Government of Newfoundland News

Experience a taste of Newfoundland and Labrador’s craft brew offerings during Come Home 2022 with the new Craft Brewery Passport. With 18 participants in locations ranging from Labrador City to Quidi Vidi and many places in between, this partnership between the Newfoundland and Labrador Craft Brewers Association and Come Home 2022 supports the touring of our province’s beautiful communities while supporting local businesses.

The Craft Brewery Passport contains information about all of Newfoundland and Labrador’s craft breweries, including where they are located and the top three products they produce.

At each participating brewery, cidery, and/or distillery, participants will receive a stamp. The first person to get stamps from all 18 breweries will win a prize valued at $100 from each craft brewery.

The Craft Brewers Passport is available at all participating craft breweries, distilleries and cideries in the province. The full list of locations is available in the backgrounder below.

Come Home 2022 festivals and events are taking place all throughout Newfoundland and Labrador for the remainder of 2022. Newfoundlanders and Labradorians everywhere can visit ComeHome2022.ca to sign up for the Come Home 2022 e-newsletter, which shares updates on festivals and events throughout the year. They can also follow ComeHome2022 on Facebook and Instagram to get up-to-date celebration information.

Quotes
“Newfoundland and Labrador’s craft brewery game has never been stronger. With so many distinctive establishments throughout the province, launching this passport during Come Home 2022 is a win-win situation. Residents and tourists alike will enjoy visiting the breweries for their beverage and culinary experiences, and the communities and surrounding businesses will see benefits, as well.”
Honourable Steve Crocker
Minister of Tourism, Culture, Arts and Recreation

“When you visit any of Newfoundland and Labrador’s growing number of craft breweries, distilleries and cideries throughout the province, it is clear that these businesses complement existing tourism experiences while contributing to economic development. I encourage tourists and residents to visit local establishments to experience first-hand what each has to offer.”
Honourable Andrew Parsons
Minister of Industry, Energy and Technology

“It’s such a great feeling to see people traveling to and around our province once again! Whether you’re a tourist or a local, the Craft Beer Passport is a perfect way to remember your visits to Newfoundland and Labrador’s best tasting rooms.”
Justin Fong
Chair, Newfoundland and Labrador Craft Brewers Association

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Learn more
Come Home 2022

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Note: A photo accompanying this release can be found online at www.gov.nl.ca/releases/.

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

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

Come Home 2022 Craft Brewery Passport at Dildo Brewery Minister Steve Crocker, Minister John G. Abbott, Justin Fong of Quidi Vidi Brewery and Phil Maloney of Bannerman Brewery showing their Come Home 2022 Craft Brewery Passports

BACKGROUNDER

Participants can obtain stamps for the Craft Brewers Passport at the following locations:

• Baccalieu Trail Brewing Co. – 1 Conception Bay Highway, Bay Roberts
• Bannerman Brewing Co. – 90 Duckworth Street, St. John’s
• Boomstick Brewing Co. – 55 West Street, Corner Brook
• Bootleg Brew Co. – 92 West Street, Corner Brook
• Crooked Feeder Brewing Co. – 351 Veterans Drive, Cormack
• Dildo Brewing Co. – 7 Front Road, Dildo
• Iron Rock Brewing Co. – 118 Humphrey Road, Labrador City
• Landwash Brewery – 181 Commonwealth Avenue, Mount Pearl
• Ninepenny Brewing – 75 Conception Bay Highway, CBS
• Newfoundland Cider Company – 7 Stringer’s Lane, George’s Brook-Milton
• The Newfoundland Distillery Co. – 14 Conception Bay Highway, Clarke’s Beach
• Port Rexton Brewing Co. – 6 Ship Cove Road, Port Rexton
• Quidi Vidi Brewery – 35 Barrows Road, St. John’s
• Ragnarock Northern Brewing Company – 223-227 West Street, St. Anthony
• Rough Waters Brewing Company – 83 Wights Road, Deer Lake
• Secret Cove Brewing Co. – 92-96 Main Street, Port au Port East
• Split Rock Brewing Co. – 119 Main Street, Twillingate
• YellowBelly Brewery – 88 Water Street, St. John’s

Other brewers listed in the passport include:

• Banished Brewing Limited (@banishedbrewing)
• Storm Brewing (@STORMBrewing709)
• Western Newfoundland Brewing Co. (@westernnlbrewing)

The post Newfoundland and Labrador Craft Brewers Association Partners with Come Home 2022 to Launch Craft Brewers Passport appeared first on News Releases.

Request for Proposal applications are available for four parcels of farmland located near King’s Point in the Green Bay area of the province.

Request for Proposal guidelines for the four parcels, including overview and suitability maps of the land available for development, are available online at Land for Agriculture.

The deadline to submit proposals is Monday, August 22, 2022 at 4:30 p.m. For more information, please call 709-637-2081 or email jasonmacdonald@gov.nl.ca.

