Government of Newfoundland News

The Provincial Government is announcing a change in status for two species listed under the provincial Endangered Species Act and the additional listing of seven more species.

Based on improved information regarding the Red Crossbill percna subspecies and Mackenzie’s Sweetvetch, the status of both species has been down-listed from Endangered to Threatened.

The island of Newfoundland’s natural Red Pine population and the Bank Swallow have been designated Threatened under the Act, and five species have been designated Vulnerable, including Evening Grosbeak, Red-Necked Phalarope, Mummichog, Yellow-Banded Bumble Bee, and Transverse Lady Beetle.

Seven of the species have been listed based on recommendations from the Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada and two are in response to recommendations from the provincial Species Status Advisory Committee. These assessment bodies incorporate the best available scientific, local, traditional and Indigenous knowledge to assess the national and provincial status of species.

Sixty-five species are listed under the Act, including 28 Endangered, 18 Threatened and 19 Vulnerable.

• “Endangered” means a wildlife species is facing imminent extirpation or extinction.
• “Threatened” refers to a wildlife species that is likely to become endangered if nothing is done to reverse the factors limiting their survival.
• A designation of “Vulnerable” means a wildlife species has characteristics that make it particularly sensitive to human activities or natural events.

Additional information on the listed species is available in the backgrounder below.

Quote
“Conserving biodiversity continues to be a key priority as we work to ensure the sustainable management our province’s wildlife resources, and I am encouraged by the improvement in status for two of our protected species. By listing these species – which include a diverse group of birds, bees, fish, beetles, plants and trees – we are initiating an important, collaborative process of recovery and management planning to help ensure the future conservation of all wildlife species.”
Honourable Derrick Bragg
Minister of Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture

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Learn more
Endangered Species ActSpecies at Risk

Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada

Species Status Advisory Committee

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

 

BACKGROUNDER

Down-listed Species

Red Crossbill percna subspecies: Threatened

The Red Crossbill percna subspecies (Loxia curvirostra percna) occurs only in Canada, and is only known to breed on the island of Newfoundland, and Anticosti Island in Quebec. These have experienced steep, long-term population declines that are expected to continue based on threats such as competition and predation from introduced squirrels, and habitat loss including potential losses of Red Pine stands from Sclerroderris canker. An increase to its known range into Anticosti Island and subsequent higher population estimates have led COSEWIC’s recommendation to change the status of Red Crossbill from Endangered to Threatened. As a migratory species, Red Crossbill is also protected under the Migratory Birds Convention Act.

Mackenzie’s Sweetvetch: Threatened
Mackenzie’s Sweetvetch (Hedysarum boreale subsp. mackenziei) is a small, boreal-Arctic perennial herb in the pea family. In Newfoundland and Labrador, the species is only known in small areas in the Port au Port Peninsula – Cape St. George area. This species was previously listed as Endangered, but recent provincial surveys have revealed a larger population size. Although human activities that cause habitat degradation continue to threaten this plant, these threats are not expected to rapidly affect this entire species, resulting in the provincial assessment and designation as Threatened.

Newly added Species

Red Pine (Natural Populations): Threatened

The genetically distinct native Red Pine (Pinus resinosa) exists primarily in 22 known natural stands on the island of Newfoundland, including the Sandy Lake area, Exploits region, and Bonavista Bay region. The European strain of Scleroderris canker threatens natural populations; management actions to help control the spread of Scleroderris in Newfoundland include establishing quarantine areas, and felling and mulching infected stands. Other threats to Red Pine include squirrels preying on cones, changes to fire regimes, and habitat alterations. Legal protection of native Red Pine will help protect important habitat for the threatened Red Crossbill. The listing does not apply to Red Pine forestry plantations.

Bank Swallow: Threatened

Bank Swallow (Riparia riparia) is part of a guild of species known as aerial insectivores that have experienced severe population declines throughout North America. Populations have declined by 98 per cent over the last 40 years, and continue to decline due to various threats on their South American overwintering and Canadian breeding grounds. Threats include loss of breeding and foraging habitat, destruction of nests during excavation, collision with vehicles, widespread pesticide use, and climate change impacts. Bank Swallow is a highly social and colonial breeding species that excavates nesting burrows in areas such as river banks, lake and ocean bluffs, and vertical piles of sand and gravel. Breeding sites are often situated near areas such as grasslands, meadows, pastures, and farmland. The Bank Swallow is listed as Threatened under the federal Species at Risk Act. As a migratory species, it is also protected under the Migratory Birds Convention Act.

Evening Grosbeak: Vulnerable
Evening Grosbeak (Coccothraustes vespertinus) is a stocky songbird with bold yellow, black and white colouring and a large, greenish-yellow bill. This species is a familiar visitor to bird feeders in winter and prefers to breed in open, mature mixed-wood forests. This bird is a major predator of the Spruce Budworm and helps with the natural control of this insect pest. Despite the species’ wide distribution across Canada, it has undergone declines of 77 to 90 per cent since 1970, with population increases noted over the past decade. Threats to this species include feeding on road salt and grit along winter roads, a reduction in mature and old-growth mixed-wood and conifer stands, and collisions with windows.

