Government of Newfoundland News

Finance

This past year saw historic progress in public service pension reform, made possible by a joint agreement between the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador and the five largest unions representing members of the Public Service Pension Plan. This agreement ensures the plan is sustainable and remains a defined benefit plan. It also provides for joint management and an equal sharing between government and plan members in any future surpluses and deficits.

Environment and Conservation

In 2014, the Multi-Materials Stewardship Board (MMSB) implemented new public education outreach programs for schools, communities and businesses to strengthen participation in recycling and waste diversion programs in Newfoundland and Labrador.

Education and Early Childhood Development

The Honourable Susan Sullivan, Minister of Education and Early Childhood Development, today gave an update on the implementation of the Provincial Government’s six-year plan to provide students with strong foundations for language and reading skills. As part of Learning for a Lifetime – A Literacy Plan for Kindergarten to Secondary, this year the annual renewal of provincial curriculum included a focus on English Language Arts and Art, with plans for further updates in September 2015.

Service NL

Newfoundlanders and Labradorians continue to benefit from expanded access to a growing number of online government services. Over the past year, Service NL has added a number of online services and formed a unique partnership with Canada Post through epost™.

Health and Community Services

The Provincial Government is holding additional consultation sessions as part of the Premier’s Summit on Health Care.

Advanced Education and Skills

Over 7,300 individuals across Newfoundland and Labrador participated in skills training programs in 2014, including skills development, apprentice supports, employment development supports and training supports for persons with disabilities.

Environment and Conservation
Health and Community Services

Seniors, Wellness and Social Development

Service NL

New and amended legislation brought forward during 2014 by Service NL continues to protect Newfoundlanders and Labradorians in many different aspects of their lives.

Executive Council

More than 200 Newfoundlanders and Labradorians received specialized training in 2014 to help them identify and prevent violence against seniors and other vulnerable members of society.

Business, Tourism, Culture and Rural Development

With more than 17,000 people employed in the tourism industry, and non-resident visitation having grown steadily over the past several years, the Provincial Government’s strategic investments in the industry have firmly established Newfoundland and Labrador as a premiere tourism destination. Preliminary year-to-date 2014 estimates show that non-resident visitation to the province continues on a growth path, reaching 487,400 visitors between January and November, which represents an increase of two per cent compared to the same period last year.

Business, Tourism, Culture and Rural Development

The Town of Holyrood will explore developing an Ocean Business Park to service the growing ocean and technology sectors with an investment of $45,000 from the Provincial Government. This investment will help the town complete a feasibility assessment to identify how to develop a business park to meet industry needs.

Justice and Public Safety

The Honourable Judy Manning, Minister of Justice and Public Safety and Attorney General, today announced that Owen Brophy has been appointed Superintendent of Prisons for Newfoundland and Labrador. Mr. Brophy takes over from Graham Rogerson, who recently retired after working in corrections in the province for more than 30 years.

Executive Council

The Honourable Steve Kent, Deputy Premier and Minister Responsible for the Office of Public Engagement, today highlighted how work is nearing completion on a census of volunteer organizations – the first of its kind in Canada. The comprehensive census will help the Provincial Government and community organizations identify the needs of the community sector. It is estimated that there are approximately 3,600 volunteer and non-profit organizations in the province.

Municipal and Intergovernmental Affairs

There are approximately 700 projects at various stages of completion in communities throughout Newfoundland and Labrador, where the Department of Municipal and Intergovernmental Affairs is a funding partner.

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.

Natural Resources

Transportation and Works

The Provincial Government has selected Delsan-A.I.M. Environmental Services (Delsan-A.I.M.) in response to a request for proposals to dismantle the former AbitibiBowater mill site. The complete dismantling of the mill site is expected to take 18 months with the company set to begin detailed work planning in January 2015.

Justice and Public Safety

Seniors, Wellness and Social Development

Applications for the 2015 Athletic Excellence Fund - a program which provides financial support for provincial athletes, coaches and officials, are now available online.