Government of Newfoundland News

The significant amount of garbage removed from the Outer Ring Road, which is higher than the amount collected last spring, serves as a stark reminder to residents and the travelling public of the importance of practicing proper waste management, which in turn makes our roadways, highways crews and the environment safe.

On Sunday, May 26, a clean-up of the Outer Ring Road between Logy Bay Road and Kenmount Road resulted in the equivalent of approximately four-and-a-half tandem dump trucks of garbage (45 cubic metres) removed from the highway. The garbage consisted of a number of household items, along with a couch, tires, bicycle frame, truck bedliner and a dog kennel.

The four-and-a-half tandem loads of garbage consists of approximately 3,750 garbage bags, and is approximately 1,250 more garbage bags than last spring’s cleanup when three-and-a-half tandem dump trucks of garbage (35 cubic metres) was removed.

The Department of Transportation and Infrastructure also used the closure to repair guide rails, conduct bridge inspections, patch potholes, remove sand buildup along the shoulders, begin line painting, install signage and sweep interchanges.

The Provincial Government reminds everyone to dispose of their garbage and old household items in a responsible and appropriate manner. All residents have a responsibility to protect the environment and to be mindful of the safety of crews and fellow motorists.

The majority of the debris collected along the Outer Ring Road is the result of unsecured loads. These loads often present a safety hazard for motorists and create litter along the province’s highways. When transporting cargo of any kind it is the responsibility of the driver to ensure their load is properly secured. Government encourages everyone to put public safety first by taking the time to ensure their load is properly secured before they head out on the road.

The Cargo Securement Regulations under the Highway Traffic Act apply to all private and commercial vehicles that are used to transport cargo, debris or trash on a public roadway. Fines for an improperly secured load range from $120 to $600 or 30 days imprisonment.

Littering on the province’s highways is prohibited under section 163. (1) of the Highway Traffic Act. Penalties range from $100 to $500. In default of payment, an offender can face imprisonment for two to 17 days.

Quotes
“Debris strewn along our highways and the hazard of unsecured loads contributes to unsafe conditions. We must all do our part to ensure safety along our roadways and this includes the proper securement and disposal of garbage and other items.”
Honourable John G. Abbott
Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure

“Littering along the highways damages the beauty of our natural landscapes and puts the safety of drivers at risk. I urge our residents to practice proper waste management to ensure garbage doesn’t end up on our roadways. No action is ever too little when it comes to preserving our environment.”
Honourable Bernard Davis
Minister of Environment and Climate Change

“Securing your cargo, as required under the Highway Traffic Act, prevents accidents caused by flying debris, and reduces unsightly litter along our roadways. It’s disappointing to see the tremendous amount of garbage that is collected during the annual clean up on the Outer Ring Road, much of which is the result of unsecured cargo. I encourage everyone to take extra care to ensure their vehicles and goods are properly secured.”
Honourable Sarah Stoodley
Minister of Digital Government and Service NL

-30-

The post Latest Outer Ring Road Clean-Up Results in Significant Garbage Removal appeared first on News Releases.

The following statement was read in the House of Assembly today by the Honourable Bernard Davis, Minister of Environment and Climate Change:

I rise in this Honourable House today to recognize June 2 – 8 as National Environment Week.

This year’s theme is “Generation Restoration”.

As individuals, we can preserve and restore our environment through actions such as growing trees, reducing waste, conserving energy, and adopting other environment-friendly practices in our every day lives.

As a government, we continue to focus on new and improved waste management practices.

Last year, 180 million beverage containers, or 70 per cent, were diverted from landfills through recycling programs in the province.

Speaker, Newfoundland and Labrador is ahead of other jurisdictions with more than 91 per cent of electricity sourced from renewable sources.

We are increasing electrification in homes, industries, and transportation sectors.

Since 2021, we have provided more than $17 million to over 2,600 homeowners to transition from oil to electric heating.

Our Electric Vehicle Incentive has helped us achieve over 1000 per cent growth in electric vehicles. We are now averaging two new electric vehicles on the road each day.

As of 2022, our greenhouse gas emissions have fallen to 8.6 million tonnes – these are the lowest emissions on record since 1996. We are on track to meet our 2030 greenhouse gas reduction target.

Speaker, this year we will release two new 2025-30 climate change action plans.

Our mitigation plan will lay the foundation for achieving net zero emissions by 2025, and our adaption plan will outline ways to future proof our province against the impacts of climate change.

I am pleased with the progress we are making together and I encourage everyone to continue playing their role towards the shared goal of preserving our environment for generations to come.

The post Ministerial Statement: Minister Davis Recognizes Environment Week appeared first on News Releases.

Today, the Honourable Krista Lynn Howell, Minister of Education, announced the Provincial Government’s commitment to introduce a medical benefits program for early childhood educators working in regulated child care services that participate in the Operating Grant Program.