Red-Necked Phalarope: Vulnerable

Red-Necked Phalarope (Phalaropus lobatus) is a small, blue-grey and white shorebird, easily recognized by the red-orange color on the sides and base of the neck during breeding. The species breeds across the entire circumpolar sub and low-Arctic, with males undertaking most parental care. During migration and in the winter, Red-Necked Phalaropes concentrate at sea in areas where prey is forced to the surface, which includes sites where pollutants are concentrated. Climate change and associated habitat and food-web effects are likely the greatest threat to Red-necked Phalaropes on breeding grounds. Other threats include industrial activity and pollutants in the Arctic, habitat degradation, ingestion of microplastics, and exposure to oil spills where the birds gather in large numbers on the ocean.

Mummichog: Vulnerable

Mummichog (Fundulus heteroclitus) is a small fish that can easily be mistaken for Banded Killifish (Fundulus diaphanous). Within Canada, the Mummichog (subspecies macrolepidotus) is found in Quebec’s Anticosti Island and Magdalen Islands, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, and insular Newfoundland along the southwest coast from Grand Bay West to the Bay of Islands. It normally occurs in shallow, brackish waters of estuaries, salt marshes or tidal streams, and occasionally found in freshwater streams and rivers. This native fish species is vulnerable to threats including by-catch in eel fisheries and possible predation by invasive green crab.

Yellow-Banded Bumble Bee: Vulnerable

Yellow-Banded Bumble Bee (Bombus terricola) is a medium-sized bee with a distinctive yellow and black abdominal band pattern. Yellow-Banded Bumble Bee is an important pollinator and occurs in a diverse range of habitats including mixed woodlands, farmlands, urban areas, montane meadows, prairie grasslands and boreal habitats. The species usually nests underground in pre-existing cavities and decaying logs. It remains relatively abundant in the north, but since the early 1990s has declined significantly across southern and central Canada, with an average 66.5 per cent reduction in relative abundance. Threats to the Yellow-banded Bumble Bee include diseases, pesticide use, climate change, and habitat loss.

Transverse Lady Beetle: Vulnerable

Transverse Lady Beetle (Coccinella transversoguttata) is a native species that occurs widely across Canada and in a diverse range of habitats. They are easily distinguished from other lady beetle species by a distinctive pattern of a black band and four elongate spots. It was once one of the more common lady beetles in North America, playing an important role in the natural biological control of aphids and other insect pests. The most significant threat to this species is recently arrived, non-native lady beetle species such as the Seven-spotted Lady Beetle and Multicolored Asian Lady Beetle, which affect native lady beetles through competition, predation, and introduction of pathogens. Other identified threats include agricultural pesticide.

The post New Listings Added under Provincial Endangered Species Act appeared first on News Releases.

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

PLAN APPROVED:

Port Kirwan Sheep Abattoir                                                                   (Reg. 2165)
Proponent: Aylward’s Farm

On June 8, 2022, the minister approved the waste management plan for the Port Kirwan Sheep Abattoir. Approval of the plan is a condition of release from environmental assessment. The plan is available on the Department’s project web page at www.gov.nl.ca/ecc/projects/project-2165/.

UNDERTAKINGS RELEASED:

Tors Cove Seal Processing Plant                                                         (Reg. 2156)
Proponent: Ár n-oileán Resources Ltd.

The project is released subject to the following conditions:

• The proponent is required to uphold all commitments made in the environmental assessment submissions to mitigate the effects of the project on the environment.
• The proponent is required to establish a Community Liaison Committee with residents of Tors Cove.
• To support the operation of the undertaking, the proponent is required to repair the Tors Cove Pond water line by reducing the flow to less than 1 million gallons per year plus fire hydrant requirements.
• The proponent is required to update the Environmental Assessment Division on the status of the project, including a copy of all permits, licences, certificates, approvals and other authorizations required by law for the project, within one year from the date of this release letter and to provide additional updates, if requested. Project updates should be emailed to EAProjectComments@gov.nl.ca.

Middle Brook Fishway Refurbishment                                                (Reg. 2195)
Proponent: Department of Fisheries and Oceans Canada

The project is released subject to the following conditions:

• The proponent is required to uphold all commitments made in the environmental assessment submissions to mitigate the effects of the project on the environment.

