Government of Newfoundland News
/* ES HIDE ALL TABS FOR KUOOT php print render($tabs); */ ?>Media Advisory: Parliamentary Secretary Stoyles to Speak at International Fisheries Working Group Event
Lucy Stoyles, MHA for Mount Pearl North and Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture will deliver remarks to the International Council for Exploration of the Sea (ICES)/Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) Working Group on Fishing Technology and Fish Behaviour on Monday, June 3.
The event will take place at Marine Institute (Hampdon Hall), 155 Ridge Road, St. John’s at 9:00 a.m.
The ICES/FAO Working Group on Fishing Technology and Fish Behaviour annual meeting is taking place June 3-7 and includes delegates from 32 countries. More information about the event is available here.
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Media Advisory: Minister Pike to Attend 2024 Community-Based Seniors’ Services Sector Summit
The Honourable Paul Pike, Minister of Children, Seniors and Social Development, will be attending the 2024 Community-Based Seniors’ Services Sector Summit in Ottawa from June 2-4, 2024. The event will take place at the Ottawa Marriott Hotel, 100 Kent Street, Ottawa, Ontario.
This year’s summit is titled Claiming Our Space, Naming our Future and will focus on organizations coming together to share their knowledge, establish the needs and priorities of the sector, and create a unified vision for the future of aging in Canada.
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Public Accounts Committee Expressing Concerns Respecting Matters Contained in Auditor General’s Report on Outstanding Performance Audit Recommendations
The Public Accounts Committee (PAC) advises that it will be actively following up on matters contained in the Auditor General’s Report on Outstanding Performance Audit Recommendations. The Committee met this week with the Auditor General for a preliminary discussion on the report and its findings, and shares her concerns that there are 69 outstanding recommendations across government departments and entities dating from 2016 to 2020. The PAC expresses particular concern over the fact that 83 per cent of outstanding issues are from reports issued more than five years ago, as well as the low implementation rates of recommendations from 2016 and 2017.
The Public Accounts Committee will initiate follow-up activities in the coming months, working in partnership with the Auditor General to ensure there are plans in place to take timely action on correcting these deficiencies. Officials from concerned entities may be invited to appear before the Committee to discuss these matters at a public hearing.
The Public Accounts Committee remains committed to its mandate of ensuring accountability on behalf of the Legislature, and improving the delivery of public programs and services for the people of Newfoundland and Labrador.
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Provincial Government Celebrates the Beginning of Pride Month in Newfoundland and Labrador
Today, the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador celebrated the beginning of Pride Month with a flag raising ceremony at Confederation Building. Pride Month is held throughout Canada in June as an opportunity to celebrate diversity and the 2SLGBTQQIA+ community, and to raise awareness of the importance of acceptance and inclusion.
During the ceremony, the Progress Pride flag was raised by the Honourable Pam Parsons, Minister Responsible for Women and Gender Equality. She was joined by Indigenous Elder Odelle Pike, Co-chair of the Provincial Indigenous Women’s Reconciliation Council, Dr. Ailsa Craig, founder and co-chair of Quadrangle NL, Rhea Rollmann, author of A Queer History of Newfoundland, and entertainers Denielle Hann and Renée Batten.
On June 19, Confederation Building will be lit in the colours of the rainbow as a visual reminder of the importance of Pride. Additionally, four rainbow crosswalks and rainbow benches are visible on the Confederation Building grounds year-round.
The Provincial Government is committed to working with the 2SLGBTQQIA+ community to ensure Newfoundland and Labrador is a safe, accessible, and inclusive place for people of all gender identities and sexual orientations.
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“Celebrating Pride Month is essential in fostering a culture of acceptance and understanding. By embracing diversity and promoting inclusivity, we strengthen our collective commitment to a more just and compassionate society.”
Honourable Pam Parsons
Minister Responsible for Women and Gender Equality
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Office of Women and Gender Equality
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Media Advisory: Minister Abbott to Participate in the East Coast Trail Association’s 2024 Trail Raiser Community Hike
The Honourable John G. Abbott, Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure, will participate in the East Coast Trail Association’s 2024 Trail Raiser Community Hike tomorrow (Saturday, June 1).
Check-in begins at 7:30 a.m. at the Bay Bulls Regional Lifestyle Centre, 48 Cemetery Lane West, Bay Bulls.
Beginning at 12:30 p.m., hikers are invited to return to the Bay Bulls Regional Lifestyle Centre for a post-hike gathering featuring yoga, live entertainment, lunch and prizes.
