Government of Newfoundland News

The April 30, 2022 deadline to remove studded tires in the province is being extended to Tuesday, May 31, 2022. The extension is due to the continuation of winter-like conditions in some areas of the province.

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

The post Public Advisory: Studded Tire Season Extended appeared first on News Releases.

Residents residing in coastal communities along the Labrador coast, Northern Peninsula and northeast coast are encouraged to take measures to help avoid polar bear encounters.

Ice conditions this spring are likely to result in polar bear sightings. Ice flows carrying polar bears in search of seals are anticipated to be close in proximity to the coast. Conservation officers have responded to a number of polar bear sightings over the past week.

The public is strongly encouraged to remain at a safe distance to avoid any encounter with a polar bear. When one is in the vicinity, keep pets inside or under close supervision, travel in groups when outdoors if possible, and never approach a fresh kill or carcass.

Always adhere to the proper storage, collection and disposal of garbage to avoid attracting bears into communities and yards.

Under no circumstances should residents approach a polar bear. While every situation is different, when encountering a polar bear take note of the bear’s behavior.

If the bear does not see you:

• Quietly back away and leave the area;
• Try to stay downwind of the animal;
• Keep an eye on the bear; and
• Never get between a bear and her cubs.

If the bear has seen or smelled you:

• Remain calm;
• Give the bear space and a route to get away;
• Back away but do not run;
• If you must speak, do so calmly and firmly; and
• Avoid direct eye contact with the bear.

Any polar bear sightings should be reported to the nearest provincial Forest Management Office for investigation.

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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: Residents Encouraged to be Vigilant for Wandering Polar Bears appeared first on News Releases.

The Honourable John Hogan, QC, Minister of Justice and Public Safety, will be available to discuss Emergency 911 legislation tomorrow (Tuesday, April 5).

A technical briefing for media will be provided in the Media Centre, Ground Floor, East Block, Confederation Building, at 9:30 a.m. followed by an availability with Minister Hogan at 10:00 a.m.

Physical distancing and mask requirements will be in place.

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

The post Media Advisory: Minister Hogan to Discuss Emergency 911 Legislation appeared first on News Releases.

In an effort to ensure expert advice for poisoning events in the province is readily available, the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador has entered into a new agreement with the Atlantic Canada Poison Centre (ACPC) in Nova Scotia, and a new poison line has been established to provide poison triage and advice.

By calling1-844-POISON X (1-844-764-7669), the general public in Newfoundland and Labrador now has 24/7 access to a Specialist in Poison Information, toxicologists, botanists and laboratory technologists; assessment, triage, management and follow-up of poison exposures; decision support regarding transfer to a health care facility and ongoing management; and inclusion in a Canadian Surveillance System for Poison Information.

Prior to this agreement, calls regarding potential poisoning incidents were directed to the Newfoundland and Labrador HealthLine (811). Health care providers consulted with ACPC toxicology specialists for complex poisoning cases. Having direct access to a Regional Poison Centre will result in a streamlining of health care services and a reduction in overall health care costs by reducing emergency room visits by managing calls at home with guidance and follow-up from a specialist, a reduction in ambulance transports as paramedics on scene can call the poison centre, and a reduced stay in hospital due to the Specialist in Poison Information follow up.

From March 2019 to February 2021, a total of 3,289 poison calls were serviced by the Newfoundland and Labrador HealthLine.

Quotes
“Having direct access to poison triage and advice is very important for the residents of our province. With this expanded service, both individuals and health care workers will be able to speak directly with a specialist in the area, without first having to go through our HealthLine service. It also has the potential to reduce the call volume to 811 preserving the RN resources for callers who need to speak to someone regarding their symptoms, and translate into fewer visits to our emergency rooms.”
Honourable John Haggie
Minister of Health and Community Services

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Learn more
Poison Information for the Public and Health Care Professionals

811 HealthLine

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

The post New Poison Line Available for Access to High-Quality Triage and Advice appeared first on News Releases.

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

UNDERTAKING RELEASED:

Scully Mine Tailings Impoundment Area Expansion Project        (2158)
Proponent: Tacora Resources Inc.

The project is released subject to the following conditions:

• The proponent is required to uphold all commitments made in the environmental assessment submission to mitigate the effects of the project on the environment.
• The Pollution Prevention and the Environmental Assessment Divisions of the Department of Environment and Climate Change require the proponent to develop a Dust Mitigation and Monitoring Plan (DMMP) for the project. The DMMP shall propose monitoring of total suspended particulate and fine particulate levels at sensitive receptors including nearby communities, in addition to the existing air quality monitoring stations in and around the towns of Labrador City and Wabush. The DMMP shall identify, in consultation with the public and Indigenous Governments and Organizations, potential receptors of dust from the project, including human, plant and animal receptors, and implement and monitor measures to mitigate the effects of dust. The DMMP shall be approved by the Minister of the Department of Environment and Climate Change prior to project commencement.
• The Environmental Assessment Division of the Department of Environment and Climate Change requires the proponent to submit an Environmental Effects Monitoring Plan (EEMP) that identifies the potential effects of the project on traditional, cultural, spiritual, and recreational activities in the project area, proposed mitigations, and monitoring that will be conducted to confirm the efficacy of the mitigations or propose adaptive management. The EEMP shall demonstrate the participation of Indigenous peoples and the public in identifying potentially affected activities, mitigations and follow up monitoring and adaptive management. The EEMP for traditional, cultural, spiritual and recreational Activities shall be approved by the Minister of the Department of Environment and Climate Change prior to project commencement.