• The Department of Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture requires the following:

• • Should instream work overlap with the fish migration period, the Wildlife Division requires a copy of the Fish Relocation Plan for review.
  • No vegetation clearing is to occur within 800 metres of a bald eagle or osprey nest during the nesting season (March 15 to July 31) and 200 metres during the remainder of the year. The 200-metre buffer also applies to all other raptor nests (e.g. Northern Goshawk, Sharp-shinned Hawk, Merlin, American Kestrel, Great-horned Owl, Boreal Owl, Northern Saw-whet Owl). The location of any raptor nest sites must be reported to the Wildlife Division.
• The proponent is required to advise the Environmental Assessment Division when the conditions of release have been met by emailing a written description, documents, and images (where applicable) to demonstrate that the conditions have been fulfilled to EAProjectComments@gov.nl.ca.
• The proponent is required to update the Environmental Assessment Division on the status of the project, including a copy of all  permits, licences, certificates, approvals and other authorizations required for the project, one year from the date of this release letter and to provide additional updates if required. Project updates should be emailed to EAProjectComments@gov.nl.ca.

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

If you submit comments on a project that is under environmental assessment, please advise the Department if you DO NOT wish to share your comments with the project proponent.

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

The post Environmental Assessment Bulletin appeared first on News Releases.

The Honourable Krista Lynn Howell, Minister of Municipal and Provincial Affairs, will deliver the keynote address at the 50th Annual Convention and Trade Show of the Professional Municipal Administrators, tomorrow (Thursday, June 9).

The event starts at 7:00 p.m. at the Quality Hotel and Suites, 100 Trans-Canada Highway, Gander.

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

The post Media Advisory: Minister Howell to Address 50th Annual Convention of Professional Municipal Administrators, Gander appeared first on News Releases.

The application deadline for the land development initiative under the Provincial Agrifoods Assistance Program is extended to June 17, 2022. This enables farmers to either amend their submitted applications, or submit new applications to request financial assistance for fertilizer purchased in 2022.

This is a one-time exception to the program for the 2022 growing season in response to requests from the agriculture industry to help address historically high fertilizer prices. Funding approvals for fertilizer and/or agricultural land development will be prorated based on program demand, and fertilizer purchases will be reimbursed up to 50 per cent of eligible costs.

Applications received after June 17, 2022 will be assessed once program savings are identified later in the fiscal year.

Budget 2022 allocated $2.15 million for land development and agriculture infrastructure initiatives under the Provincial Agrifoods Assistance Program. Approximately $1.15 million is available for agricultural land development and/or purchasing fertilizer.

For more information, visit Agriculture Programs and Funding, call 709-637-2077 or email PAAP@gov.nl.ca.

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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: Application Deadline Extended for Land Development Funding appeared first on News Releases.

The Honourable John G. Abbott, Minister of Children, Seniors and Social Development, and the Honourable Krista Lynn Howell, Minister of Municipal and Provincial Affairs, will bring greetings at the launch of the Age-Friendly Business Recognition Initiative, tomorrow (Thursday, June 9).

Minister Abbott will also provide details on the 2022-23 Age-Friendly Newfoundland and Labrador Communities Program.

The event will take place at the Clarenville Inn, 134 Trans-Canada Hwy, Clarenville, starting at 2:00 p.m.

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

Lynn Robinson
Municipal and Provincial Affairs
709-729-5449; 691-9466
lynnrobinson@gov.nl.ca

The post Media Advisory: Ministers Abbott and Howell to Speak at Launch of Age-Friendly Initiatives appeared first on News Releases.

The Honourable Derek Bennett, Speaker of the House of Assembly and Chair of the Management Commission, is providing information related to a report under the Public Interest Disclosure provisions of Part VI of the House of Assembly Accountability, Integrity and Administration Act (the Act). Despite media reports, the Management Commission has not received a formal request from the Lieutenant-Governor in Council related to this matter.

The Public Interest Disclosure provisions under Part VI of the Act, in particular subsection 58(10), limits the Speaker’s authority to receive a report from the Citizens’ Representative and to make a referral of that report to an appropriate entity following an assessment of the circumstances of the matter. These matters are taken seriously and acted upon as expeditiously as possible, while also ensuring due diligence is afforded and the principles of procedural fairness and natural justice are upheld, as they must be in these matters for all persons involved.

Once a formal request is received from the Lieutenant-Governor in Council, the Management Commission will review it in relation to its statutory authority.

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Learn more

Public Interest Disclosure – Part VI – House of Assembly Accountability, Integrity and Administration Act

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

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Changes to the Petroleum Products Act brought forward in the House of Assembly on May 14, 2022, to improve transparency within the fuel pricing process regulated by the Public Utilities Board (PUB) have received Royal Assent. The Act can be found on the House of Assembly website.

The Regulations have been published in the Newfoundland and Labrador Gazette and are effective immediately.

Pricing is heavily influenced by global events. The process to determine fuel prices in Newfoundland and Labrador takes into consideration many factors, such as geographic location, transportation, delivery and storage costs.

