Government of Newfoundland News

Natural Resources

Mr. Speaker, I rise in this Honourable House today to highlight the Prospectors and Developers Association of Canada’s annual international convention and trade show held earlier this month in Toronto. The Premier and I attended, along with Mining NL, departmental officials, and provincial mining companies.

Business, Tourism, Culture and Rural Development

The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador is pleased to support the St. Francis School Robotics Team of Harbour Grace, as the group of eight girls and two boys, Grades 6 to 8, travel to represent the province at World Festival International Robotics Competition in Missouri next month.

Service NL

Today is Check Registration Day, an annual event created by the Canadian Securities Administrators to increase consumer awareness about investment fraud during Fraud Prevention Month.

Seniors, Wellness and Social Development
Justice and Public Safety

The Provincial Government and the Coalition of Persons with Disabilities-Newfoundland and Labrador today unveiled two new emergency planning resources, including a planning guide and a personal information kit for persons with disabilities. These new resources are part of an emergency preparedness initiative undertaken by the coalition last year and supported financially by the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador.

Executive Council

The Honourable Steve Kent, Deputy Premier and Minister Responsible for the Office of Public Engagement, will join the Memorial University Student Volunteer Bureau today (Wednesday, March 18) for its 29th annual Volunteer Day.

Transportation and Works

The Department of Transportation and Works advises that Sir Richard Squires Building in Corner Brook will re-open tomorrow (Wednesday, March 18), with the exception of some offices which are still undergoing cleaning and repair work.

Fisheries and Aquaculture

The Forestry and Agrifoods Agency is supporting National Wildfire Community Preparedness Day on May 2 and encouraging cabin and homeowners to participate in local projects to help reduce the risk of wildfire damage.

Seniors, Wellness and Social Development: Sport Newfoundland and Labrador

The Honourable Clyde Jackman, Minister of Seniors, Wellness and Social Development, and Minister Responsible for the Status of Persons with Disabilities, will be joined by representatives from the Coalition of Persons with Disabilities-Newfoundland and Labrador tomorrow (Wednesday, March 18) to unveil two new emergency planning resources that support reducing barriers for persons with disabilities.

Seniors, Wellness and Social Development: Sport Newfoundland and Labrador

The Honourable Clyde Jackman, Minister of Seniors, Wellness and Social Development and Minister Responsible for the Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation, will address the Newfoundland and Labrador Housing and Homelessness Network’s Annual Housing and Homelessness Conference tomorrow (Wednesday, March 18) at 12:15 p.m.

Education and Early Childhood Development

Tom Hedderson, Parliamentary Secretary to the Honourable Susan Sullivan, Minister of Education and Early Childhood Development, will speak at the launch of the Electricity Industry Career Awareness Initiative tomorrow (Wednesday, March 18). The event will take place at 11:00 a.m. at Holy Spirit High School, 2694 Topsail Road, Conception Bay South.

Executive Council

The Honourable Steve Kent, Minister Responsible for the Office of Public Engagement, announced today that the Provincial Government has taken further action to implement recommendations and suggestions contained within the ATIPPA Review Committee’s March 2 report. The actions, which are in effect or being made effective today, will make improvements to government policies that applicants, municipalities, and others can use for more effective access to information, in advance of new ATIPP legislation being tabled in the House of Assembly.

Transportation and Works

Mr. Speaker, I’m pleased to rise today to inform my Honourable colleagues about the latest milestone in this government’s ferry vessel replacement efforts. This past Friday, I had the pleasure of joining our Premier, the Member for The Isles of Notre Dame, officials and residents of the communities of Fogo Island and Change Islands to name the new ferry, the MV Veteran, which will arrive in the province in fall 2015.

Child, Youth and Family Services

Mr. Speaker, I rise in this Honourable House to recognize National Social Work Month – a time we honour those who have chosen to dedicate their lives to improving the quality of life in our cities, towns and communities. Each year, the month of March celebrates social workers across the country and the positive impact they have on those they serve.

Executive Council

Mr. Speaker, I rise in this Honourable House to pay tribute to businessman and a former Minister of Labrador Affairs, Melvin Woodward, who passed away yesterday morning at the age of 81.

Executive Council

Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to rise in this Honourable House to provide an update on how the Provincial Government is strengthening the Access to Information and Protection of Privacy Act.

Justice and Public Safety

Fire and Emergency Services-Newfoundland and Labrador (FES-NL) encourages residents to be cautious around coastlines and waterways over the coming days as there is potential for elevated water levels due to large waves and pounding surf associated with a weather system forecast to begin affecting the province tomorrow (Wednesday, March 18).

Executive Council

The Honourable Steve Kent, Deputy Premier and Minister Responsible for the Office of Public Engagement, will be available to media tomorrow (Tuesday, March 17) at 10:00 a.m. in the Main Boardroom, Department of Health and Community Services, West Block, Confederation Building.

Transportation and Works

The Department of Transportation and Works advises that Sir Richard Squires building in Corner Brook is closed today (Monday, March 16) due to a break in the main water line.

Fisheries and Aquaculture

The Honourable Vaughn Granter, Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture, will address attendees at the Newfoundland and Labrador Industry Reception at Seafood Expo North America in Boston tomorrow (Saturday, March 14) at 7:00 p.m. The reception takes place from 6:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. in the Belvidere Ballroom, Boston Convention and Exhibition Center in Boston.

Business, Tourism, Culture and Rural Development

Gros Morne Summer Music Inc. is positioning itself for significant growth with the support of $98,425 from the Provincial Government. Now in its 11th year, the Gros Morne Summer Music festival has become one of Canada's most innovative and eclectic music festivals. Featuring classical, jazz, blues, traditional, choral music, musical theatre, rock shows, dance and outdoor events, the festival offers world-class performances throughout the Gros Morne region.