Government of Newfoundland News

The Honourable Elvis Loveless, Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure, the Honourable and John Hogan, Minister of Justice and Public Safety, and the Honourable Sarah Stoodley, Minister of Digital Government and Service NL. today announced $8.5 million to convert the former College of the North Atlantic campus in Stephenville Crossing into a courthouse and government service centre in the Bay St. George area.

The courthouse and government services are currently offered at the 1,034 square-metre (11,130 square feet), 70-year old Stephenville Public Building on Alabama Drive. The former College of the North Atlantic campus includes close to 4,080 square metres (43,916 square feet) of space.

The renovations will improve safety and security of court proceedings at the courthouse and enable government services to be provided in a modernized and accessible building. It will also lead to a more functional and spacious working environment for public service workers, including judges, lawyers, plaintiffs, and sheriff’s officers.

Budget 2022 includes $1 million to undertake design work and begin renovations to the building in 2022. The Department of Transportation and Infrastructure anticipates renovations to be completed in 2024.

Quotes
“Providing a new location for these services is something residents in the Bay St. George area have been requesting for many years. By renovating a vacant building that government already owns, we are improving access to government services and doing it in a way that is responsible to all taxpayers. We look forward to seeing this work and our other projects to improve accessibility completed throughout the province.”
Honourable Elvis Loveless
Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure

“Ensuring that all residents have access to justice is a fundamental right in a democratic society. This initiative will provide the capacity for the courts to continue to operate as effectively and efficiently as possible in the Bay St. George Area. We will continue to invest strategically in areas that support the justice system in Newfoundland and Labrador.”
Honourable John Hogan
Minister of Justice and Public Safety

“A key component of our commitment to safe and sustainable communities is improving accessibility and equality, and I’m pleased to see this step forward. Once renovated, the former College will provide a modern, inviting and fully accessible space, where residents can more easily access Motor Registration and other government services.”
Honourable Sarah Stoodley
Minister of Digital Government and Service NL

“I am very pleased that funds have been allocated in this year’s budget for the renovation of the former College of the North Atlantic building in Stephenville Crossing to provide a new court house and government office space. This is a cost-effective expenditure of public funds that provide a better facility to serve the Bay St. George area.”
Scott Reid
MHA for St. George’s – Humber

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Learn more
Budget 2022

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

Emily-Jane Gillingham
Justice and Public Safety
709-729-5524, 730-4607
emilygillingham@gov.nl.ca

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

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The Honourable Andrew Furey, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador, will make a sports partnership announcement on Monday, April 11.

The announcement will take place at the Courtyard by Marriott St. John’s, 131 Duckworth Street, beginning at 11:00 a.m.

Premier Furey will be joined for the announcement by the Honourable Steve Crocker, Minister of Tourism, Culture, Arts and Recreation.

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

Masks and physical distancing will be required for attendees.

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

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

The post Media Advisory: Premier Furey to Make Sports Partnership Announcement appeared first on News Releases.

The Honourable Siobhan Coady, Deputy Premier and Minister of Finance, and the Honourable Andrew Parsons, Minister of Industry, Energy and Technology, today highlighted Budget 2022 investments that encourage growth, development and diversification of our economy, including a new tax credit for investments in green technologies.

Budget 2022 includes:

• A new 20 per cent green technology tax credit for Canadian-controlled private corporations that invest in equipment for energy conservation and clean energy generation, use fuels from waste, or make efficient use of fossil fuels. The maximum credit is $1 million annually, of which up to 40 per cent is refundable.
• A new 10 per cent manufacturing and processing investment tax credit for the manufacturing, fishery, farming and forestry sectors to stimulate capital investment, which supports local competitiveness, productivity, exports, employment and the transition to net zero. This credit will be up to 40 per cent refundable for Canadian-controlled private corporations.
• Approximately $35 million to support economic development initiatives including research and development, commercialization, investment attraction, regional development and business growth activities.
• $567 million for infrastructure projects, which will help create 3,200 jobs and $390 million in economic activity.
• $20 million in new investments to support the hospitality, tourism, arts and cultural industries.

