Government of Newfoundland News

Executive Council

Provincial and state leaders from 13 jurisdictions across Canada and the United States met today to discuss opportunities for enhanced trade and economic cooperation at the annual meeting of the Southeastern United States - Canadian Provinces Alliance in Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island.

Transportation and Works

The Provincial Government has awarded a contract for road upgrades in a number of communities on the Northeast Avalon Peninsula. The contract, valued at approximately $1.9 million, was awarded to Weir’s Construction Limited, and includes work on the Pouch Cove Line, Pine Line, St. Thomas Line, Torbay Road, Indian Meal Line, Beachy Cove Road, and various roads on Bell Island.

Business, Tourism, Culture and Rural Development

The Town of Port Blandford displayed new efforts to grow the local tourism sector on Saturday, June 27, as officials unveiled a series of cultural story boards placed throughout the town. The story boards tell the heritage and history of the area and are part of a $48,000 tourism development plan. The Provincial Government is supporting the initiatives with an investment of approximately $21,800.

Justice and Public Safety

A ribbon cutting ceremony to recognize the official opening of the Corner Brook Public Safety Answering Point (PSAP) Centre took place today. The centre, which handles all 911 calls in the province originating from outside the Avalon Peninsula, began operating on March 1, 2015. The Honourable Vaughn Granter, Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture and MHA for Humber West, participated in the event.

Executive Council

Atlantic Canadian premiers met in Charlottetown this past weekend. Atlantic premiers are working together to advance an agenda for sustainable growth through collaboration on apprentice mobility, regulatory alignment, health care, climate change, energy and promoting Atlantic Canada. Premiers are focused on improving the lives of Atlantic Canadians by working to help create the conditions to further grow the economy and create more skilled jobs. Premiers also discussed regional priorities in advance of the annual summer meeting of Canada’s Premiers to take place in St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador, on July 15-17.

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.

Fisheries and Aquaculture

The Honourable Vaughn Granter, Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture, will participate in the official opening and ribbon cutting ceremony for the Corner Brook Public Safety Answering Point (PSAP) Centre on Monday, June 29. The event begins at 11:00 a.m. at the Corner Brook PSAP at City Hall.

Business, Tourism, Culture and Rural Development

Approximately 700 young people from around the world are participating in an ocean technology competition at Marine Institute and the National Resource Council’s Ocean Coastal, and River and Engineering facility. The 14th international MATE Centre (Marine Advanced Technology Education) remote operated vehicle (ROV) competition runs until Saturday, June 27, testing young teams on their abilities to build and operate ROVs. The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador is supporting the competition with approximately $96,000.

Business, Tourism, Culture and Rural Development: The Rooms Corporation

On June 29, 2005, Newfoundland and Labrador opened the doors to a new era of celebrating our culture and preserving our heritage.

Health and Community Services

Newfoundland and Labrador’s Bachelor of Nursing Program, delivered by Eastern Health’s Centre for Nursing Studies, Western Health’s Regional School of Nursing and Memorial University’s School of Nursing, has achieved the seven-year Gold Standard accreditation status from the Canadian Association of Schools of Nursing (CASN). CASN is the governing organization in Canada for nursing education.

Seniors, Wellness and Social Development

Bluebird Investments Ltd. has been awarded a $97,000 contract to replace roofing at 12 units in the Labrador Straits Seniors Complex in Forteau.

Seniors, Wellness and Social Development

The Provincial Government is inviting applications for the 2015 Accessible Vehicle Funding Program and the 2015 Inclusion Grants Program, which have a combined total of $600,000 available to help individuals, non-profit organizations and community groups to improve accessibility and enhance inclusion for people with disabilities.

Business, Tourism, Culture and Rural Development: The Rooms Corporation

The Rooms Corporation will celebrate its 10th anniversary on Sunday, June 28, starting at 12:00 p.m. The public is invited to an old-fashioned kitchen party featuring the band Wabana, along with traditional musicians Bob Taylor, Carl Peters and Larry Foley. Admission is free.

Executive Council

The Provincial Government has been informed by Desjardins Financial Security, the current insurance provider for the public service, of the early closure of their Corner Brook office. The company has stated that the office will close June 30, 2015.

Transportation and Works

The Provincial Government has called the tender for upgrades to roads in the areas of Jean de Baie, Burin and Marystown, as well as several other locations on the Burin Peninsula.

Environment and Conservation

The Honourable Dan Crummell, Minister of Environment and Conservation, will bring greetings at the opening reception of the 14th International MATE Centre (Marine Advanced Technology Education) remote operated vehicle (ROV) competition.

Executive Council

The Honourable Paul Davis, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador, will host Canada’s 13 provincial and territorial premiers and National Aboriginal Organization (NAO) leaders in Happy Valley-Goose Bay on July 15.

Executive Council

Please note the following final details regarding the 2015 Summer Meeting of Canada's Premiers taking place in St. John's from July 15 to 17, 2015.

Seniors, Wellness and Social Development

Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation has awarded two contracts valued at more than $182,000 to upgrade nine social housing homes in the Burin Peninsula towns of Marystown and Burin.

Transportation and Works

The tender for enhancements to the Bell Island wharf has closed. Improvements to the wharf are being made in preparation for the arrival of the new 80-metre ice class ferry, the MV Legionnaire in February 2016.