Government of Newfoundland News

On Saturday, August 17, traffic on Pitts Memorial Drive will be diverted while the route configuration is changed from the eastbound lane to the westbound. The re-routing will take place beginning at 7:30 a.m. and last until about 1:00 p.m. While the re-configuration is underway, the travelling public is encouraged to take an alternate route, if possible, to avoid traffic delays.

The new traffic configuration means traffic control measures previously placed in the eastbound lane, including pylons and electric road signs, will now be placed in the westbound lane. We remind the travelling public to slow your vehicle and respect these new traffic control measures.

The lane reduction is necessary to facilitate repair work on the bridge, including placing down new asphalt and additional rehabilitation work on the eastbound land.

The department reminds the travelling public that fines for speeding in construction zones range from $100 to $1,500.

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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Expanding the tourism season in Newfoundland and Labrador creates more year-round opportunities to grow the economy and boost the region’s visitor potential. The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador is investing to help two not-for-profit organizations deliver enhanced, year-round outdoor experiences along Newfoundland’s west coast.

Today, the Honourable Andrew Parsons, KC, Minister of Industry, Energy and Technology, announced a contribution of more than $176,000 on behalf of the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador through the Regional Development Fund for the Newfoundland T’Railway Council and Tourism Southwest Inc. to help the two organizations carry out infrastructure improvements along a 120-kilometre stretch of the T’Railway from Corner Brook to Port aux Basques. Project activities include upgrades to ditching/culverts to ensure the resilience of the T’Railway’s western section in the face of increasing extreme climate events, as well as new signage, and widening trails to allow for better shared-use access.

The Honourable Gudie Hutchings, Minister of Rural Economic Development and Minister Responsible for ACOA, also announced non-repayable contributions of more than $460,000 through ACOA’s Innovative Communities Fund. Trans Canada Trail is also contributing $60,000 to the project.

Today’s announcement further demonstrates the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador’s commitment to bolstering the province’s tourism ecosystem so that visitors and residents alike can enjoy, discover, explore and benefit from the region’s many offerings and attractions all year round.

Quotes
“The Newfoundland T’Railway Council has been a great steward of this important piece of infrastructure. Maintaining and improving the T’Railway has economic spinoffs for so many businesses and communities across the province. The T’Railway, working in partnership with Tourism Southwest, will bring much needed improvements to this important tourism product, helping trail users on the west coast see a marked improvement once these upgrades are made.”
Honourable Andrew Parsons, KC
Minister of Industry, Energy and Technology

“Western Newfoundland is an outdoor lover’s dream with biking, snowmobiling, ATVing and more. Your Federal Government is making sure the trails are as world class as our landscapes, which is good news for all the businesses and tourists that flock here every year.”
Honourable Gudie Hutchings
Minister of Rural Economic Development and Minister responsible for ACOA

“The T’Railway is a significant recreational asset, benefiting residents, visitors, tourism operators, and local businesses. The planned upgrades will address crucial aspects, such as restoring sight lines, improving accessibility, and bolstering water management systems. In particular, the Port aux Basques section – serving as a vital gateway for increased traffic from other provinces – will undergo significant improvements to remain resilient against the impacts of climate change. The T’Railway is truly a gem for everyone in the province. We encourage everyone to get out and enjoy it and, with these upgrades, we’re ensuring that enjoyment for years to come.”
Rick Noseworthy
President, Newfoundland T’Railway Council

“The Newfoundland T’Railway is a vital part of Canada’s nationwide trail system and we are thrilled to join with the federal and provincial governments to support its continued development. The T’Railway is a perfect example of the impact that trails and outdoor-experience opportunities can have on communities. It is already a popular tourist destination that delivers significant economic benefits for the province and enhancing the year-round experiences along this beautiful trail will only expand its impact.”
Mathieu Roy
Chief Executive Officer, Trans Canada Trail

“Tourism Southwest welcomes the funding from ACOA and IET to upgrade the T’Railway Route in Southwestern Newfoundland. The project is a great collaboration between federal and provincial governments as well as the T’Railway Council and parks to continue upgrading the T’Railway route to ensure safety and maximizing the economic benefits of ATV tourism in the region. ATV tourism is steadily growing in Southwestern Newfoundland and these new trail upgrades and signage will improve the ATV riding experience in the region for both tourists and residents.”
Ruth Forsey-Gale
Chair, Tourism Southwest Inc.

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Regional Development Fund

Newfoundland T’Railway Council

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The Honourable John G. Abbott, Minister of Housing, today announced a $1.3 million investment toward the creation of a new Transitional Housing Initiative in Gander.

