Government of Newfoundland News

Today, the Honourable Dr. Andrew Furey, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador, and the Honourable Krista Lynn Howell, Minister of Education, announced the recipients of the 2024 Premier’s Award for Innovation in Teaching and the Minister of Education’s Award for Compassion in Teaching during an awards ceremony at The Rooms.

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

2024 Premier’s Award recipients are:

• Christina Manning, Holy Trinity Elementary, Torbay
• Laura Elliott, Forest Park Primary, Grand Falls-Windsor

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

2024 Minister of Education’s Award recipients:

• Lesley Castella, Larkhall Academy, St. John’s
• S. Nicole McLean, Amos Cornelius Memorial, Hopedale
• Sean Kennedy, St. Paul’s Junior High, Mount Pearl
• Stacey Luscombe, A.P. Low Primary, Labrador City

The Premier’s and Minister’s Teaching Awards were established in 2021 to acknowledge the leadership role that educators play in the lives of students.

Quotes
“Congratulations to the 2024 recipients for your important contribution to teaching in our province. We recognize your continued commitment to our students every day while preparing them for the future, and ensuring they have the best educational experience in their school communities. I extend a heartfelt thank you to this year’s winners on their hard work and thank all educators for their contributions every day.”
Honourable Dr. Andrew Furey
Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador

“Our students benefit greatly from the creativity, compassion and dedication of educators. I extend congratulations to all award recipients and commend their commitment to the teaching profession as they demonstrate innovation and empathy through the school curriculum. Thank you for your efforts to inspire a lifelong love of learning.”
Honourable Krista Lynn Howell
Minister of Education

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Learn more
Premier and Minister’s Teaching Awards

Prix de l’enseignement

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The Acting Information and Privacy Commissioner, Jacqueline Lake Kavanagh, has released her Report A-2024-027 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 https://www.oipc.nl.ca/reports/reports/.

Report: A-2024-027 Report Date: June 14, 2024 Public Body: Department of Justice and Public Safety Summary: The Complainant made an access request under the Access to Information and Protection of Privacy Act, 2015 to the Department of Justice and Public Safety. The Department did not respond to the request in the timeframe required by section 16 of the Act and was deemed to have refused access. The Complainant made a complaint to this Office. The Commissioner found the Department had not complied with its obligations under the Act, in particular sections 13 (duty to assist) and 16 (time limit for final response). The Commissioner recommended the Department comply with its statutory duties in the future, apply for extensions when necessary, provide updates to applicants if deadlines are missed, provide periodic partial disclosure when appropriate, and provide a final response to the request within 10 business days of receipt of this Report.

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

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The Standing Committee on Public Accounts advises that it will hold a public hearing to follow up on matters contained in several reports of the Auditor General on Thursday, June 20, at 9:00 a.m.in the House of Assembly Chamber. The following matters will under consideration:

1. Adult Custody and Community Corrections Audit Report,
2. Food Premises Inspection & Licensing Program Audit Report,
3. Innovation and Business Investment Corporation Audit Report,
4. Office of the High Sheriff Audit Report

The Public Accounts Committee is dedicated to improving public administration by overseeing the implementation and effectiveness of government programs and operations in accordance with intentions of the Legislature, in partnership with the Auditor General.

The public galleries of the House of Assembly will be open and a live audio feed of the proceedings will be available on the House of Assembly website. Proceedings will also be livestreamed via YouTube, Facebook and X.

The agenda for the hearing follows.

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Learn more
Adult Custody and Community Corrections Audit Report

Food Premises Inspection & Licensing Program Audit Report

Innovation and Business Investment Corporation Audit Report

Office of the High Sheriff Performance Audit

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

Agenda

Public Accounts Committee

Meeting #50
Date: June 20, 2024
Location:  House of Assembly Chamber
Time:  9:00 a.m.

1. Call to Order.
2. Adult Custody and Community Corrections and Office of the High Sheriff

   a. Swearing/affirming of witnesses from Department of Justice and Public Safety:

   • Denis Mahoney – Deputy Minister
   • Lorelei Roberts – Assistant Deputy Minister, Public Safety and Correctional Services
   • Tyler Woodman – Manager of Accounting and Finance, Office of the High Sheriff
   • Susan Green – Manager, Institutional Programs, Her Majesty’s Penitentiary
   • Ashley Hardman – Chief Adult Probation Officer, Corrections and Community Services

     b. Welcome and opening remarks by Chair.
     c. Opening remarks by witnesses.
     d. Committee questions to witnesses.