Funds raised from the East Coast Trail Association’s Trail Raiser Community Hike help the association maintain, enhance, and develop the trail network.
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Office of the Information and Privacy Commissioner – Report A-2024-024 Released
The Acting Information and Privacy Commissioner, Jacqueline Lake Kavanagh, has released her Report A-2024-024 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-2024-024 Report Date: May 29, 2024 Public Body: Department of Education Summary: The Complainant submitted an access request to the Department of Education for any records about complaints against an employee as well as any information the public body may have forwarded to police regarding the employee. The Department relied on section 17(2) of the Access to Information and Protection of Privacy Act, 2015 to neither confirm nor deny whether responsive records exist. This Office found that the Department correctly applied section 17(2)(b).-30-
Media contact
Sean Murray
Director of Research & Quality Assurance
709-729-6309
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Active Living Action Plan Consultation Process Now Open for Public Input
The Honourable Steve Crocker, Minister of Tourism, Culture, Arts and Recreation, is inviting members of the public, partners from the sport, physical activity, recreation and healthy living sectors and Indigenous Governments and Organizations to provide their input on the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador’s Active Living Action Plan.
The information gathered from this consultation will inform the development of an Active Living Action Plan, which will aim to guide and stimulate coordinated policies, practices, programs and initiatives targeted at increasing physical activity, while improving the overall health and well-being of all residents in Newfoundland and Labrador.
An online questionnaire and written submissions are now being accepted. The deadline for submissions is Friday, June 21, 2024.
A series of in-person sessions will be taking place around the province with targeted groups and organizations; however, residents can participate in two virtual public consultation session as outlined below:
Date Time Email to register Wednesday, June 19, 2024 10:00 am – 12:00 p.m. NST activelivingactionplan@gov.nl.ca Wednesday, June 19, 2024 6:30 pm – 8:30 p.m. NST activelivingactionplan@gov.nl.caTo learn more about the project and to participate in the consultation, visit www.engagenl.ca
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“I am pleased to see the consultation begin for the Active Living Action Plan. It supports our Government’s commitment to active living and to the sport, physical activity and recreation delivery systems in the province. We want this plan to be effective in improving health and well-being outcomes, as we work together to become one of the healthiest provinces in Canada by 2031. I encourage participation in this consultation through either the online questionnaire, written submission or participation in one of our consultation sessions.”
Honourable Steve Crocker
Minister of Tourism, Culture, Arts and Recreation
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Official By-Election Results for Baie Verte-Green Bay
The Official Addition of the Votes was conducted this morning (Thursday, May 30) at the Baie Verte-Green Bay District Returning Office. The Returning Officer reviewed the voting tallies from by-election night as part of the legislatively required procedure.
The official results of the by-election are as follows:
Baie Verte- Green Bay Official Candidates: Political Affiliation: Official Results: BURT, Owen J. Liberal Party 1,035 HARNETT, Riley New Democratic Party 96 PADDOCK, Lin Progressive Conservative Party 4,271 TOTAL VOTES: 5,402-30-
Media contact
Rexanne Eddy
Communications and Training Officer, ATIPP Coordinator
Elections Newfoundland and Labrador
Office of the Chief Electoral Officer
709-729-1474
rexanneeddy@electionsnl.ca
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Minister Stoodley Issues Statement Recognizing 25th Anniversary of Francophonie Day
The enclosed statement is being issued by the Honourable Sarah Stoodley, Minister of Digital Government and Service and Minister Responsible for Francophone Affairs:
“Twenty-five years ago, the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador recognized May 30 as Provincial Francophonie Day.
Of course, the French influence here goes back much further than that and is an important part of our rich and vibrant history.
This morning, I joined members of the Francophone and Acadian community, including many young Francophones, to celebrate the many ways that they, and their ancestors, have contributed to the linguistic, cultural, and historical diversity of Newfoundland and Labrador.
It is an exciting time for the Francophonie in our province. We recently renewed the Canada-Newfoundland and Labrador Agreement on French Language Services, and we look forward to exploring innovative opportunities to serve this community through this new, expanded agreement with the Government of Canada.
I extend my sincere thanks to the community leaders and volunteers who work passionately on behalf of the Francophone and Acadian community. I commend your dedication and determination and congratulate you on the work you do every day to advance the Francophonie.