This funding includes a one-time investment of $430,000 to allow the Central Residential Services Board to purchase a property on Airport Boulevard for the initiative, as well as approximately $859,000 in operational funding.

The program will provide up to 15 individuals with transitional housing beds and supports. The Central Residential Services Board will oversee the operations of the facility, hire staff and manage day-to-day operations. Those living on site will be connected with services such as mental health and addictions support, life skills development, and assistance with finding stable housing.

Transitional housing refers to temporary, supportive accommodation that is meant to bridge the gap from homelessness to permanent housing. It is designed as a more stable living arrangement than emergency shelter, and residents benefit from structure, supervision and available supports.

This initiative is the second transitional housing initiative undertaken in the province this year. The Transitional Supportive Living Initiative at 106 Airport Road in St. John’s currently has 33 residents, and two residents have already moved out of the facility into more stable housing.

Quotes
“I want to thank the Central Residential Services Board and other members of the Housing and Homelessness Hub for their willingness to collaborate on solutions to address homelessness in the Central Region. As a government, we are proud to provide financial support that will improve outcomes for our most vulnerable residents, providing them with support and services that help them transition from emergency shelter to secure housing.”
Honourable John G. Abbott
Minister of Housing

“As our province continues to address the need for transitional and supportive housing, we are very pleased that the vision of many community partners has been realized here in the District of Gander. The Housing and Homelessness Hub is to be commended for their tireless efforts to bring the need to the forefront and help achieve the change we are seeing today. This initiative will enhance lives and enrich our community.”
Honourable John Haggie
Minister of Municipal and Provincial Affairs and MHA for Gander

“Our Board wishes to express sincere appreciation to everyone who recognized the significant need for transitional and supportive housing in the Central Region. This achievement is a testament to what true partnerships can achieve. We are pleased to stand with our partners today to celebrate the purchase of this new home.”
Lori Moulton
Executive Director, Central Residential Services Board

“The Town of Gander is pleased to see this investment in the form of a transitional house in the community. This represents an important piece of a complex and multifaceted housing puzzle. We also recognize that there is much work to be done and we look forward to continued collaboration with all levels of government and community partners to meet this challenge.”
His Worship Percy Farwell
Mayor of Gander

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Learn more
Provincial Government to Partner with End Homelessness St. John’s to Operate the Transitional Supportive Living Initiative

Provincial Government Releases Shelter Standards, Minister Available to Media

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The Honourable Gerry Byrne, Minister of Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture, issued the following statement regarding the Canadian Council of Fisheries and Aquaculture Ministers Meeting.

“As a staunch federalist and a lifelong advocate and promoter of the power and potential of our province’s fisheries and of our fish harvesters, both the conduct and the outcome of the 2024 meetings of the Canadian Council of Fisheries and Aquaculture Ministers (CCFAM) have left me worried for the future of our resources and for the health of our Canadian federation.

The federal minister pronounced out loud that any position taken on fisheries matters of national importance with unanimous agreement of all 13 provincial and territorial premiers of Canada is irrelevant to her department and will not be allowed to be discussed in her presence. The council is our opportunity as ministers to raise concerns and solutions to issues that impact our fisheries and our fish harvesters.

The disrespect shown to provincial and territorial ministers by the federal minister during this year’s annual CCFAM conference was like nothing I have ever witnessed in my 28 years of public life.

The Government of Canada took the position that CCFAM will not be a forum for national communication or collaboration. Instead, Canada has hijacked this table of supposed equals to advance federal expectations and ambitions only. From the unilateral setting of agendas, to the presidential-like veto Canada exercised on the inclusion of several provincial or territorial positions that were troublesome to it, Canada has erased the value of this important forum.

The Canadian federation was damaged today by Canada.

During this year’s CCFAM conference, Newfoundland and Labrador reasonably and respectfully raised the recent unanimous position of all 13 First Ministers of the Council of the Federation to advance joint management of fisheries resources overseen by the federal government. Newfoundland and Labrador subsequently asked for and received the support of all 13 provincial and territorial fisheries ministers to discuss joint management as part of our fisheries agenda at the CCFAM table.

Newfoundland and Labrador then proposed language that captured this discussion for inclusion in the CCFAM conference’s concluding communique. The statement would have affirmed the position of CCFAM as follows:

‘Ministers brought forward the statement by Canada’s Premiers at the recent Council of the Federation meeting which “expressed significant concerns with some of the current management practices of the Department of Fisheries and Oceans. Greater engagement and collaboration are needed on the management of fisheries resources overseen by the federal government. Premiers support the position of Newfoundland and Labrador that these fisheries be jointly managed and call on the federal government to develop such an approach.” Ministers requested that discussions be initiated on this statement.’

