Government of Newfoundland News

Contracts totaling almost $3 million have been awarded to two companies for brush clearing for the upcoming expansion of the Trans-Canada Highway (TCH) which includes two additional divided highway sections.

Arbotech Management Inc. has been awarded a contract for $1.24 million for the clearing of the TCH from Whitbourne to Chance Cove, and a second contract for $486,800 for clearing of the TCH between Route 350 and Grand Falls-Windsor. Farrell’s Excavating Ltd. has been awarded a contract for $1.25 million for the clearing of the section of the TCH between Chance Cove and Sunnyside.

The contracts involve the clearing of the existing right-of-way on both sides of the highway, as well as additional widening for the new divided highway.

Announced in May 2023, the jointly funded federal-provincial highway twinning project includes a 15-kilometre section between Bishop’s Falls and Grand Falls-Windsor in the Central region, as well as a section of approximately 40 kilometres of highway heading west, beginning at Whitbourne in the Avalon region. Since the original announcement, an additional 20 kilometres have been added to the section of highway designated for twinning on the Avalon.

Twinning these sections of Trans-Canada Highway will help increase traffic capacity and ensure better separation between opposing traffic lanes. These improvements will also support reliability and security of access between rural communities, strengthen year-round transportation connections, improve transportation safety and enhance the TCH’s resiliency to climate change.

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

Quote
“The awarding of these contracts signals the preparation of the designated areas for our important upcoming highway twinning project. The proposed changes will be significant from a traffic safety perspective, while also facilitating connectivity between our rural and urban communities to service centres and other important government-related supports.”
Honourable Fred Hutton
Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure

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The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador is providing a $75,000 Family Care Team Recruitment Incentive to salaried physicians working with NL Health Services who join a family care team for at least one year.

The Honourable John Hogan, Minister of Health and Community Services, will be available to media today (Thursday, September 5) at 1:00 p.m. at West Block, Confederation Building, to discuss this incentive. Minister Hogan will be joined by Dr. Gena Bugden, Vice-President of Medical Services, NL Health Services.

The incentive is available for physicians employed by NL Health Services who join a family care team before the end of this year and is available retroactively for all current family care team physicians. This incentive is in addition to other incentives, such as the Physician Signing Bonus, which range from $100,000 to $150,000 for the five-year return-in-service.

Physicians not eligible for the Physician Signing Bonus or unable to sign a five-year return-in-service agreement are able to obtain this incentive for a one-year return-in-service.

Family care teams ensure patients receive the right care from the right provider at the right time. Patients can be seen by family physicians, nurse practitioners, registered nurses, social workers, pharmacists, and other allied health professionals.

This new incentive complements other competitive recruitment incentives that have successfully resulted in over 120 physicians and more than 660 nurses recruited since April 2023.

Budget 2024 includes $10 million to recruit and retain health care professionals and $30 million to hire additional health care providers for existing and new family care teams.

Health care professionals interested in learning about the opportunities and incentives to work in Newfoundland and Labrador can find more information at WorkInHealthNL.ca. More details on family care teams is available by visiting healthcareaction.ca.

Quotes
“Family care teams are key to ensuring the health and well-being of Newfoundlanders and Labradorians. As our government continues to expand the teams across the province, the new Family Care Team Recruitment Incentive provides another tool to recruit and retain the family physicians required to fully operationalize these teams.”
Honourable John Hogan, KC
Minister of Health and Community Services

“Newfoundland and Labrador Health Services welcomes this incentive from the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador to help strengthen our efforts to recruit physicians for family care teams. We are committed to implementing family care teams  across the province to improve access and continuity of primary health care for individuals and families in their community. We are thankful for the high quality team-based care being provided by our current physicians and other health care professionals in the family care teams and look forward to welcoming more physicians to the teams in the near future.”
Dr. Gena Bugden, Vice-President, Medical Services
NL Health Services

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When kids eat well, they do better in school. And when kids do well in school, they succeed.

The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, and the Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador, Dr. Andrew Furey, today announced an agreement to expand school food programs in the province. This agreement, under the National School Food Program, will result in 4,100 more kids in Newfoundland and Labrador getting healthy meals this school year.

Participating families with two kids will save an estimated $800 a year, on average. It will mean lower grocery bills for families and school meals for kids – helping them learn, grow, and get the best start in life.