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Media contact
Erin Shea
Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture
709-729-3733, 725-4321
erinshea@gov.nl.ca

 

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The Honourable Sarah Stoodley, Minister of Digital Government and Service NL, will bring greetings at the dedication and wreath laying ceremony hosted by the Newfoundland and Labrador Branch of the Last Post Fund, tomorrow (Thursday, August 4). She will be joined by the Honourable John G. Abbott, Minister of Children, Seniors and Social Development.

The event will take place at the new Memorial Gardens Field of Honour, 25 Beaumont Hamel Way in Galway, St. John’s beginning at 11:00 a.m.

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Media contacts
Kathy Dicks-Peyton
Digital Government and Service NL
709-729-4860, 699-1982
kathydickspeyton@gov.nl.ca

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

 

The post Media Advisory: Ministers Stoodley and Abbott to Participate at Dedication and Wreath Laying Ceremony appeared first on News Releases.

Digital Government and Service NL today announced that Triple J Aggregates Limited of Conception Bay South and a supervisor have been charged with violations under the Occupational Health and Safety Act and Regulations, in relation to a fatality which occurred in September 2020, at a quarry near St. John’s.

The company is charged with 11 violations for alleged failure to:

1. Ensure the health, safety and welfare of his or her workers.
2. Provide information, instruction, training, supervision and facilities that are necessary to ensure the health, safety and welfare of his or her workers.
3. Ensure that all buildings, structures, excavation, machinery, workstations, places of employment and equipment are capable of withstanding the stresses likely to be imposed upon them, and of safely performing the functions for which they are used or intended.
4. Ensure that work procedures promote the safe interaction of workers and their work environment to minimize the potential for injury.
5. Ensure where an unsafe condition is discovered by a person, that it shall be reported as soon as practicable to a supervisor, who shall ensure that appropriate action is taken, without delay, to prevent a worker from being injured.
6. Ensure that each tool, machine and piece of equipment in the workplace is capable of safely performing the functions for which it is used.
7. Ensure that each tool, machine and piece of equipment in the workplace is selected, used and operated in accordance with the manufacturer’s recommendations and instructions, where available, safe work practices, and the requirements of the OHS regulations.
8. Ensure that machinery and equipment is fitted with adequate safeguards to ensure that an employee cannot access a hazardous point of operation.
9. Effectively safeguarded machinery or equipment in use for normal production work, to protect the workers from the risk of injury from the movement of the machinery or equipment, or exposure to an energy source, where a work activity creates a risk.
10. Ensure where lockout of energy isolating devices re required, the devices shall be secured in the safe position using locks in accordance with procedures that are made available to all workers who are required to work on the machinery or equipment.
11. Provide and maintain on a conveyor belt guards on the load bearing rollers, return rollers and idler assemblies within 2.13 metres of the ground, a walkway or platform.

The company supervisor is charged with one violation for their alleged failure to ensure the health, safety, and welfare of all workers under their supervision.

First appearances are scheduled for August 19, 2022 at Provincial Court in St. John’s.

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Media contact
Kathy Dicks-Peyton
Digital Government and Service NL
709-729-4860, 699-1982
kathydickspeyton@gov.nl.ca

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By September 2022, Newfoundlanders and Labradorians who wish to train for a career will see an easier path to supports thanks to improvements under the Skills Development Program.

Changes announced by the Honourable Gerry Byrne, Minister of Immigration, Population Growth and Skills, will result in an application process that is simplified and streamlined, resulting in increased benefits to assist adult learners and their families with the rising cost of living.

The following changes are expected to put an additional $16 million annually into the pockets of participating students:

• A maximum $500 per week top-up for Employment Insurance recipients;
• Combining living and transportation allowances into a simple single payment of $500 per week for individuals not receiving Employment Insurance; and
• Ending the historic requirement of spousal income assessment; putting a stop to the former practice of reducing non-training supports by 50 per cent if a spouse has income.

For examples that illustrate the additional benefits to adult learners and their families please see the backgrounder below.

Funded through the Canada – Newfoundland and Labrador Labour Market Development Agreement, the Skills Development Program provides a financial benefit for training of Employment Insurance eligible individuals to obtain the skills necessary to secure employment. Supports are provided for costs of training such as tuition, books, fees, and health and dental insurance, as well as assistance with childcare or disability needs.

Supported training includes post-secondary programming and Adult Basic Education and literacy programming. If a participant’s Employment Insurance benefits expire while taking part in the Skills Development Program, they can transition to the new combined rate.

Quotes
“We are streamlining and simplifying the Skills Development Program to make it more generous and better meet the needs of those who bravely choose to embark on the education journey to a brighter future in this province’s evolving economy. By removing barriers, increasing benefits and cutting red tape, we are ensuring Newfoundlanders and Labradorians who are training for a new career can avail of all the necessary supports for themselves and their families.”
Honourable Gerry Byrne
Minister of Immigration, Population Growth and Skills

“These changes to the Skills Development Program will have a positive impact on those who are seeking to enter into the workforce. Ending the historic requirement of spousal income assessment directly benefits women and gender diverse individuals as they upskill, reskill, or change career paths.”
Honourable Pam Parsons
Minister Responsible for Women and Gender Equality

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Learn more

Skills Development Program

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

Angela Picco
Office of Women and Gender Equality
709-729-4934, 687-4756
angelapicco@gov.nl.ca

BACKGROUNDER

Scenarios Detailing Additional Benefits to Adult Learners and Their Families*

Scenario 1
An Employment Insurance recipient was assessed to receive $400 per week while in school. Under the new top-up, this individual will now receive an extra $100 per week.