The amendments require the PUB to make available to the public:

• The maximum wholesale and retail prices;
• The minimum and maximum mark-up between the wholesale price and retail price (the total allowed markup); and
• The procedure for determining adjustments to the petroleum base wholesale and retail price.

The amendments also expand the authority of the Minister of Digital Government and Service NL, and allows the minister to direct the PUB to review all fuel-pricing components, providing government with increased opportunities to ensure appropriate pricing.

In addition, there are now increased opportunities for Newfoundlanders and Labradorians to express opinions directly to the PUB on the fuel pricing process, through public hearings directed by the minister.

The minister has written the PUB requesting a review of the suitability of the pricing mechanism for benchmark prices, as well as the maximum mark-up between the wholesale price to the retailer, and the retail price to the consumer for all regulated fuels. The minister has also directed the PUB to hold a public hearing to inform this review.

Quote
“Amendments to the Petroleum Products Act and Regulations not only improve transparency, but also help increase public awareness and contribute to better understanding of the fuel pricing process. By making this information available, people in the province will be able to clearly see what is making up the fuel prices being paid at the pumps. I encourage residents to become involved in the review by the PUB, and I look forward to the recommendations.”
Honourable Sarah Stoodley
Minister of Digital Government and Service NL

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Learn more
News Release: Government Introduces Additional Measures to Help Residents with the Cost of Living –

News Release: Proposed Petroleum Products Act Amendments Would Increase Transparency in the Fuel Pricing Process

Public Utilities Board

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

The post New Petroleum Products Act Increases Transparency of Fuel Costs appeared first on News Releases.

Today, June 8, is World Oceans Day and Newfoundlanders and Labradorians are being encouraged to take a few moments to reflect on the valuable contribution ocean ecosystems make to our daily lives. World Oceans Day is observed globally each year to highlight the importance of protecting and sustaining the world’s oceans and marine environments.

There are many ocean-themed virtual events being offered by the Newfoundland and Labrador World Oceans Day Planning Committee. The committee is comprised of representatives from the Department of Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture, Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Parks Canada, World Wildlife Fund Canada, Canadian Parks Wilderness Society NL Chapter, Fish Food and Allied Workers Union – Unifor and Marine Institute. Everyone is welcome to visit the World Oceans Day NL Facebook page for a list of in-person events and virtual activities, including:

• A virtual reading of the children’s book ‘Emily the Puffling’s Amazing Adventure’
• Atlantic salmon theme activities at Salmonier Nature Park
• A ‘how to’ video demonstrating how to make jellyfish art work out of a sea urchin
• Adult Ocean Trivia at Nine Penney Brewery

The World Oceans Day NL Facebook page is also showcasing the Department of Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture 2022 World Oceans Day Art Contest entries. This year, 719 submission were received from pre-K to grade 12 students throughout the province. Category winners are listed in the backgrounder below.

Department staff recently hosted World Ocean Day events at schools in the Coast of Bays and Burgeo areas which encouraged youth participation in a variety of fun-filled and educational ocean-themed activities.

Quote
“Here in Newfoundland and Labrador, our unique connection to the ocean has been integral in helping shape our culture and history. Congratulations to Department of Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture staff and the entire World Oceans Day committee for engaging the public, particularly youth, in activities that highlight the importance of taking action to protect our sensitive ocean ecosystems and marine environments today and for future generations.”
Honourable Derrick Bragg
Minister of Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture

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Learn more
World Oceans Day – NL Facebook Page

World Oceans Day

Fisheries for Kids

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

BACKGROUNDER

2022 World Oceans Day Art Contest Winners

• S. Nguyen – Pre-kindergarten student from St. John’s
• H. Penton – Kindergarten student who attends Fogo Island Central Academy on Fogo Island
• E. Hoffe – Grade 1 student who attends Fogo Island Central Academy on Fogo Island
• B. Peach – Grade 2 student who attends Southwest Arm Academy in Little Hearts Ease
• G. Rowe – Grade 3 student who attends Lakewood Academy in Glenwood
• A, Parrill – Grade 4 student who attends JRS Middle School in Labrador City
• E. Peach – Grade 5 student who attends Southwest Arm Academy in Little Hearts Ease
• P. Connolly – Grade 6 student who attends All Hallows Elementary in North River
• M. Hicks – Grade 7 student who attends St. Peter’s Elementary in Upper Island Cove
• A. Hill – Grade 8 student who attends Bay d’Espoir Academy in St. Albans
• L. Oates – Grade 8 student who attends École Rocher-du-Nord in St. John’s
• A. Yoga – Grade 9 student who attends École Rocher-du-Nord in St. John’s
• T. Cox – Grade 9 student who attends Bay d’Espoir Academy in St. Alban’s
• A. MacKey – Grade 10 student who attends Bay d’Espoir Academy in St. Alban’s
• J. Aylward – Grade 11 student who attends St. Gabriel’s All Grade on St. Brendan’s Island

The post Province Marks World Oceans Day 2022 appeared first on News Releases.

