Government of Newfoundland News

Canada’s Premiers will meet on July 16 and 17 at the Westin Nova Scotian Hotel in Halifax.

“I look forward to welcoming my colleagues to Nova Scotia and to hosting this meeting on the Halifax waterfront, one of the most-visited destinations in the province,” said Premier Tim Houston, Chair of the Council of the Federation.

Premier Houston said his colleagues will continue their discussion on revitalizing cooperative federalism in Canada, an issue Premiers highlighted in their post budget letter to the Prime Minister.

“When all governments work together, we can find the best solutions for the challenges we face. This meeting will allow Premiers to engage on the issues that matter most to Canadians.”

Premiers will be discussing housing and affordability, health care, infrastructure, energy, Canada-U.S. relations, emergency preparedness and response, and Arctic security.

A closing news conference is planned for the afternoon of July 17.

The Council of the Federation comprises all 13 provincial and territorial Premiers. It enables Premiers to work collaboratively, form closer ties, foster constructive relationships among governments, and show leadership on important issues that matter to Canadians.

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Provincial forestry officials are providing an update on two forest fires in Labrador. Residents of Labrador West are advised that there may be increased fire activity today (Friday, July 12) which could produce increased levels of smoke that could impact Route 500, as well as the railway lines in Labrador West.

There is no immediate threat to Wabush or Labrador City. However, residents are encouraged to remain vigilant and to monitor local media and news reports as conditions could change. Residents should avoid the area north of Bloom Lake Mine and west of the Bloom Lake Rail Line.

Waterbombers and helicopters will be deployed to action the fire and officials will be monitoring fire behaviour closely.

Fire officials are also closely monitoring a fire near Happy Valley-Goose Bay. Smoke from the fire is anticipated to be visible throughout the day and may impact air quality and travel west of the community.

There are currently 13 active wildland fires in Labrador. The public can view updated active wildfire information, including maps identifying the location of fires, on the online NL Active Wildfire Dashboard.

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The House of Assembly acknowledges receipt of the Members and Ministers Expenditures report by the Office of the Auditor General and thanks the Auditor General and her team for their work on this audit.

The House of Assembly accepts the recommendations of the Auditor General as they pertain to policies, procedures and legislation relating to Members’ expenditures. The House of Assembly Service is a team of dedicated public servants who are committed to excellence in the delivery of both parliamentary and administrative support to Members of the House of Assembly on behalf of the people of Newfoundland and Labrador.

The House of Assembly has a robust audit and accountability framework that has been in place since 2007 and is unique among legislative assemblies across the country. In accordance with the House of Assembly Accountability, Integrity and Administration Act, there are several accountability measures in place to assess the appropriateness and effectiveness of internal controls as well as compliance with legislation and policy.

On an annual basis, an external consultant is engaged to support the Clerk of the House of Assembly in a management certification process whereby internal controls are assessed for their effectiveness. An annual financial audit is conducted of the accounts of the House of Assembly and a compliance audit is required at least once in each general assembly. Finally, the House of Assembly is subject to annual internal audits performed by the Office of the Comptroller General.

The House of Assembly is committed to transparency and accountability, and will continue to work with the Office of the Auditor General, the Comptroller General and external experts in continuous improvement of its services.

Quote
“As Speaker of the House of Assembly, I would like to take this opportunity to thank the Auditor General and her staff for their diligent attention to the matters reviewed in this audit. The Office of the Auditor General provides an invaluable service to the legislature as well as to all residents of Newfoundland and Labrador. We look forward to working with the Office of the Auditor General on the recommendations in her report and in other matters as they pertain to the House of Assembly.”
Honourable Derek Bennett
Speaker of the House of Assembly

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Members & Ministers Expenditures – Independent Auditor’s Compliance Report – Office of the Auditor General – July 2024

 

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The Resource Enforcement Division of the Department of Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture is seeking information related to a moose poaching and wastage incident that occurred two kilometres west of the Ashuanipi River in Labrador West.