Scenario 2
A married woman was assessed as needing $400 per week living allowance and $50 per week in transportation, for a total of $450 per week. However, since her spouse has income, her entitlements were automatically cut by 50 per cent to $225 per week. Under the new rules, this woman would be entitled to the full $500 per week stipend – an additional $275 per week.

Scenario 3
A single client coming off Income Support is receiving a living allowance of $199 per week. The individual is also receiving the maximum of $194 per week for transportation, bringing a total support of $393 per week. Under the new rates, this client will receive an additional $107 per week under the flat rate

*These scenarios are meant to serve as examples reflecting several typical situations and do not reflect all funding arrangements. Individual assessments vary and are completed on a case-by-case basis.

The post Removing Barriers, Increasing Benefits for Skills Development appeared first on News Releases.

In an effort to help improve both the workplace environment and the retention of nurses in the province, the Provincial Government, in collaboration with the Registered Nurses’ Union Newfoundland and Labrador (RNUNL), will implement a number of financial incentives and employee supports to help address the immediate nursing workforce challenges and help stabilize the system.

The Honourable Andrew Furey, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador, along with the Honourable Tom Osborne, Minister of Health and Community Services and Yvette Coffey, President of the Registered Nurses’ Union Newfoundland and Labrador, will be available to the media today (Tuesday, August 2) at 1:00 p.m. to discuss these measures. The availability will take place in the lobby of East Block, Confederation Building, and will be livestreamed on Facebook.

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

• Retention Bonuses– A retention bonus is available to RNUNL members (registered nurses (RNs) and nurse practitioners (NPs)) for a minimum of a one-year return-in-service commitment. Eligible employees include those who are permanent or temporary employees and this incentive is available until October 31, 2022;
• Signing Bonuses for Casual Registered Nurses– A signing bonus is available for casual RNs to incentivize them to accept a full-time or part-time position in an ‘area of  need’ as defined by the Regional Health Authority with an associated return-in-service of one year minimum. This incentive is available until October 31, 2022;
• Double Rate Overtime for Vacation Period– This measure will support shifts being filled in advance to increase the ability of the Regional Health Authorities to  grant annual leave for RNs and NPs until October 31, 2022 and reduce the number of mandated and extended shifts;
• Reimburse Licensing Fees for Retired RNs– The College of Registered Nurses of NL $500 licensing fee and liability insurance will be paid for those who wish to return to work for a designated period and is available until October 31, 2022
• RN Locum Premium– A Registered Nurse Locum Premium Pilot has been established to support work in select locum positions in Labrador-Grenfell Health;
• 24-7 Mental Health Supports– A Mental Health and Addictions Supports group has been  assembled to promote mental health and well-being services, as well as develop new solutions providing 24/7 support;
• Child Care– Government has committed to explore child care options for employees who work non-standard hours; and,
• Bursaries for Third-Year Students in Bachelor of Science in Nursing– Bursaries are available for third-year students in the Bachelor of Science in Nursing program.

Additionally, signing bonuses have also been reinstated to attract experienced health professionals. Signing bonuses are available for selected health occupations, targeting difficult-to-fill positions and tiered to address geographic considerations. A one-year return-in-service agreement is required for each signing bonus. Details and policies are available online here.

In April 2022, a two-day virtual Nursing Think Tank took place to identify issues and concerns, listen to the lived experience of registered nurses, determine opportunities and carve out a path forward to address the concerns and challenges facing the nursing  profession. Along with the RNUNL, the event included representatives from the Regional Health Authorities, College of Registered Nurses of Newfoundland and Labrador, Canadian Federation of Nurses Unions, the Schools of Nursing and representatives from several government departments.

Additional findings from the Nursing Think Tank will continue to inform the work of the Health Professional Recruitment and Retention Office within the Department of Health and Community Services. The office was established earlier this year to address the significant health care recruitment and retention challenges facing Newfoundland and Labrador.

Quotes
“We made a commitment to help address the workplace challenges faced by our nursing community and, working collaboratively with Ms. Coffey and the RNUNL, I am pleased with the suite of measures we announced today. Health care professionals like nurses and nurse practitioners contribute so much to our province, particularly as they went above and beyond throughout the pandemic. I believe these initiatives will lead to meaningful, positive changes and I look forward to continuing our work with the RNUNL.”
Honourable Andrew Furey
Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador

“We have worked together with the registered nurses’ union and Ms. Coffey to find creative means to help improve the workplace and address recruitment issues facing the nursing community. The Think Tank held with registered nurses this spring provided valuable insight into the challenges facing their profession. The goal of these solutions is to help alleviate the pressures on this sector, as we continue our efforts to improve health care delivery in the province, including a focus on recruitment and retention.”
Honourable Tom Osborne
Minister of Health and Community Services

