Government of Newfoundland News

Telephone services at the Cape St. Mary’s Ecological Reserve are currently under repair.

During this time, visitor services remain open and are following regular hours of operation.

The hours of operation for the visitor centre at Cape St. Mary’s are Monday to Sunday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

More information on the Cape St. Mary’s Ecological Reserve is available online.

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The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador today announced an investment by the Innovation and Business Investment Corporation (IBIC) of $15 million for a new Harvester Enterprise Loan Program. This program is an enhancement of the Fisheries Loan Guarantee Program and will expand supports for independent fish harvesters positioning the sector for future success.

The Honourable Elvis Loveless, Minister of Fisheries, Forestry, and Agriculture, and Greg Pretty, President of the FFAW, will be available to the media to discuss the new program today (Friday, May 24) at 10:00 a.m. outside of the House of Assembly.

The program has been enhanced to increase maximum guarantee thresholds. New components have been added to allow for downpayment loans and interest payment rebates to harvesters to support eligible activities.  $10 million is available to support the downpayment requirements of accessing a loan from a financial institution to support eligible activities, as well as $5 million for interest payment requirements.

The enhanced program will be open to applications in early July 2024.  At that time, the Provincial Government will release updated program guidelines and application instructions and will arrange information sessions with stakeholders.

Under the program, loan guarantees and the new supports are available to assist harvesters in the province in obtaining financing for:

• vessel related items such as construction, purchase and/or refit.
• combining of enterprises and license acquisitions.
• refinancing of loans owed to fish processors for fixed assets and/or license acquisitions.
• refinancing of loans previously obtained from chartered banks for vessel related purposes and fish license acquisitions (concurrent with combining of enterprises).

The establishment of the Harvester Enterprise Loan Program is the latest initiative that the Provincial Government has undertaken to position the province’s fishing industry for future success.  It has also permitted outside buyers to apply for fish buyer licences for seafood products harvested in this province, increased processing capacity for the crab fishery based on an increased Total Allowable Catch for 2024, and have agreed to undertake a comprehensive review of the provincial fishing sector. These measures are in addition to ongoing advocacy to the Federal Government on management decisions and funding of projects through the federal-provincial Atlantic Fisheries Fund.

 

Quotes
“I am delighted to announce the establishment of the new Harvester Enterprise Loan Program for Newfoundland and Labrador. We have listened to harvesters and their union and recognize access to financing is a serious impediment impacting the ability of many harvesters to operate effectively. I am confident this new program will provide the necessary support that will enable many fish harvesters to maintain their livelihoods, build enterprises, attract new generations to the fishing profession, and ensure the long-term sustainability of our province’s seafood industry.”
Honourable Elvis Loveless
Minister of Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture

“Today’s announcement of the establishment of the new Harvester Enterprise Loan Program for Newfoundland and Labrador is a well-received demonstration of the Provincial Government’s support of the harvesting sector, and a solid first step for enhancing the independent inshore fishery in our province. Our Union is very pleased that the provincial government has heard our recommendation for enhancements to financing programs for harvesters that will serve to restore stability and provide a funding avenue that allows enterprise owners to maintain the integrity of their business. Further, the provincial government’s agreement to cover the downpayment for successful applicants to the Program is a strong support for succession planning of the industry by enabling new entrants to have greater risk tolerance.”
Greg Pretty
President, FFAW

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Learn more
Follow us on X @GovNL and @FFA_GovNL

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Media contacts
Craig Renouf
Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture
709-637-2923, 709-640-6922
craigrenouf@gov.nl.ca

Lesley Clarke
Industry, Energy and Technology
709-729-5777, 709-699-2910
lesleyclarke@gov.nl.ca

Courtney Langille
Fish, Food, and Allied Workers Union (FFAW-Unifor)
709-576-7276, 709-693-8454
clangille@ffaw.ca

 

BACKGROUNDER
Harvester Enterprise Loan Program

The Harvester Enterprise Loan Program is an enhancement of the Fisheries Loan Guarantee Program and will expand supports for independent fish harvesters positioning the sector for future success.

Under the program, a government guarantee is provided for loans through eligible financial institutions and is available to assist harvesters in the province in obtaining financing for:

• vessel related items such as construction, purchase and/or refit.
• combining of enterprises and license acquisitions.
• refinancing of loans owed to fish processors for fixed assets and/or license acquisitions.
• refinancing of loans previously obtained from chartered banks for vessel related purposes and fish license acquisitions (concurrent with combining of enterprises).

Amount of Loan Guarantee

The Provincial Government’s guarantee can provide up to 100 per cent of an outstanding loan.