     3. Food Premises Inspection and Licensing Program

     a. Swearing/affirming of witnesses:

           Department of Health and Community Services

• • John McGrath – Deputy Minister
  • Gillian Sweeney – Assistant Deputy Minister, Population Health
  • Janice Fitzgerald – Chief Medical Officer
  • Douglas Howse – Manager, Environmental Health

             Department of Digital Government and Service NL

• • Sean Dutton – Deputy Minister
  • Gail Boland – Assistant Deputy Minister, Digital Government and Services
  • Tammy McDonald – Manager of Operations, Environmental Health

    b. Welcome and opening remarks by Chair.
    c. Opening remarks by witnesses.
    d. Committee questions to witnesses.

    4. Innovation and Business Investment Corporation

    a. Swearing/affirming of witnesses:

Department of Industry, Energy and Technology

• • John Cowan – Deputy Minister
  • Nadine Emberley – Director of Programs and Services
  • Kirk Youden – Director of Sector Diversification
  • Dana Grant – Director of Accelerated Growth
  • Taylor Parsons – Director of Business Analysis

    a. Welcome and opening remarks by Chair.
    b. Opening remarks by witnesses.
    c. Committee questions to witnesses.

    5. Closing remarks.
    6. Adjournment.

 

 

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The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador is pleased to announce that long-acting muscarinic antagonist (LAMAs) inhalers, used in the treatment of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, are now open benefits for beneficiaries of the Newfoundland and Labrador Prescription Drug Program (NLPDP) effective June 14, 2024.

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is a debilitating lung disease that results in severe progressive airway dysfunction. Patients diagnosed with COPD experience shortness of breath, limitation of physical activity, reduced quality of life, and increased hospitalizations. Inhalers help improve the symptoms of COPD, prevent exacerbations, and improve quality of life.

The change to open listing on the NLPDP reduces the administrative burden of prescribers by eliminating the special authorization process that had been in place. This will ensure NLPDP beneficiaries have timely access to these inhalers for the treatment of their COPD.

This update is part of the Provincial Government’s continued commitment to increasing access to health care. It complements other health care actions, including the creation of family care teams, the pediatric glucose monitoring pilot program, the expansion of scopes of practice for nurses and pharmacists, and the launch of the personal health record, which allows residents to access the same information their providers have.

Quote
“We are proud to make it easier for health care professionals to prescribe the inhalers that Newfoundlanders and Labradorians with COPD need. These changes ensure that patients will more quickly gain access to quality care while at the same time alleviating providers’ administrative burdens.”
Honourable Tom Osborne
Minister of Health and Community Services

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Learn more
Amendments Pave the Way for Prescribing by Registered Nurses and Open Pathways for Additional Nurses

Expanded Scope of Practice for Pharmacists Improves Access to Health Care

Provincial Government Launches the Personal Health Record

Health Care Action

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The Honourable Lisa Dempster, Minister of Labrador Affairs and Minister Responsible for Indigenous Affairs and Reconciliation, is representing the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador at events celebrating the historic ties between the Basque Country and the province.

As part of a Canadian delegation travelling to the Basque Country in Spain, June 18-22, Minister Dempster is joining Wendy Drukier, Ambassador of Canada to Spain, and other officials for the inaugural meeting of the San Juan Bound for Canada committee. The Minister is speaking at a conference organized by the University of the Basque Country on Canada-Basque relations.

Other events include discussions with government and trade officials in the Basque Country and the inauguration of the new President of the Basque Country.

A replica of a 16th-century galleon, the San Juan, which is under construction, will be launched in 2025 and make its first voyage across the Atlantic Ocean to Red Bay, Labrador, in 2026. The project is based on the work of the late Selma Barkham, historian and geographer, and Parks Canada archeologists and researchers.

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Media are advised that a completed accreditation form will be required for all members of the media who plan to report on the June 28-30 lying in state of the unknown soldier at Confederation Building, as well as the commemorative ceremony at the National War Memorial on July 1.