“There are more than 600 vacancies in our province. Burnout is incredibly high among registered nurses and patients in every community are impacted by the nursing shortage. These measures, which are a result of the Nursing Think Tank, will provide some short-term relief. Efforts to create healthier workplaces and address recruitment and retention must continue. RNU looks forward to continued collaboration with Premier Furey and Minister Osborne.”
Yvette Coffey
President of the Registered Nurses’ Union Newfoundland and Labrador

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Learn more
News Release: Government and Nurses Collaborate to Help Address Challenges Facing the Nursing Profession

News Release: Initiatives Aim to Improve Primary Care Access in Newfoundland and Labrador

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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

Karyn Whelan
Registered Nurses’ Union
Newfoundland and Labrador
709-691-0889
kwhelan@rnunl.ca

The post Initiatives Announced to Help Address Registered Nursing Challenges in the Province; Media Availability at 1:00 p.m. appeared first on News Releases.

Applications are being accepted for this year’s Community Addictions Prevention and Mental Health Promotion Grants Program. Individuals, community groups and non-profit organizations are encouraged to apply for project funding before the application deadline on September 30, 2022.

The grants program is designed to support projects by individuals, community groups and non-profit organizations in the prevention of addictions and promotion of positive mental health. This year, an additional $60,000 has been added to the grants budget as part of Budget 2022 funding for the Life Promotion Suicide Prevention Action Plan, bringing the total support available for the grants to $200,000.

Aligned with recommendations from Health Accord NL, program funding is administered by the Provincial Government in partnership with the four regional health authorities. Each regional health authority has dedicated addiction prevention and mental health promotion staff available to provide advice, support and resources to applicants. Projects should align with one or more of these priority areas:

• Suicide Prevention;
• Life Promotion;
• Prevention of alcohol and other substance use related harms;
• Promotion of mental wellness.

More information on the Community Addictions Prevention and Mental Health Promotion Grants Program and applications can be accessed here.

Quote
“We know the integral role individuals, community groups and organizations play in creating conditions that contribute to the optimal health and wellbeing of our residents. These grants build upon the strength of community leaders who are working in partnership with regional health authorities and government to improve mental health and prevent illness and substance use disorders. I encourage everyone to take advantage of this opportunity to submit an application and help make a difference in their communities.”
Honourable Tom Osborne
Minister of Health and Community Services

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Learn more
Community Addictions Prevention and Mental Health Promotion Fund Application Form

News Release: Action Plan Focuses on Promotion of Life and Prevention of Suicide in Newfoundland and Labrador

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

The post Applications Available for Community Addictions Prevention and Mental Health Promotion Grants Program appeared first on News Releases.

Occupational Health and Safety standards for fall protection equipment will now be recognized by all jurisdictions throughout Canada.

Amendments have been made to Newfoundland and Labrador’s Occupational Health and Safety Regulations, 2012, to reflect these requirements, including replacement of the existing standards for fall arrestors and vertical lifelines. Amendments were also required to reflect self-retracting devices and connecting components for personal fall arrest systems.

The new standards are the result of the signing of a Pan-Canadian Occupational Health and Safety Reconciliation Agreement. The agreement builds on, and is in addition to the 2019 National Occupational Health and Safety Reconciliation Agreement, which set out common standards in the areas of First-Aid kit contents and personal protective equipment (PPE).

The amendments to this province’s Occupational Health and Safety Regulations are now published in the Newfoundland and Labrador Gazette.

In addition to fall protection equipment, the agreement provides opportunity for future reconciliation work focusing on PPE, occupational exposure limits and safety training.

Quote
“The primary goal of occupational health and safety legislation is to protect the health and safety of all workers. This agreement ensures that safety standards in Newfoundland and Labrador and other Canadian jurisdictions are aligned.”
Honourable Sarah Stoodley
Minister of Digital Government and Service NL

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Learn more
The Newfoundland and Labrador Gazette

Regulatory Reconciliation and Cooperation Table

Occupational Health and Safety

News Release: New First Aid Kit Requirements Enhance Occupational Health and Safety

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

The post Fall Protection Standards Regulated Throughout the Country appeared first on News Releases.

There will be no shortage of fun in Newfoundland and Labrador over the course of the next week with many Come Home 2022 events taking place.

St. John’s will be bustling with activity, beginning on Saturday, July 30, with the 20th annual Victoria Park Lantern Festival. Festivities begin at 2:00 p.m. with a barbeque and canteen, community booths, kids games, live music. The night will conclude with the famous Fire & Light show lighting up the night sky. For more information, visit www.lanternfest.ca or like the Victoria Park Lantern Festival’s Facebook page.

On Sunday morning, July 31, practitioners of all skill levels are invited to join LB Power for Yoga on George. Beginning at 11:00 a.m. and featuring DJ Krystle Hayden, hundreds of participants are expected to come together in the spirit of Come Home 2022 to practice some self-care. To register for this free event, visit www.lbyoga.ca or follow LB Yoga on Instagram (@lbyoga).