Quotes
“The new Budget 2022 tax credits – focusing on investments in green technology and manufacturing and processing – complement other investments your government has made to ensure a stronger and greener economy.”
Honourable Siobhan Coady
Deputy Premier and Minister of Finance

“Encouraging growth, development and diversification of our economy is important to our province’s future. These initiatives from Budget 2022 will support economic development in all regions throughout the province and encourage investment and business growth.”
Honourable Andrew Parsons
Minister of Industry, Energy and Technology

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Learn more
Budget 2022

Green Technology Tax Credit

Manufacturing and Processing Investment Tax Credit

Economic Growth, Green Economy and Climate Change

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Media Contacts
Diana Quinton
Finance
709-729-2477, 697-1566
dianaquinton@gov.nl.ca

Eric Humber
Industry, Energy and Technology
709-729-5777, 725-9655
erichumber@gov.nl.ca

The post Leveraging Investments in Green Technologies, Manufacturing and Innovation appeared first on News Releases.

The Department of Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture is celebrating NationalWildlife Week (April 4 – 10) by inviting the public to participate in a fun-filled Wildlife Expo to highlight and promote awareness of our province’s rich and diverse wildlife resources.

The Expo is being hosted by staff from Salmonier Nature Park on Sunday, April 10 at the St. John’s Farmers’ Market from 10:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. All ages are welcome and admission is free.

This year’s National Wildlife Week theme is ‘Reconnecting with Nature’ and the Wildlife Expo presents a great opportunity to get out with family and friends to learn more about our province’s wildlife and environment in an enjoyable family setting.

Department staff, volunteers of the Friends of Salmonier Nature Park and a variety of other local conservation organizations and vendors will be on hand to host entertaining wildlife-themed activities geared toward families and kids. Some wildlife exhibits from Salmonier Nature Park’s Wildlife Discovery Center will also be on display to educate the public about the important conservation work that is taking place in the province.

Quote
“The National Wildlife Week Expo presents a great opportunity to learn about the many benefits provided by our province’s wildlife and to encourage everyone to take time and enjoy all that our wonderful outdoors has to offer. I encourage everyone to join family and friends to check out the variety of interesting activities and demonstrations that will be on display.”
Honourable Derrick Bragg
Minister of Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture

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Friends of Salmonier Nature Park

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

The post National Wildlife Week Expo to Highlight Province’s Ecological Diversity appeared first on News Releases.

The Honourable Siobhan Coady, Deputy Premier and Minister of Finance, and the Honourable Andrew Parsons, Minister of Industry, Energy and Technology, will be available to discuss Budget 2022 investments aimed at encouraging growth, development and diversification of our economy.

The event will take place in St. John’s at the Alt Hotel in the Orange Room tomorrow (Friday, April 8) at 11:00 a.m.

Those in attendance will be required to wear masks.

Following this announcement, Minister Coady will speak at the St. John’s Board of Trade luncheon taking place at the Alt Hotel at 12:00 p.m.

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Media Contacts
Diana Quinton
Finance
709-729-2477, 697-1566
dianaquinton@gov.nl.ca

Eric Humber
Industry, Energy and Technology
709-729-5777, 725-9655
erichumber@gov.nl.ca

The post Media Advisory: Ministers Coady and Parsons to Highlight Business Supports appeared first on News Releases.

Since the Humboldt Broncos bus tragedy in 2018 and the inspirational story of one young player who was an organ donor, April 7 is recognized annually as Green Shirt Day. Logan Boulet, a 21-year old hockey player, did not survive the tragic crash that killed 16 people. He had registered as an organ donor just weeks before the accident and had informed his father about his wishes a year before. Logan was able to save or help improve six people’s lives through his organ donation.

As a result of Logan’s decision, thousands across the country and the world registered as organ donors, and this became known as the “Logan Boulet Effect.” To mark the day he became an organ donor, his family launched Green Shirt Day to be recognized on April 7 of each year.

Green Shirt Day is one day out of an entire month dedicated to organ donation awareness, as April is recognized as ‘Be a Donor’ month. The issue of organ and tissue donation affects people not just in Newfoundland and Labrador, but throughout the country. While donated organs and tissues can help save or enhance the quality of life of many, hundreds die each year due to a shortage of donations.

Everyone in our province has the ability to make an impact simply by indicating your “Intent to Donate” when completing your MCP application or renewal form. All residents should consider themselves to be a potential organ or tissue donor, regardless of age, recognizing the decision could save someone’s life.

Quote
“Green Shirt Day and Be a Donor month draw attention to the critically important topic of organ donation. It also reminds us that we should discuss our decision to donate with family members in the event it is left to our families to make this choice, so they can carry out our wishes. Timing is critical when it comes to organ and tissue donation, so please have the talk. Be a Donor.”
Honourable John Haggie
Minister of Health and Community Services

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

The post Provincial Government Acknowledges Green Shirt Day and Organ Awareness Month appeared first on News Releases.