Media are also invited to attend a familiarization tour of the National War Memorial site and the lying in state space in the lobby of Confederation Building (East Block) on Wednesday, June 26. The tour will be followed by a technical briefing on the history behind the National War Memorial, as well as Newfoundland and Labrador’s contributions and sacrifices during the First World War.

Intention to attend the familiarization tour and technical briefing must be included on the Accreditation Form. Further details on the tour and technical briefing will be confirmed with those who indicate interest in attending.

Please note that each member of a news outlet must complete a form; one form per organization will not be accepted.

Media can get the accreditation form from Emily-Jane Gillingham at emilygillingham@gov.nl.ca. The completed form must be returned by Thursday, June 20 at noon. This deadline is required to ensure accreditation identification badges are ready for the July 1 event.

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The Honourable Krista Lynn Howell, Minister of Education, is recognizing graduating students across Newfoundland and Labrador for their leadership and engagement in initiatives aimed at building and nurturing safe, caring and inclusive school communities.

The Provincial Government is recognizing 14 students as the 2024 recipients of the Safe, Caring and Inclusive Schools Graduating Student Leadership Bursary. Each student will receive a $500 bursary recognizing their efforts to create inclusive school spaces. A list of recipients is available in the backgrounder below.

The Safe, Caring and Inclusive Schools Graduating Leadership Bursary helps to establish school-based protocols and practices that challenge all forms of bullying, harassment and inappropriate behavior, and to create an environment of acceptance, belonging, respect and empathy. The bursary highlights the contributions from youth in establishing and maintaining safe, caring and inclusive schools and communities, and promoting student awareness of the Safe, Caring and Inclusive Schools Policy.

The Provincial Government promotes an inclusive and welcoming school culture where all members of the school community feel accepted, are able to realize their potential and contribute to the school community.

Quote
“I extend sincere congratulations to this year’s recipients of the Safe, Caring and Inclusive Schools Graduating Student Leadership Bursary. This bursary shines a spotlight on students who want to make a difference in their school communities so that all students feel welcome and safe at their schools every day. I wish you all the best in your future studies.”
Honourable Krista Lynn Howell
Minister of Education

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Safe, Caring and Inclusive School Gradating Student Leadership Bursary

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BACKGROUNDER

Safe, Caring and Inclusive Schools Graduating Student Leadership Bursary Recipients 2023-2024

Student School Location

   

Rob Alvarez  

Mealy Mountain Collegiate  

Happy Valley-Goose Bay  

Mohammed Saeed Alzuabi  

Prince of Wales Collegiate  

St. John’s  

Percy Barat  

Gander Collegiate  

Gander  

Kasey Budgell  

Valmont Academy  

King’s Point  

Rachel Careen  

Fatima Academy  

St. Bride’s  

Jaden Chambers  

White Hills Academy  

St. Anthony  

Emmett Cochran  

Waterford Valley High  

St. John’s  

Claire Fancey  

Waterford Valley High  

St. John’s  

Haley Fleming  

O’Donel High School  

Mount Pearl  

Claire Foss  

Botwood Collegiate  

Botwood  

Jordan Laham  

Prince of Wales Collegiate  

Portugal Cove – St. Philip’s  

Jordan O’Connell  

St. Catherine’s Academy  

St. Catherine’s  

Andrew Walsh  

Burgeo Academy  

Burgeo  

Ethan Way  

Corner Brook Regional High  

Corner Brook

 

 

 

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The Honourable Pam Parsons, Minister Responsible for Women and Gender Equality, will bring greetings on behalf of the Provincial Government at the 50th Anniversary celebration of women being accepted as regular members of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP).

The event will take place tomorrow (Tuesday, June 18) at 10:30 a.m. at RCMP headquarters, 100 E White Hills Rd, St. John’s.

Three of the first female officers are from Newfoundland and Labrador. They include retired Staff Sergeant Gail Courtney, retired Constable Cheryl LaFosse and retired Constable Rosemary Coffey.

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The Honourable Steve Crocker, Minister of Tourism, Culture, Arts and Recreation, will be in Valentia, Ireland, this week to further support the Heart’s Content-Valentia transatlantic cable UNESCO World Heritage nomination (June 15-20). While in Valentia, Minister Crocker will meet with the Kerry County Council, the Irish Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, and Valentia Island residents.

Minister Crocker will be joined by a delegation from the Town of Heart’s Content.

