Government of Newfoundland News

On October 25, 2024, the Department of Health and Community Services issued a News Release titled Beds to be Added at Health Care Facilities in Western Region. It included an announcement that 15 single occupancy rooms at Corner Brook Long-Term Care would be modified to double occupancy rooms. It was noted that this change was to accommodate alternate level of care (ALC) patients in the region.

The Office of the Seniors’ Advocate (OSA) has reviewed this matter including meeting with representatives from Government and NL Health Services. Today, November 4, 2024, the Seniors’ Advocate wrote the Minister of Health and Community Services, outlining her position on this issue.

The Seniors’ Advocate adamantly opposes the conversion of single occupancy rooms in long-term care homes to double occupancy. Any reduction in the availability of single occupancy rooms in long-term care homes is a regressive policy approach. Modifying these 15 single occupancy rooms to double occupancy negatively impacts the people currently living in these rooms; reduces the availability of single rooms for seniors in the future; creates a risk that other long term care homes could convert single rooms to double; and does not resolve this longstanding issue.

The position of the Seniors’ Advocate is supported by countless research findings documenting the positive impacts of living in a single room with a private bathroom including: privacy, dignity, infection control, family/friend visitation, patient safety, quality of care and person-centred focus. While the OSA acknowledges the efforts made to reduce the impact of this decision on the residents currently living in these single occupancy rooms, this decision is not a solution.

Addressing the care needs of seniors in Newfoundland and Labrador requires improved community services. I have encouraged the Minister of Health and Community Services to use the Health Accord NL, OSA’s What Golden Years? report, and pending Long Term Care and Personal Care Home Review as the guiding reports and processes to inform decisions to address changes and development in long-term care. Further, we must have provincial Long Term Care Legislation to protect the best interests of seniors living in long-term care.

Susan Walsh, Seniors’ Advocate NL

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Media contact
Arlene Mullins
Administrative Officer
709-729-6603, 1-833-729-6603
seniorsadvocate@seniorsadvocatenl.ca

2024 11 04                                                    4:30 p.m.

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The following statement was read in the House of Assembly today by the Honourable Dr. Andrew Furey, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador:

Speaker, I rise today to recognize eight outstanding and inspiring Newfoundlanders and Labradorians.

The Order of Newfoundland and Labrador is the highest honour of the province. The Order recognizes individuals who have demonstrated excellence and achievement in any field of endeavour benefiting in an outstanding manner Newfoundland and Labrador and its residents.

The recipients this year are Bud Davidge, Clifford George, Liam Hickey, Saqamaw Mi’sel Joe, Andy Jones, Patrick O’Callaghan, Guy Poole and Dr. Andrea Rose.

Speaker, it was an honour and a privilege last week to take part in a celebration of the incredible contribution of these Newfoundlanders and Labradorians. Mr. Jones was not able to be invested into the Order last week and we will be having a ceremony for him at a later date.

Whether through their contribution in arts, culture and sport, or volunteerism, education and health care, these recipients, like those recognized before them, have made a positive and enduring impact on their communities and the province.

Speaker, I ask all members to join me in acknowledging and celebrating our newest Order of Newfoundland and Labrador recipients for being exceptional ambassadors for the best place in the world.

Thank you.

 

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The Department of Children, Seniors and Social Development and the Department of Justice and Public Safety are engaging the public and key stakeholders to help inform the development of a decision-making framework to modernize decision-making legislation and policies in Newfoundland and Labrador.

While laws and policies exist to support persons without legal capacity, many do so through imposing guardianship and/or substitute decision-making, which can limit the rights of persons with disabilities to participate in decision-making processes.

The goal in developing this framework is to ensure that individuals are accommodated and supported to participate in decision-making processes. The engagement process will provide individuals and stakeholders with an opportunity to share their insights and perspectives.

Several options will be available to provide input beginning Tuesday, November 5, 2024, including an online questionnaire through EngageNL.

There will also be an opportunity to make written submissions via mail, fax, text or email at the below contact information:

Mail:               Decision-Making Feedback

                                 Children, Seniors and Social Development

                                 2nd Floor, West Block, Confederation Building

                                 P.O. Box 8700

                                 St. John’s, NL

                                 A1B 4J6

Fax:                709-729-6237

Text:                709-725-4463

Email:             decisionmaking@gov.nl.ca

The engagement process will close on November 26, 2024.

