Government of Newfoundland News

The Honourable John G. Abbott, Minister of Children, Seniors and Social Development, on behalf of the Honourable Andrew Parsons, Minister of Industry, Energy and Technology, will make a funding announcement in downtown St. John’s tomorrow (Thursday, June 30).

The event will take place near the courthouse at the corner of Water Street and Clift’s-Baird’s Cove, St. John’s, beginning at 11:30 a.m.

Minister Abbott will be joined by Mayor Danny Breen, City of St. John’s, as well as other city representatives.

The event will proceed rain or shine.

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Media contact
Michelle Hunt-Grouchy
Children, Seniors and Social Development
709-729-5148, 682-6593
michellehuntgrouchy@gov.nl.ca

 

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Successful big game draw applicants are reminded that the deadline to pay fees to ensure receipt of licences in time for the start of the 2022-23 hunting season is tomorrow (Thursday, June 30, 2022). Payments received after June 30 will be accepted but are not guaranteed to be processed before the season opens on September 10, 2022.

Successful applicants can pay fees online by logging into their Wildlife Information Management System accounts, or by contacting the Central Cashier’s Office at 709-729-3042.

Licensing staff have been diligently responding to phone calls and emails regarding access to the Wildlife Information Management System. Applicants are strongly urged to record and retain their user names and passwords when accessing the online system, as this is the primary issue for most inquires. Information on how to access passwords or log into accounts is available at Frequently Asked Questions. If the FAQs do not resolve the issue, contact the Wildlife Division at 709-637-2025, 709-729-2630, or email wildlifelicense@gov.nl.ca.

More information on big game licence allocations, season dates, and payment options is available in the 2022-23 Hunting and Trapping Guide.

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Media contact
Linda Skinner
Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture
709-637-2284, 632-8167
lindaskinner@gov.nl.ca

The post Public Advisory: Hunters Reminded to Pay Big Game Fees by tomorrow to Ensure Prompt Receipt of Licences appeared first on News Releases.

The Information and Privacy Commissioner, Michael Harvey, has released his Report A-2022-009 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-2022-009 Report Date: June 24, 2022 Public Body: Department of Health and Community Services Summary: The Complainant made an access to information request to the Department of Health and Community Services pursuant to the Access to Information and Protection of Privacy Act, 2015 for records relating to the Premier’s billings as a fee-for-service physician. The Department declined to provide the records, relying on its yearly proactive disclosure of all fee-for-service physician billings. The Complainant disagreed with this decision and made a complaint to this Office. The Commissioner determined that section 22 (Published material) did not apply, and recommended the release of the records.

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

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The Honourable Derek Bennett, Chair of the Management Commission, is providing an update related to the request of June 8, 2022 from the Lieutenant-Governor in Council with respect to a report of the Citizens’ Representative under Public Interest Disclosure regarding the Chief Electoral Officer.

The Management Commission held meetings respecting the request on June 14 and June 21, 2022, during which the Commission deliberated and issued decisions with recommendations to the Lieutenant-Governor in Council regarding:

• suspension of the Chief Electoral Officer and Commissioner for Legislative Standards until an independent review of the findings and report of the Citizens’ Representative regarding the Chief Electoral Officer is completed; and
• acting appointments for the Chief Electoral Officer and Commissioner for Legislative Standards positions in accordance with subsection 5.5(1) of the Elections Act, 1991 and subsection 34(8) of the House of Assembly Act.

The Management Commission is in the process of finalizing the details of the independent review of the findings and report of the Citizens’ Representative, including who will conduct the review, the terms of reference and related timelines. The Commission’s work on this matter is ongoing.

Deliberations on this matter have been conducted in-camera in accordance with subsection 19(1) of the House of Assembly Accountability, Integrity and Administration Act, which requires the Management Commission to meet in-camera on personnel and legal matters. The Act provides that the substance of all decisions made at in-camera meetings become part of the public record. The decisions respecting these recommendations could not be reported publicly until the Lieutenant-Governor in Council made its decisions on the matter and appropriate human resources procedures and protocols were carried out.

