Government of Newfoundland News

Parking restrictions will be in place for all visitors and public service employees at Confederation Building Complex for Budget Day, tomorrow (April 9).

Parking in front of East Block will be limited to media and invited guests attending the Budget Speech.

In addition, the parking lot at the rear of East Block, near the House of Assembly 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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The Honourable Pam Parsons, Minister Responsible for Women and Gender Equality, today announced almost $550,000 in grants for six governments and organizations throughout the province to carry out violence prevention initiatives designed to address the root causes of gender-based violence.

These projects, led by community and Indigenous partners, support men and boys, immigrant and refugee women, Indigenous people, women living in northern, rural and remote communities, as well as women with disabilities.

The funding is provided from the $13.6 million, four-year bilateral agreement with the Federal Government under the National Action Plan to End Gender-based Violence, and the Office of Women and Gender Equality.

Quote
“Investment in these initiatives is a necessary step toward building safer, healthier communities. By providing funding, we empower programs that support men and women alike, providing critical resources, education and interventions to address the root causes of gender-based violence.”
Honourable Pam Parsons
Minister Responsible for Women and Gender Equality

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Office of Women and Gender Equality

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BACKGROUNDER
Canadian Mental Health Association – Newfoundland and Labrador
Funding will be used by the Harbour Strong Men’s Mental Health Network to enhance mental health education and advocacy for men and boys. This project integrates land-based men’s mental health education and community advocacy to reduce stigma, foster emotional resilience, and promote healthier coping mechanisms for men and boys throughout the province.
Grant Awarded: $182,000

John Howard Society
Funding will be used for the Safety and Repair, a gender-based violence prevention program that addresses the needs of individuals and groups who have been in abusive relationships. The program draws on the theories of social justice and narrative therapy, to produce conversations to assist in repairing harm.
Grant Awarded: $82,350

Public Legal Information Association of Newfoundland and Labrador (PLIAN)

This money will be used to help operationally support PLIAN’s office in Labrador, including efforts to respond to legal information inquiries from the public in Labrador, delivering education presentations throughout the region, and continued outreach with key stakeholders.

Grant Awarded: $40,000

YWCA – St. John’s

This funding will be used for the Financial Empowerment Program, which seeks to address poverty as it relates to gender inequities. Based on survivor-led studies with YWCA Canada and the Institute for Research on Public Policy, financial security is a key factor to seeking safety as a survivor of gender-based violence and can be a significant prevention factor to increase financial stability and empowerment.
Grant Awarded: $72,000

Nunatukavut Community Council
This funding will be used to implement Phase Two of gender-based violence actions implemented by the Council in 2024-25, including the continued employment of a Program Coordinator to assist with priorities and actions related to missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls.
Grant Awarded: $70,000

Nunatsiavut Government
Funding will be used to increase resource capacity in relation to gender-based violence initiatives, and the advancement of priorities related to missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls.
Grant Awarded: $101,000

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The Provincial Government today announced details of the first project approved under its $6-million Carbon Capture, Utilization and Storage (CCUS) Innovation Challenge aimed at studying and maximizing the carbon storage potential of the province’s offshore.

The Honourable Andrew Parsons, KC, Minister of Industry, Energy and Technology, announced that the Provincial Government will invest $3 million as part of Stream 2 funding for a joint proposal from Memorial University and the Hibernia and Hebron Projects.

This project focuses on building Memorial University’s capacity and capability in geological carbon storage within the province. The project will enhance laboratory facilities, increase competencies in laboratory methods and develop outreach capabilities through external engagement and collaboration with industry subject matter experts. This collaboration is expected to enable world-class research capabilities in this field.

The two-year project, titled Enabling CO2 Subsurface Storage Evaluation Capacity and Capabilities, will support foundational laboratory and research capabilities for Memorial University to assess CO2 subsurface storage valuation capacity and capabilities. Currently, there is no post-secondary institution in the province able to conduct such research. The project will assist with the development of highly qualified personnel in the emerging technologies and skills associated with carbon capture and storage.

Funding for the project will be provided by the Innovation and Business Investment Corporation ($1.55 million) and the Department of Environment and Climate Change ($1.45 million). The challenge requires applications to be submitted jointly by one lead industry and one lead academic partner.

In addition to Provincial Government funding, Memorial University will leverage an additional $6,786,614 in funding from the Hibernia and Hebron projects with project delivery support from Energy Research and Innovation Newfoundland and Labrador.

Benefits of this project include:

• Increased laboratory facilities to evaluate and characterize CO2 subsurface storage by purchasing equipment and establishing new lab facilities in the Bruneau Centre for Research and Innovation at Memorial University to enable CCUS-specific experimentation, as well as support the analysis of data to further characterize the potential storage capacity of the province’s offshore.
• Increased capacity and capabilities in laboratory methods through exchange of information, training, and laboratory best practices between academic and industry subject matter experts, which will significantly increase Memorial University’s capacity for CCUS research.
• Achieving world-class scCO2 SCAL (super critical CO2, specialized core analysis laboratory) standards by working with global industry subject matter experts.

Project Team members include Dr. Lesley James and Dr. Syed Imtiaz from the Department of Process Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and Applied Science, Memorial University.

Offshore CCUS can potentially play a key role in helping Newfoundland and Labrador achieve its greenhouse gas reduction targets. The province’s offshore storage capacity could also help other jurisdictions to meet their own emissions reduction targets.