On July 3, 2024, officers initiated an investigation after an adult bull moose was left on a bog approximately 150 metres from the Trans Labrador Highway. Officers from the Wabush Detachment confirmed that the bull moose was shot, with only the antlers removed.

Anyone who has information about this incident or witnessed suspicious activity in the area is encouraged to contact the Resource Enforcement Division’s Wabush Detachment at 709-944-4887.

The public is reminded it is an offence under the Wild Life Act to harvest any species of game during closed time and to willfully or intentionally allow the flesh of wildlife taken or killed for food to be destroyed, wasted or spoiled.

Anyone with information that may lead to the identity of the person or persons involved in this incident can also call 1-877-820-0999 anonymously or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS. Anonymous reports can also be submitted online at www.nlcrimestoppers.com or stoppoaching.ca.

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The Honourable Dr. Andrew Furey, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador, will make an announcement related to the arts and cultural community tomorrow (Friday, July 12) in Grand Falls-Windsor.

Premier Furey will make the announcement while bringing greetings at the 2024 Grand Falls House Garden Party. The event takes place at 1:30 p.m. on the grounds of Grand Falls House, 67 Lincoln Road, Grand Falls-Windsor.

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The Honourable John G. Abbott, Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure, will participate in a municipal infrastructure funding announcement in Gander tomorrow (Friday, July 12).

The event will take place at the Brigg’s Street Neighborhood Park in Gander, beginning at 11:30 a.m. In the event of inclement weather, the event will be held at the Town of Gander’s Council Chambers, 100 Elizabeth Drive.

Minister Abbott will be joined by the Honourable John Haggie, Minister of Municipal Affairs and MHA for Gander, and His Worship Percy Farwell, Mayor of Gander.

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The Honourable Elvis Loveless, Minister of Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture, will bring greetings to the 38th Annual Exploits Valley Salmon Festival salmon dinner this evening (Thursday, July 11). The event will take place at the Joe Byrne Memorial Stadium, 5 Jones St., Grand Falls-Windsor, beginning at 7:00 p.m.

The Exploits Valley Salmon Festival is a five-day celebration highlighting entertainment, food and the people of Central Newfoundland.

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Today, the Honourable Bernard Davis, Minister of Environment and Climate Change, announced a $60,000 sponsorship, through the Multi-Materials Stewardship Board (MMSB) Waste Management Trust Fund, in support of various green initiatives at the 2024 Newfoundland and Labrador Summer Games. The Games are being hosted by the Town of Bay Roberts August 10-17.

The funding will be used to support a variety of green practices across all event categories, including:

• Management of food waste and associated packaging related to catering and food services.
• Coordination for food delivery services and monitoring food usage to reduce food loss.
• Organic waste will be collected through the town’s composting program, to be used in community garden projects throughout the town.
• The Town of Bay Roberts will provide garbage bins and the Host Committee will purchase recycling bins to support existing infrastructure across all venues in the host region.
• Participants staying in the Athletes Village will be encouraged to bring reusable water bottles, to be used at water refilling stations at events and to bring their own bedding, sleeping bags and air mattresses.
• Digital documents will be used for communications throughout the entire event.

A Provincial Government program, the Newfoundland and Labrador Games are held on a biennial basis, alternating between winter and summer. These games are the province’s premier multi-sport event for approximately 1,600 young athletes aged 11 to 18. Ten regions from across the province and Saint-Pierre and Miquelon send participants to showcase their athletic skills while vying for three prestigious awards for their region.

