Government of Newfoundland News

The following statement was read in the House of Assembly today by the Honourable Dr. Andrew Furey, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador:

Speaker, I rise in this House to pay tribute to the life of Albert Williams, a family friend and a dedicated and hardworking Newfoundlander and Labradorian.

Most in here know him as the chair of the board of Newfoundland and Labrador Hydro and, in that role, he admirably served the people of the province. However, his contributions to the province go far deeper.

Born in Grand Bank, Albert graduated from the engineering program at Memorial University before starting his own firm. Through NewPlan Engineering, he helped build the roads and bridges that connect the communities of Newfoundland and Labrador.

Later, he moved on to serve as CEO of SNC Lavalin, Atlantic Division.

Retirement was not a word in Albert’s dictionary, though, so after leaving Lavalin, he quickly took on many other projects and, in 2022, the role of board chair at Hydro.

Like many people from the Burin Peninsula, Albert loved to be on the land, either on foot, in a boat or a snowmobile. In fact, he took part in one of the most gruelling outdoor events in the world, the Cain’s Quest snowmobile race in Labrador. Pretty impressive!

More than anything, Albert was a family man who was happiest when spending time with Thelma. He was especially proud of his children Stephen and Jonathon, and his treasured grandchildren, Jesse, Sam, Alison, Alexa and James. You would regularly find Albert at a hockey rink or sporting event cheering on his grandkids.

Speaker, I ask all members to take a moment to remember the life of Albert Williams.

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

UNDERTAKINGS REGISTERED:

Argentia Access Road Agricultural Development                    (Reg. 2338)
Proponent: Lester Farms Inc.

The Proponent is proposing to develop approximately 30.5 hectares of land for agricultural use along the Argentia Access Road, Route 100, approximately 9.5 kilometres south of the Trans-Canada Highway. The land would be used for forage production and horticultural crops. Development would include mulching of trees and overgrowth and crushing excess rocks, which would be incorporated into the soil. The existing access road would require regrading of surface gravel and trimming of vegetation. A description of the Project can be found on the department’s webpage at: www.gov.nl.ca/ecc/env-assessment/projects-list/.

The undertaking was registered on November 29, 2024; the deadline for public comment is January 3, 2025; and the Minister’s decision is due by January 13, 2025.

Brian’s Feeder River Crossing                                                       (Reg. 2337)
Proponent: Infini Newfoundland and Labrador Inc.

The Proponent is proposing to ford a scheduled salmon river (Brian’s Feeder) in order to conduct a drilling program on a mineral exploration property located 15 kilometres southeast of the town of Daniel’s Harbour. Fording would include the use of tracked vehicles to transport equipment at the beginning of the Project and for removal when the Project is completed in early 2025. Access to Brian’s Feeder would include clearing a 290-metre trail to the river from existing access roads and further trail development for five kilometres to access the exploration property. A description of the Project can be found on the Department’s web page at: www.gov.nl.ca/ecc/env-assessment/projects-list/.

The undertaking was registered on November 28, 2024; the deadline for public comment is January 3, 2025; and the Minister’s decision is due by January 12, 2025.

Veterans Memorial Bridge Quarry                                                 (Reg. 2336)
Proponent: Nunatsiavut Construction Inc.

The Proponent is proposing to operate a five-hectare quarry located two kilometres west of the Veterans Memorial Bridge, in the town of Happy Valley-Goose Bay. The quarry will produce primarily winter sand and other aggregate materials. A description of the Project can be found on the Department’s web page at: www.gov.nl.ca/ecc/env-assessment/projects-list/.

The undertaking was registered on November 29, 2024; the deadline for public comment is January 3, 2025; and the Minister’s decision is due by January 13, 2025.

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 is asked to please advise the Department if they DO NOT wish to have their comments shared with the Project Proponent.

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Student intake for the expanded 2025 Trail of the Caribou Commemorations program will begin this week through the Historic Sites Association. Intake through other partners will commence in the coming weeks.

Following the repatriation of Newfoundland and Labrador’s unknown soldier in May, the Honourable Dr. Andrew Furey, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador, announced the program would increase from 30 to 100 Newfoundland and Labrador students annually.

