Government of Newfoundland News

The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador today announced that all Ukrainians who enter into Canada under the Canada-Ukraine Authorization for Emergency Travel and special family reunification sponsorship pathway will be provided Medical Care Plan (MCP) coverage, as well as Newfoundland and Labrador Prescription Drug Plan (NLPDP) coverage, for the duration of their visa.

Since February, Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has led to more than three million Ukrainians seeking refuge in other countries. In response to the crisis, the Federal Government announced it would fast track visa applications and launch the Canada-Ukraine Authorization for Emergency Travel. This initiative is for those seeking to flee Ukraine for Canada on a temporary basis.

As it is currently unclear as to how many Ukrainians will be coming to Newfoundland and Labrador and how long they may stay here, both MCP and NLPDP coverage will remain in place for the duration of their visa, and they will have to confirm every six months that they are still a resident in the province.

The Minister of Health and Community Services has also written the provincial Health Regulators Network regarding the fact that some of the Ukrainians welcomed into the province may be health care professionals who wish to continue their careers upon settling in Canada. He has encouraged them to consider how they may be able to assist in the transition of Ukrainian refugee health professionals to the province by identifying the best possible means to assist these individuals in obtaining licensure to practice in their chosen field within the regulatory frameworks.

Earlier this month, a four-person team of officials from Newfoundland and Labrador travelled to Warsaw, Poland to set up an office to recruit Ukrainians who might be interested in moving to the province. They have been talking with residents and providing information on the province, to encourage them to consider Newfoundland and Labrador as a place to re-settle. This province is the first Canadian jurisdiction to send officials to Poland to actively recruit refugees. Further information for Ukrainians can be found online here or by emailing ukrainianfamily@gov.nl.ca.

Quotes
“We recognize that many Ukrainians have been living in unsettled circumstances for the past several weeks and may have immediate health care needs, including the need to see specialists, obtain prescription drugs or avail of mental health services. We are pleased as a government to make health care accessible to those who wish to take refuge in our province.”
Honourable John Haggie
Minister of Health and Community Services

“The health care needs of Ukrainians will be taken care of if they choose Newfoundland and Labrador as their destination of choice for safe haven or immigration. This is a game-changing guarantee that our Ukrainian Family Support Desk team is already communicating directly to Ukrainians in the streets and shelters of Poland.”
Honourable Gerry Byrne
Minister of Immigration, Population Growth and Skills

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

Jeremy Reynolds
Immigration, Population Growth and Skills
709-729-1989, 709-691-2298
jeremyreynolds@gov.nl.ca

 

The post Health Care Coverage Available for Ukrainians Arriving in the Province appeared first on News Releases.

The Honourable Andrew Furey, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador, was in Gander and Grand Falls-Windsor today (Monday, March 28) to mark the completion of construction of two new 60-bed long-term care homes which will soon be open. Premier Furey was joined by the Honourable John Haggie, Minister of Health and Community Services and MHA for Gander.

Central Health has begun clinical orientation of its staff in each building and will start moving patients into the buildings in April. The opening of these two new facilities has created 155 full-time equivalent positions in various disciplines within Central Health.

Construction began on the two identical 6,195 m2 (66,685 square feet) buildings in 2019. Each building has 60 resident rooms, treatment spaces, outdoor therapy space, and accessible wandering paths. In addition, each building has a hospitality suite for family members of residents that are in palliative care, a salon, a family celebration room, a multi-purpose room, and a spiritual room.

Videos showing views from inside and outside the homes are available in the Learn More section below.

Over the course of construction, almost 90 per cent of the people who worked on the two construction sites combined were from Newfoundland and Labrador.

The buildings are the second and third long-term care homes to open in the province in three years. The 120 beds represent a portion of 285 new beds that have opened in the province since 2020, including a 145-bed long-term care home in Corner Brook and a 20-bed expansion of the protective care unit in Botwood.

The contract with NL Healthcare Partners to design, build, finance and maintain the two buildings is worth approximately $112 million (net present value), and covers a 30-year period.

The new homes are part of approximately $1.4 billion in active infrastructure projects in Newfoundland and Labrador, including:

• Six new mental health and addictions beds at the Labrador Health Centre in Happy Valley-Goose Bay;
• 18 new beds at the Labrador Correctional Centre in Happy Valley-Goose Bay;
• 102 beds at a new adult mental health and addictions facility in St. John’s; and
• 164 beds at a new hospital in Corner Brook.

