Government of Newfoundland News
Human Rights Commission Releases Decision Related to Service Animal Legislation
Justice and Public Safety
In a decision released February 8, 2016, a Human Rights Board of Inquiry has made a finding of discrimination against a taxi company for failing to provide service to a sight impaired women who was accompanied by a service animal. The Newfoundland and Labrador Human Rights Commission agrees with the decision and feels that it sends the right message to service providers that the rights of persons with a disability accompanied by service animals cannot be ignored. The decision can be found at www.justice.gov.nl.ca/hrc/complaints/decisions.html.
Public Advisory: Minister Coady and Parliamentary Secretary to Host Public Engagement Sessions in St. John’s and Clarenville
Executive Council
Finance
Residents of the Northeast Avalon Peninsula and those in the Clarenville area are encouraged to participate in public engagement sessions for the Government Renewal Initiative today (Tuesday, February 16).
Celebrating Teachers and School Staff Throughout the Province
Education and Early Childhood Development
The work and dedication of teachers, administrators and support staff throughout Newfoundland and Labrador is being recognized this week as part of Teacher/Staff Appreciation Week, February 14 to 20.
Environmental Assessment Bulletin
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.
Public Advisory: Public Engagement Session in Marystown Rescheduled Due to Weather
Executive Council
The public engagement session scheduled for today (Monday, February 15) in Marystown for the Government Renewal Initiative has been rescheduled due to poor weather.
Training Complete in Workplace Mental Health Program
Health and Community Services
Through the Understanding Changes EverythingWorkplace Program, the Provincial Government has provided training to several partner organizations to promote mental health in the workplace and build positive working environments that reduce stigma surrounding mental illness and addictions.
Nominations Open for Seniors of Distinction Awards
Seniors, Wellness and Social Development
Individuals, groups and organizations are encouraged to submit nominations for the 2016 Seniors of Distinction Awards, a program which recognizes and celebrates the contributions, achievements and diversity of seniors throughout Newfoundland and Labrador. The deadline for submission is April 4, 2016.
Provincial Government Celebrates Education Week
Education and Early Childhood Development
To celebrate education and the importance of learning, the Provincial Government and the Newfoundland and Labrador Teachers’ Association proclaimed February 14-20 as Education Week during an opening ceremonies event held at St. Bernard’s Elementary in Witless Bay.
Advocate for Children and Youth, NL Released Annual Report 2014-2015
Office of the Child and Youth Advocate
“I am delighted to present our Annual Report for the year April 2014 to March 2015. A lot has been accomplished this past year and we continue to be dedicated to ensuring the voices of children and youth are heard and their rights respected. This year’s Annual Report highlights the major activities of the office in the areas of individual advocacy, systemic advocacy, reviews and investigations and public education.”
Premier and Minister Recognize Anniversary of the Ocean Ranger Tragedy
Executive Council
Natural Resources
Today marks the 34th anniversary of the sinking of the Ocean Ranger that occurred off Newfoundland and Labrador’s coast on February 15, 1982.
Public Advisory: Minister Coady to Host Public Engagement Session in St. John’s
Executive Council
Finance
Residents on the Northeast Avalon Peninsula are reminded of the public engagement session taking place on Tuesday, February 16, in St. John's for the Government Renewal Initiative.
Media Advisory: Premier Ball to Address Labrador North Chamber of Commerce
Executive Council
The Honourable Dwight Ball, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador, will address the Labrador North Chamber of Commerce on Monday, February 15, at Hotel North II, 382 Hamilton River Road, Happy Valley-Goose Bay.
Minister Parsons Attends Mental Health Day at Her Majesty’s Penitentiary
Justice and Public Safety
The Honourable Andrew Parsons, Minister of Justice and Public Safety and Attorney General, today attended Mental Health Day at Her Majesty’s Penitentiary in St. John’s. This event, which featured presentations on various topics related to mental health and wellness, was made possible with the cooperation of Eastern Health and several community groups including the John Howard Society.
Media Advisory: Minister Mitchelmore to Present Heritage Day Poster Contest Awards
Business, Tourism, Culture and Rural Development
The Honourable Christopher Mitchelmore, Minister of Business, Tourism, Culture and Rural Development, will take part in the Heritage Foundation of Newfoundland and Labrador’s Heritage Day poster contest awards ceremony on Monday, February 15. The event will take place at 10:30 a.m. at the Annex at Signal Hill Interpretation Centre, 230 Signal Hill Road, St. John’s.
Minister Kirby to Participate in Education Week Webcast
Education and Early Childhood Development
The Honourable Dale Kirby, Minister of Education and Early Childhood Development, will be participating in the opening ceremonies for Education Week in Newfoundland and Labrador on Monday, February 15, at St. Bernard’s Elementary in Witless Bay. The event begins at 9:30 a.m. and will be broadcast via webcast from the Newfoundland and Labrador Teachers’ Association website at www.nlta.nl.ca
Public Advisory: Minister Gambin-Walsh to Host Public Engagement Session in Placentia
Executive Council
Finance
The Honourable Sherry Gambin-Walsh, Minister of Child, Youth and Family Services, Minister of Seniors, Wellness and Social Development, and MHA for Placentia-St. Mary’s, will host a public engagement session in Placentia today (Thursday, February 11).
Public Advisory: Update on Public Engagement Sessions in Marystown, Clarenville and St. John’s
Executive Council
Finance
Residents of Marystown, Clarenville and St. John’s are encouraged to participate in public engagement sessions for the Government Renewal Initiative taking place in their regions next week. Sessions in Marystown and Clarenville were postposed this week due to poor weather. An additional St. John’s session was added following high public interest.
Public Advisory: Update on Air and Ferry Services for Fogo Island and Change Islands
Transportation and Works
The Department of Transportation and Works advises that helicopter service for Change Islands began today at 1:00 p.m. (Wednesday, February 10). This is in addition to the fixed wing air service for Fogo Island which got underway at 12:00 noon today. Details regarding schedules and booking information are provided below for both the helicopter and fixed wing air service.
Province Launches New Energy Efficiency Guide for Builders, Consumers
Executive Council
The Office of Climate Change and Energy Efficiency today launched a new guide to help homeowners and homebuilders incorporate energy efficiency into the construction and renovation of homes and small buildings. The new Guide to Building Energy Efficient Homes and Small Buildings was released at the annual general meeting of the Canadian Association of Homebuilders - Newfoundland and Labrador in St. John’s.
Environmental Assessment Bulletin
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.
