event will focus on recent and pending developments, emerging projects and the potential for future investment and discovery.

Interested media are required to register in advance. Registration for members of the media is free. The conference schedule can be found online.

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Media contact
Eric Humber
Industry, Energy and Technology
709-729-5777, 725-9655
erichumber@gov.nl.ca

The post Media Advisory: Minister Parsons to Participate in the 2022 Mineral Exploration and Mining Conference and Exhibition Event appeared first on News Releases.

Proposed amendments to the Fishing Industry Collective Bargaining Act received Second Reading in the House of Assembly today. The Provincial Government is proposing various amendments, including modifications to the membership of the Standing Fish Price-Setting Panel.

If approved, the amended legislation will:

• Introduce a five-year statutory review for the collective bargaining model outlined in the Act;
• Introduce changes to the composition of the Standing Fish Price-Setting Panel, including:
  • Retaining the three-person Standing Fish Price-Setting Panel, with the addition of two alternate chairs;
  • The chairperson and alternate chairs will be appointed by the Provincial Government, with direction from industry; and
  • The certified bargaining agent and the processors’ organization will each nominate one member and one alternate member for appointment to the panel.
• Upon joint request of the parties to collective bargaining, the Chairperson alone can hear and consider the parties’ positions and issue a decision.

In July 2022, Minister Davis announced an independent review of the collective bargaining model contained in sections 19.1 – 19.14 of the Act. Input was received from fish harvesters, processors and their respective organizations, and other interested parties. The report, ‘Fishing Industry Collective Bargaining Model: Past, Present and Future’, was released on October 14 and contained 20 recommendations.

The Fishing Industry Collective Bargaining Act was created in 1971 and regulates collective bargaining between fish harvesters and processors. The current collective bargaining model, introduced in 2006, established the three-person Standing Fish Price-Setting Panel. The Panel’s mandate is to facilitate collective bargaining in the fishing industry and set price and conditions of sale when the parties have been unable to conclude a negotiated collective agreement.

Quotes
“As the Minister Responsible for Labour, I am committed to ensuring we have legislation that is current and responsive to the needs of the fishing industry, and to identifying opportunities to improve the province’s fish price setting process. I have had detailed conversations with both the Association of Seafood Producers and the Fish Food & Allied Workers Union, and thank them for their input into the review process.”
Honourable Bernard Davis
Minister Responsible for Labour

“The efficient and timely setting of fish prices is a common objective for all those engaged in the province’s fishing sector. These amendments are intended to lead to quicker resolutions during the negotiation process and help those working in the fishing industry achieve maximum economic benefit from our seafood resources.”
Honourable Derrick Bragg
Minister of Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture

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Learn more
Minister Davis Releases Independent Report on Review of the Fishing Industry Collective Bargaining Model

Fishing Industry Collective Bargaining Act

Standing Fish Price-Setting Panel

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Media contacts
Debbie Marnell
Environment and Climate Change
709-729-2575, 699-9048
debbiemarnell@gov.nl.ca

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

The post Provincial Government Introducing Proposed Amendments to the Fishing Industry Collective Bargaining Act appeared first on News Releases.

The following statement was read in the House of Assembly today by the Honourable Sarah Stoodley, Minister of Digital Government and Service NL:

Speaker, November is Financial Literacy Month. This year’s theme is “Make Change that Counts: Managing Your Money in a Changing World.”

The Provincial Government recognizes the importance of money management and investment education, and encourages all residents to take proactive charge of their finances.

During this session of the House of Assembly, our government introduced legislation to regulate high-cost credit lending. This new legislation will make Newfoundland and Labrador the first Atlantic province to implement a regulatory regime for high-cost credit lenders. This province will also have the most affordable payday loans in the country, as we reduced payday loan rates from $21 to $14 per $100 loaned.

I encourage all residents to seek out forms of lower interest credit before taking out a high interest loan. Reading the fine print and understanding the fees and the total cost of borrowing can help ensure residents make informed decisions.

With rising costs affecting everyone’s budgets, consider reviewing family spending habits and card statements to ensure you are not paying for unnecessary services. Consider calling utilities and insurance companies to ensure you are availing of all available discounts, for example the mandatory winter tire discount on auto insurance.

The Financial Consumer Agency of Canada provides valuable resources on topics including managing your money, debt and investments, planning for retirement and protecting yourself from fraud. I encourage everyone to avail of these resources and to “Make Change that Counts” today.

Thank you Speaker.

The post Provincial Government Recognizes Financial Literacy Month appeared first on News Releases.

As tech and innovation companies from Newfoundland and Labrador continue to make an impact nationally and internationally, a local firm is expanding its business development opportunities in North America with support from the Provincial Government.

Today the Honourable Andrew Parsons, Minister of Industry, Energy and Technology, announced that the Provincial Government is contributing more than $98,000 in non-repayable funding from the Business Development Support program to ClearRisk, a provider of web-based software and data solutions for medium to large-sized organizations. ClearRisk’s Risk Management Solutions platform is designed to enhance overall business performance through operational excellence.

This funding will assist the company with increased international marketing activities, including content development, social media, online ads, and participation in various North American trade shows. It will help ClearRisk to establish itself as a brand leader in Risk Management Information System solutions in the public sector/municipalities and property management space in the United States and Canada.

Founded by Craig Rowe in 2006, ClearRisk works with risk managers and senior management from over 150 organizations all across North America in retail, property management, municipalities, technology, and many other industries.

Investments in our tech and innovation sector mean more jobs and a stronger economy for our province.

Quotes
“For over 15 years, ClearRisk has been a tech leader in Newfoundland and Labrador. With support from our government, this firm will increase its global competitiveness, while minimizing market expansion risks.”
Honourable Andrew Parsons
Minister of Industry, Energy and Technology

“We are delighted with the continued support of the Province of Newfoundland and Labrador. Since our inception in 2006, the Province has been an important partner. This funding helps companies like ClearRisk take even more risk. We are always investing in our product and people, but when the Province co-invests we are able to do a lot more. This means more positions created, a better product for our customers and more success in the market. I’m very proud that ClearRisk has been a significant contributor to the NL tech sector in talent development, jobs created and contributions to the economy and community. Partnerships like the one with the Province benefit everyone.”
Craig Rowe
CEO, ClearRisk

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Learn more
ClearRisk

Follow us on Twitter: @GovNL and @IET_GovNL

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

Elyse Summers
ClearRisk
709-743-9329
esummers@clearrisk.com

The post Supporting the Continued Growth of ClearRisk appeared first on News Releases.

The Honourable Krista Lynn Howell, Minister of Municipal and Provincial Affairs, and the Honourable Pam Parsons, Minister Responsible for Women and Gender Equality, will bring greetings at the Leadership Summit for Women and Gender Diverse Individuals in the Municipal Sector, tomorrow (Wednesday, November 2). The Leadership Summit is taking place at the Quality Inn and Suites, 100 Trans-Canada Highway, Gander starting at 5:00 p.m.

Among various topics of discussion, the summit will mark the launch of The Value We Bring project, building upon the Make Your Mark campaign to increase diversity and inclusion work in the province’s municipal sector. The Provincial Government recently announced a $10,000 investment to support The Value We Bring project.

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

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

The post Media Advisory: Ministers Howell and Parsons to Bring Greetings at the Leadership Summit for Women and Gender Diverse Individuals appeared first on News Releases.