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The Honourable Dr. Andrew Furey, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador, and the Honourable Krista Lynn Howell, Minister of Education, will present the Premier’s Award for Innovation in Teaching and the Minister’s Award for Compassion in Teaching.

The award presentation ceremony will take place tomorrow (Tuesday, June 18) at The Rooms, 9 Bonaventure Avenue, St. John’s, at 2:00 p.m.

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The Honourable Paul Pike, Minister of Children, Seniors and Social Development, and the Honourable Sarah Stoodley, Minister of Digital Government and Service NL and MHA for Mount Scio, will participate in the Seniors-On-The-Go event tomorrow (Tuesday, June 18).

Minister Pike will attend the event at 9:30 a.m. and Minister Stoodley will attend at 12:00 p.m.

The event takes place at MUN Botanical Garden, 306 Mount Scio Road, St. John’s.

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The Honourable Dr. Andrew Furey, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador, is participating in the Provincial Fire Service Medal Ceremony for St. John’s Regional Fire Department tomorrow (Tuesday, June 18).

The event takes place at Central Fire Station, 5 Fort Townsend, St. John’s, beginning at 10:00 a.m.

Attendees are advised that parking is limited on-site.

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The Honourable Dr. Andrew Furey, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador, along with Krista Quinlan, Clerk of the Executive Council, joined members of the public service to celebrate the exceptional contributions of the 2024 recipients of the Public Service Award of Excellence. This year, 18 people are being recognized for their incredible effort to support residents, communities and citizens facing a global humanitarian crisis.

Of the public service employees being celebrated, there are seven individuals and one team. They include:

• Thomasine Barry, Executive Council
• Sarah Burgess, Digital Government and Service Newfoundland and Labrador
• Karen Clarke, Children, Seniors and Social Development
• Gerry Kilfoil, Industry, Energy and Technology
• Roberto Malta, Immigration, Population Growth and Skills
• Cindy Parsons, Treasury Board Secretariat
• Jacqueline Warford, Justice and Public Safety
• Roddickton Silviculture Team, Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture: Roger Budden, Bert Carroll, Keith Colbourne, Dean Curlew, Keywood Fillier, Dennis Hancock, Thomas Hancock, Glenn Ollerhead, Craig Pilgrim, Morgan Pilgrim, Morris Wilcox

Quotes
“Congratulations to the individuals and team who are receiving the Public Service Award of Excellence today. The work of those being recognized is important and is helping push the province along the path of continued achievement. It is an honour to come to work each day surrounded by the dedicated members of our exceptional public service.”
Honourable Dr. Andrew Furey
Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador

“The Public Service Award of Excellence is the pinnacle of the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador’s recognition of employee service. I congratulate and thank this year’s award recipients for their meaningful contributions. This award program celebrates exceptional work and highlights excellence and outstanding job performance at both individual and team levels. In addition, thank you to those who took the time to nominate their peers and support the award program.”
Krista Quinlan
Clerk of the Executive Council

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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.

UNDERTAKING REGISTERED:

Terra Nova J-1 Quarry                                                       (Reg. 2313)
Proponent: J-1 Contracting Ltd.

The Proponent is proposing to construct and operate a 10.8-hectare quarry off Route 301 within the Town of Terra Nova. Development would consist of land clearing and grubbing, followed by the extraction and processing of sand and gravel via crushing and screening. The purpose of the quarry is to supply materials for asphalt production in the Clarenville area. A description of the Project can be found on the department’s website at: https://www.gov.nl.ca/ecc/env-assessment/projects-list/.

The undertaking was registered on June 13, 2024; the deadline for public comment is July 19, 2024; and the Minister’s decision is due by July 28, 2024.

Comments may be sent to: EAProjectComments@gov.nl.ca.

ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT STATEMENT REQUIRED AND ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT COMMITTEE APPOINTED:

Kami Iron Ore Mine                                                          (Reg. 2301)
Proponent: Champion Iron Mines Ltd.

The Minister has advised the proponent that an environmental impact statement (EIS) is required for this Project. Additional information is needed to inform the Minister of the following, including, but not limited to:

• • Estimate of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions;
  • Air emissions dispersion modeling;
  • Waste and water management plans for the entire Project;
  • Updated groundwater report, including modeling;
  • Potential effects of the proposed railway route and access road in the Wahnahnish Lake protected public water supply area (PPWSA);
  • Verification of proposed power supply, location of transmission lines, substations and associated infrastructure and effects on ratepayers;
  • Alternate power supply;
  • Design of tailings management facility and water management dams;
  • Additional information on plants, animals and permafrost;
  • Potential effects on food security, traditional land use, health and community services, and other social determinants of health; and
  • Potential effects on Pike Lake and the Duley Lake Provincial Park.