• The Environmental Assessment Division requires the proponent to establish a Stakeholder Consultation Committee to provide, at minimum, a quarterly report that identifies committee membership; location, time and date of meetings; meeting attendance; opportunities for stakeholders to action agenda items; items discussed; proposals for complaints resolution; status of complaints resolution; and the next scheduled meeting. The Stakeholder Consultation Committee must be chaired by Tacora, and the opportunity to participate on the Committee must be extended to the Towns of Labrador City and Wabush, the public, and to Indigenous Governments and Organizations. The Environmental Assessment Division must approve any proposed changes in meeting frequency.
• The Water Resources Management Division of the Department of Environment and Climate Change requires the proponent to complete a hydrogeological assessment of the project area. An initial report with currently available data must be submitted and approved by the Water Resources Management Division prior to commencing any work related to the project, with follow up reports to be submitted annually until the groundwater assessment is complete.
• The Water Resources Management Division requires the proponent to maintain a 100-metre buffer around the Wahnahnish Lake Protected Public Water Supply Area boundary, in accordance with Newfoundland and Labrador Regulation 4/13, under the Water Resources Act. The boundary is shown on the Water Resources Management portal at www.gov.nl.ca/ecc/waterres/portal/. Project activities shall not occur within the 100-metre buffer.
• The Wildlife Division of the Department of Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture (FFA) requires the following buffers around waterbodies:

• • For slopes less than 30 percent, a minimum 30-metre naturally vegetated riparian buffer zone shall be established around all waterbodies (including wetlands) from the high water mark, that are identified on either the 1:50,000 scale National Topographic System maps, or the topographic mapping layer shown in the Provincial Land Use Atlas. No land use activities involving grubbing, ground or soil disturbance, or timber harvesting activities shall take place in this zone.
  • For slopes greater than 30 percent, a naturally vegetated riparian buffer zone shall be calculated using the following formula: 30 metres + 1.5 metres x slope (per cent).  No land use activities involving grubbing, ground or soil disturbance, or timber harvesting activities shall take place in this zone.

• The Wildlife Division requires the proponent to provide information on proposed detector locations and installation periods for the bat-monitoring program, for its review and determination of ideal locations and time periods for deployment.
• The Wildlife Division notes the proponent’s commitment in the registration document to conduct surveys and compile survey reports for rare flora and fauna and other vegetation including wetlands, fish and fish habitat, avifauna including bats and raptors, and amphibians. The Wildlife Division requires the proponent to provide the reports of all surveys and studies indicated in the Registration document, for its review, and requests that the digital location data collected for all species be made available to the Wildlife Division for inclusion in the Atlantic Canada Conservation Data Center database and for research and management purposes. Authorities will review the survey reports for adequacy of information, and mitigation measures may be required in collaboration with the authorities.

• 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.

• 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 your project, one year from the date of this release letter and to provide additional updates if requested.

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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_Dec2021

Follow us on Twitter: @GovNL and @ECC_GovNL

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

Media contact
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 following statement was read in the House of Assembly today by the Honourable Derrick Bragg, Minister of Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture:

Speaker, this is National Wildlife Week and I would like to take this opportunity to invite residents 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.

We will be celebrating all week, and will conclude by hosting a National Wildlife Week Expo to promote awareness of our province’s wildlife. This unique event will take place this Sunday, April 10, at the St. John’s Farmer’s Market from 10:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Admission is free, and we are inviting everyone to take part in the fun.

The Expo will include representation from local science education organizations, local artisans engaged in wildlife-minded works, as well as other organizations that support wildlife conservation, biodiversity and sustainable use of wildlife.

There will be prize giveaways and a wide array of activities to educate and entertain the public, including environmental and wildlife-themed booths, activities and games, hands-on demonstrations and eco-science vendors.

For more information and interesting facts about National Wildlife Week, check out the ‘Friends of Salmonier Nature Park’ Facebook page.

Finally, I would like to thank staff in the department for their dedicated efforts planning this event and their ongoing work to manage, highlight and promote the wildlife resources of Newfoundland and Labrador.

Thank you.

The post Ministerial Statement – Public Invited to Participate in National Wildlife Week Expo appeared first on News Releases.

The report by Rothschild & Co., the first comprehensive review of assets in the province’s history, has been received.

The report is a broad review of the business, operational, and financial condition of our assets to inform how government might optimize their potential for the full benefit of Newfoundlanders and Labradorians. There are no decisions made at this point and it is not directed at any one outcome.