Quotes
“I applaud the MMSB for their support of the Newfoundland and Labrador Games. This funding will help to make the 2024 Summer Games the first green games planned in the province’s history. Thank you to the Games Host Committee for taking an environmentally conscious and responsible approach to an event of this scale. These efforts will ensure the well-being of communities, recreational facilities, venues, and the environment alike. By working together to make greener choices, we can help preserve our province’s pristine environment for generations to come.”
Honourable Bernard Davis
Minister of Environment and Climate Change and Minister Responsible for the MMSB

“Promoting proactive, eco-friendly practices to reduce the Newfoundland and Labrador Games’ environmental footprint is commendable and we are pleased to see MMSB sponsor the Summer Games. I appreciate the Games Host Committee for adopting an environmentally aware and accountable strategy.”
Honourable Steve Crocker
Minister of Tourism, Culture, Arts and Recreation

“A heartfelt thank you to the Multi-Materials Stewardship Board for their contribution to the Summer Games. This initiative will make these the greenest games in our history. From reducing food wastage to composting in support of the town’s community gardens projects, this investment will impact all future games in the areas that host them. I know that our local team of volunteers will embrace this effort wholeheartedly, making these games a huge success.”
Honourable Pam Parsons
Minister Responsible for Women and Gender Equality and MHA for Harbour Grace-Port De Grave

“MMSB is pleased to support the 2024 Summer Games, which is set to be the province’s first sustainable event of this scale. This partnership reflects our organization’s commitment to public education and sustainable waste management. We hope that the eco-friendly initiatives at the Games will inspire young athletes to adopt environmentally conscious behaviors moving forward.”
Derm Flynn, Chair
MMSB

“With the support of the Department of Environment and Climate Change and the Multi-Material Stewardship Board, our cleaner and greener practices shall provide a model for future Games and a lasting legacy for the Town of Bay Roberts.”
Judy Morrow, Co-Chair
Newfoundland and Labrador Summer Games Host Committee

“We want to educate and impress upon the athletes by reminding them to think green, that even an event of this magnitude can be managed in a sustainable manner with the least environmental impact possible.”
Neil Kearley, Co-Chair
Newfoundland and Labrador Summer Games Host Committee

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Newfoundland and Labrador Summer Games

Multi-Materials Stewardship Board

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The Auditor General of Newfoundland and Labrador, Denise Hanrahan, today delivered the audit report on Members and Ministers Expenditures, specifically compliance with legislation, policies, and procedures regarding payment disbursements in relation to their respective roles. The Office’s audit analyzed House of Assembly policies and procedures for Members’ expenses and Executive Council policies and procedures for Ministerial expenses.

The audit found policies and procedures for Members of the House of Assembly were updated reactively, rather than proactively, and there were instances where Member and Ministerial expenditure policies and procedures did not intersect to prevent errors.  Non-compliance with expense policies and procedures, such as deficiencies in reporting and internal controls as well as misallocation of expenses between the House of Assembly and departments, were also found.

The full report can be found by visiting. www.ag.gov.nl.ca.

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“Our compliance audit concluded that there were issues regarding the clarity and completeness of Members and Ministers policies. Policies and procedures were not always kept up-to-date based on requirements and directions issued, and not all Members and Ministers expenditures complied with them. I am pleased to report that no fraud was detected and that the audit identified areas where administrative and control processes can be improved to reduce future issues.”
Denise Hanrahan
Auditor General of Newfoundland and Labrador

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Media contact
Chrysta Collins
Office of the Auditor General
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Federal, provincial, and territorial environment ministers discussed climate change adaptation and resilience, and carbon management at the annual meeting of the Canadian Council of Ministers of the Environment (CCME) held yesterday.

“Newfoundland and Labrador was pleased to host the 2024 meeting of the Canadian Council of Ministers of the Environment and discuss ways we can collaborate with our federal, provincial, and territorial partners to protect our environment and build sustainable, resilient communities for our future generations. Climate change challenges pose a direct threat to our environment, societies, and economies. It is critical for us to act now, and act together, to address climate change while continuing to grow our economy, keeping in view the unique circumstances of each province and territory,” said Bernard Davis, Newfoundland and Labrador’s Minister of Environment and Climate Change.

Ministers reflected on the impacts of climate change and continued their conversations from past meetings on adaptation and resilience. Ministers shared key challenges and discussed opportunities to work together and with partners to create strong systems and communities that can anticipate, prepare for, and adapt to changing climate conditions. Climate risks such as flooding, erosion and drought merit enhanced collaboration to protect human health and the environment and safeguard the economy. Ministers acknowledged that preparing for and adapting to the impacts of climate change will require cross-sectoral and intergovernmental cooperation.