Quotes
“This investment is helping our province pave the way for an entirely new industry that can have global impact while creating new opportunities for our highly skilled offshore workforce and businesses. The establishment of this new and world-class laboratory at Memorial University will help ensure the future researchers and leaders in CCUS are trained right here, and I thank the Hibernia and Hebron Projects for their significant contributions that will help to make this possible.”
Honourable Andrew Parsons, KC
Minister of Industry, Energy and Technology

“Congratulations to Memorial University and ExxonMobil for being the first project funded under the CCUS Innovation Challenge. CCUS is essential to mitigating climate change and achieving our net zero goals. This impactful initiative will help to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, promote clean innovation and growth, and support the transition to a green economy.”
Honourable Lisa Dempster
Minister of Environment and Climate Change

“I am grateful to the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador, the Hibernia and Hebron projects and Memorial University for the opportunity to work on a complex challenge for a globally cleaner future. Energy is neither created nor destroyed; as a teacher and researcher, my energy helps educate the next generation who, in turn, will help create a new energy industry right here and around the world.”
Dr. Lesley James
Memorial University

“Congratulations to all for being able to build exciting opportunities. When government, industry and academia work collaboratively to find innovative solutions to global issues, everyone wins. As a leader in energy-related research, Memorial University is excited to expand our capacity and achieve bold, new discoveries. Thank you to our government and industry partners for continuing to support our experts and their leading-edge research.”
Dr. Tana Allen
Vice-President (Research)
Memorial University

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As part of the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador’s commitment to enhancing cellular coverage in the province, the Honourable Andrew Parsons, KC, Minister of Industry, Energy and Technology, today announced approximately $2 million to support cellular upgrades in three communities.

Through a commitment of $2 million over five years, the Provincial Government is working with Bell to further grow rural cellular coverage in the province. Based on proximity to existing towers, existing coverage, need and impact, along with data available from federal agencies, Heart’s Delight-Islington, Holyrood and Trinity East were selected to receive enhanced coverage. It is anticipated the work will take place over the next two years.

This funding is part of the agreement for the Province-Wide Radio System that was announced in 2023. With an investment of over $181 million over 12 years, the system supports the way emergency responders and government – such as the RNC, RCMP, firefighters, paramedics and other public service providers – communicate with each other during emergencies.

While cellular telecommunications is a federal responsibility, the Provincial Government continues to advocate to the Federal Government and identify potential partners and solutions to improve cellular services on highways and roadways in rural or remote communities throughout Newfoundland and Labrador.

Quotes
“We are happy to be working with Bell to make these much-needed enhancements to cellular coverage. Our government will continue to work with communities and service providers to determine the best technical approach and associated costs to ensure the province receives the best available cellular coverage for underserved rural communities and major roadways.”
Honourable Andrew Parsons, KC
Minister of Industry, Energy and Technology

“This $2 million investment, building on more than $750 million invested over the last decade, is part of a collaborative effort with the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador to deliver much-needed connectivity services to rural communities. This partnership will have a significant positive impact on the lives and well-being of residents, businesses and visitors.”
Mark McDonald, Senior Vice-President, Networks
Bell

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Connectivity

New Province-Wide Radio System Improves Communications for Emergency Responders

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The Provincial Government is investing in new technology, processes and innovation to support the growth and sustainability of the Newfoundland and Labrador lobster fishery.

The Department of Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture is now requesting applications through a Newfoundland and Labrador Lobster Technology and Innovation Request for Proposals. Funding is available to both commercial and non-commercial applicants. The level of support will vary from project to project with non-repayable contributions available to a maximum of $100,000 and a rate of assistance of up to 80 per cent depending on level of technology and risk of project. Proposals must be submitted by May 16, 2025, to lynettepeddle@gov.nl.ca.

The Newfoundland and Labrador lobster fishery is in a period of immense growth and potential. From 2015 to 2024, lobster landings increased by 263 per cent from 5.7 million pounds to 20.7 million pounds. During that same period, the landed value increased by 345 per cent from $30.7 million to $136.6 million. To ensure that the industry can keep pace with this resource growth, investments in infrastructure and new technology are essential throughout the supply chain.

The Provincial Government will invest in industry-led projects that will advance the Newfoundland and Labrador lobster industry, particularly with respect to optimizing live handling and storage practices. Eligible activities may include, but are not limited to:

• Acquiring new technology, processes, or equipment to improve quality, efficiency, and sustainability in the growing lobster sector.
• Testing of new lobster harvesting and processing technology.
• Research and development of new innovations and processes to contribute to the sustainability of the lobster sector.
• Activities in support of traceability and eco-certification.
• Ensuring lobster quality handling and increasing training.

Quote
“The lobster fishery is the backbone of many Newfoundland and Labrador communities and the growth, prosperity and sustainability of the fishery is paramount. Now more than ever, we must leverage opportunities to add value to our fishery resources, continue to grow this industry, and diversify our markets.”
Honourable Gerry Byrne
Minister of Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture

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The Honourable Paul Pike, Minister of Children, Seniors and Social Development, is today announcing a call for applications for the 2025-26 Age-Friendly Newfoundland and Labrador Communities Program.

Age-friendly communities play a vital role in promoting overall well-being by supporting healthy, active and connected lives across the lifespan. Creating age-friendly and dementia-friendly communities allows people of all ages and abilities to age well in the right place and participate meaningfully in their communities.

The program provides funding support to eligible municipalities, Indigenous governing bodies and provincially incorporated not-for-profit organizations with an age-friendly mandate through two funding streams:

• Stream 1: Planning – To support communities in completing an age-friendly assessment and action plan.
• Stream 2: Projects – To address one or more action identifies in the communities age-friendly action plan.

Eligible applicants may apply for funding of up to $10,000. Collaborative initiatives involving two or more communities are encouraged, and applications demonstrating a regional approach may qualify for up to $15,000.