Minister Howell was joined by Élisabeth Brière, Parliamentary Secretary to the Government of Canada’s Minister of Families, Children and Social Development and Skye Taylor, Executive Director of the Association of Early Childhood Educators Newfoundland and Labrador.

The medical benefits program will become operational fall 2024 and will be managed by the Association of Early Childhood Educators Newfoundland and Labrador. Medical benefits will be optional and available to individuals who have worked a minimum of three months at a regulated child care service participating in the Operating Grant Program, including:

• Early childhood educators;
• Trainee early childhood educators;
• Other staff working in child care services; and
• Regulated Family Child Care providers.

The new medical benefits program for early childhood educators will support recruitment and retention of early childhood educators as the Provincial Government continues to increase the number of early learning and child care spaces throughout Newfoundland and Labrador.

The annual cost for the new benefit plan is estimated at over $1.8 million, funded as part of the $306 million invested through the Canada-Newfoundland and Labrador Canada-wide Early Learning and Child Care Agreement. Through this agreement, the Governments of Canada and Newfoundland and Labrador are working together to improve access to high-quality, affordable, flexible, and inclusive early learning and child care programs and services.

The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador is committed to providing high quality, affordable child care that is accessible throughout the province. There are close to 9,400 early learning and child care spaces operating at $10-a-day or less in the province, with a further 2,000 spaces in development.

Quotes
“Early childhood educators play an important role in the learning and development of our children as they start discovering new things every day. We have worked diligently to provide enhanced recruitment initiatives for those thinking of entering the profession, and to bolster retention efforts to encourage them to stay in the field. The new medical benefits program is another step in our efforts to acknowledge the importance of the early learning workforce.”
Honourable Krista Lynn Howell
Minister of Education

“Early childhood educators are at the very heart of the Canada-wide early learning and child care system, and we need to be there for them just as they always are for our families and kids. Today’s announcement in Newfoundland and Labrador is another big step to help attract, retain, and support our amazing educators in our communities.”
Honourable Jenna Sudds
Minister of Families, Children and Social Development

“The introduction of a medical benefits program for early childhood educators marks another step toward professionalizing the sector and acknowledging the vital role that educators play in supporting families and children by providing quality care and inclusive early learning opportunities. The association looks forward to the development of future workforce strategies as the Canada-Wide Early Learning and Child Care Agreement progresses.”
Skye Taylor
Association of Early Childhood Educators in Newfoundland and Labrador

-30-

Learn more
Operating Grant Program

Canada-Newfoundland and Labrador Canada-Wide Early Learning and Child Care Agreement

Follow us on X @GovNL and @EDU_GovNL

Like us on Facebook

BACKGROUNDER

Operating Grant Program
The Operating Grant Program helps address affordability of child care services for families with young children. Effective January 1, 2023, regulated child care services participating in the Operating Grant Program were supported to lower their rates to $10 per day for infant, toddler, and preschool participants; $4 for afterschool care; and, $5 for before and after school care. The Operating Grant Program is a key component of the Canada-Newfoundland and Labrador Canada-wide Early Learning and Child Care Agreement. As part of the agreement, the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador committed to exploring potential enhancements to the program to ensure that regulated operations remain financially viable, and to retain and attract new early childhood educators.

In January 2024 the Provincial Government released a report outlining a review of the Operating Grant Program for child care services in Newfoundland and Labrador. The report includes six opportunity areas for improving the Operating Grant Program, including governance; funding and rates; program policies, processes and requirements; accountability; workforce; and, system enablers.

Canada-Newfoundland and Labrador Canada-wide Early Learning and Child Care Agreement
The Canada-Newfoundland and Labrador Canada-wide Early Learning and Child Care Agreement is increasing access to regulated child care through the creation of approximately 6,000 spaces by 2025-2026, as well as improving affordability, inclusivity, and quality of early learning and child care programming in Newfoundland and Labrador. This Action Plan is made possible by federal investments in the Canada-wide Early Learning and Child Care system. These include $306 million for the 2021-2022 to 2025-2026 Canada-Newfoundland and Labrador Canada-wide Early Learning and Child Care Agreement, a one-time investment of nearly $6.5 million in 2021-2022 to support the early childhood workforce, as well as over $34 million for the 2021-2022 to 2024-2025 Early Learning and Child Care Extension Agreement.

The post Provincial Government Commits to Introducing Medical Benefits for Early Childhood Educators appeared first on News Releases.

Today, the Honourable Steve Crocker, Minister of Tourism, Culture, Arts and Recreation, announced support for one of the province’s most anticipated summer events – the Royal St. John’s Regatta.

Minister Crocker was joined at the event by the Honourable John G. Abbott, Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure and the Member of the House of Assembly for the district of St. John’s East-Quidi Vidi, and Ashley Peach, President of the Royal St. John’s Regatta Committee.