An Environmental Assessment Committee (EAC) has been appointed to provide scientific and technical advice to the Minister and to draft guidelines for the proponent in preparing the EIS. The EAC includes representatives from the following provincial and federal government agencies:

• Department of Environment and Climate Change
  • Environmental Assessment – Chair
  • Climate Change Branch
  • Pollution Prevention Division
  • Water Resources Management Division
•  Executive Council
  • Office of Indigenous Affairs and Reconciliation
  • Office of Women and Gender Equality
• Department of Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture
• Department of Health and Community Services
• Department of Immigration, Population Growth and Skills
• Department of Industry, Energy and Technology
  • Mines Branch
  • Energy Branch
• Department of Labrador Affairs
• Department of Municipal and Provincial Affairs
• Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts and Recreation
• Environment and Climate Change Canada
• Fisheries and Oceans Canada
• Transport Canada

The public will be invited to provide comment on the draft guidelines. For further information on this Project, please contact Paul Carter at (709) 729-0188 or email pcarter@gov.nl.ca.

UNDERTAKINGS RELEASED:

Kings Point Storage and Repair Garage                            (Reg. 2303)
Proponent: Victor Burt

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 https://www.gov.nl.ca/ecc/projects/project-2303/.

Fox Pond ATV Trail Extension                                          (Reg. 2302)
Proponent: Cameron Hall

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 https://www.gov.nl.ca/ecc/projects/project-2302/.

Glovertown Breakwater                                                     (Reg. 2300)
Proponent: Norman Keats

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 https://www.gov.nl.ca/ecc/projects/project-2300/.

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

https://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 the CN Viaduct on Pitts Memorial Drive will be temporarily closed between the Kilbride exit and the downtown entrance from June 21 to July 21. The closure is necessary for safety purposes to carry out extensive concrete repair work required on both the eastbound and westbound lanes.

Closing both lanes for a one-month period will allow work to advance without interruption, avoid safety risks to the public, reduce the period of temporary bridge closures, as well as the implementation of load restrictions for trucks.

During the closure, alternate routes for trucks and/or tractor trailers on the eastbound portion to enter the downtown area include:

• New Gower Street, Duckworth Street, and Cavendish Square

For westbound traffic, alternate routes include:

• Kings Bridge Road to Torbay Road to the Outer Ring Road
• MacDonald Drive at Torbay Road to access Columbus Drive

Information on active highway construction projects and repairs is also available by visiting nl511.ca  and on the NL 511 mobile app.

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Yesterday there were four new fire starts in the Labrador west region. Two of these fires are in the vicinity of Churchill Falls, one fire located 12 kilometres southwest from the community and eight kilometres from Churchill Falls airport, and a second about 20 kilometres west of Churchill Falls near the Trans Labrador Highway.  Smoke from the fire is anticipated to be visible throughout the day and may impact air quality and travel west of the community.

These fires resulted in the Royal Newfoundland Constabulary closing the highway between Wabush and Churchill Falls yesterday due to significant smoke and active fire conditions. However, as of 11:00 p.m. yesterday evening the highway was reopened to light traffic with motorists reminded to proceed with caution and drive according to the conditions.

Two waterbombers and one helicopter were deployed and actioned the Churchill Falls fires Thursday evening. Three waterbombers and two helicopters will be deployed to those fires today. Overall, four waterbombers and four helicopters will be supporting suppression activities throughout Labrador.

Provincial forestry officials have also initiated resource deployments throughout the province to action the fires. This includes two helicopters, 10 firefighters and one Incident Management Team from the Island which will be mobilized to Labrador throughout the day.

There is no immediate risk to the community of Churchill Falls at this time. However, residents are encouraged to remain vigilant and to monitor local media and news reports as conditions could change with short notice.

Forestry officials have been in contact with provincial Fire and Emergency Services and will evaluate the situation to determine next steps.