To obtain a copy of the program guidelines and application form, please visit the department’s website or call toll-free 1-888-494-2266. The deadline to apply is May 16, 2025.

In 2024-25, 10 recipients were awarded funding through the 2024-25 Age-Friendly Newfoundland and Labrador Communities Program, as detailed in the backgrounder below.

Quotes
“Our government is committed to doing its part to continue to prioritize the well-being of seniors in our province with investments that support people to live healthy and fulfilling lives. Creating age- and dementia-friendly communities allows individuals to thrive for as long as possible, regardless of age, ability, income or other status.”
Honourable Paul Pike
Minister of Children, Seniors and Social Development

“When communities are more accessible and inclusive, it enhances the quality of life for residents across the lifespan. I encourage eligible not-for-profit organizations and municipalities located throughout the province to take advantage of the Age-Friendly Communities Program to help build stronger, sustainable communities.”
Honourable John Haggie
Minister of Municipal and Provincial Affairs

“On behalf of the Southern Labrador Development Association, we extend our heartfelt thanks to the Department of Children, Seniors and Social Development, Government of Newfoundland and Labrador, for your generous financial contributions. Your support has played a pivotal role in making our Age-Friendly Community initiative, possible. By investing in our vision, you have empowered us to foster inclusivity, enhance community well-being, and support meaningful projects that benefit individuals of all ages. We are deeply grateful for your partnership and dedication to the betterment of our region. Thank you for helping us build a stronger, more connected community.”
Russ Hancock
Executive Director, Southern Labrador Development Association

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Age-Friendly Newfoundland and Labrador Communities Program

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BACKGROUNDER

2024-25 Recipients

  Town of Deer Lake Age-friendly Assessment and Action Plan $9,975

  Town of Carbonear Age-friendly Assessment and Action Plan $9,990

  St. George’s Indian Band Council Age-friendly Assessment and Action Plan $6,441 Hopedale Inuit Community Government Age-friendly Assessment and Action Plan $10,000 Town of Summerford Active for Life $8,000

  Southern Labrador Development Association Labrador Straits Age-Friendly Communities Project $13,000 Town of Hermitage-Sandyville Coast of Bays Accessible Resting Spaces Project $15,000 Town of Rocky Harbour Age-friendly Assessment and Action Plan $9,990

  Town of Cottlesville Community Garden & Age-Friendly Engagement Project $10,000 Placentia Chamber of Commerce Bridging Generations $5,000

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The Provincial Government has issued the first round of invitations for individuals that have submitted an expression of interest to immigrate to Newfoundland and Labrador.

Selected individuals have a full-time offer of employment from a Newfoundland and Labrador employer for a position that responds to a specific labour market demand in the province.

A total of 256 individuals received invitations, including 206 invited to apply through the Newfoundland and Labrador Provincial Nominee Program and 50 through the Atlantic Immigration Program. Invitees have been informed they are now eligible to apply for nomination or endorsement through those programs.

The following factors were considered when selecting these individuals:

• Occupation, and alignment with current labour market priorities of the province.
• Valid temporary resident status in Newfoundland and Labrador.
• Strong ties to Newfoundland and Labrador (including individuals that graduated from post-secondary institutions located in the province).
• Job offers in rural and remote communities.

This round of invitations marks a milestone in implementing a more streamlined economic immigration process that aligns with Newfoundland and Labrador’s evolving labour market needs and reduced immigration capacity due to federal limits on application spaces. Updates on future rounds of invitations will be available on this webpage.

Future rounds of invitations from the expression of interest pool will be conducted as needed to meet program objectives and support Provincial Government priorities. Candidates who were not selected in this draw are encouraged to continue monitoring their email for potential future invitations.

Any expression of interest applicant that has questions is encouraged to contact immigration@gov.nl.ca.

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A St. John’s-based research and development organization is undertaking a project to monitor greenhouse gases in the Arctic, with support from the Provincial Government. Today, the Honourable Andrew Parsons, KC, Minister of Industry, Energy and Technology announced $148,000 in support for C-CORE as it takes on a contract from the European Space Agency to monitor methane emissions from Arctic wetlands.

The province’s contribution leverages a $300,000 investment from the European Space Agency and $80,000 from C-CORE, for a total project investment of $528,000. This work will strengthen collaboration among researchers and stakeholders involved in methane emission monitoring in the Arctic. The objective is to create better models and a greater understanding of the processes to guide future climate policy. The technology developed in this project will be valuable for understanding which areas of wetlands are more prone to degradation and should be protected, and which ones would be less affected by infrastructure development.

The research program will also provide excellent learning opportunities for students at Memorial University, as well as build local capacity in emissions monitoring capabilities for future work in the province. Students will benefit from supervision by leading professionals in this field and by working on practical research, which will have an international impact. The challenges of climate change are long-term and understanding methane emissions and mitigation is an important part of better understanding the artic environment.

The Research and Innovation Fund Program provides non-repayable contributions to non-commercial entities for research and development and innovation projects, which further supports economic development in Newfoundland and Labrador. The goal is to support highly-qualified people, research, innovative programming and infrastructure in priority areas that have the potential to strengthen research and development and innovation ecosystem capacity.

