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Updated: 8 hours 8 min ago

Office of the Information and Privacy Commissioner – Report A-2022-005 Released

Tue, 05/24/2022 - 11:55

The Information and Privacy Commissioner, Michael Harvey, has released his Report A-2022-005 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-2022-005 Report Date: May 19, 2022 Public Body: City of St. John’s Summary: The Complainant submitted an access request to the City of St. John’s under the Access to Information and Protection of Privacy Act, 2015 for information relating to the job titles of and remuneration that the City paid to former employees of St. John’s Sports and Entertainment Ltd. The circumstances of these employees’ departure from their positions are related to alleged incidents of workplace harassment, for which there are ongoing negotiations. The City provided the job titles, but has refused to provide the remuneration paid, relying on settlement privilege and subsections 35(1)(f) and (g) (disclosure harmful to the financial or economic interests of a public body). The Commissioner found that, in the current circumstances, the City could continue to withhold the information under section 35(1)(g), but that the situation was fluid and that the City may not be entitled to withhold the information indefinitely.

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

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Public Advisory: End of Studded Tire Season Approaching

Tue, 05/24/2022 - 10:35

The last day to have studded tires removed from vehicles is Tuesday, May 31, 2022.

Under the Highway Traffic Act, studded tire use is only permitted between November 1 and April 30 each year. Due to weather conditions experienced this year, the deadline was extended.

As we head into the busy summer season, motorists are also reminded to drive safely and responsibly when travelling our province’s roadways.

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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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Fish Processing Licence Decisions Now Available

Tue, 05/24/2022 - 09:15

The Honourable Derrick Bragg, Minister of Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture, has announced decisions regarding applications for fish processing licensing applications. The approved applications are:

  • Mary’s Bay Fisheries Inc. – The application for a new primary processing license for groundfish (all species), whelk and snow crab for St. Mary’s Bay Fisheries Inc. has been approved. The snow crab licence will be restricted to purchase of raw material not exceeding 2.5 million pounds in round weight form.
  • Dandy Dan’s Fish Market Ltd., Argentia – The application requested an increase in purchasing of snow crab from one million pounds per year to two million pounds per year. The minister has approved the application to purchase an additional one million pounds of snow crab.

Additional information about the minister’s decisions, including approved and unapproved applications, can be found at the link in the Learn More section below.

Quote
“As you can imagine, these are difficult decisions to make. Be assured that I have weighed the considerations and met with the Fish Processing Licensing Board to discuss their recommendations. I would like to extend the greatest appreciation to the members of the Board for their assistance and hard work. I’ve made what I feel are fair decisions which will help diversify and maximize the value of Newfoundland and Labrador’s seafood industry.”
Honourable Derrick Bragg
Minister of Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture

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Learn more
Information on Minister’s Decisions

Fish Processing Licensing Policy Manual

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

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Media Advisory: Minister Davis to Speak at econext Industry Awards

Tue, 05/24/2022 - 08:30

The Honourable Bernard Davis, Minister of Environment and Climate Change, will bring greetings at the econext Industry Awards ceremony today (Tuesday, May 24), at the Alt Hotel, 125 Water Street, St. John’s, at 2:00 p.m.

econext is a not-for-profit association of businesses that accelerates clean growth in Newfoundland and Labrador.

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

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Media Advisory: Minister Davis to Speak at SportNL Annual Scholarship Awards

Tue, 05/24/2022 - 08:00

The Honourable Bernard Davis, Minister of Environment and Climate Change, will speak at SportNL’s annual scholarship awards reception today (Tuesday, May 24).

The event will take place at the Johnson Geo Centre in the Celestial Gallery, 175 Signal Hill Road, St. John’s, beginning at 12:00 p.m.

Representing over 70,000 individuals, SportNL is a volunteer-run organization that promotes amateur sport throughout Newfoundland and Labrador.

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

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Public Advisory: Happy Valley-Goose Bay Area Forest Access Roads to Close During Spring Thaw Period

Fri, 05/20/2022 - 12:40

Effective Tuesday, May 24, forest access roads in the Happy Valley-Goose Bay area will be closed to vehicle traffic until further notice at the following locations:

  • South Branch Forest Access Road
  • Goose River Forest Access Road
  • Grove’s Point Forest Access Road
  • Grand Lake Forest Access Road System (.8 km mark, at the second gate)

Temporary closures at this time of year are required to protect forest access roads from damage during the spring thaw period. Roads will remain open for ATV use.

