Government of Newfoundland News

A province-wide outdoor fire ban prohibiting setting of fires on forest land or within 300 metres of forest land is now in effect in Newfoundland and Labrador. The ban is authorized under the authority of section 99 of the Forestry Act.

Significant firefighting resources are currently dedicated to wildfire suppression near the communities of Labrador West. The province-wide outdoor fire ban will continue to help reduce wildfire risk and support the efforts of wildfire suppression teams actioning active fires.

For more information regarding the fire ban contact your local Forest Management District Office.

The latest information on the location, status, and size of active wildfires can be viewed online at the NL Active Wildfire Dashboard.

Provincial fire hazard index maps are updated daily and can be viewed at the Department of Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture website, along with information about campfires.

To report a wildfire, call: 1-866-709-FIRE (3473).

Residents are urged to do everything they can to prevent forest fires. Off-road vehicle operators should use a proper screening or baffling device to prevent sparks from escaping and carry a fire extinguisher with a minimum of 225 grams of ABC-class dry chemical when travelling in grassy or wooded areas.

All evacuees can register in-person upon arrival in Happy Valley-Goose Bay with the Red Cross at E.J. Broomfield Arena, located at 2 Broomfield Street. Registering with the Red Cross can also be done online or by telephone. Individuals and families must register at www.redcross.ca/labradorwildfires or by calling 1-800-863-6582, 24 hours a day.

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The Honourable Dr. Andrew Furey, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador, will be available virtually to the media today (Saturday, July 13) at 12:00 p.m (ADT) to provide an update on the fire in Labrador West.

Premier Furey will be joined by the Honourable Lisa Dempster, Minister of Labrador Affairs, Perry Trimper, MHA for Lake Melville, as well as Jamie Chippett, Deputy Minister, Fisheries, Forestry, and Agriculture, and Blair Adams, Assistant Deputy Minister, Fisheries, Forestry, and Agriculture.

For media wishing to attend virtually or in-person, please contact Allan Bock. He can be reached at 709-899-6446 or allanbock@gov.nl.ca.

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

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The Provincial Government has advised that an evacuation order is in place for Labrador City.  The order stems from extreme fire behaviour that has occurred today and expected into tomorrow (Saturday).

The fire has the potential to grow significantly closer to Labrador West over the next 24 to 48 hours. Residents are encouraged to remain vigilant and closely monitor local media and news reports as conditions are likely to change on short notice.

An incident management team has been activated to manage the response. Aerial resources are actioning the fire and will be sectioning the fire once it is safe to do so. Forestry officials are coordinating with the Provincial Emergency Operations Centre, which has been activated to Level 2 – Enhanced Monitoring. Emergency management partners have been engaged to respond, if necessary.

Currently, there are 11 active wildfires in Labrador and current weather conditions have increased potential for fire activity throughout this weekend. The public can view updated active wildfire information, including maps identifying the location of fires, on the online NL Active Wildfire Dashboard.

Information on how to be prepared can be accessed at www.gov.nl.ca/beprepared/be-prepared/#individuals-families.

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

UNDERTAKINGS REGISTERED:

District 20 Five-Year Operating Plan (2025-2029)                 (Reg. 2315)
Proponent: Department of Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture

The Proponent is proposing a Five-Year Operating Plan for Crown managed lands in Forest Management district 20 for the period 2025-2029. The district covers 2.2 million hectares of boreal forest on the south coast of Labrador. The plan consists of 15 commercial and 4 domestic operating blocks and would provide approximately 125000 cubic meters for commercial harvest and 21425 for domestic harvest. The plan would require the construction of 14.2 kilometers of access roads.

The undertaking was registered on July 8, 2024; the deadline for public comment is August 16, 2024; and the minister’s decision is due by August 22, 2024.

Lewisporte Biomedical Waste Incineration                            (Reg. 2316)
Proponent: Paul Dalley Holdings Inc.

