Government of Newfoundland News

Natural Resources

The Honourable Siobhan Coady, Minister of Natural Resources, is optimistic about the future of natural resources industries in Newfoundland and Labrador after major developments in 2017.

Finance

At the request of the Provincial Government, the provincial HST rebate on qualifying books has been reinstated as of January 1, 2018. The same eligibility conditions that were in effect before the rebate was removed will once again apply.

Tourism, Culture, Industry and Innovation

The Provincial Government continues to support a vibrant, diverse and sustainable economy. Over the last year, the Department of Tourism, Culture Industry and Innovation has worked with prosperous and culturally-rich communities to enhance productivity and competitiveness, as well as innovative companies which contribute to a dynamic, thriving and competitive technology industry. Innovation in all sectors will continue to play a critical role in advancing a stronger, more diversified economy in Newfoundland and Labrador.

Transportation and Works

Innovative ways to develop and improve vital road infrastructure in Newfoundland and Labrador has led to more than 600 lane kilometres of highway being paved and more than 300 culverts being replaced throughout the province in 2017.

Advanced Education, Skills and Labour

A request for proposals has been issued for pilot projects to test new, innovative approaches to further support the integration of refugees into the workforce.

Municipal Affairs and Environment

The Honourable Eddie Joyce, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Environment, has announced the following events relative to Part 10 Environmental Assessment of the Environmental Protection Act.

Executive Council
Tourism, Culture, Industry and Innovation

More than 1,500 households in 70 rural and remote communities in Newfoundland and Labrador will be able to do business online, participate in distance education and take advantage of the opportunities afforded by the digital age thanks to a joint federal-provincial investment of $28.45 million in high-speed Internet.

Executive Council

The Honourable Dwight Ball, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador, will join the Honourable Seamus O’Regan, Minister of Veterans Affairs and Member of Parliament for St. John’s South – Mount Pearl, on behalf the Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and Minister responsible for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency, to announce funding for a broadband initiative in Newfoundland and Labrador on Tuesday, January 2‎, 2018. The event will take place at The Rooms, 9 Bonaventure Avenue, St. John’s, beginning at 10:30 a.m.

Fisheries and Land Resources

Residents of Newfoundland and Labrador are reminded that they can renew Domestic Cutting Permits online beginning January 2, 2018.

Fisheries and Land Resources

The new Department of Fisheries and Land Resources emerges from 2017 with a sharp focus on fisheries, aquaculture, forestry, agriculture, wildlife and lands, to better support economic development, growth and sustainability.

Education and Early Childhood Development

Guided by The Way Forward, several milestones in the Department of Education and Early Childhood Development have been reached in 2017 through various investments and initiatives in early learning and K-12 infrastructure and programming throughout Newfoundland and Labrador.

Municipal Affairs and Environment

With significant investments in 2017, the Department of Municipal Affairs and Environment made great strides in ensuring safe and sustainable communities. In February, the former Department of Municipal Affairs and the Department of Environment and Climate Change combined to form a single department. Since then, the department has seen benefits from bringing together the talents and expertise across issues such as water, wastewater, pollution prevention, infrastructure, climate change and fire and emergency services.

Health and Community Services

Advances in mental health and addictions, acute and long-term care health infrastructure, home and community care supports, and forward-thinking legislation are just some of the initiatives implemented by the department in 2017. These activities were commitments in The Way Forward.

Finance

In 2017, Government continued its efforts to return Newfoundland and Labrador to fiscal sustainability. Guided by The Way Forward: A vision for sustainability and growth in Newfoundland and Labrador, the Provincial Government continued to focus on strengthening Newfoundland and Labrador’s economy, delivering better services, and improving outcomes, all in order to promote a prosperous Newfoundland and Labrador.

Advanced Education, Skills and Labour

The Honourable Al Hawkins, Minister of Advanced Education, Skills and Labour, today announced an amendment to the field of study requirement for international graduates of eligible post-secondary institutions who apply to become permanent residents through the Newfoundland and Labrador Provincial Nominee Program (NLPNP).

Service NL

The Provincial Government undertook a number of activities in 2017 to enhance inclusion, diversity and road safety in Newfoundland and Labrador.

Advanced Education, Skills and Labour

Significant progress has been made in 2017 toward setting the foundation for increasing immigration to the province to 1,700 newcomers annually by 2022, a commitment in The Way Forward: A Vision for Sustainability and Growth in Newfoundland and Labrador.

Children, Seniors and Social Development

Throughout 2017, the Department of Children, Seniors and Social Development continued to deliver on its commitment to enhance the lives of Newfoundlanders and Labradorians by addressing poverty; improving the child protection system; improving the lives of seniors; working more collaboratively with Indigenous communities; improving inclusion of persons with disabilities; and enhancing healthy active living.

Municipal Affairs and Environment

The Honourable Lisa Dempster, Minister of Children, Seniors and Social Development and MHA for Cartwright - L’Anse au Clair, on behalf of the Honourable Eddie Joyce, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Environment, announced a new fire truck for the Charlottetown Fire Department on Friday, December 22. Minister Dempster was joined for the announcement by members of the fire department, as well as officials from the Town of Charlottetown and the Local Service District of Pinsent’s Arm, both of which are served by the fire department.

Justice and Public Safety

Improving access to justice and increasing transparency and accountability in law enforcement were priorities for the Provincial Government in 2017.