As per the contract, Rothschild & Co.’s review process is now formally paused until government decides on next steps. The review of provincial assets by Rothschild & Co. is the first step of a potential three-phased approach. The independent advice received through this process provides an opportunity to gather information and evidence that will help inform next steps on how government might optimize assets for the benefit of all Newfoundlanders and Labradorians.

The contents of the report include a significant amount of commercially sensitive information. Consequently, it would be irresponsible for government to release the report. Commercially sensitive information can create value for third parties at the expense of Newfoundlanders and Labradorians. We would not want to harm the competitive or financial position of the province or diminish the potential value of this information by disclosing it to outside parties.

This is one of several transformational activities underway to modernize the Provincial Government, as well as its Crown corporations and organizations, to improve the delivery of services for the benefit of all Newfoundlanders and Labradorians.

Quote
“For the first time in our history, a thorough review of assets on behalf of the people of the province has been undertaken. We will now take the time necessary to review the information and determine how to ensure the best outcome.”
Honourable Siobhan Coady
Deputy Premier and Minister of Finance

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Learn more
News Release: Provincial Government Engages Outside Firm to Undertake Review of Provincial Assets

Follow us on Twitter @GovNL and @FIN_GovNL

Like us on Facebook

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

The post Provincial Government Receives Review of Province’s Asset Portfolio from Rothschild & Co. appeared first on News Releases.

As part of the ongoing work to update the Memorial University Act, the Provincial Government has formally requested a full and comprehensive review of operations and spending at Memorial University by the Office of the Auditor General. The Auditor General has agreed to provide government with a report, which will inform the final amendments that will be introduced in the House of Assembly.

The Honourable Siobhan Coady, Deputy Premier and Minister of Finance, and the Honourable Tom Osborne, Minister of Education, will be available to media today at 12:30 p.m. outside the House of Assembly to discuss this process.

Memorial is world leader in ocean technology, it has well-respected engineering, nursing and medical schools, its Bachelor of Commerce program has produced countless business leaders and entrepreneurs and its arts and music faculties build on our province’s strong ties to the arts.

Memorial University remains the most heavily subsidized university in Canada. According to Statistics Canada data, 76.2 per cent of the university’s general operating revenue in 2019-20 came from government grants, compared with a Canadian average of 44.8 per cent. With this level of taxpayer investment, an unbiased overview of how the university allocates this investment is critical before changes to the Act are brought forward that would provide the university with greater autonomy.

In November 2021 the Provincial Government brought forward a new Auditor General Act, 2021, that expanded the Office of the Auditor General’s access to information and to audit the use of government funds. These amendments included the repeal of Section 38(1) of the Memorial University Act to allow the Auditor General to determine if significant investments are being managed with due regard to the economy, efficiency and effectiveness.

Quote
“Both the Provincial Government and the people of this province place significant value on the contributions of Memorial University to the social and economic fabric of the province, and taxpayers provide a significant contribution to Memorial’s operations. As the stewards of an ongoing, sustained investment of this size, it is imperative on us, as we look to expand Memorial’s level of autonomy, to ensure that this investment is being used to maximize the benefit for post-secondary students and their educational outcomes.”
Honourable Siobhan Coady
Deputy Premier and Minister of Finance

“As we look to modernize the Memorial University Act for the first time in decades, we have an opportunity to bring forward positive change for the province’s only university, for students and for the province. I thank the Auditor General for her willingness to undertake this review and I look forward to analyzing her office’s report before finalizing and bringing forward these amendments to the House of Assembly.”
Honourable Tom Osborne
Minister of Education

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Learn more
Proposed Auditor General Act Increases Transparency and Accountability

Minister Osborne Releases Public Post-Secondary Education Review Report

Follow us on Twitter: @GovNL, @FIN_GovNL and @EDU_GovNL   

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

Marc Budgell
Education
709-729-0048, 689-0430
marcbudgell@gov.nl.ca

The post Auditor General Agrees to Undertake Review of Memorial University; Ministers Coady and Osborne Available to the Media appeared first on News Releases.

The House of Assembly advises that limited space will be available in the public gallery for Budget Speech 2022 for photography purposes. Media requiring video of the Budget Speech may access the live feed from the House of Assembly Press Room or from the website.

Media spaces in the public gallery will be available on a first-come, first-served basis by pre-registering no later than 4:30 p.m. on Wednesday, April 6 with Mark Jerrett (markjerrett@gov.nl.ca). Photography will also be permitted from the press gallery – pre-registration is not required.

Media entering the public gallery for the Budget Speech must be in position in the designated area by no later than 1:45 p.m. on Thursday. Once in position, movement around the gallery will not be permitted.

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

 

 

The post Media Advisory: Media Access to House of Assembly for Budget Speech 2022 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.