The Proponent is proposing to construct and operate a biomedical waste incineration facility that would be located at 17 Roebotham Street in the Town of Lewisporte. The operation would include the collection, transport and storage of biomedical waste on-site. The facility would dispose of approximately 450-500 tonnes of biomedical waste annually using an incineration technology. The proposal is planned to serve Newfoundland and Labrador Health Services for the disposal of biomedical waste.

The undertaking was registered on July 9, 2024; the deadline for public comment is August 16, 2024, and the minister’s decision is due by August 23, 2024.

UNDERTAKINGS RELEASED:
Burin BDC Construction Quarry                                                (Reg. 2306)
Proponent: BDC Construction  

The Project is released from environmental assessment subject to the conditions as outlined in the minister’s decision letter available on the Department’s Project web page at www.gov.nl.ca/ecc/projects/project-2306/.

Dover Fibreglass Manufacturing Facility                                (Reg. 2311)
Proponent: Fibreglass Works Ltd.       

The Project is released from environmental assessment subject to the conditions as outlined in the minister’s decision letter available on the Department’s Project web page at www.gov.nl.ca/ecc/projects/project-2311/.

Grand Falls-Windsor Riverfront Cottages                              (Reg. 2312)
Proponent: Town of Grand Falls-Windsor     

The Project is released from environmental assessment subject to the conditions as outlined in the minister’s decision letter available on the Department’s Project web page at www.gov.nl.ca/ecc/projects/project-2312/.

PLAN ACCEPTABLE:

Paddy’s Pond Concrete Batch Plant                                        (Reg. 2292)
Proponent: Farrell’s Excavating Limited 

On July 12, 2024, the minister advised the Proponent that the Waste Management Plan and the Water Resources Management Plan for the Project were found to be acceptable. The plans were required as conditions of release from environmental assessment and are available on the Department’s Project web page at: www.gov.nl.ca/ecc/projects/project-2292/.

Whitbourne (Junction Pond) Residential Development     (Reg. 1414)
Proponent: 51710 Newfoundland and Labrador Limited

On July 12, 2024, the minister advised the Proponent that the Cottage Carrying Capacity Report for the Project was found to be acceptable. The plan was required as a condition of release from environmental assessment and is available on the Department’s Project web page at: www.gov.nl.ca/ecc/projects/project-1414/.

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

Follow us on X @GovNL and @ECC_GovNL

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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The Department of Transportation and Infrastructure wishes to advise that both the Ruth Avenue and Galway roundabouts will have lane reductions for entering and departing Galway on Sunday (July 14). The lane reduction is necessary for line painting in the roundabouts.

The lane reductions will occur between 7:00 a.m. and 12:00 p.m.

Motorists are asked to reduce their speed and pay attention to traffic control.

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As of October 15, 2024, operator safety training will be mandatory for users of off-road vehicles who:

• are under 16 years of age.
• are registering an off-road vehicle with the Motor Registration Division for the first time.
• have had their off-road vehicle registration suspended or cancelled because of a conviction under the Off-Road Vehicles Act and Regulations, as a condition of reinstatement.

Anyone who is supervising a person under the age of 16 who is operating an off-road vehicle will be required to ensure that the person has completed the training.

While training is only mandatory for some users, anyone who operates an off-road vehicle is encouraged to complete the training.

Operators are encouraged to download and review the free Off-Road Vehicles Handbook and take the free test online at MyGovNL. Upon completion of the training, which requires a minimum score of 80 per cent, the operator can print a certificate of completion or save it to a mobile phone. Anyone without a device to complete the training or print the certificate may do so at an Employment Support Centre or public library or contact the Motor Registration Division at 1-877-636-6867. The training is also available in alternate formats by calling the Motor Registration Division.

More than 380 users have already completed the free safety training program, which has been available on MyGovNL since May 24, 2024. Those who complete the training before October 15, 2024, will not have to complete it again, unless their off-road vehicle registration is suspended or cancelled because of a conviction under the Off-Road Vehicles Act and Regulations.

Other training courses approved by the Registrar of Motor Vehicles, such as in-person training, will also be accepted.