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Quote
“As a government, we are pleased to announce that we are seeking feedback on a new framework to modernize decision-making legislation and policy in the province.  A modernized decision-making framework will enable us to respect the rights of all persons to exercise autonomy in decision-making and to access appropriate support. The first vital step in this important initiative is to seek input from our key community stakeholders and the public. This input will ensure that the lived experiences of our communities are embedded in the framework.”
Honourable Paul Pike
Minister of Children, Seniors and Social Development

Learn more
EngageNL

Follow us on X @GovNL and @CSSD_GovNL

 

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Families throughout Newfoundland and Labrador now have access to approximately 10,900 early learning and child care spaces at a cost of $10-a-day or less. An additional 2,100 spaces are in development to further increase access to high-quality, accessible, affordable, and inclusive early learning and child care in the province.

Thousands of parents throughout the province are using the Early Learning Gateway, where new features are added regularly. Recent updates include the ability for parents to view their place on a child care service waitlist, as well as the ability for early childhood educators to add themselves to a substitute list that is available to all regulated child care services.

Further actions to support the early learning workforce and increase access to early learning and child care throughout the province include:

• Implementation of a medical benefits program for early childhood educators;
• Provision of a rural and remote allowance for child care centres in eligible regions;
• Wage grid bonuses for early childhood educators and administrators in Labrador, Francophone early childhood educators, and a further bonus solely for administrators;
• Streamlined paid closure days and statutory holidays for child care services on the Operating Grant Program;
• Creation of an Infant Incentive to provide $91 per day, per infant-aged space for child care providers on the Operating Grant Program; and,
• Continued expansion of pre-kindergarten programming, which is currently available at 34 sites throughout the province with a further 24 sites in development.

These initiatives are part of the $306 million invested through the Canada-Newfoundland and Labrador Canada-Wide Early Learning and Child Care Agreement. This agreement is increasing access to regulated child care through the creation of 5,895 spaces by 2025-26, as well as improving affordability, inclusivity and the quality of early learning and child care programming in Newfoundland and Labrador.

All of these actions and initiatives are helping to further improve the overall well-being of Newfoundlanders and Labradorians.

Quote
“Our government is making great progress to increase access to child care. In addition to targeted space creation work we are also providing important supports and incentives for early childhood educators and child care services in our province. These measures ensure that the needs of the workforce are balanced with the needs of children and parents as we add child care space capacity to meet our goals.”
Honourable Krista Lynn Howell
Minister of Education

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Learn more 
Medical Benefits Now Available for Early Learning Workforce

Provincial Government Seeking Expressions of Interest for Next Phase of Pre-Kindergarten Program

Improvements to Quality and Inclusion for Early Learning and Child Care Services in Newfoundland and Labrador

Governments of Newfoundland and Labrador and Canada Announce Early Learning and Child Care Action Plan, More than 10,000 Spaces Now Operating at $10-a-day or Less in the Province

Operating Grant Program

Canada-Newfoundland and Labrador Canada-Wide Early Learning and Child Care Agreement

Follow us on X @GovNL and @EDU_GovNL

Like us on Facebook

 

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The Honourable Dr. Andrew Furey, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador, will bring greetings at the celebration of completed construction of the new supportive and transitional living space and shelter at The Gathering Place tomorrow (Tuesday, November 5).

The event will take place at The Gathering Place, located at 172 Military Road in St. John’s at 10:00 a.m.

Premier Furey will be joined by Her Honour the Honourable Joan Marie J. Aylward, O.N.L., Lieutenant Governor of Newfoundland and Labrador and Joanne Thompson, Member of Parliament for St. John’s East, in bringing remarks. The Honourable John G. Abbott, Minister of Housing and Minister of Mental Health and Addictions, and the Honourable Fred Hutton, Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure and Minister of Rural Economic Development will also be in attendance.

Since 1994, The Gathering Place has offered shelter, programs and services to individuals experiencing homelessness or who live in less than desirable housing conditions.

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The Office of the Information and Privacy Commissioner has released Report A-2024-051 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 https://www.oipc.nl.ca/reports/reports/.

Report: A-2024-051 Report Date: November 1, 2024 Public Body: Labour Relations Board Summary: The Complainant made an access to information request to the Labour Relations Board. After receiving responsive records, the Complainant filed a complaint with this Office taking issue with some information withheld by the Board and also alleging records from some officials of the Board were missing. During the investigation the Board removed some of the redactions and located one additional responsive record that did not exist at the time of the initial request. The Board also provided an explanation as to why one official of the Board was found to be in possession of only one record responsive to the request, when the Complainant thought there should be more records. This Office found that after the disclosure of additional information to the Complainant during the investigation process, that the Labour Relations Board has disclosed all of the information to which the Complainant is entitled, and furthermore that the Board conducted a reasonable search and thus met its duty to assist the Complainant.