The Trail of the Caribou Commemorations Program supports junior and senior high students’ travel to Northern France and Belgium to attend remembrance ceremonies at the five caribou monuments, as well as the July 1 ceremony at the Beaumont-Hamel Memorial.

This program prioritizes the inclusion of students from all geographic regions of the province. To support this priority, the 5th Canadian Rangers Patrol Group has been added as a new partner in 2025, providing a conduit to more than 200 communities across the province. Last year, the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts and Recreation partnered with the Office of Indigenous Affairs and Reconciliation to include Indigenous youth on the delegation and this component will continue in 2025.

The Trail of the Caribou Commemorations Program is a partnership between the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador, the Royal Canadian Legion – Newfoundland and Labrador Command, the Historic Sites Association of Newfoundland and Labrador, and the 5th Canadian Ranger Patrol Group.

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“The expansion of the Trail of the Caribou Commemorations Program is a wonderful way to ensure that our youth continue to recognize and respect the sacrifices made for our peace and freedom. Many of the young men and women who traveled overseas for the First World War were not much older than those who participate in this program – certainly something that will evoke much thought and emotion. We are delighted to have both existing and new partners who will assist us with the delivery of the enhanced program. We will remember them.”
Honourable Steve Crocker
Minister of Tourism, Culture, Arts and Recreation

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The Honourable Bernard Davis, Minister of Justice and Public Safety, today announced 13 communities in the province will receive funding for fire protection vehicles through a $2.8 million investment under the Fire Protection Vehicle program.

Minister Davis was joined by the Honourable Pam Parsons, Minister of Women and Gender Equality, and MHA for Harbour Grace – Port de Grave, for the announcement at the Bay Roberts Fire Station. Bay Roberts Fire Rescue is receiving upwards of $450,000 towards the purchase of a new pumper truck.

The Fire Protection Vehicle program provides municipalities with funding flexibility to purchase vehicles and equipment through cost-shared funding criteria. The cost-shared ratios for new vehicles are based on community population:

• (80/20) – fewer than 3,000 people
• (70/30) – 3,000-7,000
• (60/40) – greater than 7,000

A fixed contribution of $100,000 is also available towards the purchase of new pumper and tanker vehicles.

Funding for used vehicles is based on a cost-share of 90/10, with the community paying 10 per cent up to a maximum $100,000 provincial contribution.

Last week, Minister Davis announced an investment of more than $730,000 to purchase fire protection equipment for 39 volunteer fire departments, including bunker gear, cylinders, portable pumps, boots, vehicle extraction tools and more.

Additionally, this builds on funding that was announced in September 2024, to replace over 400 Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) units through a $4.2 million investment.

Budget 2024 also included an increase of $400,000 to support municipal fire departments responding to incidents outside their municipal boundary.

The Provincial Government provides Newfoundland and Labrador Association of Fire Services with approximately $121,000 in annual funding for operating expenses and educational campaigns such as Learn Not to Burn.

Quotes
“We recognize the importance of our brave and dedicated volunteer fire departments. It’s why we doubled the budget for fire protection vehicles and equipment in recent years, to help ensure that these active volunteers have reliable equipment to perform their duties. This important investment helps keep them safe, while they protect our communities.”
Honourable Bernard Davis
Minister of Justice and Public Safety

“Support for our volunteer firefighters is well deserved and very necessary. I work closely with the firefighters in my district as it is essential that we support them by helping secure the resources they need in order for them to do their work safely and efficiently. We all sleep easier at night knowing they are willing and ready to respond to an emergency call. A heartfelt thank you all firefighters for all they do for our communities.”
Honourable Pam Parsons
Minister of Women and Gender Equality and MHA for Harbour Grace – Port de Grave

“This funding announcement benefits 13 fire departments across Newfoundland and Labrador, providing residents with the proper infrastructure needed to keep our community’s safe. Support for this vital piece of equipment means so much to our department and will play a significant role in the communities Bay Roberts Fire Rescue serves.”
Michael Murphy
Fire Chief, Bay Roberts Fire Rescue

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The Office of the Information and Privacy Commissioner has released Report A-2024-053 under authority of the Access to Information and Protection of Privacy Act, 2015. A summary of the Report is included below.

