Government of Newfoundland News

The Honourable Andrew Parsons, KC, Minister of Industry, Energy and Technology, today outlined a new proposed Newfoundland and Labrador Hydro Act for second reading in the House of Assembly to complete the legal merger of Nalcor Energy into Newfoundland and Labrador Hydro.

The proposed Act Respecting the Amalgamation of Newfoundland and Labrador Hydro-Electric Corporation and Nalcor Energy (Hydro Corporation Act, 2024):

• Finalizes the legal merger of Nalcor Energy with Newfoundland and Labrador Hydro.
• Ensures all Nalcor and Hydro assets, liabilities, obligations and agreements will continue under the new Hydro.
• Provides for continuation of employment of Nalcor’s and Hydro’s bargaining and non-bargaining employees with Hydro.
• Binds the new corporation to any already signed contracts, agreements, etc.
• Confirms continuation of any security or guarantee provided by the Provincial Government to Nalcor with Hydro.

Section 30, a new provision under the act, is included to ensure there is an explicit legislative authority for the Minister of Industry, Energy and Technology to request documents and/or information from the corporation. This aligns with recommendations in the reports from Muskrat Falls Inquiry Commissioner the Honourable Richard D. LeBlanc and from the statutory review of the Access to Information and Protection of Privacy Act, 2015 (ATIPPA) conducted by former Chief Justice David B. Orsborn.

In addition, protections for commercially sensitive information carrying over to HCA 2024 are being narrowed to information relating to oil and gas activities only, which aligns with another recommendation from Justice Orsborn’s ATIPPA review.

Newfoundland and Labrador Hydro and Nalcor Energy are statutory corporations. Nalcor was created in 2007 under the Energy Corporation Act and Hydro continued under the Hydro Corporation Act, 2007. The Energy Corporation Act and the Hydro Corporation Act, 2007 will be repealed and replaced with the Hydro Corporation Act, 2024.  As a result, Nalcor’s and Hydro’s assets, liabilities, obligations and agreements will continue under the new Hydro and all Nalcor subsidiaries will be Hydro subsidiaries.

Upon proclamation of the Hydro Corporation Act, 2024, Hydro’s board will become the amalgamated company’s board.

Quotes
“Since the announcement that Nalcor would move under the new NL Hydro, there have been changes to streamline operations. Hydro continues to focus on providing safe, reliable electricity and focusing on maximizing the economic potential of its energy portfolio. This legislation allows for the amalgamation of the corporations to complete the legal portion of this merger.”
Honourable Andrew Parsons, KC
Minister of Industry, Energy and Technology

“The proposed act now reflects the way we have been operating for the past several years, as one Hydro – your crown utility. We continue to listen and serve the people of the province as we work to deliver safe, cost-conscious and reliable electricity for our customers. Continual improvement should be the goal of any organization, and NL Hydro has improved, we are different, and we are committed to meeting the expectations of those we serve.”
Jennifer Williams
President and CEO, Newfoundland and Labrador Hydro

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Hydro Corporation Act, 2024

Premier Furey and Minister Parsons Announce Nalcor Operations Moving Under Newfoundland and Labrador Hydro

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The following statement was read in the House of Assembly today by the Honourable Pam Parsons, Minister Responsible for Women and Gender Equality:

Speaker, I rise today to recognize November 25 as the launch of the Purple Ribbon Campaign and the 16 Days of Activism to End Gender-Based Violence.

This year’s theme, Come Together, Act Now, emphasizes the role for everyone, including men and boys, in changing social norms, attitudes and behaviours that contribute to gender-based violence.

The campaign also invites us to use our voices and actions to help create a safer, more equitable Newfoundland and Labrador, free from violence, discrimination, and fear.

Last December we announced a bilateral agreement with the Federal Government that is seeing an investment of nearly $13.6 million over four years to support provincially tailored National Action Plan to End Gender-based Violence initiatives.

Our government’s violence prevention efforts are grounded in multi-departmental and community partnerships focused on finding long-term solutions to gender-based violence.

We have formed the Provincial Indigenous Women’s Reconciliation Council, where we are making positive strides to prevent violence, while creating a path forward toward justice, healing, and reconciliation.

We are also committed to establishing a ministerial-level committee to end gender-based violence. This work is in the very early stages, and we look forward to working with our community partners.

I invite all members of this House to join me at the Confederation Building on November 25 where we will honour the many women, girls, and gender-diverse individuals who have lost their lives due to gender-based violence.

Thank you, Speaker.

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The Honourable Gerry Byrne, Minister of Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture, has mapped out 10 decisions and directions to be taken by the Provincial Government of Newfoundland and Labrador for the management, efficiency, and fairness of the 2025 snow crab fishery. Minister Byrne shared the plan with members of the Fish, Food and Allied Workers (FFAW) union today at their Triannual Convention in Gander.