They discussed CCME work underway to develop indicators that governments may use to assess and measure the effectiveness of their respective climate change adaptation and resilience initiatives. Ministers committed to advancing and collaborating on climate adaptation priorities, while respecting provincial and territorial plans, strategies, and jurisdiction, to promote health and safety for all Canadians and ensure a sustainable future for generations to come.  In a separate meeting on July 9, ministers met with leaders from some National Indigenous Organizations and from some Newfoundland and Labrador Indigenous governments and organizations to discuss climate change adaptation and resilience. Indigenous leaders provide valuable insights on their priorities and perspectives, which informed Ministers’ discussions.

Following a separate discussion with a panel of experts from academia, industry and non-government organizations in the field, ministers explored the carbon management landscape in Canada to reduce and remove greenhouse gas emissions. Carbon management technologies and nature-based solutions are important tools for governments to achieve their respective climate goals and will complement other necessary greenhouse gas reduction efforts. Carbon management can also unlock economic opportunities across many different sectors, creating jobs and making the country more competitive. Ministers also discussed the importance of incentivizing investment for non-emitting technologies, such as support for a cleaner electricity grid and carbon management, which will be pivotal to a net-zero future.

Canada can reduce emissions and have a strong economy, balancing carbon management and environmental protection with the need to provide a growing global population with the necessary food, energy, and critical minerals to the highest ethical and sustainable standards in the world. Ministers agreed on the importance of meaningful collaboration across equal orders of governments and sectors to achieve this common future.

Ministers launched an updated website to provide information to Canadians on the progress towards implementing the Canada-wide Strategy on the Management of Municipal Wastewater Effluent. Addressing the largest source of pollution to Canada’s surface waters by volume, the strategy articulates the commitment to protect human health and the environment and provide regulatory clarity in managing municipal wastewater effluent.

Ministers will continue to collaborate through CCME on renewed strategic priorities, which are: managing and preventing pollution of air, water and land; reducing waste and moving towards a circular economy; advancing climate initiatives, including a low-carbon economy; and advancing and collaborating on emerging environmental issues and opportunities.

At the end of the meeting, Northwest Territories assumed the presidency of CCME and will host the 2025 CCME meeting.

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The Provincial Government today released Standards for Serving People Experiencing Homelessness in Shelters Throughout Newfoundland and Labrador. Developed by OrgCode Consulting following extensive and in-depth consultations with individuals, organizations and community partners, these standards will apply to all emergency shelters that receive Provincial Government funding.

Adoption of these standards will ensure the delivery of consistent, evidence-informed and compassionate service while enhancing accountability for shelter guests, operators and government. The vision is to create a system where homelessness in the province is rare, brief and non-recurring.

The standards emphasize three key aspects for providing shelter:

• Quality and safe operations that ensure basic needs are met.
• Lowering barriers to shelter access.
• The need to be housing-focused and support those in shelter to secure more stable housing options.

The Honourable Fred Hutton, Minister of Housing, is available to media today at 10:30 a.m. in the lobby of West Block, Confederation Building, to discuss the shelter standards. Minister Hutton will be joined by Tracy Flaherty-Willmott, Associate Director of OrgCode Consulting, and Doug Pawson, Executive Director of End Homelessness St. John’s.

The standards cover a wide range of shelter operations and requirements, including:

• Accessing shelter services and supports, including intake and admission, maintaining a housing focus in operations and staff ratios.
• Basic needs and services, including beds, access to hygiene supplies and clothing, food and nutrition.
• Health and safety, including competencies and training requirements for staff, providing a secure environment, bed checks, maintenance, cleaning and pest control.
• Administration and accountability, including staff and organization codes of conduct, incident reporting, confidentiality and personal privacy.