An update respecting the independent review will be provided once details are finalized. The Commission is in the process of scheduling its next meeting, but a date is not confirmed at this time.

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Media contact
Bobbi Russell
Policy and Communications Officer
House of Assembly
709-729-1178
bobbirussell@gov.nl.ca

 

 

 

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The Honourable Andrew Parsons, Minister of Industry, Energy and Technology, will speak at the annual Expo Labrador Conference and Trade Show tomorrow (Wednesday, June 29).

The event takes place at the Royal Canadian Legion, 172 Hamilton River Road, Happy Valley-Goose Bay, beginning at 12:30 p.m.

Minister Parsons will be joined by the Honourable Lisa Dempster, Minister Responsible for Labrador Affairs and Minister Responsible for Indigenous Affairs and Reconciliation.

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

Allan Bock
Labrador Affairs Secretariat
Office of Indigenous Affairs and Reconciliation
709-896-4449, 899-6446
allanbock@gov.nl.ca

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Nova Scotia Premier Tim Houston, Chair of the Council of Atlantic Premiers, is pleased to host a meeting of the Council in Pictou, N.S. on June 29. Premier Houston will be joined by his colleagues Newfoundland and Labrador Premier Andrew Furey, Prince Edward Island Premier Dennis King, and New Brunswick Premier Blaine Higgs.

Information for Media
A news conference with the Atlantic premiers will be held at 2:45 p.m. on June 29 in the Juliana Room at Pictou Lodge, 172 Lodge Road, Pictou, N.S. Media will have the option of joining the news conference virtually.

Please note that:

1. All media representatives, including journalists, photographers, camera operators, and technicians, are required to register by submitting their name, affiliation, and contact information by 5:00 p.m. on Tuesday, June 28 to Mary Moszynski at mary@cap-cpma.ca.
2. Please indicate whether you plan to attend in-person or virtually. If you plan to attend virtually, please indicate whether you would like to be called upon to ask a question. Please note that we will attempt to call upon as many journalists as possible, depending on time constraints.
3. Only registered media will receive updates to the meeting schedule and media opportunities via email or text message.

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For further information, contact:
Mary Moszynski
Council of Atlantic Premiers
Phone: 902-424-7600
Cell: 902-237-3270
Email: mary@cap-cpma.ca

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Starting on July 5, 2022, residents in Newfoundland and Labrador who receive the income supplement and seniors’ benefit will receive a 10 percent increase in their quarterly payments .

Approximately 162,000 individuals and families receive the income supplement. This funding provides up to a total of $1,000 per year for a family of four.

Over 50,000 seniors and their families receive the seniors’ benefit. Eligible individuals will receive up to $1,444 annually.

No application for the benefits is required. However, eligible individuals must ensure their annual income tax return is filed in order to receive the benefits. Eligibility is based on family net income from the previous year.

The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador is providing increases in the income supplement and seniors’ benefit as part of its overall plan to help residents with the cost of living. Since March 2022, government has announced $222 million in targeted short- and long-term investments.

More information on the income supplement and seniors’ benefit, including a calculator, is available here.

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

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The Department of Environment and Climate Change is providing an online option for the public to pay the water resources permit and licence fees. Consumers can still avail of payment via cheque or money order.

The following water resources payment types will be accepted online:

Service Questions and Additional Information Permit to Alter a Body of Water (Section 48) Questions: (709) 729-1646 or waterinvestigations@gov.nl.ca Water Use Licence Permit to Construct (Section 36 & 37) – Water & Sewer Questions: (709) 729-1158 or waterandsewer@gov.nl.ca Water and Wastewater System Operator Courses Water and Wastewater Operator Certification Exams Permit for Development Activity in a Protected Public Water Supply Area (Section 39) Questions: (709) 729-7634 or section39@gov.nl.ca Application for the Protection of a Public Water Supply (Section 39) Non-Domestic Well Permit (Section 58) Questions: (709) 729-1671 or groundwatersection@gov.nl.ca Water Well Drilling Licence & Licence Renewal Protection of Public Groundwater Supply Areas (Section 61) Development Activity Permit in a Wellhead Protected Water Supply Area (Section 61)

Online payments can be made using: VISA Debit and Debit MasterCard; VISA and MasterCard or Interac Debit (Interac Online).

