Government of Newfoundland News

In an effort to continue to reduce the number of mandated and extended shifts for registered nurses in the province, the Provincial Government has extended the double rate overtime for vacation period, announced this past summer, to January 31, 2023.

This measure will support shifts being filled in advance and will also increase the ability of the Regional Health Authorities to grant annual leave for Registered Nurses and Nurse Practitioners.

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

 

 

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

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

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

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

By email at humanrights@gov.nl.ca

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

Learn more at www.thinkhumanrights.ca or follow us on Twitter @nlhumanrights using the hashtag #nlrights.

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

 

 

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The Honourable Siobhan Coady, Deputy Premier and Minister of Finance, today announced that the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador is reducing debt and borrowing and making the first-ever contribution to the Future Fund as a result of a strong fiscal and economic outlook for 2022-2023. This is in addition to the recently announced one-time cost of living relief; bringing the total to $430 million in targeted short- and long-term investments since March 2022 to help residents with the currently high cost of living.

Government is projecting higher than forecast revenue by $1.33 billion for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2023, primarily due to offshore royalties, corporate income tax, personal income tax and sales tax.

The projected increase in revenues enables government to reduce the net debt to $16.04 billion, a reduction of $1.01 billion from the original Budget 2022 estimate of $17.05 billion.

Borrowing requirements are reduced from $2.7 billion to $1.8 billion for 2022-23.

Also announced today is government’s intention to contribute $157 million to the newly established Future Fund. $107 million is based on non-renewable resource royalties received in 2021-22, as specified in the regulations. An additional one-time payment of $50 million will be contributed to the Future Fund based on the 2022-23 projected increase in revenues.

The average price of oil for 2022-23 has been revised to US$102 from the Budget 2022 projection of US$86 dollars. The Canada to US exchange rate has been adjusted to 77.7 cents from the Budget 2022 forecast of 79.3 cents.

Newfoundland and Labrador’s economy has performed well thus far in 2022:

• The unemployment rate fell to 8.2 per cent in September, the lowest rate since consistent records began in 1976;
• Population marked the fifth consecutive quarter of growth for the province, and the largest quarterly gain in recent history; increasing by 5,520 persons from July 1, 2021 to July 1, 2022, the largest annual increase since 1976;
• Housing starts are up 44.4 per cent over the first three quarters of the year;
• Capital investment is forecast to increase 4.7 per cent in 2022;
• Real Gross Domestic Product, a measure of our economy, is forecast to grow by 0.9 per cent; and
• Tourism sector performance continues to benefit from a pandemic rebound and the Come Home 2022 campaign.

Looking forward, economic activity in Newfoundland and Labrador is expected to remain strong in the province, with opportunities in the oil and gas, mining, wind energy, groundfish, aquaculture, technology and film and video industries.

The 2022 Economic Update is available at www.gov.nl.ca/fin/budget/fall-updates/.

Government’s strategic plan to return to balanced budgets, lower the cost of borrowing, and decrease debt is focused on:

• Fixing the financing of the Muskrat Falls Project through rate mitigation and a $5.2 billion agreement with the federal government;
• Prudent fiscal governance, including expenditure control, transformational and modernization of government, strengthening the role of the Auditor General and balanced budget legislation; and,
• Responsible debt management, including effective treasury management, improved liquidity, optimizing investment performance and establishing a Future Fund.

Quote
“We are fortunate this year to have a projected increase in revenues primarily due to increases in offshore royalties and tax revenues. This is enabling us to not only provide a one-time cost of living relief cheque to residents, but also to reduce our debt and borrowing requirements. We are also making our first contribution to the newly established Future Fund to start putting aside revenues to strengthen finances, pay down expensive debt and lower the cost of borrowing. While we are in a better fiscal situation this year, we must still continue on our path to achieve a stronger, more sustainable Newfoundland and Labrador, to hold the line on expenses where possible, and to invest strategically.”
Honourable Siobhan Coady
Deputy Premier, Minister of Finance

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Learn more
2022 Fiscal and Economic Update

Budget 2022

Future Fund Act to Receive Second Reading in House of Assembly

Provincial Government Provides Additional One-time Cost of Living Relief

Improved Outlook for Province’s Credit Rating

Follow us on Twitter @GovNL and @FIN_GovNL

Like us on Facebook

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

The post Reduced Debt and Borrowing, Contribution to Future Fund in Strong Fiscal and Economic Update appeared first on News Releases.

The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador is today introducing the proposed Fair Registration Practices Act to help reduce or eliminate barriers related to qualification recognition for international and Canadian-educated professionals. The Act is intended to ensure that registration practices for regulated professions are transparent, timely and fair.

The Fair Registration Practices Act, if passed, will apply to regulatory bodies by requiring them to:

• Provide clear and understandable information and ensure registration requirements are publicly available;
• Respond in a timely manner;
• Assist with internal and external navigational supports to facilitate the licensure process;
• Provide written notice of decisions along with reasons for which the decision was made;
• Review registration practices and submit regular reports to the Minister of Immigration, Population Growth and Skills; and
• Collaborate with education providers and employers to identify opportunities to develop programs that may assist unsuccessful applicants to obtain successful registration.