Newfoundland and Labrador is the first province to reach an agreement with the federal government through the new National School Food Program. This initial investment of approximately $9.1 million over three years will help more kids get access to school food. We invite all provinces and territories to reach these agreements – it’s one of the best investments we can make to lower costs, support families, and care for our kids.

This agreement complements the actions that the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador has taken to increase income to families with young children and to help ensure all children develop to their full potential. As part of the provincial Poverty Reduction Plan and supported by an allocation of $3 million through Budget 2024, the Department of Education will introduce expanded school lunch programming to all Pre-Kindergarten and K-9 schools beginning this fall. The Provincial Government has also expanded the Prenatal-Infant Nutrition Supplement up to age and five and increase the Child Benefit by 300 per cent, positioning Newfoundland and Labrador as a leader in Canada in the two programs.

With an investment of $1 billion over five years, the National School Food Program, announced in Budget 2024, will feed up to 400,000 more kids across Canada every year. The Program will also be a safety net for the kids who are most impacted by the lack of access to food, including lower-income families and some Indigenous communities. Through the agreement announced today, the federal government is helping students across Newfoundland and Labrador to reach their full potential, on a full stomach.

This announcement is good for parents, kids, teachers, and the economy. Alongside this, we’re bringing down the cost of living, building more homes, investing in affordable dental care, and helping every generation get a fair shot.

Quotes
“The National School Food Program is a game changer. Today’s agreement with Newfoundland and Labrador will get healthy school meals to kids and help parents save hundreds of dollars in grocery bills. It’s one of the best investments we can make to lower costs, support families, and make sure no child goes hungry.”
The Right Honourable Justin Trudeau
Prime Minister of Canada

“In Newfoundland and Labrador, we recognize the importance of helping our young people ‒ the future of our province ‒ reach their full potential. Supporting students with healthy food through this agreement with the federal government will have a massive impact on families across our province, and we are proud to be a leader in the country in this program.”
Honourable Dr. Andrew Furey
Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador

“This historic agreement is about more than just food – it’s about giving children in Newfoundland and Labrador a fair shot. It’s a promise to our children that, no matter where they come from, they will have access to the healthy meals they need to succeed in school and in life. Because we know full bellies lead to happy, thriving kids.”
Honourable Jenna Sudds
Minister of Families, Children and Social Development

“Our National School Food Program will help connect schools with local food organizations, while creating opportunities for our farmers, food processors, and harvesters. Most importantly, it will let kids focus on being kids and take some of the pressure off parents. Quite simply, kids can’t learn when they’re hungry. This agreement with the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador is a great first step, and I know it will make a real difference for children and families across the province.”
Honourable Lawrence MacAulay
Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food

“Curious young minds cannot learn on an empty stomach. A national school food program will give kids in Newfoundland and Labrador the best possible start and help their parents with the cost of living. That is fairness for everyone.”
Honourable Gudie Hutchings
Minister of Rural Economic Development and Minister responsible for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency

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Learn more
National School Food Policy

Feeding the future today: Canada’s National School Food Program

National School Food Program

Giving every child the best start in life

Budget 2024: Fairness for Every Generation

Provincial Government Announces a New Poverty Reduction Plan for Newfoundland and Labrador

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The Honourable Dr. Andrew Furey, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador, will make an announcement related to sport and recreation tomorrow (Thursday, September 5).

The event will take place at 2:00 p.m. at the Topsail Turf Soccer Facility, 2500 Topsail Road, Conception Bay South.

Premier Furey will be joined at the announcement by Deputy Mayor of Conception Bay South, Andrea Gosse, as well as representatives from the Conception Bay South soccer community.

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The Provincial Government is wishing students success for the new school year, and welcoming teachers, administrators and staff back to schools throughout Newfoundland and Labrador.

To support a positive educational journey, all students in schools where school bus service exists can now take the bus to their zoned school.

The Department of Education has also refreshed various curriculum and implemented a new student services teaching and learning assistant position in some schools to help foster a positive school environment.

Students will be starting at or returning to one of over 250 schools in the province with a team of teachers, administrators, and support staff who are eager to welcome them back.