In developing these standards, OrgCode Consulting engaged with individuals with lived or living experience with homelessness, shelter staff (non-profit and private operators), as well as a steering committee comprised of community sector partners, Indigenous partners, staff with End Homelessness St. John’s and the Community Advisory Board. OrgCode also consulted with the City of St. John’s Planning, Engineering and Regulatory Services Department, NL Health Services and staff with NL Housing. The resulting standards reflects these consultations and industry best-practices.

With the release of these standards, the Provincial Government will re-engage with the project steering committee to guide implementation of these standards. At the same time, government will work with all current shelter operators to assess potential barriers to implementation and potential solutions to ensure compliance. The standards will also be used to bolster government’s current inspection process.

Quotes
“The implementation of these standards will improve the culture of safety and service in our shelters while emphasizing a housing-focus approach, so that the system can operate as intended – providing emergency shelter while increasing connections to more sustainable long-term housing.”
Honourable Fred Hutton
Minister of Housing

“Leaning into evidence informed practices, local realities and the voice of lived/living experience, these standards promote low-barrier, housing-focused and trauma-informed approaches. The consistent implementation of these standards will assist shelters in enhancing homelessness resolution activities while meeting the basic needs of households served in emergency shelters throughout the province.”
Tracy Flaherty-Willmott
Associate Director, OrgCode Consulting

“The development and implementation of shelter standards mark an important shift in the transformation of the shelter system that End Homelessness St. John’s and our many partners have advocated for. We believe a housing-focused, person-centred approach to providing emergency shelter will lead to better coordination and equitable access to services and supports and ultimately lead to the permanent housing outcomes for our neighbours experiencing homelessness.”
Doug Pawson
Executive Director, End Homelessness St. John’s

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Standards for Serving People Experiencing Homelessness in Shelters Throughout Newfoundland and Labrador

Provincial Government Announces Partnership for Transitional Supportive Living Arrangements

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The Honourable Elvis Loveless, Minister of Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture, will bring greetings to the Agriculture in the Classroom National Conference this evening (Wednesday, July 10). The event will take place at Quidi Vidi Brewery, 35 Barrows Rd, St. John’s, beginning at 6:30 p.m.

Agriculture in the Classroom supports agriculture and food education across Canada, including the Little Green Thumbs and Little Green Sprouts programs in schools across Newfoundland and Labrador.

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The Honourable Andrew Parsons, KC, Minister of Industry, Energy and Technology, today announced $31,670 for Igloo Lake Lodge through the Business Development Support Program to support the promotion and development of the outfitting business.

Igloo Lake Lodge has been in operation since 1973. It is a premier trout fishing lodge located on Igloo Lake, 113 kilometres southeast of Goose Bay, and operates annually from early June until mid-September. The main species fished at the lodge is Brook Trout, with the option of flying out to fish for Arctic char and Atlantic salmon. The lodge operates as a catch-and-release facility where no fish are retained to ensure the sustainability of the resource and continued satisfaction of clients.

The business has been under new ownership since 2018. Under the new owners, the lodge underwent an expansion to include a new staff facility, construction of a second executive chalet and extensive upgrades to the main lodge. Igloo Lake Lodge employs eight people seasonally.

The Provincial Government’s contribution leverages an additional $34,170 from the company, for a total project contribution of $65,840. The applicant plans to attend several sport fishing trade shows to promote the lodge and invest in a variety of marketing activities.

Through the Business Development Support Program, the Provincial Government supports small and medium-sized businesses that are committed to develop and grow their operations by improving operational productivity, focusing on trade opportunities and developing their markets.