 

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

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The Office of the Information and Privacy Commissioner has released Report A-2024-050 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 https://www.oipc.nl.ca/reports/reports/.

Report: A-2024-050 Report Date: November 1, 2024 Public Body: Royal Newfoundland Constabulary Summary: The Complainant made an access to information request to the Royal Newfoundland Constabulary seeking records relating to a criminal complaint. The RNC has records responsive to the request but has withheld them pursuant to section 5(1)(m) of the Access to Information and Protection of Privacy Act, 2015. The Complainant disagreed with this determination and requested that the RNC’s decision be reviewed. Section 5 lists categories of public body records to which ATIPPA, 2015 does not apply, and section 5(1)(m) is one of six subsections for which there is no statutory authority to require that the public body provide the records to the Commissioner for review. This Office was not convinced by the reasons given by the RNC in support of its application of section 5(1)(m), however, in light of the statutory constraints on the Commissioner’s ability to review the records, this Office recommended that the RNC maintain its position, leaving the door open to the Complainant to bring the matter to Court should they choose to do so.

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

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A new acute care hospital campus in Kenmount Crossing will help modernize the delivery of health care services on the Northeast Avalon and the entire province.

Recommended by Health Accord NL, the new hospital further advances the Provincial Government’s actions to ensure that modern infrastructure exists to support the transformation of health care in Newfoundland and Labrador.

The Honourable Dr. Andrew Furey, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador, today announced the site for the new health care campus. He was joined for the announcement by the Honourable John Hogan, KC, Minister of Health and Community Services; the Honourable John G. Abbott, Minister of Housing and Minister of Mental Health and Addictions; and the Honourable Fred Hutton, Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure and Minister Responsible for Rural Economic Development.

The health care campus will be located at Kenmount Crossing—west of Kenmount Terrace—in St. John’s. It will serve as the home of the new hospital and new Cardiovascular and Stroke Institute for all Newfoundlanders and Labradorians.

The opening of the hospital campus coincides with the realignment of health care services on the Northeast Avalon that are currently provided at St. Clare’s Mercy Hospital, the Health Sciences Centre, and the Dr. L. A. Miller Centre.

The new hospital campus complements other ongoing projects in the region, including:

• A new Adult Mental Health and Addictions Centre at the Health Sciences Centre;
• A new Downtown Health and Well-Being Centre, which will be located on the site of the former Grace Hospital;
• Urgent care centres on Stavanger Drive and Topsail Road; and
• A ambulatory care hub on Stavanger Drive.

Health care realignment

The new hospital campus at Kenmount Crossing will support the secondary acute care needs for the region and the tertiary care services for the province. It will include:

• The consolidation of general medicine, general surgery programs, and orthopedic programs to a single site;
• Other tertiary diagnostic and interventional services;
• A focus on acute care of the elderly;
• The Cardiovascular and Stroke Institute; and
• A hub for clinical teaching.

In addition, the Health Sciences Centre will continue to:

• Support adult mental health and addictions, and:
• Provide provincial tertiary-level services, such as cancer care, provincial children and women’s health, palliative care, nuclear medicine, and laboratory services;
• Provide enhanced rehabilitation, restorative care and transitional care services;
• Provide expanded access to day surgery;
• Support NL Health Services’ academic, teaching, research and innovation mandate in collaboration with the Medical School.

Work is ongoing with the consultant to complete the functional program and master plan for the site.

Transportation infrastructure

To support the new hospital, there will be investments in the provincial transportation network in the area to alleviate traffic pressures, which include completion of the Team Gushue Highway and linkages to the Outer Ring Road.

Quotes
“This new hospital and the redevelopment of the Health Sciences Centre will realign health care services on the Northeast Avalon and further advance the steps we are taking to transform health care. We look forward to the construction of the new hospital and the impact it will have on health care for Newfoundlanders and Labradorians.”
Honourable Dr. Andrew Furey
Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador

“This is an exciting day for the future of health care in our province. We are committed to implementing recommendations of Health Accord NL and providing timelier access to quality health care. New infrastructure, such as this new hospital, the redeveloped Health Sciences Centre, the new Downtown Health and Well-Being Centre, and the new Adult Mental Health and Addictions Centre, will create improved working environments for health care professionals to deliver health care in a modern setting.”
Honourable John Hogan , K.C.
Minister of Health and Community Services

