Government of Newfoundland News

The Provincial Government has partnered with the Newfoundland and Labrador Construction Association (NLCA) to establish a new staff position aimed at fostering collaboration between the construction industry and municipalities across the province.

Supported by the Department of Transportation and Infrastructure and working closely with the NLCA, the new Municipal Industry Training Coordinator will be responsible for developing, implementing and managing training programs tailored to meet the specific needs of municipal employees undertaking municipal infrastructure projects in the province.

The Municipal Industry Training Coordinator position is the first of its kind in Newfoundland and Labrador, representing a significant step towards enhancing infrastructure development in communities across the province, including many of the projects outlined in Budget 2024.

More information on this position, including the application process, will become available at the upcoming NLCA Build 2024 Expo taking place May 8 and 9. The 2024 Build Expo continues to be a venue for municipalities to connect with leaders in Newfoundland and Labrador’s construction industry and gain insights into the latest industry developments and their applications.

Quotes
“Our government is proud to support initiatives that strengthen our province’s infrastructure and foster collaboration between the construction industry and municipalities. This new position will play a vital role in ensuring that municipal employees have the necessary skills and training to successfully undertake infrastructure projects.”
Honourable John G. Abbott
Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure

“The creation of this position is a reflection of the partnership between government and industry. We are committed to connecting members with potential projects, and this new staff position will further enhance our ability to do so.”
Rhonda Neary
President/Chief Operating Officer, Newfoundland and Labrador Construction Association

“We are excited about the opportunities that this partnership will bring to our members and the construction industry as a whole. By working together, we can drive innovation and construction in Newfoundland and Labrador, ultimately benefiting our communities and economy.”
Derek Brown
Board Chair, Newfoundland and Labrador Construction Association

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Motorists on the Northern Peninsula are advised to use caution on the roadway between Eddies Cove East and St. Anthony Airport. A large portion of the St. Anthony caribou herd has overwintered in this area.

The herd’s daily movements are increasing as caribou trek from winter to spring ranges, requiring them to cross roadways and making them vulnerable to traffic.

Motorists are reminded to:

• Scan both sides of the highway and encourage passengers to watch for caribou.
• Pay attention to caribou warning signs.
• Avoid driving at dusk and dawn when caribou are more common near highways.
• Reduce speeds when driving at night when caribou are more difficult to see.

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The Information and Privacy Commissioner, Michael Harvey, has released his Report A-2024-013 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 http://www.oipc.nl.ca/reports/commissioner.

Report: A-2024-013 Report Date: March 28, 2024 Public Body: Town of Musgrave Harbour Summary: The Complainant made a request under the Access to Information and Protection of Privacy Act, 2015 to the Town of Musgrave Harbour for records relating to legal costs. The Town did not respond to the request, or to the complaint filed by the Complainant. The Commissioner concluded that the Town had failed to comply with its statutory obligations and recommended that the Town respond to the access request, providing all records responsive to the request, subject to any necessary redactions.

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

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Nominations are now open for the 2024 Seniors of Distinction Awards, which recognize the contributions and achievements of older Newfoundlanders and Labradorians. The deadline for submissions is May 17, 2024.

To be eligible, a senior must be:

• nominated by an individual or group.
• 50 years of age or older.
• a current or past resident of Newfoundland and Labrador.

Awards are presented to individuals and seniors may be nominated if they have made notable contributions through paid or volunteer work activities. As well, nominations from previous years will be considered at the request of a nominator or nominee and posthumous awards may be given.

More information about Seniors of Distinction Awards and/or a nomination package can be found here, or by calling toll free 1-888-494-2266.

Quotes
“Seniors and older adults have and continue to strengthen and enrich our communities with their knowledge, skills, dedication and lifelong perseverance. Today, we invite all Newfoundlanders and Labradorians to take the opportunity to honour and celebrate seniors for their legacy and contributions by nominating them for the prestigious Seniors of Distinction Award.”
Honourable Paul Pike
Minister of Children, Seniors and Social Development

“We see examples everyday of seniors making a difference in communities throughout our province, our country and around the world. The annual Seniors of Distinction Awards provide a fitting tribute to older Newfoundlanders and Labradorians who dedicate their time and talents to contribute to the social and cultural fabric and overall well-being of communities near and far.”
Josh Carey
Vice-Chair, Provincial Advisory Council on Aging and Seniors

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Seniors of Distinction Awards

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Effective Tuesday, April 2, several forest access roads in the Point Leamington, Botwood, Lewisporte, Glenwood, Birchy Bay, Gander Bay, Gambo and Glovertown areas will be temporarily closed to vehicle traffic until further notice. Signage will be posted at gates leading to closed roads.