To view the Report in its entirety, please go to www.oipc.nl.ca/reports/reports/.

Report: A-2024-053 Report Date:  November 28, 2024 Public Body: Memorial University Summary: The Complainant made an access to information request to Memorial University for the employment contract of a newly-created position for its Harlow campus located in the United Kingdom. Memorial University withheld the records pursuant to section 40(1) (disclosure harmful to personal privacy) of the Access to Information and Protection of Privacy Act, 2015, claiming the employment contract is not for a public body employee as it is between a third party individual and a third party entity (Harlow Campus) that is governed by a separate legal entity under United Kingdom law. For the same reasons, Memorial University refused to provide a copy of the record to this Office for review. Memorial University also claimed that Memorial University only has bare possession of the record and they do not have custody or control of the record. An analysis of Memorial University’s custody or control showed that on a balance of probabilities Memorial University has custody or control of the record sought by the Complainant’s access request.

 

 

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

 

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The Department of Transportation and Infrastructure advises that the Lewin Parkway Bridge in the City of Corner Brook will re-open in both directions to the travelling public on Monday, December 2, 2024, at 9:00 a.m. Repairs have been completed and all four lanes will re-open to traffic at that time.

Over the next several days, temporary lane diversions may be put in place during clean-up of the construction site. As such, motorists are advised to exercise caution in the area, be vigilant and slow their speeds.

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

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The Office of the Information and Privacy Commissioner has released Report A-2024-052 under authority of the Access to Information and Protection of Privacy Act, 2015. A summary of the Report is included below.

To view the Report in its entirety, please go to www.oipc.nl.ca/reports/reports/.

Report: A-2024-052 Report Date:  November 27, 2024 Public Body: City of St. John’s Summary: The City of St. John’s received an access request for information about specific properties the City is purchasing per its 2024 budget. The City informed the Complainant that records responsive to their request were found among the minutes of two Special Meetings of Council and therefore were being withheld, citing sections 28 (local public body confidences), and 35 (disclosure harmful to the financial or economic interests of a public body) of the Access to Information and Protection of Privacy Act, 2015. The Complainant sought a review of the application of the redactions, asserting the information should not have been withheld in its entirety. This Office determined that the City had applied the redactions too broadly, recommending release of additional information.

 

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

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The Honourable Andrew Parsons, KC, Minister of Industry, Energy and Technology, today announced support totalling $488,000 from the Business Growth Program to assist Virtual Marine with its Machine Learning Project. This investment from the Business Growth Program leverages other contributions from investors and the company, for a total project investment of $977,000.

Funding will be used for capital costs including computers, simulators and software licencing, as well as salaries.

Virtual Marine provides simulator-based training for small vessel and ice management operations. Since its inception in 2004, it has been providing expertise in marine testing, research and simulation-based training to provide realistic, effective, and safe training tools for small craft and large vessel operators.

The Machine Learning Project aims to add predictive algorithms that will integrate operations data such as sensors and weather forecasts and training data to present a real-time risk profile.

This project is also used to adjust course curriculum and feedback for both novice and expert users. This will help provide training that is adaptable to individual needs and a learning experience that instills confidence and keeps trainees engaged.

Virtual Marine has already implemented adaptive training algorithms in some of its training systems and aims to make adaptive training a core feature for all its simulators.

Quotes
“Virtual Marine is well respected in the marine training and simulation sector, both nationally and internationally. This project will create new opportunities to extend the company’s training and technology reach to worldwide clients while continuing to operate here in Atlantic Canada. I wish the company continued success as it moves forward with this latest innovation.”
Honourable Andrew Parsons, KC
Minister of Industry, Energy and Technology

“We’re pleased to work with our Provincial Government on another project that will allow VM to expand our technical capability, with the core work performed in our province. This project draws on our company and province’s maritime experience and expertise, it will benefit a global oceans market that’s continually increasing its use of AI, machine learning and digital twins. We’re also pleased to be supporting our marine workforce by providing a safer and proven way to train.”
Dr. Randy Billard
President and CEO, Virtual Marine

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Business Growth Program

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Conservation officers with the Department of Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture are monitoring a black bear reported in the Town of Wabush.