“Modern health care infrastructure creates better working environments and that is why it is important to replace the century-old St. Clare’s Mercy Hospital. Work is ongoing with the consultant to complete the functional program and master plan for the site, as well as new transportation links to facilitate traffic in the area. We look forward to the next steps of building a new hospital for our province.”
Honourable Fred Hutton
Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure
Minister Responsible for Rural Economic Development

“Newfoundland and Labrador (NL) Health Services is pleased with the announcement by the Provincial Government today for a new acute care hospital at Kenmount Crossing. This new facility, along with the realignment of health-care services on the Northeast Avalon, will modernize how we deliver health care. The new hospital will be state-of-the-art which will have benefits for our health-care teams and employees so that they can provide high-quality care to patients and clients.”
Karen Stone, KC
CEO (Interim), NL Health Services

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Learn more
Heath Accord NL

Provincial Government to Replace St. Clare’s Mercy Hospital

Provincial Government Establishes Northeast Avalon Health Care Infrastructure Advisory Committee

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The Honourable Dr. Andrew Furey, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador, will make a health care infrastructure announcement today (Monday, November 4), beginning at 11:00 a.m. 

Premier Furey will be joined by the Honourable John Hogan, KC, Minister of Health and Community Services, and the Honourable Fred Hutton, Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure and Minister Responsible for Rural Economic Development.

The event will take place on Nils Way, which is located off Kenmount Road, west of Kenmount Terrace, in St. John’s.

 

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Dr. Pat Parfrey, Deputy Minister of Health Transformation, will present an update on the status of Health Accord NL at the Greater Corner Brook Board of Trade Keynote Luncheon on Monday, November 4.

The luncheon will take place at the Glynmill Inn (Cobb Lane, Corner Brook) at 12:00 p.m.

Dr. Parfrey will be joined by Dr. Sean Connors, Clinical Chief of Cardiac Care, NL Health Services, Cassie Chisholm, VP -Transformation (Health Systems), NL Health Services, and Darla King, VP – Transformation (Well-Being), NL Health Services.

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The Honourable Sarah Stoodley, Minister of Immigration, Population Growth and Skills will bring greetings at Diwali, the festival of lights tomorrow (November 2, 2024).

The event is taking place at St. John’s Hindu Temple, 26 Penny Lane, St. John’s, beginning at 6:30 p.m.

Minister Stoodley will be joined by the Honourable John Hogan, KC, Minister of Health and Community Services and Member of the House of Assembly for Windsor Lake.

The Diwali gathering will include traditional rituals, the lighting of Diyas (lamps), a cultural program, and a sumptuous feast.

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The following is being distributed at the request of the Human Rights Commission of Newfoundland and Labrador and Community Justice Connect.

Relationships First Newfoundland and Labrador (RFNL), in partnership with Community Justice Connect and First Light St. John’s Friendship Centre, today hosted a proclamation signing, in recognition of Restorative Justice Month in Newfoundland and Labrador. The event was held at the Core Science Facility at Memorial University. This year’s theme is Inspiring Collaboration & Igniting Social Change.

Restorative justice is a holistic framework for engaging individuals, organizations, and communities in dialogue. This approach empowers all to contribute to a culture of care, equity, and connection when engaging with one another. Restorative justice emphasizes the nurturing of relationships, fostering of collaboration, and the development of more resilient communities through mutual respect and shared responsibility.

In addition to the signing, Relationships First Newfoundland and Labrador formally launched their provincial restorative justice scan document, Restorative Justice in Newfoundland and Labrador: a catalogue, summary, and history. Copies of the scan document will be available on the Relationships First Newfoundland and Labrador website at a later date.

The report is a 75-page document which includes the findings of a provincial scan that was initiated to identify all people and organizations with experience in and an understanding of restorative justice.

Since 2014, significant work has been made to re-imagine education delivery through a restorative justice lens in Newfoundland and Labrador. Many of the schools, with the support of the Department of Education, are engaged to varying degrees to help promote and implement restorative justice principles and practices. This includes NL Schools, Indigenous schools, independent schools, and the Conseil Scolaire Francophone Provincial.