The plan to advance free enterprise is built on three pillars:

• A return to independent collective bargaining.
• Increased competition through increased processing capacity.
• Strengthened controls over corporate concentration.

Free enterprise through free, collective bargaining

1. As stated in writing by the FFAW, the process of binding arbitration through final-offer selection has not received the necessary support from both parties. Limits to freedoms of assembly and restrictions on collective bargaining must be supported by both parties to continue. At the direct request of the FFAW, price setting will be removed from the authority of the Standing Fish Price Setting Panel under the Fishing Industry Collective Bargaining Act. The Act will be amended for conventional free collective bargaining to be conducted directly between the two parties, including the right to strike or lockout.

Increased competition through increased capacity

2. Outside buyer opportunities will continue in 2025.
3. The Fish Processing Policy Manual has been updated to this effect and will be published this week.
4. Applications for an outside buyer’s licence for 2025 will be accepted before the end of 2024 to allow for a reasonable business model to be explored by prospective licence applicants and for decisions to be made well before the start of the 2025 season.
5. Pre-existing caps on six Newfoundland and Labrador snow crab processing licences and facilities are now lifted, resulting in full capacity to buy according to free market principles.
6. Upon completion of the judicial review of the province’s fishery, additional snow crab licences may be considered in consultation with industry.
7. Production thresholds for snow crab will increase on the island portion of the province from 100 tonnes to 200 tonnes.
8. Minimum production thresholds will shift from a pre-established minimum production in two of five years, to a requirement to meet the minimum production threshold annually. Only clear and reasonable exceptions will be considered.

Free enterprise through control of corporate concentration

9. Changes are currently being drafted to the Fish Processing Licensing Policy Manual to prohibit the transfer of ownership or control of snow crab processing licences, as well as regulatory amendments to the Fish Inspection Act regulations to enact these measures. This will go beyond equity or share purchase arrangements, and include potentially controlling instruments, such as debt, and other financial instruments.

Preventing a reduction in capacity while enforcing these rules

10. In the event of a cancelled snow crab licence, a new licence will be re-offered to the region in which the original licence was located and operated. This will occur through a Request for Proposals licensing process with an increase in competition being the intended result.

While all directions announced today will contribute to more free enterprise in the fishery in 2025, the Provincial Government’s acceptance of the FFAW’s request to re-instate the right of both parties to strike or to lockout should negotiations on prices produce an unacceptable result to either party will be of particular interest to the industry. For more information, refer to the Backgrounder below.

Quote
“The industry has called for more free enterprise. We understand this call and are acting on it. Increased capacity without any clear expectations of production is not real capacity – we are fixing that. Corporate concentration can be a toxin to competition and restricts free enterprise – we are acting on that. Binding decisions on final collective agreement language by third parties, coupled with a right to strike or lockout, are two approaches that are incompatible under any understood collective bargaining principle.  Any move that restricts or is inconsistent with free and fair collective bargaining that does not enjoy the support of both parties – harvesters and buyers – is not fair. All 10 of these decisions made under three pillars for decision making are intended to bring more free enterprise and better efficiency to the 2025 fishery.”
Honourable Gerry Byrne
Minister of Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture

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BACKGROUNDER

Removing the right to authorize or declare a cessation of business dealings must have the consent of both parties to be consistent with norms and constitutional right to collective bargaining. With clear consent no longer being offered by the FFAW, the Provincial Government has readily agreed in principle to conventional collective bargaining for the setting of prices, including the right to strike or lockout.

As the government discussed directly and extensively with FFAW leadership at the recent meeting of the union’s Inshore Council on October 31, 2024, action on the union’s request would necessitate an end of binding arbitration in setting prices through the final offer section process under the Standing Fish Price Setting Panel. The move to the more conventional free enterprise model of collective bargaining cannot include both elements of binding arbitration and a right to strike or lockout, with the two outcomes being inconsistent with each other.

Under the universal model of freedom of assembly and freedom to bargain collectively, both the FFAW and the Association of Seafood Producers, representing the buyers, would hold a right to strike or to lockout respectively, and negotiations would be conducted directly between the two parties without hearings or binding decisions being made by a third party, the Standing Fish Price Setting Panel.

Amendments to the Fishing Industry Collective Bargaining Act currently requiring price setting to occur under a binding arbitration process are already in drafting stage to allow for the law to reinstate the legal right of both parties to strike or lockout.

All other fisheries will remain governed under the Fishing Industry Collective Bargaining Act and Final Offer Selection. Additional operational capacity is being examined to quicken the hearing and decision making of formal grievances.