For further information please contact the Department of Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture at 709-897-7116.

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

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Media Advisory: Minister Abbott to Attend Canadian Council of the Blinds’ Atlantic Sports and Recreation Weekend Banquet

Fri, 05/20/2022 - 11:50

The Honourable John G. Abbott, Minister of Children, Seniors and Social Development and Minister Responsible for the Status of Persons with Disabilities, will attend the Atlantic Sports and Recreation Weekend Banquet by the Canadian Council of the Blind on Sunday, May 22.

The event takes place at The Capital Hotel, 208 Kenmount Road, St. John’s, starting at 5:00 p.m.

The Canadian Council of the Blind is a membership-based non-profit organization that brings together Canadians who are blind, deaf-blind or living with vision loss through chapters within their own local communities to share common interests and social activities.

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

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

Fri, 05/20/2022 - 09:40

A contract valued at $7.8 million has been awarded to Coady Construction & Excavating Ltd. to replace Rushy Pond Bridge on the Trans-Canada Highway, approximately six kilometres west of Grand Falls-Windsor.

The contract includes work to construct a new concrete bridge and a temporary bypass around the construction site, install guiderails, pave the highway leading to the new structure, and remove the existing bridge.

The Department of Transportation and Infrastructure anticipates construction starting this construction season and being completed in 2023.

Motorists should travel at a reduced speed and drive cautiously while work is ongoing.

The bridge is one of two bridges near Grand Falls-Windsor to be replaced beginning this year. A $2.4 million contract was awarded in January to JCL Investments Inc. to replace Aspen Brook Bridge on the Trans-Canada Highway, approximately 20 kilometres west of Grand Falls-Windsor.

In 2021, the department rehabilitated 27 bridges and completed work on two bridge replacements. In addition, work to replace five others continues this year.

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

Information on active highway construction projects and repairs is also available by visiting nl511.ca and on the NL 511 mobile app.

Quote
“New bridges help ensure our most vital highway for the transportation of goods across the island remains intact. We look forward to more bridge work being completed as part of our multi-year roads plan this year and beyond.”
Honourable Elvis Loveless
Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure

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A $7.8 million contract has been awarded to Coady Construction & Excavating Ltd. to replace Rushy Pond Bridge on the Trans-Canada Highway, approximately six kilometres west of Grand Falls-Windsor. The Department of Transportation and Infrastructure anticipates the work being completed in 2023.

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

Contract Awarded to Replace Central Newfoundland Bridge

Contract Awarded for Replacement of Shoal Harbour River Bridge

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

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Multi-Materials Stewardship Board Awards New Contract for Used Tire Management Services

Fri, 05/20/2022 - 08:45

The Honourable Bernard Davis, Minister of Environment and Climate Change, announced today the awarding of a new contract to Halifax C&D Recycling that will provide an in-province recycling solution for used tires in Newfoundland and Labrador. He was joined by Derm Flynn, Chair, Multi-Materials Stewardship Board and Bev Connell, Director of C&D Material Operations, Halifax C&D Recycling to mark this new milestone for the province.

The Multi-Materials Stewardship Board issued a request for proposals in December 2021. The contract was awarded to Halifax C&D Recycling to implement a tire derived aggregate solution within the province through a new facility they will develop in the eastern region. Halifax C&D, which is a member of the Municipal Group of Companies, have provided used tire management services in Nova Scotia since May 2009, processing approximately one million tires annually. There are approximately 500,000 tires recycled annually in Newfoundland and Labrador.

Tire derived aggregate is an engineered product made by mechanically shredding scrap tires. It is used in a broad range of civil engineering applications, the majority of which occurs in the construction industry for projects such as road building and repair, transportation infrastructure, commercial and residential building, and landfill design and construction.

This new in-province solution will be beneficial to the environment by reducing greenhouse gas emissions associated with transporting tires to out of province markets. The new contract will also help stimulate the local economy, providing in-province market opportunities for tire derived aggregate and creating jobs.

The Multi-Materials Stewardship Board will continue to export tires while the new processing facility is being developed, which is expected to be operational by fall 2022. Since 2010, used tires have been shipped to an end market in Quebec, where they are used as Tire Derived Fuel. Residential and commercial tire collection/drop-off locations will not change as a result of the new contract.