Quotes
“The 120 new beds in Gander and Grand Falls-Windsor, along with the 20 protective care beds in Botwood, mean that seniors in the region will have high quality care in modern buildings. As work continues on a new hospital in Corner Brook, a new adult mental health and addictions hospital in St. John’s, and a new mental health care unit in Happy Valley-Goose Bay, our government is continuing work to improve access and services for all Newfoundlanders and Labradorians.”
Honourable Andrew Furey
Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador

“Our government’s investments in infrastructure are leading to modern healthcare buildings throughout the province. We are thrilled to see the completion of these homes that will complement existing services in each community and help meet the need for long-term care in Central Newfoundland.
Honourable Elvis Loveless
Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure

“I am pleased to see the new, long-term care homes in Gander and Grand Falls-Windsor ready to be opened and accept residents. This is another example of our commitment to providing all Newfoundlanders and Labradorians with quality, respectful, and compassionate health care through all stages of life.”
Honourable John Haggie
Minister of Health and Community Services

“The completion of these new facilities shows the commitment of the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador and Central Health in recognizing to respond to healthcare needs in Central Newfoundland. These two modern facilities extends our long-term care capacity and will further create capacity for residents in the region who require acute care services. Staff are excited about the new buildings as the new atmosphere with a state-of-the-art layout, new equipment, and pleasurable dining experience is designed to create positive resident experiences.”
Don Sturge
Chair of the Board of Trustees of Central Health

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Learn more
Video of Grand Falls-Windsor Long-Term Care Home

Video of Gander Long-Term Care Home

Update Provided on Central Long-Term Care Homes

Construction Completed on 145-Bed Corner Brook Long-Term Care Home

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

Brian Scott
Transportation and Infrastructure
709-729-3015, 725-9201
brianscott@gov.nl.ca

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

Gayle St. Croix
572-1165
Central Health
gayle.stcroix@centralhealth.nl.ca

The post Two Long-Term Care Homes to Open in Central Newfoundland appeared first on News Releases.

Effective Wednesday, March 30 forest access roads in the Point Leamington, Botwood, Lewisporte, Glenwood, Birchy Bay, Gander Bay, Gambo and Glovertown areas will be closed to vehicle traffic until further notice.

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

Roads scheduled for temporary closure include:

• Mint Brook Forest Access Road;
• Drover’s Ridge Forest Access Road;
• Northwest Pond Forest Access Road;
• Weir’s Pond Forest Access Road;
• Kinden’s Ridge Forest Access Road;
• Salmon Pond Access Road;
• Birchy Bay Access Road;
• Clarke’s Head Access Road;
• Otter Pond Access Road;
• Shipbuilder’s Pond Access Road;
• Stoneville Access Road;
• Osmonton Arm Access Road;
• Diver Pond Access Road;
• Southern Lake Access Road
• Burnt Bay Lake Access Road;
• Neil’s Brook Access Road;
• Rod and Gun Club Access Road;
• Island Pond Access Road;
• Second Pond Access Road; and
• Chapel’s Island Access Road.

For further information regarding forest access road closures, please contact the Lewisporte Forest Management Office at 709-541-0214 for areas west of the Gander River, or the Gambo Forest Management Office at 709-674-1521 for areas east of the Gander River.

– 30 –

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

The post Public Advisory: Central Area Forest Access Roads to Close During Spring Thaw Period appeared first on News Releases.

The Honourable Andrew Furey, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador, will take part in events to mark the completion of construction of new 60-bed long-term care homes in Gander and Grand Falls-Windsor on Monday, March 28. Premier Furey will be joined by the Honourable John Haggie, Minister of Health and Community Services.

The event in Gander will take place at the new long-term care home on Magee Road, beginning at 2:00 p.m. The event in Grand Falls-Windsor will take place at the new home on Scott Avenue, beginning at 4:00 p.m.

A tour of each new home will be provided for media following each event.

The announcement will be livestreamed via Central Health on Facebook.

Attendees are encouraged to wear masks and practice physical distancing.

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

Brian Scott
Transportation and Infrastructure
709-729-3015, 725-9201
brianscott@gov.nl.ca

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

The post Media Advisory: Premier Furey to Mark Completion of Central Newfoundland Long-Term Care Home Construction appeared first on News Releases.

Starting Monday, March 28, the Bishop’s Fall Trestle in the T’Railway Provincial Park will be closed until further notice for decking repairs. Approximately 280 metres of decking will be replaced. The trestle will re-open once these repairs are completed and an update on reopening will be provided at the time.

Trail users should avoid the area while repairs are underway.

To report any damage or concerns related to the T’Railway, please contact the Parks Division by emailing trailway@gov.nl.ca or by calling 709-637-2040.

– 30 –

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

The post Public Advisory: Bishop’s Falls Trestle Closed appeared first on News Releases.

The Honourable Andrew Furey, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador, along with the Honourable Bernard Davis, Minister of Environment and Climate Change; the Honourable Seamus O’Regan, Minister of Labour and Member of Parliament for St. John’s South – Mount Pearl, on behalf of the Honourable Steven Guilbeault, Minister of Environment and Climate Change Canada and Dr. Vianne Timmons, President of Memorial University, today announced cost-shared funding of just over $10.5 million for an electrification project for Memorial University. The project will reduce greenhouse gas emissions by approximately 30,000 tonnes annually.