The Honourable Gerry Byrne, Minister of Immigration, Population Growth and Skills, today announced $8.7 million in funding for the first round of projects for 2022 Job Creation Partnerships. $2.1 million of this funding has been approved to support Come Home Year 2022 projects.

Non-profit and community employers have until August 19, 2022 to apply for 2022 Job Creation Partnerships. Funds are limited and eligible employers are strongly encouraged to apply as soon as possible. Complete applications must be received at least 25 business days prior to the start of a project to ensure a timely review and assessment of the request for funding and to avoid delays in processing.

Several projects approved to date build upon distinctive tourist and heritage elements to support Come Home 2022 efforts. Examples include:

Proponent Location Project Description Benoit First Nation Inc. De Grau Preserving Mi’kmaq history in the region by creating a history book. Sir William F. Coaker Foundation Port Union Museum and heritage development to preserve and showcase the National Historic District. Corner Brook Stream Development Corner Brook Maintenance, enhancements and upgrades along the trail network. St. Lawrence Soccer Association St. Lawrence Compiling and editing a ‘History of Soccer in St. Lawrence’ book. Town of Harbour Breton Harbour Breton Employing a full-time Come Home Year Coordinator. Cape Freels Heritage Trust Inc. Newton Renovations, landscaping and tour guides for the Barbour House Historic Site. St. Barbe Development Association Plum Point Funding for Come Home Year festival celebrating local heritage, culture and folklore.

Quotes
“From regaling tourists with the sealing sagas of Cape Freels, to preserving Mi’kmaq history on the west coast, to enhancing the Corner Brook Stream Trail, our Job Creation Partnerships are helping to ensure Come Home 2022 activities and experiences feature everything Newfoundland and Labrador has to offer. People are getting meaningful work, communities are benefitting, and we are just getting started.”
Honourable Gerry Byrne
Minister of Immigration, Population Growth and Skills

“Come Home 2022 is ultimately about connection. When you think about it, in one way or another, we are all hoping to reconnect with someone or something after the past two years of separation. For some of us, we’ll reconnect with family and friends. For others, they’ll get back to things that were put on pause pre-pandemic. I’m happy to see Minister Byrne and the Department of Immigration, Population Growth and Skills, contribute such a significant amount of the Job Creation Partnerships fund to Come Home 2022 projects. We all benefit from tourism and hospitality, and we all benefit when there are employment opportunities for the people of our province. ”
Honourable Steve Crocker
Minister of Tourism, Culture, Arts and Recreation

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Learn more

2022 Job Creation Partnerships Information

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

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

The post Minister Byrne Announces Funding for Come Home 2022 and Community Projects appeared first on News Releases.

Today, the Honourable Steve Crocker, Minister of Tourism, Culture, Arts and Recreation, joined Rhonda Tulk-Lane, Chief Executive Officer of MusicNL at the Botanical Gardens in St. John’s to announce a new initiative in support of Come Home 2022.

The Provincial Government has provided MusicNL with an investment of $200,000, allowing them to launch their new program ‘MusicNL’s Presenters’ Series.’ Through the support provided by government, MusicNL has been able to provide grants to 103 groups in 76 communities to arrange musical entertainment for their Come Home 2022 festivities.

The Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts and Recreation provides $350,000 annually to MusicNL to administer funding programs for musicians and to assist with the organization’s operations.

MusicNL aims to increase awareness locally, nationally and internationally of provincially produced music as an art form and as a viable industry with significant impact on the economy.

Quotes
“Newfoundland and Labrador is well-known for its abundant musical talent, as well as our residents’ keen interest in performances and shows. I am so proud to support this extraordinary program being offered by MusicNL. Not only will the communities themselves benefit from having live performances during their Come Home 2022 events, but musicians will also benefit directly from this funding. It’s a win-win situation.”
Honourable Steve Crocker
Minister of Tourism, Culture, Arts and Recreation

“We are very pleased to be a catalyst for the music sector by supporting hundreds of communities throughout Newfoundland and Labrador in hiring musicians for their Come Home year festivities.”
Rhonda Tulk-Lane
CEO, MusicNL

“We are thrilled to be one of the recipients, for our June event ‘Booming in the Blooms’, celebrating the Year of the Garden. This grant will allow us to enhance our visitors’ experience with the beautiful sounds of music performed by our own Memorial students, nestled throughout the gardens. “
Kim Shipp
Director, MUN Botanical Garden and Johnson GEO Centre

Director of the Botanical Garden and Johnson Geo Centre, Kim Shipp, speaks as a recipient of MusicNL’s program

 

Minister Crocker announces support for MusicNL’s Presenters’ Series

MusicNL CEO Rhonda Tulk-Lane welcomes guests

MusicNL’s Sarah Newell performs for guests

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Learn more

Come Home 2022

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Like Come Home 2022 on Facebook

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

Sarah Newell
MusicNL
709-754-2574
sarah@musinl.ca

Deborah Coombs
MUN Botanical Garden & Johnson GEO Centre
709-864-2171
e3dc@mun.ca

The post Provincial Government and MusicNL Support Music and Culture during Come Home 2022 appeared first on News Releases.

