Government of Newfoundland News

The Water Street east ramp on the Pitts Memorial Drive CN Viaduct will be closed beginning Monday, May 13, beginning at approximately 7:00 a.m.

The closure is necessary to accommodate ongoing work on the bridge and is anticipated to last a couple of months. An update will be provided when the work nears completion.

Motorists are encouraged to use Hamilton Avenue as an alternative route to access Water Street east.

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

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Nominations are now open for the Council of the Federation Literacy Award, presented annually by premiers from each province and territory to recognize outstanding achievement, innovative practice, and excellence in literacy. The deadline for submissions is June 7, 2024.

For 2024, Newfoundland and Labrador nominations are being accepted for the category of Community Organization. This category is for organizations that provide or develop programs, services or projects that promote literacy and/or help to better the lives of others by improving reading and writing skills and preparing them for post-secondary education and/or employment.

The award will be presented this fall. The winner will receive a Council of the Federation Literacy Award engraved medallion and a certificate signed by the Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador.

Please take this opportunity to tell us about a community organization that has demonstrated excellence and leadership in the field of adult literacy.

The guidelines are available online here.

Quotes
“Literacy builds confidence and helps Newfoundlanders and Labradorians reach their potential every day. Our efforts to support adult literacy continue to have a positive impact across our province by supporting people and programs. I look forward to presenting this award once again to a deserving organization that is helping Newfoundlanders and Labradorians to meet their literacy goals.”
Honourable Dr. Andrew Furey
Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador

“Literacy empowers a person to understand, create and communicate with the world around them. This award recognizes community organizations whose work is vital to improving adult literacy in this province. I encourage community organizations to consider sharing their stories and apply for this award.”
Honourable Krista Lynn Howell
Minister of Education

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Council of the Federation Literacy Award

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A joint investment of approximately $300,000 by the Provincial Government and the Town of Salmon Cove will support water and sewer system upgrades under the Municipal Capital Works Program.

The project involves sewer connection for homes in the Pine Grove Avenue area, along with upgrades to the existing water system. On Ruben Penney Lane, upgrades will be made to the existing water line and a new sewer line and fire hydrants will be installed.

The Municipal Capital Works program fosters the development of cost-shared projects for many types of municipal infrastructure. Typical projects include water and wastewater treatment, seawalls, roads, recreational facilities, town halls and fire halls.

Funding is cost-shared between provincial and municipal governments and is available to municipalities, local service districts and Inuit Community Governments. More information on initiatives to facilitate and build on municipal capital works throughout the province can be found here.

Budget 2024 includes more than $172 million for community infrastructure projects being completed under the Municipal Capital Works Program and the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program.

Quotes
“Water and sewer upgrades are extremely important municipal infrastructure projects for our towns and communities. The Town of Salmon Cove will benefit greatly from this funding which will build upon the existing town infrastructure and have a positive impact on residents.”
Honourable John G. Abbott
Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure

“Municipal infrastructure projects like those being funded today in the Town of Salmon Cove have a significant impact on the town and its residents. It means more modern water and sewage systems; it will also mean safer communities with the additions of more fire hydrants. I am very pleased to see these upgrades and how it will affect the residents of my district.”
Honourable Steve Crocker
MHA for Carbonear-Trinity-Bay de Verde

“The funding that the Town of Salmon Cove has received will be a great benefit to our residents. Keeping our infrastructure up to date is extremely important, not only to our community, but to all the communities across Newfoundland and Labrador.”
Her Worship Edna Lambert
Mayor of Salmon Cove

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Site-specific information is now available online for the following proposed protected areas in Newfoundland and Labrador: Ripple Pond, Halls Gullies, Conne River North and Facheaux Bay.

Residents and stakeholders interested in learning more about these four proposed protected areas are encouraged to review the information available on engageNL.

Individuals who have questions or wish to share their feedback on the proposed sites can:

• Contact the Wilderness and Ecological Reserve Advisory Council (WERAC) Secretariat directly at werac@gov.nl.ca.
• Call 709-632-0843 – Ripple Pond and Halls Gullies.
• Call 709-636-4836 – Conne River North and Facheaux Bay.
• Submit comments to the interactive online maps.