Proof of successful completion of safety operator training must be carried at all times while using an off-road vehicle.

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The Honourable Dr. Andrew Furey, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador, announced Provincial Government support for a new statue that the Town of Grand Falls-Windsor is commissioning as a tribute to the late Gordon Pinsent. Premier Furey made the announcement while speaking at the 2024 Grand Falls House Garden Party.

The Provincial Government will provide $210,000 for the statue’s creation and installation in the Grand Falls-Windsor area, creating a lasting tribute to Mr. Pinsent’s incredible accomplishments and impact on the arts and cultural sector in Newfoundland and Labrador.

Gordon Pinsent remains one of the province’s most prolific actors and writers. He was much beloved, not just in Newfoundland and Labrador, but across Canada and the world. Mr. Pinsent passed away on February 25, 2023.

Quotes
“In early 2023, we lost our very own Rowdyman, the incomparable Gordon Pinsent. His contributions to this province and our arts and cultural sector were tremendous. By creating a statue in his honour in Grand Falls-Windsor, we celebrate Gordon’s life and his brilliance and we will ensure that his contributions to the arts are remembered forever.”
Honourable Dr. Andrew Furey
Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador

“Gordon Pinsent left an indelible mark on our provincial arts sector and paved the way for many incredible artists who have also celebrated tremendous success. The Gordon Pinsent statue in Grand Falls-Windsor will be a beautiful tribute to his legacy.”
Honourable Steve Crocker
Minister of Tourism, Culture, Arts and Recreation

“Gordon Pinsent was a true icon of our country’s arts community. He always looked back on his upbringing in Grand Falls-Windsor with fond memories and showed great pride for his hometown. We consider him, by far, our greatest son. Thanks to support from the Provincial Government, we are pleased and excited to commemorate Mr. Pinsent and honour his legacy with a permanent statue.”
His Worship Barry Manuel
Mayor of Grand Falls-Windsor

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The Honourable John G. Abbott, Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure, was in Gander today to reaffirm the Provincial Government’s commitment to municipal infrastructure improvements for Central Newfoundland through the Multi-Year Capital Works and Municipal Capital Works funding programs.

Minister Abbott was joined by the Honourable John Haggie, Minister of Municipal Affairs and MHA for Gander, for the announcement. More than $5.4 million under both cost-shared programs will contribute towards improvements to water and sewer, road infrastructure and recreational enhancements for towns in the area.

Under the Multi-Year Capital Works (MYCW) funding program, the Town of Gander has received $4.06 million to build an outdoor ice rink; replace existing infrastructure on Sullivan Avenue; as well as a sport facility enhancement program.

The Town of Appleton has received approximately $927,000 for water and sewer upgrades, as well as a new road for the town. Additionally, the Town of Gambo has received approximately $492,000 for a new generator for its chlorine house which would provide safe drinking water to residents in the event of a prolonged power outage, as well as a generator for the Fire Hall to allow it to act as a warming/cooling centre in the event of adverse weather events/prolonged power outages.

Budget 2024 includes provincial support of $31 million in 2024-25 ($70 million over three years) in support of the Multi-Year Capital Works funding program. Currently, 62 projects have been approved under this program, totaling $61.5 million, including the municipal share. For towns and communities that have the capacity to make multi-year commitments, funding is cost shared between provincial and municipal governments for three-year blocks of funding under this program. These recipients are larger municipalities throughout the province and projects typically focus on water and/or sewer, paving and/or road construction, municipal buildings and recreation facilities.

A total of $50 million over five years is also included in the Budget for the Municipal Capital Works program, which fosters the development of cost-shared projects for many types of municipal infrastructure. To date, 70 projects at a cost of approximately $60 million have been approved under the program for 2024-25.

Typical projects include water and waste-water treatment, seawalls, and climate mitigation efforts. Funding is cost-shared between provincial and municipal governments and is available to municipalities, local service districts and Inuit Community Governments. The provincial share is $47 million.