The new program will provide an increase in the maximum loan guarantee thresholds as compared to the current program. The total maximum guarantee amounts are increased to accommodate: loan guarantees of up to $3 million (previously $2 million for vessel-only related items; $4 million (previously $3 million) for combining of enterprises; and up to $2 million (previously $1.5 million) for license acquisition only.

Down Payment Loans

Borrowers typically must provide down payments of a minimum of 10 per cent of overall costs for vessel acquisition and construction, and a minimum of 15 per cent for all other purposes.

The updated program will make $10 million available to support loans for the purpose of meeting the down payment requirements of accessing a loan from a financial institution for eligible activities. The current program does not offer support for down payments.

The support will be in the form of a secured loan of up to 15 per cent, to a maximum of $450,000, with a maximum term of 20 years, to support down payment requirements. No interest accrual or payments will be required for the first five years. Repayment and interest accrual begins in year six; interest will be charged at the Bank of Canada’s policy rate, which is currently five per cent.

Interest Rebates

Finance charges on guaranteed loans offered by financial institutions are negotiated between the borrower and the institution. The program places a ceiling on finance charges by allowing institutions to charge interest on guaranteed loans at the bank prime rate (currently 7.2 per cent) plus a maximum of 2.0 per cent or 2.5 cent depending on the nature of the loan.

The updated program will allocate $5 million to support rebates related to interest payment requirements of accessing a loan from a financial institution for eligible activities. The current program does not offer support for financing costs associated with loans from financial institutions.

Rebates will cover interest paid in excess of the bank prime rate, up to the maximum financing charge amounts established by the program. Rebates will be provided directly to borrowers on the basis of the eligible portion of interest paid for up to five years.

Interest Rates

A harvester may choose a fixed or floating interest rate and a floating rate may be converted to a fixed rate at any time.

Repayment Terms

The terms of the loan and repayment options are to be determined as negotiated between the harvester and the lender, based on the following:

• 20-year term – a maximum of 20 years is provided for vessels, depending on life expectancy, for construction, purchase and upgrades. Maximum of 20 years is also offered for the combined purchase of vessels, equipment and licenses.
• 15-year term – a maximum of 15 years is provided for license acquisition only.

Flexible loan repayment options are available, including annual principal payments, assignment of catch and/or a percentage of gross revenue.

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The Honourable Derek Bennett, Speaker of the House of Assembly, is pleased to announce the inaugural Mace tour, an education and outreach initiative in which the Speaker and House officials will travel to various areas of the province with the Mace, visiting schools and hosting broader community events. The underlying principle of the initiative is to increase citizen engagement with Parliament for people in areas who cannot readily visit the Legislature in person, and to increase awareness respecting democracy, governance and citizenship.

The Mace tour also complements commemorations for the 75th anniversary of Confederation, given that the current Mace was gifted from the Province of British Columbia upon Newfoundland and Labrador joining Canada as its 10th province.

The inaugural tour is scheduled to commence on Monday, June 3. A preliminary schedule of dates and locations for school visits and community-based events follows. More detailed information will be available as confirmed in the coming weeks.

Quote
“As Speaker of the House of Assembly, I’m excited to announce this initiative that will bring the Mace – a ceremonial symbol representing authority of Parliament – across Newfoundland and Labrador. Outreach and education are key pillars of democracy, and I look forward to engaging with residents of all ages on governance and citizenship, as well as on the history, symbolism and authority of the Mace. I encourage residents across the province to attend events scheduled on the inaugural Mace tour.”
Honourable Derek Bennett
Speaker of the House of Assembly

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Preliminary Schedule of Dates & Locations – House of Assembly Mace Tour

Date Location Visit Monday, June 3 Bonavista peninsula

  School Monday, June 3 Clarenville Community-based

  Tuesday, June 4 Summerford School

  Tuesday, June 4 Gander School Tuesday, June 4 Lewisporte Community-based

  Wednesday, June 5 Grand Falls-Windsor

  Community-based Wednesday, June 5 Springdale School

  Wednesday, June 5 Deer Lake Community-based

  Thursday, June 6 Stephenville School

  Friday, June 7 Port Saunders School

  Friday, June 7 St. Anthony

  Community-based Monday, June 10 L’Anse au Loup

  School Monday, June 10 Mary’s Harbour

  Community-based

  Tuesday, June 11 Lake Melville

  Community-based Wednesday, June 12 Rigolet School & Community-based

  Thursday, June 13 Churchill Falls School

  Friday, June 14 Labrador City School

 

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

Speaker, I rise in this Honourable House to highlight the efforts of the Learning Disabilities Association of Newfoundland and Labrador to enhance adult literacy in the province.