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“Today is an exciting day for students, parents, teachers, and staff. Educators have been diligently preparing for a successful year ahead. I encourage each student to strive for their best and remind everyone to be mindful of safety on the roads in and around school zones. Thank you to each teacher and parent who has helped set the foundation for a positive school year.”
Honourable Krista Lynn Howell
Minister of Education

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Learn more
Provincial Government Continues Work on Curriculum Renewal for K-12 Public Education System

School Bussing Now Available to all K-12 Students

NLSchools

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

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As post-secondary students return to classes, the Student Aid Office located at Coughlan College, St. John’s Campus, Memorial University, is extending hours of operation to assist applicants with any enquiries they may have.

The office will be open until 6:00 p.m. daily for September 3-5 and September 9-12.

Students can call 709-729-5849 or toll-free 1-888-657-0800, email studentaidenquiry@gov.nl.ca or drop by Coughlan College to have their student aid questions addressed.

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The start of the 2024-25 school year also signals the final phaseout of the 1.6-kilometre bussing policy in Newfoundland and Labrador. All students in Newfoundland and Labrador who attend schools with bus services can now avail of school bus transportation to their zoned school.

The policy change highlights the Provincial Government’s commitment to creating a learning environment that removes barriers and focuses directly on students and their well-being, as ensuring that all K-12 students have access to safe and reliable transportation will improve accessibility to education and ease pressures on families.

In August 2023, the Provincial Government announced the phasing out of the decades old 1.6-kilometre rule to access school bus services in the K-12 school system. At that time, the change came into effect in areas where the existing school bus capacity permitted the transportation of the additional students. With the start of this school year, the change now applies to all other areas where the 1.6-kilometre had remained in place.

Aside from the 33 new buses purchased by the Provincial Government this year for general replacement of its school bus fleet, 45 new buses were also added to accommodate the additional eligible students resulting from the elimination of the 1.6-kilometre policy. The Provincial Government also entered into new contracts which facilitated the purchase of more busses by contractors.

With a focus on ensuring students have safe and reliable transportation to and from school, Budget 2024 included close to $20 million for these measures to eliminate the 1.6-kilometre policy to access school bus services.

Quotes
“Families and students will all benefit from improved accessibility to schools. From bringing the school district into government to streamline operations, to revitalizing the educational environment, to improving transportation to schools, our government is steadfast in achieving our goals of creating a more positive learning environment, and ultimately improving the well-being of all Newfoundlanders and Labradorians.”
Honourable Dr. Andrew Furey
Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador

“The safe transportation of students throughout our province is of paramount importance, and the final phase of the elimination of the 1.6 kilometre rule aligns with our commitment to that safety. An additional 45 new buses have been added to our fleet for this initiative, aside from the 33 new replacement buses in our fleet, as well as ones purchased by our contractors and paid for by government. All of our investments are investments in the success of our province’s students.”
Honourable Fred Hutton
Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure
Minister of Rural Economic Development

“Ensuring students can safely get to school each day is a key part of supporting a positive educational experience. Thousands of students and families throughout the province will benefit from this improvement. I am pleased that our government was able to fully implement this change and set the foundation for a great school year ahead.”
Honourable Krista Lynn Howell
Minister of Education

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The Honourable Dr. Andrew Furey, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador, will be available to the media tomorrow (Tuesday, September 3) to discuss the final phase of the elimination of the 1.6 kilometre busing policy.

The availability will take place in the parking lot of Waterford Valley High, 465 Topsail Road, St. John’s, beginning at 10:30 a.m. In the event of inclement weather, the availability will be moved inside the school.

Premier Furey will be joined by the Honourable Fred Hutton, Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure and Minister of Rural Economic Development; Jamie Korab, MHA-elect for Waterford Valley; and Don Coombs, President of the Newfoundland and Labrador Federation of School Councils.

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

UNDERTAKING REGISTERED:

Torbaymans Pond Concrete Batch Plant        (Reg. 2320)
Proponent: Eastern Ready Mix and Precast Ltd.

The Proponent is proposing to establish and operate a concrete batch plant in their existing quarry location within the City of St. John’s. The batch plant would be installed within the quarry’s 5.0-hectare boundary and would produce an anticipated 5000 cubic metres of concrete annually. Construction would include levelling the site and the installation of a leveling pad for the batch plant footings. Produced concrete would be sold to construction companies and residents of the Avalon and surrounding areas to be used in highway and residential construction. A description of the project can be found on the department’s webpage at: www.gov.nl.ca/ecc/env-assessment/projects-list/.