This year’s event will be known as the ‘Confederation 75 Royal St. John’s Regatta’ and will include the following enhancements:

• Regatta Eve concert with Gulliver’s Busses Free Ride N’ Park service.
• Special edition Confederation 75 branded medals.
• The June 22 races will be renamed the ‘Confederation 75 Races’.
• As well, a Regatta Day race will be named after the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador.

The Royal St. John’s Regatta is the oldest continuing sporting event in North America, with 2024 marking its 206th anniversary. The annual event is known to draw up to 50,000 spectators each year to the shores of Quidi Vidi Lake.

Quotes
“The Royal St. John’s Regatta is a summertime tradition in our capital city. 2024 marks the 75th anniversary of Confederation, an ideal opportunity to enhance the Regatta and bring awareness to the significant moment in time that we became Canadians.”
Honourable Steve Crocker
Minister of Tourism, Culture, Arts and Recreation

“I am pleased to proclaim the 206th running of the Royal St. John’s Regatta as the Confederation 75 Royal St. John’s Regatta. As an event that is steeped in history, it is fitting that the Royal St. John’s Regatta would partner with the Government of Newfoundland & Labrador in celebrating 75 years of Confederation. We join the entire province in marking this momentous occasion by reflecting on our past and celebrating all we have achieved these last 75 years.”
Ashley Peach
President, Royal St. John’s Regatta Committee

-30-

Learn more
Royal St. John’s Regatta

Follow us on Twitter @GovNL and @TCAR_GovNL

Like us on Facebook

The post Provincial Government Provides Support for Confederation 75 Royal St. John’s Regatta Enhancements appeared first on News Releases.

In accordance with the requirements of the Highway Traffic Act, the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador has issued Transportation Network Company (ride-sharing service) licences to Ride Technologies Inc and GrandHubX.

The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador first announced the introduction of a provincial approach to ride-sharing in October 2023.

Legislative amendments to permit ride-sharing services to operate within the province came into effect on December 21, 2023.

Transportation Network Companies are required to obtain a licence from the Registrar of Motor Vehicles to operate in Newfoundland and Labrador and ride-sharing drivers are required to hold a Class 4 licence.

More information about ride-sharing, including how to apply for licences, is available online.

-30-

 

The post Public Advisory: Provincial Government Issues Ride-Sharing Licences to Ride Technologies Inc and GrandHubX appeared first on News Releases.

In an effort to build on the long-term economic growth of communities throughout Newfoundland and Labrador, the Provincial Government continues to address infrastructure development and rehabilitation needs in municipalities and Local Service Districts, allowing them to deliver strong municipal services and meet infrastructure needs.

The Honourable John G. Abbott, Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure, will be available to provide an update to media on municipal infrastructure funding today (Tuesday, May 28) in the Media Centre, Ground Floor, East Block, Confederation Building beginning at 12:00 p.m. He will be joined by Jim Organ, Executive Director, Heavy Civil Association of Newfoundland and Labrador; Rhonda Neary, President and Chief Operating Officer, Newfoundland and Labrador Construction Association; and Bradley Power, Director of Programs, Municipalities Newfoundland and Labrador.

A total of $50 million over five years is included in the Budget for the Municipal Capital Works program, which fosters the development of cost-shared projects for many types of municipal infrastructure. To date, 70 projects at a cost of approximately $60 million have been approved under the program for 2024-25. Typical projects include water and waste-water treatment, seawalls, and climate mitigation efforts. Funding is cost-shared between provincial and municipal governments and is available to municipalities, local service districts and Inuit Community Governments. The provincial share is $47 million.

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

Quote
“Municipal leaders have the insight into how best to improve their communities, and we support their efforts to enhance infrastructure in their towns to benefit people living in their areas. Our funding commitment positions municipalities to help them achieve that goal.”
Honourable John G. Abbott
Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure

-30-

The post Update Provided on Municipal Infrastructure Funding for the Province appeared first on News Releases.

The preliminary results from today’s by-election in the District of Baie Verte – Green Bay are as follows:

Baie Verte – Green Bay Official Candidates: Political Affiliation: Preliminary Results: BURT, Owen J. Liberal Party

1,035

HARNETT, Riley New Democratic Party 96 PADDOCK, Lin Progressive Conservative Party 4,271 TOTAL  VOTES: 5,402

There were 47 regular polls, 4 advance polls and Special Ballot voting in the by-election with 9,601 registered electors on the final revised list of electors.

The Official Addition of the Votes, a procedure whereby the vote tallies from by-election night are reviewed, will take place at the district Returning Office beginning at 9:00 am on Thursday, May 30. At the conclusion of the Official Addition, the by-election results are considered official and a candidate is declared elected.

– 30 –

Media contact
Rexanne Eddy
Communications and Training Officer, ATIPP Coordinator
Elections Newfoundland and Labrador
Office of the Chief Electoral Officer
709-729-1474
rexanneeddy@electionsnl.ca

The post Preliminary By-Election Results for Baie Verte – Green Bay appeared first on News Releases.