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Following the incredible success of WestJet’s 2024 direct St. John’s-London Gatwick route, more progress is being made on the province’s international connectivity. This morning, the Honourable Dr. Andrew Furey, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador, joined representatives from the St. John’s International Airport Authority and WestJet to celebrate the extension of the direct flight to London-Gatwick through to 2027, as well as two additional direct European routes: Dublin, Ireland, and Paris, France.

In partnership with the Provincial Government, the St. John’s International Airport Authority has entered into an agreement with WestJet to operate the London-Gatwick flight four days per week, the Dublin flight two days per week, and the Paris flight one day per week. From May until October, Newfoundland and Labrador will have direct access to Europe seven days per week.

Air transportation is critical for connections to global and domestic markets, tourism, business and trade and for driving economic growth. Air access remains a top priority of the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador and work continues with all airport and airline partners.

Quotes
“This is a game-changer. From May to October, Newfoundlanders and Labradorians will have direct access to Europe seven days per week. These are connections we helped facilitate, connections that help create tremendous opportunities for our province. Thank you to our partners at the St. John’s International Airport Authority and WestJet for their enthusiastic commitment to collaborating with our government.”
Honourable Dr. Andrew Furey
Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador

“Working alongside the St. John’s International Airport Authority and WestJet, we continue to make significant strides to enhance air access for the people of Newfoundland and Labrador. Air travel is crucial for our tourism, hospitality and travel sectors, and a large percentage of visitors to the province arrive by air, driving vital economic growth. I value our strong working relationships with our airport and airline partners and look forward to continuing to improve air access to our province.”
Honourable Steve Crocker
Minister of Tourism, Culture, Arts and Recreation

“With expanded non-stop service to London-Gatwick, the return of service to Dublin, and a brand-new destination in Paris, YYT has become a true gateway to Europe and key entry point into North America. These routes build on the success of last summer’s transatlantic service and reinforces our commitment to providing passengers with convenient access to key European destinations. We thank the Provincial Government for their ongoing efforts and advocacy to support air access, and WestJet for their valued partnership and continued commitment to St. John’s.”
Dennis Hogan
St. John’s International Airport Authority

“We know how critical transatlantic connectivity is to St. John’s — not only for those seeking a vacation abroad, but also for boosting the province’s inbound tourism and supporting economic growth. Introducing new service to Paris, returning direct service to Dublin, while enhancing connections to London is a direct response to the valuable feedback from the community and we’re thrilled to celebrate this milestone with our government and industry partners. This announcement reflects WestJet’s continued commitment to the St. John’s community and our ongoing investments in the region.”
Andy Gibbons
Vice-President of External Affairs, WestJet

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The Honourable Krista Lynn Howell, Minister of Education, today announced more than $275,000 in scholarships for recent high school graduates as part of the Provincial Scholarship Program. The program recognizes high school graduates throughout Newfoundland and Labrador for their hard work, dedication, and academic achievements.

A total of 276 high school graduates are recipients of various scholarships, each awarded based on academic performance. Scholarships include:

• One Junior Jubilee Scholarship
• One Constable W.C. Moss Scholarship
• 120 Electoral District Scholarships
• 79 Centenary of Responsible Government Scholarships
• 75 Confederation 75th Anniversary Scholarships

All scholarships are valued at $1,000 each, except the Junior Jubilee Scholarship which is valued at $2,500.

The Junior Jubilee Scholarship is awarded to the student with the highest scholarship score in the province. This year’s recipient is Mitchell Griffin, a graduate of Corner Brook Regional High.

The Constable W.C. Moss Scholarship is awarded to a child of a member of the Royal Newfoundland Constabulary or the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (active, retired or deceased) with the highest scholarship score (other than the Junior Jubilee Scholarship recipient). This year’s recipient is Zachary Hussey, a graduate of Laval High School in Placentia.

The 120 Electoral District Scholarships are awarded to three high school graduates in each electoral district with the highest scholarship score (other than the Junior Jubilee and the Constable W.C. Moss Scholarships recipients).

The 79 Centenary of Responsible Government Scholarships are awarded to the graduating students province-wide with the next highest scholarship scores (other than the Junior Jubilee, Constable W.C. Moss and the Electoral District Scholarships recipients).

This year, a new one-time scholarship was created. The Confederation 75th Anniversary Scholarships are presented to 75 graduating students to commemorate the province becoming a part of Canada. These scholarships are awarded to the students with the next highest scholarship scores after all other scholarships have been awarded.

A complete list of Provincial Scholarship winners and information on how scholarship recipients can receive their provincial scholarships can be found here.

Quote
“Congratulations to all graduates receiving a Provincial Scholarship this year. I am impressed with the work ethic and determination in achieving your academic goals. Students in our province demonstrate commitment and desire to learn and further their education. I wish all scholarship recipients and all of our students the best of luck as they embark on their next educational endeavors.”
Honourable Krista Lynn Howell
Minister of Education

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The Honourable Dr. Andrew Furey, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador, will make a significant announcement related to the tourism and hospitality industry tomorrow, November 18.