Quotes
“Government’s municipal funding programs help position municipalities to enhance infrastructure in towns and communities throughout the province which, in turn, benefits the residents living there. We look to the municipal leaders to provide insight into infrastructure projects on how best to improve their communities, and our funding commitment allows them to achieve those goals. The funding we have announced today covers an array of projects that will positively impact the people in Central Newfoundland.”
Honourable John G. Abbott
Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure

“Here in the District of Gander, as well as in many other municipalities throughout our province, infrastructure improvements are contributing to the lives of those who live and work in our towns and communities. Enhancing municipal services also enhances the experience of users, and I am very pleased with the funding that has been allocated for my district for projects focused on everything from recreational needs to drinking water improvements.”
Honourable John Haggie
Minister of Municipal Affairs and
MHA for Gander

“We are thrilled to be the recipient of the Multi-Year Capital Works funding for Gander, which will cost-share projects including essential road work, water and sewer improvements, and enhancements to our recreation facilities. This consistent funding stream provides municipalities an opportunity to plan for capital projects and leverage provincial funds effectively. For instance, the playground where we stand today is a $236,500 project, with the Town of Gander contributing only a fraction of the cost. This partnership with the Provincial Government allows us to make significant improvements to our community while ensuring fiscal sustainability.”
His Worship Percy Farwell
Mayor of Gander

“Appleton is experiencing unprecedented growth like never before, and we are very pleased with this funding for both water and sewer and road infrastructure improvements. For towns like ours, we cannot overstate the importance of a cost-shared funding arrangement like this one which allows us to focus on much-needed municipal infrastructure improvements. These upgrades will have a very positive impact on our residents, as well as those who visit the area.”
His Worship Garrett Watton
Mayor of Appleton

“In both the day-to-day operation of the Town of Gambo, as well as in times of need, residents rely on municipal services and infrastructure. We are delighted with our funding under the Municipal Capital Works program that will allow us to purchase much needed generators to allow for safe, clean drinking water in power outages, as well as provide a space for residents during adverse weather events or prolonged power outages.”
His Worship Darren Dyke
Mayor of Gambo

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Canada’s Premiers will meet on July 16 and 17 at the Westin Nova Scotian Hotel in Halifax.

“I look forward to welcoming my colleagues to Nova Scotia and to hosting this meeting on the Halifax waterfront, one of the most-visited destinations in the province,” said Premier Tim Houston, Chair of the Council of the Federation.

Premier Houston said his colleagues will continue their discussion on revitalizing cooperative federalism in Canada, an issue Premiers highlighted in their post budget letter to the Prime Minister.

“When all governments work together, we can find the best solutions for the challenges we face. This meeting will allow Premiers to engage on the issues that matter most to Canadians.”

Premiers will be discussing housing and affordability, health care, infrastructure, energy, Canada-U.S. relations, emergency preparedness and response, and Arctic security.

A closing news conference is planned for the afternoon of July 17.

The Council of the Federation comprises all 13 provincial and territorial Premiers. It enables Premiers to work collaboratively, form closer ties, foster constructive relationships among governments, and show leadership on important issues that matter to Canadians.

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Provincial forestry officials are providing an update on two forest fires in Labrador. Residents of Labrador West are advised that there may be increased fire activity today (Friday, July 12) which could produce increased levels of smoke that could impact Route 500, as well as the railway lines in Labrador West.

There is no immediate threat to Wabush or Labrador City. However, residents are encouraged to remain vigilant and to monitor local media and news reports as conditions could change. Residents should avoid the area north of Bloom Lake Mine and west of the Bloom Lake Rail Line.

Waterbombers and helicopters will be deployed to action the fire and officials will be monitoring fire behaviour closely.

Fire officials are also closely monitoring a fire near Happy Valley-Goose Bay. Smoke from the fire is anticipated to be visible throughout the day and may impact air quality and travel west of the community.

There are currently 13 active wildland fires in Labrador. The public can view updated active wildfire information, including maps identifying the location of fires, on the online NL Active Wildfire Dashboard.

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The House of Assembly acknowledges receipt of the Members and Ministers Expenditures report by the Office of the Auditor General and thanks the Auditor General and her team for their work on this audit.