With funding provided from the Provincial Government, the Learning Disabilities Association of Newfoundland and Labrador is providing enhanced literacy services to adults with disabilities. These services include screening, one-on-one tutoring, assistive technology training, advocacy support, and empowerment programs which aim to improve literacy skills and workforce readiness.

Speaker, by using in-person, online, and hybrid approaches and leveraging community partnerships, the Learning Disabilities Association of Newfoundland and Labrador has expanded its reach in urban and rural areas of the province. Those efforts are paying off.

Registrations for adult tutoring programs are increasing, and the total number of active learners receiving tutoring reached a high of 62 this past January. A total of 1,695 one-on-one tutoring sessions were delivered this year, with an overall total of 3,429 sessions delivered since the project’s inception.

Speaker, I ask all honourable members to join me in commending the work of the Learning Disabilities Association of Newfoundland and Labrador to enhance adult literacy in the province.

Our government will continue to support projects and partnerships throughout the province as we increase adult literacy and promote a vibrant and prosperous Newfoundland and Labrador.

Thank you.

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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 to recognize the 50th Anniversary of the first group of women to take the oath to become regular members of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police.

Known as Troop 17, this group of 32 women from across Canada demonstrated what was possible for women in the RCMP, inspiring future generations to join the organization.

From detachment officers to forensic labs, to the Musical Ride, air services and VIP protection, there’s a place for women in all of the RCMP’s 150 career specializations.

Three members of Troop 17 are from right here in Newfoundland and Labrador. They include retired Staff Sergeant Gail Courtney, retired Constable Cheryl LaFosse and retired Constable Rosemary Coffey.

I’m sure blazing the trail wasn’t always easy for these women, but it was their perseverance and dedication that fundamentally changed the RCMP for the better.

Today, one fifth of the force’s officers are women, many holding leadership positions.

So, I am also proud to recognize Assistant Commissioner Jennifer Ebert, Commanding Officer of the RCMP here in Newfoundland and Labrador.

I encourage women in this province to explore the diverse range of career roles the RCMP has to offer – you too can become trailblazers in the future of policing.office

Thank you, Speaker.

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According to the World Health Organization, ageism refers to “the stereotypes (how we think), prejudice (how we feel), and discrimination (how we act) towards others or oneself based on age” (WHO, 2021). Experiencing ageism can negatively impact a person’s self-worth and instill a sense of invisibility which can lead to social isolation.

June is Seniors’ Month in Newfoundland and Labrador, a time to show appreciation and celebrate the many contributions of seniors. Yet, many seniors in the province continue to experience ageism. Therefore, the Office of the Seniors’ Advocate (OSA) is marking Seniors’ Month this year by addressing ageism.

Today the OSA has launched a Social Media Campaign to showcase seniors throughout the province, highlighting their interests, community contributions and the many possibilities that come with aging.

From May 23 until June 14, 2024, we invite seniors throughout the province to share with the OSA their positive experiences of aging. Throughout June, the OSA will use the information and pictures provided by the seniors of this province in social media to combat negative stereotypes about aging by celebrating the many active, engaged, and valuable seniors of Newfoundland and Labrador.

To learn more about the campaign and to complete an application, please visit our website: www.seniorsadvocatenl.ca.

Quote
“Too often, seniors and the aging process are reflected in a negative way, as something to fear, disparage or worry about. However, I have visited many communities throughout this province and have met some incredible seniors who are challenging stereotypes about aging by simply being who they are. We developed this campaign to shine a light on the many seniors who reinforce the positive side of aging every day.”
Susan Walsh
Seniors’ Advocate Newfoundland and Labrador

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

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The Acting Information and Privacy Commissioner, Jacqueline Lake Kavanagh, has released her Report A-2024-022 under authority of the Access to Information and Protection of Privacy Act, 2015. A summary of the Report is included below.

To view the Report in its entirety, please go to https://www.oipc.nl.ca/reports/reports/.

Report: A-2024-022 Report Date: May 21, 2024 Public Body: Department of Environment and Climate Change Summary: The Complainant made a request under the Access to Information and Protection of Privacy Act, 2015 to the Department of Environment and Climate Change for records about a public survey on behalf of the Department by the Public Engagement and Planning Division. Responsive records were identified by the Department, though the survey responses were still being processed by Public Engagement and Planning. The Department provided a final response to the Complainant that did not include the survey responses and further failed to address why the survey results were not included. Subsequently, the Department advised the Complainant to make a new access request for the survey responses. This Office determined that the Department did not comply with section 13 of the Act (duty to assist applicant) by not providing a clear and definitive response as to why the survey results were not part of the Department’s final response.

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

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The Honourable Pam Parsons, Minister Responsible for Women and Gender Equality, and the Honourable Krista Lynn Howell, Minister of Education, today announced $200,000 for the Department of Education to offer an online training program to Grade 7 to 12 teachers, guidance counsellors, and school administrators to address sexual violence.

