Government of Newfoundland News

Municipal Affairs

The Department of Municipal Affairs, Fire and Emergency Services (FES) is monitoring Environment and Climate Change Canada forecast information on an approaching weather system. An intense low will bring rain, above average temperatures, and strong southeasterly winds to the island Friday through Friday night. High waves and storm surges could affect parts of southwestern Newfoundland during high tide Friday morning. According to Environment and Climate Change Canada, high waves are expected to develop along the southwest coast of the island ahead of this system. Current guidance suggests that areas at the highest risk for impacts due to waves are low-lying coastal areas from Port aux Basques to La Poile during high tide Friday morning.

Environment and Climate Change

The recently formed Department of Environment and Climate Change marked several significant successes in 2016 as it worked toward greater stewardship, improved and strategic renewal, as well as dedicated collaboration across governments and numerous other stakeholders. Highlights included passing of the first legislation dealing with climate change by way of the Management of Greenhouse Gas Act; the inscription of Mistaken Point as a World Heritage site by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO); and the pending formation of the Independent Expert Advisory Committee that will recommend options for mitigating human health concerns related to methylmercury throughout the Muskrat Falls reservoir and in the Lake Melville ecosystem.

Service NL

Enhancing service and developing stronger regulations, legislation, and enforcement measures was a focus of activities for the Provincial Government over the course of 2016.

Executive Council
Finance
Health and Community Services

Today, the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador agreed to new targeted federal funding over 10 years for investments in home care and mental health care. The province joined with Nova Scotia today in announcing an accord with the Government of Canada to support change and deliver improved health care for Canadians in these priority areas.

Justice and Public Safety

The Provincial Government saw significant progress in 2016 related to addressing priorities for justice in the province and the advancement of initiatives focused on public safety.

Transportation and Works

Travellers are advised that repairs to the MV Beaumont Hamel have been completed and the vessel will join the MV Flanders to provide service between Bell Island and Portugal Cove, beginning tomorrow, Saturday, December 24, at 12:00 noon.

Environment and Climate Change

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

Municipal Affairs

As families across Newfoundland and Labrador settle in to sleep this Christmas Eve, protection from carbon monoxide poisoning must be a priority.

Office of the Information and Privacy Commissioner

The Information and Privacy Commissioner, Donovan Molloy, has released his Report A-2016-032 under authority of the Access to Information and Protection of Privacy Act. A summary of the Report is included below.

Office of the Information and Privacy Commissioner

The Information and Privacy Commissioner, Donovan Molloy, has released his Report A-2016-031 under authority of the Access to Information and Protection of Privacy Act. A summary of the Report is included below.

Transportation and Works

Motorists are advised that the Department of Transportation and Works is monitoring Environment Canada forecasts and special statements which indicate a potential for a weather system affecting various areas of the province over the holiday weekend. In addition, up to 15 cm of snow is forecast for St. John’s and vicinity tomorrow, Friday, December 23.

Executive Council
Natural Resources

The Provincial Government is highlighting the province's achievements in building a successful offshore oil industry in light of one billion barrels of oil having been produced at Hibernia.

Municipal Affairs

Fireworks are a common sight during the holiday season, especially on New Year’s Eve. While certainly entertaining, fireworks are not toys. These explosive devices must be used correctly in order to minimize the risk of fire.

Municipal Affairs

Smoke alarms save lives, but only when correctly installed and properly maintained.

Children, Seniors, and Social Development

Applications for the 2017 Athletic Excellence Fund, which provides financial support for provincial athletes, coaches and officials, are now available online.

Service NL

The Provincial Government has appointed one full-time and two part-time review commissioners to the Workplace Health, Safety and Compensation Review Division. The appointments were made through the merit-based appointment process established by the Independent Appointments Commission Act and are effective immediately.

Fisheries, Forestry and Agrifoods

Newfoundland and Labrador's Seafood Innovation and Transition Program has provided over $2 million to support innovation and development for 37 initiatives throughout the province’s seafood industry. The program was announced in Budget 2016 with a focus on helping the seafood industry transition to a groundfish-based fishery.

Health and Community Services

The Honourable John Haggie, Minister of Health and Community Services, today announced $50,000 in funding for the Janeway Children’s Hospital Foundation in recognition of its 50th anniversary.

Natural Resources

The Provincial Government has appointed members to the Oil and Gas Industry Development Council. The final membership was determined using the merit-based appointments process.