In the opening minute of the discussion, the federal minister announced that no such language would be allowed by her in the CCFAM communique.

The Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard was clear: the deliberations of Canada’s 13 First Ministers were of no concern or relevance to her and would not be allowed at the CCFAM table.

This is the first time to my knowledge that Ottawa affected a veto not only on CCFAM ministers, but on matters coming from the highest level of provincial and territorial engagement within our federation. The federal minister was quite clear; the views of Canada’s provincial and territorial premiers are not her concern.

Today was a day the health of the Canadian federation was weakened.”

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Dr. Janice Fitzgerald, Chief Medical Officer of Health, will be available to media today, Friday, August 16, at 1:00 p.m. to discuss mpox, which the World Health Organization has declared a public health emergency of international concern (PHEIC). The media availability will take place at Confederation Building, West Block, Department of Health and Community Services lobby.

Public Health wastewater surveillance has recently detected trace amounts of the mpox virus in Newfoundland and Labrador however, there are no confirmed cases of mpox in the province reported at this time. The detections in the province were not of the same subgroup (clade) of mpox virus that prompted the WHO’s declaration of a PHEIC.

Mpox is usually a mild illness, and most people recover on their own after a few weeks. Symptoms can include fever, chills, rash, muscle and joint pain, and exhaustion, and last for two to four weeks. It is spread through close contact with a person with mpox, and sharing clothing, bedding, or common items that have been in contact with body fluids or sores of a person with mpox.

The Imvamune vaccine is available to eligible individuals who are asymptomatic or who have been in close contact with someone exposed to the virus. Please visit the Department of Health and Community Services website for eligibility criteria. Residents are encouraged to contact their health care provider, 811, or public health if they develop symptoms of mpox or if they have had contact with a person with known or suspected mpox.

Individuals that meet the criteria above can book immunization appointments through Public Health Offices. Please refer to the following links for contact information within the appropriate zones:

• Central zone
• Eastern zone
• Labrador Grenfell zone
• Western zone

The spread of mpox can be prevented by:

• Maintaining good hand hygiene and respiratory etiquette, such as covering coughs and sneezes with the bend of your arm and wearing a well-fitting mask.
• Limiting contact with others if you have symptoms or as recommended by your health care provider.
• Avoiding close physical contact with someone who is infected with or may have been exposed to mpox.
• Cleaning and disinfecting high-touch surfaces and objects in your home, especially after having visitors.

More information on mpox can be found on the Department of Health and Community Services website and the Public Health Agency of Canada website.

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Today, the Honourable Andrew Parsons, KC, Minister of Industry, Energy and Technology, announced a contribution of $267,172 on behalf of the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador for the Codroy Valley Area Development Association to upgrade the infrastructure required to install three-phase power in the region.

Improvements to infrastructure in the Codroy Valley will help improve services for residents and tourists, as well as drive economic growth.

In addition, the Honourable Gudie Hutchings, Minister of Rural Economic Development and Minister Responsible for ACOA, Government of Canada, announced a non-repayable contribution totalling $730,275 to help replace the outdated power infrastructure. An additional $125,741 will be provided by the Codroy Valley Area Development Association and their partners.

The new system will replace the current two-phase powerline that is outdated and at maximum capacity. The project will support industrial growth, port electrification and boost tourism development and services offered in the region.

Quotes
“Ensuring that regions have the necessary infrastructure to support business and economic development is fundamental to prosperity. This initiative for the Codroy Valley area is important for the growth being seen in tourism and for economic development in the region.”
Honourable Andrew Parsons, KC
Minister of Industry, Energy and Technology

“This is a great investment in the future of the Codroy Valley. It allows for expansion of new and existing economic activities. I am very pleased such a significant improvement is being made in the infrastructure in this area.”
Honourable Scott Reid
Minister Responsible for Indigenous Affairs and Reconciliation and MHA for St. George’s-Humber

“Our small communities are the backbone of the southwest coast. By investing in infrastructure, including improved power capacity, your federal government is supporting the Codroy Valley area businesses to expand and employ more folks who call that beautiful area home.”
Honourable Gudie Hutchings
Minister of Rural Economic Development and Minister responsible for ACOA

“The Codroy Valley has long been a hidden gem of incredible natural beauty in Newfoundland. As a community, we are working together to lay the groundwork, preparing the Codroy Valley to become Newfoundland’s next premier, must-visit destination. With this electric power infrastructure upgrade and the enhancement of the Starlite Trail – which will soon become one of the province’s best hiking trails – we are paving the way for a brighter, more vibrant future for our region.”
Ron Laudadio, Board Chair
Codroy Valley Area Development Association

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Regional Economic DevelopmentCodroy Valley Area Development Association

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Advance Polls closed in the District of Waterford Valley at 8:00 p.m. this evening (August 15). In total, 776 votes were cast at the Advance Polls.