Ministers Parsons and Howell will be available to the media today (Thursday, May 23) at 11:30 a.m. to discuss the training. The availability will take place in the East Block lobby of Confederation Building.

The program, titled Commit to Kids, is conducted by the Canadian Centre for Child Protection and will cover the problem of sexual abuse, the grooming process, how to disclose child sexual abuse, the impact of abuse, and how to help safeguard children.

Commit to Kids is approved by the Ontario College of Teachers and is also supported by the Newfoundland and Labrador Teachers’ Association. Following the initial training sessions, it is anticipated the program will be expanded to include all teachers and school staff.

Funding for this initiative is being provided under the National Action Plan to End Gender-based Violence, a four-year bilateral agreement the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador has signed with Women and Gender Equality Canada, resulting in $13.6 million in new funding to invest in violence prevention-related initiatives throughout the province.

Quotes
“Empowering our educators is key to safeguarding our children’s well-being. By providing funding for the Commit to Kids program, we are equipping educators throughout the province with the tools and training needed to effectively identify and address sexual violence, ultimately fostering a safer environment for all.”
Honourable Pam Parsons
Minister Responsible for Women and Gender Equality

“Education is a critical component to addressing and preventing violence of all kinds. The Commit to Kids program is a resource that will help educators recognize the signs of sexual violence and will provide them with resources to support students who may be experiencing or have experienced sexual violence. Our government will continue to provide training opportunities to educators that will support the safety and well-being of students.”
Honourable Krista Lynn Howell
Minister of Education

“Everyone has the right to live free from violence, whatever their gender, their age, or their background. The funding through the National Action Plan to End Gender-based Violence is supporting programs in Newfoundland and Labrador like Commit to Kids, which is doing crucial work to help students and teachers empower youth and build a safer Canada for everyone but most importantly our children.”
Honourable Marci Ien
Minister for Women and Gender Equality and Youth

“The safety and well-being of students and protecting them from harm goes to the core of what NLTA members do every day. Commit to Kids is a reputable program, and I am pleased that more teachers will have access to this important professional learning. Knowing the warning signs and how best to respond is critical, for prevention and so that school staff can help to ensure young people experiencing sexual violence are able to access the necessary supports through child protection, law enforcement and health care.”
Trent Langdon
President of the Newfoundland and Labrador Teachers’ Association

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Learn more
National Action Plan on Gender-Based Violence

Office of Women and Gender Equality

Department of Education

NLSchools

Follow us on X @GovNL,@WGE_GovNL and @EDU_GovNLLike us on Facebook

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

UNDERTAKING REGISTERED:

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

The Proponent is proposing to operate a fibreglass manufacturing facility at 300 Bonavista North Highway in the town of Dover for the production of fibreglass parts for recreational pools and small watercraft. Operations would be conducted within two existing buildings and development would include renovations to the buildings and installation of heating appliances and electrical services. A description of the Project can be found on the department’s webpage at: https://www.gov.nl.ca/ecc/env-assessment/projects-list/.

The undertaking was registered on May 21, 2024; the deadline for public comment is June 26, 2024, and the Minister’s decision is due by July 5, 2024.

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

UNDERTAKINGS RELEASED:

Gander Agricultural Development                 (Reg. 2297)
Proponent: Craig Waterman

The Project is released from environmental assessment subject to the conditions as outlined in the Minister’s decision letter available on the Department’s Project web page at https://www.gov.nl.ca/ecc/projects/project-2297/.

IOC Western Hillside Tailings Pipeline              (Reg. 2296)
Proponent: Iron Ore Company of Canada

The Project is released from environmental assessment subject to the conditions as outlined in the Minister’s decision letter available on the Department’s Project web page at https://www.gov.nl.ca/ecc/projects/project-2296/.

White Hill Pond FEL Quarry                     (Reg. 2291)
Proponent: Farrell’s Excavating Ltd.

The Project is released from environmental assessment subject to the conditions as outlined in the Minister’s decision letter available on the Department’s Project web page at https://www.gov.nl.ca/ecc/projects/project-2291/.

White Hill Pond JCL Quarry                     (Reg. 2246)
Proponent: JCL Investments Ltd.

The Project is released from environmental assessment subject to the conditions as outlined in the Minister’s decision letter available on the Department’s Project web page at https://www.gov.nl.ca/ecc/projects/project-2246/.

PLAN ACCEPTABLE:

Birchy Bay Quarry                                                                 (Reg. 2260)
Proponent: L & E Trucking and Excavation Ltd.