If passed, the Act will also authorize the Minister of Immigration, Population Growth and Skills to:

• Review registration and assessment practices of regulatory bodies who assess qualifications of applicants;
• Make recommendations to regulatory bodies about duties under the act and regulations; and
• Issue compliance orders in instances where a regulatory body has received a written notice and has not complied with the act.

A list of regulated occupations that would be covered under the Act can be found in the backgrounder below, along with examples of barriers faced by internationally educated newcomers to Newfoundland and Labrador that were identified by people educated outside of Newfoundland and Labrador. This feedback was received during the public consultations held on improvements to foreign qualification recognition that took place in summer 2022.

Quote
“The Fair Registration Practices Act helps to ensure newcomers in regulated professions receive a transparent, timely and fair review of their credentials. We all benefit when highly-skilled newcomers are able to meet their full potential and fill positions in fields that are experiencing labour shortages.”
Honourable Gerry Byrne
Minister of Immigration, Population Growth and Skills

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Learn more
Follow us on Twitter: @GovNL and @IPGS_GovNL

Like us on Facebook

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

BACKGROUNDER

Regulated Occupations Covered Under Proposed Fair Registration Practices Act

The list of regulated occupations that would be covered under the proposed Act include:

• Licensed Practical Nurses
• Physicians
• Nurse Practitioners
• Registered Nurses
• Social Workers
• Medical Laboratory Technologists
• Respiratory Therapists
• Pharmacists and Pharmacy Technicians
• Clinical Psychologists
• Advanced Care Paramedics and Primary Care Paramedics
• K-12 Teachers
• Early Childhood Educators
• Engineers
• Heavy Duty Equipment Technicians
• Transport Truck Drivers

Examples of Barriers Faced by Internationally Educated Newcomers in Newfoundland and Labrador

The following barriers were identified by people educated outside of Newfoundland and Labrador during the public consultations held on improvements to foreign qualification recognition that took place in summer 2022.

Medical Professionals (Physicians and Nurses):

• Some internationally educated medical professionals have had to return to their country of origin to complete their employment hours in order to be eligible for a license.

K-12 Teachers:

• Internationally educated teachers require a work permit in order to teach. In most cases, to obtain a work permit, a license is required. However, a license is needed to get a job offer and hence a work permit.

International Graduate Engineering Students:

• Some international graduate engineering students at Memorial University are not eligible to obtain the professional engineer designation, as they lack a Canadian undergraduate degree or Canadian work experience despite having undergraduate engineering credentials from another country and overseas work experience in their fields.

 

 

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The Honourable Andrew Parsons, Minister of Industry, Energy and Technology, will bring greetings at econext’s annual conference tomorrow (Thursday, October 20).

The event will take place at the Sheraton Hotel, 115 Cavendish Square, St. John’s, beginning at 8:35 a.m.

Minister Parsons will also participate in a panel discussion on the province’s renewable energy future. He will be joined by Jennifer Williams, President and CEO of Newfoundland and Labrador Hydro, and Saqamaw Misel Joe, Chief, Miawpukek First Nation.

Working on behalf of over 200 members to foster environmentally sustainable economic development, econext is a not-for-profit association of businesses that aims to accelerate clean growth in Newfoundland and Labrador.

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

 

The post Media Advisory: Minister Parsons to Participate in econext Conference appeared first on News Releases.

As part of Small Business Week across Newfoundland and Labrador, the Provincial Government is highlighting more than $29 million in funding contributions to small businesses, as well as support for economic development through a variety of programs and services offered by the Department of Industry, Energy and Technology, including:

• $15.5 million in Research and Development investments, including approximately $6.7 million directly to companies;
• More than $7.5 million was approved to support 98 projects through the Regional Development Fund to assist with community economic development projects, leveraging over $28 million from other partners and sources;
• More than $6.4 million was approved to support 156 projects through the Business Development Support Program, leveraging $5.2 million from other partners and sources; and
• $315,000 was approved to support five commercial loans through the Business Investment Program, leveraging over $1.2 million in additional funding contributions.

The Provincial Government provides a wide array of services and financial support to small and medium-sized businesses, including counselling, repayable and non-repayable financing options, enterprise promotion, and export development and trade. The department invests significantly in programs and supports for start-up companies and the entire entrepreneurial ecosystem.

As Newfoundland and Labrador celebrates Small Business Week from October 16 to October 22, activities are planned throughout the province to highlight the industry’s significance to the growth of the provincial economy.