The funding will be used to remove one fuel oil fired hot water boiler and replace it with two electrically powered boilers. These along with the three remaining oil boilers will support the entire St. John’s campus, the Health Sciences Complex, the new Core Science building and the future Adult Mental Health Facility.

The $10.5 million project is jointly funded by the federal and provincial governments though Newfoundland and Labrador’s Climate Change Challenge Fund. This fund is a competitive grant-based program under the Low Carbon Economy Leadership Fund to support greenhouse gas reduction projects. The fund is available to organizations across commercial, municipal, not-for-profit sectors and Indigenous governments and organizations. Since 2018, the federal and provincial governments have allocated $89.4 million to the Low Carbon Economy Leadership Fund.

The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador is committed to taking actions to address climate change, from actioning a climate change plan, developing a renewable energy action plan, progressing towards net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050, establishing a Net-Zero Advisory Committee and advancing electrification and innovation to further the transition to more renewable energy sources.

A video of the project area can be viewed here. Video footage and photos provided by Memorial University and shot by Richard Blenkinsopp.

Quotes
“I am pleased to join the Federal Government today to make this important announcement for Memorial University. This electrification project will have a significant impact on the reduction of greenhouse gas emission in our province. Climate change is impacting our province, our country and the entire globe and we all need to play a part in addressing the impacts of this worldwide reality. Projects such as the one at Memorial will help us along the path to achieving net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.”
Honourable Andrew Furey
Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador

“Supporting projects with major institutions, such as fuel switching on the St. John’s Memorial campus, is part of our commitment to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, stimulate clean innovation and growth and build resilience to climate change impacts. Every action taken contributes to the development of a green economy, moving the province forward both environmentally and economically.”
Honourable Bernard Davis
Minister of Environment and Climate Change

“Replacing boilers on Memorial University’s St. John’s Campus is a simple step towards reducing our local greenhouse gas emissions, by 28,000 tonnes. By partnering with Memorial and the province, we’re lowering emissions and building Canada’s renewable energy future.”
Honourable Seamus O’Regan Jr.
Minister of Labour and Member of Parliament for St. John’s South – Mount Pearl

“We all have a part to play when it comes to reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and I applaud Memorial for their willingness to partner with government on these important upgrades. Given the size of Memorial’s St. John’s campus and the nearby health care facilities that will be served by this switch, this project will have a sizeable and measurable impact on emissions in this part of the province.”
Honourable Tom Osborne
Minister of Education

“As a university, we often speak to Memorial’s value and impact from an educational perspective. Today we speak to our impact to reduce our carbon footprint, and recognize this giant step forward. We have a global responsibility to mitigate our environmental impact and reduce our carbon footprint. Memorial is committed to using our resources in a sustainable and responsible way and environmental stewardship is a huge part. I thank our federal and provincial government partners and look forward to seeing this project’s completion.”
Dr. Vianne Timmons
President, Memorial University

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Learn more
Low Carbon Economy Leadership Fund

Low Carbon Economy Fund

Canada’s Strengthened Climate Plan: A Healthy Environment and a Healthy Economy

Media contacts
Meghan McCabe
Office of the Premier
709-729-3960
meghanmccabe@gov.nl.caLynn Robinson
Environment and Climate Change
709-729-5449, 691-9446
lynnrobinson@gov.nl.ca

Constituency Office
Minister Seamus O’Regan Jr.
Minister of Labour
Member  of Parliament for St. John’s South – Mount Pearl
709-772-4776

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

Dave Sorensen
Communications, Memorial University
709 -864-2143, 685-7134
sorensen@mun.ca

The post Provincial and Federal Governments Invest in Electrification Project at Memorial University appeared first on News Releases.

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:

Grand Falls-Windsor to Glenwood Transmission Line Decommissioning
Proponent: Newfoundland Power Inc.                         (Reg. 2192)

The proponent is proposing to decommission a 70-kilometre section of the 101L and 102L transmission lines between the Towns of Grand Falls-Windsor and Glenwood.

These two sections of the transmission line are no longer required as the grid system has been reconfigured. Project activities include the dismantling, removal, and disposal of sections of each line between 32 kilometres to 38 kilometres in length. A description of the project can be found on the Department’s web page at https://www.gov.nl.ca/ecc/env-assessment/projects-list/.

The undertaking was registered on March 24, 2022; the deadline for public comment is April 28, 2022; and, the minister’s decision is due by May 8, 2022.

ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT STATEMENT SUBMITTED:

Cavendish Beef Farm                                                       (Reg. 2002)
Proponent: Viking Fur Inc.

The proponent is proposing to establish a beef cattle industry near Cavendish, Trinity Bay. The Minister of Environment and Climate Change is seeking public comments on the environmental impact statement (EIS), a document that describes the project and provides an overview of the potential environmental effects of all phases of the project. To facilitate public participation, the EIS is available on the Department of Environment and Climate Change website at: www.gov.nl.ca/ecc/projects/project-2002/.