The House of Assembly accepts the recommendations of the Auditor General as they pertain to policies, procedures and legislation relating to Members’ expenditures. The House of Assembly Service is a team of dedicated public servants who are committed to excellence in the delivery of both parliamentary and administrative support to Members of the House of Assembly on behalf of the people of Newfoundland and Labrador.

The House of Assembly has a robust audit and accountability framework that has been in place since 2007 and is unique among legislative assemblies across the country. In accordance with the House of Assembly Accountability, Integrity and Administration Act, there are several accountability measures in place to assess the appropriateness and effectiveness of internal controls as well as compliance with legislation and policy.

On an annual basis, an external consultant is engaged to support the Clerk of the House of Assembly in a management certification process whereby internal controls are assessed for their effectiveness. An annual financial audit is conducted of the accounts of the House of Assembly and a compliance audit is required at least once in each general assembly. Finally, the House of Assembly is subject to annual internal audits performed by the Office of the Comptroller General.

The House of Assembly is committed to transparency and accountability, and will continue to work with the Office of the Auditor General, the Comptroller General and external experts in continuous improvement of its services.

Quote
“As Speaker of the House of Assembly, I would like to take this opportunity to thank the Auditor General and her staff for their diligent attention to the matters reviewed in this audit. The Office of the Auditor General provides an invaluable service to the legislature as well as to all residents of Newfoundland and Labrador. We look forward to working with the Office of the Auditor General on the recommendations in her report and in other matters as they pertain to the House of Assembly.”
Honourable Derek Bennett
Speaker of the House of Assembly

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Learn more
Members & Ministers Expenditures – Independent Auditor’s Compliance Report – Office of the Auditor General – July 2024

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The Resource Enforcement Division of the Department of Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture is seeking information related to a moose poaching and wastage incident that occurred two kilometres west of the Ashuanipi River in Labrador West.

On July 3, 2024, officers initiated an investigation after an adult bull moose was left on a bog approximately 150 metres from the Trans Labrador Highway. Officers from the Wabush Detachment confirmed that the bull moose was shot, with only the antlers removed.

Anyone who has information about this incident or witnessed suspicious activity in the area is encouraged to contact the Resource Enforcement Division’s Wabush Detachment at 709-944-4887.

The public is reminded it is an offence under the Wild Life Act to harvest any species of game during closed time and to willfully or intentionally allow the flesh of wildlife taken or killed for food to be destroyed, wasted or spoiled.

Anyone with information that may lead to the identity of the person or persons involved in this incident can also call 1-877-820-0999 anonymously or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS. Anonymous reports can also be submitted online at www.nlcrimestoppers.com or stoppoaching.ca.

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The Honourable Dr. Andrew Furey, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador, will make an announcement related to the arts and cultural community tomorrow (Friday, July 12) in Grand Falls-Windsor.

Premier Furey will make the announcement while bringing greetings at the 2024 Grand Falls House Garden Party. The event takes place at 1:30 p.m. on the grounds of Grand Falls House, 67 Lincoln Road, Grand Falls-Windsor.

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The Honourable John G. Abbott, Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure, will participate in a municipal infrastructure funding announcement in Gander tomorrow (Friday, July 12).

The event will take place at the Brigg’s Street Neighborhood Park in Gander, beginning at 11:30 a.m. In the event of inclement weather, the event will be held at the Town of Gander’s Council Chambers, 100 Elizabeth Drive.

Minister Abbott will be joined by the Honourable John Haggie, Minister of Municipal Affairs and MHA for Gander, and His Worship Percy Farwell, Mayor of Gander.

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The Honourable Elvis Loveless, Minister of Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture, will bring greetings to the 38th Annual Exploits Valley Salmon Festival salmon dinner this evening (Thursday, July 11). The event will take place at the Joe Byrne Memorial Stadium, 5 Jones St., Grand Falls-Windsor, beginning at 7:00 p.m.