In May 2023, the Provincial Government, along with WERAC, announced it would conduct public engagement on 10 proposed protected areas. These areas include nine sites described in the Home For Nature report: Ripple Pond; Halls Gullies; Cape Norman; Watts Point Extension; Facheaux Bay; Conne River North; Stony Lake; Rodney Pond; and Cape St. George; and a 10th publicly proposed site, Indian Arm Brook.

For more details on these and other proposed sites, visit the Environment and Climate Change website.

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As part of Emergency Preparedness Week, the Provincial Government is reminding residents that a test of the National Public Alerting System, Alert Ready, will be conducted in most provinces and territories over television, radio, and compatible wireless devices today, Wednesday, May 8, at 3:25 p.m. (NDT) in Newfoundland and 2:55 p.m. (ADT) in most of Labrador.

Public Safety Canada has established the capability to issue alerts through the Government Operations Centre to communicate important information of nation-wide interest directly to the public using the National Public Alerting System.

For this test alert, Public Safety Canada will test its own public alerting capability in participating provinces and territory, with the support of Newfoundland and Labrador.

Be advised some residents will not receive the test alert on their wireless device due to compatibility, LTE network connection, cell tower coverage, device software and/or settings. Check your phone’s compatibility here.

Alert Ready is Canada’s emergency alerting system, delivering critical and potentially life-saving alerts through television, radio, and compatible wireless devices. The emergency alerting system is a partnership of federal, provincial, and territorial governments, as well as industry partners that ensures residents receive emergency alerts immediately and take the necessary steps to protect themselves, their families, and their communities.

In 2023, the Alert Ready system distributed over 1,000 emergency alerts across Canada.

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For 100 years, the Newfoundland National War Memorial, which is one of only two national war memorials in Canada, has been a somber reminder of the valiant contributions that Newfoundlanders and Labradorians made during armed conflicts since the First World War.

On July 1, 2024, Newfoundlanders and Labradorians will proudly gather at the National War Memorial in St. John’s to mark the memorial’s centennial anniversary. The historic event will include the laying to rest of an unknown Newfoundland First World War soldier whose remains are being repatriated from Northern France.

During the First World War, Newfoundland was a self-governing Dominion of Britain. Newfoundland joined Canada in 1949 and officially changed its name to Newfoundland and Labrador in 2001.

Approximately 12,000 Newfoundlanders served during the First World War. Tragically, more than 1,700 lost their lives and over 800 of those who died have no known graves.

The unknown soldier and his reinterment  in the tomb in St. John’s will represent the collective contribution and sacrifice of Newfoundlanders and Labradorians who served and died in all branches of the military and respective support services who have no known graves.

The public are encouraged to follow and participate in the journey of the unknown Newfoundland First World War soldier. Four events, including a ceremony commemorating the centennial of the Newfoundland National War Memorial on July 1, are being held in the coming months:

• May 25, 2024: Transfer of remains ceremony, Beaumont-Hamel Newfoundland Memorial in Auchonvillers, France
• May 25, 2024: Arrival of the remains of the unknown Newfoundland First World War soldier in St. John’s, NL
• • Upon departure from the airport, the hearse containing the unknown soldier’s casket will pass several locations with historic significance to Newfoundland and Labrador’s First World War The public are invited to pay their respects as the hearse makes its way through the city, en route to a secured site.
• June 28-30, 2024: Lying-in-state of the remains of an unknown Newfoundland First World War soldier, Confederation Building, in St. John’s, NL
• July 1, 2024: Ceremony commemorating the centennial of the National War Memorial and laying to rest the remains of an unknown Newfoundland First World War soldier in St. John’s, NL

More details on these events and how the public can participate, including broadcasts and livestreaming, will be released as plans are confirmed. The public is encouraged to regularly check the website linked to below for updated information.