The 37th annual George Street Festival is ongoing with many incredible musicians. On Sunday night, July 31, enjoy the official Come Home 2022 concert event featuring the talents of Alan Doyle, Fortunate Ones and Kellie Loder. While this event is limited to 19+, it is sure to be a time. As well, the George Street Summer Concert series is ongoing until the end of August.

On Tuesday, August 2, a family-friendly concert at Quidi Vidi Lake will begin at 5:00 p.m. featuring School of Rock, Anchormen Chorus, Game of Stones and Other Side. At 7:30 p.m., a 19+ show in the Quidi Vidi Brewery beer tent will feature Rube & Rake and Old Contemporaries. To find out more, check out the Regatta Eve event on Facebook.

The 2022 Platinum Jubilee Royal St. John’s Regatta on Wednesday, August 3 (weather pending, of course). This year’s regatta is named in honour of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II’s 70th anniversary of her ascension to the throne. Whether you go for the races or go for the garden party, there will be many activities for all ages to enjoy.

There is so much more to enjoy in the province over the course of the next week including:

• Tombolo Multicultural Festival, St. John’s – August 5-7
• Shakespeare by the Sea Festival, St. John’s – ongoing until August 14
• Tunes & Tales of Pigeon Inlet with Kelly Russell, St. John’s– ongoing until the end of August
• The Church Street Festival, Bonavista – ongoing until the end of August
• The Stephenville Theatre Festival, ongoing until August 21
• Bernard’s-Jacques Fontaine Festival of Friends, August 3-7
• Lawrence Laurentian Days, July 31-August 6
• Sunset Street Dance: Trout River, August 6
• Years Gone By – A Newfoundland Workshop, Trout River – ongoing until the end of August
• Triton Caplin Cod Festival, August 1-7
• Voices of Placentia Bay Festival, August 5-7
• ‘Wicked on da Wharf’ Grand Bank Summer Festival, July 30-August 6
• Harbour Lights Festival, Rocky Harbour, ongoing until July 31
• Cultural Craft Lessons – Three Rivers Mi’kmaq Band, Robinsons – August 1-5
• Harbour Breton Come Home Year 2022, Tradition By The Sea Festival –  Aug 1- 8
• Mussel Bed Waterfront Festival Soiree, Lewisporte – August 3-8
• Norstead Village Viking Festival, L’Anse aux Meadows –  August 5–7
• Etheridge’s Point Seaside Festival, Joe Batt’s Arm, Fogo Island – August 6–7

For a full listing of Come Home 2022 festivals and events, visit ComeHome2022.ca.

Quote
“The week ahead is full of great Come Home 2022 celebrations. It is fantastic to see so many fun and accessible activities for residents and visitors alike to enjoy and I look forward to taking in some of them myself. I wish all organizers the best of luck with their events.”
Honourable Steve Crocker
Minister of Tourism, Culture, Arts and Recreation

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Learn more
Come Home 2022

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Like Come Home 2022 on Facebook

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

The post Busy Week Ahead for Come Home 2022 Celebrations appeared first on News Releases.

The Information and Privacy Commissioner, Michael Harvey, has released his Report A-2022-012 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-2022-012 Report Date: July 28, 2022 Public Body: Newfoundland and Labrador Centre for Health Information Summary: The Complainant made an access request under the Access to Information and Protection of Privacy Act, 2015 to the Newfoundland and Labrador Centre for Health Information for records relating to the Meditech system. The Centre provided records to the Complainant, but withheld some information claiming 27(1) (Cabinet confidences), 29(1)(a) (Policy advice or recommendations), 40(1) (Disclosure harmful to personal privacy), 31(1)(l) (Disclosure harmful to law enforcement), and 39(1) (Disclosure harmful to business interests of a third party). During the complaint investigation, the Centre agreed to release some additional information and the Complainant agreed to limit the scope of review to certain information withheld pursuant to section 29(1)(a) and section 31(1)(l). It was recommended that the Centre release some of the remaining information and continue to withhold other information.

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

 

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The Provincial Government is recognizing Food Day Canada, which takes place tomorrow, (Saturday, July 30). The theme of Food Day Canada this year is: Shop. Cook. Dine. Celebrate. Canadian! During Food Day Canada and onward, governments, organizations and individual residents encourage people to shop, cook and dine Canadian.

Newfoundland and Labrador will be joining in, marked by the Provincial Government lighting up the Confederation Building in red and white tonight (Friday, July 29). As the largest national food event, activities will be happening in-person and online across the country. Organizers have described it as a huge celebration that praises our farmers and fishers, our chefs and researchers, our home cooks, and so many more. Information can be found online here.

Budget 2022 provides over $10.9 million to support farmers and producers in this essential work. Last week, the federal, provincial, and territorial Ministers of Agriculture reached a new agreement in principle: the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership. This agreement builds on the previous one, the Canadian Agricultural Partnership, which has seen $26.2 million invested in growing this province’s agriculture sector.