Written comments must be received by May 13, 2022 and may be emailed to EAprojectcomments@gov.nl.ca, or mailed to:

Eric Watton, M.Sc.
Project EA Committee Chair
Environmental Assessment Division
Department of Environment and Climate Change
P.O. Box 8700

St. John’s, NL A1B 4J6

UNDERTAKINGS RELEASED:

Terra Nova Quarry                                                             (Reg. 2182)
Proponent: Mac-Court Holdings Inc.

The project was 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.
• A Water Resources Management Plan must be submitted to the Water Resources Management Division of the Department of Environment and Climate Change for approval, prior to commencing any work related to this project. The Water Resources Management Plan should describe any potential of onsite drainage water or dewatering water to discharge into a natural water body, and what precautionary measures, such as vegetative cover, filter strip, silt curtain, etc., are to be deployed to ensure the effluent or runoff meets the requirement of the Environmental Control Water and Sewage Regulations, 2003.
• The Water Resources Management Division of the Department of Environment and Climate Change requires that the quarry shall maintain a minimum 30-metre reservation from all waterbodies (including wetlands) that appear on the 1:50,000 scale National Topographical System maps or the topographic mapping layer shown in the Provincial Land Use Atlas.
• The Department of Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture requires the following:
  • There is to be no vegetation clearing (removal of trees) during the critical nesting and brood rearing period that runs from April 15 to August 15.
  • Any vegetation clearing is to occur outside 800 metres of bald eagle or osprey nests during the nesting season (March 15 to July 31) and 200 metres during the remainder of the year. The 200m 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. Marten or Olive-sided flycatcher (or any species at risk) sightings should also be reported to the Wildlife Division (endenageredpsecies@gov.nl.ca).

• 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) demonstrating 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 the release letter and to provide additional updates if requested.

Hickey’s Pond Access Road                                          (Reg. 2185)
Proponent: Fisheries and Oceans Canada

The project was 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
• The Department of Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture requires the following:
  • For slopes less than 30 percent, a minimum 30-metre undisturbed riparian buffer zone shall be established around all waterbodies, from the high water mark, that are identified on either the 1:50,000 scale National Topographic System maps or the topographic mapping layer shown in the Provincial Land Use Atlas. No land use activities involving grubbing, ground or soil disturbance, or timber harvesting activities will take place in this
  • For slopes greater than 30 percent, there shall be a minimum undisturbed riparian buffer zone calculated using the following formula: 30 metres + 5 metres x slope (percent). No land use activities involving grubbing, ground or soil disturbance, or timber harvesting activities will take place in this zone.
• • 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 shall 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.

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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

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

Environmental assessment information is available at:

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

Guide to the environmental assessment processFollow 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.

An amendment to the Corporations Act now makes it easier for newcomers to start businesses and create jobs in Newfoundland and Labrador.

The Corporations Act prescribes requirements for the incorporation, registration and governance of corporations in this province. Prior to fall 2021, the Act required at least 25 per cent of a corporation’s directors to be ‘resident Canadians’. The residency requirements for directors has now been removed. The elimination of the residency requirement makes it easier for international graduates and international entrepreneurs to create businesses and jobs in the province. The amendment comes into effect on April 1, 2022.

Constanza Safatle, originally from Chile, is the owner of St. John’s-based Newbornlander Baby Store Inc. She started her business in 2017, building a successful social enterprise, which employs four newcomers from Chile, Dominican Republic, Mexico and Brazil. Ms. Safatle is one of many individuals and business stakeholders who successfully lobbied government regarding the residency requirements for business incorporation.

This change enhances opportunities for business development and economic growth in Newfoundland and Labrador, and aligns with other Canadian jurisdictions which do not have residency requirements for incorporation.

Quotes
“Newcomers bring so much to Newfoundland and Labrador, by enriching our communities and growing our economy. We already know that many newcomers share an entrepreneurial spirit, so amendments to our Corporations Act offer another tool for them to access the supports they need to start businesses, create jobs, be successful, and put down roots to grow their families right here in our beautiful province.”
Honourable Andrew Furey
Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador

“Newcomers drive our local economies, and bring rich cultures to our communities. I applaud the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador on their commitment to support even more newcomers to do business in the province, and look forward to working with them to promote economic growth and create jobs in the region.”
Honourable Sean Fraser
Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada

“The removal of the residency requirement makes Newfoundland and Labrador more attractive for newcomers. We must position our province to become a destination of choice for people looking for a new place in which to work, settle and raise a family.” Honourable Sarah Stoodley
Minister of Digital Government and Service NL

“We are building a more inclusive and vibrant province that welcomes newcomers with a flair for business, just like Constanza Safatle. Today is about cutting red tape and making it easier for newcomer entrepreneurs to do what they do best – create jobs and turbocharge our economy.”
Honourable Gerry Byrne
Minister of Immigration, Population Growth and Skills

“This amendment to the Corporations Act opens opportunities for temporary residents who can’t find meaningful jobs, or who face barriers to entry to the labour market, so they can create their own jobs and businesses, and play an important role in the economy of the province. This is a big step in the right direction to improve retention in our province.”
Constanza Safatle, CEO
Newbornlander Baby Store Inc.