Quotes
“This project will prepare C-CORE to address ongoing and future emissions monitoring needs that can be used in multiple industries. In addition to collecting valuable data, this work will provide valuable research and technological experience to students at Memorial University, who will benefit from supervision by leading professionals in this field and by working on practical research that will have an international impact.”
Honourable Andrew Parsons, KC
Minister of Industry, Energy and Technology

“I look forward to seeing the research findings that this funding will provide as it will help us better understand and accurately measure greenhouse gas emissions in the Arctic. It is vitally important for us all, but especially for those in northern areas of Canada, to be able to understand the impacts of the changing climate on our permafrost and how those changes impact greenhouse gas emissions.”
Honourable Lisa Dempster
Minister of Environment and Climate Change

“C-CORE has decades of experience observing and interpreting the impacts of climate change in the Arctic. New satellite platforms, coupled with artificial intelligence, allow us to greatly improve emissions monitoring. The support of the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador will allow C-CORE to create the expertise in the province that will allow us to build on our $3M portfolio of emissions-based research and development projects.”
Paul Griffin
President & CEO, C-CORE

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Research and Innovation

C-CORE

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

UNDERTAKINGS REGISTERED:

150 MW (Nominal) Avalon (Holyrood) Combustion Turbine Project
Proponent: Newfoundland and Labrador Hydro                              (Reg. 2350)

The proponent is proposing to install 150 megawatts (MW) of combustion turbine generation on their property located adjacent to the Holyrood Thermal Generating Station to provide a source of peaking support and backup generation. The project would involve the construction of a multi-unit combustion turbine power generating facility, including: a tank farm, powerhouse, terminal station, construction laydown areas and related infrastructure on an 11.8-hectare site. A description of the project can be found on the Department of Environment and Climate Change website at: www.gov.nl.ca/eccm/env-assessment/projects-list/.

The undertaking was registered on April 4, 2025. The deadline for public comment is May 9, 2025, and the minister’s decision is due by May 19, 2025.

Little Rapids Residential Lot                                                                  (Reg. 2349)
Proponent: Damian and Krista Baldwin

The proponent is proposing to construct a one-story dwelling on a residential lot located at 403C Marble Drive in the community of Little Rapids. The proposal would be located adjacent to the Humber River, a scheduled salmon river. Construction would include installation of a sewer system and well and landscaping. A description of the project can be found on the Department of Environment and Climate Change website at: www.gov.nl.ca/ecc/env-assessment/projects-list/.

The undertaking was registered on April 4, 2025. The deadline for public comment is May 9, 2025, and the minister’s decision is due by May 19, 2025.

APPROVED ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT STATEMENT GUIDELINES ISSUED:

Botwood and Area EVREC Green Energy Project                            (Reg. 2327)
Proponent: Exploits Valley Renewable Energy Corporation (EVREC)

The minister has approved the guidelines for the preparation of the environmental impact statement (EIS) for the Botwood and Area EVREC Green Energy Project. The EIS guidelines identify the information that the proponent will be required to address in the EIS. The EIS guidelines are available on the Department of Environment and Climate Change website at: https://www.gov.nl.ca/ecc/projects/project-2327/.

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

Environmental assessment information is available at:

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

www.gov.nl.ca/ecc/files/GUIDE-TO-THE-PROCESS_Jan-2024.pdf

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Project comments may be sent to: EAProjectComments@gov.nl.ca

Anyone submitting comments on a project under environmental assessment should notify the Department of Environment and Climate Change if they DO NOT wish to have their comments shared with the project proponent.

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The Honourable Gerry Byrne, Minister of Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture, is launching the Seafood Marketing Support Program, to support global market diversification. The program will help proponents identify, assess, target and develop new market opportunities in response to tariff threats from the United States and recent tariffs from China. It will support market diversification and reduce reliance on traditional markets while capitalizing on new opportunities in domestic and international markets.

Funding is available to licensed Newfoundland and Labrador fish processors, aquaculture companies, seafood marketing firms, industry associations, research and development institutions, fisheries organizations, and development associations. Funding will be provided through non-repayable contributions to a maximum of $100,000 and a rate of assistance of up to 90 per cent. Program details and applications are available here.

The Seafood Marketing Support Program will focus on:

• Market information and research
• Market development planning
• Adapting products and packaging for new markets
• Market development activities
• Marketing material and promotional tools

Examples of eligible activities include, but are not limited to:

• Re-development of packaging for new markets
• Participation in tradeshows/missions
• Market research
• Brand strategy development
• Advertising
• Export development planning

Quote
“Market diversification is central, in these times of uncertainty, to the long-term prosperity of Newfoundland and Labrador’s seafood industry. The fishing sector is united in meeting the challenge to develop new markets and the Seafood Marketing Support Program will help everyone across the industry explore new opportunities in Europe, Asia, and here in Canada.”
Honourable Gerry Byrne
Minister of Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture

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The enclosed is being released on behalf of the Independent Churchill River Negotiation Oversight Panel:

The Independent Churchill River Negotiation Oversight Panel has launched a new webpage where it will report its quarterly analysis of the ongoing negotiations between Newfoundland and Labrador Hydro and Hydro-Quebec.  The new webpage can be accessed by visiting www.icrop.ca.

The Independent Churchill River Negotiation Oversight Panel is providing critical oversight of the ongoing negotiations of the historic deal reached between Newfoundland and Labrador Hydro and Hydro-Quebec.

Members of the panel are:

• Dennis Browne, KC, Chair
• C. Douglas Bowman, BS, MS
• Michael Wilson, CA, FCA
• Guy Holburn, Expert Consultant

The panel was created in collaboration between the Provincial Government, members of the Third Party, and independent members of the House of Assembly.  It is designed to provide additional independent, expert oversight of the ongoing negotiations process in respect of new contracts and developments with Hydro-Quebec.

Detailed biographies can be found in the enclosed backgrounder.