Quote
“Newfoundlanders and Labradorians love good, local food. Our agriculture sector is 100 per cent self-sufficient in production of fluid milk, chicken and eggs; and self-sufficiency in fruit and vegetables has gone from 10 per cent to over 17 per cent. I encourage individuals and family alike to take part in the celebrations on Food Day Canada. Make a plan to try a new restaurant or a new food (perhaps seal?) thank a farmer or a fisherperson in your area, or make a plan to shop, cook and dine Canadian all year long.”
Honourable Derrick Bragg
Minister of Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture

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Learn more
Food Day Canada

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Media contact
Erin Shea
Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture
709-729-3733
erinshea@gov.nl.ca

The post Shop. Cook. Dine. Celebrate: Food Day Canada! appeared first on News Releases.

An independent review of Sections 19.1 through 19.14 of the Fishing Industry Collective Bargaining Act has been established by the Honourable Bernard Davis, Minister Responsible for Labour. The independent review will be conducted by Mr. David Conway.

The review will involve consultations with fish harvesters, processors, their respective organizations and any other interested parties. A written report of the Fishing Industry Collective Bargaining Act Review will be submitted to the Minister Responsible for Labour outlining the results of the review and any recommendations. A final report will also be made publicly available.

Organizations and individuals are invited to make written submissions as part of the review:

• Submissions must be submitted to ficbareview@gov.nl.ca by 4:00 p.m. on Friday, September 9, 2022.
• In their written submissions, organizations or individuals may also may also request to present a verbal submission. Verbal submissions will be conducted on a discretionary basis. Any verbal submissions will be conducted virtually and will be scheduled for Monday, September 12, 2022.

The review may also include interviews with individuals who have knowledge of the collective bargaining model contained in Sections 19.1 through 19.14 of the Act.

Please note that the report will note the names of individuals who were made submissions or were interviewed as part of the review, including identifying information such as name and organization.

Questions or comments can be submitted to ficbareview@gov.nl.ca. The Terms of Reference are attached in the backgrounder below.

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

BACKGROUNDER

Terms of Reference for Review of the Fishing Industry Collective Bargaining Model

PURPOSE:
To review the fishing industry collective bargaining model contained in Sections 19.1-19.14 of the Fishing Industry Collective Bargaining Act

BACKGROUND:
The Minister Responsible for Labour has initiated a review of the collective bargaining model contained in sections 19.1 to 19.14 of the Fishing Industry Collective Bargaining Act.

The Fishing Industry Collective Bargaining Act (FICBA) regulates collective bargaining between fish harvesters and processors. In 2006, Government authorized the creation of a three-person Standing Fish Price-Setting Panel (Panel) for the purpose of:

1. facilitating access by parties to collective bargaining to market information relating to the sale of fish;
2. establishing criteria that are not inconsistent with this Act relating to collective bargaining under this Act;
3. providing assistance to parties engaged in collective bargaining under this Act;
4. setting prices and conditions of sale for a fish species where parties have engaged in collective bargaining and have been unable to agree or where parties have refused to engage in collective bargaining;
5. reviewing and report on  matters related to the price and conditions of sale of a fish species that may be referred to it by the minister responsible for fisheries and aquaculture; and
6. making recommendations on matters falling within its mandate to the minister responsible for fisheries and aquaculture and the minister responsible for fisheries in the Government of Canada.

FICBA prohibits the right to strike or lockout, and requires the Panel to use either final offer selection or conventional arbitration in making their decisions.

STATEMENT OF WORK:
In concluding the work, the Consultant will:

1. Review sections 19.1-19.14 of the Fishing Industry Collective Bargaining Act to determine if the collective bargaining model is still effective and responsive to the needs of the industry;
2. Conduct consultations with fish harvesters and processors and their respective organizations and any other interested parties with regard to the current collective bargaining model;
3. Report back to the Minister Responsible for Labour outlining the results of the review and, if deemed necessary, recommendations for change; and
4. Include in the report a list of all persons and groups who made representation during the consultation process and a summary of the information provided.

The post Public Advisory: Notice of Review and Request for Submissions for the Fishing Industry Collective Bargaining Act 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 REGISTERED:

Crown Zone 8 Five-Year Forestry Operating Plan (2023-2027)     (Reg. 2210)
Proponent: Department of Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture

The proponent has submitted a five-year operating plan for Crown Planning Zone 8 (Forest Management Districts 17 and 18). Planning Zone 8 encompasses the majority of the Great Northern Peninsula, commencing at the northern boundary of Gros Morne National Park on the west side of the Peninsula and at Great Cat Arm on the eastern side of the Peninsula. The plan includes a description of proposed commercial and domestic timber harvesting operations, the construction forest access roads and silviculture activities. The plan covers the period from January 1, 2023, to December 31, 2027. 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 July 27, 2022. The deadline for public comments is September 1, 2022 and the minister’s decision is due by September 10, 2022.

Crown District 23 Five-Year Forestry Operating Plan (2023-2027)   (Reg. 2209)
Proponents: Department of Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture and Nunatsiavut
Government

The proponent has submitted a five-year operating plan for Crown District 23. District 23 encompasses 2.2 million hectares of boreal forest in Northern Labrador. The District is generally bound by the Labrador Coast to the east, Groswater Bay and Lake Melville to the south, the Mulligan and Red Wine Rivers to the west, and the Kanainktok Bay River and Bay to the north.  The plan includes a description of proposed commercial and domestic timber harvesting, the construction of forest access roads, and silviculture activities. The plan covers the period from January 1, 2023, to December 31, 2027. 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 July 27, 2022. The deadline for public comments is September 1, 2022 and the minister’s decision is due by September 10, 2022.