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Learn more
Corporations Act

Newbornlander

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

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

Jeremy Reynolds
Immigration, Population Growth and Skills
709-729-1989, 709-691-2298
adrienneluther@gov.nl.ca

Savannah DeWolfe
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada
782-640-9306
savannah.dewolfe@cic.gc.ca

Constanza Safatl
Newbornlander Baby Store Inc.
709-728-7471
info@newbornlander.ca

The post Legislative Changes Support Immigration and Economic Growth appeared first on News Releases.

Today, the Honourable Lisa Dempster, Minister Responsible for Indigenous Affairs and Reconciliation, and Minister Responsible for Labrador Affairs, on behalf of the Honourable Andrew Parsons, Minister of Industry, Energy and Technology; and Yvonne Jones, Parliamentary Secretary for Natural Resources and Northern Affairs, and MP for Labrador, on behalf of the Honourable Gudie Hutchings, Minister of Rural Economic Development, announced $22,355,503 in funding to bring high-speed Internet to more than 1,000 households in rural areas in Labrador.

Funding will be allocated to the Nunatsiavut Government for a project benefiting the communities of Rigolet, Postville, Makkovik, Nain, Hopedale and Natuashish. The network will be built and operated by Bell Canada.

In February, the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador and Government of Canada announced a historic plan to connect all remaining households in the province to reliable high-speed Internet. Funding of up to $116 million will come from the Government of Canada through the Universal Broadband Fund, and up to $20 million will come from the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador.

Today’s announcement builds on the Government of Canada’s progress toward making sure that 98 per cent of Canadians have access to high-speed Internet by 2026.

Quotes
“The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador is extremely pleased to partner with the Federal Government to bring high-speed Internet to six isolated and Indigenous communities on the north coast of Labrador. Such investments close the connectivity gap and greatly assist rural and isolated communities in boosting access to a wide range of services, including health care and education.”
Honourable Lisa Dempster
Minister Responsible for Indigenous Affairs and Reconciliation
Minister Responsible for Labrador Affairs

“This investment will bring reliable high-speed Internet access to more than 1,000 households in Labrador, helping create jobs, improving access to health care and online learning services, and keeping people connected. Since 2015, the Government of Canada has committed $7.2 billion to connect rural Canadians to better, faster Internet. We will continue making investments like these in rural and remote communities to help connect every single Canadian to high-speed Internet.”
Honourable Gudie Hutchings
Minister of Rural Economic Development

“Today’s announcement of more than $22 million to improve high-speed Internet connectivity will mean faster and more reliable Internet service for Rigolet, Postville, Makkovik, Nain, Hopedale and Natuashish. This pandemic has shown us just how essential reliable Internet access has become. Connecting Indigenous communities to high-speed Internet is a top priority, and this project with the Nunatsiavut Government helps us achieve our goal and commitment to ensuring Indigenous communities are not left behind.”
Yvonne Jones
Member of Parliament for Labrador

“Secure Internet connection has been a barrier in many aspects of life for those living in the five Inuit communities of Nunatsiavut. This initiative will be a step towards bridging those gaps and ensuring that Labrador Inuit have adequate access to opportunities for employment, health care and online learning. Connecting Labrador Inuit living in Nunatsiavut to high-speed Internet is of high priority for the Nunatsiavut Government, and we are thankful for the contributions that will help make this possible.”
Anthony Andersen
Minister of Finance, Human Resources and Information Technology, Nunatsiavut Government

“This announcement is certainly very welcome news. We are an isolated community on the north coast of Labrador where, because of geographical and environmental reasons, communications present a host of challenges. Secure, fast and reliable Internet connections are vital to our community and will greatly improve the lives of our members. As we move forward towards implementing our social and economic strategic plan, it is very important that our community have secure, reliable and effective connections. We welcome the project announced today and look forward to its implementation.”
John Nui
Chief of Mushuau Innu First Nation, Natuashish

“Bell’s priority is to connect more people in more places, and the Northern Labrador Broadband Project will provide improved Internet access in the communities of Rigolet, Postville, Makkovik, Nain, Hopedale and Natuashish. We’re proud to be partnering with the Nunatsiavut Government to deliver enhanced high-speed connectivity for these communities as part of this historic initiative.”
Glen LeBlanc
Executive Vice-President and Chief Financial Officer of BCE Inc. and Bell Canada, and Bell’s Vice Chair, Atlantic Canada

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Learn more
Canada’s Connectivity Strategy

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Media contacts
Allan Bock
Labrador Affairs Secretariat
Office of Indigenous Affairs and Reconciliation
709-896-7935, 899-6446
allanbock@gov.nl.ca

Luka Vujic
Office of the Minister of Rural Economic Development
343-571-9582
Luka.Vujic@ised-isde.gc.ca

Media Relations
Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada
343-291-1777
media@ised-isde.gc.ca

The post New Broadband Investment in Labrador appeared first on News Releases.