The Advance Poll ballots will be counted on by-election night and will be released along with the regular poll results after the polls close.

Regular polls will be open on Thursday, August 22, from 8:00 a.m. until 8:00 p.m. For more information or to find out where to vote on by-election day, visit www.elections.gov.nl.ca/elections/byelection/index.html or call toll-free 1-877-729-7987.

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Media contact
Rexanne Eddy
Communications and Training Officer, ATIPP Coordinator
Elections Newfoundland and Labrador
Office of the Chief Electoral Officer
709-729-1474
rexanneeddy@electionsnl.ca

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The Provincial Government will host a virtual public consultation session on legislative amendments under consideration related to the purchase of tobacco and related products on Thursday, August 22, from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon.

The session is in addition to an online questionnaire which provided an opportunity for input earlier this summer. Topics to be discussed at the upcoming session include:

• Prohibiting the sale of tobacco to persons born after a certain date.
• Increasing the legal age to purchase tobacco products to 21.
• Banning flavoured vaping products.
• Other enforcement measures, including prohibiting sales of tobacco through vending machines.

The peak age of smoking initiation is between 15 and 17 and the likelihood of smoking initiation decreases quickly after age 16. Tobacco remains one of Newfoundland and Labrador’s leading cause of disease, disability and death and remains a burden on the health care system. The Department of Health and Community Services anticipates that making commercial and vaping products less accessible will further reduce the number of people who use the products.

More information on the amendments to tobacco and vaping-related statutes is available at EngageNL.

Individuals interested in attending the virtual session can register by emailing TobaccoEngagement@gov.nl.ca with their name and e-mail address. Registration is required to attend and will close on Wednesday, August 21. The virtual session is limited to 40 people.

An additional session may be scheduled depending on the level of interest.

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Amendments to Tobacco and Vaping-related Statutes | EngageNL

Public Consultations Beginning on Legislative Amendments on Tobacco and Other Related Products

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The Honourable Krista Lynn Howell, Minister of Education, issued the enclosed statement regarding the resignation of Glenn Barnes as Chair of the Board of Regents at Memorial University.

“I accept the resignation of Mr. Barnes. We will work expeditiously to have a new chair appointed to the Board of Regents, with the Vice-Chair, Anik Rahman, now serving as Board chair for the interim. I want to thank Mr. Barnes for his work and contribution to Memorial University during his time as Chair of the Board.

This has been a challenging time of change at Memorial, but I have seen positive enhancements and a willingness to improve transparency at the university and for the overall student experience. I am confident in the leadership team under President Dr. Bose and the direction that they are heading to continue improving Memorial University.”

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

DRAFT JOINT ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT STATEMENT GUIDELINES FOR PUBLIC REVIEW:

Strange Lake Rare Earth Mining Project                                     (Reg. 2272)
Proponent: Torngat Metals Ltd.

The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador and the Impact Assessment Agency of Canada (IAAC) are collaborating to conduct an environmental assessment of the Strange Lake Rare Earth Mining Project. As part of the assessment, the public is invited to provide comments on the Draft Joint Environmental Impact Statement Guidelines (Draft Guidelines).

The Draft Guidelines outline the information that must be provided in the environmental impact statement (EIS) and include requirements from both the IAAC and the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador. A description of the undertaking and the Draft Guidelines can be found on the department’s webpage at: www.gov.nl.ca/ecc/projects/project-2272/.

The public is invited to review these guidelines and provide written comments by September 23, 2024.

Comments may be submitted by email to the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador at: strangelakenl@gov.nl.ca.

Comments may also be submitted to IAAC online at www.iaac-aeic.gc.ca/050/evaluations/proj/85969/participation or via e-amil at: StrangeLake@iaac-aeic.gc.ca.

Please note: all comments and documents submitted will be made available on the IAAC’s Impact Assessment Registry website; personal contact information (e.g. email address, phone number) will be removed.