The Exploits Valley Salmon Festival is a five-day celebration highlighting entertainment, food and the people of Central Newfoundland.

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Today, the Honourable Bernard Davis, Minister of Environment and Climate Change, announced a $60,000 sponsorship, through the Multi-Materials Stewardship Board (MMSB) Waste Management Trust Fund, in support of various green initiatives at the 2024 Newfoundland and Labrador Summer Games. The Games are being hosted by the Town of Bay Roberts August 10-17.

The funding will be used to support a variety of green practices across all event categories, including:

• Management of food waste and associated packaging related to catering and food services.
• Coordination for food delivery services and monitoring food usage to reduce food loss.
• Organic waste will be collected through the town’s composting program, to be used in community garden projects throughout the town.
• The Town of Bay Roberts will provide garbage bins and the Host Committee will purchase recycling bins to support existing infrastructure across all venues in the host region.
• Participants staying in the Athletes Village will be encouraged to bring reusable water bottles, to be used at water refilling stations at events and to bring their own bedding, sleeping bags and air mattresses.
• Digital documents will be used for communications throughout the entire event.

A Provincial Government program, the Newfoundland and Labrador Games are held on a biennial basis, alternating between winter and summer. These games are the province’s premier multi-sport event for approximately 1,600 young athletes aged 11 to 18. Ten regions from across the province and Saint-Pierre and Miquelon send participants to showcase their athletic skills while vying for three prestigious awards for their region.

Quotes
“I applaud the MMSB for their support of the Newfoundland and Labrador Games. This funding will help to make the 2024 Summer Games the first green games planned in the province’s history. Thank you to the Games Host Committee for taking an environmentally conscious and responsible approach to an event of this scale. These efforts will ensure the well-being of communities, recreational facilities, venues, and the environment alike. By working together to make greener choices, we can help preserve our province’s pristine environment for generations to come.”
Honourable Bernard Davis
Minister of Environment and Climate Change and Minister Responsible for the MMSB

“Promoting proactive, eco-friendly practices to reduce the Newfoundland and Labrador Games’ environmental footprint is commendable and we are pleased to see MMSB sponsor the Summer Games. I appreciate the Games Host Committee for adopting an environmentally aware and accountable strategy.”
Honourable Steve Crocker
Minister of Tourism, Culture, Arts and Recreation

“A heartfelt thank you to the Multi-Materials Stewardship Board for their contribution to the Summer Games. This initiative will make these the greenest games in our history. From reducing food wastage to composting in support of the town’s community gardens projects, this investment will impact all future games in the areas that host them. I know that our local team of volunteers will embrace this effort wholeheartedly, making these games a huge success.”
Honourable Pam Parsons
Minister Responsible for Women and Gender Equality and MHA for Harbour Grace-Port De Grave

“MMSB is pleased to support the 2024 Summer Games, which is set to be the province’s first sustainable event of this scale. This partnership reflects our organization’s commitment to public education and sustainable waste management. We hope that the eco-friendly initiatives at the Games will inspire young athletes to adopt environmentally conscious behaviors moving forward.”
Derm Flynn, Chair
MMSB

“With the support of the Department of Environment and Climate Change and the Multi-Material Stewardship Board, our cleaner and greener practices shall provide a model for future Games and a lasting legacy for the Town of Bay Roberts.”
Judy Morrow, Co-Chair
Newfoundland and Labrador Summer Games Host Committee

“We want to educate and impress upon the athletes by reminding them to think green, that even an event of this magnitude can be managed in a sustainable manner with the least environmental impact possible.”
Neil Kearley, Co-Chair
Newfoundland and Labrador Summer Games Host Committee

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The Auditor General of Newfoundland and Labrador, Denise Hanrahan, today delivered the audit report on Members and Ministers Expenditures, specifically compliance with legislation, policies, and procedures regarding payment disbursements in relation to their respective roles. The Office’s audit analyzed House of Assembly policies and procedures for Members’ expenses and Executive Council policies and procedures for Ministerial expenses.