Residents can expect to see staff in the area today, as well as bear traps that may be set to capture and relocate the bear, if necessary. If you see a bear trap, stay away from it.

Residents are reminded to help prevent encounters with the bear. In residential areas, do not place garbage in outside containers. Ensure barbecues are clean and remove any fallen fruit that may be collecting around properties. Where the bear has been sighted, pet owners should keep their animals inside or under close supervision.

Wild animals can be dangerous and unpredictable if approached. While every situation is different, when encountering a bear, take note of its 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.
• Never get between a bear and her cubs.

If the bear has seen or smelled you:

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

Report black bear sightings in the Wabush area to 709-282-6881. After Hours’ Emergency: 709-280-3747.

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The Honourable Bernard Davis, Minister of Justice and Public Safety, will make a funding announcement at the Bay Roberts Fire Station tomorrow (Friday, November 29).

The announcement will take place at the Fire Station, 289-291 Water Street, Bay Roberts, at 11:00 a.m.

Minister Davis will be joined by the Honourable Pam Parsons, Minister of Women and Gender Equality, and MHA for Port de Grave, and Michael Murphy, Fire Chief for the Bay Roberts Fire Rescue.

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The Honourable Krista Lynn Howell, Minister of Education, is extending congratulations to Jo Anne Broders, a teacher at Smallwood Academy in Gambo, on receiving the Governor General’s History Award for Excellence in Teaching.

Throughout her career, Ms. Broders has championed the understanding of Newfoundland and Labrador’s rich history and culture. Recently, Ms. Broders’ Grade 8 students consulted archives and worked with Saqamaw Mi’sel Joe, then-Chief of Miawpukek First Nation, and Fred Jeans of the local area’s heritage committee to explore the identities of the 13 people believed to be buried in a Mi’kmaq cemetery in their town.

Students used their learnings from the project to help design a plaque to honour the individuals and then collaborated with the town to erect signage at the cemetery. As a testament to Ms. Broders’ approach to fostering lifelong learning, the students committed to continue visiting the site in the future and share its history with others.

The Governor General’s History Awards recognize excellence in five categories: Teaching, Museums, Scholarly Research, Community Programming, and Popular Media. Each award category has its own jury, selection process, and prize structure. Each award is accompanied by a $2,500 prize as well as $1,000 for the teacher’s school.

Ms. Broders is a past recipient of the 2023 Premier’s Award for Teaching recognizing her work on this initiative with her students.

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“Congratulations to Ms. Broders on this well-deserved recognition for her work. Ms. Broders dedication is helping to respect the culture of our province as students learn about important facets of our history in Newfoundland and Labrador. Her work is a wonderful snapshot of the commitment that our educators demonstrate each and every day.”
Honourable Krista Lynn Howell
Minister of Education

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Governor General’s History Award for Excellence in History

Premier and Minister’s Awards in Teaching 2023

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Individuals who receive Income Support payments by cheque will continue to receive their cheques during the Canada Post strike. While most Income Support clients receive their cheques through direct deposit, approximately three per cent of the 21,000 clients receive their cheques by mail. The Provincial Government continues to encourage clients who can switch to direct deposit to do so.

Preparations are currently underway to distribute the December 1 Income Support recurring pay cheques. These cheques will be available for pick up Friday, November 29, 2024. If you are unable to pick up your cheque on this date, or if you receive your Income Support by cheque but are not on recurring pay, please call 1-877-729-7888 to find out when your cheque will be available for pick up.

If you receive your Income Support payment by cheque, your cheque will be available for pick up at the nearest Income Support office or cheque distribution site. If you do not know your nearest Income Support office or cheque distribution site, please contact 1-877-729-7888 or visit our website.

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The Honourable John G. Abbott, Minister of Mental Health and Addictions, is recognizing November 24-30 as National Addictions Awareness Week.

This week is a time to learn more about substance use and addictions, to raise awareness about how to support individuals seeking services for addictions issues and to remember individuals who have lost their lives to an overdose. This year’s theme, “Forging Connections,” highlights the important role of collaboration between government, health care providers, community partners, individuals with lived and living experience and their families in addressing challenges related to substance use.

