Government of Newfoundland News

Justice and Public Safety

The Newfoundland and Labrador Human Rights Commission commemorates the International Day against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia (IDAHOT), held annually on May 17. IDAHOT is the largest LGBTQ solidarity event to take place throughout the globe, with over 1,000 events taking place in more than 120 countries worldwide to draw attention to violence and discrimination still experienced by LGBTQ people. This year, the focus of the day is on mental health and well-being.

Fisheries and Aquaculture

The Honourable Steve Crocker, Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture, will join Federal Government representatives, along with Canadian seal and fur industries, tomorrow (Tuesday, May 17) for Seal Day on the Hill events in Ottawa. These events highlight seal products and provide an opportunity for governments to demonstrate their support for the Canadian sealing industry.

Executive Council

On behalf of His Excellency the Right Honourable David Johnston, Governor General of Canada, His Honour the Honourable Frank F. Fagan, Lieutenant Governor of Newfoundland and Labrador, will present the insignia of Member of the Order of Canada to Helen Fogwill Porter, during a Ceremony at Government House at 12:00 p.m. tomorrow (Tuesday, May 17). Helen Fogwill Porter was appointed Member of the Order of Canada on 19 November 2015.

Child, Youth and Family Services

Mr. Speaker, as we continue to face a shortage of family-based placements for children and youth in care in certain regions, I am pleased to rise today to highlight a creative approach that is helping to increase these placement options.

Justice and Public Safety

Mr. Speaker, as we begin National Police Week, it was an honour this morning to help kick off the Women in Leadership Law Enforcement session being held at the Royal Newfoundland Constabulary's Memorial Campus in St. John's.

Executive Council

Atlantic premiers are working together to improve the lives of Atlantic Canadians through focused efforts to strengthen the region's economy, improve health care, enhance energy cooperation and address climate change.

Business, Tourism, Culture and Rural Development

Three Forestry and Agrifoods Agency employees will head west this weekend as part of a nine-person Incident Management Team being deployed from Atlantic Canada to Alberta.

Justice and Public Safety

On April 26, 2016, Fish and Wildlife Enforcement Officers with the Corner Brook detachment received a complaint from the public that a cow moose carrying a near full-term calf had been shot and killed near Templeton Academy in the Town of Meadows on the north shore of the Bay of Islands.

Executive Council

The Honourable Dwight Ball, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador, will participate in the 28th session of the Council of Atlantic Premiers meeting at the Hillsdale House Inn in Annapolis Royal, Nova Scotia, on Monday, May 16.

Business, Tourism, Culture and Rural Development

The Honourable Christopher Mitchelmore, Minister of Business, Tourism, Culture and Rural Development, will speak at the opening of the Peace by Piece exhibition today (Friday, May 13) at 6:30 p.m. The event will take place at Jack Bryne Arena in Torbay.

Advanced Education and Skills

The Honourable Gerry Byrne, Minister of Advanced Education and Skills, is providing additional details today of a $3 million increase in the existing fuel supplement for Income Support recipients to heat their homes and residences. This is in addition to the announcement in Budget 2016 which includes an annualized investment of $63.7 million to assist the most vulnerable residents impacted by budget revenue measures.

House of Assembly

The Honourable Tom Osborne, Speaker of the House of Assembly, announced that the Members' Compensation Review Committee was appointed by resolution of the House of Assembly today (May 12, 2016), with an effective date of July 7, 2016. The committee will be chaired by Sandra Burke. The other committee members are Kathy LeGrow and Jeffrey Pardy.

Environment and Conservation

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

Business, Tourism, Culture and Rural Development

The Granite Lake Forest Access Road, located south of Millertown, will be restricted to light vehicle traffic (vehicles less than five tonnes) effective tomorrow (Friday, May 13) until further notice.

Business, Tourism, Culture and Rural Development

Innovation Week, a series of events dedicated to the advances being made in Newfoundland and Labrador’s technology sector, is being held this week. During Innovation Week, the department will shine a spotlight on some of the innovative companies that are experiencing success and providing economic benefit to the province and its people. This includes Resource Innovations Inc. a Corner Brook based organization that recently received a Provincial Government investment of $33,750 to assist with the implementation of a new five-year marketing plan.

Finance

The Auditor General today released his 2015 Update Report to provide the status of recommendations he made for implementation. The report includes the status of recommendations for 2012 related to departments and Crown agencies.

Office of the Auditor General

Terry Paddon, Auditor General of Newfoundland and Labrador, today tabled his Update on Recommendations from the 2012 Annual Report in the House of Assembly. The report contains details of the implementation status of 105 recommendations made in the 2012 Report on Reviews of Departments and Crown Agencies.

Justice and Public Safety

Mr. Speaker, the recent tragedy in Fort McMurray has impacted thousands of Canadians including many Newfoundlanders and Labradorians. With the forest fire no longer appearing to threaten the town, the work of reintegrating people back into the community and rebuilding now begins.

Education and Early Childhood Development

Mr. Speaker, I rise in this Honourable House today to congratulate St. James Regional High School in Port aux Basques, on receiving this year's Inclusive Education Award.

Executive Council

Mr. Speaker, I rise in this Honourable House to welcome our esteemed guests, 23 European Union Ambassadors to Canada to Newfoundland and Labrador. We are delighted to welcome the delegation and proud to share our innovative business community, world-class research institutions and rich culture. Last December my office reached out to the Ambassadors to confirm their attendance and indicate our willingness to have them visit our province.