The event will take place at Sláinte, 115 Duckworth Street, St. John’s, beginning at 11:00 a.m.

Premier Furey will be joined by the Honourable Steve Crocker, Minister of Tourism, Culture, Arts and Recreation, and key stakeholders from the tourism and hospitality industry.

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The Provincial Indigenous Women’s Reconciliation Council has concluded two days of meetings (November 13 and 14) in Stephenville. The goal of the Reconciliation Council is to coordinate and lead meaningful action to address existing challenges and obstacles in the areas of culture, health and wellness, justice, and human security, that impact Indigenous women, girls, and 2SLGBTQQIA+ people.

Discussions took place on current reconciliation initiatives throughout the province, the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous People, and the issue of violence against Indigenous women and girls. The meetings also included traditional Indigenous opening and closing ceremonies.

One of the highlights of the two days was a visit to Ne’ata’q Place, a new shelter in Stephenville, opened by the Newfoundland Aboriginal Women’s Network, which will provide a safe and supportive environment for Indigenous women and children affected by family violence.

The formation of the Reconciliation Council was a recommendation of the Hear Our Voices: MMIWG Policy Recommendations of the First Women of Newfoundland and Labrador report.

This action is a further commitment from the Provincial Government to continue to work collaboratively and in partnership with Indigenous Governments and Organizations to prevent violence against Indigenous women, girls, and 2SLGBTQQIA+ people.

The Reconciliation Council is composed of 11 members, including five Provincial Government representatives (from Executive Council, Children, Seniors and Social Development, Health and Community Service, and Justice and Public Safety), and six Indigenous women representatives. There are three Co-Chairs: one appointed to represent government, and two Elders appointed by the Provincial Indigenous Women’s Steering Committee.

Quotes
“The Provincial Indigenous Women’s Reconciliation Council brings together voices that have endured, wisdom that has persisted, and resilience that empowers. By honouring our Indigenous women, girls and 2SLGBTQQIA+ individuals’ experiences and perspectives, we are making positive strides to prevent violence in our communities, while creating a path forward toward justice, healing, and reconciliation.”
Honourable Pam Parsons
Minister Responsible for Women and Gender Equality

“The collaborative efforts of the Provincial Indigenous Women’s Reconciliation Council deserve recognition. It highlights the critical importance of addressing gender-based violence as a fundamental issue for societal progress and equality.”
Honourable Dr. Scott Reid
Minister Responsible for Indigenous Affairs and Reconciliation

“As we continue our work on reconciliation, we are trying to create a future where violence in any form has no place. As we stand together, we are committed to end gender-based violence and work towards a world where respect and equality are rights of all people.”
Odelle Pike
Elder Co-Chair, Provincial Indigenous Women’s Reconciliation Council

“I am happy there is more emphasis being put on intimate partner violence, but I am sad that we have to deal with such tough issues. I hope the work we are doing will make a difference in the lives of women and children.”
Charlotte Wolfrey
Elder Co-Chair, Provincial Indigenous Women’s Reconciliation Council

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Provincial Indigenous Women’s Reconciliation Council to be Established to Support Efforts Related to Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls and 2SLGBTQQIA+ People

National Action Plan on Gender-Based Violence

Hear Our Voices Report

Office of Women and Gender Equality

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The Honourable Lisa Dempster, Minister of Labrador Affairs, has announced $50,000 in funding for Them Days, a non-profit organization that documents and preserves the history of Labrador. The funding will assist in operations and special events around the organization’s 50th anniversary.

Them Days publishes a quarterly magazine and houses an archive that contains diaries, letters, reports, recording, photographs, slides, maps and a reference library. They provide an important service to the people of Labrador.

This funding is part of the Provincial Government’s commitment to investments that support the preservation of our culture and heritage.

Quotes
“Them Days has been the keeper of Labrador cultural stories, traditions and history for almost 50 years. This funding is vital to preserving and documenting our old ways and early days. The Provincial Government remains committed to elevating work that supports the preservation of the cultures and history of our province.”
Honourable Lisa Dempster
Minister of Labrador Affairs

“For the past half century, Them Days has collected, stored and disseminated the folklore of all of Labrador’s populations. With today’s generous contribution, Minister Dempster has helped secure the future of Them Days and ensured the ongoing preservation of Labrador’s rich history and culture. On behalf of the Board of Directors I want to thank Minister Dempster for her commitment to Them Days and to the invaluable work that it does.”
Edward Blake-Rudkowski
Chair, Board of Directors, Them Days

“As Them Days prepares for their 50th anniversary of recording and celebrating our collective history, it is particularly exciting to be part of this special project. Documenting the past has helped us understand where we are going and to be proud of all that has been accomplished.”
Perry Trimper
Parliamentary Assistant to the Premier and MHA for Lake Melville

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The Honourable Steve Crocker, Minister of Tourism, Culture, Arts and Recreation, welcomes residents to get into the festive spirit with the sights, sounds, tastes, and traditions of an 1830s Christmas at Commissariat House.