The undertaking was registered on August 30, 2024; the deadline for public comment is October 4, 2024, and the minister’s decision is due by October 14, 2024.

UNDERTAKING RELEASED:

Cook’s Harbour Road Quarry                                      (Reg. 2317)
Proponent: Rose’s Concrete & Construction Inc.

The Project is released from environmental assessment subject to the conditions as outlined in the minister’s decision letter available on the department’s Project web page at www.gov.nl.ca/ecc/projects/project-2317/.

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

Environmental assessment information is available at:

www.gov.nl.ca/ecc/env-assessment/

www.gov.nl.ca/ecc/files/GUIDE-TO-THE-PROCESS_Jan-2024.pdf

Project comments may be forwarded to: EAprojectcomments@gov.nl.ca

Anyone submitting comments on a project under environmental assessment is asked to please advise the Department if they DO NOT wish to have their comments shared with the Project Proponent.

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On behalf of the Provincial Government, the Honourable Lisa Dempster, Minister of Environment and Climate Change and Minister Responsible for Labour, recognizes Newfoundland and Labrador’s strong workforce and extends her heartfelt thanks to all workers across the province today, and every day, for their vital contributions.

Labour Day is celebrated each year in Canada on the first Monday of September. It is a time to reflect and recognize the workforce as the backbone of our communities and to acknowledge the many worker protections and benefits accessible to Canadians.

This year, Labour Day will be recognized on Monday, September 2.

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“As Minister Responsible for Labour, I am privileged to recognize workers this Labour Day weekend. We owe a debt of gratitude to the hard-working people of this province, and their effort and dedication deserves recognition year-round. I wish everyone a safe and enjoyable Labour Day weekend.”
Honourable Lisa Dempster
Minister of Environment and Climate Change

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The Honourable Bernard Davis, Minister of Justice and Public Safety, will participate in the Atlantic Police Academy’s police graduation ceremony tomorrow (Friday, August 30).

The ceremony takes place at Harbourfront Theatre, 124 Heather Moyse Drive, in Summerside, Prince Edward Island, beginning at 9:00 a.m. ADT.

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Emerging trends and issues have put a spotlight on public safety in the Happy Valley-Goose Bay area. The Honourable Bernard Davis, Minister of Justice and Public Safety, has requested the assistance of the Policing Transformation Working Group to ensure public safety measures, including policing services, are meeting the needs of community members in and around the Happy Valley-Goose Bay area.

The Working Group will undertake a review of existing public safety measures in the area and engage with key stakeholders to gather insights to inform actionable recommendations. To further inform the review, input from community members is welcomed regarding opportunities to improve public safety.

Submissions will be received at policingtransformation@gov.nl.ca or by mail:

Policing Transformation Working Group
Department of Justice and Public Safety
4th Floor, Confederation Building (East Block)
P.O. Box 8700
St. John’s, NL A1B 4J6

The deadline for submission is Friday, September 13, 2024.

As part of the review, the Working Group will develop recommendations to improve public safety and enhance community well-being. The voices of community leaders will form an important part of the work being undertaken.

In November 2023, the Department of Justice and Public Safety announced the establishment of the Policing Transformation Working Group to guide the future of policing services in Newfoundland and Labrador. The working group has been evaluating the province’s current policing model, researching best practices from other jurisdictions, and engaging with key stakeholders, such as municipalities and community organizations, about policing services and community safety.

While provincial police services operate independently from the Provincial Government, the Minister of Justice and Public Safety maintains responsibility and authority for the administration of justice within the province. Budget 2024 contains over $165 million for policing services in Newfoundland and Labrador.

Quotes
“Public safety is an important fabric of our society. Our government is looking to engage the community and residents on a more proactive approach to public safety in the Happy Valley-Goose Bay area. Guided by the Policing Transformation Working Group, this dedicated focus will allow for a more thorough analysis of policing in the area. We are also inviting area residents to submit feedback to help inform the Working Group, with the goal of possible recommendations and improvements in the weeks ahead.”
Honourable Bernard Davis
Minister of Justice and Public Safety

“The RCMP and our dedicated team of police officers and public service employees work tirelessly to ensure the safety and security of the residents and community of Happy Valley-Goose Bay. We have had focused discussions with the Department of Justice and Public Safety and the Policing Transformation Working Group on policing in Happy Valley-Goose Bay and the unique challenges of policing in northern locations. We recommended that the Working Group closely examine policing resources and needs in the area and we look forward to our collaboration and informing the work ahead.”
Assistant Commissioner Pat Cahill
Commanding Officer, RCMP Newfoundland and Labrador