Temporary closures at this time of year are required to protect forest access roads from damage during the spring thawing period. Roads will remain open for snowmobile and ATV use.

Roads scheduled for temporary closure include:

• Salmon Pond Access Road
• Birchy Bay Access Road
• Clarke’s Head Access Road
• Otter Pond Access Road
• Shipbuilder’s Pond Access Road
• Stoneville Access Road
• Osmonton Arm Access Road
• Diver Pond Access Road
• Southern Lake Access Road
• Burnt Bay Lake Access Road
• Wings Point Access Road
• Neil’s Brook Access Road
• Rod and Gun Club Access Road
• Island Pond Access Road
• Second Pond Access Road
• Chapel’s Island Access Road
• Mint Brook Forest Access Road
• Drover’s Ridge Forest Access Road
• Northwest Pond Forest Access Road
• Weir’s Pond Forest Access Road
• Kinden’s Ridge Forest Access Road

For further information regarding forest access road closures, please contact the Lewisporte Forest Management Office at 709-541-0214 for areas west of the Gander River, or the Gambo Forest Management Office at 709-674-1521 for areas east of the Gander River.

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In keeping with the Provincial Government’s commitment to work with companies interested in wind-hydrogen development, the Honourable Andrew Parsons, KC, Minister of Industry, Energy and Technology, today announced that a Contingent-Wind Energy Land Reserve has been established for Argentia Renewables Wind LP (Pattern).

Pattern, a 100 per cent owned affiliate of Pattern Energy, has publicly outlined it had been pursuing its own project with the Port of Argentia outside of the call for bids process which was announced by the Provincial Government last August. A Contingent-Wind Energy Land Reserve of approximately 2,453 hectares has been established to allow Pattern to apply for Crown land within this limited reserve should it be required for its 300 megawatt project.

The Department of Industry, Energy and Technology will only consider recommending these reserve lands for Crown lands applications in circumstances where it can be demonstrated that the request is a result of area constraints. This can be identified either by the company through its project development and site assessment, or by the Provincial Government through processes such as the Environmental Assessment process.

These lands represent less than 0.5 per cent of the lands included in the four reserves established through the Call for Bids Process. They will be held in reserve for the company for a period of 18 months or until the company makes an application to the Department of Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture for the lands required for contingent turbine positions for its current project, whichever occurs earlier.

The potential wind project remains subject to the province’s legislative and regulatory framework. The issuance of a wind energy land reserve consideration letter is distinct and separate from the Crown lands application and approval process, as well as the Environmental Assessment process.

The company will be required to submit a Benefits Plan and a Gender Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Plan for the project that meets the approval of the province and must be approved prior to the commencement of project construction. The company’s project will be subject to the Province’s Wind-Hydrogen Fiscal Framework, which was announced in February 2023.

Quote
“Pattern’s project is expected to be developed within its own private land. However, this wind reserve consideration letter provides an option should they require additional land for contingency. We are committed to continuing to work with the companies that were not successful in the initial call for bids and remain optimistic about wind-hydrogen development in Newfoundland and Labrador.”
Honourable Andrew Parsons, KC
Minister of Industry, Energy and Technology

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Learn more
Government of Newfoundland and Labrador Releases Wind-Hydrogen Fiscal Framework

Renewable Energy Plan: Maximizing Our Renewable Future

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On April 1, 1949 – 75 years ago today – the people of this province awoke as Canadian citizens.

To celebrate this momentous anniversary, the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador has a series of commemorations planned over the coming months.

Beginning today, the Confederation 75 flag will fly on the courtesy pole outside Confederation Building for 75 days.

The Confederation 75 Celebration Grant Program is supporting communities and heritage/Indigenous organizations in planning their own commemorative activities and celebrations.