To learn about Relationships First NL, and restorative justice in education, visit: www.rfnl.org

 

Quote
“Momentum is growing in Newfoundland and Labrador for restorative justice as an action-based collective response that nurtures community well-being, belonging, and connectedness while addressing harm when we face challenges. Proclaiming Restorative Justice Month spotlights our commitment for working together to make such responses a reality.”
Dr. Dorothy Vaandering
Professor, Faculty of Education, Memorial University
Director, Relationships First Newfoundland and Labrador

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The Department of Municipal and Provincial Affairs is advising that the date of the 2025 general municipal election for all cities, towns, and local service districts, previously set to take place on September 30, 2025, will be deferred to observe the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation in 2025.

The 2025 general municipal election will now take place on October 2, 2025.

In accordance with the Municipal Elections Act, general elections are held every four years on the last Tuesday in September. In 2025, this date coincides with the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, a day to honour survivors and raise awareness about the terrible legacy of residential schools in Canada.

As per the new Towns and Local Service Districts Act, which comes into force on January 1, 2025, an election for local service districts will also take place every four years with the first being on October 2, 2025.

More information regarding the 2025 General Municipal Election can be found here.

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The Provincial Government has issued a request for information to community-based agencies to establish and operate sober living homes throughout Newfoundland and Labrador.

Sober living homes, also referred to as recovery homes, are substance-free living environments that support people as they abstain from alcohol and other drugs and pursue personal growth.

They also offer a structured and supportive setting that help residents develop the skills and confidence needed to abstain from substance use, reduce hospital stays, reduce readmission to hospital, and increase connections to community supports.

The submissions from community organizations will be required to provide details on sober-living housing, peer support, access to clinical services, other recovery-focused supports, a plan for partnership with NL Health Services, and details on:

• Location and number of beds;
• Referral criteria;
• Service delivery and staffing;
• Service quality and safety standards;
• Length of stay and housing transition planning; and
• Timeline and financial considerations.

Information on open calls issued and awarded by the Department of Health and Community Services and other public bodies is available by visiting www.merx.com/govnl.

This is another step toward improving the social determinants of health and further supporting health outcomes and the overall well-being of Newfoundlanders and Labradorians.

Quote
“Community organizations have advocated for sober living homes, which help people who leave inpatient treatment and transition back in the community. Research shows that the homes help lower readmission rates, reduce substance use, improve community connections, and increase employment rates. The homes will complement other services our government provides and we look forward to meeting with community organizations interested in taking the next steps to help further support the well-being of residents in the province.”
Honourable John G. Abbott
Minister of Mental Health and Addictions

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The Honourable Lisa Dempster, Minister of Environment and Climate Change, has announced the following relative to Part 10 Environmental Assessment of the Environmental Protection Act.

UNDERTAKINGS REGISTERED:

South Brook Bridge Recovery and Reinstallation                            (Reg. 2333)
Proponent: Western Sno-Riders

The Proponent is proposing to recover a washed-out Bailey bridge located 182 metres downstream from its original location on South Brook, Pasadena and replace it with a new, longer bridge. The bridge connects an existing snowmobile trail network. Construction would include clearing a short access trail to recover the old bridge using an excavator and placement of armour stone and concrete blocks on both banks of the river during installation of the new bridge.

A detailed description of the Project can be found on the department’s webpage at:

https://www.gov.nl.ca/ecc/env-assessment/projects-list/.

The undertaking was registered on November 1, 2024; the deadline for public comment is December 6, 2024, and the Minister’s decision is due by December 16, 2024.

Crown Zone 2 Five-Year Forestry Operating Plan Amendment District 2 (2022-2026)                                                                                                                     
Proponent: Department of Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture   (Reg. 2332)

The Proponent is proposing an amendment to the Crown Zone 2 Five-Year Forestry Operating Plan (2022-2026). The Project is proposed in Forest Management District 2, approximately seven kilometres South of the town of Lethbridge. The amendment would create a new harvest block covering 51 hectares of land and the Forest Management District’s harvest level would be balanced by reducing harvesting elsewhere in the District.

A description of the Project can be found on the department’s webpage at: https://www.gov.nl.ca/ecc/env-assessment/projects-list/

The undertaking was registered on November 1, 2024; the deadline for public comment is December 6, 2024, and the Minister’s decision is due by December 16, 2024.

UNDERTAKING RELEASED:

Brown’s Arm ATV Trail                                                                            (Reg. 2323)
Proponent: Brown’s Arm Recreation Committee

The Project is released from environmental assessment subject to conditions as outlined in the Minister’s decision letter available on the department’s Project web page at https://www.gov.nl.ca/ecc/projects/project-2323/.