I would also like to thank the staff in our Office of French Services for their hard work and commitment to providing services to the French-speaking residents of Newfoundland and Labrador.
Please join me in wishing everyone bonne fête de la francophonie provinciale!”
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Office of the Information and Privacy Commissioner – Report A-2024-023 Released
The Acting Information and Privacy Commissioner, Jacqueline Lake Kavanagh, has released her Report A-2024-023 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-2024-023 Report Date: May 29, 2024 Public Body: Executive Council Summary: The Complainant made an access request to Executive Council seeking records related to four Orders in Council. Executive Council interpreted the access request as referring to solely information related to the actual issuance of the Order in Council and not the entire Order in Council process. As a result of the narrow interpretation, Executive Council relied on the opinion of a staff member with expertise on Orders in Council to determine that there were no responsive records. The Complainant asserted that Executive Council did not meet its duty to assist pursuant to section 13(1) of the Access to Information and Protection of Privacy Act, 2015. The Commissioner agreed with the Complainant. Executive Council should have consulted with the Complainant as to the exact meaning of their access request. Executive Council should have also conducted a search to determine whether responsive records existed. The Commissioner recommended that Executive Council communicate with the Complainant on the scope of the access request and to conduct a formal search for responsive records.-30-
Media contact
Sean Murray
Director of Research & Quality Assurance
709-729-6309
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Media Advisory: Pride Month Flag Raising Ceremony to be Held at Confederation Building
The Honourable Pam Parsons, Minister Responsible for Women and Gender Equality, will host a flag raising event to mark the beginning of Pride Month in Newfoundland and Labrador. The event will take place tomorrow (Friday, May 31) at 10:30 a.m. in the main lobby of the Confederation Building, East Block.
Parking will be available in front of East Block, and attendees are asked to enter using the main entrance facing Prince Philip Drive. Attendees who require an accessible entrance can use the blue zone parking behind East Block and enter through the Public Gallery Entrance.
Pride Month takes place in June and is an annual celebration of the many contributions made by the 2SLGBTQQIA+ community to history, society, and cultures worldwide.
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Public Advisory: MV Beaumont Hamel to Temporarily Service Fogo Island-Change Islands Route
The MV Beaumont Hamel will be temporarily servicing Fogo Island-Change Islands route, beginning tomorrow (June 1, 2024). The MV Astron will continue to service the Fogo Island-Change Islands route. Both vessels will operate services within the two-vessel summer schedule.
The temporary service change is necessary to accommodate transfer of goods and services at a higher volume and capacity.
The MV Legionnaire will continue to service the Bell Island route on an enhanced one-vessel schedule.
Information on ferry schedule updates is available by visiting nl511.ca and on the NL 511 mobile app.
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Auditor General Delivers Annual Report on Outstanding Performance Audit Recommendations
The Auditor General of Newfoundland and Labrador, Denise Hanrahan, today delivered a monitoring report on outstanding performance audit recommendations to the House of Assembly. The report covers audit reports issued from 2016 to 2020 and provides a status update on those recommendations.
The full report can be found by visiting the link below.
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“It is important for government to fully implement or otherwise resolve our recommendations to demonstrate its responsiveness to improving the delivery of the programs and services that are critical to Newfoundlanders and Labradorians. Approximately two of every five recommendations remain outstanding, and particularly concerning is the number of departments and entities with low implementation rates across a number of reports. The volume of unresolved recommendations – after six years – is also concerning. These areas have gaps that require further attention while risks remain, or new ones created.”
Denise Hanrahan
Auditor General of Newfoundland and Labrador
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Media contact
Chrysta Collins
Office of the Auditor General
709-730-1568
chrystacollins@oag.nl.ca
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Government of Newfoundland and Labrador to Launch Challenge of Federal Equalization Program
The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador announced today that it is launching a constitutional challenge regarding the Government of Canada’s federal equalization program.
As outlined in the Constitution Act of 1982, equalization is intended to ensure provincial governments have sufficient revenues to provide comparable levels of public services at comparable levels of taxation. Essentially, fairness for all citizens. Currently, this fairness is not achieved for Newfoundland and Labrador.
The equalization formula does not consider:
- The cost of delivering services. The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador services more than 500 communities across a large, geographically dispersed, and aging population connected by almost 10,000 kilometres of roads. To meet the objectives of the equalization program, it is only just and fair to consider the cost of providing services.