This upcoming season, all Provincial Historic Sites will offer free admission to Newfoundland and Labrador residents who are 75 years of age and older.

One such Provincial Historic Site is the Colonial Building, the location of Newfoundland and Labrador’s first House of Assembly. Colonial Building will have special Confederation 75 programming this season, including:

• Opera on the Avalon’s 75×75, which will feature a multimedia exhibit and programming.
• Special performances of Confederation themed plays, including Last Living Father and The Vote (which will also be delivered at Mockbeggar Plantation Provincial Historic Site in Bonavista).
• A Confederation Speaker Series (which will also be featured at Mockbeggar Plantation Provincial Historic Site in Bonavista).
• A Confederation Film Evening (featuring movies such as The Little Fellow from Gambo).
• A programming partnership with the Newfoundland and Labrador Historical Society – 52-48: Seventy-Five Years of Confederation, its Impact, and its Legacy.
• A partnership with Heritage NL on a Confederation 75 oral history project featuring interviews with individuals who lived through the debates, votes and early years of Confederation.

The House of Assembly will also offer Confederation 75 programming, including a Teacher’s Institute offering professional development and learning opportunities for educators focused on democracy, governance and citizenship. Additionally, there will be a regional tour of the House of Assembly Mace, including visits to schools and broader community events.

In addition, the Provincial Government is offering educational opportunities for students in the province related to the 75th anniversary of Confederation. In partnership with the Department of Education, Confederation 75 educational resource packages will be offered to schools. As well, Confederation 75 scholarships will be presented to 75 Grade 12 students in the province.

Quotes
“With the 75th anniversary of our Confederation with Canada comes much to celebrate and much to reflect on. There is no doubt that the decision to join Canada in 1949 was the right one. Equally, there is no doubt that we are significant contributors to our country, helping make Canada the strong country it is today. I hope all Newfoundlanders and Labradorians take some time to reflect on what it means to be Canadian and how lucky we are to live in a country that values freedom, diversity and inclusion.”
Honourable Dr. Andrew Furey
Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador

“This year, through programming at our Provincial Historic Sites, the Colonial Building in particular, we will help tell the story of Confederation. We have also been administering Confederation 75 Celebration Grants to municipalities and heritage/Indigenous organizations across the province to help them celebrate the occasion. Of course, Confederation 75 license plates are now in circulation and Confederation 75 medals will be recognizing those people in our communities who contribute to making Newfoundland and Labrador a better place to live.”
Honourable Steve Crocker
Minister of Tourism, Culture, Arts and Recreation

“It is important that students continue to learn about the history of our beautiful province and the impact of Confederation. Our government is pleased to provide Confederation 75 educational resources to schools, and to mark the 75th anniversary of Confederation with scholarships that will support recipient students as they continue their educational journey.”
Honourable Krista Lynn Howell
Minister of Education

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Learn more
Premier Furey Announces Initiatives to Commemorate 75th Anniversary of Confederation

Opera on the Avalon’s 75×75

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Motorists are advised that a section of Highway 460, located on the Port-au-Port Peninsula, has been impacted by severe flooding and washouts. At this time, Highway 460 is closed in both directions from Marches Point to De Grau.

Transportation and Infrastructure officials, engineers and contractors are on site today (Saturday, March 30, 2024) to assess damage, make appropriate repairs and determine alternate routes where necessary. Motorists are encouraged to use extreme caution in the area, and to check NL 511 via the mobile app, nl511.ca or call 511 for updated driving conditions.

The Provincial Emergency Operations Centre is currently activated to Level 1 – Enhanced Monitoring. Necessary partners are engaged, and the situation continues to be monitored.

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 The Honourable Pam Parsons, Minister Responsible for Women and Gender Equality, today announced $30,000 to support Planned Parenthood Newfoundland and Labrador Sexual Health Centre’s 2SLGBTQQIA+ Warm Line.

The funding is provided under the National Action Plan to End Gender-based Violence, a four-year bilateral agreement the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador 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.

Planned Parenthood Newfoundland and Labrador Sexual Health Centre is a non-profit organization serving all regions of the province. The Warm Line is a free, confidential and inclusive, volunteer peer-support service run by and for members of the 2SLGBTQQIA+ community, providing a safe space for people to talk through problems and concerns, including experiences with gender-based violence.