Quote
“Our team is bringing a critical lens to the ongoing negotiations with Hydro-Quebec, and the new webpage is an important element in the transparency of our work.  Given the significance of this agreement to the future of Newfoundland and Labrador, it is paramount that we provide the necessary independent, expert oversight to this process.”
Dennis Browne
Chair of the Independent Churchill River Negotiation Oversight Panel

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BACKGROUNDER

Biographies – The Independent Churchill River Negotiation Oversight Panel

Dennis Browne, KC, Consumer Advocate, Chair
Dennis Browne is a lawyer with a practice in administrative law and a graduate of Dalhousie Law School. He serves as the province’s Consumer Advocate on electricity issues and is a labour arbitrator and mediator. He has been Chair of the province’s Labour Relations Board. In 2008 he was retained to report to a New Brunswick Legislative Committee on amendments to that province’s Industrial Relations Act. In 2018 he was Chair of a Ministerial Task Force of the New Brunswick Government reviewing WorkSafeNB. From 2010 to 2014 he was a member of the 2041 Group who advocated against the Muskrat Falls Project. In 2019 the Consumer Advocate represented ratepayers before the Commission of Inquiry respecting the Muskrat Falls Project.

C. Douglas Bowman, BS, MS
Doug Bowman holds BS and MS degrees in Electrical Engineering from the University of Buffalo and has over 40 years of experience in the power industry. He specializes in electricity services costing, pricing, contracts, power sector restructuring and markets, and has consulted on projects in over 50 countries and regions including Canada, United States, Mexico, Australia, Central America, the Arab countries, South Asia, Egypt, Mongolia, Serbia, and the Republic of Georgia. For the past 28 years, he has advised the Consumer Advocate in Newfoundland and Labrador on general rate applications, planning, capital budgets and related issues.

Michael Wilson, CA, FCA
Michael Wilson has over 40 years of experience in executive positions at Ernst and Young, including office managing partner in St. John’s and senior partner in Toronto. He has extensive expertise in preparing and reviewing commercial contracts across various sectors and has provided consulting services to governments, sovereign wealth funds, and unions. Additionally, he is a veteran entrepreneur and former president of the St. John’s Board of Trade and Rotary Club of St. John’s East.
Expert Consultant

Guy Holburn
Guy Holburn is a Professor of Business, Economics, and Public Policy at the Ivey Business School, University of Western Ontario. His expertise includes corporate governance, regulation, and business strategy, particularly in the energy and utilities sectors. He has published extensively in peer-reviewed journals and authored numerous reports on energy policies. Dr. Holburn founded and directed the Ivey Energy Policy and Management Centre, and serves as a director of London Hydro, a board member of the Alliance for Research on Corporate Sustainability, and a member of the Council for Clean and Reliable Energy. He has consulted for corporations and governments in Canada and the U.S., providing advice on governance, regulation, competition policy, merger strategy, economic impact, and more. Dr. Holburn holds a Ph.D. and M.A. from the University of California, Berkeley, and a B.A. Hons. from Cambridge University. He previously worked as a management consultant for Bain and Company and the California Public Utilities Commission.

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Gros Morne has become a world-renowned destination for travellers thanks its unique landscapes and cultural heritage. The Honourable Dr. Andrew Furey, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador, today announced total investments of more than $560,000 for four projects within the Gros Morne region which will help strengthen tourism and sustainable food practices.

The Gros Morne Cooperating Association will receive $500,000 to develop the Gros Morne Culinary and Cultural Hub to enhance visitor experiences, celebrate Newfoundland and Labrador’s rich history, support local businesses and extend the tourism season.

The Town of Norris Point will receive over $46,000 to restore and upgrade the historic Jenniex House to include structural, electrical and accessibility updates while assisting the town with the creation of a tourism development plan.

Bonne Bay Cottage Hospital Heritage Corporation will receive more than $13,000 to develop a feasibility study and business plan for a Good Food Now agrifood project to create a sustainable food system between the Bonne Bay Cottage Hospital Heritage Corporation, local farmers and stakeholders.

The Town of Woody Point will receive $8,000 to conduct a feasibility assessment on the current docking conditions located on the town’s waterfront.

These investments will help stimulate the local economy by enhancing tourism experiences, upgrading equipment and infrastructure, conducting feasibility studies and working to improve local food security.

The Department of Industry, Energy and Technology provides support to organizations by non-repayable contributions for projects aimed at supporting economic development, innovation and capacity building in all regions of the province.

The Regional Development Fund is comprised of the Regional Development Program and Community Capacity Building program. These two components provide a wide array of supports to non-profit organizations, including industry associations, municipalities, public educational institutions and other non-profit groups including co-operatives and economic development organizations.

Quotes
“The projects we are supporting today are grounded in three pillars of development: economic, social, and environmental sustainability. They will help to provide a unique blend of nature, culture, and authenticity to enhance experiences for both visitors and residents. Our government is pleased to provide this support and I look forward to seeing the results in the coming years.”
Honourable Dr. Andrew Furey
Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador and MHA for Humber-Gros Morne

“Rural Newfoundland and Labrador has an important role to play in our province’s economy. Our support for these projects will bolster the ongoing sustainable development of Gros Morne’s tourism industry by creating spaces for local vendors to sell their goods, increasing the availability of locally produced food, and providing areas where residents and visitors alike can gather to celebrate the region’s rich cultural heritage.”
Honourable Andrew Parsons, KC
Minister of Industry, Energy and Technology

“Gros Morne’s breathtaking landscapes and rich cultural heritage have long made it a world-renowned destination for travelers. With a commitment to enhancing visitor experiences and supporting sustainable practices, these investments will further elevate this iconic region. These initiatives will not only strengthen tourism but also contribute to the region’s local economy.”
Honourable Steve Crocker
Minister of Tourism, Culture, Arts and Recreation

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Regional Development Fund

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The Department of Education is advising the public that online registration is now available for the Canadian Adult Education Credential (CAEC). The new assessment was designed to replace the former General Education Development (GED) program.