On November 16 and 17, residents are welcomed to enjoy two days of Festive Family Fun, including traditional seasonal greenery, music, a taste of Christmas pudding and hot chocolate along with arts and crafts.

Following this, on November 22 and 23, residents are welcomed to take part in Christmas by Candlelight, where folks of all ages can enjoy some hot chocolate by the fire and wander through Commissariat House by the glow of candlelight.

The Commissariat, located at 11 King’s Bridge Road in St. John’s, was built between 1818 and 1820 as the home and office of the Assistant Commissary General, the supply officer for British forces in Newfoundland. Today, visitors can tour the Commissariat for a glimpse of life in St. John’s during the 1830s.

While these events are free of charge, it is kindly asked that attendees bring a non-perishable food item to support the Community Food Sharing Association.

Quotes
“As Minister of Tourism, Culture, Arts and Recreation I am pleased to invite one and all to this lovely event at one of our Provincial Historic Sites. Christmas at Commissariat is popular annual tradition that can be enjoyed by the whole family. We hope to see you there!”
Honourable Steve Crocker
Minister of Tourism, Culture, Arts and Recreation

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Vision 2026

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The Honourable Gerry Byrne, Minister of Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture, will deliver remarks at the Fish, Food, and Allied Workers (FFAW) Triannual Convention on Monday, November 18, beginning at 11:15 a.m. The convention is being held at the Quality Hotel, 100 Trans-Canada Highway, Gander.

Minister Byrne will address issues of corporate concentration, pathways for increasing processing capacity, and the union’s request to return to the collective bargaining process with a right to strike or lock-out.

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The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador, the Government of Canada and the Town of Happy Valley-Goose Bay today announced the official opening of 16 new affordable homes in the Town of Happy Valley-Goose Bay. These homes, built through a federal investment of $5 million through the third phase of the Rapid Housing Initiative, are owned and operated as part of NL Housing’s rental housing portfolio, welcoming tenants in November and December 2024.

The announcement was made by Yvonne Jones, Member of Parliament for Labrador on behalf of the Honourable Sean Fraser, Minister of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities, alongside the Honourable John G. Abbott, Minister of Housing and Minister of Mental Health and Addictions, and His Worship George Andrews, Mayor of Happy Valley-Goose Bay.

The 16 homes are located in four fourplex-style buildings on Brett Street and Lethbridge Street. Four of the homes are two-bedroom units while the other 12 are one-bedroom units, the areas of greatest demand.

Two of the ground level-units are fully wheelchair accessible, while the other six ground level units are visitable, with wider doors and no step entry. All 16 homes were built with universal design features, including widened exterior and interior doors and hallways and lever-type door handles and faucets. Energy efficiency is also a key element in the design and construction of the buildings.

Tenants will come from NL Housing’s existing prioritized waitlist, and rents will be geared-to-income at 25 per cent of the household’s net income. Tenants will also receive a heating subsidy.

Quotes
“We are pleased to officially open these new homes in Happy Valley-Goose Bay, which will support 16 individuals or families in need of affordable housing. Our government remains an open and willing partner with both the Federal Government and municipal governments looking to expand affordable housing throughout our province.”
Honourable John G. Abbott
Minister of Housing
Minister of Mental Health and Addictions

“Every Canadian deserves a safe and affordable place to call home. This investment, through the Rapid Housing Initiative, will provide stability and safety to those who need it the most. I’m proud that this major investment will help meet affordable housing needs here in Newfoundland and Labrador for decades to come. This is our government’s National Housing Strategy at work.”
Yvonne Jones
Member of Parliament for Labrador

“Everyone deserves a safe place to call home to live, raise a family, and build a future – including here in Lake Melville. This Rapid Housing Initiative, in combination with the National Strategy, will provide funding to help build new affordable homes – quickly. The attention on accessibility and inclusivity within the universal design of these 16 units will help towards ensuring no one gets left behind.”
Perry Trimper
Parliamentary Assistant to the Premier
Member of House of Legislative Assembly for Lake Melville

“With such a demand for affordable housing in Happy Valley-Goose Bay, it is great to see the completion of these 16 homes. This is a major investment in our community and provides a safe and stable place for individuals and families to grow and succeed. The 13th Council is thankful to have partnered with all parties involved and looks forward to continuing to work together on future initiatives.”
His Worship George Andrews
Mayor of Happy Valley Goose Bay