Today, the Honourable Siobhan Coady, Deputy Premier, Minister of Finance and President of Treasury Board, released Budget 2022: Change is in the air; with the target of a surplus position by 2026-27.

Expected Deficit Projection

2022-23         $351 million
2023-24         $309 million
2024-25         $270 million
2025-26         $74 million
2026-27         $82 million surplus

Fiscal Overview 

• The projected deficit for 2022-23 is $351 million.
• Revenues projected for 2022-23 are $9.1 billion.
• Expenses projected are $9.4 billion, of which $774 million is 100 per cent federally-funded initiatives.
• The projected borrowing requirement for 2022-23 is $2.7 billion.
• The net debt is now anticipated to reach $17.1 billion in 2022-23.
• Current oil price projections have improved to $US86 per barrel, while the Canada-United States exchange rate is forecast at 79.3 cents.

Actions to Help with the Cost of Living 

Budget 2022 helps families in our province save money at a time when the cost of living is increasing globally. In addition to the five-point plan announced on March 15, actions include:

• Elimination of the 15 per cent retail sales tax on home insurance. Effective budget day for one year;
• 50 per cent reduction in registration fees for passenger vehicles, light duty trucks and taxis for one year;
• No provincial tax or fee increases;
• Lower cost child care. We have lowered child care costs from an average of $35 per day just 18 months ago to $10 a day starting in January 2023;
• Metrobus or GoBus passes currently available to income support clients in St. John’s, Mount Pearl, and Paradise are being expanded to include seniors receiving the Guaranteed Income Supplement, as well as youth-in-care and those receiving youth services programming; and
• The Pre-Natal Infant Nutrition Supplement, formerly the Mother Baby Nutrition Supplement, will be boosted to $150 per month for low income pregnant mothers and for families with children under age one – up from $100 per month. The one-time payment provided during the month of the baby’s birth will also increase from $100 to $150.

Supporting Industry and Business 

Budget 2022 includes investments to encourage growth, development and diversification of our economy:

• $567 million for infrastructure projects, which will help create 3,200 jobs and $390 million in economic activity.
• Approximately $35 million to support economic development initiatives including research and development, commercialization, investment attraction, regional development and business growth activities.
• A new 20 per cent green technology tax credit for companies that invest in equipment for energy conservation and clean energy generation, use fuels from waste, or make efficient use of fossil fuels. The maximum credit is $1 million annually, of which 40 per cent is refundable.
• A new 10 per cent manufacturing and processing investment tax credit to support the manufacturing, fishery, farming and forestry sectors to invest in capital equipment.
• A new All Spend Film and Video Production Tax Credit. The 30 per cent tax credit will apply to total qualified production costs with a maximum credit of $10 million annually per project.
• $20 million in new investments to support the hospitality, tourism, arts and cultural industries. 

Responsible Financial Management 

Budget 2022 addresses government’s financial challenges and ensures the cost of servicing our debt is lower and more manageable. The plan is built on:

• Fixing Muskrat Falls financially which we have now done through the rate mitigation plan and the $5.2 billion partnership with the federal government;
• Strong financial management through modernization and transformation of government, determined control of spending, and providing additional financial supports, balanced budget legislation, and strengthening the Office of the Auditor General; and,
• Responsible debt management which includes changes to the Financial Administration Act, a new focus on debt repayment and restructuring, more effective debt financing, and the advancement of a future fund.

More information on Budget 2022 is available online at www.gov.nl.ca/budget2022.

Quote
“Budget 2022 – Change is in the air, is our plan for this fiscal year and is built on helping families with the cost of living; ensuring a healthy, educated, growing population; building stronger communities and investing in infrastructure and roads which contributes to our pride of place; addressing climate change and encouraging economic growth and job creation. Budget 2022 is about us. About all we want to achieve – a strong, smart, self-sufficient, sustainable Newfoundland and Labrador. Change is in the air.”
Honourable Siobhan Coady
Deputy Premier, Minister of Finance and President of Treasury Board

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Learn more

Budget 2022 – www.gov.nl.ca/budget2022

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Media contact
Diana Quinton
Finance
709-729-2477, 697-1566
dianaquinton@gov.nl.ca

The post Budget 2022 Helps with the Cost of Living; Addresses Government’s Financial Challenges appeared first on News Releases.

The Honourable Andrew Furey, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador, and the Honourable Andrew Parsons, Minister of Industry, Energy and Technology, today provided the following statement regarding the Bay du Nord Development Project being released from the Government of Canada’s environmental assessment process:

“We are pleased that the Government of Canada has completed its environmental assessment process and that the Bay du Nord project is now approved to move ahead. Our Provincial Government has been tirelessly advocating for this prudent decision from the Federal Government, as the environmental and economic benefits of the Bay du Nord project are clear.