UNDERTAKING REGISTERED:

Swift Current Quarry                                                                                 (Reg. 2193)

Proponent: Dean Clarke Contracting Ltd.
The proponent is proposing to develop a seven-hectare quarry approximately five kilometres from the town of Swift Current, near the Piper’s Hole River. The development will include vegetation clearing, grubbing and stockpiling of material on site. Operations will include excavating, screening, stockpiling and transporting aggregate materials. A description of the project can be found on the department’s webpage at www.gov.nl.ca/eccm/env-assessment/projects-list/.

The undertaking was registered on March 31, 2022; the deadline for public comment is May 6, 2022; and the Minister’s decision is due by May 15, 2022.

ENVIRONMENTAL PREVIEW REPORTS SUBMITTED:

Star Lake to Valentine Gold Transmission                                         (Reg. 2136)

Line TL271 Project
Proponent: Newfoundland and Labrador Hydro

The proponent has submitted an environmental preview report (EPR) for the above undertaking as required by the minister. The EPR document is available on the Department of Environment and Climate Change website at www.gov.nl.ca/ecc/projects/project-2136/.

Public comments regarding the EPR are welcome and may be emailed to the Chair of the Environmental Assessment Committee, John Reynolds, at johnreynolds@gov.nl.ca, to EAProjectComments@gov.nl.ca or they may be mailed to the address below.

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 must be received by May 6, 2022. The minister’s decision on the EPR is due by May 15, 2022.

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

The proponent has submitted an environmental preview report (EPR) for the above undertaking as required by the minister. The EPR document is available on the Department of Environment and Climate Change website at www.gov.nl.ca/ecc/projects/project-2156/.

Public comments regarding the EPR are welcome and may be emailed to the Chair of the Environmental Assessment Committee, Paul Carter, at pcarter@gov.nl.ca, to EAProjectComments@gov.nl.ca or they may be mailed to the address below.

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 must be received by May 6, 2022. The minister’s decision on the EPR is due by May 14, 2022.

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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_Dec2021

Follow us on Twitter: @GovNL and @ECC_GovNL

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

Media contact
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 John Haggie, Minister of Health and Community Services, today announced 32 recipients for this year’s Community Addictions Prevention and Mental Health Promotion Grants. These grants, which total $140,000, are awarded to individuals, community groups, schools and not-for-profit organizations to support their initiatives related to mental health promotion and prevention of substance use and addictions. The list of recipients is included in the backgrounder below.

Funded by the Provincial Government, the grant program is administered in partnership with the regional health authorities who have dedicated mental health and addictions prevention and promotion consultants to work with the applicants. Applications for this year’s grants align with one or more of the following priority areas of Towards Recovery: The Mental Health and Addictions Action Plan:

• Suicide prevention, including stigma reduction, support for individuals experiencing suicide risk, and training on suicide risk assessment and intervention, mental health literacy and grief and loss support;
• Supporting positive mental health and wellness, including life promotion initiatives that build a sense of community, purpose, hope and belonging among individuals, families and communities and collaborative approaches to promoting positive mental health and resilience; or
• Preventing substance use related risks and harms, including initiatives to increase awareness of low-risk drinking guidelines, training related to prevention and treatment of alcohol related harms, and initiatives that reduce avoidable injuries, illnesses and deaths associated with alcohol use.

More information on the Community Addictions Prevention and Mental Health Promotion Grants Program is available here.

Quote
“Community-led wellness initiatives are powerful tools to support the health and well-being of individuals, families and communities. These grants build upon the strength of community leaders who are working in partnership with regional health authorities and government to improve mental health and wellbeing, and prevent illness and substance use disorders. We value these community-led efforts and are happy to provide grants to assist in their work.”
Honourable John Haggie
Minister of Health and Community Services

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Learn more
Details on the Community Addiction Prevention and Mental Health Promotion Fund Program

Follow us on Twitter @GovNL and @HCS_GovNL

Like us on Facebook

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

BACKGROUNDER

Community Addictions Prevention and Mental Health Promotion Grant Recipients

Applicant Project Amount Anglican Cathedral 18-week horticultural therapy program for vulnerable individuals with mental health and addictions issues to promote mental wellness. $3,600 Lonely Man project Enhancing men’s mental health. Topics include toxic masculinity, barriers to men seeking help and stigma. $4,000 Brother Rice School ASIST training for five staff members and trauma-informed care workshop for 35 educators. $3,000 Building Bridges Youth Theatre