UNDERTAKING RELEASED:

Crown Zone 3 Five Year Forestry Operating Plan Amendment District 5 (2022-2026)
Proponent: Department of Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture  (Reg. 2314)

The Project is released from environmental assessment subject to the conditions as outlined in the minister’s decision letter available on the department’s Project web page at www.gov.nl.ca/ecc/projects/project-2314/.

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

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

www.gov.nl.ca/ecc/files/GUIDE-TO-THE-PROCESS_Jan-2024.pdfFollow us on X @GovNL and @ECC_GovNL

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

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

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The Honourable John G. Abbott, Minister of Housing, will announce a new Transitional Housing Initiative in Gander tomorrow (Friday, August 16).

The event will take place at 131 Airport Boulevard, Gander, at 11:30 a.m.

Minister Abbott will be joined by the Honourable John Haggie, Minister of Municipal and Provincial Affairs and MHA for Gander, Lori Moulton, Executive Director of the Central Residential Services Board, and His Worship Percy Farwell, Mayor of Gander.

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The Provincial Government is creating a mentoring program focused on quality and inclusion to support early childhood educators and child care services in Newfoundland and Labrador. This measure is part of continued work that focuses on child and family well-being at early learning and child care services.

Funding will be provided to child care centres for 15 Quality, Inclusivity, Diversity, Equity and Accessibility Coordinators to be hired throughout the province. Each coordinator will have a background in psychology, early childhood education, education, or a closely related field. The coordinator will be an employee of a specific child care service and will provide on-site support to improve quality and inclusion within the child care centre. The coordinators will be responsible for supporting early childhood educators to ensure they are responsive to the individual needs of each child.

The Department of Education will share a call for expressions of interest for child care centres to take part in this program participating in the Operating Grant Program. There will be an ongoing evaluation by the department to assess effectiveness and inform future planning.

Through the Canada-Newfoundland and Labrador Canada-Wide Early Learning and Child Care Agreement, an investment of $516,000 will be used to fund the Quality, Inclusivity, Diversity, Equity and Accessibility Coordinators.

This initiative is a part of the $306 million invested through the Canada-Newfoundland and Labrador Canada-Wide Early Learning and Child Care Agreement. This agreement is increasing access to regulated child care through the creation of 5,895 spaces by 2025-26, as well as improving affordability, inclusivity and the quality of early learning and child care programming in Newfoundland and Labrador. To date, there are over 10,100 early learning and child care spaces operating at $10 a day or less in the province.

Quotes
“It is critical that all children and their families have access to quality-inclusive early learning and child care environments. These Quality, Inclusivity, Diversity, Equity and Accessibility Coordinators will ensure child care services are supported to integrate evidence-based early learning practices to improve outcomes for children.”
Honourable Krista Lynn Howell
Minister of Education

“Inclusivity cannot be an afterthought. A high-quality, affordable, and flexible child care system must also be inclusive to meet the diverse needs of every child. The Quality, Inclusivity, Diversity, Equity and Accessibility coordinators will play a crucial role in ensuring that all children in Newfoundland and Labrador have the best possible start in life, while also supporting our incredible early childhood educators.”
Honourable Jenna Sudds
Minister of Families, Children and Social Development

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Learn more
Governments of Newfoundland and Labrador and Canada Announce Early Learning and Child Care Action Plan, More than 10,000 Spaces Now Operating at $10-a-day or Less in the Province

Provincial Government Commits to Introducing Medical Benefits for Early Childhood Educators

Early Learning Gateway Launched to Help Improve Access to Early Learning and Child Care

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BACKGROUNDER

Quality, Inclusivity, Diversity, Equity and Accessibility Coordinator Initiative
A quality, inclusivity, diversity and accessibility coordinator will enhance quality and inclusion at child care services through:

• Reducing some of the administrative burden experiences by child care operators;
• Reducing burnout of early childhood educators by providing direct support and training;
• Supporting initiatives by ensuring there is a dedicated person to oversee that goals, objectives, and recommendations are embedded in every homeroom of a child car centre;
• Supporting the child care centre, community and family engagement;
• Assisting in building early childhood educator capacity in developing appropriate programs and supports for children;
• Supporting the assessment of a child’s development; and,
• Ensuring earlier referrals to appropriate early intervention support and services based on identified needs.

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Elections Newfoundland and Labrador advises electors that Advance Polls will be open for the By-Election in the District of Waterford Valley on Thursday, August 15.