- Total resource revenue is included in the calculation used to determine the fiscal capacity cap on equalization payments. The current equalization formula penalizes Newfoundland and Labrador for developing its natural resources, including renewables like wind energy which is used to produce green hydrogen. The province must pay the costs for development, regulation and management of resource sectors and these costs are not considered in the formula. Resources sectors are also subject to commodity price fluctuations, which impacts revenue certainty.
- Once entitlements have been determined, any excess funding not required to equalize the fiscal capacity of provinces is only distributed to receiving provinces. The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador sides with other provinces (i.e., Alberta) that this excess funding should be distributed to all provinces, rather than only to the provinces receiving equalization.
The constitutional challenge announced today is currently being prepared and will be filed in a Newfoundland and Labrador court in the coming weeks. At that time, details of this court action will be available and appropriate notices will be delivered to relevant parties.
The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador has written to the Government of Canada and discussed its concerns which have not been addressed to date. Correspondence is available here.
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“This challenge is all about ensuring that equalization achieves what is intended in the Constitution – to ensure fairness among all provinces within Canada relating to the cost of delivering public services. From our perspective, the Government of Canada’s equalization program is insufficient in that it does not consider the cost of delivering services in a province such as ours with a geographically dispersed population; nor does it consider the inequity caused by including 100 per cent of our natural resource revenue in the formula. We want the equalization program to treat provinces equitably.”
Honourable Siobhan Coady
Deputy Premier and Minister of Finance
“The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador is challenging the current equalization formula as being unconstitutional. When the Government of Canada dismissed our concerns and extended the equalization formula until 2029, we were left with no other alternative except to launch a court challenge.”
Honourable John Hogan, KC
Minister of Justice and Public Safety and Attorney General
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BACKGROUNDER
Newfoundland and Labrador’s Position
Federal Equalization Program
- The federal equalization program was established in 1957-58 to ensure that provincial governments have sufficient revenues to provide reasonably comparable levels of public services at reasonably comparable levels of taxation.
- The Constitution Act of 1982 states, “Parliament and the Government of Canada are committed to the principle of making equalization payments to ensure that provincial governments have sufficient revenues to provide reasonably comparable levels of public services and reasonably comparable levels of taxation.”
- The total equalization federal support to provinces in 2024-25 was $25.3 billion.
- The program is renewed every five years.
- The last three renewal cycles for equalization have offered no substantive methodological changes and only minor technical amendments. For example, technical amendments made to the formula starting in 2024-25 have provided Newfoundland and Labrador with a small equalization payment of $218 million for 2024-25. This is the first time since 2007-08 that Newfoundland and Labrador has qualified to receive an equalization payment.
- The Federal Government extended the current federal equalization formula for another five years, to March 31, 2029, through Bill C-47, a piece of omnibus legislation that received royal assent on June 22, 2023.
- Newfoundland and Labrador’s primary concerns with the equalization program are not incorporating costs to deliver services to residents, and including 100 per cent of resource revenue in the fiscal capacity cap.
- Based on a pre-2006 federal election commitment, the equalization formula was changed in 2008 to include 50 per cent or 0 per cent of resource revenue, whichever provides the most benefit to the province.
- At the same time of the change to 50 per cent or 0 per cent resource revenue inclusion in 2008, a cap on payments was introduced at a resource revenue inclusion rate of 100 per cent.
- As a result, the effective resource revenue inclusion rate used in the formula varies between provinces.
- The cap systematically disadvantages Newfoundland and Labrador.
- In each of the last five years, Newfoundland and Labrador would have received between $450 million and $1.2 billion in equalization entitlements if the fiscal capacity cap was removed. This would have totaled approximately $3.2 billion over the five years.
- The cap has been referred to as the “resource fiscal capacity cap” since it only hinders provinces that have resource revenues.
- Equalization addresses variations in provincial revenue-raising capacity but does not account for expenditure need differences, or variations in costs of providing services across provinces.
- Provinces differ in their ability “to provide reasonably comparable levels of public services” because they must spend different amounts to offer similar services due to diseconomies of scale; differences in demographics such as age, health and income; and environmental factors such as a geographically dispersed population.
- Considering expenditure need in the equalization formula would allow for a better comparison of provincial capacity to provide services at comparable tax rates and is pivotal in improving the equity of this program.
- The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador also has concerns regarding the redistribution of any excess equalization funds once entitlements have been determined. This extra money should be distributed to all provinces, rather than only to the provinces receiving equalization.