“The opportunity for the people of Lake Melville to contact directly with the Policing Transformation Working Group, is much appreciated. I look forward to constructive suggestions on keeping all members of the public safe in our community.”
Perry Trimper
MHA for Lake Melville and Parliamentary Assistant to the Premier

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With increased outdoors activities throughout Newfoundland and Labrador during the closing days of summer, the public is reminded to take appropriate steps to avoid encounters with black bears, as wild animals can be dangerous and unpredictable when approached.

To avoid attracting bears to residential areas, campsites and work sites, ensure the proper storage and disposal of garbage. In residential areas, do not place garbage in outside containers until the designated collection day. Where bears have been sighted, pet owners are asked to keep their animals inside or under close supervision. The public is also reminded to never feed wildlife, as it creates a public safety hazard and may lead to the destruction of the animal.

Under no circumstances should a black bear be approached. While every situation is different, when encountering a bear, take note of its behavior.

If the bear does not see you:

• Quietly back away and leave the area.
• Try to stay downwind of the animal.
• Keep an eye on the bear.
• Never get between a bear and her cubs.

If the bear has seen or smelled you:

• Remain calm.
• Give it space and a route to get away.
• Back away but do not run.
• If you must speak, do so calmly and firmly.
• Avoid direct eye contact.

Black bear sightings can be reported to Forestry and Wildlife offices located throughout the province.

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As schools reopen in the coming days, and traffic increases on local roadways, the Provincial Government is urging motorists to pay special attention to road safety, especially in school zones.

Back to school season is a good time for motorists, cyclists and pedestrians to reacquaint themselves with the road safety practices and the requirements of the Highway Traffic Act, including:

• Obey the posted speed limit in school zones and yield to pedestrians at crosswalks.
• Never pass a stopped school bus.
• Obey visual bus signals, such as the activated stop arm and flashing red or amber lights.
• Maintain one metre of open space between your vehicle, and a bicycle or pedestrian. If the speed limit is more than 60 kilometres per hour, increase this space to 1.5 metres.
• Remember that distracted driving is illegal and poses a serious safety risk.
• Cyclists are required to use bicycle paths or lanes where provided, instead of using the roadway. They are also required, by law, to wear a helmet.
• Pedestrians are encouraged to put away electronic devices and cellphones, and remove ear buds, so they can easily hear and see approaching traffic.

The public is also reminded that school buses are held to an extremely high standard of mechanical fitness and are subject to rigorous inspection requirements. All school buses are currently undergoing their annual mandatory inspections by Highway Enforcement Officers from the Department of Digital Government and Service NL and a minimum of 30 per cent of each contractor’s buses will be inspected again in January.

The most recent inspections completed between January 1 and June 30, 2024, show that the industry is maintaining this high safety standard.

Quotes
“Sharing the road also means sharing responsibility for road safety. As students head back to school, our streets get busier with vehicle, cyclist and pedestrian traffic and I urge everyone to take extra care when travelling on our roadways. Slow down in school zones, watch out for pedestrians and cyclists and respect school bus signals so we can all get where we need to go safely.”
Honourable Elvis Loveless
Minister of Digital Government and Service NL

“Back to school season is fast approaching as students head back to class and families return to their daily routines, and it can be an exciting time for our newest students heading to school for the first time. At this time of year, it is important that everyone remain mindful and vigilant of students boarding and exiting school buses, using crosswalks and walking to school in their communities. Take extra time to remain extra alert when traveling in school zones to keep everyone safe this school year.”
Honourable Krista Lynn Howell
Minister of Education

“Transporting students to and from school is a responsibility our government takes very seriously. As the new school year approaches, it is important that we all exercise caution on our roadways and be cognizant of students boarding and exiting school buses. Let’s all do our part to help ensure the safety of students, as they begin a new year of learning.”
Honourable Fred Hutton

Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure
Minister of Rural Economic Development

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The Department of Immigration, Population Growth and Skills, through the Office of Immigration and Multiculturalism, is calling for proposals for projects under the Newfoundland and Labrador Settlement and Integration Grants program. The program supports the social, economic and cultural integration of newcomers to the province.