In recognition of Environment Week and World Oceans Day, the Honourable Bernard Davis, Minister of Environment and Climate Change and the Honourable Derrick Bragg, Minister of Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture, will tour the Ocean Sciences Centre tomorrow (Wednesday, June 8).

The Ocean Sciences Centre is located on Marine Lab Road, Logy Bay-Middle Cove-Outer Cove. The tour will start at 1:00 p.m.

Media attending are asked to register with Lynn Robinson at lynnrobinson@gov.nl.ca.

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

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

The post Media Advisory: Ministers Davis and Bragg to Tour the Ocean Sciences Centre appeared first on News Releases.

The Honourable Pam Parsons, Minister Responsible for Women and Gender Equality, will attend a Rainbow Dance Party tomorrow (Wednesday, June 8) at Rennie’s River Elementary in support of Pride Month.

The event takes place at Rennie’s River Elementary, 150 Elizabeth Avenue, beginning at 11:05 a.m.

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Media contact
Angela Picco
Office of Women and Gender Equality
709-729-4934, 687-4753
angelapicco@gov.nl.ca

The post Media Advisory: Minister Pam Parsons to Attend Rainbow Pride Celebration at Rennie’s River Elementary appeared first on News Releases.

The Honourable Andrew Furey, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador, and members of the provincial Cabinet, today wrapped-up two days of in-person meetings with the Premier’s Youth Council where they engaged in valuable discussions on issues facing the province and youth in particular.

While the Premier’s Youth Council has met virtually over the pandemic, the two-day meetings represented the first in-person discussions since 2020. Topics discussed included:

• Youth retention
• Mental health
• Come Home 2022
• Immigration
• Reconciliation

The Council consists of up to 25 people between the ages of 16 and 24 who live in the province. To get different views, consideration for appointees is given to gender-balance and representation of the province’s large geographic area and various communities.

Members of the Premier’s Youth Council are listed in the backgrounder below.

Quotes
“The interests of youth are embedded in the work of our government. The Premier’s Youth Council is a critical voice into fully understanding the matters that are important to our youth and to getting their perspectives on how we best navigate our path forward.”
Honourable Andrew Furey
Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador

“After two years the Premier’s Youth Council is elated to be meeting in person again. The pandemic has provided the council with a unique opportunity to reflect on priorities of youth in the province and prepare to share with ministers and Premier Furey all while connecting and creating friends. As co-chair, I am proud of these youth and their commitments to Newfoundland and Labrador.”
Katherine Dibbon
Co-chair, Premier’s Youth Council

“I was very excited to participate in these discussions as co-chair. At the turn of the 20th century Prime Minister Wilfred Laurier said that the coming century belonged to Canada – our discussions with government as the Premier’s Youth Council is to ensure that the 21st century belongs to Newfoundland and Labrador. Each and every member is dedicated to bettering the province and I am energized and encouraged by our meeting.”
Benjamin Oates
Co-chair, Premier’s Youth Council

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

BACKGROUNDER

Members of the Premier’s Youth Council 

• Noah Briffett  – Pasadena
• Mira Buckle – Corner Brook
• Blake Colbran – Marystown
• Michael Coombs – St. Alban’s
• Katherine Dibbon – St. John’s
• Elliott Dicks – Deer Lake
• Andrew Dogurga – St. John’s
• Sarah Duraid – Gander
• Julian Edwards – St. John’s
• Nicholas Ellis – Winterton
• Erica Evely – Victoria
• Leann Goodyear – Lumsden
• Shealah Hart – Northern Arm
• Amelia Jones – Forteau
• Emily Laite – Gander
• Ryan McFarlane – Deer Lake
• Kirby Mouland – Musgrave Harbour
• Benjamin Oates – St. John’s
• Joslyn Park – McIvers
• Lesley Pilgrim – St. Anthony
• Courtney Roberts – Happy Valley-Goose Bay
• Emma Whelan – Paradise
• Jack White – St. John’s
• Julia White – St. John’s
• Nathan Young – Torbay

The post Members of Premier’s Youth Council Highlight Important Issues Facing Youth appeared first on News Releases.

The Honourable Andrew Furey, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador, advises that the Speaker of the House of Assembly referred a report from the Office of the Citizens’ Representative of Newfoundland and Labrador to the Lieutenant-Governor in Council just before close of business yesterday (Monday, June 6).