The Department of Health and Community Services, in partnership with NL Health Services, community partners and individuals with lived and living experience of addictions, continues to advance important initiatives to reduce the harms associated with substance use and help improve overall health and well-being. This includes the five-year Provincial Alcohol Action Plan, which sets a path to prevent and reduce alcohol-related harms through a strong collective, public health-based approach.

Individuals seeking mental health and addictions services are reminded of the resources that are publicly available, including harm reduction supports and services, which can be found online at nl.bridgethegapp.ca/

Free naloxone kits are available to reverse the potentially fatal effects of an overdose involving opioids such as fentanyl.

Residents are encouraged to call 811 or visit Naloxone Kit Distribution Sites for information on where to access free naloxone kits. The department encourages the public to follow harm reduction guidelines, such as not using alone, reducing the quantity used at one time and always keeping a naloxone kit on hand.

Other resources include:

• A mental health and addictions crisis line is available by calling 811;
• Individuals seeking support for mental health and addictions can also call 811, visit Doorways or check out nl.bridgethegapp.ca;
• Opioid Dependence Treatment Hubs, which can be reached by calling 1-844-752-3588, provide same or next day access to opioid agonist therapy with expansion planning underway to include treatment for other substances, including alcohol. These hubs are available throughout the province, including:
  • St. John’s:
  • Gander;
  • Grand Falls-Windsor;
  • Stephenville;
  • Corner Brook; and
  • Happy Valley-Goose Bay.
• The Recovery Centre in St. John’s is available for people aged 16 and over. Call toll-free 1-877-752-4980.

More information on mental health and addictions resources is available by visiting the department’s Mental Health and Addictions website.

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“As a government, we recognize the complexities that exist around addictions, and we appreciate the strong collaboration between all levels of government, health care providers, community partners and individuals with lived experience of addictions that makes it possible to ensure access to critical supports and services for those experiencing substance use challenges. During National Addictions Awareness Week, let us come together raise awareness about addictions, help remove stigma and work towards building stronger and healthier communities.”
Honourable John G. Abbott
Minister of Mental Health and Addictions and Minister of Housing

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Learn more
National Addictions Awareness Week 2024

Towards Recovery: The Mental Health and Addictions Action Plan for Newfoundland and Labrador

Provincial Alcohol Action Plan

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The Honourable Andrew Parsons, KC, Minister of Industry, Energy and Technology, will bring greetings at the Canadian Manufacturers and Exporters 2024 Manufacturing Insights Conference at 11:00 a.m. tomorrow (Thursday, November 28).

The event takes place at the Sheraton Hotel Newfoundland, 115 Cavendish Square, St. John’s.

The title of this year’s Manufacturing Insights conference is Embracing Excellence: Talent • Technology • Technique. The conference will bring together manufacturing professionals, business owners, and stakeholders for panel discussions, keynote speakers and networking.

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The Honourable Andrew Parsons, KC, Minister of Industry, Energy and Technology, today announced a Provincial Government investment of more than $477,000 that will enable Memorial University to purchase equipment to help advance important medical research.

Through its Research and Innovation Fund, the Department of Industry, Energy and Technology is investing $477,860 to assist with the purchase of a micro-computed tomography (CT) imaging suite, including a Micro-CT scanner, 3-D suite software, and a large animal transport system. This investment leverages other contributions of $490,000, for a total project investment of $937,860.

Three Memorial University researchers are spearheading this initiative and will use the equipment to research treatments on diseases such as hypertension, stroke, and arthritis, as well as disorders related to bone density. They include Dr. Noriko Daneshtalab with the school of Pharmacy, Dr. Christopher Kovacs, Faculty of Medicine specializing in endocrinology and metabolism, and Dr. Janna Andronowski with the Division of Bio-Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine. Using animal models that mimic the human condition, the Micro-CT scanner will allow researchers to test treatments and see the effects in real time. The imaging suite will also enable the study of non-living samples.