For those seeking to make payments by cheque or money order, please contact Central Cashier Office at 709-729-3042 or 709-729-3044.

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

 

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The Provincial Government has accepted the recommendation of the House of Assembly Management Commission, and today suspended the Chief Electoral Officer and Commissioner for Legislative Standards.  The suspension will be in effect until an independent review of the findings of the Citizens’ Representative regarding allegations raised at Elections NL is completed.

The Provincial Government had referred the full, un-redacted Citizens’ Representative’s report to the House of Assembly Management Commission, which is composed of members of the three political parties out of respect for the independence of statutory offices.  The House of Assembly Management Commission  is responsible for overseeing the administration of the statutory offices.

Effective immediately, Travis Wooley, who was previously in the position of assistant Chief Electoral Officer, will serve as the acting Chief Electoral Officer. Ann Chafe, who recently retired from her role as commissioner of the Public Service Commission, will serve as the acting Commissioner for Legislative Standards.

Statutory offices operate independently from government.  Given the need to operate independently from the Provincial Government they report to the House of Assembly and include the Chief Electoral Officer, Commissioner for Legislative Standards, the Citizens’ Representative, Seniors’ Advocate, Child and Youth Advocate, Auditor General and Information and Privacy Commissioner.

The Honourable John Hogan, QC, Minister of Justice and Public Safety and Attorney General, will be available to media at 2:00 p.m. today (Tuesday, June 28) outside of the House of Assembly.

Quote
“Today’s decision reflects the importance of following proper processes when we are dealing with allegations of misconduct.  As with any human resources matter of this nature, the individual involved will be on leave while further reviews are completed.  The Office of the Chief Electoral Officer and Commissioner for Legislative Standards play an important role and acting appointments are being made to ensure that  the public can have confidence that the work of these offices can continue.  The independent review will be important in this process.”
Honourable John Hogan, QC
Minister of Justice and Public Safety and Attorney General

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Media contact
Lesley Clarke
Department of Justice and Public Safety
709-729-5188, 699-2910
lesleyclarke@gov.nl.ca

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The House of Assembly advises that the meeting of the Management Commission postponed on Friday, June 24, is rescheduled for tomorrow (Tuesday, June 28) at 10 a.m.

The meeting will take place via videoconference. It will be televised on the House of Assembly broadcast channel and streamed on the House of Assembly website.

Briefing materials will be available on the website at 9:30 a.m. tomorrow. The agenda for the meeting follows.

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Media contact
Bobbi Russell
Policy & Communications Officer
House of Assembly
709-729-1178
bobbirussell@gov.nl.ca 

House of Assembly Management Commission
Agenda

Date: June 28, 2022
Time: 10 a.m.
Location: Videoconference

Televised Meeting

1. Approval of Minutes:
   a) January 26, 2022
   b) February 16, 2022
   c) June 1, 2022
2. Speaker’s Report – Rulings on Allowance Use
3. Financial Reports:
   a) 31 December 2021
   b) 31 March 2022

   4. Ratification of Urgent Budget Transfers

   5. Budget Transfer Request

   6. Requests for Rulings on Allowance Use

   7. Office Space Lease – Office of the Chief Electoral Officer

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Repairs to the water issue affecting the Confederation Building Complex on Friday, June 24 have been completed.

The building is now reopened.

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

The post Public Advisory: Confederation Building Complex Reopened appeared first on News Releases.

The Honourable Sarah Stoodley, Minister of Digital Government and Service NL, will join members of the National Association of Automobile Clubs of Canada, to recognize July as Automotive Heritage Month.

The event will take place in St. John’s on Tuesday, June 28 at 10:00 a.m. in front of East Block, Confederation Building, and will include a car show and proclamation signing.

