Government of Newfoundland News

Natural Resources

Mr. Speaker, I rise in this Honourable House to recognize the work of Tata Steel Minerals Canada and their new mining project in Labrador. I am delighted that representatives from the company could join us today - Rajesh Sharma, CEO, Praveen Jha, Vice President of Operations, and Cathy Dornan, Chief Resident Executive.

Justice and Public Safety

Separate investigations last year by Fish and Wildlife Enforcement officers of the Gander detachment have led to convictions for two individuals for violations of the Fish and Wildlife Act related to illegal salmon fishing and big game hunting.

Health and Community Services

People with low income in Newfoundland and Labrador will now benefit from increased annual dental support caps for dental services and dentures. Effective July 2, 2015, under the Adult Dental Program, the annual cap for basic dental services will be increased from $200 to $300 and the annual cap for dentures will increase from $750 to $1,500.

Executive Council

The Honourable Paul Davis, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador, will bring greetings at the Newfoundland and Labrador Association of Technology Industries (NATI) Knowledge Summit, tomorrow (Wednesday, May 20). The day-long event is part of Innovation Week 2015, and will take place at the Sheraton Hotel, St. John's. Opening remarks will begin at 9:00 a.m.

Transportation and Works

The Honourable David Brazil, Minister of Transportation and Works, will address the Atlantic Provinces Transportation Forum 2015, being held May 19-20 at the Holiday Inn, St. John's. Minister Brazil will speak tomorrow (Wednesday, May 20) at 8:30 a.m.

Business, Tourism, Culture and Rural Development

Innovation Week, a series of events dedicated to shining a light on the advances being made in Newfoundland and Labrador's technology sector, kicks-off today in St. John's. Innovation Week 2015 brings together private and public partners to share ideas and build upon the outstanding atmosphere of innovation in Newfoundland and Labrador. The Honourable Darin King, Minister of Business, Tourism, Culture and Rural Development, participated in launching Innovation Week 2015 at Common Ground this morning.

Environment and Conservation

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to acknowledge important initiatives underway in Newfoundland and Labrador to help deter potential offenders from dumping their garbage at unauthorized sites throughout the province.

Executive Council

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to update this Honourable House on the Aboriginal Affairs Working Group meetings which I had the pleasure to attend in Yellowknife last week. Provincial and territorial ministers responsible for Aboriginal Affairs, along with leaders of national Aboriginal organizations gathered to work together to improve opportunities for First Nation, Inuit and Métis people throughout Canada.

Transportation and Works

The first stage of the demolition of the former AbitibiBowater mill site in Grand Falls-Windsor is complete with the payment of $500,000 to the Provincial Government by Delsan-A.I.M. Environmental Services (Delsan-A.I.M.). The company was selected in response to a request for proposals, as announced in December, 2014, to dismantle the mill site.

Health and Community Services

The Provincial Government is recognizing Sunday, May 17, as World Hypertension Day in Newfoundland and Labrador. This year’s theme is Know Your Numbers, which promotes the benefits of knowing blood pressure levels and acting accordingly.

Justice and Public Safety

The International Day against Homophobia and Transphobia, marked annually on May 17, 2015, aims to coordinate events to garner respect and support for the rights of lesbians, gay, bisexual and trans (LGBT) individuals worldwide. The Newfoundland and Labrador Human Rights Commission joins the LGBTQ community and allies in marking this important day in the province.

Executive Council

The Provincial Government is recognizing Sunday, May 17, as the International Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia in Newfoundland and Labrador. The goal of this day is to raise awareness about gender and sexual diversity throughout the province, as a means of eliminating homophobia and transphobia.

Business, Tourism, Culture and Rural Development

The Honourable Darin King, Minister of Business, Tourism, Culture and Rural Development, will speak at the launch of Innovation Week 2015. The event will take place at 9:00 a.m. on Tuesday, May 19, at Common Ground, 30 Harvey Road, St. John’s.

Transportation and Works

A tender is being called for road upgrades to the Trans Canada Highway (Route 1) between Gambo and Benton. An allocation of almost $16 million was announced though Budget 2015 for upgrades to this 13.9 kilometre stretch of highway, as well as another major project to upgrade Route 1 from Salmonier Line to Whitbourne. Both projects will be cost-shared with the Federal Government.

Transportation and Works

In recognition of National Public Works Week (May 17 to 23), the Honourable David Brazil, Minister of Transportation and Works, was joined by Ron Fleming, President of the Canadian Public Works Association, Newfoundland and Labrador Chapter, for the signing of a proclamation acknowledging the efforts of the women and men in the province’s public works sector and the essential services they provide.

Executive Council
Seniors, Wellness and Social Development

Close to 120 of the province’s most accomplished young athletes, representing 26 sports, were honoured yesterday (Thursday, May 14) by the Honourable Paul Davis, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador, during the 11th annual Premier’s Athletic Awards. The ceremony was held at the Holiday Inn in St. John’s.

Seniors, Wellness and Social Development

More than 80 non-profit organizations and community groups have received a total over of $540,000 as part of the Provincial Government's 2014-15 Health and Wellness Grants Program. The Honourable Clyde Jackman, Minister of Seniors, Wellness and Social Development, was at the Boys and Girls Club at Buckmaster's Circle in St. John's today, to make the announcement.

Service NL

Service NL advises that, due to technical difficulties, there have been delays in issuing some vehicle renewal notices for registrations that expire in May of 2015.

Education and Early Childhood Development

Fourteen students from across the province are receiving the Safe and Caring Schools Graduating Student Awards. The awards recognize students for their leadership in making their school communities more safe, caring and inclusive.

Municipal and Intergovernmental Affairs

Mr. Speaker, today I rise in this Honourable House to highlight a significant announcement that my colleague the Honourable Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture and I recently participated in - the official opening of the new Corner Brook water treatment plant.