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Media Advisory: Minister Coady to Bring Greetings at Junior Achievement Gala
The Honourable Siobhan Coady, Deputy Premier and Minister of Finance, will bring greetings at the Junior Achievement Newfoundland and Labrador Business Hall of Fame Gala this evening (Thursday, May 30). The event will take place at the Delta St. John’s Hotel, 120 New Gower Street beginning at 7:00 p.m.
This event recognizes business excellence in Newfoundland and Labrador while promoting the development of youth entrepreneurship.
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Environmental Assessment Bulletin
The Honourable Bernard Davis, Minister of Environment and Climate Change, has announced the following relative to Part 10 Environmental Assessment of the Environmental Protection Act.
UNDERTAKING REGISTERED:
Grand Falls-Windsor Riverfront Cottages (Reg. 2312)
Proponent: Town of Grand Falls-Windsor
The Proponent is proposing to develop eight to 10 cottages and a main operations building on the southeast side of the Town of Grand Falls-Windsor. The total size of the land is 2.5 hectares. The site is located 75 metres from the Exploits River, between the Wastewater Treatment Facility and the Ski Chalet. A description of the project can be found on the department’s webpage at: www.gov.nl.ca/ecc/env-assessment/projects-list/.
The undertaking was registered on May 29, 2024; the deadline for public comments is July 04, 2024; and the minister’s decision is due by July 13, 2024.
Comments may be sent to: EAProjectComments@gov.nl.ca.
ENVIRONMENTAL PREVIEW REPORT GUIDELINES ISSUED:
Botwood Flower’s Hill Quarry (Reg. 2287)
Proponent: C&H Construction
The Minister has approved the guidelines for the preparation of the Environmental Preview Report (EPR) for the Botwood Flower’s Hill Quarry. The EPR guidelines identify the information that the Proponent is required to include in the EPR. The EPR guidelines are available on the department’s project web page at: www.gov.nl.ca/ecc/projects/project-2287/.
UNDERTAKINGS RELEASED:
Rocky River Recreational Cottage and Access Trail (Reg. 2299)
Proponent: Steven Reddick
The Project is released from environmental assessment subject to the conditions as outlined in the Minister’s decision letter available on the department’s project web page at www.gov.nl.ca/ecc/projects/project-2299/.
New Harbour Agricultural Development (Reg. 2298)
Proponent: Melissa Williams
The project is released from environmental assessment subject to the conditions as outlined in the Minister’s decision letter available on the department’s project web page at /www.gov.nl.ca/ecc/projects/project-2298/.
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:
www.gov.nl.ca/ecc/env-assessment/
www.gov.nl.ca/ecc/files/GUIDE-TO-THE-PROCESS_Jan-2024.pdf
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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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Public Consultations Beginning on Legislative Amendments on Tobacco and Other Related Products
The Provincial Government is launching consultations to seek input and recommendations from the public as it considers legislative amendments related to the purchasing of tobacco and related products.
An online questionnaire will be available on engageNL.ca early June for the general public, industry representatives, and health care organizations. Participants will be asked for feedback on a variety of topics, such as:
- Prohibiting the sale of tobacco to persons born after a certain date;
- Increasing the legal age to purchase tobacco products to 21; and
- Prohibiting sales of tobacco through vending machines.
There will also be an opportunity to provide feedback on vaping products. The peak age of smoking initiation is between 15 and 17, and the likelihood of smoking initiation decreases quickly after age 16. Tobacco remains one of Newfoundland and Labrador’s leading cause of disease, disability and death and remains a burden on the health care system.
The Department of Health and Community Services anticipates that making commercial and vaping products less accessible will further reduce the number of people who use the products.
The department will be hosting separate virtual sessions by invite only for certain stakeholder groups, such as industry and business owners and related health care associations and organizations. A virtual session for the public will also be hosted.
Residents who require an alternate format or prefer to provide a written submission are encouraged to contact tobaccoengagement@gov.nl.ca. All feedback received will be evaluated and considered by the department during the review.
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“We all know that tobacco and nicotine use has widely been connected to cancer, respiratory illness, and other adverse health impacts. Our government has set a goal of making Newfoundland and Labrador one of the healthiest provinces in Canada by 2031. As we consider amending legislation regarding smoking and vaping products, we encourage people and stakeholders to provide us with feedback.”
Honourable Tom Osborne
Minister of Health and Community Services
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Media Advisory: Change in Time for Technical Briefing and Auditor General Media Availability
Please note the time for the following technical briefing has been changed to 1:00 p.m.