The Warm Line operates from Wednesday to Sunday, from 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. Those needing to access the line should call or text 1-800-230-8041.

Quotes
“The Provincial Government is pleased to provide financial support to Planned Parenthood Newfoundland and Labrador Sexual Health Centre for their Warm Line, which offers a crucial safe space for the 2SLGBTQQIA+ community to talk to their peers. In this space, voices are heard, hurts are acknowledged, and healing begins.”
Honourable Pam Parsons
Minister Responsible for Women and Gender Equality

“Planned Parenthood Newfoundland and Labrador Sexual Health Centre is committed to fostering a supportive and inclusive environment for all members of the 2SLGBTQQIA+ community. We believe everyone deserves a safe space to express their feelings and concerns, and we are so thankful to the Provincial Government for this support.”
Nikki Baldwin
Executive Director, Planned Parenthood Newfoundland and Labrador Sexual Health Centre

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Learn more
National Action Plan to End Gender-based Violence

Office of Women and Gender Equality

Planned Parenthood Newfoundland and Labrador Sexual Health Centre

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Applications are now being accepted for the 2024-25 Active NL Fund. Funding is available to support community-based active living initiatives, infrastructure or equipment that will help directly increase physical activity, sport, and active recreation for individuals of all ages and abilities.

Not-for-profit community-based groups and organizations, municipalities, Indigenous Governments, Local Service Districts and schools are eligible for funding. Applications will be accepted up to and including September 30, 2024.

Approximately $800,000 was allocated to this program in 2023, bringing the total funding available to $2,590,000.

Those interested in applying for Active NL funding are encouraged to carefully review the program guidelines to determine eligibility of applicants, infrastructure projects, equipment and initiatives.

The Active NL Fund is designed to support active living, contributing to the physical, mental and social wellbeing of the people of Newfoundland and Labrador.

Quote
“The Active NL fund is an excellent way for communities to increase capacity for new, ongoing and innovative ways to engage in active, healthy lifestyles. In previous years, the fund has supported improvements to walking trails, playground equipment, community gardens, physical activity programs and more. These are excellent ways to engage residents and encourage people to lead more active lives. I look forward seeing the variety of project proposals that come in over the coming weeks and months.”
Honourable Steve Crocker
Minister of Tourism, Culture, Arts and Recreation

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Learn more
Active NL Fund Guidelines

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The Labrador Flag – a symbol of the history, heritage and identity of the Big Land – is celebrating its 50th anniversary this Sunday, March 31, 2024.

In celebration of the 50th anniversary of the Labrador Flag, Confederation Building will be illuminated in the colours of the flag from Friday to Sunday. The Labrador flag will also be flown at Confederation Building this weekend.

The idea for a Labrador flag was conceived in 1973 when the Provincial Government asked citizens to adopt special projects to commemorate the 25th anniversary of the province’s Confederation with Canada in 1949. Michael S. Martin of Cartwright, who represented the district of Labrador South in the House of Assembly from 1972-75, saw an opportunity to create a representation of Labrador’s geography, diverse cultures, and its people.

Efforts focused on designing a flag to celebrate the significance of Labrador’s heritage, which resulted in the creation of a design for a flag. In early 1974, 64 flags were produced – one for each of the 59 towns and villages in Labrador, one for each of the three Members of the House of Assembly, and two for the Martin family.

The flags were sent to communities with a request to fly or display the flag on March 31, 1974. Shortly thereafter, at Mr. Martin’s request, the Labrador Heritage Society secured ownership and copyright of the design.

In 2015, the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador adopted a policy concerning the Labrador flag. The policy provided direction for the flag to be flown at the Labrador/Quebec border crossings near L’Anse au Clair and Labrador City, at Provincial-Government-owned and leased buildings, and for display purposes during Provincial Government events in Labrador.

In 2016, elected officials and area residents participated in a ceremony at Labrador West to celebrate and raise the Labrador flag at the Quebec-Labrador border.

The Provincial Government, in collaboration with community partners, is planning events in the coming months to mark the 50th anniversary of the Labrador flag.