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Quick Facts

• The National Housing Strategy (NHS) is a 10+ year, $115+ billion plan to give more Canadians a place to call home. Progress on programs and initiatives is updated quarterly at www.placetocallhome.ca. The Housing Funding Initiatives Map shows affordable housing projects that have been developed.
  • As of September 2024, the federal government has committed $57.57 billion to support the creation of over 156,000 units and the repair of over 297,000 units. These measures prioritize those in greatest need, including seniors, Indigenous Peoples, people experiencing or at risk of homelessness, and women and children fleeing violence.
• The Rapid Housing Initiative (RHI) is delivered through the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) under the NHS. It provides funding to facilitate the rapid construction of new housing and the acquisition of existing buildings for the purpose of rehabilitation or conversion to permanent affordable housing units. With its third phase, launched in 2022, the Rapid Housing Initiative once again exceeded targets. It is expected that with this phase over 5,200 new homes will be created, of which almost half will be for women and one third will be for Indigenous Peoples. The total number of units created with the support of Rapid Housing Initiative is expected to be over 16,000 units. The program is now closed.
• • The RHI takes a human rights-based approach to housing, serving people experiencing or at risk of homelessness and other vulnerable people, including women and children fleeing domestic violence, seniors, young adults, Indigenous Peoples, people with disabilities, people experiencing mental health and addiction issues, Veterans, 2SLGBTQI+ individuals, racialized groups, and recent immigrants or refugees.

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As part of a continued effort to create an inclusive and accessible province, the Honourable Paul Pike, Minister of Children, Seniors and Social Development and Minister Responsible for the Status of Persons with Disabilities, today announced a call for applications for the 2024-25 Accessible Taxi Grant.

The application process is now open for individuals, companies and agencies that can deliver accessible taxi services within Newfoundland and Labrador to apply for grants of up to $25,000. Successful applicants for this program make a positive impact on the well-being of Newfoundlanders and Labradorians.

This grant assists with costs of retrofitting a passenger vehicle to meet accessibility standards or assist with the purchase of a new vehicle, which can accommodate passengers with mobility devices, such as wheelchairs and scooters.

The Accessible Taxi Grant delivers on the Provincial Government’s continued commitment to help create a more accessible and inclusive province.

In 2023-24, the department awarded Accessible Taxi Grant funding in the amount of $25,000 each to Birch Hills Taxi in Bay Roberts and Lewisporte Taxi in Lewisporte.

To obtain a copy of the guidelines and application form, please visit the department’s website, email CSSDGrantPrograms@gov.nl.ca, call toll-free 1-888-729-6279 or text 709-725-4463. Video Relay Service calls are also welcome and applications are available in alternate formats. The deadline to apply is January 5, 2025.

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Quotes
“Accessible Taxi Grants are opening up opportunities throughout the province as we continue to work towards creating a more inclusive and accessible province. Accessible transportation plays a vital role in removing barriers for persons with disabilities to participate meaningfully in their communities. I encourage interested parties to visit our website and submit an application before the deadline.”
Honourable Paul Pike
Minister of Children, Seniors and Social Development
Minister Responsible for the Status of Persons with Disabilities

“Thanks to the Accessible Taxi Grant we have been able to expand our fleet to provide safe and reliable accessible transportation to include anyone experiencing mobility challenges. Birch Hills Taxi is proud to provide this essential service to the members of our community and surrounding area. ”
Andrew Bishop
Birch Hills Taxi

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Accessible Taxi Grant

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Following the conclusion of WestJet’s London-Gatwick flight for the 2024 season, the Honourable Steve Crocker, Minister of Tourism, Culture, Arts and Recreation, is providing an update on the route, as well as the province’s efforts towards improving air access for non-resident visitors and intraprovincial travel.

Announced in November 2023, WestJet’s direct flight from St. John’s to London’s Gatwick Airport has been an incredible success. Preliminary estimates indicate that each flight operated at greater than 80 per cent capacity. Due to the success of the route, it is anticipated that no government support will be required in 2024.

Work to improve intraprovincial travel between the island and Labrador is a critical issue. The Provincial Government maintains more than 10,000 kilometres of paved road to connect all Newfoundlanders and Labradorians and continues to subsidize provincial ferry services more than 90 per cent.

The Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts and Recreation is focusing on intraprovincial air travel and continues to work with airport partners and local stakeholders to explore options for improvement. The Provincial Government is also engaged with other jurisdictional partners on how they deal with similar issues across Canada.

The Provincial Government continues our advocacy to the Federal Government regarding the burden of federal fees, charges and other taxes that place a strain on passengers, airlines and airports. By easing these financial pressures, we encourage greater competition, ultimately benefitting travellers with more affordable travel options.

In December 2022, the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts and Recreation launched Vision 2026, with air access as a top priority for tourism recovery.