Government also received an accompanying letter from the Speaker containing a detailed analysis of the report, as well as a letter from the Speaker to the Attorney General in which the Speaker asks the Attorney General to consider matters related to the public disclosure of the report.

The Premier intends to publicly release the documents. They have been sent to the Office of the Information and Privacy Commissioner for review and analysis to ensure personal information of complainants is protected in the public release.

Government will refer the documents to the House Management Commission, which is composed of members representing all parties in the House of Assembly, for consideration and recommendations if required, as statutory offices are within the purview of the House of Assembly.

Premier Furey and the Honourable John Hogan, QC, Minister of Justice and Public Safety and Attorney General, will be available to media at 3:30 p.m. today (Tuesday, June 7) outside the House of Assembly.

Quote
“Our government is committed to being open and transparent with the people of Newfoundland and Labrador, and I remain firm in that commitment. It is important to take the concerns of citizens seriously, and to conduct due diligence when it comes to any report from the Office of the Citizens’ Representative. The all-party House Management Commission is the appropriate entity to address this matter.”
Honourable Andrew Furey
Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador

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

The post Government Receives Citizens’ Representative Report from Speaker’s Office; Premier Furey and Minister Hogan Available to Media appeared first on News Releases.

The Provincial Government has expanded the number of seats available to Newfoundland and Labrador residents in Memorial University’s Undergraduate Medical Education Program, beginning September 2023. Premier Andrew Furey made the announcement this morning at the School of Medicine where he was joined by Interim Provost and Vice-President (Academic) and Dean of Medicine, Dr. Margaret Steele.

Five additional spaces will now be available to eligible Newfoundlanders and Labradorians, bringing the total available seats to 65. The Faculty of Medicine accepts 80 students annually into the four-year undergraduate program, including three seats, which are reserved specifically for Indigenous students.

Research shows that students who study and complete their medical education in their home province have a higher rate of staying in that province as a practicing physician. Increasing the number of reserved seats for students from Newfoundland and Labrador will provide an opportunity for more learners from this province to study medicine right here at home.

The addition of seats is the latest effort by government to recruit and retain health care professionals in the province. This includes the creation of additional seats for the Bachelor of Science in Nursing Studies and Licenced Practical Nursing program; two new pilot projects to attract more medical graduates to family practice; expanded virtual care; and an Office of Health Professional Recruitment and Retention, as well as an Assistant Deputy Minister position to lead this effort.

Memorial University’s Faculty of Medicine has also recently been granted two awards by the Society of Rural Physicians of Canada for its efforts in graduating physicians to work in rural areas of the province – the Keith Award and the Rural Medical Education Award.

The Keith Award is presented to a Canadian post-graduate program that has excelled in producing rural doctors. It identifies the university with the largest number of graduates practicing in rural Canada for the most recent 10 years after graduation.

The Rural Medical Education Award is presented to a Canadian medical school that encourages students to pursue further training in rural medicine. It is awarded to the medical school program matching the most graduates to rural family medicine residency programs for the preceding year.

Quotes
“We know that doctors from Newfoundland and Labrador who are trained here are more likely to choose to practice medicine here, in their communities, often surrounded by family and friends. These additional seats represent five new physicians per year who, we hope, will choose to live and work here at home. We are pleased to add this measure to our ongoing efforts to attract and retain doctors to address the health care professional shortfall we are experiencing at the same time as other jurisdictions across the country and around the world.”
Honourable Andrew Furey
Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador

“We remain committed to working with all stakeholders in our efforts to help increase the number of health care professionals in our province, as we focus on improved health outcomes. I am pleased we have been able to add medical student capacity in the undergraduate program. It is our collective goal that these extra seats will mean extra graduates who will continue their careers in the province.”
Honourable John Haggie
Minister of Health and Community Services

“Memorial’s medical school has a rich history of training physicians to meet the evolving health care needs of Newfoundlanders and Labradorians for decades. We are pleased that additional seats will be set aside for Newfoundland and Labrador students to increase the number of locally trained physicians for the benefit of our communities.”
Vianne Timmons, PhD, OC
President
Memorial University

“Memorial’s Doctor of Medicine program has a proven track record in recruitment and retention of physicians to rural and underserved populations. As the only medical school in the province, we recognize the role of the medical school to work with the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador to ensure we can educate competent and compassionate doctors who will be prepared to work across the province.”
Dr. Margaret Steele
Interim Provost, Vice-President (Academic)
Dean of Medicine
Memorial University

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Learn more

News Release: Government and College of Family Physicians Working Together on Retention and Recruitment

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

Follow us on Twitter @GovNL and @HCS_GovNL

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

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

Virginia Middleton
Senior Communications Advisor
Faculty of Medicine
Memorial University
709-864-6363
vmiddleton@mun.ca

The post Province Adds Seats for Newfoundlanders and Labradorians at Memorial University’s Medical School appeared first on News Releases.