The Honourable Krista Lynn Howell, Minister of Education, will make an announcement tomorrow (Tuesday, May 28) to support the recruitment and retention of early childhood educators in Newfoundland and Labrador. The Minister will be joined by Élisabeth Brière, Parliamentary Secretary to the Government of Canada’s Minister of Families, Children and Social Development and Skye Taylor, Executive Director of the Association of Early Childhood Educators Newfoundland and Labrador.

The announcement takes place at the Association of Early Childhood Educators Newfoundland and Labrador, 59 Pippy Place, Unit 1A, St. John’s, at 11:30 a.m.

-30-

Media contact
Lynn Robinson
Education
709-729-1906; 709-691-9466
lynnrobinson@gov.nl.ca

The post Media Advisory: Minister Howell to Make Announcement for Early Childhood Educators appeared first on News Releases.

The following statement was read in the House of Assembly today by the Honourable Krista Lynn Howell, Minister of Education:

Speaker, I am happy to rise in this Honourable House to welcome a delegation from the Republic of Korea, including representatives from the Ministry of Education and the Office of International Cooperation, who join us here today, as we continue to develop a working partnership related to early learning and child care and post-secondary opportunities.

Speaker, I had the opportunity to visit the Republic of Korea this past October to attend the Canada-Korea Colleges/Universities Networking Seminar. The visit was engaging and informative as we had conversations to find potential opportunities for collaboration in all areas of education.

We had one-on-one meetings with participants and discussed potential partnerships in several program areas including early learning, K-12 education, engineering, and fine arts. During these discussions, we determined that both of our jurisdictions can learn from each other.

Speaker, our province has a prominent history in developing positive working relationships with other countries. We will continue to promote Newfoundland and Labrador on the global stage while creating opportunities for our residents here at home.

I look forward to joining our guests to tour some early learning and child care centres during their visit, and to having further discussions with them on more opportunities for our jurisdictions to collaborate.

Thank you.

The post Minister Howell Welcomes Korean Delegates to Discuss Education Opportunities appeared first on News Releases.

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

Veterans, dignitaries and distinguished guests, as the 14th Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador, it is my most distinct honour and privilege to rise in this Honourable House to speak about the Repatriation of an Unknown First World War Soldier and share the speech I made on Friday evening.

The name Beaumont-Hamel is spoken with a sense of melancholy in our province.

But with an even deeper sense of pride.

For every Newfoundlander and Labradorian, it is sacred ground.

In a leafy corner of Bowring Park there’s a sculpture called “The Fighting Newfoundlander.”

His right arm is cocked back, caught in mid throw of a grenade.

His left arm holds his rifle with a fixed bayonet.

Around his neck is a gas mask.

Beneath a push broom mustache, he looks confident. Intent. Ready.

The man who posed for this sculpture was Corporal Thomas Pittman from Little Bay East in Fortune Bay.

A tiny corner of our world.

Thomas was injured in the Battle of the Somme but made it through the war to come home.

Thomas was one of the lucky ones.

The statue he posed for, while stationed in England, is more about those that did not make it back.

Those who gave their lives fighting for something they felt was bigger than themselves.

That’s the essence of sacrifice.

That is bravery and courage.

That is being a hero.

Hundreds more like Thomas Pittman answered the call.

They proved their mettle in places like Monchy-le-Preux, where just 10 of them held off an advancing German army for over 11 hours before being relieved.

The Newfoundland Regiment was the only regiment to be given a Royal title by then King George V.

No other regiment of the British army was to have such a distinction awarded to it during the First World War while fighting was still in progress.

But great valour came with a high cost.

In graveyards and memorials across Europe, many Newfoundlanders and Labradorians are among those tombs bestowed with the words “known unto God.”

But they are known to us.

Our brothers. Our heroes.

They came from tiny communities, towns and ports from across the province where today many memorials list the names of those who never returned.

This soldier is one of them.

A name etched in stone.

Etched in the heart of all Newfoundlanders and Labradorians.

Through the crack of artillery, the rumours of gas, I wonder how often he thought of home.

Longed for that kind of quiet that comes when you’re embraced by the craggy cliffs or hear a breeze drift across the barrens.

I wonder how often his family hoped for word from him but feared the news from the front, so far away.

In the long days, weeks and years that followed, I’m sure they dreamed that somehow,

some way, he would make his way home.

On Saturday, we fulfilled that dream.

To symbolically answer the long-ago prayers of many families across Newfoundland and Labrador, we began the journey to bring “one of ours” home.

While his journey started over 100 years ago for this young man. It was only a couple of days ago that I had the privilege and honour to stand alone with my family and him and reflect on the impact of lost sons and family members.

I felt his family’s fear.

I felt his family’s loss.

I felt his family’s need to bring him home.

It shook and moved me to tears.

July 1st is Canada Day and across our big nation there are celebrations and fireworks.

But in Newfoundland and Labrador, the day is also a day of mourning.

It marks the great sacrifice of the Royal Newfoundland Regiment at Beaumont-Hamel.