With its high-resolution and high-accuracy capabilities, this equipment will also be widely used across other scientific disciplines, pharmaceutical industries, government agencies, and the general public. It will bolster cutting edge research at Memorial University in the areas of cardiovascular health, endocrinology, and forensic sciences by providing the rapid digitization of internal and external structures of a sample in three dimensions with great resolution.

The Research and Innovation Fund Program provides support through non-repayable contributions to non-commercial entities for the development and implementation of research and innovation projects for the long-term economic benefit of Newfoundland and Labrador. Investments from this fund aim to support highly-qualified people, research, innovative programming and infrastructure in priority areas that have the potential to strengthen Newfoundland and Labrador’s research and development capacity, innovation ecosystem capacity and impact the provincial economy through growth and diversification.

Quotes
“This Micro-CT Imaging Suite will be the first of its kind in the province. It will provide strong opportunities to address existing gaps in researchers’ abilities to innovate and translate their research at a pace that will benefit their respective fields. The well-being, health and biomedical discoveries for the people of the province are core drivers of the proposed research, with the main aims of finding therapeutic alternatives that are cost-effective and decrease mortality and increase longevity.”
Honourable Andrew Parsons, KC
Minister of Industry, Energy and Technology

“Innovations in health research are integral to our work to transform and modernize the health care system so that it can better meet the needs of all Newfoundlanders and Labradorians. The new Micro-CT Imaging Suite is an important investment into the future of health care, which will contribute to a robust health work force as well as strengthen our health care system.”
Honourable John Hogan, KC
Minister of Health and Community Services

“This Micro-CT suite is an important advancement in the research infrastructure in the province. Our collaborative team will be using it to advance our work in stroke, osteoporosis, and bone metabolism but it is a significant resource for the whole province. We look forward to having the Micro-CT here and seeing the innovative way researchers will use the technology to advance our understanding of diseases and contribute to the potential development of therapeutic alternatives.”
Dr. Noriko Daneshtalab
Memorial University

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Research and Innovation

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The Provincial Government is proposing an updated Personal Electronic Devices Policy for English K-12 public schools to further support a positive teaching and learning environment for students and teachers in Newfoundland and Labrador. The Honourable Krista Lynn Howell, Minister of Education, is encouraging school communities to review the proposed policy and share feedback.

The proposed Responsible Use of Personal Electronic Devices Policy will reduce the impact of inappropriate personal electronic device usage, such as cell phones, on learning.

Under the policy:

• Students in grades K-6 will not be permitted to have personal electronic devices in schools; and,
• Students in grade 7 to level 4 who bring a personal electronic device to school must switch it off and store out of sight.

The directive is proposed to apply to all regular school hours, including recess and lunch breaks.

Exceptions to the policy may be provided for medical reasons such as glucose monitoring and for students with documented and verified needs. Limited exceptions may also apply for specific instructional and educational needs.

The full proposed policy is available on the NLSchools website here.

School communities, including parents/guardians, teachers, and grade 7 to level 4 students, are encouraged to share feedback by December 6. It is anticipated that a final decision related to the policy will be made in time for implementation upon return to classes after the holiday break on January 6, 2025. Feedback on the policy can be provided here.

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“Inappropriate use of cell phones, smart watches, and other personal electronic devices is causing challenges within K-12 schools. We must ensure that students have a safe environment that is conducive to consistent, undistracted learning. This proposed policy will help create a more positive educational environment. I encourage all teachers, parents, guardians and students to review the policy and share their feedback.”
Honourable Krista Lynn Howell
Minister of Education

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Learn more
Consultation on Proposed Personal Electronic Devices Policy

Proposed Responsible Use of Personal Electronic Devices Policy

Safety Initiative for K-12 Public Schools Kicks Off Back-to-School Season

Provincial Government Continues Expansion of Kids in the Know Body Safety Program in Classrooms

Budget 2024 Provides $3 Million to Increase Student Assistants in K-12 Education System

Provincial Government Continues Work on Curriculum Renewal for K-12 Public Education System

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The Honourable Dr. Andrew Furey, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador, and the Honourable Andrew Parsons, KC, Minister of Industry, Energy and Technology, would like to congratulate Newfoundland and Labrador Hydro on receiving two awards at last night’s Electricity Canada’s Powering Partnerships 2024 Summit in Toronto.