Quote
“Small business owners across Newfoundland and Labrador are a major contributor to our province’s economic success. Our government is proud to support these hard working entrepreneurs who create jobs, contribute to our province’s high quality of life, and play a big part in our local communities. It is important that we take the time to recognize and support our local entrepreneurs, not only this week but throughout the year.”
Honourable Andrew Parsons
Minister of Industry, Energy and Technology

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Learn more
Business Development Support Program

Regional Development Fund

Business Investment Program

Newfoundland and Labrador Association of CBDCs

Follow us on Twitter: @GovNL @IET_GovNL

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

The post Provincial Government Celebrates Small Business Week appeared first on News Releases.

The Honourable Derrick Bragg, Minister of Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture, and the Honourable Gerry Byrne, Minister of Immigration, Population Growth and Skills, will bring greetings to the upcoming Newfoundland and Labrador Forestry Sector Workforce Summit tomorrow (Wednesday, October 19) at the Sheraton Hotel Newfoundland, 115 Cavendish Square, St. John’s at 8:30 a.m.

This one-day summit planned by the Newfoundland and Labrador Forestry Industry Association will address the status of the forestry workforce, gaps and opportunities, and will outline a path forward for the sector.

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Media contacts
Erin Shea
Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture
709-729-3373, 725-4321
erinshea@gov.nl.ca

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

The post Media Advisory: Ministers Bragg and Byrne to Address Forestry Sector Workforce Summit appeared first on News Releases.

The Honourable Siobhan Coady, Deputy Premier and Minister of Finance, will deliver a fiscal and economic update tomorrow (Wednesday, October 19) at 11:00 a.m. in the Media Centre, East Block, Confederation Building. The announcement will also be live-streamed on Facebook.

Prior to the event, a technical briefing for media will be held at 10:00 a.m.

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

The post Media Advisory: Minister Coady to Provide 2022 Fiscal and Economic Update appeared first on News Releases.

Today, the Honourable Andrew Furey, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador and the Honourable Lisa Dempster, Minister Responsible for Indigenous Affairs and Reconciliation, and Minister Responsible for Labrador Affairs, along with Yvonne Jones, MP for Labrador, on behalf of the Honourable Gudie Hutchings, Minister of Rural Economic Development, announced $231,756 in combined federal and provincial funding for the Community Recreation Rebroadcasting Service Association (CRRS) to bring high-speed Internet access to 664 households in Wabush and Labrador City. This project is expected to be completed in May 2023.

This funding is part of an existing agreement between the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador and the Government of Canada. In February 2022, both governments announced a historic partnership to invest up to $136 million to connect all remaining rural, remote and Indigenous households in the province to high-speed Internet.

The Governments of Newfoundland and Labrador and Canada recognize the important role that access to high-speed internet will have in the economic recovery from the pandemic. Collaborating to provide better internet services to residents of rural, remote and northern communities in Newfoundland and Labrador will help create jobs and contribute to the economic growth of the entire province.

Today’s announcement builds on the Government of Canada’s progress toward making sure that 98 percent of Canadians have access to high-speed Internet by 2026, and 100 percent by 2030.

Quotes
“The historic $136 million partnership between the Federal and Provincial Governments helps diversify our economy and supports the well-being of citizens. An investment in connectivity services is an investment in communities and people, and providing Newfoundlanders and Labradorians with reliable high-speed Internet access remains a priority for our government.”
Honourable Andrew Furey
Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador

“Never have we been more aware of the need for connectivity, especially in rural and remote communities. Access to reliable high-speed Internet is no longer a luxury; it’s a necessity. I am delighted that collaboration with our federal partners and a focused plan are closing the connectivity gap in communities such as Wabush and Labrador City, and we will ensure this work continues in other Labrador communities that need improved Internet services.”
Honourable Lisa Dempster
Minister Responsible for Indigenous Affairs and Reconciliation, and Minister Responsible for Labrador Affairs

“We all know that Internet is no longer a luxury in this day and age—it’s a necessity. We need to close the connectivity gap and ensure that every nook and cranny of Newfoundland and Labrador has access to reliable high-speed Internet. Today’s announcement about connecting over 650 households is great news for Labradorians. Having fast, reliable Internet helps people in rural communities access essential services, use streaming services, study online or simply connect with loved ones. Our government will continue to ensure every Canadian, no matter where they live, has access to high-speed Internet by 2030.”
Honourable Gudie Hutchings
Federal Minister of Rural Economic Development

“For too many living in Wabush, reliable Internet continues to be out of reach. Our government knows that Internet access is far from a luxury; it’s an essential service that many Labradorians rely on in order to stay connected to loved ones, study for school and run their businesses. Today’s announcement will help connect 664 households in Wabush to reliable high-speed Internet and brings us one step closer to our national goal of connecting 98 percent of Newfoundlanders and Labradorians by 2026.”
Yvonne Jones
Member of Parliament for Labrador

“As we are a community-owned not-for-profit, these types of funds are especially important and beneficial to us and our communities. It has always been our mandate to provide the best possible service experience to our members, and this funding from the Universal Broadband Fund allows us to ensure that all of our members will have access to our highest level of service.”
Robert Burton
Operations Manager, Community Recreation Rebroadcasting Service Association