Priority will be given to projects that support the direct delivery of settlement services to newcomers, regardless of immigration status, and support labour market attachment and economic immigration.

Organizations eligible for project funding include:

• Non-profit organizations
• Post-secondary institutions
• Municipalities
• Indigenous Governing Bodies

The full Newfoundland and Labrador Settlement and Integration Grant guidelines are available online here.

Applications will be assessed as received and must be submitted through the Labour Market Programs Support System (LaMPSS). Applications can be accepted starting at 12:00 p.m. NT on Thursday, August 29, 2024. All applications must be submitted by 11:59 p.m. NT on September 30, 2024.

To support organizations interested in applying for program funding, a virtual training session on how to navigate LaMPSS will be offered at 1:00 p.m. NT on Tuesday, September 3. Anyone who would like to attend for the training session or ask questions about this call for proposals is encouraged to contact the Office of Immigration and Multiculturalism at settlement@gov.nl.ca.

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The Honourable Dr. Andrew Furey, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador, and the Honourable Scott Reid, Minister Responsible for Indigenous Affairs and Reconciliation, extend warm congratulations to Chief Eugene Hart and the Council of the Sheshatshiu Innu First Nation.

The following individuals were declared elected following an election on August 21:

• Chief: Eugene Hart
• Councillors:
• Female – Karen Penunsi, Laureen Ashini, Felicia Nuna
• Female Elder – Mary Rose Selma
• Male – Michel Nuna, Daniel Pinette, Darren McKay
• Male Elder – Etienne Pone

The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador thanks outgoing Chief Etienne Rich and members of Council for their contributions during their term in office. The Provincial Government extends appreciation to all individuals who offered themselves as candidates in the election.

Quotes
“I would like to congratulate Eugene Hart on his return as Chief and the new and returning councillors. Voters in Sheshatshiu have entrusted this group to lead the First Nation and manage the affairs of an active and growing community. I value working with Chief Hart and council and support their efforts to advocate for the best interests of Sheshatshiu.”
Honourable Dr. Andrew Furey
Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador

“The elected members of the Sheshatshiu Innu First Nation have taken on an important responsibility in working together with the community to develop a strong, self-sustaining community in the areas of housing, education, health services, employment and economic development. I look forward to meeting the Chief and council and hearing about their plans for the future.”
Honourable Scott Reid
Minister Responsible for Indigenous Affairs and Reconciliation

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What starts today, improves tomorrow!

From childhood to adulthood, to life as a senior, every facet of an individual’s daily life is impacted by their well-being and contributes to their quality of life.

Well-being isn’t just about physical activity, it’s a fundamental part of a person’s overall health and can include everything from physical, mental, social, economic and environmental factors. These factors are known as the social determinants of health, which could mean access to safe housing, good food, clean water, education, childcare, social connection, and safety.

To help raise awareness of the importance of well-being in our lives and the Provincial Government’s continued commitment to its residents, today, the Honourable Dr. Andrew Furey, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador announced that Well-Being Week 2024 will run from September 22 to 28.

A wide-ranging and detailed list of engaging, social and educational events are scheduled to take place across the province and can be found here. Events are aimed at boosting momentum to make purposeful steps to better well-being throughout Newfoundland and Labrador.

Additionally, community groups, organizations, businesses, municipal and Indigenous governments that are planning activities and would like to promote their events on the Well-Being Week 2024 Events Calendar can contact info@wellbeing.ca. A tool kit is also available with resources, including posters and social media templates.

Well-Being Week profiles the Provincial Government’s plan and the significant work taken to support the social determinants of health and transform the province’s health care system. As well as its goal of being one of the healthiest provinces in the country by 2031.

Quote
“I look forward to the variety of activities that Well-Being Week 2024 will bring to residents and communities across Newfoundland and Labrador. Although change doesn’t happen overnight, what starts today, will improve tomorrow. Together, our collective actions are bringing us closer to the goal of being one of the healthiest provinces in the country by 2031.”
Honourable Dr. Andrew Furey
Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador

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Why is Well-being Important?

What does Well-being Mean to You?

Why is Well-being important for your health?

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The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador is today announcing a call for applications for the 2024-25 Community Addictions Prevention and Mental Health Promotion Grant Program.