On May 17, 2024, the Minister advised the Proponent that the Water Resources Management Plan for the Birchy Bay Quarry was found to be acceptable. The plan was required as a condition of release from environmental assessment and is available on the Department’s Project web page at: https://www.gov.nl.ca/ecc/projects/project-2260/.

Learn more

Environmental Assessment Division
Department of Environment and Climate Change
West Block, Confederation Building
P.O. Box 8700, St. John’s, NL A1B 4J6

Environmental assessment information is available at:

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

https://www.gov.nl.ca/ecc/files/GUIDE-TO-THE-PROCESS_Jan-2024.pdf

Follow us on X @GovNL and @ECC_GovNL

Project comments may be sent to: EAProjectComments@gov.nl.ca

Anyone submitting comments on a Project under environmental assessment is asked to please advise the Department if they DO NOT wish to have their comments shared with the Project Proponent.

 

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Susan Walsh, Seniors’ Advocate for Newfoundland and Labrador, will be available to the media as she launches a Seniors’ Month Social Media Campaign to address ageism in Newfoundland and Labrador.

Ms. Walsh will provide an overview of the campaign in which seniors can challenge ageist attitudes by sharing their positive experiences of the many possibilities that come with growing older and being a senior in Newfoundland and Labrador.

The availability will take place on Thursday, May 23, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. at the Office of the Seniors’ Advocate, Sir Brian Dunfield Building, 2 Canada Drive, St. John’s.

Media attending are asked to please RSVP to Arlene Mullins, please see below.

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Media contact 

Arlene Mullins 

709-729-6603, 1-833-729-6603        

seniorsadvocate@seniorsadvocatenl.ca   

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MyGovNL will be expanding later this month to include the Early Learning Gateway.

The new online service will help parents and guardians access available early learning and child care spaces in Newfoundland and Labrador.

As of this week, there are some 350,000 registered users of MyGovNL, showing that people have embraced our modern and efficient approach to providing government services. If residents are not registered, they can easily register with a valid MCP card, driver’s licence, or photo ID issued by the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador.

Launch of the Early Learning Gateway is aligned with the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador’s commitment to providing high-quality, affordable, and accessible child care that meets the needs of families and service providers.

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Please be advised that applicants to the 2024-25 big game licence draw can now view the draw results by logging into their Wildlife Information Management System (WIMS) accounts.

Information about big game licence allocations, season dates, and payment options are available in the 2024-25 Hunting and Trapping Guide. Also available in PDF format here.

Hunters and trappers interested in learning more details about this year’s quotas, and adjustments to the big game management plan are available in the “New for 2024-25” section of the guide; furthermore, the specific breakdown of changes by area is available in the guide here: Caribou – 2024-25 Hunting and Trapping Guide (gov.nl.ca).

Please note that fees are required to be paid by June 30, 2024, in order to guarantee receipt of the licence and tags before the start of the big game hunting season.

To find out more about the big game licence draw, visit the 2024-25 Hunting and Trapping Guide (link provided above), contact the Wildlife Division at 709-637-2025 / 709-729-2630, or email wildlifelicence@gov.nl.ca.

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The following statement was given today in the House of Assembly by the Honourable Elvis Loveless, Minister of Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture:

I rise to report a significant milestone in the protection and recovery of the species we typically refer to as the “Newfoundland Marten”.

There’s a marked improvement in numbers that has resulted in a status change from “Threatened” to “Vulnerable”.

As next steps, species management plans and actions are being developed to identify conservation measures and ensure the marten continues rebounding.

This marten population is one of just 14 mammal species native to the island; they’re geographically isolated and genetically and ecologically distinct.

First considered endangered in 1996, recovery programs have been ongoing and in 2002, the species was designated under the provincial Endangered Species Act.

The Newfoundland Marten Recovery Team, chaired by Dr. Brian Hearn, worked closely with the trapping and forestry sectors, stewardship organizations, governments, Indigenous groups, and the public to make the new status a reality.

Numbers are steadily improving and currently estimated at 2800 mature animals.

I thank the fantastic recovery team and stakeholders for their commitment to conserving biodiversity.

Together, we will continue to protect rare and at-risk species from extinction in Newfoundland and Labrador.

 

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The following statement was given today in the House of Assembly by the Honourable Siobhan Coady, Deputy Premier and Minister of Finance:

Speaker, I am pleased to share that Newfoundland and Labrador is expecting one of the highest rates of economic growth forecast for 2024 among all the provinces in this country.

Real GDP is forecast to increase by 5.1 per cent.

Total employment is forecast to increase by 2,100 jobs.

The seasonally adjusted unemployment rate in April was 9.1 per cent, one of the lowest rates recorded in recent history.

Household income is expected to increase by 4.9 per cent, meaning more buying power for residents.