Quotes
“As the centennial anniversary of our National War Memorial approaches, there will be several key opportunities for public involvement. We will all have the opportunity to pay our respects to the fallen and reflect on everything these people sacrificed for the rights and freedoms we enjoy today. The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador is incredibly proud of this project and we extend gratitude to our key partners in this initiative: the Royal Canadian Legion – NL Command, Veterans Affairs Canada, the Canadian Armed Forces and the Commonwealth War Graves Commission for their commitment to its success.”
Honourable Steve Crocker
Minister of Tourism, Culture, Arts and Recreation

“We remember the dead so that the living may know upon whose shoulders we now stand. The Unknown Soldier being laid to rest at the National War Memorial in St. John’s will join the statues and stone as an eternal reminder of war’s cost, its casualties, its giants, its heroes.”
Honourable Seamus O’Regan Jr.
Minister of Labour and Seniors, on behalf of The Honourable Ginette Petitpas Taylor, Minister of Veterans Affairs and Associate Minister of National Defence

“Commemorating the centennial of the Newfoundland National Memorial is a somber and important occasion for Newfoundlanders, Labradorians, and all Canadians. Members of the Canadian Armed Forces work every day in the shadow of those giants who made the ultimate sacrifice. Canadians are eternally grateful for, and will forever remember, the service of people from Atlantic Canada and across the country in the global fight to defend freedom and democracy. The tomb of the unknown soldier will be an enduring testament to the fact that they shall never grow old and never be forgotten.”
General Wayne D. Eyre
Chief of the Defence Staff, Canadian Armed Forces

“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

“As the centennial anniversary of the National War Memorial approaches, we feel privileged to be part of these special commemorative events. We are proud to have been able to facilitate this exceptional step for the repatriation of an unknown Newfoundland soldier from the Western Front. He represents the collective contribution and sacrifice of all those from Newfoundland and Labrador who lost their lives in conflict, for the freedoms we all enjoy today.”
Claire Horton
Director General, Commonwealth War Graves Commission

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Learn more
Centennial of the Newfoundland War Memorial 1924-2024

Provincial and Federal Governments Receive Approval on National War Memorial Centennial Project Including Repatriation of an Unknown First World War Soldier from Northern France

 

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The Honourable John G. Abbott, Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure, will bring greetings at the Newfoundland and Labrador Construction Association Build Expo tomorrow (Wednesday, May 8).

The event will begin at 9:00 a.m. at the Jack Byrne Regional Sport and Entertainment Centre located at 7 Kennedys Brook Drive in Torbay.

The Build Expo is Newfoundland and Labrador’s largest commercial and industrial construction trade expo showcasing the latest equipment advances and newest technology applications in different aspects of the commercial and industrial construction industry.

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Applications are now being accepted for post-secondary students seeking student financial aid for the 2024-25 academic year.

The Government of Canada and the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador work together to provide student financial assistance to residents of Newfoundland and Labrador. Both loans and grants are available to help students access and pay for post-secondary education. With one application, StudentAidNL will assess students for both federal and provincial financial assistance.

Further information and online application can be found on the Department of Education’s website at www.gov.nl.ca/education/studentaid/.

Students can email studentaidenquiry@gov.nl.ca, call 709-729-5849 or toll-free 1-888-657-0800, or visit the Student Aid office located in Coughlan College, Memorial University St. John’s Campus, to have their student aid questions addressed.

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Everyone has a role to play when it comes to emergency preparedness. In recognition of Emergency Preparedness Week from May 5-11, the Provincial Government is encouraging residents to take concrete action to be better prepared in the event of an emergency.

An emergency preparedness kit should include food, water, batteries, a portable radio and prescription medications for at least 72 hours. Be Prepared contains information on best practices and tips on preparing emergency kits and plans. More can be found in the backgrounder below.

In September 2023, the Provincial Government added a new tool to enhance public safety during potentially life-threatening events. If a major emergency, such as a forest fire, is deemed imminent, an emergency information webpage will be activated at www.gov.nl.ca. This easy-to-use webpage is mobile-friendly and will act as a single source of information for the public ahead of, during, and after an emergency. The tool is another way to help residents prepare for increasingly common extreme weather and weather-related events.

Information on emergency preparedness for persons with disabilities and their families can be found on the Coalition of Persons with Disabilities NL website and on the Federal Government website Emergency Preparedness Guide for People with Disabilities.

Emergency Preparedness Week is recognized across the country with the provinces and territories, as well as Public Safety Canada. The objective is to raise awareness and educate residents on the ways they can prepare for emergency situations.