  Program for community members, especially seniors, to create textiles and crafts such as knitting, sewing and woodworking, exchange household items and interact with others. $3,500 CNA, HVGB Stress and anxiety reduction for Indigenous students at CNA. Program includes traditional practices, elder visits, slipper making. $4,560 CNIB Peer support for individuals with vision loss to help reconnect clients with the community and provide emotional, social and personal health supports. This would also include introducing volunteer, educational, recreational and leisure activities. $4,000 CYN Placentia Stigma reduction, suicide prevention, mental wellness activities. $3,000 CYN Southern Avalon Workshops to foster mental wellness. $3,000 Eastern Door Feather Carriers Promote Indigenous mental wellness framework using cultural ceremonies and teachings. $10,000 Eating Disorders Foundation NL Parents of Hope monthly support group. $5,000 fasdNL Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder train the trainer sessions, including new justice module. $3,000 Forest Park Primary To purchase Social Emotional Learning materials in French and English for students in Grades 2-3 to link with Towards Recovery SEL work with K-Grade 1. $5,000 Goose Bay Military Family Resource Centre ASIST training for 5-Wing Goose Bay. $8,130 Home Again Furniture Bank Collaboration among HMP inmates, build tables to distribute to people in need in the community. $7,250 Jane Collins Academy ASIST and Safe Talk Prevention training to students. $2,600 Kittiwake Mental Health Working Group Safe Talk training for students. $6,500 Lake Melville School Building mental health and wellness among students through activities with students, teachers, parents and community members. Activities include establishing clubs for chess and audio visual work, engaging in classroom movement based mental breaks to increase fitness, Gender-Sexuality Alliance and family trivia nights. $5,100 MUN Iranians Enhance mental well-being and community connection among Iranian students to reduce social isolation. $3,000 NLESD Western Maintain Gay Straight Alliance, hold Free to be Me Gender and Sexuality Alliance conference. $3,000 NL Stuttering Association Best practice fluency training for speech language pathologists. $4,750 Roncalli Central High Safe Talk Suicide Prevention training for students. $2,000 Roots of Empathy Full school year of programming on positive mental health in children. $6,400 Salvation Army Family Services Tuesday time-out sessions to enhance mental wellness, reduce social isolation, and renew their Van program so staff can visit individuals in the community to provide information on programs and services. $1,500 Scouts Canada St. John Ambulance Mental Health First Aid training. $4,000 Tanya Joy Joy Run 50, a run to promote awareness of suicide prevention. $4,000 Town of Indian Bay ATV safety and impaired driving among youth. $3,000 Trinity Historical Assn. Presentations on alcohol use, suicide prevention and mental health. $3,000 YMCA Exploits Valley/Battcock Manor Monthly community presentations to residents of Battcock Manor to decrease social isolation. $1,610 YMCA of NE Avalon 10 workshops for youth on suicide prevention, alcohol use and mental health issues. $4,000 Youth 2000 Centre 36 Wellness Wednesday sessions over a one-year period. Topics include suicide prevention/mental health promotion. $2,675 Violence

Prevention

Northern Peninsula Develop safe spaces for students in four local schools.

Rooms to include resources in a comfortable space. $7,000 Woodland Primary Social Emotional Learning for students in Grades 2-3 which will link with Towards Recovery SEL work with K-Grade 1. Funding to be used for buying programs and resource materials. $8,825  Total Funding

     $140,000

 

The post Community Addictions Prevention and Mental Health Promotion Grants Awarded appeared first on News Releases.

The Honourable Lisa Dempster, Minister Responsible for Indigenous Affairs and Reconciliation and Minister Responsible for Labrador Affairs, on behalf of the Honourable Steve Crocker, Minister of Tourism, Culture, Arts and Recreation, today announced funding for Labrador projects under the Come Home 2022 Cultural Economic Development Program. Seventeen projects have been approved, with a total value of nearly $190,000.

Labradorians can look forward to special events and celebrations ranging from concerts, performances and festivals to dog sled racing. In addition, the region is set to host a new film festival, the first of its kind in Labrador.

Projects approved under this fund will help rejuvenate the cultural sector and will also provide tremendous support for communities, artists, crafters and musicians. In the months to come, residents of the province can look forward to many special events, exhibits, performances and celebrations in areas such as music, theatre, film, dance, visual arts, literary arts, tangible and intangible heritage, Indigenous and cultural festivals and community celebrations.

The application period for the Cultural Economic Development Program closed on January 31, 2022. Applicants will be officially notified by the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts and Recreation regarding the status of their applications.

Inquiries on the Come Home 2022 Cultural Economic Development Program should be directed to chy2022culture@gov.nl.ca.

Quotes
“The uptake in the Come Home 2022 Cultural Economic Development Program was incredible and the caliber and creativity of the applications we received was even more impressive. I believe this program will have a tremendous impact on our cultural sector and artists will benefit directly from the approved projects.”
Honourable Steve Crocker
Minister of Tourism, Culture, Arts and Recreation

“The projects which have been approved in Labrador through the Cultural Economic Development Program will engage residents and visitors in many interesting festivals, and concerts, along with special activities that showcase the culture and traditions of the Big Land and its people. We eagerly anticipate the celebrations that will be taking place across our great land in the coming months.”
Honourable Lisa Dempster
Minister Responsible for Indigenous Affairs and Reconciliation
Minister Responsible for Labrador Affairs

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Learn more
Come Home 2022

Premier Furey Announced Support for Projects Tied to Come Home 2022

Premier Furey Announces Funding in Support of Come Home Year

Follow us on Twitter @GovNL and @TCAR_GovNL

Like us on Facebook

Like Come Home 2022 on Facebook

Follow Come Home 2022 on Instagram

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

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

The post Minister Dempster Provides Details on Labrador Projects Approved for Come Home 2022 Funding appeared first on News Releases.