The Provincial Government has supported the development of this new credential along with other provinces in Canada, and it is now available to adult individuals who want to avail of it for career advancement.

The Canadian Adult Education Credential was developed with input through a provincial-territorial working group, employers, and post-secondary institutions to provide a high-quality, made-in-Canada education credential that meets industry standards as a replacement for the former General Education Development (GED) program. The Canadian Adult Education Credential (CAEC) is for adults who do not have a high school diploma but need an education credential to open new doors to educational or employment opportunities.

Employers, post-secondary institutions and others will be able to count on the credential as a reliable indicator of Canadian adults’ level of educational achievement. The Canadian Adult Education Credential testing is delivered on an easy-to-use online platform. The tests will also support writers requiring access to learning accommodations.

Registration is now available online for the Canadian Adult Education Credential assessment in Newfoundland and Labrador. Additional questions about the credential testing process can be directed to CAEC@gov.nl.ca.

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The Honourable Paul Pike, Minister of Children, Seniors and Social Development, today launched a Guide to Provincial Government Programs and Services to help further promote a vibrant and engaged life for seniors across Newfoundland and Labrador.

The online resource and booklet is designed to provide information on programs, services, and topics that may be of particular interest to seniors and aging adults throughout the province. Separated into eight sections, seniors will now have easier access when looking for information related to health services, financial help, housing and shelter supports.

The Guide to Provincial Government Programs and Services for Seniors is available here.

The guide will also be available to seniors, aging adults and their families from a variety of organizations across the province, such as SeniorsNL. To request printed copies or alternate formats, please email guidetoservices@gov.nl.ca

In September 2024, Newfoundland and Labrador became Canada’s first well-being province. This guide complements initiatives that are already underway to support seniors’ in the province, such as:

• The Seniors Health and Well-Being Plan which includes an Aging Well at Home Grant, the Caregiver Benefit, increased funding for home repair and modification, $500 for food and heating for seniors in coastal Labrador communities and expansion of 211 telephone and navigation service.
• Increasing the Seniors Benefit by 15 per cent, which helps almost 50,000 seniors aged 65 or older.
• Maintaining free driver medicals for people 75+.
• Cutting the provincial fuel tax in half, saving you 8.05 cents per litre (including HST) on gas and diesel.
• A targeted Basic Income Program for people aged 60 to 64.
• An increase of 15 per cent in the Newfoundland and Labrador Income Supplement.
• Grant programs such as the Newfoundland and Labrador Community Transportation Program, Seniors Social Inclusion Initiative and Age-Friendly Newfoundland and Labrador Communities program.

Additional information for these programs can be found in the learn more section below.

The Provincial Government continues its efforts to supporting seniors and older adults to maintain their health, well-being, dignity, and independence.

Quotes
“I am pleased to present this guide as an important resource for seniors and older adults in our province. Our government is focused on supporting seniors to remain healthy, active and engaged in age-friendly and dementia-friendly communities.”
Honourable Paul Pike
Minister of Children, Seniors and Social Development

“SeniorsNL recognizes the importance of accessible programs and services in supporting seniors across Newfoundland and Labrador. We appreciate the Government’s ongoing commitment to enhancing the well-being and independence of seniors. The Guide to Programs and Services is a vital resource that will help seniors, their families, caregivers, and health professionals navigate available supports with ease. SeniorsNL is proud to collaborate with the Government to promote and integrate this guide through our Information & Referral Service, Community Outreach and Engagement Program, and Social Prescribing, ensuring seniors have the information and support they need to age well in the right place.”
Kimberly Leonard
Chief Executive Officer, SeniorsNL

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Guide to Provincial Government Programs and Services for Seniors

Seniors Health and Well-Being Plan

NL Income Supplement and the NL Seniors’ Benefit

Grant Programs

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On Thursday, March 27 a fire broke out in a six-unit row of homes on Livingstone Street in St. John’s owned by Newfoundland and Labrador Housing. Due to the severity of the damage from this fire, Newfoundland and Labrador Housing will be moving forward with demolition of this row of homes in the interest of public safety.

Only one of the six-units had a tenant at the time of the fire. This tenant has been living in temporary accommodations, and is scheduled to move into another Newfoundland and Labrador Housing unit next week. While repair work was underway, the units were barricaded, as there had been frequent break-ins and vandalism that caused extensive delays.

Newfoundland and Labrador Housing met with contractors this week, and is expected to begin demolition next week. Security has been on-site since March 28, and will remain until this demolition work is completed.

The Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation is also providing an update on repair and renovations work. Each year, staff with Newfoundland and Labrador Housing complete an average of 14,000 work orders for routine maintenance, ensuring that more than 5,500 homes are maintained for over 12,000 current tenants province-wide.

Between April 1, 2023 and April 1, 2025, more than 750 provincially owned homes were vacated. When any provincially owned home is vacated it requires some level of repair before it can be redistributed to new tenants. This can range from minor work, such as painting, to major and lengthy structural repairs. During this same timeframe, more than 800 homes were refurbished and made available to families.

There will always be vacancies during this refurbishment process. The current vacancy rate is four percent.

In Budget 2024, the Provincial Government increased the repairs, maintenance and renovations budget for provincially owned homes by $8 million.