Quotes
“I am pleased that the MMSB has secured a new contract which allows the tire recycling program to now operate within our province. This new solution is a significant achievement for waste management in our province which will have major environmental and economic benefits.”
Honourable Bernard Davis
Minister of Environment and Climate Change and Minister Responsible for the MMSB

“Securing an in-province processing and market solution for used tires is an incredible milestone in the evolution of waste management in Newfoundland and Labrador. This contract provides us with a long-term sustainable recycling solution for used tires, which works better for the environment and for our local economy. We have always wanted an in-province solution and are excited to start this new journey with Halifax C&D Recycling. I would like to thank our end market in Quebec for their cooperation in supplying a destination for used tires over the years.”
Derm Flynn
Chair, MMSB Board of Directors

“We’re very pleased to be bringing our experience in this niche area of recycling to Newfoundland and Labrador and, in doing so, making a significant investment into developing our business here, using local suppliers and hiring local people as we serve the Province in this effort.”
Bev Connell
Director C & D Material Operations, The Municipal Group of Companies

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Learn more
MMSB Used Tire Management Services

Used Tire Drop Off Locations

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

Jackie O’Brien
Multi-Materials Stewardship Board
709-757-3696; 709- 682-6657
jobrien@mmsb.nl.ca

Bev Connell
Halifax C&D Recycling
902-832-4190; 902-483-4514
bconnell@dexter.ca

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Environmental Assessment Bulletin

Thu, 05/19/2022 - 15:05

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

UNDERTAKING REGISTERED:

Placentia Hiking Trail                                                                    (Reg. 2199)
Proponent: Placentia Chamber of Commerce

The proponent proposes to develop a continuous 24-kilometre hiking trail network within the Town of Placentia that would link the region’s historical and natural assets. The network would extend from Argentia to Point Verde, incorporating existing trails and dirt roads but would also require areas of new construction. Proposed activities include vegetation clearing, ditching, resurfacing with aggregate, and installation of culverts, boardwalks, footbridges and staircases. A description of the project can be found on the department’s webpage at www.gov.nl.ca/eccm/env-assessment/projects-list/.

The undertaking was registered on May 19, 2022; the deadline for public comments is June 23, 2022; and, the minister’s decision is due by July 3, 2022.

Plans Approved:

Portugal Cove – St. Philip’s Marine Ingredients Plant         (Reg. 2174)
Proponent: Windy Heights Farm and 63562 Newfoundland and Labrador Limited

On May 18, 2022, the minister approved the waste management plan and the contingency plan for the Portugal Cove – St. Philip’s Marine Ingredient Plant project. The approval of these plans is a condition of release for this project.

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_Dec2021

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

The post Environmental Assessment Bulletin appeared first on News Releases.

Minister Crocker and Ambassador McKee Tour Heart’s Content Cable Station Provincial Historic Site

Thu, 05/19/2022 - 14:30

The Honourable Steve Crocker, Minister of Tourism, Culture, Arts and Recreation today participated in a tour of the Heart’s Content Cable Station Provincial Historic Site with Ambassador Dr. Eamonn McKee, Ambassador of Ireland to Canada and representatives with the Town of Heart’s Content.

The successful laying of the Trans-Atlantic telegraph cable between Heart’s Content and Valentia in 1866 represents one of the major milestones in human history and global communications. The Heart’s Content and Valentia Cable Stations are the complete surviving testament to the outstanding genius and perseverance behind this world-altering feat, which many at the time believed to be impossible. Between 1866 and 1894, six different cables were connected between Heart’s Content and Valentia.

Discussions have been ongoing between the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts and Recreation, the Valentia/Kerry County Council, the Irish UNESCO Office, and the Canadian UNESCO Office regarding a possible transboundary UNESCO World Heritage Site nomination for the Transatlantic Cable Ensemble: Valentia – Heart’s Content.

In order to be nominated, both cable stations have to be included on their respective country’s Tentative List for World Heritage Sites. In 2017, the Heart’s Content Cable Station Provincial Historic Site was added to Canada’s Tentative List. It is hoped that Valentia will be added to Ireland’s Tentative List this summer. Once this happens, Newfoundland and Labrador and Ireland will proceed with next steps to secure a nomination.