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Learn more
Connecting Rural Households in Newfoundland and Labrador to High-Speed Internet

Universal Broadband Fund

High-speed Internet for all of Canada

Follow us on Twitter: @GovNL and @IET_GovNL

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

Hugo Alvarez
Office of the Minister of Rural Economic Development
343-551-7846
hugo.alvarez@ised-isde.gc.ca

Media Relations
Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada
media@ised-isde.gc.ca

 

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The following statement was read in the House of Assembly today by the Honourable Gerry Byrne, Minister of Immigration, Population Growth and Skills:

Speaker, every year, this government assists more than 2,300 women to acquire the skills training they need to secure employment. We also support some 70 women annually to create jobs for themselves, and jobs for others, by starting their own businesses. Annual funding of $210,000 for operations and $715,000 for wage subsidies is also provided to the Office to Advance Women Apprenctices; an office that continues to be heralded as a model for other provinces to follow.

Speaker, while we provide supports to thousands of women, today I would like to briefly tell one woman’s story, to best illustrate how investing in people can transform lives.

In 2021, Holly Linklater approached her local Immigration, Population Growth, and Skills office to express an interest in pursuing carpentry at the College of the North Atlantic – Clarenville Campus. Holly was experiencing difficulty securing long-term employment and decided to pursue her passion in carpentry.  She admitted she had some reservations, as carpentry is a male-dominated field, but she persevered.

With support from our Skills Development program, Holly excelled.  Out of 10 courses, she received 100 per cent in seven and 95 per cent in the remaining three.

Holly graduated from the carpentry program this past June and immediately secured employment with Newfound Builders of Brigus who are featured on HGTV’s Rock Solid Builds. She is currently registered with the Office to Advance Women Apprentices and employed under their apprentice wage subsidy program.

My congratulations to Holly, and my thanks for allowing me to share her story for the pupose of inspiring more women to choose her path and help build the Newfoundland and Labrador of tomorrow.

Speaker, here’s to many, many, many more Hollys!

Thank you.

The post Ministerial Statement – Supporting Women in the Workforce appeared first on News Releases.

Proposed amendments to the Workplace Health, Safety and Compensation Act will receive Second Reading in the House of Assembly today. These amendments propose expanded presumptive cancer and cardiac coverage for career and volunteer firefighters.

Minister Davis will be available to speak about the proposed amendments today (Tuesday, October 18). The availability will take place in front of the House of Assembly at 1:00 p.m.

If approved, this legislation will result in an expansion of coverage to include eight more cancers: prostate, multiple myeloma, cervical, ovarian, penile, pancreatic, thyroid and skin, as well as cardiac events that occur within 24 hours of a firefighter responding to an emergency.

Presumptive cancer coverage for firefighters means that firefighters meeting the criteria who contract cancer from a list of presumptively covered cancers are presumed to have contracted the cancer from their work as a firefighter unless the contrary is shown.

Expanding presumptive coverage for career and volunteer firefighters in the province to include additional cancers and certain cardiac events was a recommendation of the 2019 Statutory Review.

There are approximately 450 career firefighters and 5,900 volunteer firefighters in Newfoundland and Labrador.

Quotes
“The Provincial Government is committed to providing a strong workers’ compensation system in Newfoundland and Labrador. As the Minister Responsible for Labour, I am pleased to bring these amendments forward, as these proposed changes will benefit all career and volunteer firefighters in the province. If passed, they will receive wage-loss benefits, medical aids, and certain other benefits through WorkplaceNL.”
Honourable Bernard Davis
Minister Responsible for WorkplaceNL

“Expanding presumptive cancer coverage for career and volunteer firefighters recognizes the risks of responding to fires and other emergencies. WorkplaceNL is pleased that this presumption coverage will allow us to adjudicate claims faster as we support firefighters and their families during a stressful time in their lives.”
Dennis Hogan
CEO, WorkplaceNL

“Firefighters answer the call to duty each and every day, placing themselves in harm’s way in the service of communities across Newfoundland & Labrador.  They do so willingly, even when knowing that their profession is struck down at an alarming rate from cancers and cardiac injuries directly linked to job-related exposures.  It is without question that the action taken here today from this Government, is in recognition of both the risk taken and the value provided by fire fighters across the province. On behalf of Newfoundland and Labrador firefighters and their families, I would like to extend my utmost gratitude to Premier Furey, Minister Davis and the entire Government for doing the right thing, at the right time, for the right cause.”
Jim O ’Toole
Vice President, Atlantic Provinces Professional Firefighters Association

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Learn more
Workplace Health, Safety and Compensation Act

WorkplaceNL

Follow us on Twitter @GovNL and @ECC_GovNL

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

Carla Riggs
WorkplaceNL
709-778-1590
Carla.riggs@workplacenl.ca

Jim O’Toole
Vice President, Atlantic Provinces Professional Firefighters Association
709-682-3359
appffanl@gmail.com

 

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The Information and Privacy Commissioner, Michael Harvey, has released his Report A-2022-022 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-2022-022 Report Date: October 13, 2022 Public Body: Town of Bauline Summary: The Complainant made an access to information request under the Access to Information and Protection of Privacy Act, 2015 to the Town of Bauline for information relating to a councillor’s alleged use of Town property for personal use. The Town compiled answers to the Complainant’s questions and provided a responsive email chain. The Complainant filed a complaint with this Office as they believed that there should be more records. The Commissioner found that the Town had conducted a reasonable search for records, and recommended no further action be taken.