The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador has appointed Noreen Careen as the interim Chairperson to Labrador-Grenfell Health’s Board of Trustees.

Ms. Careen was originally appointed to the Board of Trustees of Labrador-Grenfell Health in 2020 through the Independent Appointments Commission merit-based process. As an existing trustee with Labrador-Grenfell Health, the appointment of Ms. Careen ensures that the Board can continue to work together with other Regional Health Authorities and the Department of Health and Community Services.

A bio for Ms. Careen can be found in the backgrounder below.

Quote
“I want to thank Ms. Careen for taking on this new role as interim Chairperson. I am confident her expertise and experience will continue to be an asset in carrying out the important work of the Board of Trustees.”
Honourable John Haggie
Minister of Health and Community Services

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

BACKGROUNDER

Biography for Noreen Careen

Noreen Careen
Noreen Careen has resided in Labrador West for the past 48 years, and spent the last 18 years of her 43-year working career as Executive Director of the Labrador West Status of Women Council. An active volunteer and social advocate, she is credited with being a driving force in capacity building within the Labrador City-Wabush relating to child care, women’s issues, seniors’ issues, housing and homelessness.

Ms. Careen was instrumental in construction of the Hope Haven women’s shelter and the opening of Labrador West’s first daycare and after school facility, along with the First Steps Family Resource Centre. She has served on many local, provincial and national boards, and is currently president of Twin Cities Seniors 50+ Club, and regional director for Labrador with the Newfoundland and Labrador 50-plus Federation. Ms. Careen is a board member on the Provincial Advisory Council on Seniors and Aging, and an active member with the Newfoundland and Labrador Housing and Homelessness Coalition. She is also a member of the Newfoundland and Labrador Prevention of Elder Abuse Network, Board trustee with the Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation and a Board member of the Alzheimer’s Society of Newfoundland and Labrador. Ms. Careen is a recipient of the Seniors of Distinction Award, Royal Newfoundland Constabulary Community Services Award, and the Labradorian of Distinction Award.

In 2020, Ms. Careen was appointed to the Board of Trustees for Labrador-Grenfell Health.

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The Honourable Lisa Dempster, Minister Responsible for Labrador Affairs and Minister Responsible for Indigenous Affairs and Reconciliation, and the Honourable John Abbott, Minister Responsible for the Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation, today provided an update on the work of the Action Team and the coordination of supports for vulnerable populations in Happy Valley-Goose Bay who are experiencing homelessness.

The Action Team was convened in May 2021 to focus attention on vulnerable populations in Happy Valley-Goose Bay who are experiencing, or at risk of homelessness. Representation on the Action Team includes Indigenous Governments and Organizations, community partners, RCMP, the regional health authority, and Government departments and agencies.

A coordinated and collaborative approach has been adopted by Action Team members to address housing, health and other supportive services for individuals experiencing homelessness. The team discussions, which are held on a regular basis, are chaired by the Labrador Affairs Secretariat and supported by the Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation.

The Provincial Government is proud to work alongside our Indigenous and community partners in this effort and acknowledges the hard work and progress that is being achieved to meet the challenges.

The Action Team update is available at this link.

Quotes
 “The update from the Action Team provides a good overview of the collaborative work that has been undertaken by members of the Action Team to coordinate supports and services for vulnerable populations. The Action Team is dealing with a complex situation, but their efforts are showing progress. The advances that have been made by the Action Team demonstrate that the challenges facing individuals who are homeless or require housing are best addressed through a community-led approach.”
Honourable Lisa Dempster
Minister Responsible for Labrador Affairs
Minister Responsible for Indigenous Affairs and Reconciliation

“Strong partnerships between federal, provincial, municipal, and Indigenous governments, and community partners is key to finding meaningful solutions to address housing and homelessness needs.  We remain committed to working with all of our partners on the Action Team, to develop current and longer term responses to homelessness in the Happy Valley-Goose Bay region.”
Honourable John G. Abbott
Minister of Children, Seniors and Social Development
Minister Responsible for the Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation

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Learn more
Federal and Provincial Governments Help Address Housing and Homelessness Needs in Happy Valley-Goose Bay

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Media contacts
Allan Bock
Labrador Affairs Secretariat
709-899-6446
AllanBock@gov.nl.ca

Jenny Bowring
Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation
709-724-3055
jmbowring@nlhc.nl.ca

The post Community Partners Continuing Supports for Homelessness in Happy Valley-Goose Bay appeared first on News Releases.

The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador and the Government of Canada are helping the Town of Carbonear to revitalize its downtown core, enhancing opportunities for economic growth and improving the quality of life of citizens.

Today, the Honourable Steve Crocker, Minister of Tourism, Culture, Arts and Recreation, on behalf of the Honourable Andrew Parsons, Minister of Industry, Energy and Technology, announced a contribution of $326,820 towards Phase Two of the Town of Carbonear’s Downtown Revitalization Plan. Ken McDonald, Member of Parliament for Avalon, on behalf of the Honourable Ginette Petitpas Taylor, Minister of Official Languages and Minister responsible for ACOA, also announced a non-repayable contribution of $849,732 through ACOA’s Innovative Communities Fund.