We forecast retail sales increasing 2.8 per cent, and new motor vehicle sales continue to grow with a year-to-date increase of 22 per cent.

Capital investment is expected to increase by 3 per cent to $9.6 billion.

We have well surpassed our population targets for 2026, welcoming more than 5,400 permanent residents in the last year and we expect similar numbers to join us this year.

Housing starts are expected to increase, and early data indicates significant year-to-date growth, with over twice the number of starts in this first quarter compared to the same period last year.

Home sales increased 3.1 per cent on a year-to-date basis through April.

Inflation is decreasing, averaging 2.5 per cent during the first four months of this year.

Speaker, The Economy document, available on government’s website and released through our budget process, forecasts continued strength, growth and optimism this fiscal year.

Thank you.

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The Outer Ring Road from Kenmount Road to the Logy Bay Road interchange will be closed on Sunday, May 26, from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. for a cleanup of litter and large discarded items.

The closure is necessary to ensure a safe environment for all crews working on and near the highway.

Traffic control will be in place on the highway to guide motorists and ease the flow of traffic. Digital display signs are also being placed along the Outer Ring Road to give advanced notice of the closure.

During the closure, eastbound traffic will take the off ramp to Kenmount Road at Donovan’s Overpass. Westbound traffic will access the Trans Canada Highway through the on-ramp at Donovan’s Overpass.

During the clean up, barricades will be erected to prohibit access at all entry points:

• Logy Bay Road
• Torbay Road
• Aberdeen Avenue
• Portugal Cove Road
• Allandale Road
• Team Gushue Highway
• Thorburn Road
• Topsail Road

Cleanups are required to safely remove debris that litters our roadways when vehicle cargo is not secured. Littering on the province’s highways is prohibited under section 163. (1) of the Highway Traffic Act. Penalties range from $100 to $500.

Failing to ensure cargo is immobilized or secured so that it cannot leak, spill or blow off; fall from, fall through, or otherwise become dislodged from a vehicle, can result in a minimum fine of $120, to a maximum fine of $600.

Updates on the road closure and reopening will be available at: nl511.ca and the 511 smartphone app.

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To assist a St. John’s startup company as it conducts research and development, the Honourable Andrew Parsons, KC, Minister of Industry, Energy and Technology, today announced support for HYKE Technologies Inc.

Through its Research and Development Fund, the Department of Industry, Energy and Technology is investing $240,052 to assist HYKE in the next phase of development, through which they will automate their flagship platform called HYKE. This investment leverages a contribution of $252,548 from the company, for a total project investment of $492,600.

HYKE aims to replace coupons and loyalty points programs with an intelligent app. The HYKE app incentivizes users to purchase products at retail locations in a personalized and targeted manner with the use of its in-house AI-based engine. This, in return, provides HYKE access to a detailed collection of behavioral data which remains anonymous and in compliance with consumer privacy standards. The company uses these insights to provide data analytic services for the business-to-business market to analyze consumer behavior and decision-making process.

HYKE has 11 employees who are experienced in the areas of software development, data science, operations and marketing. The company intends to continue this growth trend and has hired two new employees to assist with this project.

Quotes
“HYKE Technologies has already signed on with national and multinational franchises that are eager to test its platform. The technology from this research will allow the company to add a unique feature to a mass consumer product that has potential to reach global markets.”
Honourable Andrew Parsons, KC
Minister of Industry, Energy and Technology

“I am pleased to know of HYKE’s success in securing provincial funds to support its product development activities. I believe the company’s innovative marketing app using AI will help drive the company to even higher success. “
Honorable John G. Abbott
MHA – District of St. John’s East-Quidi Vidi

“This support will push us forward into the next development phase, helping us refine and incorporate autonomy into our groundbreaking consumer data profiling and processing platform, HYKE. With this support from the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador, we are ready to reshape the landscape of engagement programs, providing unparalleled value and insights to both consumers and businesses. We’re grateful for this support in speeding up our growth and delivering solutions that truly make a difference in the market.”
Sid Eskandari
CEO, HYKE

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Learn More

Research and Development

HYKE Technologies Inc.

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A delegation of representatives from the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador, the Royal Canadian Legion – NL Command and the Government of Canada, as well as other related organizations, will travel to the Beaumont-Hamel Newfoundland Memorial in France today (May 22) to bring home an unknown First World War soldier from this province.

The Honourable Dr. Andrew Furey, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador, will lead the provincial delegation. Premier Furey will be joined by the Honourable Steve Crocker, Minister of Tourism, Culture, Arts and Recreation; the Honourable John G. Abbott, Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure; and Lloyd Parrott, Member of the House of Assembly for the District of Terra Nova.