Quote
“In our province, we know all too well the power of Mother Nature and how important it is to be prepared for an emergency anytime, and anywhere. While we are fortunate to have fantastic emergency responders to help in those situations, I encourage residents to take action and be prepared. ”
Honourable John Hogan, KC
Minister of Justice and Public Safety and Attorney General

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BACKGROUNDER

Tips for Preparing an Emergency Kit

In case of an adverse weather event or major emergency or disaster, you will need some basic supplies set aside. You should always be prepared to be self-sufficient for at least 72 hours to allow emergency workers to focus on those of most urgent need. The kit should include:

• Two litres of drinking water per person per day
• Non-perishable canned and dried foods
• Manual can opener and disposable plates and utensils
• Prescription glasses/contact lenses and supplies
• Prescription medications/medical equipment
• Personal hygiene items
• Extra water for washing (if possible)
• First aid kit
• Battery-operated radio
• Battery-operated flashlight
• Extra batteries
• Phone charger and battery bank
• Cash
• Car and house keys
• Change of clothing and footwear for each person
• Copy of personal documents (identification, insurance and bank account information. This should be stored electronically or placed in a waterproof bag)
• Home emergency plan with contact numbers
• Blanket or sleeping bag for each person

For those with babies, toddlers and children consider:

• Formula
• Diapers
• Bottles
• Wipes
• Games, books, crafts

If you have a pet add:

• Pet food
• Water
• Bowls
• Leash
• Kennel

Emergency kits should be stored in a dry place, in an easy to carry container or backpack, and all family members should know where it is located.

Plan to have your vehicles fueled and to have cash on hand. Gas pumps and bank machines will not work during power outages. Drivers should also consider packing an emergency kit for their vehicle.

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The Honourable Tom Osborne, Minister of Health and Community Services, announced today approximately $82,000 in funding for Eating Disorder Foundation of Newfoundland and Labrador.

Eating Disorder Foundation of NL is a charitable, not-for-profit organization dedicated to promoting research and providing public support services and information about matters related to eating disorders. The foundation provides a variety of eating disorder education and support to the community, including client consultation, health care provider education, emotion-focused family therapy, and support for families and siblings of people living with an eating disorder.

In 2023, more than 700 individuals participated in the foundation’s services.

This funding is in addition to an annual operating grant of $43,700 provided to the foundation to provide education and supports for families and loved ones of people living with an eating disorder.

The funding aligns with the department’s Our Path of Resilience, An Action Plan to Promote Life and Prevent Suicide in Newfoundland and Labrador, by supporting coordinated and specialized services for children, youth and families.

To learn more about these services, visit Eating Disorder Foundation of Newfoundland and Labrador, call 1-855-722-0500, or visit Bridge the gapp.

Quotes
“This investment represents a continued commitment to individuals and families living with eating disorders in this province. It complements other available programs and services, such as Doorways and the Provincial Warm Line, and we are grateful for the services the foundation provides.”
Honourable Tom Osborne
Minister of Health and Community Services

“The Foundation appreciates the additional support from the Provincial Government. With this support the foundation will be able to continue its work in the areas of family support and education, as well as creating awareness and understanding about this complicated mental illness affecting people throughout the province. Without this support we would not be able to undertake many of the awareness activities planned for 2024 and into 2025.”
Paul Thomey
Executive Director, Eating Disorder Foundation of Newfoundland and Labrador

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Follow us on X @GovNL and @HCS_GovNL

Budget 2024

Eating Disorder Newfoundland and Labrador

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Special Ballot voting is now available in the district of Baie Verte-Green Bay.

Electors can request a vote by mail Special Ballot kit by visiting the Elections Newfoundland and Labrador website at www.elections.gov.nl.ca or they may vote in person at any of our office locations:

• District Returning Office located at The Gray Building, 60 Water Street, La Scie; and Satellite Office at The College Building, 83 Little Bay Road, Springdale
• Elections Newfoundland and Labrador’s head office at 24 Stavanger Drive in St. John’s

These offices are open for Special Ballot voting during the following hours:

• Monday – 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
• Tuesday – 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
• Wednesday – 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
• Thursday – 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
• Friday – 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
• Saturday – 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
• Sunday – 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Please note that Elections Newfoundland and Labrador offices will be closed for the Victoria Day holiday on Monday, May 20.