Advance voting will take place from 8:00 a.m. until 8:00 p.m. at the following location:

• Beaconsfield Junior High (St. John’s)

For more information, contact the Waterford Valley District Returning Office at (709) 552-7366, or Elections Newfoundland and Labrador toll-free at 1-877-729-7987 or visit www.elections.gov.nl.ca

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The Honourable Lisa Dempster, Minister of Environment and Climate Change and Minister of Labrador Affairs, will bring greetings to the Youth Ventures Provincial Awards today (Tuesday, August 13). The event will take place at the St. John’s Farmers’ Market, 245 Freshwater Road, beginning at 2:00 p.m.

Youth Ventures NL has supported young entrepreneurs ages 12-29 across the province since 1992.

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The Honourable Gerry Byrne, Minister of Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture, is meeting with his national counterparts in Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island, to discuss issues crucial to the future of Canada’s fisheries.

Minister Byrne is participating in the Eastern Fisheries and Aquaculture Ministers meeting today (Tuesday, August 13) and will join the Canadian Council of Fisheries and Aquaculture Ministers meeting August 14-15.

Minister Byrne will raise concerns about the federal government’s demonstrated plan for mismanagement of fisheries resources, including northern cod and redfish. He will also focus on the recent call from Canada’s premiers, led by Premier Dr. Andrew Furey, for greater engagement and collaboration from the federal government regarding fisheries. Premiers recently supported Newfoundland and Labrador’s position that these fisheries should be jointly managed.

The ministers’ meetings will take place at the Delta Hotels Prince Edward, 18 Queen Street, Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island.

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The new Western Memorial Regional Hospital in Corner Brook is home to Canada’s largest geothermal system, which has set a precedent for modern infrastructure for both Newfoundland and Labrador and North America. The geothermal field is approximately 600 feet below the hospital’s parking lot, and provides 100 per cent of the ground source geothermal heating for the hospital – the largest solution of its kind for a health care facility in North America.

With efficiency and cost-savings at the forefront, this groundbreaking system provides approximately 12 per cent total cost savings over the life span of 30 years. The geothermal system was also key in eliminating cooling towers at the hospital, saving up to two million gallons of water per year.

The Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design® (LEED®) Silver Certification is issued by the Canada Green Building Council, LEED®, an international symbol of sustainability excellence and green building leadership. LEED® certification provides independent, third-party verification that a building project was designed and built, or operated, to achieve high performance in six areas of human and environmental health:

• Location and transportation
• Sustainable site development
• Water savings
• Energy efficiency
• Materials selection
• Indoor environmental quality

The new Western Regional Memorial Hospital was constructed and officially handed over by the Corner Brook Health Partnership (CBHP) to the province in November 2023. NL Health Services is now in operational control of the facility and opened the new hospital to the public earlier this spring.

The Corner Brook Health Partnership is comprised of the following members:

• Developer: Plenary Americas
• Design-builder: PCL/MARCO, A Joint Venture
• Architects: Parkin/B+H, A Joint Venture
• Facilities Management: Johnson Controls Inc.
• Mechanical/Electrical Subcontractors: Cahill Plan Group JV
• Structural Consultant: WSP Canada Group Limited
• LEED Consultant: Footprint
• Geothermal: Geosource Energy

Quotes
“The Western Memorial Regional Hospital’s LEED Silver Certification exemplifies how we are investing in modern, resilient infrastructure to service the Western Region of our province. The facility is home to the largest geothermal heating and cooling system, which marks an innovative approach to design, operation and environmental standards. It is a wonderful example of how we can achieve a state-of-the-art facility that is also environmentally friendly.”
Honourable Fred Hutton
Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure
Minister of Rural Economic Development

“Western Memorial Regional Hospital is another example of how our government is improving access to health care through modern infrastructure. LEED buildings are designed to be better places to live and work. The new hospital provides a modern health care environment for patients and an innovative working environment for all staff. We look forward to other infrastructure, such as the new Mental Health and Addictions Centre and new urgent care centres, opening in 2025.”
Honourable John Hogan, KC
Minister of Health and Community Services

“As an organization committed to environmental stewardship, NL Health Services is pleased that the new Western Memorial Regional Hospital has received LEED Silver Certification and is leading Canada with its geothermal system. In addition to being patient-focused, it was important for us that the design of the new hospital also incorporate environment sustainability. We appreciate the tremendous efforts of all employees and partners who helped create a space that is not only state-of-the-art and modern for our health-care teams, but also welcoming for patients.”
Teara Freake
Chief Operating Officer and Vice-President, NL Health Services - Western Zone

“On behalf of the Corner Brook Health Partnership team, congratulations to the Provincial Government, NL Health Services and the collaborative project team on achieving LEED Certification for the new purpose-built Western Memorial Regional Hospital. This accomplishment would not have been possible without everyone’s commitment to environmental stewardship and social responsibility in design and construction. As the first 100 per cent geothermal health care facility in North America, the hospital shows how implementing energy efficient measures and sustainability best practices in newly constructed institutional facilities pushes the industry forward in the path to a resilient future.”
Marc Pascoli
Senior Vice President and District Manager
PCL Constructors Canada Inc.