The Government of Canada is also leading a delegation to France. Together, both governments will participate in a transfer ceremony, officially repatriating the remains from the Government of France. Premier Furey, as the head of the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador, holds a very special role as the next of kin for the unknown, representing all those who lost loved ones during the First World War.

The delegation will return from France on Saturday, May 25, at approximately 7:00 p.m. A hearse will 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.

From June 28-June 30, the unknown will lie in state in the East Block Lobby of Confederation Building. The public are encouraged to attend to pay their respects.

On Memorial Day, July 1, at 10:30 a.m. the unknown will be reinterred. A funeral procession of Canadian Armed Forces members representing all services will escort the casket of the unknown to the National War Memorial site where it will be lowered into its final resting place, the tomb, which so poignantly overlooks St. John’s harbour.

The military service will be followed by a Royal Canadian Legion – NL Command and Government of Newfoundland and Labrador led Memorial Day ceremony commemorating the centennial of the Memorial.

Completed under the leadership of Lt.-Col. Padre Thomas Nangle, the padre of the Royal Newfoundland Regiment, the National War Memorial in St. John’s represents the collective sacrifice and service of all Newfoundlanders and Labradorians who have served in all branches of service, during wars, conflicts, engagements, and peacekeeping efforts.

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

Quotes
“As we begin the emotional journey to bring one of ‘ours’ home, I find myself reflecting on the significant contributions and sacrifices made by a relatively small regiment of Newfoundlanders and Labradorians. It speaks volumes to who we are as a people: strong, resilient and passionate. It is my distinct honour to serve as Next of Kin for the unknown during this poignant moment in our province’s history.”
Honourable Dr. Andrew Furey
Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador

“2024 marks the centennial of the National War Memorial in St. John’s. While we stand together to commemorate this special milestone, we will also bury this unknown soldier, finally putting him to rest where he belongs – here in Newfoundland and Labrador.”
Honourable Steve Crocker
Minister of Tourism, Culture, Arts and Recreation

“The repatriation of these remains is a historical day for our province. It recognizes the collective contribution 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. I am honoured to be part of the delegation.”
Honourable John G. Abbott
Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure

“As a proud Newfoundlander and Labradorian, and as a veteran, I am deeply honoured to participate in the repatriation of the unknown soldier in France. This repatriation is a heartfelt tribute to the courage and sacrifice of the Royal Newfoundland Regiment, the Royal Naval Reserve (Newfoundland), the British Air Services, Newfoundland Mercantile Marine, the Newfoundland Forestry Companies, and the Volunteer Aid Detachment. It underscores the enduring commitment and dedication of all who have served our nation. We will always remember and pay tribute to those like our unknown soldier who made the ultimate sacrifice and did extraordinary things to allow us the great freedoms we have today. Lest we forget.”
MHA Lloyd Parrott
District of Terra Nova

“The Royal Canadian Legion Newfoundland and Labrador Command is extremely proud of its role, over the past five years, in this historic Centennial Remembrance Project and in the completion of Lt.-Col. Thomas Nangle’s dream. It would be remiss of me if I didn’t publicly acknowledge the unwavering crucial support of Premier Dr. Andrew Furey and the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador. I also want to sincerely thank the Government of Canada, Veterans Affairs Canada, the Canadian Armed Forces, the Commonwealth War Graves Commission, and the very hard-working Centennial Project Steering Committee. I assure our proud Veterans, their families and loved ones, and the serving men and women of our renowned Canadian Armed Forces that, ‘At the going down of the sun and in the morning – We Will Remember Them!’”
Gerald Budden
President, Royal Canadian Legion – NL Command

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Learn more
2024 Marks the Centennial of the Newfoundland National War Memorial; Commemoration to Include the Repatriation of an Unknown Newfoundland First World War Soldier

Progress Continues on the National War Memorial Refurbishment

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Advance Polls closed in the district of Baie Verte-Green Bay at 8:00 p.m. yesterday (Tuesday, May 21). In total, 763 votes were cast at advance polls in the communities of Baie Verte, La Scie, Robert’s Arm and Springdale.

The advance poll ballots will be counted on by-election night and will be released along with the regular poll results after the polls close.

Regular polls will be open on Monday, May 27, from 8:00 am until 8:00 pm. For more information or to find out where to vote on by-election day, visit https://www.elections.gov.nl.ca/elections/byelection/index.html or call toll-free 1-877-729-7987.

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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

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The following statement was given today in the House of Assembly by the Honourable Paul Pike, Minister of Children, Seniors and Social Development.

Speaker, I rise today to recognize June as National Seniors’ Month.

Seniors have laid the foundations of our diverse and welcoming province and their leadership and wisdom continue to strengthen and enrich our communities.