Quotes
“The success of the London-Gatwick route, and all air travel, is incumbent on collaboration from all levels of government and stakeholders. Air access for non-residents and intraprovincial travel remain priorities for our government and we are making great strides toward improving access for residents and visitors. We appreciate our working relationship with WestJet and are pleased that the route’s inaugural year has been a tremendous success.”
Honourable Steve Crocker
Minister of Tourism, Culture, Arts and Recreation

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The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador has signed agreements with the Government of Canada that will contribute to increased wages for home support workers, and improved access to and affordability of drugs for rare diseases.

Canadians deserve a health care system that provides timely access to quality health services and medications, regardless of where they live or their ability to pay. The Government of Canada recognizes that concerted and collaborative efforts by federal, provincial and territorial governments are needed to improve health care for Canadians, including through better supporting health workers and ensuring access to medications for all.

Today, the Honourable John Hogan, KC, Minister of Health and Community Services, the Honourable Mark Holland, Canada’s Minister of Health, and the Honourable Gudie Hutchings, Minister of Rural Economic Development and Minister Responsible for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency, announced over $47 million in federal investments as part of two bilateral agreements to support the health of people in Newfoundland and Labrador.

The first bilateral agreement supports drugs for rare diseases. The Government of Canada will provide $22 million to improve access to drugs for rare diseases, early diagnosis and screening, starting with the funding to support the province in providing access to two drugs under the National Strategy for Rare Diseases. These drugs, namely Poteligeo, for the treatment of mycosis fungoides or Sézary syndrome, and Oxlumo, for the treatment of hyperoxaluria type 1, will be made available to residents of Newfoundland and Labrador.

In Canada, one in 12 people live with a rare disease. While there are thousands of rare diseases, unfortunately treatments are only available for a small percentage of these conditions. And, for most people suffering, the cost of these treatments puts them out of reach.

The names of other drugs on the common list will be published online on a drug-by-drug basis following the conclusion of the pan-Canadian Pharmaceutical Alliance price negotiations for each drug. In addition, Newfoundland and Labrador is committing through this agreement to work with Canada and other provinces and territories on developing and implementing a plan for improving screening and diagnostics for rare diseases.

In addition, through an amendment to the Aging with Dignity Agreement, announced in May 2024, the Government of Canada will provide more than $25 million in new funding over the next five years that will contribute to the support of home support workers. Funding from this agreement will contribute to an increase in wages for 6,000 agency-based home support workers, who assist clients with daily living, providing personal, behavioural, and household support to help them maintain independence and age safely at home.

Newfoundland and Labrador is the first province or territory to announce increases to wages for these workers through the amendments.

The Government of Canada remains committed to working with provinces and territories to improve health care for all Canadians. This includes improving the recruitment and retention of home support workers, and access to affordable prescription medications. These efforts will strengthen our health care workforce and safeguard the quality of care for vulnerable populations, promoting a more resilient and equitable health care system for all Canadians.

Quotes
“Our government is improving access to health care for all residents of Newfoundland and Labrador in keeping with the recommendations from Health Accord NL. We are happy to work with the Government of Canada to make drugs for rare diseases more accessible to Newfoundlanders and Labradorians and to recognize the vital services that home support workers provide.”
Honourable John Hogan, KC
Minister of Health and Community Services

“This agreement is an important step towards improving health care services across Newfoundland and Labrador and supporting individuals to maintain their independence and quality of life. Home support workers provide compassionate, dignified care and deserve fair compensation for their essential role in our communities. Additionally, this agreement to support drugs for rare diseases will improve access to medications, early diagnosis, and screening, so that people in Newfoundland and Labrador with rare diseases have the best health outcome possible.”
Honourable Mark Holland
Canada’s Minister of Health

“Our government committed to investing in health care services in our rural communities. Through these bilateral agreements, we are making expensive medications more accessible for people living with a rare disease. Supporting them means supporting the strength and resilience of our communities.”
Honourable Gudie Hutchings
Minister of Rural Economic Development and Minister Responsible for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency

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Provincial Government Signs $78 million Bilateral Agreement with Federal Government to Help Residents Age with Dignity

Health Accord NL

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The Honourable Lisa Dempster, Minister of Labrador Affairs, will make a funding announcement tomorrow (Friday, November 15) at 12:45 p.m. Labrador time.

The event will take place at 3 Courte Manche St, Happy Valley-Goose Bay.

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The Honourable John Hogan, KC, Minister of Health and Community Services, the Honourable Mark Holland, Canada’s Minister of Health, and the Honourable Gudie Hutchings, Minister of Rural Economic Development and Minister Responsible for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency, will make a health care announcement tomorrow (Friday, November 15), beginning at 9:15 a.m. They will be joined by Joanne Thompson, Member of Parliament for St. John’s East.