Additionally, work is underway on the construction of 32 new provincially-owned homes on Janeway Place in St. John’s, with estimated completion this year. Work is also expected to begin this year on a new 40-unit apartment building in the same area.

Quote
“I would like to express my profound thanks to staff with Newfoundland and Labrador Housing, who go above and beyond to maintain our provincial housing portfolio. The thousands of work orders they complete each year are critical to keeping our homes available to families throughout the province, and we continue to fund major vacancy repairs to ensure that homes that become available can be given to new families as quickly as possible.”
Honourable Sarah Stoodley
Acting Minister of Housing

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The Newfoundland and Labrador Chapter of the Commonwealth Women Parliamentarians (CWP) is pleased to recognize a significant anniversary in our province today – 100 years since women gained the right to vote and hold public office. In celebrating this step toward equality, it is also important to recognize it was many more years before those in Labrador as well as Indigenous and racialized women were able to cast their ballots.

Achieving this right for women in Newfoundland and Labrador was an arduous process, having been considered by the House of Assembly twice in the late 1800s and defeated both times. When the issue of the social and economic importance of women’s work and their entitlement to the franchise returned to the Assembly for consideration in the mid-1920’s, the House was persuaded and amendments allowing women the right to vote passed on April 3, 1925.

Members of the CWP NL chapter marked today’s occasion, joining Her Honour the Lieutenant Governor, current and former MHAs, public officials and community leaders who identify as women for an event at Confederation Building, co-hosted by the Speaker of the House of Assembly and the Minister of Women and Gender Equality. Today’s event was the kickoff to other commemorations planned to mark the anniversary over the coming months.

The CWP NL chapter is also pleased to see the unveiling of a new display in the House of Assembly public gallery foyer, honouring a century of remarkable individuals who identify as women and their stories of breaking down barriers to make significant and outstanding contributions in our communities and society. The public is encouraged to visit the House of Assembly to view the display, which will remain in place throughout 2025. Information on visiting the House of Assembly is available here.

The CWP is a network of over 3,000 women Parliamentarians in over 180 Commonwealth national and sub-national Parliaments, with a mission to promote the representation of women in Commonwealth Parliamentary Association branches and women’s full and equal participation in political and parliamentary leadership at all levels. The NL Chapter comprises all MHAs who identify as women elected to the House of Assembly, including:

• Sherry Gambin-Walsh, Member for Placentia – St. Mary’s, Chair of CWP NL Chapter
• Lisa Dempster, Member for Cartwright – L’Anse au Clair
• Pam Parsons, Member for Harbour Grace – Port de Grave
• Helen Conway Ottenheimer, Member for Harbour Main
• Lucy Stoyles, Member for Mount Pearl North
• Sarah Stoodley, Member for Mount Scio
• Siobhan Coady, Member for St. John’s West
• Krista Lynn Howell, Member for St. Barbe – L’Anse aux Meadows
• Lela Evans, Member for Torngat Mountains

Quote
“As Chair of the CWP NL Chapter, I am pleased to join with my CWP colleagues to mark this significant occasion in our history. Today, we stand on the shoulders of women who boldly put themselves forward and were elected to serve before us, starting with Lady Helena Squires who was the first woman elected to serve in our Legislature in 1930. With only 39 other women elected in our Legislature since that time, this anniversary reminds us that we must continue to remain committed to the CWP’s mission of promoting the representation of women.”
Sherry Gambin-Walsh, MHA
Deputy SpeakerChair, CWP NL Chapter

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House of Assembly

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Bobbi Russell
House of Assembly
709-729-1178
bobbirussell@gov.nl.ca

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The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador is committed to providing access to capital for entrepreneurs with high-growth potential to build on the significant momentum of the province’s growing tech industry. To support this goal, the Honourable Andrew Parsons, KC, Minister of Industry, Energy and Technology, today announced a commitment of $4 million over a five-year period to Sandpiper Ventures Fund II.

Sandpiper is a first-of-its-kind venture capital firm which invests exclusively in Canadian women-led technology companies. Headquartered in Halifax, it supports women tech entrepreneurs with investment, business acumen and hands-on support that is proven to increase their chances of success in the marketplace. Its goal is to create funds that deliver superior returns by investing in founders and start-ups that are intent on changing the world around them.

Sandpiper Ventures Fund I launched in 2020 and closed in 2023, securing more than $20 million for investment in women-led startups. Following the Provincial Government’s investment of $750,000 in the initial fund, Sandpiper Ventures has directly invested $2.17M in two Newfoundland and Labrador women-led companies to date: Swiftsure Innovations and SiftMed Inc.

Swiftsure Innovations was founded by critical care nurse Deanne McCarthy who conceived of a better way to manage intubated patients’ oral health. Her SwishKit system aims to reduce the risk of Ventilator Acquired Pneumonia. SiftMed CEO and co-founder Holly Hill created a system to organize medical files for Independent Medical Examiners. The SiftMed platform uses machine learning and artificial intelligence to sort medical-related documents.

Sandpiper Fund II aims to raise a larger fund with balanced investment from both private and government investors. Sandpiper’s investments will focus on companies with potential to scale globally. It will evaluate companies to ensure that they are building transformative solutions that will have a positive impact beyond pure financial metrics. While Fund II will invest in companies across Canada, the Provincial Government’s $4 million commitment requires Sandpiper to invest at least this amount in companies in Newfoundland and Labrador.

This contribution to Sandpiper Fund II demonstrates the Provincial Government’s commitment to supporting promising women-led companies in Newfoundland and Labrador’s rapidly growing tech sector, and to driving broad and inclusive economic growth and development that can benefit the province as a whole. Female-founded companies perform 63 per cent better than those founded by males, and women-led teams generate a 35 per cent higher return on Investment than all-male teams.