Our government remains committed to fostering age-friendly communities and supporting the health and well-being of older adults and seniors.

Budget 2024 includes funding for a targeted Basic Income Pilot for eligible people aged 60-64, as well as a comprehensive Seniors’ Well-Being Plan. This plan will help to further improve access to supports and services for seniors to age well with dignity in the right place.

These initiatives are in addition to the many programs already in place to support healthy aging including the Seniors’ Social Inclusion Initiative, the Age-Friendly Newfoundland and Labrador Communities Program, the Community Transportation Program, the Seniors’ Benefit and the Income Supplement.

Each year, the Seniors of Distinction Awards program acknowledges the remarkable contributions of seniors across Newfoundland and Labrador.

I extend my sincere appreciation for the work of our community partners that support seniors in our province as well as the Office of the Seniors’ Advocate.

I encourage everyone to honour and celebrate our province’s older adults and seniors for all they do to uplift our communities.

Thank you.

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Today, the Honourable Tom Osborne, Minister of Health and Community Services, and the Honourable Seamus O’Regan Jr., Minister of Labour and Seniors, on behalf of the Honourable Mark Holland, Canada’s Minister of Health, announced a bilateral agreement to invest $78 million over the next five years to help residents of Newfoundland and Labrador age with dignity.

Federal funding will support Newfoundland and Labrador’s five-year action plan to improve health care for seniors. The plan will:

Improve home and community care systems

• Hire additional clinical staff to increase access to care and support.
• Utilize technology for new service delivery models and implement initiatives for timely access to home supports and care needs, medications, and medical equipment based on clinically assessed needs.
• Support individuals living with dementia through new community-based supportive care options and more training courses.
• Increase options for restorative and rehabilitative care in community.

Enhance palliative and end-of-life care

• Support a new 10-bed community hospice in Grand Falls-Windsor.
• Improve access to supports and services for individuals at end of life living at home.
• Improve palliative and end of life care through more training and education opportunities for care providers.

Strengthen the workforce

• Establish a geriatric medicine fellowship at Memorial University.
• Increase training to improve health care outcomes and promote independence and well-being.

Enhance the quality of care and quality of life through improved long-term care standards

• Ensure long term care home standards align with national standards.
• Fund wage increases for more than 1,500 personal support workers employed in personal care homes.
• Implement a person-centred care approach to care through social and recreational programming, access to behaviour management specialists, and advanced dementia care education.

This funding builds on the close to $256 million bilateral agreement that was announced by the Provincial Government and Federal Government in March 2024.

Progress on these initiatives and broader commitments will be measured against targets which the Provincial Government will publicly report on annually.

Through this new agreement and the Working Together agreement signed in March 2024, the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador will work with the Government of Canada to improve how health information is collected, shared, used and reported to Canadians; streamline foreign credential recognition for internationally educated health professionals; facilitate the mobility of key health professionals within Canada; and fulfill shared responsibilities to uphold the Canada Health Act to protect Canadians’ access to health care based on need, not the ability to pay.

Recognizing the significant disparities in Indigenous health outcomes, the Governments of Canada and Newfoundland and Labrador also commit to meaningfully engaging and working with Indigenous partners to support improved access to quality and culturally appropriate health care services. Newfoundland and Labrador’s action plan is informed by continued engagement with its Indigenous partners and supported by the recent trilateral discussions involving the federal government. All levels of government will approach health decisions in their respective jurisdictions through a lens that promotes respect and reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples.

Newfoundland and Labrador and the federal government will continue working together to improve health services and deliver results for seniors across the province, including responding to the needs of rural, remote, Indigenous and other underserved and disadvantaged populations.

Quotes

“The Aging with Dignity Action Plan allows us to continue to improve access to and quality of community supports and long-term care services for seniors. This agreement also aligns with Health Accord NL which identifies aging population as a priority. By working together with our Federal partners and our stakeholders, Newfoundland and Labrador will continue to be a leader in modernizing and transforming health care, and so that our seniors can age with the dignity and respect they deserve.
Honourable Tom Osborne
Minister of Health and Community Services

“No matter where you live, every Canadian deserves access to safe and high-quality health care at every stage of their lives. By working together with Newfoundland and Labrador this agreement will help transform the health care system so that across the province seniors can get the care they need.”
Honourable Mark Holland
Minister of Health

“Seniors deserve to age with dignity and choice. So, they can age on their terms. None of that is possible without a strong health care system. The investments we’re making in Newfoundland and Labrador will make it even stronger.”
Honourable Seamus O’Regan Jr.
Minister of Labour and Seniors

Learn more:

NL Health Accord

Budget 2024

Healthy Aging and Supporting Seniors in NL

 

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