Learn more
Environmental Assessment Division
Department of Environment and Climate Change
West Block, Confederation Building
P.O. Box 8700, St. John’s, NL   A1B 4J6
Environmental assessment information is available at:
https://www.gov.nl.ca/ecc/env-assessment/

https://www.gov.nl.ca/ecc/files/GUIDE-TO-THE-PROCESS_Jan-2024.pdf

Follow us on X: @GovNL and @ECC_GovNL

Project comments may be sent to: EAProjectComments@gov.nl.ca

Anyone submitting comments on a Project under environmental assessment is asked to please advise the Department if they DO NOT wish to have their comments shared with the Project Proponent.

 

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Applications for the 2025 Research Inspired Student Enrichment (RISE) Awards program are now open. The RISE Awards will be provided to 20 Level II high school students who demonstrate academic excellence in the STEM fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.

Students selected will be provided the opportunity to attend one of three research-related enrichment programs focused on STEM, which range in duration from three to six weeks over the summer:

• The Research Science Institute, located at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology;
• The Boston Leadership Institute, located in Wellesley, Massachusetts; or
• The Da Vinci Engineering Enrichment Program, located at the University of Toronto.

Additionally, students who are selected will receive financial support to cover tuition, accommodations, and a travel stipend.

The process to be selected for the RISE Awards is competitive. It includes an assessment of academic achievement, as well as a written essay in which the applicant must highlight plans for future study, career and research interests, and how those interests are relevant to Newfoundland and Labrador. Award eligibility requirements are pre-determined in consultation with the program’s administrators. Overall, students must have a minimum average of 90 per cent in each Level II course and have completed a minimum number of courses in science and mathematics. Award recipients must apply, be accepted, and commit to the full duration of the program.

The application deadline is midnight on Monday, December 2, 2024 for eligible students completing Level II by June 2025. Further details on the research-related enrichment programs, awards structure, and eligibility criteria are available online (www.gov.nl.ca/riseawards).

Since its inception in 2011, the Provincial Government has invested $1.4 million for the RISE Awards, which has enabled 226 students in the province to participate in STEM enrichment programs within Canada and the United States.

Quotes
“The RISE Awards present a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for students with a passion for STEM subjects. These world-class summer enrichment programs provide a boost for university applications, and help youth make social connections while exploring potential career prospects. As we support tech and research companies’ growth, the RISE program promotes student participation in STEM-related post-secondary and careers. We hope participating in these programs helps position RISE recipients to step into exciting new roles that are being created here in Newfoundland and Labrador.”
Honourable Andrew Parsons, KC
Minister of Industry, Energy and Technology

“This is a great opportunity for students to benefit from attending research-related enrichment programs, while learning from some of the best in the science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. I encourage all students to apply for a RISE award for a chance to enhance their knowledge and education as they prepare for post-secondary education and beyond.”
Honourable Krista Lynn Howell
Minister of Education

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Learn more
Information on the RISE Awards Program

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Residents of Newfoundland and Labrador are reminded that Daylight Savings Time ends this weekend. At 2:00 a.m. on Sunday, November 3, clocks turn back by one hour.

When adjusting clocks, residents are encouraged to take the opportunity to change the batteries in smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors.

The Department of Justice and Public Safety advises that smoke alarms should be installed in the following areas of a residence:

• On every level of your home, including the basement.
• In every bedroom.
• In the hallway or room outside of every bedroom or separate sleeping area.

It is recommended that houses and cabins that have a wood, oil or propane fuel-fired appliance also have a carbon monoxide detector installed on each level of the structure.

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The following is being distributed at the request of the Human Rights Commission of Newfoundland and Labrador and Community Justice Connect:

Relationships First Newfoundland and Labrador (RFNL), in partnership with Community Justice Connect and First Light St. John’s Friendship Centre, will be hosting a proclamation event to recognize November as restorative justice month in the province.

The theme of this month is Inspiring Collaboration & Igniting Social Change. At this event, Relationships First Newfoundland and Labrador will also formally launch their provincial restorative justice scan document.

This event will take place on Friday, November 1, 2024, at the MUN Core Science Facility (under the whale), beginning at 3:00 p.m.

To RSVP to this event, fill out the following form

To learn more about Relationships First Newfoundland and Labrador, visit their website

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Media contacts
Dr. Dorothy Vaandering
RFNL Director & MUN Faculty of Education Professor
709-740-7858
dvaandering@mun.ca

Sarah McDonald Moores
RFNL Restorative Justice Education Coordinator
709-689-2980
sarah@rfnl.org

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This evening, the Honourable Dr. Andrew Furey, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador, recognized the athletic success of more than 100 young athletes from across the province at the 20th annual Premier’s Athletic Awards.