Quotes
“Sandpiper Ventures’ unique approach is delivering promising results while directly supporting women-led tech companies. Investments such as this are essential to fostering a more diverse economy and are a key factor in our decision to invest in Sandpiper Ventures Fund II. This investment will make capital available to promising Newfoundland and Labrador startups, while advancing our goal of making our province the top destination in North America to start a tech company.”
Honourable Andrew Parsons
Minister of Industry, Energy and Technology

”When women thrive, economies grow. Investing in women-led businesses isn’t just about equality – it’s about unlocking innovation, driving economic success, and creating stronger communities for everyone.”
Honourable Pam Parsons
Minister Responsible for the Office of Women and Gender Equality

“We’re proud to have the support of the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador, who share our vision for building capacity and accelerating women-led innovation. Their investment in Sandpiper Ventures Fund II strengthens our robust pipeline of high-potential companies in the province – fueling economic growth, advancing equity, and driving innovation exactly when it matters most.”
Rhiannon Davies
Founder and Managing Partner, Sandpiper Ventures

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The Honourable Krista Lynn Howell, Minister of Education, today announced that the Department of Education will purchase copies of Them Days to be made available in high schools in Newfoundland and Labrador.

Them Days began in 1973 as part of a project by the Labrador Heritage Society. Following its incorporation as a registered charity, its mission statement is dedicated to keeping the history of Labrador alive by documenting and preserving the old ways and early days of Labrador. Them Days magazine publishes a quarterly oral history focused on Labrador and maintain an archive of Labrador-related material with an office located in Happy Valley-Goose Bay.

The Department of Education will purchase 212 digital copies of the quarterly magazine to be made available in all high schools.

The Provincial Government is always looking at educational opportunities which teach and preserve culture and heritage. This is aligned with Cultural Connections, a provincial fine arts and cultural strategy for K-12 education in Newfoundland and Labrador. This initiative aims to increase the presence of cultural content in the school curriculum and foster links between the arts and school communities.

In addition, the Provincial Government announced in June 2024 that a Newfoundland and Labrador Studies course, now offered as an elective in the high school curriculum in public schools, will become a graduation requirement for students who begin high school in September 2027.

Quotes
“Learning about all aspects of our province’s rich culture is important for students as part of their educational experience. Them Days is a vital publication that preserves the vibrant history of Labrador, and we are happy to place digital copies in high schools to ensure students have access to the vast catalogue of information and resources that the quarterly magazine provides.”
Honourable Krista Lynn Howell
Minister of Education

“Bringing Them Days into the classroom is an important way to showcase Labrador’s distinct culture to a new generation of students throughout Newfoundland and Labrador. This initiative will offer our high school students a new tool to learn first-hand about Labrador’s extensive history and show how Them Days has been the keeper of Labrador cultural stories, traditions and history for the last 50 years.”
Honourable Lisa Dempster
Minister of Labrador Affairs and Minister of Environment and Climate Change

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Them Days

Cultural Connections

Newfoundland and Labrador Studies Course to Become Graduation Requirement for High School Students

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The Government has advised the Speaker to reconvene the House of Assembly on Wednesday, April 9 at 2 p.m. (1:30 p.m. in most of Labrador) for the resumption of the spring sitting in accordance with the 2025 parliamentary calendar.

Proceedings throughout the spring sitting will broadcast live via the House of Assembly television channel and streamed via the House of Assembly website and social media channels (Facebook and YouTube).

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Media contact
Mark Jerrett
House of Assembly
709-729-6943
markjerrett@gov.nl.ca

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On April 3, 1925, women in the Dominion of Newfoundland achieved the right to vote and hold public office. This happened because women like Armine Gosling, Fannie McNeil, Lady Jeannette Thorburn, Emma Peters, Myra Campbell and Agnes Ayre, led the suffrage movement, facing resistance, ridicule and countless barriers. They rallied and demanded change – not just for themselves, but for future generations.

Today at Confederation Building, the Honourable Pam Parsons, Minister Responsible for the Office of Women and Gender Equality, and the Honourable Derek Bennett, Speaker of the House of Assembly, were joined by Her Honour The Honourable Joan Marie Aylward, Lieutenant Governor of Newfoundland and Labrador, to mark the 100th anniversary of this milestone in our province’s history.

The celebration recognized remarkable women from our province, including those who have served in the Office of the Lieutenant Governor, the 40 women who have served in the House of Assembly in the past 100 years, those from this province who have served in the House of Commons and the Senate, as well as the Chief Justice of Newfoundland and Labrador. The event also recognized public servants in the Legislative, Executive and Judicial branches of government.

Women and gender-diverse individuals have always been at the heart of progress in Newfoundland and Labrador, driving change in our communities, workplaces and homes. They lead businesses, care for families, break barriers in science and technology, advocate for human rights and shape our future in politics and governance.

Quotes
“The right to vote and hold public office is not just a privilege – it is a responsibility. It is a call to action. It is a reminder that democracy flourishes when all voices are included, and when every individual has a seat at the table. Regardless of background, race or circumstance, every woman, girl and gender-diverse person can lead, vote and be heard.”
Honourable Pam Parsons
Minister Responsible for Women and Gender Equality

“The House of Assembly was pleased to partner with the Office of Women and Gender Equality to host today’s event, commemorating such a significant and important anniversary in our history. Today, we came together to celebrate a century of remarkable individuals who identify as women and their stories of breaking down barriers to make significant and outstanding contributions in our communities and society.”
Honourable Derek Bennett
Speaker of the House of Assembly

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