Quotes
“Today’s tour was an opportunity to showcase the Heart’s Content Cable Station Provincial Historic Site. I encourage everyone to visit the Cable Station during Come Home 2022. It was also an opportunity to continue discussions on the Valentia-Heart’s Content transboundary UNESCO World Heritage Site nomination. Our government is excited about the possibility of the Trans-Atlantic Cable Ensemble being inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This will bring tremendous benefits for the communities of Heart’s Content and Valentia, and will further strengthen the connections between the two communities, as well as the connections between our province and Ireland.”
Honourable Steve Crocker
Minister of Tourism, Culture, Arts and Recreation

“Heart’s Content is a vital part of the global story and the modern age. Its people and the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador have done a truly impressive job in conserving its heritage and telling that story. The station at Heart’s Content is a true Canadian and world treasure. Valentia Island and its community are proud partners in the application to have the transatlantic cable and its two stations at Heart’s Content and Valentia recognized by UNESCO as a joint heritage site.”
Ambassador Dr. Eamonn McKee
Ambassador of Ireland to Canada

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Learn more
Heart’s Content Cable Station

Valentia Transatlantic Cable Station

Newfoundland and Labrador’s Provincial Historic Sites

Follow us on Twitter @GovNL and @TCAR_GovNL

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

Sally Bourne
Embassy of Ireland
sally.bourne@dfa.ie

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2022 Wildfire Community Preparedness Day Award Recipients Announced

Thu, 05/19/2022 - 14:05

The Department of Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture is pleased to announce recipients of Wildfire Community Preparedness Day Award grants for 2022. Seven municipalities, fire departments and community groups have been awarded funding through this program which is administered by FireSmart Canada in cooperation with provincial partners. The grants, valued at $500 each, help fund local projects aimed at reducing the risk of wildfire damage in and around communities.

This year’s recipients are the Terra Nova Volunteer Fire Department, Town of Englee, Sheaves Cove Recreation Committee, St. Barbe-Pigeon Cove Volunteer Fire Department, Town of Hermitage-Sandyville, Victoria Fire Department and Marystown Fire Department.

Wildfire professionals from the Department of Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture work with grant recipients to educate residents about practices that help reduce the wildfire risk within their communities. Award recipients use grants to plan community events that may include awareness or mitigation activities such as demonstrating how to safely store firewood and neighborhood clean ups focused on removing combustible materials such as dry leaves and brush.

Quote
“I would like to congratulate all 2022 Wildfire Community Preparedness Day Award recipients for identifying wildfire safety and prevention as a priority for their communities. The objectives of the program align well with our department’s efforts to create greater awareness about the dangers associated with wildfire and provide citizens with valuable knowledge to better protect their homes and property.”
Honourable Derrick Bragg
Minister of Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture

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Learn more
FireSmart Canada

Follow us on Twitter: @GovNL and @FFA_GovNL

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

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Ministerial Statement – Minister Dempster Congratulates Educator and Historian Patty Way

Thu, 05/19/2022 - 12:40

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

Speaker, it is an honour for me today to recognize an educator, a historian, and a friend.

Patricia Way is a distinguished Labradorian. She has made it her life’s work to help people and communities learn and understand the branches that make up their family tree. If you wanted to know about your family history, you went to Patty.

Patty Way has spent literally thousands of hours poring over historical records and journals, reading church documents, and talking to people about their family connections.

It has been through her unabiding devotion that she has pieced together the roots that run deep in Labrador and shared what she has learned through articles, presentations and kitchen table chats.

In recognition of her research in unravelling and honouring the stories of Labrador and its people over the past 50 years, Memorial University conferred upon Patty Way an honorary doctorate of laws during convocation ceremonies that took place this morning in Corner Brook.

Today is truly a special and proud moment for Patty and indeed for all of Labrador. I am so filled with pride as I reflect upon my time sitting around board tables with Patty as we discussed the great issues of the day. I thank this tremendously proud Labradorian for the mentorship she has provided to me and many others.

I ask this Honourable House to join with me in extending congratulations to Dr. Patty Way. Enjoy my friend. This recognition is well-deserved.

Thank you.

 

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Media Advisory: Minister Abbott to Bring Greetings at Launch of Sharing Our Cultures’ Project

Thu, 05/19/2022 - 12:15

The Honourable John G. Abbott, Minister of Children, Seniors and Social Development, will bring greetings at the launch of Sharing Our Cultures’ project entitled “Discovering Our Diverse Francophone Cultures” tomorrow (Friday, May 20).