This July 1st will also mark the 100th anniversary of the dedication of the Newfoundland National War Memorial.

This year we have the great honour and responsibility of having this unknown First World War Newfoundland soldier reinterred in a new tomb at the War Memorial.

A place in the heart of downtown, overlooking the St. John’s harbour from where soldiers and volunteers, our brave men and women, departed for Europe over a century ago.

We completed that journey for one, and honour all who remain behind.

A quiet chorus to remind us of what was lost.

And what should never be forgotten.

I would like to express my gratitude to those who made this historic journey possible. A heartfelt special thanks to Mr. Berkley Lawrence, Mr. Frank Sullivan, and Mr. Gary Browne from the Royal Canadian Legion – Newfoundland and Labrador Command for their commitment to honoring our sacrifice in the First World War. Please join me in a round of applause, as they are here in the gallery today.

I also want to acknowledge the Commonwealth War Graves Commission for allowing the repatriation of our unknown soldier’s remains with the same dignity and respect as they do other Commonwealth Countries.

Their ongoing care for our fallen heroes is gratefully appreciated by us all.

We must also recognize the Republic of France for their unwavering commitment to our Allied comrades and their remembrance of their sacrifices in both World Wars.

Finally, I want to thank the dedicated support of Veterans Affairs Canada and the Canadian Armed Forces.

Without their assistance, this journey and the commemorative events in Newfoundland and Labrador would not have been possible.

Your efforts ensure that the legacy of those who served, both past and present, will be remembered by future generations.

Their names will be spoken.

This unknown soldier will represent the collective contribution, courage and sacrifice of Newfoundlanders and Labradorians who served, fought, and died in all branches of the military and respective support services, especially those who have no known graves.

We are taught from a very young age about the strength and sacrifice of what’s known as the fighting Newfoundlander.

That legend was born in the muddy trenches of the Somme in the dark days of the First World War.

I was fortunate enough to previously be here with my father.

And to return with my own children as well.

To pass the torch from one generation to the next.

I’ve always felt this is a pilgrimage every Newfoundlander and Labradorian should make.

To live the well-quoted line from the Ode to Newfoundland that says, “where once they stood, we stand.”

Because you can return these souls home when you carry them in your heart.

Lest we forget.

God guard thee, Newfoundland and Labrador.

The post Premier Furey Acknowledges Repatriation of an Unknown First World War Soldier appeared first on News Releases.

The Honourable Steve Crocker, Minister of Tourism, Culture, Arts and Recreation, will announce support for the Royal St. John’s Regatta as part of Confederation 75 celebrations tomorrow (Tuesday, May 28).

The announcement will take place at 11:00 a.m. in the Winner’s Circle at Quidi Vidi Lake, 10 Clancey Drive, St. John’s. In the event of inclement weather, the announcement will move inside the Royal St. John’s Regatta Boathouse.

Minister Crocker will be joined by the Honourable John G. Abbott, Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure and Member of the House of Assembly for the district of St. John’s East – Quidi Vidi, and Ashley Peach, President of the Royal St. John’s Regatta Committee

-30-

 

The post Media Advisory: Minister Crocker to Announce Support for the 2024 Royal St. John’s Regatta appeared first on News Releases.

 The Honourable Bernard Davis, Minister of Environment and Climate Change and Minister Responsible for Labour, will bring greetings to the launch event for a new graduate-level course focused on climate change and sustainable employment relations at Memorial University tomorrow, Tuesday, May 28.

The event is being held at the RBC Atrium, Faculty of Business Administration, Morrissey Road, St. John’s, beginning at 12:00 p.m.

-30-

The post Media Advisory: Minister Davis to Attend the Launch of a New Graduate Course at Memorial University appeared first on News Releases.

The Honourable Krista Lynn Howell, Minister of Education, today joins the Association of Early Childhood Educators Newfoundland and Labrador to proclaim May 26 to June 1 as Early Childhood Educators’ Week.

Minister Howell joined Skye Taylor, Executive Director of the Association of Early Childhood Educators Newfoundland and Labrador, in signing a proclamation recognizing the week.

Early childhood educators play a significant role in the lives of children during their early learning years. This week celebrates their commitment and dedication as they support enriched early childhood experiences for children in their care.

Minister Howell also extends congratulations to Carla Saunders of Baie Verte on receiving the 2024 Joanne Juteau Early Childhood Education Scholarship, as presented by the Association of Early Childhood Educators Newfoundland and Labrador. Ms. Saunders is completing her Early Childhood Education diploma from Academy Canada this summer, and she has maintained a 4.0 GPA each semester. A biography of Ms. Saunders is included in the backgrounder below.

The Provincial Government is committed to growing the early learning workforce and is supporting efforts to recruit and retain early childhood educators. Close to $33 million has been allocated through Budget 2024 for the continued implementation of the early childhood educator wage grid, and for bursaries and grants for students to become an early childhood educator.