“The new Western Memorial Regional Hospital, featuring Canada’s largest geothermal system, goes beyond delivering exceptional design and healthcare for western Newfoundland. It celebrates the beauty of the surrounding landscape, and together with Parkin Architects, PCL and the Corner Brook Health Partnership team, we are proud to have supported the delivery of this much needed healthcare facility.”
Mark Berest
Principal Architect
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Families across Canada know that affordable child care is not a luxury—it is a necessity. That is why the Government of Canada is working with provincial, territorial, and Indigenous partners to implement a Canada-wide Early Learning and Child Care (ELCC) system that will bring fees for regulated child care across the country down to $10-a-day on average by March 2026.

Today, the Honourable Krista Lynn Howell, Minister of Education, and the Honourable Gudie Hutchings, Federal Minister of Rural Economic Development, on behalf of the Honourable Jenna Sudds, Minister of Families, Children and Social Development, announced a three-year action plan to improve and expand early learning and child care services across the province under the Canada–Newfoundland and Labrador Canada-wide Early Learning and Child Care Agreement and the Canada–Newfoundland and Labrador Early Learning and Child Care Agreement. The plan sets a road map for strengthening and expanding the child care sector in the province and improving access to high-quality, affordable, flexible and inclusive child care for families.

Over the course of the three-year plan, Newfoundland and Labrador’s Early Learning and Child Care Action Plan 2023–2024 to 2025–2026 outlines spending of more than $280 million in five areas:

Affordability

• More than $136 million towards enhancing affordability of regulated child care services for children aged 0–5. These funds help maintain Newfoundland and Labrador’s $10-a-day fee for regulated child care through the Canada-wide Early Learning and Child Care Agreement.

Access

• Over $43 million towards continuing the creation of 5,895 new regulated child care spaces by March 2026. This will be done through supporting expansion of the Pre-Kindergarten Program and through working with municipalities, not-for-profit and public child care providers to create new regulated child care spaces.

Quality

• More than $92 million towards ongoing support for the Early Childhood Educator wage grid implemented in April 2023, introducing a medical benefits program for Early Childhood Educators working in regulated child care services that participate in the Operating Grant Program, offering training and bursaries to support educators, and continuing the Quality Enhancement Program.

Inclusion

• More than $3 million to continue supporting the Child Care Capacity Initiative which provides funding to expand child care services for underserviced communities, including rural communities, linguistic minority communities, and Indigenous communities.

Administration

• Approximately $8 million to support the implementation and administration of the Canada–Newfoundland and Labrador Canada-wide Early Learning and Child Care Agreement, including building targeted capacity and additional resources to support the implementation of initiatives, and enhanced data collection and reporting.

The ministers also announced the province’s new Non-Standard Hours of Care trial to support more inclusive child care for the province. Beginning in fall 2024, the initiative will provide funding to family child care services to trial up to 13 hours of extended daytime child care or up to 13 hours of overnight child care.

Additionally, Newfoundland and Labrador provided updates on initiatives to support the construction and renovation of over 200 child care spaces for health care workers in St. John’s, Corner Brook, Bonavista, Happy Valley-Goose Bay, and Wabush. These initiatives are included in the approximate 1,600 child care spaces currently in development across the province to support the goal of creating 5,895 new child care spaces by March 2026.

Building a Canada-wide early learning and child care system that works for families in every region of the country is a key part of the Government of Canada’s plan to make life more affordable for families while supporting a strong workforce and growing the economy.

Quotes
“Across the country, demand for affordable, regulated child care spaces is high. Today’s announcement is great news for Newfoundland and Labrador and will help child care providers continue to offer access to high-quality, affordable, flexible and inclusive early learning and child care. The Action Plan announced today provides a clear path forward on how we will continue to work with the Province so each child in Canada has the best possible start in life.”
Honourable Jenna Sudds
Federal Minister of Families, Children and Social Development

“Whether they work nine to five or on shift, whether they live in town or in a small community, it is just fair that parents in Newfoundland and Labrador have equal access to affordable care for their kids. We are going to work to make that possible.”
Honourable Gudie Hutchings
Federal Minister of Rural Economic Development