The event takes place at 10:30 a.m. at the Emera Innovation Exchange, 100 Signal Hill Rd, St. John’s.

Discovering Our Diverse Francophone Cultures is a series of virtual and interactive curriculum-based learning sessions for French first and second language students and teachers in Newfoundland and Labrador.

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

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Media Advisory: Minister Davis to Announce Tire Recycling Initiative

Thu, 05/19/2022 - 11:30

The Honourable Bernard Davis, Minister of Environment and Climate Change, will announce a new tire recycling initiative, tomorrow (Friday, May 20). Minister Davis will be joined by Derm Flynn, Chair of the Multi-Material Stewardship Board, and Bev Connell, Director C & D Material Operations, Halifax C&D Recycling.

The event will take place at City Tire and Auto Commercial Tire Centre, 1 Trout Place, Mount Pearl, starting at 10:00 a.m.

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

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

Thu, 05/19/2022 - 11:12

In a continued effort to address surgical backlogs in the province, the Honourable Andrew Furey, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador, today announced a new approach for dealing with the surgical waitlist for hip and knee joint replacement surgeries.

Beginning this fall, a number of hip and knee replacements will be performed on an outpatient basis, eliminating the need for a post-operative hospital stay, as patients would mobilize shortly after surgery and return home the same day. The introduction of same-day joint replacements will help to minimize wait times and improve access to care as in some cases lack of available beds for in-patient care has been a barrier to a patient receiving planned surgery.

Recent advances such as improved perioperative short-acting anesthesia, minimally invasive surgical techniques, as well as the initiation of rehabilitation protocols soon after surgery have made this surgery possible as an outpatient procedure.

Some of the advantages of same-day joint replacement surgery are:

  • Early post-operative mobilization;
  • Less risk of blood clots following surgery;
  • Minimally invasive surgery – less pain, swelling and faster recovery;
  • Shorter hospital stay lowers the risk of infection;
  • Increased patient satisfaction as recovery happens at home;
  • No delays associated with waiting for post-operative inpatient beds; and,
  • Increased availability of inpatient beds for other patients.

In addition to renovations and necessary staffing arrangements by Eastern Health to accommodate this new unit, the health authority will also use established best practices to determine eligibility criteria for same-day joint replacement surgery. Possible candidates include those with no significant medical history of heart, lung, kidney or liver disease, those who are not taking blood thinners for medical reasons, and those who have good supports at home.

While not all patients will be clinically eligible for this surgical approach, it will have a significant impact on overall wait times.

Quotes
“We are all concerned with surgical delays in the province, and reducing those waitlists is a priority for all health care stakeholders. The measures we announced today to help address hip and knee joint replacement surgeries represent another collaborative effort to help residents of our province get quality care in a timely manner. We will continue to find innovative solutions to the challenges facing the health care system in Newfoundland and Labrador.”
Honourable Andrew Furey
Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador

“Every measure we take to reduce health care wait times for residents of our province is a move in the right direction. We recognize the impacts that a pandemic and cyberattack placed on the system and we are working on creative solutions. An outpatient approach to hip and knee joint replacements will certainly help reduce the wait time for those requiring this type of surgery.”
Honourable John Haggie
Minister of Health and Community Services

“Reducing wait times and improving patient outcomes are key priorities for Eastern Health as we navigate ever-changing demands on the health-care system. Same-day joint replacement surgery is an innovative way to enhance patient care which also improves access to the health care system for all patients.”
David Diamond
Chief Executive Officer, Eastern Health

“As an orthopedic surgeon, I am looking forward to using this innovative approach to joint replacement surgery with some of my patients. Adopting same-day joint replacement surgery practices will help us use our present resources even more efficiently while improving patient care and satisfaction. It is an important step toward improving wait times for joint replacement in our region.”
Dr. Keegan Au
Orthopedic Surgeon

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Learn More

News Release: Premier Furey Announces Agreement with University of Ottawa Heart Institute

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

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

Gina MacArthur
Eastern Health
709-777-1412
gina.macarthur@easternhealth.ca

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Public Invited to Participate in Consultations on Colonial Building Name

Thu, 05/19/2022 - 09:45

The Honourable Steve Crocker, Minister of Tourism, Culture, Arts and Recreation, today announced the start of public consultations on the name of the Colonial Building. The Provincial Government is conducting a review to ensure public monuments and observances respectfully recognize and commemorate the province’s history. As part of this review, the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts and Recreation is seeking public input on the name of the Colonial Building.