Access to high-quality, affordable and inclusive early learning and child care for families continues to be a priority for the Provincial Government. There are currently close to 9,400 child care spaces operating at $10-a-day or less in the province and a further 2,000 spaces are in development.

Quotes
“Let us celebrate the hard work and dedication of all our early childhood educators in this province, and those that are currently in programs to become an early childhood educator. The work you do is appreciated as you encourage and nurture the youngest of our province as they make new discoveries every day. I am also pleased to send my sincere congratulations to Carla Saunders, recipient of this year’s Joanne Juteau Early Childhood Education Scholarship.”
Honourable Krista Lynn Howell
Minister of Education

“Early Childhood Educators Week honours and celebrates the significant contributions of early childhood educators to our society. We extend our gratitude to these educators for their dedication to guiding children’s early learning and development through thoughtfully designed, inclusive play-based programs, and for providing vital support to families in Newfoundland and Labrador.”
Skye Taylor
Executive Director, Association of Early Childhood Educators NL

– 30 –

Learn more
Building More Child Care Spaces for Families in Newfoundland and Labrador

Ministerial Statement: Newfoundland and Labrador Ranked Among Top Provinces in Early Learning and Child Care EffortsFollow us on X @GovNL and @EDU_GovNL

Like us on Facebook

BACKGROUNDER

Biography of Carla Saunders
Carla Saunders came into the early learning field as a mature student looking for a career change and to follow her passion. Through her volunteer contributions and raising two children she has combined her love for the community and children. Ms. Saunders’ volunteer work has included the Kids Eat Smart program, Spree by the Sea and the AYSC Youth Centre. She helped develop and implement a Sunday school program and, as a girl guide leader, has taken on a leadership role to oversee the organization of the program in her community.

The post Minister Howell Recognizes Early Childhood Educators’ Week and Announces Scholarship Recipient appeared first on News Releases.

The Department of Health and Community Services is providing $100,000 in funding to NL Health Services to support a comprehensive review of inpatient addiction treatment services throughout the province.

The funding will enable NL Health Services, in partnership with the department, to hire an external vendor to review best practices and make recommendations regarding the delivery of consistent, evidence-based inpatient addictions treatment.

The review will involve the Grace Centre in Harbour Grace, Recovery Centre in St. John’s, Hope Valley Youth Treatment Centre in Grand Falls-Windsor, and Humberwood Treatment Centre in Corner Brook.

The review will include analysis of evidence-based best practices in other jurisdictions and recommendations for updated policies and procedures for all four facilities, such as:

• Wait time reduction.
• Length of stay.
• Relationships between clients.
• Discharge practices and community reintegration.
• Medical and non-medical approaches to withdrawal management.
• The role of virtual care in service delivery and sharing of resources between facilities.
• Gender informed practices.

The funding supports actions under the Provincial Alcohol Action Plan, specifically evaluation related to substance use services.

A call for proposals will be issued by NL Health Services with a review anticipated to be completed in 2024.

Budget 2024 includes funding for mental health and addictions services for individuals seeking help and support, including funding to expand access to programs and services when and where people need them, the mobile crisis response teams, and the Harm Reduction Team to improve care for vulnerable individuals.

Quotes
“We recognize the severe impact substance use and addiction have on a person’s health and well-being. We also recognize more work can be done, which is why we made significant investments in mental health and addictions services in Budget 2024. I look forward to the findings and recommendations of this review to further guide the delivery of mental health and addictions programs and services in Newfoundland and Labrador.”
Honourable Tom Osborne
Minister of Health and Community Services

“NL Health Services is committed to delivering quality, people-centred, evidenced-informed health and addictions support through a continuous improvement lens. We want to ensure that the people of our province receive the health-care services they need and deserve. Our health-care staff work tirelessly to deliver high-quality mental health and addictions services across the province. This review will provide important information to help us enhance our services for patients.”
Kelli O’Brien
Vice-President of Quality and Learning Health Systems, NL Health Services

-30-

Learn more

Follow us on X @GovNL and @HCS_GovNL

Budget 2024

The Provincial Alcohol Action Plan

Towards Recovery

The post Provincial Government Invests in Mental Health and Addictions appeared first on News Releases.

The Provincial Government continues to work closely with its community partners, including municipalities and law enforcement, to raise awareness and educate people about the importance of road safety and safe driving practices.

Today, the Honourable Sarah Stoodley, Minister of Digital Government and Service NL, and the Honourable John Hogan, KC, Minister of Justice and Public Safety and Attorney General, announced the Provincial Government’s multi-phased approach to implement speed cameras in Newfoundland and Labrador.

Minister Stoodley will be available to the media to discuss the multi-phased approach today (Monday, May 27) at 11:30 a.m. in the East Block Lobby of Confederation Building. 

A Request for Proposals (RFP) will be issued in the coming months for a vendor which will be responsible for the management, maintenance, and installation of speed cameras, as well as the issuing of tickets. The vendor will be authorized to issue a ticket to the owner of any registered motor vehicle that is speeding excessively as determined by a speed camera.