The Bay du Nord project will play a key role in helping the province meet global demand for responsible, lower carbon oil while supporting our government’s commitment to Net Zero by 2050. It is also critical to the Newfoundland and Labrador economy, and will provide significant employment and economic activity.

Our oil and gas industry – with among the lowest GHGs per barrel in the world and our strong environmental, social and governance structure – can be a part of the solution as the world transitions to a lower carbon economy.

Equinor’s strategy is to be a leader in the global energy transition and the company has set an objective to achieve Net Zero carbon by 2050. Bay du Nord will be the most carbon efficient development of its scale in Canada and will be by far the best performer in the Newfoundland and Labrador offshore from an emissions perspective. Emissions from Bay du Nord are estimated to be less than 8 kgs of CO2 per barrel compared to an international average of 16.1 kgs of CO2 per barrel.

Based on most recently reported 2019 emissions statistics, a Bay du Nord development would see a minimum of 80% reduced CO2 intensity (kgCo2e/bbl) as compared to the Canada oil and gas sector average, and would contribute less than 0.1% of Canada’s oil and gas sector emissions and less than 0.03% of Canada’s total emissions.

Including discoveries made in 2020, the total project capital cost for the Bay du Nord development is approximately $16 billion and it is estimated that the development will generate in excess of 16,000 person-years of life-of-field employment in Newfoundland and Labrador and contribute more than $10 billion in royalty and corporate tax income to the province and Canada.

We look forward to working with Equinor in moving forward on the Bay du Nord project as we ensure that Newfoundlanders and Labradorians are the primary beneficiaries of our offshore resources.”

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

Kelly-Anne Roberts
Industry, Energy and Technology
709-729-5248
Kelly-AnneRoberts@gov.nl.ca

The post Premier Furey and Minister Parsons Comment on Bay du Nord Development Project appeared first on News Releases.

The Honourable Andrew Furey, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador, and the Honourable Andrew Parsons, Minister of Industry, Energy and Technology, will hold a media availability today (Wednesday, April 6). They will be joined by Charlene Johnson, CEO of Energy NL.

The event will be available to media in-person at the Media Centre, East Block, Confederation Building, or virtually beginning at 6:45 p.m.

The announcement will be live-streamed on the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador’s Facebook page.

To participate virtually, please RSVP to Jillian Hood (jillianhood@gov.nl.ca) who will provide the required information.

Masks and physical distancing will be required for attendees.

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

Kelly-Anne Roberts
Industry, Energy and Technology
709-725-5248, 327-7005
kelly-anneroberts@gov.nl.ca

The post Media Advisory: Premier Furey and Minister Parsons to Hold Media Availability appeared first on News Releases.

Parking restrictions will be in place for all visitors and public service employees at Confederation Building Complex for Budget Day, tomorrow (Thursday, April 7).

Parking in front of East Block at 100 Prince Philip Drive will be limited to media and invited guests attending the Budget Speech. Media can also access the complex through the Visitor Entrance.

In addition, the parking lot at the rear of East Block, near the House of Assembly entrance, and a section of the parking lot in front of the Visitor’s Entrance will be available to permit holders for Zones A, B, C, invited guests and persons with disabilities only.

Parking restrictions will be in place all day beginning at 6:00 a.m. Signs will be in place as a reminder.

Parking for visitors to Confederation Building Complex for purposes other than the Budget is available in the remaining parking lots. Visitors must use the Visitor Entrance near the link on the north side of the complex.

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

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The following statement was read in the House of Assembly today by the Honourable Siobhan Coady, Deputy Premier, Minister of Finance, Minister Responsible for the Public Service Commission:

Speaker, last week the Public Service Commission launched a graduate recruitment program to attract recent post-secondary graduates to the public service. This program provides an opportunity to work in various government departments, acquire a diverse skill set, and to develop a career path to management and executive roles.

The goal is to attract the best and the brightest to join our existing talent within the public service to guide Newfoundland and Labrador into the future; to build a strong, skillful leadership team for the next generation.

The program is open to anyone who is eligible to work in Canada and has successfully completed a recognized post-secondary program with a minimum of a three-year diploma or bachelor’s-level program within the last two years. Those accepted into the program will receive a competitive salary and benefits, mentorship and employment for two years.

Speaker, I am pleased to note that to date we have received well over 100 applications. The graduate recruitment program will further enhance our public service and help build leaders of the future.