This event coincides with the official start of the 55th Anniversary Coasters tour, which will see antique car owners and enthusiasts from throughout Canada embark upon a coast-to-coast tour, beginning in St. John’s and ending in Duncan, British Columbia in early September 2022.

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

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The replacement of two forest access road bridges scheduled to take place between Monday, June 27 and Thursday, July 7 in the Bay Roberts and Victoria areas will result in periodic traffic delays from two to four hours at a time.

One bridge replacement will take place on Swansea Road, located 2.8 kilometers from the Route 70 (Conception Bay Highway) intersection, while the other bridge replacement will take place on Country Road, located 2.3 kilometers from the Route 70 (Conception Bay Highway) intersection.

For additional information contact the Department of Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture at 709-637-2991 or 709-637-2553.

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

 

The post Public Advisory: Forest Access Road Bridge Replacements to Result in Traffic Delays appeared first on News Releases.

On Sunday, June 26 the Honourable Sarah Stoodley, Minister of Digital Government and Service NL and the Honourable Bernard Davis, Minister of Environment and Climate Change, will attend the LOVE YOU’ by Shoppers Drug Mart Run for Women, in support of women’s mental health programs at Stella’s Circle.

The event is set to begin at 8:45 a.m. at Quidi Vidi Lake, 115 The Boulevard, St. John’s.

The Run for Women is held in 18 cities throughout Canada and focuses on Women’s Mental Health. Funds raised go to this year’s charity partner, Stella’s Circle, to specifically support programming at Naomi House and the Just Us Women’s Centre. The event also promotes physical movement as a means to creating better positive mental health outcomes.

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

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

The post Media Advisory: Ministers Stoodley and Davis to Attend Run for Women in Support of Stella’s Circle appeared first on News Releases.

The population of Newfoundland and Labrador continues to grow, with Statistics Canada reporting a trend of sustained population growth for the fifth consecutive quarter. Statistics Canada’s latest quarterly population estimates released Wednesday, June 22, show that the Newfoundland and Labrador population increased by 422 persons from January 1, 2022 to April 1, 2022.

This latest report from Statistics Canada confirms that the population growth trend that began at the start of 2021 has continued into 2022. Since January 1, 2021 the population of Newfoundland and Labrador has grown by 3,211 people.

This continued population growth trend remains primarily fueled by immigration; a key priority area for the Provincial Government with the goal of welcoming 5,100 newcomers per year by 2026. Migration from other parts of Canada also continues to contribute to population growth, with migration remaining concentrated from Ontario and Alberta.

Quotes
“Through immigration and attracting people from other parts of Canada, the population of Newfoundland and Labrador continues to grow. Our government understood the importance of growing our population and strategic investments we have made are paying off. Newcomers are incredibly important for our success as a province and Newfoundlanders and Labradorians continue to welcome them with open arms.
Honourable Andrew Furey
Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador

“It’s official – Newfoundland and Labrador’s population growth is near a ten-year high. And it’s because newcomers, from abroad and mainland Canada, continue flocking to our shores. They are being attracted by job opportunities, like those in our fast growing high-tech and resource sectors, and a quality of life that is the best in the nation. The word is out, Newfoundland and Labrador is growing!”
Honourable Gerry Byrne
Minister of Immigration, Population Growth and Skills

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

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

The post Newfoundland and Labrador Population Grows for Fifth Consecutive Quarter appeared first on News Releases.

Marble Mountain Resort is celebrating Canada Day weekend with a two-night Come Home 2022 concert event on July 1 and 2. This will be western Newfoundland’s biggest indoor concert of the summer, as well as the first Canada Day event hosted by Marble Mountain as the resort endeavours to expand its position as a four-season destination.

The festivities begin on Friday, July 1 with Juno and East Coast Music Award winning rapper and producer Classified, with special guest DJ Cartermusic, headliner and founder of Jibfest Weekender.