Auditor General of Newfoundland and Labrador, Denise Hanrahan, will deliver a performance audit monitoring report to the House of Assembly today, Thursday, May 30, 2024.
A technical briefing for media will take place today, Thursday, May 30, 2024, beginning at 1:00 p.m. in the Office of the Auditor General’s boardroom, 7 Pippy Place, St. John’s.
Media representatives planning to participate are asked to RSVP to Chrysta Collins (chrystacollins@oag.nl.ca).
The Auditor General will be available to the media beginning at 1:30 p.m.
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Media contact
Chrysta Collins
Manager of Communications and Stakeholder Engagement
709-730-1568
chrystacollins@oag.nl.ca
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Media Advisory: Minister Stoodley to Participate in Provincial Francophonie Day Flag-Raising
The Honourable Sarah Stoodley, Minister Responsible for Francophone Affairs, will participate in a flag-raising ceremony in recognition of Provincial Francophonie Day today (Thursday, May 30) at 11:00 a.m.
Her Honour, The Honourable Joan Marie J. Aylward, O.N.L., Lieutenant Governor of Newfoundland and Labrador, and His Honour, The Honourable Carl R. Thompson, K.C., will also be in attendance.
Hosted by the Francophone Federation of Newfoundland and Labrador, the flag-raising ceremony will take place in the East Block lobby of Confederation Building.
In the evening, the exterior of the building will also be lit in blue, white, and red in recognition of Provincial Francophonie Day.
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Provincial Road Ambulance Services Transitions to Newfoundland and Labrador Health Services
The Provincial Government has reached the next phase of its provincial ambulance integration as Newfoundland and Labrador Health Services begins operations of all ambulance services provincewide. The move is based on a key recommendation of Health Accord NL to modernize the province’s health care system.
The Honourable Tom Osborne, Minister of Health and Community Services, will be available to media via Zoom today beginning at 11:30 a.m. to provide an update on the integrated ambulance service. Minister Osborne will be joined by Cassie Chisholm, Vice President, Transformation (Health Systems) with NL Health Services.
To participate, media are asked to RSVP Tina Coffey (tcoffey@gov.nl.ca) who will provide the required information.
As of June 1, 2024:
- Close to 500 private sector employees, including primary care paramedics, advanced care paramedics, and emergency medical responders will become employees of NL Health Services, creating a provincial workforce of about 850 paramedicine professionals.
- Local phone numbers will no longer provide access to emergency ambulance services. Individuals who have previously called local ambulance/hospital phone numbers for an ambulance in a medical emergency are directed to instead call 911;
- All provincial road ambulances will be dispatched and coordinated by NL Health Services.
- There will be no disruptions of service.
All staff becoming employees of NL Health Services will now receive public sector salary, benefits, and pensions.
The Department of Health and Community Services received two qualified responses to its Request for Proposals (RFP) seeking a proponent to design, manage, and operate a single, integrated road and air ambulance service in the province. Submissions are currently being evaluated.
NL Health Services and the Department of Health and Community Services anticipate announcing the successful proponent later this year. The successful proponent will be responsible for managing the program, staff, and budget on behalf of the provincial health authority, and planning to ensure efficient operations as part of the contract.
An integrated ambulance service was a key recommendation of Health Accord NL and will further modernize the province’s health care system.
More details on the RFP, tenders, and other requests for proposals issued and awarded by the department and other public bodies is available by visiting www.merx.com/govnl.
Quotes
“This is a significant step in integration of the ambulance program to create a more modern and responsive service for all regions of our province. I recognize the valuable work of paramedics and all those who support the delivery of emergency medical services. Creating a public sector workforce for the ambulance program will yield numerous benefits for staff hired by NL Health Services so that they are supported to deliver quality care to patients.”
Honourable Tom Osborne
Minister of Health and Community Services
“NL Health Services is pleased to move forward with this phase of the provincial ambulance integration. We welcome all new paramedicine professionals to the health authority and we thank our current paramedic and medical communications staff and management. We appreciate the skill and professionalism of our provincial paramedicine workforce and we commend their dedication during the transition, and all they do to provide quality and compassionate care to those who need it. We look forward to continuing the work towards a modernized, integrated provincial ambulance program in Newfoundland and Labrador.”
Cassie Chisholm, Vice President – Transformation, Health Systems
NL Health Services
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