Residents of Labrador are encouraged to be vigilant when engaging in outdoor activities as there are currently seven forest fires burning in Labrador and the Fire Weather Index forecast for today is very high and extreme for parts of Labrador.

The public can view updated active wildfire information, including maps identifying the location of fires, on the new online NL Active Wildfire Dashboard.

All residents of the province should exercise caution when planning outdoor fires. The public is reminded a permit to burn must be obtained from a provincial forest management district office to burn vegetation, wood and paper products during forest fire season. A permit is not required for backyard fires, recreational campfires and boil-ups on forest land, or within 300 metres of forest land, on condition the fire is prepared in accordance with strict Provincial Forest Fire Regulations.

Anyone planning outdoor fires should first check the provincial online forest fire hazard rating maps to determine the level of forest fire risk. Fire hazard maps can be viewed at the Department of Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture website and are updated daily.

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The site of the former Grace Hospital will become the site of the new Downtown Health and Well-Being Centre.

The new centre will provide urgent care and primary care, including a family care team, for residents in the downtown St. John’s area. It will also provide outreach services to the Downtown Health Care Collaborative.

In addition, services will be provided for people with mental health and addictions challenges who do not require hospitalization, but need additional support before transitioning home, including people:

• With a mental health illness who require longer-term treatment than the service to be provided at the new Mental Health and Addictions Centre.
• With a mental illness, developmental disability, or acquired brain injury.
• In mental health distress who do not need to be in hospital but need a safe place where they can resolve their current issues.

Existing services, such as the Assertive Community Team (ACT) and Flexible Assertive Community Treatment (FACT) Team, outpatient psychiatry clinics, day treatment program, Psychosis Intervention Early Recovery (PIER) Program; and services currently offered at the Recovery Centre in Pleasantville for people who are experiencing withdrawal from alcohol and substances will also be relocated to the new building.

Significant planning has taken place by the Northeast Avalon Health Care Infrastructure Advisory Committee, which has determined the site and services to be provided at the new facility. Planning is continuing over the coming months to confirm procurement and construction timelines.

Budget 2024 includes more than $14 million to expand options for people seeking help for mental health and addictions, and $30 million to hire additional health care providers for new and existing family care teams, including a new family care team in downtown St. John’s. Contracts valued at more than $2 million were also awarded earlier this year for two new urgent care centres for the metro region.

More details on the Provincial Government’s recent health care actions are available by visiting healthcareaction.ca. Details on recruitment of health care professionals are available by visiting workinhealthNL.ca.

Quotes
“The Health Accord NL recommendations are guiding us as we improve access to health care in all regions of the province. The new Downtown Health and Well-Being Centre will be a welcome addition for the community and complement our other family care teams, urgent care centres, and new Mental Health and Addictions Centre.”
Honourable Tom Osborne
Minister of Health and Community Services

“Following the successful demolition and abatement of the former Grace Hospital Nurses’ residence, we look forward to future use of the site. The new Downtown Health and Well-Being Centre will be a modern, state-of-the-art facility that will provide a much-needed service for residents in the community.”
Honourable John G. Abbott
Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure

“NL Health Services is pleased with the Provincial Government’s announcement to create dedicated space to support our patients and clients who require these health care services. This facility will significantly enhance access to care for some of the most vulnerable members of our society and we aim to create an environment which fosters hope for all individuals who enter. We also envision that the facility will represent that hope and mental wellbeing are possible even in the presence of severe, long-term mental illness, developmental disability, brain injury or addiction.”
Ron Johnson, Chief Operating Officer of the Eastern-Urban Zone
NL Health Services

“The Gathering Place welcomes the Provincial Government’s initiative to develop a downtown health and wellness centre. This announcement brings hope and promise that the much-needed healthcare services will become more accessible to the guests served by The Gathering Place as well as others in the community. We look forward to collaborating with NLHS and the Department in providing the currently needed services for the underserved population.”
Paul Davis
Executive Director, The Gathering Place

“Choices for Youth is thrilled to see this investment in low-barrier mental health and primary care services. This centre will provide accessible healthcare services for at-risk families, contributing to better outcomes and reductions in emergency health interventions. We are pleased to see the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador making this important commitment to early intervention and prevention with critical services that will improve the lives of the most vulnerable members of our community.” Geoff Davis
Board Chair and Interim Executive Director, Choices for Youth

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Ayeesha Mekawy, a Level II student at Roncalli Central High, is the latest provincial recipient of the Lester B. Pearson Scholarship.

