Government of Newfoundland News

Executive Council

The Honourable Steve Kent, Deputy Premier and Minister Responsible for the Office of Public Engagement, will speak at the Mount Pearl Minor Hockey Association’s 40th anniversary gala and inaugural hockey hall of fame induction. The event takes place at 6:30 p.m. tomorrow (Saturday, March 28) at the Reid Community Centre, 126 Smallwood Drive, Mount Pearl.

Business, Tourism, Culture and Rural Development

The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador is encouraging young people to engage in the areas of science, engineering and technology by providing funding for innovative projects. Through the Department of Business, Tourism, Culture and Rural Development, the Provincial Government has announced the 2015 Youth Innovation Call for Proposals.

Education and Early Childhood Development

The Honourable Susan Sullivan, Minister of Education and Early Childhood Development, will speak at the 50th anniversary of the Central Newfoundland Kiwanis Music Festival tomorrow (Friday, March 27). The event will be held at the Gordon Pinsent Centre for the Arts, 3 Cromer Avenue, Grand Falls-Windsor, at 7:30 p.m.

Executive Council

Today, the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador congratulates the Labrador Inuit on the 40th anniversary of the Labrador Inuit Association (LIA).

Child, Youth and Family Services

The Honourable Sandy Collins, Minister of Child, Youth and Family Services, will speak at Memorial University’s School of Social Work Pledge of Professionalism Ceremony tomorrow (Friday, March 27). The event will begin at 5:30 p.m. in the Main Auditorium of the Health Sciences Centre, St. John’s.

Service NL

The Honourable Dan Crummell, Minister of Service NL, will discuss new requirements regarding bicycle helmets tomorrow (Friday, March 27) at 3:00 p.m. at the Boys and Girls Clubs of St. John’s, located at 25 Buckmasters Circle.

Health and Community Services

The Honourable Steve Kent, Deputy Premier and Minister of Health and Community Services, will attend the opening ceremonies for the Mount Pearl Marlins’ Swim for Hope tomorrow (Friday, March 27). The event will begin at 3:00 p.m. at the Summit Centre, 126 Smallwood Drive, Mount Pearl.

Executive Council

Mr. Speaker, I rise today as the Minister Responsible for the Office of Climate Change and Energy Efficiency to encourage residents throughout the province to participate in Earth Hour 2015.

Advanced Education and Skills

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate 756 Newfoundlanders and Labradorians from around our province who achieved journeyperson certification this year. The certificates received by these individuals symbolize a significant milestone, and are a testament to the hard work and dedicated effort that they have put into their trade programs.

Health and Community Services

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in this Honourable House to recognize Purple Day for Epilepsy in Newfoundland and Labrador. Purple Day presents an important opportunity to raise awareness, and reduce social stigma experienced by individuals who are affected by this condition.

Municipal and Intergovernmental Affairs
Environment and Conservation

The Provincial Government is cost-sharing an investment of $1.9 million for five advanced drinking water units. These systems will ensure residents and families in five communities will have good quality drinking water available for their use.

Advanced Education and Skills

The Honourable Clyde Jackman, Minister of Advanced Education and Skills, will address graduates at the Journeyperson Awards and Recognition ceremony today (Thursday, March 26). The ceremony takes place at the Ramada Inn on Kenmount Road in St. John’s beginning at 6:30 p.m.

Transportation and Works

The Department of Transportation and Works advises residents that it is actively monitoring the status of provincial highways and roads and is prepared to address issues that may arise, such as the development of potholes. With the onset of spring, frequent freezing and thawing of roadways increases the prevalence of potholes. This year has already seen temperature fluctuations that are likely to add to the number of potholes that develop.

Fisheries and Aquaculture

The Provincial Government is urging the Federal Government to prepare an ice compensation program to support fish harvesters and plant workers in the likely event that severe sea ice conditions delay the start of the 2015 fishing season.

Fisheries and Aquaculture

The Honourable Vaughn Granter, Minister Responsible for the Forestry and Agrifoods Agency, will address graduates of the College of the North Atlantic Forest Resources Technician Program tomorrow (Thursday, March 26). The event begins at 7:30 p.m. and will take place in the main ballroom, Greenwood Inn and Suites, 48 West Street, Corner Brook.

Natural Resources

Mr. Speaker, I rise in this Honourable House today to highlight oilandgascareerinfo.ca - an interactive website designed for young people to explore career options in the provincial oil and gas industry. Careers range from skilled trades to technical and engineering professions, project management and marine service disciplines.

Environment and Conservation

Mr. Speaker I rise today to acknowledge the important work of municipal water system operators and to congratulate this year's recipients of the Operator of the Year and Volunteer Operator of the Year awards, which were handed out this morning at the Clean and Safe Drinking Water Workshop in Gander.

Seniors, Wellness and Social Development

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize a significant milestone in the professional career of Dr. Suzanne Brake, Director of Seniors and Aging and Provincial Director of Adult Protection, with the Department of Seniors, Wellness and Social Development.

Seniors, Wellness and Social Development

Older adults throughout the province will have more opportunities to engage in physical and recreational activities through a $189,289 investment in the Provincial Government’s Seniors Community Recreation Grant Program.

Environment and Conservation
Municipal and Intergovernmental Affairs

The work of drinking water system municipal operators was recognized today at the Department of Environment and Conservation’s annual Clean and Safe Drinking Water Workshop, which is taking place in Gander, from March 24 to 26.