This enforcement approach will also later be used to identify vehicles speeding through construction zones and school zones, vehicles passing school buses that are stopped with the school bus stop arm extended, and red-light infractions.

To facilitate this process, legislative changes to the Highway Traffic Act and the Provincial Offences Act will begin second reading in the House of Assembly today.

Amendments to the Highway Traffic Act would authorize the vendor as a traffic compliance officer with the powers of a peace officer for the purpose of enforcement using a speed camera. Amendments to the Provincial Offences Act would provide the vendor authority to serve these tickets electronically.

Speed cameras do not identify who is driving at the time of the violation, meaning tickets can only be issued to the registered owner of the vehicle. Demerit points cannot be issued. The Fines Administration Division with the Department of Justice and Public Safety will collect amounts owing on these tickets, using processes that already exist. Under this approach, those who fail to pay their tickets would also be subject to the same enforcement currently being used, including the inability to renew their driver’s licence and/or vehicle registration until all fines are paid. Tickets may be contested in Traffic Court, as per current processes.

To begin, 10 cameras will be installed.

The implementation of speed cameras in Newfoundland and Labrador follows the results of a successful pilot project completed with the City of Mount Pearl and the Town of Paradise in summer 2023. About 93,721 vehicles were captured speeding 11 kilometres/hour or more over the posted speed limit, of which 21,958 were speeding 20 kilometres/hour or more above the limit.

Quotes
“We need to change the driving culture in Newfoundland and Labrador. Speeding poses a significant public safety danger and leads to preventable accidents. Traffic camera enforcement is a safe and effective way to improve road safety in our communities and on our provincial roadways.”
Honourable Sarah Stoodley
Minister of Digital Government and Service NL

“The results of the traffic camera pilot project show that more can be done to curtail speeding and uphold public safety on our roadways. Through the use of image capturing enforcement, we are breaking new ground with a public safety tool that will help deter aggressive driving, reduce speeding and increase the safety of provincial roadways.”
Honourable John Hogan, KC
Minister of Justice and Public Safety and Attorney General

-30-

Learn more
Traffic Camera Pilot Project Launched to Improve Road Safety

Increased Fines for Traffic Offences Come into Effect

Proposed Changes to the Highway Traffic Act Impose Stronger Penalties for Speeding Offences

Proposed Changes to Highway Traffic Act Will Allow for Further Improvements to Public Safety

Follow us on X @GovNL, @DGS_GovNL and @JPS_GovNL

Like us on Facebook

The post Minister Stoodley and Minister Hogan Announce Implementation Plan for Speed Cameras appeared first on News Releases.

Elections Newfoundland and Labrador advises electors that tomorrow, Monday May 27, Polls will be open in the By-Election for the District of Baie Verte – Green Bay.

Voting will take place from 8:00 am until 8:00 pm.

For more information, contact the Baie Verte – Green Bay Returning Office at 709-566-2015, or Elections Newfoundland and Labrador toll-free at 1-877-729-7987 or visit www.elections.gov.nl.ca

– 30 –

Media contact
Rexanne Eddy
Communications and Training Officer, ATIPP Coordinator
Elections Newfoundland and Labrador
Office of the Chief Electoral Officer
709-729-1474
rexanneeddy@electionsnl.ca

 

The post Voting Day is tomorrow (May 27) Baie Verte – Green Bay By-Election appeared first on News Releases.

Newfoundland and Labrador’s film and television industry continues its trend of growth and success with CBC and Hawco Productions’ announcement of a new original series titled, Saint-Pierre.

Saint-Pierre is the result of a creative partnership between Newfoundlanders and Labradorian’s Allan Hawco and Perry Chafe, and Robina Lord-Stafford. Allan Hawco will also star in the series.

This year, PictureNL has been promoting the province as a prime filming location at film festivals throughout the world such as the Berlin International Film Festival in February and the Cannes Film Festival earlier this month. PictureNL will showcase the province once again at the 2024 Toronto International Film Festival in September 2024.

PictureNL will also be participating in a mission to Los Angeles in early June to market Newfoundland and Labrador’s valuable film incentives and stunning film locations to global film and television studios.

Over the past 12 months, 39 projects have filmed in Newfoundland and Labrador and the College of the North Atlantic’s film and television school has had its highest enrollment to date with 77 students.

Budget 2024 affirmed the Provincial Government’s support of this incredible industry by increasing Picture NL’s operational budget by $400,000; offering $10 million for the Film and Television Equity Investment Program; and supporting the All Spend Film and Video Production Tax Credit, which provides up to 40 per cent of project costs with a maximum tax credit of $10 million annually per project.