Thank you.

 

The post Ministerial Statement – Minister Coady Highlights Public Service Graduate Recruitment Program appeared first on News Releases.

The following statement was read in the House of Assembly today by the Honourable Bernard Davis, Minister of Environment and Climate Change:

Speaker, I am pleased today to highlight the success of the Come Home Year Community Cleanup Project, administered by the Multi-Materials Stewardship Board.

The Come Home Year Community Cleanup Project is a new funding initiative to support the cleanup of litter or improperly disposed bulk items in areas such as roadsides, trails, beaches, parks, and outdoor recreational spaces. Funding was provided to municipalities, local service districts, Indigenous community governments and organizations and non-profit/community groups.

This program was so popular when it was launched that additional funding was committed to accommodate the influx of applications. Overall, the MMSB approved 256 projects and a total of $520,000 was awarded in funding.

One community is using funding to cleanup a popular walking and fishing area which has been littered with large debris like washing machines and water tanks. Their goal is to make the area beautiful again and to preserve the river habitat.

Speaker, these projects will have a positive impact in protecting our environment and supporting people in our communities as we look towards welcoming home family and friends to celebrate Come Home 2022.

Thank you.

The post Ministerial Statement – Come Home Year Community Cleanup Project Exceeds Expectations appeared first on News Releases.

As the inaugural round of formal public consultations draws to a conclusion and the process of ongoing engagement continues, the Ministerial Committee on Anti-Racism is taking more action to develop the necessary tools to stop racism in Newfoundland and Labrador. The committee includes Ministers of Immigration, Population Growth and Skills; Justice and Public Safety; Indigenous Affairs and Reconciliation; and Education.

Ministers are seeking input from residents, community and cultural organizations, employers, educators, researchers, and others on their experiences, and hearing recommendations on stopping all forms of racism including; anti-Indigenous, anti-Black and anti-Asian racism; anti-Semitism; and Islamophobia.

The first summary ‘What We are Hearing’ document is being prepared for public release.

Over the last six months, Ministers met with 35 groups and organizations and received 87 submissions through engageNL until February 28. The Committee also received emails and submissions from organizations and individuals. Further meetings will be held and those discussions will inform more actions. Input continues to be welcomed and encouraged from any member of the public at antiracism@gov.nl.ca.

The Ministerial Committee on Anti-Racism adopted an approach of taking immediate action on issues raised during the consultations. For a sample of actions taken, please see the attached backgrounder.

Ongoing anti-racism actions include:

• Updating curriculum in schools. Culture and diversity are embedded throughout large portions of the K-12 social studies curriculum, with significant focus on the issues of acceptance, understanding, equal rights and the negative impacts of racism, among other related topics. Future curriculum updates will build on these topics with a specific lens of anti-racism; and
• Intercultural competency and trauma-informed training is offered to justice-sector employees to educate and inform staff and improve the interactions of people within the justice system.

Actions to be taken include:

• Reviewing legislative provisions to identify options to counter hate speech in provincial laws;
• Launching an anti-racism and anti-Islamophobia public education campaign, in consultation with cultural organizations and community partners;
• Commencing a provincial program review to identify and remove systemic racism, in partnership with community representatives; and
• An anti-racist education teacher working group is being established and will begin work to identify resources and professional learning opportunities for the incorporation of anti-racist education and textbooks into curriculum.

The Provincial Government has undertaken or is collaborating with Indigenous Governments and Organizations on a series of actions which honour the culture of Indigenous Peoples. These include:

• Establishment of an Anti-Racism Working Group with the Innu Nation. The working group has a mandate to develop concrete measures to ensure elected officials and government employees have an understanding and appreciation of Innu culture, values and history.
• The Provincial Government is advancing a plan to deliver cultural sensitivity training to elected officials and public service employees. This initiative builds on a call from the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, which called on all levels of government to provide their employees with understanding of the histories of Indigenous peoples.
• We are proceeding with plans to deliver apologies to former students of residential schools, their families, and communities. In collaboration with Indigenous Governments and Organizations, we are exploring ways on the appropriate approach to fulfill this commitment.
• The Innu Nation and Provincial Government announced the commissioners who will conduct the Inquiry into the Treatment, Experiences and Outcomes of Innu in the Child Protection System.