The results of this public engagement will be used to determine whether to change the name of the building. The public can complete a short questionnaire available at engageNL or request a copy of the questionnaire in an alternate format by calling 709-729-7212.

Written submissions are also being accepted and can be sent by mail or email to:

Scott Andrews, Manager of Provincial Historic Sites
Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts and Recreation
Arts and Culture Centre St. John’s
P.O. Box 8700
St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador, A1B 4J6
ScottWAndrews@gov.nl.ca

The Colonial Building was the permanent seat of the provincial legislature from 1850 to 1959. It was designated a Provincial Historic Site in 1974. A comprehensive restoration of the building is nearing completion and the plan is to open to the public in the coming months as a Provincial Historic Site visitor attraction. The re-opened Colonial Building will be an immersive and interactive visitor experience that will include guided tours and exhibits.

The consultation will be open until Thursday, June 2, 2022.

Quote
“The Colonial Building is one of the most important historic structures still standing in Newfoundland and Labrador. I encourage the public to take part and share their input. I look forward to hearing your views on the building’s name.”
Honourable Steve Crocker
Minister of Tourism, Culture, Arts and Recreation

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Learn more
engageNL

seethesites.ca

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Like us on Facebook

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

The post Public Invited to Participate in Consultations on Colonial Building Name appeared first on News Releases.

Media Advisory: Premier Furey to Address Surgical Waitlists

Thu, 05/19/2022 - 09:30

The Honourable Andrew Furey, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador, will announce a solution to address additional surgical backlogs today (Thursday, May 19).

He will be joined by the Honourable John Haggie, Minister of Health and Community Services, David Diamond, President and CEO, Eastern Regional Health Authority, and Dr. Keegan Au, Orthopedic Surgeon.

The availability will take place in St. John’s in the main lobby of East Block, Confederation Building at 12:30 p.m.

The event will be livestreamed on Facebook.

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

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

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Media Advisory: Minister Abbott to Attend Official Opening of New Section of East Coast Trail

Wed, 05/18/2022 - 14:10

The Honourable John G. Abbott, Minister of Children, Seniors and Social Development, will attend the official opening of the 52 km section of the East Coast Trail between Topsail Beach and Cape St. Francis tomorrow (Thursday, May 19).

The event will take place at Topsail Beach, Conception Bay South, starting at 12:00 p.m. and will be followed by a short hike.

The East Coast Trail is a 336 km market-ready, pedestrian, coastal trail that runs along the eastern edge of the Avalon Peninsula between Topsail Beach and Cappahayden.

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

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Ministerial Statement – Minister Hogan Recognizes Police in Newfoundland and Labrador

Tue, 05/17/2022 - 14:02

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

Speaker, police in our province often face difficult and dangerous situations. Today I would like to acknowledge the important work of the Royal Newfoundland Constabulary and Royal Canadian Mounted Police. Every day the dedicated members of our police agencies show their professionalism and commitment as they work to ensure the safety and security of the people of our province.

Police Week 2022, being recognized from May 15 to 21, has a theme of ‘Connected to our Communities’. Members of our police agencies, both uniformed and civilian, put an emphasis on working with communities and community organizations to best provide support to the people they serve.

We all have a role to play in keeping the people of this province safe and the RNC and the RCMP are examples of how we can work together, with communities, to make Newfoundland and Labrador the best place to live, work and raise a family.

Speaker, as a government, we have put an emphasis on working with police and community partners to ensure we are living and raising our families in one of the safest provinces in Canada. That security and peace of mind is a direct result of the hard work and dedication of the members of our police agencies.

While policing is a very rewarding job, it comes with significant risks. The sense of security and quality of life we enjoy is because of the risks they take every day and their devotion and passion for helping others.

Our government continues to support the province’s police agencies and announced in Budget 2022 almost $21 million for a new radio system that will enable emergency responders to communicate in a timely manner with each other.

Speaker, I ask all Honourable members to join me in thanking members of the RNC and the RCMP for their service and the important work they do to protect the people of Newfoundland and Labrador.

Thank you.

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