Government of Newfoundland News

Office of the Citizens’ Representative

The Office of the Citizens’ Representative (the OCR), in association with the Seniors’ Resource Centre of Newfoundland and Labrador (SRCNL), will hold a panel discussion regarding enduring powers of attorney (EPA’s) on Tuesday, March 24, from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., at the Fairfield (Marriott), 199 Kenmount Road, St. John’s.

Environment and Conservation

The Honourable Dan Crummell, Minister of Environment and Conservation, met recently with the Wilderness and Ecological Reserves Advisory Council (WERAC) when the council held its first meeting of the year in St. John’s. The advisory council typically meets three to four times annually to consider proposals for new wilderness and ecological reserves and discuss management of existing reserves.

Justice and Public Safety

The Newfoundland and Labrador Human Rights Commission is observing the 2015 International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination tomorrow, (Saturday, March 21). On that day in 1960, police killed 69 people at a peaceful demonstration in Sharpeville, South Africa, against the apartheid "pass laws." When the United Nations General Assembly proclaimed this day in 1966, it called on the international community to redouble its efforts to eliminate all forms of racial discrimination.

Fisheries and Aquaculture

The Honourable Vaughn Granter, Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture, will address attendees at the grand opening of the Lightning Express Chair Lift tomorrow (Friday, March 20). The event begins at 12:00 p.m. and will take place at the bottom of the Lightning Express Chair Lift, Marble Mountain Resort.

Municipal and Intergovernmental Affairs

The Departments of Municipal and Intergovernmental Affairs (Crown Lands Office) and Service NL are providing an update on their offices in the Sir Richard Squires Building in Corner Brook that were impacted by a break in the water line earlier this week.

Executive Council

The Honourable Steve Kent, Deputy Premier and Minister Responsible for the Office of Public Engagement, will participate in one of four workshops to engage francophone and French-English bilingual youth tomorrow (Friday, March 20). The event takes place at 9:30 a.m. at École des Grands-Vents, 65 Ridge Road, St. John’s.

Municipal and Intergovernmental Affairs

Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to rise today in this Honourable House to speak to the Department of Municipal and Intergovernmental Affairs review of the current Lands Act and associated service delivery model.

Child, Youth and Family Services

Mr. Speaker, our government recognizes the importance of ensuring that children and youth in Newfoundland and Labrador have an opportunity to grow, thrive and succeed in a safe and nurturing environment. In fact, our Premier has made public safety and protection, particularly that of children, among his highest priorities.

Health and Community Services

Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to rise in this Honourable House to provide an update on our province’s Cancer Control Policy Framework. Over the past decade cancer control has seen a total investment of more than $172 million and we continue to work to honour our commitment to enhanced prevention and screening, as well as diagnosis, treatment and support.

Executive Council
Education and Early Childhood Development

Four classes of students were rewarded for their energy conservation knowledge and creativity today by being named grand prize winners of the K-I-C Start energy conservation contest for Grades Kindergarten to 6. The contest, designed to raise awareness about the importance of energy conservation, is one of several components offered through the Provincial Government’s HotShots initiative and the takeCHARGE school program.

Advanced Education and Skills

The Information and Privacy Commissioner, Ed Ring, has released his Report A-2015-001 under authority of the Access to Information and Protection of Privacy Act. A summary of the Report is included below.

Advanced Education and Skills

In support of cultural diversity and understanding, Multiculturalism Week is being celebrated in Newfoundland and Labrador.

Seniors, Wellness and Social Development

Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize March as National Nutrition Month and today, March 18, as Dietician Day in Canada.

Fisheries and Aquaculture

I rise in this Honourable House to highlight the success of the provincial delegation that attended Seafood Expo North America in Boston from March 15 to 17.

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.