• Symbols of Reconciliation must replace symbols of racism. Therefore, the Provincial Government:
  • Is collaborating with Indigenous Governments and Organizations on placing Indigenous-themed murals in the lobby of Confederation Building;
  • Has commissioned the design, construction and installation of a statue commemorating the Beothuk;
  • Recognized September 30 a Day for Truth and Reconciliation;
  • Changed the Province’s Coat of Arms to remove the word ‘savages and add Labrador to the name of the Province;
  • Changed the name of the Central Newfoundland body of water to Beothuk Lake, and;
  • Renamed the Mary March Museum in Grand Falls-Windsor as the Demasduit Regional Museum, following consultations with Indigenous leaders and the general public.

Quotes
“Our government is deeply opposed to racism in any and all forms. The Ministerial Committee on Anti-Racism maintains constant and regular engagement with community groups and leaders to optimize ongoing actions and planning future action. While all involved don’t always agree in full on solutions and precise paths forward, we appreciate the many spirited discussions and suggestions put forward, always guided by a shared vision that we are action-oriented, with many actions to date and many more to come.” Honourable Gerry Byrne
Minister of Immigration, Population Growth and Skills’

“The consultations that we held with many groups and individuals have certainly been educational. The views, observances and life experiences that were shared with me and my fellow Ministers on the Committee have greatly helped me understand the racism that exists in our Province. What we have heard has already resulted in moving forward with changes and our commitment to making further changes is stronger than ever.”
Honourable Lisa Dempster
Minister Responsible for Indigenous Affairs and Reconciliation
Minister Responsible for Labrador Affairs

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

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

BACKGROUNDER

Ministerial Committee on Anti-Racism: What We’re Hearing and Action Taken

Date What We’re Hearing Action September 2021 It is a challenge to get resumes reviewed by employers and to be invited for an interview. One-of-a-kind ‘Job Matching’ initiative for international students and their partners. December 2021 MCP coverage should continue after graduation for international students. Extension of MCP coverage for international graduates to cover 90 days post-graduation for an additional 90 days – now ‘best-in-class’ in Canada. December 2021 Anti-racism activities are distinct from multiculturalism and provincial funding should be made available to support community-based anti-racism activities. Launch of Settlement and Integration Grants with anti-racism activities as a funding priority. January 2022 Communities should host events to promote multiculturalism. Launch of Multiculturalism Grants Call for Proposals. January 2022 Designate January 29 as “National Day of Remembrance and Action on Islamophobia”. Designated January 29 as the National Day of Remembrance and Action on Islamophobia – marked though statement by MCAR and lighting Confederation Building in green. February 2022

  Public employees should receive more cultural sensitivity training. Roll out of Intercultural Competency Training for the Public Service. Ongoing Consider legislative options to address hate speech within provincial jurisdiction. The jurisdictional legislative review is ongoing to inform consideration of future amendments to provincial legislation or supporting initiatives to address hate speech.

  Ongoing The Canadian Identities textbook should be removed from the reading list immediately. The textbook was reviewed by Education staff and work is underway to replace the textbook.  In the interim, a memo was sent to all educators that identified the offensive material in the textbook and provided official direction to not use it. Ongoing Adopt texts that have local and anti-racist content and reflect the multiplicity of lived experience of students who are from immigrant, refugee, Black, Indigenous and other racialized communities in NL. Education is now receiving resources from local publishers, such as Breakwater, representing diverse cultural voices that will be reviewed by staff and review committees. The anti-racist education teacher working group will begin work to identify resources for the incorporation of anti-racist education into curriculum. Ongoing Students, teachers and other academic staff should be provided with a remedial course on how to read for racism in textbooks and other teaching materials. Dr. Paul Banahene Adjei, Interim Dean of the Memorial University School of Social Work, is developing and will deliver a series of professional learning sessions on anti-racism education as it applies to curriculum development to Education staff.

NLESD, with Provincial Government funding, is providing a nine-session webinar series for all teachers called “See Us, Learn Us: Teaching about the Black Canadian Experience.”

Other related professional learning sessions are under consideration or development.

 

The post Ministerial Committee on Anti-Racism Continuing to Take Action appeared first on News Releases.

Effective Thursday, April 7 the Kippens Ridge forest access road, located near the Town of South Brook, will close to vehicle traffic until further notice.

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

For further information regarding this forest access road closure, please contact the Springdale Forest Management Office at 709-673-3821.

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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: Kippens Ridge Forest Access Road to Close During Spring Thaw Period appeared first on News Releases.

The following statement was read in the House of Assembly today by the Honourable Andrew Parsons, Minister of Industry, Energy and Technology:

I am pleased today to notify members of the House of Assembly that the Provincial Government is lifting the current moratorium on wind development, creating an opportunity for industrial customers to generate wind energy for their own consumption and wind generation for export.