Members of the media are asked to meet at the main entrance of the Dr. H. Bliss Murphy Cancer Centre, 300 Prince Phillip Drive, St. John’s, at 9:00 a.m. to be escorted to the unit.

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The Honourable Bernard Davis, Minister of Justice and Safety, today introduced proposed legislation for the management of law enforcement articles, uniforms, vehicle markings and vehicle equipment. The Law Enforcement Identity Management Act received second reading in the House of Assembly earlier today.

The Act is intended to increase public safety by restricting public access to law enforcement items and paraphernalia, thereby decreasing the likelihood of usage in unlawful activities.

The Act includes:

• Restrictions on the use, possession, sale and fabrication of law enforcement articles, uniforms, markings and vehicle equipment.
• Requirements for law enforcement agencies subject to the Act to have asset management and disposal policies.
• Enforcement procedures and penalties.

Consultations will occur in the comings months to inform regulations of the Act including the process to use enforcement items in dramatic works, as well as possible restrictions on the use of items from other law enforcement agencies (not just police).

This proposed legislation stems from a recommendation of the Mass Casualty Commission report that investigated the April 2020 mass shooting in Nova Scotia where the shooter impersonated an RCMP officer. This was the deadliest mass shooting in Canadian history. Newfoundland and Labrador will be the second province in Canada to introduce this legislation, after Nova Scotia.

Quote
“The 2020 mass shooting in Nova Scotia made clear the danger to the public when someone with unlawful intent impersonates a police officer. While it is already illegal to impersonate a police officer, we know more can be done to stop this behavior. The Law Enforcement Identity Management Act aims to keep law enforcement items out of the hands of people who would use these items to harass or harm others. This proposed legislation would give the RNC and RCMP additional tools to ensure individuals cannot use law enforcement items for the wrong reasons.”
Honourable Bernard Davis
Minister of Justice and Public Safety

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The following statement was given today in the House of Assembly by the Honourable Gerry Byrne, Minister of Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture

Speaker, our government is bringing in a series of sweeping, positive changes to the administration of Crown lands that will quicken regular applications while supporting long-term possession of the land your home is built on – even when that possession doesn’t meet the previous legal tests that blocked this.

For the last five decades, ever since 1976 when government decided to abolish, to terminate, Adverse Possession of Crown lands, government after government has endorsed the 1976 decision and made it their own.

Speaker, we are not every other government.

The Primary Residence Property Title Program is a game changer. Any qualifying applicant who built, bought or inherited a house and land and is now living full-time in that home will be issued a quitclaim deed, forever eliminating the Crown’s right to that property. The applicant will show that they paid taxes to their municipality and establish reasonable proof of primary residence as of October 15, 2024 – and it is theirs.

Once approved, if the applicant is a senior in receipt of the Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS), they pay nothing for this deed except standard processing fees.

No applicant will pay full market value and, to support housing security, the deed will be based on a percentage of income starting at just five per cent of the normal price.

For 50 years, this legislature said don’t do this – take the land away and take these families to court with no other recourse.

Speaker, we are not listening to that advice.

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The following statement was given today in the House of Assembly by the Honourable John Hogan, KC, Minister of Health and Community Services:

Speaker, I rise today in this honourable House to recognize November 10 to 16 as Nurse Practitioner Week.

Nurse practitioners are essential contributors within our health care system. Whether employed in emergency departments, program areas such as cardiology, long-term care, mental health and addictions, or in primary health care, nurse practitioners provide a high quality of care for patients in our province.

Our government recognizes the tremendous service of nurse practitioners who are critical to the operations of our family care teams. These teams are expanding access to primary care by connecting over 60,000 residents.

We are proud to support nurse practitioners with initiatives and incentives such as new collective agreement provisions; signing bonuses to work in family care teams; incentives for retired nurses to return to the workforce; and grants for nurse practitioner students.

During Nurse Practitioner Week, we reaffirm our commitment to expanding opportunities for nurse practitioners and building a stronger health care system that works for everyone.

Speaker, I ask all honourable members to join me in thanking nurse practitioners for all they do to support the health and well-being of the people of Newfoundland and Labrador.

Thank you, Speaker.

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The Honourable John G. Abbott, Minister of Housing and Minister of Mental Health and Addictions, will join Yvonne Jones, Member of Parliament for Labrador, on behalf of the Honourable Sean Fraser, Minister of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities, to unveil 16 new affordable homes in Happy Valley-Goose Bay tomorrow (Friday, November 15).

The event will take place at Hotel North Two, located at 382 Hamilton River Road, at 10 a.m. (AST).

Minister Abbott and MP Jones will be joined by His Worship George Andrews, Mayor of Happy Valley-Goose Bay, and Perry Trimper, MHA for Lake Melville. The Honourable Lisa Dempster, Minister of Labrador Affairs, will also be in attendance.

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