Quotes
“I cannot say enough about Newfoundland and Labrador’s film and television industry and how much promise it holds. Just this year, we had two feature length films hit the theatres – The King Tide (which premiered at TIFF) and Sweetland. Our television series continue on their successful paths, as well, and I have no doubt that Saint-Pierre will be an excellent addition to the weekly television lineup. Congratulations to Allan Hawco, Perry Chafe and Robina Lord-Stafford on their newest project.”
Honourable Steve Crocker
Minister of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Recreation

“PictureNL is thrilled to witness the continued growth and success of Newfoundland and Labrador’s film and television industry. The launch of Saint-Pierre marks another milestone in showcasing the talent and creativity of our local industry. With the Provincial Government’s increased support, we are confident that Newfoundland and Labrador will remain a vibrant hub for film and television production. Congratulations to Hawco Productions on their exciting new series.”
Laura Churchill
PictureNL

-30-

Learn More 
Follow us on X: @TCAR_GovNL

The post Success of Newfoundland and Labrador’s Film and Television Industry Continues with New CBC Series, Saint-Pierre appeared first on News Releases.

Members of the media are advised that Elections Newfoundland and Labrador requires advanced notice of intent to visit polling stations on by-election day, Monday, May 27.

Please contact Rexanne Eddy, using the email address below, with the following details:

• • Name of Reporter
  • Polling location(s) they intend to visit
  • Approximate time of visit

Voting will take place from 8:00 am until 8:00 pm at the following locations:

• • College Building – Room #3 (Springdale)
  • College of the North Atlantic – Room #5 (Baie Verte)
  • Community Centre/Hall (Beachside, Burlington, Little Bay, Nippers Harbour, Robert’s Arm, Westport)
  • Fire Hall (Coachman’s Cove, Harry’s Harbour, Jackson’s Cove, King’s Point)
  • John Smith Centre (Smith’s Harbour)
  • Kin Centre (La Scie)
  • Municipal Building (Triton)
  • Rattling Brook Hall (Rattling Brook)
  • Recreation Centre (Pilley’s Island)
  • Residence – 3 Church Road (Sheppardville)
  • Royal Canadian Legion (Baie Verte, Springdale)
  • Springdale Stadium – Curling Club (Springdale)
  • Town Hall/Office (Beaumont, Brent’s Cove, Brighton, Fleur de Lys, Middle Arm, Ming’s Bight, Pacquet, Port Anson, Seal Cove, South Brook, Wild Cove, Woodstock)
  • United Church Basement (Shoe Cove)
  • Valley Vista Recreation Centre (Springdale)

 

– 30 –

Media contact:
Rexanne Eddy
Communications and Training Officer, ATIPP Coordinator
Elections Newfoundland and Labrador
Office of the Chief Electoral Officer
709-729-1474
rexanneeddy@electionsnl.ca

The post Media Advisory: Attendance at the Polls, Baie Verte – Green Bay appeared first on News Releases.

A free safety training program is now available on MyGovNL for users of off-road vehicles in Newfoundland and Labrador as the province prepares to make training mandatory for some users later this year.

The new Off-Road Vehicles Act and Regulations, most of which came into effect on May 19, 2022, strengthens and modernizes safety requirements for operating off-road vehicles. Mandatory training requirements will come into effect for certain users when the training provisions of the Act are proclaimed into force in the coming months. The public will be notified when that date is set.

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

Training will be required for anyone who:

• Is under 16 years of age.
• Is registering an off-road vehicle with Motor Registration Division for the first time.
• Has been convicted of an offence under the Off-Road Vehicles Act and Regulations and has had their off-road vehicle registration suspended or cancelled, as a condition of reinstatement.

In addition, anyone who is supervising a person under the age of 16 who is operating an off-road vehicle will have to ensure that the person has completed a training program.

Users should review the Off-Road Vehicles Handbook before logging in to MyGovNL to complete the training program.

Upon completion of the training, the user can print a certificate to carry with them while using an off-road vehicle.

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

The online training may also be completed by visiting a local Employment Support Centre or public library and is available in alternate formats by calling the Motor Registration Division at 1-877-636-6867.

-30-

The post Public Advisory: Off-Road Vehicle Training Now Available on MyGovNL appeared first on News Releases.

Tomorrow (Saturday, May 25), the remains of the unknown First World War soldier will arrive on Newfoundland and Labrador soil.

The Canadian Armed Forces aircraft carrying the remains is scheduled to land at 7:00 p.m. A hearse will then take the remains of the unknown to a secure location, passing several points of historical significance on its way: the former Camp Pleasantville (where First World War soldiers trained), the 5 CDSG Garrison along The Boulevard, the National War Memorial, the Sergeant’s Memorial and the CLB Armoury.

The Royal Canadian Legion – NL Command members will be saluting our fallen hero and the hearse along this route.

More information on the Newfoundland National War Memorial and the commemorative events can be found here.

-30-

Learn more
Follow us on X @GovNL, @TCAR_GovNL

Like us on Facebook

The post Public Advisory: Unknown Soldier Returning Home on May 25 appeared first on News Releases.