Established in 2005, the awards program recognizes athletic excellence and provides financial support to help offset the costs of training and competition. Grants ranging from $500 to $1,500 are awarded based on the level of competition and the athletes’ respective accomplishments.

The Team Gushue Awards, established in honour of Team Gushue’s gold medal win at the 2006 Olympic Winter Games, were also presented at the event. Two athletes are selected annually to receive the awards, valued at $5,000 each. Recipients are chosen based on athletic and academic excellence. This year’s recipients are Brooklyn Wolfrey and Gleb Evstigneev.

Brooklyn Wolfrey from Rigolet has achieved remarkable success in her athletic pursuits. At the North American Indigenous Games, she earned a gold medal in doubles and a silver in mixed doubles badminton. Competing at the World Dwarf Games, she claimed first place in both singles and doubles badminton, and she was part of the bronze medal-winning teams in soccer and basketball. Additionally, Brooklyn secured gold medals in athletics for the 60 metre and 100 metre races. She currently holds the title of Badminton Canada Para Champion in her classification. Academically, she completed Grade 10 in June with an impressive average of 93 per cent.

Gleb Evstigneev from Paradise has made significant strides in gymnastics, recently earning a gold medal in the trampoline discipline at the Canada Games, where he also had the honour of being the flag bearer for Team Newfoundland and Labrador during the opening ceremonies. He represented Team Canada at the 2023 Pan American Championships, finishing first in the individual category. In addition to his athletic achievements, Gleb is currently in his third year at Memorial University, where he maintains a GPA of 3.17.

Additionally, the inaugural Michelle Healey Memorial Award was presented at the event. One female athlete is selected annually to receive the award, valued at $5,000. The award is based on athletic success and an exceptional commitment to community. The recipient of the inaugural Michelle Healey Memorial Award is Zoe Rowe.

Zoe Rowe has made a significant impact both on and off the soccer field. In 2023, she competed for the Memorial University of Newfoundland and Labrador (MUN) Sea-Hawks women’s varsity soccer team, earning recognition as a first-team conference all-star and being named team MVP. Beyond her athletic achievements, Zoe is deeply committed to her community, volunteering with organizations such as Easter Seals, CBS Soccer, and the MUN Biochemistry Society. Her dedication to service was recognized when she became a Rhodes Scholar Finalist and was honoured as the 2023 winner of the Atlantic University Sport Community Service Award for her exceptional volunteer work.

For a complete list of 2024 Premier’s Athletic Award recipients, please see the backgrounder below.

Quotes
“It is my privilege to host the Premier’s Athletic Awards each year. Witnessing the dedication and passion of these young athletes as they strive for their goals is nothing short of inspiring. Their ambitions know no bounds, and I am confident we will hear their names in the future as they compete at provincial, national, and international levels. Congratulations to all the recipients of the Premier’s Athletic Awards!”
Honourable Dr. Andrew Furey
Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador

“Engaging in sports provides young people with a wealth of benefits. Beyond improving physical, mental, and emotional health, it instills a sense of commitment and the value of giving their all. It teaches that hard work can lead to success and fosters valuable social connections. I applaud all the young athletes being honoured today, along with their families and support systems, for their vital roles in this journey.”
Honourable Steve Crocker
Minister of Tourism, Culture, Arts and Recreation