Speaker, a moratorium on wind development has been in place since 2007 and was a barrier to wind investment and development.

Newfoundland and Labrador has some of the best wind resources in North America. These can be used to power wind turbines and generate electricity for: industrial customers; export through transmission lines; for the production and export of hydrogen/ammonia; and, to supply energy to Newfoundland and Labrador Hydro.

Speaker, my department has been engaged with a number of companies interested in exploring industrial development. By lifting the existing moratorium to enable onshore wind development, we are allowing companies to proceed through an approval process for wind development. Details on this process will be released in the coming weeks.

This compliments the joint announcement today on the expanded mandate of the Canada-Newfoundland and Labrador Offshore Energy Board to include the regulation of offshore renewable energy development, such as offshore wind and clean hydrogen.

Our government launched the Province’s Renewable Energy Plan in December 2021. One of the short-term commitments in the plan was to review the wind moratorium policy on the Island Interconnected Electricity System. This is an initial step in a multi-stage process to enable wind generation in Newfoundland and Labrador.

Speaker, this is a significant move in supporting our transition to a greener economy. This supports government’s focus on working with the private sector to find new export markets for the province’s underdeveloped renewables.

Newfoundland and Labrador possesses valuable and abundant developed and undeveloped renewable energy resources, as well as experience and expertise in the province’s technology and energy sectors. Our renewable energy industry is growing; this news today continues to grow on the experience and economic potential of the sector.

The post Ministerial Statement – Minister Parsons Announces End of Moratorium on Wind Development appeared first on News Releases.

The Honourable Andrew Parsons, Minister of Industry, Energy and Technology will participate in Genesis’ 25th Pitch and Pick event tomorrow (Wednesday, April 6).

The event takes place at Verafin, 18 Hebron Way, St. John’s, beginning at 3:00 p.m.

Pitch and Pick is an event that invites start-ups from Genesis’ evolution program to pitch their idea to representatives from academia, public and private funding agencies, and the local tech community.

Space is limited for this event, and non-medical masks are recommended for attendees. To register, visit here.

A live stream of the event can be viewed here.

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

The post Media Advisory: Minister Parsons to Participate in Genesis Event appeared first on News Releases.

New proposed legislation titled ‘Emergency 911 Act’ began second reading in the House of Assembly today. If passed, the new Act will guide the transition of the NL911 Bureau into the Department of Justice and Public Safety.

This change will not affect the 911 service to the public and calls to 911 will continue to be answered and routed to first responders. NL911 staff will be transitioned into core government. The current service fee paid by users would remain the same. The department will continue working with the NL911 staff and board member organizations to ensure a seamless transition.

The department would have direct oversight over the 911 service. This will ensure NL911 is part of the consolidation and coordination of public safety and emergency services functions within the Emergency Services branch of government, including the Provincial Emergency Operations Centre, a province wide emergency public safety radio system and the implementation of recommendations from the Inquiry into Ground Search and Rescue for Lost and Missing Persons in Newfoundland and Labrador. It will bring the province in line with the majority of jurisdictions in Canada that have their 911 services as part of their government departmental structures.

While Next Generation 911 is not yet available in any jurisdiction in Canada, government’s intention is to move forward with the Next Generation 911. The department will work closely with partners to move this project forward.

Quote
“The 911 service is critical in ensuring the safety and well-being of Newfoundlanders and Labradorians. The goal of this transition is to create synergies while we modernize and enhance the system to provide even better service as it becomes part of our broader public safety initiatives. The department will build on the good work done by the agency and the board. We thank front-line emergency responders for the critical role they play in the safety of residents of the province.”
Honourable John Hogan, QC
Minister of Justice and Public Safety and Attorney General

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Media contact
Emily-Jane Gillingham
Justice and Public Safety
709-729-5524, 730-4607
emilygillingham@gov.nl.ca

The post Provincial Government Introduces New Emergency 911 Legislation appeared first on News Releases.

With the passage of ATIPPA, 2015, the legislature unanimously accepted the recommendations of the Wells Committee Report, which effectively repudiated previous amendments to the statute with Bill 29, putting an end to an era of significantly weakened oversight over how government handled information and ushering in the best access to information law in the country. Among the recommendations unanimously accepted was that

“The Act have no restriction on the right of the Commissioner to require production of any record for which solicitor-client privilege has been claimed and the Commissioner considers relevant to an investigation of a complaint.”

This was explicitly stated in the Explanatory Note accompanying the legislation and confirmed by the Minister responsible at the time during second reading when the bill was introduced in the House of Assembly.