The Town of Carbonear’s three-phased plan is creating an attractive and distinctive downtown and Heritage Waterfront District that displays community pride and promotes tourism and business growth. Phase One focused on improving the Carbonear Row Cultural Quarter; Phase Two of the project will focus on the redevelopment of Bannerman Street to PF Finn Street and includes enhanced sidewalks, signage, a community space, murals, fixed furniture, landscaping and lighting.

Today’s announcement demonstrates the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador’s commitment to regional economic development partnership initiatives that aim to drive growth and create new opportunities in the province..

Quotes
“Investing in economic development is a priority for our government. We are pleased to support this project to continue revitalization of Carbonear’s downtown, which is helping to drive the local economy and supporting small business development in the area.”
Honourable Andrew Parsons
Minister of Industry, Energy and Technology

“Historic as any community in our province, Carbonear is an active business area in this region. And as this town grows and develops, the entire Conception Bay North region will benefit from its success. The Downtown Revitalization Plan is about making the downtown core more pedestrian and business-friendly. We’ve seen tremendous growth in this area over the years and it’s important to capitalize on that. I look forward to the start of Phase II. A revitalized downtown core will enhance the visitor experience and increase visitation to the area, encourage new business ventures, and support the growth of the local economy.”
Honourable Steve Crocker
Minister of Tourism, Culture, Arts and Recreation

“Our downtown spaces in Atlantic Canada have so much culture, diversity and history; not only do they drive our economy but they are a great source of pride and the heart of our communities. We need to maintain these areas and ensure they are attractive places for businesses to set up shop, and for residents and visitors to explore and spend time.”
Honourable Ginette Petitpas Taylor
Minister of Official Languages and Minister responsible for ACOA

“As our communities forge ahead with recovery from the pandemic, it’s important we focus in on keys areas of tourism development—like the Town of Carbonear’s Downtown Revitalization Plan. With this government support to enhance the streets and signage in downtown Carbonear, we are providing businesses, residents and visitors an enjoyable space and experience that will help accelerate economic growth in the region.”
Ken McDonald
Member of Parliament for Avalon

“A vibrant downtown district attracts visitors, residents, and businesses. The Town of Carbonear, with support from all levels of government, are eager to continue to strengthen our economy, facilitate new business and investment, while also growing a greater sense of place through the continuation of the Downtown Revitalization Project. Phase Two will continue the work along Water Street completed in Phase One, to enhance our spaces, update infrastructure, renew landscapes, and create a safe, accessible and pedestrian friendly route.”
Frank Butt
Mayor, Town of Carbonear

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Learn more
Town of Carbonear

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

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

Marianne Blondin
Office of the Minister of Official Languages and of the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
Marianne.Blondin@acoa-apeca.gc.ca

Paul McGrath
Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
709-689-5731
paul.mcgrath@acoa-apeca.gc.ca

Cynthia Davis
Town of Carbonear
709-596-3831
carbonear@nf.aibn.com

 

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The Provincial Government has enhanced the Smoking Cessation Program for individuals in the province experiencing low income. The program, launched in 2014, aims to improve access to medications and nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) to support people in quitting smoking by contributing to the cost of these products for individuals eligible under the Newfoundland and Labrador Prescription Drug Program (NLPDP).

Since the inception of the Smoking Cessation Program, $1,068,000 has been allocated annually for the program, with approximately 9,450 Newfoundlanders and Labradorians having availed of it. Research has shown that quitting smoking results in direct and indirect cost savings to the health care system.

A 2017-2018 Canadian Community Health Survey reports smoking prevalence for Newfoundland and Labrador is 20.8 per cent and smoking prevalence among persons living with a total household income less than $20,000 annually is higher at 31.6 per cent. Individuals living with low income tend to smoke more heavily, experience more diseases caused by smoking and, while they are just as likely to make attempts at quitting as those living with higher incomes, they tend to have less success in quitting. The enhancement to the Smoking Cessation Program will assist individuals with low incomes in their efforts to quit smoking.

Effective April 1, 2022, the provincial Smoking Cessation Program includes the following enhancements:

• An individual can receive an additional 12 weeks of treatment under the special authorization process of the NLPDP of a prescription drug (Champix® or Zyban®) or a NRT (patch, gum, lozenge or inhaler), extending treatment from 12 weeks to 24 weeks within a 365 day period;
• To provide additional support for control of cravings, an individual can access two smoking cessation therapies in combination (i.e. at the same time), under the special authorization process of the NLPDP;
• Nicotine Quick Mist will be added as a benefit under the special authorization process of the NLPDP to be used in combination with Champix, Zyban or Nicotine patch in patients who require additional control of cravings and have had an unsatisfactory response with another short acting NRT (gum, lozenge or inhaler); and,
• Client co-payments will be reduced from $75.00 per 12 weeks of treatment to $18.00 per 12 weeks of treatment.

