Government of Newfoundland News

Health and Community Services

Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to rise in this Honourable House today to outline a major milestone our government has reached in the implementation of regulated midwifery into the provincial health care system.

Tourism, Culture, Industry, and Innovation

Colin Holloway, Parliamentary Secretary to the Honourable Christopher Mitchelmore, Minister of Tourism, Culture, Industry and Innovation and Minister Responsible for the Research & Development Corporation, and Mark Ploughman, Acting Chief Executive Officer of the Research & Development Corporation, will announce the 2017 Research Inspired Student Enrichment Award (RISE) recipients tomorrow (Thursday, May 18). The event will take place at 7:00 p.m. at Common Ground, 30 Harvey Road, St. John’s.

Executive Council

The Honourable Dwight Ball, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador, will host the 13th Annual Premier’s Athletic Awards tomorrow (Thursday, May 18) at 3:45 p.m., at the Holiday Inn, Portugal Cove Road, St. John’s. The Honourable Sherry Gambin-Walsh, Minister of Children, Seniors and Social Development, will serve as Master of Ceremonies.

Justice and Public Safety

Mr. Speaker, in June of last year, the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador and the Federal Government announced funding to determine whether it is feasible to implement a Drug Treatment Court in Newfoundland and Labrador.

Children, Seniors and Social Development

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize International Day against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia, held annually on May 17. This day represents the largest LGBTIQ solidarity event to take place across the globe, with more than 1,000 events taking place in over 120 countries around the world.

Executive Council

Mr. Speaker, I rise in this Honourable House to congratulate 119 women who are being recognized this evening at an event hosted by the Office to Advance Women Apprentices. These women have reached their Red or Blue Seal status and obtained their journeyperson in their trades. I am honoured to have the privilege to attend this event.

Tourism, Culture, Industry and Innovation

To mark the start of the 2017 summer tourism season in Newfoundland and Labrador, the Provincial Visitor Information Centres located in Port aux Basques, Deer Lake, Notre Dame, Clarenville, Whitbourne, Argentia and St. John’s are now officially opened.

Justice and Public Safety

The Department of Justice and Public Safety is pleased to announce a Drug Treatment Court pilot project in St. John’s. The new court, which is expected to open in 2018, is intended for offenders with serious drug addictions, who commit non-violent, drug-motivated offences.

Justice and Public Safety

On May 17, the Newfoundland and Labrador Human Rights Commission commemorates the International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia (IDAHOT). The day draws annual attention to the discrimination and challenges faced by lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and intersex people. IDAHOT is the largest LGBTIQ solidarity event to take place throughout the globe, with more than 130 countries taking part.

Health and Community Services

The Honourable John Haggie, Minister of Health and Community Services, will address the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association and the Newfoundland and Labrador Counsellors' and Psychologists' Association Annual Conference tomorrow (Wednesday, May 17.)

Fisheries and Land Resources

The following forest access roads in the North West River area will close to vehicle traffic effective tomorrow (Wednesday, May 17.) The roads will remain open to snowmobiles and All-Terrain Vehicles.

Fisheries and Land Resources

Mr. Speaker, earlier this week, I was pleased to attend Seal Day on the Hill events in Ottawa. Seal Day on the Hill brings together various levels of government and industry to discuss and promote the true values of the Canadian sealing industry.

Justice and Public Safety

Mr. Speaker, I would like to recognize May 14 to 20 as National Police Week and acknowledge the important work of our Royal Newfoundland Constabulary and Royal Canadian Mounted Police. Across this province, the dedicated women and men of our police agencies contribute to the safety and security of our communities. They are to be applauded for their unwavering dedication to protecting the people of Newfoundland and Labrador.

Tourism, Culture, Industry and Innovation

Lockston Path Provincial Park will open as scheduled on Wednesday, May 17. However, please be advised that there is still some snow remaining on and around the campsites.

Health and Community Services

The Honourable John Haggie, Minister of Health and Community Services, today announced that a major milestone has been reached in the implementation of regulated midwifery into the provincial health care system. A midwifery consultant has been successfully recruited who will work with the regional health authorities, and other key stakeholders, to lay the groundwork for midwifery in the public healthcare system. This will include designing a service delivery model and developing policies.

Service NL

Service NL Highway Enforcement Officers (HEOs), with support from the Royal Newfoundland Constabulary, were at the Robin Hood Bay landfill on Saturday, May 13, to raise awareness about highway safety related to cargo securement and littering.

Municipal Affairs and Environment

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

Justice and Public Safety

The Honourable Andrew Parsons, Minister of Justice and Public Safety and Attorney General, today is congratulating two new Newfoundland and Labrador Supreme Court Justices, Frances J. Knickle, QC and Sandra R. Chaytor, QC

Natural Resources

Mr. Speaker, I rise in this Honourable House to recognize a historic milestone - the 50th anniversary of the Bay d'Espoir hydroelectric generating facility. First power flowed on May 12, 1967.

Advanced Education, Skills and Labour

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize an increase in the hourly wage of very deserving Job Trainers throughout the province.