Crown District 19 Five-Year Forestry Operating Plan (2023-2027)     (Reg. 2208)
Proponent: Department of Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture and Innu Nation

The proponent has submitted a five-year operating plan for Forest Management District 19. Planning District 19 encompasses central Labrador and is generally bounded to the by the Mulligan and Red Wine Rivers to the north, by the height of land that separates the Kenamu River watershed from those flowing into the Labrador Sea to the east, by the height of land that separates the Gulf Watershed from those flowing into the Labrador Sea to the south, and by a line at longitude 61º 45′ to the west. The plan includes a description of proposed commercial and domestic timber harvesting, the construction of forest access roads and silviculture activities.  The plan covers the period from January 1, 2023, to December 31, 2027. 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 July 27, 2022. The deadline for public comments is September 1, 2022 and the minister’s decision is due by September 10, 2022.

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

The proponent has submitted a five-year operating plan for Crown Planning Zone 4 (Forest Management District 7). Planning Zone 4 is located on the south coast of Newfoundland in the area of Bay d’Espoir. The northern boundary extends to Berry Hill Pond on the Bay d’Espoir highway and to Great Burnt Lake and Meelpaeg Lake in the northwest. The plan describes proposed commercial and domestic timber harvesting operations, the construction forest access roads, and silviculture activities. The plan covers the period from January 1, 2023, to December 31, 2027. 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 July 27, 2022. The deadline for public comments is September 1, 2022 and the minister’s decision is due by September 10, 2022.

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

The post Environmental Assessment Bulletin appeared first on News Releases.

Dr. Rosann Seviour, Chief Medical Officer of Health (Acting), will hold a media availability today (Thursday, July 28) to discuss COVID vaccinations for children under five years of age.

The availability will take place in Media Centre, East Block, Confederation Building, at 2:00 p.m.

The availability will also be live-streamed on the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador’s Facebook account.

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

The post Media Advisory: Dr. Seviour Available to Media to Discuss COVID-19 Vaccinations for Children appeared first on News Releases.

The Department of Transportation and Infrastructure is advising of paving operations on a two-lane section of the Trans-Canada Highway near Norris Arm today (Thursday, July 28) and tomorrow (Friday, July 29).

The closure will commence at 12:00 p.m. on Thursday and reopen to traffic 8:00 p.m. Thursday evening. The road will close again Friday morning at 6:00 a.m. reopening to traffic 8:00 p.m. Friday evening.

While work is ongoing, both eastbound and westbound traffic will detour through the Town of Norris Arm via Route 351. Motorists are asked to reduce their speed, pay attention to traffic control, and travel cautiously trough the community.

The detour is necessary for the safety of motorists and crews working in the area and to avoid lengthy traffic delays.

A contract valued at approximately $5.4 million was awarded to Municipal Construction Limited in May to replace culverts and repave approximately 11.6 kilometres of the Trans-Canada Highway between Road to the Isles (Route 340) and Norris Arm this construction season.

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.

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

The post Public Advisory: Temporary Detour Thursday and Friday in Central Newfoundland appeared first on News Releases.

The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador has reached a tentative agreement with the Newfoundland and Labrador Association of Public and Private Employees (NAPE) for 16 collective agreements. These agreements are subject to ratification by over 21,000 NAPE members across the province.

NAPE will be presenting these tentative agreements to membership in the coming weeks. In order to respect NAPE’s ratification process, details on the agreements will be released upon ratification.

Quotes
“Members of the Newfoundland and Labrador Association of Public and Private Employees (NAPE) deliver important services in communities throughout the province. I am pleased that a tentative agreement has been reached. I thank Minister Coady, NAPE President Jerry Earle, and their respective teams for their commitment and dedication to this process.”
Honourable Andrew Furey
Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador

“I extend my thanks to the negotiating teams from the Provincial Government and the Newfoundland and Labrador Association of Public and Private Employees for completing a challenging but respectful series of negotiations. I look forward to working with the union as they begin the ratification process with our public service employees who are members of NAPE.”
Honourable Siobhan Coady
Deputy Premier, Minister of Finance and President of Treasury Board

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

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

The post Provincial Government Reaches Tentative Agreements with NAPE appeared first on News Releases.

Newfoundland and Labrador has its first probable case of monkeypox. Following clinical guidelines and recommendations from the National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI), the Imvamune vaccine is being offered to asymptomatic individuals who are considered close contact exposures to this probable case.

Dr. Rosann Seviour, Acting Chief Medical Officer of Health, will hold a media availability today (Thursday, July 28) at 10:00 a.m. in the Media Centre, East Block, Confederation Building to discuss Monkeypox.

The availability will be live-streamed on the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador’s Facebook account and on YouTube.