There is an additional office where residents can vote in person by Special Ballot:

• 1 Mayor Avenue, Baie Verte (Residential Address)

This office is open during the following hours:

• May 11 (Saturday) – 11:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
• May 12 (Sunday) – 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
• May 13 (Monday) – 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
• May 15 (Wednesday) – 1:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
• May 17 (Friday) – 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.

The deadline to request a vote by mail Special Ballot kit, or to vote in person by Special Ballot is Tuesday, May 21, at 6:00 p.m.

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

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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 issued today by the Honourable Dr. Andrew Furey, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador:

“One year ago today, we came together with others throughout the Commonwealth and across the world to witness the Coronation ceremony of Their Majesties King Charles III and The Queen Consort.

Their Majesties have led a life of dedicated and passionate service to Canada, the Commonwealth, and its citizens. As a province, we observed Coronation Day with events held on the grounds of Government House. We also had the pleasure of welcoming Their Majesties to the shores of Newfoundland and Labrador during their visits to the province.

Most recently, their Royal Tour of Canada in May of 2022 provided an opportunity to reflect on The Platinum Jubilee of the late Queen and celebrate our province’s friendly hospitality, rich arts, cultural, and Indigenous traditions, as well as our incredible pride of place.

On behalf of all Newfoundlanders and Labradorians, I offer our sincere congratulations to Their Majesties on the first anniversary of their Coronation. We are pleased to mark this special occasion and extend our warmest wishes in this next chapter as Canada’s Head of State.”

Today, May 6, Confederation Building will be illuminated in emerald green in recognition of the first anniversary of Their Majesties Coronation.

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Candidate nominations closed at 2:00 p.m. today, May 6, for the Baie Verte-Green Bay By-Election. The three officially nominated candidates are as follows:

Electoral District Name: Official Candidates: Political Affiliation: Baie Verte-Green Bay BURT, Owen J. Liberal Party HARNETT, Riley New Democratic Party PADDOCK, Lin Progressive Conservative Party

Advance polls will be open on Tuesday, May 21 (8:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.).

By-Election day is Monday, May 27 (8:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.).

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

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The Information and Privacy Commissioner, Michael Harvey, has released his Report A-2024-021 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 www.oipc.nl.ca/reports/reports/.

Report: A-2024-021 Report Date: May 3, 2024 Public Body: Department of Industry, Energy, and Technology Summary: The Complainant made an access to information request to the Department of Industry, Energy, and Technology seeking access to records listed as appendices in an Environmental Indemnity Agreement from 2002. The Department conducted a search but could not locate the records. The Complainant asserted the documents existed and that the Department did not meet its duty to assist, pursuant to section 13(1) of the Access to Information and Protection of Privacy Act, 2015. This Office found that the Department did meet its duty to assist the Complainant. While the Complainant did meet the standard needed to assert that the documents likely existed, the Department’s search was appropriate and thorough and its determination that the documents could not be found and may not exist was reasonable

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

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The Honourable Derek Bennett, Speaker of the House of Assembly, advises that Jacqueline Lake Kavanagh is appointed the acting Information and Privacy Commissioner, effective today (May 6, 2024), until such time as the position is permanently filled in accordance with the Access to Information and Protection of Privacy Act, 2015 (the Act). Ms. Lake Kavanagh served previously as the Child and Youth Advocate from 2016 to 2021. The vacancy in the position is the result of the resignation of Michael Harvey, effective May 5, 2024.

The Speaker also advises that a selection committee for the permanent appointment of Information and Privacy Commissioner has been established in accordance with Section 85(3) of the Access to Information and Protection of Privacy Act, 2015. The Committee comprises Krista Quinlan, Clerk of the Executive Council; Kim Hawley George, K.C., acting Clerk of the House of Assembly; the Honourable Robin Fowler, Chief Judge of the Provincial Court of Newfoundland and Labrador; and Dr. Neil Bose, President and Vice-Chancellor pro tempore of Memorial University of Newfoundland.

The Committee’s mandate is to develop a roster of qualified candidates for submission to the Speaker. In accordance with Section 85(6) of the Act, the Speaker is required to consult with the Premier, the Leader of the Official Opposition and the representative of the Third Party on the Management Commission before a resolution is brought to the House of Assembly appointing one of the individuals named on the roster as the Commissioner.