Quotes
“The Labrador flag is an iconic symbol that celebrates the rich culture, traditions and spectacular landscape that makes Labrador so unique. We join in celebrating the special connection and passion that Labradorians have with a flag that has reached a significant milestone.”
Honourable Dr. Andrew Furey
Premier, Newfoundland and Labrador

“The Labrador flag is more than just a piece of cloth. It is a powerful embodiment of our Labrador history and our identity as a people. May it continue to inspire generations to come and serve as a powerful reminder of the unbreakable bond that ties us together as Labradorians.”
Honourable Lisa Dempster
Minister of Labrador Affairs
Minister Responsible for Indigenous Affairs and Reconciliation
MHA for the District of Cartwright-L’Anse au Clair

“Labradorians have a strong attachment to their Labrador flag. There is no other image or symbol that unites areas and the people of Labrador like the Labrador flag. The flag has and will continue to be a source of great pride for everyone in the Big Land.”
Ernie McLean
President, Labrador Heritage Society

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The Labrador Flag

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BACKGROUNDER

Elements of the Labrador Flag
“The top white bar of the flag represents the snows, the one element which, more than any other, coloured our culture and dictated our lifestyle. The bottom blue bar represents the waters of our rivers, lakes and oceans. The waters, like the snows of winter, have been our highways and nurtured our fish and wildlife that was our sustenance and the basis of our economy. The centre green bar represents the land – the green and bountiful land, which is the connecting element that unites our three diverse cultures.

“The twig of the black spruce tree, in two year-growths, represents the past and the future. The shorter growth of the inner twigs represents the hard times of the past, while the longer outer twigs speak of our hopes for the future. The twig is typically in three branches and represents here the three original founding races of modern Labrador – the Innu, the Inuit and the white settler. The three branches emerging from a common stalk represents the commonality of all humankind regardless of race.”

Source: Michael S. Martin, 2002

Labrador Flag Connections

The flag of the Nunatsiavut Government was initially adopted in the early 1970s by the Labrador Inuit Association. It features a white, green and blue inukshuk reproduced in the colours of the Labrador flag.

 

The Franco-Newfoundlander flag, adopted in 1986, includes a spruce twig, which is featured on the Labrador flag.

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The Honourable Lisa Dempster, Minister of Labrador Affairs and Minister Responsible for Indigenous Affairs and Reconciliation, is participating in an event on Monday, April 1, to commemorate the life of Lydia Campbell, Labrador author and matriarch.

The event includes a special ceremony at Mulligan Bay, a settlement located near North West River on Lake Melville. Minister Dempster will be joined by Perry Trimper, MHA for Lake Melville.

The commemorative event is being organized by Them Days magazine and starts at 11:00 a.m. An open invitation has been extended to the public to attend the event.

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The Council of Atlantic Premiers recently wrote Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to share the priorities of Atlantic Canadians and request the federal government’s intended actions regarding these priorities.

The letter focuses on the ongoing housing crisis, lack of details on federal infrastructure and labour market funding, as well as the proposed international student cap and national pharmacare program.

Premiers urged the Prime Minister to consider the issues raised and encouraged the federal government to collaborate by sharing information to maximize the positive impact of federal initiatives on the lives of Atlantic Canadians.

To view the Letter to Prime Minister Trudeau: CAP release – Letter to PM re Priorities of Atlantic Canadians – March 27, 2024

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The Information and Privacy Commissioner, Michael Harvey, has released his Report P-2024-001 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/commissioner.

Report: P-2024-001 Report Date: March 27, 2024 Public Body: Department of Environment and Climate Change Summary: The Complainant filed a privacy complaint under the Access to Information and Protection of Privacy Act, 2015 alleging that the Department of Environment and Climate Change had breached their privacy by disclosing their personal information without their consent when the Department copied a third party on an email to the Complainant. The Complainant submitted that this was contrary to the Act. The Commissioner found that the Department had breached the Complainant’s privacy, commented on the assessment of risk arising from the breach and remedial measures taken by the Department, and made recommendations for improvement.

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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 the 2024 Members’ Compensation Review Committee (MCRC) has delivered its final report, which is available on the House of Assembly website. Heather M. Jacobs, KC, who was appointed to conduct the review, delivered the report to the Speaker and the Management Commission on Tuesday, March 26.