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

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Digital Government and Service NL reminds the public that as the winter season approaches, motorists should consider having their winter tires installed before road conditions turn to snow and ice. Those who choose to use studded tires may do so as of Tuesday, November 1, 2022.

Motorists are reminded to drive according to weather conditions, ensure tires are in good condition, brakes, wipers and lights are in working order and that all fluid levels including windshield wash, antifreeze and oil are checked.

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Media contact
Krista Dalton
Digital Government and Service NL
709-729-4748, 685-6492
kristadalton@gov.nl.ca

 

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October 17-23 is Waste Reduction Week in Newfoundland and Labrador. Waste Reduction Week 2022 focuses on themes specific to waste streams: textiles; e-waste; plastics; and food waste.

Waste Reduction Week is now a part of Circular Economy Month, a new campaign being held throughout the month of October, encouraging residents across the country to learn more about the concept of circular economy; that is, an economy in which new, sustainable ways for products and materials to be maintained, reused, remanufactured and recycled are developed, and which ultimately diverts more waste from landfills.

The new campaign is being supported by a coalition of not-for-profit environmental groups and governments from all 13 provincial and territorial jurisdictions, including Newfoundland and Labrador through the Multi-Materials Stewardship Board (MMSB).

This year, MMSB is promoting an online campaign providing education resources and tips of how we can all make small changes to reduce waste streams. MMSB will also highlight a food waste theme day, through an online contest for compost tumblers. While learning about the importance of composting, residents can be entered to win a bin. Government House will also be lit in blue and green today (October 18), to recognize the importance of the waste reduction component of a circular economy.

Quotes
“We have a shared responsibility to protect the environment for future generations. During Waste Reduction Week and Circular Economy Month, I encourage everyone to take some time to think of new and innovative ways to help reduce waste in Newfoundland and Labrador. Every action we take today – be it big or small – strengthens our efforts for a cleaner tomorrow.”
Honourable Bernard Davis
Minister of Environment and Climate Change

“MMSB is proud to be a partner and support Waste Reduction Week. By encouraging residents, businesses, schools, and communities to think of new ways to reduce our environmental footprint and adopt actions that support a circular economy, we can reduce the amount of waste we send to our landfills and create a cleaner environment.”
Derm Flynn
Chair of the Multi-Materials Stewardship Board

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Learn more
Rethink Waste NL

Circular Economy Month/Waste Reduction Week Canada

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

Jackie O’Brien
Multi-Materials Stewardship Board
709-757-3696
jobrien@mmsb.nl.ca

The post Provincial Government Recognizes Waste Reduction Week 2022 appeared first on News Releases.

The Provincial Government recognizes today (October 17) as International Day for the Eradication of Poverty, which has been observed by the United Nations since 1993.

The United Nations established this day to acknowledge the efforts, courage and experiences of people living in poverty and to recognize the global solidarity and shared responsibility to eradicate poverty and combat all forms of discrimination.

This year’s theme is “Dignity for all in practice.” This theme highlights dignity belonging to each and every person as not only a fundamental right in itself, but also the basis of all other fundamental rights, and one which is often denied to people living in persistent poverty.

The Provincial Government remains committed to furthering social and economic well-being in this province. Work, including consultation, is currently underway to develop a Social and Economic Well-Being Plan based on the social determinants of health and the Health Accord. As well, government is helping to reduce poverty by empowering people across their lifespan through support and investments in programs and services. Since March 2022, these investments include:

• A five per cent increase in the Income Support basic rate;
• A 10 per cent increase in the Income Supplement;
• A 10 per cent increase in the Seniors’ Benefit;
• A one-time benefit for individuals and families in receipt of income support with $200 for single people and $400 for families.

Quote
“Everyone deserves to live with dignity and have equitable access to opportunities and resources that are vital to an improved quality of life. The International Day for the Eradication of Poverty is a time to reflect and recognize the daily courage of individuals and families living in poverty, and renew our collective pledge to ensure overall well-being, especially for those who are most vulnerable. As a government, we recognize that poverty is complex and multidimensional, and through our Social and Economic Well-Being Plan, we are following the recommendations of the Health Accord in applying a broad and holistic approach to bring about sustainable and long-term social and economic outcomes for all Newfoundlanders and Labradorians, so that no one has to live in poverty.”
Honourable John G. Abbott
Minister of Children, Seniors and Social Development

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Learn more
Provincial Government to Increase Income Support Basic Rate – News Releases

Provincial Government Provides Additional One-time Cost of Living Relief – News Releases