The grant program supports projects by individuals, community groups, and non-profit organizations that focus on prevention of addictions and promotion of positive mental health.

Grants of up to $10,000 are available through the Community Addictions Prevention and Mental Health Grant Program for projects that align with the following priority areas:

• Suicide Prevention
• Life Promotion
• Prevention of alcohol and other substance use related harms
• Community Partnerships to promote positive mental health and resilience

More information on the Community Addictions Prevention and Mental Health Promotion Grant Program and applications can be accessed on the Department of Health and Community Services website. The deadline for applications is September 30, 2024.

Aligned with recommendations from Health Accord NL, program funding is administered by the Provincial Government in partnership with Newfoundland and Labrador Health Services. Budget 2024 includes $200,000 for the Community Addictions Prevention and Mental Health Promotion Grants Program.

Quotes
“The Community Addictions Prevention and Mental Health Promotion Grant Program is a great resource for individuals and community organizations to promote and foster positive mental health. Our government remains committed to working with our community partners and supporting all Newfoundlanders and Labradorians to live well and meaningfully participate in their communities.”
Honourable John G. Abbott
Minister of Mental Health and Addictions“Positive mental health is the foundation to overall health and well-being. In partnership with Newfoundland and Labrador Health Services, individuals and community organizations play an important role in delivering projects to improve mental health and prevent illness and substance use disorders. I encourage interested individuals and groups to apply to the Community Addictions Prevention and Mental Health Promotion Grant Program and help build a province where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.”
Honourable John Hogan, KC
Minister of Health and Community Services

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Community Addictions Prevention and Mental Health Promotion Grant Program

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The Acting Information and Privacy Commissioner, Jacqueline Lake Kavanagh, has released her Report A-2024-039 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/reports/.

Report:     A-2024-039 Report Date: August 22, 2024 Public Body: City of Corner Brook Summary: The Complainant filed an access to information request with the City of Corner Brook seeking information on a series of properties. The City produced a large number of responsive records but withheld some information, citing sections 28(1), 29(1), 31(1), 35(1) and 39(1) of the Access to Information and Protection of Privacy Act, 2015. The Complainant asserted that the information should not have been withheld and also that the City did not meet its duty to assist pursuant to section 13(1) of the Act. This Office determined that the City did meet its duty to assist. However, this Office did determine that some of the exceptions claimed by the City could not be supported and recommended the release of some of the information that was withheld.

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The Provincial Government is expanding supports for students in the K-12 public education system in Newfoundland and Labrador. Today, the Honourable Krista Lynn Howell, is announcing that a newly developed position – student services teaching and learning assistants – will be introduced in select K-12 schools this September.

The student services teaching and learning assistants will work with guidance counsellors and instructional resource teachers to further support behavioural management skills for students. They will also have other duties including hall monitoring to promote the overall safety and well-being of the school environment. The Department of Education has identified six schools to pilot this initiative this school year.

This initiative reinforces commitments made by the Provincial Government to improve school environments, increase overall safety, and prevent violence in the school setting. Efforts in recent years include the addition of 32 full-time equivalent school administrators throughout several schools; adding 58 full-time equivalent guidance counsellors; improving the student-to-counsellor ratio from 1:500 to 1:333 developing partnerships with Choices for Youth, Thrive Community Youth Network and the Jacob Puddister Foundation; and a focus on social-emotional learning that is embedded in the K-12 curriculum.

Quotes
“We want to ensure students, educators and support staff have safe school environments every day. We are committed to improving the school environment for our students, increasing overall safety, and preventing violence. This safety initiative will help staff and support our school communities.”
Honourable Krista Lynn Howell
Minister of Education

“The Newfoundland and Labrador Teachers’ Association welcomes any investment in our K-12 public education system that helps to address increasingly complex student needs and the growing levels of aggression and violence impacting our members and their students. The introduction of the student services TLA role in a small number of schools is a welcome step in the right direction, which we hope will be expanded across the system in the future. Adequate supports for students and the safety of everyone in our schools must be a priority, which is why the NLTA spearheaded the creation of the School Safety Coalition and continues to advocate for safe and well-resourced teaching and learning conditions for our members and their students.”
Trent Langdon
President, Newfoundland and Labrador Teachers’ Association

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Provincial Advisory Council on Education Regulations Now in Force

Newfoundland and Labrador Studies Course to Become Graduation Requirement for High School Students

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