The Honourable Derrick Bragg, Minister of Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture is congratulating Justin Bright of Happy Valley-Goose Bay, winner of the 2021-2022 Newfoundland and Labrador Youth Outdoor Dream Adventure Award.

This award supports youth in developing increased interest and involvement in hunting and angling and in promoting safe and responsible use of the province’s fish and wildlife resources. The prize is an opportunity for a youth and their parent or guardian to participate in a world-class fishing or hunting experience.

Justin was chosen in a random prize draw of over 800 youth aged 12 to 17 who participated in the provincial Firearms Safety/Hunter Education Course or other approved outdoor youth skills events. Justin and his father will be participating in a three-day snowmobile excursion and ptarmigan hunt made possible by a sponsorship from the Labrador Hunting and Fishing Association with the support of other wildlife related businesses and organizations.

Additional information about how to participate in Firearms Safety/Hunter Education courses and outdoor youth skills events planned for summer 2022 will be available at the upcoming National Wildlife Week Expo being hosted by the department Sunday, April 10 at the St. John’s Farmers’ Market. Information about Outreach Programs can also be obtained by contacting the department at 709-229-7888 or salmoniernaturepark@gov.nl.ca.

The Youth Outdoor Dream Adventure is an annual initiative of the Department of Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture in partnership with provincial wildlife stakeholder organizations such as the Labrador Hunting and Fishing Association. The award was established in 2020 and builds upon the former ‘Youth Hunting and Fishing Exchange’ program. Additional information about the award can be found in the 2022-2023 Hunting and Trapping Guide and through the link in the Learn More section below.

Quotes
“Encouraging youth participation in safe and responsible hunting and angling is an important objective towards the long term sustainability of our wildlife resources. I congratulate Justin for taking part in our department’s youth hunter skills and hunting safety workshops and being selected to take part in a world-class ptarmigan hunting experience in the spectacular Labrador wilderness.”
Honourable Derrick Bragg
Minister of Fisheries Forestry and Agriculture

“The Labrador Hunting and Fishing Association is proud to be a sponsor of the Youth Outdoor Dream Adventure in partnership with the Department of Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture’s Wildlife Division. This program strengthens our Association’s aim to provide outdoor recreational opportunities for our youth in Labrador and builds on the mentorship that the Youth Outdoor Skills program has been fostering with great success in Labrador over the past several years.”
Tony Chubbs
President, Labrador Hunting and Fishing Association

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Learn more
Outreach Programs – 2022-23 Hunting and Trapping Guide

Canadian Firearms Safety and Hunter Education Course Information

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

Tony Chubbs
Labrador Hunting and Fishing Association
709-897-5027
chubbs@nf.sympatico.ca

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The Honourable Andrew Furey, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador and the Honourable Seamus O’Regan, Minister of Labour and Member of Parliament for St. John’s South – Mount Pearl, on behalf of the Honourable Steven Guilbeault, Minister of Environment and Climate Change Canada, will make an announcement tomorrow (Friday, March 25) in support of Memorial University, St. John’s Campus.

Premier Furey and Minister O’Regan will be joined by the Honourable Bernard Davis, Minister of Environment and Climate Change and Dr. Vianne Timmons, President of Memorial University. The event takes place at the Core Science Building, 5th floor, beginning at 11:30 a.m.

Masks are required inside all buildings on Memorial campuses. Event parking is available on level one of the parking garage on Arctic Ave.

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

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

The post Media Advisory: Premier Furey to Make Announcement in Support of Memorial University appeared first on News Releases.

The Honourable Andrew Furey, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador and the Honourable Sean Fraser, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada, will participate in an announcement regarding an amendment to the Corporations Act, that supports business development for newcomers to the province. The event takes place tomorrow (Friday, March 25, 2022) at 3 Cashin Avenue, St. John’s, beginning at 10:00 a.m., and coincides with the grand opening of Newbornlander Baby Store Inc.

They will be joined by the Honourable Sarah Stoodley, Minister of Digital Government and Service NL, the Honourable Gerry Byrne, Minister of Immigration, Population Growth and Skills and Constanza Safatle, owner of Newbornlander Baby Store Inc.

The event will be livestreamed on Facebook.

Media attending are asked to please RSVP to Krista Dalton (kristadalton@gov.nl.ca).

Attendees are asked to wear masks and maintain physical distancing where possible.

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

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

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

The post Media Advisory: Premier Furey to Provide Details on Supporting Business Development for Newcomers appeared first on News Releases.

The Honourable Lisa Dempster, Minister Responsible for Indigenous Affairs and Reconciliation and Minister Responsible for Labrador Affairs, on behalf of the Honourable Andrew Parsons, Minister of Industry, Energy and Technology; will join Yvonne Jones, Parliamentary Secretary for Natural Resources and Northern Affairs, and MP for Labrador, on behalf of the Honourable Gudie Hutchings, Minister of Rural Economic Development, to make a funding announcement regarding broadband tomorrow (Thursday, March 24).