Provincial Government Launches Home Heating Supplement Program (Furnace and Stove Oil) – News Releases

Budget 2022 Helps with the Cost of Living; Addresses Government’s Financial Challenges – News Releases

Government Announces Five-point Plan to Help Newfoundlanders and Labradorians with the High Cost of Living – News Releases

Government Introduces Additional Measures to Help Residents with the Cost of Living – News Releases

Department of Children, Seniors and Social Development

Follow us on Twitter: @GovNL, @CSSD_GovNL

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

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The following statement was read in the House of Assembly today by the Honourable Krista Lynn Howell, Minister of Municipal and Provincial Affairs:

Speaker, I stand today to congratulate the Town of Pouch Cove for being the first in the province to adopt a municipal Code of Conduct, as well as several other councils that have since achieved this important milestone.

Working to reduce gender-based harassment and barriers to professional advancement are critical steps towards increasing diversity and representation of women in municipal politics.

To that end, the Municipal Conduct Act was proclaimed into force on September 1, 2022, providing clear guidelines on how to effectively address issues of conflicts of interest and harassment and bullying in the workplace. This legislation will have a tremendous impact for women and gender diverse people who wish to work or run for local government.

Speaker, inherent in the legislation is the aim to reduce gender-based harassment, ensuring councils are more inclusive, and reducing barriers to women, gender diverse individuals, and other marginalized groups entering politics.

The Act and Municipal Codes of Conduct will result in improved respectfulness, professionalism and workplace safety and wellness in council chambers and municipal workplaces.

To assist municipalities, a series of information sessions are being offered this fall, both in person and virtually. I encourage councillors and staff to take part and to reach out to the Department at any time for further information and assistance.

Thank you.

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Several short-term initiatives were announced today for certain frontline health care workers, targeting areas of the workforce that face significant recruitment challenges. These incentives will benefit a certain number of Newfoundland and Labrador Association of Public and Private Employees (NAPE) health care professionals, in an effort to recruit new employees and retain current workers. The Provincial Government, in collaboration with the leadership of NAPE, has implemented three short-term measures to help stabilize the health care workforce in the province and minimize service delivery interruptions.

The Honourable Andrew Furey, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador, along with the Honourable Tom Osborne, Minister of Health and Community Services and Jerry Earle, President of the Newfoundland and Labrador Association of Public and Private Employees, will be available to the media today (Monday, October 17) at 3:30 p.m. to discuss these measures. The availability will take place in the Media Centre, Ground Floor of East Block, Confederation Building, and will be livestreamed on Facebook.

The initiatives developed to address the immediate NAPE workforce challenges are:

1. Retention Bonuses– A retention bonus is available to identified NAPE members, targeted to areas where there is an identified retention and recruitment challenge, for a return-in-service commitment;
2. Reimbursement of Licensing Fees for Applicable Retired Health Care Providers– Licensing fees will be paid for those who wish to return to work; and,
3. Double Rate Overtime – This measure is available to identified NAPE members, targeted to areas where there is an identified retention and recruitment challenge, and is available until January 31, 2023. It will reduce delays in filling schedules and also should reduce the number of mandated and extended shifts.

The Regional Health Authorities will be reaching out to eligible employees in the next week with further details.

Recruitment and retention continues to be a challenge across all health care professions locally, nationally and internationally. As a result, the Provincial Government continues to work with health care professionals, and has implemented a number of creative measures over the past while to help curb the workforce challenges and encourage recruitment. More information on these measures is available here.

This recruitment and retention package follows other initiatives announced in partnership with the Newfoundland and Labrador Medical Association and the Registered Nurses’ Union of Newfoundland and Labrador.

Quotes
“Working collaboratively with Mr. Earle and NAPE, I am confident these measures will have a meaningful impact on the work environment of their union members. I also want to take this opportunity to thank our health care professionals once again for their service and unwavering commitment to the residents of Newfoundland and Labrador. We know the challenges that a workforce shortage creates for our dedicated professionals who continue to carry the load, but we remain committed to finding solutions through recruitment and retention efforts like the ones we’ve announced today.”
Honourable Andrew Furey
Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador

“We continue to try to find creative avenues to address the significant recruitment and retention hurdles we are currently facing in health care, and today’s announcement is another great example. These short-term measures will help alleviate some of the obstacles faced by a number of NAPE health care workers, as we continue to find longer-term solutions. I want to thank Mr. Earle for working with us to develop strategies that will be of value to his members.”
Honourable Tom Osborne
Minister of Health and Community Services

“It takes a broad range of healthcare workers with a diverse set of education, training, and skills to make our healthcare system work. These workers are under tremendous strain right now. Retention of our highly skilled, experienced, and dedicated healthcare workforce is integral to stabilizing our healthcare system. The initiatives announced today will provide incentives to keep healthcare workers here in positions that are experiencing retention issues and we will continue to work collaboratively with this government to improve health outcomes for the people of our province.”
Jerry Earle
President of the Newfoundland and Labrador Association of Public and Private Employees (NAPE)

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

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

Keith Dunne
Campaigns and Communications Coordinator
Newfoundland and Labrador Association of Public and Private Employees
709-631-9737
kdunne@nape.ca

The post Initiatives Announced to Enhance the Recruitment and Retention of Frontline NAPE Health Care Professionals appeared first on News Releases.