The 2024 MCRC was appointed by resolution of the House on November 2, 2023 in accordance with subsection 16(1) of the House of Assembly Accountability, Integrity and Administration Act (the Act), which requires that a review of the salaries, allowances, severance and pensions paid to Members of the House of Assembly take place once during each general assembly. The resolution required the Committee to deliver its report to the Speaker on or before April 1, 2024. The House of Assembly Management Commission is now required to consider the recommendations in accordance with the process prescribed in subsections 16(5) and 16(6) of the Act.

The Management Commission will review the report and its recommendations in greater detail. A further update respecting scheduling of public meetings on the matter will be provided.

Quote
“On behalf of all Members of the House of Assembly, I wish to extend sincere appreciation to Ms. Jacobs and the entire MCRC team for their work and diligence in conducting this review. As Speaker, further to my responsibilities under the Act, I ensured that the report was placed before the Management Commission as soon as possible, having received the report on Tuesday, March 26. The Commission, which includes representation of all caucuses, will proceed to consider the report’s 32 recommendations in accordance with the process outlined in subsections 16(5) and 16(6) of the Act, which will be conducted at public meetings.”
Honourable Derek Bennett, MHA
Speaker of the House of Assembly

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Learn more
How We Value Democracy – 2024 Members’ Compensation Review Committee

Website – Members’ Compensation Review Committee 2024

Members’ Compensation Review Committee Appointed by Resolution of House of Assembly

Media contact
Mark Jerrett
Policy and Communications Analyst
709-729-6943
markjerrett@gov.nl.ca

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To support current farmers and new entrants to the province’s agriculture and agrifoods sectors, applications are now open for the 2024-25 Provincial Agrifoods Assistance Program.

The deadline to apply is April 26, 2024. Proposed projects must enhance food self-sufficiency, increase agricultural growth and secondary processing, and generate employment.

Eligible applicants must have reported a minimum of $15,000 in eligible agriculture sales in one of the last three years or qualify as a new entrant. To encourage and support new farmers in the industry, new entrants can qualify for up to $20,000 in funding under the Agriculture Infrastructure Program.

For more information, visit Agriculture Programs and Funding, call 709-637-2077 or email PAAP@gov.nl.ca.

Through Budget 2024, the Provincial Agrifoods Assistance Program will provide $2.15 million to support land development and agriculture infrastructure as part of a nearly $20 million investment in the agriculture sector.

Quote
“The variety of initiatives funded under our annual Provincial Agrifoods Assistance Program is a testament to farmers’ commitment to ensuring their farm enterprises are diverse and environmentally sustainable. By working with farmers and producers to invest in agriculture infrastructure and land development, we are improving food self-sufficiency, adopting new technologies, and supporting sustainable agricultural growth.”
Honourable Elvis Loveless
Minister of Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture

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Provincial Agrifoods Assistance Program

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As announced this morning at the Newfoundland and Labrador Craft Council, the Honourable Steve Crocker, Minister of Tourism, Culture, Arts and Recreation, is sharing more information about Budget 2024’s $2 million Arts Infrastructure and Programming Fund.

This program is designed for: (a) not-for-profit arts organizations with the primary purpose of creating, developing and/or presenting artistic works; and (b) non-professional community arts organizations. Funding is available in two categories: facility equipment upgrades and community arts programming.

The facility equipment upgrades stream of funding will help organizations address technical requirements. The community arts programming stream of funding is designed to assist in the creation of programs such as workshops, presentations, productions, new creations, artist fees and travel costs.

Applications will be accepted beginning on April 1. The deadline to apply for funding is June 1, 2024.

Quote
“Beyond the rightful celebration of artists, the Year of the Arts is also about supporting Newfoundland and Labrador’s arts organizations and ensuring they have what they need for success this year. It is our hope that this Arts Infrastructure and Programming Fund will enable projects that have a lasting impact on the organizations and our communities.”
Honourable Steve Crocker
Minister of Tourism, Culture, Arts and Recreation

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Learn more
Minister Crocker Announces 2024 Year of the Arts Initiatives

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This morning, during an event at the Newfoundland and Labrador Craft Council, the Honourable Steve Crocker, Minister of Tourism, Culture, Arts and Recreation, announced additional funding for Year of the Arts initiatives in 2024.