Quotes
“For more than 50 years, Igloo Lake lodge has been luring sport fishers from around the world to our beautiful province. We are pleased to support the business as it works to grow its clientele base and employ residents in the outfitting industry.”
Honourable Andrew Parsons, KC
Minister of Industry, Energy and Technology

“The outfitting sector is crucial to our province’s culture and its economy. I want to commend Igloo Lake Lodge for continuously working to improve the experience they offer to both residents of Newfoundland and Labrador and tourists.”
Honourable Steve Crocker
Minister of Tourism, Culture, Arts and Recreation

“It is commendable that the ownership of Igloo Lake Lodge has undertaken renovations and improvements to enhance the trout fishing experience for anglers. The Big Land has much to offer visitors who are looking for wide open spaces, friendly hospitality, and some of the best fishing in the world.”
Honourable Lisa Dempster
Minister of Labrador Affairs

“We are deeply grateful to the Provincial Government and the Department of Industry, Energy and Technology for the funding we have received. Their support will enable us to reach new markets, attract new clientele and contribute to the local economy while ensuring Igloo Lake Lodge remains a premier world class destination for trophy brook trout.”
Craig Gillingham
Igloo Lake Lodge

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A Resource Enforcement Division investigation into overfishing has resulted in convictions, fines and prohibitions from fishing inland waters for two individuals.

Nathan Macey of Red Bay and Perry Savoury of Middle Arm were convicted and fined in Provincial Court in Wabush on March 19, 2024, for altering fish and exceeding the possession limit, contrary to regulations under the Fisheries Act, the Newfoundland and Labrador Fishery Regulations, and the Fishery (General) Regulations.

Mr. Macey was fined $500 for alteration of fish and is prohibited from fishing for one year. Mr. Savoury was fined $500 for alteration of fish. He is prohibited from fishing for four years and was fined $3,000 for exceeding the possession limit.

Items seized during the investigation have been forfeited to the Crown and include more than 30 pounds of ouananiche fillets and ouananiche with heads and entrails removed.

Resource Enforcement officers apprehended the individuals at Emeril Station, 55 kilometers east of Labrador City, on August 4, 2023. Officers were acting on information received of potential overfishing in the area of Menihek Dam.

The public is encouraged to report suspected illegal fishing and hunting activity. Information from the public plays a significant role in assisting investigations. Report suspicious activity anonymously at any time by calling 1-877-820-0999 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS. Anonymous reports can also be submitted online at www.nlcrimestoppers.com or www.stoppoaching.ca.

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The Honourable Bernard Davis, Minister of Environment and Climate Change, will announce sponsorship funding from the Multi-Materials Stewardship Board’s (MMSB), in support of the 2024 Newfoundland and Labrador Summer Games, tomorrow (Thursday, July 11).

Minister Davis will be joined by Derm Flynn, Board Chair, MMSB, and Judy Morrow and Neil Kearley, Co-Chairs of the NL Summer Games Host Committee.

The event will take place at the Wilbur Sparkes Recreation Complex, 12 Station Road, Bay Roberts, beginning at 12:30 p.m.

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The Acting Information and Privacy Commissioner, Jacqueline Lake Kavanagh, has released her Report A-2024-033 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-2024-033 Report Date: July 8, 2024 Public Body: City of St. John’s Summary: The Complainant made an access request for the amount the City of St. John’s paid in legal fees on opposing the release of certain records. The City provided the Complainant with copies of its relevant legal invoices, but redacted some information, including the total amount of legal fees it paid, under section 30(1)(a) of the Access to Information and Protection of Privacy Act, 2015. The Commissioner found that the City was entitled to withhold this information under section 30.

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

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A tender has been issued by the Department of Transportation and Infrastructure for the completion of the Team Gushue Highway.

The Honourable John G. Abbott, Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure, will be available to speak to media to provide an update on the project, as well as other major provincial highway and road infrastructure projects, today (Tuesday, July 9) in the East Block lobby, Confederation Building, at 11:30 a.m.

The Team Gushue Highway project involves the completion of a north-south arterial highway route in St. John’s and Mount Pearl. The end of the Team Gushue Highway will be connected to the Pitts Memorial Drive (Route 2) and Robert E. Howlett Memorial Drive (Route 3) interchange using a roundabout corridor. This will involve extending the paved highway from Topsail Road—where the Team Gushue Highway currently ends—to the Commonwealth Avenue, Brookfield Road and Heavy Tree Road area.