All beneficiaries aged 18 and over under the Foundation, 65Plus, and Access Plans of the NLPDP are eligible for coverage under the Smoking Cessation Program.

For more information, individuals can contact the Smoker’s Helpline at 1-800-363-5864 or click here.

Quotes
“Our government understands the importance of equitable access to tools and services to help residents quit smoking. This smoking cessation model has proven successful. With these program enhancements, we aim to provide greater support to those looking to quit smoking and improve their overall health and well-being, as we continue to focus on better health care for the people of Newfoundland and Labrador.”
Honourable John Haggie
Minister of Health and Community Services

“These enhancements to the Provincial Smoking Cessation Program will make it easier for more individuals who smoke to access the most effective treatments for tobacco addiction. The program now provides more options and flexibility to support and empower individuals in their personal quit-smoking journey.”
Mary Lynn Pender
NL Smokers’ Helpline Director

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Learn more
Information on Quitting Smoking

Newfoundland and Labrador Smokers’ Helpline

Follow us on Twitter @GovNL and @HCS_GovNL

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

Mary Lynn Pender
NL Smokers’ Helpline
709-722-7867
marylynn.pender@nf.lung.ca

 

The post Program Changes Aimed at Helping Low Income Individuals Quit Smoking appeared first on News Releases.

Work to replace a culvert on the Trans-Canada Highway near Little Rapids will begin in the coming weeks.

Until that time, the highway’s eastbound lanes at Little Rapids have been reduced to one lane and the speed limit has been reduced to 50 km/h. Engineers and crews in the Department of Transportation and Infrastructure are also continuing to monitor the culvert in the area.

Updates on construction timelines will be provided as they become available.

Motorists are asked to reduce their speed, pay attention to traffic control, and be prepared to slow down.

Details on highway construction projects are available on www.nl511.ca and the NL 511 smartphone app.

– 30 –

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

 

The post Public Advisory: Culvert to be Replaced on Trans-Canada Highway in Western Newfoundland appeared first on News Releases.

The Honourable Lisa Dempster, Minister Responsible for Labrador Affairs and Minister Responsible for Indigenous Affairs and Reconciliation, will make an arts and cultural funding announcement today (Friday, April 1).

The announcement will take place in the Gateway to Labrador Visitor Centre, Route 510, L’Anse au Clair, at 11:00 a.m.

Masks are required and physical distancing must be maintained.

– 30 –

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

The post Media Advisory: Minister Dempster to Make Arts and Cultural Funding Announcement appeared first on News Releases.

A lock-in for Budget 2022 will be held for media representatives on Thursday, April 7 in the Conference Centre, West Block, Confederation Building.

The agenda for the lock-in is as follows (all times are approximate):

8:30 a.m. Lock-in area opens 9:00 a.m. Lock-in begins 9:45 a.m. Briefing with Finance officials 10:45 a.m. News conference with Minister Siobhan Coady 1:45 p.m. Media representatives move to Confederation Building lobby 2:00 p.m. Embargo lifts when Minister Coady rises to deliver the budget speech

Media are invited to conduct interviews or live coverage of budget proceedings from the Confederation Building lobby. Set up can begin at 9:00 a.m. on Thursday, April 7.

To register, please email Jillian Hood at jillianhood@gov.nl.ca by Tuesday, April 5. Participation is limited.

– 30 –

Media contacts
Jillian Hood
Executive Council
709-729-4266
jillianhood@gov.nl.ca

Diana Quinton
Finance
709-729-2477
dianaquinton@gov.nl.ca

 

The post Media Advisory: Budget 2022 Media Lock-in appeared first on News Releases.

The following is being issued at the request of the Teacher Allocation Review Committee.

The Teacher Allocation Review Committee invites teachers and other educators, parents, students, education stakeholders, and the public to offer their thoughts and ideas on class size and composition. Input can be provided to the committee by completing an online questionnaire, submitting a written submission, or participating in virtual facilitated meetings, which you can attend from your home, office or classroom.

On December 21, 2021, the Minister of Education appointed a committee to review the current Teacher Allocation Model consisting of Dr. Marian Fushell, Dr. Ross Elliott, and Mr. David Brown. In the Terms of Reference, the committee was asked to review the current resources, consult with parents, students, teachers, and other stakeholders, consider innovative approaches to delivery of education services, recommend allocations of resources and class sizes for different schools, and recommend ways to meet unexpected or emerging needs.

The committee has been working through the initial phase, developing surveys, gathering information, and preparing for public consultations, and it is now ready to hear from all educational stakeholders.

The committee kindly asks you to participate in this review as the information gathered will help ensure students continue to receive the necessary services to meet their learning needs. All the information and instructions for participation can be found online here.

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Media contact
Dr. Marian Fushell
Chair, Teacher Allocation Review Committee
709-730-7925
mfushell@gov.nl.ca

 

2022 03 31                                                    3:00 p.m.

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