To adequately represent the significant and exceptional nature of the work by Newfoundland and Labrador Hydro during the devastating fires this past summer, Electricity Canada’s Extraordinary Service Award was established in honour of the bravery and selflessness of the team at Churchill Falls. The judging panel determined their work saved lives, but also demonstrated the reliability of the electricity system through incredible innovation and thoughtful planning and execution.

Newfoundland and Labrador Hydro was also honoured with the Sustainable Strategy Award, which is given to a company that has demonstrated outstanding leadership and development, implementation, and maintenance of an integrated sustainability strategy within the company. The award recognizes that Newfoundland and Labrador Hydro has implemented a number of corporate governance improvements that have cultivated a leadership-endorsed, organization-wide sustainability-focused work culture, thus increasing its success in meeting strategic sustainability goals, objectives and performance targets. This is the fifth sustainability award it has received since 2017.

Quotes
“During the evacuations in Labrador this past summer, the outstanding team at Newfoundland and Labrador Hydro played a vital role in protecting our communities and supporting critical services. Being recognized with these well-deserved awards speaks to their exceptional efforts and commitment to making a difference when it mattered most.”
Honourable Dr. Andrew Furey
Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador

“I would like to congratulate Jennifer Williams and the employees at Newfoundland and Labrador Hydro, particularly the Churchill Falls team, on this significant recognition. These awards highlight the hard work being done to create an electricity system that the people of the province can rely on. It also shows the dedication of the team, who faced tremendous adversity while fires raged in Labrador, who worked tirelessly to ensure the safety of residents as well as maintaining essential power generation.”
Honourable Andrew Parsons, KC
Minister of Industry, Energy and Technology

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The 38th annual Winter Lights Across Canada celebration will take place on Thursday, December 5, at Confederation Building in St. John’s.

Winter Lights Across Canada is an annual event where each province and territory decorates its capital city and holds its own lighting ceremony. At the event, thousands of LED lights will illuminate the Confederation Building Christmas tree and other trees along Prince Philip Drive. The initiative contributes to a nationwide effort to symbolically link Canadians together for the holiday season.

The event is open to the public. It will begin at 5:30 p.m. in the lobby of East Block, Confederation Building, and the lights will be turned-on at approximately 6:15 p.m.

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The Department of Digital Government and Service NL continues to provide services to the public, both online and in person, and is working to minimize the effects of the postal disruption for customers.

In general, licences, permits and certificates are processed and delivered electronically via email, or through MyGovNL. Contact information for each service provided by the department is available online here.

MyGovNL makes it easier for residents to access the services they need online, and more than 300,000 residents use the services available through this portal.

Where possible, customers are encouraged to submit requests and applications via online licensing portals, email, fax or courier. Return correspondence, reports and documents will be delivered by email or fax.

Hard copies of documents, where required, may be available for pick-up at a local Government Service Centre or the appropriate departmental office, or may be delivered by courier if necessary. Customers should ask about available options for hard copies when initiating their transactions.

Specific information for services commonly used by the public:

Motor Registration 
In-person counter service remains available, and many Motor Registration services are also available online on MyGovNL.

While the postal disruption is ongoing, receipts for driver’s licence and registration renewals, which can be presented in lieu of official documents while waiting for them to arrive by mail, are now valid for 60 days, instead of 30 days. In such cases, motorists are reminded to keep their most recent driver’s licence and vehicle registration documents along with the proof of the renewal in their vehicle.

If anything must be sent immediately, Motor Registration will arrange a courier.

Clients may contact Motor Registration Division by phone at 1-877-636-6867 or email at MRD@gov.nl.ca if they have questions.

Residential Tenancies  
Nearly all Residential Tenancies applications are submitted by email, fax, or in-person and mediation is done via email or phone. Most hearings are done via teleconference and are not affected by the postal disruption. Any resulting orders can be issued in-person, via email, or sent by courier, if needed.

Vital Statistics
The Vital Statistics Division continues to receive applications online. These are being processed and held on file and customers may pick up documents at the Vital Statistics office on Smallwood Drive in Mount Pearl.