As part of Budget 2024, the Provincial Government is committing $2 million to establish a new Arts Infrastructure and Programming Fund. This fund will provide support for improvements to existing arts infrastructure. Funding will also be available to support community arts groups to develop and enhance community arts programming.

It is also making up to $3 million available for expressions of interest for a new Creative Projects Fund. This funding will be administered through Celebrate NL and will be available to not-for-profit and for-profit professional arts organizations that have the creation and/or presentation of works of art as their primary activity.

Funding was also announced for a number of special Year of the Arts projects planned by the City of St. John’s, Music NL, the Craft Council of Newfoundland and Labrador, Business and Arts NL, the Newfoundland and Labrador Folk Arts Society, among others. A full list of the investments announced can be found in the backgrounder below.

Quote
“Our province’s culture is rooted in the arts and these investments are an acknowledgement of the arts’ impact on our province and communities, a celebration of their impact during the Year of the Arts. With the funding announced today, we’re supporting professional and non-professional arts activities, ensuring no stone is left unturned in our support.”
Honourable Steve Crocker
Minister of Tourism, Culture, Arts and Recreation

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Learn more
Year of the Arts

Celebrate NL

Premier Furey Announces 2024 as ‘Year of the Arts’

Provincial Government Commits $2.7 Million for Artists Through Year of the Arts Grants

Minister Crocker Announces Year of the Arts Support for the Music Community

Premier’s Medal will Honour Excellence in Arts, Heritage, Recreation and Sport

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BACKGROUNDER

Organization Project Investment Year of the Arts Creative Projects Fund Celebrate NL Creative Projects Fund: Expressions of Interest for Profit/Not-For-Profit Professional Arts Organizations $3,000,000 Arts Infrastructure and Programming Fund One-time program designed to enhance arts infrastructure and support community arts initiatives that increase engagement and participation of cultural activity in Year of the Arts $2,000,000 Music NL Music NL for programming and initiatives during Year of the Arts, including Harbour Voices choral festival $1,000,000 The Rooms Art Bank and programming funds $400,000 City of St. John’s Programs and activities: Mural, Walk on Water, Rock on Water, Public Art Pole Boxes, Public Art Welcome Signage $194,000 Craft Council NL Made in Canada: Sustainable Fibre Arts Conference September 2024, in Gros Morne National Park. $100,000 Enhanced Provincial Theatre Arts Festival The festival at the Grenfell campus in Corner Brook in conjunction with the Theatrical Arts Education Association of Canada in May 2024 $130,000 Business and Arts NL Innovation Through Creativity Conference $100,000 Newfoundland and Labrador Folk Festival Free daytime programming at the Folk Festival $50,000 Fashion Week St. John’s Fashion Week (August 2024) $50,000 First Light Artist in Residence Program $44,000 Kiwanis Music Festival Celebrating the Festival in 2024 as part of Year of the Arts $4,500

 

The post Minister Crocker Announces 2024 Year of the Arts Initiatives appeared first on News Releases.

The Honourable Siobhan Coady, Deputy Premier and Minister of Finance, will highlight Budget 2024 at the Lewisporte and Area Chamber of Commerce luncheon today (Wednesday, March 27).

The event will take place at the Lewisporte Yacht Club, 152A Main St, Lewisporte, beginning at 12:00 p.m. Minister Coady will be joined by the Honourable Derek Bennett, Speaker of the House of Assembly and MHA for Lewisporte – Twillingate.

Budget 2024 is focused on transforming our health, our economy and our province. More information is available here.

The Lewisporte and Area Chamber of Commerce promotes the economic success and well-being of the businesses and communities they serve.

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The post Media Advisory: Minister Coady to Address Lewisporte and Area Chamber of Commerce appeared first on News Releases.

The Honourable Steve Crocker, Minister of Tourism, Culture, Arts and Recreation, will make an announcement related to funding for a number of Year of the Arts initiatives tomorrow (Wednesday, March 27).

The event will take place at 10:00 a.m. at the Newfoundland and Labrador Craft Council Gallery, 155 Water Street, St. John’s.

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The post Media Advisory: Minister Crocker to Make Post-Budget Arts Announcement appeared first on News Releases.