The project also includes installing drainage culverts, an overpass structure and auxiliary access roads, as well as re-aligning a section of Brookfield Road. Once completed, this project will alleviate traffic congestion, improve safety and enhance access to and from the cities of St. John’s and Mount Pearl and the surrounding urban and rural communities.

The department anticipates construction starting later this summer. Information on tenders issued and awarded by the department and other public bodies is available by visiting www.merx.com/govnl.

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“I am very pleased that we are moving to the next stage of this important project. Once completed, it will provide an alternate and more efficient route for residents on the southern Avalon to access key provincial services and social infrastructure, including the province’s largest health care facility, an international airport and post-secondary institutions.”
Honourable John G. Abbott
Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure

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Today, the Honourable Elvis Loveless, Minister of Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture, and the Federal Minister of Environment and Climate Change, the Honourable Steven Guilbeault, announced the creation of a new Priority Place for Species at Risk: the Limestone Landscapes of the Great Northern Peninsula Priority Place in Newfoundland and Labrador.

Priority Places are areas of high biodiversity value that are seen as a distinct place with a common ecological theme by the people who live and work there. These places have significant biodiversity, concentrations of species at risk, and opportunities to advance conservation efforts. Focusing on these areas allows us to conserve and restore habitat that benefits many species at once.

This is the 12th Priority Place to be identified in Canada and the first one in the Province of Newfoundland and Labrador. The new Priority Place encompasses unique ecosystems on the Great Northern Peninsula of the Island of Newfoundland, such as limestone barrens and outcrops, limestone coasts and islands, and limestone highlands, forests and wetlands that support high biodiversity. This area provides habitat for approximately 40 federally and provincially listed species at risk. It is also an important stopover site for many at risk migratory birds.

Priority Places are collaborative initiatives. The Federal and Provincial Governments are working with Indigenous Governments and Organizations, environmental non-governmental organizations, and other partners to support and fund on-the-ground recovery actions, capacity building, and adaptive management within the Limestone Landscapes of the Great Northern Peninsula Priority Place. More information is available in the backgrounder below.

Quotes
“Limestone barrens are a unique habitat that support many highly specialized and rare plant species that live nowhere else in the world. The Limestone Landscapes of the Great Northern Peninsula Priority Place will build on the important work set out in the provincial Limestone Barrens Species at Risk Recovery Plan, which maps the road to recovery for several at-risk species and the conservation of many more rare species. Thank you to our federal counterparts for sharing our vision for this very special place.”
Honourable Elvis Loveless
Minister of Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture

“Collaboration is key to protecting biodiversity and species at risk. Priority Places for Species at Risk allow us to work with provincial and territorial governments, Indigenous Peoples, and other Canadians to protect important habitat and unique ecosystems such as the limestone barrens found on the Great Northern Peninsula of Newfoundland and Labrador. Together, we can implement effective conservation projects that help halt and reverse biodiversity loss.”
Honourable Steven Guilbeault
Minister of Environment and Climate Change

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Priority Places for Species at Risk

Overview of the Pan-Canadian approach to transforming species at risk conservation in Canada

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BACKGROUNDER

• Priority Places for Species at Risk are identified under the Pan-Canadian Approach to Transforming Species at Risk Conservation in Canada. This approach shifts from a single-species approach to conservation to one that focuses on multiple species and ecosystems.
• Funding for Priority Places for Species at Risk was first established under the Nature Legacy’s Canada Nature Fund in 2018 and expanded under Enhanced Nature Legacy in 2021.
• The 11 previously identified Priority Places for Species at Risk cover nearly 30 million hectares, including 2 million hectares of critical habitat for species at risk. More than 300 species at risk can be found in these places, many of which have more than half of their range in a priority place.
• The Government of Canada is providing $2,294,978 over three fiscal years to Limestone Landscapes of the Great Northern Peninsula Priority Place partners. The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador is contributing $1,256,550 to this initiative.
• Identifying the limestone landscapes as Newfoundland and Labrador’s priority place will build on goals and strategies outlined in the provincial Limestone Barrens Species at Risk Recovery Plan, released in July 2022.
• The province’s Limestone Barrens Species at Risk Recovery Plan includes recovery measures for 10 plant species designated and listed under the Endangered Species Act and identifies critical habitat for seven species.
• In addition to the Government of Canada and the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador, the many partners involved in the new Priority Place include Miawpukek First Nation, Qalipu First Nation, Intervale Associates Inc., Limestone Barrens Species at Risk Recovery Team, Wilder Institute, Nature Conservancy of Canada, Memorial University, Stewardship Association of Municipalities, Birds Canada, and The Rooms.