Rather than accept an accountability regime which ensures effective and independent oversight of government, this government chose to seek a court ruling to undermine the legislature’s commitment to transparency and accountability it enacted in 2015. On Thursday, March 31, 2022, the Court sided with the government and found that the Commissioner could no longer review records relating to a denial of access to information if the denial cited solicitor-client privilege as its basis.

Furthermore, it appears from the ruling that a public body need only cite that section of the Act and no one, not even a court, will review the records to verify whether the claim is legitimate. Despite the Court explicitly acknowledging that the legislature intended that the Commissioner review solicitor-client records, the Court construed the legislation contrary to its purpose.

The Commissioner will be appealing the Court’s decision as a matter of public interest, to support the fundamental values of government transparency and accountability which are core to the purpose of this Office. At a time when the province is facing increasing financial and economic difficulties, it is ever more important that transparency be at the forefront.

By taking a position contrary to the intent of the legislature, it would appear this government is in the process of doing through the courts what would be politically unpalatable to do through the legislature, i.e., to shield itself from accountability. Specifically, this ruling means that the government, and indeed all public bodies, such as municipalities, crown corporations and others, can simply tell access to information requesters “no” and if they do so while citing this particular section of the Act and there will be no independent review or meaningful recourse. Courts have found that the government has made over-broad claims of this privilege in the past and, without oversight, there is no reason to think that this will not occur again in the future.

This matter could, however, more expeditiously be resolved through an immediate commitment from government to amend the legislation and remove any doubt that it is not above the law, and that the Commissioner must be able to review any record in the control or custody of a public body on investigating a complaint, to ensure that access to information laws are being respected and followed, in keeping with the commitment made by the government of the day when it introduced ATIPPA, 2015 in response to the ill-fated Bill 29 amendments. This was the recommendation of former Justice David Orsborn in his Report of the Statutory Review of ATIPPA, 2015, which has been with the government since last year.

“If this ruling stands, there will be no protection against spurious denials of access or overbroad claims of privilege,” said Commissioner Harvey. “It stabs at the heart of the very purpose of having an access to information law – independent oversight. Rather than attempting to tear down access to information through the courts, I call on the government to eliminate the unnecessary cost of this appeal, including the time and frustration of citizens seeking information. Amend the statute to provide even greater certainty that government is not above the law, thereby reassuring the public of its commitment to transparency and accountability.”

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

The post Office of the Information and Privacy Commissioner – Comments on Recent Court Ruling Regarding Commissioner’s Powers under ATIPPA, 2015 appeared first on News Releases.

The following statement was read in the House of Assembly today by the Honourable Tom Osborne, Minister of Education:

Speaker, as we are nearing the Easter break in schools and looking toward the end of another year, it is time to once again recognize educators that have gone above and beyond for students and school communities.

Today, I am pleased to announce the opening of nominations for the second annual Premier’s Award for Teaching Innovation and the Minister of Education’s Award for Compassion in Teaching.

Last year we were pleased to introduce these awards that recognize teaching excellence in areas that have at times been overlooked, but which are meaningful and impactful for our province’s K-12 students.

The Premier’s Award for Teaching Innovation recognizes primary, elementary or secondary teachers in all disciplines who have demonstrated innovation in instruction and a commitment to preparing their students for future success.

The Minister’s Award for Compassion in Teaching recognizes inspirational and compassionate teachers at the primary, elementary or secondary level who have demonstrated a commitment to supporting the social, emotional and mental health of their students, colleagues or school community as a whole.

Speaker, last year we held the first annual award ceremony here in Confederation Building and it was a very special ceremony. Members from both sides of the aisle joined the festivities and I think all who took part can agree that it was extremely gratifying to see the pride of the educators who were recognized, their families and their colleagues.

I encourage students, teachers, colleagues and administrators to nominate a deserving teacher today. The deadline for submissions is May 20. Information about the awards and the guidelines are available on the Department of Education’s web page.

The post Ministerial Statement – Minister Osborne Announces Call for Nominations for Teaching Awards appeared first on News Releases.

The Honourable Andrew Furey, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador, and the Honourable John Haggie, Minister of Health and Community Services, along with Yvette Coffey, President of the Registered Nurses’ Union Newfoundland and Labrador, will be available today (Tuesday, April 5) to discuss the Nursing Think Tank which took place April 4-5.

The availability will take place in scrum area in front of the House of Assembly, Confederation Building, at 12:45 p.m.

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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: Provincial Government and the Registered Nurses’ Union Provide Update on Nursing Think Tank Event appeared first on News Releases.