New proposed legislation to address pay equity and pay transparency in the province will receive second reading in the House of Assembly today. The Bill, titled “An Act Respecting Pay Equity for the Public Sector and Pay Transparency for the Public and Private Sectors,” will support equitable pay practices in the province. This proposed legislation builds on the Provincial Government’s ongoing efforts to support women and gender diverse people in Newfoundland and Labrador.

Pay equity provisions in the proposed Bill will:

• Apply to all public sector employers with 10 or more employees;
• Require public sector employers to implement compensation practices to value jobs based on four criteria: skill, effort, responsibility and working conditions; and
• Designate a commissioner under the Public Service Commission Act to act as the Pay Equity Officer.

Pay transparency provisions in the proposed Bill will:

• Apply to employers in the public and private sectors;
• Require employers to include information regarding pay in publicly advertised job postings;
• Prohibit employers from requesting pay history information from job applicants;
• Prohibit employers from penalizing an employee or applicant for inquiring about or disclosing pay information, or requesting that the employer comply with the Act; and
• Require certain employers to prepare pay transparency reports.

Consultations will occur in the fall to inform regulations of the act, pertaining to pay equity and pay transparency, including specific elements of reporting requirements and timelines for implementation. Additionally, government will consult with employers and stakeholders to determine next steps for implementing pay equity in the private sector.

This Bill contains pay transparency provisions that will make Newfoundland and Labrador a leader among the jurisdictions with prescriptive pay transparency requirements for the public and private sectors.

Quotes
“This legislation is a positive step forward for gender equality, and for populations who have experienced discrimination in the workplace such as women, gender-diverse people, members of the 2SLGBTQQIA+ community, Indigenous people, Black and racialized people, people with disabilities and other intersecting identities. I look forward to supporting my colleagues as we continue to progress pay equity and pay transparency measures.”
Honourable Pam Parsons
Minister Responsible for Women and Gender Equality

“I am pleased to see government advance and legislate the requirement for pay equity, which ensures the recognition of skill, effort, responsibility and working conditions in job evaluation.”
Honourable Siobhan Coady
Deputy Premier and President of Treasury Board

“Pay transparency is just one step in the process of pay equity. It is one mechanism to help level the employment playing field, and another step to help address the gender wage gap in Newfoundland and Labrador. Details on a fulsome consultations process will be shared in the coming weeks.”
Honourable Bernard Davis
Minister of Environment and Climate Change and Minister Responsible for Labour

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Learn more
Office of Women and Gender Equality

Job Evaluation System – Treasury Board Secretariat

Labour Relations and Standards

Follow us on Twitter @GovNL, @WGE_GovNL, and @ECC_GovNL

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

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

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

The post Provincial Government Announces Pay Equity and Pay Transparency Legislation appeared first on News Releases.

The Honourable Pam Parsons, Minister Responsible for Women and Gender Equality, the Honourable Siobhan Coady, Deputy Premier and President of Treasury Board and the Honourable Bernard Davis, Minister of Environment and Climate Change and Minister Responsible for Labour, will be available to provide details on the Pay Equity and Pay Transparency Act prior to debate in the House of Assembly.

The media availability will take place tomorrow (October 17) at 12:00 p.m. in the Media Centre, East Block, Confederation Building. The announcement will also be live-streamed on Facebook.

Prior to the event, a technical briefing for media will be held at 11:00 a.m.

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

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

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

The post Media Advisory: Ministers Parsons, Coady and Davis to Discuss Pay Equity and Pay Transparency Legislation appeared first on News Releases.

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

Undertakings Released:

Humber Valley – Goose Bay Regional Abattoir         (Reg. 2206)
Proponent: Dinsmore Farm

The Project is released subject to the following conditions:

• The proponent is required to uphold all commitments made in the environmental assessment submission to mitigate the effects of the Project on the environment.
• The Pollution Prevention Division of the Department of Environment and Climate Change requires that a detailed Waste Management Plan (WMP) that addresses all waste streams produced by the undertaking, including liquid and solid waste, be submitted for approval prior to the commencement of operations. The WMP must incorporate composting management and should be developed in conjunction with the Department of Fisheries Forestry and Agriculture and the Canadian Food Inspection Agency, and describe how to safely and effectively compost waste offal, including the separate composting of specified risk material. The plan should also include details pertaining to vector and odor control and contingencies for any spills of waste or hazardous materials.
• The Water Resources Management Division of the Department of Environment and Climate Change requires a Water Resources Management Plan to ensure the safe disposal of process water and storm water runoff from the facility without causing any environmental impact to the nearby waterbodies.
• The proponent is required to advise the Environmental Assessment Division when the conditions of release have been met, by emailing a written description, documents, and images (where applicable) to demonstrate that the conditions have been fulfilled.
• The proponent is required to update the Environmental Assessment Division on the status of the Project, including a copy of all permits, licences, certificates, approvals and other authorizations required for the Project, one year from the date of this release letter and to provide additional updates if required.