The event will take place at Hotel North Two, Conference Room, Second Floor, 382 Hamilton River Road, Happy Valley-Goose Bay, beginning at 10:00 a.m. (AST).

Minister Dempster and MP Jones will be joined by Chief John Nui, Mushuau Innu First Nation and Tony Andersen, Minister of Finance, Human Resources, and Information Technology, Government of Nunatsiavut.

Media outlets wishing to take part in the availability are asked to RSVP ISED Media Relations (media@ised-isde.gc.ca) to confirm their attendance.

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Media contact
Allan Bock
Labrador Affairs Secretariat
Office of Indigenous Affairs and Reconciliation
709-896-7935, 899-6446
allanbock@gov.nl.ca

The post Media Advisory: Minister Dempster to Make Funding Announcement in Labrador appeared first on News Releases.

In an effort to strengthen legislation and modernize safety requirements, effective May 19, 2022, the use of helmets and seatbelts (where installed by manufacturers) will be mandatory for the operation of all off-road vehicles in Newfoundland and Labrador.

Helmets will not be required for hunting and trapping activities involving frequent stops, where speed is less than 20 km/hr.

Off-road vehicle safety is a shared responsibility among government, enforcement partners and operators, and there is no reason to wait until the regulations come into force to wear helmets or seatbelts.

Further information regarding Newfoundland and Labrador’s new safety requirements for off-road vehicles, will be announced prior to the May 19, 2022 compliance date.

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

The post Public Advisory: Helmet and Seatbelt Regulations Coming For Off-Road Vehicle Use appeared first on News Releases.

Today, the Honourable Krista Lynn Howell, Minister of Municipal and Provincial Affairs and the Honourable Bernard Davis, Minister of Environment and Climate Change, announced $240,000 to support the Regional Water and Wastewater Operator Program in Newfoundland and Labrador.

The program is focused on building local capacity and knowledge for the delivery of water services. Under the program, regional operators work with communities to address challenges associated with operating and monitoring modern drinking water and wastewater systems.

There are currently three regional water operators working in 56 communities across the province. The Regional Water and Wastewater Operator Program was initiated in 2015 as part of a Community Sustainability Partnership and was expanded in 2017 to include more communities. The program is delivered by the Eastern, Central, and Western Regional Service Boards.

Quotes
“The work of regional water operators is a tremendous asset for many rural communities throughout the province. They help build capacity and knowledge within the participating communities on the operation and maintenance of their water and wastewater systems. The program is an excellent example of how a regional approach, something we can expand upon under regionalization, can benefit small, rural communities.”
Honourable Krista Lynn Howell
Minister of Municipal and Provincial Affairs

“Under the Regional Water and Wastewater Operator Program, we have seen a decrease in the number of boil water advisories in participating communities, and an increase in disinfection systems and daily chlorine monitoring, which are critical elements to a well-maintained, fully functioning system. I commend all of the regional water operators throughout the province who make a vitally important contribution to communities every day.”
Honourable Bernard Davis
Minister of Environment and Climate Change

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Learn more
Drinking Water and Wastewater Systems

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

The post Investment to Support Water Operators and Systems Throughout Province appeared first on News Releases.

The Honourable John Haggie, Minister of Health and Community Services, will hold a virtual media availability today (Tuesday, March 22) at 3:15 p.m. to discuss COVID-19.

The availability will be live-streamed on Facebook and YouTube.

The availability will be done via Zoom. To participate, please RSVP to Jillian Hood (jillianhood@gov.nl.ca) who will provide the dial-in details.

Media planning to participate must join by 3:00 p.m. (NDT) to be included on the call.

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

 

 

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The following is being released at the request of The Council of Atlantic Premiers:

Atlantic Premiers met to discuss regional approaches to health care, economic recovery, cost of living, immigration and energy security.

As Chair of the Council of Atlantic Premiers, Premier Tim Houston of Nova Scotia welcomed Premier Blaine Higgs of New Brunswick, Premier Dennis King of Prince Edward Island and Premier Andrew Furey of Newfoundland and Labrador for the first in-person meeting of the Council since January 2020.

Premiers also met with Dominic LeBlanc, federal Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs, Infrastructure and Communities and Sean Fraser, federal Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship.

Premiers condemned Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and expressed solidarity with Ukrainian people. The international crisis precipitated by Russia’s war in Ukraine has brought into focus the need to strengthen Canada’s energy security and enhance self-sufficiency.

Premiers urged the federal government to work with them to improve the region’s energy security through the development of Canadian energy sources. They called on the federal government to provide financial support for the Atlantic Loop project to assist in the transition off coal by 2030. They invited federal ministers to work with them to further diversify the region’s energy supply through the development of clean and renewable power from sources such as wind, solar and tidal power and small modular nuclear reactors.