The Committee is being supported by the Public Service Commission. To facilitate the development of a roster of qualified candidates, the Committee is accepting applications for the position until May 20, 2024.

Quote

“I wish to extend thanks to Ms. Lake Kavanagh for stepping in to fill this critical role on an interim basis until the process for selection and appointment of a permanent Information and Privacy Commissioner is carried out. Her extensive executive experience, particularly as a former statutory officer, will be a valuable asset to this office in the interim. I also wish to extend appreciation to outgoing Commissioner, Michael Harvey, for his service in that role and wish him well in his new assignment in British Columbia.”
Honourable Derek Bennett, MHA
Speaker of the House of Assembly

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Learn more
Section 85(3) – Access to Information and Protection of Privacy Act, 2015

Job Posting – Information and Privacy Commissioner

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The Information and Privacy Commissioner, Michael Harvey, has released his Report A-2024-020 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 www.oipc.nl.ca/reports/reports/. 

Report: A-2024-020 Report Date: May 2, 2024 Public Body: Department of Justice and Public Safety Summary: The Complainant made a request under the Access to Information and Protection of Privacy Act, 2015 to the Department of Justice and Public Safety for records related to their probation file. The Department withheld some information pursuant to section 31 (law enforcement). Dissatisfied with this decision, the Complainant filed a complaint with this Office. After reviewing the responsive records, the Commissioner recommended disclosure of some additional information but found the exception had otherwise been applied correctly and recommended that the Department continue to withhold the remainder of the information.

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

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The Honourable Andrew Parsons, KC, Minister of Industry, Energy and Technology, will join department officials at the Offshore Technology Conference (OTC) 2024, taking place in Houston, Texas, from May 6-9, 2024.

In addition to technical sessions, keynote speakers and networking events, this year’s conference includes sessions on green hydrogen and offshore wind. During the conference, Minister Parsons will take part in a fireside chat on Canada’s Energy Investment Outlook.

OTC is one of the largest offshore oil and gas technical conference and exhibitions in the world highlighting the development of offshore resources in the fields of drilling, exploration, production and environmental protection. In 2023, it attracted 31,000 participants from 104 countries. More than 1,300 companies were on hand to showcase technology and equipment.

Since 1969, OTC has welcomed industry professionals to share and discuss ideas and innovations regarding the most pressing topics facing the offshore energy sector. This year, there are more than 100 delegates from 59 Newfoundland and Labrador companies and organizations confirmed to attend. The Provincial Government has participated in OTC for nearly 40 years.

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The Honourable Bernard Davis, Minister of Environment and Climate Change, is recognizing May 5-11 as International Compost Awareness Week, with this year’s theme being Compost: Nature’s Climate Champion.

As the Minister Responsible for the provincial Multi-Materials Stewardship Board (MMSB), Minister Davis reiterates the organization’s calls encouraging Newfoundlander and Labradorians to compost organic waste.

Organic waste, including food, yard waste and paper will naturally decompose over time, adding healthy nutrients to the soil, which facilitates optimal growing conditions for healthy crops, vegetations, gardens and more.

Additionally, composting addresses climate change concerns by supporting sustainable waste reduction practices that will have lasting positive impacts on the environment.

MMSB, with support from the Provincial Government, offers a wide range of education programs, workshops, and learning materials about compost awareness and waste reduction.

The organization also partners with communities to offer backyard composting bins to residents at a reduced rate, along with larger community compost bins. A list of participating communities is available on MMSB’s website.

To learn more about composting, or to register for an upcoming event, follow MMSB social media channels or visit rethinkwastenl.ca.

Quote
“It is possible for us all to be environmental stewards for a healthier planet, and a greener Newfoundland and Labrador. The provincial Multi-Materials Stewardship Board is an excellent hub of resources to be utilized towards finding ways to reduce waste, compost more, and incorporate environmentally sustainable practices in our daily lives, and I encourage everyone to get involved.”
Honourable Bernard Davis
Minister of Environment and Climate Change

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Learn more

Compost Awareness Week 2024

Multi-Materials Stewardship Board

Rethink Waste NL

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The Honourable Elvis Loveless, Minister of Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture, joined executive members of the new Newfoundland and Labrador Dairy Co-operative today at Pondview Farms in Goulds to launch the co-operative and announce investments to transform the dairy industry in this province.