Monkeypox is a disease caused by the monkeypox virus. The virus enters the body through broken skin, the respiratory tract or the mucous membranes (e.g., eyes, nose, or mouth). The virus can also be spread by sharing clothing, bedding or common items that have been contaminated with the infected person’s fluids or sores. In most cases, monkeypox is usually a mild illness and most people recover on their own after a few weeks.

More information on the virus can be found here.

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

The post Public Advisory: First Probable Case of Monkeypox Detected in Province; Dr. Seviour Available to Media appeared first on News Releases.

The Honourable John G. Abbott, Minister of Children, Seniors and Social Development, will attend the Whiteway Fifty Plus Garden Party tomorrow (Thursday, July 28).

The event will begin at 1:30 p.m. at the Whiteway Memorial Centre, Community Garden and Gazebo, 420 Main Road, Whiteway.

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

The post Media Advisory: Minister Abbott to Attend Whiteway Fifty Plus Garden Party  appeared first on News Releases.

Today, the Honourable Andrew Furey, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador and the Honourable Gudie Hutchings, Minister of Rural Economic Development; together with the Honourable Lisa Dempster, Minister Responsible for Indigenous Affairs and Reconciliation, and Minister Responsible for Labrador Affairs and Yvonne Jones, MP for Labrador, announced funding for Bell Canada to bring high-speed internet access to 694 households in the communities of Charlottetown, Lodge Bay, Mary’s Harbour, Port Hope-Simpson and Red Bay.

These new projects are part of a historic agreement between the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador and the Government of Canada. On February 21, 2022, the governments announced their collaboration to support high-speed internet projects that will connect all remaining rural households in the province, which is being made possible by a joint federal-provincial investment of up to $136 million.

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.

Quotes
“Our governments are committed to the people of Labrador and supporting all rural areas of the province in securing reliable high speed internet access. This is a great day for these communities, and we look forward to continuing to work together for the benefit of all Newfoundlanders and Labradorians.”
Honourable Andrew Furey
Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador

“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 to connect more than 690 rural households in five communities in the province is great news for Newfoundlanders and Labradorians. Investments like these help create jobs, improve access to health care and online learning services, enhance safety and keep us connected to our loved ones. The Government of Canada will continue to make investments like these to help achieve our national target of connecting 98 percent of Canadians by 2026 and 100 percent by 2030.”
Honourable Gudie Hutchings
Federal Minister of Rural Economic Development

“Providing Newfoundlanders and Labradorians with reliable high speed internet access is a priority. Our $136 million collaboration with the Federal Government demonstrates our commitment to making this a reality for areas throughout the province, including the Labrador communities announced today.”
Honourable Lisa Dempster
Minister Responsible for Indigenous Affairs and Reconciliation, and Minister Responsible for Labrador Affairs

“This is excellent news for Labrador as a whole! The pandemic has shown us how essential high-speed internet access has become. The Government of Canada understands that it is urgent and vital to connect rural and remote regions throughout Canada, including in Newfoundland and Labrador.”
Yvonne Jones
Member of Parliament for Labrador

“We are pleased to continue our investment partnership with the Government of Canada to expand Bell’s all-fibre network. As the country’s largest investor in network infrastructure, including here in Newfoundland and Labrador and across the Atlantic region, Bell continues to deliver on our goal of advancing how Canadians connect with each other and the world.”
Glen LeBlanc
Bell CFO and Vice Chair, Atlantic Canada

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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 @OLA_GovNL

Like us on Facebook

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

Jeremy Bellefeuille
Office of the Minister of Rural Economic Development
343-551-0898
jeremy.bellefeuille@ised-isde.gc.ca

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

The post Government of Newfoundland and Labrador and Government of Canada Invest to Bring High-Speed Internet to Five Communities in Labrador appeared first on News Releases.

The Honourable Gerry Byrne, Minister of Immigration, Population Growth and Skills will be attending meetings with his Federal, Provincial and Territorial immigration counterparts in Saint John, New Brunswick on July 27 and 28.

Newfoundland and Labrador’s focus on provincially-driven immigration is resulting in strong performance, with 2021 being the province’s best-year-ever for immigration, and has helped to fuel five consecutive quarters of population growth.

Minister Byrne looks forward to exploring avenues to ensure even stronger provincial-federal partnership in immigration, in order to find continued success and move toward the goal of welcoming 5,100 newcomers annually by 2026.

Points for discussion to include:

• A greater presence of federal immigration officials in Newfoundland and Labrador to respond to the service needs of newcomers and employers in this province;
• Faster processing times for immigration and work permit applications;
• A targeted program that will enable Ukrainians who wish to stay in Canada to apply for Permanent Residency;
• Increased immigration spaces reserved for Newfoundland and Labrador under both the Provincial Nominee Program and Atlantic Immigration Program; and
• Increased support for our federally designated settlement service provider, the Association for New Canadians.

Minister Byrne will be joining other Ministers at a press conference at 4:00 p.m. AST on July 28, 2022.

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

The post Media Advisory: Minister Byrne to Attend Federal-Provincial-Territorial Meetings in Saint John, New Brunswick appeared first on News Releases.