Government of Newfoundland News

Environment and Conservation

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

Office of the Chief Electoral Officer

Media are advised that, in the event that election writs are issued prior to Sunday, November 8, 2015 (the latest date the election can be called), a media advertising blackout will take effect at the beginning of the writ period.

Executive Council
Justice and Public Safety

The Honourable Paul Davis, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador, today released the report of the Premier's Advisory Council on Crime and Community Safety. The report, which was generated after extensive consultation with community stakeholders and the general public, includes 10 overarching recommendations and associated actions aimed at enhancing community safety in Newfoundland and Labrador.

Health and Community Services
Seniors, Wellness and Social Development

The Provincial Government is recognizing November as Lung Cancer Awareness Month in Newfoundland and Labrador and across Canada. During the month, events and activities will be held to raise awareness and generate funds in support of lung health programs, education and research.

Office of the Chief Electoral Officer

On Monday, November 16, Elections Newfoundland and Labrador will introduce a three-day Campus Voting pilot project at Memorial University in St. John's. An office will be established to offer students the option of voting by Special Ballot, with the goal of making voting as easy and accessible as possible.

Transportation and Works

To facilitate the ongoing construction of the new Placentia lift bridge, the Department of Transportation and Works advises of the closure of the current bridge to marine traffic for the period from 7:00 a.m., Monday, November 16 to 7:00 p.m., Friday, December 11.

Justice and Public Safety

Lighting bonfires on November 5, Guy Fawkes Night, is a popular tradition in Newfoundland and Labrador.

Transportation and Works

The Department of Transportation and Works advises Labrador ferry users of an alternate ferry schedule and temporary air service for a two and a half week period from January 5 to January 22. The alternate schedule is necessary to allow for annual maintenance of the MV Apollo prior to the ice season and while a contracted relief vessel undergoes repairs.

Justice and Public Safety

Four new Commissioners have been appointed to the Human Rights Commission of Newfoundland and Labrador. Dr. Smita Joshi, Kimberley MacKay, Ray McIsaac and Christopher Sheppard were each appointed for five-year terms in September.

Environment and Conservation
Seniors, Wellness and Social Development

The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador is broadening inclusion in recreational hunting and angling by enhancing the Program for Hunters and Anglers with Disabilities. The program will see a broadened definition of disability to include not only specific physical disabilities, but any permanent disability or other permanent medical condition that restricts a person's ability to perform the activities of hunting and angling.

Fisheries and Aquaculture

Cool weather this past summer kept the number of forest fires in Newfoundland and Labrador on par with the 10-year average of 120 fires. The Provincial Government recorded 128 fire starts in 2015. An early spring on the Avalon Peninsula created a high number of grass fires which kept ground crews busy in April and May, however, there were no large forest fires in the province this year.

Office of the Information and Privacy Commissioner

The following Reports have been released under authority of the Access to Information and Protection of Privacy Act. Summaries of the Reports are included below.

Health and Community Services

The Honourable Steve Kent, Deputy Premier and Minister of Health and Community Services, will speak at the 2015 Pearl Awards Ceremony for Urban Design and Gardens tonight (Tuesday, November 3). The event will take place at Mount Pearl City Hall in the Council Chambers at 7:00 p.m.

Environment and Conservation

The Honourable Dan Crummell, Minister of Environment and Conservation will announce new regulations under the Program for Hunters and Anglers with Disabilities tomorrow, (Tuesday, November 3) at 1:30 p.m. The event will take place at Easter Seals House, 206 Mount Scio Rd, St. John's.

Transportation and Works

The Department of Transportation and Works advises that the traffic delay scheduled for today (Monday, November 2) at the Veterans Memorial Bridge in Happy Valley-Goose Bay has been postponed to tomorrow, Tuesday, November 3 at 1:00 p.m.

Justice and Public Safety

The Honourable Darin King, Minister of Justice and Public Safety, today announced this year’s appointments to Queen’s Counsel by the Lieutenant Governor in Council.

Health and Community Services

Down Syndrome Awareness Week is being recognized from November 1 to 7 in Newfoundland and Labrador. The week is an opportunity to spread public awareness and focus on the unique strengths and abilities of individuals with Down syndrome.

Education and Early Childhood Development
Seniors, Wellness and Social Development

A new gender neutral washroom that supports inclusive learning environments has recently been completed at the Murphy Centre. The Honourable Susan Sullivan, Minister of Education and Early Childhood Development was joined today by Minister Clyde Jackman, Minister of Seniors, Wellness and Social Development, and members of the Murphy Centre to tour the school.

Executive Council

The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador today released the fourth annual progress update as committed to in the 2011 Climate Change and Energy Efficiency Action Plans. The Action Plans establish the Provincial Government's strategic approach for adapting to the impacts of climate change, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and generating a major shift in the uptake of energy efficiency. More than half of the 75 commitments under the plans have been completed.

Natural Resources
Finance

The Honourable Derrick Dalley, Minister of Natural Resources, today announced the framework for the Provincial Government’s enhanced generic offshore oil royalty regime.