The Lester B. Pearson Scholarship is valued at $50,000 over two years for pre-university study at Pearson College, a United World College in Victoria, British Columbia. The Provincial Government contributes $34,000 to the scholarship, with the remainder provided through corporate and community sponsors.

As a United World College student, Ayeesha Mekawy will learn how she can inspire change through courageous action, selfless leadership, and careful listening. She will take part in experiences and community activities so that she is prepared to build with confidence and lead with compassion throughout her post-secondary studies and future career path.

Pearson College is Canada’s only United World College, a movement encompassing 18 global schools dedicated to uniting cultures and countries around the world through education. The college is a two-year, pre-university school for students from over 150 countries who live, study and learn together pursuing the International Baccalaureate and an outdoor-oriented experiential education.

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“I extend congratulations and best wishes to Ayeesha Mekawy on behalf of the Provincial Government, as Newfoundland and Labrador’s 2024 Lester B. Pearson Scholarship winner. This scholarship has a rich history and offers a unique educational opportunity that will provide valuable support and knowledge in helping achieve long-term educational goals. Good luck to Ayeesha for a successful and enjoyable experience at Lester B. Pearson College.”
Honourable Krista Lynn Howell
Minister of Education

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The post Roncalli Central High Student Named 2024 Lester B. Pearson Scholar appeared first on News Releases.

June 15 is World Elder Abuse Awareness Day, a day to raise awareness about elder abuse and neglect, and to promote the dignity and respect of older adults.

Ageist attitudes and beliefs are often linked to elder abuse and social isolation, which is why the Office of the Seniors’ Advocate launched a social media campaign for the month of June to address ageism. By combating negative stereotypes about aging, the Office of the Seniors’ Advocate is highlighting the positive contributions, vast array of interests and many possibilities that come with aging.

Elder abuse can be emotional, physical, sexual, financial or psychological, and may also take the form of neglect or self-neglect. Seniors may experience abuse from family, friends, neighbors, caregivers or professionals. Therefore, it is important to spot the signs of elder abuse and report it by calling 1-855-376-4957 or contacting your local police department/detachment.

Potential signs of abuse include:

• Agitation or fear of being alone with a specific person.
• Isolation from family and friends or social gatherings.
• Unexplained fractures, bruises, burns, scars, accidents or injuries.
• Appearing dirty, underfed, dehydrated, over or undermedicated, or otherwise not receiving required medical care.
• Insufficient money despite apparent adequate income.
• Sudden withdrawal of money, or changes in banking information.
• Unexplained or forced changes to legal documents including property titles, will, powers of attorney or advance health care directives.

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“Addressing ageism is an important piece of combatting elder abuse. Ensuring that seniors are connected within their communities, with access to social supports and services, is also crucial in protecting against elder abuse. As a province and as a society, we must continue to work towards age and dementia-friendly communities that support all seniors in Newfoundland and Labrador. We must remember that under the Adult Protection Act, we all have a legal responsibility to report suspected abuse.”
Susan Walsh
Seniors’ Advocate Newfoundland and Labrador

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Media contact
Arlene Mullins
709-729-6603, 1-833-729-6603
seniorsadvocate@seniorsadvocatenl.ca

The post Seniors’ Advocate Recognizes World Elder Abuse Awareness Day appeared first on News Releases.

A Resource Enforcement Division investigation into moose hunting and discharging a firearm within the community of Mooring Cove on the Burin Peninsula on October 9, 2023, has resulted in a fine and hunting prohibition for one individual.

Gerard Bonnell of Marystown pled guilty in Provincial Court in Grand Bank on January 10, 2024, to charges of discharging a firearm within 1,000 metres of a playground and not exercising reasonable care for the safety of others.

Mr. Bonnell was fined $1,000 and is prohibited from moose and caribou hunting for five years. The high-powered rifle used in the offence was forfeited to the Crown. An adult male moose was also seized.

The public is encouraged to report suspected illegal fishing and hunting activity. Information from the public plays a significant role in assisting investigations. Report suspicious activity anonymously at any time by calling 1-877-820-0999 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS. Anonymous reports can also be submitted online at www.nlcrimestoppers.com or www.stoppoaching.ca.

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