Premiers expressed concerns with expected supply chain issues in relation to the Canadian Pacific rail strike. Given world circumstances and current supply chain issues, Premiers urged the federal government to address the issue immediately.

Atlantic Premiers expressed optimism about the region’s ability to transition to a new phase of living with COVID-19. They look forward to welcoming visitors to the region and discussed ways to further promote economic recovery and growth.

Premiers recognize the mental and physical toll of the pandemic on residents and continue to express their appreciation of frontline and essential workers who have worked tirelessly throughout the pandemic. They expressed their gratitude to those who followed public health measures throughout the past two years and urge those who have not already done so to book appointments for vaccines and boosters.

Busing is an important part of the transportation network for many Atlantic Canadians and the pandemic has highlighted the importance of accessible and affordable service. Premiers agreed to explore opportunities for regional solutions in busing.

Sustainable and quality health care continues to be a top priority for Atlantic Canadians. Premiers discussed progress on the Atlantic Health Care – “Accord of Guiding Principles” signed in September 2021. The Atlantic Provinces are working collaboratively to advance key health priorities under this Accord.

Premiers noted the recent vote in the United States Senate, approving a bill for permanent Daylight Saving Time in the US. Atlantic Premiers will work with other Premiers and the federal government to explore options for consistency should the Senate bill become law.

Premiers also discussed areas of shared priorities for federal partnership through the Atlantic Growth Strategy, which launched the Clean Power Road Map for Atlantic Canada and the successful Atlantic Immigration Pilot Program. Premiers look forward to further developing partnerships with the federal government in areas such as immigration, labour market and workforce development, flexible and responsive infrastructure funding, the ocean economy, and clean energy.

Premiers will meet in June for their next meeting.

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Les premiers ministres de l’Atlantique discutent des priorités régionales

Media contacts
Meghan McCabe
Office of the Premier, Newfoundland and Labrador
709-729-3960

Catherine Klimek
Office of the Premier, Nova Scotia
902-717-1020

Nicolle Carlin
Office of the Premier, New Brunswick
506-453-7494

Adam Ross
Office of the Premier, Prince Edward Island
902-368-4400

The post Atlantic Premiers Meet to Discuss Regional Priorities appeared first on News Releases.

The Information and Privacy Commissioner, Michael Harvey, has released his Report A-2022-004 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-2022-004 Report Date: March 18, 2022 Public Body: Town of Witless Bay Summary: The Complainant submitted an access request to the Town of Witless Bay under the Access to Information and Protection of Privacy Act, 2015 for records relating to rescinding motions that the new Town’s Council addressed at its first two meetings. The Town provided the records it had to the Complainant, but the Complainant believed that there were more records and filed a complaint with this Office. The Commissioner concluded that there was no evidence that additional records exist.

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

The post Office of the Information and Privacy Commissioner – Report A-2022-004 Released appeared first on News Releases.

During National Impaired Driving Prevention Week (March 20-26), the Provincial Government is encouraging all Newfoundlanders and Labradorians to take a moment to think about the senseless and preventable injuries and deaths caused by impaired driving.

According to Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD), impaired driving is the number one criminal cause of death in Canada. An average of 10 federal criminal charges and provincial short-term licence suspensions are laid every hour for impaired driving. An average of 238 impaired driving charges and short-term suspensions are laid daily, and almost 87,000 annually. Last year, in Newfoundland and Labrador, there was a total of 377 impaired driving convictions.

It is the collective responsibility of all drivers to prevent serious injuries and deaths on our roads. Motorists have a responsibility to their fellow citizens to ensure they are operating vehicles in a safe manner. It is also important to keep the conversation going about ways to improve safety on provincial roadways.

Besides impairment due to alcohol or drugs; fatigue, distraction, even over-the-counter and prescription medications can all impact a motorist’s judgement, coordination, and reaction time behind the wheel.

The Provincial Government remains committed to enhancing road safety. Continuous improvement and updates to the Highway Traffic Act help reduce the number of traffic deaths and injuries to make roads safer.

Quote
“Although the dangers and consequences of impaired driving are widely known, we continue to see stories in the news of impaired driving arrests. Anyone who chooses to drive impaired has no place on our province’s roads.”
Honourable Sarah Stoodley
Minister of Digital Government and Service NL

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Learn more
Follow us on Twitter @GovNL and @DGS_GovNL

Like us on Facebook

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

The post Impaired Driving is Not an Accident appeared first on News Releases.

The Department of Health and Community Services has been made aware of a fraudulent text message that has been circulating regarding payment for COVID-19 vaccinations.

The message, which appears to originate from a local number, states that MCP will be paying everyone who was vaccinated $15 each, and a link is included to claim the money. MCP does not engage in such practices and does not pay residents for their adherence to vaccinations. The public is advised to delete this message and not click on the link.

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

The post Public Advisory: Fraudulent MCP Text Message Circulating in Province appeared first on News Releases.