Newfoundland and Labrador favourites, The Fables, headline the Saturday, July 2 show, with opening act Jesse Hackett, a Corner Brook country/rock singer-songwriter.

Tickets are on sale now at skimarble.com. Entrance to both concerts is restricted to those aged 19 years and older.

For more information, visit skimarble.com or follow Marble on Facebook and Instagram.

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
“It’s really exciting to see Marble launch this Canada Day weekend concert series. The resort has made great strides throughout this year with fun events, excellent entertainment and delicious food. I look forward to seeing the success of the weekend unfold and wish the crew at Marble the best of luck with this event.”
Honourable Steve Crocker
Minister of Tourism, Culture, Arts and Recreation

“At Marble Mountain, we are committed to building top-quality, four season experiences and are excited about our latest new offering – the Canada Day Weekend concert series. We invite people to come to Marble, enjoy the great performances and see for yourself the great things that are happening.”
Bruce Hollett
Executive Chair, Marble Mountain Resort

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Learn more

Come Home 2022

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

Dustin Parsons
Marble Mountain Resort
709-640-3008
dustin@skimarble.com

The post Come Home 2022 Canada Day Weekend at Marble Mountain to Kick Off the Resort’s Summer Season appeared first on News Releases.

The House of Assembly advises that due to the closure of Confederation Building Complex, the televised meeting of the Management Commission scheduled for today (Friday, June 24) at 10:00 a.m. is postponed.

There will be a further update once there is a rescheduled date.

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Media contact
Bobbi Russell
Policy and Communications Officer
House of Assembly
709-729-1178
bobbirussell@gov.nl.ca

The post House of Assembly Management Commission Meeting Postponed appeared first on News Releases.

Due to a water line issue, East and West Blocks of the Confederation Building Complex in St. John’s will be closed for the remainder of today (Friday, June 24).

Maintenance staff are on site to assess the matter and make repairs.

An update on the building reopening will be provided when more information becomes available.

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

The post Public Advisory: East and West Blocks of Confederation Building Complex Closed appeared first on News Releases.

The Honourable John G. Abbott, Minister of Children, Seniors and Social Development, will bring greetings to the Royal Newfoundland Yacht Club’s Annual Sail Past Ceremony tomorrow (Friday, June 24).

The ceremony will begin at 4:30 p.m. at the Royal Newfoundland Yacht Club, 108 Greenslades Road, Conception Bay South.

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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 Bring Greetings at the Royal Newfoundland Yacht Club’s Annual Sail Past Ceremony appeared first on News Releases.

On the final day of classes for the 2021-22 school year, the Honourable Tom Osborne, Minister of Education is wishing students, educators and staff a safe and relaxing summer break.

This year the province welcomed more students to the school system than ever before, with enrollment increasing for the first time in 50 years. Schools throughout the province have welcomed newcomers from Afghanistan, Ukraine and other countries, and have showed compassion and understanding in integrating these new students into school communities.

Students and educators have shown continued resilience, creativity and dedication to learning amidst another year of the COVID-19 pandemic. As graduating students move toward post-secondary studies and educators look toward next year, the Department of Education is moving forward with learning loss symposiums during the summer with key stakeholders to discuss observed impacts and to put in place plans to address the impacts of three years of COVID-19 impacted education.

This 2022-23 school year will begin on Wednesday, September 7, 2022.

Quote
“Congratulations to all students, educators and staff for your hard work during this school year, and a special congratulations to all graduates of the class of 2022. This year more than ever I’ve been able to visit and interact with school communities, and your passion for learning has been refreshing after several difficult years of the pandemic. I hope that you can take a much deserved break, and that you can relax and recharge before returning to school or entering post-secondary studies. To educators, thank you for your continued dedication to our young people, I am sincerely grateful for everything you do.”
Honourable Tom Osborne
Minister of Education

Learn More

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Media contact
Tina Coffey
Education
709-729-1906, 687-9903
tcoffey@gov.nl.ca

The post Minister Osborne Congratulates Students, Educators and Staff on a Successful School Year appeared first on News Releases.