The audit found policies and procedures for Members of the House of Assembly were updated reactively, rather than proactively, and there were instances where Member and Ministerial expenditure policies and procedures did not intersect to prevent errors.  Non-compliance with expense policies and procedures, such as deficiencies in reporting and internal controls as well as misallocation of expenses between the House of Assembly and departments, were also found.

The full report can be found by visiting. www.ag.gov.nl.ca.

Quote
“Our compliance audit concluded that there were issues regarding the clarity and completeness of Members and Ministers policies. Policies and procedures were not always kept up-to-date based on requirements and directions issued, and not all Members and Ministers expenditures complied with them. I am pleased to report that no fraud was detected and that the audit identified areas where administrative and control processes can be improved to reduce future issues.”
Denise Hanrahan
Auditor General of Newfoundland and Labrador

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Federal, provincial, and territorial environment ministers discussed climate change adaptation and resilience, and carbon management at the annual meeting of the Canadian Council of Ministers of the Environment (CCME) held yesterday.

“Newfoundland and Labrador was pleased to host the 2024 meeting of the Canadian Council of Ministers of the Environment and discuss ways we can collaborate with our federal, provincial, and territorial partners to protect our environment and build sustainable, resilient communities for our future generations. Climate change challenges pose a direct threat to our environment, societies, and economies. It is critical for us to act now, and act together, to address climate change while continuing to grow our economy, keeping in view the unique circumstances of each province and territory,” said Bernard Davis, Newfoundland and Labrador’s Minister of Environment and Climate Change.

Ministers reflected on the impacts of climate change and continued their conversations from past meetings on adaptation and resilience. Ministers shared key challenges and discussed opportunities to work together and with partners to create strong systems and communities that can anticipate, prepare for, and adapt to changing climate conditions. Climate risks such as flooding, erosion and drought merit enhanced collaboration to protect human health and the environment and safeguard the economy. Ministers acknowledged that preparing for and adapting to the impacts of climate change will require cross-sectoral and intergovernmental cooperation.

They discussed CCME work underway to develop indicators that governments may use to assess and measure the effectiveness of their respective climate change adaptation and resilience initiatives. Ministers committed to advancing and collaborating on climate adaptation priorities, while respecting provincial and territorial plans, strategies, and jurisdiction, to promote health and safety for all Canadians and ensure a sustainable future for generations to come.  In a separate meeting on July 9, ministers met with leaders from some National Indigenous Organizations and from some Newfoundland and Labrador Indigenous governments and organizations to discuss climate change adaptation and resilience. Indigenous leaders provide valuable insights on their priorities and perspectives, which informed Ministers’ discussions.

Following a separate discussion with a panel of experts from academia, industry and non-government organizations in the field, ministers explored the carbon management landscape in Canada to reduce and remove greenhouse gas emissions. Carbon management technologies and nature-based solutions are important tools for governments to achieve their respective climate goals and will complement other necessary greenhouse gas reduction efforts. Carbon management can also unlock economic opportunities across many different sectors, creating jobs and making the country more competitive. Ministers also discussed the importance of incentivizing investment for non-emitting technologies, such as support for a cleaner electricity grid and carbon management, which will be pivotal to a net-zero future.

Canada can reduce emissions and have a strong economy, balancing carbon management and environmental protection with the need to provide a growing global population with the necessary food, energy, and critical minerals to the highest ethical and sustainable standards in the world. Ministers agreed on the importance of meaningful collaboration across equal orders of governments and sectors to achieve this common future.

Ministers launched an updated website to provide information to Canadians on the progress towards implementing the Canada-wide Strategy on the Management of Municipal Wastewater Effluent. Addressing the largest source of pollution to Canada’s surface waters by volume, the strategy articulates the commitment to protect human health and the environment and provide regulatory clarity in managing municipal wastewater effluent.

Ministers will continue to collaborate through CCME on renewed strategic priorities, which are: managing and preventing pollution of air, water and land; reducing waste and moving towards a circular economy; advancing climate initiatives, including a low-carbon economy; and advancing and collaborating on emerging environmental issues and opportunities.