If someone outside St. John’s and the surrounding areas needs their certificate immediately, the Vital Statistics Office will arrange a courier.

It is recommended that customers contact Vital Statistics in advance to make arrangements if they choose to have someone pick up their documents on their behalf, as consent may be required.

Customers may contact Vital Statistics by phone at 709-729-3308 or via email at vstats@gov.nl.ca if they have questions.

Water Sample Results
Homeowners in the Avalon Region who have submitted water samples for analysis can access their results online by following the instructions on their information sheet.

Homeowners outside of the Avalon Region can make arrangements to receive results over the phone or by email, by calling their local Government Service Centre.

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The Honourable Bernard Davis, Minister of Justice and Public Safety, joins with the Royal Canadian Mounted Police in Newfoundland and Labrador in welcoming its new Commanding Officer of B Division, Assistant Commissioner Pat Cahill. Minister Davis participated in a change of command ceremony earlier today.

Assistant Commissioner Cahill takes command of the RCMP in Newfoundland and Labrador following the departure of Jennifer Ebert who has taken on a new role at RCMP National Headquarters in Ottawa.

Born and raised in St. John’s, Assistant Commissioner Cahill brings more than 32 years of dedicated service to his new role, most recently serving as the Royal Canadian Mounted Police of Newfoundland and Labrador Criminal Operations Officer, where he oversaw police operations across the province in RCMP jurisdictions. His extensive experience in operational leadership and his roots in the province uniquely position him to lead Newfoundland and Labrador’s RCMP team with a strong focus on community engagement and public safety.

A full biography can be found in the backgrounder below.

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“I look forward to working with Assistant Commissioner Cahill towards our shared goal of ensuring Newfoundland and Labrador is a safe place to live, work and raise our families. I also wish Assistant Commissioner Ebert much success on her new path and offer our sincerest thanks for her contributions to B Division.”
Honourable Bernard Davis
Minister of Justice and Public Safety

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BACKGROUNDER

Biography of Commanding Officer Pat Cahill

Assistant Commissioner Pat Cahill assumed the leadership of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police of Newfoundland and Labrador as Commanding Officer in August 2024.

Assistant Commissioner Cahill was born and raised in St John’s. He joined the Royal Canadian Mounted Police in 1992 and upon completion of training at Depot in Saskatchewan, was posted to Thompson, Manitoba. He performed general duties there, including Rural and Municipal Policing, and also served in the General Investigation Section.

In 1999, he participated in a United Nations Mission where he was assigned to the Central Criminal Investigation Unit in Kosovo investigating War Crimes. In 2001, he was promoted to the rank of corporal in charge of Wabowden, Manitoba, Detachment. In 2003, he was promoted to the rank of sergeant in charge of Gillam, Manitoba, Detachment, and in 2005, he was promoted to the staff sergeant rank as a District Advisory Non-Commissioned Officer for Manitoba North District. He transferred to the Placentia Whitbourne District as District Commander in 2007. During the course of his duties, he has had numerous relief assignments throughout the Northwest Territories and Nunavut.

In 2008, Assistant Commissioner Cahill received his National Certification as a Critical Incident Commander. In 2011, he was commissioned to the rank of inspector as the District Policing Officer of Labrador. In 2015, he transferred to St. John’s as the Officer in Charge of Major Crimes. Then, in 2017, he was promoted to the rank of superintendent as the Administration and Personnel Officer for Royal Canadian Mounted Police of Newfoundland and Labrador, followed by his promotion to chief superintendent as the Criminal Operations Officer for Royal Canadian Mounted Police of Newfoundland and Labrador in 2022.

As a graduate from St. Francis Xavier University, he holds a Business Administration Degree, along with a Diploma of Management from Cornell University. He has been awarded the Order of Merit, Queen’s Jubilee Medal, Canadian Peace Keeping Medal, United Nations Mission in Kosovo Medal, and the Long Service Medal.

Assistant Commissioner Cahill has been married for over 35 years and has three daughters and three grandchildren. He resides in the community of Flatrock and enjoys spending time with his family and participating in outdoor activities.

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