Minister Loveless announced an agreement to provide a $10-million loan for the Co-op in support of the acquisition of Agropur’s fluid milk processing and distribution facility in Mount Pearl, including the Central Dairies brand.

Minister Loveless was joined for the announcement by Crosbie Williams, founding member of the Newfoundland and Labrador Dairy Co-operative, and Scott Antle, president and chief administrative officer. The Co-operative is comprised of 19 dairy producers from across Newfoundland and Labrador who have united to further develop the industry, create new local jobs and spur additional local investment in the dairy sector.

In December 2023, the Co-operative entered into an agreement to purchase the Central Dairies brand, ultimately returning ownership of the brand back to the province. In addition to owning and operating Central Dairies, the Newfoundland and Labrador Dairy Co-operative supports retailers and their customers by distributing dairy products on behalf of Agropur and other processors, including butter, ice cream, cheese and cultured products such as sour cream. The Co-operative will also invest in expanding the availability of locally made products to meet the evolving needs of individuals and families.

In providing a $10 million loan for this initiative, the Provincial Government is supporting the continued growth, sustainability, and expansion of the Newfoundland and Labrador dairy industry.

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“Our Government is very pleased to support and assist the newly formed Newfoundland and Labrador Dairy Co-operative. We work closely with all who are growing our strong, local dairy sector, and the provision of this $10 million loan will contribute to local ownership and local employment, a strengthened economy, and increased food self-sufficiency in Newfoundland and Labrador.”
Honourable Elvis Loveless
Minister of Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture

“This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity for Newfoundland and Labrador. For generations, our dairy farmers have delivered safe, high-quality, 100 per cent locally produced milk for our friends and neighbours. That will never change. But now, when you choose Central Dairies, you’re doubling down on the local benefits. You’re choosing a product that is produced, processed, and delivered here, by fellow Newfoundlanders and Labradorians.”
Crosbie Williams
Founding member of the Newfoundland and Labrador Dairy Co-operative and owner of Pond View Farm

“We’re excited about our investment in the Central Dairies brand and our ongoing relationship with Agropur, but it’s just the beginning. Dairy plays a vital role in Newfoundland and Labrador’s food self-sufficiency. And we’re proud to be leaders, investing and innovating so that more of the food we all love can be manufactured right here at home.”
Scott Antle
President and Chief Administrative Officer, Newfoundland and Labrador Dairy Co-operative

“We are building a leadership team that understands the unique challenges faced by both trade and household customers and we will be ready to face them head on. The Newfoundland and Labrador Dairy Co-operative is committed to meeting customer needs and is excited to deliver on our promise of getting quality products from our farms to your fridge.”
John Moores
Chief Operating Officer, Newfoundland and Labrador Dairy Co-operative

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The post Provincial Government Providing $10 Million Loan in Support of New Local Dairy Co-operative appeared first on News Releases.

The 2024 Federal Budget removed the 2017 top-up funding under the Labour Market Transfer Agreements, resulting in a funding reduction of more than $16.8 million per year for Newfoundland and Labrador.

With the Government of Canada’s decision to cut $625 million in jobs funding nation-wide, almost 200,000 fewer people will be served across the country. Provinces and Territories are now forced to reduce or eliminate funding to service providers, including non-profit community organizations, as well as direct supports to job seekers, workers and employers at a time when acute skills and labour shortages are slowing economic growth, productivity and innovation.

As a result of this federal decision, the Canada-Newfoundland and Labrador Job Grant for employers and workers is suspended until further notice.

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“This painful decision to suspend the Canada-Newfoundland and Labrador Job Grant still leaves more than a $15 million shortfall for Newfoundland and Labrador to grapple with, and the status of many other employment programs in question, unless the federal cuts to Labour Market Transfer Agreements are reversed. Across Canada, Provincial and Territorial governments are also grappling to make difficult cuts to much-needed funding that provides employment supports across a variety of groups, including persons with autism, Indigenous groups and persons with disabilities.”
Honourable Gerry Byrne
Minister of Immigration, Population Growth and Skills

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The post Canada-Newfoundland and Labrador Job Grant Suspended Due to Federal Employment Funding Cuts appeared first on News Releases.