At the end of the meeting, Northwest Territories assumed the presidency of CCME and will host the 2025 CCME meeting.

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The Provincial Government today released Standards for Serving People Experiencing Homelessness in Shelters Throughout Newfoundland and Labrador. Developed by OrgCode Consulting following extensive and in-depth consultations with individuals, organizations and community partners, these standards will apply to all emergency shelters that receive Provincial Government funding.

Adoption of these standards will ensure the delivery of consistent, evidence-informed and compassionate service while enhancing accountability for shelter guests, operators and government. The vision is to create a system where homelessness in the province is rare, brief and non-recurring.

The standards emphasize three key aspects for providing shelter:

• Quality and safe operations that ensure basic needs are met.
• Lowering barriers to shelter access.
• The need to be housing-focused and support those in shelter to secure more stable housing options.

The Honourable Fred Hutton, Minister of Housing, is available to media today at 10:30 a.m. in the lobby of West Block, Confederation Building, to discuss the shelter standards. Minister Hutton will be joined by Tracy Flaherty-Willmott, Associate Director of OrgCode Consulting, and Doug Pawson, Executive Director of End Homelessness St. John’s.

The standards cover a wide range of shelter operations and requirements, including:

• Accessing shelter services and supports, including intake and admission, maintaining a housing focus in operations and staff ratios.
• Basic needs and services, including beds, access to hygiene supplies and clothing, food and nutrition.
• Health and safety, including competencies and training requirements for staff, providing a secure environment, bed checks, maintenance, cleaning and pest control.
• Administration and accountability, including staff and organization codes of conduct, incident reporting, confidentiality and personal privacy.

In developing these standards, OrgCode Consulting engaged with individuals with lived or living experience with homelessness, shelter staff (non-profit and private operators), as well as a steering committee comprised of community sector partners, Indigenous partners, staff with End Homelessness St. John’s and the Community Advisory Board. OrgCode also consulted with the City of St. John’s Planning, Engineering and Regulatory Services Department, NL Health Services and staff with NL Housing. The resulting standards reflects these consultations and industry best-practices.

With the release of these standards, the Provincial Government will re-engage with the project steering committee to guide implementation of these standards. At the same time, government will work with all current shelter operators to assess potential barriers to implementation and potential solutions to ensure compliance. The standards will also be used to bolster government’s current inspection process.

Quotes
“The implementation of these standards will improve the culture of safety and service in our shelters while emphasizing a housing-focus approach, so that the system can operate as intended – providing emergency shelter while increasing connections to more sustainable long-term housing.”
Honourable Fred Hutton
Minister of Housing

“Leaning into evidence informed practices, local realities and the voice of lived/living experience, these standards promote low-barrier, housing-focused and trauma-informed approaches. The consistent implementation of these standards will assist shelters in enhancing homelessness resolution activities while meeting the basic needs of households served in emergency shelters throughout the province.”
Tracy Flaherty-Willmott
Associate Director, OrgCode Consulting

“The development and implementation of shelter standards mark an important shift in the transformation of the shelter system that End Homelessness St. John’s and our many partners have advocated for. We believe a housing-focused, person-centred approach to providing emergency shelter will lead to better coordination and equitable access to services and supports and ultimately lead to the permanent housing outcomes for our neighbours experiencing homelessness.”
Doug Pawson
Executive Director, End Homelessness St. John’s

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Learn more
Standards for Serving People Experiencing Homelessness in Shelters Throughout Newfoundland and Labrador

Provincial Government Announces Partnership for Transitional Supportive Living Arrangements

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The Honourable Elvis Loveless, Minister of Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture, will bring greetings to the Agriculture in the Classroom National Conference this evening (Wednesday, July 10). The event will take place at Quidi Vidi Brewery, 35 Barrows Rd, St. John’s, beginning at 6:30 p.m.

Agriculture in the Classroom supports agriculture and food education across Canada, including the Little Green Thumbs and Little Green Sprouts programs in schools across Newfoundland and Labrador.

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