“There are currently over 10,100 early learning and child care spaces operating at $10-a-day or less in Newfoundland and Labrador, and over 1,600 more spaces in development. Today we released two action plans that will act as our roadmap as we continue to implement innovative solutions like overnight and non-standard hours of care. These are actions and solutions that meet the needs of Newfoundlanders and Labradorians.”
Honourable Krista Lynn Howell
Minister of Education

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Toward $10-a-day: Early Learning and Child Care

Canada – Newfoundland and Labrador Canada-Wide Early Learning and Child Care Agreement – 2021 to 2026

Canada – Newfoundland and Labrador Early Learning and Child Care Agreement – 2021 to 2025

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BACKGROUNDER

Quick facts

• As part of Budget 2021, the Government of Canada made a transformative investment of more than $27 billion over five years to build a Canada-wide early learning and child care system with provinces and territories. Combined with other investments, including in Indigenous early learning and child care, up to $30 billion over five years will be provided in support of early learning and child care.
• As part of the agreement with Newfoundland and Labrador, the Government of Canada is contributing more than $306 million over five years to help improve regulated early learning and child care for children under the age of 6 in the province. This is in addition to more than $41 million announced through the Canada–Newfoundland and Labrador Early Learning and Child Care Extension Agreement – 2021 to 2025, which includes close to $6.5 million through a one-time investment in 2021-2022 to support the early childhood workforce.
• On May 15, 2024, the Governments of Canada and Newfoundland and Labrador announced the allocation of $13.7 million over four years, with approximately $9.8 million through 2025-2026 in federal funding to the province under the Early Learning and Child Care Infrastructure Fund.
• Eight provinces and territories are delivering regulated early learning and child care for an average of $10-a-day or less, and the remaining jurisdictions have reduced fees by 50 per cent or more compared to 2019 levels. The goal is that all families in Canada will have access to regulated early learning and child care for an average cost of $10-a-day by March 2026.
• As part of the Canada-wide Early Learning and Child Care system, the Government of Canada aims to create approximately 250,000 new child care spaces across the country by March 2026 to give all families affordable child care options, no matter where they live.

The post Governments of Newfoundland and Labrador and Canada Announce Early Learning and Child Care Action Plan, More than 10,000 Spaces Now Operating at $10-a-day or Less in the Province appeared first on News Releases.

Residents and cabin owners in the Paradise Lake Resource Road area are advised that work will take place on three bridges (those near Island Pond, Peddle’s Brook and Nugent’s Brook) behind the old mill location from August 12-16, 2024. There will be delays or no access above the bridges while work is being completed.

Please note the following road closures:

• August 13, the road will be closed to traffic above the 14.2 kilometre point while the bridge near Nugent’s Brook is replaced.
• August 15, the road will be closed to traffic above the 10.1 kilometre point while the bridge near Peddle’s Brook is replaced.

The public should avoid the area where possible while construction is ongoing. Any questions or concerns can be directed to the Bishop’s Falls District Office, 709-258-5334.

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The Department of Transportation and Infrastructure has issued an Open Call for Bids for the temporary bridge project in Marystown.

A temporary, pre-fabricated, panel bridge, also known as a bailey bridge, will be installed to provide direct access for local traffic, as well as maintaining emergency vehicle and pedestrian traffic.

In February 2024, the Provincial Government announced that a temporary bridge will be installed in Marystown, while work continues on the replacement of the Marystown Harbour Bridge, known locally as Canning Bridge.

The Department of Transportation and Infrastructure has previously noted that the permits required, through Transport Canada and the Department of Fisheries and Oceans, would take between 90 to 270 days to complete. Those permits have now been received and the tender process is underway.

The work on the permanent replacement of the Canning Bridge will continue in tandem with the preparations for the temporary bridge.

Work is anticipated to begin on the temporary bridge in the fall.

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

Quote
“We recognize the impacts that the replacement of the Canning Bridge is having on residents in Marystown and the neighbouring communities. Today’s announcement highlights an important step forward in opening the competitive process and highlighting the construction work to begin over the next year.”
Honourable Fred Hutton
Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure
Minister of Rural Economic Development

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The Honourable Krista Lynn Howell, Minister of Education, will announce an early learning and child care initiative and provide an update on space creation efforts tomorrow (Friday, August 9).

Minister Howell will be joined by the Honourable Gudie Hutchings, federal Minister of Rural Economic Development and Minister Responsible for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency, on behalf of the Honourable Jenna Sudds, Minister of Families, Children and Social Development.

The event will take place at the in-development YMCA Child Care site located at 33 St. Michael’s Avenue, St. John’s at 11:00 a.m.

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