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The Honourable Dr. Andrew Furey, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador, today announced interim changes to his Cabinet.

Effective immediately, the changes are:

• The Honourable John Hogan, KC, Minister of Health and Community Services (acting).

Minister Hogan will continue in his portfolio of Minister of Justice and Public Safety and Attorney General. He is also Government House Leader and Minister Responsible for Access to Information and Protection of Privacy Office.

A biography of the minister is included in the backgrounder below.

Quote
“I would like to thank Minister Hogan for his continued leadership and outstanding contribution to the people of Newfoundland and Labrador. We are fortunate to have someone with his keen intellect and work ethic provide direction to both the Justice and Public Safety portfolio as well as Health and Community Services.”
Honourable Dr. Andrew Furey
Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador

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BACKGROUNDER

Biography
Mr. Hogan is a graduate of Memorial University and Dalhousie University. Mr. Hogan was called to the Ontario bar in 2004 after completing his articles at a Toronto law firm. He then returned to Newfoundland and Labrador where he was called to the bar in 2005 and worked at a multi-service firm in St. John’s. In 2014, Mr. Hogan started his own law firm, WPH Law (now known as Peddigrew Wade Law). He has served as an elected Bencher of the Law Society of Newfoundland and Labrador and on two occasions served as an elected member to the Memorial University Board of Regents. He was named King’s Counsel in 2020. On April 8, 2021, John Hogan was sworn in as Minister of Justice and Public Safety and Attorney General. He represents the District of Windsor Lake in the Newfoundland and Labrador House of Assembly.

The post Premier Furey Announces Acting Minister of Health and Community Services appeared first on News Releases.

The Provincial Government today issued an invitation to tender for the demolition of 32 existing long-term vacant units in the Crestview Avenue area of Corner Brook to make way for the construction of 50 new provincially-owned homes.

As part of record provincial investments in housing in Budget 2024, the Provincial Government announced $20 million to construct new homes in the area that are modern and energy efficient, with universal design features incorporated throughout.

On May 30, Inflector Environmental Services LP was awarded a tender to undertake abatement of the existing structures, valued at $429,300. The abatement process is ongoing and was required to safely remove materials containing asbestos and any other environmental concerns from the buildings prior to demolition.

The invitation to tender issued today includes the demolition of four vacant buildings in the Crestview Avenue area, as well as the safe removal of debris from the site and preparation of the site for new construction.

It is anticipated that an RFP for the construction of the new buildings will be issued in late-summer or early-fall 2024. The project will include multi-unit buildings that feature a combination of one- and two-bedroom homes, the greatest area of need in the current social housing portfolio.

Quotes
“I am pleased to see continued progress on our commitment to construct 50 new homes in Corner Brook. As a government, we continue to prioritize initiatives that will increase access to stable, safe and affordable housing for individuals and families in the western region.”
Honourable Fred Hutton
Minister of Housing

“This is the next step and a welcomed step in our government’s decision to move forward with the construction of 50 new homes for 50 families in our city. This multi-million-dollar investment is being made by our government and demonstrates the priority that we are placing on housing throughout the province.”
Honourable Gerry Byrne
Minister of Immigration, Population Growth and Skills and MHA for Corner Brook

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Learn more
Provincial Government to Build 50 Homes in Corner Brook

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The post Invitation to Tender Issued for Demolition of Vacant Buildings to Prepare for Construction of 50 New Homes in Corner Brook appeared first on News Releases.