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BACKGROUNDER

2024 Premier’s Athletic Awards Recipients

  Sport Name Hometown Alpine Lily Hayden Steady Brook Artistic Swimming Amelia Coady Mount Pearl Aboriginal Sport and Recreational Circle Brooklyn Jefford Clarenville   Brady Young Stephenville Athletics Sawyer LeBlanc St. John’s   Shae LeDevehat Mount Pearl   Alexandre Nunes St. John’s   James Power Goulds Para-Athletics Jeremy Jones St. John’s Ball Hockey Julia Butler Portugal Cove – St. Philip’s   Jordan Flynn Mount Pearl   Molly Gill Conception Bay South   Margaret Jones St. John’s   Andy Knight St. John’s   Brandon Philpott St. John’s   Haley Ryan Conception Bay South   Jenni Simpson Glovertown Baseball Eli Dunphy St. John’s   Molly Healy St. John’s   Jennifer Murphy St. John’s   Kerry Russell Grand Falls – Windsor   Nicholas Smith Flatrock   Chase Tucker Mount Pearl   Hudson White St. John’s Basketball Brooke LeDevehat Mount Pearl   Alyssa Jenkins St. John’s   Lucas Mate St. John’s   Carly Norris Middle Cove   Matthew Pennell St. John’s   Kylie Sooley Mount Pearl   Cameron Stanford St. John’s Biathlon David Adey Corner Brook Bicycle Leah Dalton Clarenville   Austin Whelan Torbay Boccia Stephen Westcott Conception Bay South Bowling Carter Belbin St. John’s   Vanessa Elliott-Lynch St. John’s   Amy Harris Paradise   Kyle Slade Conception Bay South Cross Country Skiing Matthew Earle St. John’s   Georgia Wiseman Corner Brook Curling Nicholas Codner Torbay   Cailey Locke Conception Bay South   Simon Perry Portugal Cove – St. Phillips Diving Juan Fajardo St. John’s Golf Taylor Cormier Corner Brook   Ethan Efford St. John’s Gymnastics Rachel Dooley Torbay   Benjamin Fudge Paradise   Grace Hill St. John’s   Jirah Hiscock St. John’s   Julia Pace St. John’s   Kyla Piercey Middle Cove   Mya Rogers Middle Cove Handball Rahul Asokan St. John’s Hockey Caylen Blake Corner Brook   Matthew Butler St. John’s   Will Carroll Conception Bay South   Ryan Greene Paradise   Jessica Mercer Bay Roberts   Maria Shea Stephenville Crossing   Jabez Seymour North River   Leah Wicks St. John’s   Katie Winsor Paradise Parasport- Blind Hockey Brandon Joy Conception Bay South Karate Jane Fancy St. John’s   Grace Noseworthy Portugal Cove – St. Phillips   Emma Pittman Middle Cove   Emily Reglar Flatrock Parasport- Badminton Nicholas Quinn Paradise Parasport- Athletics/Basketball/Hockey/Swimming Gavin Baggs Paradise Rowing Furey Stone St. John’s Rugby James Clarke St. John’s   James Noftall St. John’s   Jessie Penney Clarke’s Beach   Tyson Snow Paradise Shooting Naomi Tucker St. John’s Skating Mark Butt Bloomfield   Lily Evans Pouch Cove   Jonathan Flynn Conception Bay South   Rachael Tuff Witless Bay   Eva Wang St. John’s   Jasmine Wheadon Carbonear Snowboard Meredith Hayden Steady Brook Soccer Colin Dyer Mount Pearl   Abby Evans St. John’s   Millie Janes St. John’s   Sarah Jones St. John’s   Ciara Molloy Torbay   Jorja Row Paradise Softball Shilo Chislett Kippens   Halle Joy Harbour Main   Matthew King Carbonear   Ryan Maher St. John’s   Liam Shea Dunville   Brooklyn Shortt Carbonear Special Olympics Michael Budden Stephenville   Samantha Walsh Stephenville Swimming Darcy Butler Paradise   Lindsey Goodland St. John’s   Joel Thomas St. John’s   James Traverse Conception Bay South Para-Swimming Nathan Luscombe Grand Falls – Windsor Table Tennis Divine Aseo St. John’s   Peter Quinlan Chapel Cove Taekwondo Emma Driscoll Flatrock Tennis Aiden Drover-Mattinen Portugal Cove-St. Philips   Declan Walsh St. John’s Triathlon Lincoln Harris Torbay Ultimate Maria Dodd St. John’s Volleyball Karen Greek Mount Pearl   Jenna Lake Conception Bay South   Falon McLoughlan Mount Pearl   Kalan Noonan St. John’s   Tyler Wiseman Clarenville 2024 Team Gushue Award Recipients Badminton Brooklyn Wolfrey Rigolet Gymnastics Gleb Evstigneev Paradise 2024 Michelle Healey Memorial Award Winner Soccer Zoe Rowe Conception Bay South

 

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The Acting Information and Privacy Commissioner, Jacqueline Lake Kavanagh, has released her Report A-2024-049 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-2024-049 Report Date: October 29, 2024 Public Body: Town of Millertown Summary: The Town of Millertown received an access request for all information about four properties and their tax arrears auction. The Town produced a number of records but withheld some information, citing sections 28 (local public body confidences), 30 (legal advice) and 40 (disclosure harmful to personal privacy) of the Access to Information and Protection of Privacy Act, 2015. The Complainant sought a review of the redactions, asserting the information should not have been withheld. This Office determined that the Town had applied the redactions in accordance with the legislation.

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

The post Office of the Information and Privacy Commissioner – Report A-2024-049 Released appeared first on News Releases.