Crown Zone 4 Five-Year Forestry Operating Plan (2023-2027)     (Reg. 2207)
Proponent: Department of Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture

The Project is released subject to the following conditions:

• The proponent is required to uphold all commitments made in the environmental assessment submission to mitigate the effects of the Project on the environment.
• The Climate Change Branch of the Department of Environment and Climate Change requires that a Greenhouse Gas Management Plan must be prepared and submitted to the Minister of Environment and Climate Change for approval. A draft of this plan must be submitted within one year of the date of the Minister’s decision letter with an update on the progress of this plan to be submitted in 6 months. The plan is expected to include:
  • Any carbon modeling that has been or will be used to inform forest management planning;
  • Projections on the level of greenhouse gas emissions that are anticipated to be captured and/or released over the five year period; and
  • A description of how forest management will be informed by carbon modelling with regard to climate change mitigation and climate change adaptation.
• The Water Resources Management Division of the Department of Environment and Climate Change requires that a 30-metre buffer be maintained around the hydrometric station located at Conne River at the Outlet of Conne River Pond (02ZE004).
• The  Land Management Division of the Department of Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture requires the following:
  • The Land Management Division must be consulted prior to any silviculture activities planned to occur next to existing agriculture properties, within Agricultural Development Areas (ADAs) and within Agricultural Areas of Interest (AOIs).
  • Portions of the proposed Forestry Operating Plan areas fall within cottage planning areas, cottage development areas, community infilling limits and Crown land reserves. You are required to consult with the Land Management Division to determine if there are any land use conflicts.
  • The Land Management Division must be consulted for existing agriculture operations. The area has future agriculture growth potential and Agriculture lease application(s) will be accepted within the AOIs and ADAs.

• The Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts and Recreation requires the following:
  • The proponent shall Implement measures that preserve the visitor experience and viewscapes along the highway (Route 360). Cut blocks CC07014, CC07012, CC07011, CC07010, CC07017 should be developed using landscape design techniques that mitigate the visibility to the motoring public. Consult directly with the Manager of Tourism Product Development regarding efforts to minimize the visibility of clear cuts to from these routes.
  • Commercial forest harvesting in close proximity to Jipujijkuei Kuespem Provincial Park should be conducted so that cut blocks are not visible from the park and conducted outside seasonal operating times May 14-September 7. For more information, please contact Tourism, Culture, Arts and Recreation at (709) 729-4518.
• The proponent is required to advise the Environmental Assessment Division when the conditions of release have been met, by emailing a written description, documents, and images (where applicable) to demonstrate that the conditions have been fulfilled.
• The proponent is required to update the Environmental Assessment Division on the status of the Project, including a copy of all permits, licences, certificates, approvals and other authorizations required for the Project, one year from the date of this release letter and to provide additional updates if required.

Steady Brook Tourism-Residential Subdivision       (Reg. 2211)
Proponent: Humber Seasons Limited

The Project is released subject to the following conditions:

• The proponent is required to uphold all commitments made in the environmental assessment submission to mitigate the effects of the Project on the environment
• The Department of Environment and Climate Change  requires the following:
  • A minimum 50-metre undisturbed riparian buffer zone shall be maintained along the Humber River.
  • A minimum 50-metre undisturbed riparian buffer zone shall be maintained along the waterbody titled Steady Brook. The area where Steady Brook flows into the Humber is a recognized conservation unit though the Eastern Habitat Joint Venture Program
• The Department of Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture requires that no vegetation clearing is to occur within 800 metres of a bald eagle or osprey nest during the nesting season (March 15 to July 31) and 200 metres during the remainder of the year. The 200-metre buffer also applies to all other raptor nests (e.g. Northern Goshawk, Sharp-shinned Hawk, Merlin, American Kestrel, Great-horned Owl, Boreal Owl, Northern Saw-whet Owl). The location of any raptor nest sites must be reported to the Wildlife Division.
• The proponent is required to advise the Environmental Assessment Division when the conditions of release have been met, by emailing a written description, documents, and images (where applicable) to demonstrate that the conditions have been fulfilled.
• The proponent is required to update the Environmental Assessment Division on the status of the Project, including a copy of all permits, licences, certificates, approvals and other authorizations required for the Project, one year from the date of this release letter and to provide additional updates if required.

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

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

Environmental assessment information is available at:

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

www.gov.nl.ca/ecc/files/GUIDE-TO-THE-PROCESS_May-2022.pdf

Follow us on Twitter: @GovNL and @ECC_GovNL

If you submit comments on a project that is under environmental assessment, please advise the Department if you DO NOT wish to share your comments with the project proponent.

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

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