The Department of Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture, Wildlife Habitat Canada, and the Friends of Salmonier Nature Park are working with local rod and gun clubs and other community organizations to host hunting and angling education workshops for youth ages 12 to 17 at the following locations:

• June 25: John’s Rod and Gun Club, Holyrood
• July 30: Upper Humber Rod and Gun Association, Deer Lake
• August 6: Notre Dame Rod and Gun Club, Lewisporte
• August 27: Labrador Hunting and Fishing Association Shooting Range, Happy Valley-Goose Bay.

The workshops include hands-on learning opportunities that focus on wildlife conservation, hunting and firearm safety, shooting basics, archery, outdoor survival, orienteering, and wildlife identification. Participants will learn new skills in a safe environment, with coaching and supervision from qualified instructors and volunteers. A parent or guardian must accompany participants.

Pre-registration is required for each workshop. Participant numbers will be vary and be based on capacity and other factors.

Participating rod and gun organizations will have information on these events and registration details on their websites. For further information, contact the Wildlife Division at 709-637-2025 or email at nathanspence@gov.nl.ca.

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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: Upcoming Youth Hunting and Angling Education Workshops appeared first on News Releases.

The Honourable Andrew Furey, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador, along with Katherine Dibbon and Benjamin Oates, co-chairs of the Premier’s Youth Council, will be available to media tomorrow (Tuesday, June 7) at 1:30 p.m. to discuss youth perspectives on such topics as youth retention, mental health, Come Home 2022, immigration, and Reconciliation. The availability is a part of a two-day series of meetings between the Youth Council, the Premier, ministers and departmental officials.

The media availability will take place in the Media Centre, East Block, Confederation Building. Media planning to attend are asked to register by contacting Victoria Battcock (victoriabattcock@gov.nl.ca or 709-729-4164).

The Premier’s Youth Council, formed in April 2017, consists of 25 Newfoundlanders and Labradorians between the ages of 16 and 24 with a mandate to provide advice to the Premier on select topics of importance through a youth perspective.

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

The post Media Advisory: Premier Furey and Co-Chairs of the Premier’s Youth Council Available to the Media appeared first on News Releases.

The Honourable Andrew Furey, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador, will announce an additional measure to support recruitment and retention of physicians tomorrow (Tuesday, June 7).

He will be joined by Dr. Margaret Steele, Interim Provost and VP (Academic) and Dean of Medicine, and Georgia Darmonkow, medical student, Class of 2024.

The availability will take place at 12:00 p.m. in Room M5M101, Faculty of Medicine, St. John’s Campus, Memorial University.

The event will be livestreamed on Facebook.

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

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

The post Media Advisory: Premier Furey to Announce Measure to Support Recruitment and Retention of Physicians appeared first on News Releases.

The Honourable Andrew Furey today announced that Dr. Pat Parfrey has been appointed as Deputy Minister, Health Transformation, in the Office of the Executive Council.

Dr. Parfrey has a long and distinguished medical career in Newfoundland and Labrador as a clinical epidemiologist and most recently in playing a key role in the reimagining of health care in the province through his work as co-chair of Health Accord NL. A complete bio can be found in the backgrounder below.

This appointment is effective immediately.

Quote
“The province is fortunate to have someone with Dr. Parfrey’s experience and track record to take on this important leadership role as we embark on transforming health care in Newfoundland and Labrador. We all have a role to play in improving health outcomes and ensuring the physical and mental wellbeing of residents are improved. I look forward to what is to come.”
Honourable Andrew Furey
Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador

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

 

BACKGROUNDER

Biography of Dr. Pat Parfrey

Dr. Pat Parfrey was a John Lewis Patton Distinguished University Professor at Memorial University, and is a kidney specialist at Eastern Health. He is a clinical epidemiologist with an international reputation for patient-related research in kidney disease and in genetic disease. He was leader of Quality of Care NL, a Memorial University group doing evaluation and research on health quality and performance. Dr. Parfrey has recently worked to reimagine the province’s health care system as Co-Chair of the task force on health called Health Accord NL, with Sister Elizabeth Davis. He is an Officer of the Order of Canada and a Fellow of the Royal Society of Canada.

The post Premier Furey Announces Executive Appointment appeared first on News Releases.

The Honourable Steve Crocker, Minister of Tourism, Culture, Arts and Recreation, will announce support for a new MusicNL Come Home 2022 program tomorrow (Tuesday, June 7).

Minister Crocker will be joined by Rhonda Tulk-Lane, CEO of MusicNL. The event will take place at the MUN Botanical Garden, 306 Mt. Scio Road in St. John’s at 11:00 a.m.

Media attending are asked to please RSVP to Adrienne Luther (adrienneluther@gov.nl.ca).

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

The post Media Advisory: Minister Crocker to Announce Government Support for MusicNL Come Home 2022 Program appeared first on News Releases.