Government of Newfoundland News

Transportation and Works

The Department of Transportation and Works advises that normal mailroom operations will resume for the start of the work day tomorrow (Thursday, May 7). The distribution and receipt of mail at some Provincial Government mailrooms was temporarily suspended earlier today due to the receipt of suspicious packages in various locations across Canada, including this province.

Executive Council

The Provincial Government is donating $50,000 to the Canadian Red Cross to help with earthquake relief efforts in Nepal.

Finance

The Auditor General today released his 2014 Update Report on the status of implementation of recommendations from prior years. The report includes the status of recommendations for 2009 to 2012 related to departments and Crown agencies.

Business, Tourism, Culture and Rural Development

The Honourable Darin King, Minister of Business, Tourism, Culture and Rural Development, will make a funding announcement in Bonavista tomorrow (Thursday, May 7) regarding the Harbour Front Restoration Initiative.

Office of the Auditor General

Terry Paddon, Auditor General of Newfoundland and Labrador, today tabled his 2014 Update on Prior Years’ Report Recommendations in the House of Assembly. The report contains details of the implementation status of 588 recommendations made in Reports on Reviews of Departments and Crown Agencies from 2009 to 2012.

Transportation and Works

The Department of Transportation and Works advises that due to the receipt of suspicious packages in various locations across Canada, including here in Newfoundland and Labrador, the distribution and receipt of mail at some Provincial Government mailrooms is temporarily suspended.

Seniors, Wellness and Social Development

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to note my involvement in an event last week that was a highlight of my tenure as Minister of Seniors, Wellness and Social Development. I had the pleasure of participating in the unveiling of two accessible taxicabs, made possible through a $50,000 investment from the Accessible Taxi Pilot Project and through a partnership with industry, the City of St. John's, and non-profit organizations.

Municipal and Intergovernmental Affairs

Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to rise in this Honourable House to recognize today as Municipal Awareness Day in Newfoundland and Labrador.

Service NL

Mr. Speaker, I rise in this Honourable House to recognize May 4 to 10 as Safe Kids Week. This is a national campaign that takes place annually to raise awareness about preventable childhood injuries. Each year, Parachute Canada, a national charity, coordinates Safe Kids Week activities with safety-focused advocacy groups throughout the country. I am pleased to note that this morning I joined Len LeRiche from Safety Services NL and students at St. Matthew's school for an official proclamation.

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 Forestry and Agrifoods Agency advises that, effective immediately, Romaine's River Agricultural Access Road located in Port au Port will be closed to all traffic until further notice.

Service NL

The Honourable Dan Crummell, Minister of Service NL, will participate in an event recognizing Safe Kids Week tomorrow (Wednesday, May 6) at 9:00 a.m. at St. Matthew's School, Cowan Avenue, St. John's.

Fisheries and Aquaculture

I rise today to recognize an event recently organized by the Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture to support a valuable part of our fishing industry - our harvesters.

Health and Community Services

Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to rise in this Honourable House today to recognize May as National Hemochromatosis Awareness Month. Hemochromatosis is a genetic disorder that causes the body to store excess iron. This month provides a valuable opportunity to raise awareness of the challenges faced by individuals and families dealing with this disorder.

Environment and Conservation

Delivering clean and safe drinking water to the residents of Newfoundland and Labrador is a top priority for this government. The Department of Environment and Conservation works collaboratively with other departments, including the departments of Municipal and Intergovernmental Affairs, Health and Community Services, and Service NL, as well as with towns and communities, to ensure drinking water in the province is clean, safe and secure.

Executive Council
Fisheries and Aquaculture

Budget 2015 provides $2.6 million to support world-class fisheries science at the Marine Institute's Centre for Fisheries Ecosystems Research (CFER). Each year since 2010, much of this research has taken place aboard the RV Celtic Explorer. Today, the Honourable Paul Davis, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador, toured the vessel joined by the Honourable Vaughn Granter, Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture, and representatives from the Marine Institute.

Education and Early Childhood Development

Students who attend Fitzgerald Academy in English Harbour West will benefit from upgrades to the electrical system in the school, following the awarding of a $167,000 contract.

Justice and Public Safety

This week, May 3-9, is the 19th annual Emergency Preparedness Week throughout Canada. The theme of this year's event is "Know the Risks."

Executive Council

The Provincial Government announced today that applications are now being accepted for 2015 Grants to Youth Organizations.

Executive Council
Fisheries and Aquaculture

The Honourable Paul Davis, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador will highlight Budget 2015 investments in fisheries science through the Marine Institute’s Centre for Fisheries Ecosystems Research and tour the research vessel RV Celtic Explorer tomorrow (Tuesday, May 5) at 11:30 a.m.